#and when i was leaving the house i stepped into a puddle in the bathroom because something's fucked up AGAIN

[ironambivalence]

You wake up, chained to a urinal, unable to close your arms and legs. Helpless and starting to shake before it’s even begun. Hearing the murmuring outside the stall grow louder with men’s voices and harsh laugher. Apprehension growing as your stomach feels tight, trying not to vomit even as you start to panic. Feeling so helpless and exposed. Completely naked and desperate. The sounds growing louder, and then…

The door bursts open and the first one steps forward. He won the lottery today and is going to take a little more time than usual. He strokes your cheek softly, then takes a handful of your hair hard by the roots and slaps your face viciously, leaving a red handprint on your pale skin that will become a nasty bruise. Your head jerks down just in time to see his cock exposed, before he thrusts into you, unceremoniously, like meat. Just fuckmeat. Just holes. He starts pumping faster. Not even looking at you. Staring at the wall ahead as he rapes you. Your cunt stretched and aching as you’re forced to take it. Tensing as he empties his balls in your cunt, a stranger’s sperm splattered against your bruised cervix. He doesn’t even look at you when he pulls out. You’re just a warm hole. And it’s time for the next…

One by one they filter in, claiming your ass, your cunt, your mouth. Leaving their filth splattered across you. Raping you until your holes are unrecognizably swollen. The sheer volume of cum astounding. It drips down your face and tits. It drips from your used holes. You’re filthy in a way you can barely comprehend. It coats every inch of you. The smell makes you gag. It drips into a puddle beneath you. You’re disgusting. It’s long since coated the bruises others have left, marring your body, and the men are reluctant to touch you now, so richly coated, save for your holes, which they still pump themselves into. They find other ways to hurt you: lit cigarettes, glowing metal lighters, a wire whip. Your mind is going, fading into the pain. The chains unnecessary. You couldn’t stand even if you wanted to…

And they begin to compete. The first one to piss in your face is greeted with a round of applause. The money is usually left by the door, but one shoves his dollar bills up your cunt. Someone in the crowd has brought a taser…

It’s hours and you’re more unconscious then not by the end. Limp body swaying with each thrust as your raped fuckholes are destroyed a little more each time. By the time I hose you off, the cold jet of water washing their filth down the drain, the nozzle shoved inside your holes so you scream, you have no strength left. I unchain you, swinging you up over my shoulder like a sack, angry red cunt exposed as your arms and legs hang limp, and toss you into the trunk of my car.

When we get back to the safe house I toss you down onto the filthy mattress and explain: It’s still Friday night. You have the weekend to recover. I want you in the office on Monday as usual, carving your mind up in pieces as you try to pretend everything is normal. Otherwise, you won’t be alone in that bathroom stall next weekend. I’ll make sure you’re have someone you love, right there by your side.

[kenananamin]

Fun-sized best friend

Summary: After seeing you cry at a post about a dog being put down soon, Nanami reaches out to adopt the dog. It'd be the first time you both have a pet together, but it should be fine... right? fluff fluff fluff, nanami x fem!reader

Nanami is driving back home while you giggle in the passengers seat. You're holding a fluffy dog that is wriggling all over your lap and licking anything around it.

He looks over at your happy face and smiles, but looks down to the dog and sighs. You were on the verge of tears last night after seeing an ad for the dog. She's a three-legged dog who was removed from her previous owner's care. She had a couple more days before she would be put down and that last detailed pushed you over the edge of teary eyes. Nanami comforted you as best he could and messaged the account while you showered. After he heard the water turn off, he entered the bathroom and told you the news about the dog no longer being put down because she'd have a home soon.

Seeing your happiness in the car told him he made the right decision but this was the first time he'd adopted a dog. Nanami always considered himself a cat person but he would do anything for you... including trying to adjust to a hyper dog.

"This shouldn't be too hard," you tell Nanami after seeing his nervous glances towards your new companion, "she's only got three legs."

Nanami looks over half in horror and half in surprise that you'd say something like that.

His reaction makes you burst out in laughter, "I'm kidding! I'm really kidding! But we will be fine, she'll have so much love and attention and everything she needs. I'll give her everything I can," you lean to hold his hand, "thank you Ken. Really, thank you."

Nanami intertwines his fingers with yours and smiles back, "Love you, darling."

———

Nanami opens the fridge to grab Emi's food. You called to let him know you were going to be home late and asked if he could feed Emi and take her on her walk. He looks down to see her looking up at him and patiently waiting. Emi was very calm around Nanami and would quietly follow him around compared to running circles around you.

Emi finishes her food and Nanami grabs the harness. She starts jumping after seeing the harness and it takes him a second to put it on. Emi pulls their way out the door and Nanami hurries to lock the door and start their first walk without you.

You come home and hear Nanami grunting in the bathroom.

"No!" Nanami yells followed by quick steps.

Emi runs out the bathroom, shaking the water off her and running towards you. Nanami throws the door open, the bottom of his shirt and parts of his pants completely soaked.

"Were you bathing Emi?" You ask while you rub and pat your fun-sized best friend.

Nanami sighs and puts his hands on his hips, "Yeah, she saw a puddle and decided to jump in and got us both dirty."

You laugh and stand up to go give Nanami a hug and kiss. Emi lays down and starts rubbing all over the small living room carpet while mom and dad have a moment.

———

"I'm so sorry, all these deadlines are killing the team."

Nanami nods as he watches you rub your eyes on your facetime call, "It's ok, but can you call me as soon as you're leaving? Or call me if it gets too late, I'll pick you up and we'll get your car later."

"I'll call you when I'm done. I love you, Kenny. Byee my wittle Emi, mommy wuves youuu!!" You hang up the call and Nanami looks over to the dog that seems to be smiling.

"How come you get the baby voice?" Nanami and Emi stare at each other until she moves onto his lap. Nanami keeps staring and slowly lifts his hand to pet her.

The house is dark when you open the door. You got out much later than expected and walk into the living room to see a sleeping Kento sprawled on the couch and Emi tucked into his side. Emi was awake and looking at you, but did not move from her cuddle. You grab the blanket draped behind the other couch and cover your two loves.

———

You wake up early Saturday to a quiet house. Nanami had been taking Emi to her morning walks alone to let you sleep in after your long work days. It had been over two weeks since your team had to absorb another team's workload after that team was dissolved. It would only be a few more days of this and then you'd be back to your regular schedule.

Nanami and Emi come back home while you're making your tea.

"Welcome home!" You yell out as Emi runs to you while her whole body moves with her waggling tail. Nanami follows suit and goes to kiss your forehead. He's holding a large paper bag, bulky with whatever was inside.

You raise your eyebrows at the bag and Nanami puts it down on the counter, "We went to the pet store for another harness since she's outgrowing this one."

"That looks like much more than a harness," you laugh and peek into the bag, "toys? Ken, is this whole bag is full of dog toys??!"

Nanami freezes and slowly backs away from the bag and you, "Emi kept looking at them. She likes toys." He whispered and Emi stands on her leg to lick his hand.

You stare at the frozen man and dog who left your side for his. You sit on the floor to call Emi back over, but she looks between you and Nanami and sits by his side. Your jaw drops and Nanami leans down to carefully push Emi to you.

———

You park your car and lean your head back. Finally, you were finally back home at a regular time. You pick up the grocery bags and start to head inside, excited to surprise Nanami with the first full dinner you've made in weeks.

You open the front door, smiling at the thought of his surprised face as you come home early. You see Kento and Emi sitting on the couch. His face definitely expressed that he was surprised... but so were you.

Kento was holding Emi on his lap, fixing a homemade matching collar and tie on her neck. He froze with his hands around her neck when he heard the door start to open. He opens his mouth to try to explain what's happening but you fall to your knees with the grocery bags, cackling at the scene.

There are scraps of fabric, scissors and a sewing kit on the center table. You can't see much besides that past the tears in your eyes and you fall to your back and hold your face in your hands, trying to control the laughter.

"I can explain," Nanami says from the couch but it makes you laugh even harder.

Emi walks to you and you finally sit up to closely look at Nanami's work of art. You knew he was good at sewing as he's helped fix a couple things before but this was something you could have never imagined he would make.

"I was fixing my tie this morning and she was sitting in front of me, staring. I don't know why but I started wondering what she'd look like with a little tie so I went to the store during my lunch break and started making this..." Nanami sits beside you on the floor as he explains. You pet Emi with one hand and hold the handmade tie with the other.

He used his lunch break to buy and start making this. You were so convinced when he adopted Emi that he'd just take a backseat with raising and taking care of her, which you were fine with since you both knew you were the dog person in this relationship. Seeing him do so much for her made you laugh at your initial thoughts but it warmed your heart to see so much love for the fur bundle you both considered your fun-sized best friend.

"You know, seeing you both with ties makes me realize you look so much alike," you tell Nanami as you straighten Emi's collar.

"She's got my tie but she's got your eyes," Kento gets closer, holds your neck and leans in to kiss you.

You slap his chest at his comment but he laughs and continues to kiss you as you both shift on the floor to face each other. Emi starts to jump between the both of you and barks for your attention. Nanami grabs a nearby toy without backing away from the kiss and throws it across the room to distract Emi.

Nanami breaks the kiss and looks into your eyes, "I didn't get to say it earlier, but welcome home, baby. We're happy to have you home on time."

The fact that he includes Emi on the statement and says they're both happy makes you laugh yet again. Emi runs back with her toy and is back to jumping around the both of you. There really is no place like home.

a/n: I can see nanami doing something like this too in the story lol

Picture found here

[jobean12-blog]

In It for the Long Ride

Pairing: Joel Miller x female reader (Biker!Joel AU)

Word Count: 1,656

Summary: Joel is out for the night and when he returns early and wants you to leave work and come home you know something isn't right.

Author's Note: Just because I love him and missed him and this seems like something that could really happen when you're with a biker. PS our sweet little black kitten Ink is here too- she's getting big and just loves Joel of course! Thank you all so much for reading! Much love always! ❤️❤️❤️Divider by the lovely @firefly-graphics thank you Daisy! 🥰

Warnings: soft and sweet fluff, little angst sprinkled in here and there, mentions of blood but very light

Pedro Pascal Character Masterlist

“Joel just text me that he’s here.”

You look at your friend Jade with worried eyes.

“What’s wrong? Isn’t he going to come in?” she asks.

“He said he can’t come in. He wants to know if I can leave now.”

“Of course you can babe,” Jade says quickly. “Dan and I will be fine tonight.”

“Are you sure…I don’t know what’s goin…”

“Don’t worry,” Jade assures you. “Just go to him. I’m sure everything is fine.”

You nod with a hard swallow and rush to the back to gather your things, texting Joel as you go that you’ll be right out.

Your legs are slightly shaky as you approach the door, a feeling of dread weighing you down with each step.

At first you don’t see him but then you hear the rev of his engine and your gaze is drawn to his bike. He’s parked across the street with his headlights off.

“Joel?” you question when you reach his bike.

He holds his arms out for you and you rush into them, burying your face in his neck.

“What’s going on?” you mumble into his skin.

“Let’s go home,” he says quietly.

You pull back to look at him and let out a gasp.

“Oh my god, what happened? Are you ok?”

“I’m fine darlin.’ Really I am. Just need a little help gettin’ cleaned up.”

Your eyes instantly well with tears and you lift your finger to gently brush it across his bruised cheek.

“Aw angel, no tears. I promise it’s nothin’.”

“But Joel…you’re bleeding and bruised…”

The tears roll down your cheeks, hot and wet, and his hands cup your face, thumbs sweeping across your skin to wipe them away.

“Are you ok to drive? Should we take the car? Do you need a doctor?”

Your questions come out in a rush and your voice is high pitched with worry.

He shakes his head no and the side of his mouth twitches with a smile.

“No. Just need you.”

You study him, your eyes lingering on his face until you whisper, “ok, let’s go home.”

He takes his helmet from the handlebars and secures it on your head before unzipping his leather jacket and draping it over your shoulders.

“Let’s zip this up. It’s chilly tonight,” he says.

“Shouldn’t I be taking care of you?”

“You always do darlin’.”

He kisses you softly on the side of the mouth and then helps you onto the back of his bike.

The ride home is short, less than ten minutes, but in that time the wind picks up and sky opens up with rain.

As you near the house the headlights from his bike reflect off the growing puddles on the street and you shiver against his back.

He pulls over and kills the engine, holding out his hand for you to hop off. He tucks you protectively under his arm and walks you to the door.

“I hope you didn’t get too wet angel,” he says.

“I’m fine,” you say as you walk in and turn on the light.

You turn to him and fresh tears fill your eyes.

“Let me just get us towels and the first aid kit. Don’t move.”

You rush off to the bathroom just as Ink hops off the ledge of the front window. She meows at Joel and then starts to rub between his legs.

“Hey, you,” he says as he picks up the small black cat.

Her tiny pink nose delicately explores his chin before she reaches up with a paw and softly presses it to his cheek.

“Don’t be worried like your mama. I’m fine,” he tells the cat.

“She knows you’re hurt,” you say when you return and find the two of them standing by the door staring at each other.

You take his free hand and walk him toward the couch.

“You might have to set her down for a minute. I want to get your wet shirt off.”

He puts the cat down on the couch and then grabs the hem of his shirt.

“Wait,” you say quietly. “Let me. Please.”

He drops the material and looks at you with big brown eyes.

“Ok angel. Whatever you want.”

“Lift your arms,” you instruct him as you start to peel his shirt up and off.

Inch by inch his wet skin is revealed, his tattoos along with it and you find yourself inspecting every inch of him for more injuries before gently pressing the towel to his chest. You do nothing to hide your shameless perusal of him and he’s clearly enjoying it, his eyes sparkling and his lips turned up into a boyish smirk.

“Anything else hurt?”

“Nah, but you can keep checkin’ all ya want.”

He winks at you when you look up at him with narrowed eyes.

“Ok sit and tell me what happened.”

He sits with a plop and extends his arm to pet Ink while you start to work off his boots.

“I can do that angel, it’s no…”

When your eyes meet his he clamps his mouth shut, only opening it again to explain that some out of town biker gang had started some trouble with him and the boys. No of the boys were hurt more than some bumps, scrapes and bruises but the other guys weren’t as lucky.

“Thank goodness it wasn’t any worse,” you sigh. “I got so scared when you said you wanted me to come home and all. I figured you would come in and have a drink…”

“I know darlin.’ I’m sorry I scared you. I knew I couldn’t go in the bar lookin’ like this though.”

“It’s ok. Just promise me you’ll always be careful.”

“Always,” he whispers.

After you have his boots off and dry socks on you stand and straddle his lap, settling your knees on either side of his waist and taking a smaller towel to run through his hair.

You then comb your fingers through the wet strands and give it a slicked back style. He raises a brow when you smirk and drag your teeth over your bottom lip.

“What?” he asks.

“Looks really good.”

“Yeah angel? Even with the blood?”

“Somehow it makes it even hotter…but I’m still so upset you’re hurt.”

“I’m ok.”

“You keep saying that.”

“But I am darlin.’ Honestly, couldn’t be better at the moment.”

His hands slide along your thighs and then settle on your waist. He pulls you closer and runs his nose along the column of you neck to breathe you in.

“Don’t you dare,” you gasp. “I have to patch you up first.”

“Mm hm,” he murmurs as his lips press to your skin and his fingers dance higher.

You flatten your palms on his chest and give him a light shove, giggling when he looks at you with pouty lips.

After a soft kiss you get the first aid kit and start to clean the cut above his eye and the one on his lip. When you press the antiseptic to the wound he winces, leaving his eyes closed as you continue to carefully wipe each spot.

You inspect every area of his face, especially focusing on the skin beneath his beard, lovingly caressing the gray spots as you go. He relaxes into your touch and you let your fingers gently trace his features.

“All clean,” you whisper.

You hand him the small ice pack you got from the freezer. “Hold this on your cheek.”

“But my hands are busy,” he sighs.

His hands graze the skin beneath your shirt, calloused thumbs caressing the softness before they inch higher.

“You only need one hand for this,” you lightly chide.

His eyes pop open and he gives you a stern look. “Fine.”

You bat your lashes at him and wait until he has the ice pack pressed to his cheek.

“Just until I finish up.”

You put medicine on the cut above his eye and one butterfly stitch then clean up the dried blood on his knuckles.

“You must have gotten a pretty good punch in.”

You can see his muscles tense when you press the pad to his bruised knuckles.

“You bet I did angel,” he boasts. “And that’d be plural…punches.”

When you meet his eyes he winks again and throws you a smug grin.

You kiss it right off his lips then smudge some medicine on his knuckles. He immediately puts down the ice pack and places his hands back on your body.

“That could probably stay on a bit longer,” you tsk.

“Later,” he murmurs.

Ink walks along the back of the couch and sits herself down right behind Joel. She blinks at you several times then starts to swat at the curls of hair at the back of his neck.

“She likes them almost as much as I do,” you tease.

“She’s just wantin’ attention,” he grumbles. “Gets that from you too.”

You shoot him an incredulous glare and then give him one more once over.

“Think I did a pretty good job,” you state.

“I feel brand new,” he says as he drags you closer and smooths his hands along the curve of your back.

When your lips meet you’re mindful of his cut but he doesn’t seem to care at all and dances one hand higher until he grabs the back of your neck and kisses you harder.

He moans into your mouth and tugs at the hem of your shirt. Your hands delve into his damp hair and then slide down to his shoulders. His bare skin is warm and when you feel the steady beat of his heart beneath your fingers you ease away and battle with the reminder of what happened, your eyes glassy.

His large hand cradles your cheek and he smooths his nose along your jaw, bringing his lips to your ear.

“Darlin’,” he coos. “It’s all right. I’m fine…let me prove it to you.”  

@hiddles-rose @lorilane33 @littleseasiren @blackwidownat2814 @kmc1989

[carrotkicks]

Fugitives arc - Abridged vrs.

(part of the sends them to school au)

hehe so guess what! I took my insanity to new heights and I actually tried to write (horrifying) do tell me how it goes for you

It took exactly 9 seconds to find the extra bandages. Dr. Mori was always reliable about keeping medical supplies ready on hand but Dazai counted anyway. It’s a habit she’s grown over the years. Her eyepatch had gotten rather grimy after a long day on the run, and the bacteria that may have collected could give her another infection, so she might as well change it, right? 

Right! That’s a good start. Redoing her bandages is an excellent next step in her plan to somehow get herself and Chuuya out of this debacle. 

Speaking of, Chuuya was currently in the bedroom, trying to find something to wear that was left lying around in this safe house. Dazai had helped her take a bath earlier, and it took a lot of effort on her part to not freak out. Not that Chuuya noticed, of course. Chuuya might have a second special ability to be completely oblivious to some things. Like when someone’s putting the moves on her, or when she’s in pain. It’s as though she entirely lacks self-preservation. Does she have a death wish or something? Oh wait –

Dazai freezes that horribly ironic train of thought to remind herself she’s in a bathroom surrounded by puddles of Chuuya’s blood and tattered clothes. After the bandages, I’ll clean this mess. That’s a good next, next step.

Chuuya had gotten injured, somehow. A deep gash on the back of her neck, like a creature sunk its claws in her and pulled something out. Dazai frowned at the thought as she pulled her patch off. Chuuya hasn’t said a word about why they were hiding but after the events of the past few days, Dazai’s overactive mind was starting to paint a bleak picture. 

Chuuya wasn’t at school for the past few days. On the third day of her absence, her literature teacher pulled her aside with a packet of coursework in hand. 

“I know you’re close to Nakahara-chan. Perhaps you can deliver her the materials she’s missed this past week so she doesn’t fall too far behind. And check in on her too, okay?” 

Of course, Dazai readily agreed. Their Sensei has always shown exasperation towards Chuuya’s poor attendance habits, but today there was a strange tightness in her smile that made Dazai’s stomach settle uncomfortably. 

Kunikida decided to join her to deliver the notes – “Not that I don’t think you’re capable of it on your own. I’m putting up with you because it’s a dangerous location, and I would like to see how Nakahara-san is doing” he declared. Naturally, Dazai had cheerfully wrapped an arm around his waist and accepted his chivalrous offer. Kunikida may give the pretenses of aloofness but he worries too much for the act to hold any weight. That’s how Dazai managed to figure out what happened after that disastrous mistake on her part last Friday. 

Kunikida and Yosano both agreed to this story: Chuuya looked very pale when they entered the club room. She claimed she was ill and decided to leave after minutes in. That’s where it ended, frustratingly enough. At yesterday’s Detectives Club meeting, Ranpo mentioned to her briefly “I don’t think things look very good at home for Chuuya-kun.” Dazai nodded. 

I figured as much too.

That’s why when she and Kunikida stepped up to a ratty-looking apartment unit in a ratty-looking apartment complex in the Suribachi neighborhood on the outskirts of Yokohama, she had Hirotsu in a van full of Mafia guards parked two blocks away. Her security detail was also following close by but she’s not supposed to know about them, so if anyone asks, what security detail? 

“This is the right place?” Kunikida asked, looking back at the surroundings. The area didn’t seem safe, at least for a couple of kids wearing uniforms for one of the most prestigious private academies in Yokohama. Even if those kids were ability users. 

“It’s the address Sensei gave me,” Dazai responded in a relaxed fashion. She gazed back to where Kunikida was looking. An armored truck hidden under the shade of a tree. 

“Supposedly there’s a military base nearby,” she rationalized. Kunikida only nodded uneasily. 

Dazai grinned and began ruffling through her bag for the handouts. “Hey, if Chuuya answers the door, she won’t be in her school uniform.” 

“Hm.” Kunikida stepped forward and knocked. Three times. 

“I bet she has an awful fashion sense. She seems like the type, right?”

“Anything Nakahara-san chooses for her style will be an improvement to your bandages, Dazai-chan.” 

“Tch. Rude.” 

The door opened. The timer starts.

Standing there was a tall man wearing a lab coat and a gentle smile. “Hello. Can I help you?” He has glasses and graying hair. He’s keeping his hands in his pockets, one of which seems to be holding something. 6 seconds. 

Kunikida must have picked up that Dazai wasn’t willing to talk, and took over. “Hello sir, is this the residence of Nakahara Chuuya-san?” 

“Yes, I’m her father. She’s not well right now, so I’m afraid you can’t see her.” 18 seconds. From what Dazai could see there wasn’t any furniture other than a sofa, coffee table, and coat rack. Chuuya’s signature boots weren’t by the entrance. 

“That’s… alright. We just came to deliver some of the notes and homework she’s missed. We’re classmates.” The blinds in the apartment were drawn, and there was something in the shadow that Dazai couldn’t make out clearly. 23 seconds. 

Chuuya’s “father” accepted the offered papers swiftly without a second glance. “I’ll see that she gets these. Anything else?” 31 seconds. A glint of metal, that looked the shape of – 

“Nope, that’s it! We’ll take our leave then. Please tell Chuuya we hope she feels better for us, sir” Dazai cut in. She nudged Kunikida’s foot  Come on, time to go.

Kunikida gave a courteous bow. “Thank you for your time, Nakahara-san.” 

At that, a strange smirk crossed over the man’s face, as if he heard the world’s most ironic joke. “Of course.” He made eye contact with Dazai for a moment and she really hoped she was giving him a polite smile because her eyes felt far too wide to be anything other than manic. Then the door slammed shut. 

The entire encounter lasted 42 seconds, and Dazai already figured out more than she wanted to. “Chuuya wasn’t there. That man wasn’t her father” She tells Kunikida when they’re far enough away from the building. Her friend gave her a sharp look, but it wasn’t an "I don’t believe you". It helped the tightness in her throat clear a little. 

“How do you figure?” 

Dazai furrowed her brow, “That apartment isn’t lived in at all. None of Chuuya’s possessions were to be found. And…” She halted. Kunikida stopped beside her. “Inside I saw a glimpse of a rifle, a military-grade one. There was definitely an armed soldier hiding in the back, and likely the rest of their squad too.” Soldiers, a military base, a man in a lab coat, and a missing ability user. A terrible combination.

Kunikida muttered what was absolutely not a curse. “We need to find Nakahara quickly.” He says, not wasting a moment to pull out his phone to dial who she thinks is Ranpo. 

Dazai nods, already feeling more confident. But Yokohama’s a big city, how are they supposed to find one tiny person like – 

*** 

“Dazai. Dazaiiiiiiii! Are you- oh!” Chuuya rushed out about as quickly as she entered. Dazai had scrambled to throw her hands up to hide her uncovered eye. She exhaled heavily as she tried to suppress the irritation that flared up in her chest. That was terrible timing on her part, and she should have accounted for Chuuya being her spontaneous self. 

“Seriously, Chibi? Didn’t anyone teach you to knock first?” 

“Sorry. I didn’t expect you to be indecent.” Dazai isn’t naked, just bandage-less right now. Oh, Chuuya’s trying to be funny.

“Humor isn’t your thing Slug-chan. Hhh, tell me. Did you see it?” Dazai doesn’t know why she’s feeling so self-conscious. Her eye healed a long time ago, even if seeing out of it is still quite blurry, it looks perfectly fine. But in the year since the … injury … Dazai has only been able to bear looking at her own unobstructed reflection for only a few minutes at a time. The only other person who could be comparable was the Good Doctor himself. 

There’s a silence behind the door. Then, Chuuya says, “I saw you, Dazai.”

Dazai doesn’t know how to respond to that, and it seems like Chuuya may have realized because there’s a hesitant turn of the door handle. Dazai puts her hand over the right side of her face for good measure. 

The door creaks open and the redhead shuffles in. Literally shuffles, Dazai realized, those clothes were huge on her, practically swallowing her frame. The sleeves of the collared shirt she found were rolled up to her elbows and the black slacks she was wearing must have been cuffed 3(?) times. They must be Dr. Mori’s, a little voice in Dazai’s head supplied. She looks cute in them, an unhelpful one adds. She looked cuter covered in blood, to be honest, another, more unhelpful, eviler voice continued. Hold on, has Dazai ever seen Chuuya wear long pants before?

Whatever. It didn’t matter because obviously, Dazai laughed out loud at the sight. Maybe overcompensated even, she really needed this chance to tease Chuuya. Any chance she’ll get. For her part, Chuuya must have anticipated this reaction because she just huffs out in annoyance and drags herself closer. When her giggles died down, she realized that Chuuya had grabbed her hand and was looking directly into her eyes, and a self-satisfied grin settled on her face.

Ah, Dazai’s mouth felt dry again, so she lowers her head. Chuuya took that as a cue to start talking. “It’s only fair, Dazai. You got to see all of me, so I deserve some leverage on you too.” 

Leverage? Oh… Dazai thinks she gets it. Chuuya’s at Dazai’s mercy right now. Dazai’s father owns this safe house, Dazai’s people are guarding the perimeter, and Dazai’s the one who can treat her injuries. Chuuya’s asking for some control over the situation. She’s asking for trust in return. Dazai can handle that. 

She looks up, but Chuuya’s already turned her head away, cheeks a faint red. She detaches her hand but Dazai grabs it before it can retreat further. 

“Hey.” Dazai brings Chuuya’s hand close to her face. Chuuya meets here eyes. She seems confused. “A while ago I got into an accident.”

“An accident?” If Chuuya doubts her, she wouldn’t show it. 

“Yeah. It really messed up the right side of my face. It used to look really bad so I always bandaged it. It became a habit.” 

Dazai hesitated on the next part. “And when I see myself without the patches, I get reminded how human I look.” 

Chuuya’s gaze was unreadable now. 

Shit. Don’t say more. Dazai found herself stuck explaining, “And it makes me a fraud because I’m not a human. Not inside. Not where it matters” Stop oversharing! She can feel her heartbeat going faster “Ahh ~ that part’s not really a big deal, though. How’s my face, Chuuya-kun? Is it cute?” 

“What the hell are you saying, Dazai?” When she’s upset Chuuya’s voice goes down an octave from her usual high throaty pitch. It seems that’s the case here. Dazai stayed transfixed to the anger brewing in her eyes, and didn’t noticed that Chuuya’s hands landed themselves on either side of her face, cupping it gentler than her expression would have let on. 

“Don’t you ever say that to my face again! You're not human? That’s complete bullshit.” Who taught Chuuya how to curse, anyway?

“Chuuya I-”

“Shut up. Don’t you understand, Dazai?” She really doesn’t understand. Chuuya’s expression melts into something Dazai can’t recognize. Her thumb strokes her right cheek and then Dazai is being pulled closer to the Earth. At some point her eyes close. Some muddled thought about trust floats around her head. 

“You’re the most human person I’ll ever meet.”

Something soft and warm. Right under her eye. Dazai snaps back into awareness as Chuuya pulls away, red-faced, like a shrimp. A shrimpy color on a shrimpy person. Or the color of crab. Dazai loves crab. Dazai loves- Chuuya squirmed under her gaze. Oh, right. How much time did she just lose?

“You took me by surprise last Friday,” Chuuya confesses, looking away in embarrassment. “And then I got scared, because I felt so good in that one moment with you, and then I had to go back… Home.” She shuddered. “And I’ve been trying change, you know? Because I didn’t feel alive until I met you, and then suddenly I wanted to feel alive for you.” 

Dazai didn’t know how to respond, so she wrapped her hand around the back of Chuuya’s neck, carefully over thick patch of gauze that protected her injury. Chuuya looked breathless. “And then last week, I realized that my freedom had run out, so I took a chance and escaped. And now we’re here. And it’s all your fault Dazai. I did it because of you.”

There’s something dark and stormy in Chuuya’s eyes. 

“And that stupid goddamned kiss. It was fucking incredible .” 

Dazai closed the distance between them again. And again. And again. And again and again and again and again and again andagainandagainandagainandagainandagainandagainandagainandagainandagainandagainandagainandagainandagainandagainandagainandagainandagainandagain –

*** 

So their night went peacefully after that. Dazai never ended up rewrapping her eye, just for the sake of savoring that adorable flustered look on Chuuya’s face. Cleaning the bathroom was a more irritating chore. Dazai had nudged the pile that was Chuuya’s blood-soaked uniform and a random set of green and yellow gardening gloves she somehow acquired. (“Hey you sure you didn’t go and murder anyone, Slug?” she had taunted. Chuuya ominously didn’t answer.) Dr Mori had kept a huge stock of spicy instant noodles in the pantry and the two of them held a contest to see who could handle the spice better. It ended in a tie because Dazai refused to admit she had a runny nose and tears in her eyes. 

And now they were in bed, in each other's arms. Dazai hugged her… girlfriend? partner? … closer. Chuuya was so warm. Like a human furnace. Dazai could happily die right now. Until Chuuya spoke up. 

“Dazai, why did you tell me I would look cute in a cage right before you kissed me. ” Death needs to arrive a little faster. Dazai is a little spent from the embarrassing and soulbearing conversations earlier. 

“It. It was a dog joke Chuuya. Because you’re my doggy.”

“Likely story. You just want me to have no freedom under you instead.” Dazai pointedly didn’t wrap herself around Chuuya more, to prove her self restraint and respect for Chuuya’s autonomy.

“Please drop it. You don’t understand my prodigal mind.”

“Hmm. How about never?” 

A comfortable silence settled over them again. Chuuya pushed herself deeper into Dazai’s hold. She was wearing a pair of oven mits that she found in the kitchen, and Dazai didn’t bother to ask why. What did matter was that this moment never ended.

“Dazai.” Chuuya started. “I’m…”

“Hm?” Dazai shifted her position so she could see Chuuya’s expression. It was horribly vulnerable. 

“I… don’t think I’ll be sleeping tonight.” 

The unspoken words rang clearly in Dazai’s mind. She smiled and ran her hand through the short red hair. There was a light shining in Chuuya’s eyes. If they were going to pull an all-nighter, then Dazai better start counting.

“Yeah. Me too, Chuuya” 

***

Dazai woke up to the barrel of an assault rifle pressed to her temple and a tall man in a white lab coat holding Chuuya in his arms.

[talesofesther]

tender as the rain

Wednesday Addams x Reader

Summary: You find Wednesday walking alone in the rain.

A/N: If you ask me what this is, I'll be inclined to punch you, lovingly. Literally the result of my boredom and procrastination. Read at your own risk.

Masterlist

Puddles of mud and water splash around your feet. You're running, or more so walking really fast. You don't want to look desperate, even if you feel it.

The woods are awfully nightmarish with the pouring rain, big drops of water hitting the leaves create sounds that get you on edge. But Wednesday is nowhere to be seen and last you knew she was looking for some old abandoned meeting house in the woods.

She can take care of herself, you know it. However, it doesn't ease the incessant beating of your heart.

You find her following footprints that you were unknowingly walking over. She greets you with a scowl, hair clinging to her forehead and raindrops trickling down her chin.

It's a little awkward, your hands rise to touch her but you stop yourself midway. For a beat, you thought Wednesday seemed confused as to why you stopped, but the look is gone before you can fully register it.

"What are you doing?" You ask a little breathlessly, tasting the rain on your lips as you speak, subtly checking her over for injuries, "the statue dedication is happening soon, you should be getting ready and not… walking in the rain."

That was a good enough excuse, right?

"I'm alright," Wednesday reassures you first, and you mentally curse the way she can read you like an open book, "I was trying to learn more about Crackstone, and following a monster."

You sigh in relief, falling into step beside her as you start walking back to town. Only then do you open your umbrella, it won't do much now that you're already soaked, but it gets Wednesday walking closer to you.

"Without me? I'm hurt," you smirk, though not as confidently as you wanted to.

"Not my fault if you were preoccupied handing out fudges with Bianca," Wednesday huffs with a bite to her tone.

She refuses to look at you, choosing instead to focus on the immensity of the trees around her. You, on the other hand, follow the path of a rogue droplet of rain with your gaze; it drips from her hair and goes all the way to the corner of her lips. You can't help but notice her sullen eyes, the purplish lips, the trembling of her hands.

She's cold. She's been out in the rain much longer than you had.

"You could've said something, I would have come with you," you tell her quietly, feeling the rain soak through your sneakers.

"I didn't need you." Wednesday is still looking away when she mumbles it, so you don't catch the turmoil in her eyes; the fact she'd rather say that, than admit she would never willingly put you in danger.

You're used to the pain that comes with loving her, "yet I'm here anyway."

—

Weathervane's bathroom doesn't offer much in terms of helping with the wet clothes that cling to your body, but it would have to do.

Yours and Wednesday's coats are draped over one of the bathroom stalls, still dripping; while you do what you can to dry the rest of your clothes and your hair with paper towels.

Wednesday sits on the sink's counter, her hands clasped together on top of her lap. She's only in her white shirt, a few buttons undone; her hair is free of braids, cascading over her shoulders in black waves to dry faster.

It's unnerving how she still refuses to look at you.

This happens sometimes, you'll do something or say something that you can't exactly pinpoint and it'll get Wednesday distancing herself.

Casting a glance at her rigid figure, you bunch up a few paper towels, dampening the edge of it and moving closer to the raven-haired girl. It's only when she looks at the general direction of your face, that you speak; "may I?"

With her nod of consent, you stand between her legs and raise the damp paper to her eyes; she closes them before you even touch her cheek, you can feel her tensing under your touch. Her skin is still cold to the touch, but not as much as it was before you got out of the rain. You refrain from wrapping her body in a hug.

You're gentle with the way you clean the smudged eyeliner from below her eyes. You can feel her breathing fanning over your lips; unsteady, heavy.

Wednesday is gripping tight onto her skirt, and you don't think she realizes the way she starts to lean into your touch.

"Maybe you don't need me," you start in a hush, not sure where you're even going with this, "but you don't need to be alone, you can choose to have someone if you want."

You turn your attention to her hair next, separating one side into three strands and carefully placing one on top of another.

"Either way," you bite your tongue, wondering if you're digging your own grave, "you can tell me to go anytime, and I will."

At last, Wednesday's midnight eyes finally find yours. She looks at you for a long time.

You're close, so close you can count each of her freckles. It feels intimate. And you don't know Wednesday realizes it too. You don't know she's never had this with anyone; that it terrifies her.

She reaches out to you then; nimble, cold fingers tracing the edge of your jaw as if you'd crumble under her touch, "I can't ask that of you."

She tugs at the lapel of your shirt before you can ask why, pulling you to her until you have to brace yourself on the edge of the counter she's sitting on. You're warm on her, a warmth she's grown obsessed with — how foolish, to think she'd be able to escape the Addams family curse.

"As much I'd prefer otherwise," Wednesday pecks the corner of your lips, a kiss that's barely there at all. You feel her words on your skin, "I need you all the time."

⋆* ☾ ⋆*･ﾟ:⋆*･ﾟ

Thank you for reading this little story. Feedback and reblogs are literally what keep me motivated to continue posting here, so I'd appreciate it if you could take some time to reblog and comment if you want. <3

Wednesday’s taglist: @milkiane @bookfrog242 @heelaechan @imagine-reblog @simp4wanda26 @sakurarukas @bluetreecloud20 @the-night-owl-blr @imlike-so-gaydude @user284747 @dreifhraniquo29 @emeraldevan @simp4nat @boobabietch @impossibleliv1031 @deadpool-in-a-snood @rainbow-love4ever @maria-403 @pompompuri @halleest @wandaromanova @marveloussimp @rainbow-hedgehog @left-and-right-up-and-down @get-the-fuck-outta-here @awolfcsworld @elduster @alexkolax @georgi-salva @imdumbhi @youralphawolf72 @reginassweetheart @justyourwritter69 @yangsroboarmm @8e-h-e8 @irish-piece-of-trash @femalehomosexual666 @wol-fica @wednesdays-woes

[temptingfatetakingnames]

Dancing in the Dark Final Part

AO3 / Part 1 / Part 2

Eddie wouldn’t say he drove over the speed limit when he took his friends home, but he certainly toed the line. He also wouldn’t say that he kicked them out of his van as soon as he pulled up to their places, but that would be a lie. He was…anxious to get back to Steve. He hadn’t wanted to leave him in the first place but they both had people they needed to get home.

Designated driver duties done for the night; Eddie was on his way to Steve’s place and he was freaking out a little.

Okay, he was freaking out a lot.

Him and Steve were friends. They had slept over at each other’s places before. What they hadn’t done is sleep in the same bed after admitting they liked each other. Steve was struggling, and Eddie didn’t want to add to his stress by being nervous or weird about it. Steve needed sleep, that’s what Eddie was going over to help him with.

Sleep.

Nothing else.

…Maybe cuddling – to help Steve sleep.

The beamer was already in the driveway when Eddie pulled up to the Harrington House. He turned the van off and wiped his sweaty palms on his jeans before he got out. His heart was a fluttering thing in his chest as he approached the door. Before he could knock, it swung open. Steve smiled. A real one, small and soft, and Eddie felt himself melt into a gooey puddle. Oh. The power that little smile already had over him was dangerous.

“Hey,” Steve said, smiling wider.

“Hey,” Eddie replied, smiling back, and they stood staring at each other in the doorway like lovesick fools.

“Come in,” Steve said and stepped back so Eddie could pass in front of him as he closed the door. Eddie was a little unsure where to go. Living room? Kitchen? Right up to Steve’s room? It was late and Steve was probably tired but adrenaline was coursing through Eddie like a goddamn freight train. His fingers tapped against his legs.

“Need anything? I can grab you some comfortable clothes to change into?”

Eddie hadn’t gone home to grab an overnight bag because he couldn’t bear to be away from Steve any longer than was strictly necessary. He nodded and Steve grabbed his hand, leading him through the house and up to his room, turning off the lights as they went.

Right to bed then.

When they got to his room, Steve let go of his hand to go over to his dresser. He pulled out pajama bottoms and a worn-out t-shirt. Eddie wasn’t going to tell him that he usually just slept in his boxers… if he slept in anything at all.

“Thanks,” Eddie said as Steve handed him the bundle of clothes. He went to change in the bathroom, giving them both a moment alone. The reflection staring back at him from the mirror was of a person he barely recognized. Wide eyed and red cheeked. He was so fucked. He dropped his head into his hands, shaking it back and forth. After his little internal crisis, he changed into the pajamas. They were soft and baggy on him. He and Steve were pretty close in height but Steve was broader than him, more muscular. As he was about to head back out he heard a soft knock on the door.

He opened it to Steve, a toothbrush in his hand and wearing his own pajamas.

“For you,” he said, holding it out.

Eddie took it. “Sorry, I really should have stopped at home first but I –” Eddie cut himself off before he admitted that he hadn’t wanted to waste any more time away from him.

“All good,” Steve replied, “I always have extras handy.”

He walked into the bathroom and fluffed his hair in the mirror before grabbing his own toothbrush. After squeezing out some toothpaste onto his brush, he passed the tube to Eddie, who did the same. They brushed their teeth, eyes meeting in the mirror and Eddie couldn’t help feeling slightly seduced by the look he was being given. It made his body feel warm – to have Steve Harrington looking at him like that. He wanted to kiss him. The urge to reach out almost impossible to resist. But he did.

Sleep, Eddie reminded himself. He was here to sleep… and talk. No kissing.

Not yet anyway.

When they were done, they walked back to Steve’s room and nerves lit up his spine as Steve turned on the small lamp beside his bed and turned off the main light. The room was cast in an intimate glow, the lamp only giving off a small amount of light. Steve flipped down the covers and slid under them, looking at Eddie with a searching look as he hesitated to do the same thing on the other side. Eddie crawled into the bed, heart pounding wildly, with none of the grace Steve had displayed.

They laid down on their backs, faces toward the ceiling, letting the night settle around them. Steve was warm beside him, a powerful force of gravity, pulling Eddie closer. Steve must have felt it too, because seemingly at the same time, they turned towards each other. Edging closer and closer on their respective pillows until Eddie could feel Steve’s minty breath on his face. Slowly, so slowly, Eddie reached out and put his arm over Steve’s shoulders, drawing their bodies closer. Steve didn’t resist but melted forward until their bodies aligned tightly against each other, legs intertwining.

Eddie didn’t know what to do with the feelings in his chest when Steve sighed and snuggled in against him. They felt too large for his body, threatening to erupt and spill out everywhere. Steve Harrington was in his arms. Soft and warm. Eddie breathed him in deeply, a delicious smelling cologne still lingering on his skin.

“Good night, sweetheart,” Eddie said.  

He felt Steve’s response against his skin. “Good night, Eddie.”

Silence descended and Eddie closed his eyes, trying desperately to calm his pounding heart so he could go to sleep. He didn’t question Steve’s need to leave the small light on. There had been many nights that he hadn’t been able to sleep without them. Flashlight in one hand and a walkie-talkie in the other.

“I’m not tired,” Steve whispered.

Eddie couldn’t help but snort and Steve laughed a little.

“Alright,” he capitulated. “I am tired, but I don’t want to sleep yet.”

“Is there something you want to talk about?”

He went quiet, thinking, and Eddie held him close – wondering if he would fall asleep before answering.

“You said you want to know more about me… so, ask a question. Any question and I’ll answer it.”

“What’s the secret Robin has on you?” Eddie asked immediately and was instantly more awake because of the riotous blush that erupted on Steve’s cheeks.

“Any question but that one!”

“Too late sweetheart, you said any question!”

Steve gaped up at him but Eddie just looked calmly back, eyebrow raised, waiting for the answer. He refused to look away and after a moment Steve released a resigned huff and hid his face into Eddie’s neck. He fought to suppress his body’s shiver as Steve’s breath ghosted over his skin.

“It was you,” Steve said so quietly Eddie had to listen closely to hear his voice. “In the van when you called me Big Boy…” Steve trailed off, like that answered his question. Which it very much did not. What was him? He gave Steve a little shake.

“Shit. You’re really going to make me say it?”

“Say what?”

“You gave me a goddamn sexual crisis! Robin was absolutely no help as I struggled for months to figure out what I was feeling was a crush…” Heat bloomed warm and quick on Eddie’s face at Steve’s admission.

“But you didn’t see me,” Steve continued and Eddie’s good feeling disappeared as quickly as it had come. Steve huffed a laugh that sounded suspiciously close to a sob. “But no one did, so that was nothing new.”

Eddie wanted to say that he was wrong – that he had seen him – but he wouldn’t lie. He saw him now… and hoped that was enough.

“You hid yourself too well, Steve. I had no idea you felt that way. I’m sorry it took me so long to see behind that mask you show everyone… but I’m looking now. I see you… and Steve?” Eddie asked and waited for him to lean back and look up at him. When he met his eyes, Eddie said, “I like what I see.”

Emotion burned in the hazel depths staring back at him. Fierce and bright and Eddie threw his no kissing rule out of the window and captured Steve’s lips with his own. As much as he wanted to bite and consume, he kept it gentle and soft. Steve’s eyes fluttered closed and he deepened the kiss, tongue questioning at Eddie’s closed lips. Without thought, they parted and Steve surged forward. His hands came up to Eddie’s cheeks, before slipping behind his neck and into his hair. The kiss became wet and slippery, messy in their desperation to taste each other. There was no longer anything gentle about it. Eddie nipped at Steve’s plush lower lip and was gratified when he moaned deep into his mouth. Eddie clutched him closer before releasing him and backing up as much as Steve’s hands in his hair would allow. They needed to slow things down… and breathe.

Steve let out a slow breath. “I wasn’t expecting this,” he said. “I wasn’t expecting you. All of this because of a song?”

Because of a song? No. Because of how Steve sang it. So raw, like he was pulling the lyrics out of himself bleeding. Eddie had never heard anything like it. He wasn’t sure if he ever would again.  

You can't start a fire You can't start a fire without a spark

“It wasn’t just the song. But it did…open my eyes, I guess? I had never seen you be so vulnerable before. You always act so tough, so unshakeable. The way you sang that song showed me that I didn’t understand you at all, that I had seen the surface of you but didn’t look any deeper. Everything you said about your fears and your dreams – I get it. I really fucking get it.”

Steve was nodding along with what Eddie was saying, his fingers idling playing with his hair.

“It was easier… to try and lock it all away. If I just told myself that I was fine, that everything was fine – then it would be. But the box wouldn’t stay shut. Not this time.”

I'll shake this world off my shoulders

Eddie had experienced horror. Had lived through hell. It was easy to forget that Steve had experienced it, too – but for longer. He remembered being absolutely stunned when they had finally told him the whole story. Demogorgons, Russians, Mindflayers, Vecna. The men and the monsters Steve had fought. Eddie was still fucked up over his one encounter, he didn’t know how the rest of them did it.

“You didn’t talk to Robin?” he asked.

“I did. Of course, I did. She’s my best friend but she’s moving on – it’s over for her and I wanted it to be over for her, too. So, I stopped bringing it up. She didn’t question it. To her – to everyone – I was back to my old self. Easy, simple Steve Harrington.”

“Steve, I –”

“I know that I hid away parts of myself,” Steve interrupted. “Hid them well enough that no one could see them. I don’t blame anyone for not seeing through me, I just…” Steve sighed and trailed off. He flipped onto his back so he was staring up at the ceiling, hands across his chest.

I could use just a little help

Eddie hesitated but Steve had told him to ask questions. So, he asked the other one that had been burning a hole in his tongue the whole night.

“Why did you sing that song?”

“I didn’t want to sing at all but Robins stubborn and I knew she wouldn’t let it go. I wasn’t planning on singing it, but I heard you guys – laughing and joking. Abba, Duran Duran, Madonna.” Steve said and paused. “I didn’t want to be easy, simple Steve Harrington anymore.”

There's a joke here somewhere and it's on me

Shame burned through Eddie, sudden and sharp. An uncomfortable feeling that he had little experience with. He had no idea that Steve had heard them, but he should have. Their table had been right in front of the stage, and they certainly hadn’t been quiet about it. At the time, he probably wouldn’t have thought that Steve would care.

“I decided at the microphone – to try and show you all who I am, what I’ve been feeling. To see if it would make any difference,” Steve said and turned back to face him, a hand under his cheek. He smiled slowly, softly. Beautifully sad. “I guess it did.”

He was too far away, so Eddie drew him against his side again. Without hesitation Steve tucked his head under Eddie’s chin and clutched his back.

You can't start a fire Worryin' about your little world fallin' apart

“It did,” Eddie agreed quietly. “You shocked me – shocked all of us. I’m sorry we made you feel that way. I’m sorry I made you feel that way. I’m not happy about how we ended up here, but I am happy to be here, with you warm and lovely in my arms. I want to get to know you better, which means no more hiding what you’re thinking and feeling. Promise me, Steve – no more hiding.”

“Lovely? …You think I’m lovely?”

“Steve,” Eddie warned.

“No more hiding, I promise. I’m happy to be here, too.”

“Good,” Eddie said and kissed his forehead. “We should go to sleep.”

Steve poked him hard in his side instead and Eddie laughed before telling him what he wanted to hear.

“Yeah, Steve. I think you’re lovely.”

As if there was any doubt.

A mumbled response that Eddie couldn’t hear came from the man in his arms.

“What was that?”

“Think you’re lovely, too.”

Eddie couldn’t keep the massive smile that came over his face or the warmth that settled into his heart. Gooey puddle, that’s what he was.

“Good night, sweetheart,” Eddie whispered into the dark.

“Good night, Eddie.”

He held Steve tightly all through the night. Held him against the darkness and the loneliness and the nightmares. Held him because he was precious and worth protecting.

Even if we're just dancin' in the dark

---

@newtstabber @warlordess @tillystealeaves @imfinereallyy @heartsong18 @saltyseagoat83 @aceofwands @djohawke @th30ra3k3n @lazy-duck @surreal-honeypot @awkwardgravity1 @yoriposts @alycatavatar @tearsonthemoon222 @roastingdragon @mightbeasleep @helpimstuckposting @goblintendencies @dannys-guilt-ridden-cockroach

I tagged everyone who commented on the first part asking for more, I hope that's okay!

I think that will be it for this little fic, I wanted to finish off the night and give a bit more of a conclusion. I truly hoped you enjoyed this mostly fluffy and a little bit angsty final installment. As always, it's a pleasure to share with you all <3 Good night!

[lots-of-pockets]

Don’t say I didn’t warn you

Advent day 12: Carry me?

Paring: sick Yelena x reader

Notes: the longest one yet!

“Come on,” Yelena shouts giddily as the rain water from the puddles soak her legs, spinning in circles with her arms out either side of her. “This is so much fun.”

You watch with a smile -from the very dry threshold of the doorway might you add, as Yelena jumps in yet another puddle. It was currently summer, and after weeks upon weeks of unbearable heat, the sky had finally let loose with a much needed torrential downpour.

It had started of small. Tiny drops of moisture dotting the windows and the cement, then with an almighty roar of thunder, it had begun to bucket it down.

The second Yelena had gotten a glance out of the window after putting away the dishes from lunch, there had been no stopping her. Both her shoes and coat had been left abandoned in the entry way of your home as she’d excitedly run outside, and despite your concerns that this decision might bite her in the butt, you couldn’t deny just how adorable she looks.

Soon, the sound of wet feet hitting the cement catches your attention, and you flicker your eyes over just in time to see Yelena running full speed towards a large, still steadily growing puddle.

Your eyes widen. “Yelena no-” too late. She lands in the very centre, and the power of her feet hitting the water has her absolutely saturated. Seemingly uncaring over this fact, she lets out a loud laugh and wipes at her eyes before turning to face you with a proud grin.

You couldn’t help but return it, not remembering the last time you’d seen her so happy. Knowing she’d be content by herself for a few moments, you disappear inside and grab a few towels from the laundry closet, not intending on letting her back inside when she’d be sure to drip water absolutely everywhere.

By the time you return, she was walking back towards the house looking like an adorably drowned rat, and you hold out one of the towels ready for her to step into. She does, and you don’t miss the sigh of relief that escapes her lips as she allows you to pull her into her arms.

“Did you have fun?” You murmur as you close and lock your front door before securing your arms around the small, shivering blonde, cupping the back of her head with one hand whilst the other rubs up and down her back in a futile attempt at warming her up.

She nods, “So much.” She murmurs contently as she nuzzles her nose into your neck, and you couldn’t help but smile as you press your lips against the side of her head. With the knowledge that she probably wouldn’t willingly leave your arms for at least some time, you bend and lift her with the intention of giving her a lift to the bathroom so she could shower.

“I’m not a baby.” She grumbles, but wraps her legs around your waist anyway, and you roll your eyes fondly as you pat her behind and begin making your way up the stairs.

“Being held doesn’t make you a baby,” you remind her like you’ve done many times before, and though she grumbles, she doesn’t retort knowing you were speaking the truth. Once you’ve made it to the bathroom, you set her down on her feet and cup her face before placing a kiss to her forehead.

Her cheeks flush, and you smile softly as you pull away from her. “Go shower and I’ll make us some hot chocolate, okay?”

“With whipped cream and marshmallows?” She tilts her head to the side, and you nod with a knowing smile.

“Duh.” You retort, and Yelena playfully flips you off before turning towards the shower. Taking that as a dismissal, you turn to leave the room making sure to close the door behind you.

You hum softly to yourself as you begin preparing the drinks, adding a little more chocolate to Yelena’s own knowing that’s how she prefers it. After adding a sufficient amount of whipped cream and marshmallows, you carry both cups through to the living room just in time for Yelena to make an appearance at the bottom of the stairs.

“You should dry your hair.” you say in place of a greeting as you give her a knowing look, sitting down on the couch and picking up the remote. Yelena huffs in fake annoyance as she comes to sit next to you, tucking her bare feet beneath your thigh as she reaches for her drink.

“It will be fine. You worry too much.” She mumbles distractedly as she sticks out her tongue to scoop up a marshmallow, and you watch her for a second before rolling your eyes with a fond sigh.

You knew it was another decision that would later bite her in the ass.

“Okay, but don’t say I didn’t warn you.” You muse as you select frozen 2 on Disney +, a known favourite of Yelena’s that she would watch at least twice a week.

*

And warn her you did. Just two days later, Yelena had fallen ill with such a heavy cold you wondered just how she was alive. She was severely congested. Hazy with a high fever, and that wasn’t even mentioning the continuous coughs and sneezes.

“Baby, you know the beds a whole lot more comfortable right?” You murmur in quiet amusement as you reach out to gently brush a damp strand of hair out of the sick Russians face.

Yelena simply grunts in acknowledgment as she wipes uselessly at her running nose, and you fondly roll your eyes as you lean down to press a kiss to her warm forehead. “I’ll go get the bed ready okay? You stay here.” You speak, and this time, Yelena doesn’t even acknowledge you. She simply closes her eyes and falls into what you could only assume was a fitful sleep.

You weren’t offended by the action. Yelena was notoriously grumpy when feeling sick, and due to the fact you’d been together for over three years, it was something you were pretty much used to. The same couldn’t be said when you first got together, but that was a story for another time.

With another sigh, -because it sucked when she was sick, even if it wasn’t self inflicted- you leave the living room and make your way up to your shared bedroom. The bed was neatly made, just as it was everyday, and you don’t waste any time in pulling the covers back and knocking the decorative pillows out of the way .

You make sure there were tissues and water readily available on the nightstand before heading back over to the sick blonde, and you couldn’t help but smile when you realise she was in the exact same position you’d left her in.

Well, excluding her nose that was yet again running. Without a word, you grab a few tissue from the box on the coffee table and fold them in half before crouching down before her and pinching the end of her nose in a futile effort to get rid of the dripping snot.

She rouses slightly at the action, her face scrunching up in discomfort, and you quietly shush her with a gentle hand on her stomach as you finish with your task and make quick work of sanitising your hands.

“Time for bed baby, come on.” You reach out and give her behind a few steady pats in a futile effort at rousing her. Yelena whines quietly as she lazily bats your hands away, and you chuckle slightly as you instead reach up to gently pat her upper back. “Lena? Come on. Time to get up.”

Yelena again, bats your hand away, her eyes flickering open and sending you a pretty deadly glare. Before she could chew you out, you scoot a little closer and cup her cheek. Without thought, Yelena falls into your soothing touch, and your lips quirk up at the corners as you trail the pad of your thumb over warm skin.

“Let’s get you in bed, okay?” You murmur, and Yelena sniffles wetly as she gently bobs her head up and down. You release her face and go to stand up, but a gentle whine stops you in your tracks. You look down and see her staring at you with a pleading look on her face.

“What is it baby?” You question, and whilst Yelena’s cheeks flush a light shade of red, she seemingly responds to you with ease.

“Carry me? Please?” She murmurs, and your heart melts in your chest as you immediately nod your head. Normally, it was only ever you who insinuates holding her. So for her to ask, whilst nearly unbelievable, was absolutely amazing.

With a smile, you bend down and wrap your arms around her midsection. You lift her with relative ease, her legs hooking tightly around your waist as she buries her head into your neck. With an arm remaining beneath her behind for support, you bring the other one up to cup the back of her head and press a tender kiss to her shoulder.

“I’ve got you, baby.”

**

@goldenempyrean @alotofpockets @somber-sapphic

[dxwnstxr]

Rain drops against your window

Fandom: Bungou stray dogs

Characters: Dazai x y/n (reader)

Genre: steamy-ish

Warnings: make out sesh :p

A/N: requests are closed!!! I've been so busy with my tiktok I completely forgot about Tumblr I'm so sorry! My requests have just built up and there's atleast 20 T-T. I'll try my best to finish them all but I can't promise I'll do all of them. I wanted to write this today though because dazai's been my new obsession. ^^ this is written in the readers pov.

Cold. That's all that I felt as I walked home. Raindrops hitting my shoulders and dampening my hair, along with my clothes. I had forgotten an umbrella on the one day it's supposed to rain this week, just my luck. By now all my paperwork was probably soaked and I'd have to redo them all.

I sighed and hung my head low. My house wasn't close to my work but it wasn't very far either. The closest bus had already left for the next few hours and no taxi was available, leaving walking as my only option.

I tightened my grip on the strap of my bag. Taking one more step in another puddle, a hard board hit me in the face. I tumbled back and rubbed my nose, groaning in pain.

"Cmon..."

I mubled, annoyed at my terrible luck. Looking up to see what a ran into I was met with one of my co-workers. He leaned down to me, face full of concern.

"Are you okay?"

He asked me. I nodded and kept my curses to myself. Dazai, was a well known person at my work. He was known for slacking and goofing off but when we truly needed it, he would help us as best as possible. He put out his hand, asking me to grab it. I put my hand in his and he helped me up a little.

"How far away is your house?"

He ask. I raised a brow.

"Why do you want to know where a live?"

I replied. He just rolled his eyes.

"I'm guess still a little far right?"

I tsked and look to the side. He wasn't wrong, which just annoyed me further. I sighed and nodded.

"My house is around the corner. You can stay there for the night. It's non stop thunderstorms till tomorrow morning."

He stated. I hated the idea of staying with him but it was the only option I had. I could stay at a hotel but I don't have a bunch of money on me.

"Alright.."

Dazai chuckled and took my hand.

"Follow me"

I let him guide me to his house which was actually a condo. He just calls it a "house" to make him feel like he isn't broke.

When we got the he unlocked the door and opened it for me. He lived on the second floor, so he had a beautiful view outside with his balcony facing where the sunsets. Too bad it was too clouding to see it tonight.

Dazai put away his umbrella and walked to his room. I followed him and saw him looking in his closet.

"Here. Go change in the bathroom"

He handed me some baggy close. Dazai was more on the thiner side, but he was still rather muscular. I nodded and he pointed to down the hall.

Stripping myself of the soaked clothing, dazai's warm clothes seemed to fit well enough, to the point the pants didn't fall off. I walked out and tried to find where he went. Walking back into his room, he was sitting on his bed, scrolling on his phone. He looked up at me and his eyes widened.

"I'll throw your clothes in the wash"

He told me, taking them from my hands. He soon left the room as I could hear him getting the detergent and oxi clean. I sat by the balcony window and watched the rain come down. I leaned my head against the glass doors and listened to the way the rain hit the glass.

I closed my eyes and focused on the sound. I didn't hear Dazai come back in until I heard him sit opposite to me.

I opened my eyes and he smiled.

"Fan of the rain?" He tried to tease.

"Only when it's not soaking me to death." I reply.

He just chuckled. The ac turned on and the chill came back as goosebumps flooded my arms and legs. Dazai took note of this and moved closer to me. He sat next to me, his shoulder pressed against the glass doors, and opened his legs and arms a bit. Almost as if he was inviting me to cuddle him.

I glared at him and he smiled in return.

"You're cold aren't you?" He asked me, smarkily.

I continued to glare and he just sighed.

"Do you want to freeze?"

I huffed and scooted to him. Pressing my back to his chest.

"See isn't that better~?" He teased.

"Just shut up" I told him, annoying at his teasing and he pouted in return.

It didn't take long for me to relax. Letting my body relax into his as I let his warmth surround me. I let out a hot breath and watched the rain pour. I titled my head to the side and was able to hear his breathing and the way his heart beated.

I listened close and tried to match my breathing uo with his. Though, even though I tried, It didn't last long. I turned my body around so my chest was facing his and he leaned back a bit, his back now pressed against the side of his bed. I wrapped my arms around his torso and sighed in relief. The heat finally reaching me as it surrounded my body.

Dazai tensed at my moments but soon relaxed and continued watching the rain pour outside. I looked up at his to see what he was doing and he looked down at me.

We both didn't move. In fact, we both stay in that position. He looked at my eyes then my nose, my cheeks, forehead, lips, and so on. His eyes moving around my face, taking in all my features as I did the same to him. At the same time our eyes reconnected and it shocked us both. Our eyes widenening then relaxing. I sat up and wrapped my legs around his hips, so I was sitting in his lap.

He placed his hands on my waist and pulled me closer. I swallowed nothing and blushed a little. Dazai cupped my chin and pulled my face to his. It took me a second to realize that he was kissing me but when I did I reciprocated it. His hand that was resting on my chin moved to the back of my neck, tilting my head up.

Doing that opened my mouth slightly and he licked my lips. Parting them he welcomed himself in and pressed his tongue against mine. His other hand that was on my hip moved to entangle itself in my hair. He held me so close that it felt like he was scared that I would disappear.

He pulled back and slowly opened his eyes, along with me. He brought his thumb to my bottom lip and rubbed the wetness on it. Not wasting a second more, he leaned back in. This time the kiss was more lustful than the last. Like he was trying to be dominant with me. Though... I didn't complain.

He pulled away with a string of saliva connecting us. He started peppering kisses down my jaw line and to my neck.

"Dazai..." I breathed out.

He picked his head up from my neck and studied my face. Dazai then sighed and his head dropped to my shoulder. He rested it there for a while before speaking.

"I'm sorry..." He whispered.

"For?"

"Not asking.."

I practically looked at him in awe. I pulled his head off my shoulder to get a look at his face. A adorable little blush was dusted across his cheeks and I smiled at it. I kissed his nose and cupped his face.

"It's okay" I whispered to him.

I brushed away the hairs that were in his face and rubbed his cheek gently. He melted into my touch and looked at me with his chocolate brown eyes. He smiled softly and spoke with a red blush forming on his cheeks.

"May I kiss you?"

[kathysturniolo]

Understand you.

description: a teenage girl, February Martin, struggling with mental health and addiction who hates talking about her feelings. she likes the fact that nobody notices. however, her best friend, Matt, starts to realize more and more that she's losing herself.

✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧

"Feb.."

"Feb, wake up."

"February.."

"Feb! "

   My eyes flickered open. I heard Sarah's voice. I looked at her. The light burned into my pupils.

"Ms. Tilson just asked you a question."

"I-I'm sorr- what? " I lifted myself up. My arms were numb.

"I asked you to identify this triangle. February. "

My eyes fixated on the board. It was blurry. I looked around and everyone's eyes were plastered to me.

"I- um- I don't know." My nails dug into my arm. I heard whispers and people were giving me looks, almost like they wanted to yell 'boo' at me.

"Miss Martin, you've been sleeping in my class almost this entire semester. "She sighed.

I didn't say anything. I wanted to. I just stared at my legs. She pinched the bridge of her nose and picked up a marker.

"Does anybody else want to try to identify the triangle? "

Hands rose like fucking springs. You idiot.

After that class, I left early. Like, 'asking to go to bathroom and then walking out of the door' early. I'm surprised I've never been caught before, after doing it at least 20 times this year. I found a gas station and sat outside on a piece of side walk and pulled out my my phone.

feb:

heyy

matt:

dude did u leave class again?

feb:

yeah lol sorry

matt:

yk your gonna get caught one day for just leaving.

feb:

it hasn't happened yet so 🤷‍♀️

matt:

ok lol. where are you?

feb:

Dan's gas station

matt:

come by my house after i get out, k?

I sighed and sat down my phone. i was going to go to a bar tonight. Get 'today' off my mind.

feb:

alright

I headed home after sitting down for about 15 minutes. If I was being honest, I didn't want to explain to my dad why I was home early, but I just wanted to go home for a little bit.

I opened the door. The creak made my body twitch. I hated this damn door.

"Dad, " I shook him.

Yep, he was knocked out.

Thank God.

His beer can spilled a little on the floor, leading me to accidently stepping in the puddle of liquid.

"Shit."

Well, that was another reason why my day sucked. I took off my now soaked converses and threw them over in the living room, rushing to my room.

My room was a mess. I didn't remember leaving it like this. I just threw myself on my bed, opening the sandwhich bag of meth I had in the corner of my bed, hidden under some covers. When Matt finds out I didn't stop using he'll be so pissed at me. His voice rang inside my head.

6:51

matt:

u still coming over?

My phone buzzes beside me. I woke up as my body was leaned off the bed.

I was definitely high. .

feb:

ya

I cut my phone off and tried to get up. My head got dizzy and my vision went black.

It's okay, maybe he won't notice.

I put on a dark blue sweatshirt, put on a pair of sneakers, and walked out of my room, down the stairs.

Dad was still fast asleep. Part of me didn't really care and wanted to let him sleep but the other part of me wanted to wake him up and make sure he didn't die in his sleep. I was almost out the door when I sighed and turned back around and made my way to my dad and put my finger under his nose to make sure he was breathing.

He was, thank God.

I walked back to the door and walked out. I forgot to lock it but, it's a small neighborhood, I think it'll be okay.

I must've not been too high, I could still function. I was kinda dizzy still. Hopefully, I don't get hit by a car as I'm walking to Matt's.

feb:

im on my way

I slid my phone in the pocket of my sweats. and speed-walked down the street and curved a couple corners until I made it to his house. He had a better house then me, it was bigger and cleaner. He loves to clean, so that makes sense.

feb:

here

A couple seconds later, Matt's blue eye met mine. He greets me with a big smile.

"Hey, kid," He said, poking out his hand, gesturing to do our handshake.

I smiled and grabbed his hand, "Bro I said stop calling me kid, you're literally younger then me," I laughed.

"By what? 4 months?" He said furrowing his eyebrows and smiling.

We both laughed and I walked into his house fully.

"Parents are at work, so we're definitely using the kitchen." He said, chuckling.

"Aww, mann, but Marylou and Jimmy are the only reason I even come here," I teased.

He laughed and we walked up the stairs to him room. He had an awesome room. His LED lights were always on green, he had a huge bed, and a big blue bean bag chair. He had a huge gaming set up, and a walk in closet with band posters stuck to it from top to bottom.

I plopped on his bed and kicked off my shoes. He climbed beside me.

"Dude, I saw this movie on TikTok, it's about some psyco killer clown. It seems pretty badass. "

I was zoned out, my head in the clouds, I almost didn't hear what Matt said.

"Alright, " I said with an unconvincing laugh.

I could tell he was confused on my lack of excitement because I saw him look at me from the corner of my eye.

He cut of the tv, and put it to the movie. My head was killing me. I clenched my eyes shut and winced a little. He tapped on my shoulder.

"Are you good bro?' He said, with a little bit of a laugh.

"Yeah, duh" I said sarcastically.

The movie played for at least 10 minutes before my vision went black again and I got dizzy. I started to lean back a little bit.

"Feb." He said, seriously. So seriously, it kind of scared me.

"What?" I said innocently, as I looked him.

He looked at me, squinting his eyes a bit. He parted his lips and frowned at me.

'You're using again. " he sighed.

"What? Matt. I'm not. I'm no- not."

I looked at him. I could see his eyes start to water.

"Feb, you promised me you'd stop. You promised me." He looked at me, with glossy eyes.

"Matt, I- I'm n-" My voice cracked. My eyes swelled with tears. "I can't, Matt."

Matt wiped his hand over his mouth. I could see a tear, screaming to come out of his eye.

I covered my mouth with my hand. I tried not to cry. I closed my eyes to try to keep the tears in.

He leaned over me, putting his hands on my arms. He looked at me, he didn't say anything. It was almost like he was waiting for the whole world to disappear and it just be us.

"February," He spoke, "It's okay."

He took his thumb and wiped his thumb across my face.

"You're my best friend Feb. You told me you were getting better. You told me that you stopped."

"Matt, I- I'm sorry." I sighed.

"What's going on? You first started using when your grandma died. That was your worst breaking point. That was 3 years ago. What's going on now? " He whispered.

"Nothing, Matt. Nothing, I promise."

"February, talk to me."

"You won't understand."

"You're my best friend, I understand you, Kid"

"My dad." I whispered.

"Your dad? What's wrong with your dad?" Matt asked concerned.

"He misses Mom, Matt. Last month was her birthday. He's been isolating since." My voice cracked.

Fuck, don't cry again February.

Matt pulled me into a hug. I put my face into the crook of his neck, trying not to cry.

"I'm so sorry. " He whispered as he rested his chin on my head. "Can you stay tonight? I just want to make sure you're okay."

I breathed out and wiped the tears off my eyes and nodded."

"I'm here for you, February. For fucking ever."

I chuckled, and we laid back and continued watching the movie.

[inkinmyheartandonthepage]

Rainy Days

Day 8 of flufftober: Rainy Days. You can read it here on AO3

For three days L.A has been covered by dark clouds that have been spilling down on them in bouts of heavy rain or a constant drizzle. Three days of being couped up inside and Eddie needed backup. Their plans for the weekend had been cancelled due to the rain and Eddie could see that Chris was getting restless, his temper shortening.

So, Eddie had done the only thing he could think off; he had called Buck for backup. Buck had texted Eddie back within in minutes saying he was on his way. And Eddie chose not to look too hard into the way his whole body had relaxed at those words, or the way butterflies seemed to have taken up residence in his stomach.

“Buck is on his way,” Eddie had told Chris who had perked up considerably at the news.

While Chris had disappeared into his room to grab his latest Lego set to show Buck, Eddie had disappeared into the kitchen to make up some sandwiches for lunch. He was just putting the final touches on them when there was a knock on the door.

Frowning, Eddie placed the knife on the kitchen bench before wiping his hands on a tea towel. He left the kitchen and headed the front door, wondering if Buck had lost his key or if it was Buck at all. It had been a long time since his best friend had knocked on the door, long past being a guest in the Diaz home.

Reaching the front door, Eddie pulled it open and blinked.

“Not exactly the distraction I had in mind, Buck,” Eddie said, taking in the appearance of his best friend.

Buck stood there, drenched from the current downpour, and creating a small puddle on his front porch, with a sheepish smile on his face. In his arms, he cradled an equally wet dog that looked to be a golden retriever. The sight of Buck’s clothes clinging to him, giving him a very nice outline of his abs would have had Eddie stomach clenching with want if it weren’t for them both shivering, Buck’s lips slowly turning blue.

Eddie sighed, stepping aside. “Bathroom. Now. Both of you.”

Buck ducked his head, stepping past Eddie and hurrying through the house. Eddie shut the door and locked it before he followed Buck’s path through the house a slower pace.

“Dad? Was that Buck?” Chris asked, voice drifting from his room.

“It was. He’s got caught in the rain so he’s just cleaning up,” Eddie explained as he passed. “He’ll be out soon.”

Eddie continued to his room, pausing to grab Buck a pair of sweatpants, a t-shirt, and a hoodie that Buck had left behind the last time he had stayed over. Items in hand, Eddie pushed his way into the bathroom and fought the fond smile that threatened to take over his face.

Buck had put the golden retriever in the bath and was now kneeling on the bathmat, gently towelling off the pup. He cooed soft, reassuring words and praises, not that the pup seemed to need them. It seemed to be enjoying the attention, snuggling into the towel every time Buck passed the fabric over its head.

Of course, Buck was focused on the puppy rather than himself. He was still dripping wet, soaking Eddie’s bathmat beneath him. Eddie opened the cabinet under the sink, grabbing a clean towel. It flicked it open before he draped it over Buck’s head and started towelling his hair dry before his brain could process it. He tensed, waiting for Buck to knock his hands away or tell him off but Buck didn’t even flinch, just let Eddie scrub the towel over his head like it was normal.

“Do I even want to know?” Eddie asked, unable to keep the fondness out of his tone as he relaxed. Buck seemed to melt under his touch, giving a little appreciative little hum as Eddie’s dried his hair.  

“She was just sitting in the rain, Ed’s!” Buck cried out, voice muffled by the towel as Eddie rubbed it back and forth over Buck’s curls. “I saw her by the park down the end of the street and I couldn’t just leave her there.”

“Of course not,” Eddie said, lifting the towel from Buck’s hair and draping it around his shoulders instead. Of course Buck had ventured out in the middle of a downpour to rescue a lost dog. “Did she have a collar?”

“Nothing,” Buck said, scrubbing the dogs body. The dog looked to be a few months old – no longer a puppy but not an adult yet either. She was adorable, pink tongue lolling out with bliss as Buck rubbed the towel across her belly. She was skinny though and Eddie could see the hint of her ribs sticking out, his heart clenching with sympathy.

“Here, I’ll finish drying her,” Eddie said, squeezing Buck’s shoulder. “You get into something warm before you catch a cold.”

Buck turned, giving Eddie a sheepish smile. “Thanks.”

Eddie took Buck’s place by the tub, taking over drying the golden retriever. Eddie kept his eyes firmly on the dog as he heard Buck starting to strip behind him, wet clothes falling to the ground with a splat.

“You think she was abandoned?” Eddied asked, desperately trying to not to let his gaze stray from the dog.

The bathroom was getting steadily warmer with each passing second – okay maybe Eddie was the one getting warmer as he heard Buck dragging the towel over his body. He could picture the miles of skin behind him, the ink stained to his skin and the cut of his muscles that would flex with each movement and Eddie’s stomach clenched with the imagery. Each swish of the towel seemed abnormally loud, and the bathroom felt like it was getting smaller with each passing second.

“I hope not,” Buck said, the frown evident in his voice.

“We’ll call a vet,” Eddie assured him. “Get her checked out and make sure she’s okay.”

“Yeah, okay. Thanks, Ed’s,” Buck said.

Eddie listened to Buck pull on his clothes and when he finally peeked on over his shoulder, he was both relieved and disappointed that Buck was dressed. He looked a lot warmer now and Eddie made a mental note to put the kettle to make Buck a hot drink.

“You know Chris is going to beg for a dog now,” Eddie said, shooting a playful glare at Buck as he picked up the now damp dog. Hie glare weakened as the dog leaned up and licked under Eddie’s chin.

Buck grinned, cheeks now flushed and lips no longer blue. “She likes you.” He reached out, taking the dog from Eddie’s arms and hugged her to his chest. “Besides, Chris should have a dog.”

Eddie rolled his eyes. “Buck,” he warned, stooping to pick up the wet towels and Buck’s wet clothes.

“Come on, Ed’s,” Buck pleaded, following Eddie out of the bathroom, through the bedroom and to the laundry room. “Every kid should have a pet!”

“You’re as bad as Chris,” Eddie teased, throwing the towels and Buck’s clothes into the washing machine. He glanced at Buck who was giving the dog little scratches to his head, smoothing down the floppy ears every known and then. His heart softened at the sight, and he swallowed thickly. “Hey, don’t go getting to attached. She might have a home waiting for her.”

“Yeah, I know,” Buck said with a pout.

Eddie licked his lips, body swaying forward towards Buck with the urge to kiss that pout straight off his lips. He jerked back, catching himself before he could embarrass himself. He spun around, busy himself with pouring laundry liquid into the machine to hide the pink he knew his cheeks had taken on.

Eddie cleared his throat. “Why don’t you go show Chris who you found. Maybe he’s seen her at the park before and knows who she belongs too.”

“Come on,” Buck cooed to the dog. “Let me introduce you to the best kid ever.”

And how was Eddie supposed to not fall in love with Evan Buckley when he said shit like this? It was unfair. Eddie was just a man, and he was powerless against the charm that was Buck.

“A dog!” Chris squealed loudly from the living room, the sound nearly knocking Eddie off his feet because he loved hearing Chris’s happy little squeals and joyful laughs.

By the time Eddie had loaded the washing and started the cycle, fallen a little bit more in love with Buck, and made his way to the living room, Chris and the dog were best friends. He leaned against the doorframe, watching with what Chimney would call his heart-eyes, as Chriss giggled, giving the upside down, belly-up dog a tummy rub.

The sight of the dog’s ribs had Eddie moving to the kitchen and rummaging up some food for her. He placed it in a bowl and brought it out to the living room. At the scent of food, the pup wriggled and flopped onto her front, getting to its paws. There was a limp as she hurried to Eddie, her tail wagging back and forth and rapidly.

“Whoa! She’s hungry,” Chris commented when Eddie had put the bowl down and the gold retriever started wolfing down the food.

“Yeah,” Eddie agreed, sharing a significant look with Buck. It was a testament as to how well they knew each other when Buck nodded, his face pulling into a grimace. The idea that she had simply slipped from someone’s backyard was growing less and less and abandonment was looking most likely.

“Are you hungry to, mijo?” Eddie asked. “I’ve got sandwiches made up.”

Chris made an affirmative noise and with a quick pat to the dogs back he shuffled towards the kitchen.

“I’ll look for a vet,” Buck said, pulling out his phone.

Eddie gently gripped Buck’s wrist, giving it a light squeeze. “Lunch first. Then we’ll do all of that.”

Buck nodded and Eddie watched as his shoulder’s relaxed. “Okay. Thanks, Ed’s.” He gave him one of those smiles, all soft and warm around the edges, slow and just for Eddie.

And Eddie knew in that moment there was going to be a dog in his future, but he just couldn’t bring himself to care.

~*~

Time usually moved swiftly but, in this case, she marched. Eddie was now the proud new owner of a new dog bed, collar, lead, drinking and food bowl, food, and about half a store worth of dog toys all before dinner time.

When they had finished lunch, Buck had been on the phone to a vet while Eddie and Chris kept their new house guest company. Buck ducked out to get “a few things” and came back with half the pet store. Eddie wanted to be mad, but he couldn’t, not when Buck and Chris were alight with happiness and Rosie (“She needs a name, dad!”) fell asleep across his lap as to his rhythmic pats as they watched a movie.

When Eddie had finally gotten Chris into bed, Rosie curled up on her new bed on his bedroom floor, Eddie went to the living room and accepted the beer that Buck offered him.

“I am not raising this dog alone,” Eddie warned Buck, sinking into the couch beside him.

Buck grinned at him, blue eyes twinkling in the low light. “Ed’s, I didn’t think you would cave this fast.”

Eddie huffed. “You know damn well I had no choice, not between you and Chris with those damn eyes of yours.”

Buck cackled loudly and Eddie watched unashamedly, smiling around the lip of his beer bottle. He took a swig as Buck calmed himself down. He nearly choked on it his mouthful when Buck laid a hand on his thigh, fingers splayed over the fabric of his jeans. He stared at Buck’s hand for a beat before looking to Buck.

The younger man was already staring at him, a shy smile on his lips. “I’ll raise Rosie with you.”

Eddie swallowed thickly. He leaned forward, plucking the beer from Buck’s other hand and placed both bottles on the coffee table. He leaned back, shifting slightly so that they were facing each other.  Buck’s hand remained on his thigh, the heat of his palm burning into Eddie’s skin, driving him crazy.

His eyes flicked over Buck’s face, taking in the nerves that lingered behind his shy and hopeful smile.

“You should probably move in,” Eddie blurted out.

Buck blinked once, twice, before a grin stretched across his face. “Yeah?”

Eddie nodded, his hand moving on its own accord. His hands spread over Buck’s knees, slowly sliding up his thick thighs. “Would make it easier, to raise Rosie.”

“That so,” Buck hummed as he slowly leaned in close. “And where would I sleep?”

Eddie licked his lips. “I suppose there would be room in my bed.”

“You’d share with me?” Buck asked, voice lowering as he leaned in close enough that Eddie could feel his hot breath fan over his lips.

“I’ll give you everything,” Eddie promised, and he should have felt embarrassed by how sappy he sounded but none of that mattered as Buck sealed his lips over Eddie’s.

His hands gripped Buck’s waist as he shifted, pushing Eddie back into the couch cushions. Eddie moaned at the feel of Buck’s body stretched out across his, kissing him deeper, hands splaying across his ribs. The rain continued to fall as Eddie lost himself in Buck and he had a brief thought that in the future rainy days would be spent like this and he smiled against Buck’s lips. He wouldn’t want to spend them any other way.

[snaillamp]

Sicker Than Dogs - Part 3

Enjar awoke to an empty house. It was silent and still as he inhaled deeply, sitting up and looking around, dazed.

His room was dim, the curtains drawn and the door shut, but that didn’t stop him from looking around. The second he sat up however, he was overcome with nausea. Groaning, Enjar pushed himself up and out of bed wandering to the bathroom. His stomach was unhappy again. He threw up, not much, but a thick, red slime came up, the remnants of the drink Charlotte had got him.

“I should probably drink more of that, actually… If I can even keep it down...” Enjar mumbled, wiping his mouth, then easing up, off the toilet to wash his hands. He sighed, looking at his reflection in the mirror. Matthew’s shirt was stained with sweat, his cheeks were hollow and his hair was matted and sticking out in every direction.

“Jesus, I look like shit…” He mumbled, turning on the tap and cupping some cold water in his hands. He tipped it over his face, not caring the he splashed some on the floor. Glancing down at it, Enjar sniffed, thinking everything over. “I’ll shower, then deep clean the bathroom… Last thing I want is to make them sick too…” Enjar mumbled to the puddle on the floor, going to his room and collecting his clothes.

He wandered past the linen cupboard in the hallway, grabbing a fresh towel and locking himself into the bathroom, ready for that hot, steaming shower he had been deprived of before. He didn’t enjoy how cold it was, when his entire body was exposed to the air.

His bones were already feeling jittery and the lack of hot water streaming over his skin was only making him feel worse. The water took it’s time to warm up, but when it did, Enjar immediately stepped in. The steam engulfed him as he let the hot water melt away the sweat and slime, breathing deeply as his nose began to drain. He stood in the stream of water for a while, enjoying the steaming hot water hitting his back, warming him up properly for the first time in days. Enjar shut his eyes as he stood still, enjoying the heat, perfectly happy to stand under there for days.

Once he had finished, the man grimaced, hopping out of the shower and drying himself off. He quickly slipped into new clothes, feeling fresher and better, before gathering his old stuff and walking out of the bathroom. He found the washing machine in the kitchen, leaving the clothes and towels inside as he went back up to clean.

Finding the cleaning supplies, he swooped up his hair into a bun, slipping on gloves and setting to work, cleaning every surface. He was on his hands and knees, scrubbing in between each tile on the floor, the bathroom absolutely spotless when Charlotte walked over to him, tapping his shoulder and clearing her throat. He flinched, looking up and sniffing, before smiling weakly at her, slightly sheepish.

“Hey Charlotte…” He croaked, his voice husky and congested.

“What are you doing?” She asked accusingly, holding out her hand for the scrubber Enjar was using. “Go back to bed Enjar.” Enjar sighed, standing and giving Charlotte the scrubber. “Bored… I don’t wanna make you two sick-” Enjar was interrupted by a sneeze, turning away from his friend and hunching over as he sneezed again and again.

“Come on.” Charlotte grabbed his clammy hand, leading him downstairs. “Sit.” She ordered, Enjar obeying, collapsing into the soft sofa with a small groan. Charlotte disappeared, coming back a minute later with blankets, wrapping them around Enjar’s legs and body, before handing him the electrolyte drink from his room.

She grabbed the nearby TV remote, handing it to him and sitting down beside him. “There, watch TV, don’t go scrubbing my floors on your knees, dipshit.” She ruffled his knotted hair. Enjar winced as her fingers snagged in his long, thick, matted mess causing her to grimace. “Oh, sorry! Hey, how about I brush it out for you? Might help you feel better?”

Enjar looked at her tiredly, before nodding once. His spontaneous cleaning had indeed made him feel worse. Charlotte returned with a pink bottle and Enjar’s hairbrush, which was in a desperate need for a clean. “Jesus, Enjar, do you ever clean your brush?” She asked, pulling the excess hair off it and walking off to throw it away. Enjar glanced over at the bottle Charlotte had left behind. He didn’t know what it was, but from the look of things, suspected that it smelled like flowers.

Everything Charlotte owned smelled like flowers.

Charlotte came back and got to work freeing the hair tie from Enjar’s hair, then coating her hands in the thick, white cream. “Uh, what are you doing?” Enjar mumbled, eyeing Charlotte nervously as the cream made thick, squelching sounds. “Just wait, I’m about to change your life.” She smiled, reaching for Enjar’s hair. He flinched back for a second, before exhaling deeply and letting her go at it.

Charlotte worked the cream through his hair, massaging Enjar’s scalp, as he dozed with a small smile on his face. It actually felt quite good to have the cream worked through his hair. Charlotte grabbed the brush and gently pulled it through the knots, detangling the them with ease, until Enjar was left with glossy, neat, slightly creamy hair.

Enjar had slumped forward onto the arm of the sofa, letting Charlotte braid his hair up, preventing it from getting knotted again. Once she was done, she flipped the braid over his shoulder, “There, all done.” She said proudly, expecting Enjar to turn his head and look at her handiwork, but he stayed motionless. Leaning around, Charlotte smiled, Enjar was fast asleep, cheeks slightly flushed with fever as he perched his chin on his forearms.

Charlotte stood, lifting Enjar’s body off the arm of the sofa and moving him into a sitting position instead. His legs were splayed as he lay back, shoulders slouched and head tipped over the back of the sofa, completely oblivious to the world around him. Charlotte touched his neck, checking his pulse. It had gone down more, and he was definitely less warm. Leaving Enjar slouched on the sofa, blankets piled up on top of him, Charlotte went about her afternoon, occasionally catching a quiet snore from Enjar.

~~

Matthew sighed as he shut the door, shaking off the snow onto the floor. “Matthew Kindberg, you better not be getting snow on my floor!” Charlotte’s voice echoed from the kitchen at the back of the house. “I’m not my love!” He called back, sweeping what he could to the edge of the doorway, before cracking the door open and flicking the snow outside. A small moan made him look up.

Leaning into the lounge room from the hallway, he saw Enjar lying back on the sofa, twitching in his sleep. He inhaled deeply, seemingly relaxing again, before a cough ripped through his chest. Groaning, Enjar’s eyes cracked open, only to slide shut again. His shaking hand grabbed the blankets around him as he lowered himself down onto the sofa, curled on his side, shivering slightly.

Matthew crept over, adjusting the blankets over Enjar, hearing a small mumble from underneath them. The voice was strained and weak, barely a whisper. “Hey Matt…” Matthew smiled, “Go back to sleep Enjar.” Enjar nodded slightly, curling up ever tighter and whining. Matthew felt his forehead, Enjar frowning at the touch, pushing his head into the sofa a little.

As Matthew left the room, he heard Enjar cough again, groaning softly in annoyance, then sniffing hard. Gaining into the kitchen, Matthew made a beeline for Charlotte, grabbing her waist and pulling her close.

“Hello my beautiful nurse…” He mumbled in her ear. “How are you this fine evening?” He kissed Charlotte’s cheek, then moved his way to her lips, the two of them standing in the kitchen, oblivious to the world as they kissed each other passionately.

After stopping to catch their breaths for a moment, Charlotte leaned back, looking at her husband’s face. “Well… hello to you too my valiant coast guard.” She breathed, going back in for another kiss. They shuffled backwards, Charlotte ending up perched on the dining room table, legs wrapped around Matthew, pulling him close, her hands gripping his hair tightly.

They both softly moaned through the kisses, neither of them hearing the gentle footsteps padding down the hall.

~~

Enjar was halfway between consciousness and sweet, sweet unconsciousness when he heard sounds coming from down the hall. Soft giggles and moans, muffled by the walls and… something else made him crack open his left eye, looking for the source of the sound.

It continued, the sound of a chair or something being scraped across the floor and then a small giggle from Charlotte made Enjar roll his eyes, pulling the blanket over his ears. ‘I swear to god… If I hear what I think I’m about to hear…’ He thought, sighing as he sat up. His head was pounding and throat was dry, but he didn’t want to drink the electrolyte stuff anymore. It was starting to taste like piss.

Grunting softly, Enjar shakily wrapped a blanket around his shoulders, and trudged to the kitchen for a cup. The sounds got louder, and Enjar could only imagine what he’d find when he got there, rationalising in his mind that he’d just ignore them and probably go straight back to bed.

He stood in the doorway for a second, watching Charlotte’s hands snake under the hem of Matthew’s shirt. Matthew’s hands were gripping Charlotte’s hair as her legs pulled him even closer to her hips, Matthew shuddering slightly as her hands felt their way around his torso. They hadn’t even noticed Enjar was there.

Smirking, Enjar decided to see how long he could push it, shuffling quietly into the kitchen, grabbing a mug from the cupboard and filling it with water. Matthew moaned softly into Charlotte’s mouth as Enjar leaned heavily on the sink, sipping the water in amusement, gazing out the window into the snowy yard. He finished his water, placing it by the sink and sniffing, beginning to shuffle back out of the kitchen when Charlotte gasped.

“Oh my god, Enjar! I’m so sorry!” Enjar turned slowly, as his two friends jumped apart, both blushing red. “Oh… don’t let me stop you from doing… whatever that was.” He croaked, clearing his throat with a knowing smirk.

“We didn’t wake you did we?” Charlotte asked anxiously, running her hands through her hair to try and retain some semblance of dignity. “Nnhh… not really.” Mumbled Enjar, sighing as he rubbed his aching forehead. “Well, I’ll leave you two… to it…” He grimaced again, holding his head in his hands, dropping the blanket from around his shoulders.

“Enjar?” Matthew asked concerned, as Enjar’s body swayed, Enjar reaching out for the doorframe and leaning against it, sliding slowly to his knees.

“Enjar? What’s wrong?” Charlotte hopped off the table, going to her friend’s side and looking into his eyes. Enjar’s face was tense as he gasped, panting through the pain. “Head…” He whispered, gritting his teeth and wincing.

“Lie back, lie back…” Charlotte guided Enjar onto his back, as he tilted his head back as far as he could, pressing it into the hard floor. “It’s like… migraine… but… so much worse…” He whispered, crying out in pain as his breathing grew faster. Enjar’s head felt like it was being crushed in a vice, pain behind his eyes hurting him as he felt a hand on his chest and another stroking his hair. There was a buzzing, like a voice in the distance, but the ringing in his ears was getting too loud, to painful…

A pain exploded through his head, causing him to arch his back and cry out, his hand flying to his right ear. It felt like he had been stabbed through the head. All of a sudden, everything was quieter, his left ear ringing a little still, but the pain now a fuzzy, dull throb rippling though his head. His throat felt dry and swollen, his stomach still ached, but his ears seemed to almost disappear.

Enjar moaned in relief as his body slowed down, catching his breath and gazing at the ceiling in a daze. He could still feel the hands, one over his heart, the other in his hair, cradling his head. His eyes felt heavy… they began to slide shut as Matthew’s worried voice spoke from far away somewhere behind him… “Charlotte… there’s blood…”

~~

Enjar groaned in Matthew’s lap as Charlotte felt his chest, feeling his heart pounding in in his chest “Charlotte… there’s blood.” Matthew murmured, turning Enjar’s head to show her the trickle of blood coming out of his right ear. “His eardrum.” Charlotte spoke, serious and flat. “Sit him up, his ear drum is ruptured, I need to see.” Matthew heaved the unconscious lighthouse keeper up, leaning him against the wall of the kitchen. “Is he going to be okay?” He asked with worry.

Charlotte gingerly moved Enjar’s limply dangling head, examining the ear. Blood was still trickling out of his ear, but she peered in, looking for something else. “Look’s like an infection… I really need an otoscope to know though… Matthew, he needs a hospital.” Matthew nodded, nervously biting his fingernails. Charlotte’s fingers brushed Enjar’s ear, causing him to jerk away, wincing.

He slid sideways down the wall, cradling his face, gasping in pain. Squeezing his eyes shut, he bared his teeth, softly growling as Matthew pulled him up again, much to Enjar’s chagrin.

“Enjar, you’re in a lot of pain right now, but we can make it better.” Enjar frowned, turning his head towards Charlotte. “Can’t… hear… like… underwater… hurts so much…” He spoke through pants, wincing as his ear flared up again, his breathing laboured as the pain overwhelmed him. Neither of his friends liked to see him in so much pain.

“Will you pass out?” Charlotte asked, knowing how little pain Enjar could deal with before he went unconscious. Enjar shrugged, Matthew’s arms holding him up as he began to calm down. He remained slumped against the wall, pressing his aching head into it, eyes squeezed tightly shut as he fought the pain. “Stay awake En, we need to talk.” Enjar opened his eyes a little, looking at Charlotte and grimacing, “So talk…” He growled, already knowing what she was going to say.

“We’re going to take you to the-” Enjar’s eyes flashed as they met Charlotte’s with a scary stare. “-Hospital.” He finished her sentence. “I know.” Charlotte looked away, glancing at her husband for reassurance. Matthew nodded, grabbing one of Enjar’s arms, Charlotte grabbing the other and counting down.

Enjar shut his eyes as they lifted him onto his unsteady feet, but the nausea was to much. His knees failed him and his two friends had to grab him as he dropped to his knees. “Woah, buddy.” Matthew steadied Enjar’s body. “I think he’s out again.” Charlotte mumbled, looking at Enjar’s head hanging heavily between his slumped shoulders.

“Mmmh… no’mnot…” Enjar mumbled, opening his eyes and smiling weakly. “Lessgo…” He breathed, coughing a little and his friends carried his carefully to the lounge room again. Charlotte disappeared to find him something warm for outside, Matthew bringing the blanket that was left in the kitchen back to Enjar and tucking him in. Enjar was sat on the sofa, leaning heavily against Matthew, looking miserable. “Hey, you okay?” Matthew asked, Enjar shaking his head in reply. He regretted it immediately.

“I feel like… shit…” He sighed, shutting his eyes as his body shook. Holding back another sob, he tried to breathe, but couldn’t hot tears rolling down his cheeks. “Hey, hey, it’s okay…” Matthew murmured, wiping the tears from Enjar’s cheeks. “I-I… feel… empty…” Enjar whispered, sniffing and coughing as the crying made his nose run.

Charlotte came back with Enjar’s coat and shoes, helping him slip them on. His friends carried in to the car, his shaking legs unable to support his weight as the snow fell think around them. Enjar felt his stomach churn, groaning in an effort to keep it down. When they reached the car, all Enjar could hear was the constant ringing in his ears, the gravel crunching beneath his feet and the distant murmurs of his friends.

His eyes slid shut, and when he opened them again, he was sitting in the car, seat belt strapped around him. Charlotte was next to him holding a soft pad against his ear, using another, damp with something to wipe up the dried blood on his neck. Enjar grunted, moving his ear away from the pad, it hurt too much. Charlotte got the message, continuing to clean his neck instead.

In the back of car, Enjar glared at the rear view mirror for a minute, before he sighed, shutting his eyes and trying to fall asleep. As the car went around a corner, Enjar’s body slumped against Charlotte’s, his head resting on her shoulder. She lifted it slightly, sliding the cloth under it again, and letting Enjar rest. He needed it.

As they pulled up to the hospital, Charlotte gently shook Enjar awake. He groaned in annoyance at being woken from his slumber, but opened his eyes, and let his friends get him out of the car. They helped him get inside, the snow outside blowing harshly against them, prickling their skin. Enjar shivered between Matthew and Charlotte as they hauled him over the icy path and into the ER.

It was empty, apart from a guy sitting in a chair, a bloody bandage wrapped around his hand. He looked like he was having a great time, smiling and waving at Charlotte as she walked by, getting out of his seat and sauntering over. Enjar and Matthew shot him a glare and he retreated back to his seat, much more timid.

Once Enjar was settled in an uncomfortable plastic chair, Charlotte went to talk to Karolina, the receptionist. After a moment, she returned, sighing. “Doctor Jakobsen got caught in the storm, he’s not in yet so we’ll be waiting a while.”

Matthew huffed in annoyance, Enjar unmoving. The both glanced at the lighthouse keeper, who’s eyes were shut again. “En, are you…” Matthew asked, “Mhmm…” Enjar replied, still unmoving. “World swaying too much…” He whispered, Matthew wrapping an arm around his friend and guiding his head to rest on his shoulder.

Charlotte peeked at the ear on her side, the right one, now clear of blood. It seemed to be doing okay. “How’s the ear?” She murmured, Enjar humming in response. “Fine…” He whispered again, just wanting it all to be over. If he kept his eyes shut, then he could pretend he wasn’t in hospital… but the smells, the sounds… it was making him anxious. He felt Matthew’s hand stroke his head comfortingly, his fingers gently trailing through Enjar’s braided hair. He hadn’t even had a chance to admire Charlotte’s handiwork yet.

His hand reached up to the braid, and he felt the neat pattern trailing through his hands. He didn’t often braid his hair, he wasn’t very good at it. Anna had tried teaching him once but he kept getting the strands messed up. He smiled softly as he cracked open an eye, finally admiring the braid. Charlotte looked up as he hummed in satisfaction.

“Oh, you like it?” She murmured, Enjar nodding. “It’s good…” He croaked, shutting his eyes again and leaning more into Matthew. The gentle silence, only filled with a few occasional sounds soon enveloped Enjar’s mind, as he slid off into dream land once more.

2 hours later

Enjar sat with the pad of cloth against his ear. He was resting his chin on his hand blinking slowly as the sleepiness wore off. Charlotte had gone to find coffee, Matthew leaving Enjar alone to go to the bathroom, so Enjar sat and waited for the doctor to get in. The old guy behind him was humming and kicking his foot against the ground, the sound very quickly becoming annoying.

Enjar’s hair on the back of his neck bristled as the man left the seat, waltzing over to sit beside him. The guy stank of cigarettes and probably hadn’t showered in a week, given the state of his... everything. But the worst part of all was the fishy smell emanating from him, stains on his thick wooden jumper, fish guts by the looks of things covering his round stomach. He looked like Santa Claus had turning into a homeless fisherman.

Enjar scrunched up his nose, turning away from him and sighing quietly. “What are you in for?” He chuckled at his ’joke’. “Me? sliced my hand open gutting my fishes.” Enjar ignored the man, staring at a poster about protecting his non-existent children from influenza instead.

“Not many young guys around here, if you don’t count the Coast Guard of course, but then again most of them are old now too, hey? You a Coast Guard? You must be, all those muscles. I bet you work out a lot. I used to be fit, used to look like Arnold Schwarzenegger, or… Fabio.”

The man laughed at his flexing his muscles, Enjar shooting him a dangerous glare. However, the man seemed unfazed. “Hmm, you know you’ve got blood all down your neck. Here, let me get it for you.” Enjar watched in the corner of his eye as the man stuck his dry, cracked finger in his mouth. The long nail was stained with nicotine and a layer of what Enjar prayed was dirt. Leaning forward, the man reached out with his thumb, but Enjar moved away.

“I’m fine. Just blood, I’ll clean it later.” He sighed, shooting the man another glare, this time turning his face to show his scar. It was handy sometimes, having such brutal facial scar, it tended to scare off the right people when Enjar tried. However, this guy was not one of those people. “Ah, okay then. Just thought I’d help a brother out.” Enjar frowned, returning to the influenza poster.

“We’re not brothers…” He muttered in annoyance.

“Ah, we are though. Both strong, good looking men, stuck in A HOSPITAL WITH NO FUCKING DOCTORS!” The man suddenly yelled loudly, making Enjar flinch. The man burst into laughter, clapping Enjar hard on the back, forcing him to grunt in pain. Enjar felt the anger in him rise. Usually he’d have enough energy to calm it down, but today wasn’t one of those days.

In a flash, Enjar whirled around, grabbing the man by his collar and holding his face centimetres from his own. “Listen.” He growled dangerously, rising to his feet slightly so he could lean over the guy a little. “I have the most splitting headache right now, and if you don’t leave me alone, I won’t be the only one with one.”

He let go of the man’s jumper, sliding across the plastic seats to the next one over, before turning away from the man and fiddling with the end of his braid with his fingers. ‘Just breathe, Enjar… Breathe… Yeah okay, maybe don’t that stench is making my eyes water…’ He thought, squeezing his eyes shut as he heard the guy slide up to him again. “Aww, I have something that might help your headache Mr Keeper.” Enjar grimaced, ‘No, no, no, no, no… Go away please…’

Enjar heard the guy pull out a hip flask, unscrewing it and taking a swig, before poking Enjar’s shoulder and holding it out to him. Enjar sighed, this was going to be a long night. “Come on, it’ll take the edge off your headache, my brother.” The man poked him again.

“I’m sober.” Enjar responded flatly.

“Sober? You? But you’re so young? How could you have given up the drink, God’s gift to us all?” The man raised the flask again, chugging the contents. Enjar’s muscles tensed as he shook slightly. “Come ooooon, one little sip never hurt no one. You’ll be fiiiiiine.” Enjar exhaled sharply, turning back around and looking the man square in the face. He observed his eyes, his irises a striking bright blue amongst the bloodshot whites of his eyes.

“You wanna know why I’m sober?” Enjar spat, pointing to his face. “I got sliced to pieces by a machete wielding murderer, and only barely survived.” He pulled down his sleeves, revealing his slashed forearms. “My friends? The 4 guys I was with. They didn’t. Before I was sober, every night, when I went to sleep I hear their bodies hit the ground, see them in front of me, lifeless. Drinking until I passed out made me able to sleep, for the first time in months, without waking up screaming in the middle the night.” Enjar’s eyes were dangerous now, his teeth bared as he continued.

“I drank so much, one day my sister found me on the floor, not moving. Not. Breathing. I only suvived cause they pumped my stomach. That’s why I gave it up.” Enjar looked at the man’s pale face, as he processed the information.

Then he laughed.

“That’s a good excuse.” He giggled, taking another sip of his flask. Enjar growled, snatching it from him and pouring it out onto the floor. Then he dropped it with a clatter in the puddle of what looked and smelled like rum, standing on his shaking legs and stalking to the other side of the room. The smell of alcohol was beginning to permeate the air, Enjar grimacing as he began to feel sick.

Memories flashed in front of his eyes, the sensation of the tube sliding down his throat, the sounds of Anna screaming his name…

He sniffed, wiping his eyes of tears as Matthew came back into the room. He spotted Enjar curled up on a seat in the corner of the room, leaning against the wall, forlorn and tired. “Damn.” Matthew joked as he walked up, sliding into the seat next to Enjar. “What smells like Christmas pudding in here?” Enjar felt nauseous, grimacing with a soft grunt, making Matthew slightly more concerned. “Hey you okay?” Enjar shook his head silently, eyes distant as the gunshots of that day echoed through his head.

“Can you get a sick bag please… I’m gonna throw up…” He murmured, voice hollow and distant as he shivered.

Matthew shook his shoulder. “-njar.” Enjar blinked, Charlotte in front of him, frowning. He looked at her with unfocused eyes, before Matthew said his name again. “Enjar?” He sounded concerned.

“What…?” Enjar whispered, his voice even more hoarse than before. “You’ve been staring at nothing for like, a minute.” Enjar’s eyes flicked around, focusing on the guy, still seated across from him where he had been sitting. He was watching with interest, the stench of alcohol now baked into the air thanks to the heating system blasting hot, dry air into the room.

Enjar glanced at the bag in Matthew’s hands, feeling his face go green as he quickly pulled it to his face. He gagged, throwing up more bitter, sour bile until he was left coughing and spluttering over the bag. The smell of the vomit made him throw up again, only managing a little this time, before he shuddered, leaning back against the wall, panting. Charlotte cracked a can of something, Enjar looking at it as he heard it fizz. “Here, it’ll get rid of the taste.” She murmured, holding out the red cola can for Enjar to take.

Sighing, Enjar took it, letting the syrupy drink cover his tongue and teeth, absorbing some of the taste. He knew he’d just throw it back up in a few minutes anyway, but at least it provided some relief.

Charlotte gently took the sick bag from him, pulling a disgusted face as she twisted it shut. Enjar put the can on the floor beside his foot. He couldn’t drink more, it was already making him feel sick, but at least he couldn’t taste the bile anymore.

When she returned, Charlotte’s hand found purchase on Enjar’s forehead for the umpteenth time that day feeling his temperature. “It’s gone up again, I’m sure.” She said quietly to Matthew, who looked up, concerned. “Do you want to take off your jacket En? You’re a bit warm.” Enjar gripped the jacket posessively, shivering. He felt too cold to take it off, the mere thought of it making him shudder more. “That’s a no then…” Charlotte mumbled, pulling a nearby table over to them and placing Enjar’s can of cola on it.

There was a crinkling of packaging, and then crunching as both Matthew and Charlotte began to devour a packet of chips each, sipping their lukewarm coffees to wash it down.

“I’m sorry…” Enjar whispered, wrapping his arms around his growling stomach and shivering. “Why?” Matthew asked with a mouthful of chips. “I ruined your dinner…” Enjar replied, leaning harder into the wall, wishing it would swallow him up.

“No, you’re more important than dinner, Enjar.” Charlotte spoke up, sitting on Matthew’s lap and rubbing Enjar’s left knee. “I want you to be okay before I even think about making casserole.” She comforted the lighthouse keeper, who didn’t look so sure.

“Oh, got a little feast over here, princess?” The guy from before stood, wandering over to the group. Enjar rolled his eyes as Matthew tensed. “Oh, I love that flavour.” He pointed at the chips, “Glad to see I have good taste in chips, and women.” He drawled. Matthew opened his mouth to say something but Enjar beat him to it, voice tired and hollow. “She’s married dipshit.” He sat up, scowling harder than he had in years.

“Fuck off.” Enjar spat, adrenaline surging through him.

The guy seemed to have no reaction to the response, instead continuing, reaching out to touch Charlotte. “You know, you’re just my type too, pretty blonde hair and such lovely, lovely eyes, you’re a perfect speci-” Enjar flew to his feet, Matthew’s arms wrapping protectively around his wife.

Enjar’s hand grabbed the back of the man’s jumper, dragging him towards the front door. With a loud grunt, Enjar shoved open the door, flinging the guy out onto the pavement, smirking slightly when he landed hard on his butt. The lighthouse keeper glowered as he knelt down and stared at the man, dead in the eyes. “If you come back inside,” He growled dangerously. “-and you so much as look like you’re thinking about touching her, I will make sure you don’t touch anything again.”

A scary grin grew over Enjar’s face, “That’s a promise.”

Standing up, hiding his aching, shaking limbs, Enjar turned and grabbed the door, pulling it shut. He walked straight over to the nearest chair, and gripping onto it for dear life as he caught his breath. Matthew and Charlotte rushed over to him, helping him back to their corner and sitting him down. Enjar fought to keep his eyes open, forcing them back every time they rolled back in his head. His head bobbed as Charlotte sniffed back tears.

Enjar force his eyes open, looking at his friends as Matthew comforted his wife, holding her tightly. She was safe. Matthew was a good husband… a good man… he would keep her safe. He felt shaking arms wrap around his neck gently. “Thank you…” Charlotte whispered, her voice shaking as much as her body. “Don’t mention it…” Enjar mumbled. His headache was feeling worse again as he slipped back into blissful unconsciousness.

Enjar woke with a grunt, sitting and coughing. The guy he had thrown outside was back inside the ER, cradling his injured hand and glancing at the group, smiling at them. Enjar glared at him, shutting his eyes again and going back to lean into Matthew’s shoulder. He heard a giggle. Glancing around, Charlotte had her hand over her mouth, trying to stifle her laughs. Enjar frowned, looked at her confused, as she held her phone out to him. Taking it, he and Matthew looked down at it, before both of the men grinning.

“It’s cute.” Charlotte cooed, as Enjar looked at the photo. He and Matthew were fast asleep, Enjar’s head resting on Matthew’s shoulder, and Matthew’s head resting against Enjar’s. Enjar handed the phone back, sliding down in his chair and sighing as he slouched badly. His shoulders were resting in the curve of the chair, where people’s butts would usually go, and he stared down his body, until his knees, where his legs disappeared under him.

Groaning again he grabbed the can of cola, taking a swig. It was mostly flat now but that mad eit easier to drink. That was a good thing, he supposed. Better to get something in him and keep it down, than nothing at all.

His mind flicked back to the photo Charlotte had taken. His skin was pale, skin flushed, eyes engulfed in shadow and cheeks hollow, his hair hanging dull and limp over his shoulder in the braid. He looked terrible. “George, Dr Jakobsen has arrived, he’ll see you first.” The receptionist peered over the desk, looking at the gross guy, George.

George stood up, “Finally!” He loudly announced as he sauntered into the treatment area. “I’ve been waiting for five hours!” He turned around and winked at the group huddled in the corner, Charlotte scowling as Enjar and Matthew both inhaled a long, slow breath. After around 20 minutes, the receptionist peered over the desk again.

Enjar didn’t know why she didn’t just come around to speak to the 20 empty chairs in the room, but he supposed it was for a reason. “Enjar Neilson? The doctor will see you know.” Enjar stood up, only to sway, his knees failing him once more. Dropping hard onto the floor, Matthew and Charlotte pulled him up, his body shaking as his head pounded, ears aching.

He sneezed, the pain in his head blinding him as he gasped in pain. He felt his legs move as he was walked to a bed, his ears begining to ring loudly. “Enjar.” Dr Jakobsen greeted him, his voice tinged with concern. Enjar grunted in reply, as he was sat in the edge of the bed. He swivelled to lay back against it, groaning in pain as he tried to hear everything around him. His ears hurt more than ever…

“Enjar?” Dr Jakobsen spoke louder, his voice loud and concerned. Enjar sluggishly turned his head and sighed, trying to hear what the doctor was saying over the ringing. “I’m going to sit you up, then check your ears okay?” Dr Jakobsen said as he moved the bed, sitting it up and gently cupping Enjar’s ears as he looked into them.

Enjar flinched back from his fingers. “Sorry.” The doctor smiled sympathetically. Enjar clenched his jaw, inhaling sharply as the doctor checked his ears again. “Yeah, that’s definitely infected.” He pulled back, checking the other ear. “Looks like a pretty knarly ear infection, my friend.” Enjar winced, nodding. Charlotte leaned over, grabbing his hand and squeezing it. Gulping, his breaths shuddered as the doctor asked questions about his condition, Enjar getting quieter and quieter.

“Hmm, you seem to have some kind of stomach virus too, and a tonsil infection. We can do some tests and find out how to sort you out, but I want to try and get some fluids into you. Man, you’re really going through it right now. It’s pretty brutal.” Enjar grimaced, nodding and sighing, as he lay back against the pillow.

The doctor left him alone, a nurse coming by with a blanket a while later. Enjar snuggled under it, coughing and sneezing, grimacing at every swallow. It had hurt to swallow before, but now it was worse. Charlotte and Matthew sat by his side, quietly worrying about their friend, until Dr Jakobsen returned, pulling back the curtain, a young nurse following him in. She seemed to recognise Charlotte, giving her a smile and small wave, Charlotte returning the gesture.

However, Enjar’s stomach dropped, he knew what was about to happen. Trying to slow his breathing, he stared at the ceiling waiting for the familiar prick of a needle as the bed was raised so he could sit.

“So, Enjar, uh, we have a new nurse here, she’s a student in her last year of study, and I wanted her to get some experience with… your…condition… Is it okay if she does your IV? I’ll watch her the entire time, don’t worry.” Enjar groaned, looking at the nervous looking nurse. She couldn’t be more that 23 at best. “Sure… just get over with.”

“Are you ready?” The nurse asked timidly, Enjar shaking his head. He exhaled, sitting up a little more to look at the nurse as she prepared the needle. “Okay, um… I just need to uh…” The nurse stumbled over her words, looking a little intimidated. Charlotte watched her and gave her a small smile, reaching out and holding Enjar’s shaking hand whilst they waited. “You’re okay. He’s fine.” She encouraged her, Enjar eyeing the needle angrily as it was unsheathed. “Where do you want it?” She asked, her voice trying to cover her nervousness.

Through the haze of sickness, Enjar could tell she was intimidated by him, but he could never be sure if it was his scars or himself. “Hand-” He tried to say, before a series of coughs overcame him, forcing him to hunch over, wheezing. “Hand, please…” He gasped, clearing his throat as he pushed himself up into a sitting position. The cold sensation of the alcoho swab nearly made him throw up.

Enjar glared at the needle watching it get closer to his skin, biting his lip as the point neared the skin the top of his hand. “Just a little prick, alright. I’ll try and get it first go, but sorry if I don’t.” She murmured, taking a deep breath. Enjar gripped the blanket with his other hand, doing his best to stay still. He glared at the needle, watching it get closer to his skin, biting his lip as the point pricked the top of his hand. It slid in, but the young nurse sighed.

“I’m so sorry, sir… I missed.” Quickly pulling out the needle, she smiled softly at Enjar, who grimaced. He could already feel his mind shutting down. “It’s fiiihh… tryyy aga…” Enjar’s eyes went distant, rolling back in his head and his body going still with a sigh. The nurse froze, going stiff with worry as Enjar’s body sagged, sliding sideways, being caught by Charlotte, who sat him up. His head dangled limply as she moved him, tipping his head back so he could breathe better.

“You’re okay. This isn’t the first time it’s happened.” The doctor began, looking at the mortified nurse. “Mr Neilson has a trauma response to needles, syncope. Started last year after a bad bout of appendicitis. Try again, he’s fine.” The nurse relaxed a little, glancing at the scarred, deep slashes on Enjar’s arms. She wondered what had caused such brutal injuries. She poked his hand a second and third time. “He’s got hard veins…” She muttered, stepping back suddenly as Enjar’s hand twitched. “Yeah, his veins are rollers. Take one more shot.” Charlotte encouraged the young nurse.

She nodded as Enjar twitched again, coming back to reality. The nurse looked into his dark, blue-grey eyes and smiled sympathetically. “Welcome back sir, I’m afraid I need to try one more time.” Enjar’s lips puled tight as he nodded, lying back against the bed behind him, waiting to probably pass out again. “Try feeling for it, give it a little tap.” Charlotte spoke quietly, pointing to a vein on Enjar’s hand.

Enjar moaned softly, “You’re okay, man…” Matthew squeezed his shoulder, “No, it’s fine… I just feel…” Enjar shuddered, swallowing a gag. The student nurse smiled sympathetically, feeling Enjar’s softly shaking hand as he took a deep breath in. She slid it in, Enjar inhaling at the slight prick. “Got it!” She looked up with a smile. “Good job… hardly felt it…” Enjar mumbled weakly, lying back and sighing as his eyes slid shut. He didn’t feel as bad this second time, but everyone assumed he must have passed out again. He wanted to, but his mind refused.

The nurse then applied some medication to his ears, causing Enjar to wince as she touched his right ear. “Oh!” She exclaimed, going red. “Sorry, I thought you were out again.” Enjar shook his head, turning his ear to face her, enjoying the cold sensation of the ear drops draining into his ear canal.

As she left, she pulled back the curtains surrounding them, George turning to look at them with glee. “Oh, hello neighbours!” He exclaimed with glee, Enjar stiffening as he pretended to be asleep. Matthew shot George a look, “Shhh.” He hissed, “My friend is asleep.”

The guy didn’t seem to care as he informed Matthew about the 12 stitches the doctor had just put in his now heavily bandaged hand. George burped loudly, Matthew sighing as he turned away from him.

“Hooray...” Enjar mumbled sleepily.

~next~

~masterlist~

✨Taglist✨

@i-eat-worlds

@emcscared-whumps

[softspiderling]

spinning out (waiting for ya)

summary: “What if we borrowed Mav’s plane? You said it’s ready to go, right? It shouldn’t take long for us to drive out to Mojave and start that sucker.” Bradley stared at him. Dear god, he married an insane person. "You're not serious, right?" "Nevermind," Jake huffed. "There's no landing strip at the school." "Right, 'cause that's the only problem with your idea." or, the one where Kinsley gets stuck at school and Bradley struggles trying to calm Jake down.

pairing: Jake "Hangman" Seresin x Bradley "Rooster" Bradshaw

warnings: cursing, like always

word count: 2k

author's note: adorbs hangster being adorbs. also the second fic in the hangster!dads universe, deservedly being called my dads are better than yours

“Jesus Christ,” Bradley muttered, shutting the door behind him. He paused by the door, waiting until he could feel his limbs warm up again, the water dripping down his coat on the door mat, forming a puddle. Shuddering, he unzipped his raincoat and hung it on the coat rack, toeing his shoes off. 

Jake jogged up the stairs of the basement, raising a brow at Bradley, who was still standing by the door, looking absolutely miserable. The corner of Jake’s mouth ticked up in a smile, but he hid it, wrapping Bradley in a warm towel he brought from the dryer. 

“I hate rain,” Bradley mumbled, being the Californian raised man that he was, his teeth chattering, while Jake rubbed his back comfortingly. “I can’t believe the storm’s already hitting so hard today. It wasn’t supposed to get worse until tomorrow.”

Bradley’s lower lip jutted out and it takes a lot for Jake not to laugh out loud. But Bradley had volunteered to make the yard and front porch storm-safe, despite hating rain, so Jake figured he was allowed to whine a bit. 

“I know babe, we’re lucky we still got everything done in time. You should take a shower before we have to leave to pick up Kinsley…” Jake said, looking Jake over. “Or I can go by myself, if you don’t want to leave the house again?”

“No,” Bradley immediately protested. “You’re not going by yourself. The streets are flooded and you tend to drive like a crazy person. Give me ten minutes.”

He pressed a quick kiss on Jake’s lips, before racing up the stairs to the bathroom, taking two steps at once. Bradley really did not want to leave the house again until the rain had stopped, but when Kinsley had left for school that morning, the weather hadn’t been that bad yet, so Jake and Bradley had agreed to let her go. But by now, he really regretted letting her go. After taking a quick (hot!) shower, he put on some comfortable clothes, heading back downstairs. 

“Hey babe, you ready to go?”

Bradley looked out of the window as he pulled his coat on, pulling a face when the street in front of their house was even more flooded than ten minutes earlier. They really needed to leave now if they wanted to get to Kinsley’s school before it got even worse.

“I am ready, let’s go,” Jake said, pulling a coat over his sweater. 

Reaching for the car keys, Bradley braced himself to step out back into the rain, when his phone chimed rather obnoxiously. He glanced at it, cursing. 

“What is it?” Jake asked, already trying to push him out of the door. 

“I just got an alert from the National Weather Service, the main streets are blocked for traffic. We can’t get to Kinsley.”

“What?!”

Jake immediately pulled his phone out as well, shaking his head as he read the notification on the screen. 

“They can’t do that, can they?”

“I am pretty sure they just did, babe,” Bradley sighed, walking over to the living room and taking a seat on the couch. When he realized Jake hadn't followed him, he looked up to see his husband staring at him. 

“What are you doing?”

“Sitting down?”

“Get up! We need to get Kinsley from school.”

Bradley blinked at Jake, unsure if he hadn’t heard him say that the streets were blocked. “Did you not hear what I said? The streets are blocked.”

“Well, then we’ll unblock them. We’re Captains for the Navy.”

“We both know it doesn’t work like that.”

Jake pinched the bridge of his nose in annoyance. “I’ll try the school. There’s got to be something we can do.” Bradley watched him dial the school’s phone number, and the ringback tone sounded twice, before-

“The number you dialed is currently busy, please try again later.”

“Son of a bitch!”

With a sigh, Bradley pushed himself off the couch and walked over to Jake, gently steering him to sit down, before joining him. 

Jake was a control freak. He religiously checked their thermostat three times a day to make sure no one had changed it from what he deemed the “perfect temperature for a household”, the dishwasher always had to be loaded a certain way and the towels in the bathroom had to be folded by length. There was no way that he would take a street blockage on the way to their daughter well. 

“Look, Kinsley is not the only kid at school right now, I am sure the other parents are also trying to get ahold of their kids,” Bradley tried, waving his phone at Jake when it started blowing up. “See?”

Janet Mueller: the streets in our neighborhood are blocked and my husband and I can’t get to thomas, can anyone pick him up?

kellan winters: the streets are blocked everywhere, janet. 

Gina DiLorenzo: I tried the school but no one is picking up. 

Trisha Reynolds: I was on the phone with the principal. All streets that are accessible to the school are blocked off, there’s no one leaving or entering the school right now. The school is taking care of the kids and the ones who don’t have a cell phone will call their parents soon.

“This is insane. I knew we shouldn’t have let Kinsley go to school,” Jake groaned, tossing his phone on the coffee table. 

“It’s not like we could’ve predicted that it would get this bad,” Bradley pointed out, squeezing Jake’s thigh gently. “Let’s just wait until Kinsley gives us a call, yeah?”

And waiting they did. Which was excruciating. By the time ten minutes rolled around, Bradley was crawling out of his skin, but he tried not to let it show, it would only set off Jake. They both kept staring at their phones on the coffee table, until one of them rang. Jake immediately picked it up, putting it on speaker. 

“Hi daddy!”

Hearing Kinsley’s tinny, but bright voice immediately calms them down, their shoulders sagging in relief.

“Hi honey.”

“Hi sweetheart, are you alright?”

“Yes! Mrs. James said that because of the storm you can’t pick us up, so we’re going to sleep at school tonight!”

Bradley and Jake exchanged looks. “Is that right?” Jake asked. “That sounds like fun.”

“So fun!! Francesca and I put our sleeping bags next to each other in the gym, it will be just like a sleepover!”

“What about dinner? Are you getting any food?” Bradley asked, knowing full well that Kinsley needed to eat or else she wouldn’t get a wink of sleep.

“They’re making mac and cheese, Liv said they put in five different cheeses!”

“Five?! That’s blasphemous,” Bradley exclaimed and Kinsley giggled, before they heard someone talking to her just out of earshot. 

“Mrs. James said I have to say good-bye, the others have to call their parents,” Kinsley then said. 

“Alright then, take care of yourself, okay honey?”

“And call us if there’s anything, Kinsley, you hear me?”

“I will, daddy! Love you both!”

The phone call ended before either men could say their good-byes and Bradley only stared at the phone, while Jake fell back on the couch, huffing in annoyance. 

“I am not letting our daughter sleep in a rat-infested school gym,” he then said, a deep frown on his face. 

“It’s not rat-infested.”

“It might as well be,” Jake argued hotly. “I can’t believe you’re just accepting Kinsley spending the night at the school.”

“What am I supposed to do? The streets are blocked, it’s not like I can drive around them,” Bradley sighed, warily eyeing Jake when he lit up.

“What if we borrowed Mav’s plane? You said it’s ready to go, right? It shouldn’t take long for us to drive out to Mojave and start that sucker.”

Bradley stared at him. Dear god, he married an insane person.

“You’re not serious, right?”

“Nevermind,” Jake huffed. “There’s no landing strip at the school.”

“Right, ‘cause that’s the only problem with your idea.”

Jake glared at him. “I don’t hear any suggestions from you.”

“How about we just relax for a second, hm?” Bradley suggested carefully, taking Jake’s hand in his. “While it isn’t the most ideal situation right now, Kinsley is not in danger and the school is taking care of it the best way they can.”

Jake exhaled deeply, before nodding. 

“I guess I can appreciate the school doing its best. They came highly recommended after all,” he lamented and Bradley chuckled, raising his hand to run his fingers through his husband’s hair. 

“... What are you doing?”

“Trying to calm you down, what do you think?”

“You can’t seduce me.”

“I wasn’t- my god. I was just trying to distract you,” Bradley grumbled, before tilting his head. “You know what? That’s not such a bad idea after all.”

“Bradley!” Jake protested when Bradley unceremoniously flipped him on his back, clambering on top of him. “You’re insane. You can’t possibly think you could distract me with sex while our daughter stuck in school in the middle of a storm.”

Bradley raised an eyebrow at his husband, noticing his reluctance already crumbling. He leaned down and started kissing along Jake’s neck, making him moan. 

“This is wrong,” Jake choked out and Bradley nosed along the spot where he knew Jake was particularly sensitive. 

“Come on, sweetheart, let’s focus on us right now, hm?”

Bradley moved his kisses upwards, until he finally pressed a kiss on Jake’s lips. Jake hummed into the kiss, but as Bradley pulled away for some air, Jake leaned on his arms, scooting back a few inches. 

“We should call her again. Just to make sure she’s okay.”

“And I’ve lost you,” Bradley sighed, sitting up. 

“I am sorry, darlin’ I am just really worried about Kinsley. You know how she gets sleeping in an unfamiliar bed.”

“Well, she’s not really sleeping in a bed.”

Bradley knew those were the wrong words when Jake frowned at him, reaching for the phone.

“It can’t hurt to check up on her.”

Bradley sighed, knowing it was no use arguing with him, and as Jake dialed the school’s phone number, the lights started flickering, before turning off completely, leaving them in darkness, only the occasional lighting outside offering some vision. 

“You’ve got to be kidding me.”

“I feel like that’s a sign from god that we should relax a bit.”

“Well, I feel like it’s a sign from god to definitely check up on our daughter,” Jake huffed, pressing the dial button. The phone rang once, before ending the call.

“The hell?”

Jake redialled the number, but nothing. 

“The phone towers must be off because of the storm,” Bradley lamented and Jake cursed, rubbing his temples. 

“This cannot be happening right now.”

six unread messages

Janet Mueller: I heard the kids are having mac and cheese for dinner, but thomas is lactose-intolerant, is there any way we can change the menu?

kellan winters: im pretty sure the school has every kid’s allergy list and won’t give him dairy, janet

There was something sharp jabbed into his side and an incessant ringing next to his ear. Bradley peeked an eye open and a ray of sun was shining directly into his eye. When the hell did the sun come back out? The ringing stopped, just as soon as Bradley realized what was ringing the whole time. He sprang up, waking up Jake in the process, who was dozing on his chest, but now glaring at Bradley. 

“What was that for?”

“The phone. It was ringing,” Bradley explained, picking it up. “We must’ve fallen asleep last night.”

The phone started ringing again and Bradley immediately picked up, putting it on speaker. “This is Captain Bradshaw.”

“Hi Mr. Bradshaw, this is Hannah Jones calling from Ocean Beach elementary school, we’re calling to let you know that the streets have been opened back up for traffic. You can pick up your daughter now.”

Jake already scrambled off the couch, while Bradley was trying to hang up. 

“Thank you Ms. Jones!”

“Bradley, come on!”

Janet Mueller: My husband and I are at a polo race right now, we can’t pick up thomas, can anyone take him home?

kellan winters: oh my god, janet.

tagging people who were excited: @aaronsmith94 @kajjaka @utterly-in-like @luckyladycreator2 @idiomaticpunk

[cuppachar]

Tagged by the lovely @fanficfanattic

Rules: in a new post, show the last line you wrote (or drew) and tag as many people as there are words (or however many you like).

For the next WTSE (that will hopefully be up soon)

'Jamie leaves with a grin ‘cause he feels good. He did something good.

It makes this, him, feel better. It’s still not great. It won’t be until Colin is awake and okay, but it’s better, just a little bit.'

and also, this (although it is part of draft and may change) a scene for one of the IA&B AU-One-shots (Steve Harrington Whump fics)

'Eddie pushes past Steve's father, through the doorway, almost shoulder-checking the older man out of the way. Ignoring the protest from both Harrington's, Eddie runs up the stairs, taking two steps at a time. "Steve, are you here?" he calls out. "Where you at, buddie?"

Steve's not in his room or his bathroom and Eddie assumes whatever happened, happened when Steve was mid-way through packing, a half filled duffel bag on his bed, clothes strewn haphazardly across the sheets. Steve had been packing. Steve had been leaving.

More importantly, Steve wasn't here right now.

The Harrington's are scrabbling to pick up the strewn paperwork that still lay scattered across the floor, quietly arguing between themselves, and straighten quickly when Eddie re-appears on the stairs.

"I want you to leave this house before I call the police," Steve's mother hisses.

Eddie stares at the older couple until something catches his eye. Stalling mid-step on the stairs Eddie sees, through the open door of the kitchen, a patch of red on the corner of the high kitchen bar top - wet and smeared over the sharp edge, enough to have dripped down the leg of the counter, pooling into a small puddle on the floor.

"He's hurt?" he sharply says, voice pitched tight with concern and anger.

Richard Harrington scoffs.

"You hit him?" Eddie asks, voice cold and coild.

"It was a slap," Steve's father scoffs in response. Eddie curls his hands into a fist, but manages the rest of the stairs, and the half dozen steps to the kitchen without hitting the man. The blood looks tacky, not quite dried, but not wet either. Enough time to pass to make Eddie realise Steve probably left a little while ago."Hardly a hit."

"The boy's a fool," Steve's mother chips in. "He ran out of here," she gestures towards the kitchen door, which Eddie only now realises is open, a small smudge of blood , smeared fingertips grasping at the edge of the door. "Into the woods, no less," she curls her mouth into a sneer. "Without even putting his shoes or jacket on."

Eddie stiffens, the coiled anger and anxiety now fully alarmed and on alert.

"He's out there, hurt, in the woods, in this weather bare foot?" Eddie whirls around to look at Steve's parents, takes in their disinterest, their indifference, their whatever it was that Eddie had interrupted, over what the hell had happened between Steve and his parents. "It's like 44 degrees out there, and raining.

"Like, my wife said," Richard Harrington dismisses. "Our son is a fool."

(Ooops, that's longer than I expected lol)

I haven't thought about who I'm gonna tag, so i'm gonna cheat and say, hey folks, anyone who's interested, i'm tagging you.

[boldlyvoid]

Come On, Eileen | Part Three

Eddie Munson x Eileen Mayfield (OC)

Summary: Eileen Mayfield moves to Hawkins in the wake of her step-brother's death, to care for her little sister, Max. The last thing she expects is to fall in love with their new neighbour at the trailer park.

Warnings: allusions to sex(a lot), flirting, lots of fluff, dropping out of High School, arguments with teachers, self-pitty/self-doubt

the Luna Halo version of Untouchable is in this fic

Masterlist

word count: 5.3k

Wayne opens Eddie's door in the morning to wake him up for school like he sometimes did, only to find Eileen and him all snuggled up together under the covers, bare arms showing, it didn’t look like they had any clothes on. He simply closes it again and knocks this time, allowing them to wake slightly and cover up before allowing him in. 

“Dad, I can explain,” it just slips out in Eddie's half-awake state. He sits up, making sure Eileen is still covered, she barely reacts, she rolls over and shoves her face into the pillow.

“It’s okay, you’re both adults,” he waves his hands, “just, it’s time to get up and get ready…” 

“Okay, sorry,” he apologizes, rubbing his eyes in the morning light. 

“All good,” he assures Eddie as he closes the door again, leaving them alone. 

“Do you think he knows I’ve been here almost all month?” Eileen whispers as she reaches out for him.

He snuggles back into her, naked bodies pressed together once again. He would never be used to how normal and safe he felt with her. It was somehow like she had always been there like they’ve been sleeping side by side for years… or she just knew how to play house really well. 

She gives him a kiss on the cheek, always afraid of her morning breath. “Come on,” he pulls away a bit and looks at her with a pout, “one kiss?” 

She moves in ever so slowly and presses her lips against his, he obnoxiously breathes in through his nose and squeezes her tight. She giggles, letting it happen because she loved what he did next. In a goblin voice, he reminds her, “you’re mine,” with an evil laugh after. 

She just shook her head, still laughing at him, in complete love with this loser. “You’re such an idiot.” 

“I thought that’s why you liked me?” 

“It contributes,” she doesn’t lie. Not anymore. “I think I’m going to go home and have a shower before school…”

“Shower here,” he wouldn’t mind joining her but he doesn’t say it. 

“Okay,” she agrees rather easily. She wiggles out of his grip and tosses the blanket aside while he just stares. 

He was beyond lucky to get to see her in all her glory, stretching after a long night in an old bed with a restless sleeper, her arms stretching over her head, her boobs perky and delicious, he licks his lips while he sucks in a shaky breath. 

“You coming?” 

His eyes almost pop out of his head, “what?” 

“Come on,” she motions towards the door, grabbing one of his shirts and slipping into it. It was just long enough to keep her modesty from Wayne, thank god. The last thing Eddie wanted was for her to feel uncomfortable while he was home… and he also didn’t want Wayne to be uncomfortable having a girl in His trailer. Eddie was just lucky to live there, he had to remember that. 

They sneak out of his room and into the tiny bathroom tighter.  The shower is definitely not meant for two, but when the water is hot enough, they get in together carefully. They trade places back and forth, one rinsing while the other shampoos and vice versa. They spend a lot of time giggling, singing songs together, making sure shampoo doesn’t get in their eyes and sharing lots and lots of kisses. 

Just before they get out, she wraps her arms around his middle and rests her cheek on his wet chest. He holds her back gently, the water cascades down her back and puddles at their feet, starting to get cold. They just take a moment to enjoy each other. 

“Do you wanna get breakfast before class?” He whispers, “I haven’t gotten to take you on a date yet.”

“I don’t expect you to, where would you get the money for that?”

He shrugs, “I have a job you don’t know about…” 

“Oh?” She looks up at him with wet eyelashes all clumped together and the brightest eyes. 

“I’m surprised you haven’t caught on to me?” He teases, reaching for the faucet to turn off the shower. “Random people come here throughout the day and pick something up under my front step and then I go out there and get money…” 

“oh…” she doesn’t seem too impressed by that. “You’re not going to like get caught and go to jail on me, right?” 

He shakes his head, “god, no, I have like 10 regulars. They come to me because the main supplier is a bit of a drive away. Rick gives me their stuff and I make sure they get it and Rick gives me a decent cut.” 

“Okay,” she’s reluctant to believe it’ll all be okay. 

“I used to work at guitar world before the mall burned down,” he adds, knowing that was a hard spot for her but mentioning it anyway. “And if it helps, I get free weed that you can also use anytime you want?” 

She chuckles lightly, easing up on him a bit. She presses a kiss to the centre of his chest and looks up at him with her big green eyes, “I just got you, I don’t want to lose you so soon.” 

“You won’t,” he presses his forehead against hers and looks closely into her eyes. “I promise.” 

—

It doesn’t take long for her to get ready for school, or Eddie. They move around the room together in a choreographed dance they learned over the last week of essentially living together. Her mom knew she was staying with Eddie, only because Eileen made sure to tell her there was a real bed available and waiting for her when she got home from work. Max wasn’t too happy about it, but at least it stopped Lucas from sneaking in anymore. 

They meet Max at the van about 10 minutes before the first bell, hair still wet as they frantically tried to make it on time. They had a pep rally, it was the first week of football season and not only was Lucas on the team, Jeff made it too, meaning Eddie was doubly required to go cheer them on. 

“You guys are disgusting,” she rolls her eyes as she flings the van door open. “If you’re going to be late can you at least not give away why?” 

“We had a shower,” Eileen laughs, “nothing happened, Wayne is home.” 

“Oh, at least you’re considerate of him,” she scoffs and takes her seat. 

“You wanna walk?” Eddie asks, reaching for the back door to pull it closed, making a point to stare at Max. “Cause you can walk.” 

“No,” she mumbles and looks away from him just as he slams the door shut. 

He gets in the front seat, starts the obnoxiously loud engine and turns to Eileen. “Seat belts, girlies, good,” he notices they’re both ready to go. He places his arm on the back of his seat and looks behind himself, van in reverse, and they’re out of there. 

He is a crazy driver, but Eileen was getting used to it. It was only a 3-minute drive but that didn’t stop him from speeding down the road and harshly turning onto the school's unpaved driveway. He slowed down as he moved past the middle school, avoiding all the idiot kids that ran across the road before he pulled up to the high school to let Max get out. 

“Are you guys not coming?” She looks disappointed. 

“We’re letting you out to get a good spot, were going to park the van,” Eileen explained. 

“Okay,” Max smiles again as she slides the door open, visibly so proud and excited for her boyfriend. 

It doesn’t take long for them to find a parking spot. They grab their things and meet in front of the van where Eddie takes her hand and holds it throughout their walk back to the gym. Everyone looks at them as they pass, it’s weird seeing the Freak with a girl, let alone a pretty girl dressed in the cutest green skirt and matching ribbon in her hair… not to mention she was wearing one of Eddie’s Corroded Coffin shirts to really cement that she was his.  

She liked how they all looked at them, partially jealous and mostly confused as to how he landed her. If only they knew he was the softest, most loveable man in the entire world. 

They meet Max inside the gym a few minutes later, they push their way through the stands to be with her, Mike and Dustin. 

“What are you doing up so early?” Dustin teases him. 

“It’s hellfire law to support all members in all their individual heroic endeavours, and this year 2 of my satanic children made the football team,” he explains, always just the slightest bit over the top. “So yeah, I’m going to go all out for them.” 

She loved him so much it wasn’t even funny. 

She enjoyed standing on the bleachers with him, holding his hand and leaning against his arm, she pressed the occasional kiss to his cheek, admiring his freckles and long eyelashes. 

She barely pays attention to the national anthem, or the captain's speech, she simply couldn’t wait to get out of there and spend the day with Eddie. He was getting close to just dropping out anyway, he was smart enough for the GED test, and he didn’t need the constant berating from the teachers. Soon the two of them would be free to do whatever they wanted together. 

If she didn’t love Max so much, the two of them would’ve run away together by now. She could see them living in the van for a bit, playing around the country until they had enough money for their own place in a town they could call their own… maybe even have their own family together there. She wanted a long and fulfilling life with Eddie. 

After the assembly, they begin their walk back to the parking lot, they make it to the van and she immediately pushes him against it, kissing him on the lips roughly. He’s shocked at first and then he settles into it, holding her hips, he slips his knee between her thighs and grinds her against him with a groan. 

“Fuck,” he mumbles against her lips. “We can’t do this here…” 

“Let’s go home then?” She proposes. 

“Waynes home and your mom doesn’t start work till 10,” he reminds her that there wouldn’t be a good place to get anything steamy accomplished. 

“We have a perfectly good van that can be parked anywhere,” she reminds him. “Let’s go find a back road somewhere?” 

“MM!” He groans, “god, I love you.” 

“Really?” She melts, eyes wide like a cartoon, she couldn’t believe he said it. 

“Let me show you,” he picks her up and opens the van door before setting her on the seat and buckling her in. He kisses her cheek gently first and then closes the door carefully. Ever the gentleman. 

He drives them out to the middle of nowhere, taking the van off-road down a little path and parking just in front of a giant rock. “Skull rock,” he announces, to be exact. “Everyone comes here to get laid, just mostly when the sun goes down.” 

“Is this your first time here?” 

“For sex stuff? Yeah,” he answers honestly. “I’ve made out with some people here but it never went far… I don’t think anyone wanted the freak on their roster.” 

“Good,” she took off her seatbelt and climbed into the back seat. “More for me.” 

She has been in the back of his van a few times, she knew he had blankets under the seat from when they went star gazing last weekend… more like the stars ended up watching them fall in love. Their million-year-old light lit up the sky, illuminating their brand new love story. She was so used to sleeping with him in the middle of the night, when no one was home and it was just them against the world, waiting all day for moments like this. 

He joins her in a heartbeat. They lay out the blanket and then he’s on top of her, hovering gently, he brushes some hairs out of her face and she has to do the same for him. She tucks his stray hairs behind his ear and smiles up at him, “I love you too, by the way.” 

He hungrily kisses her, pressing his body against hers, and he settles between her legs. She wraps them around him, holding him there with her hands in his hair. She moaned into his mouth as his tongue slipped in, giving her a little taste of heaven. 

His hands travel behind her, rolling them over so she’s on top of him, sitting in his lap with more leverage to grind against him. “Come on,” she whispers against his lips, reaching her arms up so he can pull his shirt off her body. 

He presses little kisses to her chest, basking in her glorious cleavage, he pressed his face between them and breathed her in, “god, you’re going to be the death of me one of these days.” 

She giggled and reached for his shirt, “says you… you’re so fucking hot, Eddie… it’s actually maddening.” 

He grips her hair, arching her head to the side s he can kiss her neck up to her ear. “Is that what’s wrong with you? You went mad?” 

She nods, “I need you, so bad.” 

He pulls on the zipper on her skirt, lowering it as far as it could go before motioning for her to sit back so he could pull it off of her. He tossed her back against the seat, giving her somewhere to rest her head as he spread her leg and laid between them. Fascinated by her pussy ever since he was first granted access, all those days ago. About 29AP (after pussy) to be exact… that was a new measurement of time Eddie created just to bug her. And it worked. 

And for a newbie, he was surprisingly very good at what they did together. He took the time to study her the first time, they didn’t just fuck that night, they made love for hours and then they were late to class the next morning… but it didn’t matter. Nothing seemed to matter outside of her time with him. 

—

School was impossible to focus on when he was busy planning the rest of his life with Eileen in his head. He was supposed to be reading the assigned book and writing down the important plot points, instead, he was doodling all over the lined paper. 

“Mr. Munson!” His teacher's voice made his skin crawl. “If you want to spend this much time doodling, might I suggest you join the art class?” 

Ms. O’Donall was a royal pain in his ass, you’d think after 3 years she’d let up on him, but no. it just got worse the longer he was in this fucking school. 

He finally snaps, sitting up straight and staring at her like she’s a fucking idiot. “How dense are you?” 

“Excuse me?”  

“Every year for the last 3 years I have sat here and listened to the same bullshit and wrote the same papers and essays and news reports, I’ve worked my ass off and all you’ve done is berate me!” He shouts, standing up and smacking the desk. “Do you think I want to be here?”

“Detention. A week.” 

“Bite me,” he picks up his shit and heads for the door. “I’m so fucking tired of this place.” 

He wanders out into the hall, not caring that she was screaming after him about making it two weeks if he didn’t make it to the principal's office. He really didn’t give a fuck. He was so close to just dropping out. He just needed one final push… so he heads out to the phone booth by the gym, digs through his bag for a few quarters and dials the only number he has memorized. 

“Hello?” Shannon picked up with a dull voice, there was a distant crying in the background, it didn’t sound like she was having a good day either. 

“Hey, Shan,” he instantly smiles. “How are you?” 

“Eddie,” her voice fills with joy, “hey girls!! It’s uncle Eddie!” 

The sound of them screaming his name and their little feet running towards the phone is too cute for his heart to take. “How’ve you guys been?” 

“Busy,” she sighs, “Pats working more than normal so it’s just me and the rascals here, you guys wanna say hi?” 

“Yeah!” They cheer, “hi uncle Eddie,” Amanda picks up first. “When are you coming to see us?” 

“Soon, Mandy-pants, that’s why I called your mommy, I need some help from my big sister,” he explains it softly to her. “Maybe I can come for Gracies birthday?” 

“You hear that grace?” She hands the phone to her sister, “hi Eddie!” She yells. 

“Hey Gracie, I miss you.” 

“I miss you!” She calls back, “are you coming to my party?” 

“I would love to! It’s not every day my littlest niece turns 5, now is it?” He loves talking to them. His heart filled with so much love and joy. “Can I talk to your mommy?” 

“Here, mommy,” he can hear her pass the phone, making it crackle and fuzz as it changed hands. 

“Did you say you’re coming here soon?” 

“Yeah, is that okay?” He feels nervous. “I won’t be staying the night or anything, I just need to get away.” 

“Of course, I don’t mind if you stayed here forever, I miss you too, ya know,” she meant that with all of her heart. “What’s got you so down?” 

“Well… I have a girlfriend—

“No way?” She cuts him off. “Since when?” 

“About a month ago,” he feels shy sharing this with her. “Her name is Eileen, she lives beside me and Wayne now. Uh, well, she’s already graduated and super smart right, and I fucking hate being at this school and I was thinking… what if I came to Cincinnati and on my way there I can hit up that adult education place in Shelbyville and get my GED and start working instead?” 

“Did you knock her up?” Is the first thing she asks. 

“No?” He laughs, “no, I’m just tired of working my ass off at this school and barely passing. I know I can pass the test if I did it anywhere but here.” 

“I support you,” he replies sweetly. It’s all he was looking for. “Let me know what day you’re coming, we can have a big family dinner.” 

“And I’ll come back with Eileen for Grace’s birthday,” he assures her. “I really think you’ll like her.” 

“Well, if you love her, then I’m sure I will,” she sees right through him. “I’m proud of you, Eds, I hope you know that.” 

“I do,” he smiles, but he’s cut off by the operator's voice. “You have 1 minute remaining, please insert coins for additional time.”

“Are you calling from school?” She asks. 

“Yeah, just got kicked out of English,” he admits. “But I’m gonna go, tell the girls to be good or I won’t come visit.” 

“You hear that!” She called out to the girls, still sitting near the phone. “He said if you’re not good he can't come visit.” 

He can’t help but laugh at the way they promise they’ll be the best girls in the world. He knows they don’t even have to try for that. “I love you guys.” 

“We love you, say bye,” she holds the phone to the girls. “Bye uncle Eddie! Love you!” 

“i love you girls, bye,” he smiles as he hangs up. 

That could be him one day. He could have a family of his own, he could provide for them and treat them better than any father on earth has before. If he was really going to make his mother proud, he would insure her grandchildren had the best lives possible. That was already 50% complete, he couldn’t wait to add more little people to love into their life. 

—

He’s acting strange that night after school. 

She notices during dinner that he barely eats, he pushes the peas around his plate until they get stuck in the mashed potatoes and sets his fork down with a sigh. Max wasn’t home, it was just the two of them, so why was he this quiet?

“What did you do?” 

“Huh?” He looks at her with so much guilt. 

“Edward.” 

“I dropped out,” he drops his head in shame, “I have a plan though, I promise. I’m not just going to be a drug dealer in a failing band anymore, I’m going to get my GED this weekend and get a job and maybe even go to the community college?”

“Where did this come from?” She’s so confused. 

He shrugs, “I’m tired of people making me feel stupid here.”

She gets up from her seat and goes over to him, she swings an arm around his shoulders and sits on his lap, “sweetheart, you are far from stupid.” 

“Thanks,” he gives her a sweet smile. He loves having her close like this, sitting in his lap, his hand trailing up and down her legs, the other wrapped around her waist to hold her in place. 

She snuggles into his neck, “I mean it.” 

“I just don’t want you to be disappointed or follow me… I’ll still drive you to school every day.”  

“It’s okay,” she assures him with a kiss on the cheek. “I’d still love you if you were in school till 30.” 

“They’d kick me out at 21,” he reminds her. “But thank you.” 

She gives him a little giggle, “you’re stuck with me now, Munson. I hope you know that.” 

“I do,” he places his hand on her cheek and draws her in for a long, passionate kiss. Breathing her in through his nose, he would suck the soul out of her this way if he could. Like he wouldn’t be complete until they were 1 being. 

She pulls back with a smile, “so when are you doing the test?” 

“This weekend, I think? I told Shannon I was going to do it over in Shelbyville so I might as well go see her and the girls while I’m at it,” he admits. “And Grace is having a birthday party in November if you want to come?” 

“I’d love to.” She steals another kiss from him in the silence, “what kind of present should we get her?” 

“I actually already have their presents,” he admits. “I got them a couple of ukuleles in the summer. When the mall burned down, when I lost my job, they told me to take anything that wasn’t damaged as severance. So I got it for them.” 

“That’s so cute,” she swoons. “You’re gonna be a good dad one day.” 

His heart grows 4 more sizes, “you think so?” 

She nods, “yeah, you’re literally the sweetest, you’re so imaginative, you’re cuddly and soft… they’re gonna love you so much.” 

He kisses her again and again and again, all over her face and neck while she breaks down in a fit of giggles. He picks her up then, disregarding the dishes and leftovers that need to be put away, “put me down,” she orders before he can reach the door. “I have to clean up first, then we can go home and practice the baby-making, okay?” 

He was more than okay with that.

—

Unbeknownst to Eddie, Eileen handed out sheet music to his own band and asked to borrow them for her set during her night at the Hideout. She turned one of her songs about him into a rock song, she snuck his extra electric guitar into the van and told him she had a surprise. But he never imagined this. 

2 weeks ago, when Eddie travelled up to see his sister and his GED, he thought Eileen was just at home with her sister, maybe even hanging out with Wayne… they got on pretty well now that she was over all the time. What he didn’t know is that she went to Gareth’s house, made a song with his band and picked up a congratulatory cake for him on her way back to the trailer. 

Gareth was not expecting a call from her, especially not when Eddie was out of town. But he listened to her request anyway, “yeah, I can call the guys to practice… what’s this about?” 

“I wrote a song for Eddie and I’m having trouble making it more rock-y, can you help?” 

“Yeah! That sounds fucking sick,” he gets so hyped. “You want me to come pick you up?” 

“Can you?” She begs, “I was just going to walk over with my guitar.” 

“Eddie would kill me if anything happened to you while he’s gone, dude,” he clarifies. “I’ll just give the boys a shout and then I’ll be at his trailer in 15? Sound good?” 

“Perfect, thanks Gareth.” 

“Any time, Red.” 

He kept his word, he drove up in his beat-up old car and honked twice to let her know it was him. He didn’t open her door or help her with her things, he wasn’t as chivalrous as Eddie, but he was a good friend, that’s for sure. 

In Gareth’s garage, she plays it for them on the acoustic guitar, it’s mellow and filled with love when she really wanted it to be a lustful rock song. She wanted to show him just how much she loved him, so much so that she’d change genres for him. 

It didn’t take very long for Jeff to learn it on guitar or show her how she could make it cooler with the electric version. Gareth found a beat, adding a flare to the song that she didn’t know it needed, and then Kev came in with the bass. It ended up being pretty fucking sick by the end of the night. 

She sends Eddie out into the crowd to get a drink for himself, saying that she’s fine to set up by herself, it was her 3rd time performing there anyway, not to mention all the shows of Eddie’s she’s watched there too, she knew where everything was now. 

“You guys ready?” She asked them, “you practiced?” 

Gareth nods, “yeah, man, it’s a sick song. I still can’t believe we made this?” 

She laughs, “it’s a lot different from my normal stuff… I hope he likes it.” 

“He’s gonna cream his jeans,” Jeff teases. “This is like his biggest dream come true, he’s always said it would be sick to have someone write a song about him. It’s even cooler that it’s a sex song.” 

She blushes, “you didn’t have to make it obvious.” 

“Come on,” Gareth shoves her lightly, “he made you cum so hard you saw stars and you wrote a whole song about it… that’s pretty fucking cool.” 

“he’d say its metal,” she can’t help but smirk. “You guys ready to do this?” 

“Hell yeah!” They cheer back, following her lead towards the stage. 

She plugs the guitar into the amp and strums it a few times as the spotlights turn back on, illuminating her. “Can you make them blue?” She asks into the mic and sure enough, they turn blue. “Thanks, man… uh, so tonight I’m doing something a little different from my normal set, so, please welcome back to the stage three-fourths of corroded coffin!” 

Eddie watches on from the audience with a bewildered look on his face, mumbling, “what the fuck?” To himself before taking a sip of his drink and moving in closer for a better seat. 

He’s never heard her play electric before. She’s really good, and then the band comes in. “Untouchable, like a distant diamond sky. Keep reaching out and I still can't tell you why, I’m caught up in you!”

His jaw drops, and his jeans get tighter, he can’t believe they helped her write a song about him. 

“Untouchable, burning hotter than the sun,” she sings with such a raspy voice, close to the mic, he knew her breath was hot and he wished it was him she was that close to right now.  

“and when you're close I just want to come undone…”

He loses his shit when the beat changes, the chorus hits and he’s jumping to the beat. 

“And the in middle of the night when I'm in this dream. It's like a million little stars spelling out your name. You gotta, come on come on, say that we'll be together,

Come on come on, little taste of heaven

It's half full and I won't wait here all day. I know you'll say that I'll be here anyway

And in the middle of the night when I'm in this dream, it's like a million little stars spelling out your name. You gotta, come on come on, I wanna be together

Come on come on

And in the middle of the night we could form this dream. I wanna feel you in the dark lying next to me. You gotta, come on come on, say that we'll be together

Come on, Come on, little taste of heaven."

He’s mesmerized all through the song, but especially when she breaks off into a guitar solo, shredding his old and neglected electric guitar like it’s been hers this whole time. It was absolutely fucking amazing, so good he starts to sing back to her. 

“Come on, come on! Don’t make me wait forever!! Come on come on!!! Say that we’ll be together! Little taste of heaven! My little Taste of Heaven!” 

He claps like a maniac, cheering louder than anyone in the room, but overall, the environment was wild. They all loved it, and why wouldn’t they? It was so fucking cool… he just hated that she had a few songs left to play. If it was up to him, she’d be with him in a stall right now, seeing stars again. 

He counts the seconds until she’s off the stage, practically running back there to get his hands on her as soon as he can. “BABE!” He yells, arms in the air, a dumbfounded look on his face. “Where the fuck did that come from?” 

She shrugs, taking the guitar off her body and placing it back in its case before she skipped over to him and hopped up into his arms, she clings to him. “Did you like it?” 

“Like it?” He laughs and nips at her bottom lip with his teeth, she steals a kiss anyway. “I loved it.” 

She lets out an evil giggle, “I can feel it,” she whispers in his ear. 

“Hey, uh, we got this,” Gareth points at all their stuff, “you two go be indecent somewhere private. For Christ's sake…”

They didn’t have to tell him twice, Eddie carries her towards the performer's bathroom and shoves her against the door as soon as they’re inside. Their lips collide, desperate for each other in a way they’ve never been before, it was a do-or-die situation for them. 

He unbuttons her jeans and pushes them down alongside her panties, kissing her neck and over her shirt on his way down with them. He only takes them off one leg, so she can get back into them quickly, then he picks her up, wrapping her legs around his hips, and he sets her down on the sink. 

She starts working on his belt once she’s settled, he runs his hands through her slightly sweaty hair, pulling her attention back up to his face, “you are very touchable, I’ll have you know.” 

She shakes her head with a smirk, “I meant it like no one new can touch me again… no one but you.” 

@fightingdragonswithreid @mrs-dr-reid @kyomito @reidselle @venomsvl @nomajdetective @girl-with-an-orange-cat @stevesmunsons 

[arrowflier]

My water heater is broken, and I had my first hot shower in two weeks visiting my parents this weekend.  It made me think of this.

Cleansed

Mickey had never really thought that the Gallagher bathroom was anything special.  A spit-splattered mirror, cracked tiles, and a toilet that wouldn’t flush unless you jiggled the handle—even he’d grown up with that much.

But right now, standing naked in the center of it as steam starts to fill the room, listening to the soft splash of water on over-scrubbed porcelain and the quiet rattle of metal rings as he pulls back the curtain, he thinks it might be the best fucking bathroom he’s ever seen.

Water is already filling the bottom of the tub, pouring out faster than it can drain through old, clogged pipes.  But it’s warm when Mickey steps in, as it swirls around his aching feet, and if he closes his eyes he thinks it might feel like the ocean had back in Mexico.

He doesn’t, though.  He keeps them open.  

Open, so he can see where he is.  Not for safety, but to make sure it stays real.  He tugs the curtain closed, a flimsy thing covered in childish patterns that barely even keeps the water inside, and feels more secure than he ever had with three guards watching and a wall at his back.

The stream from the shower head is weak.  He ducks his head into the spray, lets it trickle down over him like rain.  Light, and soft, and welcome, and so unlike the hose-like cleaning he’s come to expect that his shoulders relax despite the lack of pressure.

His eyes do close then, despite himself.  Just for a moment, one single blissful second when nothing else exists.  Then there’s a voice in the hallway, someone walking, and they’re open again in an instant.

But he doesn’t move.

He doesn’t need to.

He does, however, need to get clean.  Needs to wash of the stench of prison, the remnants of the past.  The bits of roadside gravel still stuck in the scrapes on his hands.

And his options seem extensive, all of a sudden, as he eyes the brightly colored bottles that line the edge of the tub.  So much more than the shared bar of soap he’d been using for months.  There’s something pink and flowery, the label faded from overuse; an organic wash for “baby-soft skin” that looks like something out of a magazine ad; a half-used bottle of blue dishsoap with suds running down the sides; a bar of Irish Spring that’s been used down to the last misshapen sliver and then stacked on top of a new one rather than wasted.

Mickey reaches out.  Hesitates with his hand over the soap he knows is Ian’s, before it veers left.  He pours out a healthy dollop of creamy organic bullshit onto a faded washcloth—he never thought he’d be so glad to see a rag that hadn’t been bleached beyond the very concept of color—and works it into a lather.

Even taking his time, it goes quickly.  He’s too used to rushing, too used to making the most of every second.  But the wash feels good on his skin, the grime rinsing off with the soap to stain the water around his feet like sand, and eventually even the puddle he stands in is clear again.

He swipes the washcloth once more over his chest, eyes scanning lazily over a bottle of shampoo, a child’s chipped bath toy, and woman’s razor, a worn loofah, a—

His eyes go back to the razor, washcloth slowing.  Suds cling to the hair on his chest, clean but mussed.  Dark over the ink he knows is there, no matter how many times he thought it might be better to forget.  Ink that’s more part of him than parts of his own body.  Ink that he trapped there under his skin and never let free.

He grabs the razor, and a can of girly shaving gel.  

-

The water has been running a long time.  It’s fine, Ian told him to take as long as he likes.  Is glad that he’s taken him up on it, that he’s comfortable enough to do so in a house that’s apparently full of strangers.

But he knows the hot water will run out soon, and he doesn’t want Mickey to get cold.  So he grabs a change of clothes, a fresh towel, and sneaks through the door as quietly as he can to leave them.

“Who’s there?” Mickey calls out anyway as Ian sets the load carefully on the closed lid of the toilet.  A dark head pops out from behind the curtain, rosy-cheeked from the heat, blue eyes narrowed under wet lashes.

“Ian?” Mickey asks.  “What’re you—“

“Sorry,” Ian rushes to apologize, backing up with both hands out.  “Not trying to interrupt, I know what a big deal that first shower is when you get out.”  He chuckles a little, and adds, “First time in a year without keeping your back to the wall, it’s kind of weird, right?”

“Ian,” Mickey says again, softer.

“I’ll just leave you to it,” Ian rambles.  “Let you have some time alone for once.  And if you need anything just let me—“

He tries to back out the door.  But Mickey steps one foot out of the tub, reaches out with a dripping arm to grab Ian’s wrist.

Ian stares at the point of connection.  Pink skin on pale, water beading along the seam.  Mickey’s hand slips, slides away, and Ian clasps his own tight just in time to catch the very tips of his fingers.

Mickey tugs them back.  Slowly, gently.  Bringing Ian with him through that tenuous connection.

“Come on,” he murmurs, stepping back into the standing water at the bottom of the tub.  

Ian follows mindlessly.  Steps in without even taking off his socks, his sweats, his shirt.  Lets Mickey move his hand up to a broad shoulder, lets it slide down when he lets go.  Settles it over the familiar shape of his own name standing out proudly on suddenly smooth skin.

Mickey reaches up, rests a hand over Ian’s on his chest.  Then he turns around.

“Could use some help with my back,” he says quietly, and Ian swallows back a million words.  A million little phrases to show that he gets it, that he knows what that means.

Instead, he takes hold of the bottle Mickey hands him—the expensive stuff he’d bought on a whim when he got out, eager for all things good until the best came back to him—and gets to work.

[huggybug]

You felt his eyes on you the minute you walked into the room. You looked over and met his eyes across the room. No shame crossed his face at all, he didn't bother looking away. But you did. You didn't want to but you had to. He was a secret, your secret.

You knew he was watching you as you spoke with his teammates and your other friends. You look at him for a second and his eyes were burning holes into your dress. You go to look at him again but he disappeared from his spot. Suddenly you feel hand graze your ass. Goosebumps crawl up your body. You look over to see him looking back at you. Friends too deep in conversation to notice. You bite your lip as you come back to join the group.

You were able to get away from everyone and head to the bathroom. Not wanting to wait in line, you head upstairs. Getting a little break from the party. You do your business and open the door. You're met with a broad chest. Looking up to see those green eyes you fall deep into.

"Do you know how hard it is to keep my hands off of you, when you're wearing this?" He rhetorically asks you, stepping closer to you.

He was inches away from you. His cologne taking over your nostrils. You look down, squeezing your legs together. Trying to stop the feeling going on between them.

"Y/N?" He says putting his finger under your chin to get you to look at him. Your body freezes at the sound of your name.

His gaze going from your eyes to you soft pink lips. He just smirks and pulls you in, lips connecting with yours. The familiar feeling relaxing you but driving you crazy all at once. He pushes you further into the bathroom until your back is against a wall. His lips moving down your jaw line to your neck.

"Steve?" You breath out but easily lose your words. You try and get him to stop but it was no use. "Steven" You say more sternly. He groans and stops kissing you. Hands on the wall blocking you in as he looks you in the eyes.

"What's wrong?" He questions

You get lost in his eyes again. "I-I just thought we could do this in a more private spot" You tell him

He smirks and takes your hand. Dragging you out of the bathroom. Looking down the hall making sure no one was there before leaving the bathroom. He pulls you two doors down to his bedroom.

"Let me take this dress off of you, I need to see you"

You smirk getting closer to him. "That's why I bought it. So you could take it off"

Steven smiles he slowly turns you around. Finding the zipper on your back, he slowly pulls it down. You let the dress fall in a puddle on the ground. Steve steps close behind you pulling your body to his. Starting at your thighs. His hands roam up your body falling over every curve. You sink into his touch you could fully feel his rock hard erection on your ass. You grind up on him, his hands go to your hips as he lets you do your think.

"Get on the bed" He whispers in your ear as you lean back into him. His leans a few kisses on in your before you get out of his hold.

You crawl up on his bed and turn to face him. "Fuck you're so sexy babygirl." He says as he watches you. He takes off his clothes in seconds. He's now naked stroking himself as he approaches you. You were propped up on your elbows as he leans to reach behind you unclasping your bra with one hand.

"Oh fuck" He groans in a deep tone. Steve's free hand runs over your exposed boobs and down to your legs. He picks up your legs and slides your underwear off. Spreading your legs he admires you for bit before rubbing his thumb on your clit. Once your hips buck forward into his hand he stops. He grabs his dick and teases you with the tip.

"Steven please" You whine

"Please what?"

"I have been waiting for this since I walked into the house. So please just fuck me now" You beg

The second you finished his was as deep as he could go in you. You hang on to his forearm as you feel him in your stomach. You squeeze you eyes shut as the feeling.

"Fu-fuck, Oh my god. You feel so good" You finally open your eyes but the roll back from the pleasure of him pounding into you.

His chest glistened with sweat as his gripped your sides to help him go deeper. You bite your lip to stop yourself from screaming.

"You don't have to be quiet baby. You can let everyone know who's been fucking you"

You let out a breath you didn’t even realize you were holding. “Holy fuck. Keep fucking me like that.” You yell

Thrusting fast and hard. Your hands hold onto him has he picks up pace. You were so close to coming. Your pussy tightening around his dick and he slid in and out of you. He pounded you through your high getting you to scream out his name as you came.

Wrapping your legs around him he doesn’t stop thrusting. He grabs your hands and interlocks fingers putting them down as each side of your head. He looks at you with a look you’ve never saw before. Just as you were studying his face. His mouth falls open letting out a breath as he gets sloppier and slower. He grunts and pushed deep into you as he finishes inside you.

Just as you were getting ready to go back to the party, Steve stops you.

“I don’t want to do this anymore” He blurts out

You felt like your heart got stabbed “Wh-what do you mean?”

“I can’t sneak around anymore. I can’t do friends with benefits anymore.” He pauses as he gets closer to you. “I need something more. I need you to be mine and be able to show you off to people. This probably isn’t the best scenario to ask this but will you be my girlfriend?” He confesses

You look at him in shock. “Are you being serious?” You question making sure he wasn’t joking

“As serious as I’ll ever be”

You smile, grab the back of his head and pull him down for a kiss. “That’s a yes by the way” You say before kissing him again.

He laughs into the kiss “Come on, I want to show you off at the party”

-nick smut anon :) so this was a request inspired by dress by taylor swift and i tried. i went off the rails a bit though making it my own. it’s a pretty good song though! anyways hope the nonny that requested this likes this :) love youuu <3

STEVEN.