#but boy howdy does it feel SHORT

[faytelumos]

Hey!! I don’t know if you take requests, but if you do, Could you continue A Month of Kisses 29? (The vampire Who wants to team up with the hunter) I loved reading it!

Hope you have an amazing day!!

:D! Ah! I'm so glad you liked it!

Sorry this took awhile. I also re-read the original piece a couple times to try and get the mood and style back, since it was a little to the left of my usual work.

I hope you enjoy this and it tastes just as good as the first!

A Month of Kisses, #29, pt2

cw: some non-consensual touching

previous

---

It was harder to spot the monster than he'd expected, but not by much. His past tormentor, deadly and conniving as it was at night, almost blended in under the Italian sunlight outside the cafe. The locals and tourists bore their skin to the strong rays. But the monster wore a wide-brim hat to cover its face, a white, lace shawl to cover its shoulders and arms, and a pastel blue sun dress to cover its body and legs. It wasn't much, but the monster managed to shade itself entirely without being too conspicuous.

He took a deep breath and let it out as a ragged sigh. He was risking everything giving this beast in human's guise a chance. But it hadn't killed him in his sleep, neither here nor during his captivity. And he hadn't noticed it hunting since they had arrived here, either.

The thing tilted its head up slightly, allowing him to see the quiet, bright red smirk on its beautiful face. This far away and under a hat's brim, he could almost pretend it was human. Feeling the line of his dagger's sheath beneath his belt, he walked to the creature.

He sat calmly, facing it with dread in his throat. He was risking everything right now. If another hunter in the community recognized him, recognized it, he would be as good as excommunicated. Resources and contacts he badly needed to do this work would shun him at best. At worst, he'd be added to the list of bounties.

"Relax, darling," it said. But in the sunlight, it didn't have the same power. Its voice sounded slightly dry, and he knew in his heart that it only stood a mortal's chance against him in a fight.

"What did you find?" he demanded under his breath. Those red lips smirked more, and it tilted up its head to look him in the eye.

"Your quarry is in fact vampere," it said, folding its hands delicately on the table, beneath the shade of its hat. "Yet a youngling. I estimate he is no older than eighty." The hunter nodded curtly. He was still waiting on the local contact to confirm the details. But if they matched this thing's, then he could maybe trust it an extra inch.

"Where does it sleep?"

"In a small home, close to downtown." Something about its smile changed. It turned its head slightly, giving him a better look at the side of its face, and its eyes fell to where his fists rested on the table. "It may be risky to approach during the day," it whispered. He watched it reach out, its pale hand crossing into the sunlight, and it delicately traced a line over his hand, down to his knuckle, circling the pad of its soft finger over the rough skin where his punches landed. He itched badly to yank his hand away.

"It won't be a problem," he growled. "I'll go when the neighbors are gone."

"And what if he takes a life tonight?" it asked. He gritted his teeth, and it settled its hand over his, leaning forward over the table. "Let me hunt him for you," it breathed. And there was that… look in its eye. Too powerful to be crazed. Too focused to be frantic.

"I find it hard to believe you'd kill a youngling for me," he uttered between gritted teeth. It leaned further forward, placing its other hand on his, holding his fists with a deceptive delicacy as it spoke.

"I'd kill a babe for you," it whispered. He almost flinched at the way its eyes shone, at the feeling that its voice had come from behind and around him. "I see your heart, hunter," it went on. "I wish only to give you what you desire."

He stayed still, watching it, gritting his teeth. Trying to pass off the pounding of his heart as anger. The shaking of his hands as disgust. He pulled his hands away and it let go, retreating calmly into its own shadow as he stowed his hands in his lap.

"I will hunt it my own way," he ground out. Its expression became muted, but it maintained a hint of a smile.

"If that is truly what you wish," it whispered.

---

The creature hadn't been lying. His contact confirmed the target was vampere, and then he had waited until the late morning to sneak in and slay it. His once-captor had followed him inside, though it stayed out of the way as he made the kill.

It made him uneasy once he'd downed the monster, to turn around and see the other, older, more dangerous creature in the room eyeing him with an unmistakable hunger. He stood straight, holding the bloodied mallet in his hand, watching it watch him. It smiled at him, slick and knowing, even with the daylight outside stripping it of its power.

"You're very good," it purred. He gripped the mallet tighter, stifling the shaking in his hand. It was quiet enough that he heard the drop of blood fall to the floor.

He was still breathing hard from the scuffle, from the brief chase when the creature had slipped his grip, from pounding the stake into its heart. The room smelled like death and blood, and his muscles were trembling from the adrenalin crash and the following rise as he looked at his once-tormentor. As it studied him. As it praised him.

"Good enough," he threatened. Its smile shifted, its look darkening.

"Not quite."

His knuckles were white on the mallet. He knew his other fist was shaking, too, glad to have it hiding behind his side, out of view. Having this thing in the room with him made his heart race, made him feel over-sensitive. He could hear every drip of blood, every breath he took.

He had to look away from it. He had to clean up his kill.

---

He sat at his computer, reading a new lead post for the fifth time. He couldn't focus. He couldn't keep his mind on the listings of potential vampires with the one in his room.

He looked over to the narrow shipping crate. It was only an hour until dusk. The thing in there could get up at any time, but so far, it was staying down until dark unless he had a target. And he still hadn't seen it feed.

He looked back to the forum again, trying to make a judgement about this lead, if it was within his reach and capabilities. But he couldn't focus. He couldn't concentrate.

He looked again to the monster in his room. To the creature he was lugging everywhere he went like luggage. He turned in his seat to face it. Never in his life, not in his worst nightmare, did he ever see himself keeping a pet vampire. But it followed him everywhere. And he took it everywhere. And it always asked to kill for him. And it always praised his work. And it always looked at him like he was perfect.

Maybe he was the pet. The thought was disturbing.

He turned back to the computer screen. The familiar usernames and codes had been his only companions for a long time. Not friends; he didn't have any of those. This hobby was lonely. And it was by the grace of the forum's mysterious benefactor that he could even live off of the demanding task of finding and eradicating these monsters one by one.

And there was always more. There was always more.

He looked over his shoulder at the box. How old was that one? The listing for its death had only provided the evidence it was vampere. He'd even had to confirm the suspicion himself.

He took a deep breath, leaning forward and running his hands into his hair, staring at the screen. If anyone in this little community knew he was toting around an old blood, he would lose everything. But he wasn't good enough to kill it. And he couldn't ask for help.

He couldn't.

The box creaked softly, and he looked sharply over to see the lid was wide open, the thing leaning on the edge and looking at him with that soft, knowing little smirk it had. He hadn't realized it had gotten up. He tried not to breathe too loudly.

"You seem distressed," it whispered. He scowled, turning to properly face it.

"Shouldn't you still be asleep?" It just kept smiling at him. He scowled harder, looked around for his coat, and got up to leave.

It pushed him back down in the chair, hands on his shoulders, so close he could smell it.

He gripped the arms of the chair, trying so desperately to control his breathing. It was suddenly so close to him, its black hair brushing his chest as it held him down, those gentle hands ready to turn into stone at any moment. He stared into its face, reining in the dread and the uncertainty, giving the beast only anger.

It studied him. It ran its hands slowly down his shoulders and over his arms. It stepped closer, standing between his legs, running its cold fingers back up and carefully adjusting his collar.

"I can hear your heart, hunter," it breathed. He tensed his jaw, cursing the way his heart was slamming into his ribs. Each beat was a tremor he had to suppress by gripping the chair harder. The creature swayed, its eyes wandering down his chest. Then it rested its hands again on his shoulders, and it slowly leaned down, and it pressed its cold ear to his heart.

His breathing caught as if he'd been splashed with ice water. He didn't dare to move, not with this thing so close. Its hair was soft where it brushed his chin, and its touch was delicate. But this creature could rip him apart before he even noticed it move. It could kill him instantly in a million ways, and painfully in a million more.

He flinched when it began to move again. When it sank down slowly to its knees, its fingers trailing down his chest and over his sides, and rested its head tenderly on his leg. He looked down at it, folded up and demure at his feet, and it looked up at him slowly, its dark eyes devastatingly needy.

"Tell me what I need to do," it breathed, "for you to trust me."

[snekdood]

i dont feel like being generally disliked on tumblr is a good enough reason to shadow ban me

[youaintnothinbuta]

Howdy! I would like to order something from Willy Wonka (2023) In which Willy unknowingly falls in love with Reader. He consults Noodle (also Lofty) and ends up also realizing that he gets jealous when he sees Reader's interaction with a boy (And sorry if my English is bad! The english it's not my first language)

Thank you for this request, it lowkey made me blush and kick my feet while writing it, and I have a part 2 already lined up if anyone wants that !!

“Are you asking me on a date, William Wonka?” — willy wonka x reader

Summary: Willy confides in Noodle about his growing feelings for you, leading to a revelation of his love. The next day, with Noodle's insight, Willy and you share a moment of intimacy in his room, and he nervously invites you on a date, admitting his feelings.

Pairing: Timothee!Willy Wonka x fem!reader (help never thought I’d be writing this but here we are)

Word count: 758

Warnings: disgustingly innocent fluff and maybe some typos

Part two here!

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

Willy quietly made his way though the dusty, creaky hallway of Ms Scrubbit’s penitentiary, to Noodle’s room, as he could still see a faint glow coming from her lantern, a hopeful sign she was still awake.

“Noodle,” he said as he jumped into her presence, startling her slightly.

Noodle looked up from her book, noting the turmoil on Willy’s face.

“Something on your mind?” She asked.

Willy sighed, slumping onto the floor. “Yeah, something. Something I can’t quite put my finger on.”

Noodle, with her licorice wand in hand, responded, “Spill it, Willy. What's on your mind?”

Willy scratched the back of his head. “It’s Y/N. I mean, we’re friends, right? But lately, it’s like… I don’t know.” He trailed off, unsure of if what he was saying even mattered.

Noodle grinned knowingly, “Go on.”

“I just feel like I constantly want her, you know, around.”

Noodle grabbed her pillow and shoved her face in it to conceal a squeal.

“I knew it!” She cheered, “I knew it!”, she repeated herself more quietly, realising it was late at night.

“What?” Willy asked, his curiosity peaked.

“You’re in love.” Noodle smiled.

“Oh, I don’t think I—“ his sentence was cut short by Noodle.

“Imagine her with another man. How does that make you feel?”

Willy shrugged, attempting nonchalance. “It’s fine.”

Noodle arched an eyebrow. “Willy, you’re a terrible liar. Think about it, and be honest with yourself.”

Willy frowned, pondering Noodle’s words. A subtle realisation dawned on him as he recalled moments when you interacted with others. An undercurrent of unease washed over him. “Alright. Maybe I don’t like it.”

Noodle grinned. “You have to tell her, you have to!”

Willy’s eyes widened, “No! I can’t do that.”

“Why not?” She frowned.

Willy sighed, still grappling with the revelation. “But what if she doesn’t feel the same? What if it ruins everything?”

Noodle chuckled. “You won’t know unless you try. Maybe you should let her decide how she feels.”

After a long chat, Willy and Noodle decided it was best to call it a night, otherwise they’d both be scolded by Ms Scrubbit and Bleacher for being tired or slow or who knows what else.

***

The next day, you, along with Willy, Noodle, and the other poor unfortunate souls that were indebted to Ms Scrubbit were up at the crack of dawn, ready for another day of scrubbing, washing, and more scrubbing.

Noodle, with her newfound knowledge of Willy’s feelings for you, couldn’t help but notice you sneaking peaks at Willy, constantly. Every time she caught you looking, she’d go up to Willy and whisper to him, causing quite the unspoken tension between you and him.

Later that night, Willy was sat in his little room, fashioning all kinds of chocolatey creations.

“What could he possibly be up to now?” You spoke, thinking out loud as you stood at his doorway.

“Y/N!” He stood up, his heart racing by your unexpected visit.

“Sorry, didn’t mean to startle you,” you giggled.

“No, no, you didn’t. I was just caught up in my chocolate musings." Willy smiled, trying to play off the moment.

You couldn't help but be fascinated by the chocolate wonderland around you. Willy, in his element, gestured toward the intricate machines and delicious creations. “This is where the magic happens,” he explained, a spark of passion in his eyes.

As you both leaned in to inspect a particularly intricate chocolate, your hands accidentally brushed against each other. There was a subtle pause, a shared moment of warmth that lingered longer than necessary. Willy felt a tingle down his spine, and for a brief moment, it seemed as if time stood still.

Clearing his throat, Willy broke the silence. “Would you like to try something special?” he offered, holding out a beautifully crafted chocolate truffle.

You accepted it with a smile, savoring the rich taste that melted on your tongue. Willy watched you intently, his eyes reflecting a mix of anticipation and something deeper.

“You have a way with chocolate,” you complimented, breaking the spell.

Willy grinned, his usual charismatic demeanor returning. “Well, it is my trade.”

Before you left for the night, Willy hesitated, a nervous energy surrounding him. “I was going to sneak out of here tomorrow, go into town for a bit,” he began, “you’re welcome to join me.”

A playful smile danced on your lips. “Are you asking me on a date, William Wonka?”

He chuckled nervously, “Well, yes, I suppose I am.”

Your heart warmed, and you replied, “I'd love that, Willy.”

Part two here !

[peterman-spideyparker]

Half-Wrong (College!Matt Murdock x college!fem!Reader)

Author’s Note: Howdy folks, ya girl somehow caught Covid during the worst week possible! I have a 102 fever and I don't really remember writing this cuz I've been taking a lot of naps, so if it doesn't make sense and has errors I'm sorry. I saw that Owen Sleater gifset (iykyk) and rolled with it. Enjoy :)

Summary: You have been attracted to Matt Murdock ever since the pair of you met at the coffee shop on campus on move-in day, but you knew he'd never feel the same way about you - this became especially true once you got insight on his romantic life. So when you find him waiting for you after you come back from a date, you take a chance.

Warnings: Sweet platonic fluff, close friendship vibes, kissing, smut (oral - f!receiving, sexy oral m!condom put on, protected sex, p in v sex), swearing

Other Characters: Foggy Nelson, ofc (Cassie)

Word Count: 2,844

“C’mon, just a little more,” you huff as you move your run to a jog on the sidewalk. “A little bit more, and then we’ll be back at the dorms.”

“I don’t get why you think this is the best way to exercise,” Matt huffs as he puts his hands up in a T shape.

“You like boxing, I like a good run. Potato, potahto. The thing you should be thinking about is why you repeatedly agree and continue to go on runs with me,” you pant as you untie the tether that you use while you run—with Matt being unable to see and just how hard you imagine running with a cane would be, a tether to your waist to guide him and gently keep him out of the path of obstacles seemed like a good option.

“You know, I don’t think I’ve figured that part out yet, either. I mean, you do agree to box with me which is nice. But I think I just like spending time with you. Although, being tied with you does kind of make me feel like a dog.”

“Ah, but you’re such a kind, pretty dog with soft hair,” you smirk, ruffling his sweaty hair. “Such a good boy.”

“Alright, alright,” he chuckles, his cheeks flushing beyond the rosiness from the run. “Help me get to the cafe in the student union and I’ll buy us some waters.”

You press a kiss to his warm cheek and place his hand on your forearm. 

“Hey, are you still gonna join Foggy and I at Josie’s tonight?” he asks, his breathing sounding like it’s starting to return to normal as you both enter the nearby building.

“I thought that was tomorrow?” you return, navigating the pair of you through a small little self-serve concession area.

“No, tonight. You have plans?”

“Don’t sound too shocked.”

“I don’t mean it like that.”

“Okay. Then how did you mean it?”

“Well, just that you haven’t had plans in almost a year,” he exaggerates as he takes the waters you hand him.

“Excuse me, I have plans,” you say as you take the waters back and scan them, Matt rooting around in his shorts for his student ID.

“No, you have plans with your other friends semi-regularly. You never have date plans,” he clarifies as he swipes his ID to pay.

“I’m sorry all of us can’t be you with a new companion every few weeks.”

“I don’t have a ‘new companion’ every few weeks.”

“Oh, come on, Matt, don’t deny it,” you say as you drink your water. “Right now, it’s that girl from that IP law class, before that it was a dental student, then I think an international relations major? But let’s not forget about contract law girl, estate planning—.”

“Okay, fine, I’ve had a lot of short-term relationships.”

“Well, that’s great for you, but that’s not what I’m looking for,” you tell him. “I mean, I don’t expect anything right now to last forever, but, I don’t want it to be a four-week thing and then be done with it. If I’m gonna make plans with someone, it’s because I think I still might be making plans with them in five months.”

Matt nods and drinks some of his own water as you move back outside and in the direction of our dorms. “So, what’s this guy like? Where’d you meet?”

“Cassie actually set us up,” you say. “She said that he seemed like my type, like a really good guy.”

“Well, then, I’m happy you have plans tonight. I hope it goes well.”

“Thanks, Matt. I do, too. I mean, I have no reason to think they won’t. Just tell Foggy I’m sorry I’m gonna miss him tonight.”

“Of course.”

“Do I see a wild (Y/N) in one of her natural habitats?” you hear Foggy call from across the quad.

“Speak of the Nelson, and he shall appear!” you smile as he comes to wrap you in a hug. 

“I feel like I haven’t seen you in ages!”

“(Y/N) has a date tonight,” Matt says with a devilish grin.

“Matthew!” you say, giving him a swift whack. “This is exactly why I don’t tell you things.”

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry! I’m happy for you, really.”

“I am, too!” Foggy chimes in. “I’m bummed that it means you’ll miss drinks at Josie’s, but, it’s about time you get dicked down.”

“I need to hang out with more friends that are girls,” you sigh, taking a look at your watch. “I gotta go now if I want to take an everything shower.” Kissing each of their cheeks, you wave goodbye and run off to your dorm to get ready.

“I just don’t see it going anywhere,” you sigh as you enter the main lobby of your dorm building.

“Really?” Cassie asks over the phone.

“We work on paper, but there wasn’t any spark.”

“Maybe the spark is gonna take some time.”

“A spark shouldn’t take time, Cass. It should be right there I didn’t feel anything.”

“You can’t pin every guy against Matt, you know.”

“I’m not comparing everyone against Matt,” you scoff incredulously. 

“Yes, you are. Ever since you met. I bet you felt a spark with him.”

“So what if I did? It’s clear he didn’t with me, but . . .” You sigh and shake the thought out of your head. “I’m not an option for him. He’s a good person, but more importantly, he’s my friend. I’m not gonna spend my time fantasizing about something that’s never gonna happen.”

“HA.”

“You are so mean.”

“I’m sorry, it’s just a funny concept—you, not fantasizing.”

“Rude.”

“I’m your oldest friend, it’s my job.”

“I appreciate it. Listen, I just got to my door, I’m gonna call it a night.”

“Okay, (Y/N). Sleep well.”

“You too.”

Hanging up, you sigh as you put your phone back into your bag, hiking the strap up over your shoulder, slipping out your keys and undoing the old locks. You toss your purse on the nearby table, but freeze in your tracks when you see someone sitting on your bed. Not any someone. Matt.

“You shouldn’t be in here this late,” you breathe.

“I shouldn’t be in here at all,” he says softly, folding his glasses and putting them on your nightstand. “But why do something half-wrong?”

You slowly start to close the gap between where he sits and where you stand. “Matt . . .”

“If you want me to go, I will. Just say the word.”

“. . . Why now?”

“I don’t know. I just . . . I realized tonight when I was at Josie’s with Foggy that if you’re going to be kissing anyone, I want it to be me.”

You don’t care what you just told Cassie. Honestly, you don’t care about anything or how this could complicate your friendship or any of the consequences. Instead, you move to your bed, climb into his lap, and kiss him. That spark you first felt with Matt when you met is a full-blown lightning bolt now, every last bit of you tingling with electricity; you know Matt feels it too from the way his hands slide up your back and how his fingers card through your hair. Matt leans back on the mattress, letting you take the lead as you make out. His kisses gradually grow more aggressive—the clashing of teeth, nipping, squeezing, and grinding. Matt rolls your bodies over on the bed, eagerly but carefully pulling off your shirt.

“Please tell me you were anticipating this and have condoms on you,” you pant as he peppers kisses all over your torso.

“Mmm,” he hums into my body. Oh my God, I think I just came. “Four.”

“We’re using all of them.” You feel how his lips curl into a smile against your body, making you writhe before you scream out when he starts to suck on the sweet spot on your neck.

“Ambitious,” he hums, licking and kissing at the stinging spot on my neck.

“Oh, well, you know me,” you grunt, your fingertips scratching his scalp. “I love to go above and beyond.”

“Let’s shoot for two,” he says into your collarbone.

“Don’t think I can handle using them all?”

He lifts his face up to be level with yours. “I’m saying that you won’t be walking straight after one. If we use more than two, I’ll be carrying you around campus for a week.”

“Sound like a challenge.”

“It’s a guarantee.”

You both smile brightly before you kiss, and you bunch up the cotton of his shirt exposing his soft skin and toned muscles something out of a romance novel.

“Like what you see?” he smirks.

“You’re too cocky for your own good,” you sigh as you run a hand down his exposed body. “But as a matter of fact, I really, really do.”

“Well, if you’re thinking of doing what I think you are, angel . . . Tonight is about you, and treating you right. How I should’ve treated you a long time ago.” He leans down and kisses your lips before moving the embraces along your cheek to just below your ear. “Sit back and relax, sweetheart. I’m gonna take good care of you.”

You sigh as he presses kisses down your chest, nipping at your cleavage and soothing the sting of any bite with his lips. You pant in excitement under his touch as his hands wrap around my back, unclasping your bra and sliding it painfully slow off of your body. You let out a sigh and toss your head to the side as his lips wrap around your nipple, one of his hands on your free breast while the other hand holds onto yours. Matt takes his time as if he’s trying to map out your body in his mind with his lips. Gazing down, you catch a glimpse of how happy Matt looks as he drags his lips further down your torso, pressing a long kiss on your belly button before unbuttoning your pants to shimmy them off your legs. Tossing them to the floor, he kisses all the way up your legs before spreading them apart to nestle his face against your covered core. You whine at his careful and deliberate movements, lifting your hips to help him slide the fabric off. Matt’s fingers gently spread you open, exposing yourself completely to him.

“Oh, fuck, you’re gonna be the death of me,” he breathes. “So perfect for me.”

Carefully, he lets out a soft breath on your pussy before leaning forward and wrapping his lips around your clit.

“Oh!” you cry out. “Fuck . . .”

Your toes curl as Matt works his magic, and your eyes flutter shut as you let your mind get caught up in all the things that Matt is making you feel. If you had known he could make you feel like this—if you knew he even felt an inkling of the same way toward your, you would’ve done something to let him know that you care about him more more than a friend.

“Matty,” you breathe, running your fingers through his hair. “Oh, Matt, just like that. So good.”

You watch as Matt tries to lift his gaze upward to meet yours, his beautiful hazel eyes sparkling with delight as he eats you out. You swallow hard, throwing your head back as you feel your orgasm quickly approach. You cry out when you feel him slide two fingers into you, curling them just right to throw you over the edge. Your body arches off of the mattress as you cry out, your thighs clenching around his head. Matt’s tongue cleans up every last drop of your arousal before kissing all the way back up your body.

“You taste so good, angel,” he murmurs into your lips. “You ready for me?”

“Please,” you breathe, kissing him deeply. “I need you.”

He grins, kissing you again before leaning back and undoing his pants, shimmying them down enough to free his cock from the fabric before he reaches in his pocket to grab a condom. He is absolutely huge—delightfully so, and I feel the space between my legs instantly flood at the sight of him. Now what he said about not walking straight makes total sense, and not Matt just being cocky.

“All the way off,” you demand with a smile.

“Your wish is my command, sweetheart.”

You bite your lip in excitement as he gets completely naked while you tear open the little foil package.

“C’mere,” you grin as you drink him in as he kneels on your bed, completely and utterly bare.

Matt licks his lips, doing as you ask, folding his arms behind his head. Fuck, he has to know what he’s doing when he rests like that. Carefully, you crawl over to him, putting the tip of the condom in your mouth before you wrap your hand around his base and bring your head down his length. Your jaw hurts as you go down his thick cock, but you manage to get it all the way down. When you get back up, you see how lust-blown Matt’s expression is, how flushed his cheeks and chest are.

“That was so fucking hot,” he hums. “Get over here, angel.”

With a smile, you move to meet him in a kiss, a new passion in the embrace that hand’t been there before.

“You ready for me?” he breathes.

“Yeah,” you nod eagerly as you dip down for a kiss.

With firm hands on your hips, he guides you down on his cock. You moan in harmony as he gets deeper and deeper in you, and it feels like you’re going to get split in two the further he goes. When you’re all the way down, he pulls you in for a deep kiss.

“Are you okay?” he breathes when your lips part.

“I’m okay,” you assure him. “You’re big."

“And you’re tight,” he smirks. “You good for me to move?”

“Oh, fuck, please.”

“Such good manners.”

With another kiss and a smile, Matt wraps his arms around you so your back is on the mattress and he’s hovering above you. You feel the sweet sting from the drag of his cock as he pulls out before pushing back in, testing and stretching you slowly as he starts to establish a rhythm. Your lips part as you feel more pleasure with each of Matt’s thrusts, one of your hands moving to his bicep and creating little crescent moons in his soft skin as he moves faster and faster.

“Right there,” you breathe. “Shit . . . Matt, yes, right there.��

“Good girl,” he hums. “So good taking my cock like that.”

“K-Kiss me,” you stutter, feeling your second orgasm approaching.

Looking at you tenderly, he leans down and kisses you long and slow, staying lower to keep little space between our bodies.

“You’re perfect,” he breathes, kissing your cheek. “So perfect.”

“Matt, ‘m close,” you whimper.

“Whenever you’re ready.” His hand cradles the side of your face, kissing you once more.

You bite your lip, stifling your moan as you come around Matt, your body clinging to his as he continues to move his hips, his skin flushing as he grunts, approaching his own release, spilling into the condom. He kisses you all over as your breathing steadies, pulling out and tossing the condom into the trash before wrapping you in his arms and kissing your wherever his lips can find skin.

“Matt,” you chuckle softly as he sucks marks into your collarbone.

“Shh,” he hums, kissing the marks to soothe them.

“Matt, it tickles!”

You feel his lips curl into a smile as he presses kisses up your neck. “I’ve always loved your laugh. This is just another way I can hear it.”

“And it’s another way I can see your smile.” You lean in, pressing a soft kiss to his lips. “You know, I bet if you give me enough time in between, we can use up all the condoms.”

“You think?”

“Nothing saying we can’t try.”

“Ambitious girl,” he smiles.

“It’s part of my charm. Why you like me. Why we work well together.”

“One of the reasons, yeah. There’s plenty of others, though.”

“Oh?”

“Mm.” He kisses your forehead. “I’ve got a whole list.”

“Yeah?”

“Yeah.” 

You giggle at the silence and look at him. “Are you gonna tell me any?”

Matt’s fingers trace aimless patterns on your skin. “I think you already know them, angel. But I’ll tell you one every day. Today, it’s your ambition. Tomorrow . . .” He lets out a breath. “It’ll be whatever feels right for me to point out.”

“Well, I’ve got a list, too. And right at the top is how safe you make me feel. How special you make me feel. How loved." You kiss his chest. "Tomorrow’s something might have to do with your nose.”

Matt’s expression is filled with tenderness, closing the gap between you once more, holding onto you and letting you rest right above his heart.

Permanent Taglist: @majesticavenger​ @steampowerednightvaler​ @themusingsofmany @just-the-hiddles​ @toozmanykids​ @dangertoozmanykids101 @clints-worldavengers @theburningbookshop​ @itwasthereaminuteago​ @peter1ismybrother@hellskitchens-whore​​ @dpaccione​ @catnip987​

Matt Murdock Taglist: @two-unbeatable-beaters

[impishjesters]

Agents of Cat-astrophe

warning(s): none unless you count Jax note(s): This gave me a good chuckle as someone who's consistently dropping more curse words than regular words, I'd imagine the system to just censor anything and everything that comes out of my mouth at that point. A/N: (In response to the requester) I wish I was taking breaks (I mean I am sorta), I'm fully aware I'm running myself ragged right now. But it's hard for me to stop myself... I'm caffeinated and chaotic and I don't wanna stew in my brain for too long. At least I get up and stretch every now and then. Request: Anyways, I’m requesting a Jax x reader (crushing stage) where the reader is sorta at the same level of meanness as Jax and likes to do pranks with him on the other characters. Also the reader’s digital form is a short cat that at first glance makes them look nice/friendly (obviously not an actual cat but yk what I mean), and they have a sailor’s mouth that is unfortunately censored but that doesn’t stop them (can also purr and does so when they’re content which is usually when there chilling in Jax’s room or with Jax in general). I think it would be fun if the reader surprisingly was sorta nicer to Kinger and has a small soft spot for him and does more playful pranks on him than mean/harmful ones.

When you first showed up, you looked so small and frail, like a literal little kitten completely out of place in this big colourful nightmare world

Ragatha thought you’d be like Pomni, and boy howdy was she wrong

You just ended up being another Jax—who you later met and found out was also an agent of chaos

Similarly to Pomni you cursed up a storm when you first arrived and the endless censorship that came with it

You have a knack for testing Caine’s patience when it comes to your sailor’s mouth, much to Jax’s entertainment. It’s not every day Caine loses his cool like that and you’re just a newbie, needless to say, you caught his interest

That sailor’s mouth also gets used towards the other’s and Jax won’t lie and say it’s not funny because shit’s hilarious.

Sure they all curse from time to time, but you just laid out an entire sentence that was completely and utterly censored. Like the system said “fuck this I’m gonna censor the whole damn sentence”

Unlike Jax who doesn’t show any remorse for who he pranks or how cruel they are, you draw the line at messing with Kinger.

Okay, that’s a lie you still mess with him but it’s not like how you mess with the others. Kinger has this sweet unstable dad/grandpa vibe and it kind of makes the place more homey in a weird way. (plus that man has been through enough trauma, give him a break, and talk about his bug collections or some shit)

The upside is that his mind is so scattered sometimes that using the same pranks on him always results in something hilarious. So you really don’t need to try for any new material. (he also really needs to consider actually using the lock on his door, he makes it too easy)

Jax considered you his little partner in crime the more time passed—not exactly a friend nah, but like a good ol pal that also likes to partake in joining him and his bullshittery

The first time he hears you purring is when the two of you are lazing about in his room, he’d gotten distracted collecting things for a prank on someone and heard the loudest rumbling coming from behind him

“Are you fucking purring?”

It’s a little embarrassing at first, you’ve uh, never done that before..

Jax has the biggest shit-eating grin, if he wasn’t using dumb cat-themed nicknames before he sure as hell is now

“Oh, like you don’t stomp your feet like a petulant child you overgrown rabbit.”

He does not stomp his fuckin feet like a temperamental rabbit, thank you very much (that’s a fuckin lie if I ever heard one)

Jax already had mixed feelings about you before, nothing particularly bad, just feelings he couldn’t place…that was until the prank…

He doesn’t know how you did it, or how he got so wrapped up in it. But you pranked him, and you pranked him good.

Oh, oh okay that feeling is new… butterflies don’t typically belong inside your gut, now whether Jax has ever experienced a crush before or not is probably beyond him. But these little butterflies are a bitch and it takes awhile of placing two and two together to realize he’s… caught feelings to some degree

You, however, probably had a crush on him for a while, perhaps really noticing it after the whole purring fiasco when you learned that it only happened around Jax

[sunshine-and-moonshine]

Cod Monster Au (Pt. 2)

Requested: Yes [Hello! I was wondering if you could try writing for your COD monster au, but with Price, Gaz, Roach, and Rudy next? No pressure of course :)]

Warnings: ✨spicy✨

Price - Ancient Dragon

Price is old. So old that he can’t even remember when his earliest memories took place. He’s tall and big and proud, an immovable being that looks like he was crafted by the gods themselves with his amber colored scales. Oh and his gorgeous golden eyes, as beautiful as the coins the Romans used to put on the lids of the dead. He doesn’t need to mark and scent you left and right like some little welp, everyone already knows that you’re his. And nobody wants to fight something as dangerous as him just for a chance to grope at his mate.

Not to say he doesn’t mark you because boy howdy does he. Though his ways of marking you are….stickier than most others, smearing his cum along the crotch of your underwear before you both go out, proud of the way you seem to squirm from the feeling of it against you, how it seems to stay molten hot against your sensitive parts. It’s a little bit of a waste when it could be used to fill you to the brim but he thinks it’s worth it.

Gaz - Young Dragon

Gaz is still pretty new to this immortal life, and it makes him pretty insecure at times, especially when it comes to you. He’s barely an adult to his own species, his horns and wings aren’t so big, his hoard is still puny. Any other more impressive dragon could sweep you off of your feet, dragons like Price, those more desirable than him for mating. He clings to you more than Price does, marks you with his scent even more frequently, making sure all the other creatures can smell that you’ve chosen him.

The only thing he’s proud of aside from you is his bright golden scales that all the other dragons envy, shinier than any of their ancient coins and glittering jewelry. He’ll gladly gift you any scales that fall off, his unnatural orange eyes watching you intently, hoping that you’d accept his little offering. Like a sinner before their God, full of awe and wonder at the mere sight of you.

Roach - Naga

Roach is short for a naga, just barely as tall as the tallest recorded human when he sits up. But despite that, he’s highly desired as a mate among his kind. With the beautiful shades of green that makes up his scales and his big emerald eyes. Not to mention the fact that he was such an amazing hunter. But instead of another Naga, he chose you. To say this made many others jealous was a bit of an understatement, and Roach has to constantly be on guard around others in fear that they will hurt you.

But despite everything, Roach never goes back on his decision, finding you to be the most wonderful and perfect mate. He builds you the finest nests, spoils you with the best food from his hunts and foraging, and gives you anything and everything you could ever ask for.

Rudy - ~Under Construction~

[thatsdemko]

dicked down in Dallas - d.ricciardo

masterlist

requested: n

pairings: daniel ricciardo x fem!reader

warnings: + not intended for minors + mentions of oral (m receiving)

a/n: 🤠howdy partners let’s yee our haws together!!! also big shoutout to @diorleclerc for reading some of this xx luv u babes

《 the following content is not intended for minors. 》

She's probably in the Lonestar state

Sucking off ol' what's his name

everything is bigger in texas. whether that be the men, the food, or the cars. everything’s just bigger in the lonestar state.

and you’ve come to realize that, having never crossed the boarder to America until the opportunity to work in formula one, you took the chance having traveled the world twice over now, but texas was new. and boy, it didn’t disappoint to its name.

the cowboy boots and hats were no joke, they were everywhere. from the tiny bars to the gas stations, boots and a cowboy hat seemed to be the perfect attire to conquer the blistering sun.

“what do you reckon I buy one of those?” Daniel jokes pointing to the young boy who’s boots are up to his knees. they were caked in mud and the skin on the toe of the boots seemed to be fading.

“you? in cowboy boots?” you turn to him to see if he’s joking, but his eyes tell you he’s serious.

you’ve always had a little thing for Daniel. he just was so easy and approachable, people loved him and it was obvious why. you just didn’t expect that with more time your heart would grow fonder of his presence.

“why not? I think I’d look sexy.” he shrugs, two of you watch his dad fan himself with the brim of his hat. it seemed to be the texas heat was getting to the fans as well.

you think for a moment, trying to picture him in the boots, but your mind falls short, “I’d like to see it.” you turn back over to him. he just nods running his fingers over his beard.

you watch him for a moment, he’s humming a little country tune to himself he heard from the bars last night, before he struts off with a social media intern ready to take on the stage with Lando.

you’re not sure what you’ve got yourself into, but you know damn well your words got him thinking.

—

you hear the sounds of the horse shoes clicking against the pavement. it’s a bit of a different noise for a formula one circuit, but the laughter and excitement all sound the same. the sound of the horses breathing does make you turn around, and when you do you’re greeted go a big brown horse strut it’s way through the paddock with no one other than Daniel on top.

he’s shaved now, the only thing left is a goatee. he’s sporting a tan colored cowboy hat, a jacket of the American flag, and of course, those cowboy boots.

“you want a ride, baby girl?” he jokes as the horse comes to a halt in front of you. you can’t help but laugh at how ridiculous this is, but ultimately you give in and join him on the saddle.

“you’re ridiculous, Dan.” you laugh, hands gripping his the belt loops of his bell bottom jeans feeling the horse jerk a stop finally reaching its destination and allowing fans to swarm around and help Daniel off.

“you’re the one saying you wanted to see it, so here I am. your sexy cowboy.” he gestures to the outfit not giving you enough time to clap back before turning to sign autographs and take pictures. he’s crazy, always trying to prove a point, but he was right about one thing.

he was a sexy cowboy.

—

your knock is soft against his drivers door. his voice is barely audible, but you still open the door and see his cowboy hat rested on the bench next to his helmet.

the race wasn’t perfect for him. but there was one thing on your mind the whole time you watched him whip around that track. how sexy he looked in those cowboy boots.

“howdy,” you slid into the room, door closing quietly behind you. you move over to the bench and pick up his tan rimmed hat, placing it on his head, “you do make a sexy cowboy.” you admit watching his head lift upwards, eyebrows knitting together.

“I told you so.” he mutters, his hand reaches for the hat on his head, but you stop adjusting it to sit further down on his head.

you slip beside him on the bench, elbow crashing into his bicep, “I don’t know if you know, but I really like cowboys.” you whisper, his eyes watch you lean against the wall of the room, “it’s a shame I never got my texas wish.” you sigh, arms crossing over your chest.

“what texas wish?” he flips to look at you, eyes full of curiosity as he leans a bit closer to your body. you chuckle at how eager he is to know what it is.

“come on, you know every girl wants to ride a cowboy at some point in their life.”

he shakes his head, swallowing the salvia that’s thickening in his mouth, “no I didn’t know that.”

you shrug pulling the brim of his hat, setting it beside him on the bench, “well I’ll just try again next year.” you’re about to get up when he puts the hat back on, lips crashing against yours. he knows there’s no next year for him, it’s not in the books yet, and he wants no one else to take that from you.

“you can ride me.” he grits between his teeth, your hands hold onto his hat, the brim collided with your forehead, it almost fell off.

“you’ll be my cowboy?” you ask in between breaths watching him fall against the bench, his own fingers work quick to pull down his pants and underwear.

you can feel a smirk fall onto your lips as you kick off your own pants as well situating yourself on top of him, “ride me.” he whines, hands on your hips, he’s guiding you the way he likes it.

it doesn’t take long for you to find the grind he likes, moisture thickening in between your inner thighs. he watches your head tilt back, eyes shut as moans escape your lips. it feels good, everything you’re doing for him, and the little he’s providing for you is getting you off.

he juts his hips upwards so you can feel how hard he is beneath you. you work your way down his body, fingers working his shaft before touching his tip. a moan escapes his lips, you can feel him stiffen under your touch. he feels the wetness of your tongue swirl around, sweet moans of your name escape his mouth.

his hands fly into your hair, you can hear his breathing increase, your name is faint against his lips but it sounds so good.

“you really know how to make a cowboy feel good.” he grunts, cum meeting your mouth.

“it’s not my first rodeo, ricciardo.”

She's gettin' dicked down in Dallas

Railed out in Raleigh

Tag teamed up in Tennessee

Analed in Austin

[dancingtotuyo]

2. a clouded mind and a heavy heart

Woman | Joel Miller x Reader

Series Rating: Mature/Explicit

Chapter Summary: No, Joel Miller isn’t stalking you. He just knows what you do every night.

Tags: Joel Miller x Reader. Age Gap. TV characters. Mostly cannon compliant for show & game. Timeline is changed.

Chapter Warnings: swearing, grief, talking & illusions to death & loss, references to cannon events & violence & other topics.

Words: 2419

Series Masterlist | Author Masterlist | Playlist

Joel looks out his front window. The sun dips past the mountain tops. You live next door to Tommy and Maria’s place presenting him with the perfect view of your front porch. You walked out 30 minutes ago, breathing in the fresh air, before setting out on a walk.

It’s a warm Monday night. He opens his window to let in the breeze while he waits for you to start your third and final lap. The promise of summer floats into the house.

While he hasn’t talked to you since that day in the clinic, he’s picked up a lot in the week he’s been here. You have a toddler, a boy named Carter. Tommy shared that piece of information. Joel remembers you had a brother named Carter too. Tommy didn’t respond when he asked about the boy’s father. You either feel comfortable enough to leave Carter sleeping in the house or his father is a shut-in, but he also notices the facing windows left open between yours and Tommy’s house. Maybe he’s out on an extended patrol.

Every night since he’s come back, you walk 3 laps. It’s so normal in a life before Cordyceps way, so suburban. He remembers you walking the block with your parents, friends, and sometimes Sarah.

He watches you every night, curiosity piqued. Tonight you step out in a fucking pajama set: a thin green shirt with matching shorts that show off your legs. He ignores the tug of desire, not quite recognizing it at first. He’s grown unfamiliar with it in the last year. There hasn’t been time for silly things like that, or anyone around. Besides, where does someone find a matching pajama set these days?

His feet carry him out to his own porch without thinking. You’re just about to start your final lap when you spot him. You raise your hand in a friendly wave. Again, it takes Joel back to the old way of life: polite waves and nods when you pass people, block parties with people you only talked to twice a year. Joel hated small talk then- still does, but he’d been raised not to be rude.

The wave isn’t an invitation by any means, but Joel finds himself meeting you in the middle of the road. You haven’t talked since he came into the clinic last week. He wasn’t home when you brought over the device to help his hand.

“Howdy neighbor,” you say.

Joel cocks his head to the side. Another slice of life. “Haven’t heard that one in a while.”

“Haven’t used that one in a while.” You mimic his movement. “How’s the hand?”

Joel instinctively rubs his thumb through the palm. “It’s alright.”

“You doing those exercises?”

Joel looks back at his porch, his thumb now moving across his bottom lip. He seems to be contemplating something. He looks almost out of place. You’ve never seen Joel Miller not hold command of the space he occupied.

“So, I’ll take that as a no.”

He bristled. “Say, would you care for some company? On your walk.”

“You stalkin me, Miller?” You cross your arms.

You know your routine is predictable. Most people in Jackson know you walk every night weather permitting, but the idea of getting Joel Miller to admit that he noticed it stirs a sense of pride in you.

Joel contemplates his words carefully. “Saw you walk out earlier. Looked like you might be going for another lap.”

Of course, he won’t admit it. Maybe one day you’ll pull the confession from him. “Wouldn’t mind a little company.” You step into motion and Joel follows.

You walk until the houses end, the cow pasture coming into view. They’re farther out tonight, looking like ants in the distance. Joel is quiet at your side, but the company is nice. You haven’t had company in a long time.

The two of you walk the fence line. You stare out at the pasture, toward the mountains as the breeze dances in your hair. You push it out of your face and in the dying light of day, Joel notices the fading light flicker off the gold on your left hand. He turns his head out toward the field clearing his throat. Shut-in husband it is. “So, how long have you been in Jackson?”

You wrap your arms around yourself. The gold band glares at him in his periphery. He didn’t see it on you at the clinic. Not that it matters. It doesn’t matter.

“I’ve been here the whole time.”

Joel looks surprised. The Jackson settlement hasn’t reached its 9th birthday yet.

“My grandparents had a vacation house a couple miles north of here. I was there with a group of friends when the outbreak hit. Jackson was already pretty quiet. Everyone who was here either panicked and left, or got loaded up by FEDRA.”

“No infected?”

“A few, but we took them out pretty quickly.”

Joel nods. “You avoided the evac crews.”

“We were at the house. It’s far enough out that we weren't in their search perimeter. My friend Kerry went… we told her not to.”

“Do you know if she made it?”

You shake your head. “We told her she couldn’t contact us, or tell anyone we were here.”

“Smart.”

You shift your weight from foot to foot. “How did you get all the way to Boston?”

Joel shrugged. “Just happened.”

“Tommy’s version was much more thrilling than yours.”

“Well, it’s Tommy.” He stops, leaning against the fence. The wind jostles his curls. He reminds you of a farmer looking over his herd.

Your hip rests against the fence post. You take in his profile. He’s still a beautiful man you think and then you toss the thought to the cows wary of the trap set before you.

“We don’t have to talk about it,” you say.

“Sounds like you already know.”

You nod. Tommy doesn’t talk about it much, but you’ve pieced things together over time, holding Maria’s hand when she came to you in crisis after Tommy told her.

“It doesn’t bother me, Joel. If that’s what you’re worried about.”

“It should bother you.” He says. “Should bother me.”

“Survival is a cruel game.”

Joel’s eyes finally land on yours. Something charges in the air. It sends electricity crackling through your bones, igniting something you haven’t felt in a long time. You swear he’s reading your thoughts.

You turn, heartbeat pounding in your ears, and head back on your well-worn route. You don’t know what to do with those feelings. Joel follows.

“You managed out here for 12 years? Alone?”

“After Kerry left, there were four of us: Anne, Denise, and my brother, Carter. We raided the houses around us. We found some stores that were relatively untouched. Everyone else left with the evac crew.”

Joel wracks his brain trying to remember meeting people by those names. You pick up on it. “They’re all gone. Infected or killed by raiders-” it’s been a long time, the death of your friends was hard, but losing your brother was the hardest. You push the memories back.

You can’t finish the sentence, even after all these years. Joel doesn’t ask you to. It’s the ending you’ve both encountered too often in this world- one less seat around the table.

Joel nods. The two of you fall into silence, but you’re okay with it. The quiet is nice. There’s a thrum of liveliness coming from the Tipsy Bison. A group of kids gather to play a game of kick-the-can out by the pasture in the growing dusk.

You catch Joel’s eyes roam around, absorbing it all.

“They even have town dances.”

You can’t quite pin Joel’s reaction. Bewilderment perhaps?

You remember the weirdness of it all. The Jackson group had fun, even before settling within the protective walls. It was an adjustment for you too.

You’d run like a fawn when the group came through. Maria sent a few people after you. Gabe was the one who tackled you in the autumn leaves. You landed a killer kick to his kidney and a fist to his eye before the others caught up.

They’d welcomed you into the group after assuring you were alone and a non-threat. They’d thrown a party after securing the original gated community. You can still see Gabe standing in front of you, hand outstretched smiling ear to ear with his swollen, purple eye. He wore it like a badge of honor. It sends a pang through your chest as your thumb plays with the gold band around your fourth knuckle. You haven’t been to a town dance since his death.

You finish the loop, drawing to a stop between your front doors. Joel turns to face you. Something flickers in his eyes, disappointment maybe. You wonder if he’s as lonely as you are.

His eyes lock with yours and you feel that charge again. The air seems to thicken, and you do the unthinkable. You let the trap snap. Just a small one, one you can control.

“You wanna take another lap? I bet we could fit one more in.”

Joel pauses. He’s never seen you do more than 3 laps. He feels the charge too. He’s playing with fire. The ring on your finger says so.

“Your husband okay with that?”

“If he wasn’t, he shouldn’t have died.”

Your own answer shocks you. It shocks Joel. Then, it creeps up on you, growing slowly- Gabe’s laughter. You know it’s all in your head, but he would have appreciated the humor. It spreads through you until the bubbly laughter escapes your mouth.

Joel tilts his head to the side. He can’t explain the way his chest feels lighter. “I'm glad you find it funny.”

He wonders if you catch the tension easing from his chest and the way his lips til upward. He doesn’t fully understand it yet, but he knows there’s something brewing inside him. Eight months ago, he would’ve run for the hills, and shut down whatever feelings he had, but it’s like opening up the gates for one person cracked it for more, but he’s still cautious. More people to care about is just more to lose. Ellie has him worrying enough as is.

His mind drifts to Tess- how he could never tell her what she wanted to hear. How he could never feel what she felt. Sure, Tess was like family to him; he cared for her in ways that were beyond a friend. Partners seemed to best describe it. He mourned her loss, but he’d shoved any greater feelings away long before that.

“I really don’t.” It spills over again. You cover your mouth. Joel raises an eyebrow. “It’s just that- he would’ve loved that joke”

Joel chuckles. You embrace the laughter, feeling lighter than you have in years. Tears gather in the corner of your eyes, forcing you to wipe them away.

Joel wants nothing more than to keep that smile plastered to your face. He recognizes it. It’s the very one Sarah used to pull from you. He needs it, craves it. Because now that he’s seen it again, he has to make sure it stays.

“Sounds like he had a good sense of humor.”

You manage a nod. “He sure did.”

“And Carter is okay?”

You cross your arms. “So you know I have a kid and his name? You sure you’re not stalking me?”

“Tommy told me.” He kicks at the dirt feeling a little silly. “He didn’t mention your husband.”

You bite your lip. “He and Tommy were close. They patrolled together, drank together, caused trouble together. They were like brothers.”

Joel nods. There’s a little stab in his chest with the reminder of the years he lost with Tommy. He sits with the feeling until it eases. He’s thankful for the family Tommy pulled together here.

You start on the additional lap without warning, but Joel follows. You’re unsure if you should open up. Do you want to open up? Does Joel want to hear it?

“He called me Doleful.”

“Your husband?”

“Yeah,” you smile. “Gabe would say- Doleful: the eighth dwarf that never was- that’s you.”

Joel’s eyebrows furrow, a deep crease forming between them. “That doesn’t seem very flattering.”

“It wasn’t- but it suited. I didn’t smile hardly ever. Didn’t joke.” You think back to the times before the group settled here, after your brother’s death. You don’t know how you kept on or why. “He made it his mission to made me laugh.”

Joel tried to picture it. You and Sarah were always laughing about something. You took Tommy’s shit and returned it, but he knew how this world changed people. “How long has it been?”

“2 ½ years.” It comes out so quickly. You imagine you could give him the number of days or hours if he asked. “I feel like I’m just now coming out of the fog. If it weren’t for Carter-“ you don’t let yourself finish the sentence, but you know you’d be a mad woman pacing your house like a ghost for the rest of time.

Joel nods. “Took me 20 years to come out of it. That ache never really goes away.”

You meet Joel’s eyes with a nod. “No, I guess I doesn’t.”

Your final lap comes to a close in silence. Lights from front porches illuminate your path home. You find yourself slowing your steps, extending your time together, but it’s not enough. You stop where you met, Joel turning to you.

“Thanks for letting me walk with you. I enjoyed it.”

“Anytime.” You wrap your arms around yourself. The thin pajama set provides little protection now that the sun is gone and the breeze has picked up.

Joel nods. You think you catch his eyes travel over your body. Warmth ignites inside you at the thought.

His voice seems to deepen. “Goodnight, Sweetheart.” He says, turning back towards his new home.

The nickname is oxygen to a flame creating a raging fire inside you. Chills rush across your skin. He’s called you that before, offhandedly, years ago in another lifetime. It had been completely innocent then: a side effect of living in the south, but you still melted whenever he did. This is different. Whether he intended it to be or not.

He’s already reaching for the door handle when you call out.

“Same time tomorrow?”

Joel looks almost surprised, but manages a nod. “Same time tomorrow.”

You don’t see the trip wire leading to the biggest trap of all.

[msmk11]

In the Evenings

James Potter x gn!reader (no use of y/n)

Word count: 791

CW: None besides tooth-rotting fluff

Summary: Evenings with James, particularly after a bad day

A/n: Howdy :) Here's a short little blurb today about our lovely Jamie. This is 100% self-indulgent because it's already been a long ass week and I want nothing more than to be cuddled by James Potter

James Potter’s favorite part of the day is going home. Sure, he loves his work and getting to see his friends during lunch, but as they always say, home is where the heart is. And James’ heart is with his beautiful, wonderful partner, who, always arriving home from work shortly before he does, awaits his arrival anxiously. Though he may be teased by Sirius, Peter, and Remus for being whipped, James is never sorry for the quick goodbyes as he rushes to the floo to return home. All he wants to do is hug and kiss you. To intertwine legs at the kitchen table while you share your days over dinner.

He imagines the steam that fills the bathroom due to your hot showers, and how he’ll brush his teeth for a solid ten minutes, just to hear you sing along to the music playing on the tiny, portable radio. He hopes to lay in bed and watch as you move through your extensive skin care routine, and scold him for not doing the same. He’ll hold your hips as you straddle him and smear a series of lotions and serums across his face. And as the night comes to a close, the two of you will lay face to face, inches apart, minty breaths mixing as you share secrets like little kids at a sleepover. When your voice begins to soften, and your pretty little eyelashes start to flutter close, he’ll pull you close, wrapped into his arms and kiss your forehead. In your dreamful sleep you will sigh softly in content, and he hopes things will never change. 

So like any other day, as soon as the clock on his desk flips to five, his paperwork is shuffled into a semi-neat pile, his wand is waved once to rearrange his unorderly desk, and James takes long strides past his coworkers to the floo network. Taking a sizable pinch of floo powder, he throws it into the crackling fire and gives directions to return to his cozy cottage in Godric’s Hollow. It is a whir of flames and momentary heat, before James stumbles out of the fireplace into his own home. He wipes his slightly sooty shoes on the rug before the hearth, remembering your many reprimands about dirtying the “precious” carpet. 

“Honey, I’m home,” he calls out dramatically.

But instead of being met with a laugh or an excited exclamation of his name, he is met with silence. The kitchen too is quiet and empty, with the delightful smell usually wafting from the stove noticeably missing. He assumes that perhaps you arrived home late, and are merely upstairs changing, and didn’t hear him. But as he climbs the stairs to your shared bedroom, the hall is dark, except for the soft daylight shining through the windows. He calls your name but receives no response. 

It is so quiet he almost misses it, but from his bedroom James faintly hears what sounds like a groan. Walking into his bedroom he finally finds you, his missing partner, sprawled across your shared bed face down. Noticeably, you are still in your work clothes, and your shoes are not far from your dangling feet, making him think that you instantly flopped into bed on your arrival home. 

“Darling, what are you doing?” He asks.

“Sleeping” you groan.

“Didn’t know you could sleep talk” he jests. Sitting down on the bed beside you, he runs his hands up and down your back.

“I do now” you mumble.

Gently James grabs you by the shoulders and flips you over on your back so that he can look at your face. You squeeze your eyes shut and grumble, “whattttt?”

“Darling, what’s wrong.”

You sigh and slowly sit up, “Really long, terrible day.”

“Awe baby I’m sorry” James sighs. “What can I do to make you feel better?”

You pout your lower lip, “cuddles?”

The raven-haired boy quickly scoops you up into his arms and pulls you onto his lap. He persistently peppers your face with kisses, urging a small giggle out of you.

“There’s that smile,” James grins. “Wanna talk about what happened?”

“Ugh, not really. It was just one of those days where everything goes wrong y’know?” 

He strokes some of your stray hairs out of your face as he nods. “Well, now the day is over and you’re back here with me. So why don’t we just relax. I’ll phone in some pizza and we can take a nice, warm bath hmm? Watch your favorite movie too?”

“(Your fav movie)?” You ask, perking up.

James lets out a low laugh, “Of course, just for you darling.” 

You give him a happy peck on the lips and then snuggle deeper into his chest. 

“Comfortable?”

“Mhmm.”

[swoonbots]

Hey can I request Howdy x gn reader? (Romantic) Specifically cuddling? It can be either headcanons or a short fic I’m not picky! Just wanna see how he is with an affectionate reader and cuddling. Love me some big bug boy

Howdy: Tactical Baby Carrier

CW: N/A

Summary: Cuddling Howdy Headcanons

---

It's hard to be affectionate when your man is so busy, like all the time.

Not only does Howdy run his shop, he also likes to volunteer himself to do catering and crafting and all sorts of things! This man is literally so busy that you never get any time to see him.

You would only see him at night when he comes into bed to cuddle you. It's frustrating! All you wanna do is shower this caterpillar man in love! Is that so much to ask for?

Apparently not. According to him, he had been feeling the same way. So his solution? Make it so you're by his side always!

The next morning, you find yourself strapped to his body in a baby carrier. More specifically, you're koala-ing this man on his back.

It's only slightly humiliating when Barnaby guffaws loud enough to wake the entire neighborhood. It's all in good fun though.

You take the opportunity to mess with Howdy throughout the day. Blowing cold air onto his ears and antennae, lovingly backseating his every move, whispering silly jokes and observations in his ear. (Enough to warrant you a lifetime of free stuff.)

The idea lasts for a day, Howdy deciding that you being near him at all times is distracting (he cant get enough of your voice! He just wants to hear you talk all day!), but it's the most fun you've have in a while. Being able to play with your boyfriend all day was fun, but exhausting.

The day ends with cuddles and kisses. You'll have to figure something else out. For now, things are okay the way they are.

A/N: It was hard coming up with an another affectionate idea for Howdy bc I've written a couple for him. So I decided to be less serious and more silly with this one.

[gretavangroupie]

Vigilance (Chapter 8)

Word count: 20.7k (I’m so sorry this is a small novel, and they just keep getting longer.)

Pairings: Sam x Reader, Jake x OC, Jake x Reader

Warnings: 18+ as always, drinking, language, fluff, angst, smut, violence.

This story is a collaboration with my best pal @gretavanmoon.

MAY 2021

SAM POV

Jake hadn’t texted you back for a week. You only found out that dinner was tonight when Josh texted you asking you to bring a bottle of wine. So here you were, wine in hand, twisting the knob on the front door. 

He had every right to be angry with you, you didn’t blame him for that, but the real question in your mind was if he was truly happy with Sophia, why did he care so much about you spending time with Y/N. You would get to the bottom of that, but for now you had to make it through this dinner.

“Howdy bitches, I brought the wine!” you yelled through the corridor, shutting the heavy front door behind you.

Daniel steps around the corner sending you a serious look as he walks to meet you where you stood. “I’d bring it down a notch, Jake is on one tonight.” he says, rolling his eyes.

Great.

You kept your distance, talking to Josh and Daniel in the living room, thumbing through Jake’s record collection trying to find something that might help his mood. Something crashed in the kitchen, the sound of glass shattering against the tile floors. You all spun your heads to meet the sound, being met with Jake’s incoherent mumbling of profanities.

“I’m gonna go survey the damage, be right back.” Josh said, walking into the kitchen.

Daniel slides his eyes over to you, “Has he seemed…off lately?” he asks.

“Who Jake?” you reply, pulling your phone from your pocket. You send her a quick text, while you have a free second keeping it short and sweet.

You: Tonight? 

Y/N: See you then. ;)

“Yeah...Jake.” he says.

“Ha… yeah. He has, can’t say I blame him though. He probably never thought he would see Y/N again. Especially living in our new city.” you answer.

“Oh, yeah I guess that would explain it. But damn the drinking is getting excessive.” he says.

Now that you think about it, you realize he has been drunk or in the process of getting drunk every time you have seen him the last few weeks. 

“I really don’t know what’s up with him. Probably having to deal with Sophia running his life all the time.”

“I think I’m gonna talk to him. I don’t know when, but…soon.” he says.

You shrug your shoulders, happy that it doesn't have to be you to take on that task.

Josh pops his head around the doorway, “Alright boys, lets go.” he says motioning you towards the kitchen.

You both stand and make your way into the kitchen, the food smelled delicious. You’d give it to Jake, he was a great cook. Daniel steps over to the counter grabbing the bottle of wine you’d brought, cutting open the wrapper.

You step up next to Jake to make a plate and you realize that you can, in fact, smell the booze radiating off of him. Daniel is right, he is drinking more than usual.

He won't look at you, and you know that when he does it will be accompanied by the verbal lashing you’ve been expecting since he found out you went to Y/N’s graduation.

You make your way to the table, sitting as far away from his normal seat as you possibly can. As the rest of the guys fill in around you, you accept the glass of wine from Daniel, taking a sip of the crisp white.

When Jake sits down you watch, you notice his flushed cheeks and the slur in his words. His eyes flick up to yours, and you’re caught there, just staring at each other for what feels like way too long, before he finally speaks, “Something you’d like to say, Samuel?”

“I don’t know, will you remember it tomorrow if I do?” you chide.

He rolls his eyes and looks away, Josh and Danny staring at you in disbelief for calling him out.

Josh quickly changes the subject as you all begin to eat. You and Jake continue to catch brief glances of each other throughout dinner, and you begin to notice the look of anger growing on his features as the dinner progresses. Maybe he has something he’d like to say.

Tipping back the rest of your wine, you feel the warmth in your chest as the alcohol makes its way into your system. Your inhibitions are lowered and you wait for Jake to speak what’s on his mind. You know he will. He can’t help himself. He’s never been able to. 

You refill your glass as you continue in conversation until Daniel inevitably brings up your trip.

“How was Ann Arbor?” he asks.

You see the blood drain from Josh’s face. He knows things are about to go south, quickly.

“Ahh, it was good, we don’t have to talk about it now though.” you say, trying to change the subject.

Jake slams his fist down on the table, “No, you know what? I think we should. I think we should talk about it now.”

Everyone stares at him as he finally boils over. 

“Jake…” Josh warns.

“What Josh? It’s a simple question. How was Ann Arbor? Did you have a great time, sneaking off… not telling anyone where you were going?” he pauses, tapping his fingers on his chin. 

“Why did you feel the need to sneak off Sam?” he asks.

You swallow thickly, as you try to formulate your response. Your eyes flick to Josh and Daniel, neither of them able to save you from this one. You made your bed. Time to lie in it.

“She’s my best friend, I had to go. Wanted to be there for her. It was a big day.” you answer.

Jake shakes his head, not accepting that response. “There was no other reason, right?” he asks sarcastically, the alcohol sending him into a rage. “Actually, how the fuck are my leftovers Sam?” he seethes.

“Jacob!” Josh, sneers.

“No, no, it’s fine…” you say, gesturing to Josh to settle. “You know what? They’re phenomenal. In fact, I’m seeing her tonight, and probably tomorrow too.” you answer in a challenging tone. 

Jake stands up swiftly, almost knocking his chair over in his haste, fists tightened and face twisted in anger.  You know he won’t lay a finger on you. Or would he?

“Sit down Jake, he’s just trying to get a rise out of you.” Josh demands, sending him a glare.

Jake rolls his eyes, and pulls his chair towards him before taking a seat, silently seething..

You toss back the rest of your wine and focus on him, “Look Jake, you don’t need me to tell you that she’s an amazing girl. You already know that. But you are looking at this all wrong. If anything you should be thanking me.” you say.

He recoils at your statement, “Thanking you?” he scoffs.

“Yeah. For taking care of her while you aren't…” you say. “You aren’t exactly in the best position to do that, are you Jake?”

You see his face soften as he realizes what you’re saying. You raise your eyebrows at him waiting for an answer.

“No Sam, not exactly.” he says begrudgingly. 

“She could be out with anyone, doing anything, but she's not. She's happy spending time with me, and who do you trust more than your own brother?” you ask.

He rubs his hands over his face as he processes the weight of what you’re implying.

“And you’d rather have her around sometimes than not at all, right?” you ask.

His eyes flick up to yours, answering the question silently. 

“Okay then.” you say finally.

“Anyways, that being said… you assholes need to go home and see Mom. She is lonely, now that it's just her and Dad. Daniel, I’m sure your parents would like to see you too. I think we should try to go up for 4th of July.” you say.

“That’s in like… a few days.” Josh says.

“I know, but I really think we should go.” you say, “If you had seen the look on Mom’s face, you’d understand.”

Josh pulls out his cellphone and scrolls for a minute, as he runs his hand over his face, “Okay. Yeah, I’ll go with you…but we will need to hit it really hard when we get back. Tour starts in a few weeks.” 

You knew if you could get Josh onboard the rest would follow.

“Well, I’m not staying here. Would be nice to see my folks.” Daniel adds.

You all turn to look at Jake who is still reeling over your conversation a few minutes ago. He looks up at all of you staring at him, “Alright, yeah, yeah I’ll go. Get away from all this…” he says gesturing around him. “But I don’t want to hear one god damn word about Y/N.”

“God, Mom is going to be so happy. I will book my flight tonight.” you say.

“Oh, me too.” Josh chimes in.

“Wait, won’t we need a car?” Jake questions.

“Oh, yeah I guess we will, huh?” you answer.

“Yeah I don’t think we will be taking Ubers out there.” Daniel laughs.

“Alright, I will drive up there.” Jake offers.

“Jake, it's like a 9 hour drive? You can’t make that alone?” Josh says.

“I’ll go with.” Daniel adds.

Jake looks over to him, “Really?”

“Yeah, why not? It will be nice, and quiet.” he says.

“So it’s settled.” you clap your hands together excitedly.

“Now, on to more important topics…How many fireworks can we blow up at the lake without getting the cops called on us?” he asks.

“AGAIN.” Daniel laughs.

Maybe this is just what the doctor ordered.

JULY 2021

JAKE POV

Your small suitcase sat open on your bed, packed and ready to go, equipped with the necessities of 4 loose button downs, a couple pairs of slacks, a few t-shirts, and your trusty pair of old worn light wash jeans. You stood back and put your hands on your hips, feeling like you’d forgotten something. Ah, swim trunks. 

You were truly looking forward to this time back home, and found yourself itching to get back there. You missed your family terribly, and after hearing what Sam said about your mom being lonely, you knew nothing would make her happier than all of you filling up her home again. A pang of guilt rushed through you, thinking about all of the holidays and special occasions you’d missed because you were being selfish. Gotta work on that.

Just as you were zipping up your suitcase, your phone buzzed on the table. 

Sophia: Hey…what are you up to? 

Your conversation with Sophia had been sparse since your spat on the other day, but you felt a little bit peaceful without her wanting to know your every move all day and all night. You hadn’t even mentioned your plans for the trip back home to her. 

Though deep down you didn’t want her to go, you felt the need to invite her anyway. The pressure of a fight while you’re gone felt like more of a burden than anything, so you gave it a shot. 

You: Hey...the rest of the guys just told me they’re heading back to Frankenmuth for a few days for the Fourth. 

Sophia: Cool, gives us some alone time? :)

Shit. 

You: I actually think I’m going to go with them. Haven’t seen my folks in ages. Would you like to come?

Sophia: So you’re leaving me alone on a holiday weekend? 

You scoffed at her text, perplexed at her reaction. 

You: Well, no…I’m inviting you to come home with me.

It took more than a few minutes for another text to come through from her. 

Sophia: I think I’ll sit this one out. There will be plenty to keep me occupied here. 

You: Ah, you sure? It really is a fun place…swimming at the lake, campfires...we usually let off a ton of fireworks. And you can finally meet my family. 

Sophia: Like an actual lake? With fish and mud? 

Is she serious? 

You: Yes...an actual lake...fish, mud, water. We bring a cooler and food, it’s a great time. You wouldn’t have to swim if you didn’t want to. 

Sophia: Is Y/N going? 

Why would that matter?

You: Not that I’m aware of…

Sophia: Hm, sounds great. Not really up my alley though. I’ll stay here. You have fun though :)

You stared at her text until your eyes went blurry. Huh. You knew exactly what this was, but you didn’t want to believe it. Your very serious girlfriend didn’t even want to come home with you...meet your family...see the place you grew up. Your gut told you it was a red flag. But you still wanted to give her the opportunity to tag along, so she never could say you didn’t try. 

You: Ok then? Danny and I are heading out early tomorrow morning around 7, and we’ll be back Monday. There will be an open seat for you if you change your mind. 

Sophia: Not going to invite me over tonight? 

You: It’s late...I think I’m going to bed. I’ll call you in the morning. 

Sophia: Suit yourself. I love you, goodnight

You: I love you too

It felt foreign, typing those words. Seeing them on your screen. You were so used to falling asleep beside Sophia most nights. Telling her you loved her over the phone, and to her face while she was lying next to you in your bed.

But seeing them written out was like reading a foreign language, in a tongue you couldn’t comprehend. 

I love you too. 

It turned your stomach. Of course you were in love with Sophia. You had been for a very long time. You wanted her to move in with you, take up your time and your space, you felt happiness in her presence, and peaceful in her arms. She was smart, beautiful, talented, and a natural at her job. You could see yourself living out your days with her by your side. 

But now….now her name felt like poison in your mouth. You dreaded the thought of having her around. She wasn’t taking up the innermost workings of your mind like she used to. Something had changed.

You had some real thinking to do on this trip, and you were ecstatic to have a few days of freedom. 

—

Your alarm sounded promptly at 6:30am, giving you ample time to hit snooze a couple times before dragging yourself from your bed. After the second alarm, you found yourself eerily chipper for it to be so early; you were normally not a morning person, and everyone knew it. 

You took a quick shower, and grabbed your remaining toiletries from the bathroom, throwing them in your tote bag. You dressed in some comfortable travel clothes, and made your way to the kitchen just as a text appeared on your phone. 

Danny: Ready when you are

Perfect timing. You looked at the time on your phone, 7:11. No Sophia in sight. You took that as a sign that she was definitely not coming along. 

You: I’m out the door now.

—

The morning air was warm but refreshingly cool on your skin as you walked outside to your car. A light rain was just letting up, drops of water adorning the grass. The sun was working its way up over the trees, birds were waking up, and you felt that feeling in your chest like you did on the morning of a field trip in elementary school. A break from the norm, a day full of freedom. 

You inhaled deeply and smelled the summer air, fragrant with matured blooms flying through the easy breeze. You should wake up this early more often. Y/N had always been a morning person. She would always be early to school ready to face the day, while you drug your sluggish self through the hallways. 

'Why are you always so lively in the mornings? Don’t you hate being up this early?'

'No Jake, I like to wake up with the world, not after it. I might miss something beautiful!'

You should have listened to her long ago, gotten into the habit, because as soon as you rounded the end of your street, you came face to face with the most vivid and vibrant double rainbow you’d ever seen. 

Wow.

One on top of the other. The one on top slightly less deep in color as the one below it. Your mouth hung slack at the beauty. You slowed the car, and quickly pulled out your phone to snap a few photos. They didn’t do it justice. There wasn’t much traffic this early, so you slowed almost to a stop, letting yourself sit in awe of nature’s creation. It enveloped the whole city, seeming to tower over it in a protective shield. 

This is what she meant. I might miss something beautiful. 

—

You pulled into Danny’s driveway, and he came barreling down the walkway, bag in hand. 

“Morning sunshine! Strange seeing you at this hour and us not being on a plane or a bus.” He said, throwing his bag in the back and climbing into the front seat. 

“No kidding. I’m feeling pretty good, but I do need coffee, STAT.” You spit out. “Nine hours is a cakewalk compared to our normal trips though, huh?” 

You backed out of the driveway and were on your way. 

—

After a morning coffee stop, a food stop, and two stops to pee, you were making excellent time. The day was clear and warm, you’d ridden half the ride with the windows down. It was nearing late afternoon, and you were thoroughly enjoying the peacefulness of driving and listening to loud music. You and Danny didn’t talk a whole lot, but you did come up with a really cool piece of a riff, without having any instruments on hand at all. 

“What time did Josh and Sam get into town?” You asked Danny. 

“Um, they landed an hour or so ago. I’d say they’re back in town already.” He responded. 

“Good.” You shook your head. You looked up the highway a mile or so, noticing tons of red tail lights on the road. 

“Fuck… traffic’s backed up.” You groaned, as you noticed the congestion. As you approached, it slowed to a complete stop. 

“Get on that app and see what’s happening.” you instructed your co-pilot. 

Danny scrolled on his phone for a minute, reading through the comments of the drivers ahead of you. 

“Shit… Two tractor trailers collided. Apparently debris from their loads is covering the highway. Hazmat team has been called.” He read. 

“Dammit! Is there an alternate route?” you ask. You both searched through your maps, looking for another way to get around the wreck. 

“We’re literally locked here, dude. Everything is blocked off.” He said. 

“Shit… Glad we just stopped for gas.” You put the car in park, and made yourself comfortable. 

—

You’d been sitting still for an hour and a half or so, many people were getting out of their cars and walking around on the road talking and visiting. 

“This fuckin sucks…” You said, shutting off the car to save fuel. Luckily, the day had cooled off a bit and you didn’t need much air conditioning. 

“You want a water?” Danny asked, as he exited the car and went to the trunk to dig in his cooler. 

“Yeah man, thanks.” you answered.

He came back and sat down in the seat, exhaling hard as he looked at the floor. 

“What’s up, you alright?” You asked him. 

“Yeah, yeah I’m fine. I...I just...I’m kinda worried about you dude. We all are. You haven’t been yourself lately. You think you’re gonna be okay this weekend?” Danny asked, shifting the entire mood of the trip so far. 

His words took you by surprise, and hit you in the gut. 

“You guys don’t need to worry about me. I’m fine. I promise you.” You said with false hope in your voice. Danny paused. 

“Do you wanna talk about it?” he finally said, “You’ve smelled like a brewery for the past couple weeks.”

You shook your head, choosing not to believe it. 

“Ah, nothing much to talk about, y’know?” You were trying your best to slide past the subject. 

“Mmm kinda, I mean a major blindside just hit you, right as you were finally getting past it. Moving on and stuff, you know. A pretty traumatic piece of your past just decided to show up again. I would be going fuckin' crazy too.” He said quietly. 

“Really?” You asked, turning toward him. Maybe you...could talk about it. 

“Most definitely. I mean, you and Y/N used to be it for each other. We all thought you were end game. And now she’s sleeping with your brother.” he says.

Ouch. 

“We were young though, you know? Still trying to make sense of everything. And you gotta remember, she was basically being stalked, Jake...by a person she once trusted and loved. Who knows what other times he had found her, and she didn’t know it. Or what other things happened behind closed doors. She was probably terrified to do anything, let alone commit again.” Danny said. 

You pondered on his words. 

“But she knew me. Knew I’d be there, and do nothing but protect her. She still deserted me.” You begin to open up a little. 

“She did know that. And she still does. But think about the fear she probably had all the time. After everything happened at the bar… it only amplified it. You know he put bruises on her arms long before we knew what was even happening. Who knows what else he put her through? Mentally, physically…” he trailed off. Both of you feeling uneasy about bringing up the touchy subject again. 

You nodded your head toward him, showing you understood. 

“And I don’t think she deserted you, man. I think she was at a very sensitive place in her life. Probably confused as hell. Saw us hard launching into a career that most people can only dream of. And you almost sabotaged it, for her. Imagine the guilt she probably had. It could’ve put all of our futures in jeopardy. She couldn’t just stand by and let you be her hero forever.” He looked toward you and smiled. 

“I wasn’t trying to be a hero. I was just…you know. Trying to be there for her, and she never called after she left. She just…” you snapped your fingers. “Poof.”

“Did you reach out?” He asked. 

You stared out the window reminiscing on years ago. 

“Not necessarily.” you replied.

Danny took a long drink of his water. “You and Sophia though…things are pretty serious?” 

“Yeah, they are. I mean, were...I guess. We briefly talked about her moving in soon. She’s actually already started to bring a few things. But God, lately... I swear. Something about her is off. She seems so...different...than me. Different than when we got together.” You explained. “The other night at Jimmy’s party, she disappeared for like, almost an hour. Then she came back flustered saying she had been looking for me, when I was in the same spot the whole time… I dunno. I do love Sophia. I’m comfortable with her.” you explain.

“Do you want comfort?” He asked. 

You rubbed your face, shrugging your shoulders. 

“Also, I hate to say this, but this shit with you and Sam. It’s really putting a damper on the band.” He said through an exhale. 

“Do you blame me though? How would you feel? It’s the weirdest thing ever, having slept with the same person as your sibling has. And he wants to act like it’s no big deal? No big thing? It’s like he doesn’t understand why I stay fuming mad and fucked up all the time. Says he’s taking care of her while I’m not? What the fuck does that even mean? What am I supposed to do?” you say.

“I can’t argue with you on that. It is a strange situation. Maybe just think of them as humans. Just… adult humans. Making their own decisions. I’m positive that neither of them have ill intentions.” He shrugged his arms, there was no good way of explaining that from an outside point of view. 

“I don’t know man, fuck. I can’t be with Y/N because she’s with Sam now. I don’t even know if she still feels the same towards me anymore…Even if she did… my hands are tied. I can’t leave Sophia, we’re in too deep at this point.” you hid your face in your hands again, rubbing your fingertips over your scalp. 

“When you’re going to bed at night, who’s the last person you think of?” Danny spoke. “Even with Sophia lying there with you. Who do you see when you’re at your most vulnerable?”

You rubbed over your mustache. The answer didn’t come easy. 

You thought about the rainbow you saw this morning. How the top one was more dull, less full of life. Still vibrant, but not as colorful as its counterpart below. Right now, you felt like the top rainbow. Somber, muted, only half of the bright glowing sight you used to be, hovering over the brilliant one below you. Protecting it. Giving it it’s time to shine. Letting it be what it wanted to be.

You finally gave Danny an answer, “I don’t know, man. It’s just all…fuzz.” 

—

It was late, nearly 10pm as you turned onto the familiar street, in a town you’d pushed to the back of your mind. You turned on your brights as you drove slowly down the two lane road, a little unsure of where Danny’s house was. A place you frequented often, now just a distant memory. You both spot his mailbox at the same time, and you pull into his parents driveway. 

You put the car in park as he opens the door, stepping out into the much cooler night air. You forgot how cool it was during the summer. Nashville was always hot, day, night, it didn’t matter.

He grabbed his bag from the back seat, “See you in the morning?” he asks.

“Yeah, man. I’ll text you. Thanks for the chat and the company, really appreciate it.” you say.

“Of course. See you then.” he says, shutting the door. You watch him walk up to his front door, disappearing inside. You roll your windows down, letting the clean cool air blow through as you make your way home. 

The lights were on in the house as you pulled up, and you knew everyone was up waiting for your arrival. After driving all day, all you wanted to do was go to bed, but you knew that you had at least an hour of conversation to get through before that would happen. You parked in the grass, the same place you always did, almost out of habit. You pulled your bag from the trunk and made your way through the yard and in through the front door. It looked just like you left it. Not a single thing out of place. It smelled like home. 

Your mind began flashing through scenes that had taken place from this very spot, good, bad, you relived them all in a matter of seconds. You saw Sam lounging on the couch, Josh in the recliner. 

“You made it, huh?” Josh asked, standing up from the chair. 

“By the grace of God.” you joked. “This place looks…”

“The exact same? I know, it’s weird isn’t it?” Sam says, finishing your sentence.

“Yeah.” You say dropping your bag by the door. “Is Mom awake?”

“I think so, I think she’s in the basement. Dad is finishing a gig.” Josh answers. 

You nod and begin to make your way down the stairs. As you reach the bottom you see your mom sitting in her favorite chair, scrolling on her phone. 

“Hello?” you say quietly, smiling at her.

“Oh my gosh! I didn’t believe them when they said you were on your way!” she says jumping up and wrapping you in a hug. “Ugh, look at you, so handsome.” she says as she looks at you.

“Okay, okay…” you say, hoping to end her compliments. 

“How long are you staying, honey?” she asks.

“Just a few days, just wanted to come see you and Dad. Get away from the city for a bit.” you reply.

“You stay as long as you want, okay?” she insisted.

“Okay, thanks mom. Love you.” you said. 

“Love you too, honey. Glad you’re home...” she smiled back at you.

Home.

A place you swore off of for years. You couldn’t bring yourself to come back. The risk was too high. You couldn't bear the thought of seeing her. So you didn’t. Not for Christmas, not for Thanksgiving.

Fights were had between you and your parents. Even Josh was mad at you that first year, but eventually they all stopped. They all started to understand. You couldn’t. It hurt too bad.

But now, here you were, three years later. Finally home. You knew deep down that the only reason you agreed to it was because you knew she wouldn’t be here. You could handle being home if you knew there was no chance of you running into her. However, the memories still lived here. Took place here. In this very room.

You trudged up the stairs back into the living room to find Sam passed out, and Josh typing on his phone. 

“You going to bed?” he asks.

“I think so. I’m pretty beat from driving.” you answer.

“Alright, well…I can see that you’re already in your head. Don’t stay too long in there.” he says with a soft smile.

“I won’t, it’s just weird being back here.” you say.

“See you tomorrow? Gonna blow some shit up?” he asks with a smile.

“Fuck yeah we are.” you reply, making your way up the stairs.

The walk to your childhood bedroom was eerie. You haven't been up here since you moved out of the rental and stashed the boxes. Completely unable to go through everything after what happened that summer, you grabbed the necessities and headed towards Nashville without looking back. 

You opened the door and turned on the light, finding fresh sheets and towels sitting on the bed, a hopeful gesture from your mom. You felt guilty that she was expecting you not to show up. You had to do better about staying in touch with her. You dropped your bag on the bed, digging out your sweats and the ziploc bag, filled to the brim with joints you took the time to prepare yesterday. Your contribution to this weekend's festivities. 

The boxes you left were gone, most likely moved to the garage, and part of you was thankful. You were pretty sure that if you had to look at them it would have sent you spiraling back to a place you didn’t especially care to revisit.

You took off your jeans and t-shirt, before sliding on the sweats, and tying your hair up in a messy bun. You walked over to your desk, setting your bag on the chair, and turning on the lamp. Out of the corner of your eye you caught sight of your old notebook, tattered and abandoned. You picked it up, and flipped through the pages, forgetting about its contents. Your breath caught in your throat as you saw the place holder. You quickly slammed it shut and tossed it onto the desk. You grabbed your lighter and a joint from the bag and snuck down the hallway and back down the stairs. 

As you reached the landing you saw Sam, still passed out on the couch. Josh had retired to his bedroom, and the lights were off through the house indicating everyone else had gone to bed too. You made your way to the back door, opening it and letting the cool air chill your skin. 

You closed the door quietly behind you as you made your way to your favorite spot, under the old broken light, laughing to yourself that it was in fact, still broken.

You lit the tip of the joint, watching it burn a bright red as you took a long inhale. You let your head rest on the chair behind you as your eyes drifted up to the sky. 

You instantly felt the weed begin to enter your system. Today was the first day you hadn’t had a drink in weeks. You knew you were hitting it pretty hard. Daniel helped you realize that today. You just needed to figure this out. Figure out how you were feeling. Was it jealousy? Anger? Sadness? You weren’t sure. 

In fact, the only thing you were sure of was that you still loved Y/N. That you probably never stopped. You just buried it down deep enough that it couldn’t hurt you anymore. Or so you thought.

You puffed on the joint until it was done, discarding the butt in the ashtray on the table. You turned your sights back to the perfectly clear night sky and watched the stars as they twinkled.

How many nights had you spent out here wishing for the life that you had now? Looking at this same sky and wondering how things would turn out. Was it everything you expected it to be? Were you living your dream? Was it still the life you dreamt of if she wasn’t in it?

Your phone buzzed in the pocket of your sweats, pulling you from your thoughts. Sophia.

You shoved it back in your pocket. You told yourself you wanted to get away from her for the weekend, and that's exactly what you were going to do. 

You stood up and made your way back into the house, quietly tip-toeing up the stairs and back into your room. You knew you were going to fall asleep as soon as you laid down. You couldn’t wait to go out on the lake tomorrow, spend some quality time with your brothers and just relax. 

You slid into the clean sheets that smelled just like home, and shut your eyes. The cool air coming in through the small crack in the window was just enough to send a chill over your skin. There was no sound other than the stillness of the house. No cars, no trains, no music, nothing. Just silence, your brain was free. You pulled the blankets up over your chest, and as your body slipped into the most relaxed state it's seen in years, you saw Y/N, there in your mind. You fell asleep that night knowing you had the answer to Daniel’s question all along.

—

You dreamt of her that night, like so many nights before. But this time it was vivid. It was so real, you could hear her voice clear as day, talking and laughing. As your eyes fluttered open you stretched. You felt truly rested, and happy. As you swung your legs off the bed, you took a look around your old familiar room, the posters that hung on the walls, the knick knacks on the shelves. Perfectly untouched. You made your way to the bathroom, and brushed your teeth. You ran your fingers through your hair, and fixed the necklace that was twisted around your neck. Giving yourself a once over in the mirror you felt presentable enough to join the ruckus downstairs. You could smell breakfast cooking and you’d be lying if you said you didn’t miss your dads pancakes.

As you made your way down the stairs you heard everyone talking in the kitchen, but there was a voice, one that was slightly out of place, but intensely familiar. Surely it couldn’t be?

You shook your head, knowing it was your mind playing tricks on you, until you rounded the corner and realized it wasn’t. There sitting at the kitchen island with Sam, was Y/N, in tiny denim cutoffs and a tank top, the strings of her bikini peeking through the top. Christ. 

You flicked your eyes up to meet your moms gaze, as you raised your eyebrows in question. 

“Well good morning to you too, son.” she joked.

She turned around to look at you, her hair in perfect braids down her back. “Good morning.” she smiled.

You cleared your throat as you replied, “Good morning.” you said, tight lipped.

“You hungry?” your dad asked.

Seconds ago the answer to that question would have been a resounding yes, but suddenly your appetite had vanished. “Ahh, not yet. But thanks.” you answered. 

She turned around in her chair to continue her conversation with your mother, as you grabbed Sam by the sleeve of his shirt, pulling him out of the chair and walking forcefully into the living room, and out of earshot.

“What the fuck? What is she doing here?” you asked.

Sam shifted his weight onto his right leg as he dramatically tapped his finger to his chin. “Well, I don't know if you know, but… her parents live ten minutes away. She was born here!”  he answers sarcastically. 

“Sam…” you say impatiently.

“Jeeze lighten up. She told her parents she would come back for the fourth a few weeks ago. I invited her to come to the lake with us.” he says. 

No.

“You invited her to the lake?!” you all but yell. “Sam…” you groan.

“What? It will be fine.” he assures.

“So you knew she was going to be here all along?” you ask.

“Mmm…more or less.” he answers.

“And you just thought…you shouldn’t mention that to me?” you ask.

“Mmm…more or less.” he replies again, with a smug grin.

“You are on my fuckin list.” you say, finally walking over to sit by Josh on the couch.

Sam walks back into the kitchen chuckling under his breath as you turn to Josh.

“Before you say anything, no, I didn’t know either until she walked through the door this morning.” he says.

You huff, as you pull your phone from your pocket and shoot a text to Danny.

You: Guess who’s here…

Daniel: What?!

You: Pick you up shortly.

You couldn’t say that you weren’t happy that she was here. You remember the nights where you wanted nothing more than to spend one more day with her. Wishing for one more night on the porch together. Just one more summer day at the lake… and here it was, presented to you on a silver platter. Almost as if you had wished it into being. Even though it would play out differently than you’d imagined all those nights, maybe this was your chance to fix things. To be her friend. You could handle that, right?

HER POV

You knew it would only be a matter of time before Jake woke up. He was always the last up in the mornings. Always giving you a hard time about being an earlier riser. You scraped your fork against the plate as you ate the last piece of your pancake. As you and Sam talked about the plans for the day you noticed the familiar sound of feet descending the old wooden staircase. You swallowed heavily as you waited for him to enter the kitchen.

After a round of awkward good mornings, he pulled Sam away, to yell at him no doubt. What are you doing here? You felt bad crashing their boys lake day, but when Sam invited you to come you had a hard time refusing. At first, you’d told him no. But, he had a way with convincing you into saying yes, over and over and over…

Now as you sit at their kitchen counter absentmindedly playing with the food on your plate, you wonder if you should even be here at all. 

“I’m so glad to see you guys all together again.” Karen offers.

“Yeah, it’s nice to be home for a few days. I really should come see my parents more often.” you reply.

“I think they understand, your life is just getting started.” she smiles, turning to wink at Kelly.

Your brow furrows as you realize that you haven’t seen Sophia. Surely she will be down any minute…

Sam rejoins you at the counter, quickly finishing his breakfast as he rests his head on your shoulder, “You ready to have some fun today?” he asks.

“Sure am! How ‘bout you?” You reply. 

“Hell yeah I am.” He said out loud. 

He then leaned into you, whispering directly into your ear. 

“I’m ready to see your beautiful body soaking wet in a bikini all day. It’ll be hard to not rip it off of you right there on the beach…” he growled. 

You instantly got chills and giggled. You put your entire hand over his face and pushed him away. He sent you a wink. Luckily, his parents had started the dishes, drowning out any sound in the room. 

“Well, I think everyone else is ready to go, just have to load up the car.” he replied.

“Don’t we have to wait on Sophia?” you ask.

His brow furrowed, “Sophia didn’t come.”

You raised your eyebrows in shock, “Oh…” you replied, leaving it at that.

“Hey, can you braid my hair later?” he asked, putting on his best puppy dog eyes.

“Of course, I can.” you laughed, standing up and depositing your plate into the sink.

Maybe today was going to be better than you expected.

—

With Jake's Jeep loaded down with supplies and a cooler filled to the brim, you watched as the guys all piled in one by one. 

“You can take shotgun, Y/N.” Josh offers.

Panicked at the thought of having to sit by Jake, you reply, “Oh, no, I’m gonna sit in the back with Sam. I promised I would braid his hair. Thanks though!”

You slid in next to Sam, the overwhelming smell of Jake taking over your senses as you shut the door behind you. You buckle your seatbelt, and as you look up, you catch Jake’s eyes in the rearview mirror and you're instantly transported back to that life altering day, Freshman year.

You quickly look away and turn to Sam, “You ready?” you ask.

“Always ready for you, sweet thing.” He said. 

You gathered his hair in your hands, running your fingers through it to get out the knots. You spent a little extra time on this part, teasing him a little. You dug the pads of your fingers deep into his scalp, something you learned that turned him on. You made sure to hit his sensitive spots, alternating between smoothly massaging and forcefully digging your nails in. You see his body tense up, and you laugh to yourself, knowing you were causing him distress. Jake and Josh were having their own conversation in the front seat, not paying much attention to you at all. You wrapped his hair up in your hand, giving it a little tug backwards before letting it loose and massaging again. 

“You’d better watch. Your. Fucking. Self….” you heard him murmur just loudly enough for you. 

You decided to let it go, and braid his hair like he asked, still completely pleased with your teasing display. 

Happy with your work you tie off the end with the elastic band from his wrist, tucking in the stray fly aways around his face. He turns to face you. “Perfect.” you smile at him. 

He gently takes your chin in between his fingers, bringing himself close to your face. His eyes traveled from your eyes to your lips, as he bit his. 

“God I wish we were alone in this backseat right now...” he whispered. He then placed a warm kiss right to your lips, sweet and slow. You felt your heart leap. 

Your first real PDA in front of the guys…you knew Jake had to of seen it. Why did you feel guilty?

Sam pulls his phone from his pocket and starts to scroll through social media, thumbs typing away at a message as you turn your vision back to the front of the car. Jake is sitting stoic, keeping his eyes focused on the road. If he didn’t see it, he definitely heard it. Just then you are pulling into Danny’s driveway, and you see him run to the car with his own bag of supplies. 

You unbuckle your seatbelt, and slide over into the middle of the seat, making room for him to join you. He tosses his bag in the trunk with the rest of the items and dashes back over to the side before climbing in next to you.

“What a lovely surprise, I didn’t know you were joining us!” he exclaims, meeting Jake’s eyes in the rearview.

“Yeah, Sam knew I was here visiting my parents and asked me if I wanted to come. Forced me actually.” you laughed. 

“Hell yeah, I’m glad you made it!” he replied.

The drive to the lake wasn’t long, maybe thirty minutes. The car ride was filled with singing and laughter, and it really did feel like those old times Sam had promised. You hoped that feeling would continue for the rest of the day. Meeting Jake’s eyes in the rearview had your head spinning. Why was he looking at you like that? Was he mad that you were here? Maybe you should keep your distance today.

As you pulled up at the lake, a few other cars were scattered about, families no doubt coming to find a cool reprieve from the hot summer sun. You all filed out of the car one by one, and made your way to the trunk, ready to carry supplies down to the water. Jake handed off bags and coolers one by one, until you were the last one left and only a small hand cooler remained. 

“I’ve got it.” he said, sending you a nervous smile.

You clutched your bag in your hand as you nodded and turned to follow the rest of the guys down the familiar dirt path. It had been years since you all came here together, and you couldn’t wait to go for a swim. It was hot, and sunny. The perfect weather for the 4th. As you met up with the guys they had just begun laying out the blanket, marking their spot for the day. Sam set up chairs, and Danny opened up the cooler, ready to start drinking as soon as possible. 

“Whatcha think Y/N, will this spot work?” Josh asked, flashing his toothy smile.

“Couldn’t have picked a better one myself!” you insisted. “What's in that cooler, anyways?” you smiled. 

“Oh, I picked up some white claws for you at the store yesterday, they should be in there!” Sam replied. What an angel. 

“How nice of you, Samuel.” Danny said, digging in the cooler to find you a can. 

“Yeah, fuck tequila, claws make her clothes fall off.” Sam laughed. 

“Fuck you, Sam!” You yell, face turning red. 

“Maybe later, love. We’ve got swimming to do.” He answered. 

Danny passed you the icy can and you popped the tab, just as Jake was walking up. He threw down his things and got a mischievous grin on his face as he turned to Josh. “You have two seconds to start running…” he said, challenging him. 

Josh knew exactly what he meant. It was a ritual of theirs. Jake would give Josh a head start, letting him run as fast as he could towards lake, then Jake would take off,  inevitably catching up to him, and taking the victory as the fastest twin as they both jumped into the water. 

Josh practically ripped his shirt over his head and kicked off his shoes, sprinting towards the water. You all laughed as you watched him take off screaming, before turning your attention to Jake, pulling his shirt over his head and taking off after him. You and Danny were laughing hysterically as you watched Jake take the win, Josh cursing at him as Jake dunked him under the water. You turned back to laugh with Sam, but saw him furiously typing away on his phone.

Wanting to feel the water for yourself you began to remove your shirt, hesitating as you did, feeling the creep of self consciousness bloom in your chest. Your body didn’t look how it used to, you had filled out…everywhere. It didn’t matter how many times Sam told you how gorgeous, or how perfect you looked over the last few weeks, it was still there, and you wondered if Jake would feel the same way Sam did.

Why did you care? Jake was with Sophia. You and Sam were….involved. Jake's opinion didn’t matter…did it?

You removed your top, and wiggled out of your shorts leaving you in the navy blue bikini. Your hair hung in two braids, and your favorite sunglasses rested on your nose. You folded your clothes and put them in your bag for later. You picked up your drink and turned to Sam, “Want to go swim?” you asked.

“You know it!” he said, tossing his phone in an empty chair and pulling his shirt off to meet it. 

On your walk down to the water, Sam grabbed your hand, interlacing your fingers and swinging your arms sweetly. You both stepped in, letting the cold but refreshing feeling chill your warm skin. You could feel Jake's eyes on you as you stood there, raking over every developed feature of a body he hadn’t seen in years. A body that used to be his. Now being hugged and touched by his brother. 

“You two coming?” Josh asked. At least you think it was Josh. Something about the twins being soaking wet made it hard to tell them apart. You only knew it was Josh by the sound of his voice. 

Suddenly, Sam wrapped his arms around your waist and proceeded to walk forward into the water. You wiggled and thrashed in his arms as he made his way into the deeper water, “Sam! Sam! No! Let me go!” you screeched. You knew he wouldn’t listen. He grabbed the can from your hand just as he tossed you into the shimmering water. 

It felt good. It felt exactly like those old times you kept remembering. As you came back to the surface, you repositioned your sunglasses, and took your can back from his hands. “Oh, you’re on my list, Kiszka!” you chided.

“Ha! He’s on mine too.” Jake said playfully. 

You turned to flash a smile at him, and before you knew it he was swimming away, further into the shining water. 

Daniel joined you not too long after that, stating ‘his sunscreen needed to dry first’. Always the responsible one. You figured you probably needed to apply some yourself, the Michigan sun was harsh especially this time of year. 

You swam back to the shoreline, needing another drink anyways, and made your way back to the small set up of chairs and towels. You decide to let your hair out of the braids and let it dry in the sun. You place the elastic bands on your wrist as you dug around in the cooler. You grabbed another white claw and settled yourself on the towel you laid out, letting the sun dry your skin. 

You pull your book from your bag and try to find your place, overhearing all the ruckus from down at the lake. You read a few lines before you find your eyes drifting up and over the page, watching as the guys swim and talk. You push your sunglasses down your nose, trying to get a better look at Jake as he floats in the water. Just then his eyes glance up to you, connecting with yours for just a brief second, before you turn your face back into your book.

Caught. Damnit.

“Hey gorgeous. The view of you from the water is absolutely phenomenal. I really didn’t want to leave the water...” Sam said, approaching the blanket to sit beside you. 

“Hmm...what made it phenomenal?” You asked with a smirk. 

“I dunno…” he leaned in closer, secretly bringing a hand to your bikini tie on your side. “These ties sit perfectly on your hips…” he grazed his fingertips up your side. “And this top accentuates your curves perfectly…” his fingers were now drifting across your chest, giving you a chill. He let them tickle up your neck. “It hardly covers anything at all. You’re barely leaving anything at all to my imagination, baby.” Your breath started to quicken, simply from the way he was talking to you. “I’d really like to pull this to the side…” he said, placing his hand right over top of your heat. “Do you think they’d notice if we disappeared for a minute?” He was halfway serious. 

“Mmmm…yes. They’d definitely notice, Sam.” Your voice was shaking. 

“Ha... You’re right. It’s too bad.” He bit his lip, fingers still ghosting your bare skin. He leaned into your ear again. 

“I bet this bathing suit isn’t the only thing that’s wet right now, hmm?” He said lowly. 

“Jesus Christ sam, can you shut up, please?” You said through gritted teeth. 

He laughed and pulled away. 

After a little while, the guys each made their way back up to your spot, grabbing fresh drinks and a snack, basking in the sunshine as the alcohol carried away your inhibitions. You had begun to doze off underneath your sunhat as you heard the crunch of the sand as someone approached. You sat up on your elbows,  as your eyes adjusted to the sun. It was Jake. 

He crouched down in front of the cooler, pulling out a Corona, and hesitating for a second as he turned to look at you, “Want anything?” he asked.

“Sure, anything is fine.” you replied.

He dug around towards the bottom, and pulled out another Corona, to match his. He opened the bottle and handed it to you, before lifting his own towards you, “Cheers.” he said with a raised brow. You could tell he was feeling the alcohol, just from his smile alone. 

“Cheers.” You replied, tapping your bottleneck to his. 

He took a seat next to you, and you both sat in silence, as you watched the others struggle to blow up the tubes they brought. 

“How long until Sam passes out, you think?” he joked.

“Mmm… I’ll give him five more minutes.” you both laugh, as if right on cue, Sam throws the tube down and dramatically clutches his chest. 

You can’t hear exactly what they were saying from where you sat, but it was a string of profanities and jeers towards Sam. 

The giggle that left Jake’s chest made you smile. You hadn’t heard that sound in a long time. 

As you continued to sit and watch you wondered why Sophia didn’t come. Did he invite her? Did she turn him down? 

The alcohol had begun to break down your barriers, and you found the thought slipping from your lips before you could stop it. “Why didn’t Sophia come with?”

He turned to you, resting his arms on his knees, “This…” he said gesturing around him, “...isn’t really her scene, I guess.” 

“That’s too bad.” you offered.

You could see him biting the inside of his lip as he slowly nodded his head, “Is what it is, I suppose.”

You feel your skin starting to turn pink, and you realize you never put on sunscreen. You reach behind you and grab the bottle, squirting a small amount onto your fingers and pressing them to your cheeks and nose. 

You turn to Jake, and offer him the bottle with a raised brow.

“I don't know, do you think I need it?” he asks.

“I don't know, take your sunglasses off…” you ask, and he does, lowering them just slightly, giving you an unfiltered look at his brown eyes. You swallow harshly as you scan his face.

“I don't think it would hurt.” you say, sending him a side smile, as you continue to rub the lotion into your shoulders.

“I just hate the feeling of sunscreen on my hands.” he says, rubbing his fingers together.

Feeling brave, your eyes meet his, and you shrug, “Well… do you want me to do it?”

He is taken aback at your offer, but quickly regains his composure. “Oh, you don't have to...” he said nervously, playing with his empty bottle.

The voice inside your head was screaming at you. Stop! Don’t do this! But you put a metaphorical piece of tape over her mouth and shoved her into the closet. You wanted him to say yes. You wanted nothing more than to feel his skin on your fingers one more time.

“Are you sure?”  

JAKE POV

Her question echoed through your head like it was spoken through a megaphone. ‘Are you sure?’ No, of course not. You absolutely were not sure. In fact, you have thought of nothing else since you watched her take the sunscreen out of her bag. 

You watched her as she rubbed the sunscreen into her arms. You haven’t been able to take your eyes off of her all day, catching glances of each other from across the lake. Watching her as she laid up here sunbathing, you couldn’t stay away any longer. 

“Okay, sure.” you answer. The words left your mouth before you could second guess them.

She seemed surprised by your answer, as she turned to face you. “Okay, where do you want it?”

Wherever you’ll touch me.

“Maybe, just my face and shoulders?” you ask.

A shy smile crossed her pink cheeks and you felt your heart leap into your throat. You knew that smile. You’d seen it a thousand times before. She was nervous. 

She squeezed a fair amount onto her hands, rubbing it together before you saw her hands as they started to come in contact with your shoulders. It almost seemed like she was moving in slow motion. You felt her small hands against you as she spread the lotion on your shoulders, your eyes practically rolling back into your head at the long awaited contact. The feeling of her hands on your body, reigniting the smoldering and almost extinguished ember glowing in your chest. Her hands slid around effortlessly across your skin, making sure to reach every spot the sun would touch.

Before you knew it, they were gone. 

“Okay, you have to take off your sunglasses if you want me to do your face.” she said, holding her hands out.

You pushed them up into your hair, as you let your eyes meet hers. God, you had almost forgotten how beautiful they were. She moved to kneel in front of you, just before gently placing her fingertips on your face. You let your eyes close as she worked, but you could feel hers burning into your skin. The feeling of her fingertips gliding over your cheeks was torture, bringing back every memory of her ever touching you, in bright vivid color. Taking special care to cover your nose, she continued to rub it in until it had disappeared, and then, again, far too quickly it was over.

She sat back, pushing her own sunglasses down back over her eyes, “Perfect.” she smiled. You put your sunglasses back on and looked over to her, “Thanks… for that.”

“Thank me in twenty years.” she winked through her shades.

“I will.” you laughed, secretly hoping that you could.

Just then Sam came rushing up to the two of you, soaking wet, hair dripping everywhere, and completely out of breath, “Hey babe, the tubes are done. You coming?” he asked her, leaning over to grab a drink.

“I’m in!” she squealed, taking his hand as he helped her up. As she stood you took her in. She had changed a bit since the last time you saw her…like this. She was so…beautiful. Perfect in every sense of the word. Your eyes magnetized to her as she walked away with Sam, watching her hips sway in her tiny blue bikini. Just then she turned to look over her shoulder, locking eyes with you, silently asking you to come with.

You got up, and followed them down to the water, watching as they laughed, arms hooked together and you wished it was you. You knew you should be happy that you even had her hands on you for a minute, but now, you wanted more. Needed it.

Josh positioned the tube for her as she fell backwards into it, floating away to catch up with Daniel. Next was Sam, then Josh, and finally you. You all floated there, drinks in hand for what must have been an hour, taking turns bumping into one another, splashing and laughing.

What you couldn’t turn your attention away from though, was the way Sam left his tube, to hang on the side of hers twirling her hair between his fingers as they talked and swam around the lake. The smile he could put on her face was undeniable and you felt a pang in your chest wishing that you had caused it.  

Feeling your fingers start to prune you slipped out of the tube and under the water, rewetting your hair and cooling your sun kissed skin. Slowly they each began to join you as you swam around talking and giggling. You watched as out of the corner of your eye you saw her floating on her back in the water, the sun shining off of the wetness of her legs. She looked so pretty. Sam left her and returned to the shore and you knew this was your chance. 

Feeling confident, thanks to the alcohol, you swam over towards her, sending a wave of water over her body, and startling her from floating. She swam over to meet you, as you asked, “Do you want another drink? I’m going up…”

“Okay, sure.” she answered with a smile.

You made quick work of grabbing more drinks for everyone before returning back to her. Josh joined you and you all swam in a circle as you talked and that's when you felt it. Her leg ever so slightly brushing against yours. You could see her eyes flick up to you as it happened, a small smile playing on her lips. You thought maybe it was just an accident, until you felt it again. You looked over to her, deeply engrossed in the story Josh was telling, but a smile still perched on her face. 

She’s doing this on purpose…

As you listened to Josh continue, you let your foot trail against hers, the action sending a spark through your body. The longer he talked the more it happened, and for once in your life you wished that he would talk forever. Sadly though, his story ended and he swam away, leaving the two of you pruney and flustered. Were you going to talk about it?

Just then, the idea struck. The cliff. You’d ask her, but you needed to wait. 

“I’m gonna go back to shore, you coming or staying out here?” you ask, feeling her feet tangle with yours. 

“I’ll come, I’m all pruney anyways.” she giggles. The alcohol was definitely hitting her, and you couldn't tell if her cheeks were pink from the drinks, the sun or a little of both. 

You returned to the shore, meeting Daniel and Sam at the cooler. You all sat and let the sun dry your wet bodies as it began to dip in the sky. It really had been a fun day, but there was just one more thing you wanted to do, and you hoped she would come along. As Daniel, Sam and Josh fell deep into conversation, you peeked over at her from the top of your sunglasses until you caught her attention. She lowered her book to listen as you leaned forward towards her. 

“Did I ever take you to my secret spot?” you asked quietly.

She shook her head no, and closed her book. 

“Do you want to see it?” you asked nervously. 

“Right now?” she replied.

You looked over at the guys, far too drunk to make the trek, and nodded, “Yeah, we should go before the sun sets.” you say.

She bites her lip and looks over to Sam, who is listening to Josh as he nurses his beer. 

“Okay, let’s go.” she says, standing up. Her hair has dried in long waves around her shoulders, framing her face and the sun provided a warm glow to her skin.

You took off your sunglasses and tossed them on the blanket before standing to meet her, “Leave your shades, don't want to lose them.” you smirk.

“Where are you two going?” Daniel asks.

“Gonna take her to the spot.” you answer with raised eyebrows.

“Has she never been?!” Josh asked.

“Apparently not. You guys are welcome to join, but it would seem you are a bit…inebriated.” you joke.

Sam jumped up and walked over to her, “Be careful, I will need you in one piece later…” he said with a kiss on her cheek and wink at Daniel. 

She smacked his arm in embarrassment as she shook her head. “One more comment Sam…” she warned. 

“Have fun you twooooo” Josh called out, as you began to walk down towards the woods a flush filling your cheeks. 

——

You led her down the old path that you hadn’t set foot on in many years. It was lined with wildflowers and tall grasses, and the leaves of the trees above made for tiny sun filters that allowed beautiful streaks of the red-gold of the setting sun to peek through. You could hear her footsteps following closely behind you, rustling the leaves that littered the otherwise all dirt path. Your heart was beating a million miles a minute. This was the first time you’d been alone with her in years. 

You let your hands glide across the tall weeds beside you as you walked, careful not to be in any hurry at all. Neither of you spoke, but instead just chose to take in this short lived moment. Your hand caught on a particularly tall daisy, and you pulled it up from the ground, twisting the stem around your fingers to keep your hands busy. 

You glanced down at the perfect white petals of the flower, and a memory shot back in your mind. 

“No Jacob, you do it! It doesn’t make sense if I do it.” 

“Fine, hand it here. 

‘She loves me, she loves me not, she loves me, she loves me not…..” 

The petals were falling to the ground as you continued around the flower, her eyes studying your hands like she did when she watched you play guitar.

…she loves me.”

“Seeee? I told you I wasn’t lying to you. Even the universe knows it.”

You shook the memory from your head, and tore the long part of the stem off the flower, leaving just a little bit behind. The alcohol must still be flowing through your system pretty well, because in an act of bravery, you stopped and turned back to her, and handed her the flower. She slowly took it, her eyes flitting to yours as her fingertips barely grazed the sides of yours.  She smiled, and you felt like your heart had exploded into a million pieces. 

“S’ a daisy.” 

“Yes, it is.” She giggled at your slurred words, and tucked the flower behind her ear. She is so pretty. “Thank you.” she murmured.

The path was mainly flat, but it began to go uphill just a little toward the end. You were getting close. The edge of the lake became visible again through the thick trees and bushes, and your stomach turned over with adrenaline. 

“I can’t believe we never brought you here before, all the times we’ve come to the lake.” you said as you stepped up on a large rock that began to lead out to the overhang. It was a big step up, a good two feet, so when you crested the top, you instinctively turned to offer her your hand. She paused, quickly glancing up to meet your eyes. She took your hand gently, and electricity sent itself barreling through your body, starting at your joined hands and escaping through anywhere it could. You pulled her up onto the rock, and made sure she was steady before you let her hand go. She was entirely blushing, and you felt redness creep up in your cheeks as well. Then you turned around and walked out onto the ledge, her following closely behind. 

You gestured widely, presenting the most beautiful view to her. 

“Ta-daaa,” you proclaimed. “I give you Grandview rock.”

She stepped closer to the edge, taking in the scene. 

“Wow,” she said breathlessly. “It really lives up to its name, doesn’t it?” 

“Well, we kinda named it that. Because. Well, it is a grand view.” You felt embarrassed at your words, suddenly feeling shy sharing conversation with her in this way again. 

She laughed hard and loud, instantly making you feel relaxed. God, you’d missed that sound. Her laugh was always different when it was you that caused it. You found yourself craving hearing it again. 

“You guys never cease to amaze me.” She said, sarcastically rolling her eyes. She crossed her arms, and inched her way to the edge, extending one foot to keep her balance while she peered over. 

“How high up are we?” She asked. 

“Ah, not too high. 25, 30 feet maybe.” You answered. 

The sun was setting low now, and you knew it would be dark soon. The beams caused her skin to radiate, her face glowing with the tinted pink from the day’s sunburn. 

She stepped back, keeping her arms crossed across her body. She suddenly had chill bumps forming all over her. She seemed uneasy. 

“Well, the sun is gonna be gone soon, we’d better go now.” You said, trying to break her from her apparent self-consciousness. You wished she didn’t feel that way around you. 

“Okay,” she said, turning to walk back off the rock. 

“No no, Y/N. We’re not walking back.” You stopped her. 

She was instantly puzzled. 

“We’re not? Well then how the hell are we-" she paused. “Jake, no. We’re not. We can’t!”

“What do you mean, we can’t? We have to. We came up all this way.” 

“It’s too high! And I’m scared of heights, remember?” She exclaimed. 

You did remember. You’d forgotten, but now you remembered. 

“I promise you, it’s not as high as it looks. And we’ve got liquid courage to help us through it.” You pried. She stood still as a statue. 

You stepped closer to the edge. 

“Well, I came here to jump. And I really don’t want to jump alone. S’not as fun.” You tried to sound confident, meanwhile you were jumping out of your skin with nerves. Not nerves from jumping from a rock that you’d braved since boyhood, but having her here, about to jump with you. You extended your hand back to her, curling your fingers up in a ‘come here’ motion. She didn’t move. 

“Come on, we’ll jump together.” You said. 

“Are you sure it’s safe?” She said nervously. 

“I swear it is. I’ve done it a hundred times. We all have.” You motioned again. She slowly walked toward you, and raised her hand to clasp in yours. Fireworks. 

“I’m scared, Jake.” She laughed through nerves. Her body was visibly shaking with adrenaline. “This is crazy…” 

“A little bit. But I won’t let you get hurt. I’ll keep you safe, I promised you that a long time ago.” You squeezed her hand in yours, feeling the tiny twinge of remnant pain still lingering in your joints. But you couldn’t care less. She was holding your hand.

She smiled the sweetest smile, and took a couple more small steps to the edge. 

“There you go...almost there.” You pushed. You never once pulled her toward you, just let her make the journey herself. “Put your toes on the very edge, and launch yourself outward when you jump. Point your toes, ok?” You pep talked her. 

She slowly nodded. “Okay...”

You looked her in her eyes, the last of the sun light shining directly through them.

“Do you trust me?” 

“Of course I do.” She whispered, returning your gaze. You swore your heart was going to jump out into the water before you. 

“Okay, on three. 1…..2…” you squeezed her hand hard. “3!” 

The both of you floated through the air for what felt like hours, you looked toward her while you were in mid air, the look on her face full of terror and excitement. 

You hit the water together and sank deep, letting go of each other’s hands. The bubbles were rushing up your body and tickling your face as you exhaled through your nose. You opened your eyes under the water, quickly scanning the water searching and reaching for her. You finally found her, arms outstretched to you, doing the same. You took her hand again, pulling you both to the surface. When you peaked, you were met with a sight you thought you’d never see again. She was smiling ear to ear, catching her breath and wiping her face. 

“WOOOOOO!!!” She screamed as she punched a fist into the air. She was so proud of herself. “Hell yeah!” The pure adrenaline and serotonin was dripping from her. You smiled and laughed back at her. 

“You did it! See? I knew you could!” You began to swim closer to her. 

“I did it! Shit....I can’t believe we did that. I’ve never jumped from that high before.” She said through panting breaths. She laid herself back in the water, floating around, letting her body relax on the surface. You had to stop yourself from going to her, touching her. You’d never seen her look this free before. Unwarranted and released from the grasps of anything and everything. She looked like the purest form of herself, and it was absolutely killing you. 

“Oh my gosh...” you said as you picked a tiny floating object from the water. 

The daisy. 

She suddenly sat back up in the water. “What?”

You showed her the flower, missing all but one petal. 

She swam closer, and gently rested her hand near yours, plucking the very last petal from the head. 

Her eyes landed on yours, silently answering the question she knew you were asking. She did nothing but smile. 

“Thank you for jumping with me, Jake.” She said, as she swam away, leaving you to sink to the very bottom of the lake. 

—

Darkness had come quickly as you made it back to home base; you could already hear the sound of fireworks exploding off in the distance. Sam and Josh had gotten significantly more intoxicated in the meantime, still going in and out of the water and arguing over who was going to light which fireworks. Danny had started the campfire, and gotten out the makings for hotdogs. 

“Will you two shut up and help me?” You could hear Danny boasting as you approached them. 

“Hey! Did you take the leap of faith?” Josh asked as the two of you returned, halfway dry now from the walk back. Your felt a lump form in your throat. 

“What?” You and Y/N both asked at the same time. 

Josh stared at you blankly. 

“The cliff...did you jump off? Or did you just go stand on it?” He replied sarcastically. 

“Oh! We jumped. She jumped. Faced her fear and did it.” You replied. 

She was met with cheers and applause. You really were proud. The four of you helped Danny to finish getting the food ready, and you sat around the fire and enjoyed the feast. 

“Alright. Time to burn some shit and make some explosions!” Josh yelled as everyone finished eating. 

You got up from your chair, and followed the guys to your car to grab the multiple boxes of fireworks. You opened the front door to hit the unlock button, and saw your phone buzzing in the cup holder. 

Fuck. You hadn’t looked at your phone all day. 

Sophia 

3 missed calls

4 text messages

Ugh. you hadn’t even thought about checking it at all. You figured you might as well bite the bullet now. In all reality, you never even told her you’d made it safely last night. 

Sophia: Morning baby. Happy Fourth!

Sophia: Can you at least send me something to let me know you’re not dead?

Sophia: Hello???

Sophia: Ok. Talk to you when you get home I guess. I love you. 

Her last text message had come through hours ago. You felt a little bit bad, but after the way she had talked about your hometown and your way of life, you were really still pissed off. She didn’t deserve anything right now. You tossed your phone back into the cup holder, and grabbed your lighter and flashlight from the console. You also made sure to grab your special tin box of pre-rolleds from under your seat.  

You glanced over to Sam, also standing at your car with his face buried in his phone. His fingers were clicking away furiously. “Sam, grab that box on the floor!”

He perked up. “Sure thing brother.” 

You had all but forgotten you were still insanely upset with Sam, the talk with Danny earlier had kind of put things into perspective for you. Though you still felt like your feelings were hurt, and there was a lot of unspoken conversation to be had, you were glad that you both could put it aside for a few days. The conversation was for another time. 

You all grabbed the boxes and brought them to a clearing on down the beach with a nice picnic table nearby. Y/N was out in front of you, waltzing her bare feet along the beach, kicking up sand and sticks as she went along. You swore you could watch her forever. Suddenly Sam came barreling up behind her, scaring her and scooping her into his arms, spinning her around as she yelped. He set her back down on her feet, leaving her with a quick kiss before he ran up to join Danny and Josh. That hurt a little. It’s one thing you’re really not having a good time getting used to.

The fireworks were all set up along the beach, ready to be ignited. 

“Time to burn it down, bitches!” Josh yelled so loudly it echoed across the lake. This man and his love for fire. 

“Here, pyro.” You said to Josh, tossing him your lighter. “You do the honors this year. Just don’t set yourself on fire.” 

“Oh god, everybody stand far, far, FAR away!” Sam teased as he ran off into the woods with his arms flailing above his head. 

You decided to join Y/N on the picnic table and watch the festivities unfold for once. 

“Why is he the way that he is?” She asked you, laughing at Sam’s screams from the woods. 

“I couldn’t tell you. Came out of the womb that way.” You answered, laughing. She was giggling hard at him, which caused you to also fall into a fit of giggles. 

“Everyone stay the hell away from Josh! It’s for your own good!” Sam yelled from deep in the woods, sending you both into hard belly laughs. 

“Shut the fuck up Samuel or I’m coming in there and setting you on fire!” Josh screamed back into the void. 

You were clutching your chest with laughter, and she was wiping away tears. If there was one thing that was true, is was that she loved Sam just as much as you did. Not in the same way, of course. But he made her happy. 

The night went on splendidly, the fireworks were a real sight to see, and Josh only accidentally caught himself on fire once. 

“I’m gonna go grab another drink, you want one?” She asked you. 

“No, I’m ok, thanks. I’m gonna drive us home. But I’ll walk with you.” You answered. 

“It’s just right over there, Jake. I’ll be fine.” She said. Could she please stop saying your name so sweetly?

“Well, I actually forgot I got a surprise for everyone. Let’s go.”

The car was only a few minutes walk from the fireworks, but you sauntered along beside her, thankful for these small moments in time of just being with her. She walked to the cooler to grab refills for everyone, while you walked to the car to grab few small boxes from your console. 

You met up again, and began the walk back. 

“What’s your surprise?” She asked, looking up at you with her sunkissed eyelids half open. You held up the boxes so she could see. 

She inhaled sharply. “Ah! Sparklers! I haven’t done those in years!”

“Yeah I saw them at the gas station and couldn’t refuse.” You said. 

The two of you continued your walk, both walking noticeably slow enough that it took twice as long to get back to the guys as it did the first time. 

She cracked open her drink. “You know, I’m still reeling from jumping off that rock. I’m so upset with you for not making me do that years ago.” She teased, and playfully pushed your shoulder. God, how can I get her to do that again?

“Ha, I’m sorry. I really don’t know why we didn’t either. It was fun, wasn’t it?” You answer her. 

“It was fun. I might even do it again one day.” she laughed. 

“Sometimes all you need is a little courage and someone to hold your hand.” you smiled. “But, please don’t be mad at me forever. I might not survive.” You put on your best accent, and clutched your chest teasingly and stumbled sideways. Anything to hear her laugh again. 

She didn’t laugh. Instead her voice was low and serious. 

“I’m not mad at you, Jacob.” Oh. We’re going there?

“You’re not?” You asked. 

“No. I’m not.” She shook her head. “Are you...mad at me?” she asked nervously.

Fuck this got deep quickly. 

Your thoughts were spinning around in your head, bumping against your skull and flying out your ears. You felt heat rising in your face. She had asked the question you’ve been waiting to answer for over 3 years. 

You cleared your throat, “Of course I’m not mad at you..I’m just-“

Just then, a bottle rocket came flying toward the two of you, followed by screams of ‘look out!’ from the guys. You instinctively grabbed her, yanking her beside you and to the ground, standing over her as the rocket flew right past you and landed in the water. 

“Fuckers!” You yelled toward them, helping Y/N off the ground. Now she was gonna be mad. 

She stood back up with a wide smile on her face. “Shit, I spilled my drink!” She laughed. Your panic subsided. This girl is one in a million. 

You finally made it back to the guys, throwing curses at them for almost lighting you on fire. 

“Ahhh hell Jake, no harm no foul.” Josh slurred through his teeth. Yeah, no more explosives for him tonight. 

“Give me the lighter, jackass.” You said to Josh, holding your hand out. He obliged. “Let’s move on to something more KID FRIENDLY since we’re going to act like children.” You said, not really meaning your words, just trying to irk Josh. 

“Oh PLEEEEASE I’d like to see yewwww set fireworksh off tonight like I did. Me. The King.” He ended his sentence with a hiccup. You shook your head, and handed everyone a few sparklers. 

You lit Sam’s, one in each hand, and he danced off toward the water, twirling them around doing some type of interpretive dance. 

You leaned over to Y/N. “You sure you wanna go home with that tonight?” You joked. 

The blush on her cheeks was visible even in the dark. 

Danny was next. He pulled on his drink, which was mainly vodka at this point, and blew on his lit sparkler, sending sparks glittering all over the sand. 

You reached into your pocket, and pulled out the tin box, removing one perfectly rolled joint. 

“You next.” You said as you lit Y/N’s sparkler. You watched as the light flickered off her features and lit up her already glowing eyes. “Hold it still for a sec...” you instructed her. You took the joint and held the end closely to the brightest part of the sparkler, effectively lighting it. You took a couple puffs to get the cherry hot. 

“Damn, now that smells lovely.” Josh said as you blew the smoke in his face. 

Danny’s phone rang suddenly, pulling him away from the group.

“You gonna let me hit it?” Josh asked.

“Will it make you shut up?” You quipped. 

“Probably not but we can see what happensss.” He said, raising his eyebrows over and over. You let him have the joint. 

“Hey, my family is over at the main entrance of the lake visiting friends. They’re gonna come pick me up.” Danny said. 

“Can I get a ride too? I wanna go home and get the movie ready.” Sam asked. 

“Yep let’s go, they are on the way.” Danny said. 

Sam came over to Y/N, basically soaked again from his water dancing, taking her in a hug. “You gonna stay here with them?” he asked her.

“Someone has to make sure they get home in one piece, right?” she joked.

“Thanks baby, see you at the house?” He smiled at her, kissed her cheek, and they were gone. The weed had hit Josh particularly hard already, either that or he was really feeling his liquor. 

“I’m gonna go hop in the backseat. Take a little nap. Wake me up when I need to be woken.” Josh said, already walking toward the car. 

“HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA! FOR DEATH OR GLORY!” He yelled again, his voice echoing off the water once more. That one made you laugh. 

It left you and Y/N alone, again. 

You placed yourself back in your seat on the picnic table, and offered her the joint. She sat down next to you, and took a hit. You stayed silent for a few minutes, until the joint had dwindled down to almost nothing. 

“Want the last hit?” You offered. 

“If you don’t want it….” She said, accepting it and letting the last bit of the roach get close to her lips. She put it out on the table, and sighed deeply. It had grown fairly late, most of the fireworks had subsided, except for a few you could hear miles away. 

“So, before we were almost set on fire…” her words trailed off. Yikes here we go again. You tried to quickly gather your thoughts. 

You breathed heavily, staring out over the lake which had now become eerily still. The moon reflected off it, a perfect shining light. You let the effects of the weed begin to comfort your brain, letting it take solace in the state it was in. 

“To answer your question, no, I’m not mad at you Y/N. I was… but… I don’t think I am anymore.” You admitted. 

“You don’t think?” She pressed. 

“I’m not. I’m really not mad. That’s not the….that’s not the word.” You were letting the thoughts come freely. You always did have a hard time being anything but honest with her. You wiped your hands against your shorts. 

“Then what’s the word?” She was looking at you with complete attention now. 

You took another breath, and decided to lay back on the table. You folded your hands across your chest, thinking of an answer. All of the times you replayed this scenario in your head, suffered through all the thoughts and dreams you had about her, you still never planned exactly what to say. Never thought you’d actually get the chance.

“I think I’m lost, Y/N.”

She laid down next to you, joining you in staring at the stars. She was silent for a minute. 

“You’ve always been the best navigator I know.” She finally said, turning to look at you. 

 “I think I’ve lost my heading.” you breathed.

She turned her head again to look at the sky. You both stayed silent. She didn’t have an answer. How could she? She was in just as heavy a predicament as you were. You both laid there in silence for a while, letting your highs take effect. 

Finally she spoke, “Can I tell you a secret?” she swallowed hard. “I’ve never told anyone this. You’ll be the only one…” she says, nervously.

“You know you can tell me…you can tell me anything.” you answer.

She pauses, working up the courage to speak, “I…have nightmares. About...him. About Andy. How he treated me…Followed me. They feel so real. They went away for a while but they come back from time to time. Sends me into full panic attacks. I have to walk around my apartment just to make sure hes not there. In that moment…all the fear…it comes back.” she says. “There were so many things I never told you about, Jake.”

You stopped her. “Y/N, you don’t have to talk about this..I get it-”

“No. No, I need to talk about it. To someone who understands… someone who gets it. He was horrible, terrifying. I felt trapped. The things he did and the way he acted sometimes…I was scared I wasn’t gonna get away from him, ever. I kept so many things he did a secret from you because…well… We saw how that went. The bruises on my arms were the least of how he hurt me. Mentally and physically. Parts of me are still healing.”

You were speechless. Struck silent by her confession. Your eyes were wide and your mouth hung open, unsure of what to say. “Y/N, I am so, so sorry...I…don’t know what to say. That son of a bitch was horrible. I’m so sorry you’re still dealing with this.” 

Danny was right. 

“I never thanked you, really, for what you did that night. For me. It truly got him away from me. You guys took me in and made me feel protected. I can’t thank you enough for that. I’m sorry it took me this long to say it.” She went on.

You turned to face her, “You don’t have to thank me. Or any of us. You’re family. That’s what family does for each other.” You assured her. 

“And, Y/N?” you ask.

“Yeah?” she breathed out.

“Just so you know, I’d do it a thousand times over.” you whispered.

She nodded. It was silent again as you soaked it all in. 

“Can you…not tell anyone about my nightmares? Sam doesn’t even know. It’s kind of…embarrassing.” she admitted. 

You held up your pinky for her to take with your own.  

“I pinky promise.” you breathed, but she didn’t let go. 

You held her pinky down by your sides as you studied the skies again. You bravely brushed your thumb over her palm a few times. Purely comforting her.

Just then, a giant shooting star jumped across the sky. It was almost green in color and had a tail miles long. 

“Whoa!” You both exclaimed. “That was crazy!” You both laughed at the experience. 

“Do you ever wish you could just…catch them?” She asked. 

“What?” You said. 

“The stars. Shooting stars. Do you ever wish you could just jump up there and catch them?” 

She was looking at the sky with so much wonder written on her face. The comfort you felt here with her, right now, was something you couldn’t explain. It was something you truly only dreamed of feeling again. The universe bringing the two of you back together again felt like the warm relief of a fire on an icy day. She felt like home, there was no denying it. 

You laid for a moment longer, pining over her words. Catching stars. For some overwhelmingly strong reason, you felt the need to store those words in the back of your mind for now. Filing them away until it made sense.

You noticed a shiver wrack through her body, the heat of the sunburn no longer warming her, in fact doing quite the opposite. You knew your time at the lake was over, and it was time to put this perfect day to rest.

“You ready to head home?” you asked. 

“We probably should, I think Sam is waiting for us to start the movie.” she replied. 

Oh, right. Sam.

You both sat up, and stepped down from the picnic table, making your way back over to the blankets and towels. One by one you each folded the damp towels and blankets. You pulled your shirt over your head, and placed your things back into your bag. She pulled her shorts over her legs and her shirt over her body. Such a simple act shouldn’t have you feeling this way. 

She gathered as many towels as she could hold, as you picked up the rest and you both walked in silence back to your car.  Placing the items in the trunk, you could hear Josh’s snores echoing through the cabin. You both giggled quietly as you made your way to the front of the car. She climbed into the front seat, and buckled her seatbelt. A sight you never thought you’d see. As you shut your door and turned on the car, the radio came to life, causing Josh’s snoring to stop, as you quickly pressed the button to turn it off completely. 

You heard him start back up again and you shook your head, laughing quietly as you backed out of the parking space. As you made your way down the dark roads, you sat quietly, just happy to be in her presence. 

You watched as another shiver left her body, the effects of the sunburn really starting to show. 

“Are you cold?” you asked, reaching to turn on the heat. As your fingers pressed the button they grazed her leg, soft as silk. You looked up at her, catching her eyes for only a second. “Sorry, I–” you stammered. “Do you want the seat warmer on?” you asked nervously. 

She nods and reaches for the button at the same time as you do, your hands colliding with one another. “I’m so sorry, I–” you mumble.

“Jake. It’s okay. I promise.” she says, gliding her fingers over the top of your hand, before setting them to rest in her lap.

“Okay, I’m sorry, I just didn’t want you to think I–” she stops you mid sentence.

“I know. You don’t have to explain. I know.” she offers.

“Do you?” you ask, wondering if her brain is as fuzzy as yours.

“Yeah, I think I do.” she offers. “And we don’t have to talk about it. We can just… be.” she breathes.

“I think I’d like that.” you reply. 

Half way through the drive you watched as her hands began to glide over her bare arms, attempting to create some heat on her skin. You tap your fingers on the steering wheel as it hits you. Oh, your flannel.

You pull the car over to the side of the road, slowly rolling to a stop. A look of concern crossing her face.  You put the car in park, and begin to lean over the center console, reaching into the backseat, feeling around for the broken-in threads. 

A look of panic spreads across her face as your face inches closer to hers as you lean further into the backseat. She thought you were gonna…

Bingo! You pull the shirt up to the front seat, returning to your seat, and gently offering it to her, hoping it would help combat her chills. 

As she takes it from your hands as she realizes what it is. You put the car in drive, and pull back onto the road. 

You watch out of the corner of your eye as she slides it on, hugging it to herself. Gorgeous.

“I can't believe you still have this old thing.” she giggles, playing with the cuff of the shirt. “This one was always my favorite.”

“I know…You should take it. Wear it. Always looked better on you anyways.” you offer.

“Jake, I can’t take this! It’s… it’s…” she struggles to find the words.

“Yours. Now, let’s make a plan on how we are going to get his drunk ass inside.” you laugh, hoping to change the subject, and hoping she would in fact keep the shirt. You weren’t lying, it did look better on her. It always did. Maybe that was even part of the reason you’d kept it all these years.

—

“Hey. Wake up. We’re home.” you say, shaking Josh’s shoulder. He barely opens his eyes.

“Get up or I am dragging you out.” you say, hoping the threat would work.

“Alright, alright…” he says, sitting up and running his hands over his face. “What time is it?” he asks.

You pull your phone from your pocket, “11:00.” you answer. 

“Shit, where's Sam?” he asks.

“Inside waiting for us to start the movie, now if you’re done with twenty questions, I am about ready for a rinse off and a shower beer.” you say, stepping back from the door.

He stumbles out, and you both make your way to the door, promising to unload the car tomorrow morning.

When you step inside you see Sam and Y/N sitting on the couch, talking, her legs spread across his lap. His hands are slowly sliding up and down over her skin, and you feel a lump form in your throat yet again. You watched as he whispered in her ear, a small smile played across her lips. Damn him. 

You walk straight to the kitchen, grab a beer from the fridge, and walk back out to the living room interrupting their private conversation, “I’m gonna go shower, and then we can start?” you ask.

“Sounds good, I think we are gonna do the same.” he answers. We? Did they do that? Did they do that… a lot?

You shook the thoughts from your head as you climbed the stairs, cracking the beer open. You shut the bathroom door behind you, and turned on the water to the shower, letting it warm up. You looked at yourself in the mirror, slightly pink, sunglasses affixed to the top of your head. You pull them from your hair, setting them on the counter, before slipping off your shirt and swim trunks, discarding them on the floor. 

You grab your beer and step into the shower, rinsing away the sunscreen and the lake, lathering your body with soap, and washing your hair quickly as you drink down the cold beer. 

You shut off the water, and toss the empty can in the small trash can. You wrap the towel around your waist as you exit the bathroom and make your way to your bedroom. Digging through your bag you pull out a pair of shorts and an old tshirt, slipping them on before running the towel through your hair. 

Just as you stepped out of the room to hang up your towel you saw her shutting the door to the bathroom.You felt a spark of jealousy in your chest at the thought of Sam having her all to himself in there. Instead you threw the towel over your door, and made your way down to the basement to make sure you got your favorite spot on the couch. At least you could have that. 

To your surprise as you reached the bottom of the stairs, you saw Sam sitting on the couch, legs crossed and typing on his phone. So he isn’t in there with her. Josh was there, passed out in the recliner, and you knew this time he wasn’t waking up until morning. You did, in fact, get your favorite spot on the couch, the part with the fold out recliner and you smiled to yourself at how familiar it felt to be in that spot surrounded by your brothers.

“What movie Sammy?” you asked.

“The best 4th of July movie there is! The Sandlot!” he answered, not looking up from his phone.

Strange. He is glued to that thing.

A few minutes later, the sound of light footsteps echoed above your head before growing louder and nearer. Turning your head to look towards the stairs you saw her, walking down the stairs, in a pair of Sam's sweats, his old cut up t-shirt, and your flannel. You could almost look past Sam’s clothes just because she was still in your flannel. She tossed you a soft smile, her hair hanging wet around her shoulders and her face pink from the sun. 

She took the spot next to Sam at the opposite end of the couch, just as you expected. 

Sam looked over to you, “You ready?” he asked, holding up the remote.

“Hit it.” you replied, and he pressed play. He jumped up to turn off the lights, before quickly returning to her side. 

You’ll admit, The Sandlot really was a good movie for the 4th, the giggles that would escape your chest couldn’t be stopped. Around half way through the movie you heard Sam whispering. You turned your head to look at him, as he instructed Y/N to scoot further over on the couch. She did, moving closer towards you, as Sam moved with her, stretching his legs out and lacing his fingers with hers. You swallowed back the lump in your throat. If she wanted you, she would be next to you right now.

You turned your attention back to the movie, noticing your eyes feeling heavy. You extended the recliner further, and placed your hands behind your head as the movie inched closer to its finish. Looking over to check on Sam you noticed he was gone. 

“Where did he go?” you asked, whispering so you didn’t wake up Josh.

She scooted over closer to you, “He said he was going to go smoke and he would be back. He asked if I wanted to come but we did earlier, so…” she answered.

You nodded your head, turning your attention back to the screen. Minutes passed, still no sign of Sam. It usually doesn’t take him this long.

As the movie ended, you watched the credits roll, and still no sign of him. 

“You gonna go to bed?” you asked her.

“No, I think I could probably do one more… I mean, if you want to. You don’t have to, I can totally just hang out down here.” she stammered.

You smiled, “I normally stay up pretty late. I think I can do one more.” 

After talking back and forth trying to select the next movie, you decide on Top Gun, trying to keep with the ‘America’ theme.

She keeps her spot next to you, as the movie starts. When an hour passes and there is still no sign of Sam, you shoot him a quick text but you’re left on read. So he is still awake…

You refocus on the movie, feeling your eyelids begin to grow heavy. As time passed it became a fight to keep them open. You aren’t sure when it happened but as you opened your eyes and looked over to Y/N, you noticed her eyes were shut, and her body relaxed into your side. Her head laying softly on your shoulder, and her feet next to yours on the recliner. Feeling perfectly content in this moment you let your own eyes shut once more, but this time taking in the smell of her lying next to you once again, just like you remembered.

---

Bzz. Bzz.

You forced your eyes open, the gentle vibration on your hip waking you. Your eyes scanned the dark room. The TV was off and Josh was gone. Sam was nowhere to be found. As your eyes adjusted you made the move to reach into your pocket only to be stopped by the feeling of the soft breaths on your neck. She’s still here. Completely curled up into your side, hand on your chest, nose nuzzled into your neck. But even more surprising was your left arm wrapped tightly around her waist, holding her in place. Even in your sleep you knew you needed her closer.

You pulled your phone from your pocket, the bright light illuminating the room. You looked down, seeing her lips slightly parted as her breath escaped, sending a wave of warmth over your body. She was stunning, even when she was sleeping.

The name on the screen is what snapped you from your moment of bliss. Sophia.

Suddenly you realized just how bad this looked. How wrong it was. You couldn’t do this. As badly as you wanted to stay right here, you knew you couldn't. You belonged to someone else. You’d get up. You’d go to your bedroom, right after you read this text.

Sliding the message across the screen it opened to a photo. Your brow furrowed as you looked at the picture and the text that came with it. 

Sophia

2:05 am: Will this hold you over until tomorrow? ;)

You clicked on the photo, and what you saw was not what you ever expected. Standing in her full-length mirror was Sophia, in a pair of American Flag bikini bottoms, no top, only her fingertips covering her nipple on one of her breasts, the other completely uncovered. A sinful look on her face.

She’s sending nudes? What does she mean tomorrow? I don’t leave until Monday?

You

2:06 am: Tomorrow? I told you I'd be back Monday?

Sophia 

2:08 am: Oh, I mean Monday. Love you, goodnight!

Feeling uneasy you started to wrack your brain. We never send each other photos like that… Why is she sending them now? She knew I would be back on Monday.

Just then you felt Y/N stir on your chest, her hand sliding over your stomach and around your waist, and god damn if it didn’t feel like heaven. She moved her legs further over, her feet tangling into yours as a sigh released from her chest. It was then in that moment that you knew you weren’t moving, and you definitely weren’t going up stairs. 

You’d lay here like this with her until the sun rose and set and rose again. You knew she probably had no idea what she was doing, maybe even thinking you were Sam. But right now, all that mattered to you was that she was here, with you, like this, and no one had to know. You would never tell. As you wrapped your arms tighter around her, you held her close and pressed a kiss to her hair, realizing the worst mistake you ever made was not coming home sooner. 

—

You were falling, hard and fast toward the water. The wind was blowing you all around, whipping you sideways and flipping you upside down. You reached for her, she had jumped with you, but as you looked over, she was gone. Was she still on the rock? Did she decide not to jump with you? You could still feel the tiny sparks on your hand from the feeling that was just there seconds ago. Her firm and steady grasp as you were about to jump together still lingering. The water was right below you, but you never seemed to hit it. You just kept falling. Faster, sideways, spinning… The waves were massive in the water below you, white crests and foam like the deep ocean during a storm. Not a calm and pristine lake you thought you were jumping into. 

Finally, you hit the water. You sank…and sank. Where was she? Could she save you? You were swimming, fighting with all your might, paddling and kicking upwards as hard as you could, but you just kept sinking. 

You woke in a cold sweat, panting and breathing hard as you realized you were dreaming. Your fuzzy sleep state faded away quickly when you felt the couch beside you, and didn’t find her there. She was gone. 

Shit. 

You sat up and wiped the sleep from your eyes. Scanning the room, finding yourself completely alone. It was still very early by the look of the light outside. 

Where did she go?

You stood up to stretch, feeling the effects of a small hangover on the way, but nothing too serious. Josh, on the other hand, would probably sleep half the day. 

Maybe she’s in the bathroom. Or went up to Sam’s room… Or the guest room.

You took the liberty of sneaking around your house to see if you heard or saw anything, but you didn’t.

She had vanished. 

You looked out the front door to find her car gone from the place it sat yesterday.

Fuck…did she…regret last night?

You felt guilt wash over you. You truly hoped she didn’t feel resentment to the position she woke up in this morning.

You grabbed your phone from your pocket, noticing the battery on 3%, and also remembering the racy text you got from Sophia at 2:00 this morning. 

What the hell was that all about?

You brought up the picture again, feeling strangely uneasy seeing her body in that way, displayed on your phone. She had never been the type of person to send you photos like that in the past, why now? 

You decided to shoot Y/N a text, just in case something was wrong. You couldn’t see why she would leave without saying anything to Sam, let alone the rest of the family. 

You

7:14 am: Hey, everything ok? 

Short and sweet. You wait a few seconds, and see that your message came back as read, but she didn’t respond. You swallowed harshly. Maybe she really does regret it. You threw your phone onto the couch, and ran your fingers through your hair. 

Had you messed everything up?

——

The rest of the day was spent with your family, cooking breakfast together and sitting and talking for hours. It was truly so refreshing to regroup with them, just like you used to. Sharing memories, plans, making meals and laughing too hard. But the whole day, the nagging thought at the back of your mind remained. Why did she leave so suddenly? Sam hadn’t talked with her, either. 

 Evening was drawing near, and you texted Danny to make plans for the drive back home the next morning, everyone riding together this time. When the plans were set you made your way up to your bedroom, to begin repacking your bag. You scanned the room looking for anything you might want to bring back with you, spotting the old notebook on the desk. You second guessed bringing it back, but for some reason you found yourself stashing it into your bag, zipping it away and wondering why you couldn’t leave it behind.

——

You pulled back into your driveway the next evening after dropping everyone at their homes, feeling relief to have finally made it home yourself. You unloaded your bags from the backseat, and made your way inside. You discarded your bag by the door, not caring enough to unpack. Your back and eyes hurt from driving all day, so you decided to grab a beer and head to your favorite place in your house, your study. 

You kicked off your shoes and padded to the fridge, grabbing a corona. You popped the top and headed into the comforting room, the setting sun beginning to shine golden rays onto the hardwood floors. You plopped down in your big comfy chair, taking a deep breath as you let your head rest on the back for a few seconds. 

You pulled out your phone, checking the screen in hopes of finding a text from Y/N, only to find your read message still sitting, with no response. Man, you really read this one wrong.  Your thoughts began racing again. How she felt against your body last night...it was the best and most peaceful you’d felt in a really long time. Her breath on your neck, her hand on your chest...she felt so good and so right. 

Everything before that at the lake, the conversations and secrets that you shared. Holding her hand again. Your brain was flying with thoughts. You thought about what Josh had said the day before, ‘I see you’re in your head again, don’t stay there too long.’” You’re sure it must be written all over your face. 

You decided to pick up your acoustic, your old faithful that has acted as a vessel for your thoughts for longer than you could remember. You walked over to the stand, only to find it empty. 

What the fuck?

You scanned the room looking to see if you’d laid it elsewhere. Nothing. You checked all around the house, in the bedroom, The guest bedroom, even checking the porch. It’s was nowhere to be found. 

You stood and retraced your thoughts, trying to remember the last time you played it. You always put it right back on the stand. No matter what. And it was gone. 

Breaking you from your thoughts, you felt your phone buzzing in your pocket. Finally a text from her?

No. Sophia. Calling. 

You picked up quickly. 

“Hello?” you answered.

“Hey baby, did you make it home?” she asked.

“Yeah I’m here. Just walked in the door a few minutes ago. How are you?”

“Good. I’m alright, just out running errands. I was gonna come over if that’s okay.” she asked.

You paused and looked around, not feeling like seeing her yet, but knowing that ignoring her all weekend probably left a sour taste in her mouth. 

“Uh, yeah that’s fine. I’ll be here.” you replied.

“Cool. See you in a few.” 

“See you.” you said, ending the call, and making the quick decision to swipe the conversation with Y/N, to delete it. 

A few minutes later, Sophia was coming through the door. 

“Babe! I’m here!” You heard her voice ring through the house. 

“I’m in here!” You responded as you continued to search. 

She walked into the room, smiling at the sight of you.  “Hey there,” she said as she took you in her arms. “You look sunburnt!”

You hugged her back and suddenly she felt like a stranger. 

“Yeah, we spent the entire day at the lake. I even wore sunscreen…” you said, memory flashing back to Y/N eyes meeting yours as she put sunscreen on your cheeks. 

“I’m glad you had a good time.” She said, pulling back from your embrace. 

“Me too. Hey, have you seen my acoustic anywhere? I always leave it right here in the stand, and it’s gone.” You asked her, brow furrowed.

“Which one?” She asked. 

“My old one… had the chipped frets and carvings all over the back. It’s always right here…” you say with a questioning tone.

“Oh! Yeah, I know exactly where it is.” She looked at you silently, not saying a word as she swayed back and forth on her heels. 

“…Okay, where is it?” You pressed, feeling slightly frantic. 

“I may have...taken it to the shop. For a few little repairs…” she said sheepishly with smirk on her lips.

You felt stunned, angry, and anxious all at once. 

“You did what?” You were peering at her through the sides of your eyes, making sure you heard her correctly. “What do you mean repairs?” you pressed.

“I dropped it off this morning. They’re going to fix it up a little bit for you, change the strings, sand it down…” she said. 

You cut her off. 

“SAND IT DOWN? What do you mean, sand it down?” You were seething. 

“It looked so ratty, and cheap. I’m having them refinish the back of the guitar for you. Make it look brand new. I thought you would be happy!” She said with a grin.

“HAPPY?! Sophia! That was my FIRST guitar! It’s perfect just the way it is!” you said rubbing your hand over your forehead. You were trying to reel in the anger bubbling in your chest. “Do you have any idea what that guitar means to me? It’s not ratty, its fucking sentimental! How could you do this?” You were shouting loudly at this point. 

“Jake, you’re overreacting! It’s fine! It’s still going to be the same guitar! Just prettier!” She defended her decision. 

“Prettier?” You felt like you were spitting venom toward her. How could she?! You remembered all the work you put in to each and every carving of the Little Dipper, all the hours spent learning chords, listening to yourself play the same runs over and over and over, trying to create your muscle memory as a little kid. It wasn’t just any old guitar. Not to you. 

“What repair shop?” You barked, pulling your phone out. 

“It’s okay, Jake..I wasn’t trying to-“

“WHAT guitar shop, Sophia? Tell me now!” you yelled, not able to even look at her.

She shrunk back. “The one on 7th Avenue.” She finally admitted.

You knew exactly the place and you knew the owner. Your fingers were shaking as you googled the phone number, clicking it as quickly as you could. You glared at her as the call began to ring out. “You better hope they haven’t touched it.” you seethed.

“Hello? Hey man, my name’s Jake...” you glanced toward Sophia as you walked through the front door, and onto your porch, leaving her inside. “My girlfriend dropped my acoustic off there this morning for repairs. Please tell me you haven’t started yet…” you begged.

The voice on the other end answered,  “Oh the Gibson with the carvings? Uh, yeah, all we’ve done is remove the old strings. Nothing else yet, should probably have it done in a day or two…” he said.

Thank god. You can restring it yourself later. 

“Perfect. Actually, please don’t do anything else to it. It was a mistake. I’m on my way to come get it right now.” you said, before thanking him and ending the call.

You walked back inside, sliding on your shoes, and grabbing your keys from the dish by the door. Sophia stood there staring at you as you rushed around hastily.

“You’re lucky all they did was remove the strings. I can’t believe you did that. Can’t believe you even thought it was a good idea…This was so out of line Sophia.” you said, shaking your head. 

“It’s just a stupid scratched up guitar Jake, you need to relax.” she said with spite.

“And you need to leave. I have to go.” you said, opening the door to let her out.

“Are you serious?” she says, shocked.

“Very.” you replied, raising your eyebrows at her, waiting for her to leave.

“You care more about that guitar than you do about me!” she yelled, grabbing her purse from the chair.

“At the moment, yeah. I do. This house, the things inside of it… the fancy dinners, the gifts, the weekend trips you love to take so much? None of that, I mean, NONE of it would be possible if it wasn’t for ‘that stupid guitar’.” you say, closing the door behind the two of you as she finally walked out.

You walked straight to your car, climbing back inside and attempting to shut the door, right as her hand stopped it.

“You’re seriously that mad, Jake?” she asked. 

Unbelievable.

“You know Sophia, if you really knew anything about me or paid attention to anything I said, you’d know that that guitar means more to me than just about anything in my life. It should be obvious. Everybody else knows it. Have you never picked up on that? Don’t you think there is a reason it’s displayed how it is?” you ask.

She rolled her eyes, removing herself from the opening, letting you close the door. You knew she wouldn’t have a response to that. With a scoff, you threw your car in reverse and headed towards the shop.

You knew right then that she didn’t value the same things you did, and she probably never would. Fundamentally you were different. You aren’t sure how you never saw it before. She would never understand how something like an ‘old scratched up guitar’ would be worth more to you than any sum of money. 

That guitar was a piece of you. An extension of yourself, adorned with carvings, each one special. Each one a memory. The thought of them being sanded away made your stomach churn. How could you erase history like that? 

You rubbed your hand nervously on your pants as you pulled into the parking lot of the shop. Ripping your keys from the ignition and sprinting inside. 

“Hey, I’m Jake, I called earlier about my Gibson.” you said.

“Oh, yeah, let me grab it.” he said disappearing to the back. You tapped your fingers anxiously on the counter, seeing him walk back out with it,  the old strings wrapped loosely around the headstock. The lump in your throat forming as you laid eyes on it.  

“Here ya go man, sorry about the mix up.” He said.

“No, it’s not your fault at all. How much do I owe you?” you asked, pulling out your wallet. 

“Ahh, we didn’t really do much ‘cept remove the strings and we didn’t even finish that.” he laughed. “You don’t owe me nothin’. I will say though, if you had waited one more hour it woulda been too late. Good thing you called when you did.” he says.

“Well, thank you. Glad to have her back. Tell Frank I stopped by.” you said, nodding your head towards him, and carrying the guitar out of the store. 

You propped it up in your front seat as you drove home, glancing over at it as you drove. 

You let your fingers brush over the marks carved so long ago, feeling close to her as they glided over each one. 

As you walked in the door of your house, you placed the beloved guitar back on the stand where it belonged, sitting down and thinking about what the man in the shop said. ‘An hour later and it would have been too late.’  Years of history gone in seconds. You wondered how the guitar would have looked, all polished, shiny and new. Would you still love it the same? Would you reach for it every time you had a new idea? 

You’d never been one to replace things once they’d been broken in, time adding to the character and making them all the more loveable. Stories and memories ingrained into the very threads of things as deep as they could go. 

Newness felt wrong to you, it always had. Shiny, unused, and pristine…where was the grit? Where was the heart?

Your house felt empty without its most prized possession, order restored as it sat in its stand now. Sure, the guitar was only an inanimate object, but it was so, so much more than that. It fit into your arms like it was made to be there. No other ever compared. Holding that guitar felt like holding Y/N. In a way, you were. Tiny pieces of her forever etched into the wood. Always with you even when she wasn’t. 

That guitar rang out in tones that sounded like how it felt to be loved by her. To be in love with her. Whole and perfect. The songs written about her sounded all the sweeter when strummed on those old strings. 

As you retrieved it from its stand and held it close, a sense of calm washed over you. The same calmness and homey feeling you felt as you held her close just the night before.

Plucking out the chords to the familiar old love song, you imagined it was her you were playing for. The love you harbored, radiating from your finger tips and onto the strings, and it showed with every note. 

One day you’d play her every song you ever wrote for her.

It was all for her. 

It always had been.

.

.

.

.

.

Part 9

Taglist:

@gretavansara@jordierama@starshine-wagner@gretavanfvckface@gretavanmoon@gvfjess @misshunnybeebee@fretaganvleet@gvfpal@joshkiszkas@ascendingtostardust @raviolilegs@sammysprincess@gvfpal@objectsinspvce@lallisonl@gvfpal@raviolilegs@jaketlover@ascendingtostardust @indigostreakmorgan @jakemarrymeibeg@fakeplastiqtree@radmads-gvf

[juststoriesintheend]

What would an au where Sol lives look like?

ohohohohoh boy howdy have i been thinking about this

i have a couple ideas, one for my horny brain that is in love with him and one that's more logical. since i've already kind of summarized my horny thoughts into a vague fic idea, i'll focus on a more logical string of thoughts

when vernestra finds him, he's barely clinging on to life (it's giving palpatine + vader parallels quite frankly)

they get him back on the ship, get him an oxygen mask, and eventually return to coruscant, but all the medical assistance in the world can't un-do the power of the force wrapped around your throat

his voice is permanently changed, much more hoarse and painful for him to talk. he has memory problems bc being deprived of oxygen for that long gave him brain damage

he stands trial for what he did on brendok 16 years ago. i feel like he might be able to be talked into taking the fall for every single death on khofar too, but if not then i could vernestra waving it away as "osha attacked him to save her own life & now he's delirious w/ grief and has lost his grip on reality"

maybe he's exiled? maybe he's sent to prison on coruscant? i think either way, he is no longer a jedi and he's going somewhere to rot for his crimes, and he goes willingly bc he feels like he deserves it

if he's aware that mae is with the jedi, he'd probably be torn between letting her be and being obsessed with reconnecting with her - to ease his conscience? to beg for death? he probably doesn't even know what he wants

all sol knows is that he made a mistake and he (and everyone he's ever loved) paid for it at osha's hand. he's plagued by flashbacks and nightmares. when he talks to other jedi or prisoners about a sith villain who threatens the republic, he's written off as a crazy old man

and maybe he is. osha choking him snapped his mind, it utterly broke him. if he had died there, it might have been enough to heal him, cleanse him of his sins. but surviving has only allowed his guilt to thrive. bc death would have been his penance

basically, he's still scapegoated and he probably loses his sanity over the years. i do not see anything happy or good for him in this scenario

which is why i don't like to think about it lol

alternatively, in some happier universe:

i like the idea of sol being able to escape. maybe vernestra thinks he's really dead bc he's quite literally on the cusp between life and death. and when she starts to drag him off for a sad, lonely jedi funeral, she realizes he's alive and mostly an amnesiac, so she decides to help him

she does what she can to help him heal in whatever short time she has and then she sends him off in an escape pod, gives him this second chance to go somewhere and live out the rest of his life in peace

the jedi he once was died on brendok, at his daughter's hand. now he can just be sol. no guilt or trauma to weigh him down. he can be a farmer. or a tradesman. a teacher. he can live

i think sol always wanted to be a father but couldn't bc of the way the order is structured/the jedi tenets, so maybe in this alternate life he can adopt some other orphan (amnesiacs sol and mae becoming found family for each other, anyone??)

maybe he meets someone his own age that he can love and become attached to in a better, slightly healthier way. someone he can wake up beside and dote upon. someone who makes him want to be the best person he can be

pls for the love of god, let this man have something happy for once in his life

[doubledyke]

What do you think would happen immediately after BPS? How would all the parents personaly react to their disappeared and returning children? The kids would really ever throw a party, or just have to fix all the wrecks and be grounded? And Edd and Eddy would even have a face-to-face good conversation about their adventure and what they learned?

I think Eddy would need a validation from Edd more than ever, and the fear they could have lost each other would let them even more attached.

i had detailed ass theories written out for each kid as to what lies they could tell their parents and what the likelihood was that they'd be believed, etc. and then i realized that it could all be solved with a simple phone call from one parent to another lmao. and lbr, the chances that someone's kid is gonna be gone all night and they're not gonna flip the fuck out are slim to none. outside of a couple exceptions of course. i felt like a moron so i didn't include it here. i guess i like to pick and choose when to adhere to cartoon logic 😂

anyway i do think the non-ed kids would get into trouble and be grounded for varying lengths of time. they might have just enough time to have a little kiki in the lane before heading home and getting dragged inside by the ear/bear hugged/further ignored.

one exception might be rolf, because i don't think it'd be entirely out of the norm for him to be gone all night on occasion. maybe he had an urban ranger camping trip that his nana forgot to tell his parents about, or had to chase down an escaped animal into the wee hours of the morning. he enters the house, clearly disheveled and sweating nervously, but probably gets nothing but a fine howdy do from everyone inside.

eddy would be grounded for a comically short period of time because he's a spoiled brat. a couple of days tops. it's really only an attempt by his parents to appease the angry mob. all the other parents know he's the little shit stirring ring leader and berate his guardians accordingly. regarding his absence, he tells them he and the boys rode out the storm in the van and that they were fine. he accepts his punishment because telling them what really happened means telling them he visited his brother and that WOULD get his ass in big trouble. legal stuff, you know. as far as any takeaway he might have... let's be real here, eddy's still the same ole eddy at this point. i don't think the full weight of what just happened has hit him quite yet. he's still reeling about being invited to kev's for jawbreakers and whatever else preteens who don't really like each other do for funsies. i do think that while he's spending aaaaaall that time alone (again, 2 days max), in between trying on outfits for that party at kevin's, the image of edd standing up to his brother does cross his mind. edd, the coward. edd the wimp, stood up to his tormentor. and got swiftly beaten into the ground for it. yet still ran over to make sure he was okay after ed essentially saved his life. ed the dolt. ed the idiot was the one to think of pulling out the pin (literally), and blasting his abuser with a face full of door. i think the guilt, shame and embarrassment would hit him hard, along with a lot of weird mushy stuff that he doesn't really know what to do with. so he doesn't do anything with it. not immediately anyway. but i've already talked about post bps eddy a bit so i'll leave it at that.

i've seen people say that edd's parents wouldn't even notice that he was gone overnight, because... so were they. and yall know i'm the #1 hater of edd's parents so of course i agree lol. if word gets back to them somehow though, i imagine them being very passive aggressive about it. shocking, i know. i feel like they'd go their usual route and punish him by not talking to him - as in not even leaving sticky notes around the house. except for one that says something along the lines of "dear eddward, you are not to leave the house today, as you are hereby grounded until further notice." along with a scroll of chores of course. but yeah they make him wait around and wonder when he'll be able to see his friends again. probably a good few weeks or so. i've always had the headcanon that eddy would be banned from edd's house and maybe this is when that happens as well. if word doesn't get back to them- which is more likely imo because they're so elusive that no one knows how to contact them - i think edd could likely have a bit of a meltdown over their indifference. not to mention the guilt he feels in either scenario. for starters, he feels like he simply must tell someone what he's just witnessed- especially as a future mandated reporter... nah i'm kidding but i do think he'd want to tell an adult what happened to his dearest friend. but he knows it would only compound eddy's grief. outside of that, there's the fact that he feels that he never received a comeuppance of his own. eddy got thrashed by his so-called "hero" in front of his peers, and if his previous punishments are any indication, ed is very likely enduring what can only be described as suburban confinement for the foreseeable future. he, on the other hand, has gotten away with a horrible deed, with more than a year's worth of horrible deeds without so much as a scowl from his parents. he has to fight tooth and nail to resist his compulsion to confess his wrong doing, directly this time. cuz the confessional he wrote at the beginning of this ordeal is still on his desk when he gets home. it's kind of like when people say "at least if you're angry, i know you care", but magnified 100x for his entire life. i think this is when the switch kinda flips for him and he has to come to terms with the fact that his parents are at best, extremely cold and aloof. and at worst, knowingly neglectful. either will be hard for him to accept of course, because he's got an image in his mind already of what "true" neglect looks like:

ed's going in the hole, man. it's the cliche where his parents fawn over sarah and are so thankful that she's okay and "you had us worried sick, missy". only to turn to their other child who was also missing for 24 hours and proceed with the finger wagging and reprimanding. i don't think sarah would rat him out though. in fact at this point she might even try to stick up for her now suddenly not so bad older brother. but to no avail. in fact, it makes his mom angrier - she must have hit her head if she's sticking up for her troublemaking brother. "you see, edward? your erratic behavior has finally landed your little sister in the hospital. hope it was worth it." as far as they're concerned, ed put sarah in grave danger by running away. he was a terrible influence, and for that he's gotta be made an example of... to himself? i'm gonna venture a guess here that dad'll be taking the stairs again. he also boards up the basement window. they take his tv, his tapes, his comics, and all his model making supplies. his mom wanted to take his gravy tub but dad insisted it was too much of a hassle. luckily for him though, they can't take that vivid imagination of his. he spends the next two weeks staring at the ceiling, coming up with a storyline for his own comic, which he starts working on as soon as his belongings are returned. it ends up being sooner than he anticipated. he was told it'd be a month, but his mom is sick of looking at the box of his crap in their bedroom closet, so he's off the hook early. lucky feller. next time he runs away though, he's making extra sure sarah doesn't follow.

obviously i think edd and eddy, really all three eds are going to be even closer than they were before their little excursion. but i think it takes time for eddy to mature enough to truly grasp how meaningful it all was. like he knows, but admitting it is corny af. edd is probably gonna be so preoccupied with deconstructing his relationship with his parents that he's a somewhat aloof for a period. there's also a rumbling within ed, especially after seeing sarah's attempt at defending him. i don't really know what conclusion he comes to except that if he wants even a chance at having a good relationship with his sister, he's gotta get the fuck out of there asap. i do think he'd start "running away" more often, possibly staying with eddward during his burgeoning rebellion, or from time to time, eddy. maybe even rolf. he might also sleep in the van when the weather allows. anything to be away from that hell hole. i wrote in my fic that he'd move out and live with may at age like, 17 i think? literally as soon as possible lol.

[prolix-yuy]

Well uh... boy howdy. I got kneeling reach around for the position... so I'm gonna have to go for Dieter <3

Ohhhhh baby, that boy does deserve a kneeling reach around (and oh so many other positions!). I'm taking a slight change from my normal F!Reader characters though, because I want to give our bi boy a little love in a different way this time around.

Pairing: Dieter Bravo x M!Reader

Position: Kneeling Reach-Around

Word Count: 1340

Warnings: Explicit, 18+ MINORS DNI, mlm dynamics, bi Dieter, implied fingering (m receiving), anal sex, handjob, unprotected sex (don't be a fool, wrap your tool), references to blowjobs, cumming inside, consensual degradation dirty talk (requested by Dieter), some feelings at the end because our sweet boy needs to be cared for.

Notes: Dieter is our resident filthy boy, but I can never write him without some feelings so here we go! And this time we're going to have fun with a male reader! I default to F!Readers a lot just from my own personal experiences, but I really enjoyed this prompt with this reader character. There is a short scene including degrading talk going on here (as part of safe sexytimes), so if that's not your thing here's a quick heads-up!

Your hands smooth over Dieter’s back, riding the ridges and lines of his muscles from the nape of his neck to the base of his spine. When your thumb teases just at the top of his crack he hisses into the pillow.

“Still want to do this, handsome?” you say, adding just the slightest edge to your touch with a scrape of nails. Dieter keens, veins popping on the backs of his hands as he fists the sheets. 

“Yes, please, want you inside me,” he groans, arching back against your cock. The slick slide of his well-lubed hole tugs at your restraint, fingers digging into his hips. 

“Good boy, asking so nicely,” you say, circling the base and teasing your head against his fluttering entrance. 

It was not the way you thought your night would go, but when Dieter’s involved all bets are off.

He’d strode up to you at a gala, emerald velvet suit glimmering like a jungle cat under the candlelight, and offered you a drink. Two in his hands, so clearly this was a plan from the get-go. He talked to you at length, gently urging you away from the crowd with subtle motions until you no longer had to half-shout to be heard. Drinks finished, and enjoying a cooler breeze on a private balcony, he looked you up and down with a smirk.

“Seen some of your work,” he said, allowing you to try and make polite thanks before continuing. “The early stuff. You had a much worse stage name then.”

Your blood ran hot, then cold, then blazing as you realized what Dieter Bravo had seen you act in. A handful of softcore porn art films that toed the line of decency. You had a secret sense of pride in them, especially the one where you played Pan to a number of nubile men and women. Some of those scenes were much less simulated than others.

“Hey, don’t go swallowing your tongue on me, I liked them,” Dieter said, sidling up to you close enough that his heat ate through your jacket. “Liked you in them especially.” One of his expansive hands slipped under your jacket to stroke your waist, making your eyes flutter briefly. Regaining your senses you snapped your head around to see who might be looking or photographing. Dieter turned your head back with two fingers, dark promise in his eyes.

“I liked how you took charge,” he purred, brushing his lips against yours before stealing a kiss. His mouth made you weak in the knees, letting him part your lips to lick sinfully in. 

The path to his place was blurred around the edges, flashes of him straddling your lap in the back of his town car, palming your aching cock, a desperate whine muffled in your jacket when you gave him a hickey just below his collar. By the time you were stumbling in his hotel room all you wanted was his skin under yours. Pressing him against the door you kissed him breathless, tearing off your jackets and shirts before tumbling into the king bed. 

“Knew you’d be fucking sublime,” Dieter gasped as you hovered over him, hungrier for another person than you’d been in ages. 

“What do you want?” you asked, the deep rasp foreign to your ears. Dieter breaks into a beatific smile, eyes hooded with desire.

“I want anything you’ll give me.”

What you want to give him now, after plunging your fingers into his tight hole to work him open, is your cock for as long and hard as he can take it. He certainly feels ready for just that, pressing back on your length just enough to begin stretching him open. 

“Nice and slow, I don’t want to hurt you,” you say, and Dieter scoffs into the pillow. Your first push knocks the sass out of him, shuddering and moaning as you give him inch after inch. He gasps when the thick ridge of your head fits snugly inside, holding still so patiently as your eyes roll back at his tight heat. He feels fucking amazing around you, muscles clenching as he tries his best to be good for you. He’ll be richly rewarded for that.

One last pump and your hips are flush with his pert ass, letting him adjust to your full weight inside him. Reaching up, you stroke his sweaty locks.

“Ready for me to fuck you, handsome?” you ask, and when he turns his head pride surges in your chest. He’s fucked out and you’ve barely begun. A simple nod urges you to set the pace.

A shallow pull back, then a firm thrust forward has Dieter babbling into the pillow, every new pulse into his ass pulling wanton moans and whines. He’s slick and wet clutching at you, making you bite your lip at each new slide.

“Please, tell me…tell me I’m…f-fucking filthy. Tell me I’m a little whore,” Dieter stutters, your balls tightening up as you grind into him. Leaning over his sweat-slicked back, you pull him to his knees to sit back on your lap. You tug his head back on your shoulder, holding him firmly there as you grip his throbbing cock. 

“That the way you like it? You like me telling you how you’re dripping on my dick? I can feel how desperate your ass is for me to pound it. Pretty little slut, prancing around that party waiting to suck my dick. Begging me to go home with you. You’d do anything to have me split you open.” You steadily pour filth into his ear as you fuck sharply up into him, relishing in the slap of skin on skin. Dieter’s nails bite into your thighs but the pinpricks of pain only sharpen your arousal, taking his earlobe between your teeth to press just short of breaking the skin. 

“Fuck, yes, please, I’m your slut, let you fuck me any way you like, please please please…” Dieter wails, your first twisting at the tip of his cock to put him right on edge. Your orgasm is breaths away, Dieter’s perfect ass sucking you in and urging your hips to slam him recklessly. 

“Perfect. Little. Whore. Cum for me, you gorgeous cockslut,” you snarl out, and like you’ve found the button to Dieter’s fantasies he cums with wracking shouts and shakes over your fist, tears leaking from the corners of his eyes. You follow quickly in the impossibly tighter grip of him, spilling hot spurts of cum deep inside. A primal being roars in your chest, pleased that you’ve marked him inside and out. 

You stay inside until his breathing evens out, hard grip turning smoother and softer through his hair and over his chest. He giggles dryly a few times when your fingertips trace a sensitive spot. Finally you steady his hips and slowly pull out, kissing the back of his shoulders as you ease him down. You use the edge of the bedsheet to wipe your cum dribbling down, parting Dieter’s cheeks to collect the last of it there. 

Dieter is silent now, lying on his stomach with his face buried in the pillow. It makes your heart clench, a worry you didn’t expect prevailing.

“That was fun. I had a good time,” you say.

“Yeah, me too,” Dieter mumbles, tugging the comforter around him in a messy jumble. Over his shoulder you think you see deep red on his cheeks, and it strengthens your resolve.

“Can I stay for a while?” you ask, already sliding in beside Dieter. He’s stiff at first, then eases when you pull him back into your chest. 

“Sure, yeah, that would be…nice,” he says, lacing your fingers together as you press a kiss to the back of his head. 

“You don’t do this much?” you ask quietly when your eyelids start to droop. Dieter hums for a moment.

“Not this part,” he finally answers, barely a whisper. You press your laced fingers to his heart.

“You can do this with me. Anytime.”

You hope he believes you.

END

LJ’s Bangathon 2023

[atiny-for-life]

Xikers Full Storyline Explained - BONUS 3: Namoo & the 'Bittersweet' Preview

Masterlist

HOUSE OF TRICKY : WATCH OUT

Prior to the release of Witch, an animated short titled 'Watch Out' was released which had the energy of a 1950's PSA from the US and gave us a huge amount of information regarding the type of world Xikers are living in:

In it, a voice asks if you're lost in life due to all these choices life has to offer because, boy howdy, does she have the perfect solution for you!

Namoo is a company which has figured out how to rid your life of all these pesky choices by scanning your DNA and determining which career path is best suited for you based on your skill set

That is right, their AI "Good Brother" is trained to scan your DNA to find the Coordinates (genes) which will lay out the Road to your perfect life

Simply follow the path chosen by your Coordinates and you'll lead the perfect life without worries or wandering

Now it's your turn! Check your Coordinates through the Coordinate Ball! A perfect life aligned with your Coordinates awaits you!

'Bittersweet' Preview

Following the release of the PSA, another video was released in line with its premise which shows us exactly how Xikers feel about Namoo and what they've done to the people of their world:

We open on the Namoo headquarters which we've already seen animated in the PSA and zoom in through one of the highest floors to see what's going on inside

Inside it's giving Doom 3 Delta Labs - metal walls, metal floor, metal doors, weak overheard neon lights

Once we exit through the door at the back, we get to the main section where the Coordinate Balls are manufactured and getting prepared for transport to their receivers

We focus on one Ball specifically with the label "Athletic Road" which follows another labeled "Artistic Road" before one carrying the words "Medical Road" heads toward us

The last one seems to have been meant for Minjae whom we now get to see surrounded by his members in a factory warehouse

He seems to know the Coordinate Ball is about to appear to him (perhaps there's a certain feeling to it) and raises his hand, leading everyone to look at him with great indifference

It's obvious already: they don't care for this system at all

Using his powers, given to him by TRICKY, he melts the Ball before it could even fully form, clearly not one to even give a passing thought to whatever life this company wants him to lead

Following this opening, the song begins to play and we get to see flashes of everyone's faces before they begin their performance (it's such a sick af song, by the way, lowkey my favorite on the album - I love the Halloween-y vibes)

From here, we keep getting glimpses of the members in scary situations where they're clearly being threatened or scared by their environment which falls in line with the type of content they released prior to the album's release (think TRICKY HOUSE episode 49 and 50)

Throughout these sequences, we also get to see Sumin as he's being chased what might be a government drone of some kind, given how it's filming and scanning him before it begins chasing him

They truly are following in their older brothers' footsteps by rebelling against an oppressive government - I love a message of rebellion in these shitty times of corporate greed and exploitation - it's time to unionize and vote, my friends

There's also a really cool moment in the choreo where we get to see Yechan activate his powers momentarily which are giving Tokyo Ghoul as spikes shoot from his back before they crumble and fall off

Following Yechan's rap verse, we switch to the melodic "You should better run, you should better run..." as we see news footage of birds flying overhead, followed by a crumbling building which may be indicative of the state their world is in - it's in disrepair, it's collapsing

Ending this section is Hyunwoo who's leaning onto Jinsik's shoulder in the red-lit freaky space Yechan was trapped in earlier where hands are pushing against the walls

This is showing us the past

Jinsik was following his laid out Road set for him by the Coordinate Ball which left him a mindless drone and Hyunwoo then pulled him out of it by telling him there is more to life (though what the lyrics say is "Oh, you might get trapped by playful whispers")

Interestingly, it's later the opposite in WITCH with Jinsik being the one to whisper to Hyunwoo, telling him "Guess what is coming?"

After this moment, we immediately see Jinsik gain an "X" in his eye before we cut to him smiling amidst the others, clearly having just joined their rebellion

We also get to see Hunter's powers which seem to be conjuring up smoke - very useful for their mission, I'd say, given how they'll have to operate undercover

Of course, we also get to see exactly what their current mission is:

First, Yujun steps forward so we can get a good look at their surroundings; they're standing surrounded by a bunch of Coordinate Balls, or rather large orbs made of the material which these Balls are made of

Once Yujun returns to their formation, Minjae steps up and makes use of the powers we've already seen him utilize earlier by annihilating all these orbs so they can't be used to oppress further people

We also get to see a flashback to the first orb Minjae ever broke: his own, while he was still trapped in a cage which makes me wonder if they were all trapped in separate facilities across the country

Because, as we saw in Rockstar, they were chosen by TRICKY from multiple locations, and presumably exactly because of actions like this: they were rebelling against the status quo and ready to cause chaos which TRICKY loves more than anything

So TRICKY picked them, brought them together, gave them powers to rebel and stir up trouble for their oppressors and, by doing all that, created one big real-life game for itself

My best guess is that they were all brought together during the Maze of Choice, the YouTube game released as part of the album's promotion; they were chosen by TRICKY, transported to the maze and had to find their way to its end

There, all the members met for the first time and were given their powers through the Dokkaebi which are controlled by TRICKY which we saw in Rockstar

We end the video after a sprint toward a set of doors which open at with a rattle and squeak at the very end, likely leading us to the next stage of TRICKY's game: back to the Maze it is

[tum-bakery]

Howdy howdy!! Sorry I haven't been active lately ^^|| been getting sucked into other fandom stuff off tumblurb. Hope you've been doing well and have had easy days!! To try and make up for my crimes of not being here to see your incredible arts, I leave tummy thoughts!

Someone catches a raccoon-esque character having tried to p much rob them of their food, only to see the character had mayhaps gotten too greedy and is just in a sort of mental food coma trying to remedy their stuffed belly. Funnier if the character awkwardly waves their hand like "heyyyy..." when caught.

A pregged char feeling the absolute weight of their later term belly as they're trying to cook something that'd require two hands, yet not being able to even complain or huff about it before their partner unknowingly comes up from behind to hold up their belly to be loving. Funnier if usually preg char doesn't like being bugged when cooking so this is usually a teasing sort of thing the partner does, which makes the partner surprised when they're not playfully swatted away and told to wait til food is done.

Big gruff dwarfen char having a partner that's known for being a tall species like an elf or smth- and either the tall partner is pregnant and the short partner tries to make gadgets to help them rest their belly on as support & loves to dote on them and the belly often, or short partner is the pregnant one and tall partner is rather awkward but excited around the other - kinda acts like they're worried they're too big and could hurt the baby but gets encouraged to have cuddling sessions with the belly to reassure them. Doesn't carry the short partner exactly bc they know it will earn a stink eye esp during hormonal feistiness, buuut does try to make things easier and help support the belly whenever and however they can.

Fantasy royalty figure that expects their new court jester to just mock their belly like others they've stopped hiring in the past did, but the mockery-based entertainment surprisingly doesn't and reaffirms that they actually really like their body and wouldn't dream of making fun of it. Royalty x jester shenanigans ensue as the royal char gets more confident with themself and the jester gets to be more hands on with their body love off work. Bonus points if the jester gets to gain a bit of happy weight too with their partner.

I'd go on but I fear this ask is already too long lmao sorry cjdnd

No need to apologize friend!!!! (I'VE BEAN MEANING TO POST THIS FOR MONTHS) It's good to see you in my inbox and BOY HOWDY DID YOU BRING ME GOODIES.

Long post ya'll lets strap in!!!

I LOVE the idea of some sort of Raccoon or better yet a Possum or even a Bear hybrid getting into some left overs and going HAM. The idea of them being a self admitted GARBAGE DISPOSAL, and being willing to pick up left overs or out of date foods to fill up on. What if they ended up pairing up with a convenience store worker, who at first just caught them rummaging but instead decided to... welcome them more to enjoy the out of date goods. The hybrid is unashamed but SO surprised to be welcomed in any way and are putting on a LOT of weight now that they have the means to-

Something always warms my heart about characters that aren't usually touchy or who don't like to be bugged getting some TLC and melting into it. I can imagine their partner cooing to them that what they're cooking smells so good, and really just leaning into the affection they usually aren't allowed to give.

OKAYACTUALLY THIS RIGHT HERE??? I love it SO MUCH. I really personally love the idea of a short, THICK, bearded dwarved lady having a total dainty beanpole of an elven boyfriend. I love the idea of either of them being pregnant, and the other being so doting and I'm... I'M ROTATING THEM IN MY BRAIN AUGHHHHHH. Not only that but I think the shorter one would carry it BETTER, because elven babies are less dense, whereas the elf carrying this HEAVY dwarven baby, built like a calf in the way that they can probably WALK fresh out the womb. Good thoughts good thoughts. Maybe mutual preg where they crave things the other likes, and both deal with the woes of their particular babies.

I've always dug on how Jesters also are somewhat ... political advisors, so the idea that this royal figure has actually always been stifled by having people always comment on their weight- its almost a relief when their new jester starts teasing other things. Because their BELLY is fine, and should not be the focus (unless... it's for praise perhaps hehe.) Or saying stuff along the lines of "my liege, your best work is not typically done on an empty stomach!"