#could have just said “hey your card finally got returned. do you want me to resend it?’

[floral-hex]

“guess you didn’t have a forwarding address after all ☹️” shut the fuck up shut the fuck up shut the fuck up shut the fuck up shut the fuck up shut up shut up shut up

[starstruckmiraclekitty]

Hello!! How do we feel about a Ghost x reader where the reader has trouble opening up emotionally. When she does, she feels like she’s burdened him and has to make up for it…kind of “earning back his love” through acts of service. Love your work!!!!

Thank you so much!!!! I hope this is what you were looking for. I relate to this so much😭

Synopsis: You finally open up to Simon about your depression, but end up feeling like a burden after doing so.

Warnings: mentions of depression, worthlessness and being a burden, swearing, angst

I've Got You, Kid.

“Have any of you seen Y/N?” Ghost had spent the better part of 20 minutes trying to find you on base. 

“Think the lass went out for a walk in the courtyard, she said something about needing fresh air.” Soap said, looking away from his card game with Gaz to address Ghost.

Ghost grunted in reply, and made toward the courtyard. He’d been wanting to talk to you all day. You were fairly quiet the whole week, and not acting quite like yourself. 

He found you on one of the benches in the courtyard, staring up at the sky. He stopped before approaching you to take in your features. You looked beautiful in the moonlight. You had almost looked as if you were glowing. The thing that he'd noticed most of all, though, was the frown that was etched on your face.

"Hey, love." He gently touched your shoulder to get your attention.

"Oh! Hey. Doing okay?" You turned to look at him, mustering a smile best you could.

"I should be asking you that. Are you alright?" Simon's eyes softened as they took you in. He could tell the smile on your face wasn't a genuine one, and it tugged at his heart. 

"I'm fine, just tired is all." You waved away his concerns and looked back up at the night sky.

"Y/N. We've been together for how long? I know when something is off, love. Talk to me, please." He begged quietly, turning your face toward him with his hand.

You took a deep breath and furrowed your brows as you debated on telling him. You'd been feeling down for a while now. Your depression would come and go randomly, but this time, it was worse than usual. You weren't one for talking about your feelings, though. Coming from a family who was not keen on sharing emotions, you learned from a young age to bottle up your feelings. The way Simon was looking at you, however, had you feeling that it may be okay to let him in on your internal struggle.

"I um. Just haven't been feeling myself. I don't feel like I've been doing a great job out in the field, I'm tired all the time, and I just feel, I don't know. I've been feeling worthless." You grew quiet as you finished your thought, turning your gaze to your folded hands in front of you. "I just can't shake this feeling, no matter how hard I try."

"Hey, now. None of that. You've been doing amazing, kid. Price was just telling me the other day how good you've gotten." Simon said as he grabbed your fidgeting hands in his, stroking them softly. "Thinking like that will only bring you down worse."

"Yeah, you're right. It's stupid. Just gotta shake it off." You said softly and tried your best to give your lover a genuine smile. 

"It's not stupid." Simon gave you a warm smile in return and kissed your temple. "Why don't we go get some sleep. It's been a long day."

You nodded your head in agreement, biting your lip to keep it from quivering. You thought maybe opening up to Simon would've made you feel better, but it made you feel worse. You weren't sure exactly what you'd wanted him to say, but his words did little to ease your somber mood. To make matters worse, you felt that you annoyed him. He had enough of his own problems to deal with, he didn't need you adding yours to his plate as well.

Taking his arm, the two of you walked to his quarters in a comfortable silence. At that moment, you wanted nothing more than to climb in bed and cry yourself to sleep. 

The next morning, Simon awoke to your side of his bed being cold. He stretched his arms out to pull you close, only to find your side empty. He sat up hoping to find you still in his room, and frowned when you weren't there. 

Thinking you must've gotten an early start without him, he got up to start his day, pausing abruptly when he saw a note lying on top of his mask, with a pair of fresh clothes for him to wear.

Washed up your mask, and uniform! Was a little dirty, so I thought I'd give it a good clean. Used the soap you like, too. - Y/N

Simon chuckled to himself as he inspected his mask. It'd been a while since it was cleaned, and he couldn't help but smile as he got a whiff of the detergent he loved so much. 

~

Later on, he made his way into the mess hall where he found you sitting with Soap. 

"Morning, love. Thanks for washing my mask." He kissed your brow as he approached. " 'M gonna go get some-"

"Already got it for you! Coffee black with two sugars, and a plain bagel one side with cream cheese and one with butter!" You cut him off, pointing to the spot next to you. 

Simon's eyes widened at your words, and looked down to find his usual morning breakfast sitting on the table beside yours. 

"Gee, thanks, kid." He squeezed your shoulder lovingly before sitting down next to you. 

"Shit, you two ever go sideways, Y/N just so you know I'm single…and more than ready to mingle." Soap joked, dodging a piece of bagel being thrown at him by Simon. 

You chuckled to yourself before gathering your trash on the table and standing up. 

"Leaving already?" Simon's eyes lifted from his food to meet yours, a bemused expression forming on his face.

"Yeah, got some stuff to do. Busy day!" You chirped, kissing Simon's head before making your way to the trash bin. 

Simon looked back to his food before turning to Soap. "Is everything okay with her this morning?"

"Dunno, tried talking to her, but you know how she is." Soap smiled sadly, and his gaze fell on you, exiting the mess hall. "Somethings clearly up with her, though."

Simon grunted in reply, turning back to finish his breakfast. 

~

In the evening, Ghost still hadn't seen you since the mess hall that morning. He'd kept an eye out for you the entire day, not spotting you once. You hadn't even joined him for lunch, which was rare for you. 

He walked into the weapons locker to report for weapon cleaning duty, and was shocked when he stepped foot inside. All of the weapons had already been cleaned, and neatly stacked in such a way that he immediately knew you were the one to do it. 

Ghost took a deep breath, and let his thoughts race. You were always a kind lover, going above and beyond to help him, but this was extreme. For you to do all the things you'd done for him today, yet not show your face much at all the entire day? Simon felt his heart strings tug a little, and he knew he had to talk to you. 

Did he not say the right things last night? Were you still feeling upset? He knew he was bad with words, but he had truly thought he'd gotten better at it. 

Making a B-line for the mess hall, he was hoping you'd still be there finishing up your dinner. 

When he'd arrived he was elated to find you still sitting in your usual spot, this time with Konïg. You were laughing quietly with the man before Simon approached the two of you.

"Hey! I can go grab you some dinner, do you want to join us?" You gave Simon a small smile, and moved to stand. 

"No, I'm fine. Do you have a moment actually? To talk?" 

"Okay." You followed Simon, who was moving at a rather brisk pace to exit the mess hall.

"Are you okay?" You questioned him once the two of you were alone.

"Y/N, sweetheart, please talk to me." He pleaded, grabbing your hands in his. "You haven't been yourself in days, and I thought everything was okay after last night. But it doesn't seem better, and I can't help but feel like I said something wrong."

Your eyes started to gloss over as you took in his words. You felt even worse now, knowing that Simon thought this was his fault. You were the one being the burden, not him. 

"No, no. I just." You paused, not knowing what to say next. You, like Simon, weren't great with expressing how you felt, and were struggling to find the words. 

"I- I feel like a burden. I know you have enough on your plate and here I am whining about being depressed. I felt bad so I.. was trying to make you happy." Tears were now falling down your cheeks, and Simon's thumbs came to stroke them away. 

"Y/N, look at me. You are not, and never will be a burden, do you understand me? I love you more than you'll ever comprehend. I know I am not great at talking all the time, but my God I will listen to you and whatever troubles you may have, no matter how small they may seem to you." He spoke softly, as his thumbs continued to wipe away your tears. "And do not ever think you don't make me happy. I'm the happiest I've ever been in my shitty life, because of you."

"Simon." You sobbed, throwing yourself into his chest. 

"I've got you, kid. I'm always here, okay? I love you so fucking much." Simon wrapped his arms tightly around you, rubbing your back in soothing circles. "Why don't we make a pact. Let's both do better coming to one another with this stuff. So that it never gets this far. That sound okay?"

You nodded your head against his chest, blinking away the remaining tears. Simon leaned down to place a kiss on your temple.

The two of you stayed like that for a while, Simon continuing to rub your back. 

"I love you Simon, thank you." You said, pulling away to kiss him. 

"Of course, that's what I'm here for, yeah? Why don't we go inside, I'll draw you a bath in my quarters."

"Only if you'll join me."

"Always." Simon smiled down at you, and took your hand to lead you toward his room. 

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

A/N: Thanks for reading!!☺️ Working on a few other requests but feel free to send any you'd like to see written!

[prettiestofpisces]

can’t wait to see what happens next https://www.tumblr.com/prettiestofpisces/754910199527194624/breanna-stewart-x-reader

Breanna Stewart x Reader

part 2 to this

thank you all for the love..

it’s FINALLY here🫡

⋆⭒˚.⋆smut, dildo use, geno mention loll

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

it took every ounce of you to leave breanna alone, to not call and plead for her to return.

you placed the cards in her hands.

whether she longed for your forgiveness or would rather leave your heart lonesome, all you asked for was closure.

to know if the one and only women you’ve shared your soul with felt the same sparks fly when near….

it’d been weeks, three to be exact since you last saw breanna. you didn’t know if that night was the last time you’d ever see or speak to her again, so it ate you alive how it all ended, her sad and sorry eyes lingering in your mind.

sure enough breanna had regrets of her own. seeing you however often to not at all filled her with sorrow.

she wasn’t herself, her smile faded, and negativity clouded her judgement.

lashing out ballistically on her teammates whenever she could, stomping wherever she went, she was taking her frustrations out on those who didn’t deserve it, much like you.

her friends, teammates and most importantly coaches saw the anguish in her eyes and geno took it upon himself to solve it.

sitting down in his office breanna huffed, sighed and rolled her eyes, geno sitting across from her.

“did i do something?” she says.

“well you curse out your teammates every practice so i’d say so…” very blatant in his approach, breanna looks around the room.

“…and i can’t run a team like that, the fighting has got to stop but i need to know why it started.” still unable to look geno in the eye, her leg starts to tap. thinking of what to say and where to begin, she takes a deep breath.

“this girl, she means a lot to me but i think i lost her…” her words start to tremble.

“…i guess i was scared to commit but now that she’s gone, i-it keeps me up at night, i’m miserable coach and i don’t want to be.” tears cascaded down from her eyes that were now locked on geno. she looked deep searching for an answer he could give.

his heart softened, rarely did he see his gentle giant in such despair. she would sometimes doubt herself or forget where she was but never succumbed.

“kid, there’s a simple solution, tell her how you feel!” he said it slow yet stern.

“tell her you need her and want to be with her, she’ll know you mean it! you can’t let silly little thoughts keep you from being happy, okay?”

“okay.” she whispers. wrinkling the skin of her cheeks, as she takes the back of her hand to wipe her tears.

“thanks you coach” she smiles.

in the locker room after cleaning herself up breanna sat infront of her bench highlighted “b. stewart” with the number thirty.

pulling out her phone she scrolled through her contacts, eventually landing on yours.

the first ring sounded and breanna prayed you picked up.

then the second, and her hopes plummeted.

when on the third she heard a soft voice say “hello?”

“oh- god tell me you’re in your room? i just want to talk!” breanna says.

“i am but seriously b i don’t think it’s a good time” you said in attempt to keep her away but still, she persisted.

“five minutes is all i ask, please?”

you knew you couldn’t stop her from making amends or at least hear out so in an instant she was at your doorstep.

when you heard knocking on your door, you of course knew it was breanna.

opening it she stood tall, with her hair a mess and eyes as red as roses.

“hey” she says breathlessly.

“hi” you say in return.

once again finding it hard to make eye contact she looks at her feet.

“b have you been crying?” you ask subtly.

“it uh- that doesn’t matter, i wanted to speak to you on where we stand.” she stuttered.

“i hated how things ended up you know?”

“right, so where do we stand?”

“i’m not exactly sure but i know that i’m sorry…”

“and i know i want to stand where you are, i want to be with you and for you.” although sounding so poetic, all you noticed was breanna on the verge of tears again.

you looked at her with empathy in your eyes. you knew she meant it but until she proved herself, there was nothing for you to do.

“to answer your question, yes, i’ve been crying. you make me emotional.” chuckling, she bit the inside of her cheek.

“c’mere” you say welcoming breanna into your arms. hugging you oh so tight until she speaks indistinctly in your shoulder.

“i missed you, so bad. it hurt me to not have you around.” a beat of silence taking over.

“yeah?” you said almost seductively in breanna’s ear.

the breath of your voice just barley tickled the hairs on her skin, yet it set flames off in breanna. pulling away from the hug, arms still entangled, she stares at your lips.

not wanting to move too fast she places her hands in the curve of your back while yours rest on the nape of her neck.

the only thing that could be heard was your heavy breathing.

“we don’t have to-“ she says.

“i know.” being your reply.

playing with the dark curls left out of her ponytail you then guide her lips to yours.

slowly molding to one another you remember just what she tasted like, sweet mint.

next place you guide her is to the bedroom. your roommate nowhere to be found meaning you had the freedom of being as loud as you liked.

the golden fairy lights twinkling all over made breanna look sun-kissed, you wanted her more than ever before.

undressing and settling on your bed you notice breanna rummaging through your nightstand only to pull out a sparkly, lilac dildo.

“you use this plenty, don’t you?” face stoic.

“only when you’re not around” you tease.

breanna stripping to just her boxers, she makes way between your legs that are spread wide.

on her knee between your pussy she takes the dildo leveling it with your mouth. inserting it in slowly, it fits down your throat perfect.

now coated in spit, she shoves it in your cunt and your mouth falls open immediately.

in shock your pussy has been filled to the brim you close your legs.

“breanna!” you exclaim.

ignoring your outburst she aggressively plies your legs apart.

“no, you can take it! you’ve clearly been using it all this time..”

breanna takes hold of the dildo that’s deep inside you, and begins to pump it in and out. the more your moans fill the room the faster she goes.

“keep going bre, don’t fucking stop!”

to which she doesn’t. she fucks you till your eyes are rolling in the back of your head.

wishing she could feel your walls clenching around the lilac toy. instead she watches the creamy fluid spill out of you as you cum around the dildo.

snatching it out your hole breanna takes her tongue and collects every last drop but she doesn’t stop there either.

sucking and fucking your clit with her tongue, she spells her name in it.

“bre fuck me like you love me!” you scream undoubtedly knowing your neighbors hear every word.

taking a break from eating you out she tells you what you’ve been yearning to hear.

“god i do, i fucking love you so much”

attaching herself back to your clit she makes you cum for a second time, directly in her mouth.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

we ended on a nasty note but did we like???

speaking of nasty, i’m going to step away from smut for 2 seconds but feel free to still send in whatever your heart desires.

i can’t help but think when writing smut “they just might read this” …LMAO anyways

love you all💋

bye<3

[penkura]

knowing [7/8]

Summary: Sanji knew you were the one the moment he met you.

Pairing: Sanji x Reader

Warnings: None really. Normal One Piece stuff I guess.

Note: The end is near!! Wano my beloved, I love Sanji in Wano sm. Another shorter one, compared to six and eight, but we're in the home stretch!! Next chapter is the finale and I hope it will be worth it!

Taglist:

@jzkeisuke | @arcanumlaw

[Ch. 1] ● [Ch. 2] ● [Ch. 3] ● [Ch. 4] ● [Ch. 5] ● [Ch. 6]

Your arrival in Wano started with all of you separated from Luffy, navigating your way through a forested area, hoping to find a town. Sanji kept a hold of your hand the whole time, refusing to let you wander off or get left behind somehow. Of course you weren't like Zoro with your sense of direction, Sanji just wanted to be sure you didn't get separated from the group (mostly from him).

Once you did find Luffy, Kin'emon got you all up to speed on what they had been doing. You were to help recruit more Samurai and ninja for the raid on Onigashima in about two weeks. You'd have to take on a role in the city to keep a low profile, while passing out the cards with the insignia that Kin'emon had put together. He provided disguises with his technique, Nami's being a lot more showy than she liked so she had to adjust it, but you were quick to try and reject whatever he tried to dress you in.

"No no, I think I'm fine with what I'm wearing. I'm a kunoichi already."

"While yes you are, it would be better if you could take on another role for the time being!"

"Then she'll stay with me!" Sanji nodded, putting his arms around your shoulders, Franky and Usopp both still confused since you hadn't had the chance to tell them yet, "We could pretend we're married and running a stall together!"

"Hey Sanji," Usopp was a bit concerned, but did take note of how you didn't push Sanji off or anything, "Maybe she wants to go help Nami or we could see if she can help Franky get the mansion plans. There's no need for you guys to pretend you're a couple!"

"We won't be pretending we're a couple! Just that we're married! We're already together so it doesn't matter!"

"...wait what?"

Realizing what he said, Sanji blushed a bit before hiding his face in your shoulder, making you pat him on his head. You found it funny how he seemed to become so shy about it, maybe because you two hadn't gotten to actually sit and tell Usopp and Franky.

"Poor, poor boyfriend. I don't mind pretending we're married and helping Sanji."

"B…boyfriend?!"

"Yes, Sanji and I are dating."

Franky and Usopp both shouted at you, asking when that happened and being surprised when you said it'd been about two years. Telling you it was 'super' you were together, Franky started crying while Usopp couldn't believe how you kept such a secret for so long, asking who else knew.

"Everyone. You guys were the last two we had to tell."

"Whaaaat??"

+!+

After everything had been settled and you allowed Kin'emon to give you a disguise that let you blend in like a regular Wano housewife, you helped Sanji and Usopp figure out what kind of food stall Sanji would run. The lone soba stand caught your attention, and you noticed Sanji was watching them carefully, which caused you to say his name and get him out of his thoughts. He'd been watching closely after a young girl and her mother had gone up and gotten bowls themselves.

"Hey, do me a favor. Go get in line and get a bowl of that soba."

"Uh, ok, babe, I can do that."

You stood in line for a while, Sanji and Usopp off to the side talking while you waited, until the stand owners stopped taking orders just before you got up to the front. When you went back over to them, you latched back onto Sanji's arm and apologized that you couldn't get a bowl but he gave you a smile.

"Nah, don't worry. I got the information I needed, thank you."

Confused, you still smiled back and nodded, the three of you returning to where you'd be staying during your time in Wano. You'd all had dinner, thanks to Sanji of course, before turning in for the night, and you absolutely refused to go with anyone but Sanji. Might as well really play the part of husband and wife, was your excuse when Nami said you should go with her, Shinobu, and Carrot. She rolled her eyes at you and just said not to go making any babies or anything, causing you to turn bright, bright red and threaten to revoke her honorary kunoichi status while she laughed at you.

"You could've gone with the girls, it would've been fine."

You shook your head, wrapping your arms around Sanji while he did the same to you, pulling you even closer to himself.

"I'd much rather stay with you~"

His turned bright red, no matter how many times you share a bed, it still made Sanji so nervous. He still didn’t believe that you were real, that you loved him and wanted him, he’d never had anyone return his feelings and affections before you. Maybe it was crazy, to think so much about marrying you already, when you were technically his first and only girlfriend, but it seemed like you had the same thoughts, especially after the whole fiasco with his family and the Big Mom pirates.

He didn’t want to ever put you through emotional distress like that again.

“Hey, uh—”

Sanji tried to say something, but instead, he heard you snoring already, very lightly. It made him breathe in relief, with a smile on his face. You really helped him out that day with getting his soba stand ready, you must’ve been so wiped out.

“Sleep well, mon amour.”

I’ll ask you another day.

+!+

With the raid on Onigashima just days away, you and Sanji had found less time to spend with each other during waking hours. You’ve all moved elsewhere to prepare for the raid, Kin’emon and the other Samurai helping you where they could as they prepared too. Shinobu and Raizo had taken a liking to you since you were a kunoichi yourself, both being surprised but impressed to hear you were from an offshoot of Wano, asking how the village was doing and making plans to go there once Wano’s borders were opened.

Two nights before the raid, Sanji finally worked out some time for the two of you to spend and relax, he made a dinner for just the two of you, that Luffy tried multiple times to sneak a bite from until Nami pulled him away and gave him the dinner Sanji made for all of them. The last time Nami had to drag him away made you laugh, while Sanji just rolled his eyes.

“Bottomless pit, that’s what he is.”

“We’ve known that for two years now.”

You giggled, leaning into Sanji’s arm with your head on his shoulder, causing him to kiss the top of your head before you sighed happily.

“I’m glad to have this time with you…everything’s going to be insane day after tomorrow.”

“Yeah…but it’ll be okay. We’ll free this place and then be on our way again.”

“I know, it’s just…getting there is going to be a lot.”

Sanji knew you were probably worried about him, honestly about everyone, but he was the only one you were expressing those worries to. He wanted you to be relaxed and to know that everything would be perfectly fine. Robin had talked to him about how you were seeming more worried as time went on, as the raid got closer, and he got an idea of how to maybe calm you down, but it might also make you even more worried, he wasn’t sure of what to do.

Do I ask her now…? Is this a weird time to propose?

Before he even had a chance to say anything, the two of you were being called by Usopp for something about the raid, making you sigh with a slightly sad smile on your face before looking at Sanji.

“Duty calls. But,” you stopped and kissed him before getting up to go see what was going on, both of you smiling after, “This was lovely, Sanji, you’re the best boyfriend ever.”

“Stop, I’m just taking care of my beautiful girlfriend…we’ll do this again, okay?”

“Of course. I love you, Sanji~”

“I love you too, my dear.”

Later. I’ll ask her later, once everything is settled here.

+!+

"No I…I didn't do anything!"

"You're the only one who could have!"

The geishas threw things at Sanji to get him out of the room, it barely phased him as he did so, wondering what on earth just happened. He had no idea! He'd been running off from Queen and the other Animal Pirates to get his thoughts in order over the oddities he'd noticed about himself recently, so lost in thought he didn't have any clue what caused this one geisha to go flying.

Though, his greatest fear now was that he had caused her to become hurt. Maybe it really was the only thing that made sense. Was he losing himself to that Germa science raid suit?

"Let me see that Germa science, Judge's son!"

Queen kept up his attempts to rile Sanji in order to see the raid suit technology, which Sanji kept denying. This time he was still so lost in thought, wondering what you, over anyone else, would have thought seeing what just happened.

Or worse…what if I hurt [Y/N] next time?

If he hurt you because of those genetic abilities, Sanji would never forgive himself. He'd never forgive his father or Germa for anything anyway, but should their science cause him to harm the most important person in his life, all that blame would fall on his own shoulders. He'd only meant to test the raid suit, not become dependent upon it or let it awaken the monstrous abilities his brothers had from the start. He never thought that would be possible after Reiju explained why he was so different from the rest of them.

Tell me, Luffy….which would you prefer? The regular flesh-and-blood me who turns into a helpless wreck when facing a woman, or a cruel emotionless warrior of science who can kill without discrimination if you give the order? Which of these would be more useful to you, as king of the pirates?

Despite his thoughts wondering if Luffy would somehow be better served by Germa's science, Sanji's thoughts also drifted to you as he retrieved the raid suit from his pocket. Which version would you prefer? Someone willing to kill anyone without qualms if so directed, or would you still prefer the emotional mess of a man that doted on you and had your respect for sticking to his principles of not fighting a woman?

"I've made up my mind."

"Ooh," Queen's excitement over seeing the raid suit was quite obvious, "is that your raid suit?!"

"I have to assume that this thing caused the science already in my body to awaken and activate somehow," Sanji dropped the raid suit to the ground, lifting his foot while Queen watched him stomp on the canister, "Well, I can't do anything about that! But I can say no more! I won't become a Germa soldier!"

"Aww what a waste!! I wanted to see you transform!"

Pulling out a baby transponder snail, calling Zoro and letting him argue with him briefly about his reasoning for slipping it into his band, Sanji hated making such a request of Zoro of all people.

"We're gonna win this but…after the finisher if I'm not…in my right mind, I need you to kill me."

"All right, fine! I'll kill you after this is over, whatever that means!"

"And I…need you to tell [Y/N]--"

"I'm not saying anything sappy!"

There was no time to argue or fight, so Sanji just nodded. He figured it'd be a long shot anyway.

"At least I'll have something to look forward to after this. So don't die until then!"

"Thanks."

"Hey," they were short on time, but Zoro decided he'd say one more thing, "I'll tell her."

"Appreciate it."

+!+

"Oh my gosh, Sanji, what happened?!"

You had finished helping Usopp and Nami get Otama somewhere safe, and returned back into the castle to search for anyone else that needed help or to find the rest of your comrades. After finding most everyone, though you had no idea where Zoro was really and knew Luffy was on the roof, you ended up finding a room with some geishas who were tending to Sanji's injuries. You were instantly on your knees beside him asking the geisha girl next to him what happened.

"He…he fought and defeated Master Queen!! He protected me after we accused him of attacking me!"

You might have to ask him about that last bit later, but you were so relieved to hear Sanji was all right, he was just injured but was being treated by the geishas.

Of course you protected her, you sweet man..

Leaning over, you gently kissed his forehead which surprised the geisha girl, Osome, you'd later learn.

"You're so amazing. I love you, Sanji."

"O-Oh, are you two…?"

You smiled at Osome with a nod. "Yes! He's the love of my life! Thank you for taking care of him!"

"I-It's the least I could do after he saved Chuji!"

The little mouse squeaked and made you smile softly. Osome explained everything to you, while you stayed by Sanji for the moment, brushing his hair back out of his face and holding his hand. After you heard the whole story, knowing Sanji wasn't at fault for Osome being hurt and that he'd beaten Queen, you stood up when you heard some shouting about the fire.

"Can you stay with him for me? I'm going to go help some others!"

"Y-Yes!"

"Thank you!"

You ran out of the room, promising yourself and Sanji that you two would get some time alone again soon, and you'd tell him how proud you were of him.

Soon, I swear.

[ckret2]

Chapter 20 of Human Bill is the Mystery Shack's (secret) prisoner (title tbd), featuring: at last, Wendy discovering the "house guest." And Stan discovering Wendy discovered the house guest. And Bill and Stan having the funniest argument imaginable.

Also featuring: Ford letting Fiddleford in on the secret and asking for his help getting rid of Bill for good.

####

"Hey dudes," Soos said, leaning into the living room. Bill and Mabel looked up from Mabel's phone. "Me and Melody and Ford are heading out for anime night. If you've got an emergency, call me; and if you don't have an emergency, uh... don't. Cuz we're gonna be anime-ing hard."

"Anime night?" Bill repeated. "Why's Stanford going to anime night?"

Soos blinked. "Is... that a trick question?" he asked. "Hey—aren't you not allowed to use phones?"

"He's not using it," Mabel said. "I'm using it. He's just watching a video over my shoulder. I've got him secured for our safety!" Bill demonstratively held up his bloody sock-wrapped hands.

"Oh. Smart thinking," Soos said. He nodded and left.

Bill looked back at the phone, left eye shut and right eye squinted, then pointed at the screen and murmured, "Oh, there—037, 037 is a big winner." Mabel nodded and wrote down "Beach 037" on a piece of paper where she'd been listing scratch card serial numbers.

Soos came back. "Hey," he said, "Bill. Why are your hands bloody."

"Because my eye's bleeding." As he said so, a bright red drop of blood rolled out of his right eye like a tear. He wiped it off his cheek with one hand, adding another stain to the sock.

"Oh. Okay," Soos said. "Why's your eye bleeding."

Mabel helpfully answered, "Because it's hard for him to see into a higher dimension from here."

"Hey." Bill nudged her with an elbow. "That was for your ears. But yes, if you have to know. Human eyeballs are—limited. It causes some some light cranial hemorrhaging." He squinted at the video again. Another bloody tear rolled down his cheek.

Soos stood uncomfortably in the doorway. "Looks... kinda painful."

"Excruciatingly," Bill said casually. Mabel mouthed he's fine at Soos.

Soos said, "Do you... want a headache pill? Or an eyepatch or something?"

"Oh." Bill looked up at Soos in surprise. "Is that an option?"

Soos shrugged. "Yeah?"

"Huh." Bill was momentarily silent, processing this revelation about the medical care options he was permitted. Finally, he said, "No to the pill—I think I'm getting a migraine aura, and I don't want to stop the little white spots before they develop into full hallucinations! I'd hate to miss that light show, you know?"

Soos nodded, as though he did know. He did not, in fact, know.

"But I could use an eyepatch," Bill said.

"You got it. Be right back."

Soos retrieved an unopened costume eyepatch from the spares for his Mr. Mystery outfit, brought it downstairs, and handed it over to Bill's socked hand. "Do you uh—need help getting that on?"

"I'll do it when we're done with the phone," Bill said, and returned to watching the video.

Mabel poked his side. "What do we say?"

"Thanks," Bill said without looking up, followed by, "062." Mabel dutifully copied the number down.

Soos headed out to his pickup, where Melody and Ford were waiting. "Sorry for the delay, guys," he said, sliding into the driver's seat. "Bill's eyeball is bleeding from trying to look at a higher dimension, so I had to get him an eyepatch."

In the back seat, Ford frowned and pulled his journal from inside his coat and flipped open to the most recent page. "Which eye?"

"Uh..." Soos held up a hand and turned it as he mentally rotated Bill to figure out which side his bloody eye would be on if it were on Soos's body. "Right. His right."

"Did he happen to mention which dimension he was trying to see?"

"Nuh-uh. He probably won't say either, he was kinda annoyed Mabel told me that much."

Mabel might know, then. Ford could ask her. Probably tomorrow—late tomorrow, after the party.

Melody asked, "He's not gonna need a doctor, is he?"

Soos started the truck. "He seemed really casual about the whole thing, so, I don't think so?"

"That's a relief," Ford muttered.

They started the drive to the former Northwest Manor.

####

When Fiddleford answered the front door and saw Ford, he smiled so wide it made Ford smile too. "Stanford! It's been a month of Sundays since I saw you last!"

"Fiddleford." Ford reached out to take Fiddleford's hand—and got tugged into a one-armed hug. He recovered from his surprise enough to return it. "It's good to see you. You're looking well." Which was to say: still looking aged before his time and running around barefoot and shirtless in his overalls; but a little less sunburned, a little more bathed, and merely "scrawny" rather than "emaciated." Ford figured if the man wanted to run around shirtless in his own lavish 150-year-old mansion, that was his own business. 

"Just like we promised," Melody said, "one Ford dragged to your doorstep."

"Yes!" Soos pumped a fist in the air. "Operation Ford-Ford Reunion: completed! We uh—we didn't actually drag him, though. He was excited to come."

"He oughta be," Fiddleford said. "This'll be just like old times! Back in college, this man showed me all sortsa Japanese movies about big monsters and robots clobberin' each other. It was my first taste of international cinema!" He scratched his beard. "I wonder if that had any kinda impact on me?"

Melody and Soos looked at Ford with new respect. Soos said, "I didn't realize you were such a man of culture."

"All right, enough jibber-jabberin' on my porch!" Fiddleford waved Soos and Melody in. "You youngins go on ahead. Us old timers have to catch up. Tate's in the kitchen rustlin' up some vittles."

"Sweet, movie snacks," Soos said. He turned to Melody. "Wanna take the hidden service tunnel the Northwests used to hide the less pretty servants?"

"Pffft! Is that even a question?"

Soos tapped a foot twice on a square of Venetian parquet flooring just left of the door. A section of floor beneath them dropped down to form a slide, and Soos and Melody plummeted into the dark, squealing and laughing. The floor swung back up.

Fiddleford said, "I sure hope I fixed that tunnel to go to the pantry 'stead of the secret dungeon. Anywho!" He ambled his bow-legged way into the manor, gesturing for Ford to follow him. "We'll take the scenic route."

Ford looked around as he followed Fiddleford. He'd never been allowed in the front way before—the last time he'd visited the Northwest Manor back in the eighties, he'd been told to come in through a side door. It had been a very long walk. The front door opened directly into a great hall large enough to serve as a ballroom, with a staircase at the far end that led up to a fireplace and then forked left and right. A whale statue hung from the ceiling and still seemed dwarfed by the vast room. Ford had taken classes in lecture halls smaller than this. "I'm surprised you're still answering your own door. With all you made selling your inventions, I'd have expected you to hire a butler by now."

"I built me one a few months back," Fiddleford said, "but it kept trying to murder the feller what brings my mail. So I locked it in the coat room until I can figure out what went wrong."

There was a violent thud and scraping against a door near the entrance.

"Don't worry about that. It's reinforced," Fiddleford said. "Now, how long have you been back in town—a couple weeks?"

"Nearly." Had it really been less than two weeks? Somehow that felt both too long and too short. He'd accomplished so little with two weeks at his disposal. "I'm sorry it's taken me so long to come by. I wanted to as soon as I was back in town. You must think me a terrible friend—"

"Nonsense," Fiddleford said firmly. "I knew you'd come when you could—and here you are, ain'tcha? I reckoned you must've been busy with something."

"Yes," Ford agreed, with a bitter laugh. "More busy than you can imagine."

"Well, there you go! Nothin' to beat yourself up over."

Ford slowed, dropping a few steps behind Fiddleford, feet heavy, feeling like a physical pressure was keeping him from walking forward; and then he stopped. "I'm sorry to say, but that's part of the reason I'm here." He stared at the gap between his boots and Fiddleford's feet, the beautiful hardwood floor and the thin layer of dirt that had settled on it. "Of course, I wanted to visit you too, but... I need your help, Fiddleford."

He'd meant to wait until after the show to bring this up, let Fiddleford enjoy his evening without anxiety—hadn't he learned with Mabel not to try to mix business and socialization?—but now that Ford was here, the bad news threatened to bubble out of him with every breath. He wouldn't be able to enjoy his evening with his dread of the coming conversation weighing down on him. (What right did he have to enjoy the evening, when he knew he was once again about to make his mistakes Fiddleford's problem?) 

But, Ford hadn't had the self-control to keep it to himself for just another few hours—he must have been too tired—excuses, excuses—and now Fiddleford was giving him that look he got when he was fully focused on a conversation, eyes wide and surprised-looking, as if opening them further would let him absorb more of the information he was receiving. "Of course, Stanford. What sort of help?"

Of course, he said. Of course, like Ford didn't have a history of asking for help that ruined people's lives. Either Fiddleford was charitable enough to assume Ford wouldn't inflict the kind of monstrous horrors on him he had thirty years ago, or selfless enough to offer anyway.

Ford swallowed hard. "It's heavy," he warned. "I don't want to ruin the show. Would you rather wait until afterward to discuss it...?" Although Ford doubted Fiddleford would stand for that.

Sure enough, Fiddleford waved off the idea with his bandaged arm. "Don't be silly. Now that you've brought it up, it's gonna give me the heebity-jeebies until I know what's wrong! Anyway, how heavy could it be?" He laughed wryly. "Can't possibly be as bad as that triangle feller, can it?"

Ford didn't know what expression had appeared on his face, but the effect on Fiddleford was instantaneous. His smile vanished; his lined face went as white as his beard. "Is it as bad?"

Ford winced. "Let me explain—"

"It's him." Fiddleford didn't phrase it as a question. "No. It can't— You're lyin'! You're lyin'!" He backed away from Ford as if he was the threat, tripped and tumbled to the floor, and scampered backward on his hands and feet.

And here was the screaming. Age had not dulled Fiddleford's hair-trigger panic response. Ford had hoped to explain it to him gently, ease him into the bad news before revealing who it was, but if all he could do now was damage control... Ford knelt down like he was trying to coax over a frightened cat. "Fiddleford, please—"

One of Fiddleford's legs spasmed, bouncing like a rabbit thumping its foot in warning of predators. "Not him! The beast— The beast with just one—"

"Two eyes," Ford corrected.

And the unexpectedness of the correction momentarily cut straight through Fiddleford's panic. His wild eyes focused on Ford in bafflement. "Say wha?"

"He has two eyes now," Ford said. "And he's powerless and imprisoned. He survived—but he's not a threat." It was a slight exaggeration, but Ford's first priority was calming Fiddleford down. He could introduce nuance once Fiddleford wasn't panicking.

"He's—He's not a—He's—"

"Deep breath," Ford said.

Fiddleford sucked in a deep breath, held it just long enough that Ford was starting to worry, and let it out in a long, deep gush. "Whoo!" He smacked his head with his palm, and then another couple times for good measure. "Sorry 'bout that. Just—got a little excited. Let me catch my..." He took another couple of deep breaths.

Ford waited patiently. "You're better at dealing with alarming news than you used to be." Maybe that wasn't the best praise, considering that Ford had usually been the one delivering the alarming news.

"I'm not sure I am. I think I just get it all out of my system faster." Fiddleford took one last deep breath, and said, "All right. Explain this to me."

Ford gave Fiddleford the rundown on the last two weeks—Bill's arrival, his capture, the stalemate as they realized that neither side could risk Bill's death without knowing what would happen. He explained everything they knew or suspected about Bill's current powers or lack thereof, and how they were containing and neutralizing him further.

He even pulled out his current journal to show Fiddleford Bill's appearance: a few days ago, Ford had gotten a drawing of Bill in the living room watching TV, huddled up against the armrest of the sofa as if he wanted to stay as close to the doorway as possible, one eye squeezed shut, the other glazed with disinterest, the corners of his mouth curled down despondently. Ford had done the quick rough sketch while watching Bill from the kitchen, then retreated to his room to flesh out the details. There was no way Ford was neglecting to properly document the unwelcome phenomenon occurring in his house, but there was doubly no way Ford was giving Bill's ego the pleasure of knowing he was drawing him again. 

Fiddleford cocked a brow. "Bill's a woman?"

"I'm not sure whatever force humanized him was too picky about the sex," Ford said. "For that matter, I'm not sure he's picky about his sex. It's never come up." What kind of genders did Bill's species have? Did they have genders? Ford should ask. (Ford should not ask. He took that idea, stuffed it in a bag, and threw it in a lake.)

"Huh." Fiddleford gave Ford a skeptical look. "Y'all're letting him watch TV?"

"He's threatened to kill himself if he gets too bored," Ford said tiredly. "He knows if we were to completely lock him up, he'd be as good as dead, since we could just keep him there until we find a guaranteed way to kill him. He says he'd sooner die by his own hand in that circumstance, and he's mad enough I think he'd make good on it. So, to maintain the current stalemate, we've agreed on some... limited privileges."

"Including television."

"Honestly? Moving the TV out of the living room just so he couldn't watch it didn't seem worth the trouble. We use that TV too."

Fiddleford grunted; but he offered the journal back to Ford. He offered it held open, and his gaze didn't break from Bill's face until Ford shut it and put it back into his jacket pocket. "So," Fiddleford said. "You said you need help?"

"Yes. At the moment, we're safe from Bill. All we have to do is find a way to destroy both his body and whatever's inside it, whether it's a human soul or an energy being—and use it before he learns we have it and does something drastic."

Fiddleford pressed his lips together, so thin they disappeared behind his whiskers. "Stanford, I want to help any way I can, but none of my killer robots or deadly lasermajigs are designed for incineratin' space demons. I don't rightly know if I can help."

"But you've already helped. You—" Ford hesitated. "You might want to brace yourself for another shock."

Fiddleford wrapped his arms around his chest and laced his hands together behind his back. "Ready!"

"While I was exploring other dimensions, I found a parallel Earth where you—where we..." Ford swallowed his guilt. "Where... things turned out better. Your parallel self helped me perfect my weapon to destroy Bill."

"A parallel..." Fiddleford's gaze briefly went wall-eyed as he processed the implications of the second life-altering revelation of the hour; but he quickly shook himself out of it. "Well, shucks, then this oughta be easy as pie! If I can do it, then so can I! So tell me about this weapon."

Soos appeared at the top of one of the stairs at the end of the great hall. "Hey, dudes! What's the hold up? We're ready to roll!"

"We'll be right there," Ford called, then turned back to Fiddleford. "Perhaps I should show you the blueprints after the show."

They headed for the stairs. Fiddleford gave Ford a cheeky grin. "Stanford Pines, shilly-shallying around watching cartoons when there's work to be done? Now, my memory ain't what it used to be, but that don't sound like the Stanford I recall."

"I've learned the hard way that a strict diet, exercise regimen, and regular meditation alone can't save a human from burning himself out." The image of Bill's eye and Cheshire Cat smile peering out from beneath a dark towel flashed through Ford's mind. He pushed the memory aside. "Now more than ever, I need to make time for a little play." Goodness knows he hadn't made any time in the last couple of weeks, unless that emotionally fraught trip to Portland counted. "Besides, I—don't want to ruin your evening with my problem."

Fiddleford reached up to put a hand on Ford's shoulder. "That sonova cosine ain't your problem; he's ours. All of ours."

"Thank you, Fiddleford." It was exactly what he needed to hear.

At the top of the stairs, Fiddleford hopped in the air, kicked his heels together, and shouted, "Now let's go watch some giant robots commit atrocities against God! YEEHAW!" He tore off down a corridor with Ford chasing close behind.

####

Stan had given Wendy a copy of the Mystery Shack's keys a year ago, back when the only secrets in the shack had been hidden beneath the vending machine. She still had them, and she could still let herself in at any time; she'd just needed an excuse to minimize how much trouble she'd get in if she was caught.

"Sorry, I forgot my ice cream was here and I just came to pick it up" was a much lower offense than "I was sneaking in specifically to find out the thing you were trying to keep me from finding out."

Staking out the shack from the woods was boring work—she would've liked to bring a friend along, but then she really couldn't use the "I was just swinging by to grab my food" excuse—but she could pass the time whittling until she lost light, and after that she had like a billion scary story podcasts to go through.

Friday night was anime night. Around seven, Soos's truck pulled out, with Melody and Ford on board. That was right—she'd seen Ford talking to Soos about joining in on anime night. One less person she had to look out for. Half past ten, the last light in the shack turned out.

Wendy went in.

She automatically avoided the creakiest floor boards as she let herself in the front door, and then crept into the kitchen. She closed her eyes as she groped around in the freezer for the  sorbet she'd left behind so that the light couldn't disrupt her night vision. There. Excuse retrieved. If anyone caught her now, she could wave her dessert in their face and pull the dumb teen routine.

Now what?

All she knew about the shack's latest secret was that it had ripped up Soos's coat, it might be psychic, and it was possibly locked up and shouting mad about it. That didn't give her a lot to go on. The kitchen didn't look much different. Less clutter out on the counters and shelves than usual, but that wasn't evidence of paranormal activity. Maybe Abuelita had gone on a cleaning spree.

She'd start with safer locations and move out from there. If she was caught, where would she get in the least trouble for snooping?

Sorry guys, I just came by to get my sorbet; and then I really needed to use the bathroom, so I thought it wouldn't be a big deal if...

She crept out of the kitchen.

Wendy wasn't risking waking anyone by turning on lights; but by the glow of her phone's screen and the living room fish tank, she could see that Abuelita's sofa was missing its cushions. No signs of anything else weird though. She crept down the dark hall, phone pressed to her chest to hide the glow until she'd passed the guest room and Abuelita's room.

Her heart leaped into her throat when she tried to grasp the downstairs toilet's doorknob, but only brushed fabric instead. She held up her phone. They'd replaced the door with a curtain? That was weird, but...

She pulled the curtain aside.

Something sat cross-legged on the closed toilet. One blood-dripping yellow eye stared up at Wendy. 

Wendy screamed.

"Hello to you too," the thing said. "Come in?"

Wendy punched it in the eye and bolted.

She heard it stumble-thud out of the bathroom, call, "Wait, wait—Wendy!" and then laugh, and then mutter, "ow, ow, ow."

Wendy slowed halfway to the exit as what she'd just seen fully registered. That was a human person. Whom she'd socked in the face.

Wendy about-faced. "Oh, man, I'm so sorry. Are you okay?" She  came back and flipped on the bathroom light to check for damage.

The stranger was a heavyset brown-skinned woman with a mass of loose golden curls hanging to her shoulder blades, wearing a baggy yellow hoodie and knee-length skirt—and something about her was familiar, but Wendy couldn't put her finger on what. The stranger shrugged, grinning, and said, "It's not the worst thing to happen to that eyeball today!" She moved an eyepatch over from her left eye to cover the bloody eye Wendy had socked—and that was why Wendy had only seen the one eye in the dark. The eyepatch.

Wow, smooth move, Wendy, punching somebody for having a painful-looking eye condition. She winced. "Sorry. Do you... wanna ice that?" She awkwardly held out her sorbet.

The stranger looked at the pint thoughtfully. "Can I eat it instead?"

"Um. No?" Wendy pulled it back. "Hey—did you call me Wendy? How'd you know my name?"

The stranger shrugged. "What, you work here, don't you? I see you all the time."

So they had met before? Wendy studied the stranger's face, trying to remember where—and then her eyes widened. "Wait—hold on, Toga Lady? No way!"

"Wh—yeah, that's me!" She laughed. "I can't get over how many people recognize me because of that."

"Yeah, everyone in town knows you." She flipped open her phone to show Toga Lady a meme Tambry sent a couple days ago: the picture Wendy had taken of her in the gift shop that spread all over town, currently captioned, "When you're meeting Plato but still wanna look kawaii."

Toga Lady cracked up. "Hey, I love that! Send that to Sh—Mabel, I wanna save that."

"Sure." Did Toga Lady not have a phone? Or maybe just didn't want to hand her number out to a stranger who punched her in the dark. "So... what are you doing here? Are you visiting the Pines?" Wendy vaguely remembered Toga Lady asking about the Pines a few months ago. "Who are you?"

"The name's Goldie," the stranger said. "And I'm... just staying here for a bit. As a house guest." (And, Bill realized, if Wendy asked him any more than that, he was in trouble. He and the Pines had very briefly arranged his cover story: if and when somebody noticed him, he was Goldie Locke and he was staying as a guest. But why was he staying as a guest, where had he come from, how long would he be here... they'd never gotten that far. He'd better think up some boring cover story the Pines wouldn't object to—maybe claim to be one of Abuelita's distant relatives, staying with family between jobs...)

Wendy said, "So, hold on. Are you the big mysterious supernatural phenomenon the Pines have been trying not to talk about?"

Goldie blinked. And then a brilliant, gleeful smile stretched across her face. "Wow, you're a smart one! How did you guess?"

####

To Fiddleford's evident despair, Soos had made good on his threat to put a moratorium on mecha anime. Instead, he played a few episodes of a period drama about a former samurai, desperate to retire from the sword, who kept running into civilians with inconvenient problems that could only be solved with a two-foot steel blade.

In the 1920s, the Northwests had added a private movie palace to their manor so they wouldn't have to watch picture shows with the common folks; and it hadn't take Soos much work to rig up a new projector to play from his laptop. The Northwests had outfitted the theater with armchairs, loveseats, and coffee tables, which had conveyed with the manor. Once the show was over and the snacks were cleared aside, one of the coffee tables made a perfect space for Ford to spread out his blueprints and research notes. While Soos, Melody, and Tate discussed the likelihood that unemployed samurai really used their swords to rescue stuck cats by chopping down tree branches, Ford explained the quantum destabilizer to Fiddleford.

It was a death ray designed to obliterate whatever it hit—whether matter, energy, both, neither, or other. If it hit a human, they'd be crushed into nothing. If it hit something as powerful as Bill, he'd be fatally collapsed into a miniature black hole, taking anything under his influence with him, and then he'd disappear. Not even ashes would be left behind. No matter what Bill was now, this could kill him.

The problem was the fuel, which Ford had obtained from another Fiddleford, who in turn had obtained it in a paradox dimension: an element that was inert when observed and highly radioactive when concealed. Parallel Fiddleford had named it NowUSeeitNowUDontium. But Ford had used up the last of his fuel on a wild shot during Weirdmageddon. And—short of rebuilding that accursed portal and venturing back out into the multiverse—Ford didn't know how to get more.

"Your parallel self helped me make all the modifications to my destabilizer to let it run on Dontium," Ford said. "You know your own mind better than anyone else. Perhaps if you see your parallel self's design modifications, you might be able to deduce the necessary properties of the substance used to fuel it, and we could... find a way to synthesize an artificial substitute, maybe?"

Fiddleford frowned worriedly at the blueprints. "Frankly, I don't know that I do know my own mind," he said. "But... I'll take a look-see at this, see what I can make of it."

"That's all I ask. Thank you, Fiddleford."

"What'll we do if I can't work it out, though?"

He'd already wondered that himself. Making an element was harder than finding one. There was a reason the gold miners outlasted the alchemists. "We'll find another way. Maybe adapt the destabilizer to another fuel source. I initially designed it for portability in anticipation of a fight with a highly mobile, flying opponent. Now that it'll be used for the execution of a captive, portability is less important. Perhaps it could be modified to plug into an external fuel source?"

"It'd have to be ginormous," Fiddleford said dubiously. "What about that infernal-lookin' summoning circle you had us try? Is that still an option?"

"I've considered it, but... there are four members of the zodiac who still don't know Bill's alive—and they're all children. I never learned exactly what the zodiac does, much less whether it would have any effect on Bill as a human, so I don't want to get them involved just to discover that solution doesn't work. The destabilizer will work."

"If'n we can fuel it."

Ford sighed. "We'll call the zodiac 'plan B.'"

####

On the way out, Ford stopped in the door and said, "Oh, Fiddleford—I nearly forgot." He took out a folded paper he'd stowed in his journal's cover and handed it to Fiddleford, grinning.

It was a hand-made card, with a cover that featured a cake and puffy stickers that read, "PARTY!" Inside was a crayon drawing of Stan and Ford holding hands and smiling next to the words, "Come to our 62nd birthday party!!! Saturday, June 15, 1:00 PM, at the Mystery Shack!!! DON'T BE LATE!!!!!"

Wryly, Fiddleford asked, "Did you make this yourself?"

"Mabel helped," Ford admitted. "I almost forgot our birthday entirely until she brought it up this morning."

"Did you? Now I don't feel so bad that I'd plumb forgot myself. Tomorrow—whoo-ee." A hint of anxiety entered his eyes. "Will the party attendees be including...?"

"We're having our party outside. Our 'houseguest' 'Goldie' is not allowed outside."

Fiddleford immediately relaxed. "Then I'll be there, don't you worry! With gifts, too!"

"Then we'll see you tomorrow." As Ford followed Soos down the long driveway toward his truck, he mused to himself that he couldn't remember the last time he'd had a birthday party. He didn't think he'd ever invited somebody outside his family to a birthday party and thought they would actually come. Felt good. 

Ford was halfway to the truck when he felt a tap on his shoulder. He turned to see Tate. Had they ever spoken one-on-one before? "Tate? What can I do—"

Tate took a step too close, and Ford's back immediately went stiff. "Don't think I didn't see those blueprints you were showing my Dad," Tate said. "Now, you listen here, Dr. Pines." He said "doctor" like it was an insult. "Thirty years ago I lost my father thanks to you and your stupid science project, and I just got him back. I ain't keen on losing him again. Is that clear?"

Oh. "I—yes. Perfectly clear. I don't want any trouble. I'm asking for his help to prevent trouble, actually."

Tate drawled, "Oh, yeah? That so? You usually need futuristic laser bazookas to prevent trouble?"

How good a look had Tate gotten at the blueprints? He'd been on the other side of the room. "Tate... listen." Ford took a deep breath. "You've got every reason to distrust me. Thirty years ago, I was so wrapped up in my own problems that I turned my back on your father when he needed help the most—and you, your mother, and he all suffered greatly for it. But whatever happens, I won't turn my back on him again. I promise."

Tate considered that in sullen silence. "Fine," he said. "See you don't. But I've got my eye on you."

He turned back toward the manor, paused, and faced Ford again. "When I came to Gravity Falls, the first place I went was the last address Dad wrote from. The man who answered the door said he never knew no McGucket and he'd never stayed there. I called him a dirty liar, and he chased me off his property with a hammer." He pointed at Ford. "You... You were gone by then, weren'tcha? That was your brother."

Ford's stomach dropped. "That's right. That... Stanley didn't know anything. We were estranged the whole time I knew your father. I didn't even call Fiddleford by name in my journals."

"All these years he told me he never knew my father, I thought he was just too big a coward to own up to what he'd done. When all along I was resentin' an innocent man, while you were..." He trailed off; then set his jaw firmly, squared his shoulders, and said, "Welp. You take responsibility like a man. I hope you act like one, too."

Ford shrugged helplessly. "I've been trying to."

Tate nodded once. "Good to finally meet the real you, Dr. Pines," he said coolly. Then he turned back toward the manor and walked away.

####

Stan was sure he'd heard a scream.

He stared at the ceiling. It was too late for people to be screaming. He didn't wanna get up. He couldn't hear anything now; but then, his hearing aids were out. Which meant the scream must have been really loud.

Grumbling, he sat up, put in his hearing aids, put in his teeth, put on his glasses, put on his slippers, dragged himself upright, and shuffled to the door.

The moment he stepped out, he could hear Bill's voice, chattering from some dark corner of the shack: "I was actually one of Stanford's research assistants! Haha! Yeah, during the earliest portal tests, I got sucked into the psychic plane between reality and dreams—ever heard of the 'mindscape'?—and everyone assumed it killed me! I've actually been haunting the shack like a ghost for the last three decades! It sure is great to be alive again!"

Stan's first thought, still half asleep, was, I don't remember Ford telling me about that part. And his second thought was, Wait. Who's Bill talking to?

Then he heard Wendy's laugh and his blood ran cold. "Aw man, that's insane! What'd you eat? Is there food in the mindscape?"

"I didn't need to eat, sleep, or age! Convenient, huh? Now I look thirty years too young!"

"How'd you keep from getting crazy bored without anyone to talk to?"

"I watched TV over Stanley's shoulder and eavesdropped on tourists' marital problems! I saw you all summer—"

Stan followed their voices to the living room and fumbled on the light switch. Wendy started and cringed back into the armchair she'd claimed, squinting in the bright light. Bill, who'd been standing in the dark like a creep, didn't flinch—but he slowly stood a little straighter.

"What the heck's going on in here?" Stan snapped.

"Hey, Mr. Pines," Wendy said weakly. "Sorry—I forgot my ice cream when I left," she held up a pint, "so I came back for it and... um..."

"I spooked her in the dark and she socked me!" Bill laughed.

Stan moved between Wendy and Bill. "She's got the right idea." As Stan moved further into the room, Bill circled him to get closer to the doorway.

"But—I mean, is Goldie all you were keeping secret?" Wendy asked. "I worked here all last summer. I know what this place is like! You know I can handle learning that some woman's been stuck in a parallel plane—right?"

Before Stan had a chance to say anything, Bill piped up again: "They're all just worried about the thirty-year-old missing person case they could have helped solve! But hey, I don't mind. I'm sure the only reason they didn't try to find me was because Ford thought I was dead and Stan didn't know about me." Bill looked straight in Stan's eyes. "Isn't that right?"

Oh, Bill had them all over a barrel now.

A good two-man con was a lot like good improv theater, in that neither actor could contradict the other one's story; once one of them introduced a detail, the other one had to agree "yes, and—" and roll with it. No matter how stupid or insane your partner's contribution, if you start arguing about your story in front of your mark, they'll know you're lying—and there goes your mark.

Stan knew that. Bill knew Stan knew that.

And Bill had gotten to Wendy first. Now, unless Stan wanted to completely spill the triangular beans to Wendy, he had no choice but to play along and "yes, and" Bill's stupid story about being Ford's assistant.

Fine. But no way was Stan playing along on Bill's terms.

Stan scoffed loudly. "Or maybe the reason my brother didn't try to find you is because you're a no-good lying creep who"—(what do nerds hate each other for?)—"tried to steal his research!"

From the corner of his eye, Stan could see Wendy's eyebrows shoot up and her mouth open slightly. Yeah, good. Yes-and that, Cipher.

Stan expected anger. There wasn't anger. The ghost of a smile flickered across Bill's face before he got his expression under control. There was a spark of light in his eye, like something sleeping in him had activated.

In the split second between Bill's lips parting and the first syllable emerging, Stan realized—a moment too late—that he'd made a terrible mistake. Bill wasn't just a con artist. He was one of those guys. The guys who got into crime because they couldn't get into theater. The divas. The attention hogs. The guys who enjoyed lying for the thrill of it.

And Stan had just given him an opportunity for drama.

"Steal it?" Bill snapped. "Steal it?" He raised a hand and pointed a thumb at himself, elbow jutted out to the side, chest puffed up, making himself bigger. "I am his research! Over half the stuff he put in his journals comes from material I dug up for him! By his third journal, he was practically my ghostwriter! But do you think I was gonna get a co-author credit?"

"Oh, that's a load of bull—slander," Stan snapped. "I am not letting you talk about my brother like that! He did all the hard work while you, what—" what fit the story they were inventing, "—picked up books for him at the library like a good little undergrad—?"

"Hey!" Bill turned sideways to jab a finger at Stan, like a fencer making his profile narrower before driving his sabre home. "Post grad! I was working on my dissertation! And I didn't just 'pick them up'; I found the books he needed, usually because I'd already read them and he hadn't!"

"Oh, you read a few books! Oooh, I'm so impressed! But you're not the one who wrote about them, sister!"

"HA! The hundreds of pages of notes I gave him say otherwise! So what if I wanted to publish first while he was hoarding the fruits of my labor in his basement, it was my right—!"

Stan bellowed, "That kind of talk is why you got dismissed from your dissertation program for plagiarism!"

All righteous indignation, Bill raised his voice to match, "The plagiarism charges were unproven! I dropped out on my own terms!"

"Oh SUUURE, because you wanted to see the WOOORLD! And how much of the world did you see hiding in a podunk logging town doing my brother's primary research for him, huh?!"

"HA!" Voice nearly a shriek, finger raised to the heavens in triumph, Bill crowed, "SO YOU ADMIT I DID ALL THE PRIMARY RESEARCH—!"

Ford said, "What the devil is going on here?"

Stan and Bill fell silent. Ford stood in the entryway, looking one part irate and two parts bewildered. The front door was still open, Soos and Melody peering around Ford.

Ford could doom them. Stan knew how to improv like a con artist, Bill knew how to improv like a con artist, but did Ford? Ever since they'd been kids, he'd always been just a little slower with a lie. If Stan had a chance to ease him into the backstory they'd concocted without requiring him to improvise himself—hey, we were just explaining to Wendy how 'Goldie' used to be your research assistant until 'she' got eaten by a portal test—

"STANFORD," Bill snapped. Stan almost jumped out of his skin. Oh no. Bill glared at Ford, pointed at Stan, and said, "Tell Stanley the plagiarism charges were unfounded, I was unfairly accused!"

Stan held his breath.

Ford stared at Bill, and then stared at Stan—Stan could almost see the gears turning in his head—and then stared at Wendy, and then stared at Bill again. And then he snarled, "After you tried to beat me to publication, you two-faced liar?"

"HA!" Stan pointed at Bill's face, laughing too hard to speak. "HAAA!" He pounded on the TV, half hysterical with mirth, and had to lean on it as he wheezed for breath. Ford—what a dark horse, Stan could kiss his cheek—Ford was maintaining the most stoic poker face Stan had ever seen. 

Bill was violently biting his lip, red in the face, brows drawn tight together, trembling all over. It took Stan a moment to realize Bill wasn't angry. He was battling hard to look furious—playing the part of the loser of the argument—when the creep was actually fighting not to laugh.

Bill made eye contact with Stan, very nearly lost it, and turned his back toward Wendy so she couldn't see his face. He gestured vaguely toward Stan and Ford and croaked, "You see what I have to put up with?"

"I dunno, man." Grinning, Wendy said, "Not to make light of the whole 'stuck haunting the shack for thirty years' thing, but it kiiinda sounds like you had it coming."

Mission accomplished. And let that teach Bill a lesson about trying to out-lie Stan Pines.

Soos waved a hand. "Hey, uh, what's going on—?"

Now that was a disaster waiting to happen. "I'll catch you up." Stan zoomed around Ford, scooped his arms around Soos's and Melody's shoulders, and hustled them out of the room.

####

"You're sure you want to bike home alone this late?" Ford was walking Wendy back to where she said she'd left her bike, just outside the clearing the Mystery Shack made in the forest. "I could give you a ride."

"Thanks, Mr. Pines, but I'm fine. This whole part of the forest is basically my backyard."

"If you insist." He supposed the Corduroy cabin wasn't that far off—the local kids probably ventured further on a regular basis. They just didn't usually drop by the Mystery Shack at this hour. "What were you doing visiting the shack, anyway?"

"I came back to get my ice cream," Wendy said, holding up her sorbet pint demonstratively. "Which... is probably completely melted by now." She shrugged, popped off the lid and drank it.

She came by this late for ice cream? Ford had his doubts. But then, if he'd been a sixteen-year-old with a summer job in a house keeping a supernatural secret, would he have done any differently? (He was just glad she hadn't worked out who their "guest" really was. He'd have to thank Stan later for his quick thinking with a cover story.)

Wendy picked up her bike and hit her helmet against a tree to dislodge any bugs that might have crawled in. "Hey, uh—please don't tell my dad I was over here, okay? I kinda didn't mention that I was going out."

Wendy was Boyish Dan's kid, wasn't she? How different they were. The Dan that Ford knew hadn't been much older than Wendy, but he'd regarded these woods with a respect that bordered on fear. He'd never be wandering around this late at night. "I can't imagine why I'd need to bring it up." Ford had snuck out for dumber reasons as a kid.

"Thanks, Mr. Pines." She put on her helmet and got on her bike. "I'll see you in the morning!"

"The morning? The party isn't until one, is it?"

"Yeah, but I'm running an errand with Mabel." Wendy waved as she left. In the dark, her arm blended in with the trees.

Ford hadn't heard Mabel mention any errands. What was she doing that she needed Wendy's help for?

Ford waited until he couldn't hear Wendy's bike anymore; and then headed back into the shack.

####

(Y'all have no idea how long I've been waiting to post that argument. If you enjoyed this chapter, please let me know what you thought! I need comments to survive. Like tinkerbell. Thanks!!)

[newtthetranswriter]

hELLO!!! ANNYEONGHASE- ok i'll stop

so may i ask for some megumi fushiguro crumbs??? fluff pleaseeee and i was thinking about a scenario where megumi tries to confess to reader his feelings... bUT every time he wants to he gets interrupted!! and when he finally manages to catch reader and say what he feels, reader takes out an uno reverse card from their pocket with a stupid smile... you can include gojo and other students as the wing people of megs but imma leave it to you!!!! thank you in advance, take the time you need and dont stress about it!!!! love u and have a nice rest after work 💞💞

Word count: 827

Paring: Megumi Fushiguro x reader

A/n: Hey Ness, thank you for requesting. Honestly I think this is my first time writing for Megumi so I hope you enjoy it. Also tried a different pov for this one so let me know how you like it. Have a good day or night, and remember to Hydrate or diedrate. REQUESTS ARE OPEN

    He had been trying to tell you for weeks. And before that Itadori had spent over a month trying to get him to admit his feelings to himself. At this point Megumi was a wreck to put it simply. He tried to act like it wasn’t affecting him, but it was starting to feel like the whole world was against him.

     Megumi had approached you during dinner two weeks ago, having come up with the perfect plan. Unfortunately a certain cursed corpse messed everything up. Here's how it went.

     “Hey Y/n, can we talk for a minute?” He asked approaching the table you were sitting at. Smiling up at him you nodded, getting up to follow him out of the room. Once out of the crowded dining hall he began to speak again. “So, I’ve been meaning to tell-” Before could finish his sentence, the door burst open again.

     “You guys have to come see this, Itadori and Inumaki are competing to see who can fit the most rice balls in their mouth at once.” Panda said in excitement, dragging the both of you back inside.

     While the others were busy watching the two be idiots, you leaned over to Megumi. “Hey, what is it you wanted to talk about?” You asked in a hushed voice trying not to draw attention, silently hoping he was going to confess.

     He paused for a moment, then turned away. “It was nothing.” He said getting up and leaving you feeling disappointed.

    The next time he tried to confess was on one of the days off you get as Jujutsu sorcerers. Megumi was sure no one would interrupt him this time. And he had made Itadori promise to keep everyone busy and away from your dorm so he could tell you. Itadori being the good wing man he is, agreed and did his best. Unfortunately no one could predict what happened that afternoon.

    You two had been relaxing in your dorm like you do on every day off, just watching tv and chatting. He figured this was as good a time as any. So he went for it. “Y/n can I tell you something important?”

     Sitting up startled but curious, you responded. “Of course Megs, you can tell me anything.”

     Not thinking he would get this far he started. “Well, we’ve been friends for a while now and I’ve been thinking about this a lot.” He paused for only a second to collect his thoughts when the door burst open revealing the bane of Megumi’s existence.

     “Sorry to interrupt but I thought you would all like to know that Okkotsu is back from his overseas mission.” The obnoxious white haired man said.

     Upon hearing of the return of one of your closest friends, you quickly jumped off your bed running out of the room. Completely forgetting the conversation you were having with Megumi. Leaving the boy to slump back into the bed.

      Megumi had enough, he was going to try and tell you one last time and if something got in the way, he would accept that fate had other plans and give up. So he cornered you one morning before training started. He was determined for this to go well. He wasn’t going to beat around the bush either, he was going to be straight forward and rip off the bandaid.

      “Y/n I’ve liked you for a long time, and not just in the oh you’re cool kinda way. I want to spend all my free time with you and protect you no matter what.” He didn’t even pause to get a reaction, he just kept going. “I’ve been trying to tell you for weeks, but something always came up. But this is the last time I’m trying this, so I need you to know that I love you.” Megumi didn’t even register all the words that came out of his mouth.

      You stood frozen for a moment. This was a dream come true Megumi Fushiguro just told you he loved you and your mind was buzzing. After getting over the initial shock, you reached in your pocket confusing the dark haired boy in front of you. With the biggest smile he had ever seen you handed him a green Uno reverse card. 

       “What the hell is this supposed to mean?” It was his turn to be shocked.

       Instead of giving him a verbal response right away, you leaned over and gave him a kiss on the cheek. “It means, I love you too. Now as much as I would love to skip training to go on a date, we wouldn’t hear the end of it from Gojo, so we should get going.” You said before walking towards the training field. Megumi was left frozen for a minute, not believing that just happened. Getting over his shock he realized you were right, so he carefully placed the uno card in his pocket and headed outside to join you.

[sapphicforsarahh]

best hands i've ever seen

ship: loubbie x fem!reader

word count: 800+

warnings: dom!loubbie x sub!reader, no smut (yet), dom and sub themes, sexting

synopsis: debbie and lou are looking for a new crew mate for the newest heist plan, that's when you catch their eye.

A/N: let me know what you think of this and whether you'd like a second part!

"Deb, I'm telling you, this girl has some of the best hands I've seen," she whispers to her wife. Both of them watch as you perform magic tricks to people who are stupid enough to fall for them. "Look, watch this," Lou leans forwards from her chair and watches you attentively. Your hands cleverly moved to show the participants correct cards. As they looked at their friends in shock and awe, you confidently slip the gold engagement ring, decorated with a diamond, off this woman's finger and secretively slip it into your pocket, without a single one of them realising.

"Not too bad," Debbie agrees and Lou smirks in return. "A pretty girl too," Lou adds, Debbie hums in agreement. After the bystanders had walked off, it was just you left with Debbie and Lou in the distance. "What do you say Deb?", Lou tries to convince Debbie to consider you, knowing their could be other benefits of having you on the team. "Sure," Debbie says a bit more easily than Lou would've thought. Without another word, Debbie stands up, Lou quick to follow her and the couple begin to approach you.

You're sitting on your bucket, counting your previously 'earned' dollars when you hear an Australian voice grab your attention. "Hey, can I hel-", you look up to see the older couple. Jesus, were they beautiful. All the thoughts in your head disappeared and you somehow managed to mumble out, "is there anything I can do for you ladies?". Debbie chuckles out, "we've got a charmer here."

One of the women stood with a dark, grey trench coat that pretty much hid her entirely black outfit, but still managed for her stiletto heels to stick out. The other, a blonde, stood taller with a sophisticated yet sexy leopard print coat. The dark, green lapels of her blazer were peeking through and you noticed her chest and hands were complimented by stacks of jewellery, most likely 24 carat gold.

"Me and my wife here noticed how skillful you are with your hands," Debbie started, taking off her shades and looking down at you with alluring deep, brown eyes. "We were wondering, if you could help us with something?" Lou added, also taking off her sunglasses, her eyes juxtaposed with her wife, as she met your gaze with light, blue ones.

You clear your throat with anxiousness, wondering what these women had proposed to you. "Uh, what is it?", you finally plucked up the courage to ask. "Come with us sweetheart, we'll explain everything," Lou said, placing her fingertips on your chin, making the power dynamic even greater.

You nod obediently, not wanting to upset these clearly powerful women. Debbie and Lou stand to the side whilst they watch you collect your things. "She's obedient isn't she," Lou chuckled, grabbing onto the lower of her wife's back. "Always a good thing, are you thinking what I'm thinking?" Debbie looks at her wife with a raised brow, knowing her full intentions with this girl. As Lou was going to answer, you walked over with your bag on your back and ready to follow these women to wherever they were taking you.

"Let's get going, I bet you're eager to find out what we want, aren't you sweet girl?", Lou teases, walking forward and placing her hand on your back. "Yeah," you managed to squeak out, before the the two women pushed you into the taxi. Debbie sat in the front, whilst Lou got in the back with you. You tried to distract yourself by looking outside the window but you just couldn't concentrate on anything else apart from the insanely good-looking blonde next to you. Finally, you decide to stare at your feet and choose that as the safest option. The sound of Lou's ruffling coat caught your attention but you didn't look up. She took her phone from her pocket and looked at the notification from Debbie.

| Debbie: finish what you were going to say earlier love x.

You silently watch Lou smirk and quickly text back:

| Lou: i was going to say she’d be a good toy x.

she listened to every word we said without questioning it, we could break her in no time x.

Your eyes widened in shock at how these two women were talking about you. I mean would you really want that? Maybe you would!

| Debbie: good call baby, we'll discuss when we're back home x speaking of, i need you to take care of me once we're back i need you so badly honey x

You really try hard to hold back any reaction to the obvious sexting that's occurring in the back of this taxi, and it must've worked because all you hear is a small groan from Lou before she put her phone away.

-------

Taglist: @mllkw33ds @isle-of-earle @chillinftladygaga @cordeliaswife @angelick1sses @gmtsu @thenazwife @ladysc @midnightlove30 @blanchettlovebot

Let me know if you want to be added to the taglist!

[hopefulromances]

22 with jamie tartt please!! she/her :)

I got two anons asking for this one!

INCREDIBLY SELF INDULGENT.

22. “You’ve saved me so many times; it’s only right that I return the favor.”

You and Jamie had been floating around your feelings for years. You were more than friends, that much was sure, but the timing always seemed to be off for something more. But you knew everything about him. You knew about his mother and his father, everything from what coffee he drinks in the morning, to his favorite Lynx smell.

And he knew everything about you. From your favorite toner for your printer, to the type of Lynx you hated for him to wear. And part of you was comfortable in the limbo you were in with him. But another, larger, part of you want to kiss the living daylights out of his and shut his stupid manurian ass up sometimes.

Tonight, you were out with some friends at a club. That included Jamie. As usually, you were rounding up drink orders to start a tab on. Jamie handed you his card to use, which you took cause that football money was no joke.

"I'll be back in 5 minutes," you assured the group as you turned towards the bar.

"D'you want me to come with you?" Jamie offereed, starting to get out the booth. But you waved him off.

"I'll just be a few minutes, surely you can last that long with out me," You teased.

He threw a hand over his heart as if he'd just been shot with an arrow. "I don't think I can, love, I'll wither away."

You rolled your eyes at him and started off towards the bar. You reached it with out much difficulty. You waited for your turn, tapping impatiently against the wood as you waited your turn.

"Hey," a voice from the side caught your attention.

Yeah, no, not interested. You didn't even need to look to know you weren't interested. Unless he had a thing for monocrome track suits and a mancurian accent, you weren't interested. You tried to ignore him but the man persisted.

"Hey, I'm talking to you, babe."

The man reached out and tapped your shoulder. You let out an annoyed sigh but put on a bubbly personality before you turned to face him.

"Oh! Sorry, hi!" You smiled, waving. "Music's so loud."

The man seemed satisfied with that excuse and leaned lazily against the bar. He wasn't much, compared to Jamie, but he wasn't bad looking at all.

"I agree, you want a drink?" He nodded towards the card in your hand. "I'll get you one."

"Oh, no," you scrunched your face up. "I"m getting drinks for my friends, too."

He shifted closer to you. "They don't have to know."

You tried to shift back but someone had filled in the space behind you, forcing you to stay in your place as the man shifted ever closer.

"No, I'm really okay," you insisted, looking around for some escape route. "I've got it."

"Well, maybe we can go somewhere quieter, then?" He was practically on top of you. You could smell the alcohol on his breath, the smell of beer and sweat. You cringed, jerking backwards.

"Please, I just want to get my drinks and go." You turned to the bar, hoping that he'd understand your body language. Then he touched you, he grabbed your arm and pulled you towards him.

"Why are you being such a bitch?"

"And why are you being such a cockhead?"

Jamie's voice surprised you. But, you'd be able to tell Jamie's voice if you were blind folded and standing in a crowd of a thousand people, which you kinda were.

The man looked over at Jamie, still not letting go of your arm. "Why do you care, mate?"

Jamie glanced down at his hand on you and something dark flashed through his eyes. "She said no, mate'"

He spat the word like it was poison. Like referring to his man in any sort of friendly way was hurting him. You knew that if you didn't move quickly this could escalate into something more violent. So, you ripped your arm out of his hand, not missing the way his nails dug into your skin, and pulled away.

"I'm just gonna get my drinks and go," you told them both, finally flagging down the bartender.

The man started to take a step towards you. "Don't be a cu-"

"You're not going to want to finish that statement," Jamie growled, shoving his way in between the two of you. You felt like you could breath again, knowing Jamie was between you and the predator. You felt yourself lean onto him. He was tense, his whole body stiff with anger.

"Is there a problem here?" The bartender asked, looking between the two men.

"No!" you interjected, slamming the credit card on the table. "I just want to start a tab."

The bartender kept an eye on the two men as he took the card. "Well, the two of you better seperate, I don't want to see any funny business."

The man on the other side of Jamie scoffed but took a step back. "Whatever, bitch is a lost cause."

You grabbed Jamie, feeling him flinch forward. You prevented him from moving after the man as you order the drinks. Jamie kept a glare on the man as he moved away before turning to face you.

"Are you alright?" he soothed, looking over you.

As he did, any sign of the agressive man that was there before was gone. His face was laced with concern as he looked over you. His eyes fell on your arm and the marks where the man had scrapped into your skin. You followed his gaze and bit you lip, grabbing onto his arm.

"I'm fine, Jamie," you assured him. "He was just a dickhead."

Jamie brought his hand up to gently brush over the marks. "I could kill him for this."

"Well, I'm glad you didn't." Then you paused before adding. "But thanks for the save."

“You’ve saved me so many times; it’s only right that I return the favor," he mumbled, his eyes dragging up to your face. You looked at him, sucking in your lips.

You moved your hand up his arm up to his shoulder. He didn't need much persuasion as he leaned down, nudging his nose against yours. After a moment, he captured your lips on his. You suddenly wondered why you had waited so long to kiss him. You pressed up into him, finally moving your hands to tangle in his stupid walnut mist air.

His lips moved against yours in languid breaths, letting his tongue explore your mouth sucking gently on yours. You could stay like that for the rest of your life, you're pretty sure, but alas no good think could last forever.

You felt something hit you on the side of your head. You broke off from Jamie and snapped your head to find the source of the intrusion. You saw Colin quickly trying to hide behind Isaac.

Jamie held you against him as he flipped the pair off, sending them in fits of laughter. You whined, missing his kiss as you leaned against him. Jamie laughed, wrapping you up in his arms and keeping you there.

"Don't worry, love, there's a lot more where that came from."

[anotherstudtouse]

What Are Friends For?

CHAPTER 2

SUMMARY: You and Lex work out some of the details of your fake relationship.

WARNINGS: None.

     "Okay, rule number one -- I get to decide how we got together." You've quit pacing the length of your living room to speak, hands on your hips as you look down at Lex. She's sitting on your couch, feet kicked up onto your previously pristine coffee table, and as you speak, her gaze leaves the family portraits adorning the wall to focus on you instead.

     Thirty minutes ago, you'd invited Lex to your apartment in order to work out the details of this whole 'fake relationship' thing. Despite Lex trying to assure you that you could just wing it, your insistence that preparation was the key to success had her finally agreeing to come over.

     With a shrug, she responds, "Hey, less thinking for me."

     "Another rule -- We need to agree on boundaries beforehand so neither of us are taken off guard."

     "Boundaries?" She furrows her brows.

     You gesture between you both. "Like, holding hands, kissing, stuff like that. How far are you expecting us to go to keep up this ruse?"

     She appears amused by this, lifting her boots off of your coffee table and planting them firmly on the floor instead. Her legs are spread wide and your gaze is drawn to them for the briefest of seconds before returning to her face. Her head is tilted as she regards you curiously. There's something else in that look that you can't quite decipher. "How far are you expecting us to go?"

     You feel heat creeping up your neck as the question is turned back around on you. You try your best to appear nonchalant when you respond, "However far you need us to. I'm doing this for you, after all; I just want to be properly prepared."

     "We can't prepare for everything, y'know. Some things we're just gonna have to make up on the spot, and that's okay," Lex says in what is meant to be reassuring tone.

     You're pacing again. "Yeah, well, I've never been good at that." The room falls silent as you become lost in thought, trying to think of every possible way this stack of cards could come tumbling down so you can prevent it from happening. You're so deep in your own mind that you don't even realize Lex has left her seat until she's standing in front of you, hands coming to gently but firmly grip your biceps in an effort to stop you in your tracks.

     It certainly works, the sudden close proximity stopping not only your physical movements but every coherent thought in your head. You wait for her to back up but she stays. "Would it make you feel better if we practiced?"

     "What?" God, you hope your face isn't as red as it feels, but the amusement beginning to light up Lex's eyes again are enough of an answer.

     "You said you want to be prepared, right?" She raises her brows, and you nod. "So we practice. We tell each other how we got together so many times it starts to feel real. We get so comfortable touching and kissing each other that it looks natural to everyone else." As if to demonstrate, her hands slide up your arms, your neck, finally resting on your cheeks. She watches you intently, eyes switching focus between each of yours as if searching for something within them. You swallow.

     "That's... actually a good idea," you say, a little distracted by her thumb stroking your cheek. Her hands are softer than you expected.

     A smile spreads across her face. "I have one of those every once in a while," she jokes. It puts you a little more at ease, and you roll your eyes as you smile back down at her, forcing yourself to relax into her touch. It needs to look natural, not like you're freaking out on the inside. With a thoughtful hum, she adds, "I definitely asked you out. You can decide whatever else but we need this to be believable."

     You scoff, pulling away from her in indignation as she laughs. "Anyway," you begin, attempting to divert attention from the fact that she's extremely correct, "since it seems like we're going to be here a while, do you want to order a pizza or something?"

     The grin on her face tells you she sees right through you, but there's something else there that takes you off guard a little. There's a fondness in her expression for a moment; you barely see it as she turns to head back to the couch before dropping herself onto it. "It's like you read my growling stomach." As she speaks, she pats the seat beside her expectantly, raising her eyebrows at you.

     You're nervous. You've sat beside Lex before, of course, but this feels different. Lex wants to practice, and maybe you didn't think it all the way through when you made the decision to let the woman you've been trying to suppress feelings for kiss you and touch you and call you pet names and --

     "Y/N." Lex's voice is a beacon calling out to you before you can lose yourself completely in your overthinking. "I don't bite. Unless you're into that, then we could work it into the arrangement."

     You let out a nervous chuckle as you finally move toward the couch. "Funny," you respond instead of giving her any kind of real answer. You know she isn't really looking for one anyway; she just enjoys flustering you.

     You sit beside her and she turns to face you, folding one of her legs underneath the other and draping her arm across the back of the couch. Pulling out your phone, you and Lex take a few minutes to decide what you want. By the time you finally click 'order' and slip your phone back into your pocket, you think you've worked out how the two of you got together.

    "We were working together after the store closed a week ago. We were on our lunch break out back, sitting against the wall, our arms touching. It was just like any other lunch break -- Talking about nothing and everything, making each other laugh. Maybe it was the peace of the early morning that made us open up to each other more that night or maybe it was just inevitable, but either way, something changed. We looked at each other, and our faces were so close... and feelings we hadn't realized ran so deep suddenly hit us all at once. You'd had the urge to kiss me before that moment but now it almost hurt to hold yourself back -- so you didn't. You kissed me, fully prepared to be pushed away, and I kissed you back. And now here we are." You finally turn your gaze toward Lex as you finish your story -- a story rooted in a very real moment from a week ago, one where it had been you who'd ached so badly to press your lips to hers after you had opened up to her about your struggles being pushed out by your parents and living with your grandmother instead (a lovely woman -- you have no complaints about her) until you moved out, after she had opened up about her struggles with her family and with trying to make it on her own while also supporting her sister. It really had almost hurt not to kiss her right then and there, but you had. You had torn your gaze away, focusing instead on the few stars you could see in the night sky.

     When your eyes meet Lex's, you can tell she remembers that night, too. She's silent for a moment, just looking at you, and for that moment you begin to feel as though you've made a mistake. You'd thought that choosing a real moment would make the part that's a lie more believable, but now you're wondering if you've accidentally uncovered the truth about your feelings buried underneath it.

     "Like this?" As Lex breaks the silence, her hand reaches up to curl into a fist around your shirt collar before tugging you toward her. Before you can react, her lips are on yours, her other hand tangling in the back of your hair.

     A surprised, "Mmh--" escapes your throat, your eyes fluttering shut. Lex is kissing you. It's softer than you expected, especially after the rough tug at your shirt collar, and you lose yourself in it quickly -- in the name of practice, of course.

     As your lips move against hers, her hand leaves your shirt collar to rest on your hip. What started out soft and even a little hesitant, as if testing the waters, begins to grow heated. Her tongue traces your bottom lip and you part your lips for her immediately. She tilts her head a little, her tongue sliding into your mouth to begin its exploration -- and God, it's thorough. You to moan into Lex's open mouth. Her hand on your hip tightens its grip, her other hand resting on the back of your neck and firmly holding you in place. Your hands come to rest on the sides of her face, fingers tangling in her hair as your tongue slides against hers. She groans into your mouth, her hand tugging at your hip now. Does she want you closer? If you get any closer, you'll be in her lap. Does she know that?

     KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK.

     You break the kiss, pulling back as if you've just been burned. Out of breath and more than a little disoriented, you're relieved to see that you're not the only one in such a state. Lex is almost panting, licking her lips as she watches you. It's as your eyes follow the movement of her tongue that you realize your hands are still on either side of her face. You remove them, averting your gaze and standing before Lex can see how affected you are.

     You clear your throat. "That was good -- good practice. You're good at that." You wince at your own words as you turn to walk around the couch, heading toward the door. "Anyway -- Pizza."

     You have no idea how you're going to get through this.

[the-fiction-witch]

... I've killed an angel

Media The Artful Dodger

Character Jack Dawkins

Couple Jack X Reader + Jack X Belle (Dodgerfox)

Rating Sweet + SAD!

I stood at my small stall in the Port Victory Street doing some business with the people in town. The sweet sun beat down harshly, as usual, enjoying the pleasant day. 

"Morning  Y/n," I heard,

I glanced up and saw Doctor Jack Dawkins as he headed over to the stall, in his dusty brown shoes, faded brown trousers, washed out and tattered white shirt with strained cuffs on his sleeves poking out his jacket sleeves, his blue textured waistcoat, his straggly green tie tucked into it, his purple patterned jacket and his black velvet hat on his head. He smiled and gave me a wave as he made his way over. 

I blushed hard and adjusted myself, fixing my green cotton dress brushing off some dust and dirt from the day, and pulling my braid of  Y/H/C hair over my shoulder a little. 

"G-Good Morning, Jack," I greeted with a warm smile, 

"You alright?" he asked warmly,

"I'm alright, everything okay with you?"

"Same as usual, You coming to the cat and the bagpipes tonight? I need my back up especially with Darius still sniffing around." 

"I don't know I have a lot of work to do,"

"Aww work's more fun than cards with me is it? Come on  Y/n I need you, Angel," He said as he came close and fixed some of my  Y/H/C hair from my face, "Please," He pouted giving his pouty puppy eyes, 

"Course, how did seven sound?"

"Perfect, I'll see you later then." He said starting on his way but he turned back, "Actually."

"Yes, Jack?" I asked excitedly, 

"I think you know what I'm gonna ask," he smiled wickedly, 

"what do you need?" I jokingly rolled my eyes, 

"You think you could get your hands on some beeswax?"

"Why?" 

"Hey! That happened to the no judgment part of our deal?"

"Alright, I'll see what I can do, when do you need it by?" 

"Whenever you have time  Y/n," he cooed and headed off on his business. 

I blushed and got on with my work making a note of what he wanted. 

I smiled as I headed to the cat and the bagpipes to play cards with Jack, Darius and whoever else was there tonight, I saw Jack waiting outside so I headed over with a smile. 

"Evening Jack,"

"Evening, you seem chipper tonight?"

"I like playing cards with you," I smiled, "Ohh here I found you some," I said handing over the beeswax candles I found for him out of my pocket, 

"Ahh, you are an angel,  Y/n," He smiled happily taking them and adding them to his pockets, kissing my forehead. 

"What do you need them for anyway?"

"Hey, you know our deal. I don't ask how you find stuff you don't ask why I need it." 

"Alright fine, come on let's get going." I encouraged going to head inside but I noticed he was looking, I thought for a moment that he was staring at me and I blushed hard feeling so giddy with joy to see him look at me with such sweet loving eyes, "Ohh, Jack... You're staring?" I giggled,

"Hum? Ohh uhh yeah I uhhh I guess sorry she uhh she's just -" He explained shaking himself out but immediately returning, 

"She?" I asked turning on my heels to see the busy street with various people heading away for the day I saw a sight. 

Across the street, a woman stood in a beautiful impressive red plaid dress, with sweet blonde curls and a lady-like hat and parasol, she walked on the arm of the governor as they went about some business. 

He was looking at her, not at me. 

And I felt my heart shattering to see him looking the way I had always wished for him to look at me, but he didn't look at me. I have been standing and waiting by his side for so long but now he looks at a girl he doesn't even know the name of that he sees briefly across the street. 

"shall we go then?"

"Yeah, Yeah I uhh I'll meet you in there okay," He said as he walked away heading down the street,

"Jack-" I began but he was already gone, 

I sighed and headed in sitting at the table and starting the card game without him, I played a few games wondering and worrying where he was until finally, Jack arrived, "Hey, You finally joining us?"

"Yeah, sorry." He said sitting down beside me and we started a new game, 

"You okay?"

"Yeah, fine." He answered as he took his lucky coin from his pocket and began his usual trick of tossing the coin between his fingers as we plaid, 

"What did you have to do?"

"Nothing  Y/n," he chuckled and we got on with our game, 

"...Alright," I sighed,

I got on with my work at my stall doing my business for the morning,

" Y/n," Jack greeted as he approached,

I smiled widely as I hadn't seen him in a few days odd as I was used to seeing him daily, "Morning Jack,"

"I have a little job for my angel." He smirked leaning on my stall, 

"Oh?"

"I need you to go do a little whisper searching, a little recon, a little digging for me,"

"Digging? around what am I digging? Are you trying to find out Sneed's secrets again? cause I keep telling you he's a very boring man he doesn't have interesting dirt to dig though," I chuckled, 

"No, No not Sneed." He said, "Belle."

"Humm?"

"Lady Belle Fox. I want you to... do a little digging for me."

"For what exactly?"

"I wanna know... What she's like, what she is interested in, her little secrets and such like, Come on your good at this stuff." 

"I will have a dig but why do you-"

"You don't judge that's the deal." He said, "Come on, Please" he pouted,

"Alright, when do you need it by?"

"As soon as possible." He winked, "You're an angel, I'll see you soon." He said before he headed off, 

I didn't like doing this but I knew I wanted to do as Jack had asked me, I snuck my way to the governor's estate in my cloak. I found my way into her room and dug around for information about her but I didn't need to dig for long her room reminded me of Jack's, filled with surgical diagrams, and equipment, Belle's room showed her lack of care for art, for music the often frivolous lady things, she was focused, driven, wrote to surgeons overseas, kept medical journals of her experiments.

... all of it froze me to my core, to think of how she and Jack would be so perfect together. 

How much he would surely love her.

I got what I needed and headed to the hospital where I found Jack in his room waiting for me, 

" Y/n!" He perked up getting to his feet from his bed where he had been laid with his waistcoat and tie gone, "Did you dig?"

"I... I did."

"Well, what can you tell me?"

For a moment I considered lying to him, telling him lies about her to try and convince him to completely stay away from her but I couldn't bear to do so. I told him the truth, I told him everything he wanted to know and he couldn't be happier. He held my arms and kissed my forehead.

"You are an angel." He smiled, "Thank you,  Y/n,"

"You're welcome," I nodded,

"I need to get to work then," he smiled,

"I uhhh I'll let you get on then," I said trying to hide my feelings forcing them away and forcing myself to leave before my pain overflowed.

I got on with my work as usual on my stall, I missed Jack more than anything but I hadn't seen him in weeks now. Not even in passing, but I couldn't bring myself to go and see him especially without a reason to. I felt like... He'd abandoned me. 

When I packed my stall for the day I noticed a book in my box, I was meant to give it to Jack a while back when he asked me to find it for him and I never did give it to him. So I packed up and headed to the hospital book in hand, I went up to his room but I found it empty, so I went to his ward and again found it empty, I checked the theatre but still empty, I was confused wondering if perhaps he was out. But as I wandered the halls and corridors at last I found him, in the morgue cutting open a body, with Belle beside him. She looked beautiful in her black dress their hands connected and bloody as he guided her and aided her, his head inches from her shoulder. 

"Somewhere in there is how we think, and feel," she said, As she watched the surgery they worked on, "And Love,"

"And die,"

"It's so much more than plumbing"

he smiled to her giving her this look of utter devotion, the look I had always wanted, "Oh-  Y/n."

"Hi, Jack,"

"what are you doing here?"

"I uhh I have that book, you were looking for," I said stepping closer fixing my hair and offering him it,

"Ohh! right! course. Sorry, I forgot I even asked you too look for it for me." he laughed, "Thanks." he said, almost cold, No angel, no kiss, nothing. 

"Y-you're welcome," I nodded trying to fight back tears as I turned around and headed out, 

"Right on to the next thing Milady." He said to her, 

I began to walk out and by the time I was at the hospital entryway, I was balling tears flooding down my face and my feet were causing me to run, bursting out the door and quickly finding a wall to try and hyperventilate. 

That's it. 

I've been replaced. 

I had been doing my best to deal with everything, but it wasn't going well, I hadn't seen Jack in ages, he hadn't come to see me at all and I missed him so badly, I knew I couldn't wait anymore I had to go and tell him the truth, tell him how I felt. So I slipped on my cloak and headed through to the hospital I checked his ward, he wasn't there, I checked his room, he wasn't there, I went to check the theatre but the door was locked that's odd? so I went around into the prep room door and thought there to go in that way I stopped short. 

I looked through the prep room glass window into the theatre, and I saw Sneed on the table knocked out for his surgery. Lady Belle on one side of the table, Jack on the other. The surgery hadn't begun yet so I planned to rush in but- 

Before I could even move I saw this moment in slow motion, as they leaned in, leaning over the table and even if it broke my heart into a million pieces I saw as they're lips met and they kissed. 

My mouth fell open and I wanted to scream but no sound came out. 

Tears flooded down my face.

I turned and ran out of the hospital onto the darkening streets, through my tears and broken heart I accepted it, finally and completely. 

He loved her, and I was nothing. 

I went home and I cried for what felt like weeks, unable to even leave my bed. 

Slowly I accepted that I had to get on, make money, and pay my way, even with a shattered heart. I tried to rationalize it by feeling happy, that Jack had found someone he could love so utterly, that he and Belle were happy together, they'd be together in love, get married, have a house with surgical equipment everywhere, little blonde doctor children and live a happy life. Even if that meant I wouldn't get what I wanted, even if I wasn't a part of this life he was to build. 

I got on with work at my stall when I saw a sight that... even after this time still brought me such pain, Jack walking arm in arm with Belle down the street he barely noticed me the two walking past like I was nothing, just another market girl. But he stopped,

" Y/n?"

"Hi Doctor Dawkins," I answered part of me hoping he wouldn't have to stop, 

"Hi, Sorry I haven't seen you Everything has been so busy at the hospital."

"That's alright,"

 "You know I uhh I'm going out for cards tonight, if you wanna come?"

"No, I uhhh... I'm busy tonight."

"Oh, Really? you never miss cards come on."

"I really can't I'm sorry,"

"Shame. Alright then. But as I see you I do have a little job for you."

"Ohh I uhh I don't do that sort of thing anymore."

"wh-what?" he chuckled,

"I don't do that sort of thing anymore Doctor."

"You don't?"

"Jack we should be going we have to be back at the hospital for Mr Martin's amputation," Belle spoke up,

"Yes, just one second." he told her, "You really don't do it anymore? but it's always been your little job? You're my angel? and what's all this doctor stuff? what's going on with you?" 

"Y-You should really get going."

"...Alright, we're not done talking about this." He says the two heading off, 

I had hoped it was over, that he would simply forget. But I saw as they walked away heading to the hospital, I saw a black carriage the horses going crazy, the carriage heading through the town on a course. But I couldn't let it happen I bolted across the market and shoved Jack and Belle out of the way hearing them both complain as they hit the dirt. And I screamed as my body hit the carriage and the earth. 

" Y/n!" I rushed over as the carriage hurried off, I picked her up in my arms seeing her bloody and her body broken, her green dress stained with her blood and the muck of the carriage wheels, her  Y/H/C hair cascading around her, her pale skin even more so than usual, her Y/C/E eyes looking up to the meet the blue sky. " Y/n,  Y/n," I muttered,

"she- she pushed us out the way," Belle spoke up as she came close,

"She pushed us... she saved us..." I muttered already tears welling up, "Get a cart we have to get her to the hospital now!"

She nodded and quickly fetched one so I picked  Y/n up and carried her in setting her in the back, 

"You're gonna be okay, it's all okay, I'm gonna fix you, It's all gonna be okay angel I promise," I told her, 

She couldn't speak, she could barely look at me, we rushed her to the hospital and into the theatre where both Belle and I worked attempting to piece back together her mangled body being careful not to damage her further having given her a decent dose of morphia to dull the pain, 

"Jack..." Belle spoke up as she held  Y/n's neck and shoulder her pale skin purple, red and swelling by the moment, and I knew what the issue was,

"No. No. say it isn't so."

"... If we don't the bone will continue to pinch her jugular-"

"and it'll kill her." 

"But if we reset it-"

"We have a fifty-fifty chance we miss nicking the jugular which if we nick... she bleeds out and dies." I finished and she nodded, 

"what do we do?"

"...I... I don't know." 

"If we do nick it... can we sew it with surgery?"

"Not the jugular if we nick it she has two minutes maybe before she bleeds out or drowns in her blood. I'm fast I'm not that fast. not on sewing a jugular." I explained, 

"I-I'll give you a moment," she said heading out leaving  Y/n and me alone,

" Y/n,  Y/n.  Y/n angel please, please just open your eyes for me." I pleased her holding her head in my hands, she heard me and slowly opened her eyes staring at me with those Y/C/E orbs her breath harsh as she could barely deal with the pain. " Y/n, There is something we have to do, if I don't do it you'll die, but if I do... it's a coin toss if you'll survive. I-I can't make this decision on my own. I don't want to rush you but uhh time is an element here,"

"Jack..." her voice breathy her hand came to stroke my cheek, "I loved you."

"wh-what?"

"I loved you, from the first moment we met. I never was an odd job girl... I just did whatever you asked me no matter how foolish."

"You- You did that for me?"

"I did. Becuase I loved you, and I wanted to do whatever you asked to try... and make you look at me." she gasped, 

"If you loved me why have you been so distant?"

"Becuase I watched you fall for her."

My heart broke as she told me,

"I watched you fall for her, Love her, I watched her take up the place I dreamt of, I saw you look at her how I always wanted you to look at me."

"why didn't you tell me? if you had just told me we-"

"What?"

"We could have been together, I love you of course I love you, I've always loved you. You're  Y/n. My  Y/n. My odd job girl. My sweet sweet compainion, My Y/C/E eyes siren, My card partner. My- My angel." I explained through my tears, "If you had just told me we could... we could have been together."

"It's too late."

"It's not too late-"

"But I'm not her." she gasped, "and I can't replace her in your heart."

"But I love you..."

"And you love her, but you can't love us both." she said, "and you'd be happier with her-"

"You don't know that, you don't know that I wouldn't be a million times happier with you." 

"I can't make you choose between us, that isn't fair." she said, "...like this moment, there is nothing you can do, no choice you can make, without the risk of hurting one of us." 

"I don't want to hurt you, or her."

"I'm not making you. I'm letting you be happy."

"You can't make this decision for me."

"Please, Jack... Just let me go... you can't let me live in a world where I will never have the man I love,"

"what if I choose you? what if I pick you? We can get married, have a house, a family everything you've ever wanted, if I made you feel loved, if I told you how much I love my angel for the rest of our days,"

"Then that's not fair to her is it?"

"She's a lady she has a thousand suitors."

"But there not you. She's perfect. I knew that the moment I met her you couldn't give her up for me Jack."

"what if I want to. What if I want to give her up, to be with you?"

"I will not have her broken heart on my hands," she gasped, "I know that in this world I can't have what I want."

"I want you to have what you want. I want to love you, I want to be with you."

"Jack, please... don't make this harder." she pleaded, "let me go please, let me go and I'll be happy to know you're happy."

"You cannot ask this of me." I pleaded between tears, " Y/n, please. Angel. I love you, and I am a doctor both are reasons I can't just let you die in my arms."

"Please Jack," she begged, "Go, be with her, build a life with her, give her everything she has ever wanted, I ask only... for one kiss, and for you to hold me and look at me as I go, like I'm the only girl in the world."

"I-I will." I nodded even if it broke me apart, I held her close and kissed her sweet lips as I did I felt this horrible agony as I felt a firework a feeling I had never felt before, Belle might be perfect on paper but  Y/n gives me a spark I can't feel with anyone else. But it was too late. As I kissed her I did as she asked and I purposely reset the bone making sure I nicked her jugular immediately seeing the pain wash over her, watching her skin turn red the agnory in her eyes. I counted the seconds as I kissed her again, I stroked her cheek and I looked into her sweet eyes with the look of the purest and sweetest love I could give her, I looked at her as if we were all that mattered, all that existed. And she was all that I wanted. "I love you, I have always loved you, My sweet  Y/n, My Angel. I love you now. And I will love you until I am on the ground beside you." I whispered to her, "I will find you, in the next life, and I will show you all the love I should have given you in this one," as I watched the life leave her eyes and I held her in my arms, as I saw her into the next life. 

As soon as her heart stopped, I felt this agony, this crippling pain like my own heart was ripping apart, tears flooded down my face as I kissed her one final time her lips cold and the spark... gone. 

"Jack?" Belle spoke up as she had returned, she had seen what I had done and heard what I had said to  Y/n, her eyes teary. "What have you done," she whispered, 

"... I've killed an angel," I answered, 

[heongiu]

Kim Goo x Reader

"More than a secret friend ♥︎"

Warnings: NSFW, sexual content, anything else that isn't meant to be said out loud ;)

(A/N: first of all thankyou for the Goo requests! Second, It's my first time actually writing a whole ass smut fic so if there's some parts that might need to be corrected please do tell me 😭 I know fs this fic is shit- anyways hope you like it... 🥹)

“Hey!! So we meet again Y/N!!~” Goo spoke to you, waving at you whilst he sat down a chair. “ah hello" you spoke, you sounded down, well since you were tired from all these errands your voice would automatically sound gloomy.

“Oh cmon! Why are you all down?~" Goo taunted

"Ah it's.. Nothing" you replied, eyes examining the area around the blonde.

Looking around the place, for a second this made you remember the first time you had met him.

Which obviously, didn't go as planned.

~~~~~~

“Jeez.. I’m glad I walked away from that maniac..” You stood at the top floor of the 4th affiliate’s building, you walked around to find Samuel’s room where you had to meet someone, and search for something important of course.

“Why is it so dark here? Is the power out?” You looked around for a while. “Phew this is gonna take me a while" you wanted to get out of the room but suddenly an object tripped you, and you fell into a chair. Well it felt weird,

and.. it was a man.

“AHH WHO IS IT?!” You got up immediately. The power returned and the lights were on, finally you could see his face, he had a smug grin on his face, blonde hair, he had a blue Gucci suit on, with a yellow tie, all which seemed to compliment his complexion. You would've thought he was some celebrity if he didn't act like an idiot quite literally.

“I’m so sorry I couldn’t see you sitting on the chair-“ you apologised to the man

“Oh oh~ well, I’ll forgive you for that I suppose” he laughed though from his expression he did seem to have enjoyed that. “I suppose you are a VVIP as well?” He further questioned. “Yeah.. I just got here to see how the 4th affiliate is working but, it seemed something had happened a day or two ago”

“Whats your name? I never heard about you from anyone” he asked

“its y/n l/n" You replied “well you’ve got a pretty name huh?~” he remarked to which you simply smiled

“My name is Kim Jongoo, Perhaps you’ve heard of me before?” He asked,

intrigued by you “Yes, I know of you sir” “sir?! Don’t call me that honey, you can just call me Goo~” something about his honeyed words was so mysterious, he just seemed like there was so much more to him.

Slowly you were getting tired from standing too long, you wanted to sit down but to your demise there was no other chair around. “You looking for something to sit on?” He asked

“perhaps”

"well here it is” he teased you signalling to his lap. the blonde seemed proud of his joke, you felt more embarassed and guilty than ever “I suppose I’ve found what I was looking for, I’ll leave soon-“

"Oh? well I thought I had some company but it seems you’re busy as well” Goo said with a noticeable frown on his face.

“Well then, bye, see you agai-" you spoke, hurrying out of the room. “wait!!!” The blonde gave you his business card.

“since we’re friends now, call me anytime you feel like you’d want to sit on me~ haha!”

he laughed at his lame joke again, you murmured a few curses under your breath, walking away from the place. You could still hear him yell from the background “dont forget me honey!!” He yelled at you.

“What a strange man.."

~~~~~~

Well to be honest after the incident you had only met him 3 times but not really at the 4th affiliate, he just seemed to be everywhere you were.

----

"Y/N?!! ARE YOU LISTENING?" He yelled at your face as you immediately unfocused your gaze, you realized you had zoned out for a long period.

"Sorry.. I zoned out a bit" you rubbed the back of your neck, as you stood there uncomfortable and in an awkward pose.

"You sure do look uncomfortable, something wrong?" He asked, slightly tilting his shades to have a better look at you. "Aah not really, why do you care?"

He laughed "why shouldn't I? You're my secret friend~"

"when did I agree to-"

"Anyway so I was telling you-"

And you tripped again on him. But he was quick enough to catch you.

"Hey, you seem to have quite a thing for my lap or some?" He cackled.

You did get a lot of second hand embarassment from this

But.. Why won't he let you go?

"Um.. Are you gonna let me go?" You asked, face red from embarassment.

"Do you want to be?" He asked, this time it was a joke or anything, his tone was kind of, serious.

Your voice won't come out.

"Fuck fuck!! Whats happening to me?!? Y/N SNAP OUT OF IT YOU ARE JUST HERE ON AN ERRAND, ahhh I'm getting distracted.. Fuck"

You thought to yourself. You thought for a second, his features from up close were indeed beautiful, this man was a heavenly creation of God himself, but God did miss out on his brains.

"Ah ah, caught you staring~"

"Ah n-no I wasn't-"

He brought his face close to you, examining your already embarassed expression and now your face had just turned 50 shades of red.

"You sure look cute when you blush" he laughed, flicking off some locks that laid in front of your face.

"I-"

Words wouldn't come out your mouth.

"Shh you don't need to speak" He grabbed your body to shift you even more closer to him, he kissed you, his light fingers traveling up and down your body. Your hands rested upon his chest.

Oh how his kiss was just as sweet as his words. You wished he didn't pull away so soon.

"Whaa~ You want me to kiss you more?~" he teased, but from your expression the answer was so evident.

"You sure do seem to enjoy it huh?~"

Yes, yes you did, and a lot. And honestly, who wouldn't? Definitely not you

You had come here to get some work done, but now that things have turned out this way, you really don't regret it. This is much fun isn't it?

He stared into your irises, examining ever feature you've got to show, slowly his hands began to undress you, piece by piece, inch by inch.

"Doesn't this feel exciting?~"

He asked you, once again. You responded with a soft 'yes' as he rewarded you with humble kisses on your neck, fingers fondling with your breasts gently.

His hands grabbed and massaged every part he could possibly see, which was, well untouched by him. He kept undressing you until you were entirely bare.

"Oh look at you princess, you look like you were made for me~"

You were indeed made for him, melting into his soft and firm touches like a lit candle's wax. The way he caressed every part of you like you were a sculpture. He was really into it.

He kept kissing you passionately, your tongues colliding with eachother. His hand slowly but smoothly slipped under your skirt, into your panties, and to your slick, throbbing cunt. He was sure to very slowly massage your clit with one of his fingers. His member rubbed against your bare ass, making you whimper.

Goo was a flirty man, the way he touched your body like it was his last day, but he took his sweet time enjoying you. He really fucking loved it

His slow, but teasing movements made you let out all your suppressed slutty moans. All which you wish nobody else would hear.

"Since you're being such a good girl, let's reward you mhm~?

He took off his pants, revealing his hard cock.

He picked you up and laid you down on the table nearby, your legs wrapped around his torso as he slid inside you without giving you a second to adjust, making you moan out loud.

"F-fuck.. Ngh it's too big.." You felt weak, so weak in front of his cock. It could undoubtedly obliterate your insides. And just the thought of it made you throb even harder than before.

"Shhh I know you can take it"

He caressed your forehead gently, slowly thrusting into your pussy. Now you could really make out he was a very experienced man.

You held an intense eye contact with the blonde. he started to thrust into you faster, you struggled to take him in at this point, but to him your struggle was quite an entertainment.

"Aww~ Can't take me?"

Fuck you didn't want to admit it, but you were downright and completely dominated by him. You were a woman who naturally didn't like submitting to a man, being under his rule, giving in into their control. You hated it, but the fact that you were letting a man you only met for a few days fuck the daylights out of you was improbable.

~~

Goo grinned at you, your poor attempt to take him in. This sight of you might had just become his favourite.

"Fuck..fuck you look so goddam pretty when you're struggling like that"

He placed your legs on his shoulder, adjusting himself even deeper inside of you, he brought himself even closer to you, hitting your sweet spot even harder, grinding himself deep inside of you.

"Fuck do you like that? Yeah?"

You moaned loudly, throwing your head back at the speed of his gruesome thrusts. Your brain was completely lost in the pleasure of this building orgasm.

"Ah..f..fuck b-bouta cum" you whimpered, he kissed your collarbone, gently sucking on your breasts, your supple nipples, his tongue moving around in circular motions, you felt so dizzy and so sensitive.

"Aha? Yeah? cum on my cock princess, come on you can do it"

His hips moved even faster than before, the table started making a creaking sound, added to this was the sound of your skin slapping and the wet noises your pussy made. The room ringed with such lewd noises, but this all never really mattered, you wanted to cum.

"So close hah.."

Fuck, the fact he moaned pretty, his moans were like music, not all men moan like this.

And then you came, legs trembling in the extreme pleasure. You tried to muffle your moans with your hands but still they were loud enough for everyone to hear.

And it didn't take him long to cum too, hot thick cum filling your insides to the brim, he held you in his arms, kissing you, your neck, your ears, Everything.

So it was all over... Or was it?-

"Ah Ah Princess, I'm not done with you yet~"

~~~~~~~

(OMG I was so nervous writing this I hope you guys enjoyed it even though it's half baked, reblogs and likes are appreciated, thankyou so much <33 ~ Kira)

[afterdarkprincess]

Unfinished Business

Pairing: CM Punk/Drew McIntyre Rating: Explicit Word Count: 2,091 Summary: Drew hears Punk's remarks to Cathy after Bash in Berlin and seeks him out in his hotel room.

AO3 Link

Tag squad: @feelschicken @elementaldoughnut12 @harmshake @thlayli-ra @sparklylap @yugiohio (if anyone else wants tagged on my Punkintyre fics pls let me know!)

This fic is Explicit and contains: Dirty Talk, Canon-typical violence, blood, Anal fingering, Rimming, Anal Sex, obsessive behavior. (Full list on AO3)

🖤🩸🖤🩸

Punk feels the weight of the day settle into him. The jet lag that still hasn’t fully settled down, the ache in his bones that follows a hard fought bout. He’d showered off the sweat and blood that had covered him post-match at the arena, so now as he boards the elevator up to his hotel room he looks forward to just crashing into the comfort of his bed.

He checks his phone again, flicking through his social media profiles, trying to convince himself he’s just passing time and not looking for one name in particular.

Still nothing.

He’d figured Drew would have something to say by now, but he reminds himself that it doesn’t really matter. He meant what he said to Cathy backstage. With the bracelet back, Drew is in the past. It’s time to get back to what he’s really desired since he came back to the WWE, a world title.

The elevator comes to a stop, and with a soft chime the door opens to his floor. Punk takes a few steps out and rounds the corner before he stops dead in his tracks.

Well so much for him being in the past.

Down the hall sitting against the door to his hotel room is unmistakably Drew, though his face is covered by his dark hair and a hoodie.

His heart rate picks up, dumb he thinks since he kicked this guys ass just a few hours ago. With the bracelet back on his wrist, he doesn’t have anything to fear from Drew now.

He contemplates saying something, calling out before approaching, but if he knows Drew he’s already noticed his presence in the hallway. Probably clocked him by smell alone when the elevator doors opened.

Punk takes a breath and strides forward. Drew doesn’t look up.

“Hey,” He nudges Drew’s shin with the toe of his shoe. “Ain’t you got somewhere else to be man? You’re really not beating the whole obsessed with me allegations doin’ shit like this-“

The joke dies on his tongue as Drew finally looks up. His eyes are red-rimmed and puffy, but they’re more lifeless than he’s ever seen. It’s unnerving to see that look on Drew, those insanely blue eyes of his usually are so lit up, full of fire when they gaze upon him.

He should be happy, should be proud to have beaten the fight out of this man that’s wished him harm for months on end. But somehow he can’t find it in himself to be pleased about what he sees.

“Did ya mean it?” Drew’s words are soft, barely audible even in the quiet of the hallway. “What ya said?”

So he did see that.

Punk fishes in his pocket for his key card, unlocks the door and steps inside, holding the door open.

“Come inside, man. Let’s talk.”

Drew looks frustrated, but stands all the same and follows Punk inside.

Punk motions him to the chair and takes a seat on the king size bed. Drew looks uncomfortable and out of place here, almost like a caged animal. His eyes drift to Punk’s wrist, where the bracelet falls down his arm, elastic worn out.

Punk sighs, “Listen, this has been fun and everything-“ Putting it mildly ”But I came back to WWE with a goal in mind. And you said after Summerslam, you wanted to put this rivalry behind you too, so…”

Drew’s eyes slowly moved to meet his. “Aye, but I still had the bracelet then.”

“Meaning?”

“I still had a piece of you.” Some of the fire that Punk has come to know so well returns to Drew’s face.

He can’t deny the thrill that runs through him, but he doesn’t want to give Drew the satisfaction.

“C’mon, isn’t there anything else you wanna do? You could go after Gunther, he’s been a pain in your ass before.” The words are hollow and unconvincing, even to himself.

Drew shakes his head. “I don’t want anyone else, don’t ya get it? I need you. All the years I’ve been workin’ here, I’ve never had a fraction of the success as I’ve had chasing you.”

Punk scoffs, “You know that’s not how this business works.”

“It is when you’re CM bloody Punk!” Drew spits venomously, getting worked up. He takes a few breaths before continuing. “That’s not all though.”

Something settles over Drew’s face, a steely determination. He slowly descends to the floor, eyes never leaving Punk, watching his reaction. Drew crawls toward him on his hands and knees, calling to Punk’s mind his display at Wrestlemania. He fights to keep his face neutral, unsure of Drew’s angle here.

The Scotsman crawls right up to the side of the bed, resting back on his heels and staring up at him. His hands hover above Punk’s knees, so close to touching.

“I could feel ya,” He says, voice thick and low. “In the ring, you were- you cannot lie to me now, I know you desire this too.”

His big hands finally touch Punk’s skin, and it sends a shock through Punk’s system that rivals any smack from the strap he received earlier.

Almost on auto-pilot his hands move, tucking a stray lock of hair behind Drew’s ear before burying his hands into the dark strands. Drew can’t take all the power here, this is a delicate dance they’ve been doing together.

“Could you blame me, seeing you like that?” He leans forward, bringing their faces close. “It was intoxicating.”

Punk feels his dick filling again, as it had in the ring. Something about seeing Drew McIntyre on his knees just drives him wild, and he’s tired of denying it.

Drew’s eyes catch the tenting of his shorts, and he grins, letting his hands drift up to Punk’s thighs. “Ya gonna make me beg for it?”

“You know what? I think I will.” Punk leans back, removing one hand from Drew’s hair so he can unbutton his shorts. “Tell me how badly you’ve wanted this.”

His hand cups his growing erection, and he’s not sure who groans louder, him or Drew. It’s the arm that bears the bracelet, stretched out now as it is.

Drew’s hand reaches for it, holding on to the beads and the skin beneath them, pulling both towards his face. His tongue, thick and pink, licks at the plastic. “When I had this, any moment I wasn’t in the ring or in the gym, I was touchin myself, pretendin’ it was you. Done much filthier things than just keepin’ it in me briefs.”

Punk pulls his free hand from Drew’s hair to his chin, grip tight. “Go on.”

“All I could think about, all the time.” Drew let go of his arm and began unzipping the hoodie, revealing bare skin beneath. “Like you were my own personal demon, tempting me into filth and sin.” The fabric drops to the floor, and Punk drinks in the sight of Drew’s skin covered in welts.

His masterpiece.

“In locker rooms, behind hotel doors, wherever I could get even a glimpse of privacy. It got risky, when I’d moan yer name in the showers, three fingers shoved in my arse and tuggin my dick. D’ya know how embarrassin’ that is?”

Drew unbuttons his jeans and shoves them down his thighs, exposing the thick length of him. Punk figured he’d be packing, but it’s different when faced with all 8 inches of angry red cock. He feels his mouth water.

“You think you deserve to have me? The best in the world?” Punk can’t help but poke at the bear.

“No,” Drew growls. “I deserve better, but yer gonna fuck me anyway. Cause yer just as sick as I am.”

“Damn straight,” Punk laughs. “Get on the bed before I change my mind. No clothes- I wanna see every mark I’ve put on you.”

Drew groans, but does as he’s asked, rising from his knees before kicking out of his jeans.

Punk stands on wobbly feet, moving to his duffel to retrieve the bottle of lube he keeps tucked away inside.

He watches Drew settle on the bed, admires what a pretty picture he makes on his hands and knees, hole peeking out between the meat of his thick cheeks.

Punk quickly divests himself of his clothes, but grabs one more item from his bag before returning to the bed.

He rubs a soothing hand through the soft hair that coats Drew’s upper thighs and ass, giving one cheek a light squeeze. The pale untouched skin stands in contrast to the red lines that cover his back and torso.

Punk can’t leave the job unfinished.

His fingers tighten around the leather belt he’d pulled from the bag.

SMACK

Red blooms, leaving an imprint on Drew’s ass as the man writhes and groans, biting into a pillow to contain his scream.

Punk watches Drew’s cock drip precum pathetically, dripping onto the sheets below.

“Beautiful,” he mutters, running his thumb along the mark.

Drew pants, muscles tensing. “You didn’t get enough of that earlier?”

“I missed a spot, that’s all.” He lets his fingers wander to Drew’s crack, already a little slick with sweat. He teases along the furl of Drew’s asshole, petting at the damp hair that surrounds it, taking in the earthy masculine scent.

No way Drew showered after their match, smelling this rank. But Punk wouldn’t have him any other way.

He sucks his thumb into his mouth, coating it with some saliva.

“You fall asleep back there, Punker?” Drew huffs impatiently.

Punk changes his mind, and spits on his pointer and middle fingers instead before plunging them inside of Drew’s hole. He doesn’t meet much resistance, but the Scotsman howls anyway, and its music to his ears.

He takes his time, exploring the soft squishy heat of Drew’s insides, marveling at how easily his body yields for him, the way his walls cling to his fingers when he pulls them out.

It’s like Drew was made for him specifically, nothing feels more natural.

He adds his ring finger inside, watches in fascination as his rim stretches to accept it. A thought crosses his mind and he can’t help but indulge himself, pulling his fingers free and watching Drew’s hole wink before replacing his fingers with his mouth.

Punk licks around the rim before sinking his tongue inside, giving it a filthy kiss. He savors the salty sweet earthy taste of his opponent, his nemesis, his lover. Drew’s thighs shake and tremble beneath him, his moans unintelligible.

He comes up for air, licking at his lips as he watches Drew’s cock weep.

Punk’s own dick is aching and hard between his legs, completely neglected this far. He palms it before grabbing the lube, drizzling some on his dick and spreading it over his length.

He nestles himself between Drew’s cheeks, rutting in his crack.

Drew keens, hips rocking back in frustration. “Are ya gonna fuck me or not, ya daft bastard?”

Punk reaches forward and wraps his fingers in the hair at the base of Drew’s neck, giving it a tug. Drew’s back bows beautifully, arching back to him, allowing him to breathe his next words into Drew’s ear.

“Be patient, or you won’t be getting my dick at all.” He takes a moment to nip at Drew’s earlobe, just hard enough to sting. “Now flip over, I wanna see your face as I fuck you.”

Drew wastes no time in flipping over, legs flopping open creating the perfect space for Punk to fill.

Punk grabs the closest pillow to him and motions Drew’s hips up, stuffing the pillow under. His knees will thank him later.

The action causes the bracelet to slide back down his arm to his wrist. The way this thing is stretched out now it moves all over the place, but it gives him an idea.

He hooks his thumb under the beads, stretching it over his knuckles until it dangles free. Punk grins, watching the way Drew’s eyes follow each swaying movement.

Punk lifts one of Drew’s legs, almost like he’s going for a pin, but instead of applying pressure he lets the dangling beads brush up against Drew’s skin. He moves slowly, sensually, watching the plastic catch on the thick body hair that covers Drew’s body.

When he gets to the soft skin at Drew’s hip, the heat of Drew’s cock draws him like a magnet. His own cock throbs, and he adjusts his hips to rub their lengths together before wrapping his hand around them both. He keeps his grip loose with the bracelet between his fingers, rolling the beads around the sensitive flesh.

Drew’s head falls back against the pillow as he mewls in pleasure at the sensation, and Punk chokes back a cry at finally getting some action on his dick. A mix of their precum coats the beads, leaving them slick and sticky in Punk’s palm.

“Open up,” Drew obeys for once without complaint, jaw going slack and letting his tongue loll out of his mouth, ready to receive whatever Punk wants to give him.

Punk lets the bracelet hang a few inches above Drew’s waiting mouth, watches as a drop forms and falls before landing on Drew’s tongue and he moans, tasting both of them together.

Fuck it.

He lets the bracelet fall into Drew’s mouth, the beads obscured by his tongue suckling up their combined juices.

It’s obscene. It should be revolting, but he has to concentrate for a moment to keep himself from coming before he can even get inside Drew. He reaches inside Drew’s mouth and takes the bracelet back, sliding it back onto his wrist.

Drew’s face is a mix of confusion and indignant anger and hunger, and before Punk knows what his next move is, he smashes their lips together.

It’s like an extension of their matches, desperate and intense. Their tastes are mixed between their mouths as their tongues knock into each other and intertwine.

Punk’s not sure how long the kiss lasts, he finally breaks to come up for air, unable to wait any longer to finally get inside Drew.

“You ready for the real thing?” He grins, holding himself up and adjusting his hips.

Drew stares up at him with stars in those deep blue eyes and nods. If only Punk had known that this is how to shut the damn Scot up he’d have done this ages ago.

He presses inside, reveling in the tight heat of Drew’s body as it welcomes him in. They fit together like puzzle pieces, like this space inside of Drew was made for him to fill.

Punk draws his hips back slowly, savoring each inch.

“So fuckin’ tight for me,” he grits out. “You a virgin Drew? Anybody else ever fuck you like this?”

He watches Drew’s cheeks turn pink, expression soft. “Aye, I mean I’ve buggered myself, but no one else. Only you.” It’s punctuated by a broken moan as Punk drills inside of him again.

The thought that no one else has ever explored Drew this way, that this is a side of the other man that is only for him, it drives Punk wild, snapping his hips in a rough and unforgiving rhythm.

He wants to devour and destroy Drew, mark him as his own, ruin him for anyone else that might come along and try to take the man from him.

Punk buries his face into Drew’s neck teeth first, biting and sucking at the fragile skin. His hips still humping away at Drew’s hole as he tastes the metallic tang of blood and sweat.

He’s getting close, each depraved act heating up the liquid fire in his gut that aches to fill Drew completely.

His hand moves to grab onto Drew’s cock, giving the hard flesh a few rough tugs. “Mine- you’re mine, fucker. You gonna come for me?”

Drew’s hot breath fills the space between them. “Aye, but yer mine too. Don’t even think about goin’ after anyone else.”

“Never,” Punk sighs, knowing that it’s the truth. “Nobody could understand like you.”

Drew yanks him down by the back of his neck for another bruising kiss, teeth cutting into his bottom lip. The stinging pain combined with the moans Drew makes directly into his mouth sends Punk hurtling over the edge, cock pulsing deep inside.

He releases Drew’s cock and presses his hand against the soft swell of Drew’s stomach, petting the soft hair. He imagines he can feel the heat of his come, marking the Scot just as thoroughly on the inside as he has on the outside.

“You feel my come inside of you? Is it everything you wanted?” He grinds his still pulsating dick, the slide just edging towards too much.

His vision is torn between Drew’s face and his cock as he shatters around him. Cock shooting cum all over his torso, head thrown back in rapture.

Drew’s ass is trying to milk every last drop out of him. Punk huffs a laugh, of course the greedy bitch can’t ever be satisfied.

He lets his hands wander over Drew’s chest, smearing the drying come into his skin as the man breathes through the remnants of his orgasm.

Punk’s softened dick flops out of the warmth of Drew’s hole, and he shudders through a cold chill. He puts on his best shit-eating grin for Drew, who looks peeved at the mess that’s left on his chest.

“So how’d it feel having the best in the world?”

“Fuck you, Punk.”

“Maybe later if you behave.”

[itsscromp]

Could I ask for Miles with a reader who admires his art and wants lessons :3

Miles morales x reader

This has to be the coolest miles idea I have ever received, Miles and Y/n would be the dream team !!. Word count:592

You were the newest student at Brooklyn Visions Academy, Enrolled for your passion in the arts. To say you were nervous was the biggest understatement of your life. It was like everyone ticked in they're natural subject of choice, Almost you practically didn't belong.

But when you entered your art class, Your eyes trained on the notepad of a young man, Wow this looked amazing. He had a free seat next to him so you took the opportunity.

"Wow that looks good" You said softly and shyly.

"Thanks, dude, Say... you're new here right ??" He asked curiously.

All you could do was nod and look at the desk shyly. Before he playfully nudged you with his arm.

"Hey, it's ok man. I was like that when I first came here, It was nuts. I struggled to find my first class of the day almost all the time." He chuckled.

"What's your name anyway ??" He asked.

"Y/n L/n"

"I'm Miles Morales." He stuck his hand out and you shook it in return.

The two growing closer every single day, Sharing their new projects every single time. You and Miles combined your amazing artistic skills to create the best artwork you both possibly could've imagined.

"Hey, y/n I got an idea !!" Miles said excitedly.

"What's up ??" You looked up from your notepad.

"The assignment that we gotta work on for our finals, I got the best one yet !!" He smiled and pulled out some spray paint cans. You knew that whatever this idea was, It was gonna be amazing.

The two then went to a location that Miles has scouted and got permission to spray paint on and gave some cans to you.

"OK, So I had this idea where we combined the sketch that we did last week and then visually enhance it."

"A very good idea, But then i thought we do this"

You then began to draw on the sketchbook and combined the two ideas, but then finally adding the final touch.

"How about this ??"

"This is absolutely perfect y/n, This should get us A's for sure, Come on lets get too work."

You nodded and then began the work, It was all coming together amazingly and perfectly, But the two never forgot to have some fun in between it. Like when you "Accidentally" Sprayed his jeans.

"Oh y/n, Those were my favourite jeans !!"

"What ?? My hand slipped" You smirked and went back to it.

Miles smirked back and then snuck up behind you and then painted the back of your shirt.

"What the hell miles ??" You scoffed playfully.

"Tit for a tat they call it" He smirked devilishly and ruffled your head.

And then after about 4.5 hours, It was finished, It was perfect. The way your ideas and creative flows just combined and shine brightly.

"This is amazing miles, I love it" You smiled so brightly.

You then set up your phone camera and activate a timer, Rushing back and wrapping an arm around miles, Both smiling so brightly at the proud work that you have done. You actually did end up getting A's on your report cards.

"Look at us, New York's next Picasso" You fist-pumped the air.

"I could say Banksy but yet again we revealed our identity so that's out of the bag" He chuckled.

"This was the best thing I've ever done miles, I'm really glad I complimented your art" You smiled, Incredibly grateful for the friendship you built with him.

"Me too y/n, Me too"

Taglist: @callofdudes @fun-k-board

[itsrheasgirl]

FORBIDDEN LOVE - PART 7

The Forbidden Love series follows a relationship between Rhea x Reader.

•

The Reader has a strong friendship with Liv Morgan.

•

Liv is in love with The Reader but hasn’t told them.

•

fem!reader.

rhea x reader - liv x reader.

•

@rheasbaee @you-got-me-star-lost-16 @innagnv @bittersweetastoria @chillinbri @call-me-a-simp @sithfar

•

You could hear talking inside as you approached your hotel room, the hoodie Rhea had leant you zipped all the way up as to hide the bruises that scattered your chest. You couldn’t do much about your busted lip, but a simple excuse would be enough to cover up your dalliances right? You’d decided it was best for you and Rhea to enter the hotel separately, you weren’t sure where Liv had been hiding all day and you weren’t sure if she was keeping tabs on your whereabouts. Sticking the card into the lock reader, you open the door gently as to not startle whoever it was in the confides of your room. A soft smile crossed your features as you locked eyes with Raquel, bobbing you head gently in acknowledgment before turning to face Liv who sat cross legged on her bed. This was it, either it would be round three of your fighting or you were about to make steps in the right direction. You gently shove your palms into the pocket of the clearly oversized hoodie, concern washing over you as you spoke. If Liv recognized the hoodie it would be game over.

“Hey.”

Your voice was calm and content as Liv’s plush lips curved into a warm smile, no sign of her clueing in to who’s hoodie you wore. It could have been Raquel’s presence, or perhaps the time apart from each other during the day had given Liv the time she needed to calm down and see sense.

“Hey.”

She replied, clambering up from her spot on the bed and hurrying over to wrap her slender arms tightly around your shoulders.

“So about what I said last night.”

She seemed incredibly calm considering the mere mention of Rhea last night had sent her into a spiraling rage, her voice so relaxed it was almost concerning. Removing your palms from the pocket, you hook them together at the small of Liv’s back and lean back slightly as to gaze upon her features. Liv was smiling, any and all signs of anger had washed away and your little Livvy was just as she always was.

“Let’s just forget it.”

You chortled, detaching your palms to playfully poke the tip of Liv’s nose.

“I don’t want to do this anymore.”

You feel Liv’s body relax as she sighs in relief, spinning on her heels she bounces back over to her bed and returns to her cross legged position at the end of it.

“You’re coming to watch tomorrow right?”

You’d completely forgotten about the fatal-four way Liv and Raquel had tomorrow, your mind had been a little preoccupied by someone else. Giving Raquel a playful punch to the arm as you dropped down on your bed beside her, you flash Liv the warmest of grins.

“Wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

You hadn’t spoken to Rhea since the previous night, but she hadn’t left your mind. The images of her hands on your body kept your skin aflame with desire as you played the night over and over. Exhaling a shallow breath as you splashed cold water from the bathroom faucet over your face, you allow your lids to flutter closed. Your main focus right now was Liv, you’d come to a common ground finally and you didn’t want to jeopardize that. Resting your palms down against the sink, lids opening to reveal your gaze, you simply stare at your own reflection in the mirror.

Liv’s fatal- four way could be a hit or a miss, matches of this size didn’t always end in a victory for the right team and you had to be there to support your best friend. Pushing off the sink, you spin on your heels and head for the door.

- - - - - - - - - - - -

You hear a small commotion behind you as your focus fixates on the ring in the middle of the arena, the view from the rafters wasn’t the best viewing spot but you hated being ringside. Standing with your palms clasped round the railing, your whole demeanor shifts at the sound of a familiar voice.

“Hey pretty girl.”

You don’t turn around to face Rhea, you’d chosen to wear her hoodie today and you didn’t expect to see her while you were still wearing it. You feel her frame press against your back right before your cheek warmed under the blanket of her breath.

“How’re the bruises?”

Her palm wraps around the railing beside your own, each finger slowly winding around the metal pipe one at a time. Your pinky finger twitches to stroke against her thumb, linking them together as your plush lips curved into a coy smirk.

“I’ve had better.”

Her lips still so close to your flesh— the sound of Rhea’s tongue licking across her teeth echoed in your ear, causing the smirk upon your lips to widen. Rhea presses herself even closer to you, her other palm winding round your waist to pull you back against her, removing all space from between you.

“Oh really.”

She purred, her pearly whites nipping at your earlobe before you get the chance to reply.

“We can fix that.”

There were hundreds of fan surrounding you, you couldn’t let Rhea be this close here. All it took was someone getting the two of you on video and not only would Liv find out, so would the world.

“Not here.”

You whisper, bumping you ass back to make Rhea move, craning your head slightly to make eye contact with those steal blues. Flashing Rhea a this isn’t over look, you slip under her forearm and saunter past her with the sway of your hips. You had a little time before Liv’s match was due to start, what trouble could you get into, it was just a little fun. Rhea watched as you left, her canines nibbling at the corner of her lip as you walked.

She’ll follow your subconscious chimed in. Spinning on your heels to face the women’s bathroom, you don’t even bother to look back in Rhea’s direction as you push open the door to head inside. As soon as you’re out of Rhea’s eye line you hurry over to the sink, swiftly removing the hoodie that hung from your body in just the right way and tying it round your waist as the door swings open. You spin round swiftly and sit back on the edge of the sink as Rhea steps inside, your palms clasping onto the ledge as a cheeky grin claims your features.

Rhea stands in the doorway as the solid slab closed behind her, her crystal gaze locked on you as an eat shit grin claims her lips. You can’t help the grin upon your own lips growing wider as you push off from the counter, bounding across the room to close the distance between the two of you in as little steps as possible.

“So we can fix it, huh?”

Teasingly you lean your chest forward, your forearm extending out to click the small lock of the bathroom door closed, mimicking the door with a click of your tongue.

“Oh we can fix it.”

Rhea snarled playfully, her palms grasping at your wrists to pull your arms up and above your head. In one swift move she spins your round to press your spine against the door, her plush kiss finding your lips without any warning as she held your petite frame to the wood. You wanted to grab her and feel her against you, your fingers wriggling within her grasp in attempt to free yourself from her monstrous grip. Rhea’s teeth nibbled along the edge of your jaw line before descending the length of your neck, her fingers tighten around your wrists even more to minimize your escape. Well if she wasn’t going to let go, you’d have to be creative. Swinging your legs upwards to wrap around her waist, you lock your ankles in the small of her back and arch your own back to close the distance. Rhea’s dominance wasn’t wise to be challenged and you knew that. But what was the harm in trying?

Releasing your palms, Rhea’s palms moved to cup around your ass as her lips returned to your own. The battle for winner was a game you knew you shouldn’t be playing, but you needed Rhea to ravish you like she had last night. You ached for her ravenous lips back at the flesh of your neck, sucking at the delicate skin till it bruised beneath her lips. You move your palms to tangle in Rhea’s raven tendrils as to pull her head back only slightly, slowly coaxing your tongue over plump lips.

“You gonna teach me a lesson, Mami?”

You snapped your teeth playfully at Rhea, keeping your fingers wound tightly into her pixie locks as a soft groan rumble in her chest. The coy smirk on your lips growing wider by the second, you poke your tongue out between slightly parted lips. You were winding her up and she knew it, you could see the devil flash behind her eyes as you released her hair and slide your palms round the back of her neck. You couldn’t be in here with the door locked for too long, someone would need to use the bathrooms eventually and you couldn’t miss Liv’s match.

You hadn’t even realized the match had started, too lost in your new reality. Rhea Ripley wanted your attention, wanted your body, wanted you. Something you’d been keeping a secret from everyone for so long was finally a possible future for you and as exciting as it was, part of you worried she was only acting this way because you were here. Everyone headed home tomorrow and who knew when you’d get to see Rhea again. Tracing your thumb against the angle of her jaw line, you tilt Rhea’s head back so you could pepper her lips with soft kisses. You feel the edges of Rhea’s lips twitch as a smile claims them, your own smile returning as you release yourself from around her waist and lower your feet to the ground.

“That lessons gonna have to wait, huh?”

Rhea’s fingertips were tucking your bouncy curls behind your ear before you could answer, her frame arching down to press a chaste kiss against your lips. You couldn’t begin to fathom waiting even longer to experience the true power of The Eradicator, but Rhea was right. This was no spot to risk getting caught.

Throwing your arms around Rhea’s shoulders to keep her lips against your own, you pull her tight against you once more. If you weren’t getting what you do desperately desire now, you’d make this kiss worth it. Pushing your tongue past the barrier of Rhea’s flush lips, you allow it to search her mouth as it’s challenged for dominance once more. A soft moan passing from your chest as you relax into the warmth of Rhea’s presence.

If only you could only tell her just how happy she truly made you.

[onlyhereforthestories]

Chica Medica - Part 4 (Alexia Putellas x Reader)

Happy new year everyone! I know this story is taking forever for me to write and get out but I thank everyone of you that are still here and ready to read. I won't make you wait so long for the next part!

The game was tense, everyone could feel it. Arsenal were doing their best to keep the ball, they were shifting it from side to side at the back when Alexia had had enough. You saw her make the dash forward and from the few challenges you had seen her make you knew it wasn’t the strongest part of her game.

When Leah received the ball from her CB partner you could see Alexia run at her and lunge in. Leah had already passed the ball off by the time Alexia made contact with her and so she was sent flying to the ground. The ref blew the whistle straight away and the Arsenal trainers ran on to help the stricken woman. 

The rest of the Arsenal players were surrounding Alexia obviously pissed off with the tackle she had made. You could see Jord in there face as close as she could get, but Jenni and a few of the Barca girls had managed to get in the way and pull Alexia out. The ref had a card in her hand as she reached Alexia and you were relieved to see it was just a yellow. 

You made sure to stand on the side lines just in case the Arsenal staff needed an extra set of hands, a fact that didn’t go unnoticed by Alexia. When you saw the blonde get up you relaxed a little bit, you might not love her anymore, but you would never want to see her hurt. Not after all the injuries she had overcome. You caught her eye as she was walking off the pitch and gave her a thumbs up which she returned, only then did you turn around and head back to your seat. 

What you didn’t know was that Alexia was watching the whole interaction, something that hurt her more than your lack of words before the game. 

The final whistle blew and Barca had beaten Arsenal for a second time. You packed up your stuff and headed straight down the tunnel and into the back room. You wanted to get all your stuff put away in time to go check on the blonde haired woman before she left. 

Heading over to the away side of the locker room, you knocked lightly on the door. You were glad to come face to face with none other than Jordan Nobbs. “Y/n what can we do for you?” She opened the door wider so you could step in.

“Just wanted to check on Leah and see you all before I left. Our flight back is later tonight so I haven’t got a lot of time.” You scanned the room for the woman you were looking for only to find she wasn’t there. 

“Yeah, I thought you said when you were over here last time that you were due to head to the airport pretty much straight from here. It’s the sad reality I’ve had to come to terms with, no y/n time for me. As for Leah she is in the back room with the trainers. I think her ankle is feeling a bit sorer than she originally thought now the game is over and done with.” Sending your friend a nod to show your thanks, you made your way over to the door she pointed you too. 

You knocked and waited to be invited in, when one of the trainers opened the door and saw it was you, they let you in right away. “Hey, I just thought I’d come check in on you. How’s the ankle?” Being the medical personnel you are you went straight over to take a look for yourself. You could see the slight bruising already forming as well as the swelling around her ankle joint.

“It’s okay. She caught me pretty good but it’s not too bad. I can walk on it, it’s just a bit sore. They recon it might be a grade 1 sprain so a week or two out. Nothing serious. Thank you though for coming to check up on me.” She had what used to be one of your favourite smiles on her face when you looked up. If you weren’t so set on never letting the woman get to you again you might just have kissed her. Well that fact and the bigger one in your current feelings for the woman who caused Leah to be sat injured in front of you right now.

“No worries, my player caused it so it’s the least I could do. I also wanted to see the girls before I left anyway so I was coming in for that.” You could see the slight deflation in her shoulders when you said that an action you were pleased happened. You were never going back to her, and you didn’t want to lead her on in the thinking that you could one day be something again. 

“Right, I’m glad you are okay. Rest up and I’ll see you soon.” You turned round and headed out the door, you caught the faint bye just as you walked out the room. 

Alexia had made her way into the training room after the game to find you, she needed you to check on her ankle from the late challenge she was on the receiving end of. When she entered, she was surprised to find Geo where you normally are. “Hola Geo is y/n not here?” 

“Alexia, y/n mentioned you might come in. She’s popped over to see her Arsenal friends and check on the defender that got injured in the game. She told me to strap your ankle and give you an ice pack.” The man walked out from behind the desk and gestured for her to follow him. Alexia did in a small state of shock, you had said you’d never go back to the woman so why did you feel the need to check on her. Especially as you knew she was going to be coming in for treatment, Alexia didn’t want to think it but she couldn’t help it. Was she less important than the British woman to you.  

With her ankle tapped wrongly may she add, Alexia hobbled slightly out and back into the locker room. Jenni was the first to notice her come in. “Are you okay? You weren’t moving that bad when you went to see y/n.” She lifted Alexia’s arm over her shoulder to support the woman’s weight. 

“This isn’t y/n’s work, this is Geo’s. Y/n is off seeing the blonde defender instead of her own team.” Jenni could hear the bitterness in Alexia’s voice, she still could not believe her best friend hadn’t made a move. 

“She’s probably gone to see her friends Ale, we aren’t staying don’t forget we have a flight to catch.” Alexia didn’t listen she just flopped into her designated locker and started to get changed. Jenni gave the woman one more look before leaving her to sulk, for a fierce captain she sure did like to act like a child sometimes was all Jenni thought. 

The Barca girls decided to have a joint Christmas and we finished top of the champions’ league group party after the win against HB Koge. You were reluctant to go, there was still two more games to play before the Christmas break which meant you still had work to do. With Mariona’s injury and a few of the other women complaining of tightness in their legs you were working flat out. You don’t remember the last time you didn’t have to take work home with you and it was starting to weigh you down mentally. 

“So, you are finishing whatever sentence you are typing right now and you are coming with us.” In the doorway stood not only your two best friends but also Aitana, Patri and Claudia. Even though Leila was the one to speak to you, you knew that the message was from all of them by the crossed arms and the don’t even try to argue look they all had on their faces. 

“Alright, alright. Give me 10 minutes to finish up this and I will follow you out. And don’t argue with me I need to finish this for your friend.” They had a silent conversation with their eyes before they nodded at you and closed your door. With a sigh you got back to typing up the rest of Mairona’s care plan before sending it to her trainer. You had no idea what you were in for tonight. 

You had managed to convince the girls to let you go home, grab some food and change before meeting them at the club they wanted to spend the night at. You spent the whole time trying to figure out how you were going to avoid Alexia and possibly Jenni depending on how close they were all evening. 

The first thing you noticed when you walked into the club was the lack of outsiders, there was only people associated with or from the club within the walls of the place you were partying at. Heading over to the bar to grab a drink you were pulled by your arm sideways just before you got there. “Hey! I want a drink.” 

“Luckily for you I already got you one now come take your jacket off, oh and down it so we can go dance.” Leila was not taking no for an answer, your jacket was being pulled from your shoulders and a drink was placed in your hand as soon as it was free. 

You were on the dance floor with a number of the girls when you first heard her name mentioned. “You see Alexia and Jenni come in together earlier? They looked like they were in the middle of a lovers quarrel or something.” You couldn’t make out who had said it, but it was coming from the group of backroom staff members all drinking together. You tried to ignore what they were saying but couldn’t when another spoke up. 

“I had to ask them to get out the changing room the other day so I could lock it up. They were still in training uniform and cuddled together on the bench, it looked like they might have just made up from something because one of them was crying.” You knew what day that was, and you really didn’t want to think about it, so you dragged your best friends further onto the dance floor. 

That’s how you spent the next hour of your night dancing with Leila and Mapi, some of the other girls joining and leaving. Mapi had just left to go find the toilets and you had volunteered to go to the bar and get the three of you a drink when you first saw the woman you were trying so hard to avoid. At the bar, where you were meant to be going, stood Alexia with Jenni by her side. Neither woman looked particularly happy to be there, but they were here and together none the less. 

Deciding that you were a big girl and that you weren’t going to let their possible relationship get in the way of your good night you approached where they were. “I don’t know Jenni, I’m just not sure now is the right time for me to be going into a relationship. I want to give my everything to it you know, and I can’t do that right now.” Of course, Jenni had asked her out you felt so stupid for ever thinking you had a chance with the woman when she had Jenni Hermoso wanting to be with her. 

You made a U-turn and without even collecting your coat you left the club; you were so glad you kept your phone in your pocket because it meant at least you wouldn’t have to walk home. You walked a good way away from the club before you sat on the curb and called a taxi, you didn’t want to see any of the girls for tonight at least. 

Only when you were in the taxi halfway home did you turn off your phone, you had already had multiple calls from both Mapi and Leila as well as a few others, you knew you should of sent a message to say you were at least okay but you weren’t really thinking straight right now. 

Meanwhile at the bar, Alexia was talking through her thoughts surrounding you with Jenni. She wanted to have fun this evening so on the journey there she let every thought and feeling she had tumble out of her mouth to the older woman. She was just finishing up saying what she wanted too when Jenni asked her a question that made her think more. “Why don’t you want to be with her now? Why can’t you work this out with her?”

Alexia stayed quiet as they walked into the club, you could see from Jenni’s worried look and hurried nature that she thought her question might have pushed too much “I’m sorry Ale if that was overstepping, I’m just trying to understand where your head is at?” 

Alexia didn’t say much for a while, she sat at the bar with Jenni and they drank. She looked out into the room and found you without any issues. You had a smile on your face, not as bright as she knew it could get but a beautiful smile on your face nevertheless. You were dancing with Mapi, the women was spinning you around causing you to laugh. What Alexia wouldn’t give to be the one doing that with you not only right now but the rest of your lives. That was a scary thought. 

She took a deep breath and turned back to the bar. “It’s not that I don’t want to be with her because I do, I want nothing more than to make her mine. I’m just scared. I made all these goals at the beginning of the season that I wanted to hit, I’m captain of the best woman’s team in the world right now and with that comes a lot of expectation and responsibility. She deserves the world that woman, she puts everyone before herself, works so hard to make sure we are all healthy and happy both physically and mentally and does more than required of her each and every day. She deserves someone that is going to be around when she needs them and not away travelling or doing press shit that has become part of their life. I just I don’t know Jenni, I’m just not sure now is the right time for me to be going into a relationship. I want to give my everything to it you know, and I can’t do that right now. I can’t give her everything she deserves and until I can I have to keep a distance because she is a magnet, and I am powerless to her pull when I am close.” 

Alexia deflated visibly, all Jenni could do was put her arm around her friend and hope that whatever this was would sort itself out soon for both of your sakes. The woman sat like that until a frantic Leila approached them. “Have you seen y/n? She said she was coming to get us a drink about 15 minutes ago but she’s not here. We’ve checked everywhere for her, and her coat is still here. She not answering her phone either. She’s just gone.”

Alexia was up before Leila even finished what she was saying. “I’ll go check outside, keep phoning her she must be here somewhere.” Alexia followed by Jenni went and checked outside, they wandered a street or two away before looping back only to never see you. They walked back into the club to find a lot less people inside, Claudia approached them as soon as they got in. 

“She’s okay. Mapi went to her apartment, she was there. Leila’s gone to join them, but we are all heading home now, I said I’d wait for you two to come back.” With a small smile the young girl left the two women standing there. 

“I can’t even go to see her” Was whispered into the air by the younger of the two women before both turned and headed back out into the night. 

A few days later and the girls were out training before their last game of 2021, you and a few of the other trainers were enjoying you time watching them for the last time and discussing plans for the beginning of next year. You were talking to Geo when you heard the noise of anguish coming from behind you, you picked up your bag and turned around to go help the girl on the floor when you saw who it was.

“Geo, you take this one.” You didn’t give the man a chance to argue you just thrust the bag into his hand and sat down. 

Alexia felt her knee tweak as she went to turn and fell to the ground straight away, she knew it wasn’t bad, but she would take any opportunity to get you close right now. What she didn’t expect was to hear a masculine voice ask her where it hurt. She rolled onto her back and looked up at none other than Geo, it took her a second to register that you had sent the man rather than come see her yourself before she answered him. “I got my studs caught in the ground as I turned, I think it’s okay though just help me up.” She didn’t want to waste time on the ground for no reason. The only person shed ever seriously think about faking an injury to get close too and step off the pitch for was you, especially right now. 

Training continued on and about 5 minutes later Claudia caught a wayward tackle from Alexia on the ankle, you were straight up and out tending to her injuries which both angered and saddened the brown haired woman. She might have caught Claudia just to see if this would happen, she knew she didn’t catch her bad enough to injure her, she made sure. 

This was the proof that Alexia needed to know that you had some sort of issue with her right now she just didn’t know what it was, but she was determined to find out. She had to if she wanted the chance of being with you one day. 

You didn’t wait and watch the warm down like you normally do, you asked Geo to take notes of the girls that looked like they had a knock or were tight and you headed for the solace that your office provides. You knew you had a couple plans to write up now that Claudia had a knock and Jenni had mentioned her knee causing her slight issues again. You wanted to be out of their quickly today as you had plans to sit on your sofa alone and drink wine. 

You heard your door open and inwardly groaned, you had hoped the girls would get that you didn’t want to talk being as you had left. “I’m really busy and I want to get home at a good time so whoever you are it better be quick.” You didn’t bother to turn around you carried on typing on your computer waiting for the person to speak. 

“Don’t worry I won’t be long.” The venom in the woman’s voice caused you to freeze, she was the last person you wanted to see right now and apparently, she had worked that out. “I don’t know what the fuck is going on, but I don’t deserve to get second best for my job. You are the best trainer we have not Geo. He is good at what he does but you are great, you know us inside out already and I need the best to be my best. I don’t know what you have against me, but you do not get to take it out on my professional career. No one is going to put that in jeopardy. Now I don’t want to talk, in fact if you weren’t the only one that seems to be able to tape my ankles right, I wouldn’t be here I’d just be cursing you out under my breath at home, but you are the only one. Geos job is hurting it more than it did before so fix it and I’m gone.” 

She hopped up onto the bench and crossed her arms over her chest. You didn’t want to argue with the woman or be in her presence for longer than you had to, so you unwrapped and rewrapped her ankle quickly. You walked after the woman and as she passed through the threshold of the door you spoke for the first time. “It’s nice to know professional is all you want.” Without waiting to see or hear how she reacted to that, you shut and locked the door. You really needed that wine now. 

On the other side of the door, alexia anger had vanished the instant the words had reached her ears. Of course, in her anger and sadness over you not interacting with her she had said the completely wrong thing. How wrong you were. She wanted nothing more than a non-professional relationship but for some reason neither of you could get to a place with one another where it could happen. Alexia decided tonight was the night to break her no alcohol on training nights, she needed a drink. 

Last game before the Christmas break, you were sat on the side lines watching the girls warm up for the last time this calendar year. You were ready for the break but also you would miss the girls and their antics. Yourself, Mapi and Leila had already made plans to meet up once or twice over the break being as you were spending it in Spain like you normally do with Ona and her family. What you had yet to tell your friends was your plans to head back to England for a bit, you didn’t want people to get the wrong idea as to why you were heading there. You had a chat to have with a certain blonde defender, one that you needed to have in order to move on from that chapter of your life. 

You were broken out of your thoughts by Leila shouting your name as they were running back into the changing room. “Chica lets go, you have ankles to tape and that includes mine.” Rolling your eyes at the defender you grabbed your clipboard and followed after the players. Looking down the list of names you needed to tape or check in this small pre-match window, you were surprised to see Alexia’s name on it. she must really want that professional only relationship and that is what you will try to give her. 

Walking into the changing room you came face to face with said woman, the problem for you was she was dressed only in her sports bra and shorts. “Lo siento, I was just coming to tape some ankles.” You ducked your head in order to hide the blush that was threatening to be seen.

“De nada, I need mine done but I just have to go get a shirt swap. I ripped this one.” You really wanted to know how the woman managed to rip her shirt in the 30 seconds they had been in the changing rooms to put them on. The only thing that stopped you asking was the voice in your head screaming professional only, professional only. It was the same voice that was chanting abs at you which definitely was not helping you to keep your eyes up. 

She slipped past you and into the hallway which left you facing the room full of changing Barca players. As you scanned that room you caught the eyes of Mapi who had a smirk on her face, she winked at you when she noticed she had your full attention which caused you to roll your eye and head in Leila’s direction. 

It didn’t take you long to deal with all the players on the list and you found yourself waiting in the now empty changing room for the Barcelona captain to return. You were wandering around checking out what the girls liked to have in their lockers when you noticed what had to be Alexia’s. There was a photo of Nala being held by Eli, Alba knelt down in front of them at what looked to be a grave site. You knew exactly who’s grave it was without think and the photo brough a smile to your face, she loved her family and that was something you always dreamed of having. 

A clearing of a throat brought you out of your moment, “Lo siento the staff couldn’t find my spare. Can we do this quickly the game is starting soon.” You nodded and stepped to the side so she could sit in her locker. As she did you saw her eye the picture you had just been admiring. 

“You have a beautiful family Alexia.” No other words were exchanged between the two of you, you didn’t expect there to with how rocky your relationship was. What you were not expecting was the squeeze to your hand you felt as the slightly older woman thanked you and headed out. It took you a couple of seconds to register it and when you did it had your head spinning. You were confused now more than ever. 

You didn’t have time to dwell on it as Geo poked his head into the dressing room to let you know the game was starting and they needed you on the touchline. You grabbed the rubbish from the tape work and threw it in the rubbish on your way out. You really hoped you were not needed too much this game, you knew your head was not in the work headspace right now.  

Luckily for you, you were not needed at all. The game went by smoothly with Barca coming away with  7-0 victory. Not only did they get that amazing win, Alexia had grabbed herself a hat-trick something that was being heavily praised as it should. You found yourself watching the woman as she collected the match ball and nodded at all the congratulations she was receiving. What you didn’t expect was her to look your way but you were quick to flash her a smile and clap your hands in congratulations something that had her grinning back at you slightly. 

You didn’t let yourself think about this interaction too much because if you did you would just spiral. So instead of standing there and going over it, you grabbed your stuff and headed for the backroom ready to help any of the girls that needed anything post-match. Leila and Mapi entered not long after you, both requesting help with a couple little niggles. Both women were talking to you about Christmas plans and stuff when as they were leaving Leila threw a sentence over her shoulder that had you confused. “Christmas get together for the team tonight, we will pick you up at 9. Please don’t be late.” You were slightly shocked and so didn’t reply before they were out of the room. You guess you needed to get out anyway. With a shake of your head you went to put all your equipment away, as you were in the stick room you heard a knock at the door so you told the person to come in and you’d be with them in a second.

Alexia was sat waiting for you when you came out, you didn’t let the shock of seeing her effect your approach as you didn’t want her to know the effect she still had on you. “What can I do for the hat-trick hero?” there was a slight teasing to your voice but you were also still the professional in the situation. 

“My knee is acting up and I just want to get it checked out before I leave. I also wanted to make sure you knew we are all going out tonight to celebrate Christmas, staff and players.” You patted the bed to get her sat up on it and started checking the range of movement in her leg and the pain points if there were any. 

“I did know about tonight thank you for letting me know too. Leila and Mapi are getting me for it so I have no chance of getting out of it.” Alexia shared a quiet laugh with you and voiced that you definitely did not have a chance if those two were on your case. 

You checked her over and cleared her knee before sending her on her way with the confirmation that she would see you later at the party, a fact you were worried about now. You hadn’t thought about the woman’s presence there until she had told you she’d see you later on the way out of your office space. Your mind flashed back to the last time you had been out and drinking with the brown haired beauty close by. The kiss was still something that weighed on your mind, it was something you dreamed about and thought about at least once a week and you couldn’t do it again. Alexia didn’t want you and you had to make sure you didn’t let it happen this time with alcohol and dancing involved. 

[final-girl96]

Killer Geek Chapter Ten

The Weekend

It was finally the weekend and I couldn't wait for us to get the hell out of the small little town for a while. It was a long day at school. Parker would glare at me every time he saw me. He wasn't happy about what happened last night. “Hey,” I jumped at the sudden voice beside me. “Jesus, Randy, warn a girl first.” He chuckled, “Sorry. I just wanted to know if you'd like to ride with me up to the cabin.” He was leaning on the locker beside mine, looking me up and down. I felt my face flush and I hid behind my locker door. “Um…sure. That'd be great,” I said, smiling.

After the last bell rang we got in our cars and headed for the cabin. I told Billy I would be riding with Randy. I was grateful for that too because he begged Sidney to ride with him so they could talk and have some alone time. That would have been an awkward ride. Sidney didn't seem to really want to ride with him but Tatum encouraged her to. “Come on, Sid, it'll be fine. He's your boyfriend, he's not going to do anything to you.” Sidney sighed and finally agreed.

Casey was, of course, with Stu and Tatum was with Eric. It didn't make sense to have four cars going up there, but the couples wanted to have some “alone time”. That made me even happy that I was riding with Randy. No awkward situations. “So, how was your date last night?” I turned my head to look at Randy and shrugged. “As you would have expected. He was nice and relatable up until we went to the drive-in movie.”

“You went to the drive-in?” He asked.

“Yeah, in a few towns over. He took me to this fifties style drive-in diner. Like, the waitresses were on roller skates and everything. Then we went to the drive-in theater a little ways down the road. They were playing the second Friday the 13th. He figured since he bought me dinner, took me to the movies, got me a slushie, popcorn, and snacks, that I owed him something in return.”

“He touch you?”

“I mean, he tried. He put his hand on my thigh and I pushed him away. He tried again and I went off on him, then Billy took care of the rest.”

“Billy was there?”

“Mmhm. He and Stu followed us. Billy is an asshole, and we fought a lot. But no matter how pissed off we are at each other, he'll always be that protective big brother. I mean you know how it is. You'd do the same for Martha.” Randy nodded his head, “Yeah, Yeah, I would. I'd kill a guy if he hurt my little sister. She gets on my last fucking nerve but i love her.”

We drove in silence, only the radio playing on a low volume. We were the last car, driving behind Eric and Tatum. It was a good three hour drive up to the cabin and we still had two and half hours to go, that doesn't count if we stop somewhere to eat. Another twenty minutes of driving we were pulling over at a gas station. Billy pulled up to a pump and got out, Stu pulling his jeep I behind Billy's camaro. Randy pulled into a parking spot in front of the store, not seeing gas. I got out and walked over to my brother.

“Hey, we should stop at a grocery store once we get closer and get some groceries. We probably only have water up there,” I told him. He grunted as an answer, pulling the nozzle out and putting it back, and screwing the gas cap back on. “Whatever.” He walked past me and into the store. When everyone was done and back in the cars we got back on the road. “We need to stop at a grocery store. There's one that is about five miles from the cabin.”

Randy looked over at me, “Alright, we can do that. What about the others?” He asked. I shrugged. “I don't know, I told Billy about it but I don't know if he'll stop or not.” He nodded his head slightly, “We can still stop if he doesn't.”

Like I had thought, Billy just drove past the grocery store. Randy pulled in and found a parking spot. It was a good thing dad gave me his credit card. “Alright, let's go grocery shopping,” Randy said, getting out of the car. He jogged around to the passenger side and opened the door before I had a chance to even try to. “Thank you,” I whispered, feeling my cheeks get hot.

We walk into the grocery store, grab a cart, and start at the first aisle we come to. “So, what should we be getting?” Randy asked. The aisle we were in happened to be stuff like toilet paper and paper towels. I grab a pack of toilet paper and paper towels, because God only knows if we have any. “Food, ya know, like eggs and drinks, and shit. We don't have anything up there.” We walked around the store and grabbed whatever we thought the whole group would eat.

I was looking at the snacks when two arms wrapped around my waist, making me freeze, panic slowly crawl up my body. “It's me. Just relax. There's a group of assholes who have been staring at you for a good five minutes. I heard them talking when I walked by, and I didn't exactly like what I heard. So just relax and pretend.” I found it extremely easy to relax back into Randy. “What kind of snacks should we get?” I asked.

“Definitely popcorn. I brought a bunch of movies with me for us to watch.” Of course he brought movies. “What movies Did you bring?” I asked. “Terror Train, Halloween 1-5 plus the new one Curse of Michael Myers…” I cut him off, “So anything that has Jamie Lee Curtis,” I said. “She's the scream queen!” He argues. I laugh and shake my head, grabbing popcorn and throwing it in the cart.”Can you go get ice cream please?” He sighed, “Yeah, sure. I'll meet you up at the register.”

I walked up to the register and started to put our stuff up in the belt when someone behind me said something. “Hey, there sexy. You new around here?” I tried to ignore him and watched the cashier ring up the groceries as I put more up. “Hey I'm talking to you.” I sighed and turned around, giving him a one word answer. “No.” Turning back to the cashier I set the last few things up on the belt.

“Well, I've never seen you around here. So you must be new. And in that case…” the guy moved closer, leaning on the cart. “How about you let me show you around?” He licked his lips, looking me up and down. I could feel my skin crawling. “I'm fine, thanks.” Before the guy could say anything else Randy came up beside me. “Sorry, I couldn't decide what everyone would like.” Randy set the ice cream down and a set toppings to go along with it.

“You okay?” He asked, wrapping an arm around my waist, pulling me closer, and kissing my temple. My skin was now on fire. I nodded my head. “Yeah, I'm now.” The cashier told us the total. “You got my card?” I looked over at Randy in confusion. “Huh?” He just smiled and gently pulled the credit card out of hand. “You sure you're alright?” He swiped the card and signed. “Yeah, sorry.” I took the receipt and Randy put everything in the cart.

“Alright, we better get to the house before everyone wonders where we got off to. Last thing I want is your brother and his lap dog coming after me.” I laughed at that and hit his arm. “Oh, my god, stop.”

When we got to the car we put everything in the trunk and Randy took the cart back up. I could feel eyes on me from across the parking lot but didn't dare look. I knew it was those guys. Randy jogged over to me, opened the door, and I got in. Then he jogged around the front and got in the driver's side. “Did that asshole say something to you?” He asked, starting the car and pulling back out onto the road. “No, just asked if I was new around here.” He hummed, “They couldn't keep their eyes off of you. I was five seconds away from saying something to them.” I shrugged, “I'm fine. Really. Let's just get to the cabin.”