#anyways anyways tag ramble ending curiousity getting the better of me bye

[endof-theline]

Day 7- Tropetember: Mutual Pining/Requited Love

Day 7 of super early Tropetember with Mutal Pining/ Requited Love, this is a follow up to yesterday's prompt so read that one first!

Steve and Tony are idiots and their friends are fed up, time for them to step in.

On Ao3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/32433946

“Steve, I got something for you!” Tony said excitedly as he dropped down into the seat beside the blonde with a huge smile on his face, Steve had kept gifting fidget toys, or stim toys as Tony found out they were called, after the first time and if he wasn’t giving Tony one he was sharing new websites where he found some that Tony might like.

“I don’t know how I should feel, this isn’t how this usually goes” Steve teased him but the grin told Tony that he was just joking around with him, the smile dimmed a little as he looked confused when Tony clipped something around Steve’s neck “A necklace?”

“Yeah! Well it’s a special one because you can chew on it, I noticed that you chew your pens or your fingers a lot and since you found something to help my fidgets I thought this might be good for you”  Tony rambled on as Steve inspected the navy coloured, rubber dog tags curiously, Steve had noticed that his anxiety had been getting worse as they came closer to exams and with anxiety came the stress habit of chewing. The amount of times Steve had made himself bleed from biting at his nails was unreal, or the times pens had burst in his mouth or pencils had splintered on his tongue… maybe it was worth trying even if it just made Tony happy.

The lesson started up and Tony messed with the marble trap in one hand as he scribbled down his notes, and about half way through the lesson Tony glanced at Steve to see him secretly chewing at the dog tags. Steve’s eyes flicked around the room anxiously and just smiled shyly when he caught Tony looking at him, Tony’s ears going pink as he smiled back and just winked at him before going back to his notes with his smile turning fond.

"He looked so happy when I gave it to him" Tony sighed happily as he flopped down onto his bed, his roommate rolling his eyes as Tony smiled up at the ceiling.

"Why don't you just tell him that you like him then?" Rhodey asked and regretted it when Tony snapped his head over with a frown on his face.

"Because I clearly got the wrong idea when I thought we were friends, I don't want to mess up again!" Tony explained as he rolled back onto his back and huffed "I'd rather be here than mess things up and not see him anymore"

"So you're going to be sad and alone to prevent being sad and alone differently?" Rhodey clarified and just shook his head at the brunette who nodded at him. Rhodey knew better than to try and persuade Tony otherwise because it never made things better, last time Tony ended up sobbing in his arms and refused to talk to him for a week.

Little did Tony know that Steve was having the same talk with Sam and Bucky, who were both despairing at Steve's guilty mind that was keeping him from saying anything. Still feeling too guilty about when he snapped at him to tell him how he was feeling so he was content with liking Tony from afar.

"So your idiot is pining as well then?" Sam asked as he and Rhodey watched Steve and Tony laugh and blush at each other's words, Steve's hand holding onto the dog tags Tony had brought him. It had been a couple days since Tony had given them to Steve and, apart from to sleep or shower, he hadn't taken it off.

"Oh yeah, my idiot doesn't want to tell your idiot in case he gets rejected" Rhodey explained as Tony blushed hard when Steve clapped him on the shoulder with a grin on his face.

"My idiot thinks that he's a bully and doesn't want to force your idiot into a relationship out of fear" Sam waved his hand at the pair when Steve ruffled Tony's hair and laughed when Tony smacked Steve's arm and fixed his hair with a grumpy pout but laughed when Steve said something, seemingly, about his messy hair.

"Our lives would be so much easier if they weren't idiots" Rhodey sighed as the idiots in question started walking their way, Sam nodding and humming his agreement as he waved back at Steve "Less interesting but definitely easier"

"Honey bear, Steve wants me to tutor him in our math class, can I take a raincheck for coffee today?" Tony asked with a smile on his face, Steve grinning away as he looked down to Tony proudly and winked at Sam when said man gave him a confused look. Rhodey laughed as he nodded, waving off Tony's worries before the younger could start asking questions "Thanks Rhodey, don't forget it's pizza night tonight!"

"It's not me who forgets pizza night, but Tones, I'll remember" Rhodey teased and laughed when Tony pouted at him and turned on his heel, stamping away and only looking back to raise an eyebrow at Steve who hurried to follow him. Sam burst out laughing as soon as they wouldn't be able to hear him, Rhodey joining in barely seconds later at the excited text Tony sent him as he walked beside Steve.

Later on, Tony would realise that telling Rhodey where he was going for Steve's tutoring was a good idea but right now, it felt like the worst mistake he had ever made.

They had been peacefully studying away in Tony's favourite coffee shop, the one with the extremely strong coffee, and everything had been going great until a certain meddling blonde turned up with a shit eating grin on his face.

"Well if it isn't my best friends just hanging out together!" Clint chirped and put a hand on either mens' shoulder, both Steve and Tony narrowing their eyes in suspicion at him "Just stopping by to say that you are in love with each other, bye!"

"CLINT!"

"CLINT!" Both Steve and Tony shouted at the same time, standing up to screaming at the man who was running out the coffee shop and down the road in case they gave chase. It was Steve who realised first "Wait, he said each other… You like me?"

"You like me?" Tony squeaked instead of answering the question which sort of answered the question anyway, they stared at each other for a moment before Tony worked up the courage to say "Yes, I like you"

"I- I like you too, Tony" Steve blushed and anyone would have thought the pair had just waxed poetry about the other with how they blushed hard at each other and silly smiles took over their face "I thought you wouldn't with the way I treated you before"

"I told you I forgive you for that and you've been so kind and sweet to me since" Tony grabbed Steve's hand and squeezed it carefully, Steve moving to link their fingers together and then couldn't take his eyes off their connected hands "I wasn't sure if we were even friends, I didn't want to make it weird"

"I'd say we're friends… I'd like to, maybe, try being more than friends, but only if you're okay with that!" Steve snapped his head up at the last part to search for answers in Tony's face and only found a fond smile and a loving look in Tony's eyes.

"I would love to try being more than friends with you" Tony nodded excitedly and squeezed Steve's hand a little tighter, the pair happy just to smile at each other fondly for a moment before looking away bashfully and smiling at their hands.

Steve and Tony may be only trying to be more than friends but it would take a bigger idiot than the pair combined to not realise how in love they were.

Their friends hoped the lovey-dovey stuff would only last a couple weeks at the most, unfortunately for them it didn't seem that they were going to stop anytime soon and that was after they started dating officially!

The pair were inseparable and much to their friends' displeasure, despite them being happy for them behind closed doors, they were in love and were willing to tell the world about it.

[inagetawaycarxo]

Trick Or Treat | Adam Cole

— I was thinking Reader x Adam Cole take their daughter out for her Halloween and they post on social media of their costumes later on they have a Halloween party with their friends and co worker // May I request one for Adam cole? I don’t really have any ideas besides a Halloween themed paper view or a Halloween party -Ambrollins123 & Xxmlizz

Pairings: Adam Cole x Reader

Featuring: D/n {daughters name}, your neighbours, Bobby Fish, Kyle O’Reilly, Roderick Strong, your mom {m/n}, Candice LeRae, Johnny Gargano {Mentioned}

Summary: Adam & you go trick or treating with yours and his daughter. Then go to a Halloween party, but you can’t help but worry about leaving d/n with your mom.

WARNINGS: fluff, halloween themes, parties, worried!reader, kissing, my writing & grammar (idk, I’m writing on my tablet/iPad atm )

Word Count: 3380

D/n let out a giggle as she waddled her way over towards Adam. Who has leaning on the doorframe of d/n room. The white with red spots hat on her head, nearly falling off.

“Hey, cutie.” Adam cooed. Crouching down to her level.

“Dada.” D/n babbled.

Reaching her chubby arms out in front of her. Once she reached him, she wrapped them around his neck. Letting out inaudible babbles. Adam just smiled at her lovingly. His eyes crinkling. A gleam in his eyes.

Adam heard the sound of a camera shutter, making him lookup.

“What? The both of you looked so adorable, I couldn’t resist.” You spoke, shrugging your shoulders.

“Well, you look adorable to babe, in your princess peach costume.” Adam smirked. Biting his lower lip. Making you flustered. You tucked a loose piece of hair behind your ear, all the while d/n tried to grab Adam’s cap.

Adam picked up d/n. Walking over to you. His breath fanning your face.

“Let’s go trick or treating, bay bay.” Adam hummed. His fingers twirling a strand of your hair. Your breath hitched, as you stared into his blue eyes.

“But first a family selfie.” You gasped out.

“Oh, right.” Adam responded. Taking your phone from you. Then switched it to face mode.

Adam held it in front of him. Adam took a couple of selfies, including some selfies of him kissing your cheek cheekily. Which got you all flustered.

After a few more, he was done taking selfies. Adam quickly sent the pictures to himself. Then handed you your phone. Adam quickly took out his phone going into the messenger app and saving the pictures. Then going into Instagram, AND making an IG post with some of the pictures he saved. He then posted it. Adam then shared the post to his story, tagging you in, while adding a few more selfies to his story. D/n clung onto him, while he held her with one arm. In the midst of that, you posted some of them on your story, and the rest in an IG post., with a cute caption. Screenshotting Adams story post he tagged you in and posting it onto your story with hearts.

Your headshot up as Adam spoke.

“So, are we just doing the street, or are we going around the whole neighbourhood?” Adam asked. Raising his head to look at you, waiting for your response. Adam out his phone in his back pocket, swaying his body.

“Just the street.” You answered, putting your phone away.

Adam looked at d/n in fake surprise.

“You hear that munchkin, mommy is game, isn’t she, the whole street. Wow.” Adam teased, winking at d/n, which made the one year old giggle.

You rolled your eyes playfully before replying.

“But, oh, so clever. Don’t want creeps taking our bub away from us.” You replied, walking closer to them.

“They wouldn’t even think of doing that shit, with me around, I will knock em’ out.” Adam responded, flexing his muscles. Your eyes widen at the word shit.

“Adam, you cant say that word in front of her.” You scolded him. Making Adam roll his eyes.

“She doesn’t mind, besides come on lets get trick or treating, before you change your mind about trick or treating altogether.” Adam spoke, taking your hand with his free hand, and pulling you out of d/n room. You quickly grabbed d/n trick or treat bag, on the way out.

Adam pulled you down the hallway, and to the front door. Adam let go of your hand to grab the house keys from the bowl on the side table near the door and shoves them in his pocket. You quickly set the house alarm, making Adam raise his eyebrow. While d/n babbled to herself.

“What? Don’t give me that look. It’s better safe than sorry.” You defended yourself.

“We’ll only be gone for like thirty minutes top or an hour. No need to set the alarms.” Adam spoke, opening the door for you.

“You can never be too careful.” You spoke, grabbing d/n off of Adam, and walking out the door. Adam followed close behind locking the door and shutting it behind you.

Adam wrapped his arm around you.

“You overthink, and worry too much.” Adam spoke.

“Come on babe, let’s go trick or treating.” He beamed, pulling you along with him, towards the house besides yours and his.

“When they open the door, do you know what we say?” Adam asked d/n. Making d/n look at him curiously. Her eyes sparkled with anticipation.

“Trick or treat. Can you say that cutie trick-or-treat.” He cooed. D/n titled her head to the side. Looking at Adam confusion lay, then at you.

“Tri-tre.” She giggled. Clapping her hands together excitedly. You just shrugged your shoulders, while Adam looked completely baffled.

“Close enough, you will be saying it right by the end of the night.” Adam spoke. Not that d/n was even paying attention. She kept repeating her version of trick or treat which was “tri-tre.” Over and over again, while clapping her hands.

Both of you stopped in front of the neighbour's door.

Adam knocked on the door, hopping from one foot to another.

The door opened quickly. Revealing a middle-aged woman. Her smile light up as her eyes landed on Adam, d/n and you.

“Trick or treat.” Both of you spoke excitedly.

“Tri-tre.” D/n giggled. Clapping her hands together, then leaned forward slightly.

“Aren’t you three just the cutest family ever.” She cooed. Grabbing a bowl from the side table near the front door. She grabbed a handful of candy. Then put it in the candy bag you held out. All the while d/n reached her hand out towards the bowl. Sneakily grabbing some more.

A flash made you turn your head to the source of where the flash comes from. Only to see Adam lowering his phone, giving a slight shrug.

“What? I wanted to take a picture of d/n getting her first candy on halloween.” Adam spoke. Stuffing his phone in his back pocket you smiled at him, and turned your attention back toward d/n and the women in front of you, as she continued to praise both of you.

“The both of you make an adorable couple…And family with this little one. She is so adorable. The costumes are adorable too.” The woman cooed.

Turning her attention towards d/n. Who was holding a fistful of candy. Bringing it up to her mouth. Adam quickly stopped her. Catching her wrist, and pulling it towards the candy bag. Then empty it in there.

That action caused d/n’s lower lip to quiver. Tears threatening to spill from her eyes. Before she could start crying, the woman at the door, pinched d/n’s cheeks. Making d/n look at the woman through tear-filled eyes.

“You are so adorable.” The woman cooed. Making a smile grace d/n mouth. She let out a tiny giggle/ making you and Adam smile proudly.

“You are going to break hearts.” The woman spoke, to d/n. Pinching her cheeks lightly.

“And bones.” Adam interjected. The woman’s head snapped up towards Adam. Her eyes were wide. Adam just smirked at her.

“He is just kidding. Anyways we best be off.” You spoke. Taking a step back.

“Okay… Bye, be careful.” She spoke. Eyeing Adam suspiciously.

Both of you turned around after bidding the woman farewell.

You raised your eyebrow up at Adam as you looked at him. Adams attention snapped towards you.

“What?” He asked. Giving you a cheeky grin.

“And bones? Adam, not everyone in our neighbourhood likes or knows what wrestling is. She probably thinks you are a psychopath. Or a serial killer.” You rambled. Making Adam roll his eyes playfully.

“But it’s true, our little munchkin is gonna break bones, and hearts, and win all the gold in the wrestling company. Oh, and crush other wrestlers dreams.” Adam exclaimed. Pinching d/n’s cheeks softly.

D/n reached out towards Adam. Wanting him to hold her. Adam took her. D/n wrapped her arms around Adam's neck. Nuzzling her face into his neck.

“What if she wants to do another profession?” You replied.

“Nah, she loves wrestling. I can see it when she watches my matches. She showed so much enthusiasm and happiness… She is going to be a wrestler, I know it.” Adam responded, swaying d/n.

“That’s because she is watching her daddy, and he is showing off. Besides she has that same enthusiasm and happiness when a butterfly flys in front of her, or a leaf falls in front of her.” You chuckled. Adam turned to look at you with a hurt/shocked look.

“Don’t crush her dreams of becoming a wrestler.” Adam scoffed. Making you chuckle.

Yo put a hand on your chest. Faking hurt.

“That would break my heart if I crushed her dreams of becoming a wrestler.” You sighed. Making your voice waver a bit.

Adam shook his head letting out a chuckle before he smiled.

“You are such a heel.” He joked. Making you laugh.

“A good one, anyways, let's continue on trick or treating.” You spoke. Looping your arm through his crossed ones. Slightly leaning on him, as the both of you walked to the next house…

After about sixty minutes of trick or treating, d/n started to get tired and restless, also, moody. So you and Adam decided to go home…

Adam took the house keys out of his pocket, opening the door, while you swayed d/n back and forth, trying to smooth her.

You slowly walked into the house, as Adam held the door open for you, following close behind. Adam closed the door, then locked it.

“So, I will bathe d/n, and change her, then put her to bed, while you get ready.” Adam insisted. You gave him a confused look. Adams face dropped into worry.

“Don’t tell me you forgot?” Adam asked. You gave him another confused look. Making Adam sigh.

“The party, the Halloween party. We were invited to the NXT Halloween party.” Adam spoke. Making you let out an ‘oh’. Your eyes widen with realisation.

“Right, um, I think it’s best if I stay here with d/n. You can go.” You responded. Walking into the kitchen. You held d/n with one arm, as you opened the fridge door. Taking out d/n's milk bottle, that was filled with milk.

Adam followed you.

“Not so fast, y/n/n. You cant just flake on me. You don’t even have to dress up. You can't just be anti-social just cause you are worried about d/n’s well being. When was the last time you have been out without d/n?” Adam rambled. You turned around to face him, shaking the milk bottle.

You stayed silent. Proving Adam’s point. You gave Adam a pleading look.

“Your mom said she was going to look after d/n, your not a bad mom for having a night off of mom life.” Adam spoke.

“Fine… But, she has to text me every second with updates on d/n.” You reluctantly agreed. Making Adam look at you with a are you serious look. He smiled slightly.

“Deal, now go get ready. I will take care of d/n.” Adam spoke, taking d/n and the bottle off of you.

You were about to talk when Adam ushered you out of the kitchen.

“Go get ready.” He whined while pushing you towards the staircase.

“Okay, relax." you huffed. Walking up the stairs, and towards yours and Adam’s bedroom…

After about ten minutes of getting ready, you walked down the stairs. Then walked to the sound of the tv that’s was on.

You raised your eyebrow, as you saw Adam sitting on the couch in his jeans and one of his merch shirts, with the NXT championship around his waist. You rolled your eyes. Muttering an, of course, he would go as himself.

“So, you going as yourself.” You asked, walking up to the back of the couch. Adam jumped in fright. He turned his body in your direction way too quickly.

His eyes wandering up and down your figure. His tongue darted out of his mouth, swiping across his lower lip before he bit his lower lip.

“Yep, and you decided to dress up as a kitty cat.” Adam purred, eyeing you hungrily. His blue eyes darkening with lust.

A brilliant idea popped into your head. You walked sexily walked over towards him. Biting your lower lip, as you sat on his lap, straddling him. Batting your eyelashes. You looked at Adam seductively. Your hand trailed down his chest, towards the waistline of his jeans. Your fingers loop in the belt loop.

“I was thinking, maybe we should skip the party, and stay here, have our own party, you can rip my costume off of me, and well take me any way you desire.” You purred, against the shell of his ear. Making Adam let out a moan. Licking his lips.

Adam suddenly snapped out if his horny daze. Pushing you off of him, and standing up abruptly.

“Nice try, y/n, but we are still going to that party. Besides your mom is on her way.” Adam spoke. Just as he said that the doorbell rang. Adam smirked at you.

“And here she is.” Adam spoke again. Grabbing your wrist, and pulling you towards the front door. Grabbing the car keys from the bowl on the hallway side table by the front door.

Adam opened the door. Smiling brightly at your mom. While you gave her a forced smile. You really didn’t want to leave d/n.

“Hello, m/n, take good care of d/n. We will be back by twelve am.” Adam greeted your mom. Ushering her inside, while pulling you and him out of the house.

“Ten or eleven the latest.” You pipped up.

“Oh, and she has three bottles of milk in the fridge, If she wakes up. Also, text me every second on updates, also, her baby food is in the cupboard, and-” you spoke, only for your mother to cut you off.

“Y/n, I did have kids you know, I know what to do, and I know where you keep everything for d/n. We will be fine, now go enjoy the party, have fun.” Your mother spoke. Shutting the door on your face.

Adam pulled you towards the car, opening the passenger door for you. You got in reluctantly, letting out a huff as Adam shut the door, then went over towards the driver's side, opening it, and hopping in. He shut the door behind him, while you put the seatbelt on, pouting like a toddler who didn’t get their way.

“Time to party.” Adam singed. Turning the car on, and driving out of the driveway, then driving towards the destination that the party was being held at, while you just pouted…

About an hour later, both of you arrived at the place where the party was being held at. Which happened to be at a pub.

“Brighten up, babe.” Adam spoke. Pinching your cheeks softly, as he got out, and went over to the passenger side. Opening the door for you. Helping you out, then shutting the car door behind you. He then locked the car.

Both of you walked into the pub. Though you still couldn’t shake the feeling of guilt and worry off.

“Hey, Adam, hey, y/n.” Bobby spoke. Walking over towards the both of you. Bobby hugged you first. Hugging you tightly, as he swayed his body with yours. Almost crushing you in the process.

“Hey, bobby.” Both you greeted him.

“Y/n’s here.” He spoke. Pulling away from you, to face Roddy and Kyle, as they made their way over.

“We missed you, y/n/n.” Kyle spoke, hugging you just as tightly as Bobby did.

“Yeah, when are you coming back?” Roddy asked, waiting for his turn to hug you.

“Um… maybe next year.” You answered. As Kyle finally stopped hugging you. Roddy swooped in, and hugged you just as tightly as Bobby and Kyle did. You were sure your ribs would be bruised by the end of the night.

“Meaning, when d/n is in college.” Adam joked, making you roll your eyes.

“Hey.” You huffed, as Roddy pulled away.

“Does anyone want anything to drink?” You asked them.

“Nah.” Bobby replied.

“I’m good.” Kyle responded.

“A beer.” Adam answered.

“I’ll have a beer as well.” Roddy replied.

“Okay,  I’ll be back.” You spoke. Making them all laugh at the word ‘I’ll be back.’. You rolled your eyes. You really were hoping they would say Nah, so you could escape to the bar and pretend to order them a drink, then text your mom about d/n for any updates. But now you had to order.

You walked over to the bar counter. You signalled the bartender, ordering three beers, then giving him the money. You pulled out your phone, as you waited for them, quickly texting your mom. The bartender put the beers in front of you, you quickly thanked him, before looking at your phone. You felt a hand on your shoulder, making you jump. Fearing the worst you turned around, only to be faced with Candice. Your face lit up with happiness.

“Candice.” You beamed. Getting up, and wrapping your arms around her. Pulling her into a tight hug.

“There’s my girl. I missed you so much, and, oh my gosh, look at you in that costume, such a hot momma.” She spoke, pulling away from you to check your outfit out.

“Hot damn.” She whistled out, making you giggle.

“Oh, shush, you are hotter than me.” You spoke.

“Nah.” She replied, shaking her head.

Just as she was about to speak again, your phone let out a ding. Making your attention quickly snap towards your phone. Your nerves grew stronger, as you saw it was your mom. You quickly unlocked it biting your nails nervously. Sitting back down on the barstool.

All good, she is still sleeping. Don’t worry about her, have some fun.

“Everything okay?” Candice asked. Taking a seat next to you. Ordering a drink while she waited for you to answer.

“Yeah, I just- I’m worried about leaving d/n alone.” You answered, stilling looking at your phone.

“I understand.” Candice spoke. As you replied to your mother's text.

Before your thumb could press the send button, it got taken off of you. You looked to your side to see Adam holding your phone. Looking at you with an annoyed look.

“Tsk, tsk, y/n, you should be having fun, not worrying about d/n. Your mother is looking after her. She’s in the best care.” Adam grunted out.

“I know, I just… it doesn’t make me stop worrying about the worst-case scenario.” You sighed. Making Adam sigh. He pinched the bridge of his nose.

He grabbed your hands, sitting next to you.

“I’ll leave the both of you to it, gotta find the hubby.” Candice spoke. Getting up and leaving. You gave her a small smile. Adam just ignored her, looking at you.

“Y/n, I get that you feel guilty, and worry about all the bad things that could possibly happen to d/n if you aren’t with her… but, it will drain you, it is unhealthy, and it stresses you out.” Adam spoke softly.

“I just feel guilty about leaving her and being here. I feel like a bad mother.” You mumbled, looking down at yours and Adams intertwined hands.

“She’s with your mom, and you aren’t a bad mother. You are an amazing mother, and if anyone says otherwise, then I will beat them up.” Adam spoke seriously. You smiled at the last past, making Adam smile brightly.

“You deserve to have some fun, and let loose.” Adam spoke softly. His thumb rubbing soothing circles on the back of your hand.

“Okay, I won't text her so much, and I will have some fun.” You spoke. Making Adam smile. Crinkles showing in the corner of his eyes.

“That’s my girl.” He beamed. Pressing a soft kiss against your lips.

He pulled away, smirking at you.

“Now go have some fun, I’ll keep your phone.” Adam ordered. Making you smile, as you got up. Grabbing your beer, and walking over towards Candice and Johnny. All the while Adam stared at your ass…

[2indecisive4this-blog]

"I need a place to stay” (Kaitlyn Ending)

(Read Part One Here First)

Request 6 Kaitlyn x MC Ending

***

“Teddy…

...Sorry, but I need to find Kaitlyn and stop her from making the biggest mistake of her life”

Or keep me from making mine.

Zack cuts in “Don’t worry, I’ll take him off your hands” He gives Teddy a wide grin “--if that’s okay with you, that is”

Teddy smiles “I’ll be just fine”

Zack turns back to you and winks “Go get ‘em tiger” you glance unsurely between the two of them.

Teddy grins and gestures with his hands for you to get going. You oblige, turning and taking off toward the sorority room. From behind you, you hear him call after you, teasingly “Break a lot of hearts?”

“Occupational hazard!” you call back, sprinting out of earshot.

***

After searching the entire sorority house, you find Chris sitting alone on on a bench. You wave to him, he returns it, then points to his left; gesturing to Kaitlyn and Natasha sitting on the next one over. You mouth the words ‘thank you’ to him and he shrugs you off, winking in approval. You oblige, cautiously stepping up to them.

Kaitlyn, focused off into the distance, fails to notice your presence until Natasha tightens her grip on her arm. She looks to Natasha, slowly realizing Natasha’s hate stare in your direction “..What’s wrong..?” She turns her head, following the stare until her eyes settle on you. “Oh”

Natasha finally snaps “What are you doing here?” You see her fingernails digging heavily into Kaitlyn’s arm, causing Kaitlyn to wince.

Natasha tugs at Kaitlyn’s arm “Let’s go. This party stinks anyway” Kaitlyn says nothing, staring at you.

“What happened to Todd?”

“Teddy? He’s with Zack”

Natasha butts in “Ooooh so your boy-toy dumps you for a C-lister and you think Kait’s just supposed walk away from the best thing that’s happened to her since she got here?”

“Is it true, Kaitlyn?” You inquire “That this is the best thing that’s happened to you?”

“Is it true?” she counters “That he left you?”

“I asked first” she sighs and turns to Natasha, whose fingernails have left pink crescents on her arm. She turns back to you. Natasha scoffs “Of course it’s--”

“Honestly, it couldn’t be further from the truth” Kaitlyn cuts her off, turning back to face her “Don’t get me wrong, we had some fun.. But I think we both know we we’re using each other for all the wrong reasons” Natasha releases her death grip on Kaitlyn’s arm suddenly and stalks off “Fine, if you want to keep being this bitch’s bitch, by all means…”

“So what happened?” Kaitlyn starts “With Tag?”

You crack a smile “Teddy?”

“Sure”

“He was really sweet, and funny..sometimes, superbly handsome..” Kaitlyn looks down at her feet, shifting them on top of each other “But I’m here, aren’t I?”

“Only because he left you” she snaps, her eyes reddening, glazing with threatening tears.

“Kaitlyn,” you assure her, catching her eyes and taking her beautiful petite hands in yours “he didn’t leave me”

“He didn’t?”

“I couldn’t stand to see you..” you struggle for words “..make such a poor decision”

“Are you kidding?!” She snatches her hand away. “Who are you to judge me?”

Your eyes fall. “No one, I guess. You’re right” You look back up to find her expression has softened “I guess I...didn’t want you to make the same mistake” She scoffs, rolling her eyes aggressively.

“Puh-lease! You were just jealous” she scowls and crosses her arms, looking away.

You narrow your eyes, watching her, waiting until.. There! Her scowl waivers, giving way to a growing smile “I knew it! You love it”

She turns back to face you in defeat “Okay, okay, so it was nice having you pine over me for a night..”

“Honey, I’ll pine over you for the rest of my life if you’ll let me.” You add “Maybe even two” You grin 

“But something tells me you might prefer to end the pining sooner rather than later..?”

“True, and true” she admits. “But what about Becca?”

“I’m here, aren’t I? With you, not Becca”

She lays her head on your shoulder, gazing mindlessly out at the growing chaos of the party scene “I’ve missed you”

“I’ve been here”

“You know what I mean” She lifts her head to look up at you. Her lips frolic along your jawline. You shake your head, beaming “Stop! It tickles!” She does as requested, pulling away. She jumps to her feet, sweeping your hands into her own to yank you up. “Let’s get out of here”.

Hand in hand, you scramble out of the house, giggling to your surrounding friends’ and classmates’ confusion as you bound by. 

Out of the corner of your eye, you spot Zack and Teddy, slow dancing together in the center of the floor. With your free hand, you blow them a kiss. “Mwah! The love guru strikes again!”

Kaitlyn rolls her eyes, nagging you along. You race down the front steps and hustle through the quad. Thinking you’re headed toward the bus stop, you almost trip as Kaitlyn pulls your arm in the opposite direction “Wait! Let’s go to the cafe!”

“The cafe?” You stop in your tracks “Why?”

“So presumptuous…” She giggles. “Let’s just say that I don’t want to fall asleep this time” The confusion spattered across your face gives way to a sheepish grin and nod your head eagerly.

***

When you reach the front of the line, Zig eyes you carefully. “What’ll you two lovely ladies be having tonight?”

Excitedly, you request two shots of espresso. Kaitlyn elbows you “--erm, three, three shots of espresso”

Kaitlyn pipes up, “--and a triple mocha for me, large please and thank you--she’s paying!”

You turn to her and eye her carefully “I am?” She nods. “At least you’d better be,” she opens her wallet “Empty!” You roll your eyes and nod.

Zig raises an eyebrow, curiously “Long night planned?” Your cheeks redden, albeit mostly hidden behind your ear-to-ear grin. You nod sheepishly.

Kaitlyn grabs your wallet and pulls out a 20 “Alright, what’s the damage, Zigmund?”

He shakes his head with a smirk, handing you both your drinks. “No charge; ‘love bird special’”

“YES” Kaitlyn pockets the 20 with a wink. You snatch her mocha and take a sip “HEY” she reaches wildly at you. Zig pipes up “Hey! Don’t get my fired, I made up that whole love bird special thing..”

“Mmm..sweet” you tease.

“Well you are what you eat..” she winks at you

“Well in that case wouldn’t that make you--” You’re interrupted by Zig’s palm pressed over your lips, his entire body stretched dramatically over the counter. “Alright let’s keep this PG ladies” His face softens. You blink at him. Twice. Cautiously, he lowers his hand.

You continue “I was gonna say shower spaghetti before Zigmund here interrupted me” Kaitlyn sticks her tongue out at poor Zig.

He raises his hands up defensively “Hey hey hey! I was just reading the room, and I think what it was saying is that it’s about time you two get your own”

Kaitlyn giggles, a blush spreading across both of your faces as you suddenly notice all eyes in the cafe are on you. Kaitlyn whispers to you “Maybe he’s right” You nod in agreement, quickly shuffling out the door, attempting (and failing) to avoid  stares. As you exit, Kaitlyn shouts “BYE ZIGGY” behind her, earning you a friendly, yet quick wave.

As soon as the door closes you both burst into laughter, quickly downing your drinks; likely drinking more of each other’s than your own. The two of you scramble along the quad, breaking from the path and stumbling into an elm grove. Kaitlyn pulls you to face her, then knocks you to the ground.

“Hey!” You rub your back “There are roots!”

Kaitlyn shrugs, “Fine, I’ll let you be on top just this once, you wuss” She flops to the ground on her back beside you, tugging you onto her.

You grin. “Let me? Like you weren’t hoping for this?”

She shrugs, a smug look spreading across her face “Well I always can’t do all the work, can I?”

You roll your eyes and lower yourself on top of her. “I suppose not” You look down and admire the beautiful woman you’ve found yourself entangled with. “By the way, I’ve been meaning to tell you all night that you look absolutely stunning in that dress”

“Really?” Her cheeks grow a beautiful shade of pink, you lean down to press your lips to one “Mm, you taste as good as you look” Her cheeks darken further.

“You know,” you muse “As flattering as that dress is on you..”

“..It would look better on your floor?” 

You grin. “You know me too well”

“Guilty as charged” she smirks “I hope that’s not a bad thing”

“No..it’s just..” You ramble off “It’s been awhile since we’ve been..since we’ve..”

“Gotten acquainted?” She guesses. You nod. “Well...want to get re-acquainted?”

“My room?”

“Do you even have to ask?” You smile “Oh, I hope you don’t mind, but I kind of moved some of my things in” Your eyebrows raise.

“And you called me presumptuous?”

“Well..I need a place to stay for awhile..”

“..another spaghetti mishap?” you tease. She nods ruefully.

“I guess you know me pretty well too”

“Guess we don’t need to get reacquainted then” 

Kaitlyn gasps “Take it back!” she wriggles loose of your grip

“Alright, alright…”

“Besides, this ground is too pointy” she reaches blindly around behind her.

“Pointy?”

“AHAH I’ve captured the elusive…” she brings it to the light “..pen?” You huff. What a coincidence. You feel a sudden and familiar pang in your chest.

“Should we keep it?”

“No,” you answer, “it probably doesn’t even work anyway. We’ll throw it away on the way home” Kaitlyn shrugs “Okie doke”

You help her to her feet to walk, arms slumped across each other’s shoulders, toward the bus stop.

***

“Oh, and Kaitlyn?”

“Yeah?”

“No spaghetti in my room”

***

“..no promises”