#cheeky reminder six is here now !

[bits-and-babs]

✰ 𝐏𝐎𝐌𝐏 — 𝐒𝐈𝐌𝐎𝐍 ‘𝐆𝐇𝐎𝐒𝐓’ 𝐑𝐈𝐋𝐄𝐘

↳ summary: prompt: “If we weren’t in public right now, I’d have my head between your legs.” - Simon gets bored during a very special medal ceremony. Chest Candy isn't exactly what he's after when there's something much sweeter between your legs.

↳ pairing: Simon ‘Ghost’ Riley x f!Reader (Delta)

↳ [1k] content: 18+ MDNI. This is so self indulgent it’s ridiculous. Anti-Monarchy (sue me), cheeky Simon (my favourite kind), vague dirty talk, oral (f receiving) you see PART OF Simon’s face, vague allusion to p in v sex and cream pie. Inspired by this article I found.

ghost masterlist I| main masterlist |I join taglist

The Crimson red carpet stretches down the aisle to the medal platform, an uncomfortable reminder of the colour of the blood you had to spill to get here. A sea of uniformed SAS colleagues stands before you, making The King look distant from where he handed a medal to those worthy of the chest candy. The golden lighting is giving you a headache, and this ceremony feels as though it's taking forever. He's just a man-

"If we weren't in public right now, I'd have my head between your legs."

Simon's gruff voice so close to your ear has you jumping out of your skin, wide eyes gazing up at him through your lashes as you try to steady yourself from the shock. Was... Was he dirty talking you in the middle of the ceremonial halls of Buckingham Palace?

"Simon-"

"Never been one for pomp an' pageantry," he speaks over you, keeping his voice low as to avoid a very pointed look from Captain Price. Despite leaning down ever so slightly for his whispers to be heard, his eyes stare straight ahead, moving lips concealed by the worn fabric of his ski mask. 

"This isn't pomp, Simon. It's Buckingham Palace," you remind him pointedly, a little hiss of frustration bubbling in your throat. Ghost had the habit of choosing the worst times to pull this bullshit-

"Exactly my point, love." 

Admittedly, when you saw The Times article a few months ago, you threw up in your mouth. 'SAS get medals in secret palace ceremony'. While each of you had taken a vow to protect (what was then) Queen and Country, years on the field had twisted the priorities of each of the members of Team 141. You could ask any of them why they serve, and it certainly wasn't for this family. 

What you honestly hadn't expected, however, was the team's invitation. The invitation, written on a thick, grained card with an embossed royal seal, detailed the team's bravery in the Gulf of Mexico, redirecting the missile aimed towards inhabited land. Ghost had scoffed at the idea of going to Buckingham Palace, but Price had been adamant that all of 141 would be there. 

"You know, he's not even served a day in his life," Simon subtly nods towards the medals resting at The King's breast,"' Least Harry saw action."

Keeping your eyes aimed towards the ceremonial stage, you swallow back a grimace at Simon's truthful observation. Sure, he wasn't wrong, but it took everything in you not to dare Ghost to say it to the monarch's face. 

Because you're sure as shit that he would.

 "Whatd'ya say?" Simon whispers, his voice dropping a tad lower and dripping with eroticism, "There's an open door at your six, Delta. Make it worth your while." 

Before you even check over your shoulder to see if his observation is accurate, you're turning on your heel, whispering to the king's guard patrolling the open double doors that you need the toilet- that you are desperate. 

One of those admissions is true. 

                      ✰

"What took you so lo-ng?!" You gasp out as Ghost's tongue curls around your sensitive clit. 

"Recon, love," he muses, the rumble of his voice against your throbbing cunt making you throw your head back against the wall of the bathroom stall, "Couldn't just follow after you into the women's loos, could I?"

Squeezing your eyes shut, you whimper, pushing your fingers into Simon's buzzcut hair and shoving his face deeper into your cunt. His words had shot straight to your clit when he entered the bathroom, eyelids heavy and voice as rough as glass on gravel. 

"Eyes shut, panties down."

When his bare lips and nose pressed to your wet pussy lips, you could have cum right there, threats of a fierce orgasm roughly pushing up against the base of your spine. You wrap your thighs around his head now, wailing out his name as your eyes roll back. 

"Shhh," he mumbles against your soaked cunt, but it's so hard to take note of his warnings when they're drowned out by even louder sloppy, messy sucks of your sensitive flesh. He's swallowing your juices down, groans ricocheting off the bathroom walls. 

"Fuck, Princess," he's never used that name for you, and you know it's only because of the frankly ridiculous circumstances, but your cunt clenches around his tongue when he shoves it inside of you anyway, "Mhmm, so fuhgin' wet." 

He's slurring his words as he plunges his tongue deeper, but he won't shut up. A chorus of "good girl" s and "like that" s and "c'mon" s have you pushing your hips up into his face and grasping at the smooth walls of the bathroom stall. 

"Oh my God, Simon!" You sob weakly, tears welling in your eyes as he sinks his fingers into your throbbing cunt. He finds your G-spot instantly, far too acquainted with each curve and crevice of your body—too many reccy missions with his hands down your pants.

"Hah," he pulls back, breathless pants rumbling in his chest. The sound makes your back arch, chasing his lips again with your pelvis, "Gonna swear allegiance to me?"

His corny joke is almost lost on you; eyes rolling back into your skull as you grip at his short hair between your curled fingers. "L-Last I checked, yo-you were on your knees for m-me!"

It doesn't matter that you squeak out the last word of your ballsy sentence; it lands exactly as you intended it to. Simon stalls for a moment.

You don't mean to. You don't! But your eyes snap open at the sudden stalling of the blissful sensation. Simon's amber eyes gaze up at you from his position between your thighs. They frame his face, covering his ears. Your pubic bone smothers his lower visage, covering the bridge of his nose to his chin. 

Squeaking, you squeeze your eyes shut. Blonde. Simon's blonde, and a white scar runs down his left eyebrow and eyelid. 

"Naughty," you hear him smirk at your startled reaction, a breathy, exhaled chuckle fanning across your wet pussy lips, "Guess I'll have to fuck you so hard that you forget what you just saw." 

When you return to the ceremonial hall, the guards on the door keep their eyes uncomfortably fixed on the crimson carpet. You wish you could say that your shaking legs are from nerves when you step onto the ceremonial stage to receive your medal from The King. 

The smug gaze of the skull face in the crowd is a reminder of otherwise, his cum leaking into the fabric of your uniform as you bow for the monarch.

Authors Note: Congrats on your coronation, "King" Charles... Would be a shame if Diana made it rain on your big day. ;)

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[wileys-russo]

looks can be deceiving (2) II a.russo x reader

one more secretly soft biker gf (au) lessi based off this request here looks can be deceiving (2) II a.russo x reader

your eyes fluttered awake as you heard the blare of your alarm from your phone beside you, screen lighting up the dark bedroom as you sighed, hand reaching across to flick it off.

you tiredly rubbed your face and let out a deep sigh, knowing you needed to get up and ready for work soon being on the opening shift. ever so gently you moved alessia's arm from where it was draped over your torso, placing it gingerly across her own stomach.

though no sooner had you slightly shifted to move yourself did her arms return, wrapping around you even tighter than before. "lessi baby, i have work." you reminded quietly with a smile, turning around in her hold and running a hand affectionately through her messy mop of hair which lay sprawled across her pillow.

"don't go." was all the half asleep girl muttered, shuffling in closer to you and burying her face in your neck. "i have to go." you laughed softly, kissing her forehead as she whined tiredly.

"no you don't. you have to stay here with me, in this bed, forever." alessia demanded sleepily, lazily kissing your neck. you squirmed feeling her deeply exhale against your skin as her nose tucked into the column of your throat.

"i can't do forever but i can give you...six and a half more minutes?" you bargained glancing at the time on your phone, scratching at her scalp and feeling her wordlessly nod, hugging you even closer as you smiled.

this routine wasn't anything new to you. in fact alessia was the furthest thing from a morning person you'd ever known. the only time she ever got up before midday was if she had work at her dads shop and even then she was rarely ever seen there before ten.

"okay i have to get up now my love or i won't have time to shower." you warned softly, alessia groaning discontentedly but letting you go none the less. you sat up and swung yourself out of bed, sitting on the edge of the mattress for a second to properly wake yourself up given it was only quarter past four in the morning, your shift starting at five.

you stood with a stretch as a tattooed hand snuck out from the covers, lazily smacking your bum as bright blue eyes peered out from the covers with a tired but cheeky smile. you shook your head as the girl rolled back over, hugging her pillow instead and you made your way to the bathroom.

"hey." you poked and prodded at the human sized lump beneath the duvet a half hour later as you finished tying your hair up, about to leave. "i'm leaving baby." you announced, moving to sit on top of alessia over the covers, tugging the blanket down to reveal her face.

"have a nice day gorgeous." the girl mumbled, eyes still closed as you ducked down to pepper her face with kisses before getting up off of her. "you should come get a coffee later." you added on hopefully, working part time as a barista while you studied environmental law.

"i have to go to the shop later to get a package for luca, maybe i will." alessia exhaled, pulling herself into a sitting position as she squinted up at you, eyes puffy from being half asleep, long mane of bed hair disheveled and pushed to one side of her head.

"you're so cute less honestly." you swooned at the sight, bending down and kissing her lips softly, pulling away before she could take it any further.

"shut up or get back in this bed with me." alessia warned tiredly, body flopping backwards into the pillows as her arms covered her face again, one tattooed leg poking out from the covers as she stretched with a groan followed by a deep sigh.

with a shake of your head you smoothed her hair out of her face, tenderly kissing her warm forehead and swatting away her hands which tugged at your top, mumbling a final goodbye against her lips before grabbing your bag and leaving her apartment.

~

"i guess that one's for you." you glanced up at your coworkers quiet chuckle, spotting your girlfriend hovering by the counter, fiddling with one of her bracelets, a bored expression on her face.

"hi baby." you greeted with a warm smile, handing the takeaway cappacino to the woman waiting on the other side of the machine and standing by the register. "usual?" you asked as the older girl nodded, glaring at you as you quickly tapped your own phone on the awaiting eftpos to pay.

"just say thank you and smile." you teased with a wink, moving back to the espresso machine as alessia rolled her eyes but mumbled a thank you, shoving her hands into the pockets of her favorite leather jacket which adorned her shoulders.

"you finish in an hour yeah?" your girlfriend asked as you began to make her drink, humming in confirmation. "is it okay if i wait around? i can walk you home." she offered sweetly as you sent her an amused smile.

"so you can walk me to your home?" you grinned as alessia rolled her eyes again but a smile tugged at her lips as she accepted the iced coffee you slid her way.

"shut up. you look cute in your little apron." she complimented, slipping a straw into her drink and wandering away to a table out front, pulling out a book you'd not noticed she had tucked under her arm, propping her legs up and getting comfortable.

alessia was so caught up in her book she hadn't realised the time, jumping a little in surprise as you tapped her on the shoulder, apron folded up in your hand and bag slung over your shoulder having finally finished.

"hated it then?" you nodded to her empty coffee cup with a grin as she marked her place and snapped her book closed, tucking it back under her arm. "had better." she shrugged with a blank stare as you looked at her with offence.

"i'm joking, it was perfect as usual." she quickly stood to pull you into a hug, your girlfriend not ever being one for much pda as the two of you made your way out of the cafe, you calling out goodbye to your coworkers over your shoulder as alessia held the door for you.

"your apartments this way?" you frowned as alessia started off the opposite direction, nodding for you to follow her. "i have to grab a few things first." she pointed to the market across the road as the two of you fell into step, you talking her ear off about your shift as alessia listened with an occasional hum to show she was following along, hands still shoved deep into her pockets.

"do you need milk and eggs?" you questioned as the two of you wandered through the market, your girlfriend nodding as her eyes scanned the deli for what she wanted, you scurrying off to grab them.

with alessia being as organised as she was and knowing exactly what she needed it didn't take the two of you long before you were at the checkout. "don't you know her?" you nudged your girlfriend nodding to a random person across the store, utilising the brief few seconds of her looking away to again tap your phone and pay for the groceries.

"oh you little shit." alessia realised she'd been played as she looked back and it was all paid for, you grabbing a bag of shopping with a happy grin. "-and a pack of marlboro reds please." you gave her a displeased look as your girlfriend paid for the pack of cigarettes, shoving them into her back pocket and grabbing the rest of the bags, gesturing for you to hand over your own.

"do that and i am not kissing you." you warned as the two of you began your walk back to her apartment and she nestled a cigarette between her lips. "sure you aren't." she smirked, adjusting the shopping bags which hung off her wrist and finding her lighter as you rolled your eyes and walked off without her.

though with her much longer legs she'd caught up to you in a second, wandering alongside you now a comfortable silence between you two.

"let me try then." you demanded holding your fingers out expectantly for the cigarette which hung between her lips as the girl exhaled a cloud of smoke into the air and firmly shook her head at your request.

"oh babe haven't you heard? apparently these are really bad for you."

~

"are you nearly ready for a break gorgeous?" you almost moaned in relief as your girlfriends large strong hands massaged your tense shoulders expertly, your head falling back and eyes closing with a hum. "yeah i think my brains done for tonight, i've been reading the same page for like ten minutes." you sighed, feeling her lips press against your forehead.

"then come cook with me amore, please." the older girl requested softly, eyes staring down at you from where you sat at her desk. with a nod you allowed her to pull you up and into the kitchen with her.

"pizza?" you perked up recognizing the ingredients she'd laid out, smile curling onto your lips. "you said yesterday you felt like it." alessia pressed herself against you, hands on your hips as her chin rested on your shoulder.

"i love you." you sighed happily, craning your head back to kiss her cheek a few times, grin widening as a small blush settled on them. "i love you." alessia kissed you sweetly before moving away.

"you could help you know baby." your girlfriend quirked an eyebrow in amusement as she kneaded out the pizza dough, your eyes too busy fixated on her tattooed arms rippling as she did so. "i cut up the toppings." you defended, sipping on the glass of red wine she'd poured you.

"i bought most of them already chopped! come here." alessia laughed loudly and you melted at the sound, if it was the last thing you ever heard you'd die a happy woman. with a playful roll of your eyes you slid off the counter, leaving your wine behind as your girlfriend gestured you to stand in front of her.

settling herself behind you the taller girl grabbed your hands, mumbling instructions as she showed you how to roll out and stretch the dough.

"and then what's the most important thing?" alessia asked, watching on proudly as you followed her instructions. "not over kneading it?" you guessed, leaning back into her more as she shook her head.

"no. flour!" you coughed as suddenly a handful of flour smacked into your cheek. "alessia!" you yelled, the taller girl doubled over laughing at the large hand print on your face. "no don't you-" alessia warned as you grabbed your own handful of flour and tossed it in her direction, white flecks raining down all over her.

"okay okay enough! it looks like its been fucking snowing in here." alessia ceased fire after a few more minutes of the two of you racing around tossing flour.

you both sized one another up, alessia with two hand prints on the front of her shirt across her chest, you with a few littering your backside. "you started that." you grinned before she pulled you into a searing kiss, hands gently cradling your face as she poured every ounce of love she held for you into her affections.

"i started it but you're cleaning it."

~

"lessi do you even remember what all of these are? there's that many." you asked softly, sat on the back of your girlfriends thighs as she laid down on the lounge. you'd tugged her shirt up and left it resting on her neck, lovingly tracing the intricate ink which splayed across her back.

"of course. it's not like i blacked out when they were done love i know what's on my body." her body vibrated with a chuckle beneath yours, empty plates and glasses sitting abandoned on the coffee table. "you're running out of room!" you teased, bending to press a tender kiss on the back of her shoulder blades.

"it's fine, once my bodies full i still have yours to draw all over." alessia turned her head to grin up at you. "actually baby. can i draw something on you?" alessia asked curiously as you hesitated momentarily.

"with a pen, not my gun." she clarified as you nodded with a small smile, shuffling back off of her and allowing her to sit up. "okay wait here and take your top off please." your girlfriend ordered gently, pecking your lips and hurrying off to grab what she needed.

"what album gorgeous?" your lover called out, rifling through her record collection. "surprise me." you responded with a smile, hearing her hum and mumble to herself as she thought through her selections.

suddenly the soft voice of frank sinatra began to evade the apartment as you smiled, knowing the older girl was a sucker for old music. "can't beat the classics." she returned with a wink as you nodded approvingly at her choice.

"okay lay down please pretty girl." you did as your girlfriend asked, adjusting the pillow beneath your head as you felt her carefully straddle your backside. "lessi your hands are freezing!" you winced at her cold touch.

"sorry tesoro what was that?" she teased, running her hands up and down your bare sides as you squirmed beneath her, reaching round to pinch her thigh as she bent down to kiss your cheek apologetically.

you settled feeling the gentle touch of the marker on your shoulder blade, turning your head to the side and closing your eyes. you weren't sure how long you lay there but between the gentle music floating around the apartment coupled with your girlfriends warm lips kissing your skin every now and then, comforted by feeling her weight sat on top of you, you began to doze off.

though you couldn't quite fully succumb to sleep as you felt alessia's weight leave you as she stood, kissing your neck and requesting you continue to lay there as her footsteps padded away. you closed your eyes again but cracked one open with a frown as you felt a bright flash.

"no!" you groaned, your girlfriend standing above you with her polaroid in hand and a grin on her face. "yes. now roll over." she instructed with a flick of her hand. "you didn't draw anything there? and i've not got anything on." you reminded as the older girl shrugged.

"and? it's only for me baby." she pouted with a slight smirk, wiggling her eyebrows suggestively as you flipped onto your back, covering your face with your hands as there was another flash. "really?" you peeked out from your hands feeling one of hers press possessively on your stomach, her rings cold against your skin as another flash sounded.

"okay. show me!" you tugged your top on and sat up, holding out your hand for the polaroids she took. "mmm no i think you can wait." alessia teased, holding the photos out of your reach. "give me them!" you sprang to your feet, hitting her and trying to grab the photos but she continued to hold them away from you.

"alessia if you drew something inappropriate on me i swear to-" you warned, cut off by your girlfriend smashing her lips to yours, the feverish kiss taking your breath away as her tongue swirled around your mouth and her teeth nipped teasingly at your bottom lip before she suddenly pulled away.

"here." she handed them over, moving to hug you from behind and rest her chin on your shoulder. "i'll take those, they're for my personal collection." she snatched the two of your bare chest from your fingers with a grin, slipping them into the waistband of her underwear.

"perv." you joked, bumping into her as you turned over the polaroid of your back, facial features softening as your eyes roamed the drawing of an intricate key down your spine.

"oh baby it's beautiful." you smiled, turning your head to smile up at the girl, frowning when she pushed you away and turned you around. "it's not just any key." she started, and you noticed she was holding something behind her back as she gestured for you to put your hands out.

your eyes widened as she placed a single golden key into your palm.

"move in with me?"

[helloalycia]

𝐌𝐘 𝐁𝐑𝐎𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐑'𝐒 𝐆𝐈𝐑𝐋𝐅𝐑𝐈𝐄𝐍𝐃 [𝐓𝐖𝐎] — 𝐉𝐀𝐂𝐊𝐈𝐄 𝐓𝐀𝐘𝐋𝐎𝐑

one / three / four / masterlist / wattpad

summary: after Jackie humiliates you at a school party, you realise that she'll only ever see you as a kid and nothing more.

warning/s: mentions of cheating and underage drinking.

author's note: here’s part 2! glad you’re all liking it, this one was fun to write haha 🥰

I was supposed to be getting over Jackie, but it was impossible. Even when I was reminded that she was Jeff's girlfriend, I still couldn't seem to move on.

One time after a Yellowjackets game, Jeff and I were going on the pitch to congratulate her for leading her team to victory, and then she was reminding him to pick her up later for the after party and that was my cue to leave, but she asked me if I wanted to come.

"Oh, erm...," I started to answer, not really sure if I even wanted to go, but the look Jeff was giving me over Jackie's shoulder was answer enough. "It's not really my scene."

Jackie tried not to laugh as she studied me curiously. "You're in a band but you don't like parties?"

I smiled awkwardly. "A paradox, I'm aware."

She chuckled, rolling her eyes playfully, before looking back to Jeff. "Guess it's just us."

"What a shame," he said sarcastically, before pulling her close, and they began to kiss and I tried not to throw up as I left them to it.

Six months of dating and I still wasn't used to it. I prayed and prayed I could be put off, trying to find a new girl to hyper-fixate on, at least long enough for me to get over Jackie, but it never seemed to work.

Another time, I was at home practicing with the band in the garage when I saw Jackie out front, getting out of Jeff's truck with him. I recalled my mum saying she was coming over today, but didn't really remember until now. It didn't matter anyway because I found myself subtly checking her out as she walked across the front pathway with him, listening intently to whatever he was saying. It couldn't have been very interesting – I loved my brother, but he could drone on sometimes – but she was eating it up anyway, smile tugging at her lips as she nodded along.

Today, she was wearing some denim shorts, a strappy top and a jacket, making me forget what anything and everything was as I followed her movement, possibly drooling a little. I couldn't help it! She was everything.

The feeling of something hitting the side of my head pulled me back into reality and I let out a yelp, looking in the direction it came from.

"Wipe your mouth and pay attention," Y/BF/N said with a teasing grin, and I realised she'd hit me with one of her drumsticks.

Aaron and Tommy stifled their laughter as I cleared my throat and embarrassingly picked up the drumstick. We continued to practice some songs we'd learnt, both original and more covers, preparing for a gig Tommy had scored us at some birthday party in the fancy side of town. It was going well for a while, and I almost forgot about the Jackie distraction, until she decided to stop by.

"Hey, Jackie," the others greeted her as she stopped before the open garage door, smiling at us all.

"Hey," she returned, before her eyes fell to me. "Y/N, hey. I could hear you all performing upstairs – you sound awesome!"

We all mumbled our thanks as she chuckled at our bashfulness.

"So, is it cheeky of me to ask if I can watch you practice?" she asked, tilting her head and fluttering her eyelashes convincingly.

It didn't matter whether you had a crush on Jackie Taylor or not, she simply had the power of compulsion, and none of us could deny her request. So, we performed a few songs for Jackie as she complimented each and every one, amazed by our massive improvement since she'd heard us perform that first time at the dance.

As Aaron and Tommy went to get some drinks from the kitchen for us, Jackie approached me with an impressed look.

"Every time I think you can't get cooler, you prove me wrong," she said jokingly. "And you have a pretty voice. You should sing more if you can."

I smiled awkwardly. "It's not that good. I prefer backing vocals. But thanks."

She laughed. "Humble too, love it. Well, you're nailing it on the keyboard and guitar."

"Yep, that's our Y/N for you," Y/BF/N butted in with a cheeky smile, wrapping an arm around my shoulder. "Super talented this one."

"That she is," Jackie agreed, looking at me knowingly.

"You're talented with your feet, but this one is talented with her fingers," Y/BF/N continued, and I knew what she was trying to say, but god, it came out so wrong.

As I tried to recover from her words, certain my cheeks were hotter than the sun, Jackie suppressed the urge to laugh and Y/BF/N stumbled over her next words.

"Not like that," she said quickly, "like with instruments, y'know? I mean– the keyboard and–"

I had never wanted to die so badly in my life.

"You saw her at soccer tryouts!" Y/BF/N settled with, only doing more to embarrass me as I remembered getting hit in the face. "It's why she didn't make the team."

At this, Jackie finally let out a laugh, covering her mouth to contain it when she saw my reaction.

"It's okay, clearly music was your calling," she assured me, resting a hand on my shoulder. "Like Y/BF/N said. Better with your hands than your feet."

Oh, God.

The two of them laughing had me wanting the earth to swallow me up there and then.

—

The down side of having a sibling so close in age was being invited to the same parties, which meant seeing him and his girlfriend there when you really didn't want to.

My friends and I were at some house party, word having spread through my grade and Jeff's, and even though we hadn't talked to each other about going, I still bumped into him and Jackie in the kitchen.

"Y/N?" Jackie spoke first, surprised to see me. "I thought parties weren't your thing."

I paused, trying to think up something intelligible. "Just trying something new," I finally spoke.

She smiled with confusion. "Right... take care, yeah? There's seniors here and alcohol and–"

"I'm a year younger than you," I reminded her, a little annoyed she was treating me like a child, especially in front of my friends. "I'll be fine."

She sighed, unconvinced. "Right. Of course."

After exchanging a look with Jeff that meant 'avoid me at all cost', we all went our separate ways. Despite our distance from one another though, I felt like Jackie was keeping an eye out on me most of the evening. It was growing annoying, making me feel like a child whose mum was watching her play. I knew she probably meant it from a place of kindness, but it was frustrating.

Aside from that, the party was fun and I was having a blast with my friends. It was inevitable that we had a little to drink, but nothing that would have us regretting anything in the morning. At one point, I needed some air, feeling a little warm in the house and a bit tipsier than I probably should have been.

"You look hot," a girl said behind me, making me turn around, not recognising her. She must have seen my expression, as she amended with a laugh, "I meant warm, like sweaty. But yeah, you're hot, too."

Her confidence had me taken aback and I blinked, trying to let her words register in my glazed thoughts.

"I'm Eve," she introduced, before sitting one of the deck chairs in the garden.

"Y/N," I felt the need to do the same, sitting beside her. "I don't think I've seen you at school before."

"Same here," she said with a relaxed smile, no doubt as tipsy as I was. "I think I'd remember a pretty face like yours."

Again, I was surprised at how confident she was, and I wasn't sure if it was the alcohol, but I wanted to give it a go myself. "You're pretty cute yourself, Eve."

She laughed. "Smooth."

I smiled with amusement, waving a hand. "I'm usually smoother, but you caught me on a bad day."

She snorted at my joke. "Sure I did."

We stayed chatting for a while, a little more flirtatiously than sober me could have ever managed, and I was very attracted to the dark haired girl who was the only thing on my mind right now. After about ten minutes, we somehow found ourselves leaning in, any chatter going out the window, and just when I thought I was about to get my first kiss off a really hot girl, someone interrupted.

"Don't you have somewhere better to be?"

I jumped apart from Eve with surprise, my eyes narrowing when I saw it was Jackie stood there, hands on her hips and fixing Eve with a glare.

"Jackie Taylor," Eve realised, looking to her with surprise that soon transformed into annoyance.

"Eve Perkins," Jackie said bitterly.

Now I was confused, standing up as Eve did. "Wait. How do you two know each other?"

Still glaring at Eve, Jackie answered, "Eve plays for the Lions soccer team."

I raised my brows with surprise. That explained why I'd never seen her at school before – she went to our rival school. Not that that mattered, but clearly it did to the captain of the Yellowjackets.

"Really? Making moves on sophomores?" Jackie asked Eve accusingly, and all it did was infantilise me and humiliate me.

"Jackie!" I scolded, to which she gave me a disapproving look.

"What? You're a kid, Y/N!" she told me in a manner that she definitely didn't have the right. "You shouldn't be here with her."

Eve, who clearly didn't sign up for any of this, rolled her eyes. "Whatever." She glanced at me before she left, adding, "See you around."

The alcohol was starting to make me nauseous, in addition to the utter humiliation I'd just suffered, and I instantly fixed Jackie with a glare.

"What the fuck, Jackie?!"

Dropping her arms by her side, she said, "What?"

"You had no right to do that!" I shouted at her, jabbing my finger in her shoulder. "You're only one year older than me, not my mum!"

Indifferent, she straightened up and held her stance. "I was just looking out for you, Y/N. You're–"

"No," I snapped, my head starting to hurt. "You're treating me like a fucking child."

Calmly, she said, "You're Jeff's little sister–"

"But not yours," I reminded her before rolling my eyes and storming off.

"Y/N, wait!" she called, but I ignored her as I headed back inside.

—

My first hangover wasn't one I wanted to remember, especially when I woke up with memories of every horrifying thing that occurred the night before. How the hell could Jackie do that to me in front of another girl? I couldn't believe she'd overstepped like that, treating me like a kid. I hated it. I hated that she only saw me as her boyfriend's little sister. Someone to look out for. Nothing more.

The Saturday after the party was spent with me wallowing in self pity and recuperating, but then the Sunday was even more annoying because Jackie was visiting Jeff. Just the sound of her voice frustrated me and I resorted to hiding in my room just to avoid her. Of course, she couldn't take the hint.

"Go away," I snapped at her when she let herself in my room when I didn't answer to her knocks. "Just because Jeff wants you here doesn't mean I do."

"Y/N, please, I'm so sorry," she said quickly, and I rolled my eyes, looking back to my notebook and pretending she wasn't here. "I was out of line."

Unable to stay quiet, I said, "Funny how you realise that now, huh? After you humiliated me?"

"It wasn't fair," she said guiltily.

I lowered my notebook, glaring at her. "I know it wasn't. But what could I expect from someone who only sees me as a kid?"

She rubbed the crease between her forehead as she sighed regretfully. "I didn't mean that."

I rolled my eyes and looked back to my notebook, ready to ignore her again, but she suddenly took a seat on my bed and took my notebook from my lap. Before I could protest, she gazed at me with her stupidly big convincing apologetic eyes.

"You're more mature than anyone in my grade," she told me truthfully. "It's nothing to do with age, the way I acted. I was just looking out for you because I care."

"Because of obligation," I corrected her bitterly, crossing my arms.

"No," she said with certainty. "Because I care. But... I shouldn't have reacted like that. Even if it was... Eve."

I considered her words, hating that she was already wearing me down. But she seemed sincere, and I never doubted it was from a place of kindness, though it was executed in the worst way possible. And to know she didn't view me as the kid I thought she did... it was reassuring.

"Why are you so bitter about Eve?" I asked, feeling like I'd missed something.

She pushed her hair out of her face as she struggled to find the words. "It's just a feud we've always had. She's captain of the Lions, the Yellowjackets' number one enemy. It's not your problem though."

I didn't know what to say, nor how to react, and she must've taken it the wrong way as she reluctantly glanced at me.

"If you like her, go for it," she said quietly. "I won't get involved again."

She sounded almost... disappointed. And now I felt stupid because it wasn't even about Eve, not really, and it was certainly not worth ruining my friendship – however circumstantial it was – with Jackie over.

"It was just flirting," I admitted, avoiding her eyes. "A kiss. Or almost kiss. I don't like her. I don't even know her. It was just a momentary thing... it's hard having someone be interested in me. Not everybody turns heads like you, Jackie."

Jackie pulled a face. "Are you crazy? Y/N, you're beautiful."

I rolled my eyes, not even sure why I was telling her this. "You're biased."

"No," she disagreed firmly. "You are."

Not in the mood to go back and forth about this, I said, "Look, it doesn't matter. Just... please stop treating me like this. It was humiliating."

"I promise," she said, resting a hand on my lap, palm facing upwards hopefully. "Do you forgive me?"

I glanced at her, seeing the puppy eyes she was giving me, probably without even realising. Yeah, she was always a head turner, and she'd never understand what it was like to be the opposite.

"Sure," I said, placing my hand in hers, eliciting a smile from her.

"Do you wanna join Jeff and I for a movie?" she asked, squeezing my hand before standing up.

"I'd rather gouge my eyes out."

She laughed, bringing a small smile to my lips. "Fair enough. Well... I'll see you later, Y/N."

"See you later."

—

16 years old.

Jeff and Jackie had been dating for a few years now, on and off and breaking up even more than usual lately, but I didn't doubt it any more than I usually did. That was where my first mistake laid.

He'd been out to a party with Jackie and Shauna, getting a ride with Shauna because his truck was getting a repair, and they'd pulled up outside the house about ten minutes ago. I couldn't care less, but my mum sent me outside to check what was up and also invite Shauna in for dinner, so that was why I headed out in the dark to knock on.

When I reached Shauna's truck, I lifted my hand to knock on the passenger door window, only to widen my eyes when I saw the impossible. Jeff and Shauna were kissing– no, that would be an understatement. They were full blown making out, her straddling him in the passenger's seat with their tongues down each other's throats.

They must have sensed my presence because they pulled apart with confusion before their eyes widened at the sight of me. Shocked, like I was the one who'd been caught, I lowered my hand and spun around to return to the house, but then I heard the door opening behind me and Jeff was calling after me.

"Y/N, just wait!" he shouted, before skidding to a halt before me. "It's not what you think."

I was still reeling from what I'd seen, glancing over my shoulder to see a mortified Shauna avoiding my eyes and driving away. Looking back to my brother, I saw the guilt in his eyes and knew it was exactly what I thought.

"You can't say anything," he pleaded, and that snapped me out of my silence.

"You're cheating," I said aloud, still in disbelief. "You're cheating on Jackie. With her best friend."

"It just happened," he tried to explain, but all I could think about was Jackie and how distraught she'd be if she found out.

"How long?" I asked him, as if it would make a difference.

He avoided my stare. "A few months."

"Are you fucking kidding me?!" I yelled, and he quickly covered my mouth to lower my volume, but I shoved him off me. "How could you do this to Jackie?!"

"I didn't mean for it to happen," he said quickly. "You have to believe me, Y/N."

My casually cool, slightly nerdy brother whom I'd looked up to my whole life was here, caught out for cheating on his girlfriend. I couldn't believe it.

"A few months," I repeated slowly. "You've been cheating on her for a few months."

She was gonna be hurt, but she deserved to know. He was my brother, but I couldn't just let her be in the dark. She deserved to know.

"You can't tell her," he said when he practically read my mind. And when I gave him a disgusted look, he grabbed my hands and continued, "No, Y/N, you can't. You–"

"Jeff, what the fuck?!" I shouted, pulling my hands from his. "I have to!"

"Think about her, about Jackie," he tried to make me see reason. "And Shauna. They're best friends. You tell her and you ruin that! Is that what you want?"

"You already did!" I yelled.

Panicking, he swallowed thickly. "Will you tell her?"

"She deserves to know," I muttered harshly. "You should've just ended it with her first. What the hell were you thinking?"

He didn't answer, and I was too ashamed of him to stand looking at him anymore, instead shoving past and heading back inside. I needed to tell Jackie, but he had a point. Her and Shauna were practically sisters – this would destroy her.

—

I was planning to tell her, I really was. She deserved to know the truth and I certainly wasn't condoning my idiot brother's actions, but wanting to tell her and actually telling her were two very different things.

Every time I thought about it, having the perfect opportunity at school to pull her aside or even when she visited the house during the week after I found out, my words got stuck in my throat and I choked. It wasn't an excuse, and I swore to myself I'd find her after school to tell her in private. But the worst thing happened.

She beat me to it.

It was lunchtime and I was grabbing some things from my locker, the hallway relatively empty as everybody was in the canteen, when I was suddenly pushed back into my locker. Surprised, I turned to see it was Jackie, stood before me with tears streaming down her face, her mascara a mess.

"You knew?!" she got straight to it, eyes searching mine.

Realisation crossed my expression, and before I could even answer, her eyes welled up even more.

"Fuck," she scoffed, hand on her hip as her other pushed her fringe from her eyes. "What a fool I've been. He said you knew and I thought maybe he was trying to upset me, but..."

Fucking Jeff and his big fucking mouth. Why wasn't I surprised he'd thrown me under the bus to make himself look better?

She turned to leave, but I tried to stop her desperately, awfully aware of how I probably looked like Jeff only a week earlier.

"Wait, please, Jackie," I said in a rushed tone, heart breaking when she looked to me with hurt. "I wanted to tell you–"

"Being an asshole must run in the family, huh?" she cut me off, before clenching her jaw. "And here I was thinking I could trust you."

"Jackie, you can, you–"

"You had your brother's back and I shouldn't have expected different," she sneered.

Guilt swallowed me whole as she turned to leave, her sniffling ricocheting off the empty halls and echoing into my ears like bullets. It was somewhat my fault for not going to her sooner, but I wasn't seeing reason as the only thing I could think of was my stupid brother and his big mouth.

I gritted my teeth as I searched the school for him, finding him hanging outside in the parking lot with some friends. As soon as I set my eyes on him, he seemed to notice and the colour drained from his face.

"What the fuck?!" I shouted at him, shoving him into his truck door.

"Woah, Y/N, just chill–"

"Fuck off, Randy!" I silenced his best friend.

"It's okay," Jeff assured his friends, who left us to our good old sibling dispute.

"You told her," I said between a glare. "You finally told her the truth."

"I did," he confirmed.

I shoved him again, making him clench his jaw slightly. "You told her I knew! Why the fuck did you do that?"

Wincing, he said, "I didn't mean to. It slipped out, Y/N. She was upset and talking about who knew and then said your name and I didn't mean to agree but–"

"But you did and now she fucking hates me," I finished for him bitterly. "She thinks I condone your stupid ass actions and that I only cared about protecting my brother."

Defensive, he straightened up. "Well, didn't you?"

I narrowed my eyes at him. "No, you idiot. I just didn't know how to tell her! Fuck."

He rubbed the back of his neck guiltily as I massaged the throbbing point on my forehead. As much as I hated Jeff right now, I knew it was partially my fault. If I'd just gone to her straight away, then she could have found out the truth when she deserved, and in a way less hurtful than she did.

"Y/N, I'm sorry," Jeff said with a sigh.

"Yeah, me too," I mumbled, before leaving him be.

It was up to me to fix this now. 

—

Jackie really hated me. No matter how hard I tried to get her attention or find a moment to speak with her, she'd completely avoid, glare at me or outright ignore me. I wasn't sure if anyone knew the reality behind her and Jeff's breakup, but her team were certainly suspicious when they saw the unusual distance between her and Shauna.

Only a week had passed, yet it was impossible to speak to her. The one time I believed I might have the opportunity was when I was going to the nurse's office during Music class because I needed to pick up a carpal tunnel wrist brace – turns out all that keyboard and guitar playing was taking its toll. It wasn't anything serious, but I definitely didn't expect to find Jackie in the nurse's office too, sat on the bed and holding some gauze to her forehead.

I had to do a double take when I spotted her, eyes widening immediately as I rushed to her side. "Oh my god, Jackie, what happened?"

She rolled her eyes, traces of tears on her cheeks. "None of your business. Just leave."

I took in the sight of her, noticing she was in her soccer uniform, probably practicing, but it was a little muddier than usual and her face had a little dirt on it. Did she fall?

"Jackie, please–"

"I said leave me alone!" she snapped, before wincing and readjusting so she could look away.

"Is there a problem in here?" the nurse returned to the room, as I was about to try again. She glanced between a teary-eyed Jackie and I, adding, "Can I help you, Miss Sadecki?"

For now, I accepted defeat and reluctantly stepped back from Jackie. "No, I... I mean, yeah. I was told I could get a wrist brace? My wrist has been hurting. Carpal tunnel."

"Over there," the nurse instructed, nodding to the opposite side of the room where some drawers were. "You should find one that fits."

I nodded sadly before going over there to look around. Meanwhile, I heard the nurse helping Jackie with her head, and then they began to talk and I may or may not have been slowing down my actions to listen in.

"Lucky for you, dear, it's just a scratch, but you banged your head pretty well," she was saying to Jackie. "Take these for the headache."

There was some movement as Jackie probably took her painkillers, and I glanced over briefly to see the nurse cleaning her cut and covering it.

"So, what happened to land this?" the nurse made conversation.

"Was playing soccer, just fell," Jackie mumbled uncharacteristically.

"That's unlike you, Miss Taylor," the nurse noticed.

Jackie exhaled deeply. "I've just been distracted lately, I guess."

I frowned to myself, not realising how all of this drama could be affecting Jackie's dynamic with the team, especially Shauna.

"You found what you're looking for yet, Miss Sadecki?" the nurse asked, startling me.

I grabbed the wrist brace and waved it in the air with an awkward smile. "Yes. Got it. Thanks."

She watched me over her glasses as I was forced to leave the room, but not before shooting Jackie an apologetic glance.

—

A week had passed with Jackie still avoiding me like the plague, and that was when I knew I couldn't let it go on any longer. The only way to get her attention was to show her that I genuinely didn't mean to hide the truth from her, to show her that I didn't condone Jeff's actions. And I had the perfect idea.

Once I was certain everyone at home was asleep one night, I snuck outside and used some permanent markers to graffiti the back of Jeff's truck. It was enough of an inconvenience to teach him a lesson and act as a little revenge for Jackie's sake, but not too much that it would cause world war 3. I was pretty chuffed with my idea to be completely honest, smiling at my handiwork.

The next morning, I knew Jeff would head straight into his truck without looking at the back, not far behind me, so I had no concerns in that area. Instead, I drove to school as usual, eyes scanning the parking lot for Jackie. As soon as I spotted her stood by her teammate Lottie's car, the two of them chatting, I headed straight over to her. Lottie saw me first, conversation ceasing, and then Jackie looked over and rolled her eyes.

"I'm not in the mood, Y/N," she said dismissively.

"I know, but just wait–"

"Take a hint," she said rudely, and Lottie dismissed herself, detecting the tension between us.

"You don't have to talk to me," I said quickly, before she decided to leave too, "but just wait and see. Please."

"Y/N–"

I turned around, quickly looking at the entrance of the parking lot to see if Jeff was here yet, and just on time, I saw his familiar truck driving in.

"Just look!" I told Jackie, holding her arm to stop her from leaving.

She furrowed her brows, curious and annoyed, and followed my gaze. The honking that followed his entrance was enough to hold her attention, and I held back a smile as everybody began to see what the commotion was. He drove past to find a parking spot quickly, and I caught sight of his red face in the driver's seat. Then the back of his truck was in full view, earning laughter from every student present, and I pursed my lips to hold my own in.

'HONK IF I HAVE A TINY WIENER' was written in thick black ink on the back of his truck, with a somewhat questionable doodle beside it. Some of my best work, I won't lie.

"You did that?" Jackie asked, and I looked at her with an apologetic smile.

"I did. I'm sorry, Jackie. I don't like what he did at all. I just want to talk to you."

Her expression softened, finally free of the hurt she'd harboured for me this past week, and I anticipated her response before Jeff suddenly appeared, worked up and embarrassed.

"Are you o–"

"Did you do this?!" he cut me off hysterically, looking to Jackie.

People were still honking their horns and it was very difficult for me to not burst into laughter.

"I didn't–" Jackie started, surprised, but I interrupted.

"Seriously, Jeff?" I said casually. "How would she have done that? Walk all the way across town to our house and do it in the night?"

He pressed his lips together, flustered, knowing I was right. And saying nothing more, he stormed off, steam practically coming from his ears. Only when he was out of hearing distance did Jackie finally let out a laugh.

"You didn't need to do that," she told me, though her expression said otherwise.

"I did," I said knowingly, holding her gaze.

She sighed, smile fading a little.

"I was going to tell you the truth, I swear," I said, using this as my opportunity to speak, but voice speeding up the more nervous I got. "I only knew for a week. I was planning to tell you as soon as I found out, but then he begged me not to and I was confused and I didn't want to hurt you and you found out and it was out of my control."

Frowning at the memory, she looked down at her shoes, lost in thought. The longer she stayed quiet, the worse I felt.

"Please, Jackie," I pleaded, "I'm so sorry."

"I believe you," she murmured, though still not meeting my gaze.

I wasn't optimistic – what if she wanted to leave it at that and never talk to me again? What if she couldn't hang around with me anymore because I reminded her of Jeff? What if–

She hugged me, silencing my doubts in an instant, and I sighed with relief as I wrapped my arms around her, squeezing her tight.

"I'm here for you," I promised her. "I hope you know that."

She nodded in my shoulder, not quite letting go just yet. "I know. Thank you."

[strangersteddierthings]

No Regrets - Part Two

TW: OC Character Death (dude doesn't even get a name). Steve reflects on killing both demo-creatures and humans with detachment. Mentions of Major Character Deaths but as a reminder, they don't stay dead! (Well, Chrissy and Fred do)

Part One🦇 Part Two🦇Part Three🦇Part Four🦇Part Five🦇Part Six

Maybe he should feel bad about watching Robin grow smaller in the rear-view mirror, her face a mixture of disbelief and anger. Maybe he should feel regret for his actions, for the betrayal Robin probably feels right now.

He doesn't.

Looking at the bigger picture, at the regrets he actually does have in the waking world, this is small potatoes. A non-issue. Robin will forgive him in the end.

War Zone is like a ghost town compared to the first time Steve was here. Though, that should have been expected. The panic hasn't swept through town yet. So far, it's just one dead girl. Fred'll join her sometime this afternoon. Evening? Sometime later today.

Nineteen-year-old Steve would hate himself for not trying to help. For not doing his best to save Fred.

But.

Well, Fred dying will help Dustin, in the long run. Will help Eddie. And that's more important. That's the goal. The dream, if he's allowing himself to be cheeky in his own mind.

Steve's not heartless, or anything like that. Robin, his Robin in the waking world, still calls him a softy and worries his kindness will get him killed on the daily. He always puts the safety of the group above himself. The first to volunteer on supply runs or for scouting or taking watch through the night. He knows he can run on empty for much longer than anyone else he knows.

The end of the world has a way of skewing what kindness and softness are, though. Those first few months were the hardest. Steve wanted to save everyone they came across. Help as many people as possible, but rations run dangerously low that way. Clean water can become contaminated quickly by ignorant people. Not everyone handled the apocalypse with grace.

The first harsh lesson Steve had learned was two months into the end of the world. They'd ventured to Indy to find supplies. Medicines. Try and stock up on things they didn't need yet but wanted around for the just in case of it all. They'd found some survivors, which wasn't surprising in itself. The surprising bit was that these guys had made it on complete luck it seemed. They were loud. Jumpy. Panicky.

When Lucas and Mike, on scout duty, had reported back demogorgon activities nearby, one guy started to panic. Got loud and couldn't bring himself back down. Steve was closest, tried to shush him but he wouldn't be quiet.

"Move," Murray (may he rest in peace) whispered, seeming to have appeared from nowhere, shoving Steve away, nudging him out of the way. Murray stepped behind the guy, one hand covering his nose and mouth, the other arm around his neck. It made the guy panic more, fighting Murray and then Murray just-

Steve remembers he flinched at the noise, turning away to cover his mouth and calm his own panic. The noises stopped though. Steve had shot a horrified look to Hopper, but Hopper wasn't looking at Steve. He was looking beyond, at Murray and what he'd done, nodding his approval.

The demogorgons didn't find them that day.

"You can't help everyone, Steve," Murray said, once they'd started the trek back to Hawkins. "The safety of the group comes first, over just one person."

Lesson heard. Lesson learned. Lesson put to use four months later.

So. Fred must die, for the good of the group. Patrick, too, if Steve can't get to Vecna in time. He should be able to. Vecna will try and take Max first, tomorrow. Patrick the day after. If everything stays the same.

The clerk doesn't even blink at what Steve buys, or the quantity of what he buys, but his eyebrows do go up a little at the total.

Steve hesitates just a bit over the checkbook his parents gave him the first time they'd left him home alone at fourteen. For emergencies only, Steven. It's been sitting in his glove box, unused, since he turned sixteen. He's never wanted to have to explain what he'd used it for. Nothing had ever seemed like enough of an emergency to warrant explaining it to Richard Harrington.

He does find it a little odd that his mind is conjuring up the concept of money. Of all the little things to think about while he sleeps, he really didn't think his subconscious would bring capitalism back.

Steve rips the little check out of the booklet and hands it over. The clerk looks it over before giving a nod and finishing the cash out. Steve takes the receipt when it's offered, shoving it into the checkbook before shoving that into his back pocket.

The parking lot has one other person in it, who Steve is aware of the entire time he's loading the trunk of his car with gallons of lighter fluid, weapons, and padded camouflage. It's only after Steve's slammed the trunk closed and shoved the cart back towards the front of the store that the guy watching him speaks.

"Must be some bonfire you're planning."

Steve rounds his car and opens the door before answering. "It's spring break, man." He slides in, the door falling closed after him. He buckles up, starts the car, and heads home. The house will be empty, he knows.

He works in silence, unloading the car and organizing his haul in the dining room, eyes flicking to the clock. There's still a couple of hours before dark. Before he should go check if Eddie's still in the boathouse, or if the police did go find him.

He sets the timer on the stove for an hour and flops onto his couch and sighs. Just as comfy as he remembers. He can have a nap before making sure Eddie's in jail. Surely his dream will allow him that?

-

"Mmhm," Steve mumbles as his neck protests movement. He's slow to wake. His head feels like white noise. He thinks he was dreaming but he can't quite grasp at what it was... oh. Family Video and War Zone. Reliving a memory. He wonders if Robin is still mad at him for that day, ditching her with Dustin and Max. It'd been for a good reason and- Steve wrinkles his nose as he sits up, head still static-y. Was it for a good reason? He can't remember what else happened after that....

"He rises," Robin whispers next to him, spooking him. She comes into focus as he sits up straight, leaning out of her space to look at her. She gives him a smile, judging by the crinkle around her eyes and her cheeks rounding. The gas mask prevents him seeing her real smile and he misses it. He thinks about his dream, and getting to see all of Robin's face again.

Dreaming is bittersweet.

"I miss anything?" He asks, because it's a safe question.

"Scouts radioed. The way should be clear in another," Robin grabs his wrist and twists so she can see the time on his watch, "another twenty minutes or so."

The mention of the radio makes him think of Dustin, and how much he misses him. And thinking of Dustin makes him think of Eddie. Steve knows it's irrational for him to miss someone he never knew but that doesn't stop the ache. The almost of it all sits heavy in his chest.

"Right," Steve says. "Want to see how many rounds of Rock, Paper, Scissors we can get through in twenty minutes?"

Robin shuffles sideways to be facing him and holds her hands up. "You always lose but okay."

They get about twelve rounds into it before Steve finds himself asking, "Hey Robbie. Do you remember Spring Break?"

Her hands freeze in the air, an aborted motion to make paper to beat Steve's rock. She locks eyes with him for a moment and he can see the worry there. "I- Steve. Is it- did you take a hit? Is it your head? Should I not have let you nap?"

No. No, he doesn't think he got hurt on this run. Well, his shoulder hurts from when he stumbled and slammed into wall during the last loading of the truck, but he hadn't hit his head. He thinks. "I don't know... I hit the wall hard, shoulder hurts, but I didn't hit my head. I don't remember hitting my head."

Robin stands immediately and begins jabbing her fingers around his skull. "Anything tender?"

"Nope. Just a messed up hairdo," Steve swats her hands away.

"Well, you can never be too sure. You are precious cargo. Why did you ask about the start of the apocalypse?"

Steve shrugs. What can he say? That he's forgetting the start of all their horrors? He can't say that, not without coming across like he's either crazy or bragging. Remember the week that ruined our lives and gave us all enough trauma to fill an ocean? Yeah, well, I don't so ha!

He can't be sure but he thinks Robin frowns beneath her mask. "We'll have to have someone look you over when we get back. Steve, if you're losing your memories..."

"I'm not losing memories," Steve lies. Head trauma is serious and he knows he can't take one more hit to the head. He won't be able to continue helping with supply runs or patrols if he is getting worse. If he starts getting migraines, they'll reassign him for sure. Something that doesn't let him leave the safety of their home base at the high school.

"Steve," she warns. He knows it's a warning.

He shakes his head. "I just. I had a dream about Saturday. Very vivid. Just made me think about it, is all."

Robin softens, sinking back down to sit beside him. She finally answers, "yeah. I remember Spring Break."

"I miss everyone," he confesses, because it's true. Because it's safe.

"Me too," Robin says, leaning her mask against his.

They wait in silence until the scouts call the all clear and they can head back home.

They make it back to Hawkins before night falls but just barely. The gates get rolled shut behind them and the unpacking gets started. The whole community has gathered for their return. This is their longest run to date with how far they had to go this time and Steve doesn't blame anyone for needing to see their loved ones as soon as possible.

"Robin!"

Steve turns just in time to watch Vickie launch herself at Robin. Robin must have seen her running, though, because she's already braced for impact and catches Vickie easily, arms grabbing at Vickie's thighs to support her weight as she wraps them around Robin's waist. Vickie places her forehead to Robin's as their excitement switches to tenderness and Steve averts his eyes to give them privacy in this moment.

"Steve, here," Ted Wheeler offers up a box to Steve, who takes it without question. "For the Daycare."

"You got it."

The Daycare is actually a wing of the school that used to be where the language arts classes were held. Daycare doesn't quite sum up what they use the area for, but calling it the Orphanage was too dark. Steve waits through the decontamination process. Once through, he takes the time to pull his mask off and enjoy the feeling of an artificial breeze on his face before heading to the Daycare.

"Please tell me there's something useful in that box," Annie Click says when Steve pushes his way into one of the rooms they use for school. Another room is dedicated to being a daycare, kids too little for learning, another is schooling for kids who would be in middle school, and the last room is lines with beds.

"Sorry, Mrs. Click, but I didn't pack it," Steve says apologetically.

"My problem to sort out then," she stands and Steve can see the determination in her through the weariness. She'd been a bitter old lady as his teacher but the world ending must have shifted her priorities. There's no one better suited to look after the kids than her, here.

Except maybe Joyce, but she's got bigger things to deal with.

He heads for the door when Annie calls out to him, "Since you're here, would you mind checking on the kids for me? Holly's supervising bedtime but she's lenient with her friends."

"Will do."

He heads across the hall and down a door to the sleeping room. The lights are dimmed and peeking in he sees a lot of kids sleeping, or pretending their best to be. Holly is sitting in a rolling chair near the door, one leg bend and pulled up on the seat as she rests her head on it.

Steve clears his throat to get her attention. She must have heard his footsteps because she doesn't spook. Just uses the foot on the ground to spin the chair to face the door. "Oh. Hi Steve."

"All good here?" He whispers.

"Yeah. Everyone's asleep."

"You can probably head home now. Your dad's back."

Holly shrugs one shoulder at him, spinning the chair back away. "Maybe later."

Steve takes the hint and backs away. His chest aches for Holly. All the kids had to grow up fast, given the state of the world, but Holly's hurts him most. He knew her in the Before, and she was there when Karen... Well, she's got a lot of weight on her shoulders at barely eleven years old.

To think. If they'd have been faster on that Spring Break. More diligent, thorough. Holly might have never known about the Upside Down at all.

More regret he can carry, he thinks, as he shoves his mask back on and heads back to the truck. There's more to be unloaded, and always work around to keep him so busy he doesn't have to think of the regrets.

He works so late into the night that once he gets back to his cot and collapses into it, there are no thoughts let in his mind as sleep claims him.

-

@i-less-than-three-you @nburkhardt @afewproblems @skepsiss @music9009 @apomaro-mellow @soaringornithopter @reighnofdreams @eddie-munsons-lunchbox @sirsnacksalot @livelifeliketheresnotomorow @sageclipse @schnukiputz @mbloggotdeletedsothisismybackup @lumoschildextra @juleswashere3 @yet-still-more-banched @cinnamon-mushroomabomination @yearningagain @starlight-archer @andrew-mini-ard @chaosgremlinmunson @aol19 @goodolefashionedloverboi @gutterflower77 @moomkin77

[bellysoupset]

"Figured where do I know your face from," Vince said, sitting in front of Max in the teacher's lounge. Mr. Daniels was pushing the food around on his plate.

"Yeah?" he asked, uninterested, "where's that?"

"You broke my arm when I was 10," Vince glared at the other man, who let out a little snort, still staring at his plate. When Vince didn't chuckle too, he frowned and looked up.

"Wait, you're serious?"

"Yeah," Vince sat before him, eyebrows raised, "you're the big kid in the playground who bullied me when I moved here."

Max let out a groan, letting his fork fall back down on the plate, "aw man, I'm sorry. Middle schooler me was a shithead," he grimaced, "I don't remember breaking anyone's arm, though, I'm really really sorry."

Vince rolled his eyes, unimpressed, "well, but you did..." he frowned then, noticing Max waxy pallor, "what's wrong with you?"

"Generally? Right now?" the other man shrugged, quirking an eyebrow and causing Vince to let out an annoyed sigh.

"We've established you're a shithead generally, so I meant specifically at this moment," he clarified and Max let out a chuckle at that, scratching at his cheek.

"I think it's just a hangover," he shrugged.

Vince raised his eyebrows, on a Tuesday? Damn whoever said teachers didn't have fun.

"Shithead indeed," he sighed, getting up once more, "don't hold my kids back today."

"Sure, sure, I never do," Mr. Daniels waved him off and Vince wrinkled his nose with annoyance, before walking out of the teacher's lounge.

Most teachers ate in the lounge, but it wasn't a requirement, so Vince went to the parking lot and found a nice bench in the shadow, unwrapping his lunch and scrolling through his social media. It was a nice break after a morning packed with kids, to be reminded the adult world still existed out there.

Luke had already flooded his DMs with memes and there were two texts from Wendy, one being an outfit check of her in gym clothes that had his heart skipping a beat.

Vince typed a cheeky response to her texts, smiling at his phone, only to hear a snort.

"Well, hello, Mr. Monacelli," he would recognize his sister's voice anywhere. Sophia's hair was up in a ponytail and she sat next to him on the bench, "why are you smiling at your phone?"

"None of your business, now, is it?" Vince scoffed, "where's the rest of your mean girls pack?"

"Hurling up their lunches in the bathroom," Sophia said, jokingly putting her finger inside her mouth and Vince wrinkled his nose in distaste. He really couldn't understand how his middle sister had such an acid sense of humor, nothing like the rest of the family.

"That's horrible to say, Soph-"

"Yeah, yeah," she rolled her eyes, criss-crossing her legs, "you can't embarrass me in class."

Vince snorted, "embarrass you?"

"Yeah," Sophia glared at him, "none of your i'm-a-cool-teacher jokes, nu-uh. Don't even mention you're my brother, you're gonna ruin my reputation."

"I'll make sure to fail you, just so they know there's no special treatment," Vince turned back to his sandwich, "or maaaybe I'm gonna bring up your super embarrassing crush on my best friend."

"Are you never gonna let that go?" Sophia jumped up, glaring at him, her cheeks turning red, "I was a kid!"

"It was literally six months ago," Vince grinned, "get out of my sight, kid."

"You're so mean," she pouted, "I'm gonna leave you a terrible teacher review."

Vince rolled his eyes, chuckling as the girl stomped away. He loved her dearly and it was really nice to be back in her life, but Sophia was also the most annoying person he knew.

She was also a senior, which wasn't a good thing, because Vin was already struggling to make the older kids respect him and he knew it wouldn't be any easier if his influential little sister decided to make his life a living hell in the classroom.

Hopefully Sophia was just bark and no bite.

It was to no one's surprise when his last class rolled on and yet he met an empty classroom. Vince sighed, glancing at his watch. Fucking Daniels, again.

He was going to strangle that man.

Vince was already ready to stomp out of the room and forcefully retrieve his kids, when suddenly the door opened. He straightened up, ready to face the swarm of frustrated teenagers, as they always were after chemistry class, but instead it was just Sophia.

Alone, which was all the more worrying, her blue eyes were huge on her face.

"What's wrong?" Vince asked, talking over her as his sister said:

"Mr. Daniel's is really sick and we don't know what to do... Can you help?"

Oh great, Vince thought, stepping out of the classroom, "what happened exactly?"

"He was off all class, but we said nothing- And then like, just now he suddenly stopped talking and barfed everywhere and-" her voice dipped, switched to Italian as Sophia groaned, "it's so gross, Vin."

Vince sighed as he followed her down the hallways to the chemistry room, "why didn't you call up a nurse?"

"We didn't want to get him in trouble..." Sophia frowned, planting her hands on her hips, "you're not gonna get him in trouble, right? He's cool."

And hungover, Vince thought bitterly, but despite his feelings he nodded, "I'm not," he promised, "stay out here, I know vomit makes you sick."

She let out a grateful sigh, slumping against the hallway wall as Vince entered the room.

It was truly a sight to be seen, fucking spectacular. Vince had no idea how he was supposed to not report the fact that Mr. Daniels had somehow managed to puke on his own boots and in a large puddle in the middle of the room.

He was folded in half, bracing against one of the tables and most of the teenagers were pushed to the opposite side of the room, looking completely horrified.

"Alright everyone show's over," Vince said, gesturing to the kids, "you have history class now, go get some water and then to the classroom, shoo."

Despite his somewhat harsh words, most of them looked visibly relieved there was an adult in the room. Vince cringed as he saw some kids that were almost green with sympathy nausea, he just hoped he wouldn't have to deal with that as well.

Once the classroom cleared out, Vince approached the other teacher, who was still mute, save for a couple hiccups and little sniffles.

"Okay... So hangover, uh?" Vince couldn't help but say, touching the man's back and Max let out a loud groan.

"No," he rasped, "no way this is a hangover. I'd never- Not in front of them..." his voice trailed off and he shuddered violently, "my head is killing me."

That didn't really help his i'm-not-hungover case, Vince thought, forcing the shorter guy to straighten up. He immediately grimaced, realizing why Max had stayed in that position. There was vomit down his band t-shirt and clinging to his auburn beard.

Without thinking Vince touched his cheek, then forehead and let out a sigh. The guy was burning up.

"I have good news and bad news," Vince said, side stepping the beige mess on the floor and pulling Max to a clearer patch, before pushing him to sit down in one of the chairs.

The blonde fell like a ragdoll, spreading his legs and wrapping an arm around his stomach, "good news is that I didn't shit my pants?"

Vince scowled, "good news is that you're sick, so this means we can tell the nurse and you're not gonna get penalized for hurling in front of the kids."

Max let out a little huff at that, "terrible good news-" then he hiccupped and groaned, "get me the bin..."

Vince couldn't believe there was anything in the guy, after seeing such copious amount of vomit. He also couldn't help a wave of sympathy as he thought of how much Mr. Daniel's reputation was fucked after getting sick in front of the seniors.

He planted the bin in front of the guy and then crouched next to him, carefully pulling Max' curtain of blonde hair and tying it on the back of his neck, "you're gonna be fine for a minute? I'm gonna go get a janitor."

Max let out a sickly burp inside the bin, raising a thumb up.

Once Vince got back in the room, now followed by the janitor - Maurice, who was also a relic from his school years - Max had folded on himself all over again, both arms wrapped around his stomach, head resting on the school desk.

"Man, c'mon," Vince sighed, frustrated, "try and help yourself, the principal is gonna have your head..."

"Uhm," Max groaned, "I don't- I don't feel well..."

Maurice let out a snort, "you'd think he's feeling fine after throwing up everything he ever ate," the man teased and Vince couldn't help but chuckle at that, grabbing Max' arm.

"You'd think," he agreed, pulling the blonde up, "c'mon, nurse's office. You have someone who can pick you up?"

"What...?" Max's gaze was all dazed. At least he had managed to clear the vomit from his beard, probably with his hand and wiped on his jeans. Vince grimaced at the mental image.

"Someone to come get you?" Vince repeated, pulling the guy down the hallway, "you're out of it."

There were curious faces on the hallways, kids out for a bathroom break stopping to watch them and Vince sped up, causing Max to stumble and collapse against his side.

"I'm gonna hurl again," the man mumbled and Vince shook his head.

"C'mon, we're almost there-" he wrapped an arm around the other teacher's waist and pulled Max against him, making them walk even faster.

The minute they got inside the nurse's office, Max turned to the big flower pot and heaved, his whole back arching as he let out a deafening retch and brought up a mouthful of bile.

"Goodness heaven's, Mr. Daniels!?" the nurse exclaimed. Mrs. Doyle was elderly and never used to do anything back when Vince was a student but tell the kids to go back to class. At least now she couldn't tell them that.

"He's got a really high fever," Vince said, keeping a hand planted on Daniels' back, as the man braced against the wall and continued to heave, not a thought given to Mrs. Doyle's sad palm tree, "and he's been sick," a lot, Vin mentally completed.

"Uhm- Well, he can lie down in my office... I'll get him so gatorade, until he feels-"

"Just let me go home, for fuck's sake," Max groaned, his voice all raspy and Mrs. Doyle frowned at the swear word.

"I don't think I can release you when you're this sick, I need-"

"I'm not a fucking kid," Max turned to glare at her and Vince stepped between them, glaring at the man.

"Then don't behave like one. You can't drive like this, either let Mrs. Doyle call someone or sit in the office and wait until classes are over and I'll drive you," he said strongly, causing Max to raise his dazed eyes at him and scowl.

"There's no one to pick me up," he groaned and Vince sighed, dropping his shoulders.

"Then go lie down, I'm just gonna finish my class and I can drive you," he turned to Mrs. Doyle, who was stunned into silence, "he can stay, right?"

"Of course..." She frowned, "you're the Monacelli's kid? Little Vince?" she suddenly held her hand down to her hip and Vince blushed, while Max let out a raspy chortle.

Vince nodded, his whole face aflame, "I'm gonna go, I have a bunch of teenagers to calm down. Hopefully you're not contagious, otherwise our lives will be hell for the next weeks."

Max groaned, stumbling forward towards the nurse's office, "yeah, don't count on it."

[talesmaniac89]

Halloween Surprise

Pairing :  (Former) Dean x reader

Summary: You're out trick or treating with your son when you run into someone from your past. Someone with the same green eyes as your son.

Warnings: Feelings of betrayal, secrets, breakup and heartbreak.

Word Count: 5081

Y/N = Your Name | Y/L/N = Your Last Name

“Lucas! Are you ready to go?” You called up the stairs as you frowned down at your wristwatch. It was already getting a bit late, and you didn’t want to be out when it was dark outside. You’d long since learned what was lurking in the darkness, but ever since you had your son you’d grown even more wary of the lengthening shadows that came with twilight. 

Yet, though you were on a pretty tight trick or treating schedule, the little rascal upstairs remained nearly suspiciously quiet as you tapped the boot of your Wonder Woman costume impatiently. 

“Lucas (Y/L/N)!” You called up again, channeling every ounce of strict motherly love you could into your voice as you debated going up to check what the cheeky little five year old was up to. The beginning of fear and panic rearing its ugly head as your carefully developed hunter’s instincts always went to the worst possible outcome.  Yet, the little giggle that easily reached you from the top of the stairs quickly calmed your frayed nerves and reminded you that you were no longer a hunter. You’d left that life behind you nearly six years ago. The moment you realized you were pregnant. 

“No Lucas up here mommy!” Your son’s cheeky little voice called back, the poorly concealed giggles drawing a smile out of you as you rolled your eyes at the little guy. His love for the dramatic was clearly something he’d gotten from his father. Though the man in question would probably disagree and say it was a trait your son had gotten from you. Swallowing down the bittersweet feeling that always followed any thought of the man you’d loved and lost, you took a deep breath before calling back up to your little man.

“Really? Oh, that’s too bad, but… Does Batman wanna come trick or treating with mommy then?” You called back with a small smile. One that only grew from the happy squeal leaving your little vigilante as he bounced into view. Before carefully taking the stairs the moment you reminded him not to run down the carpeted staircase. 

“Yes! Batman wants candy!” His young voice was still high pitched and innocent. But Lucas still tried to mimic the deep, whispered voice of Batman as he hurried down the stairs. His Batman mask was slightly crooked on his freckled nose as he came to a full stop in front of you with green eyes looking up at you in anticipation. 

“Alright then Batman. It’s just you and me today then. We’ll have to bring some candy back for Lucas too,” You said with a soft laugh as you kneeled down to fix his crooked mask and smooth his slightly tousled nest of hair. 

“It’s me mommy!” Your little guy whispered as he lifted the mask, showing you his best conspiratory look as he gently placed the mask back on, just as crooked as it had been before you initially fixed it. 

“It’s a secret, hussssh” He continued as he let you fix his mask for him once more. 

“Mommy won’t tell anyone. Promise. Now, are you ready to go trick or treating pumpkin? Remember, we have to be back before it gets dark,” You asked your little superhero as you reached out for his Batman windbreaker and helped him put it on. 

“Yes! Trick or Treat!” He called out loudly and cheerfully, just like you’d practiced. Giving him a warm smile, you grabbed his little bucket in one hand, before reaching out to put his small hand in your free one. Ready to go door to door in search of treats, and hopefully no tricks. 

--- 

Halloween had never been your favorite time of year. Which was understandable, given how you’d grown up. But Lucas had given you a newfound appreciation for the day. And though you were still slightly on edge as you scanned the busy crowds out in your little, safe, cul de sac, you were much more at ease than you’d been when you first left the hunting life behind you. 

Which was probably how you missed the two men mingling with the crowds dressed in suits, stopping parents to show off fake FBI badges as you focused on getting your son from one house to the next. Along with a few of the other neighborhood moms. 

Hell, you even missed the clearly lustful looks thrown their way by Sharon, your neighbor three houses down from yours. Even though she was barely watching her own little monsters as they tried to steal an extra chocolate bar from the bowl, choosing instead to oogle the two agents as they quietly questioned parents a bit further down the road, making their way up towards you. 

Honestly, even if you had noticed him before Tara had leaned over to you to whisper some not so child friendly words into your ear, you weren’t sure what you would’ve done. Would you have ran away? Maybe… Frozen in place? Probably. 

Considering that was exactly what you ended up doing. Your hand squeezed Lucas’ a little as you gently pulled your little superhero behind you and let your eyes follow Tara’s down the street, just a little past the next house your route would take you to. Where a face you thought you’d never see again was looking back at you, green eyes wide and FBI badge lowered from where he’d just raised it to interrogate yet another thirsty soccer mom. 

“Dean,” The name that once had tasted sweeter than pie on your lips came out as a broken whisper as you tried, and failed, to tear your eyes off of the devastatingly handsome man. 

“Wait, you know him? When did you meet an FBI agent (Y/N)? And can you introduce me to his partner?” Tara asked, a little too loudly for your liking, next to you as her excited eyes went from you and over to Dean before coming right back to you again. 

“I… Yeah, I know him. Look, Tara. Could you take Lucas to the next house? I should… Say hi?” You managed to push the words out as you fought against the nearly nostalgic cotton mouthed feeling Dean Winchester always left you with. Though you were still not sure you had what it took to speak to him after… What had happened. You really had no choice. Not only because he’d spotted you. But because he was there. On your street. 

And when a Winchester came to your street, it was usually not just for a friendly visit. 

But still, you couldn’t bring Lucas with you. Not when the bright green eyes and dusting of freckles over a button nose easily betrayed whose son he was. A son Dean had no clue you’d been raising for the last five years ever since he pushed you away. 

“Only if you get me the number of that tall drink of water over there,” She shot back, already undressing Sam with her best bedroom eyes as you rolled your eyes at her. 

“Tara, you’re married. Happily at that,” You reminded your best ‘mom friend’ as she grinned back at you. 

“A girl can dream (Y/N),” She laughed, before shooting you a small cheeky wink, and dropping down to speak to Lucas instead. 

“Lucas…” She started, before your little guy shook his head quickly, still hidden from Dean’s view behind you. 

“Batman,” Lucas corrected as he clutched his bucket of sweets. As if he was afraid his aunty Tara was planning to steal his hard earned loot. 

“Alright Batman. Do you wanna come with aunty and Robbie to the next house? Your mommy needs to go talk to someone,” Tara said as she reached out her free hand, patiently pretending she couldn’t feel her own one year younger kid pulling at her other hand for her to hurry. As if the little ninja turtle next to her thought the houses would run out of candy if they didn’t hurry. 

“Can I mommy?” Lucas looked up at you through his little Batman mask. Puppy eyes fully engaged as he looked from his bucket of treats and back up at you, as if to stay he still didn’t have enough sugar to last him till next Halloween. 

Even though he already had plenty. 

“Go ahead, pumpkin. Mommy will be right there,” You nodded as you let go of his little hand and let Tara grab it instead. Somewhat reluctantly, as your hunting instincts always worried when the apple pie of your eye was out of reach. 

Giving your friend a grateful smile, you watched the three of them for a second as they walked up the path to the next house. Smiling slightly at Batman’s happy bounce up the footpath, before you turned back to look at Dean again. 

Only to realize he was no longer there. 

“(Y/N),” Just as you were about to scan the crowd for him, the sound of his voice to the left of you made you jump slightly as you cursed your rusty reflexes and pivoted to face him. Doing your absolute damndest to pretend his deep voice didn’t still send pleasurable shockwaves through your body. 

“Dean,” You whispered back as you tried to find your voice under the breathless vertigo that always took over whenever Dean Winchester was anywhere nearby. 

“Thank God. When we didn’t hear anything I thought you…” He said, relief evident in his voice, though you could also hear the early warning signs of worried anger brewing just under the surface. Though he had no right to be angry at you. Not since… 

Not after what happened that night. 

“I’m fine. I just… I quit the business,” You shot back, biting back the words you actually wanted to tack on to the end of your sentence… After you broke my heart. But by the way Dean’s shoulders fell, and the way his worried anger retreated behind a veil of sadness and regret in green eyes, you knew he’d still caught the silent addition to your sentence in your slightly narrowed eyes. 

“Oh…” Was all he managed to push out as he dug his hands into his suit pockets. Fidgeting in front of you in the same way Lucas always did whenever you caught him doing something naughty. 

Like father, like son. 

“Yeah,” You sighed, keeping back the many words you wanted to say as you threw a wary glance over to where Tara and the boys had just reached the next house. Though Dean’s next words forced your eyes back on him. 

“I missed you…” He started, before a quick shake of your head stopped him from continuing. 

“Dean… It was your choice,” You shot back, a small grimace of pain following your words as you remembered that fateful night when Dean Winchester broke your heart. For your own good, he’d said. But it had been anything but. 

You’d loved him, with every damn cell in your body. Hell, you still did. But according to him, six years ago, the two of you had been a liability. You were a weak spot he couldn’t protect. And that scared him. Enough to let you go. Even when you begged him not to.

“I know, and I’ve been regretting it ever since,” Dean broke through your trip down memory lane as he reached out to you in that achingly familiar way he’s done so many times before, to brush some stray hairs out of your eyes. Yet, before those slightly calloused fingers could reach you and burn against your skin, you sidestepped him and crossed your arms. Hugging yourself close as you suddenly felt very underdressed in your Wonder Woman costume. 

“It’s too late for regrets,” You whispered, unable and unwilling to meet his eyes as you instead looked around at the crowds or trick or treaters. More specifically their parents, your neighbors. Many of whom were looking your way. Or more like Dean’s way. Since his FBI outfit stood out among the costumes. 

“I…” Dean started, but you simply shook your head before cutting off whatever he was trying to say.

“Why are you here? Is there a… Anything I should be wary of?” You hesitated over your words. Keeping them vague enough to not arouse the suspicion or attention of one of your nosier neighbors as you felt your muscles tense. Still strong and lithe enough, even six years after your retirement. As you refused to rest on your laurels and kept up your training. Just in case your past caught up to you. If only to protect Lucas. 

“No,” Dean said as you eyed him warily. Not buying the single syllable answer. 

“I promise, there’s nothing here. We’re just looking for someone living nearby who can help us out on a… Case,” He explained, keeping his words equally vague as he let his eyes travel across the crowds that were all inexplicably slowing down when they got close to where the two of you were standing. Looking for the latest piece of juicy cul de sac gossip most likely.

“Alright, that’s good,” You said, a relieved sigh leaving you as your tense shoulders relaxed. Lucas was still safe. You both were. Which was all that mattered. It was all that could matter. Dean couldn’t. Not anymore.

“(Y/N)...” Dean tried. Though you knew what he wanted to say. And you couldn’t have that conversation. Not in the middle of the street with Mr. Brown, your neighborhood gossip, dressed as Frankenstein casting not-so-hidden curious glances in your direction. 

“Look Dean. I’ve gotta go,” You rushed out, avoiding his pleading eyes as you busied yourself with fixing the already perfect whip of truth replica on your hip.

“But…” Dean kept pushing, his hand once more reaching out for you, as if to stop you from slipping through his fingers. 

Yet, before he could continue, or you could think up any excuse, an excited little voice loudly called out to you from your right. A small little streak of black and yellow wobbling up towards you with one hand lifted high in victory. 

“Mommy! Look! They gave me a big chocolate!”

As you refocused your attention towards your little superhero, you barely caught how Dean’s eyes opened wide as they went from you over to the little Batman hurrying up towards you as fast as his little feet could carry him. Cringing internally, you still pretended you didn’t notice the look he threw you as you instead kept your eyes on Lucas.

“Is he…” Dean started, but you missed the question as you wiped the heartbreak from your eyes and focused your attention back on your son. Dropping down to his level, you let him run into your arms waving the chocolate bar in his little hand. 

“Wow! That’s great, pumpkin! Did you say thank you?” You said, adding a layer of fake cheer into your voice as you squeezed your little treasure closer.

“I did! And I said Trick or Treat too!” Lucas said as he wiggled slightly out of your arms without actually leaving the hug to look up at you with a proud beaming smile. Clearly wanting to show you how he was a big boy now. 

“You did great! Such a big boy!” You praised as you ruffled the little nest of messy dark blonde hair on top of his head. 

“Hey there Batman,” Next to you Dean had also crouched down to be at Lucas’ height as he shot him a small smile. Before looking over at you out of the corner of his eyes, making you freeze up as you held your son closer. 

“Who are you?” Lucas asked, suddenly shy as he half hid behind you, still clutching the chocolate bar in his small hand.  

“I’m a friend of your mother’s,” Dean said with a soft smile as he looked down at the full bucket of halloween treats. His eyes wide in admiration, though you could still see the hint of heartbreak and loss behind those green orbs as he clearly came to the wrong conclusion regarding your son. Imagining another man where there wasn’t one, and probably never would be. Yet he didn’t let it show to Lucas as he beamed at him. “Wow! You’ve gotten loads today, haven’t you?”

“Yeah! Mommy taught me how!” Lucas said proudly as he wiggled fully out of your arms now that he knew the man wasn’t one of the scary strangers you’d cautioned him of. Gingerly putting down his bucket, Lucas lifted his mask to properly take in his haul and show his new friend all his treats. 

Without the mask, there was no denying whose son he was. And as recognition flashed in Dean’s eyes, you knew he hadn’t missed the similarities between your child and him as he looked back up at you. An endless amount of questions painting his green eyes a deeper shade as he looked between Lucas and you. 

Wetting dry lips, you took a shaky breath as you gave Lucas a strained smile. Avoiding Dean’s eyes as you focused all your attention on your little superhero instead. 

“Mommy still needs to talk to her friend. Why don’t you go with Aunty Tara to the next house, alright Batman?” You finally managed to push out as you gently fixed your son’s mask and tried to soften the edges of your smile as you gave him a little nod towards where Tara was waiting when he seemed to hesitate.

“Will you come soon too Mommy?” He asked, his young little voice seeming a little dejected as he looked from his candy haul and up at you. 

“I will baby,” You softened as you placed a feather light kiss on his crown of messy hair.

“Promise?” The mini Batman asked as he set those big green puppy eyes in you. Eyes you could never resist. From neither of the two men to either side of you. 

“Pinky promise,” You swore, crossing your heart before stretching out your pinky and linking it with your son’s.

Giving you a sloppy kiss on your cheek, Lucas finally seemed happy with your answer as he grabbed his little pumpkin shaped bucket again as hurried back over to Robbie and Tara while loudly telling them both that “mommy said she’s coming soon”. 

For a second, Dean stayed silent next to you as you both got up from where you’d been crouched to speak to Lucas. The sounds of children’s laughter and hushed conversations between nosy neighbors filled the space between the two of you as you looked for a place to have the conversation you’d never thought you’d actually have to have. But as Dean grabbed your wrist, you were left stuck in place in the middle of the busy sidewalk. 

“Is he…” Dean started, not letting you move away from the crowd before he asked the question that had been shining out behind green eyes since he put two and two together. 

“Let’s go somewhere else…” You hesitated, throwing cautious glances at the crowds around you. Though most of them had seemingly grown bored of your conversation once they realized nothing juicy was being said.

“Is he my son (Y/N)?” Dean insisted, though he kept his voice low and his words barely a whisper. Keeping them between just the two of you. 

“... Dean,” You sighed, still not meeting his eyes as you looked around you. Making sure no one had heard his question. But Dean didn’t let you shift the topic as he shook his head and kept his hand circled securely around your wrist. 

“(Y/N), please,” He nearly begged, squeezing your wrist softly to make you look up at him. The fractured light hitting green eyes nearly took your breath away as you saw the desperate need to know shining back at you.

“Yes. He…” Swallowing heavily you took a shaky breath, before once more looking down the street to find your little Batman in the crowds together with Tara. 

“Lucas is your son,” You finally continued as you found him. Happily talking Tara’s ear off like the little ladies’ man he was. 

“Lucas,” Dean said carefully. Rolling the name around on his tongue as he followed your gaze down to look, awestruck, at his son. 

“Yeah, he’s just turned five not long ago,” You added with a soft smile. Remembering the late September birthday party. Which, no surprise, had been fully Batman themed. Just like everything had been lately. 

“Five… Not long ago?” Dean questioned. Brows furrowed as he did the mental math. Counting backwards to the cold January night when he broke your heart. 

“I found out I was pregnant shortly after you told me to leave,” Your words came out a bit more bitter than you meant for them to be. The sour taste of heartbreak still made it hard to sweeten the words.

“I never told you to leave,” Dean shot in, arguing semantics as his hand tightened slightly around the wrist he was still holding onto. Tugging your hand gently towards you, you shook your head at him when he still refused to let go. Biting back a bitter laugh and unwanted tears as you took a shaky breath. 

“You told me we’d never work out. Did you really think I’d stick around after that?” You whispered, still managing to keep your voice low, though your emotions were causing havoc within your chest. Making it hard to even hear your own barely even there words.

“I just wanted you to be safe! You kept…” Dean’s voice was loud enough to draw a few more curious glances  as you shot him a wide eyed, panicked look before shaking your head imperceptibly. Wordlessly reminding him to be quiet. Taking a deep breath, Dean shot your nosy neighbors a shaky smile before leaning in closer and lowering his voice.

“Look, I know I fucked up. But, even if I did, how could you not tell me I had a son?” His whispered voice muted the incredulity and slight sadness at the betrayal in his tone, but it was still painfully clear to you as you grimaced. You knew you should’ve told him. But your wounds had just been so damn fresh. So instead you’d relied on excuses. The same you leaned on as you finally looked back up to meet his green eyes.

“I tried… Your number was disconnected. The only number I had for you. And… Hell, I just didn’t want to hurt anymore,” You sighed. Some of the truth slipping out together with your practiced excuse from nearly six years ago. 

“It was? Shit… Damn it. I lost a phone during a hunt. And I would’ve done anything to have you back (Y/N). There’s no way I would’ve hurt you. Not when every day without you was hell. Still, you could’ve called Sammy. Or just driven up to the bunker. Or…” Dean was ranting as his hand finally slipped from your wrist to card through his hair in frustration. Though, from the way his eyes fell to the forgotten badge in his own hand, you knew he was mainly blaming himself as he cut off his words with a tired sigh. 

“Maybe I could have, but I just… Fuck. I just couldn’t. You hurt me and..” Cutting yourself off with a shake of your head you wrapped your arms back around yourself as if to protect your barely patched up heart and wet dry lips. Before squeezing your eyes shut, in a foolish effort to shut the world out. 

For a few seconds, you let the silence settle between you as you tried to find the words. Knowing Dean was doing the same in front of you. Though you couldn’t see him as you kept your eyes closed and let the bright dots floating in your cut off vision hypnotize you believing none of it had happened. That you were still just next to your son. Not being confronted with the ghosts of your own messy past. 

“Look Dean… I can’t do this. Not tonight. Not while I’m dressed as fucking Wonder Woman,” You finally said with a tired shrug of your shoulders as you finally opened your eyes and met Dean’s head on. You knew you couldn’t hide from your past anymore. Not when it had come nearly all the way to your front porch. But Lucas was waiting for you, and you needed privacy for the long overdue conversation with Dean. Something that was in short supply on the small cul de sac. 

“You look good in that…” Dean cut in, a small hint of his boyish grin and that trademark charm as he took you in, as if for the first time while you rolled your eyes at him. Though his attempt at lightening the mood still fell flat when weighed up against the heavy weight in your stomach from the many broken pieces of your heart that had dislodged from seeing him again. 

“I know I do. But that’s not the point. I can’t. Not now,”  You still let a small smile slip before you shook it, and the nostalgic emotions it was painted in, away and replaced them with tired resignation. As your own small smile that had temporarily brightened Dean’s fell away, so did his. Though his green eyes had softened slightly as he seemed to resign himself to not having all his questions answered by interrogating you on the sidewalk of your own street. 

“Just tell me one thing. Are you happy? Is Lucas happy?” Dean’s quiet voice asked after a beat or two of silence. His eyes slightly shrouded by enviably thick lashes as he kept them downcast and focused on the polished shoes of his FBI outfit. His words made you look towards the houses again, easily spotting your little man a few homes down as you smiled and waved in his direction where he was busy waving your way.

“We are and he is. We have a good life here. A safe home. He’s the smartest little boy ever. Just like his dad,” You finally said as you let your hand drop. Glancing Dean’s way, you caught him looking towards Lucas as well. His eyes watching the small boy wistfully as he once more stuffed his hands into his pockets. 

Wetting his lips, Dean seemed to hesitate for a second as he opened and closed his mouth wordlessly before finally tearing his eyes off of the son he hadn’t known he had to look at you instead. 

“Can I… Is it alright if I see him again? See you again?”

For a second, you hesitated. Your heart was stuck in your throat as you mulled over your answer. Thinking up and throwing away a million what ifs and reasons not to. But in the end, your heart won the battle. You could never forget Dean Winchester. And, no matter how he felt about you, and you about him, Lucas was his son. He deserved the chance to get to know the coolest kid you knew. 

“... Bring Sam over after 7 pm tonight. Bring candy. And change out of those stuffy suits. We’ll… Talk over dinner,” You finally sighed, losing the battle with your heart as you hesitated over every word, even as you’d made up your mind to invite him over and already started planning the night’s dinner in your head now that you’d have two more mouths to feed. 

“Yeah? Alright, yeah… Ok. Seven.  I’ll be there,” Dean was already walking backwards away from you, looking slightly hopeful and clearly itching to fill his little brother in to let Sam know he was an uncle. That bright boyish spark that you’d fallen in love with many years ago back in green eyes as he smiled cautiously at you. A slightly crooked smile that slowly grew warmer as your words sank in. 

Throwing you a little wave, he turned around, ready to hurry back to his brother and call off the search so he could go raid some stores for candy and change. Yet, before he could take another step, your exasperated laughter made him stop as you rolled your eyes at his broad back. 

“Dean!” You called out after him, a raised eyebrow paired with a small knowing smirk as you watched him turn around to look at you. HIs green eyes wide and looking more than a little frazzled as you melted at the sight of the gorgeous man you’d fallen in love with many years ago. The man you never stopped loving. Even if he broke your heart.  

“You need to know where I live first,” You called out to him. No longer caring about nosy neighbors as you warmed your words with a small laugh that only grew louder as the ‘FBI agent’ stumbled over his own feet in his hurry to come back over to you. 

“I’m just down the street, look for the white house with the green door. Down there,” You said, pointing in the direction of your small home. Next to you, Dean leaned in to see things from your viewpoint, carefully following your pointer finger as you felt your temperature rise from his proximity. Swallowing the cotton mouthed feeling, you found your lost voice between one heartbeat and the next as you let your hand fall and took a step back away from him to relearn how to breathe again. 

“7 pm,” You repeated. 

“7 pm,” He confirmed. 

Before quickly throwing you another small, hopeful smile. And hurrying away with a mumbled promise of talking later and bringing candy. 

As he walked down the street, looking slightly unsteady on his feet. You couldn’t help the soft smile that played on your lips. Though you didn’t know what would come from it. You couldn't help but feel slightly happy that he’d ran into you. 

Like your own special Halloween treat. One that definitely didn’t fit into Lucas’ plastic pumpkin bucket. 

And though only time would tell what would happen. You couldn’t wait to introduce the two bravest men you knew to the bravest, smartest little boy you knew. Casting one last glance at Dean, you quickly hurried after Tara and the boys. 

Now you had another reason to make sure Batman and you were back home before the sun fully set. At a distance, you swore you could hear Dean’s excited voice as you smiled to yourself. 

“SAMMY! You’ll never guess…”

Dean Winchester Tags: @woodworthti666 @defenderrosetyler  @akshi8278 @justanotherwinchester @lyarr24 @torn-and-frayed @all-will-be-well-love @wearesuchstuff1 @thefridgeismybestie @adoptdontshoppets @starsandmidnightblue @screechingartisancashbailiff @septixtrash @punof-agun  @deandreamernp @justagirlinafandomworld @sexyvixen7 @justrealizedimmascifygurl @globetrotter28 @siospins2 @iprobablyshipit91 @mrsjenniferwinchester 

Forever Tags: @deanwanddamons @winchest09 @hobby27  @awesome-badass-cafeteria-sauce​ @sea040561 @donnaintx @alwaysdreamingforthebest  @thatmotleygirl @chocolateheart @superfanficnatural @flamencodiva @starryeyeseunbyul @waywardbeanie @supernaturalenchanted @ellewritesfix05 @emoryhemsworth @alwayskeepfightingsweetheart @the-lost-wanderer-of-the-night @strangersstranger @tatted-trina6 @jensengirl83 @whatareyousearchingfordean @jackandthesoulmates  @gh0stgurl @samsgirl93 @i-opened-the-chamber-of-secrets @dainrumnaheim @440mxs-wife

[esta-elavaris]

Part Fourteen [2,710 words] ~ James Norrington/OC

An AU of my completed, 400k+ word fanfic Catch the Wind [AO3], in which Elizabeth, not James, is the one to discover Theodora Byrne after she crash-lands into the world of Pirates of the Caribbean.

Page breaks by cafekitsune.

Also now on AO3 and FF.net.

Masterpost - Part One - Part Two - Part Three - Part Four - Part Five - Part Six - Part Seven - Part Eight - Part Nine - Part Ten - Part Eleven - Part Twelve - Part Thirteen - *Part Fourteen* [you're here!]

Tag list [let me know if you want to be added!]: @teawithshakespeare @missfronkensteen @dancerinthestorm

A/N: What's a cheeky early update between friends? Not gonna make a habit of it - but as long as I keep to my 'one update a week' thing, I don't see the point in this gathering dust in my documents ✨

While the menfolk were gone, Theo and Elizabeth kept much to their usual routine, although it was filled with less of the usual mirth than it had once been. If she was being honest, Theo had barely noticed that, her mind elsewhere, but after almost two full weeks of it, Elizabeth appeared to decide that it had gone on quite long enough.

Never one to let things lie if she was discontent with them, she strode into Theo’s bedroom one night in her nightgown, plopped herself down beside her on the bed, and addressed her without preamble.

“I understand you’re upset. You’ve every right to be. But I must point out that I am not among those who deserve to be punished for what happened that night.”

Theo blinked her surprise, watching Elizabeth with muted curiosity. That was the key word, she supposed. Muted.

“I’m not punishing you for anything,” she said quietly.

“You are not yourself,” Elizabeth replied archly. “You haven’t been yourself ever since…since all of that. And as I said, I understand that, but I do not deserve to be on the receiving end of it.”

“You don’t,” she replied readily. “And I’m not. Punishing you, I mean. I’m not doing that.”

Even the senior of the Swanns – Elizabeth’s father – had offered her a brief, awkward, but sincere apology for what had gone on that night. Either Elizabeth had pointed out to him that not all gathered had shared his spirit of everything being in good fun, or he’d realised it himself after sobering up, and after hearing the whispers about town. The Governor didn’t have to do that, she hadn’t blamed him for it either because he hadn’t meant harm, her ire was saved primarily for Amelia and Norrington, but she still appreciated the gesture all the same. They were good people, the Swanns.

“Then what are you doing?” Elizabeth entreated.

Her legs folded beneath her, she leaned forward and rested a hand on her arm. Theo, haltingly, placed her own hand over it.

Theo paused, debating on her answer. The thoughts that had been steadily circling her mind, on and on, ever since that disastrous dinner party, weren’t something she’d planned on sharing with any here. Not just because Elizabeth was the only person she really could share them with at all, but because she knew Elizabeth herself would not receive them well.

But maybe it was better than her thinking that she’d spontaneously decided to hate her.

“I got too comfortable. That night was a reminder not to do that. I can’t pretend it was a welcome reminder, but…it was a necessary one.”

She felt most like herself like this – if she ignored the excess of frills and lace and white linen that she sported from the collarbones down, anyway. Her hair unbound, rather than forced into a ridiculous updo, no corset, no seventy skirts, no bows, no satin slippers, and no jewellery other than that which she brought with her. Sure, she didn’t hate the adornments – sometimes they were even fun – but they weren’t her. She’d been reminded of that now, and she wasn’t in a rush to forget it.

“Too comfortable? What? Here?” Elizabeth’s hand slipped away, but she didn’t shift back.

“Not…not here as in here, with you, in your home. But in the general, wider sense of the word, yeah. I got too comfortable?”

“I don’t understand!”

“I don’t belong here, Elizabeth. It’s not my world. I’m- I’m three centuries out of time. I have no business swanning about, developing crushes-”

“Crushes?” Elizabeth’s dark eyes regarded her with concern. “Is…is that an ailment? Is it serious?”

“No, it just means to…to take a liking to someone.”

The concern changed to hurt, and she had to rush to clarify.

“In a way that means more than friendship. I wasn’t talking about you.”

Although if she had to keep clarifying that particular part of what was about to be a very impassioned speech, she’d find herself once again fleeing up the stairs in a fit of mortification. The sorrow that softened Elizabeth’s face then didn’t help matters. Her cheeks began to burn.

“Oh, Theo,” she sighed.

“It’s not like you didn’t know.”

“Yes, but you never admitted it.”

“I didn’t fully realise it until that night – when it was…” stamped all over and promptly set on fire, “…shown to be the idiocy that it was.”

“He looked positively wretched after the fact, you know.”

“Good.”

In order to settle for that one-worded response, she had to push down quite a few arguments – all of which she had no energy for. The primary one being that he probably only looked so wretched because he knew his little display would earn him Elizabeth’s scorn. But maybe that was the reason behind his actions. Not only to show Theo herself exactly where she sat in his estimations, but to show Elizabeth, too. If not the whole of Port Royal.

But mostly just Elizabeth. She’d certainly teased Theo enough about whatever spark she was so sure she’d seen, it wasn’t beyond the realm of possibility that she’d made similar comments to Norrington, and he’d seen fit to act accordingly. Especially after his ruse and been rumbled, and he had no reason to keep…to keep pretending that he…

She reined her emotions in before the lump in her throat could grow into something more embarrassing like, god forbid, tears. Instead, she turned her mind to practical matters. Like leaving. Because she’d spoken honestly to Elizabeth – it had been a sorely needed reminder, and she’d begun to piece together the beginnings of a plan.

That would’ve been part of why others were seeing a change in her. Not only because she no longer had the heart to put on a cheery face and make an effort with the people who had tittered and delighted in that display, but because she really was distracted. So she fell back to the sidelines – in spirit, when she couldn’t do so physically, kept her mouth shut, and retreated inward.

There were only two people she could think of from this story who might harbour knowledge of other worlds. The first was Davy Jones. His job, even if he ignored it, was distinctly supernatural in nature, and unlike Barbossa it wasn’t just a curse that had been unwittingly rained down upon him. It was possible that career instilled him with some knowledge beyond mortal means. However, she highly doubted he’d be inclined to help.

The other, far more obvious, choice was…well. His ex-girlfriend. And, being a goddess, she packed a hell of a lot more of a punch. The odds of Calypso being able to help her were greater, and – if she was doing her best to be optimistic – her inclination to help her might also be weighted in Theo’s benefit. But therein lay the problem. Because to get to her, she’d have to go through Captain Jack Sparrow, and she was barely more confident that he’d want to help her than she was that Jones ever would.

“I don’t know what his motives were – I can hardly pretend otherwise, because I cannot fathom what he was thinking – but he is not a bad man, Theo. There would have been a reason. However much it backfired.”

“You see a very different side to him than I do,” she replied. “He’s in love with you. It only makes sense that he makes sure you only see the highlight reel.”

The phrasing was odd, but Elizabeth seemed to get the spirit of what she was saying.

“I’ve known him for years. Years. Only the most artful social climber could pull off such a façade, and he has little taste for that mode of being. If he despised you, he would simply avoid you. He’s been doing the very opposite of that.”

“To pry information from me. To make sure that you are safe.”

“He’s not in love with me.”

Theo could only laugh at that. It didn’t go appreciated.

“He’s not!” Elizabeth said firmly, thinly controlled ire burning in her eyes. “Perhaps once he was. Perhaps now he thinks he still is, Theo, but he’s not. I just wish he would realise that.”

What could she say in response to that? Elizabeth had the trump card in this discussion each and every time – how long she’d known him. There was little Theo could say that the other woman wouldn’t confidently beat back with that fact, over and over again, even if Theo herself thought that it made precious little difference.

The only thing she could possibly use in favour of her argument was the movies, but Elizabeth knew nothing of them – nor Theo’s knowledge of them. If she unveiled that now, she’d show herself up as a liar to the only real friend and ally she had here, and she couldn’t face that. Even if it was selfish of her.

But the silence was taken as a sign of weakness, and Elizabeth seized on it to further her point. Her hand reached out again, taking her hand and using it to lever herself forward until she sat shoulder-to-shoulder with her on the bed, speaking softly.

“Captain Norrington is a man who prides himself in his plans. He sets goals, he meets them, he deviates from them only when necessary – and is only flexible with them when the heat of battle calls for it. Maybe he did fall for me, I do not live in his mind so I cannot say-”

“He did.”

“If you’re so certain, I’ll believe you. But you must believe me when I say I am certain of this – he has changed, since he got to know you. But he’s…he’s so committed to his original plan, and the way he thinks things should be, that he won’t let himself see it. That is the impediment. His inflexibility. Not his feelings. And if I’m as right as I’m sure I am, he’ll be going through a rotten time now because of it.”

Another ‘good’ was on the tip of her tongue in response to that last bit, but she didn’t have the heart to say it.

“It doesn’t matter anymore,” she said instead.

Although she took the bite from her words by leaning against Elizabeth, and squeezing her hand.

She squeezed back. “It does. You just share a common trait. You’re both too stubborn to see what’s directly in front of you.”

James Norrington had been in a foul mood ever since setting sail. Or, to be more accurate, since the night before setting sail.  

Having plans backfire was part and parcel of a naval career – or, indeed, sailing at all. But none had ever backfired quite so marvellously as his had that night, and…and her face haunted him. Haunted was an extreme word, melodramatic even, and he was not given to melodrama, but it was the only one that truly fit the bill. And many men might class themselves as lucky, to have the face of a fair woman so stuck within their minds during, if not their every waking moment, then certainly a great deal of them, but it was the expression on her face that he could not rid himself of.

The same expression, levelled at him three times throughout the night. Firstly, during that moment in the gardens. Then, when he supported Miss Simmonds’ ploy. Then, the final time, during that terrible encounter at the foot of the stairs. Each time, it increased in severity, and each time it struck him with the same force as a physical blow might – not least because how she usually allowed others to see little other than mirth.

If she showed her hurt, it was because it was so great that she could no longer bring herself to conceal it. And he was the one who’d caused it.

It mattered little that he had not meant to. No, indeed, it did not matter at all.

Those looks, even from the first, had his heart sinking further than he thought her capable of instilling in him – than he thought any capable of instilling in him. And while James was not prone to flights of fancy, he was sure in those moments, while they were being levelled his way, that he’d promise her all he owned if it would only take that expression off of her face.

And no higher power had opted to be merciful on him that night – not that he deserved it – for it hadn’t ended there. Her parting words, though they had not impacted him quite as much in the moment, had grown to gnaw on him endlessly, more and more with each day that went by.

You'll be rid of me soon enough.

It had the sound of a vow to it. An oath. To the extent where he expected – where he feared – that he would return to Port Royal, only to find she’d departed for Ireland in his absence. Or the Americas, perhaps. It didn’t matter, for either way he would find her gone, and though the prospect of her absence alone troubled him greatly, two other things bothered him when it came to that particular notion. The first, that he couldn’t quite pinpoint when the moment came that he began to view such an outcome not as a goal, nor a boon, but something to dread.

The second plagued him more. For the realisation that Miss Swann would scorn him for such an outcome was a delayed one – and, further still, even after he realised it, it was not his primary concern. And he could hardly pinpoint when that had changed, either.

Undoubtedly, the men had noticed his foul mood, along with how it only worsened with each day. It wasn’t as though he did much to hide it, regardless of the fact that those who had not witnessed the debacle firsthand would have heard the whispers of it since, and all would therefore know exactly why he was so displeased.

Perhaps they’d think his worries were based where they should have been. That he feared returning to find his standing with Miss Swann drastically lowered. If they suspected otherwise, they kept their whispers out of his earshot – even Groves, who had so openly voiced his bemusement at his actions made no further mention of it.

He had not explained his reasoning to the Lieutenant when he’d asked, but he suspected the question had been somewhat rhetorical in nature.

Explaining it would not justify it, in any case. It had been a gamble – but like all gambles, he only saw just how preposterous it was when it well and truly went up in smoke.

Timing was at the crux of it. That was his only excuse as to why he’d acted as he had without thinking it through properly. For Theod- Miss Byrne had been angry, and she’d been…well, while not drunk, certainly under the sway of the strong wine that the Governor liked to offer his guests. If she was ever going to allow a crack to form in her façade, it would have been then. If she was of higher birth than he’d suspected (and that fact was looking doubtful now), she would have played well out of spite, in that state.

What would have followed was a foolish daydream. He’d corner her and, seeing that the game was over, she’d confess everything in a flurry of tears, finally entrusting him with her true origins, and endeavouring to secure his help – which he would offer unconditionally.

Only it didn’t happen like that, did it? No, instead he’d embarrassed her twice in a row, and then finished things off by – for all he knew – driving her from Port Royal entirely. And even if she was there when he returned, she’d likely never speak to him again. And that, he feared, would be even worse than her absence.

And, though he’d so often wondered at just how little he could work out about Theodora Byrne, he knew one thing. Regaining a place in her good graces would be all but impossible. Not after a minor slight, perhaps, but after humiliation heaped on humiliation? Few could forgive that. Few should forgive that.

God, but he was a fool.

[damonrutherford]

Tales of the insanely wealthy and alone...

He got like this sometimes when the clock rolled over to the early morning hours and the high of his evening wore off. When there were no more skirts to chase and no amount of liquor in the world could drown out the dull roar in the back of his head. Hardly meant he wouldn't try to find another outlet though.

So there he sat on the otherwise dusty floor of his mother's tomb–– a vague mental note made to get someone in here to clean more often than the current cadence. A ridiculous luxury considering the subject, but if Andrew insisted that they weren't going to be buried in the ground like everyone else, then the least Damon could do was spruce the place up. Flowers, too. He'd get more of those.

Then, as he did in childhood, Damon rattled off about his day and spared absolutely no details. An odd sight he imagined, speaking so candidly to the walls of this crypt, but if she were still around, Cerys would encourage it. In fact, she'd probably be a bit hurt if he left anything out. Or at least this was how he preferred to think of his mother, despite the three decades since her passing somewhat muddying his memories.

Didn't all kids elevate their mother to a version of sainthood after losing her so young? At least in his case, she actually had been one.

In the middle of recounting his idea for investing in a tech driven hedge fund, the familiar ping of a text notification drew him up short. His phone was an endless abyss of unanswered messages, emails, and voicemails–– most professional, some scathing, most which remained muted to avoid inundation. Only four people had their settings converted to bypass that feature and all but one shared his last name.

It used to be five.

The reminder hit him unexpectedly when he read over Lara's brief response to their earlier conversation. Without thinking, he closed her text and opened his contact list, barely scrolling through the A's before the name jumped out.

On low nights, genuinely deep pits in the midnight hours, he sometimes thought about calling that number just to hear the other man's voice on the recording. Call it personal cowardice or misguided altruism (because what if Revati hadn't turned it off?), Damon could never bring himself to press the button. Not even once in the year since he received news of yet another devastating loss in his life.

Amir hadn’t deserved to go out like that. In his opinion few did, but especially him, regardless of how familial loyalty and complications drove them apart. Now the lack of closure or goodbye festered forever beneath his skin, the burgeoning what ifs would always linger; too bitter a pillow to swallow.

Another message flashed across the unlocked screen, this time a reminder from his assistant.

The Malaysian investors will be in-office soon for your scheduled conference call. 3:00 sharp. I know you're up, drink some water and be ready in 40.

Only six months on the job and already Dana managed the insurmountable feat of both organizing his entire calendar and keeping Damon somewhat in check. Maybe he would take care to not sleep with this one and ensure she actually stuck around long enough to matter, as Gideon so rightfully suggested. Or perhaps he should simply refrain from hiring beautiful women to avoid any future temptation.

Well, the plight of old dogs and all...

"Duty calls, I'm afraid. I'll have to regale my plans for world domination next time." His thumb traced over the inscription of Cerys' name. "Bye, Mum." With that, he turned and departed into the muggy cemetery air.

All at once, his formerly somber expression fell behind the mask of public charisma as he dialed his assistant's number. Since apparently she was also awake at this hour ––enough to send him a cheeky text–– it shouldn't be an issue. “Dana, love, can you send a car to the location I’m about to drop?” Morbid to share like this, but she knew precisely who was buried here. Everyone did.

Answering without apologies nor puttering for her earlier message, Dana only offered to reschedule upon reviewing the address he sent over. Which was precisely what he liked about her, respectful with enough moxie to snap him back to reality.

“No need to cancel, I wouldn’t want to keep our prospective friends waiting.”

[bodhranwriting]

Emmett Finds His Foster Father Again- Bodhrán M

Emmett stared in utter bewilderment.

If it hadn’t been for his friend’s distinctive accent or the birdlike tilt of his head and blink which meant he was waiting for an answer to a clever comment, he wouldn’t have known him.

Sixsmith had changed. It felt stupid to be surprised in the moment – five years was a long time when a man was approaching, no, just on the cusp now of seventy – but he’d been holding in his head that last image of Sixsmith standing at the corner with a bag over his shoulder and flashing a cheeky salute before walking away to be swallowed by the marketplace.

This Sixsmith’s hair was completely white and hacked close to his head, more an attack than a haircut. His stance was different: his left shoulder hanging lower than the other and he’d lost enough weight that his ribs showed eerily through his dark shirt, not helped by the prominent chest characteristic of Taiyeks.

Taiyeku bones broke easily, and Emmett didn’t like being reminded of that fact.

But it was his realising that it wasn’t paint on Sixsmith’s face which knocked the breath from his lungs.

Three long, puckered scars raked down the right side of his face, crossed by a shorter, thicker one from his eyebrow to his hairline. It twisted his face into a strangers’, a jigsaw not quite put back together right. It was almost as if someone had tried to keep a tally on his features and miscounted.

Sixsmith’s mouth twitched and abruptly curved into a wry grin. “I know ‘m pretty, Emmett, but not that much.”

“Six… I…”

“We dun’t have much time,” Sixsmith was pulling boxes and candles off the shelf, gaze flicking towards the door, “they start their little boxin’ matches in half an hour. Usually, they dun’t let me out of the –“

Emmett didn’t let him finish. Seizing Sixsmith in a frantic embrace, he managed, “They said you were dead, Six. I thought…”

He felt Sixsmith stiffen and he began to draw away in fear of having hurt him, but arms wrapped around his neck, keeping him close. An amused huff of air passed Emmett’s ear.

“An’ you believed them?”

“Well…”

“Idiot.”

A chuckle unearthed itself. “How long have you been here, Six?”

“A few months.”

Anger flared. Emmett shoved him away, heart thumping. “A few months? Months?”

“Emmett, please –“

“You’ve been here for months and you didn’t say? You let me think you were dead for months? What’s going on?

“Shhh!”

“Don’t shush me, Six, we’ve been sick with worry! Where the hell have you been?“

“Emmett, calm down –“

“Calm down? Four years of complete silence –“

“Shuddup!” Sixsmith clamped a hand over Emmett’s mouth. “Shuddup. You have to be quiet.”

Emmett, fingers tight about Sixsmith’s wrist, suddenly noticed that his hands were trembling.

And now he could see it close up, the bracelet locked on his friend’s arm didn’t look like a fashion statement…

Sixsmith bowed his head, inhaling deeply, and then spoke in a rush, “I’ll tell you. I’ll tell you everythin’, but right now, you need to be calm or we’re both fucked, alright? Understand?”

Tone had never been his strong point, but Emmett could read this one.

He nodded.

Sixsmith let go. “Sorry ‘bout that. But we really dun’t have the time.”

“Short version then.”

“I messed up an’ now if I dun’t get out of here soon, somethin’ really, really bad is gonna happen.”

“What? What’s going to happen?”

Sixsmith opened his mouth a few times and then looked away. “Bad. Just bad. Emmett, you gotta help me.”

Adrenaline surged through his veins. “How?”

[x-bluefire-heart-x]

The Morning After

So, I am still writing and still alive. Just had a bit of a break due to work being really busy after the Christmas break. 

Warnings: mentions of sexual assault, an anxiety attack, death, violence, drugging, kidnapping and violence. It isn’t explicit but is discussed more than it was in the previous chapters. 

Master List

Prompt List

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Tag list: @profoundtyrantharmony​ @wanniiieeee​ @zizzlekwum​​

You woke up with a groan, the pounding in your head reminding you of the mistakes you made last night including your conversation with Rafael and the very strange moment with Nick. You expected the sun light to wake you up but as you looked towards your window you saw the blinds down.

“Thank you Nick,” you muttered.

“No worries,” Nicks amused voice answered from your door way. You shot up, hair a mess and your clothes wrinkled. Oh, thank god you were wearing clothes.

“What the hell are you doing here?” you asked from the mess that was your bed. Apparently you had made a nest at some stage doing the night and nearly cocooned yourself amongst your quilts and pillows.

“Well, I drove you home after you had about five or six shots of vodka after your whiskey,” Nick began walking forward as he fixed the buttons on his sleeves. “And you had fallen asleep in the car, as I carried you up here you had kind of turned into an octopus and wouldn’t let me go. When I tried to remove your grip on me you started to cry and begged me to stay.”

“….I don’t beg,” you pouted rubbing your forehead. “But the rest sounds about right. I am so sorry.”

“Don’t be, honestly it was adorable,” Nick smiled. “There’s a glass of water and some pain meds on your side table. Thankfully you woke up with enough time for a shower and breakfast before work. I’ll get started on the food while you grab a shower.”

You stared after Nick as he left and started making noise in the kitchen. You looked at your side table and grabbed for the water and pain killers. You downed the water suddenly feeling very thirsty. After you finished you struggled out of your little nest and made your way to your wardrobe, grabbing your clothes for the day before making your way past the kitchen and to the bathroom.

“God I feel like shit,” you huffed. “I should not have had those shots.”

You struggled through undressing and showering, half way through the pain meds kicked in and you felt somewhat like a human being. Walking out of the bathroom your stomach rumbled at the smell, you took a seat at the Island bench.

“What are you cooking?” You asked. “I didn’t even know I had food that could smell like this.”

“Eggs, hashbrowns, bacon, spiced tomatoes and toast,”  Nick smiled. “You had all of it, I just add flavour.”

“Oh, flavour huh?” You raised an eyebrow.

“Yes, and one day I may cook you a Cuban meal and have you taste some amazing flavour,” Nick said, a cheeky grin on his face as he plated up the food and handed you one. He stood in-front of you eating his. You rolled your eyes, taking a bite and found yourself biting make a moan at the burst of flavour that hit your tongue.

“I can’t even be snarky right now cause this is so fucking good!” You groaned, a sound that was not as bad as it good have been but still made Nick laugh. You looked up at him, he was watching you eat his food with a small, soft smile on his face. You looked away quickly, your face feeling a little warm.

The two of you ate in silence after that, a slow build of awkward silence started and that was something that you weren’t use to with anyone in the squad. You fiddled with your fork as you looked anywhere but Nick before you groaned.

“Alright, what was that about?” Nick asked. “You need some more pain meds?”

“No,” you waved your hand. “I just realised I’m probably gonna have to deal with the ADA soon and I do not know how to handle that.”

“It’ll be okay, I doubt Liv or the Captain will have you be alone with him for a few days,” Nick said picking up your empty plates and placing them in the sink. He turned around leaning against the cabinets and crossing his arms.

“True, but even with other people it will be so tense,” you sighed running your fingers through your hair. “Well, I guess I’ll just have to deal with it, the ball is in his court as far as I am concerned. I will be professional. Speaking off, we should probably get going.”

“Well, that’s mighty adult of you Viper,” Nick snarked. “Did you go through a personality change in the shower?”

“Ha ha very funny Detective, why don’t you take that show on the road,” you suggested getting up to collect your gun and badge, and put your shoes on. You grabbed the jacket hanging on the back of your door and went back to meet Nick at the front door of your apartment. He was sliding on his suit jacket, and you couldn’t help but notice his arms flexing under the shirt he was wearing. You felt your mouth go a little dry before you looked away, really not wanting to get into that and what happened last night at the moment. Nick looked up at that moment and smirked a little when he noticed a slight flush to your cheeks. He schooled his features into his normal smile before you looked back.

“Ready?” he asked. “I’ll drive you in since I am already here.”

“Cheers,” you smiled nudging him out your door, grabbing your keys on the way.

--

“Rafael.” Olivia marched into his office and sat down in the chair in-front of his desk. Rafale slowly put down the paper he was reading and looked up, preparing himself for the look on her face.

“Detective,” Rafael sighed. “Can this not wait un-”

“No, I didn’t let Viper get away with how they acted and I won’t let you,” Olivia interrupted. “It doesn’t matter that you’re not a detective you are apart of our squad.” She leant forward and stared him down. “They apologised, and I know Viper well enough to know that they would have meant it. They also said they talked briefly about their time undercover and that is something they struggle with doing even with me.”

“What?” Rafael asked, looking surprised.

“Whatever they went through was something that seriously affected them and they do not like talking about it, for them to even hint at what they had to do in an attempt to apologise to you says a lot about how sorry they were,” Olivia explained.

Rafael sighed and ran his fingers through his hair, not caring that it almost certainly ruined the way he had styled it that morning, in an attempt to make himself look presentable after his poor decision to drink himself stupid to ignore absolutely everything.

“Look, I’m sure they meant their apology but they did call me an arse and it wasn’t just about the intimidation it was how they acted when I told them that I had no interest in using only a profile to get a warrant,” Rafael explained. “They didn’t respect my choice as the Prosecutor. And they most certainly did not apologise for that.”

“Oh come one Rafi, how many times have I disagreed with you about your choices and pushed for mine?” Olivia asked. “You’re reaching for an explanation for why you treated them the way you did.” She stood up heading towards the door before stopping and turning back. “Viper is the type the person you want on your side, and as a friend. I don’t think there is anything they wouldn’t do for a friend. But on the flip side, continuing to piss them off isn’t great either. Especially, when you have to work with them. Sort your shit out Rafi.”

Rafael watched her leave blinking in disbelief before scoffing and going back to the paper he was reading when she walked in. He did have his shit sorted and no he most certainly was not reaching with his explanation. And fine yes, Olivia did the same thing but he knew Olivia he did not know Viper and that was the difference. He wasn’t overly concerned about having Viper angry at him all the time, he doubted that he would be effected by it much at all they were still a detective for the NYPD and the only that they really could do was just ignore him which suited Rafael fine.  He determinedly ignored the feeling growing in his chest at the thought of Viper not looking at him with those eyes of fire, he didn’t understand it at all and refused to even consider that  it was partly quilt. Guilt at the look in their eyes before they had turned around.

He gave up on concentrating on the paper he was reading and got up, deciding that he might go for a walk and get another coffee. He definitely needed one and the noise of Manhattan might help to drown out his own thoughts.

--

Finn raised an eyebrow as you and Nick walked in together. You knew instantly what Finn was thinking due to the fact that Nick was wearing the same clothes as yesterday but before you could even consider opening your mouth to cut that line of thought off at the knees, Finn’s face changed to a cheeky smirk.

“Doing the walk of shame Nick?” he asked walking up to him and lightly tugging on his tie. To your absolute horror Nick didn’t refute that statement instead he laughed, lightly shoving him away.

“A gentleman never tells Finn,” Nick teased. “Not that you would know much about that.”

You groaned lightly walking to your desk, ignoring Finn’s indignant response to Nicks implication.  Throwing your jacket onto your chair you sent a glare Nick’s way, no amusement on you face at his Joke. It hit a little too close to the moments that happened between the two of you last night and this morning, something you still did not even want to acknowledge.

“Don’t be an arse Nick,” you said. “Finn, nothing happened. He slept on the couch after making sure I got home after last night.” Finn raised his hands in the air in surrender but still sent a knowing look towards Nick.

“Yeah, how are you feeling?” Amanda asked coming up to your desk looking at the dark circles under your eyes. “You went pretty hard.”

“I honestly feel like death warmed over,” you groaned, flopping into your chair and laying your head on the desk. “Never let me drink like that again.”

“I’d say you were allowed last night,” Finn added his two cents. “Just don’t throw up on me and we’re all good.”

“I don’t throw up,” you muttered.

“Lucky,” Amanda said going back to her desk and looking through her messages. “Oh, by the way Captain wanted to see you.”

“Thanks so much for waiting for me to sit down before telling me,” you snarked getting up. Amanda grinned as you past her.

“You’re welcome.”

Cragen was sitting behind his desk going through the paperwork that came with being a Captain, he had to get everything in order for a Commstat meeting that was coming up to quickly for his liking. He just hoped that no complicated cases came up that would give 1PP a reason to come down hard on SVU. He looked up as you knocked on his door motioning for you to come in.

“Close the door,” he said.

“Oh, it’s one of those meetings is it?” you asked going through everything you have done and trying to see if you had done anything that could have given Cragen a headache, apartment the Rafael situation.

“Probably not the kind you’re thinking of,” he smiled. “But I doubt you will like it all the same.” Your eyebrows furrowed as you took a sit in-front his desk, unsure of what he could mean. You opened your mouth before closing it again.

“Wait, please don’t tell me I need to go an see a therapist or something?” You asked. “I did all of that before coming back and was signed off on everything.”

“No nothing like that,” Cragen waved away your concern. “Though I did want to check in. Olivia updated me about the situation with ADA Barba.”

“Ah,” you muttered rubbing your forehead. You were definitely going to need some more painkillers. “I apologised to him but he apparently decided it wasn’t good enough. I had already decided this morning that I would act in a professional manner with him but nothing beyond that. I think you can find that acceptable?”

Cragen smiled, unsure why he was so surprised that you had already made the decision to behave as he was going to ask you to. He had watched you over the last few weeks since you came back and noticed that although you were still very much the Viper you had been before you left for your undercover work you were also very different. You were quieter, even softer with the victims then you had been before and from your interviews with Paul O’Neil even tougher on the accused.

“That is acceptable,” Cragen agreed. He was concerned for you, not just because of the Rafael situation but also because of the look you would occasionally get when you thought no-one was paying attention. Your face would became entirely blank and you eyes became empty, losing any of the life that normally resided there. Olivia had brought it to him earlier as well and the two of them had agreed that they would do everything they could to help you through it.

“Wonderful, is that everything?” You asked half raising out of your seat waiting to be dismissed.

“Yes, that was all,” Cragen nodded. “But Viper, do try not to glare at Barba. I know you will act professional but we both know that doesn’t mean you won’t glare at him.”

A small sheepish smile graced your face before you wiped it off and nodded, drawing a cross over your heart before leaving. You heard Cragen’s chuckle following you out. Amanda raised an eyebrow as you came back out, you sent her a small smile letting her know everything was all good.

Olivia had come in during the time you had been in Cragen’s office and the look on her face did not bode well. You were unsure if you wanted to ask her about it but the option was taken out of your hands by Finn. You shouldn’t have been surprised, Finn was one of the biggest shit stirrers you had ever met.

“I take it your morning conversation with Barba did not go well,” Finn said an eyebrow raised. “Did he even give a reason for not accepting our Vipers apology?” You felt your heard clench at Finn calling you “theirs”, as in the teams. It had been a so long since you had felt the feeling of home, SVU always gave you that feeling. And it helped you to know that they considered you theirs.

“Don’t start Finn,” Olivia sighed before turning to you. “Apparently he thought you should have also apologised for demanding that he look at your profile and not just intimidating him.”

“You can’t be serious?” Amanda scoffed. “We have all pushed our opinions on a case onto him before and never once has he acted like this.”

“That man is a real piece of work,” Nick growled. The others looked at him surprise, Nick always had a difficult relationship with Rafael but never had they had him speak in such a tone about him before.

You didn’t even know how to process what Olivia had told you. You had thought that perhaps you hadn’t apologised properly but it turns out it was about something entirely different, something that you had done with previous ADA’s and knew that the rest of the squad did as well. It was so common among cops and lawyers, arguing over the way to approach a case and getting warrants. You breathed in deeply closing your eyes and focusing on your heart beat. You could feel it picking up in speed and not in a fun way. Perhaps you weren’t as okay as you told the Captain.

“Viper,” Olivia’s voice was quiet in your ear and a moment after you registered the feeling of her hand on your arm. “Why don’t we go outside for a minute?” You nodded, breathing slow and steady trying to control your breath and heart.

You didn’t make eye contact with the others as you left allowing Olivia to guide you outside. You lent against the wall of the building, digging your fingers into the brick work to try and ground yourself. You felt Olivia take one of your wrist and tap out a rhythm, a slow steady rhythm. Your world narrowed down to that tapping, to the feel of Olivia’s hand on yours. You felt your breaths start to match the tapping, and between the texture of the brickwork and Olivia’s tapping you felt your heart rate slow back to a normal regular pace.

“Better?” Olivia asked, when you opened your eyes and noticed that she was standing directly in-front of you, blocking out the view of other people.

“Yeah, yeah, I’m good,” you said voice a little out of breath. “I’ve-I’ve never experienced that before. That was-”

“An anxiety attack,” Olivia nodded. “They’re definitely not fun especially the first one when there is no warning of it coming on.”

“You’ve had one?” You asked.

“Yeah, after...after Lewis,” she didn’t need to finish. You felt a rage building in your chest at that man. God you wished you had been here during that time. You wouldn’t have let that man live after what he did to her. “Do you have an idea of what could have triggered it? Working that out can help.”

“I don’t know honestly,” you answered. “It just happened.”

“Well, we’ll keep an eye on things and maybe we can work it out,” Olivia smiled. She squeezed your wrist once more before letting go.  Just before the two of entered the building again her phone rang. You waited for her to hang up, the look on her face telling you that there was another case.

“A body was found in Central Park, it was dragged out of the water,” Olivia informed you already typing away at her phone. “Come on, I told Cragen we would take it.” You nodded following her to your car. You hadn’t even realised that she had grabbed your jacket until she passed it to you. You slipped it on.

“Any other details?” You asked sliding into the passenger seat.

“The victim is a man, and looks like he was cut up pretty badly, unsure if there was any sexual assault passed that but with the body being in the water the chances of Warner finding any DNA is slim,” Olivia answered.

“Cutting up could mean they were the one that assaulted someone and this was retribution,” you started theorising. “But of course it is also used by people attempting to remove others sexual desire.”

“Warner will be able to tell us more and hopefully they’re in the system,” Olivia answered.

--

You and Olivia arrived back to the station ready to catch the others up on what you found at the crime scene. It was going to be a difficult gruesome case and you hoped that they weren’t going to be any other victims but you already knew such a hope was a lost cause. Although the attack on the victim was brutal it didn’t give the appearance of someone who knew the victim, there were markings on the wrist and ankles that spoke of restraints. There would be more, and there was no way this was the unsubs first victim, there were probably others that haven’t been identified or found. Your first task was to search through ViCAP.

“What have we got this time?” Cragen asked walking out of his office as you gathered the others around the table and tv area.

“Not much to go on yet, a male victim in his mid to late 30s, Warner estimated his death happened some time around midnight two days ago but they had only been put in the water last night,” Olivia answered. “He was cut up around the top of his thighs and along his genitals but no removal occurred.”

“The unsub most likely didn’t know the victim beyond maybe a few days max, they would most likely have used a ruse to lure them, they also bound the victim at the ankles and wrist,” you took over. “Warner said the blade used to make the cuts was jagged, potentially to make it more painful, Warner is going to do a full blood work but doesn’t think she will find anything. So, we might have no way of knowing if the victim was drugged at all.”

“There was signs of penetration, but Warner doesn’t think she will get any DNA, and it looks like perhaps the knife was used as well,” Olivia finished. “Waiting for any results to come back from their finger prints or DNA, hopefully if they’re not in the system we might get a familiar match.”

“I’m going to put everything into ViCAP and see if there are any other matches, cause it does not seem like this is the Unsubs first time doing this,” you said pulling up ViCAP on the laptop at the table. “At the moment there isn’t much to go on to make a profile, and until we know the sexuality of our victim it’s going to be difficult to know the gender of our Unsub.”

“Right well, not much else we can do for now until we get the results back or Viper pulls up another victim,” Cragen said. “The rest of you I know you have paperwork to be doing to so for now get working on that.”

The others groaned but went to the task as ordered. You settled into the chair and got to work, you knew it was always terrible to hope for other victims but at this stage it was what you needed to get started on the investigation to catch this unsub. At least this helped to keep your mind off of everything. You tuned out all the other noise of the squad room focusing on the screen in-front of you, so you didn’t notice when Nick would look up from his work every few minutes to watch you for a few seconds and then look away. But Olivia and Amanda saw it, and they shared a look, happy to leave things as they were for now but knew that it might be a good idea to talk to Nick.

[neverchecking]

Who’s hungry? I have another idea in place for a story, it involves our favorite boi.

So MAJOR TW: Forced Touching, Mid Choking, Mental Abuse, The usual yandere stuff. I normally don’t write like this… I hope I didn’t go to far… PSA: I don’t condone this behavior, abuse is abuse, y’all stay safe please, my mind just got stupid.

“Where are you going?” His voice remained soft and sweet when the question was asked, but the look in his eyes were anything but, this had caught you off guard. “We normally do this hun. I just gave you a kiss for the night.” Suddenly you felt the hand around your waist become tighter, as a deep voice ringed in your ears. “I didn’t wait 100 fucking years and six months for a dip in the kitty pool, Goddess.” Without a moment to waste, you found yourself flat against your back as your brain was trying to remind yourself on how to breathe through your nose. The pressure of Sage’s body being pressed against yours was too much for your mind to handle, as if you were being sandwiched between the bed and him, and you wondered if the bed would possibly break underneath you due to his roughness. Soon he lifted himself off of you and he stared sternly into your eyes, not looking away for a single second. You weren’t sure where all this tension was coming from, so you decided to use your cheekiness to lighten up the situation. “Kitty pool huh? I would have thought that you’d be in the beginners class by now.” Very poor choice of words, the grip on your shoulders became harder as you swallowed your pride. “Hey-hey now… I’m sorry. Look if you want to cuddle instead, then I’m all for it-“ A hand was placed on your neck to keep you quiet, you kept your eyes shut, feeling a little scared now to look at his eyes. They weren’t soft and sweet, they became cold and soulless. “I don’t want any cuddles. I don’t want any hugs. And I don’t want any kisses.” The hold on your neck became tighter as he spoke. “I want to drop your name and make it mine. I want to break every last egg that you have. I want to ruin your clear skin. I want to keep you here with my offspring. And I want to show everyone who you belong to.” You had to take a moment to process what Sage had just said to you. At first you thought he was angry at you, but it was the complete opposite. That didn’t help how you were feeling, so you tried to reason with him. In response he squeezed you neck again. “Look at me. Look at me when you speak.” Slowly, you did what you were told and looked at him. Sage’s face was close to yours as he could, the coldness in his eyes remained. “The only words I want to hear from you are yes. Nothing more, nothing less. Understood?” Terrified, this isn’t how you were planning for this night to end, you wanted to be soft and gentle with him. You tried to think of how to relax the tension but Sage wasn’t having that. As an not so settle reminder of the situation that you were in, he squeezed your neck for the final time, actually chocking you this time. “Not asking you again, Sun Flower. Understood?” Seeing that there was no other way around this, with the little amount of breath that you had, you nodded your head. “…yes. Yes Sage…” He quickly let go of your neck, allowing you to breathe normally, however you wouldn’t be able to get much air in as he suddenly pinned his body up against you and began to kiss you over and over. First your lips, cheeks, neck, shoulders… he went lower and lower as you tried to keep your moans to yourself. With the last amount of sense you did have, you weren’t going to reward him with your voice after what he just did. Of course, Sage didn’t care, if he wants something, he’s going to get it, any means necessary. “You might as well stop the fight my dear flower. We’re going to be here all night, it is a special one after all. So let’s celebrate our engagement together,” Sage leaned in closer as he began to take of your clothes, “Just you and me… all night… until the sun comes up.”

{also Cinder if you want to make a nsfw version of this go right ahead… I’m not innocent anymore ;-; but I never was}

ALL OF THIS IS SO GOOD?! WHAT MORE CAN I ADD TO THIS BESTIE?! I AM- IOHFIOVIOWDIODEIOD

Listen. Bestie. Everything about this is SO FREAKING GOOD. I CANT- FROM THE KIDDIE POOL BIT TO THE DOMINATION FROM SAGE

A TEAR JUST RAN DOWN MY LEG FOR THIS

[blackberrysummerblog]

Six Sentence Sunday

Wow, I’m taken aback by how many tags I have today—I’m not sure why y’all are putting up with me with my constant posting of WIP scenes and even more constant non-posting of completed fic, but I love you for it 😭 Thank you @cutestkilla @c0nsumemy5oul @larkral @ileadacharmedlife @you-remind-me-of-the-babe @valeffelees @fatalfangirl @hushed-chorus and @j-nipper-95! As always, I love seeing what you’re all working on!

This is part of the scene I’ve been writing this week; you may notice some connection to the last line game from earlier 😉

“But if they weren’t.” I slide down the chair’s arm now, scrunching myself up so that I’m half-on, half-off of Baz’s lap. “If it were just you and me. Say…you saw me for the first time at the Crucible casting and then…what? Would you have been happy to meet me?”

Baz’s eyes soften. “I was happy to meet you regardless, Snow.”

“We’re attracted to each other, aren’t we?” I budge myself up closer, enjoying the effect I’m having on his composure. Baz never looks anything but pulled together, and I’m unraveling him here, bit by bit, by the flickering candlelight on the mantel. “Would you have taken me to your home? To your bed?”

“I did both of those things.” Baz pushes his palm into my face to ward me off. He’s smirking a little, though. My tail coils around his wrist. “Must you involve your arse appendage, Snow?”

He likes my tail, I think. The rare color in his face says he does. He lets my tail draw his wrist back as I lean in, dangerously close. “I just can’t help thinking—”

“Doubt it.”

I hesitate, momentarily thrown off, and he flashes me a cheeky grin. “I can’t help thinking,” I continue, “what it might have been like if we were just two regular mages, married at first sight.” Baz inhales sharply, probably because my mouth is so close to his now. It hasn’t escaped my notice that the most guaranteed way to shut him up is to lean in. I tug his hand up with my tail and press his palm to my cheek; he draws his thumb along my lower lip. “Maybe you’d have swept me into one of those legendary, fairytale kisses…pulled me close by the small of my back. We could have made out until the elders forced us off the grounds for public indecency.” Baz actually squeaks as I sit up and straddle his lap, my hands on his shoulders. His eyes are locked on my face; he has to tilt his chin up to look at me like this. I love it. “You could’ve grabbed my arse.” I tug his arms around me, one with my hand and the other still hostage to my tail. Merlin, the way it feels when he takes hold of me, pulling my hips in tight against his body. “Maybe we wouldn’t have waited to get home,” I whisper, letting my mouth drift from one side of his face to the other, examining him, looking for the place I want to kiss. I find it just under his jaw. “Maybe you’d have dragged me into the shadowed alley of some building and…” I suck at his tender skin; he smells so good. Of the woods, and citrus, and something that’s just Baz, cold and clean. The perfect contrast to my heat and smoke.

Tagging @imagineacoolusername @thewholelemon @bazzybelle @basiltonbutliketheherb @aceumbrellaheroes and @artsyunderstudy @aristocratic-otter

[nobully]

❛ We can talk about it after because I've had a shit day and I really just wanna starfish and forget the world. ❜ let her use ur lap or something 😤

THE FALL OF THE HOUSE OF USHER SENTENCE STARTERS

"Not here, then."

Maybe it was years of playing eldest disciple, maybe it was maturity gained with experience, but the moment Nicolette finishes venting, Wang Yi's response isn't to follow her whims but suggest something entirely different.

He catches the flash of surprised uncertainty in her eyes and grasps her hand the next second, flashing a quick smile back.

"I mean, I want to show you something."

"If you're serious about starfishing, that is."

He quietly checks her expression again: the tension seems to have faded, whatever potential rejection she was winding herself up for dissipating with his explanation. Wang Yi mentally reminds himself to phrase things better before tugging her after him in a run.

"C'mon, let's go."

Nicolette can't help but exclaim, "Now? Where to?!"

"To catch the next airship."

Her voice is breathless as she squeezes his fingers. "What for?"

"So I can show off."

—

He has them ride to the heights of the Sky-Strewn Isles, then whisks Nicolette away on his sword (securely placing her hands around his waist first) to the shores of Silvern Sands. Sunset is already sinking into twilight by the time they settle on the beach, Wang Yi sitting cross-legged on the sand with Nicolette's head resting in his lap.

"A beach date?" she gives him a look followed by a brief giggle that sounds higher-pitched than usual—her nervous energy creeps in despite everything, after all. "That's not unoriginal at all, Yiyi."

"Is it?" Wang Yi's tone carries a hint of challenge, his fingers casually reaching down to tuck Nicolette's hair behind her ears. "I bet you're not looking hard enough."

"Hm? I'm looking as hard as I can at you."

"Later." He raises a finger above her face, catches her eyes with it, and points it towards the sky. Then, softer. "There first."

Nicolette follows his words and basks in the light of the waking stars. Of course it's much easier to see them here in the dark, but even that seems plenty predictable. Until she catches a spark out of the corner of her vision. Her eyes dart towards it, glimpsing the tail end of a silvery light; more appear at the edges of her sight before bursting into symphony as a glittering shower of sparkles dyeing the night in light-filled magic. Some specks of it even land on her cheek—they're startlingly cold, causing her to blink.

Wang Yi's wiping her face with his sleeves the next second with a murmured whoops, but she catches his eyes twinkling at her with quiet expectation. Just as she readies herself to speak, his gaze goes up and she follows him, looking back into the skies.

There's a gasp. It takes Nicolette a second to register it as her own, and then she's staring wide-eyed at six flying ice swords glittering and dancing their way across the canopy. Eventually they clash with each other and fight until each is smashed into fragments raining more ice dust over their heads.

“My kid self always thought ice looked like crystals,” Wang Yi muses from above her. “But when I practice with my swords at night, they’re closer to stars.”

He extends his palm until a full-sized crystal made out of ice forms in his hand. Its edges glimmer softly, glowing blue-white in the dark.

“Here.” He floats it over to Nicolette, who half sits up to touch the surface and marvel at the cold. “It won’t melt unless I tell it to. But you don’t have to hold it—I’ll keep it afloat for you.”

She blinks at him, then opens her palms and watches the ice star float in between them. “What’s this for?”

“I caught you a star just like you asked for,” he arches his brows in mock-offense. “How many more do you want?”

Nicolette gapes at him before suddenly turning cheeky. “What if I said I wanted them all?”

“You think I can’t do it?”

“Show me, then!”

"Huh, let's see..." Wang Yi points at a section of sky. More ice crystals form—tinier ones that dance and come together before descending to circle around the largest one in Nicolette's hands. "Something like that?"

Nicolette plucks a tiny icy star out of its orbiting brethren and gives it an equally tiny kiss. "Hmm...offering accepted."

"We're just getting started." And with that, Wang Yi continued to pluck more stars out of moisture in the air, freezing the water to form tiny works of art.

At some point he has to stop, mostly because he's running low on energy, but by then Nicolette's been decked out in ice crystals in her hair and shoulders and everywhere else. Of course. Wang Yi takes care to avoid them touching her skin so she doesn't freeze.

"So what do you think?" he asks after a lull.

Looking at her bedecked self, Nicolette can't help but laugh, "It's like I'm drowning in diamonds."

At that, Wang Yi's eyes brighten and he moves in with his hands to rearrange the ice—forming a crown, necklace, earrings, and bracelet. At the thought of a ring he hesitates over her fingers before gracing each one with a glittering crystal floating just above skin level.

He raises his gaze in time to meet Nicolette's irises staring into his own, and freezes, an awkward half-smile on his lips. Was it too much?

But Nicolette just smiles and sits up completely. "Wang Yi, you have stars in your eyes."

"It's the light reflecting off the ice—" he begins, but stops as she wraps her arms around his shoulders.

"Shush. Anyways, that just means I can catch you too, right?"

"Does it?"

"Mhm. You're the biggest star tonight, and I've got all your brothers and sisters as bait." She tilted her head, letting one "earring" twinkle temptingly. "Give in, you've lost already."

"Hah, don't be so sure." In response, Wang Yi pulls her in by the waist, locking them into a hug. "If it's just the stars, I can keep you from seeing my eyes easy enough."

"Well, you still feel as cool as one."

"I've just got a calm personality."

"Pfft! Since when?"

"Since now."

"Then you'll stay calm while I bring you all the way home, won't you?"

"You're gonna have to carry me through the window, Break will complain otherwise."

"Hmm, that sounds more entertaining somehow?"

"If he pops a vein, Zhilan won't get any sleep."

"Then we'll take turns watching over him."

"You're including me in that? He'll just pop more veins."

"I'll make sure he's asleep by the time it's your turn."

"Hey, since when did this turn into a conversation about Break?"

Their silly banter continues long after Wang Yi's ice dissipates and the hug warms them both up.

[jetsteelyourheart]

I've been working on this for more time than I'd care to admit cause I've been formulating like... 4 separate Fan Casts, but when @easily-distracted-ivashkov posted an ask about Casting I had to submit something. Then it got too large for an ask so here I am.

I'm not done with my TV/Film Fan Cast, but welcome to...

The Bloodlines Musical Theater Fan Cast

*Complete with vocal part & music samples

*all casting has purely been based on my completely mid level of musical actor knowledge and voice. Like 90% of this is all voice. I can't stress that enough

I also have two separate casts for this because its changed over the years. I call them the "Fancast 1.0" and the "Fancast 2.0 - Its Gayer This Time." And of course like with any good casting situation, when you use a couple different actors you need basically a whole new set for everyone else so... Please find them below:

Fancast 1.0:

Adrian - Tenor : Aaron Tveit

Think old school Aaron

-> Gabe in Next to Normal Aaron

-> Fiero in Wicked Aaron

-> Roger in RENT Aaron

And you know... maybe think some more recent Aaron...

Sydney - Mezzo: Barrett Wilbert Weed

Now, I don't want to start anything because Broadway Tumblr is notoriously... dramatic... but this is my fancast and frankly I think if I was a broadway actor people would get mad at me too for having boundaries and less than perfect vocal health so... give the samples below a chance

-> Wildflowers from Fugitives Song Cycle Barrett

-> obligatory Veronica from Heathers Barrett

-> Winnie from Everlasting Barrett

Jill - Mezz/Soprano: Joy Woods

-> Audrey from Little Shop of Horrors Joy

-> Cathy from The Last Five Years Joy

Eddie - Tenor: George Salazar

-> Grover in The Lightning Thief George

-> Obligatory Michael in the Bathroom George

-> Seymour in Little Shop of Horrors George

-> Where do the Lonely souls go George

Nathan Ivashkov: Brian Darcy James

-> Something Rotten Brian

-> Dan Goodman in Next to Normal (with bonus Aaron as his son for direct comparison!)

-> Barrett from Titanic (for something different)

-> Shrek from Shrek because I just like reminding everyone he was in Shrek

Tatiana Ivashkov - Caroline O'Connor

-> Countess Lily in Anastasia

-> Velma in Chicago Caroline

Trey - Everyone is a Tenor Now: Dan Domenech

(sorry for the closest thing I could find to a gif of him without heathers text)

-> speaking of have some JD in heathers Dan

-> Joanne in RENT Dan

Angeline - Is Sassy technically a vocal type? (Sop?): Andrea Macasaet

-> Obligatory Anne Boleyn in SiX Andrea

-> Mimi ... in RENT but like... in concert with Anthony Rapp as Roger?? Andrea

Jackie Terwilliger: Eden Espinosa

-> Elphaba from Wicked Eden

-> Cassandra from Tangled the Series (Her vocals tho)

Brayden: Matt Doyle

He's got it. I don't know what it is. But he has it.

-> Jamie in Company

-> Hanchen in Spring Awakening. Look its not singing... but its Brayden

-> Jasper in Jasper in Deadland to be nice because its a character that isn't annoying and he's a good actor

Micah: Alexander Brightman

-> Cut You A Piece Alexander (but also I just fucking love this Sydrianesque song to death)

-> A Little Bit Alexander

.......................................................................................

Same in Both Casts:

Jared Sage: Patrick Page

Ok but like, how could I NOT.

-> Frollo in Hunchback because Frollo is one of Jared Sage's past lives

-> Hades in Hadestown Patrick

-> Green Goblin Patrick because its on the same level as Brian D'Arcy James Shrek

Abe: Ricky Rojas

Listen, I've never seen him do scary, but I believe he could do it. He's definitely got fun and cheeky down. I'd love to see him dress like a mobster. And look how expressive he is. I fully believe Abe can Tango.

-> Ricky (and Aaron) Singing Tennessee Whiskey because listen to that man siiiing

-> Santiago from Moulin Rouge but just the audio cause youtube aint got any videos

Marcus Finch: Alex Joseph Grayson

Tragically Tumblr has no gifs and thats a travesty

-> Hercules in Hercules

-> Jim in Parade (THOSE RIFFS)

-> Judas in Jesus Christ Superstar

Zoe Sage: Sophia Anne Caruso

But literally exactly in the vocal tonality of Beetlejuice. I don't make the rules

-> Obligatory Beetlejuice

Sheridan: Orfeh

This might be a surprise. Maybe. But like. Imagine all of Sheridan's war crimes. All of her actions that raise the Geneva convention to the ground. Now picture those words coming out of the mouth of someone who sounds like the Nanny Named Fran mixed with some kind of Bostonian Dolly Parton. JUST IMAGINE IT.

-> Paulette from Legally Blonde

-> Orfeh Singing from VOTE!

-> Audrey...2 in Little Shop

Donna Stanton: Natalie Mendoza

Ok so it almost more her acting than her singing, but hear me out: Natalie Mendoza does an amazing job on stage portraying that she's keeping her real thoughts hidden. Its almost a waste to make her Donna stanton because her comedic timing is top notch and underrated. Also she can sing.

-> Ok I couldn't find any examples on youtube... but trust me on this. She's fantastic

Malachai Wolfe: Chris Sullivan

Yeah, that guy. He also played Taserface. Do with this information what you will, but also hear him in the Off-Broadway Hadestown

-> Hermes from Hadestown Chris

Lee: Jeremy Jordan

Listen, I know its a small part for Jeremy, BUT he goes from 0 - 100 on the little nerd man to deranged murder man and Lee needs that

-> Seymour from Littleshop (again) but this time Jeremy

-> Clyde from Bonnie & Clyde Jeremy

-> Light from Death Note the Musical Jeremy. This is not a joke. (second singer)

Clarence: Danny Burstein

-> Adolpho in The Drowsy Chaperone

-> Tevye in Fiddler

Carly Sage: Christy Altomare

-> Freedom Inside MV

-> Wendla in Spring Awakening

Rowena: Rachel Zegler

-> As Maria in West Side Story

Emma: Taylor Lauderman

-> Little Miss Perfect

Duncan: Derek Klena

-> Jagged Little Pill

Alecia: Sam Pauly

-> Obligatory SiX Katharine Howard

-> Come From Away

-> The Wild Party

Lissa: Ashley Loren

The Sparkling Dragomir ~*~**

-> Satine from Moulin Rouge

-> Belle (with cats) from Beauty and the Beast

-> Elsa from Frozen

Rose: Anna Uzele

-> Catherine Parr in SiX

-> Francine in New York, New York

Dimitri: Christopher Jackson (circa In the Heights Era)

I don't like Dimitri, but if he's gonna be there, I'm gonna get an Actor that makes me like him. He better have killer fuckin pipes

-> Benny in In the Heights

-> Obligatory George Washington in Hamilton

-> More Benny because I'm obsessed

Neil: Jamie Muscato

He's like the musical theater Hugh Grant of the west end. I'm gonna get flack for this, I know, but the guy is like the watered down British polite version of every character he plays. Its a whole vibe on its own, and frankly, its very Neil.

-> Evan Hansen Jamie

-> Enjolras from Les Mis Jamie

Chantal: Ariana DeBose

-> Tony's Opening Number

-> I MEAN SHE EARNED THAT OSCAR IN WEST SIDE STORY

Keith:

[anonymousfiction211]

Alright I have a Loki one shot idea, by the way absolutely love your work I have read everything you posted and now I have ran out of things to read,lol,

So could you do one where y/n and Loki are friends and they start joking around about sex and Loki gets hard about it, they bot like each other anyway but they won't say anything so Loki shoves her into a bathroom stall and ducks her but like the toilet seat it down and he is sitting down on the toilet while she is riding him like somewhere nice, just something smutty and some fluff at the end of you don't care, ( Loki!xfemale reader) ( smut,fluff), thank you so much, you don't have to do it though, just a thought

A/N: So sorry for the extreme long wait!! I loved the request, but my inspiration to write was gone. I hope you still enjoy!

Warnings: Sex (18+), a tiny hint of sub-dom (but you have the squeeze your eyes)

Just a joke |The party was boring, nothing but exchanging pleasantries with people you barely knew. Luckily, you had one ally at the party, Loki. He was just as bored as you. The two of you had already criticised everyone you had to talk to. From afar people would think the two of you had a good time, laughing a lot. But that was just because the two of you had a strong bond.

He was your friend, something you had to keep reminding yourself off. A friend, just a friend. It didn’t help that that friend was in a tailored black suit, showing off his body, a body you very much would like to see with a lot less clothes on. His hair was hanging loose around his face, and when he laughed… god, he the world didn’t seem to exist. But he was just a friend. However, you did enjoy the few dirty looks you have gotten from some girls who were eying him and getting annoyed that he didn’t pay them the same amount of attention he paid you.

‘You just know that their marriage is dead’ Loki whispered in your ear, gesturing at a couple across the room. The woman was ranting on about something, the man wasn’t paying much attention to what she was saying. She was clearly annoyed, and he was checking out another woman.

‘Nah, they just had a new-born and haven’t had sex in a long time. They just need to get laid’ you answered.

Loki almost chocked on his drink. ‘Filthy words, for such a nice girl. How do you know?’

Cursing yourself that you had to blush at the phrase ‘nice girl’, you answered ‘I saw the card on Tony’s desk. Besides, she is clearly frustrated, and he is literally checking out another woman. It couldn’t be any clearer’

‘Maybe she is just annoyed or angry at him’ Loki countered.

‘No, she is frustrated. You can see it in her eyes. Her whole body is tense, she desperately needs some’

‘Hmm, your body is tense too’ Loki remarked.

You looked him in his eyes, but quickly looked down to the ground. ‘How long has it been for you?’ a cheeky smile confirmed that he liked to make you flustered. You wanted to smack that smile right off his face or kiss it off. Either way was good with you.

‘Oh, not so long’ you tried to sound unaffected.

‘I can’t figure out why you keep lying to me, knowing you can’t’ he said.

Truth is, you hadn’t slept with anybody else since you realized you were in love with him. Six months ago. But you couldn’t tell him that. ‘It’s.. it’s been a while. But that doesn’t matter. I’m not interested in sex tonight’

Loki clearly didn’t believe that lie either. ‘I could get you laid’ he said.

‘What?’ you squeaked.

‘I mean, I could help you if you want’ he answered.

‘Only if you can get me the best-looking guy here’ you tried to sound as confident as you could. You took a large sip of your wine, hoping it would give you some courage.

‘Well, darling. That would be me’ he smirked.

‘You’re full of yourself’ you countered.

‘That doesn’t make it not true’ he was eying you up and down, making you nervous.

You took another sip of your wine, maybe it was a bad idea, maybe not. But the words had left your lips before you could properly think about it. ‘You wouldn’t be able to handle it’

‘You should try me’ he winked at you.

‘Careful, Odinson. You don’t know what you are about to start’ you laughed.

‘Tell me, then’ he dared.

It was probably the alcohol, but you suddenly saw an opportunity. You could always play it off as a joke. ‘Darling’ you purred, trying to mimic his usual tone. You took a step closer and stood on your toes, so you could reach his ears. ‘I would push you on the bed, tie your hands to the railing and I would take my time. Riding you slowly until the only thing you can do is beg me for your release’ you whispered in his ear.

When you got back on your feet, for a moment you thought you saw a slight blush on his check. You felt like you had gone too far. You opened your mouth, ready to play it off as a joke. But Loki grabbed your wrist.

‘Come with me’ his tone suddenly got a lot lower, and his face was serious.

You swallowed hard and were dragged along. Loki led you to the hallway and looked from left to right.

‘Do you even know where you are dragging me to?’ you laughed, because he clearly didn’t.

‘Fuck it’ he said. He tightened his grip on your wrist and before you knew it pushed you into the men’s room. He locked the door behind him and pushed you against the door. Before you knew it his lips were on yours and you were locked into a heated kiss.

He stopped. You had to catch your breath while staring into his eyes. His gaze didn’t leave yours. ‘You can’t do that to me’ he said.

‘Do what?’ you asked.

He took a step closer and pushed his hips against your stomach. You could clearly feel his erection through his trousers.

‘Do that’ he answered.

You tried to contain the big grin on your face. You had wanted this for so long, it felt like a dream, hoping you wouldn’t wake up. ‘And that only from a few words, can’t wait to see what I do to you when you see my naked’ you winked.

‘Don’t underestimate the power off words’ he whispered in your ear.

‘Don’t underestimate the power off action. Like in shut up and kiss me’ you answered.

He didn’t have to be told twice. His lips were on yours again. Your whole body felt like it was one fire. You grabbed his tie and loosened it a little. His hands were everywhere on your body, making you squirm against the door. You could feel the cheeky grin against your lips. Remembering what you had said to him, you decided to make good on your promise.

You pushed him back, surprising him a little bit.

‘Sit down’ you said.

Clearly amused, he put the cover down and sat down on it. His legs spread wide, even on a toilet the men looked like a king. You hiked up your dress to your waist and you sat down with your knees on either side of his thighs. You quickly rubbed him up and down, trying to find the zipper. Loki had closed his eyes, put his head back and moaned shamelessly.

‘Darling, I-‘ he started.

But you had found the button and the zipper. You quickly undid them both. You hiked your dress up a bit further, and before he knew it you sank down on his cock.

‘Fuck’ he cursed.

You slowly started to ride him. You were panting in seconds, trying to savour the moment of his cock inside of you. Every move made your whole-body tingle.

‘No panties? Maybe you aren’t such a nice girl after all’ he mused. He started to attack your neck with his teeth. Marking you, which made you move faster.

‘This dress was too tight for anything underneath’ you moaned.

‘You are driving me insane’ he growled.

You could tell he was getting closer, so were you. But you felt like teasing him a little longer.

A knock on the door interrupted the two of you.

‘Occupied’ Loki yelled. ‘I think we have to hurry’ he whispered against your cheek. Slowly kissing you, making your way to your ear. When he started to flick his tongue against your earlobes, you couldn’t contain your lewd moaning.

Before he could make a cheeky remark, you started to ride him slowly again. He threw his head back, exposing his throat to you. And you couldn’t help but sink your teeth into his skin.

‘Darling.. faster’ he moaned.

‘Beg’ you whispered.

His head shot back, and he looked at you with wide eyes. When you went even slower, you could tell he snapped. He grabbed your waist, making you yelp. He lifted you off and pushed you hard against the bathroom door again. Your legs wrapped around his waist, and he was pounding into you.

‘Please’ he whispered in your ear.

You came moaning his name loudly, the guy on the other side surely knew what the two of you were doing. Clenching down on his cock, triggering his own orgasm. He pumped slowly a few more times, before pulling out, and slowly helping you to the ground.

You pulled your dress down, trying to ignore the exciting feeling of his sperm dribbling on your thigh. Loki put his cock behind his zipper and straightened his thigh. He moves a lock from your hair back in place and bend down to kiss you deeply.

‘I’m sorry, I didn’t want our first time to be in the men’s room’ he genuinely sounded nervous.

‘Where did you want our first time to be?’ you asked.

‘I have been playing this over and over again in my mind. And I wanted to take you to my room. Undress you slowly, taste you on the tip of my tongue over and over again, until you beg me to stop. And only then I would take you, until the only word you would remember is my name. I have spent nights touching myself at the thought of seeing you lay naked against me, entangled in my dark green sheets’ he admitted to you.

You had to bite your lip to keep yourself from moaning loudly. The guy on the other end of the door was now knocking aggressively on the door. Both of you ignored him completely.

‘I’m beginning to get the power of words’ you whispered to him.

‘And I would very much like to get the power of action’ he winked. He unlocked the door, pushed you back behind him and swing the door open. You recognized the guy, it was the man with the dead marriage.

‘You should try taking your wife in there, it does wonders’ Loki said. The guy just looked at him in shock, mouth hanging open. You couldn’t help but laugh at Loki’s blunt comment. He grabbed your arm and the two of you quickly walked past the bar. Loki stopped for a moment and looked around. Nobody was paying attention. He quickly grabbed a bottle of champagne and the two of you almost ran out of there.

‘You just stole a bottle of champagne’ you laughed.

‘I think I stole you as well’ he winked.

‘Can’t believe this happened because of a joke’

‘We both know, it wasn’t just a joke’ he said before he kissed you again.  

[shaynawrites23]

hi! i love the cary agos fics you wrote, and i was wondering if you could do one where he’s planning a romantic trip for his girlfriend’s birthday? thank you!

Romantic Getaway

Word count: 1033

A/N: I'm not entirely sure this is what you had in mind, and I apologize if I didn't get his character quite right in this one, but nonetheless I hope you enjoy!

It's not unlike Cary to have plans for your birthday. Plans with you, in any case. Every year, you tell him all you want is time with him, special time alone during which neither of you have to worry about work and you can focus completely on the other.

And every year, Cary fulfils your request.

Five birthdays. That's how many you've celebrated with him; it might have been six, if you'd met just slightly earlier than you did. If you didn't care much for birthdays before, Cary would be the one reason why you do now, with how much he dotes on you, showering you with affection every time.

Cary's always affectionate, but even more so on your birthday. The day to celebrate your existence, to remind you how much you're cared for, how much he loves that you're here and alive and that you're here with him.

Of course, you never know in advance what he has up his sleeve. The lawyer takes secrets and surprises to a whole new level, never letting you even catch a hint of what he's got planned until he's ready to reveal it, and this year is no exception. For several months now, he's had this trip planned, ensuring neither you nor him would have any work obligations for a week, and all the travel details have been arranged and double checked a dozen times over.

Only the best for his angel.

Oh, he knows you don't care, you've told him time and time again just having him on your special day is more than enough. He knows you're happy just sitting on the couch watching movies with his arms around your waist and your head tucked under his chin, where you fit so perfectly, but he still longs to make your birthdays memorable. Cary is observant, and never fails to pick up on the way your eyes light up when he tells you he's taking you out, or to pack up for a little getaway, with that bright twinkle in his warm, brown eyes that promises you a good time and plenty of kisses.

This day starts just like all birthdays do for you. Cary's arms still cradle you to him when you wake, his chest rising and falling in time with his slow breathing; it feels like safety and comfort. You know he always wants to make your birthdays about you, but as you wriggle up slightly to be able to look at your boyfriend, you can't help the soft smile on your face.

You're worth the world if it makes you smile like that, and he intends to devote the rest of his life to making you happy. Starting with tomorrow. Little do you know, he has a small black ring box in his coat pocket, and it's for you.

He looks like an angel, you always think. Gorgeous enough a man when he's awake, there's always this sense of giddy pride that fills your heart, alongside the love, when you realize once more that yours is the bed he chooses to fall asleep in, that you are the person he trusts so when he's asleep.

As though he can feel your gaze on him, he stirs, eyes fluttering open softly and then you're greeted by that warm, golden brown you adore so.

"Happy birthday, angel," he murmurs, arms reaching for you to pull you back into his embrace, and you let him, content to spend the first moments of your day together resting on his chest. "The way you're starin' at me though, I'd think it was my special day and not yours."

"Shush, and give me a birthday kiss," you demand, wriggling back up to face him, and Cary obliges with a grin. You kiss him once, twice more, just because you swear he gives the best kisses, and then you pull back to speak again. "So... did you listen to what I said this year?"

"I have no idea what you're talking about."

Oh, but you know better. That cheeky grin, the twinkle in his eyes... he didn't. He never does.

"Do you wanna know what we're doing this year?"

How could you not? Your curiosity is piqued, and you nod. Cary gently moves you off his chest, warm hands on your shoulders, and reaches over into the drawer of his nightstand. You watch him as he does, watching the way this beautiful man moves so gracefully, and you nearly miss how he produces a clean, cream colored envelope, just like the ones he uses at work every day. As he hands it to you, though, you notice your name penciled in his handwriting in the corner; does your name always look prettier when he writes it?

"Go on, angel, open it."

You do. It's thicker than what you'd expect from a simple letter, and the first thing that falls out is tickets. Plane tickets. The cogs are turning in your head as you slip out another paper, and another... A hotel booking. Couples' massage. Spa day. A map of Paris...

You're going to Paris. With your boyfriend.

He must see the disbelief on your face, laughing softly at your expression. "Happy birthday, baby. Do you like it?"

"Yes!!" It comes out a little louder than you'd intended, but neither of you care as you fling your arms around him, pressing five kisses to his face in quick succession before Cary turns his head just right to catch your lips in a proper kiss. "I love it. You know I love traveling with you. Oh my gosh, Cary, how did you do this-"

You won't find out. Cary may love you, but he's good at keeping secrets, and the way his eyes twinkle at you, you realize he won't say. What he does tell you is, "Get your suitcase, darling, we're leaving tonight."

Tonight. Tomorrow, you'll be in France, in the oh so well known city of love, and safe to say, you're excited. Seven kisses later, you've hopped off of him to prepare, and Cary's left in bed a moment longer, gazing after you with a soft smile on his face. God, how did he get so lucky?