#and the patient him throwing the card at the glass

[lokh]

hearing this guys british accent is more shocking than having heard an australian accent for several seasons

[annievrse]

my diamond

duke!sukuna x spinster!reader —ᡣ𐭩 fic w/c: 1k a/n: bridgerton!au!!!!! (everyone cheers)

"—the duke has arrived—"

"—i don't look half good enough for him tonight—"

"—i hear he's looking for a duchess!"—"

"—you must make haste, he won't be here for long—"

the ballroom erupts in a cacophony, but you stand against the wall with a glass of lemonade, rolling your eyes at the dramatics. being in your early twenties and already deemed a spinster by many mamas in the ton, you're grateful you're past your debutant years when men triple your age regard you with the same respect they'd give a stack of hay.

"finally found you," shoko stumbles into you, almost sloshing her drink onto your gown. you pay no mind to her, keeping your eyes trained on the crowd surrounding the entrance. "mr gojo wouldn't stop putting grapes into my glass. i was going to have to give him a facer if he didn't stop."

you tilt your head to look at her. "how's promenading with mr gojo?"

shoko rolls her eyes. "dreadful. all he speaks of is himself and his nightly activities at the gentleman's club."

you smile and shake your head, sipping your drink. the music cut off at the duke's arrival resumed, and couples began dancing again.

"—he looked at me—" a young woman gloats to her friend as they pass.

"ugh," you groan, glancing at shoko, who's trying to hide the empty dance card on her wrist. "i can't believe this," you mumble, face in a scowl.

"can't believe what?"

you turn to face her. "these girls tripping over themselves for a man! a man, shoko."

the brunette nods to whatever you're saying, though she pays no attention. "he's most likely more gentlemanly than mr gojo—"

"—he's most likely," you cut in. "an old, egotistic, unsightly rake who wants nothing more than a young lady to put his rotting, wrinkly—"

shoko stifles a sudden giggle before you, her hand covering her mouth.

"what?" you snap, gaze narrowed at your best friend.

shoko merely points behind you, her face slack at seeing something you cannot.

so, you turn. your line of sight is hindered by a navy coat, and as your eyes adjust, you realise it is, in fact, attached to a man. you peer at the ground as you lower to a curtsy. "my lord."

"good evening, miss."

shoko takes the cup from your hands before she leaves, sparing you no support. your eyes follow her retreating figure, your face hot and your hands shaking in embarrassment.

"i apologise greatly, my lord—" you finally tilt your head up, but the sight that welcomes you isn't one you'd expected.

the man is tall, taller than the other men of the ton. his skin is like porcelain, his eyes a deep shade of brown, and his cheeks are tinted a shade of pink, and, you squint slightly, so is his hair.

"i hope you do not mind the intrusion," the man says, snapping you out of your daze. "i was simply going to ask what could have gotten a young woman, such as yourself, so riled up?"

your mouth opens and closes like a fish, something your mama had taught you to never do in the presence of royalty or a man. the man chuckles at your stunned countenance but waits patiently until you collect yourself.

"i was simply describing the duke who had arrived just before, my lord," you say once you have composed yourself. "it is a known fact here that such men are of the sort."

"indeed," he mumbles, a hint of laughter in his response. "however, this duke is nothing of the sort."

your eyebrows raise and you nod along. "so, you've seen him then?"

"seen him? i know him personally."

you nod, smoothing out your skirts. "right."

"i can give you an introduction if you would like?"

you sigh. "i am terribly busy, you see," throwing your thumb over your shoulder. "spinster responsibilities."

the man's eyebrows jumped. "oh, so you're unmarried and unwilling to partake in such a thing?"

shaking your head, you scoff, earning a few glances from others around you. "two and twenty is barely old enough to be considered a spinster, my lord, but my mama insists it is appropriate, and who am i to be doubtful of her wisdom?"

"right," he mutters, the corner of his lips upturning at the sight of yours doing the same. "so, i shouldn't introduce a diamond, such as yourself, to the egotistic and unsightly duke?"

your cheeks burn with the humiliation of your previous words. "i accept the offer, but only because you are incredibly persuasive, my lord."

the man winks, but remains where he is stood. you clasp your hands before you, waiting for him to lead the way.

moments pass, and you notice debutants and mamas alike watching the pair of you stand in complete silence. you wonder what could be so exciting that the ton stands and stares at you—a topic of gossip that never seems to leave their minds.

growing increasingly uncomfortable, you peer up at the man.

"so, when is this introduction taking place?" you ask, voice meek.

"right now," he smiles, his brown eyes twinkling with mischief. and with fear, you realise your mistake.

you curse under your breath and curtsy.

"stand up," the duke laughs, and you can't help but giggle nervously with him. "it took you long enough to realise."

now you know why the ton was staring at you so intently—it wasn't you they were staring at.

"excuse me for being so naive," you swipe the back of your hand across your forehead, trying to ignore how his gaze caresses your collarbone.

"never mind that," he waves his hand in dismissal. "so, what's the final verdict? my diamond?" he teases, stretching his arms out.

"uh—" you pause, taking your time running your eyes over every inch of him. "definitely not unsightly."

he nods once, his lips pulled into a devilish grin. "i'm pleased."

and then he leans down and takes your hand in his. his palm is larger than yours, and you notice his grip is firmer and more sure than any man who'd held your fingers before. the look he gives you through his lashes is one you'll never forget.

"duke of st. john," he says against your hand before pressing his lips delicately against the silk fabric of your gloves. "but you can call me ryomen."

[buckyalpine]

Drunk Bucky wants uppies

Fluffy crack drabble. Bucky wants uppies.

He's drank the teams entire body weight in alcohol and he's never felt happier. His flushed cheeks almost hurt from the dopey grin he has on his face. He keeps giggling to and snickering to himself, twirling around the straw of a pink fruity drink, deciding it doesn't count as alcohol when it looks so pretty. He's basically drinking water, just as Steve instructed.

After a few more glasses of his spicy water, he stands up and immediately lands face flat onto the floor with a muffled -oof

His current state is more amusing than concerning; Steve and Sam howl with laugher at the super soldier who is currently making no effort to get up.

"You good tin man?"

"wanupy" His voice is muffled, mumbling something with his face still pressed to the soft carpet of the compound living room while you go over to kneel beside him to see how he's doing.

"What is it Buck" You whisper, carding your fingers through his soft locks, smiling at the way he hums, rolling around to flop on his back instead.

"Uppies" He looks at you with outstretched grabby hands, puppy eyes wide, hoping you'd scoop him right up and take him to his room. Never mind that he's over a foot taller and probably double your weight, he wants to be carried right now.

"Uppies?"

"Uppies" He nods with confidence, blinking and waiting patiently to be picked up while you giggle.

"Did he just say uppies?" Sam stares and Steve before looking back at the 6ft+ man acting like a baby on the floor. "The former Winter Soldier, scary assassin, the man that threw me off the edge of a building just said he wants uppies?"

"Yes. Yes he did" Steve ran a hand over his face, debating on helping or watching this play out. He decided on the latter.

"I can't carry you Buck, you're too heavy" You coo, running your finger over his pouty lips pulled into a frown.

"M'not heavy" Bucky huffed in offence, throwing an adorable tantrum, refusing to move. In all fairness, at this point he wasn't able to get up himself anyway. "Uppies please"

"Alright, c'mon punk" Steve snorted, getting up from the stool he was sitting at along with Sam, both men picking Bucky off the floor and walking towards the elevator.

"Fuckin' uppies, how much do you weigh" Sam grunted while Bucky let out a sleepy yawn, his head resting on Steve's shoulder. Both men waited for you to open the door before helping him into bed.

"Wan cuddles" Bucky mumbled, reaching out for you to join him with his best pout.

"Okay I'm out, cuddles is where I draw the line" Sam playfully pushed you into Bucky's outstretched arms while Steve threw you a wink, both men softly closing the door behind them leaving you two alone.

"You want cuddles?" You whispered, squeaking when Bucky flipped you onto your back with ease, deciding to use you like a human pillow.

"Cuddles" He nodded, quickly falling asleep afterwards, blissfully unaware that Sam would never let him live this moment down.

[somanyratsinthewalls]

Hi! congrats for 700 followers!! 🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼 i love your fics and one shots <3

following the game… can i suggest Navy (ofc) Rabbit and if possible starfish too 🥺🥺🥺

Thank you 🫶🏼

HI SORRY THIS TOOK A BILLION YEARS BUT GUESS WHAT IT'S DONE NOW :) thank you for your patience sweet friend

Pairing: Trafalgar Law x Female Reader

Trope/Prompt: Friends to Lovers x Body Worship

Summary: Law finds out you've never had an orgasm. A doctor treats a patients ailments. You get the idea. MINORS DNI

WC: 3100 hehe

TWs: inexperienced reader, alcohol consuption, fingering, oral sex f receiving, power dynamic kinda, smooth talking Law, body worship and praise, pet names, ugh it's porn.

Climax (+18)

——

Sure, the Heart Pirates weren’t the scariest or the biggest or the baddest pirate crew out there… but they were still pirates at the end of the day. The Heart Pirates could drink. Although Law himself didn’t indulge in as many rowdy evenings as the other members of his crew, he still enjoyed socializing with them. They were his crew, after all. 

This particular evening, Law found himself bored of his work and decided to venture out from his office and into the common areas of the ship. Law shuffled tiredly towards the sound of glasses clinking and slurred voices talking over each other. He almost decides to turn back to his bedroom and try to get some shut eye. His back ached, the twinge in his muscles pleading with him to go to sleep, but he hears something else. Your lilted giggle floats through the metal halls of the submarine and straight into his ears. He wanted to at least see you before he went to bed… something sweet to think about as he fell asleep… 

“Yeah, okay well you’re stupid, so.” You sip from your freshly cracked beer and roll your eyes at Shachi. 

“Wow! What a good insult, y/n! You’re so fucking creative!” Shachi jeers at you with a big fake smile on his face. “I set you up, and you lost! You have to finish your drink, I don’t care that you just opened a new one!” 

“Unless you want me to barf on your cards, probably not.” You chuckle. 

“And I have seen her throw up. It is NOT cute.” Ikkaku pipes up. Ikkaku leans in and whispers purposefully loudly to Penguin. “Shes a scream-puker.”

“Okay so, I am not a scream-puker!” You defend yourself. 

“Yeah, you are.”

Your head whips around towards the galley door. Law stands there leaning against the frame, looking exhausted, but that wasn’t out of the ordinary for him. 

“Last time you had the flu I thought we were under attack and sounded the Tang’s defensive alarm.” Law says as he smirks at you. 

You pout and turn back to the table. 

“Okay that one time… and I was really sick, you know!” You huff. 

“Room for one more?” Law grabs a beer out of the fridge and sits down at the dining table without waiting for a response. 

“Of course, Captain!” Ikkaku chimes in. “We were just telling Shachi he has to finally tell that girl from the last island to stop calling him.” 

“She’s sooooo hot though! And she’s totally into me!” Shachi pleads his case. 

“We will never see her again!” You interject. 

“So? She doesn’t know that! And besides, the phone sex is better than nothing-” 

“You’re having phone sex? Here? On my ship?” Law immediately butts in and cocks his head in confusion. 

“… is that? Is that not cool? Did we have a rule about that or something?” Shachi questions. 

“No.. it’s just vile, Shachi.” Law shakes his head. 

“Hah! He thinks you’re fuckin’ gross!” Ikkaku points and laughs directly at Shachi who was making quite the face. You couldn’t help but laugh. 

“Oh whatever, I’ve been getting the best sleep of my life thanks to this! I’m like, almost twice as productive as I normally am!” He tries to build his case back up. 

“Why?” You ask, curious what those things had to do with each other. 

“What do you mean? Everyone knows how great the sleep is after you finish, am I wrong?” 

“You are correct there.” Penguin adds, sipping his beer. Ikkaku hums in agreement.

“Hah, okay. Wouldn’t know.” You add softly, secretly hoping no one would hear you. 

“What?” Ikkaku turns to you and asks. 

“Nothing it’s just that I… wouldn’t…? Know..?” Really pleading with your eyes for her to read between the lines and you wouldn’t have to say it out loud yourself. 

“Wait okay… you’ve never… had an orgasm?” Ikkaku’s eyes widen. 

“Correct.” You take a deep breath. “At least I don’t think I have.” You feign a laugh. 

“Oh you’d KNOW.” Shachi affirms from across the table, also staring at you with a bewildered expression. “Woah… that’s crazy. Are you a virgin or something?” He continues. 

“No!” You defend yourself. “The guys I’ve been with just suck, apparently. Can we stop talking about this?” You knit your eyebrows together and rub your eyes. 

“No way this is fascinating. How old are you? Twenty five? And you’ve never had an orgasm? Like never once? Even by yourself?” Ikkaku probes further. 

“Oooookay guys I never miss a good time to shut the fuck up, so I am going to head to bed!” You stand up from the table and straighten out your boiler suit. You were met with pleas and apologies from your crew mates, while your captain remained stoic during the entire exchange. You felt his eyes burning a hole through you as you left the galley. 

You swiftly make your way through the metal corridors of the ship towards your stateroom. You weren’t upset at your crew mates, it really was fascinating how you had made it this long in your life without feeling the peak of physical pleasure. It wasn’t for lack of trying, you had tried several times to pleasure yourself… and taken a small handful of lovers, none of whom could make you cum. 

You slip off your boiler suit and let it fall to the floor in an off-white heap. You pick out some grey pajamas, a thin camisole and matching shorts, throw it on and sit on your bed to brush out your hair. You untie your hair from the thick bun on your head and let it cascade down your bare shoulders. 

You had almost finished brushing our your locks when you notice the room has somehow changed… as if in the blink of an eye everything was sheathed in a faint blue glow. A familiar blue… 

“Wait no!” You could barely yelp out before you ass meets a different surface in an instant. “Ah!” You gasp and open your eyes to see that you’re no longer in your own bed, but in Law’s. You blink rapidly for a few moments to try and regain your surroundings. You catch your breath. 

You look up and see Law standing at the edge of his bed, looking at you with his shirt unbuttoned. Did he already have it unbuttoned when you were drinking… or did he take it off since then…? 

“Gods, Law.” You sigh and shake your head. “You can’t keep doing that to people. You could have just called my snail or something.” 

“Heard Shachi’s been keeping the line busy tonight.” Law looks down at your barely covered form on his bed. You push your legs up to your chest and wrap your arms around them. He smirks. “So… is it true?” Law walks slowly around to the side of the bed, eyes never leaving yours. He was like an animal stalking its prey. 

“T-the orgasm thing?! T-thats what you brought me here to talk about?!” You could feel your cheeks flush bright red. You sink your head further behind your legs. “I-it’s really not a big deal…” You turn your eyes down to avoid his gaze. 

“You know, the human orgasm is really just a tool.” Law continues eyeing your body and ignoring what you had just said. “The reason it feels so good goes back to our earliest days of evolution. All living organisms, even plants, exist with one similar purpose in common. Do you know what that is, y/n?”

You pick your head up a bit from behind your knees. 

“T-to… n-not get eaten by a larger thing?” You sputter out.

“Reproduction.” Law answers his own question. “Every creature is designed with a primal need to create more of itself…” He paces towards his nightstand and back before taking his massive sword off his back and setting it against the bedpost. “The male orgasm is necessary for human reproduction, obviously. But the female orgasm…” He trails off and you look up and lock eyes. “Is it a bit more complicated…” 

“O-okay?”

“Some professionals say the spasming of the female reproductive organs during orgasm allows for easier penetration through the cervix for the ejaculate to pass through… and some say the female orgasm doesn’t even exist at all…” 

“Are you seriously doctor-ing me about this?!?” You finally find your voice a bit stronger in your throat. “I’ve lived this long without it and-“

“I however, y/n, don’t care what the purpose of it is. And I do know it exists. And I plan on giving you at least one this evening.” Law says as he sheds his button down off his shoulders, letting it fall to the floor. Tattoos on full display, his chiseled abdominal muscles right at your eye level paired with the topic of conversation made you press your legs together even harder. 

“C-captain that is highly unnecessary and unprof-“ You try to protest shakily. 

“Nonsense.” Law steps so his thighs are against the edge of the bed. His right hand comes up to drag two fingers up your calf and rest his palm on your knee. He rubbed soft circles onto your knee with his thumb. “Now if you’re done being so stubborn, we can get started.” 

You leaned back on your elbows and blinked up at the man standing before you, your captain. You couldn’t believe this was really happening, but you were too stunned to question it. You trusted him with your life and more, why not let him try and help you?

“Alright.” You say softly, more to yourself than to Law. 

“Good. Now take your clothes off.” 

You cock your head back in surprise and your eyes widen. 

“Getting straight to it I guess…” You chuckle nervously. 

“We can go slower, if you’d like?” Law takes his hand off your leg, a genuine look of care in his grey eyes. 

“No no! I-it’s fine! I just didn’t, you know… like… well I wasn’t really planning for anyone to see me naked tonight is all!” You say awkwardly. 

“The only thing I care about tonight is pleasuring you. Will you let me?”

You don’t say anything in response, but you lift your thin grey camisole over your head and throw it to the floor. You didn’t look up to see Law’s response, you just shimmied your shorts down your legs and resumed your position laying on Law’s bed. 

Fully bare in front of your captain, you could feel your cheeks become hotter than they’ve ever been. 

“So what should-“ You begin.

“Fucking gorgeous.” Law interrupts. 

“S-sorry?” You question. 

“You are so fucking hot. So pretty.” Law was no longer staring into your eyes, but raking his gaze all over your naked body. “Spread your legs for me, yah?” Law asks, a bit more pleading than his normal demanding tone. It was like something shifted in him once you had taken your clothes off. He returns his hand to your knee, bringing his other hand as well this time to gently push your legs open to expose your sex to him. You hear him suck in a breath. 

Suddenly, Law pounces on you. You’re knocked back on the bed further and your head hits the mattress. Law chuckles playfully above you as he supports himself on his hands, black shaggy hair falling towards your face. 

“Hi.” He grins down at you. 

“H-hi..” You manage to smile back. Law leans down further and begins placing wet kisses along your neck, craning your head to the side almost involuntarily.  “O-oh okay.. t-that’s fine… AH!” You feel a cold hand pinch your left nipple.  

“So sensitive… this is going to be easy..” You feel Law’s mouth curve into a smile as he litters more kisses on you, this time across your collarbone. He moves his head lower and captures your right nipple in his soft lips and sucks gently. You let out a long sigh and throw your head back against the mattress further. Quiet gasps left your mouth as he worked your chest in his hands and tongue. 

Without fully realizing that Law’s hand had left your breast, you feel it cup your mound firmly without warning. You try to close your legs instinctively at the sudden contact. 

“Ah ah, no y/n. You’ve been hiding this pretty thing from me for too long.” Law says as he pulls back from your chest. He pressed his fingers against the top of your slit and started rubbing it in circles. “I promise it’ll feel so good.”  

Law leans up and places a gentle kiss on your parted mouth, you were too dazed to kiss him back just yet. He pulls away and settles himself on the floor on his knees in front of where you were laying. Strong arms hook under your knees and drag you swiftly so that your legs were hanging off the bed and your sex was mere inches from his hungry gaze and spit-slicked lips. 

“Even more fucking beautiful than I’d imagined…” Law says as he spreads your pussy with his thumb and forefinger, exposing your throbbing clit and dripping hole to him. “So eager and ready for me…” 

“Wait you imagi- SHIT!” You cry out as you feel Law’s hot tongue lap at your clit. It was so good, so thoughtful, so precise… he knew exactly what he was doing. “Oh my god-“ You had never received better head and he was only just getting started… maybe he was going to fulfill his promise. He alternative between suckling at your sensitive pearl and taking wide swaths over your whole sex with his entire mouth, as if he was trying to drink up every last drop your pussy was offering him. 

“So sweet…” You could barely understand what Law was muttering about, he was so drunk off your essence that all you could really hear was pained moans and groans of “mmhmmpph” as he enjoyed your taste. Your back was arching off the bed and you grabbed at Law’s hair, pulling him impossibly closer to you as you wanted to make sure he kept going. 

You moaned loudly as he slipped two fingers into your eager hole. He distracted you with harsh sucks to your clit as he crooked his fingers upwards inside of you. 

“Wait fuck!” You cry out, feeling a foreign sensation as Law pulled on that spot inside your walls. 

“Yeah there it is baby… there it is right there… let it happen…” Law cooed into your wetness as he continued to hammer into your sweet spot with his two fingers. He resumed his ministrations on your clit. 

“Law! I can’t!” You gasp as that warmth and pressure in your lower half grew stronger and tighter. 

“You can… get out of that pretty little head of yours, babe. Stop thinking and just let it go…” 

You try to center yourself and clear your mind, eliminating all thoughts except for the feeling of Law’s hands and mouth on you. It wasn’t hard to do, his presence took over your every sense entirely… the heady smell of his cedar cologne, the absolute determined and lust-filled look in his eyes that were peeking up at you from between your legs, and the overwhelming feeling of his mouth lapping up your juices with fervor. 

“I-I think… ah! Fuck!” Your shoulders lurch forward on their own, your walls starting to tighten sporadically around Law’s thick fingers. 

“You’re so close, pretty girl… just a little more… squeeze those tits for me, yah?” Law asks before returning his mouth to your throbbing nub. 

You do as you’re told and you wrap your manicured hands around your own breasts. You pull desperately at your nipples and cry out from the intense pleasure. 

“Law!” You moan your captain’s name as tears prick the corners of your eyes from the sensation. 

“Cum.” Law growls.

With a strangled scream, everything in your body released and your breath caught in your throat. Euphoric waves pulsed from your sex outwards and you felt the tears fall freely from your lash line as your legs shook. Your scream turned into a moan, and then fell into a whine as you suddenly felt too sensitive to have Law’s touch on you and you squirmed away. 

You caught your breath after what could have been 30 seconds or 5 minutes and take a look between your legs. Law stared up at you, face and bangs soaked in some sort of liquid… your liquid… and a stupid grin plastered across his face. 

“Holy fuck, I’m sorry I-“ You stutter out through heaving breaths. 

“Don’t.” Law stops you. “Don’t apologize. That was so fucking hot. Didn’t peg you for a squirter. Nice.” He rubs his hands on your thighs as he stands up. Your face flushes impossibly redder. “How do you feel?” Law asks. 

“I…” You flop your head back onto Law’s bed. “I feel like I got hit by a sea train but also incredibly light? My legs feel like pudding.” You sit back up on your elbows. “Law… captain… That was amazing…” You smile up at him. 

“Good.” Law looks down at the mess you’ve made between your legs and on his comforter. He looks down at his chest and sees even more remnants of your release. 

“How about we get cleaned up before bed and I can show you a few more things, yah? You’re staying with me tonight.” Law offers you a hand and you stand up on shaky legs to follow him to the bathroom. 

“Hmmm maybe this time it can be your turn?” You glance down at Law’s obvious bulge straining against his spotted jeans. “I owe you one, right?” You smirk. 

— —

>:)

[patrywoso]

13. Kika Nazareth

+18 SMUT

Warnings: Teasing. Strap-Ons. Bondage. Light BDSM. Spanking

Kika hates breaking in new harnesses, but tonight it’s unavoidable, her trusty old one that she’s had for several years broke last week during a round of particularly vigorous fucking, and her tailoring skills are largely limited to sewing buttons back on pants and shirts. So she’d sighed and splurged on a fancy new one with cherry-red leather and brass fittings, but it’s been so long since she’s had to set up a new one that she’s forgotten how much of a pain in the ass it can be. But you had gotten that look in your eye as you both finished your dinner that night, and you’d beckoned Kika closer over your glass of champagne. As always, Kika had been helpless to resist.

“I want your strap,” you murmured. 

“Do you seriously think it’s funny? saying shit like that while we are here?!” Kika says (although the restaurant had been buzzing at top volume that night). Kika darted a frantic glance around the room before throwing back the rest of her glass and then signaling for the check. She’d nearly had a heart attack while she thanked their waiter because she’d felt a toe running up her shin. After she recovered enough to stammer out an apology and hand him her credit card, she'd turned a red-faced glare on you. You had given her the most innocent look in your arsenal, as if you weren't currently exploring Kika’s inner thigh with your right foot.

It had seemed to take entirely too long for the check to come back, but after dashing off a hasty signature (and tipping nearly 40 percent, just in case the waiter had seen something), Kika had practically dragged you from the restaurant. Luckily, it was only a short walk back to Kika’s apartment. Kika thinks that if she'd had to drive, you both probably would have crashed because your hands were everywhere. You had the decency to remove them from Kika’s back pockets when they entered the lobby and returned the greeting of Wilson, the night doorman, but as soon as you both got into the elevator, you had practically attacked her. To complete Kika’s mortification, the doors had opened on the fourth floor to reveal little old Mrs. Lara, who had taken one look at you both and pressed the close button.

Now here you are, Kika struggling to make certain that all of the eight million straps are tight enough while having to deal with one end of a dildo pressing uncomfortably inside of her, and you are wriggling beneath her, doing your best to distract her. A sneaky hand reaches around to squeeze a firm handful of Kika’s ass, and one of the straps slips through her fingers as she attempts to tighten it. Kika recaptures it with a huff, attempting to slide the buckle into place with just one hand while using the other to pin your wrist to the mattress. You just giggle, you have another hand so you use it to grasp Kika’s breast and roll the tight bud of her nipple before leaning up to seize it between your teeth. Kika hisses as pleasure lances sharply through her body, making her pulse around the end of the strap seated inside of her. 

Kika surges forward to press you to the bed, trapping your wrists above your head to keep your devilish hands from roaming, if anything, you look more delighted than ever at your new predicament. That makes a lightbulb flicker on in Kika’s brain, although she's a bit too preoccupied and lust-addled to discern what it’s illuminated just yet. She frowns at you. “You're awfully distracting for someone who says that wants my strap, and can't even wait to leave the restaurant before telling me so.”

You give her a big grin, eyes shining with excitement. “Well, you're taking too long.”

Kika growls at you, and those beautiful orbs flash. “If you can't be patient, I might just have to make it so you can’t distract me,” Kika says, low. That makes you let out a little moan and writhe even harder under her. Kika raises an eyebrow. “If I didn't know better, I'd say you wanted to be tied up.” An even louder moan, open-mouthed, and you arch your back to rub yourself against Kika’s torso, making sure that Kika’s abs know just how wet you are. Kika has to close her eyes and suppress a shudder, you are soaked.

When Kika’s gotten control of herself again, she raises the other eyebrow. “What's gotten into you, huh? It's been a while, but all I have to do is mention tying you up and you're acting crazy.”

“Well,” you fairly purrs, having abandoned your more wanton behavior for a slow and steady grind that, Kika knows, will ultimately drive her just as crazy, “remember when you let me use your laptop last week for my anatomy homework? You forgot to clear your browser history.”

Kika blushes, remembering: that last week she'd been shopping for the new harness, and had gotten distracted by the website’s sale on bondage equipment. That had led her to several products that, while extremely interesting, she had no clue how to use, which had led to a couple of hours spent watching extremely illuminating tutorials…and then you had come home from class, swearing up a storm, apparently, your trusty old MacBook had finally given up, and you had a paper due for your anatomy class in the morning. Kika had hastily closed the browser windows and offered her own computer for you to use, hoping that she wouldn't be inclined to do any snooping until that is, Kika had had time to figure out some of the techniques herself.

Well, she hadn't gotten the chance to work out the finer points of shibari bondage, but she had learned a couple of simple but effective knots. Narrowing her eyes at you, she growls, “Oh, so that's how you want to play it, huh?”

You nod enthusiastically, your grin getting even bigger. Kika gives you a bit of a smirk. “All right. Elbows and knees, ass in the air, face the headboard and if you can’t keep your hands to yourself, I'm calling the whole thing off.”

You know you’re being watched, and that never fails to make a rosy blush color your tawny skin. Kika thinks about slapping one of the perfect ass cheeks she can see waving tantalizingly at her, but manages to refrain. There'll be plenty of time for that when she's hilted inside the gorgeous pussy she knows is waiting for her. Instead, Kika turns towards the closet, where a small wooden chest contains her toy box. Pushing aside a couple of cascading shelves to get to the main compartment, she withdraws a length of glossy red rope, tightly coiled. She tests it in her hands, feeling its firm weave but soft material, and imagines how it'll feel to you when she’s done: just tight enough to dig into your skin a little when she writhes and thrashes in pleasure, but not rough enough to leave ligature marks. Grinning a little, she turns back to you, smacking the rope against her palm a couple of times.

Your eyes light up as soon as you see it, and your ass gives a little wiggle. Kika takes the invitation to slap the unruly area lightly with the coil in her hand and is rewarded with a groan. “Kika…”

“Yes baby?” she says, rounding the corner of the bed to take up a position near the headboard.

“You're taking too long,” you say. Your face is hidden in your hair, but Kika can hear the grin in your voice. Kika narrows her eyes and begins wrapping the rope around her wrists, which she's obligingly placed together in front of her (About the only obliging thing she's done this evening, Kika grumbles to herself).

“Are you really sure you want to be giving me attitude?” she says, injecting some growl into her tone. 

Kika’s not really angry at you, the truth is, your excitement is infectious, and she feels herself starting to get into it too. While tying you up may not be Kika’s personal kink, pleasing you definitely is. And from the way you are writhing and squirming against the sheets, pushing your hips back as if in search of pressure, Kika is very pleased already. “It’s not too late to find you a gag, you know.”

“You don't have one,” you point out. Your tone is matter-of-fact, but the slight breathiness of your voice and the gleam in your eyes tells Kika that you find the suggestion very interesting.

Kika finishes tying off your bonds and invites you to test them with a light tug. You do it, leaning back until the ropes creek quietly. Evidently satisfied, you turn back to Kika, looking like a cat that ate the canary. “So…are you gonna fuck me or what?”

“Go on, fuck yourself on my strap” Kika responds and you started moving to do that but Kika just grins at you and pushes you back until you are again in position, all fours, giving her a beautiful view of you. 

“Until you're sore,” Kika promises, as she gets behind you. Kika gives first one ass cheek a loud spank, then the other, pausing after each one to admire the blooms of red and the breathy moans they've elicited. She drapes herself along your back, feeling her nipples tighten as they brush against your smooth skin. Kika can't help rubbing the tip of her strap a couple of times against your soaked pussy, knowing that as much torment as it is for her to hold off on sinking it in, it’s twice as bad for you.

As she predicted, you moan and push your ass back, trying to take the hard length inside of you. “No,” Kika orders, taking a gentle but firm grip on the back of your neck and pulling her own hips away. “Not until I say so,” you whine a bit but stop struggling.

Kika leans back over you, her delight in your eagerness and clear enjoyment of your predicament tempered momentarily by a need to make absolutely certain that this is what you want. “The usual safeword?” Kika says gently, tempering the rough urgency in her voice.

“Bread,” you say, wrinkling your nose. 

Kika rolls her eyes. “That's got to be the weirdest safeword I've ever heard.”

You shrug as best as you can in your restraints. “Hey, they say to pick the least sexy thing you can think of, so…”

Kika snorts and then says, “All right.” Leaning back, she gives your ass another pair of sharp slaps, more noise than force, but it’s enough to make your hips jerk back towards her again. 

“Just remember, you asked for this,” Kika growls, rubbing her hand across the marks to soothe their sting. All you can manage in return is a low groan.

Kika takes a moment to line up the head of her strap with your entrance, then pushes all the way in with one long, smooth stroke. You respond beautifully, arching your back and moaning louder with every inch that slips inside. Soon Kika sheathed all the way inside of her, gasping at the sensation of your inner walls clinging to her, though she knew the best was yet to come. Kika pulls her hips back, dragging a whine out of you that turns into a whimper when the head of her strap brushes up against the full, throbbing spot along your inner wall. Kika holds herself there for a second, nearly trembling with the urge to thrust back in, but she’s got to get revenge for the merciless way you teased her somehow. Finally, just when she’s sure she can’t stand another moment of this and she’s just going to have to give you what you want, you let out a broken cry: “You can be a little rougher, y’know. I'm not exactly delicate.”

“Fuck,” Kika grunts, slamming her hips forward. Then she’s off like a shot, pounding at a harsh pace, the fastest she can manage, and still be sure that she’s hitting the right spot on every stroke. The way you’re writing and tugging against your bonds tells her that she’s succeeding, and Kika allows herself a small, triumphant grin. While finesse doesn’t matter nearly so much to you when she’s been teased and tormented to the very edge of orgasm, right now they’re just starting out, and a more disciplined approach is required. There will be plenty of time later for the brutal fucking that you’re currently demanding in between gasps.

Speaking of finesse, Kika lets go of her hold on one of your hips and reaches around to find your clit. She has to bite her lip against a moan when she feels how hard it is, straining out from beneath its hood, and she rubs it gently, knowing that when it’s like this it’s easy to overstimulate. Her efforts are very clearly appreciated: at the first touch of her fingers, your entire body gives a jolt, and Kika can feel your pussy clench down around her strap. The sudden tightness makes the shorter edge of the strap press against Kika’s inner walls, and the moan that she’d managed to curtail escapes her throat. 

Annoyed at her own loss of control, Kika fucks you just a bit harder, while punishing you by removing her hand from your clit and using it to deliver a sharp smack to your ass. “If you can’t behave, I might have to stop altogether,” she growls, and that makes you writhe against her bonds.

“No!”

“Then stop trying to make me come before I’m ready,” Kika says, still in the same dark tone, although she can’t help but think that she might already be a lost cause. You’re just so fucking sexy like this, pushing your hips back to meet Kika’s every thrust and squeezing down so deliciously around her strap that every time Kika has to pull back is more agonizingly pleasurable than the last. She can feel her own clit pulsing with need, and as she reaches back down to resume toying with you, she also adjusts the angle of her strokes so that the base of the strap presses against it when she pushes back in.

Despite the wetness gushing out around the strap, your pussy is getting tighter and tighter, making thrusting harder but so much more wonderful. Kika has abandoned the attempt to keep quiet and is letting out low groans at nearly the same rate as your loud cries. You are thrashing against your bonds, desperate for more of the rough plunge of Kika’s strap and the increasingly harsh ministrations of Kika’s hand, and Kika knows that you're getting so, so close. 

Abandoning your clit, Kika reaches forward to take a firm but gentle grip under your chin, trying to ignore the way that your frantically pounding pulse is making her inner walls flutter. She urges you to lift your head and then leans over you again, sacrificing force for the incredible sensation of your sweat-slicked bodies pressing together. “Tell me what you need,” Kika whispers roughly into your ear.

You only respond with a moan, and with the last ounce of willpower you possess, Kika forces her hips to still. The result is a louder moan, nearly a wail. “Kika!”

“Tell me what you need, and I’ll give it to you,” Kika repeats her voice anything but steady as her body fights against what she’s denying. “But I won’t give you anything if you can’t tell me.”

“Kika, please, just….fuck me!”

It’s not exactly the most articulate response, but it’s all that Kika needs. With a low, broken groan, Kika resumes pounding into you, no longer trying for anything but speed and force. You're so tight that it doesn’t matter at this point, every stroke is hitting the right spot. Kika lets go of her hold on your hips in order to brace both of her hands on the bed by your head, using the additional leverage to thrust all the harder she can. Kika’s rising to her own peak so quickly that she’s becoming seriously worried about her ability to last, but in the end, she doesn’t need to worry.

Your entire body stiffens into one taut arch, and you let out a full-throated scream as you come, your pussy clamping tightly around the strap splitting you open and releasing wave after wave of wetness to go pouring down your legs. Kika’s own release comes moments after, her entire body shaking with its intensity as she struggles to keep her hips moving, fucking you through the entirety of your orgasm and extending it as long as she can. But it’s too much, the sensations are too intense and eventually, she collapses against your back, panting hotly across your neck. For a while, that’s all you both can manage, quick, hoarse gasps as you both try to settle your breathing.

You regain your voice first, “That was…incredible,” you say, and while Kika can't see your face, your grin is dripping from your voice like honey. All Kika can manage is a tired huff of laughter in response, but she's sure you understand.

“However,” you continue, “do you think you could untie me? My hips are starting to cramp up.”

“Oh! Yeah, sorry,” Kika says, scrambling to do as you ask. It’s not easy at first, she’s still trembling from the force of her orgasm and her hands aren't inclined to be steady as she works to undo her knots, but she manages it, and you are soon free to stretch gratefully, letting out a satisfied hum as your back cracks.

“Mmm, yes. Now that is almost as good as sex.”

Kika looks up from where she’d been checking your wrists over for marks or bruising to give you a hurt look. You grin back at her playfully. “I said almost.”

Kika huffs, but she's too happy to even pretend to be grumpy. Once she's satisfied that you've suffered no lasting damage, she flops down against the pillows and then tickles you, “Serves you right,” Kika mumbles into your neck, pulling you into her arms. 

You don’t even offer token resistance, you just melt against her as your bones have taken on the consistency of warm taffy. Kika feels happiness and the warm tingly glow of a supremely satisfying orgasm filling her up to the brim, and the girl in her arms is the person she loves most in the world, and she's going to get to fall asleep with you and wake up with you forever and ever. 

You giggle, breaking the spell. Kika glares down at you. “What’s so funny?”

“Well, your strap is kind of poking me in the thigh.”

Kika groans, abruptly reminded that she's still wearing the strap-on. She attempts to free herself from the confusing mess of straps and buckles, but she doesn't have to struggle for long before she feels soft hands helping her. Together, you both get the whole thing off her hips and out of her and deposit it in the top drawer of the toy chest. “Probably should clean that,” you murmur, settling back against Kika.

“Probably should,” Kika replies, half asleep already, her hand stroking up and down the smooth line of your back lazily. “Not gonna do it tonight.”

Kika feels you shake in quiet laughter for a moment, then quiet. After a beat of silence, Kika hears you murmur drowsily, “Love you, baby.”

“Love you too,” Kika says and falls asleep with a soft smile on her face.

[bubblebbg]

would you be able to do a Miguel x f!reader where the reader is a civilian who's the sunshine to his grumpy? She's pretty much the definition of the quote "the violence it took to be this kind". She had an abusive childhood, and unfortunately she's currently up in an abusive relationship, she tries really hard to hide her pain with warmth and laughter, hiding her bruises with long sleeves in the summer and concealer.

This is my first request, I'm so happy! I wasn't really comfortable writing the physical abuse part (I don't want to misrepresent this issue) , so I've made it to where the reader is in an unhappy relationship instead. I hope this is along the lines of what you wanted. :)

𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞.

Miguel O'Hara x reader

To him, you're one of those people that deserves better, deserves the best. Today especially, that's what you should be getting. If Miguel could, he'd hand you worlds on a silver platter. But he can't. Not with your boyfriend around to stop him.

Part 2

"Your boyfriend is the biggest asshole I've ever met. Come on, you have to know this by now." Miguel has pulled you to the balcony of your apartment and away from the music and festivities, his jaw clenched with anger as he seethes. He's never liked your boyfriend; there's you, the sweet, kind woman who's always considerate, endlessly patient, practically saintly in nature. And then there's your boyfriend, some scum of the earth who's only ever been callous and cold during your interactions. Miguel has tried and tried and tried to keep his mouth shut about it, but the way your smile faltered as you explained that he couldn't take off work to be at your birthday party is his last straw. "Seriously, today of all day's he has to work? Say the word and I'm sending that douchebag flying through a wall-"

"Miguel, stop it. It's fine, he's just a busy guy you know? And I'm sure you throw enough people around already." You chuckle, but the sadness doesn't quite leave your eyes. You sip some of the champagne in your glass, sighing as you let the alcohol numb some of your senses. Looking out at the cityscape, arms folded on the railing. He really wishes you knew how much you deserve, and the selfish part of him wants to be the one to give that to you.

When you catch him staring at you, at the way the lights of the city glow on your face, he turns forward, sighing and running a hand through his hair. "I just don't get it is all. You could have anyone you wanted, why him? Hell, you're better off alone than with him. If I could make the decisions for you, he would've been gone a long time ago."

You step closer to him and rest your head on his shoulder, eyes closed and the champagne drained from your glass. "I know you're concerned about me, but in the end these decisions are mine to make. I'll talk to him after the party. Until then, how's everything at work? Still got a lot on your hands?"

A smile plays at his lips, feeling a bit warm from the touch. "Hey, don't go changing the subject on me. We need to talk about this."

"You change the subject on me all of the time! Humor me on my birthday, please." He rolls his eyes because he can't believe that you'd play the birthday card on him, but he also knows he can never say no to you. Not with the way you look at him. So he puts an arm around your shoulders and lets a breath out his nose.

"Still stressful, but not so bad. I guess your whole 'have meetings to help people with their mission strategy instead of just yelling at them' plan has been working." You laugh at that, eyes crinkling as you lean more into him. You look good like this, the cheery person you usually are, not the one being let down by their partner. "See? And how hard was that? If I had spider powers like you, I'd be the ultimate diplomatic leader and badass." He can't stop the laughter that bubbles up in his chest when you punch and kick the air to emphasize your badassery.

"Your form is terrible," he smirks, "You'd be dead in seconds."

"And if it weren't for me, every spider ever would have quit because of your nagging."

"Right, right, whatever makes you feel better, civilian."

This is how it's supposed to be, the way it was before you decided to date this guy. It was always you and Miguel before: him carrying all of your grocery bags as you raved about some new hobby, you and him on the roof of your apartment building, him pointing out flaws in a movie at the theater while you ate all the popcorn, him begrudgingly pushing you on a park swing despite his assertations that you were in fact too old to still do this. It hits him all at once. He's missed you. Your absence leaves gaps in his life that no one else can fill.

"Hey," he mumbles, "I know you said you didn't want any gifts, but I got you something. Happy birthday."

Your eyes widen as he timidly hands you a rectangular box, his gaze turned to the city and a light blush on his face. He watches through the corner of his eyes as you open it. Inside is a silver necklace with a lily-of-the-valley preserved in resin, the flower you told him about that grew around your childhood home. Your palm comes to cover your mouth and tears well up in your eyes at the considerate nature of his gift. (That's Miguel, always remembering the details of things you say. When was the last time your boyfriend did that again?) Miguel turns to face you with an anxious expression. "Do you not like it? I left the receipt in there, you can return it and use the money on-"

"No, no, no, it's beautiful," you smile, turning and lifting the hair from your neck, "Could you please put it on me?"

He sighs in relief, taking the necklace and clasping it gently around your neck. As soon as he's done you jump into his arms with a delighted giggle, beaming with joy. He lets himself hug you back for a few more seconds before setting you down. Seeing you like this has his heart racing as he's filled with the courage to say it, to tell you what you mean to him. He opens his mouth to speak and -

Someone shouts through the sliding doors of the balcony, "Hey, where have you been? Get inside, your boyfriend just got here!"

And just like that, the courage is gone, his mouth closing to a slight frown. As he's preparing to go back in and stomach the sight of you with that man, he sees you climbing the steps of the fire escape and stops at the door.

"What are you doing?"

You stop, turning to look at him with the breeze at your back and the moon shining on you. You offer your hand to him.

"Come on, let's go. We can sit on the rooftop like we used to."

He pauses, taking a look at the party inside. Then he takes your hand and you're leading him up like you used to, and everything that was out of place in him shifts back to fit. He smiles at how small and smooth your hand is in his larger, rough one. Yeah, he thinks.

This is how it's meant to be.

[nahimjustfeelingit-writes]

HBCU CONFESSIONS.

Part Two

The Great Conversation: A Historical Introduction to Philosophy sat on a circular table within the study hall of the dorm building. Erik was dressed down in a red graphic hoodie that read Lost Tribe in black letters with the map of Africa on the back. He paired it with grey joggers and Jordan retro 11’s. He checked his I-watch for the fifth time. It was going on 5:20 pm and Valencia hadn’t shown up yet. Erik wished he’d gotten her number.

Two minutes later, Valencia came rushing over, carrying her books in the crook of her arm and a flustered expression on her face. Erik sat up straighter in his seat and his eyes couldn’t help but scan her body. She was still wearing the same curve-hugging dress she’d worn earlier that day. Her braids were now up in a ponytail with a few hanging in front of her face.

She sat her bag down beside the table and before she could even pull out her own seat, Erik was behind her in a flash. Valencia’s back stiffened and she gasped. Erik gripped the back of the chair and slid it out across the carpet. Valencia couldn’t help but notice how Erik towered over her. He was standing at 6’3. She looked up at him with a faint smile and bashful eyes.

“Thank you, Erik.” She says with a light voice.

“You’re welcome.”

They each took their respective seats. Valencia opened her bag to retrieve her book and her notes. Erik waited patiently, staring at her with a slight, dimpled smirk.

“I’m so sorry, I’m all over the place.”

“No worries, Valencia.”

She finally had everything in order. Valencia exhaled and sat her palms down on the table to calm herself. She giggled and Erik couldn’t help but to laugh himself.

“I’m not always late, you know.” Valencia said to her defense.

“Can’t always expect to be on time every single time.” Erik replied with a smirk.

“I knowww,” Valencia tucked a braid behind her ear, “But you’re a TA. This isn’t a great first impression.”

Erik folded his arms against the table and leaned in. He quirked a brow up at Valencia, staring her down through his gold-rimmed glasses.

“You have a point,” Erik swiped the bottom of his lip with his tongue, “Prove to me that you know your shit, and I won’t hold it against you.”

Valencia turned away because she couldn’t stare him in the eyes.

“You have a deal,” her eyes darted towards his face then down towards her lap.

Erik’s eyes burned with mischief. He loved that she was shy and he wanted to push her limits. See how far Miss Valencia could go.

“Aight, let’s get started.”

Erik opened his textbook.

“Where exactly are you in class?” Erik asked.

“Free will,” Valencia sorted out her notes, “Yes, Free will.”

“Okay…”

Erik combed through the textbook until he found where he needed to be.

“What do Philosophers believe about free will?”

“Uhm—”

“Don’t look at your notes, tell me.”

Valencia was startled by Erik’s command. She cleared her throat and started playing in her hair.

“Uh—well I know that it’s a requirement for agency, rationality, creativity…”

“Okay, that’s good. So, as far as accounts of Free Will, what exactly is the Faculties Model of Will?”

Erik glanced over at Valencia. She was pondering his question.

“…It’s the dominant view of the will for much of medieval and modern philosophy…their possession of certain powers or capacities…”

“Very good. They also possess the capacities for intellection and volition. Another way of saying this is that free agents alone have the faculties of intellect and will.”

Valencia clicked her pin and scribbled down what Erik said like a good pupil. Erik continued to throw questions and topics at her, challenging Valencia. It was the way he did it that helped her retain the information.

“I’m so used to just…reading from my notes over and over.” Valencia said.

“It’s the active recall. Don’t get me wrong, using notecards is okay, but all that time you spend creating fifty cards, you can use this study technique by asking questions about the subject you want to learn after reading the subject, which will help you retrieve information deeper. You want it to go deeper, right?”

Valencia stared at Erik with a dazed look.

“Valencia? Did you hear me?”

“Ye–Yes—”

“I said, deeper, right?”

Valencia chewed on her bottom lip. Erik wanted to chew on it himself…

“I do. I want to remember the information better. The method helps me out a lot.”

Erik smiles at Valencia and she glanced up at the ceiling with a blush. He couldn’t visibly see the heat creeping up her face, but her cheekbones and half-smile was enough to tell. They went on to cover one last topic, Epistemology. After another thirty minutes, their study session was complete.

“You got it, just a little more practice and you’ll be set.” Erik encouraged.

“I hope so. How did you get so good at everything?”

Erik laughed, “Everything?”

Valencia giggled into her hand. She couldn’t stop smiling. It was the most adorable thing Erik had ever seen. Her giggling and smiling was infectious. This is probably the most Erik has ever smiled and laughed in one sitting.

“I mean—what I’m saying is—I saw your achievements and you’re pretty impressive. I aspire to be like that.”

“…Thank you. What are you studying again?”

“Psychology. I want to branch off into Neuropsychology. I plan to go back to school for my PhD.”

“There’s so much you can do in psychology. Believe it or not, I wanted to major in psychology at one point but engineering just stuck to me.”

“Why engineering?”

Erik gave Valencia a lopsided grin that showed off a glint of confidence. She focused on his plump lips, porcelain teeth, and gold slugs.

“There’s so much you can do. You can choose to work on projects that benefit society, help clean the environment, develop prosthetic aids, create clean and efficient transportation systems, find new sources of energy, alleviate the world's hunger problems, and increase the standard of living in underdeveloped countries. The possibilities are endless. And on top of all that, you make a lot of money…”

Valencia couldn’t tell you everything he was saying honestly. This man was too fine. The way his voice sounded to her ears felt like asmr.

“…job security and excellent job prospects—”

“You’re like, very attractive.”

Erik rested his hands in his lap and cocked his head. Valencia jerked her head in the direction of the window and shook her head.

“That came out unexpectedly,” Valencia laughed with embarrassment, “But you are—”

“Thank you.” He drew in a long breath, “Coming from someone as beautiful as you…”

Valencia held her breath. She hung her head and smiled. Internally, she was jumping up and down.

“Thanks,” Valencia fidgeted.

“Anytime, beautiful,” Erik continued to stare at her while his fingers tapped on the table.

“Are you from Houston?” Valencia questioned with a timid voice.

“Nah. I’m from California. That’s where I live currently but I decided to come back here for my doctorate.”

Valencia nodded her head. She crossed her right leg over her left thigh and leaned in with her elbow on the desk. That gesture showed that she was warming up to him.

“I love California. I have an aunt and a few cousins that live there currently. They’re in San Francisco.”

“That’s where I’m from. Oakland. I’m staying in LA right now though. Are you from here?”

“Yes. Born and raised in Houston.” Valencia replied.

Erik stretched his arms above his head.

“Tired?” Valencia asked.

“A little. I worked out really early this morning and I had to deal with that party.”

Valencia giggled, “I’m sorry.”

“Not your fault. I didn’t see you there.” Erik said.

“Rochelle used to let us get away with a lot…”

Valencia looked over at Erik.

“I know. Which is why she’s no longer your RA…”

Her body shivered slightly. The air was too cold in the building. She thrust her chest out unknowingly and Erik could see the outlines of her erect nipples through her dress. He leaned back in his chair to admire her fully.

“I’m not an uptight motherfucker but I’m not gonna let these students walk all over me. I have a great rep here at TSU and I wanna keep it that way.”

“Oh, no, I totally understand,” Valencia reassured him, “I love that you follow the rules. Rochelle acted as more of a friend and she really didn’t know how to discipline…”

Hm,” Erik licked his lips, “I’m really good with discipline.”

“Oh?” Valencia says. She felt her body tremble.

“I’m very assertive. I tend to…take the lead in situations. It can come off as aggressive…sometimes I have to work on that.”

“Okay…”

Valencia rubbed her arms.

“Cold?”

“A little—”

“Here…”

Erik stood up and proceeded to take off his hoodie. Valencia paused, staring at Erik’s torso. He had on a white T-shirt underneath that clung to his biceps and chest. The muscles put her in a daze. He handed her his hoodie from across the table. Valencia accepted it and pulled it over her. It fit her like a dress. She fixed her braids and smoothed down the wrinkles in the hoodie. It smelled like him. She fought to press her nose into it.

“It looks good on you.”

“You think so?” Valencia wasn’t so sure.

“Yeah. So Valencia, do you mind if I have your number?”

She was not expecting that. Her eyes went wide with surprise.

“Is that okay?” Erik asked with furrowed brows.

“YES!”

She covered her mouth with her hand. She didn’t expect to scream it. Erik was cracking up.

“Yes, it’s okay. I’m sorry I don’t know why I yelled like that.” Valencia toyed with one of her braids, “Yes you can.”

She retrieved her phone and unlocked it. Erik did the same. They exchanged numbers and switched back.

“That way, you know how to get in touch with me if you have any questions about philosophy or just…anything in general really.”

“Definitely. Thanks so much, Erik. I really appreciate you.”

“Anytime. And you know you can always knock on my door…”

Oh, yes. He does have a dorm on the same floor as hers. She beamed at him and he smiled back.

“Sure…I can do that.”

They both stood up and gathered their things.

“Well, this is goodbye for now. I have to get ready to meet some friends tonight.”

“I hope I didn’t hold you up,” Erik tucked his textbook inside his bag.

“No, no.”

They stood there for a moment, staring at each other. Valencia broke eye contact first and turned away to leave. She glanced back at Erik, giving him a final wave goodbye before heading towards the elevators. Erik returned the wave with a smirk, his eyes never leaving Valencia.

—————-

Cindy, Skai, and Brielle were sitting in a booth nursing mixed tequila cocktails. Skai was sitting next to Brielle and Cindy was third-wheeling. She rolled her eyes every time Skai and Brielle would eye-fuck each other. Valencia texted Cindy’s phone that she just parked and is on her way in.

The Poetry Party Live is a college hotspot. They’re known for playing great music, having tasty food, and drinks that sneak up on you. It was definitely a more romantic vibe that Friday evening. So many couples were on dates. Cindy spotted two professors in the booth in front of them. Professor Boyd and Professor Parham.

Valencia came in and she searched the throng of people until she recognized Brielle’s ginger coils. She changed into an orange dress that compliments her mocha skin. Cindy looked up and over her shoulder, waving Valencia over with pleading eyes.

“What took you so long?! I’m dying over here!”

“My bad. I had a tutoring session that ran a little late.”

“They’ve been torturing me,” Cindy cringed, “And Dior isn’t here yet.”

Valencia frowned.

“Who invited Dior?”

Cindy pointed to Skai. Skai sipped her drink with a guilty look.

“I’m sorry! She really wanted to come. You still don’t like her?”

“No, I don’t, Skai. She’s weird.”

Skai rolled her eyes. Brielle laughed.

“Is she drunk already?” Valencia asked.

“You know she is. This is her third one.”

“Brielle!”

“It’s a Friday night and I passed my lab practical!”

“WOOHOO!!

Skai bounced up and down in her seat. Valencia squealed, reaching over to shake her friend excitedly.

“YES BITCH!—oh shit, I’m loud as fuck.”

Andrea looked up from her seat in the booth over and noticed Valencia. They locked eyes and waved to each other. Brielle glanced over her shoulder at Andrea. James turned around with a smirk on his face and a glass in his hand with dark liquor.

“Oooh! Ya’ll on a date?!” Cindy teases.

“Yes, we are,” James replied with a chuckle, “Hope you’re ready for that test on Monday, Cindy.”

Cindy shot James a playful glare that had everyone laughing.

“I’m kidding! Enjoy!”

James turned back to his date and the girls snickered.

A waiter brushed past Valencia and Brielle shouted to get her attention. She halted her footsteps, long ombré braids swaying against her back. She smiled and made her way over to them.

“Need anything else ladies?”

“Our friend just showed up! Can you get her a—”

“Long Island Iced Tea please.”

“Okay! Can I see your ID?”

Valencia opened her small white Telfar bag and plucked her license from her wallet. She showed the waiter and she put a thumbs up.

“Almost your birthday!” The waiter said.

“Yeah! Twenty-two.”

The waiter sauntered off and then a round of applause erupted around them. A full-figured woman with sister locs made her way on stage. She stopped in front of the mic, testing it to make sure it was on. She scanned the crowd with a warm smile before introducing herself. The instrumental to Floetry Say Yes started playing. She was blanketed in spotlights and the rest of the club was shrouded in low ambience.

“This one is called Enticing Night…”

whisper light, a sigh so deep,

In tangled sheets, secrets keep.

Your touch ignites a fevered glow,

As fingertips trace paths below.

On velvet skin, my hands explore,

Each curve, each line, I yearn for

more.

She paused, appreciative hums making her words all the more real.

Breath mingles in the heated air,

A rhythm builds, we're lost in where.

Our pulses race, in sync they beat,

In this embrace, our worlds complete.

“Thank you…”

Snaps filled the room.

“That was good,” Valencia accepted her drink.

“Dior!”

Skai stood up to get her attention.

Valencia looked up at Dior fighting the urge to roll her eyes. She didn’t understand what Dior didn’t like about her, maybe it was because of Isaiah? As far as Valencia knew they weren’t together. And she didn’t want him anyway. Dior scooted next to Skai, directly across from Valencia.

“Brie, Cindy, Val…”

“Hello,” Valencia waved.

“Why ya’ll chose this place? Ya’ll don’t wanna shake some ass?”

“Girl, we did that last weekend. It’s okay to switch it up,” Skai argued.

“I feel like I need whatever Brie sippin’ on because she is lit!”

“Peach Tequila!” Brielle shouted.

“Okurrrr. I’ll have that then…who the waiter?”

Cindy pointed at the young girl who was currently clearing off a booth.

“She got a phat ass butt,” Dior bit down on a long acrylic french nail, “She can have all my monies…”

“You’re such a whore for some booty, Dior.” Skai jokes.

Valencia giggled. She swirled her straw around her drink before taking another sip. Cindy rocked back and forth in her seat, singing along to Beyoncé Check Up On It.

“Hi! I’m Chanel…”

“Hi, Chanel, I’m Dior. I wanted to order what she had.”

“Okay, ID?”

Dior flashed her ID at Chanel while giving her a seductive look. Valencia and Cindy share a look before laughing into their drinks.

“you fine. You like girls?”

Skai slapped Dior on her arm. Chanel laughed at Dior.

“I have a man, but thank you.”

It was so cringe.

Chanel walked away and Dior’s eyes were glued to her ass like flies on shit.

“You need to chill. What’s up with you and Brooke?”

“That bitch? Girl…”

Dior and Skai talked about her drama while Valencia excused herself to the restroom. Brielle ended up following her. They entered the bathroom and Valencia let Brielle go first since she was on the verge of pissing herself.

“You never told me who you tutored with!!!!” Brielle yelled.

“My crush,” Valencia smiled.

“For real?! What does he even tutor?”

“A lot of shit but it was for philosophy. He asked for my number.”

Brielle flushed and damn near shoved the door open. She gawked at Valencia before they switched places. Meanwhile, Andrea exited the stall next to theirs and she walked over to the sink to wash her hands.

“So basically that means he’s into you? So the HBCU blog was the right thing to do, huh?”

“Yep! If it wasn’t for the advice the owner of the blog gave me, I wouldn’t have made it this far!”

Andrea slowly dried her hands while hanging onto their every word. Valencia flushed and left the stall. Andrea tossed her paper towel and stood within the mirror to fix her ponytail. Valencia caught her eye in the mirror and smiled.

“How’s everything going this semester, Valencia?”

“It’s going good. A little harder than last semester but I’m close to graduating so that’s good.”

Andrea nodded her head with a bright smile.

“You got this girl. And good luck with your crush…”

Valencia giggled. Andrea left the restroom, holding the door open for a woman to enter.

Back at the table, Andrea scooted into the booth to find another drink. She gave James a look and he chuckled.

“You know I have a lot of work to do tomorrow, James.”

“That’s why you need this drink. Take a damn break.”

Andrea rolled her eyes sassily before grabbing her drink. She toasted with James before taking a sip.

“What took you so long to ask me out?”

Andrea peeked at James from the top of her glass.

“I didn’t want to cross any boundaries. I didn’t wanna look like that guy friend who only wants one thing. That’s not what it is with you.”

“I get it,” Andrea sat her drink down, “I’ve crushed on you hard since undergrad…”

“Same. I always thought you had a thing for Daka though.”

“Seriously?” Andre laughs, “Everyone says that.”

“I see now it’s like a brother and sister thing.” James said.

“I used to sit back and watch you run after all these chicks…Thinking back to that Kappa party, my Delta sistas kept hassling me to tell you how I felt…”

Andrea traced the rim of her glass with her finger. James watched her intently.

“I’m just happy both of us get to sit here and express how we really feel.” James said.

“Me too.”

James cracked a smile before reaching over to grip Andrea’s soft hand. He stroked the top of her hand with his thumb.

Valencia and Brielle walked past their booth and settled into theirs.

“…That D9 party is gonna be lit tomorrow night!”

“I’m tryna go. Took y’all long enough!”

Brielle slipped past Dior and Skai to take her seat. Valencia sat down and pulled out her phone.

“You still talking to Isaiah?”

Valencia looked up at Dior.

“No. I’m over him.”

“Oh wow, what happened?”

“He wasted my time and he’s annoying as hell.”

Dior let out an obnoxious laugh, “YEAH. I could have told you that.”

Valencia looked towards the ceiling.

————

-I know it’s late, you’re probably not up. I just wanted to thank you again for your help 🥰 he asked for my number today! I don’t think it was because he’s interested but it’s a step, right?

Valencia sat alone in her dorm room wearing Erik’s hoodie and some panties with her braids tied down with a satin scarf. She sat at their desk with the television on in the background.

-I’m here ☺️ I’m happy I could help. If he asked for your number, I’d think it’s because he’s interested. It’s a big step actually.

Valencia typed a reply.

-You think so? I mean, he did flirt a little today. I just get so nervous around him.

Erik was in the middle of sprucing up his gold boots. He’s wearing a pair of red briefs with no shirt. It felt weird staying in the dorms when he has his own room at the Omega Psi Phi house. He picked up his phone to see the message that Valencia sent him.

-Don’t be. Try to be more open with him. See where it goes 😏 did you do anything special tonight?

-I went to this poetry club with some friends. Had two drinks and I’m a little tipsy now. It was an okay experience.

-...Is there anything that could have made it even better?

-yes 😭 if I was spending it with Erik. I wonder what he’s doing right now.

-you should text him. See what happens.

Valencia looked over at her phone next to her.

Fuck it. She had a little liquid courage.

Valencia: Hi ☺️

She made her way back to the blog

-I did it! 😭

Erik fell back against his bed. He typed a reply.

Erik: Hello 😌

Valencia: I hope I didn’t wake you.

Erik: I’m up. How was your night?

Valencia: it was alright. You?

Valencia nibbled on her nails anxiously.

Erik: Hazy. Had a little smoke session.

Valencia returned to the blog.

-Is it too late for a dare?

-Definitely not lol. This is fun. What’s the dare?

-I dare you to send a risky text. However you want to.

-How risky though?

-😈

Erik waited to see what she would do. He wanted to see how far she would go. The fact that she would have preferred to spend the evening with him made him wonder what they would have gotten into.

Erik: Did you crash on me?

Valencia:

She couldn’t believe she sent that picture. She tossed her phone on the bed and stood up from the desk. Valencia paced back and forth. Hands covering her face, heart racing, stomach in knots. Did she do the right thing?

Oh my god, oh my god, oh my god…

That picture was meant for Isaiah and boy was she happy she sent it to Erik instead. She’d heard her phone vibrate minutes ago but she was too scared to see what he said. Valencia walked over to the bed and picked up her phone. She pressed it against her chest, scared out of her mind. Overthinking per usual. Finally, she looked at his text and boy was she glad that she did.

Erik: Shit girl 😍

Erik: 😍😍😍😍

Erik: I can’t stop staring 😩

He didn’t expect that at all. That was the furthest thing from what he expected. He sat up in bed and drooled over that picture. That ass up and that beautiful arch. He wondered what other pictures she was hiding. He loved her body so much. He knew exactly what to do with all of that. Play into his size kink. His dick was brick hard. No pussy in almost a year. The longest he’d ever gone without sex. He could have easily linked with his ex girlfriend on campus but he pictured himself digging Valencia’s guts out whenever the fuck he pleased.

Valencia: 😛

Erik: You tryna tell me something? 👀

Erik: I see you do like it deep…That tutoring session was necessary after all 😍

Valencia was over the moon thrilled at Erik’s reaction to her pic. So much that she was jittery. Back on the blog, Valencia quickly typed.

-I can’t believe I sent him a risky photo. I thought he wouldn’t have liked it but I was wrong 😂

Ping.

Erik went back to the blog messages. Wouldn’t like them? Was she crazy! He loved them! Boy was he happy that he found out about Valencia when he did. He wanted to put her in that position. Arch that pretty back over the edge of his bed, slip her panties to the side, and slide his dick in deep and slow. He wanted her to feel his length. He had a big toy dangling between his legs. Girls with that type of body can take dick. Girls who arch their backs like that need the dick.

-No. if the feeling is mutual, why would you think that?

-IDK. I’m always overthinking shit. 😭

Valencia had to take a second to rethink what she was doing. Sure, she wanted to do unspeakable things with Erik. Nasty things. But she felt she was coming on too strong. Maybe she should dial it back a little…make him …yearn for more? Tease him. He’s older and definitely has more experience. He’s probably used to woman throwing themselves at him. No. Valencia was going to do the opposite. Who said she couldn’t be shy and purposely excite and sexually arouse while withholding gratification?

She left him on read.

Valencia logged out of the blog and shut off the light for bed. She pulled her duvet back and just then, Brielle came in. She had her curly, ginger hair up in a puff. Her pleated skirt was situated higher around her waist, showing some of her ass. Her cropped shirt was dangling from her shoulder and she looked freshly fucked.

Brielle noticed Valencia was still awake and she gave her an enigmatic smile.

“I’m surprised you’re still awake.” Brielle whispered.

“I’m surprised you’re still walking,” Valencia laughs.

————

It was 6 am and Erik stood on the race track and stretched his quadriceps. Flexing his toes in his green Nike running shoes, he took off running. He liked to go for a run around the track before he did any strength training. AirPod Max Pro’s over his ears, shirtless, and black running shorts on, Erik was a mission. In the zone, the heavy bass from the rap song he was listening to fueled him.

Erik made it around the track once before stopping to take a sip of water he’d left at the bleachers. He jogged over to grab a drink and when he looked up he saw his ex girlfriend from undergrad, Jeanette, stretching her hip flexors. She glanced up at Erik and waved to him. Erik returned the gesture. She stood tall and made her way towards him. She’s wearing a track and field outfit, similar to what she wore back then when she ran.

“Stevens. It’s been a while. How are you?”

“Good. You?”

“Great. Have you been avoiding me?”

Erik arched a brow.

“Why would you think that?”

“I don’t know…you’ve been back for a minute now and I haven’t had the chance to catch up with you. It feels like you’re dodging me.”

“Nah, Jeanette. I’ve been busy. What happened to that dude? The one that keep running his mouth?”

Jeanette broke out in a fit of laughter. Erik was dead serious. That nigga better be lucky he don’t go to TSU. That nigga better be lucky Erik didn’t find him yet.

“Erik, relax okay?”

Jeanette caressed Erik’s sweaty bicep. Erik eyed her down with a stony expression.

“What do you really want, Jeanette?”

“Whatchu think?”

Erik carefully moved Jeanette’s hand away from his arm. She kissed her teeth at him.

“I haven’t seen you in years. You look good…real good.”

“I know,” Erik smirked cockily.

“Still got that big ass ego…”

Erik glanced down at his I-watch. He needed to finish his run.

“Well, it was nice seeing you, Jeanette. I gotta finish my run…”

“Mhm, am I gonna see you at the D9 party tonight?”

“Of course I’ll be there.”

Erik backed away towards the track. Jeanette placed her hands on her hips, eye-fucking Erik while continuing her stretches.

“Ima put this AKA ass on you tonight, Daka!”

Erik sprinted off with a shake of his head.

Some time later, Valencia had finished swimming laps and doing a bit of water aerobics with weights. Her body was sore and drenched. After taking a shower, she gathered her things and walked out of the gymnasium. On her way back to her dorm, Valencia wasn’t paying attention and she almost collided with someone as she was leaving.

She didn’t have the best workout today because her mind continued to wander. She still hadn’t replied to Erik. The thought made her smile to herself. She shouldered her gym bag and took sips from her water bottle. As she approached her dorms, the man that distracted her was busy texting on his phone while listening to music. His head popped up and he paused in his tracks, staring Valencia down hard.

Valencia spotted Erik opening the door for her and she automatically grew timid. She tucked her chin and gave him a shy wave. Seeing him in person was completely different from texting him last night. The recollection of what she sent him hit her like a freight train. Her heart was practically rattling around in her chest cavity. The closer she got, the more his penetrating stare commanded her.

“After you.”

“Thank you…”

Valencia felt so exposed in her little gym shorts. He was directly behind her. She could smell his natural musk and it sent shivers throughout her body.

“Mm…mm…mm…”

She couldn’t contain her shaky exhale. He was probably picturing himself bending her over right there…

“Sleep well?”

Valencia blinked her eyes up at Erik.

“H–Huh?”

“…sleep? Did you get some rest?”

“Yeah! Sorry…”

“I figured you went to sleep since you left me on read and shit…”

Erik pressed the button for them to get on the elevator. Valencia avoided his gaze, her eyes looking around her.

“Valencia?”

She snapped her head in his direction. He was already on the elevator. She could tell he was fighting a laugh. Embarrassed, she walked in.

“You’re hella distracted…I’m the one that should be acting like that after what you sent me last night, girl...”

Valencia took in a breath. He did things to her body she couldn’t control. The trembling, the uneven breathing, the wetness that drenched her panties. She was in lust for this man and she needed him to fuck her. She wouldn’t say that to his face though.

“I…I have a lot of work to catch up on…and I’m really hungry…”

They left the elevator and Erik walked slowly so Valencia could catch up with him. She spotted Skai and Cindy sitting in the lounge studying and when they noticed her they gave her a weird look. Erik looked down at Valencia, biting his bottom lip openly so she knew that he was feeling her. Valencia slowed down her footsteps in front of her dorm room door. Her eyes discreetly roamed Erik’s body. His russet skin glistened with sweat and his muscles looked defined and sculpted. His locs were messy and resting against his forehead. He looked so fucking edible.

“This is me,” Valencia pointed to her door, giving Erik a quick glance with a smile, “I guess I’ll see you later…”

“You guess?” Erik cocked his head back.

“I—I didn’t mean it like that.” She spoke with a barely audible tone.

Erik startled her by reaching out to caress her arm. His hand stroked from the back of her upper arm, past her elbow, and down her forearm until he was holding her hand in his firm grip.

“You know you have a lot of explaining to do, girl.” Erik whispered.

He smelled so fucking amazing. His natural scent crowded her. She wanted to press her nose against whatever area that had exposed flesh. Lick his skin to see what his sweat tasted like—

“Do you know about the D9 party tonight?”

Valencia twisted her lips to fight a smile.

“I do. Are you asking me to go?”

Her eyes dropped down to her hand in his. She swayed from side to side.

“I am. I wanna see you there.” Erik said.

Valencia’s cheeks hurt from how hard she was smiling. She tried to hide her face so Erik took it upon himself to lift her chin.

“You gonna be there, Valencia. I want to see you there.”

She blinked at Erik slowly. His eyes dropped down to her juicy lips. He wanted to taste them…

“I’ll be there….”

“You better.”

Erik stroked her chin with his thumb. It sent shockwaves throughout her body. Straight to her pussy. It was such a small gesture that held so much dominance. Erik finally let go and backed away, his eyes dancing up and down her frame while he drew his plump bottom lip into his mouth. His eyes were low and almost sleepy-like and it made him look dreamy. Valencia giggled and looked away, unable to hold his gaze.

“We should get lunch later.” Erik said raising his brows.

“I’d like that.” Valencia replied.

“Aight, I’ll see you then, beautiful.”

He turned and strolled down the hall with a gait.

[ravencincaide]

Awfully loyal 

Summary:  When Chuuya had too much to drink, it’s your task as the responsible girlfriend to get his sorry ass home.  OR How you found out that Chuuya would never ever cheat on you. 

Pairing: Fem reader x BF! Chuuya Nakahara

Inspired by Sweetober prompt 27: Helping button/zip

Warnings: Cursing, overconsumption of alcohol/being drunk, Chuuya fluff, 

You knew your beloved Chuuya was a lightweight.

Three glasses of wine and he was a flirt. at five he was out like a lightbulb; his snores loud enough to wake up the entire portside district. You knew it; he knew it. You accepted it as a fact- Chuuya  denied it firmly at every corner and opportunity; Port Mafia celebration or national holiday.  

His stubbornness is what made him an outstanding Port Mafia executive, an overly attentive partner and a pain in the ass boyfriend who had somehow ended up giving your number to every bar in the city. Normally it meant you’d get top service and whatever you ordered on your nights out with friends would end up on his card. Today it meant you had to pick up his drunk-ass and get it home before he leveled the city with the ground. 

You loved the man but some days even you did not know how he hadn’t gotten himself killed or robbed yet. 

“ Honestly, if you are going to get this shit-faced drunk, can’t you at least manipulate gravity into being a little lighter?” you huffed, his arm thrown over your shoulders as you struggled to help, more like drag, him inside your apartment. You were rewarded with him throwing out his leg in your direction, a purposeful or accidental attempt to trip you. You stumbled but caught yourself last second before the two of you could kiss the floor. “ Seriously Chuuya?!” 

“ Oj we’knw-heavy” he groaned, then tried again, broke out into a fit of chuckles then took a deep breath. A second passed, his cheeks blew up with air as he tried to remain composed. Then lost to whatever joke his brain told him and started laughing. Chuuya was doubling over in the middle of your hallway seemingly for no reason at all, almost dragging you down to the floor with him. 

“Seriously?!” you groaned in an angrier tone before you finally let him drop to the floor. While Chuuya laughed, you got to work with getting off his dress shoes and hat, placing them on their place in the coat rack. Then you crouched down in front of him, and waited patiently until a flash of sobriety filled his otherwise completely out of it gaze. 

As you waited you couldn’t help but find it refreshing; to see the normally composed and serious executive lay sprawled on the floor on his back, as he laughed at nothingness. The stress lines less prominent on his face, the normally ever present scowl replaced by gasps for air in between nervous giggles. He looked younger like that; less bothered by executive responsibilities and more his actual age of 22. A young man with his whole future ahead; not a troubled murderer. 

You wished you could burn this image into your mind forever; see this carefree side of him on more occasions than the rare nights he’d drink beyond reason on an empty stomach. You reached a careful hand and brushed some of his hair out of his eyes. This earned you his full attention. His eyes glistened, his look full of affection as he tilted his face and pressed a kiss to the inside of your wrist. Then another on your palm.

Such an innocent action- yet butterflies exploded in your stomach. You licked your suddenly dry lips, while you gave him the best smile you master. It was shaky at best. “ It’s getting late right?” you breathed then helped him up to his feet when he finally nodded in agreement. The chuckles returned, but more controlled this time and he needed significantly less help from you to get to the master bedroom. There he shrugged your hands off himself as he began taking off his coat; throwing the thing on the very edge of the bed. 

Good. 

You moved over to the other side of the room, changing the casual  t-shirt and jeans for a dark blue night gown before you finally crawled into the bed. 

“ Come on Chuu, get out of the suit and get into bed already. Or you’ll be too tired to get up tomorrow” you cooed as you reached for the little bedside lamp. As soon as he’d crawl into bed with you, then you’d turn it off and cuddle to his chest. Reeking of alcohol or not, you were not about to pass up cuddles and late night kisses.

You waited and waited, yet nothing. No shuffle of bare feet, no shift of clothes or the dip of the bed as he took his spot beside you. You tilted your head to the side and looked back up at him, confusing etched into your face. “ Chuuya?” 

“ I’m sure you’re lovely,” Chuuya muttered, then hiccupped, his gaze focused on the floor in front of him. His lips set into a frown. Gears turned in his head and you wished so much you could understand what the issue was; what was going on in his mind and why he wouldn’t just come over and lay down beside you like any other day.  Silence dragged on for a few moments. Then he sighed and ran a hand through his hair “ You’re pretty and all but I have a lovely girlfriend at home”

“ Chuuya?” You questioned as you moved to sit up in bed.  

“ She’s my love and my happiness, my sweetheart,, hmm.. So.. thank you for taking care of me but I can’t- won’t sleep with you” he stated in a firm yet drunken tone, slurring some words. Yet they came out with surprising firmness, a grave seriousness you rarely heard directed towards you. While you sat stunned, Chuuya grabbed his coat from the side of the bed and made steps towards the door. He swayed, changed his mind and moved to the opposite side of the room, the spot furthest away from you. There he slid down the wall and dropped the coat over himself. Before you could even register what happened he was already fast asleep, soft snores the only sound in the otherwise silent room. 

Getting up, you came over to him and stopped a small distance away from him before you took a seat on the floor beside him. Once settled in a semi-comfortable position  you just watched him sleep the night away with the widest smile on your lips. In the morning you’d be sure to make him the best hangover breakfast and shower him in well deserved kisses, showing him just how much you appreciate him 

After all, once again, Chuuya showed you that you were the only woman on his mind and he was nothing if not loyal to you. 

Author note: When a close friend needs a Chuuya fic, who am I to deny that? So consider this a rare 2-for-1 special. Hope you enjoyed~

©ravencincaide 2024. Do not copy/repost/translate or spread my work(s) without my explicit permission. If you see any of my work(s) reposted/copied anywhere else without my consent, please inform me!

[cinnamoneve]

𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐢𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐱𝐢𝐚.

oneirataxia \ one-er-tax-ea \ (n.) - the inability to distinguish between fantasy and reality

❆ 𝐩𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠: gojo satoru x gn!reader ❆ 𝐬𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐩𝐬𝐢𝐬: satoru's perception of love changes as he learns what it really means through you ❆ 𝐰𝐜: 1.8k ❆ 𝐚/𝐧: another self indulgent character study ahaha....we are so back... ❆ 𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬: none :3

i want to be loved. 

all he knew about love was what’s been shown to him in media. songs about pining, books about lust, and movies about soulmates who weren’t meant to be. maybe that’s why rom-coms had secretly always been satoru’s guilty pleasure.

he wasn’t really sure what ‘love’ looked like, in any sense of the word. familial, platonic, romantic–any iteration. he grew up pretty well protected and sheltered, his parents leaving his handling to a bodyguard or dedicated nanny. where maternal and paternal love should live, there’s a soft hole in his heart filled instead with expensive toys, a home cooked meal that wasn’t made by a parent, and extravagant trips to keep his location a mystery.

satoru didn’t mind it. at least he didn’t think so–it’s all he’d ever known. being so sought-after and sheltered as a kid made it difficult to make and keep friends. primed for the world of sorcerers since his birth shook the balance, satoru never had much of a chance to be a kid at all, really. 

it manifests where you least expect it. his apartment is cold and independent; no notions of family anywhere in the sparsely decorated penthouse. all of the money in the world couldn’t buy the love that was stunted in his life. it’s hard to bridge that gap when you don’t see the gap at all. satoru sees no issue in it. he’s slowly started to fill the apartment with nods of his personality. a picture of the two of you, a ‘thank you’ card given to him by a student, a book megumi recommended to him collecting dust on his coffee table. he doesn’t really have time for reading, anyways.

before you met, satoru imagined love to be something different. love was crying in the rain, dancing with your lover like you didn’t care who was watching. it was running through an airport before they took off, catching them at the gate and convincing them to stay. it was red roses garnished with a bow. it was playing your favorite song on a speaker outside of your window, getting your attention by throwing pebbles at the glass. 

it was some of those things, sure. not in the way the two of you loved.

you taught satoru what love was in a different way. he didn’t think love could be so…normal? not grandiose. moments of love are between the big ‘movie-moments,’ he’s realized. he can’t remember exactly when he’d fallen in love with you, but there’s a few moments that stick out to him.

he’d first come to recognize what gentle love was when he came home from a long mission. he’d been gone for about 3 weeks, with very little contact. only small updates that he was alive to keep you at bay. maybe it was the lack of familial love that keeps him at an arm’s length. he stinks at communication–it’s probably his most fatal flaw. a bit of an isolationist at heart, satoru needs to constantly remind himself to keep in touch with his own partner. he’s learning to be better at it, and you’re learning to be more patient. a relationship is a compromise, after all.

he finally walked in the door, unannounced and unplanned. it was about 2 a.m. when he slithered in, taking his time to be extra quiet in the late hours. the house was silent, dark, and your shoes were by the door. must be asleep.

satoru walked to the bedroom, exhaustion and frustration clouding his headspace. what he really needed was a shower and a long rest, but he’d try for the former in the morning.

first, the smell of his cologne hit his nose. it wasn’t offensive, but it was a little overbearing–where was this coming from? he’d certainly not worn it in this room in nearly three weeks. he turned a soft light on to get undressed, and you shuffled in your sleep. and then he saw you.

satoru almost took you for a stranger. you were using his pillow, sitting on his side of the bed, wearing his sweatshirt. you looked like an angel there, sleeping so soundly that he barely wanted to move the bed and get in it. so he didn’t, just for a bit. the hole in his heart was slowly filling back up, and it hurt his chest a bit in a way that made it feel like it’d burst. nonetheless, he grabbed your pillow that you’d tossed aside and laid down next to you. 

and his nostrils burned a bit.

you’d sprayed his cologne all over the bed. the scent was a little overwhelming, but everything in him was too enamored to even think straight. he scooted the pillow a bit closer to you, snaking his arms around you to pull you closer to him. this was sweeter than anything he’s seen before; ‘this is love,’ he thought to himself. 

i want to be loved.

satoru didn’t realize that he’d always wanted this. he just didn’t know what he was missing out on. and here you are, proving it again and again. is this the love he dreamed of? that he saw in everything he watched? he wiped his eyes.

something about this interaction changed him deep down. and while you weren’t awake to see this one, satoru had a similar reaction on two other occasions.

one was his birthday. 

there’s something beautifully tragic about crying on your birthday; are you crying that time is passing? crying that you’ll never be that age again? if there’s one thing that binds humanity, crying on your birthday has to be close to the top.

you were eyeing satoru when you asked him about his birthday plans. he brushed them off, saying that celebrating his birthday was never a priority.

“you’ve never had a birthday party as a kid?” you ask.

“mm, nope,” he responded flatly, “i didn’t really celebrate my birthday when i was younger. it was like any other day to me, y’know?”

you huffed, pouted, and said okay. he’d figured that was the end of it, until the day came along.

satoru walked in from work, again, to a dark apartment. mildly annoyed, he flicked on the lights to see you standing in the decorated house, wearing a dorky little party hat.

“surprise!” you cheered, blowing into a cheap paper horn.

satoru smiled, amused, “what’s all this?”

“happy birthday, honey,” you finally walked through the streamers and balloons on the floor to greet him with a kiss. “sit at the table,”

he took his coat and shoes off, slowly walking to the dinner table as he admired the work you put in. it was decorated very childishly–a homemade banner, bright, primary colors as the main points sticking out. streamers, balloons with cartoon characters on them. there was a lone party hat on the seat at the head of the table. 

you motioned to it, giggling.

satoru smirked. “do i have to?”

“it’s your birthday. you absolutely must.”

this was definitely a child’s hat–the rubber band snapped as soon as he got it around his chin. suppressing a giggle, he fiddled with it as he got it to stay in his hair. as soon as he did, the lights dimmed.

and there you were, walking to him with a cake in your hands, candles being covered by your hand to stop any breeze. you sang as you set the cake in front of him, putting your hands on his shoulders and gently kissing his cheek when you were done.

the frosting was uneven, the candles used before. “happy birthday” was written poorly across the top–it was all of his favorite flavors made by the one who knew and loved him best.

satoru had been to birthdays before, but it seems like he’s never attended his own.

“you have to make a wish before you–hm?”

before you could finish, you look at satoru. he’s looking down at the cake, a tear running down his cheek. he looks up at you, hand finding the side of your face to pull you into a kiss. he didn’t say anything about it, just kissed you and blew out his candles.

you let it go, smiling to yourself as you cut him a piece of the homemade cake. satoru kept the party hat, secretly. at least, he thinks it’s a secret. you ignore it whenever it rolls off the top shelf of the closet, carefully putting it back with anything else he’s looking to hide. 

satoru doesn’t know what’s tying him back to that party hat. it’s made of a flimsy cardboard, with the rubber band chin strap broken from the moment he tried to put it on. he still can’t bring himself to throw it out, though. so at the back of the closet it will stay.

the first moment, you weren’t awake for, the second, maybe you could excuse. the third and most incriminating was, again, at the beginning of the relationship. it was the first night you stayed at his apartment; before you moved in, before you called your relationship anything concrete or official. the two of you fumbled it along, figuring it out along the way. satoru took the move of inviting you to stay and spend the night.

so you did. it didn’t take long for you two to make out on his couch, satoru eventually carrying you to the bedroom as you both fell out of your clothes. infatuation, maybe; something was keeping you both clawing at the other so desperately. it was your first time together.

you weren’t really sure how many partners satoru had before you, and frankly, you didn���t care. he treated you well, he respected your boundaries, and he checked in before he made any move further. honestly, he was a gentleman.

it took you by surprise when halfway through, he hovered over you and stopped his moans. you weren’t sure how long you two had been going, but satoru had both hands at the side of your face as you felt something hit your cheek. sweat, maybe?

no, tears. he was crying.

you reached your hand up, thumbing away the single tear from his pretty cheek.

“why are you crying?” 

“i-” he mumbled, “i don’t know,”

it’s okay, you thought. overwhelming hormones? sudden rush of dopamine? was he embarrassed? who knows. maybe you’ll ask another time.

you reached your hands around his neck to pull him down to your face, reaching up slightly to give him a soft kiss. a delicate one. he deserved to feel delicate, to feel loved.

and he did. that’s why he was crying. that’s why he cried during your first time together, cried on his birthday, and cried on a random thursday morning when he saw you in bed.

it’s unconscious. by the time he realizes what’s happening, there’s already a tear rolling down his cheek. but that’s all it takes for him to feel gratitude, warmth, and the realization that the love he’s always craved is closer than he could’ve imagined. 

all content © cinnamoneve 2024. do not repost, modify, steal, or copy without permission.

[augustinewrites]

“you look lovely.”

the moment alhaitham says it, he knows it’s a mistake.

“thank you,” you reply a little tersely, gaze flicking to the group of nosy onlookers at his side before you excuse yourself and join nilou at a table across the tavern.

“what was that?” kaveh immediately questions, because the man is incapable of leaving anything unsaid. especially not after three glasses of wine. 

“it was a compliment,” he enunciates, as if he were talking to a particularly stupid animal. “i was simply being friendly.”

“you’re not friendly,” cyno scoffs, accusation filling the booth. “you hardly bother with being polite.” 

cyno isn’t wrong, because it’s no secret that alhaitham finds most people exhausting. he doesn’t willingly participate in idle chit-chat or schmooze for academic or political gain, like most of his colleagues. 

“it’s quite presumptuous of you to imply that i go out of my way to be unkind.” 

he just won’t go out of his way to make others feel good about themselves either. not when it was unprompted. people who talked just to fill space were annoying, and doing so just to be social was not one of life’s necessities. 

yet…he’s slipped up, and his friends are realizing that you’re the exception. 

“it’s not presumptuous at all,” kaveh argues rather dramatically. “you never even compliment me!”

“maybe i’m saving your compliment for when you move out of my house.” 

tighnari, ever the mediator, cuts in before kaveh can throw his glass of wine at his roommate. “okay, that’s enough. we all know where this is going.” 

kaveh turns his head with a huff that carries too much attitude for someone who hasn’t paid his half of the rent yet. alhaitham, being the bigger person, chooses not to say that, though. “i don’t understand why you’re all making such a big fuss about this.” 

“well, you weren’t just being unusually nice. you were also flirting,” tighnari said flatly. 

now, this is where things got complicated. he could easily annoy or gaslight - for lack of a better term - kaveh into dropping it. he could also bore cyno into leaving with a deeply boring dissertation on his disinclination for social interaction. 

but tighnari was a lot more perceptive and patient than people gave him credit for. “you did it last week too, when you called her elemental healing techniques extraordinary.” 

alhaitham had done that, and he’d forgotten that tighnari had also been at the bimarstan to discuss antitoxins with you. 

deflection seems to be the only correct way to settle this manner. “to assume that a man’s admiration of a woman’s skill can only stem from underlying romantic feelings is incredibly ignorant.”

“of course,” the forest watcher agrees. “but it’s clear to anyone with eyes that you do have underlying romantic feelings for—”

“are we going to sit around and speculate all night? or are we going to play cards?” the scribe interrupts. 

cyno and kaveh exchange a glance, and the look on tighnari’s face can only be described as smug. it’s not everyday that a haravatat scholar is bested in a verbal debate. 

_____

and if he ends up at your place later that night…well, that’s completely arbitrary. 

“you’re so obvious,” you huff, your hands yanking the hem of his shirt from his pants. “your friends were right there!”

his lips curve against your skin as he kisses up your neck. “so?”

“we’re supposed to keep this a se—”

he’s much too fast for you, moving up to press his mouth to yours, lips parting to deepen the kiss. 

yeah, yeah, he knows that you’re right and that fraternizing is frowned upon in the akademiya, but what can he say?

he just loves you a lot.

[gryffinwrites]

My Y/N (Female Farmer) x Harvey Fanfic Just Hit 20 Chapters, Here Are My Harvey/SDV Headcanons:

IB: @pierperian-leisure's post on dating harvey headcanons (some of them are so similar to what I pictured when I started this FF, I just love that we all have the same Harvey in our head and hearts 🥰)

For reference: The fanfic is called You Hate Harvey, a silly hate to love story full of banter and tension.

∙ Harvey's anxiety displays in different ways. Sometimes he is the stuttering/blushing version you see in SDV, sometimes he is grumpy and speaking condescendingly when you've put yourself in danger. When Harvey panics, it is freeze first, flight second, and lastly, occasionally, mostly with you, fight.

∙ Though he can maintain a solid bedside manner with all his other patients, Harvey doesn't hide his emotions very well from you. If he's irritated, he's pinching the bridge of his nose. If he's nervous, he's wiping his glasses on his shirt. If he's frustrated (sexually, more often than not) he his shoving a fist into the messy volume of his hair.

∙ Elliott is the best friend Harvey has ever had. They're very different on paper, but as a writer Elliott brings an empathetic energy that equips him to understand Harvey better than anyone ever has before. For that reason, Harvey can accept the bolder parts of Elliott's personality that draw more public attention than he's typically comfortable with.

∙ In the bedroom and the clinic alike, Harvey just wants to take care of you. He's very much a giver, and his favorite thing is to put his medical degree to good use and employ his anatomical knowledge for your pleasure. Before you even first got together, he secretly fantasized all the ways he could kiss and make it better.

∙ Harvey was terrified of you when he first met you, fearing how much he wanted to be with you. But his second, and most secret, fear was that he would never get what he wanted most and would someday have to watch you settle down with another eligible bachelor. Sometimes he convinces himself you would be better off in that instance. Even after you're together, seeing how much the other bachelors equally admire you will occasionally fuel the self-deprecating thoughts in his head.

∙ Harvey had his heart broken in college when, as she left him, his girlfriend insulted his mustache. Since then, he always wondered if he would ever find someone who accepts him for all he is.

∙ Harvey's parents died from a car accident when he was young. It's why he cares so deeply about your safety and has nightmares about losing you, another person he loves.

∙ Though it was initially traumatic, the hospital visit incited his interest in medicine.

∙After they passed, Harvey was raised by his grandparents. For that reason, Harvey has a soft spot for George (even when he's yelling at him in an appointment.)

∙ Harvey's grandfather was a pilot back in the day, and the reason why Harvey still loves planes so much and once contemplated following in his footsteps.

∙ When Harvey drinks too much at the saloon, he lets loose and all his inhibitions slide away and he's all about sneaky PDA. He'll undo his tie, unbutton his shirt a little, and try and get away with sliding a hand up your thigh. Or, he'll motion for you to follow him into the barrel room.

∙ Though Harvey tried to keep your budding romance a secret, Maru immediately suspected something had changed when he would throw his office door open the moment he heard a voice in the lobby to ask if it was you. He would also hum as he worked. A lot.

∙ Harvey and your grandfather were close, as he reminded him in a way of his own grandpa. He would often go over to the farm and play cards to keep him company. During these visits, your grandfather would talk about you often, showing him photos of you in university and at your big corporate job in Zuzu City. Even then, knowing so little about you and never imagining he'd ever meet you, Harvey started to develop a bit of a crush.

∙ Harvey secretly has a very impressive singing voice. It was strengthened over years of listening to jazz albums in medical school, subtly singing along and emulating the crooner's voices as he studied. The only person who has heard him sing is Elliott, and it was after so much wine the writer barely remembers it.

∙ When Harvey is feeling full-hearted, he gives off giddy golden retriever-energy. His smile becomes boyish, he freely jokes around and messes with you, and he is very physically affectionate.

∙ It may be Elliott's influence, but Harvey can be very articulate on his devotion to you... it's just a shame that for so long, those expressions of ardent admiration were simmering under the surface, cloaked completely by his nervously-blurted blunders.

Some of these have been covered in the story already, some of them are yet to be uncovered.

What do you think?

[ladylooch]

Love & Fairness -[Nico Hischier]

A/N: OPE! I LIED!!!! We do have a full fic for Sunday! The Nico and Lexi angst I've been hinting at for months from that original lil blurb. Hope you all enjoy a little roller coaster for our perfect parents.

Word Count: 4.3k

Timeline wise: Nico and Lexi are married. Lucie is between 1-2. Mack and Sophie are not born.

The night is coated with cozy nostalgia in a dimly lit Hoboken restaurant. Lexi sits with her former nursing coworkers, discussing the most ridiculous patient and staff stories from the hospital since the last time they all connected. Lexi is embarrassed to admit that she hasn’t been able to attend one of these meet ups since Lucie was 3 months old. Her daughter is over a year old now. But life has been hectic with her and Nico’s new addition, plus the long stretches of hockey the Devils have been playing. 

It’s all worth the sacrifice to watch Nico hoist the cup above his head. Soon, Lexi thinks. Soon he will reach his dream and then maybe the pressure can ease a bit. 

With two fingers, she twirls the stem of her now empty martini glass as Gretchen whines about the limited available to take time off with how short staffed the hospital is. 

“We need more people. They can’t even find nurses through the program Lexi came here on.”

“Really?” Lexi’s eye raise in surprise. “It was so competitive when I started there.”

“The pandemic has thinned the desire. Plus working conditions are awful.” Lexi nods. The circumstances weren’t great when she left either.

“Honestly, even if we could find part time people it would help alleviate the pressure.” Ashley mutters, throwing her curly red hair back over her shoulder. The table pauses. Then collectively, they all glance Lexi’s way, including Shawna, who had been relatively quiet.

“What? Me?”

“You were just talking about how boring and mundane your life has been. Maybe… coming back part time would help fulfill your sense of purpose.” Ashley shrugs. 

“Lex, things haven’t been the same since you left. We could really use your sunshine right now.” Gretchen adds on. 

“I am raising my daughter. That is my priority.” Lexi hears herself say the same thing her and Nico have talked about since Lexi became pregnant. But inside her body, a bubble of hope and excitement fills her chest. It starts as a tiny, translucent circle and begins to grow the more the two women encourage her to reconsider. 

“Raising Lucie is incredibly important.” Shawn agrees. “This wouldn’t detract from that, especially on a part time basis. Think of your immediate impact! You haven’t been out of the industry that long. All your certifications are still relevant. You could easily slide in a few days a week, for 3-4 hours at a time. They’re even allowing part-timers to build their own schedule from week to week. It would be the perfect fit for you!”

“And they have daycare in the hospital now! You could bring Lucie there. Socialization is so important for babies. You could have it all right there rather than scheduling a million mommy and me play dates.”

Lexi stares at her three friends in front of her, a slight smile on her face. The gears turn in her head, consider, contemplating, feeling excited at the prospect of returning to a profession she spent so many hours of her life working in. But the though of Brady looms over her head. Losing him took Lexi a long time to get through. She still wakes up at night sometimes, hearing the flat line of his monitor.

“I don’t think I could go back to pediatric. Not with Lucie.” Lexi shakes her head, sighing.

“You wouldn’t have to. They are fully staffed.” Gretchen assures. She begins to dig around in her purse. “Look, just call Aly. She would be excited to hear from you. The rest could easily get worked out.” Lexi takes Ally Schneider’s card, her former boss. Ally had been the one who held Lexi after she lost Brady. She was the one who sent Lexi home and she was the one who accepted her resignation a week later, with full grace and understanding. She would be compassionate and supportive of Lexi being a mother. Maybe this could work. 

In a quiet room, in the back of her mind, a part of her pauses at the thought of bringing this up to Nico. He is so proud of Lexi being a stay at home mom and wife. He shouts it to anyone who will listen about Lexi’s important role in their household. She does worthwhile work for them. He puts he on a pedestal because of it.

Lexi decides that she will talk to Ally first, before she approaches it with Nico. After all, her friends have a clear agenda here. Maybe it wouldn’t be as simple and flexible as they are portraying. 

So Lexi decides, before she talks to Nico, she will talk to Ally. 

- - -

Later that week, Lexi steps out of her evening shower, onto the white, memory foam mat. Nico waits outside the glass enclosure, holding up a fluffy towel for her to step into. He wraps it around her back, then lazily stuffs one corner over the other into her breasts. Lexi grips the towel closed, knowing it won’t stay up like that. That may have been her husband’s agenda.

“Thank you.” She sighs, getting on her tip toes to kiss him. He crushes her into his chest, using his tongue to trace along her lip, then dash into her mouth. Lexi melts into his sexy warmth. Nico grips the towel at her hips, pulling her flush with him. 

“You’re welcome. Luc is sleeping.”

“Finally.” Lexi sighs. 

They had a hard night with Lucie. She was fighting sleep from the moment dinner ended, rubbing her eyes, and saying no to bed time, even to daddy. They both took turns rocking her, putting her in her crib, but nothing was giving. Finally, Nico took her to the couch with a warmed up blanket from the dryer. Lexi disappeared upstairs at Nico’s request. Between now and then, their little girl finally succumbed. Nights like this are becoming more prevalent for Lucie. Lexi is not surprised as their little girl is more toddler than baby these days. Both her and Nico need to buckle up for the upcoming roller coaster of their daughter growing up. She smiles at the thought. There is no one else Lexi would rather do this with. 

How will you going back to work effect her? An inner voice whispers like a siren.

Lexi raises her green eyes to the mirror, staring at her expression. She looks worried. And she is. Because she has a job offer expiring tomorrow that she still hasn’t talked to her husband about. She never expected to walk out of her meeting with Ally three days ago with an offer of employment. She had told Ally she needed time to talk to Nico, but then the Devils lost two back to back games and Nico’s mood has been less than desirable for the conversation. 

Beside her, Nico grabs his tooth brush then dots toothpaste on the bristles. Lexi assesses his mood, seeing him relaxed although a bit tired.

“Can we talk about something?” She begins while dabbing a finger into her moisturizer. She presses three generous dots in a triangle, then begins to smooth them into her face.

“Mhm.” He says around the tooth brush oscillating against his back molars.

“I think…” Lexi starts, then swallows loudly as she stop herself. Nico continues to brush his teeth, looking at her in the mirror. She pretends to smooth out more of her moisturizer on her neck. Her heart flutters heavily against her throat. When she doesn’t continue, Nico turns fully to look at her.

“What?” He mumbles around the white foam in his mouth. Her tongue caresses the side of her mouth anxiously.

Why is this so hard to spit out?

Nico spits out his toothpaste, then wipes his mouth.

“I think I want to go back to work.” She finally sputters out. Nothing about her voice sounds confident. Nico whips his head in surprise at her. He opens his mouth and then closes it, pursing his lips. Lexi immediately sense his annoyance.

“Okay? But, we have talked about how important it is for you to stay home with Luc? You’ve always agreed to that.”

“Yeah….” She trails off, sticking her tongue into the pocket of her cheek so it juts out. “But I’ve been thinking about what I want lately, as me, and I really miss working with patients and having a place to go outside of here.” Nico’s eyes widen, and he looks away, sighing. 

“Okay.” He shakes his head. “I thought you were done with nursing after Brady.” Lexi doesn’t flinch at his name, but her heartbeat patters more heavily in her body.

“I thought so too, but it’s been calling to me the last few months. And I have an opportunity to go back.”

“I don’t see how that is going to work for our family.” Nico shrugs simply, already seeming done with the conversation.

“Well, can we talk about it? Because I talked with Ally-” 

“What does you talking with Ally have to do with our family? Because you and I have already discussed this, before we had Lucie. You said you would stay home because I’m gone so much. How…” Nico scoffs, looking above her head, trying to find his words. “So what, someone else is going to come here every day and watch her? Or we drop her off at some day care center where random people are raising her?”

“They have a daycare at the hospital. She could go-”

“No. Our daughter deserves better than that.” Nico shakes his head vigorously.

“So you just unilaterally decide this for me then?”

“So you unilaterally get to decide to go back to work?” He shoots back at her. Lexi stand up completely straight, rolling her shoulders back.

“You don’t own me.” She hisses out unexpectedly. Immediately, she wants to take the words back at the fire igniting in Nico’s eyes. His cheeks begin to turn red in frustration while he forces a hand through his long, brown locks.

“When did I say that?” Nico snaps. His tone and voice are reaching places Lexi has never heard from him. Her eyes narrow at him, then she turns to leave the bathroom. Nico is hot on her heels. “You’re putting me in a position to be the asshole, Lex. You and I agreed you would stay home with our kids.”

“Well I need something more!” She huffs at him. “Emma gets to go be-”

“That’s Emma and Timo. Not us.” She startles, feeling like a scolded child by their parent. Tears begin to fill her eyes at the shame of his disappointed scowl.

“I’m allowed to change my mind.” She whispers to him, hating the way her lip trembles.

“Yeah you are, but not when it ruins our kid’s life.”

“Nico, that is so unfair.” Her tone wobbles at her words. Nico’s jaw tightens at the two drops that escape her lids. He looks away, large eyebrows jumping as he tries to brush the effect of her emotions away.

“I don’t care, Lexi.” Nico shakes his head again. “The answer is no.” 

Lexi shakes her head in disgust before heading into their master closet to change. She cries as she pulls on her pajamas. When she returns with tears on her face, Nico doesn’t even care.

Instead, he climbs into bed and turns his back to her like a cold, distant monster.

- - -

Nico and Lexi don’t talk the whole next day. Not even about Lucie. They move around the house, avoiding each other. She goes to the store to grab groceries; he stays home with Lucie. They sit silently, watching TV during dinner. Lucie doesn’t seem to notice, snacking on her food and playing with her toys like everything is normal. 

This continues into the following morning when Nico has to head out on a five game road trip. He dotes all over their daughter as Lexi’s resentment for him breeds into an ugly, angry tyrant in her mind. She doesn’t even let him kiss her cheek when he is about to leave. She slides away from him, turning her back on him like he did to her two nights ago. His heavy sigh makes tears sting her eyes, like she is the one in the wrong here.

“Lex.”

“Nothing about this will be resolved before you leave in the next two minutes. Travel safe.” She responds without turning towards him.

He stands there for a few more moments, rubbing his hand along Lucie’s head as she munches on her oatmeal. Internally, Lexi wonders if he will try to find some middle ground regardless of her words. But then Nico leaves without apologizing, or saying I love you, or providing any comfort like he usually does. She feels herself hating him a little bit more.

She doesn’t watch the Devils games that week.

She is so angry with Nico. They do nightly FaceTime calls with Lucie, but Lexi don’t speak to her husband. Nico gets more and more frustrated with her. It begins to bleed out onto the ice against the St. Louis Blues. Nico gets two penalties in the game, including five minutes for fighting. Of course, Lexi doesn’t know this because she is watching. She knows because Emma Meier shows up at their door with a bottle of rose the next day.

“What is going on?” She asks when Lexi opens the door. Lio is on her hip, munching on an apple sauce pouch as she strolls in. Emma is in dark wash, tight designer jeans and a tan, long sleeved crop top. Her hair is straightened and perfect, not even a hint of frizz from the rainy humidity earlier in the morning. She puts the bottle of rose on the counter, then goes to put Lio next to Lucie. She’s pulling her skin tight jeans back up her waist as she looks expectantly at Lexi. “Nico wouldn’t share anything with me. Timo couldn’t get it out of him either.”

“Of course not.” Lexi snorts, then rolls her tense neck muscles out. Emma nods her head at Lexi to continue. She sighs, crossing her arms over her chest. “I want to go back to work and the dictator of this house said no.” Emma widens her eyes. 

“Nico said no?” The words seemingly taste awful to her as she says them. 

“Yep. He told me if I go back to work I’m ruining our daughter’s life.”

“No.” Emma’s mouth opens in shock.

“Yes!” Lexi exclaims, reaching for the bottle of wine. She twists the top open, then takes two really big glugs. The acidity burns at her esophagus as she puts the bottle back down. Emma picks it up, taking a more delicate sip. She slowly blinks and shakes her head.

“Wow, I’m surprised.”

“Me too.” Lexi responds, sighing heavily. Tears prick at her eyes as she recounts the conversation from last week. She purses her lips, looking back at Emma.

“I don’t understand why he gets to make this decision for me?”

“He doesn’t.” Emma says simply. “This is your life. You have the right to do the things you want to do with it. Your partner needs to be supportive of that.”

“Nico doesn’t seem to see it that way.” Lexi looks out into the living room, watching as Lucie coos at Lio, holding up a large, red lego block. Lio takes it from her, then puts it next to a blue one.

“Oh we can’t do that one. Rangers colors.” Lio shakes his head. “Grab a green one, LuLu.” 

“I’ll talk to him.” Emma insists after pouring two glasses of rose. “He is being unreasonable.”

“Actually, I’d prefer if you didn’t.” Lexi sighs, tracing a circle onto the marble counter top, then looks up at her. “I think it would just make it worse.” Emma scans her sister-in-law, then nods in understanding.

This is one they’ll have to work through on their own.

- - -

The night Nico is due home, Lexi stares at the ceiling, replaying everything that has happened in the last two weeks. Life went from the mundane, same day over and over again, to this angsty, aching storyline of push and pull between a husband and wife. She went from having no job prospects, to receiving an offer, to turning it down. She hasn’t even told Nico. She doesn’t want to. Doesn’t feel like he deserves to know with the way he has been acting.

Her phone lights up the room as the garage camera catches Nico returning home from his late night flight from Colorado. Tears curve into the water line of Lexi’s eyes. Normally, after a road trip this long, she would gallop down the stairs excitedly to throw herself into his arms. He could catch her. They would make out like teenagers against the refrigerator, then he would carry her upstairs to make love. 

Not tonight.

Her brain traces his path through the house from memory, knowing when he stops at Lucie’s room. Five minutes later, she hears him rustling with his bag outside and closes her eyes, pretending to be asleep so she can avoid an interaction with him. Her lip trembles as she shakily swallows to wet her dry throat.

Nico comes into the bedroom almost completely silent. He drops his things in the closet and presumably changes. Lexi’s chest aches when he comes to the bed and grabs his pillow afterwards. His footsteps are so silent, when his voice speaks from next to her, her heart jumped into her throat. 

“Lex?” She startles at his touch. Nico grimaces. “I’m sorry… When I went in to kiss Luc, she was hot. She has a fever.” Lexi moves to get up. Lucie was fine when she checked her a few hours ago. “No, please. I’d like to take care of her myself.” 

“You can bring her in here.”

“No, you deserve to sleep.” He reaches out tentatively for her cheek, cupping it briefly. “Goodnight. I love you.” It’s the first time he’s said it to her directly in a week. He moves to pull away and she grips his wrist.

“I love you too.” She earnestly looks into his deep, brown eyes. “But I am also so mad at you.”

"I know. You have every right to be.” He maintains direct eye contact when he says it. Lexi’s eyebrows furrow. “We will talk tomorrow.” He leans down tentatively and Lexi goes the other 50% until their lips meet. The kiss is sad and achey. Their lips crave the taste of the other, but can’t go all in like they want to. Lexi pulls away first, stroking her nose along Nico’s. She can feel his lashes against her forehead. Then he pulls away to go lay on the floor of their daughter’s room.

The next morning, Lexi is up first. She pokes her head into the guest room, seeing Nico and Lucie have moved there together. Lucie’s bare feet are pressed into Nico’s chest, cheeks pink, hair wild like it had been sweaty and dried sometime during the night. Lexi creeps in, pressing a hand to her toddler’s forehead. No fever. With that comfort, she tiptoes from the room again. 

Downstairs, she makes herself a berry smoothie and settles into the couch with a book. She stays there for a bit, then begins to feel antsy waiting for her loves to wake up. She heads back upstairs, unpacking Nico’s bag completely and getting started on his laundry. She bring his three suits to the downstairs closet for dry cleaning to pick up tomorrow.

It’s almost lunch time when a sleepy Nico and Lucie come downstairs together. Lucie smiles at her mama around a pacifier in her mouth. Lexi arches a slender eyebrow at Nico. Lucie hasn’t had pacifiers for 6 months.

“I lost the battle.” He groggily mumbles. His long hair is flopping every which way. He hands their daughter over to Lexi, then kisses her head. “ ‘m gonna take a shower.”

Nico disappears back upstairs while Lexi gives Lucie some of her leftover smoothie. She sucks it up happily, babbling for some banana when she is done. Lexi is cutting that up when Nico returns downstairs. His hair is slicked back from his shower. He is dressed in new lounge sweats while texting on his phone.

“Do you want a smoothie?” Lexi asks him.

“No, I’m going to make myself some eggs. Do you want any?”

“No, I already ate.”

“Okay.” He wraps an arm around her waist from behind. Lexi resists the urge to tense, trying to purposefully relax her upper body. Nico rests his chin on one of her shoulders, then turns his nose into her neck.

“I was completely out of line last week.” He murmurs while staying there. Lexi scoops up the banana pieces and puts them in a small bowl for Lucie, then slides it across the counter to where she is in her highchair. Lexi puts the knife down and turns so her and Nico are facing each other. He keeps her enclosed in his arms with a palm resting on the counter, on either side her.

“Do you only love me because I’m the mother of your child?” Lexi ponders.

“No, Lex. I love you. The person. So much.” He finishes with a whisper. His eyes trace her face earnestly. Lexi nods. 

“I turned them down.” She admits.

“I’m sorry.”

“And I’m sorry if I have a hard time believing that.” Lexi says pointedly. 

“Fair.” Nico nods then swallows hard. “But I am.” 

“Can I get an explanation?” Lexi asks. She reaches her hands out to rest on his hips, gripping the waistband of his joggers as an anchor.

“I’m having a hard time with how much I’m missing of Lucie growing up. And I put that fear into you last week. Like… I’ve been able to fall back on the idea that you’re here. And if you go back to work, what will I have to ease my failures as a father?” He touches his chest delicately. Lexi lowers her gaze to his beaded bracelets. She moves one of her hands up to hold his wrist. “If this is what you need to do… to be happy… to feel what I get to feel when I step onto the ice every day, then I am in full support of you.”

She stares at his chest, letting his words sink in. As he always is, Nico is patient. When her eyes meet his again, they stare at each other wordlessly for a moment. She is wary. He can sense it.

“I know I hurt you and I’m so sorry.” He whispers. She nods her head in recognition of his apology.

“Nico, you are an amazing dad. It makes me really sad you feel like you’re failing our daughter. That couldn’t be farther from the truth.” She shakes her head, blowing out a sigh. “And I wish you would have shared that with me before it turned into this.”

“I’m embarrassed.” He shrugs. “I’ve been good at everything my whole life. Working so hard to overcome any obstacles.. but there are things I can’t give to Lucie and it kills me, babe.” The way he says babe wrecks her. Lexi moves his hand to the side so she can slide against his chest. Her fingers clutch at his muscular back and dig into his scalp as she cradles their heads together.

“She is so lucky to have you, Neeks.” Lexi turns to kiss his stubbled cheek. He buries his nose deeper into her collar bone as she stroke along his spine. “I am too.” His large arms wrap around her waist, enclosing it completely.

“Tell me again?”

“Hmm?”

“Tell me you are thinking about going back to work.”

“I’m… thinking about going back to work?”

“Okay. Whatever you want to do is what works for our family. We will figure it out.” Nico murmurs. “That’s what I should have said to you. I’m sorry I didn’t.” Lexi smiles against his cheek. Nico turns, capturing her lips. 

“I accept your apology.” She murmurs. “But I really did already turn Ally down.”

“I’ll call Ally. Tell her your husband was a fucking idiot last week, but he’s done with that.” Lexi chuckles, top teeth dragging over her bottom lip. 

“I would like to try it. See if we can find a balance?” 

“Yes, 100% yes, baby.” 

Across the counter, Lucie squeals excitedly then throws her banana bowl onto the floor. 

“Oh! LuLu is in too!” Nico cheers. “Yay mommy!!!” He claps around her back. Lexi chuckles, a whole body rumbling one as her and Nico separate. Nico grabs Lexi’s phone, sliding it across the counter. “Call Ally.” 

Ally extends another offer to Lexi immediately on the phone. 

Within an hour, Lexi has signed an offer letter and has orientation scheduled for the following Monday. Nico brings her to her first day of work, packs her lunch, and spends the whole time Lexi is working with Lucie in the day care, spending time with the kids, signing autographs for staff members and patients alike. By the end of the Lexi’s four hour shift, he is exhausted.

“No wonder you need a break.” He mumbles, exhaustedly running a hand over his hand. “And she isn’t even tired.” He points out about a babbling Lucie in her carseat. 

“Welcome to my life.” Lexi smirks, then clicks her seatbelt in place. Nico wraps her hand in his, bringing it up to kiss along her knuckles. “So what’s for dinner stay at home dad?” Nico balks at her.

“McDonalds.” He chuckles, turning out of the parking lot.

With ease, the Hischiers settled into this adjusted life, until two pink lines show up a few months later on a test in their master bathroom.

Read more Nico and Lexi here.

[shini--chan]

Hello! ✨

How would germany, prussia, france, russia and austria (all of them are 1p) deal with a lover who have genophobia? (genophobia is a serious fear of sexual intimacy)

Hello charming stranger

Yandere Hetalia - Genophobia

Trigger warnings: substance abuse, forced therapy, dub-con, non-con, murder, lobotomisation, deliberate triggering of phobias 

Austria

Roderich would be incredulous about it. First, he would doubt your condition, see it just as you dishing up fibs to avoid a normal relationship. There would be snide remarks and very mean teasing. He would calm down over time, at least a bit, and decide to test the waters to see if you're telling the truth. And to determine the severity of your condition, should you turn out to be honest.

There would be hands on your waist, wandering higher or lower than appropriate. A lot of lewd jokes would fall, and when kissing you, he would pull you closer than usual or even light bite your lip. Maybe he'll make you read some raunchy novels, or go as far as to touch you in a sexual manner while you're asleep. 

Once he'd set up the diagnosis, he'll delve straight into giving you treatment. Since he is the man that outright enjoys playing psychiatrist, you'd be subjected to the full program. A pleasant side-effect in his eyes would be that he'd get to know you so well. Furthermore, you'd be indebted to him for curing you. 

That being said, your willingness to engage in therapy, with him no less, wouldn't play a significant role in his mind. The doctor knows what's best, better than the patient does, after all. Although, should conventional methods not work, then he'll gradually become more frustrated. The more frustrated he is, the more unconventional and unorthodox his methods would become. Brainwashing isn't off the table. 

France

Francis would be aghast and irate. What happened to you that you're so scared of baring yourself to another person? Should there be a culprit, then he would tear open their throat and serve their heart to you on a silver platter, quite literally in this case. France would aim on demonstrating his dedication to you through this, that he would avenge you and hunt those that harm you to the ends of the earth. Radical and off putting? He wouldn't see it that way. 

Retributions and crimes of passion aside, he would be frustrated with your genophobia. When it comes to closer interactions, he would live in constant fear of triggering your phobia. That is something that would kill the romance for him, so he would seek ways to alleviate your fears. One of those would include romancing you so thoroughly and hard (love-bombing) that you would forget the past. At least, that would be his idea. Another would be alcohol, another carbon monoxide, and yet another making you watch pornography. 

While he does claim to be a master of romance, he is a bit too bloodthirsty and controlling to really be becoming of that title. He would yearn for the picture perfect romance with you, and your genophobia would throw a spanner in the works. So it would have to be eradicated, even if it would involve vile means. Depending on the time period, it might end up with you being lobotomized. 

Germany

Ludwig would really be a wild card in regards to this. He could be awkward, recognising you as a victim of a heinous crime and handling you as if you're made of glass. At first that is - the sentiment would wear off as time passes. 

In that state, he would be at a loss with what he should do with you. There would be fearful attempts of broaching the subject more in depth, of communicating like healthy couples should. But this isn't a healthy relationship and Ludwig is far too emotionally constipated for something like that. Perhaps the two of you would wind up going in circles around each other. Germany's attempts to help you would be downright insensitive at times, like handing you a dildo and telling you to mastrubate until you are ready for real sex. 

Or, he would go in the opposite way of trying to help you in his considerate, awkward fashion. Then, he would view you as inferior to himself, a lowly creature that has to be hammered into shape. He'd roll his eyes, snap at you to pull yourself together, even make fun of you. In war, it would even be worse than that - coercion and threats and use of force. 

Either way, in most of the cases he would end up being so frustrated and wooden and out of sorts. He would sing your praises to the heavens and condemn you to hell. To relieve some of his frustration, he'd sometimes lock himself in his office with a photo or a personal effect of yours and take care of himself. 

Prussia

Gilbert, being his frugal and monastic self, even to the modern day, wouldn't realise that you have genophobia until far into the relationship. At first, he would be relieved since that wouldn't mean he would have to put out anytime soon. However, as the relationship would progress, he would find himself becoming frisky and mulling over sleeping with you. 

Here it should be remarked that Gilbert is no psychologist and he has little tact or finesse when it comes to human interactions. This would be evident in your relationship as well. Thus, he wouldn't know how to approach the issue at first. His first approaches would be downright hilarious - if it weren't such a serious topic and if he wouldn't be yandere. 

Finally though, he would take a military approach to the matter and gradually acclimate you to being intimate with regular "exercises", where you would both gradually expand your comfort zone. If it would make you comfortable, then he'd give up all control and let you ride him like a warhorse. 

Beware though - if he'd get the feeling that you're being difficult on purpose, to be spiteful or petty or due to whatever reason, then he'll let you feel it. Prussia wouldn't coerce you into sex, however your life would become harsher and harder if you make him endure a Josephite marriage. 

Russia

Oh, when it comes to the grand picture, he would be elated at your fear of intimacy. It would mean that you aren't able to cheat on him, after all. During the beginning of your relationship he would even encourage it, and even try to use it as a springboard to make you isolate yourself even further and rely only on him. Perhaps he'd even orchestrate some incidents to induce social anxiety in you. 

That aside, you having genophobia probably means somebody hurt you in some fashion. It would be a matter that he simply couldn't leave be, and Ivan would take it upon himself to avenge you. Of course, while he would ensure that the news of that bastard's brutal demise reaches your ears, he wouldn't confess to the gruesome deep until much later. You'd have to be firmly bound to him for him to truly be open with you. 

Speaking of that, once your social life consists only of him and the company he approves of, he'd be determined to solve your problems. His approach would be that your phobia is still such a fixture in your life because you haven't found closure yet. New surroundings and a new lifestyle could help with that, or him finally coming clean in lynching the persons who harmed you. 

Though, should his initial hypothesis' bear no fruit, then he'd try more radical methods. In essence he would define the problem as your inability to relax during intimacy and that you would need help in doing so. Alcohol and opioids would be his solution here, maybe hypnosis as well. 

[dbnightingale24]

Wounded Dog, New Tricks

A Follow Up ‘Pavlov’s Dog’

~~

Part 2

~~

I’m sorry this took so long! My life is crazy right now. I'm getting married in two weeks, and there’s still so much more to be done! Thank you so much for waiting patiently for part 2 of ’Pavlov's Dog’ !! As always, thank you to @fuckingbye for the amazing moodboard! (As well as helping to plan both of my weddings, cause I'd be lost without you!) (Also, for being my bridesmaid) (Basically, you’re superwoman and I adore you)

Lets get to it!

Word Count: 36,221 words (it’s me, what do you expect?)

Warnings: SMUT (MINORS DNI! 18+ ONLY), Public Sex, Daddy Kink, Degrading Kink, Angst, Heartbreak, Drinking, Arguing, FLUFF, Swearing, Depression, Anxiety Attack, Violence (only a little),  I’m pretty sure that’s everything...

Song(s) That Inspired This Chapter: Just For A Second It All Felt Simple

I do not give consent/permission for my works/stories to be posted elsewhere. I do not condone this type of behavior, this is for entertainment purposes only.

~~

“I don’t get why you’re so mad at me for getting some fucking blankets and cushions,” Ransom scowls as you two enter your new house.

Daisy’s gonna kill you for letting him be the first one to spend any real time with you in your house.

“I don’t-”

“I’m already about to have the most honest and uncomfortable talk I’ve ever had with anyone, I at least wanna be comfortable.”

“And the blankets? It’s practically Summer.”

“Think of it as a housewarming present.”

“Who says I want one from you?”

“Y/N,” he growls and you roll your eyes.

“You don’t get to be fucking annoyed with me for a while,” you snap as you take your wine bottles out of the shopping bag, along with wine glasses and a bottle opener.

You made him stop at the liquor store before heading over to sign the papers. You knew it wasn’t in your best interest to have this particular conversation with him while drinking, but it’s not something you can handle 100% sober. Ransom got his own bottle of bourbon, then he stopped at Bed, Bath, and Beyond to get drinking glasses and minimal furniture (blankets, towels, sofa and pillow cushions, and a comforter). You protested, but he told you to be quiet while he took out his card and paid for everything.

You didn’t speak to him for the entire ride to your new house.

“We’re not gonna get anywhere if you’re gonna be a bitch this entire time,” he mutters as he pours himself a glass a tall glass of bourbon.

“Then you can fucking leave right now.”

“Jesus, I know you hate me and have every right to, but can you just try to be patient with me?!” he questions, clearly frustrated and you know he has a point.

You let out a sigh before throwing a cushion on the floor and sitting down, “you’re right and I’m sorry. I agreed to this and I should at least be agreeable.”

“I’m sure you’re gonna yell at me, but if you...I know I don’t deserve any grace and patience from you, but if you could just...let me get it out before you decide you hate me forever, I’d appreciate it.”

“That’s fair,” you shrug before taking a sip of your wine. “Start from the beginning.”

“From the beginning,” he scoffs before taking a long drink from his glass, “as if you don’t know.”

“I don’t know-”

“Jesus Y/N, you know you do. Everything I said wasn’t a lie and you know good and damn well what parts I’m talking about, but if you want to start from the incident with Tommy, we can. I wasn’t expecting you to stick up for me, but you did and that’s honestly what set all of this in motion. Since the first time I laid eyes on you, I was in love with you, and from that moment...I couldn’t get you out of my head. Yeah, you broke the fucking rules because you spoke to me first-”

“What fucking rule is that?!”

“Oh c’mon! We were kids! What the fuck was I supposed to tell you?! I didn’t fucking talk to anyone, and here you were asking me if I was okay! We stared at each other all the damn time, but both of us was too shy to say anything, and then you-”

“You needed a friend!”

“I wasn’t ready for you!” he defends before taking a deep breath and then a sip of his drink. “I just...no one ever defended me. Not even in my own fucking family. I didn’t know what to say, so I just ran, and I kept running. You were so fucking nice, all the time, and what the hell was I supposed to do with that? You were like some mythical fucking...anyway, I-”

“No, if we’re gonna talk about this, you’re gonna-”

“Y/N-”

“Then go home, Ransom. I didn’t do this to us, you did!”

He takes a deep breath before finishing off his drink and pouring himself another, “by the time we were in the 3rd grade, I knew I’d never be enough. You just seemed like an impossible dream. If anything, I thought I’d lost out when I saw you and Daisy becoming so fucking close, because how much room can you have for fucked up people? As time went on, I never thought you’d go for me, and I knew I wasn’t ready for you, so I just fucking stayed away. What else was I supposed to do? You never spoke to anyone unless you had to, and I didn’t even know what to say to you, so I just said nothing. I didn’t acknowledge you, I didn’t go to your birthday parties, and I sure as shit didn’t go to your graduation party...I always thought I had time to get my shit together. Then Jack came along and fucked everything up.”

“Good old Jack,” you scoff, finishing off your drink and pouring yourself another.

“He just...I knew the bet was stupid when I made it, okay? He was so fucking arrogant about it though, and it was only because he figured out I had a thing for you. I thought you’d say no, cause you’re too smart for that shit, but Jack’s a good fucking liar. He gets it from his fucking dad. I honestly didn’t care about losing the fucking money, I cared more about you staying with him, and that’s exactly what fucking happened. What’s fucking worse is that he genuinely did start to care about you. Yes, the smug son of a bitch loved to rub it in my face, but he wasn’t bullshitting you entirely. He did try. He tried to not cheat, he tried to actually be presentable...he tried, and that only made you fall harder. That piece of shit only asked me to be his best man to be a prick, but pride wouldn’t let me turn it down. I wanted to fucking say something. When the fucking priest asked if anyone objected, I wanted to scream, but you were so fucking happy. You were so happy and you looked gorgeous, so I said nothing, because if there’s anyone who deserved to be happy, it’s you. My pride and my bullshit didn’t matter, so I just didn’t fucking say anything and I got fucked up,” he sighs before downing his drink and quickly pouring himself another, while you just sat there and dried your eyes while taking a long drink from your glass.

“Then he started cheating. Only took the little fuck three months, but he was still faking like he was the man you fell in love with. At first, he felt bad and he would tell me about how he wants to be better, but the more he got away with it, the less he started to care. Then, you left and that almost scared him straight. However, the fact that your precious parents bullied you into going back...it only made him more arrogant. Then he started with the fucking bragging and it pissed me the fuck off. How could he not understand how fucking good he had it? You’re the only person in this whole fucked up world we live in that’s actually worth a damn. I would pick arguments that were dumb as hell, just to have a way to yell at him for treating you like shit. That’s when the prick got cocky. He kept saying that he could do whatever the fuck he wants, because there’s no way you’d ever leave him. We were out one night, and he’d just gotten back from getting a blowjob from some whore, when he told me that I couldn’t even get you.

So, that’s when the second bet happened. I know, okay? Don’t fucking give me that look,” he scowls as you glower at him while taking a drink from your glass, almost finishing it. “It’s not lost on either of us that I’m a fucking asshole, so you can’t really be all that surprised that I took the fucking bet. I figured I could get you and the money, and everything would be fine. For as long as I’ve wanted you, needed you, and loved you, I knew it wouldn’t be hard for me to win your love. Yes, I left out the bet, but I didn’t fucking lie to you. Everything I said was true. My feelings weren’t fake. We’ve had a lot of talks about a lot of things that make me look like a pile of shit, and I was honest about all of it. I swear I was gonna tell you everything after your birthday party, and I knew I’d have hell to pay, but it was going to be okay. You loved me, I loved you, you could finally see that it was genuine, then fucking Jack...piece of shit knew what he was doing. Beside the fact that he knew he was losing you, he fucking called while we were in Chicago. Technically, I broke the rules of the bet-”

“Oh, you two had rules? That’s cute,” you laugh humorlessly as you refill your glass. “What were your rules about fucking me over?”

“Sweetheart-”

“What the fuck were they, Ransom?!”

He takes a deep breath before pouring his own drink and looking away from you, “I wasn’t supposed to wine and dine you, it was supposed to be purely sex-”

“Because you guys needed to see how much of a whore I am, or if I’m one at all.”

“Baby, that’s not-”

“What were the rest?” you mutter, sipping your wine.

“I couldn’t tell you that I love you,” he sighs, “I obviously couldn’t tell you about the bet, and I couldn’t tell you about tell you about all of the shady shit Jack was doing behind your back.” “Of course.”

“Oh, come on! I at least I told you about all the shit he was doing-”

“SO YOU COULD GET YOUR $40,000!”

“That’s not...I love you. I have always loved you. Even without the fucking bet, I would’ve told you. I didn’t say anything at that fucking wedding because he had cleaned up his act. I just wanted you to be happy, and you’re right, we are all a group of shitheads. The money shouldn’t have been brought into this, but you’re not just another Marta to me. You are the only person in this world that I want to do right by. You think I would’ve gone to that fucking bar and beat the shit out of Jack if this was all a fucking game to me?”

He had you there. Ransom never stuck his neck out for anyone unless it was for his own personal gain. He knew how much you didn’t want him to fight Jack, and did it anyway, knowing it could all blow up in his face.

“I don’t know what you want from me, Ransom. I really don’t.”

“I want, I need us to go back to how we were!”

“That’s not fucking happening!” you laugh before taking a sip of your wine. “Nothing can ever be how it was!”

“Why not?! I’ve been honest-”

“You still fucking lied to me, Ransom! You lied and had no problem-”

“It’s not that I didn’t have a problem-”

“You decided that the money was more important than telling me-”

“Cause fuck Jack!”

“UGH!” you scream, getting up and walking out of the room, full wine glass in hand.

“Where the fuck are you going?!”

“I don’t know! I don’t feel like looking at your stupid face anymore!”

Stupid face? Yeah, you’re buzzed.

“Stop it, Y/N,” he growls, following after you as you storm into the kitchen.

“Stop what, exactly?! You’re not in my position!”

“I love you!”

“What does that mean to me?! At the end of the day, even if I do believe you, you went after me over a fucking bet!”

“I told you that I’m sorry!”

“That doesn’t make it hurt any less! You’ve probably been fucking your feelings away-”

“No I haven’t!”

“Bullshit!”

“You think I’m gonna lie to you about that?! I’ve become a fucking laughing stock, Y/N! I used to fuck whoever, whenever, and now I’m just waiting for you like a fucking idiot!”

“I don’t know why you’re waiting for me, because-”

“Because I love you, I love you, I LOVE YOU!” he shouts and let out an exasperated sigh before taking a sip of wine and running your other hand through your hair.

“You used me like a fucking toy, Ransom. I was a bet in some stupid game for revenge.”

“I’m sorry, I am. I’ll never fucking-”

“Even if you don’t do it again, how am I supposed to trust you? How am I supposed to know that you aren’t keeping things from me?”

“Because I love you.”

“You keep saying that like it means something to me!”

“It means something to me! Do you know how many times I’ve told a woman that I fucking love her?! NONE! Jesus, I didn’t take the fucking money, I’ve been texting and calling you every day for the last month-”

“I DIDN’T FUCKING LIE TO YOU!” you scream at him, finally letting the tears you’ve been holding back fall. “I miss you, Ransom. I miss you so much and it hurts because you...God, I fucking trusted you against my better judgement and you painfully showed me that I was wrong! You knew all of the shit that I was going through with Jack, and you still did this! For as much as you love me, it wasn’t enough for you to be upfront with me! You broke all of the fucking rules except telling me that it was a fucking bet, because you wanted the fucking money!”

“Y/N-”

“And now you’re standing here, as if I’m the one being unreasonable, while I’m trying to figure out all of this shit! I love you so damn much and I don’t want to! I don’t want to think about you every day and miss you every night! I don’t want you to be on my mind all the damn time! That doesn’t change the fact that I do! I want nothing more than to believe everything you’re saying and take you back, but it’s not that fucking simple! All of this is so fucking complicated...you two did this! You two decided that it would be more fun to play games and bet money-”

“It wasn’t a game!”

“That’s exactly what it was! You made a bet to see if I would stay with my husband or if you could win my affection! It was a game!”

“It wasn’t a game to me! I have always loved you!”

“But the love you felt wasn’t enough for you not to hurt me like this,” you sob.

“Y/N, I will do anything you want. Anything. You can have the passwords to all my devices, you can randomly come by my house or my job-”

“It’s not enough, Ransom.”

“Then what is?!”

“I don’t know,” you answer softly, trying to fight back more tears. “I don’t know if anything will be-” “No, don’t say that. I know I fucked up, and it was a major fuck up, but I swear you’re not a fucking joke to me! I know I lied and it was for all the wrong reasons, but that’s the only thing I lied about! I love you!”

“I love you too, Ransom,” you sigh before finishing off your wine. “I honestly don’t know what to tell you, because I just don’t know. I know...I know that you care, and I believe you when you tell me that you love me...but Ransom, you keep saying that you only lied once, but that lie is the only reason you pursued me! A $40,000 bet is the only reason you finally started talking to me! After knowing me for years! And yeah okay, fuck Jack, but what about me? You could’ve told me earlier, and while you definitely would’ve had to work much harder, I wouldn’t have walked away. Now-”

“I can work harder now!”

“The damage is already done, Ransom.”

“I need you, Y/N. I’ve never felt this way about anyone and I know I never will again. I promise to never fuck up like this again, but please...” he trails off, his voice breaking as he fights off his own tears. “I didn’t take the fucking money, Y/N.” “I just need time, Ransom.”

“How much?”

“I don’t know. After all that’s happened...I just don’t know. I love you and I miss you. God, I miss you so much, but this isn’t something I can just forgive because you’re sorry and you miss me. After Jack and all of the shit with my parents...I need time. I need to be alone for a while. I’m not saying that there’s not any hope for us, but right now...Ransom, if you want us to have any sort of chance, you have to give me time.”

“With time, will you take me back?”

You stay silent and he lets out a frustrated sigh.

“Yeah fine, lets get you back-”

“We’re not going anywhere,” you mumble, making your way back to the living area.

“What do you-”

“I’ve gone through almost an entire bottle of wine and you’ve had at least 4 or 5 glasses of bourbon. Neither of us are in any condition to drive.”

“You don’t expect us to stay here?! There’s no fucking-”

“Ransom, bitch about the furniture one more fucking time and we’re gonna have a problem.”

“If you expect us to spend the rest of the fucking day here, I’m ordering some fucking furniture.” “I don’t need you buying me fucking furniture! It won’t even be here today!”

“I don’t fucking care!” he yells, sitting on the floor, pouring himself another glass of bourbon, and taking out his phone.

It’s funny how easy you fall back into habit.

After two more glasses of wine, you’re cuddling up to him and telling him what furniture what you want. You two go back and forth about what would look good for the house but, in the end, you win because it’s your fucking house.

In the end, in all his spoiled rich boy glory, he’s able to get a bed (along with a bed frame), bed sheets, two sofas, and a few lawn chairs, and four TV’s delivered same day. All because he was told ‘no’, Ransom makes the bed frame people assemble the damn thing, and you feel bad. Ransom protests when you tip them, but you told him that it’s your house, so you’re the one calling all of the shots. For as much of a dick as he can be, all of the furniture to come (and that was delivered), is paid for by him.

There he goes, sweeping you off your feet again.

“We need food and chargers,” he mumbles, wrapping an arm around your waist.

“Would it really be so bad if our phones died? Would it be so terrible if we just ignored everyone for a while?” you sigh with a slur as you relax into him.

“What’s wrong, baby?”

“I just hate everyone. With the exception of Daisy, everyone has been pissing me the fuck off. You know she had to destroy Jack’s car so he would finally sign the fucking papers?”

“That was her?!” Ransom laughs.

“That’s what he gets for showing up and yelling for me to talk to him.”

“Fuck him,” Ransom scowls before placing a soft kiss on your exposed shoulder.

You clear your throat before asking, “what do you want to eat?”

“What are you in the mood for?”

“I don’t know.”

“Well, I’m not choosing. Whenever I’m in charge of dinner, you want to argue-”

“I don’t fucking argue with you, Ransom. You just have shitty taste when it comes to certain foods.”

“That being said,” he scowls, “what do you wanna eat?”

“I don’t know,” you repeat with a shrug.

“Well, are you having a good day or a bad day?”

“It’s been okay, I guess.”

“Then lets get Gyros.”

“I hate how well you know me sometimes.”

“I know,” he laughs as you take out your phone.

Soon enough, you’re ordering everything from food to basic accessories.

“Why the fuck did you get candles?” Ransom laughs. “Your lights work just fine.”

“Because I wanted to,” you huff, only making him laugh harder.

“And the booze?”

“I’m out of wine and you’re going to be out of bourbon soon. If we’re gonna spend the night together, we’re gonna need the help.”

“Only you need the help.”

“So, you’re fine with us being completely alone together all night?”

“Babe, we could’ve sobered up hours ago. You chose not to.”

“That’s because being sober sucks right now.”

“I’m sorry, sweetheart. I’m sorry that I made it all that much more complicated for you.”

“I fell in love with you. It just is what it is.”

“I never wanted to hurt you. I truly didn’t.”

“I don’t wanna talk about it anymore.”

“I know, but I need you to know that.”

“I do, Ransom. I truly do, but it doesn’t change the fact that you still hurt me.”

“I know that ‘I love you’ doesn’t mean much right now, but I do love you. I will always love you.”

“Ransom-”

“What should be arriving first?” he sighs, his hold on you getting a little tighter as he slightly readjusts his position.

“I honestly have no idea,” you giggle softly. “I ordered everything around the same time. Why?”

“I can set up on of the TVs if you want.”

“Or if you want.”

“Well, what else are we gonna do?”

“We can talk.”

“What do we have to talk about?”

“What have you been up to?”

“Not much.” “Ransom-”

“I really haven’t, Sweet Thing. I’ve been missing you and that’s about it. There’s not really much else for me to do.” “There’s the company-”

“That’s-”

He’s interrupted by the doorbell and it almost sounds as if he’s letting out a sigh of relief. He lets go of you before slowly getting up and making his way to the front door.

What the hell is that about?

“Looks like the chargers and bullshit made it here first,” he laughs as he picks up the bags off your doorstep.

“I got you a charger too, ya know.”

“You’re the only one I want to talk to.”

“What about work?”

“What about it?”

“What if they call, Ransom?”

“I’m not worried about it. Where do you want all these damn candles?”

“Ransom-”

“Where do you want them, Sweet Thing?”

“What are you not telling me?”

“Where do you want them?”

“Ransom-”

“Another time. For now, where do you want these damn candles?”

“A few in here and some in the kitchen,” you sigh, pouring yourself another glass of wine.

Great.

“The toilet paper?”

“You don’t have to put everything away-”

“I want to.”

“Let me show you around then,” you mutter, getting up with your wine glass in hand (and wobbling a little), and leading the way.

The entire time you’re showing him around, you can feel his eyes on you intensely, and you know it’s not because he wants to make sure he doesn’t want to lose his way.

“Your ass looks great in those shorts,” he comments once you two reach your bedroom, pointing out the connecting bathroom where he can put the toilet paper.

“I didn’t wear them for you.”

“You also didn’t change for me.”

“It’s not my fault you’re missing out,” you shrug as show him the other two spare rooms.

“I thought you wanted me to be honest with you.”

“Ransom-”

“Have you been fucking anyone else?”

“Why does it matter?”

“You know that I’m not, I just figured we’d both just lay all our cards out on the table. Have you?”

“What if I have?”

“I’ll kill him,” he shrugs as if it’s not a big deal.

“Jesus, Ransom,” you scowl, closing the bathroom door after he puts two packs of toilet paper down.

“You still haven’t answered me,” he pushes as you two make your way back down the stairs.

“No Ransom, I haven’t been sleeping with anyone. I’ve barely gone out. I do my most of my work from home and I watch movies. That’s it,” you sigh as you reach the bottom step and make your way back into the living area.

“I can get a car service and we can go back to my place-”

“Stop it, Ransom.”

“Do you always have to be so hard headed?”

“Ransom...don’t.”

“You and I both want to-”

“It just complicates things that much more. Leave it alone,” you sigh as your phone buzzes. “Fuck.”

“What’s wrong?”

“Our order is gonna be delayed. They’re backed up.”

“Shit!”

“I should’ve ordered snacks.”

“At least you ordered a fuck ton of water.”

“Fuck you! You purchased me a water cooler-”

“That should’ve been here by now,” he scowls.

“You spent too much money on me. It’s not even your house.”

“It’s your house and I want you to have everything you want.”

“I’m not yours to take care of,” you mutter as you resume the spot you were in before.

Ransom says nothing. He just sits across from you and looks at you with those eyes.

You shouldn’t have said it. Ransom has always thought of you as his, so you telling him that you’re not his to worry about? Not good. It also doesn’t help that he’s all you’ve been dreaming of since the last time you saw him.

Mentally, emotionally...physically.

“Let me see your lighter so I can light these candles,” you mumble, trying to fight off those thoughts.

“You’re giving yourself away,” he smirks as he lights the candles.

If he’s gonna be smug about it, fuck him. Yeah, you’ve been drinking, so that’s pushing you to make this horrible decision, but fuck him.

“You like this tank top?” you ask seductively as you place your wine glass down.

“Don’t.”

“Don’t what? It’s a simple question. You’re looking at me like you like it,” you shrug.

“Y/N-”

“My tits look amazing in it. At least, that’s what Daisy’s told me multiple times. Jack even said so too,” you continue as you get on your knees and crawl over to him.

“Don’t-”

“You’re the one who said I’m giving myself away,” you moan as you straddle him. “You don’t think you’ve made what you want obvious since the moment you showed up at Daisy’s door?” you ask as you unbutton his board shorts.

“I just wanted...shit!” he moans as you start stroking him.

“You just wanted what, Ransom?”

“Don’t. Don’t...shit!”

“Don’t what?”

“You know exactly what. You think I won’t pin you down and fuck you senseless?”

“Maybe it’s what I want, Ransom. Maybe it’s what I need,” you moan as you pick up your pace.

“You’re d-drunk,” he stutters and you know he’s close.

“If you want me to stop, I will.”

“You’re-”

“I want you, I know that you want me, and I don’t care that we’ve been drinking. You love me? Show me,” you plead.

“Fuck!” he moans as he cums hard.

“Looks like you made a mess and it’s my fault. Wanna teach me a lesson, daddy?”

Fucking alcohol.

Ransom’s hands are cupping your face instantly and he’s kissing you deeply. You finally feel whole again. No, you don’t want to give him false hope, but you weren’t lying when you told him that you miss him like crazy. You’ve missed his love, his laugh, his voice, his scent, his touch...all of him.

Even the spoiled and arrogant parts of him.

You’ve tried to find substitutions for his touch, but your own fingers and vibrator won’t do the trick, because you need him. His body pressed against yours, his breath against your neck, his voice while he’s fucking you like he’ll never see you again, and his fingers entangled in your hair...

You just need Ransom.

“Ransom,” you moan as he kisses down your body.

“I’ve needed you so much, Sweet Thing,” he husks as he unbuttons your shorts. “Needed you in so many ways!”

“I’ve needed you too, baby. I love you so much,” you whimper, adjusting yourself a little so he can get your shorts off of you.

“You’re wearing panties I got you?” he groans, taking note of the of the sheer light blue panties with little flowers embroidered in them that he purchased for you about two months before your birthday.

“I’m wearing the set,” you moan as you grind yourself against him.

“You’re gonna make me rip my own gift off of you?” he pouts and you laugh as you pull his shirt off.

“Fuck,” you sigh, running your hands across his expansive chest.

“Still like what you see?”

“I love it and I always will.”

“I need to be deep inside of you, sweetheart,” he grunts, ripping your tank top off. “Thought about nothing but you and loving you since the last time I saw you.”

“Take whats yours,” you beg softly.

Once again, you’re not lying. Even though you can’t trust him, you’re still his. You know for a fact that you’ll never love another the way you love Ransom. For all of his flaws, it’s clear that Ransom has always seen you for you. He sacrificed his own happiness because he wanted you to be happy, he’s never asked for more than you’re willing to give, and hes always taken care of you. Whether you just needed to cry, needed to be fucked, needed to be loved, or needed to be heard, he gave that to you without complaint or without wanting anything back in return.

Well, nothing except your love.

In one swift move, hes got you on your back and is ripping your bra off.

God, you missed him so much.

“Baby...please,” you whine as he kisses down your body at a painfully slow pace.

“You need it, sweetheart?” he teases before ripping your flimsy panties off of you.

“I always need it, Ransom. I always need you,” you confess breathlessly.

You barely have time to catch your breath as he buries his face between your legs. He pulls on your clit with his lips while easily sliding two fingers into your soaked cunt.

“Yes!” you cry out, grinding your cunt against his face.

His grunt of satisfaction only makes you even more desperate for him to fill you with his love. The sounds that are coming from between your legs should make you ashamed of yourself, but it’s not like you’re surprised. Ransom gets you excited by just looking at you. Finally having him like this again? You’re surprised you didn’t cum instantly.

“Baby...I’m so...fuck, Ransom! I need...oh God, YES!” you yell out, squirting hard and pulling on his hair a little harder than you meant to.

It’s not like he cares.

“Still so responsive to me,” he chuckles after cleaning up the mess he made. “You want me to fuck you, baby?” he asks before slowly starting to kiss up your body.

“No,” you moan and he stops instantly, “I want you to make love to me.”

“Sweet Thing-”

“I don’t care that nothing is resolved and we don’t know what the fuck is gonna happen tomorrow. I just need you to love me, please.”

“You don’t know how long I’ve waited to hear you say that.”

Ransom continues his little trail up your body, stopping to lick and suck on each of your nipples, which are still covered so you whimper at the torturous pleasure, before his lips are finally on yours again.

“You sure you want this, sweetheart?” he husks as he strokes himself.

“Please, you don’t know how much...please, I need you so much,” you beg, sounding pathetic to your own ears, but you don’t care.

“I love you, Y/N,” he groans as he thrusts himself inside of you. “I love you so fucking much!”

“I just need you, Ransom! Only you!” you cry out as you wrap a leg around his waist, “Shit! You always...FUCK!”

“Feel so good, Sweet Thing!”

“Ransom...I’m so...been so long! You fill me up so...oh my GOD!”

“The way you’re clenching me...you need it, don’t you?”

“Please!” you sob, the pleasure becoming too much for you.

It’d been so long (as far as you’re concerned), you don’t even know how you’ve lasted this long.

“Give it to me, Sweet Thing! Give me all your-”

“FUCK!” you yell, gripping him tight as your orgasm washes over you and you squirt on him, more than likely making a mess on the floor.

You just got this fucking house for fucks sake.

“Jesus Y/N!” he growls into your neck as his own release overtakes him.

As you both lay there and try to catch your breaths, you faintly hear a knock on your door.

“I think our food is here,” you laugh.

“Or the fucking water cooler,” Ransom mumbles and you laugh even harder. “You hungry?”

“Only for you, baby,” you smile at him.

You and Ransom keep at it all night. It’s not lost on either of you that you need to eat, but after being so long without one another, food is the last thing you two are worried about.

“Fuck, keep it up, baby!” Ransom encourages as you continue to ride him.

“So full...Ransom...”

“Just one more time for me, please! Needed you...fuck! So fucking-” “Ransom...please! I need to...ah ah!”

“Make a mess, pretty baby! Cum for...ah fuck!”

“RANSOM!” you scream as you make a mess all over him.

“That’s my girl!” he groans as he fills you and you collapse on top of him.

“We’re a pair of true fucking idiots,” you murmur as Ransom lets out a full bodied laugh. “I miss you, Ransom.” “I miss you too, Sweet Thing.”

“I don’t know what the fuck to do...I just know that I want to be with you.” “I know you can’t right now, but you can trust me. I can be...you are the only person I’ll ever want. The only person I’ll ever need.”

“I love you.”

“I love you too, Sweet Thing. We should eat.”

“We should rest,” you laugh as you slowly get off of him, letting out a frustrated sigh when he’s no longer inside of you.

“Maybe I should spend the night inside that perfect little cunt,” he offers as you lay beside him.

“Fuck off,” you giggle while he gets up. “Where are you going?”

“Looks like buying those blankets was a good idea,” he chuckles, walking away and now it’s your turn to let out a full bodied laugh.

In the back of your mind, you know this is all drunken temporary fun, but for now you really don’t give a shit. Hell, you’ll take all the blame. You were the one that told him to come here, you got drunk knowing how you get around Ransom, you gave him the fucking handjob, and you begged him. When you get the third degree from Daisy tomorrow, you’re going to own up to everything.

No, this doesn’t fix everything and he knows that, but for now you feel better. You can pretend for now you’re in a house you own together, all of the shit that happened on your birthday didn’t, and that you both haven’t been hurting. For now, everything is perfect and as it should be.

“Ya know,” Ransom starts as he makes his way back in, “there is a bed upstairs.”

“Shut up and get your ass down here,” you giggle.

With an annoyed sigh, he does as he’s told, “so fucking bossy.”

“Says the man who bullied the store into having a bed and bed frame delivered and assembled today.”

“They shouldn’t have told me no,” he shrugs as he throws the comforter over the both of you.

“Spoiled little shit.”

“That you love.”

“Unfortunately so,” you sigh as you take the two water bottles he hands you, then resting your head on his chest.

So this is what it feels like to finally be home? It’s amazing.

“Sweetheart?” he calls softly as you start to drift off.

“Hmm?”

“Thanks for tonight. I missed you.”

“I love you, Ransom.”

“I love you,” he tells you softly before wrapping an arm around you and pressing a soft kiss into your hair. “Get some rest.”

Yeah, all of this is temporary, but for now? For now, it’s good enough.

**

Ransom’s P.O.V

“Don’t you have a fucking wife?” I slurred as Jack made his way over to the bar, smug fucking grin as he adjusted his pants.

The red head that followed behind him out of the bathroom subtly wiped around her mouth, before walking right past him.

“The same woman every night gets boring,” he laughed as he waived the bartender over, “whiskey on the rocks. What?” he questioned as he turned his attention back towards me. “Are you jealous that she’s all mine? That she’ll never leave me?”

“She’ll fucking leave you.”

“With the way her parents want to make sure their perfect daughter stays perfect, I know she’s not going anywhere.”

“Yeah, okay,” I scoffed.

“You couldn’t even take her from me.”

“Watch it, jackass.”

“Oh, did I hurt your feelings?” he laughed, taking a sip of his drink and looking me over.

“Jack, you won a bet, then married her, and now you treat her like shit. It’s not my fucking feelings you need to be worried about.”

“It fucking burns you that, for once, you’re not getting everything you want, huh?”

“She’s not a fucking piece of meat, Jack.”

“God, you really do love her, don’t you? I’ll make a wager with you,” he offered with a laugh. “You can try and take her from me.”

“What the fuck?”

“You heard me, try and win her from me. You and your cock seem to rule Massachusetts, so go ahead and try.”

It’s not like I can blame my actions on me being fucked up. I’m a prideful and arrogant piece of shit, and my ego already took a blow when I had to watch that fuck marry you. Of course I took the fucking bait.

“What do you want if you win?” I asked against my better judgement.

“$40,000.”

“Fuck you!”

“What? You don’t think you can do it?”

“It’s not that-”

“You think she’s worth more? Of course you do,” he laughed.

He fucking laughed. It’s amazing that I didn’t snap him in half in that moment. However, $40,000 and you? That wasn’t a bad deal at all.

“What’s the deadline?”

“Her 30th birthday.”

“Fine.”

“Aht, aht, aht,” he taunted, “they’re rules.”

“If you’re so sure she’ll stay with you, why are there rules?”

“Cause I’m not as stupid as you’d like me to be, Drysdale,” he chuckled. “You can’t tell her that you’re in love with her, you obviously can’t tell her that this a fucking bet, the shit I do behind her back doesn’t get back to her, and none of your fancy bullshit.”

“What fuck does that mean?”

“You can’t treat her to fancy restaurants, no fucking trips, no expensive shows...all the bullshit you usually pull. You get to fuck her, if she allows it which we both know she won’t, and a few sweet texts here and there, but none of the shit you pulled with Marta.”

“That’s not a fair fucking playing field.”

“That’s the bet, take it or leave it,” he smirked.

Why the fuck did I have to take it? Why do I have to be so fucking prideful and egotistical all the fucking time? What was the point?

I didn’t break the rules for the $40,000. I broke the rules because I’ve always been in love with you. I’ve always wanted to take care of you, always wanted to take you on trips, always wanted to bury myself in that sweet little honeypot of yours...

I’ve always wanted you.

The $40,000 wasn’t a big deal. What is it to me? That’s just a bad night at the poker table. I should’ve never taken the damn bet, but fuck all if I can’t ever stop being a piece of shit.

Now, you’re here in my arms and snoring softly, but it’s all just temporary, isn’t it? You’re chasing the same kind of peace and happiness that I am, but you didn’t do this. I did. You’ll wake up in the morning and I’ll drop you off, and then you have a choice to make. I already know that I’ll react in the worst way if you don’t choose me, which I know you’re also already aware of. You and I both know I’m a spoiled little shit, so it’s not like you’ll be surprised.

It’s not lost on me that you have every right to walk away from me, but that doesn’t mean I can fucking handle it. A small mistake, I guess two small mistakes, could lose me everything I’ve ever wanted.

Two stupid small mistakes could cost me everything; could cost me you.

“Ransom?” you call out softly in your sleep.

“I’m here, Sweet Thing.”

“Don’t...don’t go,” you beg softly, your hold on me getting stronger as you cuddle into me more.

How the fuck am I suppose to sleep without you now?

“Just rest, baby.”

“I love you,” you mumble sleepily.

“I love you with all my heart.”

“Promise me you’ll stay,” you beg.

“I’m not going anywhere, I promise.”

I feel you relax against me and I know you’re back to your original sleep.

You are my entire world; you always have been. From the first time I laid eyes on you, I knew I wanted to be with you and only you. Yeah, I’ve done a lot of shit wrong, but you? If you only knew just how long I’ve been waiting for you. The bet? That was just pride and ego, but it meant nothing. I just need you to give me another chance so I can show you.

Now, I just need to find a way to get you to believe that. I need to find a way to keep you in my arms forever.

**

Y/N’s P.O.V

You giggle at the sensation between your legs as you moan, “Ransom.”

“So fucking hungry , sweetheart,” he moans before licking your clit, “you feed me so fucking well,” he sighs before sliding two into your soaked cunt. “You want me to eat breakfast, right?” he asks before licking your clit teasingly, again.

“Fuck! Ransom!” you moan as you grip his hair tight.

The smirk you feel on your lips has you grinding your cunt against him, which is all the encouragement he needs to keep going.

He curls his fingers and they find that spot within you that always makes you so fucking pathetic for him, and you aren’t ashamed at all.

Last night, you could blame it all on alcohol. Today? Well, today it’s just pure need, want, and desire.

“So fucking close, baby!” you whine as he picks up his pace.

As silly as it sounds, hearing just how much he enjoys your pussy is all it takes.

“FUCK!” you scream as you coat his face and the floor with your release.

Thank God this is your fucking house.

“You want me to order breakfast?” he questions with a sly smirk after he cleans up the pool between your legs.

“Not before you love me again,” you whimper.

“There’s a bed that needs to be broken in,” he claims as he stands up straight, his cock hard, proud, and leaking with pre-cum, “don’t you think it’s time we took care of that?” he questions as he pulls you up before throwing you over his shoulder.

“Ransom!” you laugh as he starts on his way up the stairs.

“Gonna christen this whole fucking house today,” he promises as you laugh harder.

Yes, now you’re sober, so you should be able to make better choices, but it’s bullshit. Making better choices is lost on you at the moment because Ransom is all hat matters to you, and right now, he’s making you feel everything all at once.

“Need you so much Ransom,” you whimper as he lays you on the bed.

“Still the best tasting pussy ever, Sweet Thing,” he praises as he cages you between his arms. “You’re just the most precious little thing,” he coos.

“Need you, daddy,” you moan as you grip his shoulders.

“Didn’t get enough last night? Thought I did such a good job since you made such a mess everywhere,” he chuckles as he easily slides himself inside of you.

“Shit!”

“You’re such a desperate little thing, baby! Such a sweet little thing for daddy!”

“Still the best pussy you’ve ever had, daddy?”

“Always, sweet girl. Only ever want you! Jesus, the way these tits fucking bounce!”

“So close, daddy! Need to fucking...ahh shit!”

“Cum for me, sweet girl! I want it so fucking bad!”

“Fuck!” you yell as you make a mess that causes him to spill into you until it’s seeping out of you.

So much for having a clean bed.

“We really are a pair of morons,” he breathes after a moment and you burst out laughing. “We definitely need to eat. We need to order something.”

“Mhm,” you agree with a small giggle as you wrap your arms around his neck. “Our phones are downstairs.”

“We should go and get them,” he smirks, dipping down and kissing and sucking on your neck.

“We really should,” you moan, grinding your hips against his.

“How about after we make sure you really like this bed?” he grunts, starting to move within you again.

“Might take a few more times, daddy,” you moan, running your fingers through his hair.

“Nothing’s too much for my sweet girl.”

**

“You shouldn’t still be here,” you mumble as you hop up on the counter, your breakfast sandwich in hand.

“Stop keeping me here,” Ransom smirks, leaning against your kitchen island, before taking a bite of his breakfast burrito.

“You’re a very hard drug to quit.”

“You’re the only woman I’ve ever been in love with, how do you think I feel?”

“Why is this so complicated?”

“Cause I fucked up.”

“Lets spend a few months apart-”

“No, that’s not gonna fucking happen.”

“Ransom-” “I already spent a month without you and it was the hardest thing I’ve ever done. Now, after last night and this morning, you want me to spend a few more months without you? That’s bullshit and you know it.”

“I know last night was my fault, and I’m the one who extended this morning, and I’m sorry. I just missed you so much and I was upset...this morning...it just felt good to pretend. Pretend that none of this hurts as much as it actually does.”

“Lets just take this step by step-”

“Ransom, this isn’t that simple. I obviously am weak when it comes to you and I miss you, but when the fog clears and reality hits, it all still hurts. Taking away the complete fact that this all happened during my birthday party, you chose the money-”

“I didn’t take it!”

“You still took the bet, Ransom. Yeah fine, maybe your intentions changed after, but in the beginning, the money was enough to get you to say yes-”

“Okay, just hear me out. I...I was mad, Y/N. He was being such a piece of shit after getting that fucking blowjob...it was wrong, okay? You have always been my top my priority and you always will be my top priority. The first bet was out pure stupidity and the second one...God, you don’t know how fucking angry I was. I wanted you, I wanted revenge, I wanted to fuck him over...the thought of smashing his head against a fucking wall has crossed my mind more than you think.”

“Ransom, I’m the one who got hurt in all of this. Jack beat the shit out of me, he abused my love just because he could, he cheated and lied...you know all of the shit he did, and you still hid it from me-”

“I was gonna tell you everything that night!”

“You should’ve told me before!” you snap as someone knocks on your door.

Rather hard too.

“It’s your house,” Ransom shrugs as he looks at you.

You flip him off before hoping off the counter, quickly making your way into the living area and pulling the comforter around you (as the knocking comes harder and faster) then finally making your way to the front door.

“Ransom! Open the fucking...oh,” Marta stops short when she sees that you’re the one opening the door.

“Hey...” you trail off, not knowing exactly what the hell to say, cause she’s the last person you ever expected to see at your doorstep. “Um, how did you know...?”

“His car...it wasn’t in the driveway and he never answered. Everyone knows you moved, so I figured this was the next best bet.”

“So everyone knows I live here? That’s fucking great,” you mutter as you hear Ransom walk into the living area. You know he’s naked, and the fact that Marta’s eyes follow him let you know that she knows what you two were up to.

It also doesn’t help that you’re wrapped in a fucking comforter, instead of wearing actual clothes.

“How can I help you?”

“I uh...I need to speak to-”

“What the fuck do you want, Marta?” Ransom growls as he comes up behind you.

“Ransom,” you snap.

“She has no right to be here.”

“Then maybe you should answer your phone!” she bites at him. “Would you mind giving us a moment?” she asks you with a kind smile.

“Of course,” you nod at her, standing to the side so Ransom can get in front of you.

You’re thankful that he put his boxer briefs on.

“What do you want?” he snaps, his tone annoyed and menacing.

“Ransom, don’t be an asshole,” you scowl.

“Yeah fine. Go put on my shirt or something, okay babe?”

“Don’t be cruel,” you tell him softly.

You know that he can pick up on what you mean, because he turns to face you.

“Y/N-”

“Ransom, don’t be a dick.”

“Fine,” he sighs before turning his attention back towards her.

“I’ll be in the kitchen if anyone needs me,” you nod towards Marta before quickly making yourself scarce.

You grab his shirt out of the living area, quickly putting it on, before scampering off towards the kitchen.

“What the hell is going on with the publishing company?!” you hear her yell, on your way back.

“It’s mine to worry about, so don’t-”

“Ransom, you told me-”

“Marta, stay out of it!”

You quickly resume your spot on the counter top and try to mind your own business. It’s not like it’s hard, because you feel like a pile of shit.

For Marta to see you like that and knowing the Ransom was there...you obviously didn’t mean to hurt her, you didn’t even know it was her until you answered the door, but still. She had actually fallen for Ransom and it was all just a joke to him.

It was all for sport.

Yeah, what he did to you was fucked up, but what he did to Marta? It’s not like you haven’t asked yourself a million times, but how can you be so deeply in love with someone like that? Someone so ruthless and selfish...how is he the one you’ve fallen so hard for?

It’s a dumb question though, isn’t it?

Ransom protects you, he loves you, he cares about you, he commits to you...you’re in love with Ransom, because for as shitty as he can be, he makes you the center of his universe.

“Sorry about that,” he mumbles as he makes his way back into the kitchen, clearly annoyed.

“What’s going on with the company?”

“I don’t want to-”

“No, you dodged it last night, you’re not dodging it today. What happened?”

“It’s been a rough month,” he shrugs.

“Ransom.”

“I slacked off. Got depressed, didn’t do things I knew I should’ve been doing...I stopped doing my job.”

“Ransom, this is your baby now! You can’t just-”

“I did all of it for you! Without you, it all just felt pretty fucking stupid. So, for the last two weeks...I’ve been toying with the idea of just giving it to Walt.”

“RANSOM!”

“Stop it, okay? Just stop. I know, why do you think Marta just chewed me the fuck out? I’m fucking up.”

“You can’t just do things like-”

“I miss you. This isn’t something to fucking guilt trip you, it’s me being honest. You left and everything just went to shit. I obviously know it’s my fault, but that doesn’t mean that I don’t feel fucking empty without you. The second you left, none of it mattered to me anymore. So yes, once again, I fucked up,” he sighs.

You hop off the counter and make your way over to him, before wrapping your arms around his waist, “you can’t do this.”

“Don’t.”

“Ransom, whatever happens between us, you’ve done good for yourself. You-”

“It was all for you, Y/N. All of it. All of it was done so that I could be good enough for you. Without you, it’s all worthless. There’s no future to set up, there’s no need to be at least slightly personable, there’s no need for any of it. I want to be someone who’s worthy of being seeing with you, I don’t wanna be just some piece of shit asshole that lives off his wife. I want you to feel secure and know that I’ll always take care of you...I wanted to do...be better for you. Without you around, I don’t give a fuck about any of it,” he finishes softly, looking down at his hands.

And that’s why you’re so in love with him.

Without giving it a second thought, you’re pulling him close and kissing him deeply.

No, it’s not lost on you that you’re the problem right now.

He grips your thighs and hoists you up, and you instinctively wrap your legs around him, as you deepen the kiss.

“We have to stop,” you breathe as he sets you on top of the counter and starts trailing kisses down your neck.

“Why? Why can’t we just pick up where we left off?” he asks breathlessly once he finally meets your gaze.

“We have to set boundaries...we can’t...this doesn’t help anything. Sex doesn’t make everything better-”

“It’s not fucking sex, Y/N. It’s intimacy, it’s love, and it’s home. I can fuck whoever the fuck I want, whenever I want. That’s not the issue here. I only want you. I only desire you. I love you. I’ll only ever want you, Y/N. This has always been so much more than sex to me. You know me well enough to know that this isn’t just a reason to fuck you,” he broods.

God, why can’t you just ever make the smart choice for once?

You and Ransom spend the next few hours in your bed making love, arguing, talking, and just holding one another. It’s everything you want, it’s nothing you want, and it grips your heart. It grips your heart because, with anyone else, this situation would’ve been dealt with.

But with Ransom?

God, he’s your whole world. There’s honestly nothing you wouldn’t do for him, and you know he loves you, but it’s not enough. Right now, it’s just not enough. You trusted him once and it backfired on you so bad, so how the fuck are you supposed to trust him now? Yes, you know he loves you and he wants an honest future with you, but you also know what the hell he’s capable of.

For as easy as you’d like it be, it’s all that much harder.

“How about this?” you sigh, sitting up and facing Ransom, “we still talk, but we don’t see each other?”

“Nope.”

“Ransom, I told you last night that I need time.”

“Okay, but then we made love all night and all day today. I think that shows that you need me just as much as I need you.”

“Its never been lost on either of us just how desperate I am for you,” you scowl with an eye roll.

“I’m sorry, Y/N. I really am, please...lets just start over.”

“You know it’s not that easy, babe.”

“Have I ever told you how fucking annoying it is to be with someone who won’t do exactly what you say?”

“You’ve mentioned it a time or two,” you chuckle softly.

“You are the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen,” he smiles softly, caressing the side of your face.

“I want to be with you, Ransom,” you tell him truthfully, your eyes watering a little. “I really do, I just...I’m sorry about last night and this morning-”

“I’m not.” “I’m not saying that I’m sorry it happened, I’m saying sorry if I gave you false hope, because I still don’t know. I love you more than I can ever explain, but it still hurts, Ransom.”

He’s quiet for a moment before responding with, “you’re my whole world, Y/N. You tell me to wait? I’ll wait. You want to explore other options? I’ll suck it up and deal with it. You need space? I’ll give it to you. I thought about this until I fell asleep, and I don’t have any right to demand anything from you. You chose me, you were more than happy to be with me, and then I fucked it all up. I can’t...I can’t keep telling you that I love you and not showing it,” he sighs mournfully.

“I don’t want anyone else, Ransom. Even if this doesn’t work out, I’ll never love anyone the way I love you. Yeah, you can be pretty fucking awful at times, but you also treat me better than anyone else ever has. Maybe that’s a testament to how poorly I’ve been treated my whole life, or maybe it goes to show how great of a person you actually are, but I never truly felt loved until you came along.”

Ransom says nothing. He just pulls you close, cups your face, and kisses you deeply.

His kisses are gonna be the death of you.

“I should get back,” you sigh once you two break apart.

“Another hour?”

“This is already too hard as it is.”

“I love you, Y/N.”

“I love you too, Ransom.”

He lets you keep his shirt since he destroyed yours and promised to send you a new underwear set even though you told him he didn’t have to.

The drive to Daisy’s is quiet, solemn, and Ransom never lets go of your hand. Every time you look over to him, you can see just how broken up he is over all of this, and it only makes your heart hurt more.

It’s not like you don’t understand where Ransom’s coming from, fuck Jack and get the woman hes always loved all in one shot, great plan.

Except for the part he fucked you over.

If he would’ve just told you, it would’ve been fine. No, you definitely wouldn’t have been happy with him, but you two wouldn’t be in the hell you’re in now. Besides the fact that he broke your heart and made you feel like a complete and total fool, everyone is in your fucking business now. When you go out with Daisy, there are stares and whispers, some women look at you with pure disgust while others just give you a side-eye and give you a smirk.

You’re clearly not as pure and perfect as everyone thought you were.

Daisy’s told you that there have been rumors that you’re the one Ransom fucked on his balcony that night, and men (both single and taken) have started feeling way too comfortable approaching you about the things they’d like to do to you. The men at work snicker at you as walk by, which is a big part of the reason you’ve decided to start working from home more, and the rift with your parents is only getting worse.

What are you supposed to do, though? Explain your side of it? Fuck no. It’s not like you even wanted people in your business in the first place, so now you’re supposed to publicly put your business out there? Tell them that your parents pushed you back into something that you tried to get out of? Your ex-husband beat the shit out of you? That he spent all of his free time cheating on you?

Why the fuck is it anyone’s business?

It’s been a fucking shit show since your birthday party and a large part of that is on Ransom. He didn’t take you into account at all (even though he truly believes did), and now you’re the talk of the town. Hell, it’s not like you’d mind all that much if he just told you the fucking truth from the beginning.

“When am I seeing you again?” Ransom asks as he pulls into Daisy’s driveway.

“I don’t know.”

“Will you at least talk to me?”

“Ransom...I’ll text you in a few days. That’s the best answer I can give you right now.”

“If I could take back what I did, I would in an instant.”

“I know you would and I wish that you could, but we don’t live in a world of what we wish we could do. I have to figure all of this out, and as you saw last night and this morning, I can’t do that when you’re around.”

“Why not?”

“Because I’m too in love with you,” you scoff. “I can’t think straight when I’m around you. I act on impulse and feelings, and I can’t afford to do that right now. I had every intention of just talking to you and coming back here, but I got sad and drunk, then remembered I was alone with you, and all thoughts of rationality went out the window. I know that I’m the one that initiated last night, but that proves my point. We started and we couldn’t stop. I couldn’t stop. I can’t be around you and make a good choice.”

“Because we’re in love! It was always supposed to be you and me-”

“You didn’t work up the nerve to have an actual conversation with me until-UGH! I’m not having this argument with you again, Ransom. You did something fucked up, and no matter how much I understand it, it still fucking hurts. I always pick people that aren’t good for me, and I need time to figure out what the fuck I’m doing. What I want.”

“You want me.”

“Ransom please!” you sob.

“I love you, Y/N. I love you so much and I fucking swear...none of this means anything to me without you. I’ll never hurt you like that again, I’ll never humiliate you...I will never cause you this much pain ever again,” he promises softly as his own tears start to fall.

You need to do this.

“I’ll text you in a few days, I promise,” you sob softly and he lets out an exasperated sigh.

“Whatever you need,” he responds, looking away from you so you don’t see him cry.

“Ransom, I do love you-”

“You’ve already proven that. Now, it’s my turn to.”

“Let me know when you’re home, so I know you’re safe, please?”

 “All of this, and you still wanna make sure I’m safe? God, I really fucked up, didn’t I? The only person to ever actually give a fuck about me and I fucked it up.”

“Ransom-”

“I’ll let you know, babe.”

“I love you.”

“I love you.”

Since he won’t even look at you, you go to leave, but soon he’s grabbing your wrist and you’re turning your attention towards him, and he’s kissing you as if it’s the last time he’ll ever see you. As always, it goes to far and you end up straddling him.

“I have to go,” you moan as he kisses down your neck.

You’re such a sucker for him.

“Just a little bit longer, please.” “Ransom, I can’t...fuck, no. Ransom, we have to stop.”

“You promise to text me in a few days?” he breathes heavily as he sits back and looks up at you.

“I promise.”

“Y/N,” he sighs as he strokes the side of your face, “I love you...I’ll let you know when I’m home.”

You give him a quick peck on the lips before opening the door on the drivers side and quickly getting out. You give him one last look before quickly making your way up the steps to Daisy’s house.

“That’s definitely not the shirt you left in yesterday,” she scoffs, not even turning her full attention away from the TV.

“I don’t fucking need it right now, Dais. I really fucking don’t,” you sob as you make your way into her kitchen.

“Oh no, what happened?” she sighs, turning off the TV as she gets up to follow you.

“This is on me. I fucked up and...he didn’t do anything wrong,” you try to explain as you grab a wine glass. “God, do you have a cigarette?”

“Babe, what happened?”

“Do you have a fucking cigarette?!”

“Jesus, okay! Just hold on,” she mutters before practically running upstairs.

You don’t mean to snap at her, but your nerves are so shot at this point. You need something.

“Alright, start from the beginning and tell me what happened,” she instructs, coming back into the kitchen and handing you a cigarette before lighting her own.

You really try to get it all out in one shot, but you start crying every 15 fucking minutes, which only makes the whole thing take longer. By the time you finish explaining everything, you’re ready for a nap. Somewhere in the middle of it, you feel your phone buzz, and you know it’s him, which just makes your heart hurt for him even more.

“He was an actual gentleman?” Daisy commented after a moment.

“He’s not a bad guy, Dais.”

“To you,” she scoffs and you roll your eyes.

You know she has a fucking point. Ransom ultimately hates everyone, but (to be fair) everyone hates him. If he isn’t satisfying a woman, she tends to end up hating him. Besides all of the shit he did before, he did just pay for all of the furniture that’s gonna get put in your house.

It’s truly not lost on you just how important you are to him.

“I mean...what do you wanna do?”

“I wanna pretend that my birthday didn’t happen. I want to pretend that I’m not hurt and that I can live in my new home with him, because he is home to me. I want to be with him, but I don’t trust him, Dais, and part of me doesn’t feel as important to him as he says I am.”

“I can’t believe I’m about to say this, but have you really looked at it from Ransom’s point of view? It’s easy to be mad at him, trust me, I wanna break his nose too, but it’s also Ransom. Hes never had a real friend, never been in a real relationship, and his family fucking sucks. You think he understood that not was the worst option?”

“He told me everything else-”

“He told you everything else because, in his eyes, it held value. He’s always loved you, so of course he was gonna tell you. If he truly didn’t care about your happiness, he would’ve said something at your wedding. Yeah, he loses points for not telling you exactly when Jack started cheating again, but at least he told you. It can be easy to say that he did it for his own self interest, but I told you years ago, I saw how he looked at you. That man has truly been in love with you forever. Once he had an even playing ground, he told you. The bet was vulgar and disrespectful, but it’s Ransom. He’s a fucking idiot.”

“So you think I should be with him?”

“I think...I think that it’s hard for me to see you like this. You didn’t tell me about him for a year, which you can still go fuck yourself for, but once you did, it was easy for me to connect the dots. He makes you happier than I’ve ever seen before, and you are so in love with him. You were never this in love with Jack, and I don’t think you ever would’ve been, even if you two would have worked out. You laugh and smile more when you’re with him, it’s clear that he gets and understands you more than anyone else, you threw all your morals out the window and you don’t do that for just anyone, and you love him. You are so painfully in love with him.

This man got his shit together for you, actually started taking things seriously for you, and stopped all his partying bullshit. Even now, when he’s rarely at a club, he’s there just to drink. Whenever a woman even looks his way, he moves to a new spot. You gave him your attention and he changed almost over night. My list of reasons for not liking him, as well as everyone else’s reasons, don’t apply to you. You are the only person Ransom has actually tried to be good enough for, and I know that deep down inside, you believe that.”

“How much did you hate saying all of that?”

“So much more than I’ll ever be able to explain,” she laughs and you laugh along with her. “Also, you getting him to buy all your furniture? Bad ass!”

“I didn’t get him to do anything. He wouldn’t listen to me when I told him not to. He just kept buying things, so I eventually told him what to buy, cause it’s my house and I’ll be dammed if looks Ransom’s vacation home,” you scowl.

“You are right. You need time alone to figure all of this shit out, but I do believe that he actually loves you. If there’s one thing you should take solace in, it’s that he actually loves you.”

“I don’t know. I just need time,” you sigh.

**

It’s been two months since you’ve last seen Ransom, and you’re proud to say that you’ve given into Ransom once.

Well...physically anyway.

It’d been two weeks since you’d last seen him, and you had just received the new lingerie set he’d sent you to replace the one he destroyed that night you two stayed over at your new house. You were already a few glasses of wine in, so you were emotional and vulnerable to say the least. You were alone and didn’t see the harm in that being the only thing you wore around the house. The playlist you randomly selected didn’t do anything to help. Every song was either about heartbreak, true love, fucking your partner senseless, and so on.

All of your thoughts effortlessly went back to him.

To make matters worse, every bit of furniture in the house made you think of, him, since he was the person who purchased all of it. As every second went by, you found yourself missing Ransom more and thinking more and more about that night. All you wanted was to feel his love, his embrace, and him deep inside of you.

By your 6th glass of wine, you’d thrown all caution to the wind.

The voices that were telling you ‘no’ didn’t stand a chance as you got on your bed and took your Scioness sucking and licking clitoral stimulator out. No, that wasn’t anything new, but recording yourself and sending it to Ransom was. You didn’t stop until you soaked the flimsy material and you were in a whimpering and desperate mess.

You barely had to wait all of three minutes before he responded with, ‘you desperate little fucking slut.’

You knew you should’ve turned him away when you opened your door to him, 15 minutes later, but it was useless. Drunk or not, Ransom had been all you thought about from the moment you got out of his car when he dropped you back off at Daisy’s, and you didn’t feel like denying yourself anymore.

“You tell me to leave you alone, but you send me shit like that? You expect me to not act on what we both want?” he husked with a slight slur as kicked your door shut, then pinned you against the wall.

Of course the both of you are drunk.

“I miss you so much, daddy,” you sobbed as he bit and kissed all over your neck.

“Daddy misses you too, Sweet Thing. Ya know, I didn’t even have to jerk myself off to that video. You’re the sexiest fucking little whore! Did you know that, baby? Watching you soak those little fucking panties...came so fucking hard!” he taunted as he gripped your thighs and hoisted you up.

“You did, daddy?” you whimpered as you wrapped your legs around his waist. “Am I still your favorite?”

“I’ll be more than happy to show you just how desperate I am to make you believe that.”

He’d only been in the house the one other time, but he maneuvered up the stairs to your bedroom with ease. His touch was urgent as he ripped off your panties and matching top, but there was also a gentleness to it. As his lips ghosted over your shoulder, his fingers skillfully trailed down your body. Every feeling you’d been craving and needing since the last time you saw him, finally felt satisfied, and he’d barely done anything to you yet.

“You’ve been on my mind since the last time I saw you,” he husked as he sat up and removed his shirt. “Your scent, your kiss, your smile...this perfect fucking cunt,” he smirked devilishly and you whimpered as you ground your hips against his. “Awh, don’t be so fucking desperate, Sweet Thing,” he taunted with a faux pout as he started to tease your clit, “you know how much daddy loves it when you make him work for it.”

“Need you...need you too much,” you sobbed as you worked on the front of his shorts. “I’m yours, Ransom! Please!” you begged, finally able to pull down his shorts.

“Tell me how bad you need me,” he demanded as he slid two fingers inside of you, but it sounded more like he was begging, and you let out a soft gasp. “C’mon, Sweet Thing! Tell daddy how much you need him!’ “Fuck! You’re all I think about...all I dream of...fuck!”

“Tell me more, Sweet Thing!” he demanded pathetically as his thumb started making little circles on your clit.

“Best...best days were spent...oh my GOD! Best days were spent with you!” you mewled as you tried to push him away, feeling way too stimulated. “Ransom...please!”

“I need you, Sweet Thing!”

“Fuck, I need you too! Can’t....can’t think straight...without you! I love you so much!”

“Jesus, give me what I want!” he demanded as he picked up his pace.

You screamed his name as you held on to his arms for dear life, doing your best to focus your attention on him as your orgasm overtook you. He always made you feel so light and happy, and that night was no different. He finger fucked you through your high, a look of pure satisfaction sat on his face as he watched come down, before he finally pulled his fingers out. He teased you by lightly tracing them over lips, but laughed as you whimpered in protest when he quickly took them back and cleaned them off himself.

“Daddy’s so sorry, Sweet Thing,” he groaned as he thrust himself inside of you.

It didn’t matter that you’d had him so many times before, you still weren’t used to the size of him and how he deliciously split you apart.

“Shit!”

“So fucking beautiful when you’re stuffed full of daddy’s fat cock, baby!” he cooed as he fucked into you hard and fast.

“Oh...fuck..!”

“Taking daddy so well, just like always!”

“So...so full! AHT! RIGHT THERE, DADDY!” you screamed as you dug your nails into his biceps. “FEELS SO GOOD WHEN YOU....FUCK!”

He didn’t slow down as he dipped down to kiss you, one had planted firmly by your head, while the other cupped your face as he deepened the kiss. His touch was always so gentle when it came to you, even when the sex wasn’t. Yeah, he loved to treat you like his little rag doll, but it’s always been obvious that he needed you to believe that you’re more than that to him.

Hes always needed you to know that you’re everything to him.

“I need you, Sweet Thing,” he whispered once you two broke apart, his hand traveled from your face to extremely sensitive bundle of nerves and started to tease it.

“SHIT!” you gasped, curling your toes as clenched your eyes shut.

“Eyes on daddy, Sweet Thing,” he pleaded as he started to kneed your clit softly between his fingers.

“OH FUCK!”

“Eyes on daddy, baby! Wanna watch you...FUCK!”

“Daddy...DADDY PLEASE! Too good! TOO MUCH!!” you cried, opening your eyes as you gripped the sheets tight within your fists. “CAN’T!”

“Give it to me, Sweet Thing! Give me everything!”

“FUCK!” you screamed as your legs gripped down on him tight, and you made a mess that covered both his lower abdomen and yourself.

“Can’t get enough,” he husked as he filled you with his love.

You both stilled, no sounds other than your labored breaths, and you knew you should’ve sent him home. You knew that you’d done enough damage, but that did nothing to stop you from saying what what was truly in your heart.

“I need more, daddy,” you breathed as you ran your hands through his sweaty brown tendrils.

“I’ll give you whatever you want,” he promised before he kissed you passionately.

You two stayed up for hours that night. Both of you ignoring the fact it wouldn’t resolve anything, and that you both were feeding into something you shouldn’t. It didn’t help that you both kept telling each other how much you love and needed one another. When all was said and done, he held you close and tight and peppered kisses up and down your neck, begging you to take him back. The best you could respond with was entwining your fingers with his and squeezing tight.

Fucking is a lot easier than forgiving.

When you woke up the next day, he was gone and if it hadn’t been for the ache between your thighs (and in your ass), you would’ve been able to pretend it was all a dream. You wanted to text him and ask him to come over so you could talk, but talk about what? You hadn’t come to a decision, you weren’t sure that you’d forgiven him, and another round of sex wouldn’t do either of you any good.

But you missed him. You missed him so much.

So, when he FaceTimed you that night, you answered. It wasn’t a deep and meaningful conversation, but it helped to kill the loneliness...for the most part. From then on, you two talked on the phone and FaceTimed every other night. Sometimes they ended with heavy breathing and him begging you to let him over, but you didn’t cave. Other times, you stayed on the phone with him until you fell asleep. Sometimes you’d wake up and the call or FaceTime would still be going on, and it made you feel so much less alone.

You keep telling yourself that taking Ransom back isn’t the worst thing in the world, but you also know it’s bullshit. Yes, you do love him, but he hurt you. He lied and decided to keep important information from you, so that he could get his way. You’d given him the benefit of the doubt before and for what? What did you get from it? A broken heart? You second guessing everything you did?

What happens if you trust him again? You already know his parents hate you (mainly Linda because she’s now dealing with another family scandal because of Ransom), your parents hate him, you’ll second guess every word that comes out of his mouth, and you know the stares will be constant. You cheated with Ransom and, according to Daisy, people have pieced everything together. To make the situation worse, Jack is singing his little sad song to anyone who will listen. It doesn’t seem to matter that he cheated first, long before you even started to catch on. Ransom and Jack were supposed to be best friends, and you’re the reason they aren’t anymore.

So many reason to say no and start over, but it’s not enough for you to actually do it.

Obviously, the whole thing wasn’t traditional or romantic, but you were truly happy. Ransom makes you laugh, makes you feel seen and heard, he loves you, you feel safe with him, your heart rate still speeds up at just the thought of him, every part of you yearns for him in the most desperate and pathetic ways, and the only time you don’t feel alone is when he’s by your side.

The man also always sends into the most mind-numbing blissed out state every time you two make love.

It’s all so heartbreaking and confusing, and you wish there was an easy answer, but you know there can’t be. If you take him back, you’ll live in a constant state of anxiety. If you move on without him, you know that no one will ever be able to fill the void that’s in your heart now.

To make matters worse, it’s raining and it’s only making you want Ransom even more. You can’t stop your brain from going back to the last time you two spent a rainy day together, and small sad smile comes to your face.

“Come back to bed,” Ransom whined as you made your way out of the bathroom and back into his bedroom.

“I have to go,” you laughed softly, “I’ve been here all day.”

“So there’s no reason you can’t stay all night.”

“Ransom-”

“Come here,” he demanded gently while a devilish grin tugged on his lips.

You didn’t even think of disobeying him, because your body was always on autopilot when it came to him. You crawled onto the bed and made your way over to him slowly, loving the desire and happiness that burned in his eyes, and didn’t stop until you were straddling him.

“Take your shirt off,” he instructed as his hands ghosted over your bare thighs.

His eyes followed your every move, and it made your heart swell to see him so enamored and obsessed with you. He’d seen you naked a handful of times, but it didn’t seem to phase him. To him, your beauty was something that would always take his breath away.

“Are you happy?” he asked as his hands traveled over your frame. “You seem happy.”

“I’m really happy, baby.”

“I wanna take you away again.”

“Ransom-”

“I miss having you all to myself. I love having you all to myself.”

“I do too, baby.”

“I love you, Y/N.”

“I love you too.”

“Stay. Please just stay with me. We can do whatever you want,” he offered as he wrapped his arms around your waist. “You wanna watch some cartoon? We can do that. You wanna make love for the rest of the day? We can do that too. Eat junk, sit in silence, play board games, literally anything you want. Just stay here.”

“I’m sure you can find someone else to fill your time.”

“You know there’s no one else. There’s only you.”

“Ransom-”

“Sweet Thing, you want to be here, so just be here.”

“I have to go back at some point.”

“No you don’t,” he scowled, “but, if you must, leave tomorrow. Today is the perfect day for us to be together.”

“What do you wanna do?”

“I wanna keep making you happy. I love making you happy,” he smirked as he started to rub your clit.

“Ransom!”

“You wanna watch a movie, baby?”

“I just wanna stay with you!”

“I want you to stay with me forever, Sweet Thing.”

“Oh God! Ransom!”

“So fucking beautiful,” he cooed as he quickened his pace.

“It feels...Ransom! It’s too much!”

“You already know what you have to say to get me to let you cum, Sweet Thing,” he smirked as he easily sunk two fingers into your desperate pussy.    

“RANSOM!”

“Tell me you’ll stay,” he begged desperately.

“Pl...please!”

“Not until you tell me that you’ll stay, Sweet Thing.”

“Fuck! I’ll stay! I’ll stay for as long as you want!”

“Careful, Sweet Thing,” he smirked, “you’re gonna end up staying forever.”

“Ransom!”

“Cum for me, sweet angel. You always look so fucking beautiful when you do.”

“Fuck, I love you so much!” you whimpered as you coated his fingers and his wrist. “Such a fucking bully,” you breathed after a moment and he chuckled.

“I only use my magic powers when you’re being stubborn,” he smirked as he pulled you close and kissed you passionately. “What do you wanna do?” he questioned while removing his fingers from your cunt, placing them between both your lips and his.

“Well, right now, I want you to use me up until you’re satisfied,” you whispered before licking his fingers with the tip of your tongue, “then I want us to make lunch and watch movies.”

“All of that is doable,” he promised as he shoved his fingers in your mouth.

You two spent what felt like forever underneath the covers, getting lost in one another, before finally getting out of bed and showering together.

“Ransom, do you ever go grocery shopping?” you laughed, looking in his fridge for anything to make.

“I mean, I send someone to go grocery shopping, but I’ve been slacking,” he admitted as he grabbed two glasses from the cabinet.

“And why is that...babe, these apples should’ve been thrown out weeks ago,” you laughed, taking them out and placing them on the counter.

“If you’re not here, there’s not really much of a reason for me to cook.”

“You can’t just order out all the time, honey. You have to take care of yourself.”

“I just...it doesn’t matter.”

“Talk to me, babe. What’s on your mind?”

“It doesn’t matter.”

“Why are you shutting me out?”

“I’m not, it’s just...its never mattered before, so why should it matter now?”

“Because I love you and I want to be there for you like you are with me.”

“That’s why you’re still with Jack?”

“Ransom.”

“I’m sorry...really, I am. That was a low blow...it doesn’t matter.”

“Baby,” you sighed, making your way over to him and wrapped your arms around his waist, “let me in. Talk to me.”

“I just don’t see the fucking point,” he scowled, turning his head away from you. “I’m not trying to guilt trip you, but without you, what’s the point? What’s the point of any of this?”

“Ransom-”

“No one cares, except for you. No one checks in, no one calls to see if I’m okay, no one really gives a fuck whether I’m stable or not unless they want something from me, my family always expects the worst of me, because all of us are terrible people...what’s the point? Without you, what is the point?”

“My sweet, sweet love,” you cooed as you cupped his face, “you live for you, not them. It doesn’t matter how they view you, it only matters how you view yourself.” “We both know I’m not worth saving.”

“I don’t.”

“Y/N-”

“I love you, Ransom. I love you so much that it terrifies me. It’s not lost on me what you’re capable of, but you let me in. You let me see the parts of you that hide from everyone else. The parts that you’re scared of everyone else seeing. Yeah, your family sucks, but you’re not them. You don’t have to keep acting the way they expect you to.”

“I’ll make something of myself and then what? Make them proud? Make myself something else for them to make a profit off of?”

“Like I said before: you live for you, not them.”

“I live for you.”

“You can’t make me your whole world, Ransom.”

“It doesn’t change the fact that you are.”

“What would you do if I do if I didn’t love you?”

“The same shit I’ve been doing,” he laughed humorlessly.

“That’s no way to live, Hugh.”

“Because there’s so much more to live for?”

“Live a life you’re proud of. No matter what your family says or does, no matter what you’ve done in your past, live a life you’re proud of.”

“Are you proud of me?”

“I wouldn’t be here if I wasn’t. It’s not about me though, it’s about-”

“Its always been about you, Sweet Thing. From the moment I laid eyes on you...its always been about you.”

“I love you, Ransom.”

“I love you, Y/N,” he smiled before he dipped down to kiss you.

You ended up having groceries delivered to his house, and you both cooked together in a happy silence. He couldn’t keep his eyes off of you as danced around the kitchen in his white collar button down, and were obsessed with every kiss he surprised you with.

You made chicken and rice quesadillas, and ate them while sitting on the kitchen floor with him. Yes, he objected to it, but you were more than happy to remind him that it’s okay to not be prim and proper all the damn time. It’s perfectly fine to let your hair down every once in a while.

“You have to pick a movie,” you laughed before you took a bite of your last quesadilla slice.

“You’re the one who suggested watching a movie!”

“No I didn’t! Plus, you know I hate making the choice!”

“I think you’re the most annoying person I’ve ever met,” he smiled, his ocean blue eyes blossomed in excitement as you burst out laughing.

“Pick a movie!”

“I don’t know! I guess...’Casablanca’.”

“You don’t even like that movie!”

“How about...’The Nightmare Before Christmas’?”

“You hate that movie!”

“But its one of your favorites,” he smiled at you.

“Ransom-”

“I love what you love.”

“Does the mean you’re finally gonna love yourself?”

“Don’t be annoying,” he warned with a glare.

“Love yourself as much as you love me.”

“That’s not physically possible, even I was in a good head space. The way that I love you...the amount that you love me...I could never love myself that much.”

“Is it sad that I feel the same way?”

“I think it speaks to how much we need each other,” he smiled towards you.

You spent the entire movie in his lap, with him holding you close and pressing soft kisses into your hair. Afterwords, you both just talked for hours about everything. His childhood, your childhood, past traumas, past relationships, what you both love each other, and you’re reservations about starting a relationship (you more than him). At the end of the night, Ransom decided he wanted to finish off the night with his head between your legs, which of course led to an all night love making session, that resulted in you sleeping in. A small smile coming to your face when you woke up in his arms, while he was in the middle of a business call.

The whole thing felt like a dream.

Fast forward to now, where all you want to do is ask Ransom to come over, but you know it’ll only make things worse. Ransom has begging you to let him come and see you for the last two weeks, but you can’t trust or control yourself around him, so you tell him no. You see it every night in his eyes when you two FaceTime, but this is the only solution that works for now.

With a heavy sigh, you get up off the sofa, and decide that food will be your way out of your misery. You’re almost at your kitchen when you hear a rather hard knock on your door. You stand there for a moment, contemplating letting whoever it is, before another rapid knock has you scowling in sheer irritation and making your way to your front door.

You should’ve ignored it.

“Jesus, what do you want?” you mutter once the open door reveals a pretty wet Jack.

“Hello to you too.”

“Jack, I’m really not in the mood today, so please-”

“So you’ll take Drysdale back, but you won’t even hear me out?”

“I haven’t taken anyone back-”

“Marta was crying at the bar to one of her friends about how she came over to talk to him about the company, and you were wrapped in a blanket and he was naked.”

“We had sex, Jack. That’s all. I’m very much single and not seeing anyone. Not like it’s any of your business.”

“I just wanna talk, Y/N. I’m not here to argue or raise hell. I just wanna talk, because we never actually got a chance to. If you can hear Drysdale out, you can hear me out too.”

“Ransom didn’t beat the shit out of me.”

“You know I’m sorry about that.”

“And the lies you’ve been spreading about me?”

“If you’ll just let me explain myself....please,” he begs pathetically.

It’s not like he deserves it, but you do have questions of your own.

“The moment I feel uncomfortable or fed up, you’re out of here,” you sigh as you step aside.

“I just wanna talk, I promise,” he tells you as he makes his way inside.

“The house is nice,” he compliments softly as he looks around.

“What did you want to say, Jack?” you question as you make your way to the kitchen.

“I’m sorry, Y/N. I really am, for all of it-”

“You could’ve sent all of that in a text.”

“I loved you. I love you. I just...my Mom never left my dad, and I figured we’d just make it work. My parents stayed together, your parents stayed together, Ransom’s parents-”

“So you just assumed that a toxic environment was okay?”

“I expected you to wait,” he sighs in pure disappointment, stopping at the entry way of your kitchen.

“That’s bullshit and we both know,” you scoff, crossing your arms and leaning against the counter. “You knew my parents were always going to push me to stay, so you took advantage of that. You never loved me, you loved the idea of loving me and took my love for granted, because you thought it would always be there.”

“Because you were so innocent in all of this?!”

“Jack, you started cheating years before I did! I begged you for a divorce and you refused to give me one! No, I’m not innocent, but I refuse to take the blame for everything that went wrong!”

“You didn’t do anything to try and fix-”

“No! You don’t get to yell at me and make me feel like shit! After all the work I did, it still wasn’t enough for you! Yeah, I slept with Ransom, I went away with him, I fell in love with him, but don’t act like I didn’t try to do everything to make you happy! You didn’t want a wife! You wanted a play to-”

“You were all too happy to be Ransom’s!”

“You’re the one who made the bet!”

“Because I thought you’d stay, no matter what!”

“BECAUSE YOU DIDN’T APPRECIATE ME!”

Jack is thoughtful before looking at you and saying, “I do love you, Y/N. Yes, it started as a bet, and I know it was wrong, but I do love you. I always thought...it’s all I’ve ever known. No, it’s not right, but that doesn’t make the mindset any easier to break itself out of. It started out as a bet, a cruel joke, but you made me love you. Beauty aside, you truly were everything I had ever wanted, I think you’re what mot of us want, honestly. I just...I got lost in all of the bullshit-”

“All of the bullshit I paid for.”

“I make my own money!”

“Your own money that you never spent! I foot the bill for all the shit you did!”

“Didn’t stop you from giving Ransom-”

“You don’t get to bring him up like he started all of this! Whatever I did with Ransom-”

“Like letting him fuck you on his balcony for everyone to see-”

“Where you yelled that you needed to get a whore just like that!” you snap. “Everything I did for Ransom, sexually and otherwise, I would’ve done for you! You shut me out and let this marriage fail! And for all the lies you’ve told-”

“You couldn’t really expect a clean-”

“YOU CHEATED ON ME!” you scream at him. “You cheated, you lied, manipulated me, embarrassed me, BEAT me, made me feel terrible about myself,” you trail off with a small sob as you wipe your eyes. “No, I shouldn’t have cheated, but it’s not like you gave me much incentive to try. There’s honestly no excuse for what you did! All because Ransom had a crush-”

“HE GETS EVERYTHING HE WANTS!”

“Do you even hear yourself right now?! How much of a fucking child you sound like?! Besides, what the fuck did I ever do to you?! You approached me! I’d never even spoken to you and you went out of your way to rope me into this bullshit! You made me fall in love with a version of you that doesn’t even exist-”

“That’s not true!”

“Yes it is! All of the charm, all of the kindness, all of the thoughtfulness was just a lie! All of it! It took you all of three months to cheat on me! I don’t believe that there’s single part of you that actually knows how to love and respect me, or anyone for that matter! I begged you for a divorce, multiple times, and you refused! It wasn’t enough that you won your fucking bet! What you did was cruel and fucking terrible! So yes, I fucked Ransom! I’m not going to feel bad because someone was giving me the affection and love you weren’t!”

“Drysdale isn’t some fucking saint-”

“He’s a hell of a lot better than you! He didn’t start this, you did! He didn’t cheat on me, you did! He didn’t go out of his way to hurt me, but you did! It’s not enough that ruined our marriage, and for the longest time, my fucking self esteem, but somehow I’m still the bad guy in all of this! You’re going out and spreading lies, everyone thinks I’m Ransom’s little whore, and everyone feels bad for you! Yet, you dare come to my home and tell me that your feelings are hurt because I fucked Ransom on a balcony?! Well, guess what? I let him fuck me on a hotel balcony in Chicago! I fucked him at our vow renewal party! I fucked him on our anniversary when you got too fucked up! I had been fucking him for over a year by the time you even realized something was off! That’s how wound up in yourself you were! You claim that you love me so much, but paid no fucking attention to me! There were nights that I didn’t come home, and you either didn’t care or were out with whoever fascinated you more than me and never even bothered to ask where I was! All of this was just a joke to you! It’s still a joke to you!”

“It’s not! I love-”

“Stop saying that!” you snap, slapping him hard across the face.

He takes a step towards, but you’re quick to raise your hand again, while opening the drawer full of knives, and placing your hand on the handle of the chef knife.

You’ll be dammed if you let him beat you up in your own fucking house.

“I’m a good person, Y/N. I have flaws, but I am a good person. Be with Ransom for all I care, but don’t come crawling back to me when he breaks your fucking heart!”

“I wouldn’t come crawling back to you if someone paid me to. Now, get the fuck out of my house,” you warn, fire in your eyes and scowl on your face.

Jack stands there for a moment, looking you over, before shaking his head and walking out, slamming door shut hard behind him.

You stay still for a moment, starting to shake before the tears start to rapidly fall and you let go of the knife. You blindly search your pockets for your phone, feeling your breathing start to become uneven and ragged.

‘Where the fuck did I put it?!’ you think to yourself as panic overtakes you.

When you get back to your living area, you’re quick to grab it off the arm of the sofa, quickly dialing the number of the only person you can think of.

“Hey, can I call you back? I’m in the middle of a meeting...what’s wrong? Are you okay?” Ransom asks, worry laced in every word, once he hears your sobbing and uneven breaths.

“Ne...nee...,” you sob, frustrated with yourself for not being able to put a sentence together. “Need you...shit!”

“I’m on my way. Are you home?”

“Mhm.”

“I’m on my way,” he promises before hanging up.

You make your way over to the corner nearest you and sit in it, clenching your eyes shut as you try to regulate your breathing and focus on something that calms you. No, you had no clue that seeing Jack would trigger a panic attack, the last one happening maybe a week after Jack beating the shit out of you, but you’re happy you invited him in nonetheless. You didn’t know how much you needed to say all of those things until you saw him, and you’re proud of yourself for standing your ground.

You’re also proud of yourself for slapping the shit out of him.

“Y/N!” Ransom yells as he makes his way into your house.

Of course you forgot to lock the door.

“Y/N, where are-”

“Here,” you squeak, still trying to stop your tears.

“What happened? Are you okay?” Ransom asks as he quickly makes his way to your side. You feel his fingers scanning over you, searching for bruises or scars, and you shake your head ‘no’ in a feeble attempt to tell him that you’re physically fine. “Y/N, what happened?”

“Ransom...please,” you sob as you wrap your arms around him and bury your face in the crook of his neck.

“It’s alright, baby. I’m here and everything is okay, I promise,” he coos softly, wrapping his arms around your waist, before standing up and picking you up.

You instinctively wrap your legs around his waist, doing your best to match your breathing with his heartbeat, slowly calming down as he closes your front door and locks it.

“It’s okay, baby,” he reassures you again gently, softly stroking your back as he makes his way upstairs. “I’m here now and I promise to not let anything happen to you. I’ll keep you safe.”

When he reaches your bedroom, he pulls back the covers and sets you down on your bed gently before getting in next to you, and pulling the covers over the both of you. You take note of his wet hair and you want to apologize for all of this, but you can’t find your voice or the strength. You’re using all the strength you have to hold him close, needing to feel safe and loved.

“Just rest, baby. I’m right here. I’m right here,” he coos into your hair before kissing it.

You finally feel calm enough to rest, the voices and memories in your head finally calming down enough for to start seeing through the fog. As you succumb to unconsciousness, you know one thing for certain: Ransom will always be the only person you’ll ever feel completely safe with.

Ransom will always be the love of your life.

**

3 Weeks Later

“Why do I feel like you’re not having fun?!” Daisy yells over the music, a small pout on her lips, small slur in her words as she tries to steady herself.

“I am!” you lie with a laugh, your own slur apparent as you take note of the fact that your fourth drink is halfway finished.

“You forget that I’ve known you forever! Your eye twitches when you lie! What’s wrong?! Is it because Jack is here?! I can have his ass thrown out!”

“It’s a club, Dais!” you chuckle, taking a sip of your Mai Tai.

“It’s my 31st birthday!”

“It’s not him, I promise! I just haven’t been out in a while! I promise I’m okay!”

“Bullshit, but I’ll leave it alone...for now!” she warns before making her way back to the dance floor and you laugh.

It’s not like you’re not trying to have a good time, but you just miss Ransom. Your mind keeps going back to when you had your panic attack and he came over in an instant. The memory causes your heart to flutter in your chest.

“Tell them I’ll take care of it when I get back,” you heard Ransom softly demand as he typed on his laptop. “Besides, the work on their end isn’t done anyway. If I have to tell them one more fucking time to show me the cover design, people are getting fucking fired....I don’t care! The book is due out in 3 months, and I haven’t seen shit. They want their fucking corrections? Show me a fucking book cover. It’s not that goddamn hard!” he snapped softly before hanging up.

There’s the Ransom you know.

“Did I get you in trouble?” you croaked softly, voice still sore from all the crying.

“Did I wake you? I’m sorry-”

“No no,” you reassured him as you sat up a little, looking around and seeing that was dark. “How long have I been asleep?”

“About three hours. Are you okay?”

“I have a headache,” you told him as you rested your head on his arm and sighed in contentment.

You’d missed him so much.

“I’m sorry I interrupted-”

“Don’t be. I brought you up some water. You should sit up and have some.”

“You didn’t have to stay...I shouldn’t have called-”

“Stop, Y/N. Sit up and have some water,” he urged again and sighed and gave in. “What happened?” he asked as he closed his laptop.

“Jack came over and-”

“HE WHAT?!”

“Ransom, it’s okay. Nothing happened. He wanted me to hear him out, and big surprise, there was nothing to hear. I started yelling, he kept bringing up that I cheated with you, so I of course got angrier and went off on him, I ended up slapping him and he walked towards me like he was gonna hit me back, but I raised my hand again...he told me that he’s a good person with some flaws and that you’re just gonna break my heart before he walked out and slammed the door shut. I don’t know, I guess reliving all of that trauma mentally, watching come towards me as if he wanted to hit me, seeing him...it triggered a panic attack. I hadn’t seen him in so long and it was...I could only think of you,” you confessed softly, too anxious to look up at him.

You had experienced entirely too many emotions in one day.

“You can always call me whenever you need me,” he promised you softly as he stroked your hair.

“No, you don’t have to-”

“I love you, Y/N. I always have and I always will. You think I would put a fucking meeting before you? You think I would put anything before you? You are my world and I’ll always be there for you. No matter what,” he told you sincerely.

Your heart both swelled and broke at his words. You couldn’t help but wonder if he told Marta the exact same thing when he was working to get his share of the inheritance back.

“Can you stay tonight? You being here just calms me and-”

“You don’t have to explain anything to me, Sweet Thing. If it makes you feel better, I’m more than happy to do it,” he assured you softly.

You want so badly to believe every thing he says, but how the hell are you supposed to do that? How are you supposed to turn a blind eye and pretend nothing ever happened when-

“Ya know, you’ve been looking sad all night,” a random man says to you, pulling you out of your thoughts.

“I promise I’m not,” you mutter as you waive the waiter over once you notice that you’ve completely finished off your drink.

“You don’t wanna give Jack the satisfaction of seeing you so unhappy, do you?”

“I’m sorry, do I know-ugh, get away from me, Tyson,” you scowl once you finally turn your full attention to the guy disrupting your evening of sulking.

“C’mon,” he smirks as he strokes your arm, “I know you know how to show a guy a good time, and I’ll be more than happy to show you a good time.” “A guy beats the shit out of me, but I’m labeled a whore for doing the same thing he did to me. Amazing,” you mutter as you roll your eyes.

“Oh, c’mon, honey. I saw you that night on Ransom’s balcony-”

“Leave me alone, Tyson.”

“Don’t be a bitch! Jack said you were an easy fuck-”

“I’m sorry to break it to you, but like he does with everyone else, he fucking lied to you. Now leave me-”

“You know you want it,” he pushes as he grips your arm, tight.

“She said to fuck off, Tyson. I’m pretty sure she fucking meant it,” Ransom snaps, pulling Tyson off of the bar stool next to you. “Fuck off.”

“C’mon Ransom! You can’t just keep her to yourself-”

“She fucking said no! Do you want me to show you what happens when I get pissed the fuck off over someone not listening to her and what she wants?!” he warns in practically a growl.

“You two are fucking pathetic,” Tyson scoffs, “I’ll find some other whore to suck me off, I’m not worried,” he shrugs with a devilish grin.

Ransom lunges towards him but you’re quick to grab his arm, looking up at him with pleading eyes, “please, Ransom. He isn’t worth it.”

Though you can see the fear in his eyes, Tyson tries to mask it before walking off.

“You should’ve let me kill him,” Ransom mutters, taking the seat that belonged to Tyson.

“You can’t beat up every guy who’s mean to me.”

“Only when you’re around.”

“Ransom-”

“Besides, why are you wearing a dress like this when I’m not with you?” he questions, taking a sip of his bourbon as his hungry eyes look you over.

“One,” you start as you turn your attention to your drink, pressing your thighs together because that look always makes you feral, “I didn’t pick out this outfit, Daisy did. Two, you’re not my boyfriend and I don’t have to run everything past you.”

Why do you always bait him? Seriously, at this point, you’re just begging for complication.

“You’ve been avoiding me for a week, and you think you have the right to catch an attitude with me right now?” he questions, leaning in and resting his hand on your bare upper thigh, and your breath hitches. “Don’t forget who you really belong to, Sweet Thing.”

“You...you’ve been seen with women-”

“Don’t. They flirt with me, I don’t flirt with them. I always go home alone, waiting for and wanting you.”

“Ransom-”

“I belong to you just like you belong to me, or did you forget? Did you forget everything I told you? Does daddy need to remind you?” he presses, giving your thigh a firm squeeze.

After he’d come over and stayed with you after your panic attack, you wanted him around all the time, and it was becoming too much for you. You two hadn’t even slept together (you two hadn’t done anything sexual in a while), you just craved to be in his space.

Ransom has made it a point in his life to put up walls and shut everyone out, but with you, he makes you his whole world and that makes it so hard to stay away from him. It’s not that you need him to be all about you all the time, but you’d be a liar if you said that having that kind of effect on him wasn’t something that made you feel just a little special though.

However, it’s so much more than that.

Ransom talks to you. Not at you, but to you. He doesn’t treat you as if you’re some object to just keep his cock warm and entertain him when he’s bored, he takes note of the things you actually like and surprises you with them, he’s gotten a lot better at talking to you about things instead of shutting down, he opens up to you about his childhood and his issues with his parents, his issues with Walt, and the issues he had with Harlan.

He doesn’t only call you when he wants sex and he respects your wishes when you say no, he calls you when he’s upset and lets you in, he calls when he’s lonely and just wants to hear your voice, he calls when something good actually happens and wants you to know immediately, he calls to ask about your day, he calls when he’s worried about you.

Never in a million years would you have thought of Ransom as someone who can be gentle and kind, and with the way he talks to people who aren’t you, you still can’t see him that way at times, but when given a chance, he truly can be. It’s understandable that after being around shitty people all your life, you become a product of your environment, but all Ransom ever wanted was for someone to listen to him and not treat him like some trinket.

That’s what everyone wants, but you definitely need it as a child.

Perhaps, if it had happened before everything else, all of this would be a lot fucking easier get past. Maybe it wouldn’t have happened at all. However, the fact of the matter is that he did lie and he broke your heart. Sure, he says that you’re not just another Marta to him, but if he made two bets concerning you, how the hell are you supposed to believe him now? How are you supposed to believe that he’s not just trying to string you along until he’s bored?

However, none of that really matters at the moment. Right now, both you and Ransom are drunk, touch starved, and desperate for each other.In this moment, all that matters to you is holding on to your resolve, which isn’t going well at all.

“Ransom, don’t fucking st-start...holy shit,” you sigh softly as his hands travels upward.

“Don’t fucking what, Sweet Thing? You’re opening your legs up for me, so I know you don’t want me to stop,” he smirks as he uses two fingers to push your panties to the side before starting to stroke your clit.

“Fuck!” you sigh softly as Ransom leans in close.

“Do you know how many times daddy has watched that video you sent? The one where you soak your panties?”

“Ransom-”

“Every single morning and every single fucking night,” he coos before biting the shell of your ear.

“Not here,” you pant softly, even though you desperately want it.

“ ‘Not here’ what, baby?” he taunts, using two fingers to spread your lips apart before easily sliding them inside of you.

“Daddy!” you cry softly, gripping the sides of your chair tight as you try and hang on.

You feel Jack’s eyes on you without even looking his way, and you know he knows what you two are up to.

Hell, anyone in close proximity more than likely knows.

“You keep making me wait and for what? You know you miss me being stuffed deep inside-”

“Daddy...please!” you beg as he curls his fingers. “You know...it’s too much, daddy!”

“At least you’re finally remembering your manners,” he chuckles softly. “So pathetic...you’re my little whore, aren’t you?”

“I’m anything you want me to be, please! Just let me...aht!”

“Don’t make a scene, Sweet Thing,” he chuckles darkly. “Should I fuck you in front of everyone like I did on my balcony that night? Does everyone need a fucking reminder that you’re mine?”

“Daddy please,” you whimper as you clench around him.

“You’ve got me so fucking hard right now, Sweet Thing. I swear to God!” he growls before biting down on your shoulder. “Go ahead, tell daddy how much you want it!”

“Need it! I need you so much!”

“Cum, like the good little girl you are, and then we’re gonna go back to my place so daddy can remind you why it’s in your best interest to behave.”

The fact that you don’t scream when you cum hard has you both shocked, because it definitely is enough to soak the little part of your dress that you’re still sitting on.

“Did so good,” he taunts “came so hard without making too much of a mess,” he chuckles as he slowly removes his fingers. “Now, clean me up and we’ll get out of here,” he snaps, shoving his fingers into your mouth while pulling his wallet out with his free hand.

You don’t even try to stop the moan that leaves your mouth as the bar tender comes over and takes Ransom’s card. Once you finish using your tongue to clean him off, you know the look you’re giving him is that of pure lust and desire, and the shit-eating grin that’s on his face only confirms that.

“We’re leaving-”

“Daisy,” you quickly interrupt, vaguely remembering why you left your house in the first place.

“You want to bring her?”

“No,” you laugh softly, “it’s her birthday. I came out for her-”

“Look at her, Sweet Thing. Do you really think she has any intention of leaving with you tonight?” he laughs as he motions to her on the dance floor, grinding between two guys while making-out with one of them.

So much for your saving grace.

“No, you’re gonna come home with me tonight, let me use you how I want to, and then-”

“You two are fucking sick,” Jack growls as he approaches the both of you.

Apparently, the alcohol has everyone feeling loose tonight.

“Back off,” Ransom warns as he stands in front you.

“She’ll always be-”

“She was never yours. The way she’d beg for me in her sleep, the fact that she never wanted to fuck you after sleeping with me, the fact that she never opened up to you like she opened up to me-”

“She’s just a slut and you’re just a piece of shit-”

“I’d advise you to use better manners when you talk about her in front of me,” Ransom warns, gripping Jack’s throat before throwing him against the bar.

“Ransom!” you yell as everyone turns their attention towards the scene.

“You stay away from her, understand me?” he warns, completely ignoring your pleas and cries. “No more calls, texts, impromptu visits, nothing. The divorce is final, she wants nothing to do with you, all of the assets have been split, so this is the last time you speak to her or me for that matter. Is that understood?”

“Ransom-”

“Do you understand me?!” he questions, gripping Jack’s neck tighter.

“You’ll fuck this up, just like you do everything else in your life,” Jack coughs, a sick smile playing on his lips.

Ransom doesn’t hesitate before landing a blow with his right fist.

“Ransom!”

“This is the last time I’m gonna be nice about it,” warns, throwing Jack down and taking a step back. “Stay the fuck away from her.”

Ransom’s quick to throw cash down on the bar and grab his card, before taking your hand and pulling you behind him as he storms out.

If there was any fight left in you to tell him no, it’s sure as shits gone now.

“Fuck!” you whimper as Ransom shoves you against the wall the moment he closes the door to his house.

The entire car ride, he was fingering you and telling you all of the dirty things he had in store for you the second you got into his house.

“Can’t wait to have to begging and screaming all night in my fucking bed. Missed you so fucking much,” he husks, hoisting you up and forcing your legs around his waist.

“Daddy please!” you beg as you fumble with his belt and undo his pants.

“When did you become so pathetic, baby? Hmm? I know you love daddy’s dick, but you’ve never never begged like this before,” he chuckles darkly as he rips your panties off of you.

“Been so fucking long, daddy!”

“And whose fault is that?” he questions as he thrusts two fingers inside of you.

“MINE! IT’S ALL MY FAULT, DADDY!”

“I’ve barely even done anything to you,” he growls darkly as he picks up his pace. “Have you learned your lesson? Are you gonna stop denying daddy what’s his?” he broods as he curls his fingers inside your tight little cunt and picks up his pace, teasing your clit with light circles with his thumb.

“Anything...anything you want, daddy!”

“Cum for me you little fucking slut! Cum hard for daddy!”

It’s not like you need much coaxing.

“All that cream for me and I haven’t even rubbed the tip of my cock against your fucking pussy? You really are the most pathetic little thing, aren’t you?” he chuckles as he pulls his two fingers from your pussy.

“I need you to fill me up, please! I need it!” you whimper, forcing his pants down. “You promised to fill me up!”

“Anyone else been in this perfect little snatch?” he grunts, sinking you down on his cock.

You whine, grinding your hips against his,“fuck! No...only want you! I always want you!”

“God, you’re needy tonight, Sweet Thing,” he chuckles condescendingly. “Did you wanna fuck Tyson tonight?”

“No daddy! No one ever has my attention! No one...no one except...you!”

“Good girl,” he praises as he grips your throat and starts rutting into relentlessly.

“Aht! Please..yes!”

“This is what you need, baby? To fucked hard and fast? Like the little slut you are?”

The only response you can muster is garbled and something between a whimper and a moan.

“This is the only time I’m gonna take it easy on you, so you better fucking thank me after I let you cum on my cock,” he warns as he starts kneading your clit with his knuckles.

“Fuck!”

You gasp and try to push his hand away, but he isn’t having that, “did I tell you to do that?” he growls gripping your throat tighter as tears start to well in your eyes. “Awh, those pretty tears for me?” he coos, licking one of them with just the tip of his tongue. “Still taste so fucking good!”

“Daddy...so full! Feels too good! Please!”

“You can still remember your manners? Guess daddy is gonna have to work all night to fuck you stupid, Sweet Thing,” he smirks, angling himself he hits that part deep within you that has you seeing stars.

“HOLY FUCK!”

“C’mon, give daddy what’s his,” he begs “give me what I need!”

You scream out his name as dig your nails into his shoulders, panting as you involuntarily grind your hips against him, your body spasms a bit as Ransom rides out your high.

God, if that was him taking it easy on you, you honestly don’t know if you’re gonna be able to last the rest of the night.

“Get on your knees and clean daddy off,” he demands roughly, pulling out and setting you down, and you don’t need to be told twice.

You whine at the sight in front of you; his proud angry red cock standing at attention, your essence dripping off it, and twitching just a little. The moment you get your mouth on him, you moan in satisfaction, eager to take as much of him as possible.

“Always such a good girl for me,” he groans, gripping your hair tight. “Now, hold still while daddy fucks your face like the little rag doll that you are,” he instructs in an authoritative tone that makes you clench around nothing.

You barely have time to get prepare yourself before Ransom starts roughly face fucking you. The last time you two did this, Jack was having friends over and you two almost got caught because Ransom couldn’t wait to get you upstairs...or for later that night.

Jack came into the kitchen looking for the good bottle of vodka just as Ransom had tucked himself back into his pants. Since your mascara was running down your face (courtesy of pleasure tears), Ransom made it seem as if he was consoling you about something. It’s not like Jack really seemed to care, which is why you didn’t feel the slightest bit of guilt when you snuck out and stayed up all night with Ransom later that night.

In fact, you’re more than sure you look the same way right now.

“Missed this fucking mouth...always taking my cock....so fucking well! “

You blink back tears as your hand travels down between your legs and starts to massage your clit.

“Forgot just how much you love being my little fuck toy. Daddy didn’t tell you to play with yourself, did I?”

You look up at him with pleading eyes, begging for mercy. Besides, it’s not like he’s not about to keep you up teaching you lessons on why you should behave.

“Fuck, alright, get yourself off. Fuck that little snatch and make a mess. Daddy’s gonna fill your little whore mouth!”

With a pathetic, gargled moan, you squirt hard, trying to maintain contain as you felt your release drip down your thighs.

“Christ!” he growls, filling your mouth his warm seed and moan in satisfaction, realizing just how much you missed his taste. “Open,” demands gruffly, breathing heavy as he tries to keep control of the situation.

You’ll be shocked if you two ever make it to the bed.

You open wide, some of his release trickling down your chin, and he slaps his cock against your tongue.

“Fucking swallow,” he demands, grabbing your shoulder and yanking you upwards.

He gives you half a second to do as you’re told before he’s picking you up, and forcing your legs around him again. You grip him tight as he pins you against the wall and kisses you passionately.

“Daddy’s tired of sleeping without you, Sweet Thing,” he broods, peppering sloppy wet kisses along your jawline.

“Please...please don’t!” you mewl, tugging at his shirt, trying to pull it up and off of him.

“Making daddy spend all these nights alone, taking care of myself...” he presses, getting his hands on the front of your dress and ripping it open, “fuck!”

“So lonely without you!”

“Yeah? Why is that, sweet girl?”

“Love you, daddy! I love you so much!”

“And you’re gonna spend all night showing me just how much,” he smirks before wrapping his arms around you waist and whisking you away upstairs.

You wish you could turn it off. How much you love him, how much you crave him, and how much you’ve come to desire every bit of his existence. It’s not healthy, the little dance you two do, but having part of him is better than having none of him. When everything first started, it was easy to say that it’s just sex (because it really was for you), but Ransom worked his way into your heart. Even on nights like tonight, when the sex is pure filth and not romantic in the slightest, just the feel of him is enough to make all the noise in your head stop.

The way he kisses, takes care of every part of your body, worships every part of your body, the things he says, the way he holds you...it’s impossible for you not to give in to him. You know that when you wake up in the morning, you’ll be at war with yourself just like you always are after you give in to him, but you just can’t be bothered to care about that right now. Not when he has you right where you always want to be.

“Pussy is too fucking good, Sweet Thing!” Ransom grunts, fucking you hard from behind as you claw at the bed.

You honestly don’t know how long you two have been going at it, and you lost count of the positions he had you in after the handcuffs broke. It’s not like you didn’t know that you’d missed every single part of him, but it helped to ease the pain a little that came with trying to be strong for yourself. However, the moment he came near you at the bar, your body and soul desperately craved him.

To get lost in the never ending dramatic mystery that is Hugh Ransom Drysdale.

“Please...can’t...I need to-”

“Need it, Sweet Thing! Daddy needs you to soak the bed. I haven’t had you like this in so long...I need it, baby! I love you so much! Please!”

You don’t mean to cry out as loud as you do as your final orgasm of the night washes over you, but it’s probably one of the most (if not the most) euphoric orgasms you’ve ever had. Everything fades around you for a moment and you feel as if you’re on a cloud that’s being charged by the most pleasurable sparks that set every part of your body alight in the most pleasurable way.

Ransom’s pornographic yell of your name is what brings you back to reality as you feel the mix of your juices run down your leg.

“You did so good tonight, Sweet Thing,” Ransom praises softly as he pulls out, catching you right before you collapse onto the bed. “You okay, baby?”

“Mhm,” you nod, trying to get yourself as close to him as possible, not even caring that the both of you need to shower. “I love you.”

“Take me back.”

“Lets not do this tonight,” you yawn, laying your head on his chest as he throws a cover over the both of you.

“You won’t answer me and you won’t see me-”

“Ransom-”

“We can make this work. You’re just as miserable as I am-”

“I don’t trust you.”

“It’s not keeping you away.” “Tonight doesn’t count, honey.”

“I’ll take you away again.”

“You can’t just take me away every time you want to fix things between us,” you giggle, eyes still closed as you make little circles on his chest with your pointer finger.

“Just say yes.”

“Ransom-”

“Do you love me?”

“You know that I do.”

“Then say yes.”

“It won’t fix everything.”

“But it’ll help with some things.”

“Ransom-”

“Getting out of this hell will help. We need time away and to clear our heads.”

“I don’t even know where we would go.”

“I do, you just have to say yes.”

“Ransom-”

“Just say yes.”

Your heart is agreeing before your mind could tell you to leave, “yes.”

“Good, because we leave next week.”

“WHAT?!” you snap, shooting up.

“In my defense, this night wasn’t supposed to go like this at all.”

“Ransom...what did you do?”

“I’m assuming your passport is up to date.” “PASSPORT?! RANSOM-”

“Is it?”

“Jesus, yes. Ransom-”

“Lay back down so I can hold you.”

“Ransom-”

“Do you want me to remind you who’s in charge?”

“Ransom-”

“Get back over here,” he smirks, pulling you down as you giggle. “I want...I need for us to get away together. Time alone will be good for us.”

“You planned all of this?”

“I had a plan, Sweet Thing. I was going to pick you up from Daisy’s party, take you to that park you love so much, and tell you everything. Then I started drinking because I got nervous. Then, I saw Tyson all over you and lost my shit, and the outfit you were wearing only got me even more fired up, and then Jack came over...I had a plan.”

“Ransom, we can’t just-”

“Trying again isn’t a bad idea. Besides, I already told you I’m not giving up on us so, if you would’ve said no to this, I would’ve thought of something else. I’m not giving you up because we-”

“Ransom, you can’t just keep holding on to hope that-”

“Why can’t I? You love me and I love you Yeah, I fucked up, but I didn’t do anything that can’t be fixed.”

“You slept with Daisy.”

“I didn’t even cum and I was soft after two pumps. I very clearly didn’t fuck her.”

“Ransom-”

“I don’t want anyone else, Y/N,” he sighs as tightens his hold on you. “I don’t need anyone else.”

“We’ll talk about all of this in the morning, okay?”

“I love you.”

“I love you too, babe. We’ll try and figure it out tomorrow.”

“Just don’t change your mind,” he sighs as he relaxes against you. “I can be the man you want me to be, the man you need me to be. I just need you to believe in me like you did before.”

“In the morning, babe. We’ll talk about all of it in the morning,” you yawn as you succumb to sleep.

As a million thoughts roll through your mind, there’s one that just won’t leave you alone:

What the hell are you supposed to do with Hugh Ransom Drysdale?

**

“HAVE YOU LOST YOUR MIND?!” your Mother screams the second you answer your phone.

“Hello to you too, Mother.”

“You let Ransom-”

“Just stay out of it. I don’t need to hear about how disappointed you are, and I don’t want to-”

“I don’t approve of him, Y/N!”

“Well, I’ve got one thing working in my favor, because the last guy you approved of beat the shit out of me.”

“How many times do I need to apologize for that?!”

“Because you’ve apologized for it so much? When’s the last time you invited me to one of your garden parties or something-”

“You don’t enjoy them!”

“Since when have you ever gave a damn about that?”

“You insist on making the family look bad-”

“How is it always my fault? No matter what I do, I’m always wrong!”

“He’s not someone you want to end up with!”

“Once again, you should stay out of things that you know nothing about.”

“So, you’re just letting random men finger you in-”

“I don’t even leave the house! Besides, how do you even know about that?!”

“Jack is telling everyone about-”

“Of course he is, and of course you believe whatever he says.”

“Is it a lie?”

“Nope.”

“Y/N-”

“It’s time for me to make my own decisions about what will make me happy. No, it’s it not necessarily the best idea, but I love him. I love him, he makes me happy, and I don’t know...I haven’t decided on anything yet.”

“Y/N-”

“However,” you quickly interrupt, “it’s my choice and I’m done doing whatever you and Dad tell me.”

“Do you know what Linda is saying about you?!”

“Linda hates everyone, so I’m not surprised that she hates me.”

“Y/N, do you realize what you’ve done to your reputation?! I told you to stop sleeping with that boy, and now look! No one has any respect for you, your grandmother is furious with you, you’ll be lucky-”

“That sounds like a them problem! Jack cheated on me! Jack beat me! Jack lied to me! Yet, somehow, I’m the bad guy? I was a bet to him!”

“And now you’re a joke to everyone.”

“Thanks mom,” you scoff. “As much as I’ve enjoyed you raking me across the coals, I’ve got to-”

“We need you to come over next week.”

“I won’t be in town next week.”

“Move whatever you’re doing-”

“No, you shouldn’t have assumed I would be around. I don’t sit around and wait for you and Dad to need me for something.”

“What the hell do you have to do that’s so important that you can’t help your Father and I.”

“I honestly don’t know, I just know I’ll be out of the country. I’m going on a trip and-”

“You planned a trip, but you don’t know where you’re going?”

“I didn’t plan anything, Ransom did.”

“HAVE YOU LOST YOUR FUCKING MIND?!”

“I knew you’d take it well.”

“What the hell has gotten into you?!”

“Once I know, I’ll let you know.”

“It doesn’t bother you-”

“It bothers you that I’m not letting you control me, the way Nanna controlled you! Your hatred for Ransom aside, it fucking burns you that I didn’t stay in a toxic relationship like you did-”

“I stayed for you!”

“I begged you to get a divorce! It wasn’t for me, it was because your Mother drilled it into your head that you needed to put up with things that you shouldn’t have, and I’m really sorry that you had to put up with that, but it’s not my fault! I want to be happy and yeah, it’s messy as hell, but at least I’m trying to figure it out! So, stop making me feel like shit because you chose a life of comfort over a life of independence!”

“Don’t come crying to me when he breaks your heart,” your sniffles and you roll your eyes.

“Well, I didn’t the first time, so I’m sure I’ll be fine without you if it happens again.”

“You’ll learn the hard way. Love isn’t what you need, what you need is security. Once you finally grow up, you’ll realize that,” she snaps before hanging up.

You sigh before throwing your phone down on the coffee table and leaning back onto the sofa.

“That sounds like it was fun,” Daisy scoffs as she brings you a glass of juice.

“Just another day of me letting down my family.”

“Your family let you down years ago. It’s only time you return the favor,” she shrugs as she takes a seat next to you.

“What the fuck am I doing, Dais?”

“Babe, if you don’t know, I sure as shit don’t. Hell, I’ve been staying here all week as your Ransom kryptonite.”

“The only way I can keep him away is if you’re here,” you laugh as you grab your drink, coughing as soon as you swallow the first sip. “Dais!”

“Yeah, that’s a vodka cranberry.”

“Is there any cranberry in this?!”

“Of course! Where do you think the color came from?”

“Jesus Christ, Dais!” you laugh, putting the glass down and getting comfortable on the sofa again.

“I was gonna just get you juice, but I heard the phone call and-”

“If she’s not happy with me now, she’s never gonna be happy with me.”

“Fuck her. Yeah, I know, she’s your Mother, but it’s not like she fucking acts like it. It doesn’t matter that she had a tough childhood, if anything, it should’ve been more of an incentive for her to treat you better, not make sure you’re just as miserable as she was. That little outburst was long overdue.” “What’s it like to know everything?”

“I don’t know shit,” she laughs as she laid back, “I just know how I dealt with my dad after my mom died. No, they weren’t the best together, but they did love another. When she died, he did his best to be there for me and made sure I never felt alone. He looked out for me. No, he didn’t deal with everything the best, but he did make sure that I was taken care of. That’s what your Mom should’ve done, not try and make your life harder.”

“When’s the last time you talked to your Dad?”

“Eh, he called after my birthday party. Wanted to make sure I was safe.”

“How is it that we’re grown ass adults, and our parents still find out every little thing that we do?”

“Cause we live in a town of gossiping pieces of shit. Nothing is ever a secret,” she sighs with a soft smile. “I’m gonna fight Ransom for taking you away from me for two weeks.”

“I’ll be sure to let him know,” you laugh, taking another drink from your glass. “What the fuck am I doing Dais?”

“Figuring out what makes you happy.”

“I shouldn’t be with him, should I?”

“I can’t say anything, because I don’t know him the way you do, but I know there’s been a change in him. No, I’m not best friends with the guy, or do I ever hangout with him, but he really has cut down on all the shady shit. I don’t know, I guess I believe him. I still don’t like the asshole, but he seems really committed to you and making sure that you understand that.”

“Why did he have to make the fucking bet?!”

“You act like Ransom’s ever cared about anything-”

“He has-” you quickly defend before you can stop yourself.”He has...maybe not relationship wise, but he did care about his family...I’m not going to defend some of his actions, because some of it is inexcusable and I know that, and maybe I am a complete idiot, but I just...he lets me in, Dais. He lets me in past all the drama and all the bullshit. It should take more than that though, shouldn’t it? All the people hes hurt, all the wrong hes done...it should take more for me to be this in love with him, shouldn’t it?”

“You know me, babe. I’ve never been in love and I don’t think I ever will be, so I don’t know how any of this shit works. However, the way you light up when he calls you? The way you smile and giggle at your phone when he texts you? The way you try to not look at him when you two are in the same space? You never had that with Jack. That spark, that smile, that laugh...only Ransom brings that out of you, and I hate that I believe him. I hate that Hugh Ransom Drysdale is the love of your life, cause he’s such a piece of shit,” she scoffs and you burst out laughing. “Make him work for it though, this trip is nothing. Make him grovel.”

“I don’t want any groveling,” you laugh, “I just don’t wanna fuck it up again.”

“I really do think you’ve got it right this time. No, I don’t like the kid, but I’ve never seen him act like this.”

“He did fuck you.”

“Attempted, I wasn’t really having fun and his mind was 100% somewhere else. I saw the way he fucked you on that balcony, I definitely got gypped.”

“You’re a fucking mess,” you giggle.

“When is Prince Charming coming to whisk you away to...?”

“I have no idea where he’s taking me, I just know I need my passport. He said he’ll be here at 3:30 in the morning.”

“He’s probably gonna take you to London.”

“Why would he do that?”

“Girl, you already need your passport, so it’s not gonna be anywhere local, and you’re obsessed with London. If I know that, I’m sure as shit he does too. How the fuck does he know so much about you anyway?”

“The hell if I know,” you scoff before finishing off your drink. “Thanks for agreeing to watch my house.”

“Of course! You think Jack is gonna come around or something?”

“I honestly don’t know, but I’d rather be safe than sorry. If Ransom suspects that Jack has done anything to hurt or upset me, he’ll kill him and I don’t need that shit.”

“Ransom talks a lot of shit and yeah, he can throw a punch, but he isn’t actually capable of killing someone.”

“Tell that to Fran,” you mutter as you grab your phone that won’t stop going off. “Hey you.”

“You should be asleep,’” Ransom yawns and you can tell that he has yet to fall asleep.

“You’re coming to get me, so shouldn’t you be asleep?”

“Why do you want me to stay away? Are you trying to get me to confess that I miss you?”

“I can’t tell if you’re annoyed or not.”

“You know that I am.”

“Ransom-”

“We’re about to spend two weeks away together, but you needed to spend a week away from me?”

“Ransom, I can’t think straight when I’m around you. Besides, it’s not like you even texted me all week-”

“Because you’ve been avoiding me!”

“Did you call just to argue with me?”

“No,” he mutters and you can tell he’s pouting, “I wanted to remind you that I’ll be there at 3:30.”

“I remember,” you laugh softly.

“Come over.”

“No.”

“Then let me come over.”

“Daisy is sleeping over.”

“Jesus fuck!”

“We’ll be together soon enough.”

“You really are the most infuriating person to be in love with.”

“You’re one to talk.”

“Alright, I’m not gonna go down that road. I love you, see you in a few hours.” “I love you,” you laugh softly before hanging up.

“Alright, back the fuck up,” Daisy snaps as you throw your phone down, “what the fuck did you mean by ‘tell that to Fran’?!”

“Oh, don’t tell me you haven’t heard the whispers-”

“About Harlan!”

“Why is it easier to believe that he killed Harlan, which he didn’t, than it is to believe that?”

“You see the assholes we’re constantly around. All of them would kill for money, and I can definitely see Drysdale offing his grandfather to make sure that he still gets his money.”

“That’s why he killed Fran.”

“The fuck did Fran do?”

“She kept telling Marta that she should break up with him because it wasn’t real to him. He wanted the money and he wasn’t being faithful, and that was getting in the way of his plans. Also, he never liked Fran anyway, so he poisoned her.”

“How are you so calm about this? How are you okay with it?!”

“Because I don’t know what the fuck I’m doing, Dais,” you laugh incredulously. “Never in a million years did I think I would capable of loving someone like Ransom. None of this is as black and white as I’d like for it to be. Yeah, he made a bet about me twice, he killed Fran, he’s a privileged asshole, he’s entitled, he’s arrogant...the list goes on, so that should be enough though, right? All of that is more than enough reason for me to walk away, but then there’s everything else. There’s the side that hes learned to keep hidden because of people like his family and Tommy Smotts. The fact that the only reason he didn’t speak up on my wedding day because he saw how happy I was, he was the one who told Jack to get me that dragonfly set because Jack didn’t know what the fuck to get me, the fact that he beat the shit out of Jack, when I call he stops everything for me, he’s funny, he’s incredibly sweet and thoughtful if you give him the chance to be. It’s the fact that when I’m not with him, I feel like a part of me is missing until I’m with him again. It’s the fact that he wants more than just sex and he actually fucking listens when I talk. He asks my opinion on the things he does with the publishing company, he will sit on FaceTime with me for hours just because I’m feeling lonely, he doesn’t do anything without taking me into consideration. Hell, last week, he had a bunch of groceries delivered to my house and it was everything I loved. The reason? He text me saying that he got groceries for himself and he figured he’d get some for me just in case I need something.

I really wish I could make a choice, because it would make my life a hell of a lot easier, but there are so many levels to him. Yeah, I know why he should be better for everyone and not just me, but it’s not like I don’t get why he is the way he is. No one in his life has ever given him a reason to do better, so he just shut down. I can’t fault him for that. Obviously murder is bad, but it’s not like that whole family isn’t capable of it. Linda did almost kill Richard after she found out about the cheating that went on behind her back for months. Is that making an excuse for him? Maybe it is, but that whole family is rotten so it makes sense. Hell, Walt was all set to go to jail before all the evidence mysteriously went away. I just...it was just sex for me when it all started. A way to get back at Jack for all the wrong he did and finally feeling wanted and cared about, but it was so much more than to Ransom and it has been for a while. He didn’t take the $40,000 and for as fed up and angry as hes been, he hasn’t gone to seek affection and attention from anyone else. He loves me, Daisy and I love him. God, I love him so much and I really wish I could just choose.”

“I’m sure this trip will be the best way for you to do that,” she smiles softly as you wipe your eyes. “How about we fall asleep to ‘Texas Chainsaw Massacre?”

“You always know how to make a girl smile” you laugh softly, making your way over to and cuddling up against her.

As you two slowly fall asleep to blood curdling screams, your mind wanders back to Ransom, like it always does. You hope that by the end of this trip, you can finally decide once and for all if he’s worth all this trouble. Yeah, when things are good, they’re amazing. However, when they’re bad...it’s a fucking shit show. It also doesn’t help that hes never been in a relationship. However, the part of you that’s scared isn’t louder than the part of you that’s pathetically in love with him.

God, please let this trip go well.

**

“Drysdale can’t seem to keep his eyes off of you,” Daisy smirked as she leaned against your desk.

You looked over to see Ransom sitting on top of his desk, eyes on you like a hawk, as Jack going on about something Ransom clearly didn’t give a shit about, “God, please no.”

“He wants to fuck you so bad,” she scoffed.

“I highly doubt that. He probably heard about my shit show of a birthday party and is silently judging me,” you muttered as you slouched down in your seat.

“Yeah, what the fuck was your Mom on? Holy shit!”

“About 7 shots of Jägermeister, some of her infamous “happy pills”, and her catching my Father fucking the caterer.”

“For fucks sake, your parents are a fucking shit show.”

“I wasn’t expecting them to be perfect, because they’re my parents, but I didn’t expect it to get that bad. Jesus, she almost set the fucking house on fire!”

“Fuck that shit, she almost drowned herself in the pool. What did your Grandmother say?”

“Oh, she’s seething mad. I’ve never heard my her yell before, and it was terrifying.”

“Did she at least yell at your Dad?”

“Nope. My Mother knows how my Father, and she needs to learn how to act accordingly.”

“How is it that your Grandmother is worse than your Mom?”

“As if I know,” you scowled as Jennie Taggs made her way in front of your desk, arms crossed and an evil little smile on her face.

Great.

“Your Mom put on quite the show on Saturday,” she remarked as she flipped her perfect blonde hair to the side.

“Fuck off, Jennie.”

“The speech she made about your dad being a cheating piece of shit while standing on the table? Truly amazing,” she laughed.

You hadn’t even noticed that Ransom had made his way over to the little spectacle.

“Hey Jen, how much longer till your dumbass Dad gets out of jail for money laundering?” you faintly heard him ask before he casually walked out of the classroom.

Wait...what?

“That’s hilarious,” Daisy laughed, pulling you somewhat back to consciousness.

“Shut the fuck up, Daisy. Everyone knows you’re a whore.”

“Great come back there, Jen.”

“Isn’t that what you let Mr. Smotts do? Cum on your back?”

“Yeah, I was practicing for when I go see your Father for a conjugal visit. Don’t wanna end up like your old babysitter now do we?”

“Fucking bitch!” Jennie started to sob as she ran off.

“Don’t you dare go after her,” Daisy snapped as she pushed you back down in your seat.

“That was too far-”

“It’s what she fucking deserved, stupid fucking bitch. She needs to be happy that only my words hurt her.”

“Did Ransom say...wait, you slept with Mr. Smotts?”

“No, he slipped his hand up skirt while I was standing in their kitchen, his wife came in just as I slapped his hand away, and she told everyone that I was trying to seduce her husband, which of course turned into I fucked her husband, and now the story just lives a life of it’s own,” she shrugged. “My Dad kicked his ass, so I don’t care.”

“That’s so fucked-”

“Hey, you okay?” Ransom asks, pulling you out of your memory.

“Huh? Yeah no, I’m fine,” you smile softly as he gets in the tub with you.

“What’s going on in that head of yours?”

“Just a memory.”

“Of?”

“When you defended me against Jennie.”

“God, she’s such a bitch,” he scowls and you giggle softly. “What brought on the memory?”

“I’ve just been thinking about a lot of things since we got here. You brought me to London, got us this amazing suite, you’ve been amazing-”

“But you’re still weighing your options.”

“I’m not weighing my options, Ransom. I love you and yes, you are good to me, but you’re terrible to other people and you’ve done terrible things.”

“I haven’t done them to you.”

“That’s not how this works and you know that.”

“Fuck everyone else! It’s only about you and me-”

“Ransom-”

“If I’m so terrible, why do you stay?”

“Because I love you.”

“Yeah? What do you love about me?” he asks seductively, tone dropping as spreads your legs open and pulls you close.

“Ransom-”

“C’mon baby,” he coos, placing you on his lap so you’re straddling him, “I wanna hear all of the things you love about me,” he encourages as a he starts to tease your clit with his thumb.

“I love the way you take care of me,” you sigh, keeping eye-contact with him as you try and hang on.

“Yeah? What else baby?”

“I love the...the way you hold me, how you let me in and get to know you, the way...God, Ransom!”

“C’mon baby,” he whispers as his lips ghost along the collar of your neck, “keep going.”

“How dedicated you are to the publishing company, the way you’re always surprising me with flowers, the fact that you...oh, I’m so fucking close, please!”

“Tell me more, Sweet Thing.” “Fuck! You’re so...you’re so caring, funny, s-smart, honest-t, you listen t-to me, only feel whole when...aht!”

“You only feel whole when what?”

“When I-I’m with you! Jesus, please!”

“Cum for me, baby,” he tells you softly and it’s all you need to be sent over the edge.

You grip the side of the bathtub, trying to ride out your high against his thumb, but it’s not enough and you need more.

“We should get ready to go to dinner, baby.”

“I don’t want dinner, I want you.”

“Sweet Thing-”

“Feels like you need me too,” you moan as you dip your hand in the water and start to stroke him.

“Always so needy,” he groans. “Fuck it, this pussy is my favorite meal anyway.”

This is how most of your talks have been ending since you both got to London. No, it’s not healthy, but it’s not like you can ever get your body to listen to you. That’s why you stayed away from him for a week.

“Ransom! The Ritz?! Are you insane?!”

“Had to make sure I made this trip worth your while.”

“Ransom this is too much!”

“Hush,” he smiled as you both reached the front desk.

“Welcome to the Ritz,” the concierge smiled, “checking in or checking out?”

“In. Drysdale, Ransom,” Ransom said nonchalantly as he took out his card. You can tell that he’s going to toss the card, but one look at the stern scowl on his face has him rolling his eyes and handing the gentleman his card. “Have the changes I asked for been made?”

“Yes sir, early this morning. Your bags are being taken up now and everything is all set up and taken care of,” the man smiled politely as he handed Ransom back his card.

“Great, we’ll be back in a bit.”

“Ransom, what are-”

“Lets go,” he whispered with a mischievous smile before he took your hand and led you out of the luxurious hotel.

“Ransom, how do you have something planned already?! We just got here,” you laughed in pure disbelief.

“I know what my Sweet Thing likes, and I know you’re way too wired to sleep,” he smirked before turning his attention to the bell boy “Drysdale, there’s supposed to be a car-”

“Of course, Mr. Drysdale, I’ll grab it for you right now,” the bell boy smiled before he ran off.

“Why is everyone afraid of you? Ransom-”

“The Thrombey name is worldwide, babe. When I called and said who I am, everything I wanted was made available to me.”

“This had to have been a fortune!”

“Nothing is too much for you,” he smiled as a red classic Ford Mustang Convertible pulled up, with champagne flutes filled in the console. 

“Ransom...this is...”

“C’mon, I’ve got a few surprises for you before dinner,” he smirked before he pulled you close and kissed you passionately.

The entire drive felt like a dream, and you felt as if you were in a movie. Yeah, you knew that he’d been paying a lot of attention to for a while, but how much did he know, and how did he know it? You probably should’ve been worried about how he knew so much, but you couldn’t bring yourself to worry or care.

“Ransom...” you gasped as he pulled up the Royal Botanical Gardens.

“Your obsession with flowers and gardening made this particularly easy,” he laughed as he pulled into the parking lot.

“You didn’t have to-”

“I wanted to.”

“Why are you like this?”

“Because I love you,” he replied simply with a shrug, as if it were something you should’ve known already.

You were still perplexed.

The entire time you two were there, you looked around in pure amazement. It’s not like you’d never been to a garden before, but this was more beautiful than anything you’d ever seen. You’d promised yourself you take yourself on a trip around Europe when you finished with college, but you could never find the time. Then, when you married Jack, you told him that you wanted to go to London and explore everything you could, but he had no interest in that.

“Ransom! How can you be on your phone at a time like this?! This place is amazing! Put your phone away, work can wait!”

“Yes ma’am,” he smirked as put his phone away and took your hand in his, “anything you say.”

“Thank you for this, truly. Everything is so beautiful and I’m so fucking happy. I love this. I love you.”

“I’d do anything to see you smile,” he promised softly as he cupped your face, “anything at all.”

As always when he kisses you, felt your knees go weak and you held on to him for support.You swear you’ll never get used to his kisses.

“We’re just getting started,” he smiled once you two broken apart.

“There’s more?! Babe, this is more than enough-”

“Not even close,” he laughed as he took your hand in his and resumed walking the trail you two were on.

After dragging you away from the botanical garden, Ransom surprised you with a trip to the Natural History Museum (which took up most of your time because the place is huge), which was followed by him taking you shopping for like figurines and antiques, then a trip to the theater.

“What are you doing in there? We’re gonna be late for dinner,” he laughed as you applied your last bit of makeup.

You put a few loose curls in your hair and put it in a half pony tail, tying it up with a burgundy ribbon to match your dress. Since Ransom wouldn’t tell you where the hell he was taking you, you had no idea what to do.

‘Just look nice’ is all he told you.

Knowing Ransom, it wasn’t going to be some hole-in-the-wall type of deal, so put on one of your fancier outfits. Nothing too crazy, but it was definitely something you wouldn’t wear on a night out with Daisy.

“I just wanna make sure I look good for you!”

“You always look perfect, now come on.”

“So pushy!”

“You’ll thank me when we get there, lets go!” he sighed, and you knew he rolled his eyes.

“Yeah yeah, is this okay?” you asked you stepped out of the bathroom and put on your heels into your heels.

When he didn’t say anything, you got nervous and looked up only to see him staring at you with a look of pure ‘awe’.

“What? What’s wrong? Is it too much? I have another-”

“How do you always manage to look so damn perfect all the time?”

“You’re so funny.” “I mean it. You will always be the most gorgeous woman in the world to me.”

“Ransom,” you smiled shyly as you quickly looked away.

“C’mon, lets go.”

Ransom held your hand for the entire drive, glancing over at you and smiling at you every so often, you it only made more butterflies appear in your stomach on top of the ones that were already there.

“Jesus Ransom!” you exclaimed as he pulled up to the restaurant and he snorted, “how much money did you spend on this trip, exactly?!”

“I can afford it,” he smirked as he opened his door and got out, quickly making his way to your side and opening your door for you, “now, lets fucking eat.”

As you sat down, you couldn’t stop looking around the restaurant. It wasn’t anything too fancy, but you knew he was gonna spend a pretty penny.

“Hey, what’s going on with you?” Ransom laughed, pulling you out of your thoughts as the waiter walked away.

“I’m sorry, did I miss something?”

“Yeah, the waiter came over and took our drink order. I got you Merlot. Are you alright?”

“Yeah no, I am! Everything is perfect,” you smiled at him.

“But?”

“This is just so much and it’s only our first day. No ones ever done anything like this for me before. Not even close.”

“What Jack didn’t take you away on trips?”

“You know he didn’t,” you scowled. “Did you pull these tricks with Marta too?”

“One, this isn’t a trick. I love you and I want to spoil you, because it’s what you deserve and the least I can do. Two, I barely took Marta out of the state, you think I took her of the country?” he scoffed as the drinks arrived.

“Ransom!”

“What?”

“Do you two need more time deciding on what you would like to order?” the waiter asked nervously.

“Yes please,” you smiled sweetly towards the waiter before your gaze fell back on Ransom and your scowl returned.

“I don’t know why you’re looking at me like that,” he shrugged as he reached for his rye and took a drink from it.

“How can you be so sweet, warm, and loving with me, and so cruel to everyone else? Like they mean nothing to you?”

“Because they don’t mean anything to me.”

“But I’m supposed to believe that it’s different with me?”

“I’m doing my best to show you that-”

“Marta was in love with you, Ransom. You broke her heart just so you could get back your cut of the inheritance and then some. You pursued me all over a bet-”

“I didn’t take the money-”

“Be that as it may, you still made the bet in the first damn place. You want me to believe you, and you don’t know how badly I want to, but you treat people as if they’re trinkets.”

“I’ve never treated you that way. Yes, I am an asshole that’s not lost on anyone, least of all me, but I do love you, Y/N. You think I’m doing all of this for just sex? You and I both know I can fuck whoever I want without even leaving my house. You think I’d spend all of this money just get back at Jack? You think I would stop sleeping around just to toy with you? I have never put this much energy or effort into anything. Why? Because what’s the fucking point? If I hadn’t been so damn scared in the past, I would’ve made a move years ago, but I didn’t and that’s on me. However, I’m trying now. I’m doing my best to show you that I am serious. Do I strike you the kind of guy who holds people when they cry? Do I strike you as the type of guy who deals with crying at all? You are all I think, all I dream about, and all I have ever wanted and more. I know I don’t deserve you, okay? Why do you think I kept my mouth shut at your wedding? I know you deserve better than me, but now I’ve had you. I’ve spent time in your arms, I’ve woken up next to you, I’ve made love to you. I could barely breathe around you before, but now I fee like I can’t breathe until I’m around you. You have consumed every part of my life, your air in my lungs, and every other sappy and romantic thing you can think of. I am doing my best to show you that you are everything to me,” he finished with a heavy sigh. “I know I’ve never been in a real relationship before and I know that when it comes to being truthful and having good intentions, my track record is shit, but with the exception of the bet, I’ve never lied to you. There were multiple times that it would’ve been in my best interest, but I’ve always told you the truth. I’ve done my best to be patient, watch my temper, and be more understanding. Waiting for you has been one of the hardest things that I’ve ever done and is insanely infuriating, but it’s not about me. I hurt you, I betrayed your trust , and now I have to wait and that’s what I’m doing. No, my love isn’t perfect, but it’s genuine and real,” he finished softly before he took a sup of his rye and kept your eyes on the menu and wiped your tears away.

“Are you two ready to order?” the waiter asked again, timidly.

“She’ll have the Langoustine tortellini to start and the United Kingdom CITE de KöD for her main. I’ll have beef carpaccio to start and the Japan wagyu for my main. We’ll also take another round of drinks.”

“Coming right up,” the waiter smiled with a nod before walking off.

“How did you...you didn’t even look at the menu?”

“I looked at it before I made a reservation.”

“How did you know what I wanted?”

“Because I know you,” he smiled with a wink.

The rest of dinner went perfectly enough: he asked you what part of the day you enjoyed the best, what you’re looking forward to, what you wanna do, and if you had any issues with your food. You tried to ask him what he wanted to do, but he only responded with:

“This trip is all about you, babe.”

Of course, when the check came, he already had his card ready because he knew you were gonna try and pay for it.

“You’re not as slick as you’d like to think you are,” he laughed as you two made your way back to the car.

“Ya can’t blame a girl for trying.”

The entire drive back, he had that same smile on his face that he had when he drove you two to the restaurant. He looked so content and happy and it filled your heart with so much happiness. It never left your mind how much you shouldn’t be with Ransom, but the heart wants what it wants.

“You’re the one who wanted to watch this damn movie, get your ass in here!” Ransom called from the bedroom.

The second you two got back to the hotel room, you raced to the bathroom and told Ransom that you were in a rush to get all of your makeup off, but that’s not what you had in mind at all.

“I’ll be in there in a second, this mascara is a bitch to get off.”

“I don’t know why you put makeup on at all, you don’t need it.”

“Aren’t you just a big softie?”

“Yeah whatever, just get your ass back in here,” he muttered and you giggled.

You were all set to go back in there when your phone buzzed. It was an Instagram notification from Ransom. He’d tagged you in something. It didn’t take much for your curiosity to win and you were instantly unlocking your phone and checking to see what it was.

RanDry88: The only person worth giving a fuck about in this shit storm we call life.

All the times you thought he’d been on his phone working, he’d been secretly taking photos of you, and for him to post you like it was nothing, with that as his caption, well... if you were smitten before, you sure as shit didn’t know what to call yourself at that point.

“What the hell is this movie even about, Sweet Thing? I read the info thing and-fuck,” he mumbled as you walked on in black heels to match the black lace lingerie you were wearing.

“Today has been the best day, and it was only the first one, daddy,” you told him seductively as you crawled onto the bed. “You did all this just to make me happy?” you asked as you straddled him, and he reached out to touch you.

“I’d do anything to make you happy, Sweet Thing,” he breathed out as you grabbed his hand and slowly guided it down from your tits to your clothed and soaked pussy. “Sweetheart-”

“Do you really love me, daddy?” you asked as you used your free hand to pull the flimsy material to the side.

“More than I’ve ever loved anything or anyone in this world...fuck, baby!”

“Take these two fingers and show me,” you demanded as you grabbed two of his fingers and slowly slid yourself down on them.

“Oh my God.”

“Feel how much I love you? How much I need you?”

“Greediest little cunt,” he husked as he picked up his pace.

“Tsk tsk, no daddy. You said this trip is all about me and, right now, I want you to take it slow. I’m in control right now,” you told him softly as you slowly started to ride his fingers.

“Holy shit!” he groaned as he clenched his eyes shut.

“Focus on me, daddy. You wanna fuck this tight little pussy? Your tight little pussy?”

“You can’t feel how bad I want it?”

“I want to hear you say it.”

“I need it, sweetheart. Need you. I wanna bury myself deep inside you every night for the rest of my life.”

Once he curled his fingers inside of you, you threw your head back and moaned, “I’ve never loved someone this much. Never...thought you could love me like...oh! Baby, that’s it!”

“You’re a fucking dream, did you know that? Everything about you is fucking perfect!”

“Shiiit!!” you screamed out as you came hard.

“Fucks sake,” he growled as you rode his fingers through your high. “I need you, please.”

“What do you need, daddy?” you breathed as you finally came back to reality.

“To get lost in you for as long as you’ll let me.”

You didn’t say a word. You lifted yourself just a little so he could remove his fingers and you slipped them into his mouth, before you started to get to work on unbuckling his pants and working his pants and briefs off just enough to expose what you both truly wanted to take care of.

“So hard for me, daddy,” you whimpered as you ground your hips against his. “Tell me how I good I taste,” you begged, as you removed his fingers from his mouth and he let out a pathetic whimper.

“Like a fucking dream!”

“You wanna get lost deep inside me?”

“Please!” he rasped as he gripped your hips and tried to hold on.

You said nothing. Instead, you just slid yourself down on his cock and you both let out a satisfied groan.

“Fuck, I love seeing you like this, Sweet Thing.”

“Like what, daddy?” you mewled, clawing at his clothed chest as you lulled your head back and started to pick up your pace.

“In con...control, taking what you want...what you need,” he moaned as one of his hands reached up into your hair and easily untied the bow in it, unwinding the rest of your hair as it cascaded down your face. “So fucking sexy,” he praised as his soft hands caressed your cheeks before they journeyed downward, exploring and caressing the shape of you. “I love you!” “I lov...I love you too! Oh my..fuck! Daddy! So close! Gonna cum so fucking hard for you!”

“Please!”

“Aht...shit!” you screamed as you squirted on his cock, trying to keep yourself somewhat upright as you rode out your orgasm.

“Never knew you could be this controlling,” Ransom chuckled with a smirk once your breathing was even again.

“Did you like it, daddy?”

“I fucking loved it, Sweet Thing.”

“I think you should show me how much.”

“We’ll take as much time as you time as you need to get the fucking point,” he promised as he flipped you onto your back.

Yes, there were days of the trip that were perfect and ended up with you two tangled up in the sheets. However, there were also days that you two ended up with you two tangled up in the sheets out of sheer anger and frustration.

“Oh God, Ransom,” you moaned with your eyes still shut as your hand gripped his hair tight.

“Time to for you to wake up,” he mumbled against your clit before he pulled on it with his lips.

“Fuck! Feels so good...shit!”

He slid two fingers into your soaked and, as you arched your back, you wondered what you did so right to receive a wake up call like that.

What you did so right to have Hugh Ransom Drysdale so in love with you.

“Fuck, just like that...aht! Fuck!” you cried out, grinding yourself against his face while your other hand fisted the sheets.

Your pathetic pleas and cries only made Ransom pick up his pace, desperate to taste you. Once he added another finger, you saw stars.

“Fuck!”

The vibration from Ransom’s hum of satisfaction almost sent you into another orgasm.

“Fuck me,” you demanded once he finished cleaning up between your legs.

“Daddy ‘ll take care of you later, Sweet Thing. We have to go,” he groaned, looking you over.

“Please-”

“Don’t be a brat. I want fuck you until you can’t walk, but we have a flight to catch.”

“A fl-WHAT DID YOU DO?!” you exclaimed as you sat up and he started laughing.

“Get up.”

“Ransom-”

“We’ll be back before dinner.”

“Ransom-”

“No more questions. Get up, join me in the shower, and lets go,” he smirked as he walked towards the bathroom. When he didn’t hear you following after him, he threw his briefs at you, “lets go, Y/N!”

You tried to question him during the shower, but he’d just kiss you to shut you up. Every time you’d try to take it further, he’d just pin your hands against the shower wall, and tell you:

“be a good little girl, or you’re in for a long night with daddy.”

Torturous asshole knew exactly what he was doing, but you decided that it would be in your best interest to obey.

For the time being.

“Do you still speak a hundred different languages for no reason?” Ransom asked as got to the airport.

“I didn’t learn them for no reason. It’s rude to go to another country and expect them to speak English.”

“English is the number one language in the world, and you didn’t answer my question.”

“It’s still rude, Ransom, and yes, I do.”

“Good, it’ll come in handy in Italy.”

“ITALY?!”

“I really do enjoy exciting you,” he chuckled as he pulled into a parking space.

“Ransom-” “Flight to catch, lets go.”

Everything was fine initially. You practically bouncing the entire flight, Ransom was happy because you were happy, and you two continued to learn more about each other. When the plane landed, you practically ran off and Ransom had to keep his arm around your waist to keep you close.

Once again, he surprised with just how much he’d been paying attention.

“You’re taking me shopping in Milan?!”

“Shopping, site seeing, and lunch.”

“You have to let me get you something!”

“What did I tell you our first night in London?”

“Baby-”

“You have all this money and you spend it on everyone else, I know for a fact that Jack never spoiled you, and your parents treat you like you’re a fucking show pony. Yeah, Daisy takes you on trips, but I know you don’t let her spoil you-”

“Who spoils you?”

“You love me and that’s all I need.”

“You’re working hard for that yes, Drysdale,” you teased as you two walked out of the airport hand-in-hand.

Everything was perfect up until lunch.

“I don’t give a fuck that Walt told you to call me! Did I not leave specific instructions to not call me until I get back?...I don’t care that he threatened to fire you! Besides, it’s not bad enough that you called, but you called with bad news!...It’s not hard for deadlines to be met, so what the hell is wrong with everyone that works for this company?! Ya know, you don’t have to worry about Walt firing you, cause I’m doing it now. Pack up your desk and good luck finding a job somewhere else, especially if you try to use me a fucking reference!” Ransom snapped before he hung up. “Everyone is a fucking idiot, I swear to God...oh, why are you looking at me like that?!”

“Because you’re being an asshole?”

“How am I being an asshole?! I told him-”

“Walt threatened to fire him! He was scared-”

“I told everyone not to call me until I got back. It’s not my fault that Walt is incompetent!”

“Okay, whatever,” you muttered as you reached for your glass of champagne.

“How are you mad at me right now?!”

“Don’t act like you don’t know you’re being a complete and total dick right now, Ransom.”

“It’s my company-”

“That you weaseled your way into.”

“Don’t be a bitch about it, Y/N.”

“Okay, we’re done talking about this.”

“Fine.”

“Fine.”

You two barely spoke to each other for the rest of the time spent in Milan, you refused to let him touch you on the flight back, and the second you two got back to the hotel room, you stormed off into the living area. By the time he was ready for dinner, you were in your pyjamas.

“You know you aren’t going to bed. It’s too early,” he sighed as he walked into the bedroom.

“I don’t know what else there is to do,” you shrugged as you continued to flip through channels.

“You need to eat dinner and I made reservation at-”

“Well, since I’m a bitch and you’re an asshole-”

“You know I didn’t mean it-”

“Well, I meant it about you being an asshole!”

“Stop it, okay? I’m sorry. I ruined the trip and I know you’re right, okay?”

“As long as you fucking know. I don’t want to have dinner with you anyway.”

“Yes you do.”

“No, I actually don’t.”

“Stop being so fucking stubborn,” he muttered as he made his way over to the side of bed you were on and sat next to you. “I really am sorry,” he said sincerely as he scooped you onto his lap.

“You can’t keep letting your temper get the best of you.”

“I’m working on it, okay? This is the first time I’ve ever had someone in my life to truly keep me in check.”

“You tell me you love me and then-”

“I do love you. I was just irritated. I was annoyed, because I know Walt did that on purpose. The fact that I run the company infuriates him, and the fact that Marta just handed it over to me only makes it that much worse. I shouldn’t have lashed out at you and I didn’t mean to. I really am sorry,” he promised sincerely.

“You’re gonna have to take me back to Milan to make it up to me,” you pouted and he chuckled.

“Just tell me when and we’ll go.”

“You can’t keep acting like this, Ransom. I know things were tough, but that’s no reason for you to take it out on everyone else. At some point, you really have to grow up.”

“I know, I know. I’m working on it. I’ll send the kid a text and let him know that he can have his job back if he wants it, and I’ll even apologize.”

“Don’t just tell me what I wanna hear.”

“I know better than to ever do that,” he scoffed as he kissed your forehead. “I know it means a lot to you, so-”

“It should mean a lot to you too.”

“People don’t matter to me-”

“I matter to you-”

“Which is why I’m trying-”

“I can’t be the only person who means something to you. I can’t be the only reason you try.”

“You can’t expect change over night. I’m trying and I need you to be patient with me.”

“I’m trying. I know that you’re capable of being a great guy-”

“But you also have to accept that there are some parts of me you’re just not going to like.”

“That sounds a lot like you coping out of trying.”

“No, that’s me being honest about the fact that there are certain things that I just can’t change. I’ve been this way for a while, and while it’s not impossible for me to change certain things, there are things that are just embedded in my DNA. You didn’t fall in love with me because I’m some boy scout. Fuck, I told you I murdered Fran and you’re still here. No, I don’t plan on planning on murdering anyone else, as long as they’re good to you, but we both know there’s a dark side to me that will always be there. You have to accept that part of me.”

You hated that he had a point.

“Ransom, I can accept a certain amount of darkness, but it can’t all be dark. You’ve gotta get your shit together.”

“And you’ve gotta accept that this isn’t some cookie cutter relationship. You have to accept that there are parts of me that you aren’t always going to like.”

“Ransom-”

“You know who and how I am. There can be light, but you know that there can be dark. I’ll do my best to be my best for you, but it’s not always going to be sunshine and rainbows. I’m an asshole, I’m unforgiving, and I’m unapologetic. You’re the only person I want to work on those things for and I don’t feel the need, right now, to spread that feeling of understanding to anyone else.”

“Ransom-”

“You can’t force me to change over night, Y/N. It’s just not gonna work. I love you, but I’m not God and I’m nowhere near attempting to be perfect. I love you and I want to be with you, but you have to accept that I come with flaws.”

You took a moment to think all of it over before you responded with, “I can’t tell you that I’m willing to accept all of the bad that comes with a little bit of good, but I want to try. I love you too much to not try.”

“So...are you finally saying-”

“No,” you quickly interjected with a laugh, “especially after today, you don’t get to call me your girlfriend so easily, but I am willing to explore this further.” “I’ll take what I can get,” he sighed as he kissed your shoulder.

“I’ll get dressed and we can go-”

“Not really in the mood to go out right now,” he murmured against your shoulder, as his hand traveled up your night shirt and pinched your nipple.

“Ransom,” you gasped, arching your back as you leaned against him.

“I honestly don’t give a fuck about making anyone else mad or upset, but you...will you let daddy show you just how sorry he is?”

“You can do whatever you want,” you whimpered as he ripped your panties off.

No matter how the days went, they always ended the same: Ransom deep inside of you, telling you just how much he loves and needs you.

Tonight is no different.

“Come on, Sweet Thing! I know this cunt can give me your sweet cream one more time!”

The best you can respond with is a garbled moaned as you strangle your hands strangle the pillows.

“Aw, did daddy fuck his little girl stupid?” he chuckles, slapping your ass hard while he continues to fuck into you relentlessly from behind. “Fucked so good you went numb?”

Ransom wasted no time getting you from the bathtub to the bed, and you don’t even remember how long ago that was, all you know is that you feel like you’re in heaven.

“Give it to me! Be the perfect little whore and give your daddy what wants,” he growls as he reaches around and grips your throat.

“Fuck!”

“Feel good? Having me deep inside you with this fat cock?”

“Too...too-”

“So fucked out,” he chuckles darkly as he grips your hair, puling you up right, “daddy wants another orgasm,” he whispers harshly in your ear.

“B-bite...please...my neck!”

“Anything for my sweet girl,” he husks before biting down on your sweet spot.

“FUCKING SHIT!” you scream out, squirting hard as you reach around and grip his waist.

Ransom follows with a loud, “FUCK!” as he lets go of your hair and you fall onto the bed unceremoniously. “Shit! I’m sorry-”

“I’m perfect,” you mumble, gripping a pillow as you try to find your way through the euphoric cloud he put you in.

“You promise?”

“You’ve been rougher than that, I’m fine,” you giggle softly. “I’m more than sure we missed our reservation though,” you whine as he pulls out.

“I’ll order up room service and make it up to you tomorrow,” he promises as he lays down next to you.

“You don’t have to make anything up to me.”

“You’ll see tomorrow,” he promises before kissing the top of your forehead. “I love you.”

“I love you.”

“You better. Now,” he starts as he pulls his phone off the nightstand and clicking through a few things, “what overpriced meal do you want for dinner?” he mutters as you burst out laugh and cuddle up to him.

Sometimes, just fucking sometimes, Hugh Ransom Drysdale is a dream come true.

**

“You haven’t said shit for almost the entire train ride,” Ransom laughs as you continue to look out the window.

“You’re taking me to Paris! Ransom!”

“It’s our last day, I wanted to make sure you enjoyed it,” he shrugs as he wraps an arm around your shoulder.

“I’ve loved this entire trip, you didn’t have to do this”

“I fucked up Milan.”

“You already said you’re gonna make it up to me.”

“Count this as part of that.”

“Ransom-”

“Just let me love and spoil you,” he interrupts with a laugh before kissing you passionately. “I love you.”

“I love you.”

God, you’re living an absolute dream right now.

Shopping in Paris is another thing you’d dreamed of, and promised yourself you’d do. Not even for anything selfish, it’s just something you’ve always wanted to do. Now, you’re here with Ransom and nothing is off limits.

“Ransom, no! Put it back!” you whisper as Ransom picks up a $1,500 dress.

“Try it on,” he laughs.

“No! That’s way too much for a dress!”

“You want it.”

“I don’t need it!”

“You can either try it on to make sure it fits, or I’ll just sent to your house and you can deal with alterations in Massachusetts.”

“Ransom-”

“It’s okay to have nice things, Sweet Thing.”

“Not this nice!”

“Try it on,” he laughs, handing you the dress.

“You’re letting me buy you an overpriced watch or something before we leave Paris,” you mutter, begrudgingly taking the dress and walking off in the direction of the dressing rooms.

As get out of your clothes, and carefully slip into the dress, you think about the last two weeks. Maybe being with Ransom won’t be the worst thing. Yes, he’s definitely going to have to tone it down on the gifts, but he’s not completely terrible. Besides, unlike Jack, he’s not hiding anything from you. Hes laid everything out in front of you; the good and the bad. Plus, it’s not like he hasn’t told you that he’ll try, and you can’t help but believe him. No, he isn’t some knight in shining armor, but you knew that when all of this started what feels like forever ago.

“Well, what do you think of it?” Ransom asks, coming into the dressing room.

“You can’t be in here!” you whisper yell and he chuckles.

“I think I want to rip it off of you and fuck you senseless.”

“Ransom!”

“I’ll behave...for now. Do you like it?”

“You don’t think it’s too tight?”

“It’s making my pants too tight.”

“Stop,” you laugh as you playfully shove him. “I like it. I’m only wearing it when I’m with you though.”

“I’m only letting you wear it when I’m with you. Now, get changed so I can spoil you some more.”

“You spoil me too much.”

“Get used to it, Sweet Thing.”

“We’re setting a spending cap for you. Now, get out so I can change.”

“I’m here to make sure no one gets in,” he smirks.

“Ransom.”

“Be a good girl and change so we can go.”

You swear there’s a raging devil in him at all times.

“Fuck,” he sighs once he sees you in your red lace lingerie set, his fingers ghosting along your torso.

“Don’t start,” you whimper pathetically, not even believing yourself, “you just had me this morning.”

“As if once a day is enough,” he murmurs as he pulls you close, “I always want you.”

“Ransom-” “Like I said, I’ll be good...for now,” he tells you with a foreboding tone as he let go of you.

“What do you have planned?” you ask as you quickly pull your shorts up. “Don’t worry about it. Now, hurry up and finish getting dressed so we can go. Daddy has a lot he wants to get done for his little princess today.”

“You are nothing but trouble.”

“And you love it,” he smirks, biting his bottom lip as you pull your tank top on. “Should’ve just kept you in bed all day.”

“Stop being a menace,” you whine and he laughs. “Thank you, Ransom. For all of this. These last two weeks have been perfect, and while I’m not used to anything on this scale, it’s been amazing. I love you so much and I’m so happy.”

“I wanna make you this happy forever.”

“Maybe you’ll get the chance to,” you smile as you grab the dress and make your way out.

You told Ransom that you were happy with just the dress, but he still insisted upon getting you a diamond bracelet and diamond choker to match. When you try to protest, he basically ignores you as he put his card on the table and tells you to ‘just accept it’.

It’s not like you have much of a choice.

“Okay, you’ve gotta explain it to me,” Ransom sighs as you two sit in the back of the car service her ordered.

“Explain what?”

“You have all this money and never spend it on yourself.”

“Oh,” you giggle as you lay your head on his shoulder, “I don’t know, I just don’t see the need to, I guess.”

“No, I know you too well. What’s the reason?”

“It’s just...no one we know is happy. The happiest person I know is Daisy, which is really fucking sad, because she’s just as sad and depressed as I am. She just drinks and fucks it away. I’m happiest when I’m helping others. The homeless, charities, soup kitchens...I don’t see the point in having a bunch of materialistic things when it doesn’t bring me joy. I have everything I need, so what’s the point of buying things I want?”

“You can still take yourself on trips and-”

“That would make me feel too much like my mom,” you scoff, “that’s how she dealt with everything. My Father cheating? A trip. My Grandmother giving her shit? A trip. Someone dying? A trip. Her response to everything is a trip, and I wouldn’t see a problem with it, except that with every trip, she became less and less of a Mom. My mom. She just became a shell of herself. After my infamous 16th birthday party, she took another trip. It lasted for two months. She left me alone to deal with everything and I hadn’t even done anything wrong. So no, I can’t associate trips with “self-care”, I associate them with trauma,” you laugh humorlessly.

“You came on this one.”

“Ah, but there are multiple factors to this one, Mr. Drysdale,” you smirk. “One, I would’ve felt terrible not going, because you planned all of this, so I already knew you’d spent entirely too much money on me. Two, I’m not alone. I’m with you and I love you. Three, I didn’t come along because I’m sad or running from something. If anything, I’m trying to figure us out and I’m happy to be here with you.”

“You are?”

“Ransom, I may be soft, but I still have a mind of my own. If I didn’t wanna be here, I wouldn’t be.”

“You love me enough to give me a real chance?”

“Unfortunately, yes.”

“Does that mean...?”

“It means that things are leaning more towards your favor than not, but we’ll wait until we get home.”

“That sounds promising.”

“Don’t get too far ahead of yourself,” you laugh as he kisses your forehead. “If I weren’t so damn happy, this would remind me of the time when my Mother left because-”

“We are here,” the driver announces as he comes to a stop and smiles at the both of you. “Such a young and lovely couple, I wish you all the best!”

“Thank you, we need all the help we can get,” you laugh with a smile, opening the door and getting out before Ransom has a chance to give some snarky response.

“Always stealing my thunder,” Ransom mutters as he follows your lead.

“I’m making the world a better pl-THE PALACE OF VERSAILLES?!”

“The trip wouldn’t have been complete without it.”

“Ransom-”

“It’s a tour, Sweet Thing. Everyone does it.”

“Honey-”

“Just enjoy it,” he laughs, wrapping an arm around your shoulder and dipping down to kiss your temple.

It’s not like it was hard.

You barely pay any attention to Ransom as practically skip from room to room, taking in the history of each room, and Ransom is fine to let you do that until hes had enough.

“What are you doing?!” you whisper yell as Ransom pulls you into a random room.

They’re all random since you’ve never been there.

“I told you that I’d behave until a certain point,” he smirks, kicking the door closed before he pinned you against the wall.

He would kick something in the fucking Palace of Versailles.

“Ransom-”

“I thought you loved making historical moments,” he chuckles as he undoes your shorts.

“They’ve probably got security cameras in here! We can’t...oh my GOD!” you mewl as he starts to play with your clit; his thumb being one of the most vicious toys that he uses.

His tongue being number one.

“Oh...fuck!”

“Be quiet or they’ll catch us,” he chuckles before starting to bite and suck on your neck.

“Daddy!” you mewl as softly as you can.

“Want me to make it all better?”

“Please!”

“Remember, Sweet Thing,” he coos as he gets on his knees and rips your panties off, “you gotta be quiet.”

And with that, he dives in like he hasn’t eaten a meal in years.

“Oh...oh shit! Ransom,” you whimper as you look down at him, his eyes telling you just how much he’s getting off on this. How much he needs it.

All he wants is to have the taste of you in his mouth all day, and you’re more than happy to give that to him. Two of his fingers tease your entrance and you do all you can to not scream and beg him to fuck you with them, and the devilish glint in his eyes lets you know just how much he loves how desperate you are to be good for him. When he does finally slide those two fingers in, you bite your bottom lip and clench your eyes shut to keep from yelling. Arching your back, you grip his hair and start grinding yourself almost his face, almost forgetting where you are.

Marie Antoinette would be so proud.

Ransom curls his fingers, finding that spongy spot inside of you that makes you blossom like a flower for him, and you swallow down your moan as you cum hard, trying your hardest to stay upright.

“So worried about security cameras, but you’re givin’ ‘em such a show, Sweet Thing,” Ransom broods darkly as he kisses his way up your body.

“Need it, daddy! Need you,” you whimper as you undo the front of his pants.

“Thought you wanted to be a good little girl?” he husks as he hoists you up and forces your legs around his waist.

“Fuck it,” you gasp as he thrusts himself inside of you.

Ransom is relentless as he fucks you hard and fast, not giving a single fuck if anyone walks in and catches you two.

“Please!,” you sob into his neck as you dig your nails into his shoulders.

“Feels so fucking good every time I’m deep inside you!”

“Daddy please!”

“Do you know how much I fucking love you? I would do anything for you! Anything to see you smile!”

“Aht! Baby...baby...that’s it!” you mewl into his neck before biting it.

“Fuck! The way this pussy squeezes me...give it to me! Want that fucking cream so bad!”

You moan into his neck as you cum hard, silently praying that no one heard you two, as spills his seed into you and fucks you both through your highs.

You really just had sex at the Palace of Versailles.

“You are nothing but trouble, Drysdale” you say with a breathy chuckle as he sets you down.

“Wanted to make sure the trip was historical for you,” he smirks.

“That’s a terrible joke,” you laugh as you lay your head on his shoulder.

“I love you, Y/N. I love you more than I can express.”

“I believe you.”

“I want to be with you. Really be with you. I want more trips with you, I want to come home to you, I want adventures with you...I want everything with you.”

“I know you do.”

“When will you trust me again?”

“It’s not just about trust, Ransom,” you sigh as squat down and pull up your shorts up and pass him your torn panties, “and you know that.”

“I told you that I’ll try.”

“And I told you that I need more time.”

“You know I’m never going to give up,” he mutters as he bends down and pulls up his briefs and shorts, before stuffing your panties into his pocket.

“Yeah, I know,” you laugh, “I won’t keep you in limbo for too much longer, okay? You know I love and want to be with you, I just....”

“Yeah, I know. I know,” he sighs.

“Lets just enjoy our last day, okay?”

“Anything you want,” he smiles at you before kissing you passionately.

“Stop, before you start round two.”

“You don’t know how hard it was for me to not tear that fucking tank top open.”

“Lets go,” you laugh as you lead the way and place your hand on the door.

“Y/N,” Ransom calls as he softly grabs your wrist.

“Yeah babe?”

“I do love you.”

“I love you,” you smile at him, “lets get back out there before we get caught.”

“I’m sure the whole palace heard us,” he smirks and you burst out laughing.

“Lets go, you.”

The rest of the tour is amazing, and judging by some of the looks thrown your way, you’re more than sure that people knew what you and Ransom had been up to. It doesn’t matter though, because the last two weeks have been heaven. Even with some of the arguments, the back and forth, and the fears that live rent free in your head. You’ve never been this happy, and you never thought that, in a million years, Hugh Ransom Drysdale would be the one to make you this happy. You know that things are going to be crazy when you get two get back, and while you’re not looking forward to it, you’re looking forward to Ransom being by your side for all of it.

You’re looking forward to finally letting yourself give him another try.

“Did you enjoy our little get away?” Ransom asks you two make your way down from the Eiffel Tower.

“I’m still trying to believe that all of this is real and not some dream that’s lasted much longer than it’s supposed to.”

“No, it’s very real,” he chuckles as he takes your hand in his. “If you’re so happy, why do you seem so far away?”

“I just...I want to say yes, Ransom. I want to let go of what happened and just start over, and that’s the direction I’m leaning towards but...”

“There’s still the fact that I’m a piece of shit,” he scoffs humorlessly.

“You’re not a piece of shit, Ransom. I never thought that before and I sure as shit don’t believe it now. However, the fact remains that you’ve done things that leave me...afraid. Trusting you...it’s not easy, Ransom. I trusted you before and it blew up in my face, on my fucking birthday, no less.”

“You know how much I want to take that back-”

“But you can’t, Ransom. No matter how much you want to, you can’t. I want to believe everything you say, because I love you more than I can explain, but I can’t. Yes, I believe that you love me and I believe that you want forever with me, but it doesn’t change the fact that you’ll use anyone to get what you want. Including me.”

“I won’t ever do something like that again, and I know-”

“You still did it in the first place, and that’s whats causing the issue. Me wanting to trust and being with you doesn’t cancel out the fact that I know exactly what you did, why you did it, and who you did it to,” you mumble as you two finally reach the last step.

Getting to the bottom of the Eiffel Tower is just as much of a pain in the ass as it is to get to the top.

“I’ll give you all the time you need to make your decision-”

“I don’t want anymore time, Ransom. You are who you are and I didn’t fall in love with you not knowing that. I am in love with you. I am so insanely in love with you and it scares me, because what the fuck am I going to do if you hurt me? If you leave me? I...want my forever to be with you, Ransom. God, I sound like a fucking airhead,” you laugh humorlessly as you grip his hand tighter. “I’ve thought about this so many times, and I keep thinking about all of the good that’s happened verses the bad and...the good outweighs the bad, I guess....I want to be with you. I wanna how the first few weeks go once we get back home, but I want...I want to be with you. Really be with you,” you smile up at him.

In one swift move, he’s picking you up and spinning you around, and you’re laughing into his shoulder and wrapping your arms around him tight.

“I guess it would’ve been more romantic to give this to you at the top of the Eiffel Tower,” he laughs as he sets you down, before digging in his pocket and pulling out a black velvet box.

“Ransom-”

“Relax, I’m not proposing. I didn’t get down on one knee, so I don’t know why you thought that was the case.”

“I don’t believe you’ll get down on one knee to propose.”

“My love for you will help me quiet my ego long enough for me to get down on one knee and propose,” he chuckles as he opens the box.

“Ransom...this is gorgeous,” you gasp and you hold up the sterling silver dragonfly necklace.

“I love you. I’m not easy to love, I’m rough around the edges, and I’m by no means innocent, but I’m all in with you. No lies, no more bets, no cheating, nothing. I want this to work because I love you more than you know and I’m...I’m committed to you. I’m committed to us,” he promises.

You wrap your arms around him and pull him close before getting on your tiptoes, and kissing him passionately.

He makes it so easy to get lost in him and forget. Forget that hell is waiting for you both when you get back to the states, forget that all of this is more complicated than it seems, and forget how scared you are. However, it’s not lost on you that you two are away, and things can easily change once you get home. Which is why you want to wait a few more weeks before you make anything official.

“Lets get back, huh?” he breaths once you two break apart.

“Please.”

The train ride back to London is torturous, because Ransom won’t keep his hands to himself, and you don’t want him to. The second you two are back inside the suite, Ransom is picking you up and carrying you to the bed, and you’re desperately trying to get his clothes off.

You two spend the rest of the evening in bed, making love and getting lost in one another. There’s no ‘daddy’, no slutty nicknames, no degrading, and no teasing. It’s just you and him telling each other just how much you both love and need one another, and how much you both just want each other forever. At some point, he orders room service, but you both only take a few bites of your food before he’s pulling you back into bed.

“We need to pack,” you yawn as you two cuddle up to another, finally ready to call it a night.

“I’ll take care of it, don’t worry about it.”

“What does that even mean?”

“It means that you need to rest and not worry about things that don’t matter.”

“Ransom?”

“Hmm?”

“Tell me you mean it when you tell me you want everything with me forever.”

“I mean it with every inch of my being, and I’m more than happy to spend the rest of my life showing you that.”

“I love you, Ransom.”

“I love you, Sweet Thing,” he tells you softly before kissing your forehead, “get some rest.”

As you drift off to sleep, you hope that the magic you two have found follows you both back to Massachusetts. You hope that you two can make this work for real and make it last.

**

“Why can’t you just stay over?” Ransom whines as he drives to his house. “Because,” you laugh as your phone goes off for the millionth time, “I like my house...Jesus, who knew one picture could get so many likes? I’m turning off my notifications,” you grumble as you fish it out of your purse.

Before you both headed back to the airport, you made a small photo set on your Insta account, with the caption:

Y/N Account Name: Took a little trip to my favorite place with my favorite person :)

Which Daisy was quick to comment with:

YourDadsBestFriend69: You go to Europe and get dicked down once, and I lose my title. This is bullshit.

You’re all set to turn off your notifications when you see that Marta has followed you. You tapped on username, but it was private. However, you did see her holding a small hand in her profile picture.

Did she have a baby?

When you go back to your notifications, her follow isn’t there anymore, which makes you all that much more confused. You let your curiosity get the best of you and go over to Ransom’s page and tapped on the photo set he posted of you.

You look through the very colorful comments until you find what you’re looking for:

M_Cab89: We’ll see if that’s the case when you get back.

Alright, what the fuck is going on?

“Are you listening to me?” Ransom asks, pulling you out of your thoughts.

“Huh? What? No, I’m sorry, what did you say?”

“The car should be delivered in two days.”

“You didn’t have to buy me the car, Ransom,” you laugh with a sigh.

“You like the car and now you’ll have it.”

“You don’t have to buy me everything-”

“We were still on the trip. The trip that I took great joy in spoiling you on. I was happy to do it.”

“You should’ve let me buy you the watch.” “I have too many watches,” he scoffs as he turns onto his street. “I’ll run inside, grab some clothes, and we’ll head back to your place...awh, what the shit?!” he gripes as he parks his car in his gravel driveway.

Why are Marta and Linda here? Who the hell is that little boy?

“What the fuck is this about?” he mutters, opening his door and getting out before slamming it shut.

Great.

“Ransom, calm down,” you sigh, getting out and following after him.

“It’s bad enough that either one of them is here, but them together? And who the fuck is that little kid?” he growls.

“Ransom, please.”

“What do you want, Mother?” he snaps, malice in his tone as he reaches his doorstep.

There’s no way that is going to end well.

“Don’t speak to me in that tone!”

“You’re at my house-”

“That Harlan got you-”

“What do you want?” he mutters.

“So, it’s true? You’re with her now?” Linda sasses as she looks you over.

“It really doesn’t concern you. What do you-”

“You planned your trip during my birthday, didn’t even bother to call-”

“Why should I? It’s not like you wanted me there anyway-”

“I’m your Mother, you ungrateful little shit!” she interrupts, slapping him hard.

“No!” you snap, standing in front of Ransom, “you don’t get to hit him! I don’t care that he’s your son, you don’t treat him like that! Especially because he’s your son,” you growl, a threatening finger pointed directly at her face.

The shit eating grin that comes to her face makes your stomach churn.

“When I got here, Marta was already here with that little guy. Seems like you can’t keep either of your whores in line.”

There’s no fucking way...

“What are you talking about? I don’t-”

“He’s your son, Ransom,” Marta interjects, stepping aside, so little boy can be seen.

You can’t breathe.

“The fuck he is!”

“Watch your mouth!”

“He’s not my son and this isn’t fucking funny!”

“We can take a test if you want, but he is your son!”

The comment she left under his pictures makes so much sense now.

“Well, I don’t want him! You wait...however many years to tell me about him, and you sure as shit don’t need any money, so why now?!”

“He deserves to know who his Father is, Ransom! He’s a Drysdale and-”

“Watch it,” Ransom warns with a foreboding tone.

You look at him in pure and utter shock. You know that he can be an asshole, but this is just cruel. He has a point though, why did Marta wait until now? There were multiple times to tell Ransom, including when she was pregnant, but she waited till he posted you? Is that why she went on your page? To see if there was something more? To see if we were both serious about each other?

“It’s not enough that you had to take this whore to London and miss my birthday, but now you have a bastard with the help? God, you don’t know how to stop yourself from fucking up, do you?” Linda spits.

This time, you’re the one slapping her while angry tears roll down your cheek, and Linda looks at you in pure shock.

“I’ll press charges!”

“Go ahead,” you mutter before turning and walking away.

“Y/N, please don’t go,” Ransom calls, following after you and grabbing your wrist, and you instantly pull out of his hold. “Sweet Thing-”

“Don’t call me that.”

“Please, lets talk about this!”

“I can’t be here right now, Ransom. I just can’t.”

“Where do you wanna go? We can anywhere you want!”

“I need to get away from you!” you yell, turning to face him for just a brief moment, but it was long enough to see the pain in his eyes.

The universe just couldn’t give you a fucking win, could it?

“Please-”

“I can’t talk to you right now. I have to go. I’ve gotta get the fuck out of here.”

You’re quick to grab your purse and cell phone from his car, before you’re walking off in the direction of your home.

The second you can’t see them anymore, you burst into tears.

You were just too fucking happy. You finally felt comfortable enough to explore things with Ransom, you were so ready to say yes and fully commit, and now there’s all this shit. What the fuck are you supposed to do now? No, he by all means did not have the right response to any of what just took place, but e was caught completely off guard, and it really does seem like Marta did this out of spite.

Linda help a single fucking thing.

You stop in at the liquor store and pick up four bottles of tequila, along with four packs of cigarettes, and completely ignore the stares and whispers that are coming your way.

None of it fucking matters anyway.

As your items are being scanned, only one thought keeps going through your mind: why did you have to fall in love with Hugh Ransom Drysdale?

~~

taglist: @emerald-evans​, @maroonsunrise83​, @whiskeytangofoxtrot555​, @companionjones​, @autumnrose40​, @fuckingbye​, @pono-pura-vida​, @nomadstucky​, @mazda098​, @chemtrails-club​, @bree-lyrie​

[bingusmode]

Trial by Fire

Pyro x Female Reader

AN: your class is called “Assist” in this

“Have you guys every noticed how creepy Pyro is?”

Scout drew another card as Spy took a drag from his cigarette, barely casting Scout a glance.

“The unstable psychopath that we’ve been colleagues with for years? Yes Scout, we’ve noticed. How observant you are”

Demoman barked out a laugh, throwing his head back. Nearly tipping out of his chair, Engineer being the one to stabilize him.

It was a calm night at base, a rarity in their profession. While Scout, Spy, Solider, Demo, and Engineer played cards. Medic and Heavy were lingering behind them, discussing the differences between Russian and German literature. Sniper was settled in a cracked, leather chair, hat over his eyes to catch the sleep he often didn’t get.

“Go Fish!” Solider slammed an Ace on the table.

“Solider, we’re playing Texas hold ‘em, not Go Fish,”

Engineer handed Solider back his card, him being the only one at the table to had enough patience for the merc at the moment.

“Go to hell Spy, that’s not what I meant,” Scout snapped out, trying to lean over and see what hand Demo had.

“Then pray tell, what do you mean?” Spy glanced at Scout, smoke billowing from his mouth.

“I mean, every time Assist is around, so is Pyro. He followers her like a lost puppy”

Spy paused, shifting his eyes to the far corner of the room.

Assist wasn’t doing anything out of the ordinary. Just playing on her game boy, while Pyro loomed behind her, watching her play.

Spy narrowed his gaze before looking back at the hand he had, Shifting his card around.

Engineer drew another card, clearing his throat to speak.

“Now that you mention it, it’s pretty rare that I’ve seen Assist alone…”

“That’s what I’m talkin’ about! He hasn’t left her alone since she got to base”

“What? You suggesting he’s got feelings or something?” Engineer quickly slapped a hand over Demos mouth, glancing up to make sure Pyro didn’t hear.

“Keep your voice down, the last thing I wanna do is piss him off…”

Thankfully Pyros attention was still focused on game Assist was playing.

Spy sets down his cards, a royal flush.

“So what if he does or doesn’t have feelings? Frankly I would like to know less about our firebug colleague”

Engineer, Demo, and Scout reluctantly fold. Solider slams down another card.

“Go Fish! Final offer!”

Engineer pulls Solider back again, getting him out of Spy’s face.

“I agree with Spy, no need getting in his business”

“I disagree”

Engineer jumps at Medics sudden appearance behind him

“I apologize my friend, but I think it’s rather interesting…why don’t we test Scouts theory”

Demo stands up abruptly, grabbing his bottle of hooch

“I’m out, enjoy killing yourselves”

While Spy counts his winnings, he turns his attention towards Medic.

“And how would you go about such an experiment?”

Medic grins, pushing up his glasses

“Well…”

Trial 1:

“A check up?”

Assist looked confused, she had just gotten hers at the beginning of the year. Behind her, Pyro tilted his head

“Yes yes, just the standard checkup. Blood work, psychical, making sure your bones are in the right place”

“Why wouldn’t my bones be in the right place-“

“That’s why you need a check up,”

Assist looked wary, but knew it’s probably best to trust the good doctor

“Okay, I guess if it’s necessary…”

“Excellent! It will be quick, no worry”

Medic rushed her into the medical bay, Pyro tailing behind her.

“Ah ah, I’m sorry Pyro, you must stay out here. Doctor - Patient privacy, you understand.”

Pyro stared blankly at him before taking a seat in the waiting room.

Hands clasped and eyes ahead.

“She’ll be back out in a bit”

Medic smiled before going into the medical bay himself.

3 hours, Assist had been here for 3 hours while Medic checked to see If any of her bones were missing.

“Doc, I’m not trying to doubt your expertise but-“

“Almost done! These X Rays can be hard to read”

In reality, he was keeping an eye on the timer. Hours had passed and it was time to see if his theory had been right.

“Done! All good, no bones are missing”

Assist hops off the patient table, making her way to the doors with Medic behind her.

“Didn’t know it would take so long”

“Bone medicine isn’t an exact science, it takes time and effort”

Medic opens the door for her and just as he thought, there sat Pyro. Sitting in the exact position he started in.

Pyro jumped up once he saw Assist, having a complete change in demeanor.

“Mmmp! Mhmm Mphm Mhm”

“Doc says I’m all good, but I’m starving”

Medic watched as the two walked off, Pyro talking animatedly with his hands.

Very interesting indeed.

Trial 2:

Assist sprinted through Two Fort, hands filled with metal to give to Engineer. She glanced behind her to the Blue Scout that was tailing behind her.

She gritted her teeth and pushed herself harder. While she was sneakier than Scout, she definitely wasn’t faster. His footsteps got louder behind her and she felt him grab her scalp and yank her down to the floor.

“Fuck!”

Assist hit the floor hard, the metal she was carrying clanging down around her.

“Sorry doll, if it’s any consolation, I won’t bash in your pretty face”

“It’s not you dick!”

Assist hissed between her teeth, preparing herself for the uncomfortable feeling that came with respawning.

Cloaked with a butterfly knife raised was the Red Spy, ready to attack.

He stopped once he saw a flash of red and felt the warmth of flame thrower.

The Blue Scout screamed and crumpled to the floor, twitching as the flames consumed him.

Pyro stood unmoving and unwavering until the Scouts body was nothing but ash.

“Mmm Hhpmm?”

“My head hurts…”

Spy watched as Pyro helped Assist to her feet, gathering up some of the metal she dropped while he did so.

“Hmmm Hphmm”

“But I need to get these to Engineer-“

“Mphm!”

“Medic is probably busy-“

Pyro put his hand on the small of Assists back and gently pushes her forward, holding the metal she collected for her.

Before they leave the room, Pyro turns and looks right at the spot where Spy stood.

It felt as if Pyro was looking right at him.

Spy ignored the shiver that went down his spine as the pair left, making a mental note to avoid the arsonist for the day.

Trial 3:

Another successful job meant another long ride back in the van. Night had fallen and Engineer was plucking at his guitar strings as everyone unloaded. He tried not to look at Pyro and Assist, the former sleeping on her friends shoulder.

Everyone but them two knew about this “experiment” and Engineer wanted nothing part of it. He preferred to stay out of trouble and not charred.

The van came to a gentle stop once they were back at base, Heavy making sure to make the least amount of noise possible to not wake up Assist.

Engineer watched as everyone left the van in a drowsy state, all expect for Pyro and Assist. Pyro looked motionless, Engineer couldn’t gauge if he was asleep or awake.

Either way, he couldn’t just leave them in the van.

Cautiously, Engineer approached, moving to gently touch Assists shoulder to wake her up.

A gloved hand caught his wrist before he could do so.

Engineer looked into the black void that was Pyros mask.

He swallowed before gathering his nerve to speak.

“She can’t sleep here tonight Pyro, you know that,”

Pyro just stared back at him

“She’ll be sore tomorrow when she wakes up…”

After a few silent moments, Pyro let go of his wrist and gently shook Assist awake.

“Mmm? Back already?”

She stood on two shaky legs, stretching out, Pyro following suit. Assist bid Engineer Goodnight as Pyro helped her out of the van, guiding her in her half asleep state.

Engineer was left in the van, alone with his suspicions and the night critters

Interlude:

“In conclusion, he is not a sociopath like I thought, but something else entirely. His feelings towards Assist prove it”

Medic cheerily declared, hands clasped behind his back,”

Spy twirled around a cigarette, leaning back in his chair

“And what do we do with this information?”

“I’ll tell you what we’ll do,”

Scout piped up, putting both hands on the table. His face sporting a smile that went ear to ear

“We’re gonna tease the hell of him”

“Lad, do you really think that’s a good idea?”

Demo took a swig of his drink

“He’ll make s’mores over your corpse”

“The bastard has a crush, and I’m not supposed to tease him? What is this? Summer camp?”

Spy flicks ash in Scouts direction

“Whatever you do boy, leave us out of it. I have a feeling Pyro is onto us”

Scout laughs

“No way, I’m not missing this golden opportunity”

Spy flicks his lighter closed

“I look forward to speaking at your funeral”

Trial 4:

A hand slammed itself on the table, almost spilling Assists drink. Pyro being the one to steady it.

Assist let out a sign before glancing up, not please to have their dinner interrupted

“Can I help you Scout?”

“You. Me. Dinner tomorrow”

All action in the cafeteria stopped as all the attention turned on them.

Engineer covered both of Solider and Demo man’s mouths. Medic leaned forward on his elbows, curious to see how this would turn out. Heavy said a quick prayer for Scout while Spy huffed, rolling his eyes.

“I’m sorry?”

“You know we’ve got something between us, so let’s make it official,”

Scout leaned in closer while Assist leaned back to maintain distance.

Everyone wasn’t watching Scout, but Pyro to see his reaction.

Nothing, so far it was nothing, Pyro sat still and stared at Scout, his expression unreadable.

“…no, I’m good Scout, but thanks? I guess?”

A collective sigh of relief swept through the Cafeteria, no murder would be committed today.

Scout shrugged and backed away

“Hey babe, it’s your loss”

Never once did Pyros gaze leave Scout, like he was hunting him.

Medic looked disappointed if anything

“I’m surprised Pyro didn’t do anything, I was hoping for more conclusive results”

Spy passed a cigarette to Medic, then his lighter

“Be grateful we don’t have to mop blood off the floors”

End of Experiment:

Thwip Click

Thwip Click

Scout turned in his sleep, the unknown sound starting to drag him away from his unconscious state

Thwip Click

He sat up and rubbed his eyes, glancing at the clock reading 3:00 am.

Scout grumbled and went to go back to sleep but the light in the corner of his room made his blood run cold.

Thwip Click

Pyro was flicking his lighter on and off, staring right ahead at Scout. Repeatedly making the flame spark and extinguish.

“Heyyy Pyro, watcha, watcha doin buddy?”

Thwip

This time, the lighter stayed on as Pyro stood to his full height

“I didn’t mean anything by it, I was just teasing you know?” Scout started to sweat, realizing now that his actions do have consequences.

Pyro took one step closer

“I won’t do it again okay? I promise I’ll leave her alone, just please don’t hurt me”

Scout begged, and Pyro stopped in his tracks.

Click

The lighter went out, leaving Scout in the dark. He searched blindly for something to defend himself with, but before he could. The door opened and Pyro left, leaving Scout unharmed physically but not mentally.

At least now he knew better than to mess with what belonged to Pyro.

[liaromancewriter]

Picta Problems

Premise: Cassie and Ethan clash over a Pictagram post.

Book: Open Heart (post series) Pairing: Ethan Ramsey x F!MC (Cassie Valentine) Rating/Category: Teen. Angsty Fluff. Format: Prose + Text & Pic Fic Words: 1,100

A/N: I started with the intent of making fluffy edits; that's it. And then this fic took a life of its own. Submission for @choiceschallenge-may2023 prompt "photographs" and @choicesjunechallenge "stories". I'm using @choicesflashfics week 35, prompt 3.

Part 1: Picta Memories

Part 2: The Backlash

Part 3: The Confrontation

Cassie Valentine was having a good day until she wasn’t. Everyone knew her to be easygoing, often with a smile on her lips, but serious about her work. Her friends and foes agreed on one thing: she had a long fuse, and it took a lot for her to lose that sunny disposition.

Of course, she wasn’t a saint, and medicine wasn’t a career for eternal optimists. But she found a way to keep her balance despite everything fate threw at her.

That’s why many people milling about on the seventh floor of Boston’s Edenbrook Hospital were surprised to see her angry expression as she furiously tapped on her cell phone. Sensing her distraction, they stayed out of her way.

But the rumors spread. Dr. Valentine was in a bad mood. Best to wait until it evened out. She might be slow to anger, but she was also quick to diffuse.

The traveling nurse assigned to that floor asked his colleagues if the young doctor might just be hangry. Perhaps a cookie could turn the tide.

“She’s partial to cupcakes,” one of them commented.

“And coffee,” another piped in, having witnessed Dr. Valentine and Dr. Ramsey returning from their daily coffee run for years.

“Could she have had a fight with Dr. Ramsey?” one recently hired nurse wondered.

The idea was so preposterous that everyone around the nurses’ station laughed. They were still wiping tears from their eyes when Ethan Ramsey stepped off the elevator and marched determinedly down the hallway to his former office.

Everyone held their breath and pretended to be busy as he paused midway to stare at them. He quirked one eyebrow, a perplexed frown forming on his lips and then he shook his head and continued walking.

Still puzzling over the bizarre behavior at the nurses’ station, Ethan absently swiped his access card on the reader outside the diagnostic team’s office and strode through the sliding glass doors.

“Any idea what’s happening outside?” he called out.

Cassie was staring at scans on the digital board and didn’t respond. Not giving it another thought, Ethan joined her and shoved his hands in his pant pockets as he stared at what appeared to be a patient’s brain. The shadows told their own story about the individual’s condition.

“Hmm,” he mused and rocked back on his heels. “See that—”

“I know how to read a scan, Ethan,” Cassie said curtly, throwing him an annoyed look. “Believe it or not, I am adult enough to do my job without anyone watching over my shoulder.”

“What’s wrong?”

“I’m pissed off at you!”

Taken aback by her vehemence, Ethan started to reach for her, only for Cassie to evade his touch. She walked around him and took her place behind the desk, putting physical and emotional distance between them.

“Is this about my text message earlier?” Ethan asked, mentally tracking their interactions during the day.

“Partially,” she said. “It’s about you not trusting me enough to know when to draw the line about publicizing our relationship. I barely post about you. If people didn’t already know about us, they’d think I was single. But that isn’t good enough for you, is it?”

Ethan wondered how his day had gone from breakfast in bed with his lover to her looking at him as if he was a stranger. He didn’t think their text exchange had been that serious, but clearly, Cassie disagreed.

“I already apologized,” he said, sighing deeply, unable to hide his irritation.

“Until the next time,” Cassie bit out. “I can’t be in a relationship where I’m constantly walking on eggshells. I ask for very little, Ethan, but I demand your trust in this. I’ve earned it.”

She was right, thought Ethan. She’d had enough experience with tabloids to be a fiend about her privacy. And as someone intimately familiar with her Pictagram feed, he knew his presence was an exception, not the rule.

Of all the things she could be upset about, he found it hilarious that it was over this. He admitted his first reaction was annoyance at seeing a private moment shared on social media and having her friends comment. But there hadn’t been malicious intent involved.

Like it or not, he was involved with Cassie, and she had earned his trust. Not just for this, but for all other things too.

“Why are you smiling at me like that?” Cassie asked suspiciously, her green eyes narrowing to slits.

Instead of answering, he walked around the desk, turned her chair and placed his hands on either side of her chair, effectively caging her. He leaned in, his blue eyes intent as they locked on hers.

“I.” He kissed her forehead. “Am.” Then the tip of her nose. “Sorry.” He brushed his lips across hers. “I overreacted. Forgive me?”

He didn’t think she’d respond, but she seemed to deflate before his eyes, losing the tightness in her body as her anger left.

“Fine,” she said somewhat graciously. “But we should set some ground rules because I’m not ashamed of our relationship. I might not want to end up on HSTea, but that doesn’t mean I want to hide away completely.”

She pushed against his arms until he moved back to let her stand.

“There are obligations to who I am, Ethan,” Cassie said, deadly serious as she crossed her arms across her chest. “If we’re going to go the distance, you need to accept that being with a Valentine comes with social responsibilities and prurient interest from strangers.”

She continued, staring at him carefully. “My family tries their best to keep the limelight away from me, but they cannot make it disappear completely. It will shine on you too, and you have to be okay with it even if you don’t like it.”

“I see,” he said cautiously for lack of anything else to say.

The shrill sound of his pager cut through the uncomfortable silence. Ethan cursed and glanced at the tiny screen.

“I have to go, but I do want to discuss this, Cassie,” he said. “Meet me for dinner tonight. We can talk without interruption.”

She nodded rigidly, and Ethan exhaled. He touched her hand, needing that connection before they went their separate ways. He took comfort when she hooked her pinky around his and smiled softly.

As he walked back to his office in the administrative wing, Ethan thought it would likely be the most important dinner of his life. But there was no decision to make. He’d already decided to fall in love with Cassie. Everything started from there.

------------------

All Fics & Edits: @annfg8 @bluebelle08 @coffeeheartaddict2 @crazy-loca-blog @doriopenheart @genevievemd @headoverheelsforramsey @lucy-268 @jamespotterthefirst @jerzwriter @lady-calypso @mainstreetreader @peonierose @potionsprefect @queencarb @quixoticdreamer16 @rookiemartin @socalwriterbee @takemyopenheart @tessa-liam @trappedinfanfiction

Submissions: @choicesficwriterscreations @openheartfanfics

Ethan & Cassie only: @cariantha @custaroonie @hopelessromantic1352 @mrs-ramsey