#he even gets mocked for MADISON

[acesammy]

Sam is more queercoded than dean bc almost all of sam’s love interests are deemed unacceptable and Sam is constantly mocked and shamed for it send tweet

[lovewithmary]

(not) moving on — a max verstappen x stark!oc x charles leclerc series

★ fc: madison beer ☆ summary: evangeline "evie" stark is in love with her best friend, max verstappen, but he tries his best to keep her at arm's length. but what happens when she starts to get close to his fellow drivers in the paddock? ★ note: idek why i like creating stark ocs, but it’s fun. This is purely for my own entertainment but I don't know if I'll continue it. It depends if people actually want to see more of this. (realistically, I might continue it because I want to see it lol) btw how do people do the subtitles?? like I'm so curious I want to do those

schat = darling in dutch

next series masterlist

liked by landonorris, charles_leclerc, and 20,492,182 others

eviestark: life lately 💜

comments

user1: MY WIFE IS IN A RELATIONSHIP???

user2: she’s actually living the life rn

user3: SCHAT??? ANG???

user4: the random tony stark jumpscare in the photo dump LMAOOOO

user5: who is the guy with tony stark in the 7th photo?? ↳ user6: i’m pretty sure that’s peter parker, an employee of stark industries??? he’s started out as an intern in high school but he’s rumored to be the COO once evie becomes CEO of stark industries

user7: WHO TOOK THE 2ND PICTURE

user8: not the single guys from the f1 grid in her likes 😭😭

user9: THE WOMAN IN THE BACK IN THE 7TH PICTURE IM CRYING

user10: the first and second picture giving me 'boyfriend took these for me' vibes

user11: she looks so pretty and happy in the 4th picture <3

"You're playing with fire by posting our text messages, Ang," Max said, his voice shushed as he walked around the paddock.

"It's fine, Maxie. They'll probably connect me to a random famous person who is Dutch and then it'll blow over in a week," Evie dismissed.

"It doesn't really help that the guys are in your likes constantly," Max grumbled, and he heard Evie laugh.

"Some of them are pretty cute, and I think some even tried messaging me but I never saw them until it was late," she responded.

"Who?"

"Aww, Maxie, are you jealous?" Evie cooed, her tone sweet yet mocking at the same time.

"No... I just never expected them to be brave enough to message you," Max said.

"If you must know, I think it was Charles and Lando who tried. There are probably others, but I haven't seen them,"

"Did you respond to any of them?"

"Of course not, I'm loyal to you and only you,"

"Schat..."

"I know, I know, you wouldn't touch me with a ten-foot pole like that," Max could practically hear her rolling her eyes.

"You know we're just best friends, right?"

"And I'm saying I'm loyal to you and only you as a best friend."

"Are you doing anything soon?" Max was quick to change the subject, feeling as if he didn't, awkwardness would settle in and he hates it whenever Evie doesn't speak since he's fully aware that he loves hearing her talk considering how passionate she gets about things.

"Stark Industries' Gala is happening and Pepper's making me get a date for the event,"

"Why's she making you?"

"Something along the lines of I have to be seen with someone that isn't MJ, Peter, Ned, and Shuri," Evie sighed.

Max laughed at her situation, knowing that while Evie knew a lot of people, there were only a few that she could trust completely. And luckily for him, he was one of them. He was probably the first, considering they've known each other since she was 6 and he was 8.

"Good luck trying to find someone,"

"It's not even trying to find someone I'm struggling with. It's trying to find someone that's decent enough to spend my night with,"

"Who were you going to ask?"

"Well, I was going to ask you, but since we're best friends I don't think me bringing you as my date to the SI event would be something best friends do,"

"I'll go," Max said, shrugging.

"Wait, seriously? Like you going means you actually have to dress up,"

"I know,"

"The dress code is black tie. That means you can't wear your Redbull uniform like you're a walking billboard,"

"Do I really wear it that much? I saw people that were shocked when I wore a white t-shirt,"

"You're a millionaire who wears the same thing every day. So basically, every millionaire man,"

"I'm going to wear Redbull head to toe to the Gala now that you said that,"

[dear-bunnyboo]

𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐎𝐍𝐄: 3𝐑𝐃 𝐓𝐈𝐌𝐄’𝐒 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐌 || 𝐉𝐎𝐄 𝐁𝐔𝐑𝐑𝐎𝐖

important note: my face claim will be madison beer but you can imagine whoever you desire. also the songs mentioned are not all technically all madison’s i will be incorporating other songs from other artists.

all the pictures seen below are not mine, however they were edited by yours truly. credits to the owners.

the longest chapter I have written, hands down,, and I know you all have been waiting for this one 💕(let’s just all collectively ignore the elephant in the room) I also made this as fluffy as I can in preparation for the shit show that's about to happen in the next chapter ;)

𝐏𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬: Joe Burrow x Singer!Reader / Brief Ex!Jack Hughes x Singer!Reader

𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲: Sometimes, you get things right the first time. Others, the second. But the third time, they say, is the charm.

𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬: cursing, paparazzi, media, fans, crowds, mentions of football injuries, tackling, mentions of ex, fluff, new relationship, tension, flirting, doubts, slight angst if you squint

𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭 || 𝐌𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭 || 𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐜. 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭 || 𝐍𝐇𝐋 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭

Tuesday

It was mocking you…

You stood face to face with a dilemma and all you could do was stare at the problem.

“Y/N! Stop glaring at your closet and put these on!” Y/BF/N yelled at you from your bedroom.

Removing yourself from the mess you created in front of you, you head over to your best friend who was holding up a black two piece number— the top was a black sleeveless button up vest, matching with black pants.

You asked Y/BF/N to quickly purchase some outfits with the help from your sales associate. Joe just asked you out to watch a UFC fight with him tonight and you just instantly panicked when you opened your closet— you had nothing appropriate to wear. You weren’t quite sure what ‘appropriate’ meant for a UFC fight but what you were sure about is that you had none of it, no matter how big ones closet is— it would simply not be enough.

You haven’t watched a single UFC fight to save your life— you aren’t a big fan of violence, you couldn’t even fathom watching a boxing match let alone MMA, but Joe is a huge fan so you couldn’t find yourself to say no. You and Joe have been spending more time together whenever you both can and you have been enjoying his company and that frightens you but you kept that worry out of your mind for the mean time— locked in a safe place in your head.

Your feelings for the blonde seems to grow even more now that you decided to acknowledge and act upon those feelings. You and Joe are not official, not yet at least but that doesn’t stop the both of you from acting like you were official— it seems to come naturally from the both of you, you just naturally gravitate towards each other.

Now wearing the outfit Y/BF/N brought, you looked at yourself at the huge mirror in your walk-in closet— the vest clinched your waist just perfectly while the pants offered a comfortable yet sophisticated look and feel to them, your eyes fell to your chest where a glimpse of your breast were seen.

Turning to your best friend who passed you a pair of black stilettos, you said, “Are you sure this is appropriate for a fight? Are the boobs too much?” adjusting your breast, making sure they won’t show too much.

“You look great! They don’t look too much at all, don’t be crazy.” Y/BF/N gave you a glance before giving you a matching black blazer in case it gets cold.

“Joe is gonna have to fight people off of you, Y/N!” She squeals as she dusted your outfit before helping you put your shoes on like she always does. It was as if you were Y/BF/N's personal Barbie doll she enjoys playing dress up with— you weren't complaining, not at all.

Joe texted you earlier saying that he will be picking you up 6 pm tonight, just an hour before the fight starts. Looking up at your wall clock you see that it’s currently 5:39 pm which means Joe will be arriving soon.

You circled your room, making sure that you didn’t leave anything behind and that everything you need was in your purse. Once you were satisfied with everything, you and Y/BF/N headed down to the living room to wait for Joe— you weren’t sure why you were so nervous, maybe it is because that tonight will be your first public appearance with Joe and you weren't quite sure how people are gonna react.

For the most part, both of your fans have been supportive about the idea. There were people who weren't so supportive— the naysayers who never really bothered you given your line of work, you were used to it by now; it goes in ear and out the other and as a professional athlete, Joe has gained thick skin— the hate just bounces off of him.

So, why were you nervous?

"We have been sitting here in silence for almost three minutes now." your best friend gave you a weird look as she tried to figure out what was going on inside your head. "Why are you so worked up? You've both hung out before." Y/BF/N throws her arm up in exaggeration.

You remained silent as you fiddled with the rings on your fingers. A heat rushes on your face, red hue filling the apples of your cheeks as you tried to avoid eye contact from Y/BF/N. To no avail, she spotted you hiding your face from her and just like that she instantly knew— having a best friend you have known your entire life has its perks which is biting you in the ass at the moment.

"You fucking like him, like him." She jumps up from her seat as she grabbed your arms to get a closer look at you. With a look of defeat on your face, the redness spreading even more that you were sure that you'd be hot to the touch.

Your silence was your answer causing your best friend to shake your shoulders in delight. "I am so proud of you!" squeezing your shoulders on last time before moving back to her seat.

"Y/BF/N, is it that serious?" you tried to brush it off as normal behavior from you.

"Don't be dumb. Its not like you fall for every man you meet— you're probably the only person I have met who's standards are excruciatingly high." she pointed at you like she was trying to lecture you— she probably was.

"Yet, look where that got me." you mumbled as you referred to your cheating ex boyfriend, Jack.

"A momentary lapse of judgement." Y/BF/N says tutting in disagreement.

You turned your body towards your best friend, a flood of thoughts rushing in your head, "And what if this another momentary lapse of my judgement?" you retorted back at her.

"Y/N, you can't stay in that shell you created forever. If you don't take the risk you'll never know— if you continue to live in fear that you're gonna get your heart broken, then Jack won. You can't let him win." she gave you a pointed look before smiling at you softly after seeing your terrified face, it was a RBF but she knows better— she always does,

"Sadly, that's life. You can't keep a flower in the shade just because you think the sun will burn it and yet expect it to live— can you?"

"When did you become a poet?" you smiled at her— thankful for her empowering speech, making you feel much better than you did a few minutes ago.

"Bitch, I've always been the smartest out of the both of us." Y/BF/N flips her hair off of her shoulders dramatically before cackling in laughter, clearly finding herself amusing.

"Now that's a lie." you muttered under your breath a grin spreading on your face as you caught her face looking appalled after hearing what you said.

"Joe better get here before I beat your ass—" thankfully she was cut off by a car honking, stopping Y/BF/N from pouncing on you.

"Lucky bitch." She stuck her tongue at you like the child she was.

Before you could even tease her again, your doorbell rang— Joe was here. You gathered your things while Y/BF/N went ahead and opened the door for Joe.

You rummaged through your bag before heading towards the door, making sure that you had everything you needed with you— and as you reached the door you see Joe in all his glory; wearing simple black jeans and a black tee, a black bucket hat on his head while his Cartier sunglasses sat on the bridge of his nose. Joe had his hands in his pockets as he remained silent listening to your best friend who was lecturing him.

"Listen here, Joseph. If you don't get Y/N back home by 10 pm tonight— I'll have a search party looking for the both of you." Y/BF/N said with her hands on her waist, looking like a concerned yet overbearing mother.

"Don't listen to her she's crazy." you deadpanned as you gave your best friend the 'shut-the-fuck-up' look.

Joe only chuckled as he watched the both of you playfully glare at each other. "Well, we might be home later than that— I wanna take Y/N out to dinner." the blonde asks permission playing along with Y/BF/N. His request made you and your best friend instantly turn to him.

Joe didn't say anything about a dinner. You told everything Joe told you to your best friend the second you received the invitation— he must have forgotten to say.

"You didn't tell me about a dinner." you looked up at the quarterback but to your dismay, his beautiful baby blue eyes were covered by his shades— you didn't know if he read your mind or he simply read how disappointed you were from your facial cues but as he looked back down at you he offered you a grin before removing the Cartiers off his eyes.

"I was gonna tell you once we got in the car but your mother is scaring me." Joe turned to look at Y/BF/N who looked slightly offended by Joe's teasing.

"You both better start moving before I beat you both up." It was your best friend's turn to deadpan at the both of you. "You two are basically the same person. I fear for my sanity once you two actually start dating." she muttered the last part lowly under her breath which nonetheless was caught by both you and Joe.

"Okay!— we are leaving, I'll see you soon, Y/BF/N. Don't burn my house down!" you waved at your best friend who was now giving you one of her famous sneaky grin.

"Stay safe!" she teased even more, shouting for your whole neighborhood to hear. You looked at her from your shoulder, your eyes widening after catching her double entendre which made Joe chuckle silently as he leads you to his car.

Now finally inside Joe's car, you released a sigh of relief— Joe starts his car, the engine rumbling before it started moving. The drive to the arena was calm and comfortable, as Joe drove he answered your many questions regarding the fight. The blonde just kept answering your questions with no hesitation but enthusiasm— you also appreciated how he didn't shame you for your lack of knowledge on the matter.

Once the two of you arrived in front of the arena, you were greeted by a number of people who were already outside. Dressed in merchandises of the fighter they were supporting, the fans turned to look at Joe's car— the bodyguards and security surrounding Joe's door.

The paparazzi clearly took that as a sign that someone famous or important was inside cause in an instant, they were swarming Joe's car. Luckily his car windows were tinted that they failed to see you and Joe trying to figure out how to go on about the situation you found yourselves in.

"Are you sure you want them to see us together?" You turned to look at Joe who was as calm as ever, fixing his bucket hat.

"Yeah, It will be fine— you trust me?" Joe's stare could burn even behind those damn shades of his, staring at you— looking for any sign of discomfort.

"I trust you." you nodded and a couple beats later, Joe opens his door— the paparazzi immediately snapping shots of the NFL player who was circling his car to get to your side to open the door for you.

Here goes nothing

Once your head popped out of the door the camera flashes doubled along with the yells for your name.

"Y/N!"

"Y/N, darling over here!"

"Joe!"

"Joey B!"

"Miss, Y/L/N, are you and Joe dating?"

"Y/N! Look over here!"

“Are you two dating?”

Joe places his hand behind your back to gently guide you inside the stadium as he firmly places himself just behind you, to keep them from touching you.

"You okay?" Joe leans down to whisper in your ear as you both continued walking towards your seats.

"I'm fine. You?" you turned to look up at him as he gave your waist a quick squeeze to confirm that he was indeed fine.

The second you and Joe entered the arena— you were spotted in an instant. The fear and anxiety that was crawling up at you quickly disintegrated when you felt a large warm hand grab onto your small ones. Looking up, you found Joe with his head held up high as he guided you to your designated seats— and just like that, the phones were out, following both of your moves.

The blonde gently pulled you towards the center where your seats were found, it was right in front of the rink. You weren't quite sure if you'd be liking that anytime soon but you kept quiet. Once you reached your seats you spotted a woman who was seated behind you crying as she looked at you— once she caught you staring at her she started waving her hand wildly earning a giggle from you.

You quickly reached your vacant hand to wave back at her as she continued to film your interaction, earning another squeal from her. You decided to reach towards her and enter the frame of her video— you enjoyed doing fan service. Apart from performing, meeting your fans was always the fun part of your job.

"Oh my gosh! I love you so much!" she whispered in disbelief as she continued to stare at you as if you'd disappear from her sight. You gave her shoulder a quick squeeze with you vacant hand as you smiled at her. "You're the sweetest. I love you too."

Turning back around you found Joe and his friends watching you. Your hand still intertwined with Joe's, not budging during that entire interaction. The quarterback simply watched you in adoration as he waited patiently for you to finish so that he can introduce you to his friends.

"I'm sorry— Hi! I'm Y/N. Nice to meet you." you gave the people next to Joe a smile.

Joe smiles as he continued staring at you like an idiot, "This is Ja'Marr, Tee, and Sam. They're my teammates and good friends of mine" he directed to the men next to him.

"Nice to finally meet you." Tee stated giving you a nod in acknowledgement. "We keep asking Joe to introduce the Y/N Y/L/N to us" Ja'Marr chimes in as he nodded towards Joe who was watching the interaction.

Sam who was twice your size moved towards you to shake your hand, earning a grin from you— he is adorable. "I am a huge fan— I'm Sam."

"Nice to meet you, Sam" you chuckled before looking at Joe with a smile. His friends are great. You've watch them play during games but now officially meeting them was a new experience.

The light and fun atmosphere came to you as a surprise. You expected a UFC fight to have a tense and somewhat scary atmosphere which was proven wrong— up until the fight started. You were seated next to Joe, a drink in your hand as you watched the two fighters in front of you beat each other up. The sight of the bruises, cuts, and blood made you sink into Joe's side even more.

You don't mind the gore and the blood at all. What you did mind was the fact that people did this for a living, you respected that fact— you respected their partners and their families even more. Watching this is hard. Watching Joe get tackled during his games was hard enough— you could only imagine what its like watching him get beaten up.

"You're fine. You're alright." Joe whispers in your ear as he places a hand on your thigh to stop you from bouncing it up an down.

"They aren't though." You pointed at the fighters while you released a breath as they called for a break in between rounds.

You turned to Joe who was chugging his drink, "I don't understand how you enjoy this. I'm not judging— just confused." you gave him a tight lipped smile earning a laugh from him.

"If you ask Ja'Marr right now he'd tell you how I'd try MMA moves on him." He offered you a wink. You in turn furrowed your eyebrows in confusion before snickering, "I can already picture you two on the ground— wrestling."

Joe laughs while rubbing your thigh up and down, the announcer's voice booming across the stadium, "A lot of big names in the room tonight but not as big as that man right there!" turning your head up you were met with a close up of Joe who turned to the camera and smiled. The stadium erupting in cheers and hollers for the quarterback next to you.

The camera started panning towards you while you stared at the screen above, "With none other than, Y/N Y/L/N right next to him! Stars after stars!" more screams erupted as you simply gave a smile towards the camera which now moved on to the next celebrity.

The fight was eventful to say the least. An unexpected knock out got everyone around you, including Joe to jump up on their feet. You remained on your seat with your mouth wide open at what you just witnessed— Joe had his hands up his head, his eyes widen in shock as he dapped up his friends and everyone else for that matter.

Joe looked like a kid who got to watch his favorite cartoon. He wouldn't stop talking about it the entire ride to the restaurant he was taking you to. You continued to laugh at him as you admired his sudden burst in energy with the result of today's events. However, something must have clicked in Joe's head the moment you two sat on your reserved table.

As you ordered your meal, talking to the waiter— asking politely for about the different dishes they offer, Joe couldn't help but eye you. You were a ray of sunshine to him. You're polite and would always offer the people around you smiles no matter what the situation was. He found himself thinking the same thing when he was watching you interact with your fan at the arena not long ago.

You looked beautiful and he continued to remind you every time he could; when you both got in his car when he picked you up, when you finally sat in your seats before the fight started, during the break, on the way to the restaurant, before the waiter came over to ask for your orders— Joe told you every single time.

You were talking animatedly about a mishap that happened at your studio the other day, giggling after ever breath but as Joe listened to you all he could think about was how much more stories you could giggle to him about if you were officially his.

Joe was with you throughout your entire healing and moving on process. He watched you cry about a stupid boy, he watched you work your magic— writing music as a way to cope, he watched you heal. Some might say he helped you heal. You both know how you feel for each other, it was almost an unspoken understanding between the two of you. Joe is ready to move on to the next step in your relationship— he was willing to take the risk.

With a deep breath he grabbed your hands, enveloping yours into his. "Y/N, I want to ask you something." he started. Your attention now fully on him, a concerned look formed on your face as you watched Joe's expression. "Alright— is everything okay?" you squeezed his hands.

"Yeah. It's just— I think it is time for me to ask you if you'd be my—"

"You're food," the waiter walks towards your table with a tray of food held up above his head.

Your moment was completely ruined, Joe gave you a bitter smile as he thanked the waiter. "Wait, what were you saying, Joey?" your eyebrows furrowing at the interruption.

"Its nothing." Joe shook his head as he looked at the dish in front of him. You decided not to push him even further for answers after hearing a slight raise in his tone that the quarterback tried to hide with a smile.

Joe took that interruption as a sign.

Not as a sign of giving up— no, Joe Burrow does not give up. He took it as a sign from the universe to up his game. Asking someone to be your girlfriend in a restaurant was cliche and an outdated one at that— you were one in a million, Joe knows that which is why as you two ate in comfortable silence he thought of his next move.

Unbeknownst to you, Joe tried to ask you to be his girlfriend for the first time that night.

Sunday

It was Sunday and you just arrived back in Cincinnati after another successful show in Michigan. It's been four days since you last seen Joe during your UFC 'date'. You still message each other back and forth, FaceTiming each other here and there— so it didn't really feel like time has passed.

Joe invited you to watch his game against the Steelers which is why you and Y/BF/N were in Joe's suite, idlily chatting with each other— she has been complaining a great deal about Trevor more than usual recently and that in itself got you eyeing your best friend in interest. These past couple of days it has been 'Trevor this', 'Trevor that' and as much as you loved the hockey player, you were getting sick of hearing his name.

You continued eyeing your best friend teasingly— a lightbulb mentally lighting in your head upon the realization, "You like him, like him" you teased her, making sure to reference what she told you a few days ago. She instantly stops talking before glaring at you as you wore smug look on your face, "Shut up." she mumbles, not denying anything whatsoever— proving your point even further. Y/BF/N and Trevor have been dancing around each other for a couple of years now and hiding it all behind the facade that they find each other annoying but you know her as much as she knows you— the perks goes both ways.

"Y/N?" a woman calls from behind you making you and Y/BF/N stop your conversation, turning around you were met with a couple who looked exactly like Joe...

"Mr. and Mrs. Burrow! How lovely it is to finally meet you two!" you stood up immediately upon realization, Joe's mom reaching out to give you big hug.

"Call me Robin, dear" she gave you a squeeze before letting go of you. "And call me, Jim" Joe's dad pats you in the back as they turned to look at Y/BF/N who was standing behind you quietly.

"Oh, this is my best friend, Y/BF/N" you directed your hand towards your best friend who politely waved at Joe's parents who warmly smiled at her in return. "Nice to meet you as well— such beautiful girls." Robin squealed in excitement earning a laugh from you and Y/BF/N.

You and Y/BF/N conversed with Robin and Jim as you waited for the game to begin. Your place from the suite giving you a wide view of the field and the fans surrounding the stadium. You also spotted fans who have spotted you with Joe's parents— the cameras and phones coming out as they pointed and turned towards your direction.

A few minutes before kickoff Robin urged you to meet Joe by the sidelines, "Are you sure you two don't want to come with us?" you asked his parents as you motioned towards you and Y/BF/N who was accompanying you down the field.

"I'm sure, dear. We came here with Joe, from what I've heard you two haven't seen each other in a few days— go." Robin gave your hand a squeeze, motioning you and Y/BF/N to hurry before the game starts.

Which is why you and Y/BF/N found yourselves standing at the sidelines where a few of the staff were found. With your arms crossed you chatted with your best friend as you two waited for Joe to come out of the tunnel and once he did, you knew immediately because the fans who were facing towards you were not only yelling but also pointing at something behind you.

Turning around you found Joe with his entire gear on, the black Bengals jersey fitting his torso just right as he removed the helmet off his head to get a good look at you. "My parents tell you to come here?" he smiled down at you before nodding towards Y/BF/N in acknowledgement who was evidently hiding from the sun.

"Yeah. They are great by the way— you could have at least warned me that I was gonna meet your parents today." you looked up at him, lifting your hand up to cover the sun from your eyes— from that action alone, Joe took his 6 ft. 4 self and stood in the direction the sun was facing without taking his eyes off of you, his tall frame casting a shadow over you as you found shade in his body— that single action from the quarterback made you want to melt in a puddle. It's always the littlest things that got to you.

"They told me not to tell you. They said they didn't want you to feel pressure beforehand." Joe shrugs, placing his hand on the collar of his jersey keeping the gear he was wearing inside in place.

"The game starting soon. I'll see you later?" you asked.

"Wait for me at the suite, I'll come get you and I'll take you home." Joe instructed you before he proceeded to ready his helmet in his hand.

"Okay." you nodded before patting his chest in encouragement, "Good luck and win for me, 9" you grinned at him as you watch him take a couple step towards you to lean down and place a peck on your cheek.

"I will." Joe placed his helmet back on place before jogging to position.

You watched him for a few more second before moving back to where Y/BF/N was standing, your best friend gave you a wink before linking your arms together walking back to the suite.

"I'll be the most beautiful maid of honor." Y/BF/N says after a few beats of just silence.

"Y/BF/N!"

The game was a close match which had you literally at the edge of your seat as you gripped both Y/BF/N and Robin's hands the entire time— Jim standing behind the three of you watching in concentration with his arms crossed, a stance that is very familiar to you considering your dad would look the exact same whenever he watches a game— you called it the 'retired-football-coach' stance, you just knew that both your dads will hit it off.

At the end the Bengals won 37-30. It was safe to say that Joe was in a good mood as he drove you home. You had to say goodbye to Robin and Jim who were staying at Joe's place for the night while Y/BF/N had to leave early to prepare a meeting with her assistant to prepare your outfits for the upcoming VMAs which you will be attending and performing in soon.

The ride home was quiet but not the comfortable kind. You could practically hear Joe thinking, you were surprised he could even drive— his thoughts looked like it was clouding his mind.

Joe was fine. He was. He just couldn't think of an appropriate way of asking you to be his girlfriend. He was so close to asking you before the game but he decided not to knowing how much that would distract him from the game— now here he was, struggling to form a sentence as the question laid at the tip of his tongue urging him to just spit it out.

Joe knows better and he will be better. He knows you deserved to be asked in a much more grand way— he just needs to find a way to execute it perfectly.

"Are you okay, Joey?" you placed a comforting arm on his shoulder which were very tense, softly massaging them as he continued to focus on not crashing the car.

"I'm fine, lovebug. Just wondering if you'd like to hang out again? Tomorrow maybe?" Joe tries his best to make conversation while he tried to think of a perfect way to ask you tomorrow.

"I can't. My cousin is getting married on Tuesday and I'll be flying to Wyoming tomorrow, I won't be back until Wednesday— I'm sorry." Joe nodded in understandment as he mentally rearranged his plans for another day, however, before he could do so, you gasped— your body turning towards the blonde.

"Do you want to be my plus one? I'm allowed a plus one and Y/BF/N said she was already bringing somebody. I know you have another home game next Sunday and you probably don't want to travel all the way to Wyoming for a few days but we will be back by Wednesday—" Joe cut you off by placing his hand on your upper thigh, squeezing them in response.

"I'll go. It will be fun— you met my parents, this will be a perfect moment for me to meet yours." Joe turned to you to give you a smile. "You think attending a wedding of someone you don't know will be fun?" you questioned the quarterback with your eyebrows raised shocked that he was willing to fly off with you just like that.

"I think a wedding with you will be fun."

You two stayed quiet as you two tried to unpack the statement Joe just blurted out. He was messing with you, cause there was absolutely no way he said that on purpose.

Joe did in fact say that in purpose and he enjoyed your reaction very much; the way your eyes widen for a second, how your chest rose up and down more faster and erratic, and how your cheeks blushed red. Joe's plan on asking you today might have not gone to plan just like the previous attempt but third time's the charm, right?

Unknownst to you, Joe tried asking you to be his girlfriend for the second time that day.

Monday

You and Joe drove to the airport early in the morning to head to Wyoming for your cousin’s wedding. You gripped Joe’s forearm as you tried to make sense of your surroundings early in the morning— you were barely awake.

Y/BF/N called you saying that she will meet you and Joe in the plane cause she will be driving with her plus one who you haven’t met yet. With your arm tucked in Joe’s arm, you two climbed the steps of your private plane— the flight crew greeting you two as you entered your lofty plane.

In an instant you threw yourself on your seat by the window and shut your eyes for a while. Rustling was heard next to you— taking a quick peak you see Joe arranging both of your things before placing himself on the seat next to you. All the uncertainty, doubts, and fears were thrown out the window with how sleepy you were— with no hesitation whatsoever, you moved the arm rest that separated you and Joe upwards, inching your way to his side where you tucked yourself. Your face on his shoulder as he circled his arm around you in response.

Before you could even shut your eyes to drift off to sleep, footsteps were heard climbing up the steps of the plane— Y/BF/N has finally arrived with her plus one in tow.

Trevor fucking Zegras.

This caused you to shoot up in excitement— now very much awake. Joe looked at you in concern as he eyed Trevor in confusion.

“No fucking way!” You emphasized every single word still not believing your eyes. Y/BF/N rolled her eyes at you in response placing herself in the seat behind you and Joe— clearly not wanting to see you two cuddle together or maybe she was planning on having her own cuddle fest with Trevor.

“Hey, popstar!” Trevor reached out to give you a hug which you accepted considering you haven’t seen the hockey player since your concert in LA. “No fucking way, Trevor!” You repeated still at shocked.

“What can I say? She can’t resist me.” Trevor joked before getting thrown a pillow on his face curtesy of Y/BF/N.

“Oh, wait!— Joe, this is my friend, Trevor. Trevor this is Joe.” You introduced the two who have not yet met personally. Joe offered Trevor one of his famous smiles as he shook his hand while the latter gawked at the man that is Joe Burrow.

“Nice to meet you, man! I’m a huge fan!” Trevor animatedly praised the quarterback earning a pat in the back from Joe. The two continued to converse, talking about football and hockey back and forth as the plane lifted up in the air. Y/BF/N is a terrible flyer so she remained seated the entire time watching her favorite shows to calm her down, Trevor later joining her.

You remained tucked in Joe’s side now fully asleep while he played with your hair as he watched a movie on his phone— you two were stuck together like two peas in a pod the entire flight, not moving away from each other even after your plane finally landed in Wyoming.

The four of you arrived at the resort where the your wedding will be held and where your family was waiting. Y/BF/N and Trevor has met your family a number of times already while this will be Joe’s first time and you knew that he had nothing to worry about.

Once you reached your parents, your father immediately darted towards you pulling you into a hug, “My girl, how have you been? Was the flight alright?” He pulled away to take a good look at you.

“I’m doing great, dad and the flight was smooth.” You smiled at him before squeezing your mother in a hug. “Hi, mommy!” You grinned. “My sweet girl.” She plays with your hair before halting after spotting Joe who was watching the interaction.

“Y/N, are you not gonna introduce us?” Your mom motioned towards Joe who your father was now eyeing as if he grew three heads.

“Oh, right— mom, dad, this is Joe. Joe these are my parents.”

“Nice to meet you, Mr. and Mrs. Y/L/N. I’m Joe.” The blonde stepped forward towards your parents. Your mom instantly hugged the quarterback like all mothers do and grinned up at him. “Nice to finally meet you, Joe! You’re such a handsome young man.” she raves on.

“Burrow— nice to meet you, son. I watched your game yesterday and you were throwing dimes. You’re great.” You’re dad praised Joe which in turn got you feeling so proud of Joe.

“Thank you so much. That means a lot— Y/N told me you used to coach football.” Joe asked completely intrigued with your father. You watched the two walk towards the garden as your father started talking about his career. Your mom simply turned to look at you and smirked, “He’s a cutie, Y/N.”

You couldn’t help but agree as you watched Joe and your father laugh about something.

The day consisted of you and your friends resting after your long flight. You spent time with your family as you prepared for the wedding celebrations tomorrow.

Tuesday

Weddings are such beautiful events. Every girl has at least dreamt about their perfect wedding; the perfect place, the perfect dress, the perfect song, the perfect man— and as you watched your cousin seal the deal with a kiss, you couldn’t help but get teary eyed as she finally fulfilled her dream— you could still remember the time you two would dress up as Princesses.

You wanted something like this in the future. You felt a slight pang in your chest as you get reminded of empty promises given to you. Joe caressed your bare back, as he eyes you carefully. You two were finally seated at the reception, you changed from your bridesmaid dress to a black backless dress for the reception.

Joe was wearing his black tux, silently listening to the speeches as his warm hand caressed your bare back— his touch shooting electricity through your body, the hairs on your arms standing up as the wind kissed your skin. The quarterback moved closer to you with his arm placed on the back of your chair, his hand now caressing your arm to keep you from getting cold.

As the speeches went on and on the more Joe craved you. He watched the curve of your nose crinkle every time you were mentioned in an embarrassing story during the speech, he watched as you eyes lit up thinking about a certain memory, and he watched you as you stared at the bride and groom as they take their first dance— you’re eyes glistening as you quietly hummed and swayed on your seat.

Once the dance floor was open for everyone, Joe, gently took your hand and lead you to the part of the dance floor away from the majority of the guests. You placed your arms around Joe’s neck as he placed his around your waist— the two of you slowly swaying to the soft music playing across the reception hall.

“You’re beautiful, you know that?” Joe whispered as he leaned closer to you, his baby blues piercing through your soul. “I do. You tell me every chance you get, Joey.” You giggled.

“Do I? Does that seem excessive to you?” Joe pulled you towards him closer, your feet moving closer to his that you were sure that you were gonna accidentally pierce his foot with your stiletto heel.

“Not really” you shrugged. “I like hearing it from you.” your eyes seem to never leave his as if you two were your own little bubble.

“Yeah? You’d let me remind you how beautiful you are everyday then?” Joe couldn’t stop himself, he was thinking of something more special but he was down deep and he couldn’t find himself to wait anymore.

You nodded, “I don’t know how you plan on doing that every single day but–” yours eyes glistened as the lights hit them. Joe’s hand now cradling the back of your neck, his thumb caressing the soft flesh beneath it.

“Be my girlfriend.”

Joe blurted out. Your eyes widening at his response— you remained frozen in place as you eyed the blonde in front of you. The fear and worry that you locked in the back of your head, slowly creeping into the surface as you listed down the risk this could cause, the potential heartache you could experience again.

“What?” was all you could say as you tried to understand what was happening around you.

“Date me. Be my girlfriend and I’ll tell you every second of every day how beautiful you are. How beautiful you are both physically and as a human being. I’ll remind you how special and loved you are, how talented and smart you are— be mine, Y/N.”

Joe is a lot of things for you. He is a friend who came to your life when you needed the most, he is a man who patiently helped you heal throughout your darkest of days, he is a person you respect and trust, he is the kind of person you were willing to take the risk for— maybe it will all work out the way you want it to be, but maybe it won’t but seeing if it does will be one of the best adventures of your life— a risk you were willing to take.

Reaching up on your tiptoes, you grabbed Joe’s tie and pulled him towards you— your lips finally latching on to his as you two simultaneously sighed in relief as if you two were holding those breaths from the day you first met. Joe tilted your head back, a smile gracing your lips he smiled against yours before pulling you in for another kiss.

“You’re the most beautiful person I’ve ever met.” Joe breathed out as he pulled away from your lips, his eyes memorizing every detail of your face that was smiling up at him.

“I could get use to that.” You giggled as Joe placed another peck on your lips.

Unbeknownst to you, Joe was mentally celebrating the ever so successful third attempt.

dividers: @cafekitsune

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[jazminrhode1]

hiiii! if you're stil writing can you please write one where matt sturn and reader are just so in love and he cant stop telling people about her?

The Interview Matt Sturniolo x Reader One Shot

Matt was onto his 6th interview of the day. He set up his laptop at the kitchen table and you’d been sitting across from him all morning waiting for him to be done.

“Hi Matt,” you heard the interviewer say. He was less nervous now that he’d had some practice.

They asked the same old generic questions like, how his brothers were, how he came up with the idea for this project, and what inspired it. But, out of left field, they asked about you.

You saw Matt squirm in his seat across the table. “I hope that doesn’t cross a line,” she said sweetly.

“No,” he said, shaking his head a little too aggressively to be casual.

He looked at you and you glared right back. You hadn’t had this conversation in a while. You hadn’t spoken about keeping your relationship offline in the beginning but, it had been 2 years and things were different. Everyone knew and they reacted terribly but, the dust had settled since then.

You saw the look in his eyes. He was asking permission and you gave it to him with a shrug.

He let out a deep breath, his shoulders relaxed; he looked happy.

“Y/n is great, actually,” he said with a smile.

“I know you don’t talk about her often but, I was wondering if you could tell us a little bit about how you both met?”

“Oh,” he said, “Well, she’s a good friend of Madison and we were all hanging out there a lot and, it just happened. She’s great. She’s perfect. She feels more like my home than any house ever did.”

You swallowed down the lump forming in your throat. It wasn’t often that you got to hear how Matt talked about you to other people. Sure, your friends told you that he gloats about you any chance he got but, you never heard it from him.

The next interviewer asked what made Matt fall in love with you and he explained, “Y/n is beautiful. Even more so on the inside if that’s possible. But, it wasn’t any one thing that made me fall in love with her. It was the love she has for her family, it was the way her smile lights up a room, it’s the kindness she shows to strangers, it’s the way that she can get through to me when no one else can. She’s the first person I reach for in the morning, she’s the first person I want to call with news good or bad, she’s my best friend and she is my favourite person in the world.”

His eyes were so intense on you that you thought he could read all of your thoughts. It was often like that. He was so attuned to you, so perceptive to your needs, so receptive to your feelings. Matt was, in so many ways, perfect. You could not have dreamed him up.

The final interviewer asked the same age-old questions. You mocked him behind the screen and Matt did his best not to laugh. He was tired, you could tell. As the interview came to an end, the interviewer asked one final question.

“You’ve gotten into writing a lot, I’ve seen a few passages that you shared on Instagram. What inspires you the most?”

Without hesitation, Matt said, “Y/n. She inspires everything that I do. I read a quote once that said, ‘If a writer falls in love with you, you can never die.’ I like to think that if I write about all the people and the things that I love, I can never really lose them, you know? Even if y/n chose to leave me, I’d always have a piece of her with me”

There was silence on the other end. You started to think they lost connection.

“I think there’s a lot of people out there who 

“I’ve fucked up a lot of relationships but, I think it all needed to happen so that I can be the person I am now for y/n. You need to be open and receptive and believe that you deserve to find happiness with another person. Y/n is a much better person than I am but, no one will ever love her as much as I do. And I do. And I show her every day and I will for the rest of my life.”

Matt shut the laptop when the interview wrapped and pushed his chair back from the table. You walked around and sat on his lap, wrapping your arms around his neck and placing a gentle kiss on his lips. His arms snaked around your waist as he nuzzled his head in the crook of your neck.

“I’ve never heard you talk about me before,” you said.

“I feel sorry for people. You’re all I ever talk about,” he replied with a smile.

Matt loved you. You knew that with every fibre of your being but, today showed you just how much.

[mikeysw1fey]

more than a friend?

request linked here

pairing: mikey madison x female reader

warnings: none really

a/n: i don’t like this one too much but it’s alr cause i’m coming out of writers block (yay)

I don’t get jealous. Jealousy is for people who are insecure about themselves… right?

“Mikey I swear. Punch me again and I’ll push you out of this car.” I threaten, a wide smile on my face as I lean as far as I can away from the black haired girl.

“I can’t help it if we keep driving past yellow cars.” Mikey shrugs, her smile matching my own. I simply scoff and roll my eyes. “I’m gonna have bruises on my arm for weeks. People are gonna start to think your abusing me.” I fake pout earning my own eye roll from the driver of the car.

“You’ll live.” Mikey chuckles before pulling up to the restaurant car park. I mock her playfully before exiting the car and following her towards the front door.

As we enter a chorus of whisper yells call our names. Mason, Jenna, Melissa and Jasmin all sit around a table. Mason waves us over and points to two seats beside one another.

“Thought you might wanna sit next to each other.” Jasmin wiggles her eyebrows suggestively causing my cheeks to flush red as I sit in between Jenna and Mikey. Jenna’s elbow nudges my waist as she too chuckles silently. I don’t dare to glance at Mikey in fear I could give away my feelings. That would not go down well.

Picking up the menu I pretend to be interested in the food until my cheeks return to their normal colour. “What you gonna order?” Mikey turns to me with a smile as the rest of the group chatter amongst themselves.

I let out a hum as I debate between the carbonara or the ravioli (pasta is my weakness). “Probably the carbonara.” I shrug causing Mikey to chuckle. “So I guessed right.” She smiles before Jasmin calls her name to get her attention.

Minutes fly by as the six of us talk and laugh. That is until the waiter approaches our table with a broad smile. “Hi what can I get for you guys today?” He grins, eyes drifting to Mikey who smiles politely. “What can I get you pretty lady?” He bats his eyelashes at the woman beside me causing an uncomfortable feeling to bubble in my stomach. Mikey chuckles softly, her brown eyes gazing up at the waiter. “I’ll take the Caesar salad with a side of fries please, can’t be too healthy.” She jokes.

I almost jump at the boisterous laugh the waiter lets out at Mikeys joke, my eyes connecting with Jenna’s, to confirm I wasn’t the only one who sees this horrendous interaction. “I can do that.” The waiter replies before hesitantly turning towards me, his broad smile now more of a forced grin. “I’ll have the carbonara.” I send him a fake smile before turning away, an awkward silence encompassing the table before Jenna voices her order.

Once everyone’s orders are written the waiter walks off but not before sending Mikey a flirty wink. My insides twist around themselves as my hands grip the table so hard as to prevent myself from strangling the man on sight.

“God that man was into you.” Melissa laughs from beside Mikey, her fingers poking the black haired woman’s side. “Tell me about it. He wouldn’t stop staring at you even when I was trying to tell him I can’t have chicken or bacon on my caeser salad.” Jenna groans.

I resist the urge to get up and go home. Petty yes but I hate watching the one person I adore being flirted with AND flirting back with some random.

“I think I’m going to go to the bathroom.” I feign a smile as I push out my chair and stand up desperate to get out of this conversation. “You want me to come with you?” Mikey’s quick to ask already half way out her chair. I shake my head almost too quickly. “No stay here, you’ll wanna be here for when the waiter comes back.” I reply maybe a little too harshly as Mikeys mouth opens and closes like a goldfish.

Both Mason and Jasmin send me a look but I ignore them instead walking away to the restroom as fast as I could go.

Resting my hands against the porcelain sink, I gaze at myself in the mirror. Although I look normal, I could feel the green eyed monster clawing at my stomach. Thinking about the waiters lingering gaze and his suggestive looks made me want to throw up in general, but thinking about them aimed at Mikey. That shatters my heart into a million pieces.

Blinking back tears, I run an irritated hand through my hair trying to think of an excuse for when I return to the table.

The restroom door opens and I inhale on instinct, brushing my tears away to make it appear as if I’m just washing up.

“Y/N?” Mikeys voice is shy, timid almost as she makes her way towards me. “Oh.” I breathe half grateful shes here and not at the table with that stupid waiter and half embarrassed she’s here while I cry over her.

“Are you ok?” The simple question is like a trigger sending tears cascading out my eyes. “Fuck, I am actually fine I don’t know why I’m crying.” I let out a chuckle but it falls flat as Mikey reaches for my hand.

“Don’t lie to me. We don’t do that to each other. Your my best friend, if somethings up I wanna help you.” She whispers tucking my hair behind my ear with her free hand.

Best friend

The word hurts to hear causing my eyes to squeeze closed as if that would protect the breaking of my heart. “I’m sorry for what I said before. About the waiter and stuff.” I sigh opening my eyes to look at Mikey who shrugs. “It’s ok, I don’t even want him anyway. I kinda have a crush on someone else.” She gazes at the floor. The words cause my breath to hitch in my chest.

So there is someone else.

“Oh. Yeah.” I manage to let out broken words. Tugging my hand away from Mikeys I let out a breath and wipe my cheeks. “I’m gonna head back.” I can’t look at her as I begin walking towards the door leaving Mikey behind me.

“Wait. Please.” Her voice is pleading almost begging me to not walk out the bathroom. Pausing, I turn on my heel and raise an eyebrow. “If I didn’t know any better it would sound like you were jealous.” She breathes slowly making her way in front of me once again.

My breath hitches for a different reason this time as she stops merely inches in front of my face. “And what if I am?” I reply waiting for the inevitable disgust and rejection to appear in Mikeys face.

“Then I would do this.” Mikeys lips connect with mine. Her hand reaching up for my face as I lean into the rhythm of our kiss.

The green eyed monster disappears leaving euphoria in its place.

I pull away only to better understand the situation, my hands still remaining slotted on Mikeys hips with no intention of letting go.

“So this means I’m the someone you have a crush on?” I frown as Mikeys shoulders shake with laughter. “Yes you idiot.” I don’t waste a second after she confirms my suspicions, my lips chasing hers once again.

Sighing into the kiss I can’t help but feel overjoyed, like I could conquer the world so long as my world remains in my arms.

[stusbunker]

Spotless: Fermata

Chapter Five

Featuring: Dean Winchester/Reader, Dean/Bela

Other characters: Sam/Madison, Chase the waiter

Word Count: 1815

Warnings, etc: Mutual pining, Dean casually getting dressed in front of the reader, third wheelin', Dean is a smooth motherfucker, unbeta'd

Series Masterlist

Divider courtesy of @cafekitsune

The glossy finish of Dean’s desk stuck to the sweat of your palms as you sat on the surface, waiting for him to finally decide on an outfit that Bela wouldn’t roll her eyes at the moment she saw him. He had been going through his wardrobe in front of you for the better part of an hour and you were both on the cusp of entirely different versions of frustration. He strutted out from his massive closet, pants undone and flashing you the same pair of boxer briefs you had been salivating over all morning. His shirt was open, showing off his one and only tattoo, high on his peck as he futzed with the collar, trying to get it to lay right and then he started to button.

“Can’t believe you set me up with some hoity toity wardrobe Nazi,” Dean grumbled a repeated accusation in a new and more colorful way.

“Don’t give me that crap, I know how much you like playing dress up,” you shot back.

He spun and glared at you. “Traitor. Even Charlie knows this dog-and-pony show is not the same as fighting orcs in the valley.”

You put on a face of mock sympathy. “You poor, poor thing, having to wear the free shit designers send you out in the wild.”

Dean flipped you off with one hand while tucking in his freshly buttoned shirt with the other. The way his shoulders stretched the gray fabric was more distracting than the thickness of the offensive finger.

“I’m not wearing a tie for fucking coffee,” Dean griped.

“No, you’re not. People’d think you went to church first and the last thing I want to start is cult rumors for either of you.”

Dean hopped on the balls of his feet as he zipped his fly, finally standing before you in an acceptable outfit. You looked him over as he fiddled with his cuffs.

“Roll them up, shows off your arms,” you coached him, as he went between glancing in the mirror on the back of the door to across the room for your appraisal.

Dean chuckled, but did as he was told.

“So, you calling in the paps or just seeing who catches on on their own?”

“I’ll have Bela post something, showing off you and her plate with a tag to the restaurant. I might snag some candids just in case, but I’m guessing you’ll get noticed.”

Dean dug through his rack of belts as you talked. “Can’t you get fired for leaking photos to the press?”

“Technically that is my job description, dude. But honestly? Only if I’m making extra money off of it— or if my boss decides to be a bigger dick than usual,” you sighed, avoiding scrolling through your phone as it buzzed next to your hip.

Dean smirked. “I’ll show you a bigger dick than—”

“None of that, god, Dean, shove down the locker room talk for like two hours. Please?”

He rolled his eyes and threaded his belt. “When it’s go time, I will be fucking angelic. I promise. I’ll show everybody what a gentleman I am. But you can’t just toss me a perfect spiral and get mad when I run with it.”

It was your turn to roll your eyes. “You hate football.”

Dean marched back across the room with a pair of Italian leather ankle boots and sat on the edge of his ridiculous bed to put them on. “No, I hate the televised corruption of football. It shouldn’t take twenty or thirty minutes for a two minute drill. But I wouldn’t say no to landing the Halftime show of the Super Bowl.”

“Noted.” You fell to the temptation of your phone, now that more of Dean was hidden than exposed. Bela had texted you twice, both with mirror selfies, you snapped a picture as Dean finger gunned his reflection to send back. She replied with a stream of positive emojis and you barked a laugh.

“What?!” Dean demanded.

“Outfit approved,” you spun your screen so Dean could read Bela’s response and his stupid face went from concentrating to smug in two seconds flat. He waggled his eyebrows at you but you stole your screen back before he could go scrolling through the conversation. His finger hung in the now empty air.

You typed a simple ‘you’re welcome’ to Bela and put your phone aside, screen down as Dean started on his hair in the en suite bathroom. You hopped off the desk and slinked into the doorway, bored and anxious in equal measure.

Staging public appearances had always been a hit or miss with Dean.

“You gonna be alright being Sam’s third wheel? I know you want to make this seem like it’s just me and Bela out, but we could still make it a group thing.”

“I’m so not dressed for an outing with Bela—”

Dean huffed as he washed the product from his hands.

“And we really need the focus to be on you, less distractions, better angles for candids, all that crap,” you said, professionally side-stepping the question.

“Yay,” Dean muttered with mock enthusiasm.

“You love the spotlight, remember?”

“Not the same thing. But I guess I have to live with it, don’t I?” Dean lamented, waiting for you to move out of the doorway and lead the way downstairs. He called for Sam, telling him that it was time to go over his shoulder. Something had shifted between you and you felt every ounce of his regret at the forced circumstances like it was a second skin.

Sam’s laugh, somewhere to your left, drew you out of your careful scrutiny of Dean’s posture across the patio. Madison had been telling a story, and though they both knew you were only there for work purposes, you still felt guilty for ignoring the conversation. You turned and faced the table and took a sip of your coffee. Sam gave you a squint, but didn’t say anything about your sudden return to reality, bless him.

“I think I’m going to do the eggs benedict scrambler. What are you thinking, Y/N?” Madison reminded you to look at the menu.

“Uh, I think I’m leaning more towards lunch, actually,” you said, because you really hadn’t processed anything on the laminated list in front of you.

Sam sipped his fresh squeezed grapefruit juice and you tried to speed read as your waiter returned with a cheerful look on his face.

“How’s it going over here? All set to order?” His name was Chase and he either was a bodybuilder on the side or he was an actor, which didn’t really take skill to parcel out in L.A., but it was still obvious.

Sam, the traitor, answered happily, “sure thing. I’ll have the kale frittatas and could we get a pitcher of Bloody Marys, please?”

“Okay, then,” Madison chuckled, shaking her head at Sam trying to get her tipsy in the middle of the day.

“Definitely, man,” Chase the waiter replied, typing in the order on his tablet. He then turned to Madison, which earned him an appreciative smile as your eyes darted back down onto the options.

You didn’t bother listening to what she ordered, too busy deciding on something you could eat without too much distraction. There was a certain columnist at Rolling Stone whom you wanted to get back in her good graces and if you could get her a good enough shot of Dean being Mister Charming, the better.

“What about you, doll?” Okay, you didn’t have an ounce of a fuck to give to this waiter who probably thought he was being slick. 

“I’ll take another water and— the DELICIOUS BREAKFAST SELECTION with wheat toast.”

“Got it. Alright, that’s all in and I’ll be back with your drinks in a sec.” Chase finally left, freeing you from scripted social interaction. Sam gave you a reassuring head tilt and turned back to Madison. Both of them were polite enough to not point out you did not actually order a lunch selection.

Bela and Dean were near the railing of the patio, perfect for visibility from passersby, but what caught your attention most was that they seemed to be genuinely smiling at one another as they talked over their meals. The urge to join them welled up, to know what had two people so close to you so amused, to be included in their tiny bubble. You stayed put, managing to snap a few pictures of them before the table next you was seated.

So far, it felt like it was working.

The rest of the meal went by in a blur, you checking your phone more than was strictly polite but neither Sam nor Madison seemed to mind. The waiter continued to be a little extra, but all you cared about was the couple of people that had gathered across the street not so subtly snapping pictures. Bela’s post must have done its job. Dean and Bela lingered after he paid the check and you wondered if they were waiting on your permission or actually enjoying themselves. But before you could text either of them a posh car pulled up next to the patio and Bela was standing up to confirm her ride.

You watched on bated breath, Dean ushering Bela out of the iron gate of the patio with a hand on the small of her back. He was always at ease with physical touch and you were grateful for that fact as he sold your lies. Bela turned to face Dean outside the waiting car. She smiled up at him and he said something, making her bite her bottom lip. Oh, shit, she was milking this!

That’s when he leaned in and planted a quick kiss on her lips, just a breath longer than a peck. Sam kicked you under the table but you ignored him. They were really doing this and you couldn’t deny they looked damn good together. Dean held the door as Bela climbed into the backseat and closed it when she was situated. He tapped the roof and turned to walk towards where he parked the impala. He kept his head up, but you could see the slight smirk on his lips which only deepened as you gave him a double thumbs up as he passed your corner of the patio.

Fucker had this down. 

You watched Dean walk away, hoping the photographers got that because you were not prepared for the goodbye kiss. And when Sam nudged your ankle for the second time you sighed and glared at him. He just raised his eyebrows. You ducked your head, trying to hide the heat on your cheeks. Which didn’t really make sense, you had gotten caught staring, so you chalked it up to mild embarrassment. It wasn’t jealousy, you had set this whole thing up. You were fine.

Tagging: @deans-spinster-witch@mrswhozeewhatsis@cosicas-cuquis@fics-pics-andotherthings-i-like@suckitands33@ladysparkles78@deans-baby-momma@stoneyggirl2@sassy-pelican@leigh70

Chapter Six: A Due

[the-words-we-sung]

The songs of Young Royals - S1E2 & E3

And I'm back with another song analysis article ^^ You can find the first one (in which I covered the songs from S1E1) here. I'm gonna do 2 episodes in this post because there are not many songs in episodes 2 and 3!

No tomorrow, Ty Frankett, Stephane Lo Jacomo and Myariag Summers

I'll be in my feels They know I'm the truth When I'm pullin' up I'm bulletproof I don't really care 'bout the rules The most cool Wilhelm has ever looked ^^ He was all blushing and stressed during lunch about what almost happened with Simon, but here he's collected, alone but looking like he doesn't care and just plays it cool. He's the Prince so I guess it's true that the "rules" don't really apply to him but is he "bulletproof"? Unfortunately the whole debacle that is gonna happen with the sex video will prove that statement wrong... (We also know that most of the students at Hillerska don't care that much about the rules, and August says it himself: they could "murder someone and nobody would say a word")

ALPHA, Yung Titties

ABC I'm the alpha bitch If you wanna know who runs this shit ABC I'm the alpha bitch When I'm in a car, I'm driving When I'm on a date, I'm buying Yes girls!! They run this shit ^^ I like that they choose this song when we see the 4 girls hanging out together. I do like them (Felice, Stella, Frederika and Madison) (putting Sara on the side because *complicated feelings*) They're far from perfect but compared to most of the guys in the school, they're pretty cool. I love Felice and how smart/nice/strong she is, and I love her friendship with Wilhelm later on. I hope she'll become even more badass in season 3!! And Madison is the best (and one of the few people in this school who is not terrible to Simon). The song stops as soon as August arrives and takes a chair to sit next to Wilhelm: because yeah, he's not an "alpha". I like that Madison and Felice don't take shit from August: when he starts mocking Simon and Sara (after Felice invites them to the movie night), they immediately tell him off. Then we see Vincent and Nils join August and start bothering the girls (throwing gums/candies at them) and they're not impressed: it's a very short scene but it highlights the fact that they're not interested in their stupid behavior. It's also the episode in which we see the difference between the girls and the boys when it comes to their relationships: we learn at the beginning that Madison and Nils hooked up during the party, but also that Nils was bragging about it and giving the experience a 9/10 while Madison admits doing it mostly because she was bored and not being at all into Nils. We also see August pursuing Felice who is not interested at all. Who run the world? Girls!!

Äter upp dig, Maxida Märak

Nu ska vi leka hela världen är våran Huh inga hinder är för svåra Flyger över alla jag är lätt som en fjäder Strike like a pro BDSM läder Good boys gone bad Alla ser rött King Kong gone mad Jag är blöt du är naken Okay so it's a bit hard to do this one because it's in Swedish and I'm definitely not there yet with this language ^^' From what I understand with the translated lyrics, it's quite a "sexy" song (with some violent undertones: being a wolf, being naked, being wet, good boys gone bad, etc.). The first sentences are about playing and how they have the whole world, which is interesting because it's the parents day at Hillerska and we are introduced to a lot of upper class people, people who have a lot of money and power. In this sense, they are the people who can use the world as a playground: they have the means for that. They're rich and powerful, they're above. The lyrics are also about getting angry though, "seeing red, King Kong gone mad": a little nod to Simon and Sara being pebbles that are gonna throw the whole machinery off? During the lunch, Sara is going to mess up Felice's family with the riding issue (and they're the richest family apparently!). Wilhelm is also gonna upset the order by not sitting at August's table but choosing instead the one table with a family that doesn't belong to Hillerska's upper class environment. So I guess yeah, things aren't going to go that well. And to top it off, August is gonna learn that his family is in fact broke! Oh, how the rich and mighty have fallen...

Hillerska Song

Hope and faith wherever we roam As we make our way back home Oh, we meet with open hearts Another one in Swedish but with the English subtitles directly in the show so it makes it easier to understand ^^ Simon and Wilhelm look SO happy and smiling and smitten in this scene 💜 I like the idea of making their "way back home" because they're not there yet, but they're getting there: being a safe space, being home for each other. And yeah in this scene they still have "open hearts", because Erik has not died yet, because the sex tape hasn't been made/released yet, because none of the awful stuff that is going to make them close in on themselves has happened yet. And Wilhelm is so cute and happy (and it's gonna become very rare to see him like that afterward) that this song deserves another picture ^^

The songs of Young Royals - part 1

[nescaveckwriter]

Moonflowers & Werewolves - Chapter 3 🐺🥰

A/N: Awww y'all, chapter Three is here. Yayaness, I had so much fun writing this, one, I hope y'all will love it as much as I do 🥰🐺

Side Note: Thank you, feels so empty🥹, but thank you for every like, comment, reblog even those adorable bugsies just reading, 🥰 it means the world to me.

Warnings: Mentions of blood, severe violence, action, fighting, slight swearing used, hospital scenes, fire.😱 Anything else let me know

"Derek, It's me Argent" he warned

"Dammit Chris" he roared

"We need to get you out of here, now" he demanded

"Yeah about that, I'd might need a little help" he sighed

As Chris glanced over at the werewolf, he saw multiple arrows all over his back. "Wolfsbane" he questioned

"Yeah, most probably" he whined

"I'll hold them back, you make a run for it" he suggested

"Hell no! Your not doing this alone" he replied

"I'm not, I brought some help" he smirked

"He forced me to come, and its not like I had any plans" he said sarcastically

Derek furrowed his brows "Peter?" 

"Yes, I've came to save the day once again" he mocked

Derek collapsed to the ground, letting the woman fall out of his arms, his face tired, expression shocked "Madison"

Throwing his hands up in the air "great now we have to save a human"

Growling at Peter "She didn't ask for this"

Looking down at the woman not making a sound, "is she even okay"

"Peter, do not! Of course I  protected her" he sneered, giving her a once over, she's unconscious, her heartbeat slowed, catching the whiff of blood, pure human blood, knowing it must come from her, searching for a open wound, "Noooo!" He let out a violent roar, "they've hit her too" glaring at the arrow that's pierced through her chest.

Chris looks over to a defeated looking Derek. "Go on, get her to the hospital now! Me and Peter will hold them down and away from you"

They exchange a concerned look, but then Derek, gathers his last bit of strength, as he gets up, and starts running out of the forest, straight towards the hospital. As far as he runs, with his free hand, he pulls out the arrows from his body, he keeps saying, underneath his breath "I'm so sorry Maddie"

Back into his human form, he runs through the ER doors, glancing over at the nurses station. Melissa sees, him holding the injured woman. ''Derek! Get in here'' gesturing towards an empty bed.

He gently places her on the hospital bed. Feeling weak himself he collapse down in the nearest chair. Grabbing Melissa's arm, ''I need Parrish'' he demanded

Puzzled she looked at him ''I will phone him right away''

His eyes are heavy, his voice painfully low ''Is she going to be okay''

Smiling ''Of course, I'll let a doctor see her immediately''

As Melissa walks out, she almost walks into Parrish, ''What?''

A half-smile on his thin lips, ''I had know Derek needs me''

''Oh yeah, I almost forgot, you get a sort like premonition of these things'' letting out a nervous chuckle, gesturing his in the room.

A determined look on his prominent face as he walks closer towards, the closed door. Already feeling his body heat up, he can honestly say, that with a lot of training him and Cerberus has a mutual understanding, he doesn't take over him so much anymore, he is still conscious enough, to know what his doing. 

''Derek'' his voice croaky

''Jordan, I need you too heat up man!'' his brows drew together, his face pain stricken 

''No, no way in hell Derek, its too much'' he warned

''Parrish you listen to me, if you don't burn this freaking wolfsbane out of me, my son will have to grow up with out his father'' his voice rough and low

''Fine! but we will need to move you first'' sliding his arm underneath Derek's side, helping him to a stance.

Derek looks over to were Madison lays, underneath his breath he whispers ''please be okay''. As they walk out Melissa and a doctor storms in, to help her, Melissa just gives him a assuring nod in the passing.

As Jordan takes Derek, down to the basement of the hospital, he starts to feel, the poison, getting closer, knowing if it reaches his heart, he'd be dead in a few seconds, ''Now, do it now'' he roared

Parrish, starts to heat up, wrapping his arms, around Derek, his whiskey brown eyes, now a yellow-orange, fire dancing in his pupils. 

As the fire engulfs Derek, he roars loudly, his eyes a electric blue, his fangs and claws are out as he can't help but to shift, under this amount of pain. With the flames dancing around there bodies, he can feel the poison burning away. With the last bit leaving his veins, Jordan, lets go of Derek, making him plummet to the ground. The hellhound who was just covered in flames, is now only covered in ash, the only visible sign of fire, is the orange red, rushing through his veins, defining the muscular build. 

He picks up a unconscious Derek, carries him towards a empty hospital bed. Letting Melissa know, where he is, he runs to help Argent and Peter. On his way calling his girlfriend, 

''Hey babe!'' her voice delighted

''Love, listen I'll explain later, but you need to go and check on Eli, be careful'' he warned

''On my way, you too'' she bolted towards Derek's house, entering through the door, catching a glimpse of three men, probably hunters, cornering Eli, his frightened face is one to much. 

''Hey idiots, why don't you pick on someone your own size'' she hissed

Laughing as they walk closer, weapons in hand, ''What are you going to do little girl?'' the giant man mocked.

Getting into a fighting stance, she throws her hands down, letting her short nails, turn into her claws, as she roared it revealed her fangs, her dark brown eyes, now ice blue. 

''Oh you must be the were coyote'' the man laughed

Without hesitating she rushed towards the giant man, digging her claws into his forearm, throwing him against the wall. The other two, runs towards her, a older looking man, slices her cheek with a silver knife, ''Argggh'' she groaned,   as the younger man, fires his gun, but the bullet misses her by centimeters, hitting a serene painting. Eli runs closer to help, his eyes a slight yellow, but no claws and no fangs. ''Stay back Eli'' she warned

As the three men gathers around her, and Eli, she starts to think of a plan, to overtake them all, not wanting Eli to get hurt she stands in front of him. She growls at them. The men agrees that they should capture the were coyote and the wannabe werewolf, they walk closer and closer, but then all of the sudden a voice makes them turn around. 

''Hello Sweetheart, daddy's here'' he mocked as he pounced on the larger man, ripping out some flesh, the man scream in agonizing pain, but Peter just knocks him out with a jab to the jaw.

Malia just rolls her eyes, sarcasm, evident ''Thanks for the help daddy dearest'' as she picks up the younger man and throws him into the kitchen, his body hitting the island, blood pulsing down the back of his head. Eli grabs a chair, smashing it over the older man's head. As the three stood there, glancing at there handiwork, Eli, looks at Peter and Malia, ''Where's my dad'' he asked

Before Peter could answer, Jordan crashes through the door, in his arms Chris Argent, his voice hoarse ''he's been shot, it's bad, we need to get him to the hospital'' they all hurried, jumping into the jeep, speeding up the street, towards the hospital. Then out of nowhere, a truck hits the side of the jeep, making it spin out of control and flipping it on its side.

Chapter Four Here :)

[roseunspindle]

I get the feeling Jack and Castiel's redone heaven is a very different thing, besides no walls...

Like, it gives you thing's you want right?

So Dean of course wants Sam so even though it didn't seem like a long drive at a simple bridge stop, Sam's there.

Cas and Dean meet up soon after as well. It's not totally clear what happens between them, but they are running bar together shortly after and have their own house. It's odder when Benny, who was pretty sure he was morosely wandering Purgatory, a tiny amazon child in tow, then their walking out of the endless woods and come upon a bar. Dean's smile is radiant when he see's Benny, and so many things when he see's little Emma. In short order Benny has a spot behind the bar beside Dean while Castiel entertain's Emma with colorful drink parasols. (Jack show's up because he wishes to meet one of his siblings.)

Dean is somehow not surprised when Sam show's up with (he mocks delightedly) a vertaible harem. Madison apparently knows asl a bit and she and Eileen haven't stopped signing yet (Castiel joins in) Jess and Sam keeping giving eachother goopy eyes while Amy and Gabriel chat verbally. (Sam admits he already got to see Sarah, but that obvoiously her husband and daughter are with her.) Dean wonders if it's very selfish of him to be glad Sam's Amelia is nowhere to be seen.

Amy never speaks to him or acknowledges his existance. He accepts that as his jus deserts.

He isn't upset, like he thought he might be when Hannah comes in. (He does make a face at Balthazar but Bathazar makes a face right back so he thinks that's cool)

Jimmy and Amelia show up, and Cas, Sam, and Dean are happy to regale the two of all they know of Claire's life and accomplishments. Sam being the most recently dead knows the most. He and Jimmy get especially soppy over memories (and pictures) of Claire and Kaia's wedding.

Time probably passes. Dean, Benny, Cas, Balthazar and Hannah, little Emma in tow go home and return. They go on walks and drives. Sometimes he and Sam get together for a "just us drive". Sometimes Adam comes with. It's...slow going, but Dean and Sam try and Adam tries...Adam becomes much, much happier when a morose and apologetic Michael shows up. Dean figures he can't throw stones about ones eternal partner...(but he really wants to) (granted he also wishes Gabriel would stop with the eyebrows. He doesn't care if Sam is technically and old man...that is his baby brother why are those eyebrows waggling!) (Lenore who has also come by, her own bar coming into being directly across the street from Dean's, does the same thing. Sam looks delighted and helpess at all his loves. Lenore is a love he didn't even ever consider...but she's hear now and Dean whines because he was the brother with the vampire significant other...Sam's just copying him...) (This doesn't stop him from teaming up with the former trickster for an epic prank war.)

Henricksen makes his way to the bar. Along with sweet Nancy. Dean actually squeaks a bit when Benny gestures her behind the bar. He thinks he feels something like twelve with his first crush with her. It's something so very new and he thinks he likes it. Henricksen "I think you can call me Victor these days" drops by every now and then. He's on Dean's team for the prank war. (Nancy and Hannah get along great)

Dean, Sam (and Adam once he's introduced) are giddy when Henry Winchester arrives.

The real Meg Masters comes in at one point. Sam and Dean thank her again for trying with her last breaths to help them, she tries to aplogize for her angry ghost self but gives up with a happy laugh when they stick their fingers in their ears and sing until she stops. She has nothing to ever apologize for.

John and Mary come in...things are strained between them all. A lot of hurt...a lot of disappointment clouds their interactions. Emma tries to bite John's ankle.

Ash opts to live part time and the roadhouse and part time at Dean's bar, which mysteriously named itself Thursday's Child at some point. Dean also obediently goes to visit the roadhouse at Ellen and Jo's demand. Jo never work's at Dean's bar...but she does eventually make her way home with him and the rest. (Sam points out that he can't mock his number of significant other's anymore.)

Andy Gallagher, when he shows up, shepherding a scowly blonde goth girl and a sweet looking girl in front of him, zeroes in on Sam. He becomes Lenore's bar's resident "guy who sleeps on tables" but often follows Sam home. Lily (who made Sam look like he wanted to cry until the girl awkwardly kicked his shin and told him he tried and it wasn't his fault) and her girlsfriend mostly hang out at Lenore's when they pass through.

One person who goes to Sam's house, not the bar is Barry, the boy Sam had been friends with at Truman, not looking much older than when they were there. It's heartbreaking to think on. Sam does cry, when Barry knocks on his door one day. Interestingly enough, when he heads out to spend time with his friend...Sam is a child again for that time.

One day, when Dean takes a walk alone, he meets a young man. He knows him. Amy Pond's son. Dean accepts his earned censure and if Amy and he are with Sam, Dean know's he won't be seeing his brother that day.

Crowley, really, Fergus Macleod, shows up. He's on a bit of a time share with hell, he can't always be in heaven, his past as a demon being a bit problematic, but gets visiting rights.

More people come, Claire and Kaia, Garth (Dean no longer has any reservations about hugging Garth). Bess, Gertie, Little Cas and Littler Sam, Little Dean...a variety of folks that the winchesters or other's they know drop in and out. It's often busy and crowded and Dean is never truly alone.

It's Heaven.

[middleearthpixie]

Better Days ~ Chapter Four (was Human Touch)

A/N - I changed the title because I think this fits better. Sorry for any confusion. 😁

Summary: Frerin Durin had the perfect life, until he found out his wife was cheating on him. Now, he’s navigating uncharted territory as an about-to-be divorced single dad. Dating is a mess, he’s dealing with the fallout where his kids are concerned, and really, he would just love a vacation away from all of it. 

Elena Madison is new to Sidleburg, new to the history department at the high school, and also navigating life as a newly single parent. The last thing she needed was for her daughter to come down sick, when she hasn’t even had time to unpack the moving boxes, never mind find a pediatrician. And the last thing she ever expected was to meet a man like Dr. Frerin Durin…

Neither Elena nor Frerin were looking for anything, but fate has a way of messing up even the best laid plans. However, both have been hurt and both aren't at all sure they trust themselves, never mind trusting someone else...

Pairings:  Modern!Frerin  x ofc Elena Madison

Characters: Frerin, Flynn, Maura, Jake, Elena, Alyssa

Warnings: None

Rating: T

Word Count: 6.9k

Tag List: @mrsdurin @i-did-not-mean-to @lathalea @linasofia @fizzyxcustard @legolasbadass @kibleedibleedoo @xxbyimm @arrthurpendragon @exhausted-humxn-being @rachel1959 @laurfilijames @sketch-and-write-lover @sherala007 @enchantzz @knittastically @notlostgnome @myselfandfantasy @medusas-hairband @guardianofrivendell @jotink78 @sorisooyaa @ruthoakenshield @frosticenow @quiall321 @dianakc @buckybarnes-thorin @glassgulls @evenstaredits @heilith @asgardianhobbit98 @albionscastle @absentmindeduniverse @way-too-addicted-to-fandoms @sazzlep

If you’d like to be added (or removed) to the tag list, please just let me know!

Previous chapters can be found here. 

Frerin yanked off the black mock turtleneck he’d just pulled over his head and hurled it toward the hamper. Christ, it’d been two decades since he’d had to worry about making a good impression on a first date and he’d forgotten what a pain in the ass it could be. And while this wasn't his first date since he and Toni split up, it was the first one where he was this concerned about making a good impression. The last time he’d had to worry about it, he was a cocky nineteen year old more concerned with figuring out how to get into Toni Francetti’s jeans than he was with making a good impression. 

Of course, he found his way into those Guess jeans and ten months later, he then found himself newly married, staring down at his newborn son, wondering just how the hell he was going to finish college and support a family at the same time. Toni wasn't supposed to get pregnant. They’d only been out a couple of times and he was seeing a couple of other girls on campus as well, and neither one of them had said anything about being exclusive. Never mind being young and stupid. Young and stupid and drunk at a frat party when they got carried away. But, her family had money and her father made it clear to him that walking away was not an option. So, thanks to Toni’s family, he was able to finish college, and medical school, while she stayed home first with Flynn, and then with Maura, and then finally with Jake. 

He was far from a perfect husband. School, residency, working his way to an attending position meant time away from home, away from the family. He’d come very close to having an affair with a charge nurse, but stopped it before it went beyond a steamy kiss in the parking deck. He’d come clean to Toni and they tried to salvage their relationship, deciding to try for their third and final child, but in the end, it was Toni’s affair with a boy only slightly older than Flynn that delivered the final blow. 

He had to admit, it was for the best for all of them. The kids were adapting to their new lives and with far less tension in the house, they were all better for it. If he was absolutely honest with himself, he and Toni never should have gotten married in the first place. They were too young. Too selfish. Too immature. 

Of course, at the same time, he wouldn’t trade those kids for anything. 

He sighed as he tugged open the door to the walk-in closet and flipped the light switch. The closet ran the length of the bedroom, and was almost a room in itself. When Toni still lived there, they divided it half but since she’d moved out, he’d taken it over and had more space than he really knew what to do with. Suits and trousers and shoes were on one side, more casual clothes on the other. He peered out the window overlooking the front yard to see it was snowing lightly. Maybe they’d have a white Christmas. It’d be the first one in years. He and Flynn spent the previous weekend putting out the Christmas lights, while Maura and Jake took care of decorating inside the house. They did their Christmas baking last weekend and they would spend Christmas Eve with him, but Christmas Day with their mother and he didn't want to think about that. It wasn't the first Christmas he wouldn’t see them, after all when he was an intern and then a resident, his schedule included nights, weekends, holidays. Now that he ran the department, he had a bit more say in his schedule, but he also made sure he pulled his fair share of crappy shifts along with the other docs on his service.

Frerin frowned as he flipped through the rack of button down shirts, then moved to the stack of cubes where he kept tee shirts and long-sleeved shirts neatly folded. He chose a black henley and tugged it over his head, then moved to the mirror in the middle of the closet. Better than the mock turtleneck by far. Why did he even still have those stupid mock turtlenecks? He never wore them. Toni’s mother bought them every Christmas for him and they remained folded and unworn all year long. 

He flipped off the light as he left the closet and closed the door behind him, then moved to the chair under the dormer window in the far corner to pull on his favorite pair of shoes—brown Doc Martens Crazy Horse boots. 

The kids were in the family room, and he paused in the doorway and just watched them—Flynn and Maura were watching The Mandalorian, Jake was doing his homework. “Okay, guys, behave. I’m heading out. Jake, Maur, Flynn’s in charge and don't give him any trouble.”

As Flynn offered up a smug smile, Frerin was quick to add, “And no abusing your power, or else I put Jake in charge next time.”

“Nice,” Jake said, offering up his best impression of an evil smile.

Maura looked over her shoulder at him. “Have fun on your date, Dad. Be careful.”

“It’s just dinner, I doubt I’m in any danger.”

“Still, be careful.”

“I will, Mom.”

That earned him a smile and she turned back to the television. “Have fun.”

“I will. I won’t be too late and I’ve got my cell on.” He lifted his jacket up from where it lay across the back of the sofa. “Jake, bed by nine.”

“Dad, can’t I stay up a little later?”

“No. Bed by nine.”

“Man…”

“I’ll see you guys later. Like I said, I won’t be too late.”

“Don't hurry on account of us,” Flynn told him with utter seriousness, “especially if she’s cute.”

“That’s enough.”

“He’s right, Dad. You have our permission to have fun.”

“What kind of fun can they have over dinner?” Jake asked.

“You’d be amazed,” Maura told him.

“Enough.” Frerin dug his keys from the jacket pocket, and moved to the front door. As he pulled the door shut behind him, it was as Jake was asking one of them to explain what kind of fun they meant.

A sigh touched his lips as he walked down to his car. In the year since he and Toni separated, Maura and Flynn seemed okay with the few dates he went on, but this was the first Jake really paid any attention to it. And while he’d been out a few times over the course of the last year, he hadn’t slept with any of the women he’d dated, and he had no intentions of bringing any women home to spend the night unless there was actually a possible future, and since that was something he was not looking for right now…

He sank into the leather seat and turned over the engine, then got the heat going. As he backed down the wide drive, he tried not think about how quiet the house would be in the coming days. He didn't like it when the kids were at their mother’s, when the house was too quiet for his liking. He and Toni had worked out visitation with only a little fighting, and while they’d been doing this since the summer, Frerin still wasn’t used to the silence that came with an empty house.

The only good thing was he’d be able to get his Christmas shopping done before his shift began Saturday. Of course, that meant he’d have to wrap everything, which he did not look forward to doing. He sucked at it and as a result, Toni usually wrapped everything but her own gifts. 

“I’ll worry about that Saturday,” he muttered as he eased to a stop at the end of their street and peered into the mirror. He scowled, raked his fingers through the dark hair that would be curly if only he’d let it. That was how he knew when he needed a hair cut, when it refused to lay in any way that wasn't bushy. “I should do like Thorin and just let it grow out.”

He was just pulling into traffic when his cell rang. Leda. “Hey, what’s up?”

“I’m sorry to bug you, Frerin,” she said. “And I hope I’m not calling at a bad time, but Andrea’s temp has gone up.”

He shifted into Drive. “What’s it gone up to?”

“One-oh-one and she’s really cranky.”

“She’s most likely uncomfortable from the fever. Have you given her anything?”

“Some Tylenol about half an hour ago.”

“Give it some time to work. Do you want me to come by and take a look at her?”

Leda hesitated. “Are you home?”

“On my way out, but it’s no problem to swing by.”

“Are you on call tonight?”

“No. Believe it or not, I’ve got a date.”

“What?”

He grinned. “Yeah. But, she’ll probably understand if I call and tell her I’ll be a little late.”

“No, God, don't do that. I’ll give it another half hour or so and try her temp again.”

“Leda, it’s not a problem if—”

“No, Frerin, please don't change your plans. I know I’m just being a nervous mom, but—”

“Leda, it really won’t be a big deal. If it’ll give you some peace of mind, I’ll call Elena and tell her I’ll be a little late. She’s a mom herself. She’ll understand.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes. I’ll be there in just a few minutes.”

“Okay. But only if you’re sure.”

“Leda.”

“Bye, Frerin.”

He grinned as the call disconnected and he pulled up Elena’s number, smiling as she said, “Hello?”

“Hi, Elena, it’s Frerin. Durin.”

“I know it’s you,” a smile came through in her voice, “your name comes up with your number, remember. What’s up?”

“Uh, I’m going to be a little late. My sister-in-law, the one with the twins, just called. Her daughter’s temperature’s gone up again so I told her I’d stop by. I know you were planing dinner for six, so if you want to do this another night, I’d understand.”

“I’ll keep a plate warmed for you.” She hesitated, then added, “Unless you’d rather do this another night.”

“Whichever is easiest for you. I don't usually do house calls, but it’s my brother’s kids, so—”

“No, you don't have to explain. Family comes first.” She cleared her throat. “So, if you still want to come by—”

“I do, Elena. It shouldn’t take me long.”

“Okay. Then swing by when you’re done. Unless it’s really late, that is.”

“It shouldn’t be. But, what do you consider really late?”

“Eleven?”

He grinned. “I won’t be that late. I promise you that. I’ll let you know if anything changes, but I think my niece just has a cold.”

“Take your time. Chicken isn’t going anywhere.”

“I’ll call you when I’m leaving Thorin’s, okay?”

“Sounds good. See you later, then.”

“You will.”

 She clicked off and he drummed his fingers lightly against the steering wheel as he made a left onto Willoughby and headed out toward Route Seven. Thorin and Leda lived on the northwestern side of Sidleburg, in a dark gray Victorian with Pacific blue trim on three acres of land. A silver Honda Accord and a white Jeep Grand Cherokee sat in the driveway, with Thorin’s antique Mustang most likely in the detached garage, and he eased to a stop behind the Jeep. Snow began falling as he climbed out and made his way up to the wide, wraparound porch. 

Leda must have been watching for him, for the door opened before he could even reach for the doorbell. Her eyes were heavy-lidded, with dark circles smudging beneath them. She wore no makeup and her long blonde hair looked like she had a permanent case of bedhead. “Hey, Frerin, thank you so much.”

“No problem, Leda.” He stomped the snow from his boots before stepping over the threshold. “When was the last time you slept?”

“Uh… what day is it?”

“Leda.”

“I know,” she rubbed her face with both hands, then lowered them to add, “but Thorin’s got his hands full with the Dunraven and neither James nor Andrea is sleeping much, so…”

“I told her I can handle it,” Thorin thumped into the room, his screaming son in his arms, “but she’s fucking stubborn.”

“Thorin,” Leda spun around to glare at him, “that doesn’t help anything.”

Thorin rolled his eyes, gently bouncing James against his shoulder. “Neither does you being a zombie, Leda.”

“I am fine!”

“Okay, guys, don’t start fighting just yet. Let me take a look, okay?” Frerin cleared his throat as he reached for James. “Hey, little man, shhh… giving Mom and Dad a hard time?”

The baby let out a cry as Frerin laid his hand across James’ forehead. “He’s warm. What was his temp last time you took it?”

Thorin rubbed his forehead. “Uh… just below a hundred, I think.”

“Have you given him anything?”

Another shrill cry rang out, this one from the living room to his right and Leda tripped over her own two feet as she went to fetch Andrea. 

“Thorin?”

“No. Not yet.” Like his wife, Thorin’s eyes were ringed with bruise like smudged and his forehead furrowed as if thinking was hard to do. “I’m sorry, Frer. I’m so fucking tired, I can’t even see straight right now.”

“Yeah, I know the feeling well.” Frerin sighed. “Get the Tylenol and let’s give him some and see if that helps.”

“I thought fevers were good?”

“They are. It means their immune systems are working, but they’re miserable, Thorin. There’s no reason for any of you to suffer if none of you has to. Give them the Tylenol and hopefully they’ll sleep. And you and Leda both need to get some sleep as well.”

“Yeah, tell me something I don't already know,” Thorin growled as he thumped toward the kitchen. “How did you do this and get through med school and residency? How do you work those shifts still?”

“Toni took care of the kids when I was a resident and now? I’m used to it, more or less. And trust me, it will get easier. Sooner than you think and faster than you can imagine.” Frerin smoothed a hand over James’ hair, which was thicker and even blacker than his sister’s. The baby quieted against him, while his sister’s screams made up for it, and Leda looked ready to cry as she came back into the family room. 

Two pack’n plays were set up by the sofa, and Frerin carefully set James into the first one, then turned to Leda. “Let me see her, Leda.”

“She feels even hotter now,” Leda told him, rubbing one eye after he took Andrea from her. “Maybe we should just take her back to the ER.”

“Let me see first, okay?” He moved to the sofa to set Andrea on one of the cushions and unbuttoned her fleece sleeper. Andrea began fussing again, shoving a fist in her mouth to chew on. “Shhh, mimûna,” he whispered, laying his hand against her forehead, “You need to let Mommy and Daddy get some rest, too, honey.”

She let out another cry and Leda sank onto the cushion above Andrea’s head. “Shhh… baby… please stop crying…”

Andrea quieted for a moment as Frerin looked her over. “Get me the thermometer, please?” he said without looking up.

“Sure.”

“I got it.” Thorin came back into the room with a tympanic thermometer. He handed it to Frerin. “It’s got the little ear condom on it already."

“Thanks.” Frerin took the thermometer and gently slid it into Andrea’s right ear. She squirmed slightly, but then the thermometer beeped, so he eased it back out. “She’s at ninety-nine, Leda.”

Relief swept across her face as she sank against the arm of the sofa. “So, why won’t she stop crying?”

“When did she eat last?”

“About half an hour ago.” 

“She might have reflux. It’s fairly common in babies her age. Are you still nursing?”

She shook her head. “No. It was killing me, Frerin. We put them on formula a few weeks ago.”

“You might have to switch it up, try a few different ones and see if that helps.” He refastened Andrea’s sleeper and scooped her up to rest against his shoulder. She snuggled up against him, with a soft, tired sigh, and continued chewing on her fist. “In the meantime, I can give you a prescription for something, but honestly? I’d try an over the counter gas reliever like Mylicon first.”

“I can just get this at the store?” Leda asked.

“Yeah. It should be with the children’s cold medicine and cough syrup and the like.”

Thorin sighed. “I’ll go pick some up.”

“It should help. If not, let me know and I’ll write you the scrip.”

Leda let out a long sigh as Thorin clumped into the kitchen and grabbed his car keys. The kitchen door opened, then closed and a few minutes later, the Accord purred to life. 

“I’m so sorry I pulled you away from your date,” Leda told him, rubbing her eyes once more. 

“It’s okay. She understood.” He carefully got to his feet to rock Andrea gently as she cooed and gnawed away on her fist. “She’s got a kid herself, so she knows.”

“Tell me about her.”

He grinned. “There isn’t much to tell, Leda. I met her the other night in the ER and—”

“You dirty dog,” Leda let out a laugh, “you hit on a patient?”

“No. I’m not a grown-up doctor, remember? My patients are all under eighteen and I don't hit on any of them.”

“So, a sick kid’s mother? I’m not sure that’s better, Frer.”

“I didn’t hit on her in the ER. I just met her there. Remember the woman who came in to ask me about the discharge papers? The one you told me to hit on.”

“Oh, so you did take my advice. Then it’s all good.”

“I sort of took it. I didn't hit on her in the ER, though. I actually hit on her in the gym, instead. Her daughter is down with the flu, and she invited me over for dinner.” He smoothed his hand along Andrea’s back as she drifted to sleep. “And when I told her what was going on with these little ones, she understood.”

“Still… she’s the first one since you and Toni split up, isn’t she?”

“No,” he moved to the other pack n’ play and bent to carefully set Andrea in it, offering up a silent prayer that she remained asleep, “I’ve been out a few times, but they never amounted to anything.”

“Why?”

“I just… I’m not really looking for anything serious and most of the women I’ve met so far are hearing wedding bells instead of the restaurant’s daily specials.” He moved back to the sofa and sank onto the cushion on the far end opposite her. 

“At least tell me you’re getting hot sex out of it.”

He couldn't hold back his laugh. “I wish.”

Her eyes widened. “You’re not?”

“I’m not. And that’s okay, because I haven’t really been looking for that, either.”

“What?”

“I know, Thorin thinks I’m nuts, too. But to be honest, I don't have the time, Leda. Between work and the kids and boring-ass dates with women who don't really do it for me? Sex has fallen pretty low on the list of priorities.”

“It’ll happen again. Maybe with this new woman.”

“Yeah, maybe.” He raked his hand through his hair. “But if not, I don't even think I’d care a whole lot right now. I’ve got enough going on and this is only dinner. I’m not thinking much past it right now.”

Leda glanced over at the fireplace. “What time were you meeting her?”

“She’s cooking for me.”

“What?”

“Yeah. I mean, she’s not cooking for me. She was making dinner and just invited me to join her and her daughter.”

“Wait, she is cooking for you and you stood her up? Are you kidding me?”

He shook his head. “She isn’t cooking forme, Leed. And she understood.”

“Oh, Christ, Frerin, get out of my house and go have dinner. Thorin will be back in a few minutes and they’re both asleep, so get out while you can.”

“You sure, Leda? I can wait until he comes home.”

“Yes!” She laughed as she nodded. “I’m very sure. Go.”

He smiled as he rose from the sofa. “Call me if either one of them spikes another fever, okay, Leda? Don't worry about what time it is or where I am. If you need me, call me.”

“I will. Now, go.”

“What time is Dr. Hottie supposed to be here?”

Elena shot Alyssa a look. “I thought you weren’t going to call him that?”

“I said I wouldn’t to his face. And I won’t.” Alyssa didn't look the least bit contrite as she pushed her chicken around on her plate. “But, what time?

“He was supposed to be here for six, but his niece is sick and he was making a house call.”

“Mom, how cool would it be if you and Dr. Hottie got married? I’d never have to go to a doctor’s office again.”

Elena resisted the urge to roll her eyes. “Okay, first off, Dr. Hottie and I are not getting married. We haven’t even gone out yet and I’m not looking for a husband, besides. I had one of those, remember?”

“Dad is an ass. It doesn’t count.”

“Watch your mouth, Alyssa, and whether or not he is an ass is immaterial. I’m still not looking to get back into any serious relationship right now. I’m fine with this—” She gestured between them. “And even if, by some crazy twist, I did end up with Dr. Hot—Durin, you would still have to go to the doctor’s office because you’re almost old enough to no longer see a pediatrician if you really didn't want to, not to mention, it would probably be weirdly uncomfortable for both of you and I can’t imagine he would be willing to treat you as a patient anyway.”

“Yeah,” Alyssa’s nose wrinkled, “it wouldn’t be cool to have to get undressed in front of my stepdad. Or,” she amended as Elena shot her a look, “my mom’s boyfriend.”

“Exactly. Even if your father was a doctor, he wouldn’t treat you, most likely.”

Alyssa set down her fork. “I’m sorry, Mom. I’m just not that hungry. I kind of want to just to back to bed.”

Elena bit back a smile. Alyssa did look utterly exhausted, her face still pale and her eyes still on the heavy-lidded and sunken side, with faint purplish smudges ringed beneath them. “Okay. Go get into bed. Do you want some tea or hot cocoa?”

“Maybe some tea?”

“Okay. Go get settled and I’ll bring you some.”

“Okay.” 

Alyssa pushed her chair away from the table and made her way down the hallway to her room. Elena remained where she was for a minute, just staring at the empty chair in the tiny dining room that was really more alcove than room. It was a far cry from the five-bedroom beach house where Alyssa had spent her first thirteen years. The two-bedroom, first floor apartment was a fraction of the size of that house, and yet they’d both adjusted with relative ease. It was amazing, how the absence of constant friction, of constant tension, and of frequent fighting rendered the size of the living space perfect. Elena found she didn't jump at creaking floorboards the way she used to, she didn't hear a car drive by and have her stomach twist into knots. She didn't have to worry about strange voice mails or why Dan was suddenly so protective of his phone. 

From where she sat, she could see the microwave on the counter beneath the cabinet that held their plates and bowls. It was nearly eight o’clock. Hopefully, Frerin’s niece was all right. Unless, of course, the niece was a ruse to get out of seeing her. That made her wince. It wouldn’t be the first time a guy lied to get out of seeing her, but she usually made it past a first date before being stood up.

Then the doorbell rang and a hint of shame swept through her. Not all men were Dan. She had to unlearn all of the self-preservation tactics being with him had left her with. 

She stood and made her way to the front door, smiling as she peered through the peephole to see Frerin on the other side. She’d forgotten how cute he was, and for the first time in what felt like a lifetime, her belly felt alive with butterflies as she unlatched the chain, flipped the deadbolt and tugged open the door. 

He jumped, but then smiled. “I know I’m really late,” he said by way of greeting, holding up a narrow paper bag, “but I brought wine so I hope that scores me a few points.”

“You’re late, but a sick baby is a perfectly good reason,” she pulled the door open wider, “and wine helps.”

“Good. I hope chardonnay works for you. Or did I just lose those points?”

“Chardonnay is fine, but the chicken might be a little cold.”

“Cold chicken is good.”

“Come on in.”

He stepped into the apartment as she said, “How is your niece?”

“She has a cold and probably reflux. She’ll be fine in time.” Frerin shrugged out of his black leather bomber jacket and draped it over his forearm. “Her parents might not survive it, though. Neither one of them is sleeping much and I’ve never been so thankful I didn't have twins.”

“That’s got to be rough on them, especially if they’re both sick. Here,” she reached for his jacket, “let me take that.”

She moved to the closet, pulling the door open as he said, “Yeah, their kids are not quite six months old, teething, and sick. The first year is always the roughest when it’s one baby. But two? No, thanks.”

“Right?” The jacket was heavier than it looked, and as she slid it onto a hanger, a softly spicy scent wafted from it. Frerin’s cologne, most likely. She couldn’t place the scent, but it was a nice one, whatever it was. 

“How’s Alyssa feeling?”

Elena closed the closet door and gestured for him to come into the dining room. “She’s feeling better, but tired.”

“Yeah, the flu knocks you for a loop, even kids.” 

“Sit down and I’ll fix you a plate.”

“Elena, just point me in the right direction and I’ll fix it myself. Sit down, have a glass of wine. You don’t need to wait on me.”

She smiled. “It’s only a plate.”

“I know.” He winked. “I can manage.”

“Okay. Then manage.”

“I will.” 

“Would you like a glass?” She held up the bottle of chardonnay.

“I’d love one.”

She retrieved the corkscrew and two glasses, then came back to pop open the wine and poured it into both glasses. Then, she sank back into her chair and watched him fix a plate from the dishes on the table, then went into the kitchen. “Where do you keep your waxed paper?”

“Top drawer underneath the microwave.” 

“Got it.”

A few minutes later, he settled in Alyssa’s chair. “See? I managed.”

Elena stiffened at the steam curling away from the potatoes and chicken on his plate. “Oh, damn… I told Alyssa I’d bring her a cup of tea. Excuse me a minute.”

“No problem.” He speared a bite of chicken. “I’ll be right here.”

She hurried back into the kitchen to set the kettle on the stove and turned on the burner, then came back to her chair. He smiled, lowering his fork. “This is delicious, Elena.”

“It’s just a roast chicken.”

“Yeah, but I do most of the cooking now and I am not a good cook by any stretch of the imagination.”

“Are your kids starving?”

“Jake might be.”

“How many do you have?”

“Three. Two boys, with a girl sandwiched between them. My daughter and Alyssa are in math class together. My oldest is a senior and my youngest is in the fifth grade over at the intermediate school.”

“Are you a weekend dad or full time?”

“Full time.” He lifted his wineglass for a sip. “My soon-to-be ex-wife gets them every other weekend for now.”

“For now?”

He lowered the glass, and sighed softly. “Our divorce is dragging out. She’s fighting me for custody. She should only know how I have to insist they go with her on her weekends.”

“How long have you been fighting over them?”

“Since day one.” He traced his finger along the glass’ stem. “They don't want to live with her. They’re in the house where they grew up and they’re old enough where I think a judge will ask them as well. But, Toni is stubborn, so…”

Elena didn't miss the way his jaw tightened with his words, the darkness that seemed to come to his eyes with them. “Can I ask what happened?”

“Sure.” He shrugged. “It’s nothing earth-shattering. Married too young. Kids too soon. We kidded ourselves we could work out all of the problems, but that was a lie, and then she had an affair. With a kid only a few years older than our son.”

Elena didn't know how to respond to that. What could she say? He said it bluntly, with almost no emotion in his voice, but at the same time, it hit her far harder. “What?”

“Yeah.” He rubbed his bearded chin with one hand, then lowered it to reach of his wineglass. “She was a stay at home mom until about two years ago. Then she decided she wanted to go back to school and finish her degree. Like I said, we got married way too young, and Flynn came only a few months after our wedding, so she didn't get the chance to finish college. The kids were old enough and I thought it was a great idea, so she went back. Then she gets paired up with this kid as her lab partner and the next thing I know…”

“An affair.”

“Yeah.” He met her gaze then, and offered up a humorless smile. “The kid’s younger brother was in school with Flynn. On the baseball team with him.”

Elena pressed her lips together at the soft words, at the pain that flashed in Frerin’s blue-gray eyes. “I can guess what happened,” she said softly.

“You’d probably be right. Flynn defended his mother and nearly found himself off the team as well.”

“Nearly?”

“Yeah. He got a two-day suspension, but the coach knows him, and knew what happened and let him stay on the team. It was a mess, but it’s all behind us now, thank Mahal. He’s doing a lot better than he was last spring.” He lifted the wineglass, took a sip, and lowered it to add, “And that’s a lot to drop on you and I’m sorry. You can just kick me under the table to shut me up.”

“No, it’s fine,” she said with a smile, shaking her head. “I appreciate the honestly. Too many guys would be all she’s crazy and fucked up and any other excuse they can offer to make themselves look good.”

He paused his chewing and just stared and for a moment, Elena wondered if she’d said too much. Then, he swallowed and with a shake of his head, said, “So, I shouldn’t tell you how you’re not like other women, then?”

“Only if you want me to toss out of my apartment.”

He smiled then. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

The kettle began whistling, so she said, “Excuse me,” and went to switch off the burner under the kettle and moved to grab the box of tea bags from the overhead cabinet. She set one in the cup she’d taken out for Alyssa and poured boiling water into it.

As she waited for it to steep, Frerin came into the kitchen, plate in hand. “I didn't freak you out, did I? I mean, I know my sad life story is really fascinating and all, but you didn't need me unloading like that.”

“It was fine,” she told him, leaning back against the counter. “And it’s not unloading. I asked because I wanted to know.”

“Yeah, but still…”

“No, no but still.” She smiled up at him as she took the tea bag from the cup with one hand and reached for the bear-shaped bottle of honey with the other. “I did want to know. And I’d like to know more about you.”

“More? Like what else?”

“Well, how long have you been a doctor? How long have you been at the hospital? What do you do when you’re not putting worried moms’ minds at ease with your incredible bedside manner?”

He chuckled. “I graduated med school ten years ago. Finished up my residency and boarded five years ago and I’ve been at the hospital for the entire time. I matched there out of med school, and they offered me my current position two years ago.”

“And what is your current position?”

“I run the pediatric department. So, when I’m not covering the ER or putting worried moms’ minds at ease, I’m stuck in budget meetings and buried under paperwork.”

“Poor Dr. Durin.”

“Hey, you should see what my in box looks like. I’m lucky I get out of my office alive some times.”

As he spoke he stepped closer, looming over her, all broad shoulders and wide chest. He was almost a foot taller than her, and seemed to block out the light from that single overhead fixture. 

“It’s a good thing you’re surrounded by doctors then, huh?” she asked.

“Yeah.” He nodded, bending toward her. “It is. At times.”

He hesitated, but then leaned closer still. Her heart sped up, a thousand butterflies going wild in her stomach at the thought of his kissing her. 

His lips were soft, his kiss gentle, and as he eased an arm about her waist, she did the same about his neck, and let her fingers creep up into his soft, wavy hair. His hand splayed across the small of her back, heat from his palm seeping into her as his lips parted, as his tongue eased between her lips to slick slowly along hers. 

His beard scratched lightly against her skin. The arm about her waist tightened, the edge of the counter bit into her hip as he pressed her up against it. For the first time in well over a year, Elena’s body hummed with desire, her fingers twisted of their own into his hair, her back bowed and as her breasts pressed firmly into his broad chest, she didn't miss the way his breath hitched. His kiss deepened further, his tongue tangling with hers now, slow and thick and teasing, and the hand on her back slid down over her left butt cheek to cup it and gently kneaded it. 

“Mom?”

Frerin pulled away, somewhat breathless as he nuzzled her and whispered, “The tea…”

Her head spun from the fire in that one kiss, the one that left her breathless as well, with a delicious heat swirling through her. Her face was warm as she cleared her throat and whispered, “I should probably take that to Alyssa.”

He drew back, his eyes heavy-lidded, his grin on the boyish side. “Probably.”

“I’ll—I’ll be right back.” She slowly pulled away from him, reaching for the mug with one hand, drawing her index finger along her bottom lip with the other. It had been a lifetime since anyone kissed her with that much fire, that much passion, and a hint of shyness swirled through her as she moved to the doorway. There, she paused, and smiled as he turned toward the sink and with a light whistle on his lips, ran hot water into the sink, then tackled the dishes in the basin. 

“Where do you keep your dishtowels?” he asked, smiling at her over his left shoulder.

“The bottom drawer on your right. But, you really don't have—”

He winked. “Alyssa’s tea is going to be cold.”

She smiled back at him. “Well, far be it from me to stop you washing dishes.”

“They’re in good hands. Trust me.”

She ducked her head and made her way down to Alyssa’s room, which was dark except for the glow of the television on her tall dresser. “Did you get lost, Mom?”

“Funny. No, I didn’t. I had to let it steep, remember.”

Alyssa narrowed her eyes. “Why do I not believe that?”

“Lyss.”

“Okay, okay. You were letting it steep.” She sat up and flipped on the lamp on her bedside table. “Did Dr. Durin make it or are you still waiting for him?”

“No, he’s here. He’s doing the dishes.”

“What? What guy does dishes willingly?” Alyssa took the mug and sipped, then added, “Aside from one who’d probably hoping for a good night kiss.”

“Lyssa.”

“What? You should totally kiss him, Mom. I bet it feels weird because he’s got a beard.”

“I wouldn’t know. I’ve never kissed anyone with a beard before.”

“Well, maybe tonight you’ll find out.”

Elena smiled as she smoothed the comforter across Alyssa’s lap. “Don’t you be worrying about that. You try to get some sleep.”

“I will, Mom.” 

She took another sip of tea, then her expression grew serious—serious enough that Elena said, “What is it, Lyssa?”

“Well, I think you should let him kiss you. Then you can tell me if it’s scratchy and weird or not.”

“Why do you need to know this?”

“A few of the boys at school have beards, like Grayson Markham, and I don't think I’d mind it if he kissed me, but I think it would feel weird.”

Elena bit back a sigh. Her mother always described Alyssa as an old soul and more often than not, Elena agreed. However… “You’re not even fourteen years, honey. You should be thinking about school and homework, not kissing boys with beards. And how old is this boy, anyway?”

“He’s a junior. He just got his license on Monday.” Alyssa sighed softly. “And it doesn’t matter anyway. He’s got a girlfriend and even if he didn’t, he doesn’t know I’m alive.”

Thank God for small favors. But, of course, she could say that out loud, so Elena patted her through the covers. “Your time will come, honey. I promise you. Don’t be in such a hurry.”

“I know, but still…”

Elena smiled as she bent over to kiss the top of Alyssa’s head. “I know. Thirteen is a tough age. But, you’ll be grown up before you know it and I’m not at all ready for that, so let’s not hurry it along, okay?”

“Okay, Mom. You should get back to Dr. Hottie. He’s probably wondering if you’re ditching him.”

“In my own home?”

“You never know.”

Elena ruffled her hair. “I’ll come check on you in a little while. You should try to get some sleep.”

“I will.”

“Call me if you need anything.”

“I will.”

Elena flipped off the light and after a last look in over her shoulder, left the room, pulling the door by as she did. As she rounded the corner of the kitchen doorway, she smiled at the sight of Frerin stacking the clean plates in the cabinet. 

Dr. Hottie, indeed. 

“Tell me I’m not putting things in the wrong place,” he said without turning around. 

“No, you’re fine.”

“Good. My former mother-in-law used to move things in my kitchen—would put them where she thought they should be instead of where we actually kept them, and it drove me insane.” He closed the cabinet and turned toward her, leaning back against the counter. “So, if I did that, please yell at me.”

“I’m still deciding where things should go, so I don't think there really is a wrong spot just yet.” 

“Even so. Tell me, okay?” 

“I will.”

“So,” he draped the towel over his shoulder as he towered over her, “I was thinking we should go out sometime, Elena. You free Sunday night? I know it’s a weird date night and ordinarily, I’d suggest something on Friday, but I’ve to work Friday.”

“I’m free most nights, so Sunday would be fine. It just can’t be too late, since I have to work on Monday.”

He smiled as he dried his hands on the towel. “Sunday it is. Dinner? Movie?”

“What’s playing?”

“I have no idea. I don't even remember the last time I was in a movie theatre.”

“Me, neither, so why don’t we skip the movie and just do dinner then?”

“Dinner sounds good to me.”

She looked up at him and smiled. “Dinner it is.”

“Good.” His eyes glittered in the soft glow of the single overhead light. “I’ll pick you up at seven?”

“You don’t sound so sure.”

“No, I’m sure.” 

“Okay, so do you need to get home or do you want to maybe see what’s on television?”

“If you’re not throwing me out, I’ve got no where else to be.” He folded the dishtowel and laid it on the counter. “Do you watch The Walking Dead?”

“I thought that was on Sunday nights?”

“It is, and that’s why God invented On-Demand.”

“Oh, is that why?”

He nodded. “Oh, yeah. So, do you watch it?”

“No, but if you don’t mind my asking questions, I’m game.”

“I don't mind.”

“Then I’m game.”

[homomenhommes]

STORY: Ups And Downs 22

Give and Take

Rocky wasn’t kidding. When it came to fucking, he gave as good as he got…and more. He fucked me so hard the next morning that I didn’t think I would be able to walk for a month.

“Can I borrow your—”

Raphael entered my room through the connecting doors, which we always left unlocked so that we could commute between our hotel rooms easily. “Oh, sorry,” he said, realizing that he had caught Rocky and me in flagrante.

At that point, I was too enthralled to care that Rocky and I were being interrupted or even to reply, but Rocky seized on the moment. “Hey, stud, come give me a hand here.” What he really wanted, though, was a butt. “Sit on his face and help me hold him down while I destroy his ass.”

Though I was practically in tears from Rocky’s demolition of my rectum, Rafael gleefully joined the fray. As he sat on my face, he pulled my arms over my head and used his legs to secure them to the bed. Spreading his cheeks as he sat down, he aimed his hole directly to my mouth and commanded me to eat it, which, of course, I had no choice but to do.

“Squirm all you want,” sneered Rocky. “You’re my bitch now,” he proclaimed as he pounded my ass faster and harder. I would have screamed except that Rafael’s ass was covering my mouth.

“Lick it,” Rafael ordered. “Eat my ass,” he said, stroking his hard tool as well as mine in unison.

“Yeah, you’re really loving this, aren’t you, cunt?” Of course, I couldn’t have denied it if I wanted to with my mouth smothered as it was, but the truth is that I really was loving it. It was somewhat painful, but the thrill far exceeded the pain. I had used lots of guys in my dad’s storeroom, never quite as roughly as this, but now I understood why they enjoyed it so much. It was an extreme trip.

Rafael’s orgasm and mine battled for supremacy as the blasts from our dicks clashed between us, his jizz coating my crotch and mine splattering all over his junk at the same time. I shook from a series of electric shocks that surged through every nerve cell, synapse, and dendrite in my body—a response intensified by the beating that my prostate was getting from Rocky’s long, thick, hard cock, which practically burst with his own orgasm as he drove deeper and deeper into my inner sanctum.

Rocky and Rafael collapsed on top of me from opposite directions as all three of our spent bodies spasmed for several minutes.

“That was fun,” Rocky eventually gushed. “You’re even more magnificent as a bottom than you were as a top,” he teased, which brought a smile to Rafael’s weary but deliriously elated face. “We should do this again tonight.”

“Oh, shit!” I panicked. “I’ve gotta catch a train at 11:00.”

“You’re leaving?” asked Rocky, looking somewhat deflated.

“Only until Sunday afternoon,” I replied. “Until I get back, maybe Rafael can take out my revenge on you,” a suggestion that brought an even broader smile to Rafael’s face.

“OK, until Sunday I guess I can make mince meat out of his ass the way I did with yours,” bragged Rocky.

“When I get through with you,” boasted Rafael, “your whole body will be mince meat.”

Rocky pretended to throttle Rafael for that remark, but he lacked enough energy even if he had been serious, which, of course, he wasn’t. It was just a couple of dudes good-naturedly trash talking.

“If you guys are going to be around Sunday night, why don’t you come to my concert in Madison Square Garden?”

“That would be dope,” exclaimed Rafael, “but I’ve heard that concert has been sold out for months.”

“Well, it just so happens I am acquainted with the lead singer,” Rocky mocked, “and if you’re really nice to me, I can probably finagle a couple of back-stage passes.”

Rafael got so excited with that suggestion that he almost fell off the bed.

After I showered, dressed, and finished packing, I said my goodbyes to Rafael and Rocky, who had adjourned to Rafael’s room. They were still wrangling over who was going to fuck whom as I closed the door.

After checking out of the hotel, Mr. Block, Woody, and I took a taxi to Grand Central Station, where we caught the Amtrak train to Connecticut. We sat in facing seats with the two of them on one side and me on the other. No sooner had we gotten settled when I asked them to excuse me while I went to the dining car for a snack.

“It’s only a one-hour train ride,” commented Woody, “and we’re going to have a big lunch once we get settled in the hotel in Greenwich.”

“I know,” I replied, “but I haven’t had any breakfast, and I just want something to tide me over until then,” I explained as I got up to find the dining car.

“No breakfast?” chided Woody. “I guess you must have slept late.”

There weren’t many other passengers on the train at that hour, but as I passed a few in the narrow corridors, we had to turn sideways to avoid bumping into each other. At one point, I passed a couple of uniformed police officers, and one of them actually groped my tender ass as we converged. Suddenly, my mind flashed back to the two cops who had caught Joey and me naked in Flat Rock Park in Columbus and forced us to suck them off. In retrospect, that encounter didn’t seem nearly as bad as I had thought at the time. In fact, I was very tempted to relive that moment with these two cops right there in the corridor. As I continued on to the dining car, I looked back to see one of the hunky cops sizing me up. Damn! He was cute too.

On my trek to the dining car, I passed several private compartments, most of which appeared to be empty, and the ones that were occupied had the shades pulled down over the windows—except for one that had me do a double-take. I wasn’t sure I had seen what I thought I had seen, but when I looked again, I saw a man, completely naked, milking his lizard, and he was staring directly at me with a mischievous grin.

“Nice cock,” I said, as I entered his compartment, locked the door behind me, and pulled down the shade. He didn’t reply; he just stared at my crotch, which was enlarging by the second. As I dropped my pants and exposed my own cock, he squealed and dumped his load all over his belly. My first thought was that I was too late, but he quickly scooped up the cream and wiped it across his joy hole, which he then offered to me. Not wanting to appear unappreciative, I readily accepted the invitation and plunged my stake into the heart of his ass. I loved the feel of his tight tunnel and the thought of dipping my cock into his juices.

Maybe I shouldn’t admit this, but as I fucked this complete stranger, my mind flashed back to Joey in the park, to Tyler by the pool, to Zac in the limo, to Rocky in the hotel, and, yes, to my fantasies of Woody. Naturally, I shot my load pretty quickly, which, I suspect, was a disappointment to the train passenger. Still, he thanked me as I pulled up my pants.

“Let the shades back up on your way out,” he instructed.

“Aren’t you afraid those cops will see you?” I asked.

“I’m hoping they will,” he smirked. “I’ve already had one of them, and I’m hoping to have the other one before this train gets to Boston.”

Having squandered most of the time I was hoping to use for a quick breakfast, I just grabbed a granola bar and headed back to my seat. Whether it was the satisfied look on my face, my disheveled appearance, or the smell of sex all over me that gave me away, Woody sighed at me as I sat across from him and exclaimed, “Planes, trains, and automobiles. Jesus Christ, Joe, they could make a movie about you.”

“Oh, give the kid a break,” Mr. Block admonished Woody. “I remember when you—”

“Stamford,” came the call over the speakers. Stamford, Connecticut, was our stop, the closest station to Greenwich, our destination. I was dying to hear Mr. Block finish his comment about Woody, but, alas, that was not to be.

Woody drove us in the rental car to the hotel. Normally, I would have driven, but even though I was old enough to have a license, I wasn’t old enough to drive a rental car since most companies require the driver to be at least 25.

After checking into the Delamar Greenwich Harbor Hotel, we enjoyed a hearty lunch on our way to the location of the art show. Since there would be only hors d’oeuvres at the reception, lunch was my only chance that day for a full meal, and I was famished.

I was a bit surprised when Woody pulled the car up to a warehouse just outside of town. This is where they’re having the art show? It turned out to be the perfect facility for the exhibit, though. Paintings, sculptures, and other works of art adorned the temporary walls and partitions, and empty spaces were decorated with industrial hardware such as hand tools, cog wheels, and vats, and a forklift even served as a platform for a large nude sculpture of Vulcan, the Roman god of fire and industry.

“I love what you’ve done with the place,” said Mr. Block to the man approaching us as we entered. “Arthur, it’s so good to see you again.”

“Joe, I’d like you to meet Mr. Cavendish, the genius behind this extravaganza.”

“Aaron,” edited the man as he extended his firm hand to me.

“What can I do to help you, Mr. Cavendish…uh, Aaron?”

“Well, as you can see, most of the artwork has already been placed, but maybe you can help me move a couple of benches and then do a last-minute check of the inventory. Do you know how to drive a forklift?” He was only joking. Little did he know that I actually did know how to drive a forklift.

It was only 4:00 o’clock, and the reception would not be until 6:00. After showing off my muscles with a few manual chores, I followed Aaron around the warehouse with a checklist, ticking off each entry as he called out the titles of the pieces. The artwork—mostly nudes, some of which were very explicit—was very impressive, but we moved so quickly that I scarcely had time to appreciate them. I was looking forward to having more time to really drink them in.

As we approached the last section, my jaw nearly hit the concrete floor, bounced up to the ceiling, and ricocheted off the walls before slapping me in the face. Sketches. My sketches. Pictures that I had drawn of the scenes around the pool at the Block estate. When I gazed at Aaron speechless, he explained, “Arthur sent these to me. I hope you don’t mind.”

“I...I….” Half a dozen of my sketches had been nicely framed and mounted on a wall all by themselves. They were displayed in an area devoted to sketches and drawings, but they hung on a partition with no other competition, and beside each piece sat a card with my name, a title (which I’m sure Mr. Block had provided since I had not named any of them), and a price. “A hundred dollars?” I gasped.

“I think they’re probably worth a lot more, and undoubtedly will be one day,” explained Aaron, almost apologetically, “but since you are an aspiring artist, I didn’t want to price these out of the market.”

I was so overcome that without even thinking, I threw my arms around him and gave him such a big squeeze that he had to caution me. “Easy there, champ. I do have to breathe, you know.”

It was a cleverly disguised compliment. Aaron was a hunk—not quite like Woody, but the man was built. I saw it when I first met him, and I felt his ample muscles when I embraced him.

“Anyway,” he added when I let him go. “Mr. Block is the one you have to thank for this. I would not have been aware of your talent had he not enlightened me.”

“I…I…”

Aaron just patted me on the back and laughed approvingly.

I remained in a state of shock for the rest of the evening. Little did I know that this was only the first of several big surprises that would shake my world that weekend.

To be continued

+

[stay-xen]

Project: Eden's Garden

since i've seen several people post their opinions regarding the new danganronpa fangame's cast, why not join in since i finished the prologue?

spoilers for the prologue and predictions up ahead!

Damon Maitsu First of all, making the protagonist the ultimate debater is a really clever idea to make him lead the trials. also he's such a dick. i love him. he reminds me of early chapters byakuya and i want him to realise that he needs to trust the others to stay alive. very interesting approach for a protagonist imo

Eva Tsunaka My girl, i already love her. i feel like she'll make a grat 'rival' character, especially with her talent and animal motif. although wolfie might be the rival? not sure about it yet. i do believe that she will be alive for a while, maybe even sacrificing herself for the group in the end

Desmond Hall I trust him with my life. He has a SHARK motif, of course i'm going to trust him. he seems like such a good boy so i assume that he will become a victim sooner or later. if he ends up being a blackened i WILL cry

Eloise Taulner I am going to protect her with everything i have. very shy and anxious, i assume she will find strength eventually and become more confident, possible after losing somebody close to her? swan motif is very sweet for her :c

Toshiko Kayura My daughter is definitely compensating for being young, trying to be more mature than she is. i adore her getting flustered when called out, i hope that she will survive. she's a baby so pleaaase

Wenona step on me. i don't trust her, at all. she seems like a mirror for Damon, so my current guess is that she might become a blackened (or victim, either way i think it might involve cassidy)

Ulysses Wilhelm My useless son, i love him. he's so smart yet so dumb. please stay safe. current guess is first victim, sadly. idk he hasn't really done much yet :C

Mark Berskii I ADORE HIM i love his design and his attitude. "call the fire brigade, Grace" hasn't left my mind yet. such a simple line, yet i love him. strong connection to Jet already, i assume Mark will be a survivor that gets drive after Jet dies?

Diana Venicia Oh i wish i could trust you, love. something about her talent having to do with make up (covering up/identies, etc) and the chameleon motiv really makes me worry about her. i don't think she's the mastermind, but i believe she might be a blackened. maybe first chapter even?

Wolfang Akire i do not trust you but i will forgive you everything you do. this man has me in a chokehold and i'm not complaining. there's something about him being a 'wolf in sheep's clothing' i KNOW it and i can't wait to see it. his extreme sense of justice in the mock class trial was very interesting to see and i assume it will only be more extreme in actual trials. potential rival, i fear he will not survive. maybe a blackened, having to go against his principals for a certain motive? he's so polite though, especially to Eloise :c

Kai Monteago My fail son, my wet paper back, my beautiful butterfly. i saw him and fell in love, i can't wait to see more of this idiot. although i hope for character development, my current feeling is that he is going to die :c yet at the same time i can see him be a survivor (like hiro, souda being the clueless one, although i know they're not following the usual scheme)

Jett Dawson I've had this wolf for like 4 hours but if anything happens to him i will kill everyone in this academy and then myself. SO precious, SO dumb, i can't wait to see him get closer to Mark and ultimately get my heart broken. Current guess: victim

Ingrid Grimwall awooga. strong woman yes. on a serious note, i like that she's rather feminine and still strong, but i haven't seen enough of her yet to form a proper opinion :c could see it go either way with her tbh

Grace Madison soybean. i adore her, she doesn't have a single braincell and is currently trying to steal Wolfgang's. a real one for trying to fight back AND being able to actually get the jump on Tozu. No high hopes for survival though ngl :c

Jean Delamer If he ends up being a blackened, i'll be sad. he seems like such a nice guy, very safe, very brrr. also a whole ass dragon motif??? how cool is that??? he really feels like a safe space for the group, both mentally and physically so i hope we get to see a lot of him!

Cassidy Amber The only valid rich person. LOVE the spiderweb clothes. wouldn't be surprised if she kills Wenona or dies trying lmao. not the smartest tool in the shed but i love gaming references so i'm more than happy. it IS a stepladder.

Tozu Why is he hot. he's not supposed to be hot i hate it here (/s). didn't expect him to look like this but i am more than happy with the design. please show me more of him

Mara WHO ARE YOU i wanna see you more and talk to her and aaaaa she's mysterious OwO

[makeyouminemp3]

hot take: i don't really like staylor all that much. like i agree, they have cute moments. but the two times they've got together were with when the other was with someone else (and i am a shayla stan til i die), also i just think taylor deserves better than steven. like i was trying to get used to the idea of them over the season but i was just not into it by the end when steven was being an ultimate dick rider for conrad, and seeing how his interpretation of love and that his sister should have that like.... do you hate your sister? do you want her to be in a relationship with a guy whose emotionally unavailable (and honestly, should be in THERAPY, not a relationship) and also made her cry at prom? boy, YOU were THERE, your sister was crying in your arms and after like what? 2-3 days of subtle moments just erased all of that PLUS what happened at the funeral? i'm sorry but no. taylor had such a good point for defending jere like "he was also losing his mom and the rest of you just forgot about him and focused on only conrad" not that the others should've ignored conrad, but only seeing how one is feeling over the other is FAVORTISM. and if that is what steven sees that conrad is the right fit for belly and says how much conrad challenges her, i don't think steven is a good partner if he looks up to b*nrad as a good relationship example

and the "her middle name is madison" thing like, did yall expect milo to know taylor's middle name? i don't even disclose that information with my longtime friends, let alone a guy i've been dating for a few months because who fucking cares. that shit was like bare minimum

and also another thing: steven mocking shayla's accent was not it (and i love taylor, but her laughing along with it as well is a major yikes for me)

[foreveryroseathousandthorns]

For Every Rose A Thousand Thorns - CHAPTER ONE

"Five whole years after the initial disappearances of Madison Moore and Bran Reeves, even more students have disappeared from the Highton College grounds. This morning at around 0800, twins Andrew and Ashley Martinez were reported missing by their roommates. This disappearance now marks the ninth and tenth college-aged students to have disappeared since the beginning of the disappearances. High College has announced that beginning Oct -"

Torrin hit the power button on his remote, turning off the television. Seriously, five whole years and ten disappearances, and they still hadn’t managed to figure out what was happening to all those people? How ridiculous. Sure, he wasn’t certain it was LionDog like more and more folks were claiming – after all, he did work there, and he hadn’t seen anything – but surely they would have found something by now. It almost seemed suspicious. Part of him wondered if the news was being paid off. Not that he would do anything about it. He prided himself in providing suppressants to the fortunate few Alphas who had managed to keep free from Beta ownership, he couldn’t risk the higher ups hearing about that because he got too bold about other problems. Who knows, maybe he would then end up next. What a funny thought that was. He couldn’t help but give a small chuckle, as he stood and stretched and turned to put on his coat and scoop a small bag off the side table. Perhaps later on he could dig more into the rumors, put on his little tinfoil hat and bury himself in conspiracy. That was a later job, though, for after he finished all that he was up to at present.

Out the front door he went, through the winding halls and down the steep stairs of the apartment he lovingly called home. It was only a quick walk to reach the towering walls of one of very few ‘Free Alpha’ settlements, controlled towns for those fortunate Alphas that he had the pleasure of serving, yet somehow even longer to get inside. One would think that, by now, they would have grown used to his constant ins and outs. “Heading out to the hotel again, are you, Mr. Fenix?” One of the guards mocked as he let him by. “Are you sure you’re the Beta that you’re always claiming to be?” This was almost a daily mock at this point, could he really not come up with anything more creative? The man could only keep walking forward, heading down the street, to the left, and up the steps of the SugarSpirit Hotel, cheeks burning even with how adapted he had become at this point. The Alpha running the front desk wordlessly handed him a card, and he made his way on up.

As expected, Nemo was already waiting in the room, feet shuffling anxiously on the floor. It had been longer than usual since she had last requested suppressants, some vague part of Torrin couldn’t help but wonder. But he pushed that thought away as quick as it came. It was rude to speculate, he chided himself. Instead, he pulled the bag out of his pocket, setting the little bottles of suppressants down on the side table. “I could get you enough for about three months, I figured it might be the safest bet for you.” He stated calmly. “Fresh batch, shouldn’t expire until next year. Only take one at a time, these ones are swallowed just the same as the rest. I couldn’t get my hands on the injectables this time. My fault, of course. I’ve been taking too many, they’re getting suspicious.” Nemo shook her head. “Not your fault at all. Its there fault, for making the prices on these things so damn high. You’d think they’d want the rise in crime. Then again, just gives them one more excuse to lock this place down even more.” She opened one of the bottles with shaking hands, spilling out a pill into her palm and swallowing it with a sour expression.

A sad truth, Torrin could hardly even find words to dispute it. He gave up on trying, and let the two of them just sit there for a bit, in relaxed silence, watching the hours tick by. They made small talk, at points, and enjoyed a light dinner together, ignoring the now-constant patrolling of the streets, Alphas being questioned for the simple crime of walking home. He almost wished that this could last, that all that outside could be ignored. After all, this uptight security might make his job harder. It seemed it would only be a matter of time before the inside of the hotel was patrolled as well, before privacy became a thing of the past. But nothing could last, and as the sun had just started its decent from its place in the sky, he slowly rose to his feet.

“Until next time.” He said, as he parted ways with Nemo, heading down the elegant yet still aged staircase and out into the streets. Home he went, he supposed. Tomorrow was work, tomorrow he would have to try to grow his stash more. For Nemo, and for all the other Alphas he serviced. Pulling his coat tightly around himself, he could feel his skin prickling as he walked. How odd. Even with this increased security presence, he had never at all felt uneasy walking down the streets here. He’d wager he normally felt even safer than in his own home. Torrin pushed the feeling aside the best he could, though. Perhaps he was merely nervous about his intentions for tomorrow. Or maybe this extra security really was putting him on edge. No matter what it was, surely it couldn’t be all that significant, right? Perhaps he was simply being a bit of a chicken, no reason whatsoever needed.

Stepping out through the gates, he tried to whistle up to himself a very merry tune. Whatever the problem was, it would all be gone in the daylight. Always has been in the past, always will be in the future. There were no problems here, none at all. Except...as he turned to walk down the road leading straight to his complex, he froze at the sight of a dark figure in his path. That, however, that was new. That may pose a problem. He forced his legs to keep moving forward, kept his head high, tried his damnedest to seem confident even with the trembling that now shook his fingers. Nobody was ever out at this time, not along this path. He could hear the alarm bells ringing in his head. But he had to get home. Perhaps he was still overthinking it, just because he was out at this hour didn’t mean that other’s lacked the right to be. Surely, once he passed by this stranger everything would go back to normal, right?

Incorrect. The closer he drew, the more familiar the stranger became. An associate of his boss, he recognized them, though his mind couldn’t seem to dredge up a name. Maybe they had business in the settlement? Or maybe not, seeing as how they had begun to take a few threatening steps towards Torrin.

“Little late for you to be out, isn’t it?” They asked in a very light, upbeat tone. “Especially so close by the Alpha settlement, there’s really been some nasty ones out theses days. What a shame, you’d think there’d be bigger consequences for not taking their meds.”

Torrin stumbled backwards, eyes widening. “I uh. Just heading home. Had business to attend to. For uh…” He gestured awkwardly at his bottom half before pulling his coat tighter around his shoulders. It was embarrassing to claim such a thing, but then again, perhaps that was his best option in this situation. After all, it wasn’t like he would be the only Beta entering the settlement to handle urges. If he was, the Hotel would be failing quite a bit now, wouldn’t it?

“Urges? My my, what a highly personal thing to admit, I’m sorry that I forced that out of you.” The associate snickered. “Anything else you’d like to share?” They asked. Ever so slightly, Torrin could hear the sound of movement on either side of him. Oh no.

“Uh. No. Nothing.” He stammered out.

A grin split the associate’s face. “Perfect then. Into the truck. And maybe then you’ll tell me where over 5000 doses of our suppressants have scrambled off to.”

Fuck.

[noemitenshi]

Moral Compass

The Madison & Troy story I won't write (probably not. you never know. my word means nothing)

---

So, for some reason, I envisioned a Madison&Troy story (dark-ish) where their relationship is much deeper than in canon and they are influencing each other (not exactly for their betterment. but Troy does survive the dam so that’s good, at least).

I was trying to come up with an idea for the start of this deeper relationship. What would do it? What had to change from canon? And then I thought about the time after Jeremiah’s death and before Walker and his people come to the ranch. Someone must have told Troy about this. And he must have had opinions. But they never showed us this. So below is one idea of how this scene could go (keeping in mind that this is also where they leave canon).

I don’t think I’ll ever really write this (hence why it is a tumblr post) but I may add to it if ideas keep coming.

Enjoy

"so. whats the play?" Troy asked deliberately casual. The same way he was leaning against the wall. "??" "with the indians. you don’t really plan on sharing. are you?" "no play" troy presses his lips together, unhappily while madison looks at him impatiently. he wants to say "youre joking", wants to rage against her. but he can see that wont work. she's unbudging in this. and there's something else, too. something more pressing. something he almost doesn't want to ask. but he's not one to back down. not even from questions he suspects he wont like the answer. *especially* not from those. so he goes: "do you still need me, now that youve settled for compromise? now that theres no war coming? or are you looking for the first opportunity to discard me. hmm, madison?"

madison does not answer, just looks disapprovingly at troy. so he adds. "jakes the lawyer after all. if you want pretty words - then it's him you need" and he's looking at her all challengingly, kinda daring her to say it. So she tries to deflect all "its what your father wanted" "well, newsflash, my father is dead." "He died for this place. His people" troy huffs "dad didn't have one selfless bone in his body. He'd rather have let us all die in an attack than sacrifice *anything*. So if he died for anyone - must've been himself" And Madison kinda doesn't know what to say to that, probably looks uncomfortable and broody. And then troy goes "you haven't answered my question. Wanna do away with me now, huh?" and guess she will go on the offense now "yeah. you're right" she will say and look him in the eye, kinda squinty "what i need now *isn't* brutality. i need cooperation and goodwill and-" troy scoffs loud enough that she stops talking. "this isnt a joke" madison hissed. "no" troy said slowly, measuredly "this, them and us, together, is a powder keg" "you planning on being the match?" Troy smirked in this condescending way of his "I dont have to" he said and shrugged a little "enough folks being on edge here. enough folks that lost someone to those... people." "do you *want me* to do away with you?" "you promised me a war, madison. had me go against my brother, my father. i did that *for you*" he'd gone close, close to her, towering over her. She was not cowed. "let's not get into who owns whom, hu?" she said. a warning. he snarled, not that it did anything. "so, where does that leave us?" he asked then. it was both the easiest thing he'd ever done and the hardest. madison had such a way about her. "you tell me, troy. where *does* it leave us? you gonna become a problem?" "we both know why you chose me, madison. before. why you... played nice. if that's- if that's not needed anymore..." he trailed off and shrugged, a self-mocking smirk on his lips. "it could be" she offers then. oh, she knew exactly when to offer him a lifeline. "there's still the dead out there. we still need-" "you don't think that's enough. do you?" she gave him a quick side-eye. that was enough to tell him that no, she didn't think that. he bit his lower lip. "there could be others. others that wanna take whats ours. i'd feel safer knowing you were there in case..." "in case what? those unknown strangers *may* attack? come on, you don't believe that" "you didn't expect *us* either, did you?" There was such an undertone in her voice it raised the little hairs on troy's neck. "What are you saying?" he asked slowly. pointedly. "you just - you never know what'll happen" such feigned casualness. but then her voice became soft. alluring "don't you want to see? what else there is?" - Oh, he knew exactly what she was doing - "...by my side?" Yep, there it was. By her side. He wanted nothing more. And she knew, she knew it, damn it. He inhaled shakily. But she wasn't done. "I  don't want to... have to..." again she side-eyed him "*manage* you" He tilted his head in a 'come on' gesture and demanded, "Say what you mean." "I mean it, troy," she said instead, touching his upper arm, squeezing, "i do want you by my side." "do you now? or.. is this you managing me already?" "it can be both - can't it?" madison asked. and she sounded almost uncertain. there was a glint in her eyes, betraying her "i don't know why but- there's something between us - from the very first moment. something about you... feels like kinship." troy blinked slowly for lack of an answer. he hadn't expected any of that. her acknowledging this connection between them. wanting it, even. or so it seemed. "kinship? that why you look like youre in physical pain any time im around your kids?" "kinship to me. not to them." there was no apology in her words nor her tone. in fact it was unyielding. familiar. it made troy smile. "so, you're telling me" he said slowly, voice softening, a meaningful look back and forth between them, "you *don't* want to rain hellfire down on them? the people who killed travis..." "i want to survive. my *kids* to survive..." she trailed off and he suspected she finally understood where they differed. he didn't have anyone like that in his life. where he'd do anything and everything for their continued survival. "but you don't get that, do you?" It hurt more than he'd like to admit. Hearing it out loud. He'd always craved connection like that. From the very first time she'd said she loved travis more than her life it stupidly had made him jealous. jealous bc he didn't feel like that about anyone. but he wanted to. didn't even understand why he did want it. it sounded suicidal. and so, so alluring. "i..." he didn't have a clever answer. nor could he bring himself to admit it, admit that yes, he didnt have that. never had. madison looked at him like he was a caged tiger. "it's not like i don't want to" he finally settled on "..get it, i mean." he swallowed uncomfortably. "no?" Oh, he had surprised her. That was... well that was something. "no" he affirmed, running his tongue along his bottom lip. "nick said..." her voice wasn't assured anymore. she spoke slowly. careful "nick said you'd die for the ranch - as a suicide note..?" troy's lips twitched, amused. "he said, did he? did he also tell you what he told me?" "what? no. Don't deflect" Troy shrugged. He truthfully had thought she should know. But then again if she herself told him to leave it, he would. "So." Madison prompted, somewhat impatient. "So?" "So, would you die gladly for the ranch? Or was that just talk?" "I would." "Then-" "It's not, it's not the same," he interrupted her, "I'm not doing that for anyone else. I'm doing it for me." She furrowed her brows. "You'd still be saving people" she offered. "Yeah" he said and did his half-snarl half-smirk "saved alicia too. didn't i?" And he lifted his brows. Madison's face did something complicated. "didn't do that for her either." "You did it for me" "or i did it because i was bored. because i didn't agree with jake's plan. because i owed you. because i got excited about the opportunity to kill people." The smirk was still playing on his lips and madison's furrow deepened. there was a long stretch of silenece between them. then she whispered, "doesnt mean you won't ever have it" "does that matter? if i don't have it *now*" uncomfortable silence. she broke it again. "aren't i reason enough?" and she almost sounded like she meant it. that she didn't want to manage him - do away with him. like she wanted him to *give her a reason*. "not yet." "what does that mean?" "means we're not there yet." "troy..." she whispered in this placating,  no soothing. No, pleading tone. she *did* mean it. however this had started out, however she would feel after. in this moment troy was sure that she really didn't want to act against him. want to *have to* act against him, as she would no doubt put it. it *was* something. "let's not kid yourselves madison. i am what i am." he regretted it the moment he saw her face. so he amended "but i can.. try. for your sake. i can." she did not look convinced and he cursed himself. why couldn't he have bit his tongue? But that just wasn't him. "no you can't" she said and she sounded so sad. he had to swallow uncomfortably. "you could..." he hesitated for a beat. did he really want to reveal that much to her? but then again, she probably already knew. Had had him pegged from the very first moment after all. "teach me?" He had surprised her again. Now he just had to wait and see whether it was in a good or a bad way. though he added, slyly almost "i *can* follow orders." "can you now?" she finally said. asked. but there was no bite in her voice. if it were anyone else he'd say it was teasing. "try me" he challenged and spread his arms from his body. She closed her eyes. sighed. "youre following my lead." It was a statement, not a question. he still nodded, a small grin on his lips. "I'm following your lead" he confirmed. Oh, this had him excited. It was something new, unknown. It was... something he wanted. She sighed again. But he didn't pay that much mind, giddyness taking over. Who'd have thought this would be the outcome of their conversation? Certainly not him. He didn't exactly know what he had expected - maybe both of them firmly on opposite sides. But not *this*. An offer of... mentorship? The thing he had envisioned the moment he'd realized that she *understood* him. "im glad you came to talk to me." Her words pulled him out of his memories and he smiled. The same soft smile he'd smiled back then. This time, she reciprocated. 

[polaroidbills]

08. no bitches?

pairing! - non-idol!jungwon x fem!reader

synopsis! - inspired by reckless by madison beer - jungwon promised y/n to never break her already damaged heart, but can he really keep it?

word count! - 743

october 14, 2021 @ 6:55 p.m

(y/n's pov)

the sound of the welcoming door bell rings through our ears.

the door opens, revealing heeseung.

"hey guys! come in!" he allows us to walk in.

immediately i see jay cooking, sunoo chilling on the couch, riki looking for ice cream, and sunghoon and jake playing video games.

"jay's just cooking dinner. i think it's tteokbokki," heeseung shuts the door.

"where's jungwon?" i question.

"oh he said he'll be a bit late," he shrugs.

"oh okay," i mumble as chaeyeon pulls me away, ending the conversation.

20 minutes later, it's now 7:15.

jungwon's still not here.

"yah! jake what the hell!" sunghoon shouts.

we're all playing mario kart and jake hit sunghoon with a shell. everyone laughs.

the door bell rings. "jake go get that," heeseung orders, immersed in the game. "fine."

"yes! i won!" sunghoon celebrates.

"jungwon hey!" everyone turns to the door. jungwon walks in with a smile and we all greet him.

running up to him i hug him, "i was waiting for you, what took you so long man?"

"heh, sorry my mom needed help with the laundry, took longer than i expected," he laughs hugging me back.

"okayyy! break it up or get a room!" jake shoves his hands in between us to separate us. we laugh awkwardly.

at dinner, jay places his tteokbokki on the table.

"hmm it's delicious," i say surprised.

"right! jays cooking is for real the best!" riki agrees and everyone starts digs in.

"so what should we do tonight?" sunoo starts a conversation.

"hm.. i was thinking we play party games. you know like truth or dare and whatever," heeseung suggests.

"yeah! and then we can watch like a movie or two!" riki adds and everyone agrees, finishing our food.

after placing our dirty dishes in the dishwasher, we all gather in the living room. as i was about to sit down next to jungwon when chaeyeon squeezes in between us and sits down.

"so who wants to start?" jake says making everyone confused. "huh?"

"truth or dare? hello? okay fine. whatever. heeseung, truth or dare?" everyone comes to realization.

"ohh~ hmm, truth."

"is it truth that no ones asked you to the spook-a-thon yet?"

we laugh and "ouuu"s are heard.

"yes," heeseung salts.

"it's giving megamind, no bitches?" everyone laughs.

"okay okay i get it, but to be fair jake, the only bitch you get is your dog, layla," he smirks and everyone bursts into laughter. jake rolls his eyes in defeat.

"anyway, hmm chaeyeon, truth or dare?"

"uhh you know what? dare."

"ouu shes getting bold," everyone jokes.

"okay... i dare you to sit beside the hottest guy here," heeseung dares.

"easy," chaeyeon gets up and sits right in between jake and jungwon.

"ouuu," everyone shocked, as well as me.

"so is it jake or jungwon?" heeseung asks

"i didn't pick truth~," chaeyeon mocks.

"okay okay, hmm let's see... oh y/n truth or dare?"

"dare."

"i dare you play the pocky game with sunghoon," chaeyeon smirks.

"oh shit~,"

"damnn," everyones baffled.

i grab a pocky stick and walk over to sunghoon nervously. i sit down and place the stick in my mouth. facing sunghoon, he places his mouth on the stick, not making eye contact with me. i thank him for that. as we inch closer i get even more nervous.

almost an inch away, i can't take it anymore. i was about to break it, when sunghoon went for the last nibble. his lips brush against mine and we quickly break the stick.

my eyes wide open and not being able to chew the pocky. claps and laughs were heard from the others.

"woww!" chaeyeon hollers.

"okay moving on," i change the subject. still sitting beside riki and sunghoon, i don't make eye contact with them.

"my turn. hmm riki, truth or dare?" i turn to him.

"uh truth," he hesitates.

"is it true that yooha has a big crush on you, so she joined the dance team to be with you? and you have feelings for her too?"

"yes.. i mean i think it is? i can't ask her straight up, you know? but i so like her..." riki scratches his head feeling awkward.

"okay my turn!" riki claps happily.

"jungwon, truth or dare?" we all turn to him and he looks a little uncomfortable.

"dare."

"i dare you to do the pocky stick game with y/n."

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author's note! - pocky game ayee! no bitches?

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