#anyway time to grab what sleep I can. It's five in the morning. help.

[imfinereallyy]

I wonder if you look both ways (When you cross my mind) pt. 3

a nice long update for ya ♡ part 1 part 2

cw: internalized homophobia and projecting internalized homophobia (from an oc)

🐝･ﾟ ･ﾟ·:｡･ﾟﾟ･✦ʚɞ

June 1996, Chicago

Steve's first steps into his living room are not met with silence and sunshine; in fact, he is met with two surprises.

The first being Eddie Munson still in his apartment.

Steve rubs the tired out of his eyes, squishing his palm into his lids in hopes of shaking out a morning delusion. He is proven unsuccessful..

His second surprise is that Eddie is awake, staring at Steve in high alert, blankets folded neatly (he must have scrounged around for them in the night, not that Steve minds), sitting patiently as if he has been waiting for hours for Steve's arrival.

If the second surprise hadn't happened, Steve might have excused the first. See, Eddie, in all the years he had known him, had been anything but an early riser, usually choosing to sleep the day away. So if he had been asleep still, Steve might have let him being in his apartment slide.

Steve ponders how he doesn't really know Eddie anymore, so he shouldn't actually be surprised.

Eddie clears his throat, "So, how about that talk?"

Steve has to resist shutting his eyes to relish in the sound of Eddie's deep timbre. His voice has grown scratchy over the years—from singing or cigarettes, Steve can't be sure. It feels like coming home, either way, to have his voice brush over him.

Instead, Steve clears his throat back. "Don't have time; maybe try again in another five years." He moves to the kitchen to start making their morning drinks—hot coffee with cream for Robin and an iced dirty chai for Steve.

When Dustin had been working at a cafe back when he was in college, he made Steve try all of their new drinks. Surprisingly his favorite became a dirty chai—something which Robin finds hilarious.

Steve grabs the chipped green mug from the cabinet and begins pouring Robin's coffee. It had already been hot and ready in the pot, which probably meant Eddie had prepped it for him. Steve doesn't comment.

Eddie huffs through his nose, "C'mon Stevi—Steve. It's ten in the morning on a Saturday. You can't tell me you're busy right now."

Steve has to resist slamming Robin's mug down on the counter, already having being put together after the 1994 incident, he doesn't want to face her wrath.

Gently placing it on the counter, Steve turns. "Actually, I have somewhere to be at twelve, not that you need to know that. And don't act like you know what's going on in my life, Munson."

Eddie smiles, a little laugh escapes him. God, it is like a fucking drug after years of being sober that laugh. Steve wants to beg him for another hit, even though he knows it's bad for him.

With the smile never leaving his face, Eddie raises his hands. "Okay, okay. You're right."

"Why are you smiling? This isn't funny." Steve huffs.

Eddie's face softens, "Sorry, just even though you're mad at me. You're talking to me, and shit, sweetheart. I would take that over silence any day. It's nice to hear your voice."

Steve has to force himself to keep his shoulders tense, wanting to sag into Eddie. He's still mad at him, furious even. But some part of him agrees deep down, this is nice.

He can never let Eddie know that.

"Fuck off, Munson. I have shit to do. I'm sure you're too busy anyway."

Eddie shakes his head, hair falling in front of his face. "No, trust me I have nothing else going on. The band is on hiatus. And even if we weren't, trust me when I say this is exactly where I am supposed to be right now."

Steve can't help the snort that comes out of him, "Funny you're asking me to trust you, asshole. That went out the door with your bags five years ago."

Eddie flinches back, "Okay, I deserve that one."

Steve doesn't mention to Eddie how he knows his band has been on hiatus for over a year now. How he's kept up on the band, even after Eddie left. How he is curious why they went on hiatus at all, they have two successful albums, and supposedly were working on their third, when suddenly they all decided it was time for a break.

Peak of their career, and they chose silence. Normally, a horrible career move, but it seems it makes the rock community want them even more.

Steve can understand that partially. When it comes to Eddie, you can't help but want more, even when he disappears without a trace.

"I got to go get ready. Seriously, Munson. I know you think I don't mean it when I say leave. I think you're stuck on the Steve from five years ago, and how the Steve from then wouldn't really mean it. But this is the Steve now. And Steve from now means it when he says, get the fuck out. Go find someone else who could actually use your presence, like Dustin. God knows the kid deserves a phone call."

Eddie opens his mouth to protest, but doesn't get to chance to say his peace, Steve's already on his way back to his bedroom with their drinks in hand.

🐝･ﾟ ･ﾟ·:｡･ﾟﾟ･✦ʚɞ

Steve is running late.

It's not his fault, he has a fucking ghost haunting his living room, and it takes him ten times longer to work around it. Robin tells him to cancel his lunch, but Steve doesn't, even though she's right.

Robin's always right.

Steve can't help but feel a little smug when thinking back to leaving his apartment, though. He looks good, wearing his nicest Levi's and soft white button-up. Steve had made sure to keep the top few buttons undone, showing off his gold necklaces that landed perfectly on his exposed chest hair.

For Drew, of course, not for Eddie.

Still, Steve knows he looks good. So when he leaves his apartment and Eddie doesn't even bother to try to talk to him again because he is just too busy staring at Steve.

Steve makes it to the restaurant only five minutes late. It would have been on time if it had been in his athletic prime.

Resturant, Steve realizes, is a bit of a stretch. It appears to be a cafe--but not one of those cozy ones with crazy colors and a fun name. No, this cafe is incredibly fancy. Everything is so sleek and high up, the name in an Italian word he'll have to asked Robin to translate later.

Steve looks around the cafe in a huff, realizing Drew is nowhere to be found. He is momentarily flooded with relief, knowing he has beaten Drew to the cafe.

Steve finds a table in a corner and waits. His brief relief is quickly swept away into annoyance as he sits there for minutes with no signs of Drew.

It takes another thirty minutes, before Drew is finally at the cafe.

"Sorry, I'm late, baby." He says breath even. Steve knows he was in no rush to be here on time. He doesn't move to kiss Steve, not on the cheek and certainly not on the mouth. Drew isn't one for PDA, or so he says. Instead, he smooths down his dark blue Armani suit and sits across from Steve.

"You know, you could give me a kiss. I haven't seen you in a week." Steve decides to move past his being late; there is no point in arguing. If it had been him, Steve is sure he would never hear the end of it.

"Sweetheart..." Drew whispers and brushes his hand against Steve's knee. Steve's lip twitches; he doesn't like it when Drew calls him that. "You know it isn't safe to do that."

Steve wants to throw Drew's hand off of him, but he doesn't. It's always like this between them, Steve wants more, and Drew pulls back. It's beginning to feel tiresome, this game between them. They have been dating for a year and have made no progress in public. Steve's lucky Robin gets to know, seeing as basically no one else in either of their lives knows about each other. For Steve, everyone knows of Drew but not his name. For Drew, Steve is almost sure no one even knows he's gay.

Steve wants to hit himself for the thought. It's unfair of him to put these expectations on Drew, everyone comes out at their own pace. He would be a hypocrite if he pushed him; it had taken him nineteen years to figure out he was bisexual. Took Eddie leaving for him to come out to anyone other than Robin.

It feels different somehow with Drew, though. Like this isn't him scared to come out, but more like Drew doesn't actually see a future with Steve. It had taken them six months to even label themselves as boyfriends, moving from late-night booty calls to watching a movie together in Steve's living room in the middle of a Tuesday.

Steve rubs his temples instead of smacking Drew's hand away. Steve feels tired of this cycle. He knows this is the best he's going to get when it comes to dating. With women, they often want him to admit that he was experimenting, wanting to shun parts of himself away. That or they are convinced he's gay. Well, he is, but it's more than that, and they don't seem to get it.

With men, it's the opposite problem. Either they need him to admit being bisexual is just something he used to make himself feel better, or they are only looking for a quick hookup.

Hookups are nice, but approaching thirty, Steve wants something real and is perhaps sick of finding out the man he brings home from the bar is married.

He knows this is the best he's going to get.

"Maybe if we met a cafe in my neighborhood, we could be a bit more affectionate. The one down the block has a rainbow flag and everything."

Drew scrunches his nose, "Why do that when we can get nice coffee like this?"

Steve doesn't point out that neither Drew nor himself has ordered coffee. Steve can't afford the coffee here, and Drew was late. "I think that's your way of saying where I live isn't nice."

Drew grabs his hand under the table, "No, babe, I don't want to fight today. I've missed you."

Steve feels bad; he has missed Drew. Despite their ups and downs (and Robin's grumbles), Steve does care for him. "You're right, I'm sorry."

"Don't worry about it. Besides, I did want to have lunch for a reason." Drew smiles brightly. Steve can't help but stare for a minute. It's no surprise what hooked Steve the first moment they met at the club. He is a classic kind of handsome. Wavy brown hair cut to look proper, a shiny white smile, piercing blue eyes. Nothing about him is soft, he is full of sharpness that takes you from across the room.

He's the kind of guy Steve's parents would have loved if they were okay with Drew being a guy—if Steve was even talking to them at all.

"Oh yes, you've got me on the edge of my seat." Steve jokes.

Drew gives him a charming smile, "There's my funny guy."

Steve rolls his eyes.

"So I have a big question for you..."

Steve freezes up; oh no. Here it comes. The talk, the let's move into together speech. One he'll have to turn down. No one ever gets it. How he can't live without Robin. Literally and physically.

"....so Greg says there's an opening and I think you'd be a great fit."

Steve shakes himself out of his thoughts, "What?"

Drew levels him with a look. "A job? For you?"

Oh. "I already have a job."

It's Drew's turn to roll his eyes, "C'mon, Steve. A high school guidance counselor? You could do so much more."

"I like my job, Drew. We've been through this. Besides, you barely want to be seen together, and now you want to work together? I have no interest in working at a law firm."

Drew pinches his nose, "Just...just think about it, okay? I want to see more of you in any way I can."

Steve doesn't want to fight. The fight left him a long time ago. "Okay."

He doesn't mean it.

🐝･ﾟ ･ﾟ·:｡･ﾟﾟ･✦ʚɞ

aaah im loving where this is going, also I swear it gets better soon and this has a happy ending!! also thanks for the love and support. This will probably be the last part where I will take tag requests for the series so please ask now, cause its getting too long. But parts will always be updated on the previous posts and my page!!

tag list!:

@stevesbipanic @withacapitalp @emryyyyy09 @brainfugk @blueberrylemontea-fanfic

@slv-333 @thetinymm @connected-dots-st-reblogger @helpimstuckposting @dreamercec

@goodolefashionedloverboi @stripey82 @little2nerdy @anne-bennett-cosplayer @resident-gay-bitch

@ghostquer @sourw0lfs @devondespresso @yesdangerpls

@lingermirth

@adealwithher @antonymeanonyme @stevah-hawcett @samsoble @mugloversonly

@stripey82 @anaibis @mycatsstolemybiscuit @flustratedcas @alfhitchblonde

@s0ft-strawberries @slavicviking

@l1lpip @emmabubbles @arepaconchocolate

@thesuninyaface @hallo-spaceb0y @dykelips @bookbinderbitch @valinwonderland

[outeremissary]

I may be late but I never forget. Two months ago @dmagedgoods tagged me to fill this template out and at last I finally have. I’m... not much of a digital artist, so I’ve tried to compensate how I could. Unfortunately, resolution issues may undermine my efforts. I did my best though!

Due to having been tagged on this two and a half months ago I will not even be making an attempt to send this anywhere.

[wileys-russo]

aitana bonmatí “but you always do it”, locker room

you can do it II a.bonmatí

"looking a little worse for wear there amiga." you sent a side eye to mapi who held her hands up in defence with a whistle at the withering glare, slinking away to go bother someone else.

"ay chica why is your girl so grumpy?" patri chuckled to aitana watching the interaction, the huffs and glares sent by you to anyone who came within five feet of you incredibly out of character.

"do not ask." aitana sighed knowing full well why you were being so stand offish, having kept her distance all morning and walking on egg shells with every interaction.

"what did you do tana?" frido grinned from on her other side with a raised eyebrow as the girl laced up her boots and frowned. "nothing! she is not angry, she is tired." aitana sighed with a roll of her eyes.

"i will ask again, what did you do?" frido laughed as the shorter girl bumper her shoulder into the swede's. "nothing. we got a puppy, sí?" the midfielder started to explain as both patri and frido nodded, everyone having been fighting for days now to come and meet your new fur baby.

"well, she has been trying to crate train him but it is not going well." your girlfriend sighed, watching with a wince as you struggled to get your boots on, grumbling in annoyance to yourself under your breath.

"he just cries and cries until she sits beside the crate or lets him out. so she has barely been sleeping but she will not listen to me about ignoring him crying so he learns she will not come every time!" the brunette explained with a roll of her eyes as the girls either side of her hummed in understanding.

"ah, so it is your fault." patri hummed as frido agreed and the shorter girl looked at them both in bewilderment. "no! it is her fault for not listening to me and listening to the dog instead." aitana huffed pulling her socks up.

"sure tana, go tell your girlfriend that. i am sure that will improve her mood!" frido chuckled, squeezing her shoulder as she and patri stood to leave the locker room, most of the girls having already filed out to the pitch for training.

watching you on your phone as you were now ready for training aitana sighed knowing you were likely watching the puppy camera you'd insisted on having installed so in the brief times neither of you weren't home you could keep an eye on your new fur baby, and you'd even sprung for the more expensive one which allowed you to speak to it through an app.

grabbing her hairbrush and an elastic you looked up as aitana sat down beside you, a hopeful smile on her face as you spied the objects in her hand.

"tana por favor i am too tired, do it yourself or ask ingrid." you sighed, clicking off your phone and dumping it in your bag as you rubbed your eyes.

"but you always do it." the brunette pushed gently, knocking her knee against yours and smiling softly as you shook your head, face buried in your hands. "not today amor."

"lo sé cari, i know you are tired i heard you get up and down and up and down and-" aitana shut up the moment your eyes glared at her, grinning apologetically.

"if you heard me so many times the you could have gotten up and helped aitana." your girlfriend winced at the use of her full name, something that rarely left your lips and only further cemented your bad mood today.

"lo siento mi amor. how about tonight i will be on puppy duty?" she offered as you gave her a suspicious look. "really?" you questioned, your girlfriend never having offered before not that you'd really asked given the dog was mostly your idea anyway.

"but. i will be doing it my way bebé, he needs to learn that just because he cries you will not go running to him every time or else he will not adjust to the crate, no?" she spoke firmly but softly as you sighed and nodded, knowing even if you'd struggled to do so that she was right.

"perfecto. so tonight i will sleep downstairs in the spare room, i will put el perrito in his crate just outside the door and you will get a good nights sleep. vale?" your girlfriend raised an eyebrow as you nodded, aitana relaxing as a small smile graced your features.

"vale. muchas gracias mi vida." you leaned in to peck her lips sweetly a few times before tugging the hairbrush and elastic from her hand, chuckling as within seconds she was sat expectantly on the floor between your legs ready for you to braid her hair.

"now if only el perrito was as well trained as you tana." "amor!"

[punkette1026]

You Are Not My Mom!

Summary:

Lately, you and Joel noticed that Sarah has become withdrawn. You are both at a loss of what to do when an incident at schools reveals how Sarah currently feels towards you and how she feels about her current position in the growing Miller family.

Warnings: Hurt/Comfort, Angst, Bullying

Words:8,539

Pedro Pascal Master List

You Are Not My Mom Masterlist

Author's Notes:

I really hope that you enjoy this one. This one was hard to write. And thank you to @beardedjoel for all the help with this one. And yes I know Sarah is a sweet baby angel, but it will make sense.

You woke up feeling horrible yet again. You had spent the last hour of the early morning in the fetal position of the bathroom floor. You had tried your best to not wake your sleeping husband in the other room. He had a big day at work later on in the day and you wanted him to get as much rest as he could. He had been working so hard lately to provide for your growing family but promised you that at the end of the day, it would be worth it. However, despite your best attempts to stay quiet, Joel had woken up missing your warmth beside him.

“Jesus doll, why didn’t you wake me?” his sleepy deep voice echoed through the bathroom.

“I…I…shit, you need to rest,” you struggled to say as another bout of nausea hit you.

Joel, the ever-so-loving husband that he was, was by your side in an instant, making sure that he held your hair back for you. “I’m getting real worried about you doll. This is the third time this week that I have found you like this. What time is your appointment on Monday?”

“At nine I think,” you groaned, resting your head back against his chest. “I know work is busy right now, so I understand if you can’t come with me. I can always ask Maria if she can go with me. I promise you that I won’t find out the genders without you.”

Sighing, he pulled you into his arms and placed a gentle kiss on your head, “Like hell I’m going to miss it doll. Tommy can handle things for a while. I need to ask the doctor some questions regarding this whole morning sickness thing anyways. I need to make sure you and the little ones are okay. I don’t know what I would do if something happened to you, them, or Sarah. You four are my whole world.”

When it came to the health and safety of his family, Joel didn’t play around. He would drop anything at the drop of a dime if you guys needed something. Looking down at where his hands were rubbing small circles on your belly, you couldn’t help but smile. You couldn’t believe how in just a few short months, your family of three would be a family of five. It came as quite a shock to everyone when the doctor told you that you were expecting twins. Neither side of your family had twins in them so when the doctor announced it, you stared at her like she had two heads and Sarah tried her hardest to keep Joel from passing out. You were all excited though and had plenty of love to go around.

Once you felt well enough to move without feeling sick to your stomach, Joel helped you to your feet and walked you over to the sink to help you clean up. He then guided you back to the bed, making sure that you were sitting up slightly before placing a kiss to your lips. Doing the same thing as he did all the other nights, he went downstairs to grab you some ginger ale and crackers for you. Those always seemed to help settle your stomach. 

While downstairs, he tried his best to keep quiet, however the sound of someone entering the kitchen and turning the lights on startled him. “Dammit Sarah! Give your old man a warning will you,” he whispered loudly clutching his chest. “What are you doing up?”

“Sorry, but it's hard to sleep when you keep dropping things and cussing up a storm,” she groaned, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. “What are you doing in here?”

“Your mom isn’t feeling good again, so I’m trying to find her some of  those crackers that she likes. Do you know where they are? I know that I saw some here.”

“Oh, those crackers, I umm...I sort of ate them, sorry,” she winced. 

“Really Sarah, I thought I told everyone not to touch them. That’s why I tried to hide them,” he growled. “I guess I’ll just have to go after work and pick up a box or two. We are running low on ginger ale. Do you need anything?”

Sarah shook her head, “No I don’t and why can’t she go to the store herself? She is the one that needs them. I only ate them because dinner was disgusting anyways.”

“Okay first off, watch your tone young lady. Your mom worked hard on that dinner. Second, I don’t want her overdoing it this weekend. I want her to take it easy till her appointment. Which brings me to something that I want to talk about. Come here, sit down,” he told her as he pulled out a chair for her. “Listen Sarah, you know how much I love you and you know how much I enjoy the time we spend together. However, considering how you have been acting lately and how I really need to be here in case your mother gets sick again, I think it’s best that we cancel our brunch date tomorrow.”

Ever since you came into her life when she was five years old, you had always made sure that Joel had put his daughter above everything else. You were the one coming into the family, after all. It had always been her and Joel and you didn’t want Sarah to feel like you were taking her dad away from her. So, you encouraged Joel to do something special with her. That’s why on the first Saturday of the month, Joel would take Sarah out for brunch and to do some shopping. Now with the babies coming, you encouraged it even more as she was going to have to get used to sharing both of your attention.

Joel watched as Sarah’s face fell. “What, no!”

“Will you hush,” he tried to quiet his daughter. “Look I’m sorry to do it Sarah, but I have no choice. You haven’t been on your best behavior lately and that attitude of yours needs to change. I know you are going through some changes, but you need to let us in and help you though. I know your mom is really worried about you too. I promise you though as soon as I see a change in you and your mom starts feeling better, then maybe we can see about rescheduling. Right now, though, it isn’t a good time to reward you, Sarah. I hope you understand that.”

“But...but...ugh! This is so not fair!” she growled as she ripped herself away from the table and away from him. Then like she used to do when she was little, she stomped her feet all the way to her room before slamming the door behind her.

All Joel could do was shake his head in disappointment. That was the type of behavior that he was talking about. Normally Sarah was a great kid. She never talked back and was always fun to be around. She was always one to put a smile on your face. As of late, however, she had this newly found attitude and walked around like she had a chip on her shoulder. Every time he tried to ask her what was going on Sarah would snap at him and storm off. Like he said, something was going to have to change soon. 

Sighing and grabbing the can of ginger ale, Joel ventured back upstairs hoping that you didn’t hear his little spat with Sarah. That was the last thing that he thought would happen at three in the morning. Thankfully when he got back, you were already dozing off. Walking over to your nightstand, he placed the can of ginger ale there just in case you needed it before going over to his side of the bed.

“C’mere,” you called out to him, knowing that you couldn’t fully fall asleep until he was next to you again.

Giving you that dimpled smile that you fell in love with, he got back under the covers and curled himself into you, resting his head on your chest. “Sorry I took so long doll.”

“It’s okay baby. What happened down there? Heard a door slam,” you tiredly whispered, closing your eyes again.

Joel leaned up and placed a kiss underneath your jaw, “Well I was trying to find you your things and I guess I woke Sarah up. We ended up getting into it a little bit when I told her that I’m canceling tomorrow. She didn’t like what I had told her, so she stormed off back to her room. She is not happy with me right now.”

“What, why are you canceling?”

“Because she honestly doesn’t deserve it. Not with the way that she is acting. I told her that until she does, we won’t be doing anything until then. Besides, I want to be here in case your morning sickness starts up again.”

Shaking your head, you sat up a little bit, not wanting to have this conversation laying down. “While I do agree that she needs to change her attitude, I don’t think you should have canceled Joel. That is your special time with her. I’m really worried about her, Joel.”

“I’m really worried about her too Y/N, but I just don’t think we should be rewarding her for her bad attitude and disrespect. All that’s going to do is teach her that she can get away with it. I honestly think that we should have tried to discipline her in some other way already."

I know but we can’t look back, only forward. I really think that you could have used that time with her one on one to find out what is going on with her Joel. And as much as I appreciate it baby, please don’t throw me into the mix. Do not cancel on my behalf. I am fine I swear and besides, Maria and I have plans to start cleaning out the office for the nursery. I don’t need you hovering over me Joel, I got this. What we really need to be focusing on is Sarah.”

Like always, Joel couldn’t help but chuckle to himself. Somehow you always were the voice of reason when it came to his bright ideas. You were always the one to set him straight. “What would I do without you doll?” he smiled at you. “You are right, and I messed up. I’ll talk to Sarah again on the way to school. We really do need to figure this out, I agree. But the question is how? We have both tried talking to her and look at what’s happened so far. If we do go out tomorrow, I don’t think we are going to do much talking. Has she said anything to you lately? I talked to her soccer coach, and she said Sarah has been acting fine at practice.”

“I can’t tell if you are being serious or being funny Joel. You know Sarah hasn’t spoken to me much in weeks. I’m lucky if I can get a hi out of her these days. I don’t know what I did to make her hate me. She won’t even look me in the eye anymore. “All you wanted to know was what the issue was, so you could fix it. You missed how close you and Sarah used to be. She was and will always be your number one girl after all.

“I know doll and I’m sorry. I’m getting really tired of the disrespect towards you. You are her mother and from where I’m standing, you have done nothing wrong and don’t deserve to be treated this way. The only thing that I could think of that could work, is maybe having Tommy or Maria talk to her? It seems like that is the only thing that we haven’t tried yet,” he said tiredly running his hand through his hair. 

That might actually be a good idea, you thought to yourself. You remembered back to when you were her age and knew how hard it could be to talk to your parents. It sometimes helped to talk to someone on the outside how could give you a new perspective on things. “Yes, I definitely think that we should do that. Just please Joel, do not cancel tomorrow. You go have a fun time with Sarah and don’t worry about me alright,” you smiled at him as you cupped his face. You loved that patchy beard of his.

Joel leaned forward and gently placed a kiss to your lips, “I promise doll and I’ll explain it all to Sarah on the way to school later.”

“Good, now let’s get some rest. You have a big day ahead of you, mister, and I need you well rested. I know how hard you and Tommy have worked hard for this chance.” You and Joel knew that this meeting was going to change everyone’s life if all went according to plan.

Pulling you into him again, Joel cuddled his face into your neck, “I’ll be fine doll. You know that I’m used to having barely any little sleep.” He then gently pushed you back down on the bed and hovered over you, “However if you want me to get some sleep, I think we could work something out.”

“You are insatiable Joel Miller, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

The next time you woke up, Joel was long gone. His side of the bed was already cold and the smell of him on his pillow was beginning to fade. You couldn’t help but smile as you stretched out in the bed with that sweet ache between your thighs still there. 

As you sat up and held the sheet to your bare chest, you looked over to check the time and saw a piece of paper waiting for you. Smiling to yourself, you picked it up and you felt your heart skip a beat as you recognized Joel’s sexy handwriting written neatly on the page:

Good morning doll,

You made it hard for me to leave this morning. You looked so beautiful. I still can’t believe you are mine. I feel like the luckiest man in the world. Do me a favor and try to take it easy today please. I’ll call you later as soon as we are done. And as promised, I talked to Sarah this morning as I made coffee. We are planning to have brunch and a movie tomorrow. Hopefully that will open her up. I swear I saw a small smile when I told her. I love you and the kiddos so much. Call me if you need anything please. See you in a bit.

Love your man,

Joel

Happy tears ran down your cheeks as you reread his note again. That husband of yours had such a way with words. With every note that he wrote to you over the years, you fell more and more in love with him.

Even the babies felt their daddy’s love as you could feel their flutters in your belly, “I know little ones, I’m already missing him too. Hopefully he will work this out with your sister, and everything will be alright from here on out. Mommy is really worried about her.” And you still wouldn’t stop worrying about her. She would always be your baby girl.

After deciding on a long shower, you slowly got out of bed and got your day started. You were going to do some light cleaning and spend the rest of the day on the couch per Joel's request. However, as you made your way down the stairs to start vacuuming, a knock on your door stopped you in your tracks. You were expecting anyone so you were curious as to who it could be.

“Morning neighbor!” Your sister-in-law greeted you as you opened the door for her.

“Morning Maria!” Not that I'm not happy to see you, but what are you doing here? I thought I wasn't going to see you until later tonight.” you asked in surprise. “Didn't you have to work today?”

“Oh well I did, but I decided to take the day off. Perks of being your own boss. Figured that if it was alright with you, we could get a start on cleaning out the nursery or just hang out.”

While you were grateful that she thought of you and was willing to make time for you, you couldn't help but feel like there was an ulterior motive. “Or... Joel asked you to come over, didn't he?” You knew that husband of yours so well.

Maria dramatically sighed and threw her hands up, “I knew it, I told him that you would figure it out. I told him that you were smarter than that. I'm sorry Y/N.”

“Don't worry about it. I should have known that he was going to pull a stunt like this. I'm glad that you are here though. I really need your help with something else,” you said nervously as you walked her over to the couch. “I need your help with Sarah.”

“Yeah of course, what's going on? I know that Joel had mentioned to Tommy that you're having a hard time with her lately. I know being a teenager is hard these days and I certainly do not miss being one.”

“Me either, it was exhausting. But I don't remember being so closed off as her. Neither Joel nor I can get more than a sentence or two out of her. All she does is just stare at that damn phone of hers and stays in her room listening to music. We are at a loss here Maria. We talked it over earlier this morning and we would really appreciate it if you or Tommy could talk to her for us. I really think it would be better if it was you specifically, because I think talking to another woman would help rather than just talking to her mom. I love Tommy and all, but...”

“Sometimes he doesn't take things seriously, I know. Lord help us for when we have kids,” Maria rolled her eyes. “But yes, I would be happy to help. I'll let her know that whatever she tells me will be in confidence but if it's something that I'm concerned with, I will have to tell you guys.”

For the first time in weeks, you breathed a fresh breath of air. You really hoped that Maria was going to be the godsend that you were looking for when it came to getting Sarah to open up. “Thank you, Maria, thank you, thank you. We seriously appreciate it and I'm sure Joel will be happy to hear that you're going to help us.”

Maria just smiled and pulled you into a hug, “you're welcome girly and don't mention it. Now about the nursery...”

Unfortunately, Maria was unable to finish her sentence as your phone interrupted her plans. Thinking it was Joel, you quickly answered it hoping it was good news, “hello?”

“Hello, this is Principal Ramona over at the high school. Are you Y/N Miller?” Okay so it wasn't Joel.

“Umm... Yes, it is. How may I help you, Principal Ramona?”  Your stomach dropped as it was rare for the school to call.”

“Well, I wish I was calling under better circumstances Mrs. Miller, but we unfortunately had an incident with Sarah, and we need you to come down here to the school.”

You knew you had heard her right, but for some reason, your mind wasn't comprehending it, “I... I'm sorry but can you repeat that?”

“Mrs. Miller, I can explain it all when you get here. Sarah is fine so there's no need to worry. We just need you to come here as soon as you can. “We tried calling her father, but there was no answer,” Principal Ramona replied.

You ran your hand through your hair and shook your head in disbelief, “Yes that is to be expected as he is working right now, but I will make it down there as soon as I can. Can you at least tell me what happened?”

“Mrs. Miller, I'd rather just talk about this face to face. So, we will see you soon. Goodbye.”

As soon as you hung up or rather got hung up on. You couldn't help but let out a frustrated groan. “What, what's wrong?” Maria had overheard bits and pieces and from what she could gather, she knew it wasn't good.

“Well, that was the school that called, sounds like Sarah is currently in the principal's office right now. What has gotten into that girl Maria?”

“All right well first I think it's best that you try to calm down. There is no need to freak out yet without knowing any more details. Let's just get to the school and we'll see what happens okay,” Maria said calmly. “Where are your keys I'm driving?”

“They're in the office, I think. Do you think I should call Joel?” Your mind was running 1,000,000 miles a minute, so it was hard to think straight and think of what to do next.

Maria thought about it for a second and knew that it would probably be for the best. “Yeah, I think you should give him a heads up, but let him know that I'm with you and that we have everything under control. I don't need both of you freaking out on me and Tommy.”

That was definitely an understatement. Poor Tommy and Maria had unofficially become your families emotional support people over the years, “Yeah, you're right and thanks again Maria, you're a lifesaver.”

“Don't mention it. Now let's go!”

The drive to the school was certainly a long one indeed. It was only a 20 minute drive, but the fear of the unknown made it feel like time had slowed. You tried to be calm though as you knew having a level head would only be beneficial to Sarah.

“Did you want me to go with you?” Maria asked as she parked the car.

“No, I think I could handle it. I'll text you though if I need backup. Speaking of which, let me text Joel before I head in.”

‘Hey babe, there's an issue at Sarah school. Sounds like she is fine, but something happened. I have Maria with me. I'll text you when we are done. Love you and good luck!’

As you put your phone away and major way inside the school, the hallways were packed with kids making their way to their next classes. Just the sight and smell alone sent shivers down your spine. You didn’t enjoy high school at all. You remembered all the times you were bullied and sat alone at lunch, and you prayed with all your heart that Sarah was having a better high school experience than you.

Bumping past the sea of students, you finally made it to the office where a young woman was busy typing away at her computer. “Hello, I'm Y/N Miller. I'm here to see Principal Ramona. My daughter Sarah, is in her office I believe,” you said nervously.

“Ahh yes ma’am. She is indeed expecting you. Please have a seat and I will let her know that you are here.”

Nodding your head, you took a seat, nervously tapping your foot. “It’s okay little ones, mommy is going to sort this out with your sister and then we can go home and relax,” you whispered as you felt their flutters start up again.

You then heard a door open up and out walked an older gray-haired woman with too much makeup on her face, “Hello, you must be Mrs. Miller. I’m Principal Ramona. Thank you for coming. Please come in.”

You quickly stood up and shook her hand, “You’re welcome, Principal Ramona, and again, thank you for calling. How is she?”

“Sarah is fine Mrs. Miller. See for yourself,” she opened the door back up and invited you back into her office. 

That’s when you finally got to see Sarah sitting there with her arms crossed looking miserable. “Wait, you called her?!” Sarah said angrily when she saw you. You couldn’t lie when her response had taken you back just a little. “I thought you said that you called my dad?!”

“Sarah Miller, sit down right now! You are in enough trouble as it is,” Principal Ramona scolded her. “Your father was unable to attend our little get together, so I had to call your mother instead. Is that going to be an issue?” It looked like Sarah had mumbled something under her breath, but she eventually gave in and sat back down. “That’s better. Please Mrs. Miller, have a seat. We have a lot to discuss.”

Taking a seat next to your daughter, you tried to reach out and take her hand, but Sarah pulled away and moved her chair away from you. “Sarah, what’s going on? Talk to me baby. You used to do it all the time. Your father and I are really worried about you.” As usual though, she said nothing, but this time, you could see tears in her eyes.

“Don’t worry Mrs. Miller, she hasn’t said much since we brought her in here. From what I have been told by some of her fellow teachers, Sarah has taken quite a turn here. They report that she has become withdrawn, has various missing assignments, and today she got into a confrontation with another student during the passing period and physically assaulted another student.”

“Wait, wait, wait, I’m sorry Principal Ramona, but I’m finding it very hard to believe any of that, especially the assault part. Sarah has never been the fighting type. There has to be some other explanation.” There was just no way none of this happened. There was no way that things were actually this bad at school too.

Principal Ramona just sighed and shook her head, “Well I’m afraid that it is true Mrs. Miller. These are just several complaints from her teachers. We were going to set up a meeting with you and your husband to go over everything, but Sarah’s little transgression beat us to it.”

She then handed you the list of complaints. “I...I...I don’t know what to say Principal Ramona. Sarah, do you want to explain these to me?” Once again, silence. “Alright then, what about the fight? Do you want to tell me what started it or why you hit her? Whatever the reason was Sarah, I’m sure we can figure it out.”

Sarah continued to stare straight ahead, but this time as she frustratedly wiped the tear that fell from her face she spoke, “She...she...ugh, what does it even matter anyway? Can we just go home? I don’t want to be in this stupid place anymore. Everyone sucks!” It may not have been what you wanted to hear, but at least she acknowledged you and this situation finally.

“Sarah sweetheart, I know you are upset, but...”

“But I’m afraid Sarah is right Mrs. Miller,” the principal interrupted you rudely. She didn’t even seem to care that Sarah had almost opened up. “No matter what happened, it doesn’t change the fact that Sarah attacked another student. I’m afraid that I have to take some serious action now.”

“How serious are we talking about?”

“Well, since this is Sarah’s first violation, I’m willing to take that into consideration. So, I think a week’s suspension should do. During that time, Sarah will be responsible for completing all her missing assignments that her teachers are willing to let her make up. I also haven’t spoken to her soccer coach yet, but I would assume that a suspension from the team will also be put in place.”

Sarah’s eyes grew wide as she immediately stood up, “What, no please! I’m sorry, okay, I’m really sorry. I’ll take the suspension, but don’t take away soccer!”

“Principal Ramona, look I understand that what Sarah did was wrong, and I promise that she will be punished, but you said that this was her first violation. Surely, we can think of something else. Like maybe detention every day for the next month and she still gets to do soccer. It seems that it’s the only thing that is making her happy at the moment.”

However, it seemed that the principal had already made her mind up, “I’m sorry Mrs. Miller, but that simply will not do. I would expect our parents to understand our rules and regulations. Maybe next time Sarah will think about the consequences of her actions and not act so irrational.”

“I didn’t act irrationally! She got into my face and got what she deserved. She has been....never mind, but this is still not fair! I hate this school!” Sarah said, getting upset once again. She then grabbed her things and stormed out of the office. She didn’t even seem to care that she pushed you out of her way.

Your cheeks grew red with embarrassment at your daughter’s outburst, “ I am so sorry Principal Ramona. Her father and I will work on this behavioral issue. I just wish that you would reconsider. Are we sure we don’t know anything else about the fight?” The more information you had to share with Joel, the better. 

“Unfortunately, no one would say what it was about. Both Sarah as well as the girl and group of friends refuse to say anything. I have already sent the other girl home, so I’m afraid that we cannot ask her again.”

“So that’s it then? My daughter gets suspended without any further investigation. What if she was defending herself? What about the other girl, was she punished?” You couldn’t believe this. 

Principal Ramona shook her head in disapproval, “Mrs. Miller, I cannot disclose that information. But please, let’s not make this harder than it has to be. My mind has already been made up. Now here is a folder of all her missing assignments. My receptionist will be in touch to schedule a meeting between us as well as your husband to discuss Sarah returning to school.”

“Yes, I’m sure my husband would definitely like to discuss this further. Thank you for being such a caring and understanding educator,” you said sarcastically as you snatched the folder from her hand. You didn’t even tell her goodbye as you left in search of your daughter. Thankfully you found her by the front door waiting for you, “You okay there kiddo? That principal of yours isn’t very friendly. I can see why you don’t like her.”

“Look, can we just go home now,” she pouted as she pushed open the door. “Where are you parked?”

“Well Maria brought me here and it’s parked over there. Look Sarah despite whatever grudge is that you have against me at the moment. You do know that I’m here to help you right. I love you so much and I don’t...”

“Just stop will you. I’m not in the mood. I just want to go home,” she snapped at you, storming off towards Maria’s direction. All you could do was just shake your head as you followed behind her. There had to be a better way to get through to her. Hopefully a little one on one with Maria would still work.

Once you got back to the car, Sarah was already buckled up and didn’t even bother to greet her aunt. “That bad huh?” Maria asked, knowing that she just got the cold shoulder. 

“A week's suspension and a possible suspension from the soccer team too,” you sighed as you got in. “The principal was a real bitch. Now Joel and I need to have another meeting with her soon.”

“Well, that sucks. I know Joel isn’t going to be too happy. How about you, are you feeling okay?” She noticed you rubbing your head and taking deep breaths. 

“Yes, just have a headache coming on,” you weakly smiled. As Maria started the car, you pulled out your phone to make sure that you updated Joel. 

Hey babe, so Sarah is suspended. Got into some sort of a fight and there are some other issues that she has been having as well. I have it covered though. I’ll just have her work on some homework and do  some chores till you get home and we can discuss any further punishment. Love you!

Once you sent him the message, you leaned your head back and closed your eyes. Your day of relaxation was not going according to plan at all.

By the time that you got home, you didn’t even realize that you had dozed off. Maria had gently nudged your arm and when you opened your eyes, to your surprise, Joel was standing there by his truck waiting.

Once the car was parked, you were quick to get out and walk over to him in confusion, “Hey, what are you doing here? I thought I said I had it covered. What about the meeting?”

Joel wrapped his arms around you and pulled you into a hug. What you didn’t see was him glaring at Sarah as she stayed back hiding behind the car. “Yeah, well none of that matters right now. I told them that Tommy was going to handle things while I attended to a family emergency.”

“Well as upset as I am, I'm glad that you are here. Let's just try to be calm about this okay. This isn’t the ideal situation for anyone right now.” You didn’t want this to become a shouting fest and end up getting nowhere.

“Fine, but I'm not very happy with her right now.” He then motioned for Sarah to come over. Sarah didn't dare look at her father as she got closer. Her eyes remained on the ground the entire time. “Living room NOW, Sarah. We'll be in shortly.” Sarah just nodded and walked inside without saying a word.

“Do you want me to leave? I can come back later when Tommy gets home,” Maria then approached. She didn’t want to overstep her bounds by hanging around. 

Joel shook his head and gave her an appreciative smile, “No you can stay and thank you for everything Maria.”

“Don't mention it. That's what family does. I can still talk to her if you guys need me too. I don't mind.”

“That would be great. I think we are going to need all the help that we can get,” you sighed as you all turned to go join Sarah.

Doing exactly what she was told, Sarah sat on the couch waiting. It broke your heart to see what was happening. All you wanted to do was take her into your arms and tell her that everything was going to be okay. 

Instead you took a seat next to her while Joel sat on the coffee table in front of her. Maria decided to sit at the bar behind in case she needed to step in. “Sarah,” Joel led off. “First off, I don't think I have to tell you how disappointed I am with you right now. We are going to sit here and talk it out. We have played enough games with you.”

“Your father is right Sarah. We have let this go on long enough. If there is something that you need to get off of your chest, go ahead and do it. I'm sure we will understand. Does it have to do with school? You seemed pretty unhappy to be there.”

Joel nodded in agreement and reached out to take her hand, “Please Sarah. I don't like seeing this side of you. The disrespect, the fighting, this isn't my little girl. Where is the happy-go-lucky, always positive daughter that usually gets after me when I’m in a bad mood? We want her back Sarah, and we can't do that unless you tell us what is wrong.”

“You don’t get it do you?” Sarah mumbled quietly and ripped her hand from Joel. “I don't want to talk about it, and I certainly don't want to talk to you about it Y/N!”

“Sarah!” Maria gasped behind you.

“Stop asking me what's wrong. Stop trying to get me to talk to you. I don’t want anything to do with you. You are NOT my mom, so stop trying to act like it!” She then got up and ran to her room, leaving all three of you behind stunned.

Joel immediately turned towards you, “Y/N doll…I…”

“No Joel, just go. You need to go be with her,” you choked out. It felt like someone stabbed you in the heart and ripped it out of you. 

“But doll…”

Maria came over around the couch and pulled you up to her, “No Joel, Y/N is right. Go to Sarah. I got this.”

“Please,” you cried into Maria's chest. 

With a hurt look on his face, Joel nodded and headed down the hall, leaving you to break down in Maria's arms. 

Storming his way down the hallway, Joel ripped the bedroom door open. “You have some nerve, Sarah Miller. What the hell was that?” Sarah just continued to sit on her bed and pulled her squish mellow closer to her. “Never in my life have I heard you say something so disrespectful. I have taught you better than that. Can't you see that she is trying her hardest here? Hell, we all are. We are really worried about you Sarah.” He then went and took a seat on her bed next to her, “I really need you to try and work with me Sarah. I’m not doing this anymore. I’m not going to lose my happiness because you are determined to make our lives miserable. I’m also too drained to yell or scream at you if that is what you are afraid of, so we are just going to sit here and talk.”

“And if I don’t want to talk?”

Joel sighed and ran his hands down his tired face, “Then we will sit here Sarah. I am prepared to do whatever it is to get through to you, even if that means just sitting here waiting. You wanted my undivided attention, while now you have it.”

Sarah finally looked up and made eye contact with her father. A tinge of guilt overcame her as she could see the disapproval on his face. “The…the fight today, it was...it was nothing dad. I just got tired of that girl running her mouth, so I did what I thought was right. I was tired of her and her friends treating me like crap. They are the biggest bullies in the school. I was only defending myself; I swear.”

“Jesus Sarah, then why didn’t you say anything? If you would have told me or Y/N that you were being bullied, we would have put an end to it. We would have gone straight to the school and talked it over with the principal.”  

“Because it would have just made things worse dad! They would have called me a snitch and made my life even worse. I’d rather just handle things myself. I don’t need my parents handling things for me. I’m not a little kid,” she huffed.

“But yet here you are acting like one Sarah. Instead of being the bigger person and saying something, you just made things worse for yourself. Now does this bullying situation have to do with how you have been acting around your mother and the whole not my mom thing? Because let’s face it Sarah, no matter what you may think, Y/N is and will always be your mother,” Joel said sternly.

Sarah stayed quiet for a second like she was pondering her answer, but eventually gave him a small nod. “Yeah, I guess.”

How could this be Y/N’s fault? “Then I need you to explain to me how this is your mother’s fault Sarah? What could she have possibly done to get you bullied at school?”

He watched as Sarah got up and walked over to her desk where she picked up a binder that had a whole bunch of family photos on the front cover. “It’s because of this dad,” she said, handing it to him. “I was in English class when that group of girls walked by and saw my binder. They asked me if that was my sister in the picture with me and you. I said no, that was my mom, and they began to make all sorts of comments. They asked if I was adopted, because I didn't look like her and that she was too pretty to be my mom. How mom must have been disappointed to have a daughter like me.” The last part caused Sarah to burst into tears.

Joel quickly took her into his arms, “Come here baby girl, I got you. Just let it out.” Oh, how much he wanted to go to the school right now and give them and those girls a piece of his mind. How dare they choose his daughter of all people to pick on! Someone was going to pay when this was all said and done. Right now, though, he had to focus all his attention on his daughter.

“Sarah baby, I need you to listen to me okay. I know for a fact that nothing that they said is true. You are a beautiful girl, and we are damn lucky to have you in our lives. They are just insecure little girls. That's why they pick on others. Their parents never taught them better.”

“But…but…it's true!” Sarah cried harder. “No matter what we say or do, Y/N will never actually be my real mom. No matter how much we both want it. I’ll always just be her step daughter. When those babies are born, they are going to be a part of you and her. I'll only be just yours, dad. I'm the odd one out.”

Joel’s heart broke as he heard the pain in his daughter's voice, but at the same time, he couldn’t help but be disappointed again with her listening to what her peers thought instead of listening to what she knew was the truth. “Now you listen, and you listen good. Blood does not mean shit. It doesn’t always make you family. So, what if you don’t have Y/N’s blood running in your veins? You know that Y/N doesn't care that biologically you aren't hers. She still loves you just as much as she loves those babies. She would die for you if she had to. If she didn’t care, she wouldn’t have tried to convince me to keep our date for tomorrow, she wouldn’t have gone to the school to fight for you, and she certainly wouldn’t be in the living room with her heart broken right now. You are her little girl, Sarah. Did you know that for your birthday, she was going to give you her great grandmother’s locket? That locket has been passed down to every first born daughter and she was finally ready to give it to you and that when you have a daughter of your own, you could give it to her. I’m sorry Sarah, but I don’t think she would do all of those things if she didn’t believe that she was your mom. To me, you are the luckiest girl in the world to have her in your life Sarah. ”

Sarah listened to every word that her father said and knew that it was true, despite how she made things out to be. She knew that she should have never listened to those girls. They only wanted to cause trouble. “I'm sorry dad, I really am. I didn't mean to be a jerk to you and especially mom. I guess I just let everything get the best of me. I promise that it won't happen again.”

“Good, and if anything like this happens again, I want you to tell us so we can put an end to this. Now your punishment…”

Sarah's head shot up in disbelief, “What, I'm still being punished?”

“Oh yes you are,” Joel smiled. “You got into a fight at school today young lady.”

“Yeah, I guess that's fair. What is it?”

He got up and took her phone off of her desk, “Well you won't be needing this for a while. I'm also going to need you to unplug this computer and put it in the kitchen. If you need a computer, you can use your mom's laptop, only for homework though.”

“Okay I will. Should I apologize to mom now?”

“No, I need to go check on her first. When things calm down a bit more, then you can. I love you Sarah, but please, don't let this happen again.”

“I know dad and I won’t, I promise,” she then gave Joel a big hug before he left to check on you.

When he got back to the living room, you and Maria were nowhere to be found. Thinking that you went upstairs, he ran up only to be greeted by an empty room.

‘What the fuck?’ he thought to himself as he ran back downstairs. 

He was confused beyond hell on where you could be. That's when sitting on the kitchen counter, he saw a note waiting for him. It read:

Joel baby,

You know that I love you with all my heart and nothing is going to change that. But I think that it's for the best that I leave for the night. I don't need to be here causing added drama or tension. I never meant to do anything to make Sarah think or feel like she wasn't my daughter Joel. Just let her know that I'm sorry and if she wants to talk, I'll be there for her. I really hope that we can get past this. I love you Joel and I'll see you in the morning.

Love,

Your doll

“Son of a bitch!” Joel shouted as he crumbled up the paper in his hand. There was no way that you just did that.

“Dad, is everything okay?” Sarah asked, peeking out from her room.

“I don't know, just…just stay here. I'll be right back,” then without another word, he ran out of the house leaving a confused Sarah behind.

Like a mad man, he ran next door to his brother's house and began banging on the door, “Y/N! Y/N!” he shouted. “Please let me in. We need to talk!” He then tried to open the door, but it was locked. “Please doll, I know that you are hurting, but it's not what you think. I talked to Sarah, and we sorted this whole thing out!”

He paused for a second when he heard the lock move, however instead of you, it was an angry Maria behind the door, “Jesus Joel, will you calm down! Someone is going to call the police.”

“I'm sorry Maria, but I really need to see Y/N please. I can't believe you let her leave like that!” he snapped at her.

“Look Joel, I didn’t have a choice! After you left to be with Sarah, Y/N just broke down and began having a panic attack. I couldn’t get her to calm down. She said that she couldn't stay there and that she needed to leave. So, I helped pack her an overnight bag and brought her over. This really isn’t healthy for her or the babies Joel.”

“I know Maria and that's why I need to speak with her. I need to let her know that it's okay for her to come home now. I talked to Sarah, and everything is okay. I need her to come home, so Sarah can apologize,” Joel pleaded with her. “If she doesn’t want to come home tonight, then that's fine. I just need to explain things to her.”

Maria just gave him a sympathetic smile and hugged him, “I'm glad that you worked things out Joel, but I'm still not going to let you in. Y/N is asleep right now. She ended up not feeling well again, so I sent her to bed. Maybe when she wakes up, I'll tell her that you came for her okay. Just go home for now.”

Joel tried to reach out and stop the door from closing, but it was too late. Maria had already closed and locked it. He didn't mean to, but his emotions got the best of him, and he punched the door as hard as he could. He didn't even care if his knuckles and hand were throbbing as he walked back to his house. It was better than the ache in his heart that he was having.

When he got back, Joel found Sarah standing there with your note in her hand and tears pouring down her face. “Did she really leave dad?”

“Come here,” he called out to her and held her, “Yes, she did baby girl, but she'll be back later or in the morning. She just wasn't feeling good and went to Maria's to lie down and give us some space. Once she gets back, we can get things between you two all sorted out. I don't want this to worry you, okay. Everything is going to be fine.”

“Okay. I love you dad.” 

“I love you two baby girl. Now why don't you go to your room and work on some homework. I'll see about making us some lunch or something in a second.”

Sarah just nodded and walked back to her room feeling more guilty than before. Despite what Joel had said. Grabbing her book bag, she went to go sit at her desk and work, but that's when a turned over picture frame caught her eye. Flipping it over, she saw that it was a picture of you and her that Joel had taken at the courthouse when you officially adopted her when she was seven. 

That's when she knew what she had to do. She had to get her mom back and get things back to where they needed to be. So, hoping that Joel wouldn’t be too mad at her, Sarah opened her window and climbed out. She then nervously walked across the lawn to Maria's. However instead of heading to the front door, she tried the guest room window first to see if you were in there.

Thankfully there you were asleep on the bed with a cold compress on your head. Taking a deep breath, Sarah nervously tapped on the window hoping you would stir. It took a couple of attempts, but after the third or fourth try, you finally woke up and pulled the compress off your eyes.

Rolling over, you looked towards the window and Sarah was staring at you. “What the heck?” you said out loud as you got up and went over to the window. “Sarah, wh-what are you doing here?”

“Hey mom, can we talk?”   

[tyun4airy]

— YOU DON'T GO TO PARTIES

yu jimin (aespa) x gn!reader

genre: hurt/comfort

summary: after breaking up, jimin regrets it as soon as she notices you not being around anymore, realizing just how much she loved you. now, she's trying to get you back by showing up at your door at five in the morning

warnings: language, exes to lovers trope, non idol!karina

wc: 1.1 k

aespa masterlist | main masterlist

posting this while i work on my first req, i hope you guys enjoy! i'm a bit rusty

it was roughly five in the morning when your phone pinged with a text message lighting up the screen, making you open your eyes and groan slightly. you couldn't imagine who would be texting you at this hour unless it was your boss asking you to come in, and you reluctantly grabbed your phone and looked at it. 

hey

that was it? you rubbed your eyes of your tiredness and looked at it again, making sure you were reading it right. that was all she had to say after breaking up? you don't even understand why she was awake right now. your fingers hovered above the keyboard as you thought about what to do. she hadn't texted you in months, and now suddenly at five in the morning she is? something was off. just as you were about to turn off your phone, the typing box on her side popped up again, making you stop.

i miss you

god damnit. you sighed and rubbed your hands over your face. what was this game she's playing with you? part of you didn't want to know. yet, you responded.

go to sleep, jimin.

you put your phone down and immediately sighed again when you heard the ding. you couldn't believe you responded, likely just falling into the trap, but you couldn't help it. even if you two weren't together anymore, you still loved her. you looked at your phone and your eyes widened at the message.

 can you let me in? i’m outside

“jesus christ,” you groaned.

you climbed out of your bed and walked to your front door, pausing for a moment before unlocking and opening the door. 

there stood yu jimin, your ex-girlfriend with a convenience store bag in one hand, and flowers in the other hand. she had a nervous smile on her face as she looked back at you. “uh, surprise,” she said, waving her hands a little. 

“do you know how early it is?” you sighed, leaning against the door. “why are you here?”

“well, uh, if you want me to be honest i don't really know,” she chuckled anxiously. “i just…i know i messed up. i messed up big time and lost you because of it. but, if you're willing to give me a second chance then here are flowers and your favorite snacks and drink,” she explained, holding up both the flowers and bag at the end.

you could tell by the expression on her face that she was being genuine, and while you wanted to say no, you ended up nodding your head and opening the door wider. “you're lucky.” 

immediately jimin’s face lit up into a bright smile and she scurried inside the apartment, letting you close the door behind her. “thank you thank you thank you,” she said, quickly pecking your lips each time she said it.

while you tried to stop a smile from forming on your face, it ended up happening anyway and you let out a quiet chuckle. “don't thank me,” you said, shaking your head. “though, now that you've woken me up you have to try and keep me awake. it's one of my few days off.” 

“i picked a good day, then!” jimin replied with a smile. she put the bag and flowers down on your coffee table before walking back over to you, her arms hooking around your neck. “i missed you,” she pouted. “i was worried you wouldn't respond. it would've been really embarrassing standing in front of your door and you never opening it.”

“i missed you too,” you responded, your arms subconsciously wrapping around her waist. “but you know i wouldn't leave you outside in the cold, even if i hate you, i wouldn't. you're just lucky i could never stop loving you. even though you broke up with me.” 

“okay it was a not so smart decision on my part, yes. but, it’s not like you really put in an effort to keep it together,” she said, one of her hands playing with your hair. 

“then why haven’t you texted me for months?” you questioned. 

“well,” she paused for a moment. “i honestly thought you hated me. i know it was sudden and out of nowhere and i’m sorry for whatever i put you through by putting that on you randomly, so i didn’t want to try texting and you block me. then i would’ve shown up here literally out of nowhere, that would’ve been bad.” 

“hated you?” you asked. “i may have been upset, but i would always answer your texts either way. i can’t hate you.” 

“well i didn’t know that!” jimin whined. “i’ve never tried texting an ex of mine before but i couldn’t sleep and decided if i texted you now months later you might not be mad anymore.” she pouted up at you. 

“well, that was easy considering i never hated you,” you laughed lightly, poking her cheek. “but seriously, i missed you really bad if i didn’t say that already.” 

“i think we’ve said it at least flour times now,” she giggled. “i’m glad you didn’t get with someone else.” 

“to be fair, i told people i was still with you,” you admitted, glancing away from her. 

“oh thank god!” she exclaimed, making you look at her confused. “i did the same thing, but it was hard lying to the girls, they were adamant that i wasn’t telling the truth.” 

you let out a laugh and nodded. “well, now it’ll be easier because you won’t have to lie.” 

“does this mean we’re officially back together?” jimin asked with hope and a smile on her face. 

you nodded again. “i would like to say so, yes,” you answered. 

immediately after your words her face lit up, her smile turning into a grin as she kissed you all over your face, mumbling little “thank you’s” and “you won’t regret it” after each small kiss. a few short laughs came from you at her mannerisms and you smiled down at her. 

“i love you,” you told her, kissing her forehead. 

“i love you too,” she smiled back at you. 

“now, since i’m completely awake, i’ll make something to eat,” you said, patting her head gently. 

“oh how i’ve missed real food,” she replied with a quiet chuckle. 

“i know,” you nodded with a laugh. “you wanna help?”

“i think we both know it wouldn’t end well if i tried.”

“...that’s true.” 

[heavyhitterheaux]

Stanley or Bust

First Lady of Private Garden Blurb

AN: Stanley cups in the nursing world is a VERY big deal lol I saw where Latto got one so I had to write something about it lol

Synopsis: You ask Jack to add to your collection of Stanley cups for Valentine's Day

Pairing: Husband!Jack Harlow x Wife!Reader

Requested by: @a-moment-captured 😘💕

Please Do Not Repost My Content Anywhere

Since you had gotten pregnant with your twins, your latest obsession had been Stanley cups and you were excited because Target was releasing a pink and white one along with a red one for Valentine's day at the location closest to you.

The doors would open at six in the morning on February 13th and you had a feeling that Jack was not going to allow you to stand in line and wait for the store to open and would have a fit if he found out you went and did it anyway after he told you no.

So, instead you were going to go ask him to get it for you. 

You hadn’t been able to sleep and made your way downstairs at around four in the morning and decided to start thinking about what you were going to cook for the day when you got the bright idea of organizing your Stanley cups that were placed in the cabinet.

Trying to reach the top shelf while standing on your toes, you felt Jack reach from behind you and get your pink and gray one down for you as he kissed the top of your head.

“My very pregnant wife is supposed to be sleeping. So what are you doing up?” He asked as you filled your cup with ice water knowing that you were going to end up peeing every five minutes.

“I was restless so I decided to get up.” You responded while shrugging before taking a sip of your water.

“Anything I can do to help make this last month and a half of you being pregnant more bearable?”

“Yes, actually now that you mention it.”

“Name it, baby.”

“Can you buy me another Stanley cup?” You asked as you batted your eyelashes at him and all he did was look at you.

“Baby girl, no. You have seven. You can only drink out of one at a time so I don't get the obsession.”

“But there's an exclusive one being released for Valentine's day at Target! The doors open at 6 am and I know if I stood in line you were going to yell at me.”

“You damn right because you have no business being on your feet for long periods of time anyway!”

“So, you’ll go and get it for me?” You excitedly asked while Jack was looking at you as if you had lost your mind.

“I am not standing in the damn cold at 6am for a cup!”

“But it's not just any cup! It's a STANLEY.”

“Baby, absolutely NOT. You have enough cups.”

“But I need the pink and white one with hearts!” You responded as you crossed your arms and began to pout.

All Jack did was sigh as he saw the pout on your face, but he wasn't budging.

“No. Final answer.”

It was February 14th and you woke up to your room being filled with pink and red balloons as you smiled to yourself thinking that Jack probably didn't get any sleep in order to do this for you.

Just then he came into the room with a gift bag in his hands and you immediately stretched your arms out wanting a hug from him.

“Happy Valentine's Day my sweet baby girl.” He said before giving you several kisses as he eagerly hugged you back.

“Happy Valentine's Day, smush. What's in the bag?”

“There's more gifts throughout the day, but this is the first one.” He handed it to you and you reached your hand in to pull out the two exclusive Stanley cups. You had only told him you wanted the pink and white one but he got you the red one too.

You instantly squealed and grabbed him to pull him into a hug and kiss him all over his face.

“BABY! Thank you, thank you!”

“My dick froze waiting in line to get them for you and I still don't think I can feel my fingers. I don't even know if my balls are attached to my body anymore.” All you did was roll your eyes over how dramatic he was being.

“Don't worry, your wife has plenty of time to warm you right back up.” You said while leaning over to kiss him.

“You better because I got the last ones.”

Jack just wasn't going to mention the 100 dollar bill he slipped to one of the Target employees to make sure that he got two for his wife.

And also wasn't going to mention that he only stood outside for ten minutes. 

FL Blurbs Taglist

@cmalass

@a-moment-captured

@alinaharlow

@harlowcomehome

@neon-lights-and-glitter

@hoodharlow

@nattinatalia

[writing-blog-iguess]

Online Matchup 8

Summery: It’s Halloween and y/n’s hosting a party that she doesn’t even want. But not to fear, Jason’s there with an escape plan.

Warning: mistakes, alcohol, tipsy!reader, tired Jason, Ellie’s done with her siblings bullshit.

A/N: So sorry for the wait. I got overwhelmed with how many wips I have and stopped writing for a bit, and it doesn’t help that I don’t have internet. So, that’s fun. Hope you enjoy though! Chapter nine should be on its way soon.

Feedback is welcomed!

ao3 Part 1/2/3/4/5/6/7

——————

October 31

Ellie (7:30 am)

YOU WENT TO A GALA

WITH YOUR BOYFRIEND

AND DIDN’T TELL ME

Y/N

Not my boyfriend

Shouldn’t you be in school?

Ellie

Not yet anyways

Don’t worry about it

So?

Y/N

It was two days ago, Ellie

It was a last minute decision

Didn’t really have time to tell you anything

Ellie

Could have told me after

Or yesterday

But no, I find out from Conner who found out from Clark

Y/N

Who?

Ellie

Clark Kent

Conner’s uncle

Also Bruce Wayne’s best friend but I have doubts

Y/N

How? You’ve never met Bruce

Ellie

True, but the stories Conner told me about

Anyways, we’re not talking about that

We’re talking about you and going out with Jason

Looking all fancy and rubbing elbows with the rich

Y/N

Ew

Did you have to word it like that?

Ellie

Did you meet his family?

Y/N

…

Ellie

YOU DID

Tell me, are they as intimidating as Conner makes them out to be?

Y/N

They’re all dorks and you would fit right in

Trust me

They’re very curious and protective of Jason

But they’re good people

I like them

Ellie

Don’t let Jason hear you say that

Or he might think you’ll leave him

Y/N

Ellie, what the fuck

Ellie

That wasn’t me I swear

Y/N

Fuck off conner

If you want to talk to me use your own phone

Ellie

This is the type of relationship you two have, isn't it?

Y/N

You’ll have no peace, sorry

Ellie

Damn

So, how'd it go?

Y/N

Fine

His brothers hounded me with questions

Bruce made a speech about jason

And then we left to get some burgers

Ellie

You’re the worst at telling stories

Y/N

I don’t know what you want me to say

Ellie

You’re feelings about how in love you are with Jason

Y/N

I’m not having this conversation with Conner reading over your shoulder

Ellie

Boo you’re no fun

Y/N

Suck it Ellie

Jason (1:39 pm)

How’s it going today?

Y/N

I am not the biggest fan of Halloween

I’ve had three different people scare me today on campus

Tripped over some decorations

And my friend is bugging me for a key so she can decorate my apartment once her last class is finished

I don’t know why she needs my key, she has her own

Jason

Yikes

Y/N

Yikes doesn’t even cover half of it

I’m half tempted to hide in the library and not go to the party

Jason

But it’s your apartment

Y/n

That’s the worst thing!

I shouldn’t have agreed to throwing it there

I want sleep

Jason

I don’t think I’ve seen you sleep at a normal time

Y/N

You’re one to talk

You’re up at the oddest hours

I’m not surprised anymore when you text me at like 2 in the morning

Jason

Fair

You can always come sleep with me when you’ve had enough

Y/n

Sir, I’m not that kind of person

Jason

That is not what I meant

You know that

Y/n

Do I though?

Jason

Y/n I swear to god

Y/n

They’re your words, Jason

Do better

Jason

Sometimes, I hate

Y/n

No you don’t

Jason

No I don’t

What I mean is, you can always stay the night at my place.

To sleep, can even have the couch since that’s were you sleep most of the time

Y/n

I want to be offended

But your right

Jason

Aren’t I always?

Y/n

No

With the party in full swing, and friends practically drunk, you hadn’t had the chance to look at your phone.

Now hiding in your room a few hours later, you grabbed it and went through your notifications. Nothing too important until you said Jason’s text asking to call you. But it was sent at five, and you were pretty sure he meant then instead of now.

But curiosity got the better of you, and you called.

“Hey Jason,” Barbara’s voice cut through the line, distracting Jason a little. He grunted in reply, and retreated behind the dumpster. “Someone named Y/N is calling. What do you want me to do?”

“Put it through,” Jason answered, looking around the dumpster to see how many were left. Three were left, shouldn’t be a problem.

“Are you sure?”

“It’ll be fine,” he said and Barbara hummed before connecting the call. “Hey Little Bird. What’s up?”

“I don’t know, you were the one who wanted me to call you,” you answered. Jason furrowed his eyebrows.

“I don’t think so,” he said, moving to shoot the one standing up. He winced at the sound and hoped you didn’t hear it.

“Mm, pretty sure you did,” you said, and he heard movement from your end. As if you moved the one on away from your face. “Yeah, seven-forty you said call me.”

“That was four hours ago,” he reminded, and smiled when you laughed.

“Yeah, well, I’ve been busy with a party and all,” you said and he can picture you shrugging. “This a bad time?”

He took a moment to answer as he ducked down when the other two started shooting. “Uh, don’t know.”

“Is that…is someone shooting at you?” you asked and he grimaced at the question. So much for keeping you out of this. “Jason, are you okay?”

“No, there’s no shooting. And I’m fine,” he grunted out, letting out a noise when he felt something hit his shoulder. When did he move? He faintly heard you saying something, but wasn’t quite sure. Ducking behind something else, he took a deep breath before saying, “you don’t do parties.”

“No, I don’t,” you agreed, “but, as I said, my friend is hosting the Halloween party at my place tonight.”

“It’s Halloween?” he found himself asking.

“It is. Jason, are you sure you're okay?” you asked, concern dripping in your voice.

“Peachy,” he said, staying down as the other two started shooting him. Where was the backup when you needed it? “So, how’s the party anyways? Sounds like you're having fun.”

He heard you sniff and could picture you sticking your nose in the air. “I am not having fun,” you said dryly.

“You sure? You sound drunk,” he said and laughed when you squawked.

“I don't get drunk.” Jason hummed and let the silence stretch out before you begrudgingly added, “okay. Maybe maybe I’m a little drunk.”

“Thought so,” he said, “just go to bed.”

“I can’t,” you grumble, and Jason can picture you looking at your bed longingly.

“Why the fuck not?”

“Jason, there’s a full blown party out there and I can’t sleep knowing people are trying to get in my room for a hookup.”

“Tell me you locked the doors.”

“I’m not an idiot, Jason. But that doesn’t stop them from trying to get in. Four tries since I called, and each time I tell them that the room is busy.”

“That’s not so bad.”

“Okay yeah, but I want to sleep. I’m tired.”

“If you give me twenty minutes I’ll come by to pick you up.”

“Mm, tempting. But I’m also tempted to sneak out and go to the cafe where we first met.”

“You’re not leaving the apartment alone this late at night.”

“You can’t stop me.”

“I sure as hell can try.”

“I don’t see how, given that you’re probably across town.”

“I swear to god.”

You could have sworn you heard someone laughing, but in your drunken state you weren’t sure. “Well, I mean I could make you swear for a different purpose.”

There was a choking noise coming from Jason and you smiled. “Who knew you were a flirty drunk.”

“Not drunk, tipsy,” you reminded, and slowly opened your window, hoping Jason couldn’t hear it.

“Same thing in my books,” he said. You swore when the window creaked and stilled. “What are you doing?”

“Nothing,” you said a little too quickly.

“That sounded like a window opening,” Jason claimed, “please tell me you aren’t escaping through the window.”

“How do you know what a window opening sounds like?”

“Really? That’s your takeaway from this?”

“I mean, it’s not everyday you learn that someone knows what a window sounds like when someone opens it.”

“Did you open the window?” Jason asked, and you stayed quiet but it was an answer all the same. “Why?”

“Well I mean, there’s a fire escape like right there,” you defended, holding your phone between your cheek and shoulder. With both hands, you pushed open the window. “Ha!”

“Y/N,” Jason sighed out and you could picture him pinching his nose. Kind of like a dad when he sees his child do something stupid and questioning why they are like this. You wonder if that’s what he’s thinking about you, but you don’t care too much about that right now. “If you're going to do something like this, then keep me on the phone.”

“But won’t I disturb your family movie night?” you ask as you giggle the window screen off and slide it into your room. Once placed on the ground, you grab your keys and wallet before climbing through the window.

“I’m not watching a movie,” Jason said, confused.

“But I heard gunshots,” you reminded him, “it sounded like some western film.”

“Oh,” he said like he had forgotten. You paused on the steps, and looked up in concern when he didn’t say anything else.

“So you were getting shot at,” you questioned. Jason made a noise and you continued down the fire escape.

“No, no one was shooting at me,” Jason said, “brothers were playing a game, guess it was too loud.” You hummed as you concentrated on walking down the steps. “So, did you escape?”

“Do you want me to answer that truthfully?”

“You are, aren’t you?” Jason asked, sighing deeply.

“It’s a lot sturdier than you’d expect.”

“You say that like you’ve done this multiple times.”

“I like to sit outside sometimes,” you defended, “and sometimes I am too tired to go to the roof.”

“Why not just open a window?”

“Not the same,” you replied and kept going down the stairs.

“There’s no stopping you, huh?” Jason voiced and you kept quiet. “Just keep me on the phone while you're out at least.”

“I can do that…as long as my phone doesn’t die.”

“Do you ever charge your phone?”

“…yes.”

“I don’t believe you,” Jason teased, and you stuck out your tongue even though he couldn’t see you. “I’ll meet you at the cafe as soon as I can.”

“Might want to hurry, I think I’m going to sleep there if they let me.”

“I have no doubt,” Jason said, laughing.

“Your confidence in me is astounding.”

Your phone ended up dying halfway to the cafe, and Jason wasn’t going to let you live it down. No matter, you were almost there Jason was sure of it.

Quickly tying up the thugs he’s been dealing with while on the phone with you, Jason sent a message to Barbara before leaving.

“What? Done already?” Her basics filtered through the earpiece, surprised. “You’re never done this early. Got a date or something?”

“Or something,” he answered, starting his bike.

“Oh, come Jason!” Barbara exclaimed, “everyone else practically met them. It’s only fair that I know more. I did help you with your dating profile,” she reminded him.

Jason groaned and hung his head in defeat. “Fine! Fine,” he sighed out, ignoring the cheering in his ear. “Yes, I’m going to meet up with them after I’ve changed.”

“But I thought you were going to be out all night,” she said, “given that Y/n’s busy too.”

“Yeah, well. Plans change.”

“Are they okay?”

“Just a little tipsy and isn’t much for party’s. They just left for a cafe near town. Even though they didn’t listen when I told them not to and to wait for me. They insisted they go. So I told them I’d meet them there. Happy?”

“Extremely,” she sang, “and I’ll be even more happy when I get to meet them.”

“I will bring it up. Promise.”

“So, what was it? The motorcycle picture or the puppy that did it for the ?” Barbara teased, and Jason rolled his eyes.

“No idea, but feel free to ask when you two finally meet.”

“I have every intention to and share some stories of my own,” Barbara said and laughed as Jason groaned.

“Oh no.”

“Have fun,” she sang before signing off. Jason shook his head, and rode off back to his apartment.

A short while later, after he dropped by his apartment, he made his way to the cafe.

Parking his bike near the entrance of the building, he got off and looked through the window to see if he could spot you. He didn’t, and frowned hoping you made it safe.

Taking his helmet off, he made his way inside.

“Was wondering when you’d show up,” one of the barista’s called when he walked in.

“Traffic,” he explained, looking around. “Is Y/N here?”

He heard a sigh, and a thump from behind the counter. He turned his head to see a barista when her head was on the counter. “You okay?”

“Don’t mind her,” her coworker answered, waving his hand. “She’s just had to sit and listen to Y/N complain about school and how you were taking so long.”

“Right,” he hummed and looked towards the talk he was directed at. And there you were, head down using your arms as a pillow.

“She’s so tired it’s unreal,” May, after a quick look at her nag tag, groaned. “I can’t wait for Christmas break. That way, they can take a fucking break and sleep he break away. Between school and working, it feels like they don’t sleep.”

Jason hummed and made his way towards your table. “Hey,” he whispered once he reached you and gently placed a hand on your head. You stirred, barely lifted your head up. “Come on, I’ll take you home.”

“But there’s still a party there,” you groaned out, nuzzling further into your arms. “I don’t want to go back.”

“Okay. Counter offer, come to my place. Sleep there, it looks like you need it.”

That had gotten your attention as you lifted your head to glare at him. “Sir, you know just what to say to sweep a girl off their feet.”

Jason laughed and helped you up. “Come on, you’ll feel better once you get some sleep. Promise.”

“Mm,” you hummed, clutching his hand as you followed him outside, waving at the two friends as you passed by. “Bike?”

“What else?”

“It’s cold out,” you pointed out, sticking your tongue out as he set the helmet onto your head.

“Yeah, it keeps you awake though.”

“But it’s cold.”

“Why didn’t you bring your jacket?”

“It was not in the room when I made my escape,” you said, watching as he climbed onto the bike. You followed once he sat, and snaked your arms around his waist, settling your chin on his shoulder.

“You make it sound like you were held against your will,” he said, chuckling when you made a noise, stating that you practically were. “Alright, hold on tight.” That was your last warning, before he started the bike and took off.

You watched the city lights as Jason drove, in awe. You found, since moving to Gotham, that Gotham nights were much more pretty and peaceful then Metropolis. Granted, It wasn’t really safe with all the fighting and toxic gas’s being dispelled by the villain of the week. But it had its charm you fell in love with.

You shivered slightly as the cold air blew past you and felt Jason pick up the speed a little. You couldn’t help but smile at the tiny gesture. He was right though, the cold air does keep you awake.

Watching the lights whiz by, letting your mind wonder. Mat wasn’t kidding when she said you don’t sleep. Between classes, work and your personal projects, you’ve kind of neglected sleep in order to focus on everything else.

Sure, you get a couple hours of sleep, and naps. But it isn’t enough and it’s starting to take its toll on you. Sighing deeply, you tightened your grip and closed your eyes. Christmas break couldn’t come sooner.

You felt the bike slow, causing you to open your eyes. You waited until he parked and shut it off before climbing off. “That was thrilling,” you mumble out through a yawn.

“Would you like another ride?” Jason asked, helping you take off the helmet.

“Definitely,” you answered with a nod, “though maybe when it’s warmer and I’m not prone to fall off your bike due to sleep deprivation.”

Jason laughed, and tugged you into the building. “That’s fair. Now, let’s get you something to drink and eat before getting you to bed.”

“Sounds nice,” you said sleepily. “Is your couch comfy? I feel like it might not be.”

“Now that’s just mean,” he said, stopping short in front of his door. You nearly bumped into him and groaned out his name. “Sorry, but you might need to stay out here for a bit.”

“Did you leave your dirty laundry out or something?” you asked, rubbing your nose. You stepped back all the same instead of pushing it.

“Something like that,” he answered and you watched him unlock the door and stepped in. He closed it quickly, not giving you a chance to look inside. You shrugged and looked around the dimly lit hallway before turning to lean your back on the wall beside the door.

You closed your eyes, letting your head fall back against the wall with a small thump. It was strange, being at Jason’s apartment for the first time. And to sleep instead of being awake and hanging out. But you were giddy all the same.

Yes, you trusted Jason not to do anything with you. And you liked him enough to be okay with sleeping over at his place. It’s not the first time you’ve slept in the same place. And just remembering how warm you felt with Jason’s arms around you sent butterflies fluttering in your stomach.

“Alright, it’s safe to come in,” Jason’s sudden voice beside you made you jump slightly. “Sorry. Didn’t realize you were sleeping.”

“Not sleeping,” you said, pushing him back in as you walked through the door. “Just resting my eyes.”

Jason hummed and put his hands on your shoulder and steered you into the kitchen. He gently made you sit, before setting a cup of water and a plate of toast in front of you. “Slowly. The. You can have a shower and change out of…whatever costume you have on.”

“You’re an angel.”

“Some would say I’m not.”

“Then they can fight me,” you said, taking a bite out. “And how dare you. Not recognizing the greatest hero of all.”

Jason looked you over slowly, and you tried not to flush. “Yeah, I'm still not getting it.”

“Wonder Women,” you said through another bite of toast. “Sure, it’s not the greatest costume. But it’s the thought that counts.”

“Would you like a change of clothes? I doubt it would be comfy to sleep in.”

“If you don’t mind,” you said with a smile. “I would appreciate it.”

“No problem,” he said, kissing the top of your head before leaving the room. You flushed slightly and finished the rest of your food. It felt all so normal, like you did this everyday. And that thought made you giddy.

“Okay, the sweatpants might be a little big and so is the shirt. But they should be fine.”

“Thanks Jason. That means a lot,” you said, getting up to hug him. He returned it with a smile and shooed you into the bathroom.

Once showered and dressed, you walked out of the bathroom feeling refreshed. “Jason?”

“In here,” he called and you followed the voice until you reached the bedroom. “This is your room for the night.”

“I thought I was taking the couch,” you question, leaning against the doorframe, watching as he was getting it ready.

Jason snorted and gave you a look. “Please, I would never do that to you. Besides, it’s not as comfortable as the bed.”

“So you’re going to take the couch?” Jason nodded, and you bit your lip in thought. And before you could change your mind, you bit out, “or, now hear me out. We could share the bed. It’s not like it’s happened before.” You're blaming the alcohol for it, and you can't regret it.

Jason looked up at you with raised eyebrows. “Are you sure?”

“Yeah,” you said with a nod. “I’m sure. We’re just sleeping right? The worst that can happen is cuddling in the middle of the night.”

“Okay,” he laughed and with that, the two of you climbed into bed. You were more tired than you thought, you fell asleep the minute your head hit the pillow.

For Jason, it took a lot longer for sleep to reach him. He turned over, and looked at you for a moment before slipping his arm underneath you. With his other, he wrapped it around your waist and pulled you closer. And only then he could fall asleep, but not with the thought of how dangerous this could be.

But he found that he didn’t care.

[hungermakesmonsters]

Catch Me If You Can

Chapter Twenty-Two

Plot summary : When your friend interviews for a position at Anvil, you have a chance encounter with Billy Russo. He takes you for coffee and, by the time you’re done, Billy decides he’s anything but done with you.

Pairing : Billy Russo x Reader

Story Rating : R 

Chapter Rating : R - the usual

Warnings : [This is a fic for 18+ only, minors DNI] Nothing major, slightly public smuttiness. Please check the warnings on each chapter if you choose to follow this story. 

Word Count : ~4.9k

A/N : Reader and Karen go on vacation! What could possibly go wrong?

CHAPTER ONE | CHAPTER TWO | CHAPTER THREE | CHAPTER FOUR | CHAPTER FIVE | CHAPTER SIX | CHAPTER SEVEN | CHAPTER EIGHT | CHAPTER NINE | CHAPTER TEN | CHAPTER ELEVEN | CHAPTER TWELVE | CHAPTER THIRTEEN | CHAPTER FOURTEEN | CHAPTER FIFTEEN | CHAPTER SIXTEEN | CHAPTER SEVENTEEN | CHAPTER EIGHTEEN | CHAPTER NINETEEN | CHAPTER TWENTY | CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

Chapter Twenty-Two

You’d dared to hope that Billy was fine with the idea of you going on a long weekend to Mexico without him but, as the day of your flight approached, you started to realise that he might not be. He’d started with little comments about how you’d have more fun if he went with you, about how you’d miss sleeping beside him - and, of course, you saw right through how he was trying to make it about how you would be the one missing him and not the other way around.

It was nice to begin with, it felt harmless and it made you feel loved.

But after the third time he’d managed to pull you into bed on the morning of your flight, it was starting to feel like it was getting out of hand.

You moaned and writhed on top of him, riding him fast and hard, your hands on his chest, fingertips pressing into his skin. And Billy looked up at you as desperate as you’d ever seen him, his hands on your hips helping your movements. Karen was picking you up in less than half an hour, but all you could think about was Billy and how good he felt inside you. His hands found your breasts, fingers lightly pinching your hard nipples causing you to groan.

“You’re mine,” he grunted beneath you, for what must have been the thirtieth time that morning.

You’d tried to resist at first, tried to playfully shove him away as you packed your luggage which had resulted in something of a wrestling match that ended with him pulling your clothes off and pinning you to the bed for twenty minutes.

The second time had happened in the bathroom, while you’d been trying to pack your toiletries while he was finishing up in the shower. It was a blur how that one had happened, but it had started with you asking him to hand you your shampoo and had ended with you perched on the bathroom counter, with Billy’s cock driving into you hard enough that you almost saw stars.

The third time, this time, was more your fault; you’d decided to kiss him while grabbing some underwear to pack from the nightstand on your side of the bed while he was lounging in nothing but a towel, and one thing had led to another. 

He pulled you down into a desperate kiss as he came, holding you tight before confirming all your suspicions.

“I don’t want you to go,” he muttered against your lips.

“Billy,” you sighed, softly running your fingers through his hair as you looked down at him, “I’ll only be gone for four nights.”

“I know...”

He didn’t come out and say it directly; that he’d miss you, that he didn’t want to spend those four nights apart, as if some part of him was worried you might never come back to him. And you didn’t push. All you could do was hope that a few days apart would help him realise that you’d always come back.

After a moment, you moved, climbing out of bed to continue packing, while Billy just stayed there, watching your every move.

“Anyway,” you started again as you started folding clothes, “when I get back, I’ll be able to  finish packing up my apartment and moving in here. Then you’ll have me here all the time.” 

Billy was silent for a moment. “I could take you on vacation, if you really want to go away for a while.” 

“Billy -” you stopped the moment you heard the sharp tone in your voice and took a breath. “I’ll FaceTime you every morning and every night before I go to bed, okay? And I’ll be back before you even know I’m gone.”

“Fine,” he grumbled, finally getting out of bed and starting to get dressed, “just... don’t make me worry about you.”

You paused, frowning for a second, not really sure why he’d worry about you. Did he not trust you? Did he not think that you could look after yourself? Shaking your head, you decided not to ask. Nothing was going to happen, you were just going to have fun relaxing in the sun with Karen and, when you got home, you’d have proven that whatever Billy was worrying about was silly.

Karen arrived on time and, thanks to Billy’s distractions, you were still rushing around trying to make sure you had everything that you needed. Once you were ready, Billy took your suitcase and escorted you down to the lobby. Karen smirked at the sight of the pair of you but, thankfully didn’t say anything. She stood by and waited patiently as Billy kissed you and told you to let him know when you landed and when you got to the hotel.

“Look after her,” he told Karen as you finally managed to pull yourself from his arms, and your heart skipped a beat.

“Of course I will,” Karen laughed, grabbing you by the arm and pulling you towards the door, knowing that you weren’t going to get anywhere without a little intervention.

Billy watched as you left, lingering in the lobby even as you got into Karen’s car, giving a sad little wave as Karen started the car and pulled away from the curb. 

“I don’t know what you did, but I think you’ve broken him,” Karen laughed, noticing the way you were glancing back at his building as she drove away. 

“He’s just... worried,” you shrugged.

“About?” 

“I’m not sure.”

Karen didn’t want to seem to linger on the subject of Billy, and she soon got you talking about how everything was ready at The Bulletin to start work and that you’d need to go sign the paperwork once you were back from Mexico. And, after everything that had happened over the last few months, you found yourself feeling happy, excited. Everything in your life felt amazing, like nothing else could possibly go wrong.

The trip to the airport was uneventful, you got there with enough time to grab a drink at the bar before boarding your flight and, once you were onboard, you had another glass of wine before losing yourself in your book for a few hours. Karen, on the other hand, spent most of the flight on her laptop, finishing up a story so she could send it the moment you got to the hotel. 

It felt like all it took was the blink of an eye to transport you from cold, dreary New York to warm and (mostly) sunny Cancun. There were storm clouds on the horizon but your taxi driver assured you that the rain never lasted too long on the coast. 

Once you arrived at the hotel, you found your rooms, and your vacation began.

You spent what was left of the day drinking Mai Tai’s on the beach before going for food. And, all the while, your phone kept lighting up with texts from Billy.

“I never thought I’d see the day when someone managed to turn Billy Russo into a lost puppy,” Karen joked over dinner.

“He’s normally not this bad,” you tried to explain, but it was clear that Karen didn’t believe a word of it. “He’s just - I dunno, complicated.”

“Speaking of complicated,” she started and you hated the way she let the word hang before finishing the question, “what really happened with you two that day at Anvil?”

Despite being your rock through the whole ordeal, Karen hadn’t asked, she’d given you time and space. She’d let you stay with her and had stepped up to help you with your photography show and hadn’t once tried to pry.

You took a deep breath and stayed silent for a moment, trying to decide what to tell her. Despite that little voice in your head  that wanted to convince you that no one could now and that telling her would change everything, it didn’t feel right to keep lying and hiding things. Besides, Billy’s reaction to your past had left you feeling bolder, stronger; he’d made you feel like maybe it wasn’t all your fault.

Karen stayed silent while you reached a decision and, finally, you told her everything.

She sat, barely moving save to lift her drink, listening to the whole sorry story about you and Scott, about your sister, and about how you’d needed to get away from Florida. You told her about the PI and the file he’d had on you, and why he was looking for you. And, when you were done, the silence lingered for a few awkward moments.

“Holy shit,” she breathed out. “That’s - I’m so sorry you had to go through that.” You shook your head, not really wanting any sympathy for it. “And Billy knows all of that now?”

“Yeah,” you sighed, “I think that’s why he’s been a bit - y’know, a bit much lately.”

“I mean, I guess I get it? You’re the first serious relationship he’s had since Krista, so knowing that your asshole ex-boyfriend is looking for you is probably making him feel a little out of control.” She took a drink, giving you a second to ponder that thought. It wasn’t something you’d thought about, but it made sense. “Frank says he hasn’t quite been the same since...”

She paused. No, she hesitated, eyeing you like she wasn’t sure if you knew about Billy and Frank yet.

“Billy told me what he did,” you offered. “He blames himself for it, says he can’t even trust himself anymore...”

“He made a stupid choice, but what almost happened to Frank wasn’t on Billy. But, ever since then, Frank says something hasn’t been right.”

“He loves Frank like a brother, I think it just gets to him that he almost lost someone who means so much to him,” you offered.

“Like you,” Karen stated, “it sounds like he’s worried that he’s going to lose you.”

It was a heavy thought, but you weren’t really sure that you could do anything about it. At least, not from Mexico. 

You had a few more drinks before calling it a night. And, once you were alone in your room, and comfortable in bed, you FaceTimed Billy just like you promised you would. He kept you on the call for almost an hour just talking to you about everything and nothing, sounding like he hadn’t had anyone to talk to all day, and it made your heart almost ache to see him that way. His face lit up when you told him you loved him and that you missed him.

And, as promised, you called him again first thing the following morning; he was already at Anvil, sitting behind his desk and looking annoyed from his first morning meeting. The conversation was short and sweet because you wanted breakfast and he was meeting with a client.

Over breakfast you and Karen decided that, from that point on, there would be no more mentions of Billy and Frank, and that you were just going to enjoy your vacation without thinking about New York.

The day was spent at the beach, relaxing and drinking, while Karen filled you in on what to expect when you started working at the Bulletin. She had a story for pretty much everyone that worked there; she told you who to avoid and whose good side to get on. Then, while she sat and read, you decided to take a walk along the beach with your camera.

You couldn’t remember the last time you’d felt so relaxed, even if your phone seemed to buzz with a new message from Billy every few minutes. On your walk you sent him some photos of the beach, of you, and of some of the wildlife you encountered. Daring to text wish you were here.

The day ended the same as the last; with dinner and drinks. There was more talking about The Bulletin and, after a few cocktails, Karen filled you in on some of the office gossip before breaking her own rule and turning the conversation to Frank.

“I’m waiting for him to ask me to move in with him,” she said with a sigh, “with what he makes at Anvil and what I make at The Bulletin, we could afford a really nice place... I feel like I’m getting too old to be having sleepovers with my boyfriend.”

You let out a laugh. “Have you tried telling him?”

“I’ve been dropping hints for months and he’s just oblivious.”

You spent the rest of the night laughing and drinking, losing track of time. It was well past midnight when you finally called Billy, and you were more than a little bit tipsy. He stayed on FaceTime with you until you fell asleep on the call. When you woke, you had a text telling you he had meetings all morning and not to call but that he’d text you as soon as he was free. So, you went to meet Karen for breakfast (and she was also feeling a little worse for wear after the night before).

It wasn’t long before you were sitting on the beach again, both quietly enjoying the sun and sipping Mai Tais, your blue cover-up catching in the breeze every time you moved. It wasn’t until one in the afternoon that you finally heard from Billy.

How’s it going? You having fun? Are you and Karen behaving?

You couldn’t help but smile at the message, missing him.

We’ve been having sex on the beach all day. 

Grinning to yourself at your silly little joke, you could just picture Billy’s face as he read it; that unamused eye roll that he did whenever you made a terrible joke.

Funny. I always saw you as more of a Mai Tai sort of girl.

You read the message, then re-read it, trying to remember if you’d ever had cocktails with Billy before. You hadn’t. In fact, you didn’t think you’d ever mentioned them before. It must have been a lucky guess. Before you could reply, your phone buzzed with another message.

What are you wearing?

Your eyes rolled. Of course Billy wanted to know that.

A red bikini with a thong. It’s very sexy.

Was he at work thinking about you in a bikini, you wondered. (No, you hoped he was at work, struggling to focus because he was too busy thinking about you.)

Really? I’m picturing you in a black bikini with a blue long sleeve cover-up and an adorable straw sun hat.

You sat up suddenly, almost spilling your drink, looking at Karen, wondering if she’d been talking to Billy. It took her a moment to open her eyes and realise that you were staring.

“What -” she stopped, her eyes rolling. “You’ve got to be fucking kidding me.”

When you turned and saw him standing there, you didn’t know whether to laugh or scream at him, so you did neither. Instead you were just frozen for a few minutes, trying to figure out what the fuck he was doing.

“Billy, what are you -” you stopped mid-question, not sure you even wanted to hear his reasoning for whatever this was.

“I think I’m going to -” Karen was already half out of her seat, trying to escape the awkwardness of the situation and the argument she sensed was coming.

“No,” you told her suddenly, getting to your feet. “You stay here. We need to talk in private.”

For a second Billy looked ready to say something but he clearly thought better of it when he noticed how you were looking at him. You didn’t even have to ask him to follow you when you turned and headed towards your room. He stayed silent as he walked behind you but, even though you weren’t looking at him, you could tell he was eager to say something.

You practically stormed into your room and waited until you heard the door shut behind him before. You didn’t say a word, you just waited expectantly.

“So, I take it you’re not happy to see me?”

“What are you doing here, Billy?” You sighed, not sure exactly how he’d been expecting you to react. He opened his mouth to speak, but you cut him off before he could start; “and don’t say it’s because you missed me. I’ve only been gone two days.”

His mouth shut and he took a few seconds to think. “I just wanted to make sure you were okay.”

You leaned back against the dresser, watching him as he dared to step closer. It felt like there was something else there, some other meaning to his words that you didn’t quite understand. Did he think you were completely incapable of looking after yourself, or was this his abandonment issues playing up again.

“Of course I’m okay. Why wouldn’t I be okay?” You finally asked. “It’s not like I’m here on my own, Billy.”

“I know, I just don’t trust anyone else to look after you,” he confessed, stepping closer, the distance between you shrinking to nothing. “I don’t know what I’d do if anything ever happened to you...”

“Nothing’s gonna happen to me,” you tried to tell him, most of the anger draining from you when you saw the uncomfortable look on his face. “If we’re gonna be together, you can’t keep smothering me.”

“Smothering you?” Billy repeated, the words obviously cutting deep. “That’s not -”

“It’s what it feels like.”

“Well, I’m sorry that you feel that way,” he tried, obviously not sure what he wanted to say to you.

“That’s not an apology,” though some part of you understood that he hadn’t meant it that way, you weren’t going to let him feel like you were the one being unreasonable. “Look, I know that this is hard for you but I need you to understand that sometimes I’m gonna need some space, but just because I want some time apart doesn’t mean that I’m not coming back.”

He stayed silent for a moment, taking a breath and looking like he was weighing up his options. Still, somehow, you felt like there was more to this than he was letting on, but it was clear he wasn’t ready to tell you whatever it was.

“Okay,” Billy relented, “I’m sorry. I know I shouldn’t be here and I know I can’t expect you to stay with me all the time.”

“Then why are you here?”

Billy shrugged. “Poor impulse control - I didn’t stop to think about it, I just wanted to see you.” He stepped a little closer, his hand finding your cheek. Hesitating a second, he waited to see if you’d pull away from him and, when you didn’t, he leaned in and kissed you softly. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to ruin your vacation.”

“You didn’t ruin it,” you sighed, “but you’re definitely gonna have to apologise to Karen for turning up uninvited.”

“I will,” he answered before pressing his lips to yours again.

You stayed like that for a few moments, trading sweet little kisses, enjoying the fact that he was there, despite the lingering feelings of annoyance. Then his hand dropped to yours, fingers lacing with yours as he led you out onto the balcony.

“Wow, look at that view,” he muttered, his eyes on the beach and ocean below.

You both fell silent for a few minutes, enjoying the scenery and the sounds of waves lapping against the beach.

“I missed you too,” you finally admitted quietly. “I don’t want you to ever think that I don’t miss you when we’re not together, but I need you to understand that you can’t do anything like this again.”

Billy let out a slow breath and nodded.

“I won’t,” he promised. “I just... I want you to know that anything I do, even if it pisses you off, it’s because I care about you.”

“I know, Billy, but -” you cut yourself off when he moved to stand behind you, his arm wrapping around your waist and pulling you back against him.

The familiar press of his cock against your ass had you sighing. Brushing your hair aside, he started to trail kisses along your neck and then, as he relieved you of your cover-up, along your shoulders. His other hand slowly moved down your stomach and, by the time his fingers slipped into your bikini bottoms, you were pressing back against him, giving in to him. As annoyed as you were, you’d missed him and you couldn’t help but give into him.

His fingers slipped lower and your thighs eagerly parted for him, desperate for his touch after two nights without it. The press of his fingertips against your clit destroyed the last of your willpower and you soon felt that familiar slickness between your folds. A soft moan escaped you, your hand reaching behind and tangling in his hair, ensuring his lips continued to trail kisses against your neck, while your other hand moved to grip the balcony railing.

“So wet,” he muttered, kissing the skin just behind your ear, his voice low, barely contained. “You must have really missed me, sweetheart. Have you been lonely without me?”

“Yes,” you gasped, barely holding back a moan as he plunged a finger into your trembling body.  

Your gaze dropped to the beach below, to all the people on their sun loungers who were completely unaware of what was happening above them. It was enough to cause your cheeks to heat, thinking about how one little sound could expose you to everyone on the beach, including Karen.

And Billy seemed to realise exactly what was running through your mind, and he almost caught you by surprise when he pressed a second finger into you. Biting your lip, you managed to stifle your moan, but only just. 

“Billy, please -” you begged, grinding yourself back against him. You needed more; more of him, more of everything. Even though it had only been two days, you needed more than his fingers, you needed all of him.

Fortunately, Billy was just as desperate and, if you’d been able to see his face, you would have known that he was barely holding himself back. The hand between your thighs pulled back, leaving you feeling wet and empty. He peeled your bikini bottoms down and let them fall to your ankles, and you licked your lips as you heard the zip of his pants and the sound they made hitting the floor, thanks to the phone in his pocket. Your fingers tightened in his hair, holding him  against you, loving the sound of his eager, panted breaths by your ear.

Teeth sank deeper into your lip, barely holding back another moan as you felt the ridge of his cock slip through your folds, teasing you, coating his shaft in your wetness. The swollen tip of his cock pressed against your clit, making you squirm against him. 

As much as he wanted you, it quickly became clear that he wanted you to keep begging for him. At first, you tried to deny him, but his fingers had left you primed and desperate for him, eager for him to claim you.

“Fuck me, Billy. Please.” You finally broke.

His cock pitched inside you so suddenly, filling you so quickly that you let a cry spill out, but he didn’t give you time to think about the people on the beach below, or anyone else around who might have heard. Billy let out a groan of his own as he seated himself inside you, revelling in the feeling of your slick walls hugging him tight. You were so overwhelmed that you needed a moment to compose yourself, to make sure you didn’t start screaming his name.

Billy didn’t give you that.

One of his hands covered yours on the rail, while the other found your hip to hold you steady while his hips slowly pulled back then quickly snapped forwards, again and again. You whimpered desperately, trying to stay quiet, but that didn’t stop you from pressing back against him, meeting each thrust halfway.

He groaned against your skin as his lips moved along your neck, kissing and sucking, leaving telltale marks in his wake.

“This needy little pussy is mine,” he told you in a low growl, teeth scraping against your neck. “Two days and it’s already desperate for me, gripping me so tight...”

You’d missed his filthy mouth almost as much as you’d missed him. And, just like that, everything was Billy and nothing else mattered.

He pulled back, almost slipping from you completely before driving forwards again, so roughly that your legs nearly buckled beneath you. Your fingers slipped from his hair to join the other hand on the railing, bracing yourself, wanting him to do his worst. Your insides thrummed with pleasure as he fucked you, your pussy fluttering around his cock every time he filled you, pushing you closer and closer to breaking point. 

You came with a whimper, somehow managing to choke back the scream that he so desperately wanted to rip from you. Tears formed in the corners of your eyes and your whole body shook, overwhelmed by the pleasure coursing through your body. 

“You get so fucking wet when you come,” Billy grunted, his teeth nipping at your neck again. You could practically hear the smile in his voice. “Don’t worry, sweetheart, we’re not done yet.”

There was no stopping, no slowing down, even as you tried to pull away, too sensitive and over stimulated as your orgasm continued to shake your body. But his grip on your hip held you in place, his whole arm moving around your waist when you continued to try and squirm away. And, all the while, he kept driving his cock into you, from tip to hilt, every hard inch.

Your knuckles turned white as you gripped the railing, knees trembling beneath you. When it almost became too much, Billy hand moved from yours and settled on your back, urging you forwards so you were almost bent over the railing. Suddenly you could see the whole beach and it made it feel all the more dangerous, like there was no way you wouldn’t be caught. But you still didn’t want him to stop.

“Fuck, Billy,” you moaned as softly as you could, back arching, ass pressing back to try and meet his thrusts, “you’re so deep...”

“Want me to come for you?” He leaned down to pant in your ear. 

“Yes,” you groaned with unabashed desperation. “Come inside me, please…”

“Not until you come for me again,” he told you with a breathless laugh. “You don’t get my cum until this needy little pussy begs for it.”

A whimper spilled from your lips, not sure you could come again after the climax he’d already dragged from you, but what was the alternative? You knew now that Billy could keep going, that he’d fuck you senseless for hours if you let him. Letting one hand slip from the railing, you quickly found your swollen clit and started to circle it with your fingers. 

His pace quickened, thrusts turning short and shallow, only fucking the deepest parts of you, letting out a low groan when he realised what you were doing with your fingers.

“That’s it, sweetheart,” his lips brushed against your ears as he muttered, his breath catching as he felt you start to tighten around him, continuing to fuck you as you got closer and closer to the edge again.

Suddenly, his fingers gripping your hair, pulling back your head so you could see his face.

“I want to see your face when you come for me,” he all but demanded, the commanding tone of his voice earning a moan from you. And you did as he wanted, keeping your eyes on his as he kept fucking you and your fingers kept pushing you to your breaking point.

He broke when you did, spilling hot inside you as your walls started to convulse around him. With a couple more thrusts, he buried himself deep inside you, remaining there while he emptied himself, giving you everything you’d begged for and more. You stayed where you were, legs too weak to even think about trying to move. Billy leaned forwards, placing his chin on your shoulder and looking down at the beach and, out of the corner of his eye, you could see he was grinning.

“I wonder if any of them know what we just did.”

You rolled your eyes, trying to remember that you were still supposed to be annoyed with him, but it was impossible when you could still feel his cock gently pulsing inside of you. His lips soon moved back to your neck, this time trailing soft and tender kisses along your skin.

“You know, you can’t just fuck me every time you annoy me, right?” It was half-serious, half-joke, as you rested your head against his.

“Why not?” Billy asked. “Seems to be working pretty well so far.”

As much as you knew you shouldn’t, you couldn’t help but laugh. “You’re such a pain in the ass.”

“Yeah, but I’m your pain in the ass.”

“Yeah, you are. I guess I’m stuck with you then?” Billy gave a hum and a nod in response. “Fine, but you’re still gonna have to explain to Karen why you’re crashing our girls-only vacation.”

He let out a sigh. “Fine, but I'm gonna need one of those Mai Tais first...”

Chapter Twenty-Three

END NOTES :  I feel like it was obvious that he was going to turn up but I hope it shocked at least a couple of you lmao.

Anyway, thanks so much for reading, hope you enjoyed this one! Have a lovely weekend!

If you want adding/removing from the tag list let me know (I know it’s not working for everyone - if it’s not working and you don’t want to miss a chapter, I post every Friday around 7:30pm gmt)

TAG LIST

@lincerad @sweetserendipity65 @rafaelakelley   @slayerofthevampire @rensolodriver @lovelydoveval   @doloreschanal @damagelove @danzer8705   @unlikelystarlightcowboy @schlotzshewrote @bisexualbith   @uncontainedsmiles  @fireeyes-on-teller-dixon-grimes  @lilliesofmay  @billyrussoslut @readingabouthim @arwensloanebarnes  @scarlettrikstr @daughterofautumn @ashlynhasmanyhyperfixations @rosesintj

[parkersbliss]

can you do 31 33 and 50 with five?

Bitter Half | F. Hargreeves

pairing: five hargreeves x fem!reader

wc; 800ish

warnings: blood?

synopsis: five couldn’t be selfish even for the sake of his own life

requests: CLOSED

prompts: 031: “Just shut up and kiss me.”

033: “How much did you hear?”

050: “Need cuddles.”

Masterlist | Taglist | Prompt list 

—

Fear.

That’s all you could feel.

“Somebody help him!” You shouted, dropping down to his side. You pull back his shirt to find blood staining his skin and his face an unnatural pale color.

“Five!” You shout, cupping his face with your hands. “Why wouldn’t you say something? Are you insane?”

“Sorry, pretty girl, but you have to keep going… so close,” He whispers before passing out.

“Five!” You continue to shout. “We need to get help!” You said, spinning to face Allison and Diego. They both nod, helping to pick him up and take him back to the car.

You lay his head on your lap as the other two get in the front and begin to drive. You run your anxious hands through his hair, feeling them shake as he gets paler by the second. Stupid Five and his god complex, his need to save the world. For once, he could just put himself first. You swear Five stresses you out more than any other person you’ve met. And yet, in that stress, you found comfort in him. He was the one person you felt safe with, the person you trusted with your life.

He was like your better (maybe bitter) half.

“You’re gonna be okay, Five,” You whisper, though you’re not sure who you’re trying to convince more, him or yourself.

When you get back to the Academy, Allison and Diego carry him in as you look for Grace.

“We should’ve taken him to the hospital,” Allison said.

“A kid with a shrapnel wound might raise some questions.”

“Yeah, well, so does the shrine in Harold Jenkins's attic,” Allison quips back.

“Guys!” You scream, waving at the boy. “Five?”

“Grace!” Diego calls out, searching for his mom. She rounds a corner smiling at Diego, who points towards Five, she nods, taking him from Allison, and you follow her upstairs.

Grace sets the boy down on the bed softly as you grab a chair and sit in the corner, trying not to disturb her work. The whole time your knee bounces with fear as you stare at him.

He actually looks peaceful when he sleeps.

When Grace finishes up, she smiles at you, squeezing your shoulder and reassuring you before stepping out and offering you some privacy.

You’re grateful for that because you had a lot to say to the unconscious boy.

You pull your seat closer to him, grabbing his hand and softly kissing it. “You’re an idiot, you know,” You start. “Would it kill you to be selfish just once? You’re just so… annoying! You run around trying to save everyone but yourself. What happens if that gets you killed? Then what? And I don’t want to hear that ‘I’ve lived a long life’ bullshit. I think… I think we deserve a long life together. I deserve to get to wake up with you every morning and make fun of your coffee addiction and… and love you.”

You sigh, squeezing his hand and blinking away the tears. It was weird admitting how you felt towards the bitter old man. You were sure the only person he loved was Delores anyway. Which was why it’s good he passed out.

“I guess what I’m trying to say is if I’m going to keep having these stupid feelings for you, you gotta stop getting yourself shot at. Or I’ll shoot you myself.”

“You go on about me not dying and then threaten to kill me?” A voice chuckles. “Kind of thrown for a loop here. Which one do you want?”

Your breath hitches in your throat when you see a pair of green eyes set on yours. “You’re awake!”

You wrap your arms around the boy, careful of his wound, while also trying to pull him as close to you as possible. He responds just the same, wrapping an arm around you.

But then you pull back with wide eyes. “How much did you hear?”

Five just shrugs with a mischievous grin. “Oh, I don’t know. I really liked the part about living a long life together and coffee addiction, oh, and—”

You cut him off with a flushed face. “I get it! Just… shut up and kiss me.”

Five’s hand is quick to find the back of your neck, pulling you closer as your lips meet in a tender kiss. Your hands cup his cheek as you press against him. He tastes like coffee, which you expected, but you could grow to like coffee if it’s like this.

He pulls back before going in for one more sweet peck and then lays back on the bed. His green eyes trace your face, and you feel embarrassed under his gaze.

“What?” You ask with a light scoff.

“Nothing,” He says. “Need cuddles.”

His hand finds yours, bringing you back towards him, and you let him pull you into his chest. His arm wraps around your shoulder as you lean your head on him with a content sigh.

“I promise to stop almost getting shot at,” Five says.

“Go—”

“After the apocalypse.”

You don’t bother arguing with him, considering you’d be dead whether he did this or not. Instead, you press a kiss to his neck. “Okay.”

He hums, pressing his own kiss to your forehead. “And then you can shoot at me all you want.”

“Even better deal.”

“Yeah, I figured you’d like that one, pretty girl.”

“Only when it comes to you, pretty boy.”

— END —

[slptkns]

New Roommates

[Poly!Sleep Token x GN!Reader]

Summary: After your old roommate left, you were immediately greeted with four new ones, and the realization that your apartment is not big enough for five people.

A/N: Some suggestive themes at the end! Mostly just fluff.

Word Count: 1,270

A/N: Hi, it's me again, obsessing over some masked men. I saw @faithghoul (hope you don't mind the tag!) had some headcanons for like different powers the guys would have and I was struck with an idea of like mundane life mixed with those! I didn't go too in depth but i would love to if y'all are interested in my take on things!! Also, this is sorta a Part 2 of [this], but can read as a stand alone!

You groaned as you tried to make your way through your tiny flat. You just knew after your roommate moved out that you'd have enough room for yourself. You were mistaken. Horribly.

“Ves!” You yelled out once you finally reached the kitchen. “What the fuck? Don’t you guys have a place to stay?”

Vessel made his way towards you and you crossed your arms at him.

“You were practically begging for them the other night, and now you barely even want me here?”

You blink at him, before finally sighing and putting your hands up in defeat. “Look, you’re right. But, how the fuck am I supposed to watch TV?” You motioned towards the television, which was surrounded by II, III, and IV. “I mean, I love having you all here! But it’s-”

You’re cut off when III turns towards you and his eyes hit yours. He didn’t say anything, as usual. He didn’t have to speak, not aloud anyway. You look at Vessel and furrow your brows.

“He said if you want to watch TV they’ll move for you.” Vessel was grinning.

“But, what’s the condition?” You’re deadpan. Arms cross again. Vessel let out a loud laugh and II, III, and IV are all turned towards you now.

“Why does there have to be a condition?” Vessel cocks his head at you.

“What’s the condition?” You turn towards III. There is no answer. Not verbally. You, for a moment, were sure he wasn’t going to answer, period. Then you felt an intense brain fog. Your mind clouded, all outside noses were gone, until suddenly you heard his voice, “You have to sit in my lap.”

Your hand moved to your head immediately and you let out a soft groan as your eyes shut. A hand grabbed for you, Vessel’s. He steadied you and you looked back up at them. “I’m unsure I’ll ever get over that feeling…” You grumbled to yourself, “Okay. I need to sit in someone's lap after that.”

Vessel released you and you walked back into the living area. You grabbed up the remote for the TV and ushered the guys to the couch. You handed the remote to Vessel and settled yourself in III’s lap. His arms wrapped around you and his head rested on your shoulder.

“What do you want to watch?” Vessel questioned you.

“Whatever you can find,” You leaned back into III’s chest and closed your eyes, “My head hurts now, but I don’t mind sitting in here with you guys.”

III nuzzled into your neck and you heard him huff. And, for the first time in a while, he spoke to you out loud, “Sorry.”

His voice sounded strained and hoarse. It sent chills down your spine. You mumbled back an ‘it’s okay’ and nuzzled yourself back into him.

It wasn’t very hard for you to go to sleep once you got settled in. You knew there was some supernatural help with the resting, as Vessel had turned on some horror movie. No way you would have been able to go to sleep on your own to some loud screams.

You woke up the next morning in your own bed, cuddled up to a pillow and you sighed. Your eyes looked around the room and there were no signs of anyone else in there. You pouted and stood up. You walked towards your bedroom door and began to exit your room. As you were rubbing your eyes, and walking from the room, you bumped into something. Or someone rather.

A scream rips from your mouth and you jump back. Your deep sleep had you forgetting your apartment wasn’t really only yours anymore, you hadn’t expected to bump into someone while leaving your room.

Once your eyes opened all the way and you saw it was only II, you sighed. His hands were up, his eyes were wide, and he looked at you in confusion. You grabbed your chest and sighed out. “I thought you were- I’m so sorry-”

II shakes his head at you, hinting that there was no need to apologize. You nodded back at him and noticed something was in his hand. You cocked your head and motioned towards his closed fist.

“What’s that?” You had an idea it was for you, as II loved bringing you things that reminded him of you. At least that’s what Vessel had told you.

He lit up when you asked about it and was quick to show you what was in his hand. His arm outstretched towards you and his fist faced upwards. He opened his fist to reveal a gold chain, a bracelet by the looks of it.

“II!” You gently grabbed the bracelet from his palm and you could see him light up even more. “I love it!”

You pulled him into a quick hug and placed a kiss on his mask, before pulling away and asking for help to put it on.

“You don’t want to know where it came from?” A voice came from your kitchen.

II, helping you put the bracelet on, did not seem phased by the question. You, however, very much did care that the question was asked. You looked over towards Vessel as he exited your kitchen, your cat in tow.

“One,” You put up your finger, “Why is he letting you hold him? And two,” You put up another finger, “I’ve learned to not ask. It’s better that way.”

Vessel’s head rolled back and he let out a soft laugh, “I see. You’re learning… And your cat loves us. I’m unsure how he acts when he’s around you,” -since he was never around you when they were around- “but he does seem very fond of us.”

You turned your nose up to him, “My cat loves me just as much as he loves you!”

“Whatever helps you sleep at night.”

“That would be you,” you gave him zero expression. You could see II tense as you and Vessel begin to bicker and you froze. “Sorry, I’m not mad!” You reassure II, “Just- Just messing around.”

“He said don’t do that.” It’s Vessel’s turn to give you zero expression.

You looked over at II and he shook his head. You narrowed your eyes at your boyfriend and nodded. “Okay, sure, if II said that I would never mess around ever again.” You rolled your eyes at Vessel.

He tensed immediately at the defiance, “But not if I said it?”

“II is so lovely, Ves, and I feel like-”

“And we aren’t?” He was quick to come to his and the other’s defense.

You couldn’t help but smile, “Ves, I’m just messing around! Of course you’re all lovely. But you don’t bring me presents like II does.”

“Oh, it’s the presents.”

You couldn’t see it, but you knew II was smiling under his mask. You gently nudge II with your elbow. “Yeah, we have a special bond, he gets me.”

“He doesn’t eat-”

“Okay!” You let out a loud yelp, “That’s enough of that! I’m done messing around! Don’t you, like, have… business you need to tend to or something?”

“I think we all have business that needs tending to.” He took a step forward, a shit eating grin on his face. Your eyes widened as you saw III and IV stood up from the couch and II was bright eyed beside you.

“I said I was done messing around!” You couldn’t help but let out a laugh, “I just woke up, damn!”

You weren’t sure what was being said between the four of them, but you were sure you were about to find out.

[steddie-island]

Just Because We Get Around

Part one of Fuck His Dad. A fic based on this post.

Summary

Eddie pulled Dustin’s hands away from his ears and threw an arm around his shoulders. “Seriously, Dusty, I’m not gonna sleep with your dad. You have nothing to worry about.” ...Maybe Dustin had something to worry about.

Steve had been feeling it for a while now. He felt it in the creak of his joints when the weather changed too fast, felt it when he noticed a new silver streak in his hair. He was still in good shape, he wasn’t decrepit or anything like that. He still played ball with Lucas when he came over, he still swam a couple mornings a week, and coaching the girls JV basketball team meant he got some exercise running up and down the court with them. Still, sometimes he would just have a few days in a row where he felt it more than others, and it kind of got him down. 

Steve Harrington was getting old. He wasn’t nineteen anymore, he was forty-five now. He had a job, a 401k. He had a kid in college for Christ sake. 

Dustin was maybe the thing that made him feel the oldest, though. Not because of his age, but because he was always talking about some new game, new trends, using some new lingo. It drove Steve crazy . He tried to keep up, but it was hard when things seemed to change at the blink of an eye– and then he felt like even more of a fucking geezer for complaining about the speed of the way things changed, too. 

He was trying to listen to Dustin and his friend Eddie, who had been bouncing ideas off of each other for the better part of an hour for what they could do to get more attention on Eddie’s band online. The more they talked about tiktok trends and their social media presence, the more Steve felt in over his head. 

“You’re leaving, Mr. H?”

Steve turned around to look at Eddie and Dustin again. “Yeah, figured I’d go catch the end of the game.” “Oooh, you’re ditching us for sports ?” Eddie shook his head. “I’m insulted.” Steve rolled his eyes. “I think the two of you have this under control. You don’t need help from an old man.” “Old?” Eddie shook his head and looked at Dustin like Can you believe this guy? “Mr. H, you’re not old.” “I am, too,” he laughed. “Yeah, he is,” Dustin agreed. He made a face. “He’s my dad , of course he’s old. Now–” “No he’s not.” Eddie moved to rest his elbow on his knee, and he gestured towards Steve. “You’re not old, you’re still, like, hot. ” 

Steve’s face heated up while Dustin just gaped at his best friend. “Dude, what? Gross.”

“He is!” Eddie insisted. “Look at him!”

“I am! That’s my dad! ” 

Steve laughed again and moved to the fridge to grab a bottle of water. “I– you’re sweet, Eddie. Thanks.” He meant it, too. Eddie was probably just being nice, but it still felt… good. Especially coming from the pretty boy with the curls and the tattoos and eyes so deep that anyone would have a hard time not getting lost in them. 

He managed to not stare, but only just barely. This was his son’s best friend– one of them, anyway. Sure, Dustin hadn’t been friends with Eddie since he was a kid, like was the case with Will and Mike and Lucas, but still. He didn’t want to stand here thinking about how hot the guy was like an old creep. 

Eddie wasn’t the first guy Steve had noticed. There had been Tommy Hagan when he’d been in school, who was mean but had freckles that stood out when he laughed or when he was pissed. There had been Billy Hargrove– who was pretty but a complete fucking asshole, and Steve hadn’t given him a second look when he found out the kind of person Billy turned out to be. 

There were guys in college, too. A professor whose shirt sleeves had hugged his biceps, a teacher’s aide whose pants had hugged his ass in a way that had given Steve dreams that still made him flush to think about. 

He leaned back against the refrigerator, his eyes on the countertop. “I think if I was born in your generation that I might’ve been bisexual.”

Eddie and Dustin both stopped talking. Dustin was staring at him like he didn’t recognize the man in front of him, and there was something like curiosity in Eddie’s eyes. The boy gave him one of those crooked smiles. “Mr. H, it’s not too late,” he said. “You know that, right?”

“Not too late to be in your generation?” Steve asked, eyebrows raised. He was sure he was missing something, but he was only half processing the conversation. His mind was back on the teacher’s aide, on the team members he’d had crushes on and just hadn’t realized it yet. 

That crooked grin grew into a smirk. Those dark eyes raked over Steve, going from his head to his feet and then back up again. “I meant that it isn’t too late for you to be bisexual, but uh. Yeah, you could be in my generation if you wanted to be.”

Dustin smacked Eddie’s shoulder with the crown of his cap. “Dude, shut up !”

Steve nearly choked on his water. “I– yeah, I– thanks,” he said again. Dustin looked like he was ready to spontaneously combust where he sat, so Steve gave a wave, a rushed excuse, and he left them alone in the kitchen. 

Finish reading on ao3! 😘

[save-the-villainous-cat]

Could I please request a Hero that keeps getting drugged by Superhero so that they stay sleepy and docile, and Villain rescues them?

Eventually, they couldn’t help themselves.

Their gaze wandered to the rear-view mirror of the car and before they knew it, their whole expression softened. Barely feeling the burning in their muscles nor the aching in their bones from the fight anymore, the villain looked at the sleeping hero on the backseat.

Sometimes, the villain wouldn’t remember what happened during a fight. Sometimes, all that was left of it were bruises and flashing images of the dead. It was scary not to remember exactly what had happened.

The hero sighed quietly in their sleep.

Once again, their eyes jumped from the road to the mirror. It was stupid, the villain knew. It was nothing but a quick glance and obviously the hero wouldn’t go anywhere now. But having them in their car, alive and well made them feel something.

A weird pain in their chest.

As soon as they turned onto the highway, the hero woke up. The villain could hear the quiet sighs, the blanket moving and the confused hmmm…? They caught themselves smiling at that — how embarrassing — but they didn’t want the hero to know that.

No one needed to know.

“Morning, sleepyhead,” the villain said gently. They turned down the volume of the radio and though they wanted to look at the hero through the mirror again, they knew they were getting sidetracked. “There’s some cake in the bag at your feet.”

The hero leaned their head against the window, closing their eyes for a few more seconds.

“I’m so sleepy,” they whispered. “My head hurts.”

“There’s some water and Advils in the bag, too. I also found your phone but it’s dead.”

Bending down, the hero sighed even more, making the cutest sounds the villain had ever heard as they grabbed the bag. It was no secret how that pulled on the villain’s weak heartstrings.

“So sleepy,” they mumbled again.

“I know, darling. We’re almost home,” the villain said in return. Their eyes were on the road but their mind was on the backseat, wrapping the hero with five blankets into a burrito and feeding them cake with a fork.

“Your lair…?” God, the hero was totally out of it. They were almost adorable. Almost.

“Your home, darling.”

“Oh.” They sounded disappointed. “What happened…?”

“You’ve been a prisoner for two weeks. No one can blame you if you don’t remember much. You were drugged the whole time.”

The villain clenched their jaw. Now that the hero was okay, shoving the cake into their mouth, they weren’t that furious anymore. If something had happened to them, if they’d died…the villain was afraid of the person they’d have become.

“But I rescued you. You’ve been out for six hours, maybe? I don’t really know, I’ve been driving for five. Anyways, I checked your body and your condition is alright. A few heavy bruises and tiny cuts but you’re physically fine. I suppose the superhero just wanted to humiliate you.”

The villain was still trying to figure out how to deal with their anger. They’d made sure to make the superhero suffer but the hero had been their priority.

“Still, you should go to a hospital.”

“The superhero…?”

“I took care of them, don’t worry. They won’t harm you again. When I confronted them they said some jealous shit about you being better than them or something. I didn’t really care for their motive, I just started punching.”

“Woah, I kinda wanna kiss you right now.” This time, the villain’s eyes dared to look at their nemesis. An awkward chuckle was all their mouth could manage though, as they blushed furiously.

“Those drugs must be really strong, you should get your blood tested later…”

“No, I mean it. I wanna kiss you.” Before the villain could reply, the hero leaned forward and pressed a peck to their cheek.

“Thank you,” the hero whispered and for the rest of the drive, the villain couldn’t get their heart to calm down.

[callsign-magnolia]

Undiagnosed // Ch. 14

MATURE CONTENT 18+

Jake Seresin x Neurodivergent OC

Summary: Katie Blair grew up trying to be the perfect daughter. She always struggled to be the prim and proper little girl her parents wanted. Big personality as a kid, but now at 25, she's the shy admiral's daughter who just keeps her head down and tries to get through law school. So what happens when she's had enough and with help from a certain Lieutenant, she gets out.

Warnings: Emotional abuse, trauma response, abusive parents.

Word Count: 6.1k

Chapter 13 | Masterlist

I was up early the next morning to have a good breakfast before I started my exams. In his off time, Jake has started to sleep in a little, but never after eight a.m. So I made some eggs for protein and reheated some biscuits and bacon Jake made yesterday morning. I thought back to last night, the way Jake smiled at me as we ate. I wanted to believe there was more there but I wouldn’t allow myself. If I can help it, I will not have my heartbroken. Just because he’s nice to me doesn’t mean he has feelings for me. Once the food was ready I sat at the island to eat. I was itching to grab my papers to study but I think if I look at another anatomy question before this test my brain just might turn to mush. So I sat quietly and ate. Once I was done I washed everything and put it away before setting up at the kitchen table with Jake’s laptop. I had five minutes before the test started so I poured another cup of coffee just as Jake came downstairs. “Mornin’.” He said and I was startled as his hands fell to my waist and he kissed the back of my head. “Good morning.” I replied. The kisses don’t catch me off guard much anymore, but he’s never held me like that. “You about to start your first exam?” He asked and I nodded. “They said it could take about four hours each.” I said and he hissed. “Really?” He asked and I nodded. “I’ll be done around four.” I said sitting back down at the table. “I’ll make you some lunch for you in between.” He said and I smiled at him. “Thank you.” 

“I will be quiet as a mouse while you take your test, don’t worry about me.” He said and I nodded, smiling at him. I looked down at the computer and saw the timer drop to one minute. “One minute.” I said and he smiled at me. “Good luck.” I started the exam and by question four Jake was making noise. “Shit!” He yelled and I looked up. He was holding his finger, blood seeping on the floor as he mouthed ‘sorry’ at me. I wanted to get up and help him, but if I got up the website would kick me out and I’d be given a zero. So I sat and took my exam, breezing through it and finished within an hour. I stood and Jake looked at me confused. “Are you done?” I nodded. “I don’t know if that’s good or bad.” I said and when I got close enough I grabbed his hand, looking at his finger. “It finally stopped bleeding.” He said as I removed the gauze he wrapped around it. “You really did a number with that knife.” I said and he scoffed. “About took off my first two knuckles.” He said and I smiled at him. I got under the sink and grabbed the first aid kit, and pulled out the iodine and the knuckle bandages. I cleaned it while he finished his food and bandaged it tightly. “There. All better.” I said, tossing everything back into the box. 

“Mama always kissed my injuries.” He said with a devilish grin on his face and held up his finger. A blush crept up my cheeks but grabbed it anyway and kissed it before I kissed his cheek. “There. A little extra to encourage healing.” I said and he chuckled. “I’m feeling better already!” I laughed as I put the box away and washed my hands. “So what are you gonna do until your next exam?” He asked and I grabbed my book from the table and waved it at him. “I’m gonna finally finish this book! Then I have to buy the third one.” He smiled at me. “Is this the longest it’s taken you to finish a book?” He asked and I nodded. “Yes and it's been driving me crazy! I’ve been dying to finish!” I said and plopped down on the couch to fall into the depths of my own imagination. I wasn’t sure how long I sat there but I was broken from my concentration when Jake nudged my knee. “Hey. You got one minute before your next exam.” He said and my head whipped to the clock on the wall. “FUCK!” I screamed, jumping up and rushing back to the table. I still had to log in and get set up. If I didn’t get in on time then I would be locked out. I rushed, logging in and I made it with just a few seconds to spare. I took a deep breath and gave Jake a thumbs up before starting on it. This one almost felt easier than the last, and I wasn’t sure if that was a good thing or a bad thing. I always heard that if you finish first you must not be trying hard enough, but I couldn’t sit here and stare at all these questions for an extended period of time. Then I would start second guessing myself and that was never good. 

Around one p.m. Jake came over and sat next to me. “Want me to start lunch?” He asked and I nodded. “Almost done.” He nodded and got up, rifling through the fridge for whatever he could find. After about twenty minutes I had answered the last question and I stared at the screen, hovering over the submit button. I was so lost in my own head I didn’t notice Jake come up behind me until he wrapped his arms around my shoulder and lean his head down next to mine. “You okay?” He asked and I hoped he wouldn’t feel the heat from the blush rushing up my neck. “Yeah. Just thinking about how when I send this in, that’s it. All I can do is wait.” I said and he hummed. “How long until you hear something?” He asked. “They said a week.” I said and he nodded. We sat like that for a few minutes until I could feel his breath on my cheek. “Click it.” He whispered and without hesitation I did. “I’m proud of you.” He said before kissing my temple. I stared at his muscled back as he went back to the kitchen and finished up lunch. I felt like my heart skipped a beat when he wrapped his arms around me and I fought hard to fight back the feelings in my chest. Fuck, I liked him. A lot. I quickly stood and walked upstairs to my room, needing space. “Get it together, Katie.” I whispered to myself as I took a few deep breaths. A knock on my door startled me. “Katie?” “Yeah?” I answered way too quickly. “You okay?” He asked. “Uh, yeah. I got cold so I came up here for some pants.” I said and quickly got into my dresser and pulled out some black yoga pants. I swung the door open and he was gone. I furrowed my brows and he caught my eye when he came out of his room. “Here.” He held up a sweatshirt for me. “Oh, thank you.” I said, taking it from him. I slipped it on and his cologne enveloped me. “Lunch is ready.” He said as he started downstairs and I sighed. He was not making this easy.

By Thursday I was pacing while I was reading. I couldn’t sit still anymore, the anticipation of if I got in was killing me. I was pacing at the back of the couch, reading the third installment of the ACOTAR series when the front door opened. “Hey.” Jake said and I waved my hand, engrossed in my book. “Hi.” I said. I had chewed most of the skin off my bottom lip and they were raw. Jake walked by and set his bag down before getting in the fridge and grabbing a water. “How long have you been pacing?” He asked and I shrugged, just humming. He furrowed his brows at me but left me alone. An hour later I was sat on the couch, one leg out straight and the other bent under me as I leaned forward, reading. I would read for a few minutes, then stop and scroll on my phone. Soon my foot started bouncing when I turned back to my book. “Okay!” Jake said loudly and snatched my book. “Hey!” I yelled, shooting up from my spot and reaching for my book. But I wasn’t paying attention and almost went over the back of the couch, face down towards the floor but Jake caught me. “Slow down.” He said, helping my back upright. “Okay. You are gonna go upstairs, and put on something cute like you always do, then we’re going out.” He said and I pouted. “What’s wrong with me reading?” I asked. “Nothing. But you’re doing it to distract yourself because you’re anxious. So I’m taking you out.” He said. “Now, go get dressed, darlin’.” I wanted to protest, but I knew it was no use. So I huffed, standing and glaring at him as I stomped my way up the stairs. I threw on a light blue skater dress and slipped on some tan sandals before putting on a little makeup. I walked downstairs to meet Jake who was dressed in simple jeans and I white t-shirt that hugged his biceps.

God did he look good. “Okay, I’m ready.” I said, all annoyance gone as he smiled at me. “Good. Grab your purse.” We walked towards the door and he handed me my purse before he helped me into the truck. “Where are we going?” I asked as he got into the driver's seat. He just grinned at me mischievously. “You’ll see.” He said, backing out of the driveway. I crossed my arms over my chest, one knee over the other and stared at him. “As long as you feed me, I don’t care.” I said and he laughed, reaching over and patting my knee. “Don’t worry, darlin’. I will.” My breath hitched as he touched my knee. He’d touched my arms, my hands, my waist, but his hand on my knee made my nerves light up. We sat quietly, listening to the radio as he drove us down the road. He pulled into a parking lot and I noticed many trees and statues of animals. “Where are we?” I asked as he pulled into a parking spot in the half full parking lot. “Don’t tell me you’ve never been to the zoo!” He joked and slid out. I pulled my lip between my teeth, staring at the entrance. My door opened and I looked down at him, he reached for my hand and grinned at me. Once I got out he smiled down at me. “You ever been to the San Diego zoo?” He asked and I shook my head. “Never been to any zoo actually.” I said and he looked at me in surprise. “Are you serious?” I gave a single nod. “No school field trips?” He asked and I shook my head. “My parents never allowed me to go on them.” I said and his hand gently squeezed mine. 

“Come on then.” He said, dragging me to the entrance. We were hand in hand and it felt so good to have his large hand wrapped around my smaller one. He bought the tickets and we went in. “Well, where do you wanna start?” He asked. “I wouldn’t even know where to start.” He smiled and pointed to a tall pole with multiple signs pointing every which way. “What about the safari?” I asked and he nodded. “If that’s what you want.” I just smiled. “Come on, last ride is at five.” I tugged his hand and pulled him in the direction of the safari. As we walked up there was an older man sitting on a crate at the entrance. “Just in time. The truck is about to come in.” He said with a large smile. We didn’t wait long and many people climbed off the truck. Jake and I got were the only two that got into the truck and we sat down. “What do you think we’ll see?” I asked, excitement thrumming through my body. “I don’t know. I assume animals you’d find in the savannah.” He said and I smiled. The truck started off in a slow roll before slowly gaining speed. It took a few minutes before we saw anything but then I heard some kind of yipping noise. I looked behind us to see a group of zebras. “Jake! Look!” I said, rapidly patting his shoulder and he turned. “I never thought I would see animals like these.” 

The ride was fun. We saw Wildebeest, Antelope, Hyenas and Giraffe’s who leaned their heads down towards us. By the time we were going back to get out I was leaned against Jake and his arm was tossed around my shoulders. We got off and he pulled me away to the reptiles. Iguanas, chameleons, turtles and lizards. They were so cool, but I backed away from the glass slightly as we got to the snakes. “What? Don’t like snakes?” He asked and I shook my head. “No. We were stationed in South Carolina at one point, I was about ten and I was playing in the yard when one struck at me. Never bit me but I took off running and I’ve been scared of them ever since.” I said and he chuckled. “I used to catch them in the barn back home.” He said and my eyebrows shot up. “You mean to tell me you willingly went near snakes?” I asked and he chuckled. “And picked them up.” I shivered at the sheer thought of having a snake in my hands. We went and got ice cream after that and my jaw dropped as he wiped chocolate ice cream on my nose. “You ass!” I yelled at him and he slammed a hand over my mouth. “Not around the children!” He said, motioning to a mom and two kids gaping at us. “Sorry.” I said and we ran off laughing like children ourselves. We wound up in front of the lion enclosure and I looked down at the lion sunbathing in the last light of the day on his back. “That looks so nice.” I said and he furrowed his brows at me. “What?” He asked. 

“Laying out in the sun. It looks warm.” I said and he smiled at me. “You know, if you wanted to lay out in the backyard you could.” He said, smirking at me with a certain glint in his eye. I felt a sense of bravery within me and decided to play the game. “You’d like that, wouldn’t you?” I asked, winking at him before turning and walking away, a little more sway in my hips. The rest of the night was full of subtle flirtations. We stayed at the zoo till it closed and when we left he pit stopped at a liquor store. “What are we doing here?” I asked, the dark surrounding us and allowed the neon lights to be the only light source for us. “Just wait here. You’ll love this.” He slipped out of the truck, leaving it running and jogged inside. I waited in silence until he came out in each hand he had a large handle of coconut rum and tito’s, he stopped and held them up with a goofy grin on his face. I laughed as he climbed into the car and handed me the containers. “What the hell, Jake?” I asked and he smiled at me. “Now, off to dinner. Hope you don’t mind fast food.” He said and I shook my head. “Not at all.” 

He took us to the Sonic that sat down the road from the house and pulled into a stall. We stared at the menu for about ten minutes before ordering enough food to feed the team. “And two Route Forty-Four ocean waters.” I raised a brow and he grinned at me. “Why the drinks?” I asked. “You have to have one.” He said. Soon the food and drinks came out and he set it up perfectly along the large center console. I criss crossed my legs and turned to face him. “Drink some of that.” He said, handing me the incredibly large cup and I drank a considerable amount of it. “Okay, set it down.” I did and held the cup as he popped the lid off and started pouring the rum into it. “What?” I asked with a laugh. “We did this as teenagers. I grew up in a small town and a Sonic was all we had, so we would steal our parents coconut rum or vodka and put it in our slushies.” He said and I grinned at him. “I never did things like this as a teen.” I said, taking the drink back from him and taking a sip before I reeled back. “Strong?” He asked and I nodded. “What did you do as a teenager?” He asked and I shrugged. “Studied. Read. We lived in Connecticut at one point and I used to love sitting outside from spring till fall and I would just read. It was so pretty and I would lay under a few trees in the backyard for hours.” My eyes were closed and I could see the trees above me, their deep, rich autumn colors and the smell of fall in the air. When I opened my eyes I could see Jake staring at me, something in his eyes that I couldn’t quite describe. 

“So, you didn’t go on field trips, did you do anything else for school?” He asked and I shook his head. “Other than graduation, no.” His smile fell as he looked at me. “No homecoming? Football games? Lock ins?” He asked and I shook my head. “Prom?” I looked down at my legs, adjusting my dress. “I wanted to go. I asked. But my parents said no.” I grabbed a cheese stick from the box and tore it in half as he watched me. “I’m sorry.” He muttered and I looked at him. “You have nothing to be sorry for.” He sighed before lifting his burger and taking a bite. Prom was one of those things that you see in movies, and you read it in books and you hear your classmates talking about it. I was dying to go. I wanted to wear the pretty gown and have my hair and makeup done. I wanted to feel like I was part of my class. I had never felt that way, we moved around too much. I had only been at that school for two months, and a few girls asked if I was going. I went home and worked up the courage to ask and my parents said they would consider it. After a few weeks I begged and begged to go, but while everyone else got to go, I was dragged to a naval function. “If you had the chance to go now, would you?” I thought about it and after a moment, I nodded. “I feel like it’s something everyone should experience if they want to. So yeah, I would.” I took a bite of my own burger and a smile grew on his face. “Did you go?” He nodded. “Did you have a date?” I pried and he chuckled. “I took Mandy Masterson. She wore this hideous bubblegum pink dress.” I laughed at him. “What do you have against pink?” I asked and he shook his head. “Nothing. But it was so big that it wouldn’t even fit in my truck, and it had glitter all over. By the time I came home I looked like a disco ball and I was finding glitter in places glitter shouldn’t be for weeks.” He said and we laughed. “Sometimes I still think I find some when I clean out my ears.” 

I had been sipping on my drink and almost blew it out my nose when he said that. I was laughing so hard with a mouth full of ocean water I thought the only way I would breathe again was if I just opened my mouth and let it all flow out. But I eventually caught my breath again and swallowed. “It’s not that funny.” He said while laughing. “Yes it is.” I felt warm, a blush on my neck and I knew it was from the alcohol. I slowed down with my drink and ate my food as we talked. He told me some about his childhood, growing up on a ranch in Texas and all the trouble him and his siblings got into. “Maybe you can meet them someday.” He said, grinning at me. “As long as your brother doesn’t put a snake in my face like he did your sisters.” I said and he chuckled. “Don’t worry. I’d protect you darlin’.” I bit my lip at his words and I could see it, him sweeping me off my feet to protect me from the dangers of his brother. Soon we drove home, cracking jokes and laughing like kids the whole way. Once we were home I got out of the truck and stumbled slightly. “You good?” He asked, looking at me from the front of the truck. “Just dandy!” I said with a grin. I reached in and grabbed my purse, drink and food bags before walking inside. I threw away the bags and set my drink in the fridge before going back outside and grabbing the alcohol to bring in. 

“You know, I don’t think I've checked my phone all night.” Not that anyone would’ve texted me or anything like that. I reached into my purse and rooted around for my phone. “I know it’s in here.” I muttered. I all but climbed into the bag searching for my phone when someone cleared their throat behind me. “Looking for this?” Jake asked as he waved my phone in the air. “Oh, thank you.” I laughed and reached for it, but he held it up over his head. “Please.” I said and he smirked. “That’s not the magic word.” He said and I looked up at him through my lashes, biting my bottom lip. “Thank you for tonight, and you looked very, very handsome.” I said, my finger tracing his sternum. I swore I heard him gulp and he lowered his arm. “And you look beautiful.” He said and I grinned, snatching my phone from him and walking out of the kitchen. I clicked my phone on and saw a few notifications but I had about ten emails. I sifted through them and saw one from USD and SDSU respectively. “Oh my god.” Anxiety struck and I tossed my phone on the couch, hardly able to look at it. I chewed my nail for a moment before grabbing it and opening the one from the University of San Diego first. I took a deep breath and read it. ‘Miss Motley, thank you for your interest in our program but we are sad to say you have been denied entry into our nursing program.’ Tears stung my eyes and I sniffled as I set my phone down. I didn’t want to cry, not loudly at least. I realized I still had one more email to look at, so I wiped my cheeks and grabbed my phone and opened the email from San Diego State University. 

‘Miss Motley, thank you for your interest in our program.’ I sighed, setting my phone down and wiping my eyes. I knew I should continue reading it, but it started the same way as the last. I tried not to be negative and took a deep breath before lifting my phone up again. ‘Congratulations on your acceptance into our nursing program.’ I got in. I got in! A scream escaped me as I jumped in the air, practically touching the ceiling as I did. “WHAT’S WRONG?!” Jake yelled and I let out another scream before saying. “I GOT IN!” I rushed him, jumping into his arms. I didn’t care if he wanted to hold me or not, I needed to be held.“You got in?!” “I got in!” He squeezed me to him and swung me around. “Which one?” He asked as I looked down at his face. “SDSU!” I felt like I should sprint, I wanted to jump so hard I could put a hole in the floor, I felt like I could win an MMA fight. I had to do something or else I thought I would explode, appendages flying across the room. My body was practically vibrating and Jake walked over to the couch, still holding me and he set me down. He sat next to me and took my phone, reading over the email. I repeatedly slammed my hands down on the couch as I squealed and he chuckled. “Congratulations, darlin’.” He said, his finger hooking under my chin and turning my head to face him. 

“You really truly deserve this.” He said, his finger still under my chin as I smiled at him. “You really think?” I asked and he nodded. “I know.” His eyes flicked to my lips then back to my eyes. I grinned at him, leaning forward ever so slightly. Kiss me, please. I don’t want to hold back anymore. Those thoughts were mine and mine alone, but with the way he was looking at me, it was like he had all access to my mind and everything inside. His hand came up, resting on the side of my neck, holding me close. He moved ever so slightly closer and I could feel his breath fanning across my face. His green eyes met mine and I couldn’t help myself anymore. I surged forward, my lips colliding with his in desperation. But that desperation was returned as his other hand went into my hair, fingers tangling in it. My hands reached up, running across his chest before gripping his shoulders. I moaned into the kiss, and I felt him grin. He tugged on my hair and I gasped, allowing his tongue to tangle with mine. I slid closer, desperate to close the space between us but Jake let go of my neck and wrapped his arm around my waist, hauling me into his lap. 

I sat perched on his lap, he held me close as I wrapped my arms around his neck, moaning into his open mouth and I felt him grow hard beneath me. I couldn’t help but grind down on him, making him groan. “Do you know how hard it is to have a pretty little thing like you living in my house and I can’t do shit about it.” He said against my lips. I wanted him to touch me. Touch me in all the places he hadn’t yet. My breasts, my legs, my ass, my wet core. Suddenly he pulled away, both of us gasping as he rested his forehead on mine. “Why’d you pull away?” I asked, gasping. How badly I wanted to kiss him again. “We still need to celebrate.” He said with a grin and I bit my lip, arching my back slightly and tangled my fingers in the hair at the base of his neck. “Mm, but I liked the way we were celebrating, and I could think of other ways.” I said, leaning in and kissing him once. “Fuck,” He groaned, his head falling back. “I want to. God, I want to. But we’re both intoxicated.” He said as his hands rested on my waist, one of his thumbs brushing just below my breast. “I feel fine.” I said and he gave me a small smile. “Sure you do.” He was right and as much as I hated it, we shouldn’t. “But we will celebrate however you want.” He said and I grinned. “I want the rest of my drink. Some fresh chocolate chip cookies from the dough I have in the freezer and a good movie.” He grinned, standing with me in his arms and walking upstairs. My heart sped up, a small part of me hoping he changed his mind but my hopes died when he set me in front of my bedroom door. “You put on something comfy and I’ll get everything set up.” 

I nodded and he walked downstairs. I knew exactly what to put on. The satin emerald green tank top and shorts, I saw the way Jake looked at me the last time I had them on, I was hoping to draw out the same reaction, maybe more. Once I was satisfied with how I looked I went into the bathroom and cleaned my face of the makeup and slid my glasses back on. I went downstairs and Jake handed me the giant styrofoam cup and I took a sip. I looked up at him and he smiled down at me. “Why don’t I roll the dough out and place them while you go change.” I said, taking the roll of parchment paper from him. He grinned down at me. “Alright.” He disappeared and I couldn’t help but wonder what he was hiding beneath those jeans. I shook my head, attempting to get the thoughts out. I was getting a little extreme, I needed to calm down. I got the cookies placed on the baking sheet and in the oven by the time Jake came back downstairs. Then everything in my head flew right out. The gray sweatpants accentuated the bulge between his legs and his tan skin contrasted, making his muscles and lines all very noticeable. He grinned helping me place the cookies on the baking sheet and we soon popped them in the oven. “Okay, what movie do you wanna watch?” He asked, raising his eyebrows and taking a sip of his drink. “I really don’t know. Something I've never seen before.” I said and he nodded. 

We were silent for a minute before he turned to me. “Have you ever seen The Longest Ride?” He asked and I shook my head. “It’s a romance but it’s pretty good in my opinion.” He said and I nodded. “Then let’s watch it.” He grabbed both of our drinks and we made our way to the couch. The cookies would take a few minutes so we gathered blankets to cover ourselves up with. We waited till the oven beeped and we pulled them out before starting the movie. We got all the cookies on the plate and we flopped down onto the couch next to each other. He turned on the movie and I spread out the blankets before pulling the plate close. He set the remote down once the movie started and turned to me. He reached down, hands gripping my ankles before he hauled my legs into his lap. I couldn’t help the giggle that escaped me and he grinned at me. “Alright, give me a cookie.” I lifted one off the plate and held it out, I expected him to take it but instead he bit down on it, taking half of it in his mouth. He leaned his head back, moaning loudly, and I realized I wanted to be the one drawing those noises from him. “God, these cookies are better than sex.” He said and I bit my lip. Probably not better than sex with me. I thought it and I could feel heat creeping up my neck from the thoughts. 

We ate the cookies and watched the movie, my head on his shoulder and one hand on his chest. His right arm was wrapped around my waist and the other was rubbing soft circles on the outside of my thighs, his thumb occasionally creeping close to the inside. I finished my drink and I looked up at him. He was watching the movie intensely. Heat was coursing through my body and all I wanted were his lips on mine again, or really anywhere else. I leaned up slightly, my lips pressing against his neck, and as soon as I touched him, his hands gripped me tightly. I smirked, placing another kiss to his neck and after a minute his breathing picked up, chest heaving before he turned to me, my lips losing contact with his skin. I thought he would tell me to stop but instead his lips pressed against mine roughly and my hands threaded into his hair. I felt him grow hard under me, his length pressing against my thigh as his hands made their way up under my tank top. They were so warm against my skin and I tugged him closer. He pushed me till my back was flush with the couch cushions and he moved my legs to settle himself between them. “Fuck.” He moaned against my lips and I gasped, his hand sliding down between my legs, discovering exactly how wet I was for him. His lips attacked my neck and my nails grazed his back. 

He pulled away, forehead resting on mine as he tried to catch his breath and I attempted to pull him closer. “Katie.” He breathed my name and it sounded so good rolling off his lips. I stopped and opened my eyes, seeing him staring down at me. “Fuck.” I groaned, taking a deep breath. “Sorry. I’m so sorry, Jake. You said not to and I-” “It’s okay. Trust me, I’m struggling to resist just as much as you are.” He was still staring down at me as the credits rolled and I bit my lip. “You have work tomorrow.” It was already late and I knew he had to be up early. “Yeah, I do.” He replied, but neither of us made a move for a moment until I cleared my throat. Jake stood, and I followed. “You go to bed. I’ll clean up.” I said and he shook his head. “No, I’ll help.” I didn’t have it in me to argue, so he helped me straighten up before we both headed upstairs. I stopped in front of my door as he walked by, my hand was on the knob as I turned to Jake. “Hey Jake?” I asked as he stopped in front of his own bedroom door. “Yeah?” He asked, turning his back to the door and leaning on it. I walked over, hands behind my back. He looked down at me, a grin on his face as I stood before him. I stood on my toes, reaching up and kissing his cheek softly. “Thanks for believing in me.” I whispered before turning back to my door and stepping inside. I leaned my back against my door, taking a deep breath as a smile took over. I opened my mouth with a silent scream before shaking my hands around. 

That night, my heart was beating so wildly I could barely sleep. I was excited and scared about what the next day would hold. All day I read, trying to keep my mind off Jake but I had decided I would cook dinner for him tonight, as a thank you for everything he’s done for me. When he came home I had just seasoned the steaks and covered them. I slid them into the fridge to marinate as he walked into the kitchen, showered and changed. “Hey.” He said, leaning on the doorframe. I stood, turning to him and smiling. “Hi.” My voice was soft and I was trying not to giggle like a schoolgirl at the sight of him smiling at me. “Um, I wanted to talk to you about last night.” He said, not meeting my gaze. “What about it?” Unease settled in my stomach at his words. “We should probably just forget about it. Pretend it never happened.” The sadness was overwhelming. I felt like my throat closed up and I tried to keep the tears back. “I just think it’d be best for both of us.” I licked my lips, my eyes falling to my bare feet, my toes wiggling. “Um, yeah. Sure, if you think that’s what’s best.” I said and he nodded. “Now come on.” He said, motioning me to follow him. “Where are we going?” Surely not out to dinner. “I’m gonna cook dinner, I have the steaks in the fridge marinating.” He turned and smiled at me. “I promise, we’ll be back and I’ll help you cook. We’re just gonna drop by Bob’s place.” I furrowed my brows. “Bob? Why Bob’s?” I asked, following him out of the kitchen. “You gotta have a way to get to school. We can’t share my truck if we’re going opposite directions.”

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[nickfowlerrr]

series masterlist

part one • part two • part four • part five

happy golden days of yore • 3

pairing: dark!bucky barnes x curvy!reader

warnings: Dead Dove: Do Not Eat. 18+ ONLY. future parts will contain noncon smut. 40s misogyny? pet names. masturbation. i’m just gonna say, reader is detrimentally non confrontational 🫣.

words: 2.9k

notes: so glad you guys are enjoying this miniseries! there’s only a couple parts left and i’m really excited to share them. 🖤

You awoke to the smell of bacon and coffee floating through the air and 40s jazz music playing from downstairs. You never would have thought Bucky Barnes was a morning person, but it’s not like you knew him at all. You grimaced at the memory of your lost thong and decided to try and sneak around the living room before you went into the kitchen. You got ready really quickly in the bathroom before you snuck downstairs as quietly as you could.

You moved all the cushions, pillows, and your throw blanket but couldn’t find it anywhere. It wasn’t on the stairs, or under the couch, or still in the laundry basket. You had no idea where else it would be.

“Looking for something, sweetheart?” Bucky’s voice startled you as you were on your knees, in a slightly compromising position with your ass in the air, looking under the couch one last time. You sat right up and turned to him, surely looking like a deer in headlights.

“Oh, I just thought maybe I left something down here last night,” you tried to explain without having to really explain.

“What is it, I can help you look?”

“It’s nothing, really, I-”

“Tell me,” he instructed.

“It’s just..an article of clothing,”

“What does it look like?”

“It’s black…”

“That’s descriptive,”

“It’s not a big deal, honestly,”

“Why are you being so skittish?” he asked, eyes narrowing. You got scared all of a sudden, more worried he was thinking you were up to something than anything.

“I’m not, it’s just-...I’m looking for my thong,” you told him.

You avoided eye contact for a moment but when you risked a glance at him, his face was blushing a light pink.

“Oh,” he responded, a lopsided nervous smile breaking out on his face before he schooled his expression. “Well, uh, I haven’t come across it, but if I do, I’ll make sure to..return it.”

He spun on his heels to walk back into the kitchen as you grimaced at yet another not so great encounter.

“Coffee’s on if you take any,” he offered as you passed through the doorway.

“Thanks,” you replied quietly before grabbing a mug.

“I hope you don’t mind I used some of your groceries,”

“No, not at all, feel free,” you assured him. “I brought plenty.”

“And I hope you’re hungry, food’s almost done,”

“Yeah,” you breathed, “smells great.”

“How’d you sleep?” he probed, almost too casually.

“Alright. Woke up once or twice, but,” you trailed off. “How about you?” you asked back politely.

“Best sleep I’ve had in three months,” he acknowledged.

“Three months?”

“I’ve been gone for work since September. Most of my sleeping, the little I got anyway, was done on jets, motel beds, or couches.”

“Sounds grueling,”

“I’ve had worse,” he brushed off as he set a plate down before you. Two pancakes with some of your berries on the side, some bacon, and an egg.

“Thank you so much,” you beamed. “This looks amazing. What time did you get up?” you asked as you glanced at the time to see it was only nearing 8:15.

“I’m usually up by six, habit I guess,” he answered as he sat down with his own plate. Of the three other chairs at the table, one on each side, he took the seat next to you rather than the one across. His build was big and the table wasn’t, so though it seemed a good enough distance to prevent it being awkward, he still felt really close.

You simply nodded in response before looking down at your plate. You took your fork and cut into the stack of pancakes and prayed to any being that was listening that they would be good. You weren’t the best at hiding your initial reaction to things and you knew he was watching you take that first bite.

You were pleasantly surprised at the fluffiness. They were warm and buttery and your eyes closed in tantalizing delight. You couldn’t have stopped the small, sweet moan that you made if you wanted to.

“Oh my god,” you muttered, your hand coming up to cover your mouth as your lashes fluttered open, your eyes meeting his intense ones, nearling drowning in the blue before you looked away and back down at the food. “These are incredible. I never would have pegged you for a chef, but wow,” you complimented.

He laughed then, a beautiful sound you would’ve admired if you weren’t still slightly hung up on the look you swore you caught in his eye just a moment ago.

You ate breakfast with a much chattier Bucky than you’d met the night before. He asked you a lot of questions; what you do for work, where you live, what you do for fun, hobbies, friends, even asked about your relationships. He was quite the smooth talker, which you really weren’t expecting. There was this easy charm about him that made him seem disarming. It was almost hard to believe this was really once the man known as the Winter Soldier. Though every now and again, this look came over him. Almost imperceptible and always fleeting, but you couldn’t ignore it once you noticed. Something dark was lurking within him. Whether that was just the presence he gave off, if you were being biased because of what you knew he did for work, or if it was really there in him, you weren’t sure. But the weather was supposed to be clearing up by tomorrow, so you wouldn’t be sticking around to find out.

—-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

After breakfast, you went upstairs to get some alone time. That was the main reason you had come to the cabin in the first place, to just get away from everyone and everything. You pulled your laptop out and decided on a movie to watch while you packed most of your things away. You wanted to be ready to go in the morning. You were fine leaving the decorations, the food, and the few items you had in the kitchen, you had your own stuff at home.

There was a knock on your door and you paused the movie and walked to open it. Unsurprisingly, you found Bucky on the other side.

“Long time no see,” you joked.

“Would you mind not having your door shut all the way?” he asked bluntly. You were slightly taken aback by his change of mood, but didn’t want to upset him any further than you apparently already had.

“Oh, sorry. Yeah, no problem,” you acquiesced.

He stood a lot taller than you and it was easy for him to look into the room behind you. He furrowed his brow when he saw one of your half packed bags on your bed before shooting you a questioning look.

You were really taken aback now, totally lost as to why he was looking at you the way he was.

“Going somewhere, doll?” he asked. There was an edge in his voice that was clear despite his attempt to hide it with a closed lip smile.

“Yeah, the uh, weather’s supposed to be cleared up by tomorrow so, I’m just getting my stuff packed,” you answered uneasily, attempting to hide your discomfort with a smile of your own. You only hoped yours wasn’t as see through as Bucky’s.

His tongue jutted out past his lips as he took in your answer before he nodded. “If you need help taking anything to your car, let me know.”

“Okay,” you breathed with a nod in return as he turned to walk away. “Thank you,” you added, watching him descend the stairs.

His behavior had you worrying you were being rude, but you couldn’t justify staying in his cabin for another three weeks just because he said he didn’t mind. It felt weird. You tried to shake off the feeling and returned to packing more clothes.

—------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The rest of the day passed pretty quickly. You stayed upstairs for the most part but went down for food and water every so often. You heard Bucky coming in and out of the cabin a few times, but had no idea what he could be doing out there. It was possible he was getting more logs from the wood shed but he wouldn’t have had to go in and out as many times as he did if it was just that. You figured it wasn’t really any of your business, though and carried on with yourself.

You seemed to have a hard time with the thought that maybe he was upset at you. It was odd because that feeling wasn’t a common occurrence in your life. You didn’t normally care what people thought of you, but the idea that you had bothered this guy so much was getting to you.

When you’d made yourself lunch, you made him a sandwich, too. He was doing some kind of work on his tablet while he sat on the couch in the living room. You set the plate down on the coffee table that was in front of him while you held yours in your other hand.

“I don’t know if you’ve eaten or not yet, but,” you started as you pushed the plate toward him. He looked over from his work to the plate and then up to you, almost surprised before a charming smile grew on his face.

“Thanks, sweetheart. That’s thoughtful of you,” he said appreciatively.

You smiled back before you headed to the staircase, feeling slightly better about the tension that you felt was so evident earlier. You were clearly reading into things.

—------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

You pulled the pan of chicken from the oven as the timer on the stove began ringing. The smell of Italian herbs filled the air as you set the baked chicken to rest. You’d just finished the mashed potatoes and the broccoli was ready to go, too.

You hadn’t planned on making another dinner tonight, but Bucky came by your room and asked you if you wouldn’t mind and you just couldn’t bring yourself to say no. You didn’t want to be rude and it was your last night here. Plus you figured you wouldn’t be cooking like this again for a while, you couldn’t remember the last time you had cooked this much for yourself since you had moved out on your own.

You assumed the timer going off prompted Bucky to head to the kitchen because he appeared shortly after. You served both of you and sat down at the table once you got the glasses of water.

“So, uh, I’ll probably be heading out early tomorrow,” you began as you cut into your chicken breast.

“So you said,” he replied shortly.

“Right. I don’t know if you’ll be up when I leave, so I just want to say thank you, again,” you looked up at him, almost shy, nervous. The energy shifted yet again at your mention of leaving and he seemed a bit peeved.

“You mentioned John would come up here in January, did you want to set a date?” you asked, treading lightly.

He looked at you then, thinking for a moment before he spoke.

“I’ll call you,” he answered stoically.

“Okay. I’ll write my number down before I go,”

There was a tense silence between the two of you as you continued to eat.

You were growing more and more uncomfortable until Bucky cleared his throat, taking a sip of water and swallowing hard, sucking his teeth before he spoke.

“So, you have plans when you get home?” he asked, causing you to look up from your plate to him.

“No,” you shook your head, “not really.”

“Just tryin’ get out of here as fast as you can, huh?”

“Wha- no. It’s not - I’m not,”

“It’s okay, sweetheart. I get it, you don’t have to explain. All alone out here with the one time Winter Soldier. Doubt many would’ve stayed as long as you have already,”

“Really, Bucky. It’s not that. You seem like a really great guy. I just, I know you said you like your solitude, and I do, too. And I hate feeling like I’m intruding in your space. I think it’d just be better the sooner I go,” you tried to explain without offending him again.

He nodded softly as he averted his gaze, something akin to sadness swimming in the depths of his blue eyes. The apparent vulnerability had you rethinking what you’d thought about him previously.

“Well, thank you for dinner, doll. It was delicious,” he said as he stood from the table, taking his nearly empty plate to the sink before you heard him head upstairs.

“Great,” you muttered to yourself under your breath, feeling absolutely awful.

—------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

You finished up in the kitchen after Bucky left and made sure to clean up the mess from dinner. You found a scrap piece of paper and wrote down your name and number before putting it up on the fridge with a magnet. You went upstairs and did one last go over your room, making sure you had everything ready to go in the morning. You grabbed your towel and a pair of pajamas and headed to the bathroom for a quick shower before you went to bed.

As you stood under the warm water, washing the suds of soap off your body, you thought you heard a creaking from the other side of the bathroom door. You peeked your head past the shower curtain and saw who you could only assume was Bucky’s shadow passing under the door frame. You quirked a brow, wondering where he was going but didn’t give it much more thought as you returned to finishing up under the water.

As you were drying off with your towel, you cursed under your breath as you realized you’d forgotten to grab a bra and a clean pair of panties. You bit your lip as you considered just running across the hall with your towel wrapped tight and pjs in your arms or just putting your pjs on and forgoing the undergarments completely. That wasn’t a problem for you normally, in fact it was a slightly common occurrence, but regrettably, the sleep shirt you’d grabbed was near see through and if you ran any risk of bumping into Bucky when you ran to the room, you’d rather it be in your towel than with your chest on display.

You finished drying off as best you could before rewrapping the towel around your body. You held your pjs under your arm and opened the door to scurry to the room, only to bump directly into a waiting Bucky.

His hands came out to steady you and you felt your skin warm beneath his touch.

“Oh my god,” you floundered as you gripped your towel tighter.

“I’m sorry, doll. I was just about to knock and ask if you needed anything taken to your car before I went to bed,” he explained, hands still holding you.

“I think I got it,” you chirped, just wanting to move past him already. You moved to sidestep him and only then did he drop his hands. You tried to ignore the way he had been looking at you from the moment you bumped into him. Heavy and dark. As you scampered past him into your room you could still feel his gaze on your curvy, rounded figure.

“Good night,” you called as you entered the room and turned to shut and lock the door behind you.

“Night, doll,” he said quietly as he watched you still.

—-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

You only woke up once during the night, but the reason why was more disturbing than it had been the night previous.

You had left your door just barely ajar and put one of your duffle bags right behind it before you went to bed. You didn’t think Bucky would come into your room while you were sleeping or anything, but the night’s earlier encounter just had you feeling a little more vulnerable than you’d already felt.

Still, with the door partially open you could hear all the weary creaks of the cabin and the bumps that sounded from out in the hall. And with Bucky’s own door open, the noises from his room easily made their way into yours.

You thought you were imagining things at first, but the more awake you became, the more clearly you heard the sound of barely restrained grunts, and the wet squelching noises that only seemed to get rhythmically louder in sync with them, coming from across the hall.

Your heart was racing as you realized what it was you were hearing.. As you realized what it was that Bucky was doing.

You squeezed your eyes shut as you tried to roll over without causing the bed to squeak under your weight.

You tried to tell yourself it was only human. Everybody does it. Who were you to judge what someone else does in the supposed privacy of their own bedroom in the middle of the night. Still, the thought of his eyes on you, his heavy gaze trailing up and down your body the way it did - the way it had even when he first saw you…there was something a little too intense there. It wasn’t right to assume things about people, but you couldn’t shake the feeling that your image might be somewhere in his thoughts as he got himself off.

You pulled a pillow over your head as you laid on your side and, gratefully, fell asleep sooner than you thought you’d be able to as you tried to ignore the strangled moan that sounded from across the hall and the odd sensation it sent through you before the near silence of the cabin returned.

[rubberfuckey]

summary: After a worried phone call from Wheezie, you decide to come back to Kildare. Some light smut for your Monday evening (:

part one part two part three part four part five part six

wc: 3.1k

a/n: i just want to thank everyone for all the support in this series! as always, let me know what you think! hope y'all love it!

masterlist

talk to me

You woke up the next morning, opening your eyes with a groan. It was way too bright, you turned over to see if Rafe was up but he was gone. You sat up and tried to flatten your hair down, rubbing the sleep from your eyes. You grabbed your phone on the table next to you and noticed a Tylenol and bottle of water sitting there too. You mentally thanked the high heavens and took it immediately. You stood up to go find Rafe and noticed the ring still on your finger, you had forgotten to take it off before you went to sleep. You didn’t want to take it off though, it belonged right on your finger. Rafe walked into the room, catching you staring down at it. 

“You’re still wearing it?” He asked with a hint of hope in his voice. 

“Yeah, I mean you gave it to me, right?” You tried to act casual about it. 

He smiled brightly and picked you up to spin you around in a hug as you giggled. 

“Rafe stop, I have to go brush my teeth,” you laughed. 

He dropped you down and watched you walk to the bathroom, his shirt riding up on your legs as you reached for the top shelf of the cabinet. 

“Did you sleep okay last night?” He asked and you nodded.

“Yea, I figured with the way you were snoring and drooling all over me.” 

“Oh please, like you’ve never done that to me before,” you said, toothpaste still in your mouth. He chuckled and laid back on his bed, looking up at the ceiling. You finished up in the bathroom and crawled over him to the other side of the bed to grab your phone. 

“Aw, my dad asked if I need any help packing today.”

You thanked him anyway and told him how excited you were to be officially moved back by the end of the day. 

“We should probably get on the road.”

You nodded as you both walked to the front door. Rose had stopped you both on the way out, “Hey I’m leaving tomorrow and going out of town for a few days so Wheezie is staying with her friend. Would it kill you to water the flowers while I’m out?” 

Rafe immediately looked at you, “She’s got it.”

You rolled your eyes but nodded anyways, “I’ll take care of it.” 

She thanked you as you both got in his truck and pulled off. ‘Empty house?’ he thought.

A few hours later you arrived at your apartment, the moving boxes you had ordered online were sitting right outside your door. You sighed as you walked in, looking around at your fully furnished apartment for the last time. 

“Wow, it looks really nice in here,” Rafe said. 

You thanked him and immediately got to work. You connected your phone to the speaker and took it room by room, starting with your bedroom, and Rafe working on the living room. It was like who you are as a person exploded all over the place, this apartment was so perfectly you. He wanted to be completely encompassed by you like this all of the time. 

“Are you sure we shouldn’t just move all this stuff to Tannyhill? You can live with us.”

“You’re gonna have to work a little harder for that,” you teased as he smiled, “And I really am looking forward to being back in my parent’s house, even if I have spent every night at your house.” 

Packing went by like a breeze, there wasn’t much to take. The apartment was already furnished by your school so you just had boxes of your belongings, all fitting in the truck in one trip. You stopped for a quick lunch on the way back to Kildare and you grabbed the tab as a thank you for his help while Rafe went to the bathroom. 

“Why’d you do that?” 

“Because you helped me so much today, the least I could do is pay for your burger.”

He shook his head, “Well, thank you, but you should’ve let me pay.”

You knew he would be against you paying, that’s why you had to be sneaky about it.  

“I do need to look for a job now that I’m home, I never got one while I was living here so I pretty much drained my savings.”

“Or, you could just not work. You know I’ll take care of you.”

You shook your head immediately, “You can’t just buy everything I need or want. I need to be able to provide for myself.”

“What other reason was there for me to melt down an ancient cross if I can't take care of the people I love?” He laughed. 

You deadpanned, “Not funny.”

He laughed it off as you stood up to get back in the truck. 

“Ready?” You asked, sticking your hand out for him to take. 

He took it and pulled you to the truck. 

The rest of the ride was quiet, after he declined your offer to drive to give him a break, you knocked out for the rest of the drive. He looked over at you while he was stopped at a red light and couldn’t believe his luck. You were the most beautiful girl in the world to him, and the ring he had given you was still on your finger. He would do anything to keep it that way, forever. Forever never scared him with you, not being together for the rest of your lives terrified him. He needed you, and everyone knew it. You stirred awake after he hit a pothole and opened your eyes slowly to look at him. You smiled to yourself. He’s so handsome, and he’s all mine. You reached out for his arm that was leaned against the center console and wrapped your arms around it, resting your head on his shoulder, falling back asleep quickly. He woke you up once he had pulled up in front of your house. You jumped out and walked up to the door, your parents opening the door before you could even reach for the handle. 

“You’re home!” Your mom cried. 

“We’re so happy to have you back!” Your dad cheered. 

They pulled you into a group hug and you pulled away to see Rafe grabbing boxes already. 

“Someone’s eager to have you officially back in the Outer Banks,” your mom flashed you a look, as you flailed your arms around to defend yourself from their teasing pokes and prods. She gasped and grabbed your hand, the sight of your old ring catching her eye. 

“I knew it!” She whispered screamed before Rafe turned around, “Hi honey!” She said, trying to play off her excitement. 

He chuckled, “Hi Mrs. Y/L/N! It’s great to see you both again.” 

He came up the steps with two boxes in his hands, “Where do you want these?”

“Just set them anywhere, Rafe, you should take a break. You’ve already done more than enough today.”

He ignored you and carried them up to your bedroom, immediately coming down the stairs to grab more as you stood there talking to your parents about the ride. You sighed happily, “I should probably go help him, he won’t stop until it’s done and I don’t want him to have to do everything on his own.”

Your parents nodded as they went inside to sit down while you continued carrying the boxes in. Once everything was in, Rafe helped you open everything back up to unpack it back into your room. Your mother came up the stairs and watched in the doorway as you talked quietly, moving around each other to place things where they belong. 

“You guys hungry? I was thinking about ordering a pizza,” she asked.

You look to Rafe and he shrugged, “I could eat.”

You smiled and nodded in agreeance, it had been hours since your lunch. 

You continued to unpack until the food was delivered. You went downstairs and sat in front of the tv, eating with your parents. It all felt so normal. He followed you back up the stairs, and you finished emptying all the boxes. 

“Wow, I can’t believe we got it all done,” you sighed, sitting down on your bed.

“We make a good team,” you smiled, “and a hot couple,” he added. You swatted his chest and let out a belly laugh. 

“Shut up,” you laughed as he looked at you with a bright smile on his face. Your laughter died down, but he still held the same look on his face, nothing but love and adoration. Your cheeks grew red under his intense stare before you both started moving toward each other slowly. Just as your lips were about to connect, your mom knocked on your open door frame, obviously catching what was about to happen.

“Sorry to interrupt, Rafe, are you staying the night?”

Neither of you had talked about it, he looked to you as you silently communicated that it was fine with you.

“Would that be okay?” he asked politely.

“Sure, just none of what I almost walked into, got it?” 

He nodded his head furiously fast, “Yes, of course, won’t happen again… well,”

“Rafe!” you cut him off, shaking your head.

Your mom laughed and left you two alone, you flopped back onto your back in your bed as he looked down at you.

“So I was thinking,” 

“Uh oh,” you cut him off. 

He rolled his eyes before continuing, “Anyways, I was thinking since Rose and Wheezie aren’t going to be at Tannyhill, maybe we should celebrate.”

“What are we celebrating?”

“You being back, obviously. You’re officially home, we should throw a party to let everyone know!”

“I don’t know, Rafe,” you sighed, nervously. 

He was immediately frustrated, he thought you would be excited.

“Come on, Y/N. What’s the issue?”

“A party, Rafe? All the alcohol and the drugs? I’m just worried about you. Can you handle all that?”

You didn’t mean it in an undermining way, but he sure did take it like that. He shook his head, sighing.

“Rafe, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it like-”

“I’m good. I can take care of my shit, okay? You don’t need to worry about me like I’m some kid.”

“Rafe,”

“No. Can’t you see how damn hard I’m working on being better? I wanted to do something nice for you,” he raised his voice. 

You sat up on the end of your bed, nodding with tears pricking your eyes. He scoffed as he walked to the opposite end of the room, staring at you as you wiped the tear falling from your eye. You didn’t want him to be upset, you didn’t want to go through these issues again.

“Rafe, I know you-”

“Just forget it, Y/N. We don’t have to do anything. Fuck it.” 

You didn’t say anything else, walking past him to get to the bathroom, immediately getting in the shower to wash the sweat and dirt off yourself from moving all day. When you got out, wrapping yourself in a towel, you partially had expected him to leave, but there he was. Sitting on the floor in front of the foot of your bed. You stayed silent, going over to grab a pair of underwear from the drawer, putting them on under your towel. You heard him moving, coming up behind you. He bent down to whisper in your ear, hugging your waist from behind. 

“I’m sorry,” he huffed.

Chills rolled down your spine as he whispered apologies into your ear, his breath floating down to your neck. You nodded, still not saying a word, turning around to look up at him. 

“A party would be fun,” you whispered, still nervous about his reaction.

“No, if it’s going to stress you out then we shouldn’t.”

“You really think you can handle being in that kind of environment?”

He stopped before he rolled his eyes again, didn’t you just talk about this?

“Yes, Y/N.”

“Then I trust you.”

He instantly felt guilty hearing those words, he just yelled at you, and for what? You cried. He felt like the biggest piece of shit in the world. You didn’t deserve that. 

“I’m so sorry, Y/N.”

“No, it’s okay,”

“It’s not okay, I yelled at you just for being worried. I’m so sorry.” 

He repeated the apologies frantically, are you going to ditch him now?

“Rafe, I accept your apology it’s okay.”

He started to hyperventilate at the thought of ruining everything. Every emotion of his flipped like a switch. You put your arms around his neck and leaned up to press your lips against his, thinking ‘Maybe that’ll help him calm down’. You kissed him eagerly, trying to convey everything he couldn’t comprehend in his current state. He immediately grabbed your face with both his hands, holding you in place as he deepened the kiss. You reached up to pull at his hair, causing him to groan. Your tongues moved together and you could feel yourself getting wetter, this time not caring about the consequences of your actions. You pushed him back until he fell onto the bed, you were climbing right on top of him. The towel fell as you continued kissing and you didn’t bother to fix it. He broke the kiss after feeling the fabric move, and his jaw dropped at the sight of you sitting on top of him, topless and only wearing underwear. He threw his head back against the bed in disbelief, “I don’t deserve you.”

You leaned down to kiss his neck, “Yes you do. You deserve everything good in this world.” 

He groaned as you rocked your hips against his, feeling him grow underneath you. You continued kissing until he broke out of his trance and demanded control of the situation. Flipping you over, he got up quickly to lock your bedroom door and rip his shirt off. You giggled as he practically ran back over to you, trapping you in another heated kiss. He grabbed at your chest, before immediately moving down to suck your nipple. You surprised yourself with how loud you moaned at the feeling and slapped your hand over your mouth. He looked up at you with a smile on his face before he moved to the other nipple. You whimpered at the feeling and bit your lip to keep quiet. He kept his mouth on your neck, collarbone, and chest, not leaving an inch of your upper half unkissed. His hand moved down to your underwear, teasing the waistband as you giggled at the ticklish feeling. He moved your underwear to the side and immediately ran a finger along your folds, looking up to watch your face. He chuckled at how disheveled you already were, not to mention completely soaking wet. 

“This okay, baby?” he whispered huskily in your ear as you nodded eagerly. He readjusted his fingers to instantly find your clit and started rubbing it perfectly. 

“Oh, Rafe,” you cried.

“I know this pussy better than anyone else, huh?” 

You nodded frantically as he sped up, teasing your slit as he did. You grabbed the arm that was holding him up and held onto it tightly as he sped up his movements until he finally dipped a finger into you, he retracted to play with you with two fingers this time, your nails digging into his arm as your back arched. A moan fell from your lips as he curled his fingers, he continued as he moved down to bite at your neck. He kissed lower down your body until he was finally at eye level with your pussy.

He slowed his fingers and he looked up at you, “I hope you know how sorry I am for upsetting you earlier.” 

He reached his left hand up to grab yours, intertwining your fingers as you squeezed his hand.

“Rafe,” you whispered breathlessly, but no other words came out as he instantly licked a stripe from where his fingers were and right up to your clit, circling it with his tongue. You grabbed his hair and moved your hips as he continued his movements, groaning at the taste of you. 

“So fucking sweet baby. I wish I could eat this pussy all day long, every day. You deserve it.” 

You were at a loss for words and he got back to it, scissoring his fingers and slurping at your clit loudly. You cried out, feeling close to your orgasm already. You couldn’t stop yourself from pushing him harder onto your face and you bucked your hips. He groaned, he loved when you lost yourself like this, completely using him for your pleasure. 

His name left your lips repeatedly, “Please don’t stop,” you cried.

He moved his hand out of yours to hold you down by your waist. “You wanna cum, pretty girl?”

You nodded, tears pricking your eyes, this time the good kind. He groaned at an extra harsh pull of his hair and the vibration was all you needed before you fell apart. You moaned out, grabbing the pillow on your bed to silence yourself. He didn’t stop until your legs closed around his head out of instinct. He pulled away as he watched your chest heave, smiling at the mess you’ve become. 

“Holy shit, Rafe.”

“Did you like that?” He teased, with a proud smile on his face.

You just nodded, leaning up the meet his lips, you groaned at the taste of yourself and reached down to grab his dick. He grabbed your hand to stop you from continuing.

“No baby, tonight was about you. We’re still taking it slow, I just wanted to make up for earlier.”

You nodded, too exhausted from that amazing orgasm to fight. He helped you pull your underwear back on and cuddled up next to you, pulling the covers over the two of you and hitting the switch on your lamp. He whispered a soft ‘goodnight’ but he already knew you were asleep.

part eight

tag list: @user3737338292 @koalalafications @mutual-mendes @allthesefanfics @f4ll-for-you @colbysbrocks @writtenwordslover @bibliophilewednesday @tahliac11 @five-seconds-flat @palmwinemami

[fanficsthatmakemybraingobrr]

A Night In Cairo

Chapter 4

Indiana Jones x Gender-Neutral Reader

You’re a Intern at Marshall College in Bedford Connecticut and you work with Dr.Jones, but he sucks at his job and is never there and is always behind with work making you get the short end of the stick. Then he drags you on a trip to Cairo with him.

I actually liked how this chapter turned out! i don't think it's half bad. but i am still very open to criticism! anyways i hope you enjoy! :}

link to: Chapter 1/Chapter 2/Chapter 3

Link to AO3

Regret. That is all you have right now is pure regret. You wish you slept on that damn bed. You should have made him sleep with that sad pile of comforters. You also regret using comforters, you should’ve taken the sheets you woke up in the middle night drenched in your own sweat and what feels like a broken back.

That’s also the reason you’re up so early you couldn’t fall back asleep. If you had to guess it’s probably 7:00 in the morning? Indy was passed out and sprawled across the bed, laying on his stomach hugging a pillow smooshing it against his face. He's pretty knocked out and is sleeping soundly, his face is gently illuminated by the sunlight coming through the window.

You just stare at him.

His eyebrows slightly furrowed.

You seem to be doing that a lot lately. Just starring.

His hair all tousled.

Why are you looking? 

The way the light played on his face perfectly framing his facial features was intriguing. 

Maybe because you've never been able to get a good look at him? I mean the time you spend around him you're always grading things or helping him plan out his syllabus day by day because he didn't do it before the semester started?

You never noticed the scar on his chin- damn this man has long ass eyelashes! 

Stop it. You're being creepy, you're standing over his body like he's a cadaver or something. You turn your gaze to the window hearing the sound of busy streets, the calls of vendors and talk of passersby. An idea pops into your head. This Is your first time out of the US, why not explore the city for a bit? You tiptoe across the hotel room grabbing your things and making your way to the door. 

The minute you step outside it's hotter than hell, you almost want to go back inside but this is a once in a lifetime chance for you right now. Hm? Where do you start, which direction do you walk in? You shrug your shoulders and think whatever and you just start walking. Your Arabic is pretty rusty so when you read signs you're mainly going off context clues. You start to pass by little shops and vendors admiring what they had to sell. The city really starts to feel alive as you take in the small details around you. In the background you hear people chattering, having small conversations About how busy they are today or their plans, the playful screaming of children, the sound of vendors selling their goods. You see how different areas of the city are all unique with different stores and goods available. At one point you see a small cat wandering around. You stop and pet it. You can feel it purr as you glide your hand down its back and off its tail.

As you were enjoying your enrichment time petting the stray cat you didn't notice Indiana come up behind you. He looked over your shoulder watching with a small smile patiently for you to notice him.

Wow.

It’s been like five minutes. Indiana is taken back for a moment. He finds it almost… What's the word, Endearing? that you're putting so much effort into petting this damn cat. He almost feels jealous. 

“You know that thing probably has fleas?” He let slip out in a teasing and joking tone. He didn't mean to say it truly…okay maybe he did. You were a little startled when he talked, you looked up from the cat at the older man and lightly rolled your eyes and let out a small chuckle.

“Your being mean Jones!” you exclaim. Indiana walks over and kneels down next to you in the cat. He extended his hand out letting the cat sniff him, the cat let out a small meow and it nuzzled its small head into his hand. You smiled as he began to pet the cat. You noticed how gentle he was in the way he treated the animal. The cat seemed to like Indiana as much as it liked you. 

“Now you have fleas” you teased back. Indy was caught a little bit by surprise by you making that sly comment but he couldn't help but smile at you.

“Yeah, I probably have some fleas now.” he said while smiling. A faint growl came from your stomach, oh yeah eating. You forgot about that. Indiana laughed as he heard your stomach growl.

“Seems like someone skipped breakfast, come on i know a place that has some great food” You stood up and the cat walked away probably to seek attention from someone else. 

“Yeah, I'm very hungry.” you say with a tinge of embarrassment. Indy then smiled and offered his arm to you. You looked at him a little confused. You let out a little ‘hm?’ and then you realized, he wants you to hold on to him. You awkwardly take his arm and he starts leading the way.

“This place gets pretty busy around this time and… ya know…i don't wanna end up losing you in this crowd.” you look at him and smile. He could have just told you to stay close but you let him keep his pride.

Indy led you into a little hole in the wall restaurant that was tucked away. Once you both walked you took a seat at a table for two in the corner of the small but humble restaurant. The decor was simple but comfortable and it had a warm and cozy atmosphere. The walls were painted a warm shade, with decorations hanging from them. The restaurant was busy with locals eating and enjoying their food. You picked up the menu and realized you could only read about half of it. You looked at Indy and he had on his round reading glasses. They made him look mature and intelligent. The round frames complemented his face.

“Uh Indy i can't read the menu that well…” you say as you sheepishly look over your menu. Indy looked up from his own menu at you and smirked at your statement. 

“That's alright sweetheart, I'll get us something we’ll both like.” 

“Okay..” you nodded.

Sweetheart? You were frozen, you moved your eyes down towards your menu finding it hard to concentrate on it. Did he mean to call you that? Why did he call you that? You could feel your face slightly burn. You found yourself almost wanting him to call you that again.

He did not mean to call you that.

Indiana Jones, a full grown man who has plenty of lovers is failing to suppress his feelings. What's going on? He's never done this before. He doesn't slip up like this (yes he does). Did you notice his slip-up? Indy suppresses these thoughts, glazing his eyes over the menu picking something out for you two to eat. Indy picked something out, called over a waiter and put in the order. There was an awkward silence between the two of you. God this is horrible. Indiana does want to know you better, he never really has sat down and had a genuine conversation with you except once. But that was your first day on campus.

Indiana had just walked out of the faculty lounge with a cup of coffee in one hand and his briefcase in the other. He had just gotten back from Turkey with his father. He was tired, his back hurting, he was behind on work, and did not have much patience. As he turned the corner to his office he noticed someone standing in front of his office door. He sighed as he approached them.

“I know I haven't graded exams but i'll get to them today.” he grumbled as he walked by them and unlocked his office. The person turned their head to the side in confusion.

“Um sir i’m not one of your students..” Indy stopped and turned around.

“What?”

“Sir i'm an Intern, My name is ___! I was told I'll be working with you this semester!” They gave him a smile and extended their hand out to him. Oh yeah, Indiana forgot about that. Oops. 

“My bad,” he said, extending his hand to shake theirs. "I'm a bit out of it today I suppose. It's nice to meet you, I'm Indy.” Indiana Jones then sighed, still feeling tired and slightly irritable after his most recent trip abroad. He took a sip of his coffee and rubbed his neck, as he could feel the tension building up in his shoulders. He looked at the intern and forced a smile, trying to mask his tiredness. "Well then, let's get to work."

Okay…maybe not too genuine, but you two are always so busy from that point on he doesn't know that much about you. 

“So..” Indy mumbled, breaking the silence. “Did you sleep well last night? I saw that you made that…nest?” You finally looked up from the table and at Indiana. You laughed as he called your bed a ‘nest’. 

“Yeah it was fine, just a bit warm.” 

“I'm sorry you had to sleep on the floor, i mean i would have but by the time i came out of the shoulder you were already asleep.”

“No it's okay, I really don't mind!” the waiter came back with your food and placed it on the table. You and Indy started eating and enjoying each other's company. It was nice, you told him about your life growing up and how you ended up at Bedford as his intern and he told you stories about the different adventures he’s been on ending on the last trip he took with his father. 

“The holy grail?” you looked at him in shock. Indy smiled and let out a small laugh.

“I thought it was just a myth!” you added. Indy looked at you with a slight smirk on his face. 

“Yeah, so did I. Even though my fathers obsession with it I never thought the damn thing had a basis in this reality. I always thought of the relic as mythical.” he let out a half hearted sigh and called over a waiter asking for the bill. You pulled out your wallet but Indy interrupted you.

“Hey I've got it.” you shook your head at his comment.

“Come on, you brought me on this trip for free! It’s the least I could do!”

“To be fair this trip is already funded by the college and I'm not paying anything either.” you stayed silent for a moment trying to come up with an excuse to pay.

“Could we at least split the check?” you suggested with a nervous smile. Indy looked up from the bill and stared at you for a moment. Then his lips curled into a playful smile.

“How about this? I pay for this meal and to pay me back and at the banquet tonight you owe me a dance?”