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furious-rogue-stuff · 3 years

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Heat Chapter 25: Heightened

A super-sized chapter due to being quite plot-heavy, so definitely hoping it’s not pushing the envelope into chore-reading 😬

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Pairing: Javier Peña x OFC | Javi x Querida

Disclaimer: Written in 2nd person narrative, you can safely assume our heroine and love/lust interest is a Latina, written by a Latina. Here's my philosophy on my writing, for further context.

Rating: Mature/Explicit 🔞

Word Count: 23,000+

Summary: You both have so much to look forward to, so when challenges arise to derail Javi, you find yourself struggling to keep both of you afloat from going under. Will your unflinching love be enough to shelter each other from the impending tumult?

Warnings: The WONDERFUL Javier Peña, graphic depictions of oral (f receiving) and unprotected sex. Mentions of menstrual cycles, period sex, rough intercourse, dom/sub play, cum play, size kink, dirty talk, and praise kink. Some Dom!Javi, Wrathful!Javi, and Possessive!Javi. In the vein of Narcos being a bilingual show, and Javier Peña being fluent, I felt it was apropos to include Spanglish and Spanish throughout.

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Previous chapter - Chapter 24: Chemistry

Chapter 25: Heightened

You have to admit it. Coming into work from Javi's is so much better than having to slog a half hour from your side of town. Even with traffic, his place is ten minutes away from the embassy, which is wildly convenient on a day you risked being a few minutes late to your staff meeting. Thankfully, you make it up with enough time to deposit your purse and tote in your office and stroll down to the conference room without looking harried.

It would be a salacious lie for you to pretend you're not still alight and aflutter after your heart-to-heart with Javier earlier, though, so you do your best to mask your giddy joy from your savvy subordinates. Of course, Ellis eagle-eye-spies it in you regardless, and during your late morning meeting catch-up in your office, he tries peppering you with leading questions.

"—Fancy night out later?"

"Nope."

"Oh, quiet dinner at home?"

"…Perhaps."

"His place, or yours?"

"Ellis, quit it," you scoff and wave him out. When he pouts and gives you a doe-eyed beckon, you sigh. "I'll be more amenable to answering during lunch," is your relenting musing as you direct your attention to your laptop screen, typing away.

He actually fist-pumps in triumph before sobering with a grunt of, "Oh, by the way – Crosby's office asked for a meeting with you tomorrow. I had to move the conference call with the field offices to end of day."

"Huh, that should be fine," you remark, glancing up and asking, "Any mention as to what the meeting is about?"

"Zilch, but I heard there's a big inter-agency thing with CNP that is gonna be a prickly affair early tomorrow, so maybe it'll be to fill you in on that?" he theorizes, shrugging before looking at his watch. "Gotta run. Lunch in here later?"

"Sounds good," you chime and smile, watching him lope out before returning to your work.

Meanwhile, Javier's on cloud nine. His usually brooding and curt demeanor is stowed, making him easygoing and approachable today, which has the attentive members of his staff taking notice, especially Stoddard. Even when Javier accidentally pinches his fingertip in his desk filing cabinet drawer hard enough to bruise his nail, he only hissed a swear and sucked on his forefinger instinctually instead of react like a furious bull as he would've normally from the inconvenience. The younger man walks in with the latest in surveillance logs, and rather than the scowl he usually gets from the seasoned agent, he gets a friendly nod of acknowledgement as he places the files in his boss' hand. "The latest from the field offices, sir. Just need you to review and sign before I submit them," he recites before segueing to, "I spoke to Deputy Rose, and he mentioned having a progress session with the resource whose been managing the pilot program onboarding. I'll know if there's any continued resistance from our team later today."

"Great. Make sure you flag to him that any other issues should be communicated to you as soon as they happen," Javier instructs as he reaches for a cigarette, surrendering to the urge after not having one last night or eating breakfast earlier. It should curb his appetite until lunch, or so is his justification for lighting up. "Also," he remarks before exhaling the puff of smoke and sitting back in his desk chair. "Any developments on the wiretap?"

Shaking his head, Stoddard replies, "Nothing yet, boss. But based on the conversations, I doubt he's going to mention his location."

"Regardless, keep 'em your top priority. They're our only lead," Javi grumbles, eyeing the clearly hesitant man. "Any word from Feistl or Van Ness?"

"Just a check-in about trying to get a CNP chaperone to take them to some locations they wanted to vet. Feistl seemed testy," he tells Javi, and when he just deadpan stares at him, Stoddard clears his throat and states he'll stop back to collect the logs when he's through with them.

Once he's alone, Javi shakes his head and finishes his cigarette. He can sense that Stoddard's about to buckle, but he hopes he does it after they get Jurado's location. While he puts out the bud in the ashtray in order to dive into the logs before his next meeting, you're just getting out of your staff training a while later. Starved, you and Ellis heat up your lunches and sit in your office.

"So…I officially have a drawer and closet space at his place," you volunteer aloofly as you eat your stir-fry, smiling when Ellis whistles. "We'll probably alternate between both our apartments, though. But I have to admit, the 10-minute commute was fantastic."

"He'd mostly spend time at your pad, then?" Ellis asks before taking a bite of his sandwich. When you nod, he follows up with, "You know that's pretty legendary, right?"

"What is?" you chortle before sipping from your can of soda.

Leaning in conspiratorially, Ellis whispers, "You, domesticating the infamous Javier Peña – notorious ladies' man and reckless action hero—"

"You could've just said heroic, brooding man-slut," you jibe, earning a choked grunt of amusement from Ellis. "It's not like we're getting a place together. Just finally spending the night at his place for a few nights out of the week. Seeing how long it'll take until he gets sick of it," you joke, tone light and musing as you idly rub at your sore lower back, hiding your discomfort from your menstrual cramps easily.

Ellis squints at you. "Kid, c'mon. You don't honestly think he's liable to be a dick like that, right?" he inquires, tone becoming serious when you just blink bemusedly at him. "Seriously. If he ever makes you feel bad like that—"

"It's not like that, I promise," you chuckle meekly. "He's been nothing but amazing about it. Honestly…it kind of took me off guard," you confide, and whisper, "I'm just afraid of falling back into old habits."

Your friend and deputy frowns, setting his lunch aside to pull the chair closer to where you're perched daintily on the couch. "Does he know? About what happened with that gutless sonuvabitch?" he mutters, and when you nod and shy your gaze away, he reaches over to platonically squeeze your forearm. "Good, so he'll know just as well as you, that the past doesn't predicate your future. That was a bad situation that doesn't define you. Just like you're not letting his bad rep discourage your feelings for him, or wanting to be with him," Ellis assures, being the voice of reason you desperately needed.

"Thanks, Rose," you fondly muse and grin when he hums pleasantly. "By the way? He made me this last night," you chirp and hold up the container with the stir-fry.

"See? He's fucking smitten, girlie. Got him wrapped around your little finger," he chuckles good-naturedly and bounces his brows at you.

While you continue to banter light-heartedly in your office, Javier is exiting his latest meeting and dying to get through the rest of the logs so he can skip out early enough to beat you home so he can surprise you with dinner. Unfortunately, different commitments force him to end up having to spend the rest of his afternoon at his desk, poring over statements and logs, signing off on requisition forms – all the things he loathes about his job.

Once finished with all that, he deposits the signed stack of logs onto Stoddard's desk and inquires about the big meeting tomorrow. The younger man flicks his gaze towards Javier's office, indicating it'd be best to discuss the details in there, so they both go in and hash out what his deputy has gathered on the tenor of the meeting.

Still, Javi can hardly care. The damage was done, and he wasn't going to take it back or apologize for going after Cali, so he changed subjects to the session Stoddard was supposed to have with Ellis.

"Ah – yes. Deputy Rose confirmed the resources in question have fallen into line with the training. Everything should be copacetic for the status report with the director next week."

"Excellent. Let me know if anything else crops up with that," Javier responds and nods when Stoddard gestures he's going to hop to it with the logs on his desk.

When his end of day conference call goes later than he'd hoped, Javi spends most of the meeting thinking about you. It's unavoidable, after all. Especially when you'd told him some of the most consequential, poignant things. He replays your radiant expression as you'd declared how he was the love of your life and the best man you'd ever been with. The tender feeling his reminiscing stokes in his chest is so potent that he almost misses addressing the others on the call when it comes around to him.

While Javier is dying to wrap up the call, you're triumphant as you park in the garage and see you're the first to arrive, so you hustle up to the apartment and let yourself in with your key. It's still fairly early for the end of the day, so you decide to get out of your work clothes and put on the casual mauve t-shirt dress from the dresser drawer before going in search for a hamper to put your work outfit in. Said search becomes a scavenger hunt in the chilly air-conditioned abode, and after a few minutes of opening closets, cabinets, and looking in nooks, you balk at Javier having no freaking hamper. Befuddled, you wander out of the bedroom and spot the louvered doors adjacent to the kitchen.

Opening them, you are pleasantly surprised by the stackable washer-dryer unit, and finally find the hamper shoved into the corner next to folded up ironing board leaning against the machine. Grunting, you pull it out and end up noticing Javi stuffed laundry into the washer. Shaking your head sardonically, you go back to the bedroom, dump your clothes into the hamper you place in the corner by the closet doors, and go to the pile of laundry he shoved hastily in the corner, tucked out of sight by the dresser.

"Oh my god, this man," you snicker to yourself as you dig through the piles and separate items that can be washed from garments that require dry cleaning. Then, you make sure to check the bathroom and the bedroom closet for any possible laundry stragglers. "Huh, wonder if he has dirty clothes in you," sardonically, you absently muse out loud, as you take the duffle bag from the closet and go to empty its contents out on the bed. Sorting the items into your separated piles, you're humming to yourself as you rifle through the pockets. When you slip your hand into a hidden pouch in the interior of the bag and fish out your used pair of panties – the ones he'd pilfered from your apartment after your first night together, you balk in horror. "Eww!"

Tossing the offending undies into the hamper, you remember that Javier had another pair you'd given him in Medellín. Casting a glare around the room, you decide you must find them and wash them, regardless of how sulky he'll get. You look in every drawer, in the nightstands – even under the bed, and have no luck, so you sit on the soft surface and huff.

"If I was a filthy, naughty beyako, where would I hide my skanky jerkoff panties…" you mutter to yourself, pondering while grumpily stretching out on his side of the bed. Then, as you're lying on your back and staring up at the ceiling, you instinctively skim your hand down the edge and wedge your hand under the mattress. "Oh for the love of god," you cackle as you pull out the sought-after panties. "I can't fucking believe it," you impishly chuckle, sneering as you stand and deposit them into the hamper. "Blegh," is your acerbic grimace as you dust your hands off before moving on back to the original task at hand.

By the time you have the second load of laundry in the wash and the first in the dryer, you're in the kitchen, seasoning the chicken you plan to fry up for dinner. It's still early, almost an hour before the time Javi had said he'd be home by, so you'd started the rice and beans and now leave the seasoned chicken to marinate. You then busy yourself with padding around barefoot as you peruse his apartment.

You get to catalogue all the things you haven't noticed the few times you'd been over before. His walls are bare, and there aren't any tchotchkes – no family photos, or really anything that spoke of his life in any way. But then you spot a few books aligned on the bottom shelf of the entertainment system, so you go over and pluck a thick textbook out and fan through it. The criminology book is worn, and there are several folded pages and highlighted sections throughout it. Intrigued, you look at the other books in his collection.

There's a just as well read History of Colombia, a paperback of Cien Años de Soledad, and a copy of Open Veins of Latin America. Impressed, you return everything in it's previous alignment on the shelf before going to check on the stove. Glancing over at the credenza, you smile at the vase of now-wilted roses, and go over to tidy up – sweeping the spent rose petals that had fallen onto the top in one hand while you hum at the lack of any other plants in his abode. You're idly trying to remember if he had any potted plants at his old apartment while you're disposing of the flowers and washing out the vase. You leave the spherical vase to dry on the dishcloth while humming a jaunty tune as you decide to make yourself a drink.

Once the dryer dings, you take the piping clothes out and set up the ironing board to tend to items that require pressing. In not much time, you have all of Javier's dress shirts ironed and hung up in the closet while you steam the wrinkles out of his ties. You're ridiculously content as you busy yourself with the domestic tasks your boyfriend clearly hates doing for himself, and in no time, you're sorting the remaining load out of the dryer. Your now-salvaged undies are folded and neatly stored in the top drawer of the dresser while you iron, roll and fold the other garments to be stored in their proper place.

Stowing the iron and board away, you start organizing some of the sheets of paper strewn on the counter as you sip your drink. One of them lists the instructions from the in-building dry cleaning service downstairs. Humming, you see they're open for ten more minutes, so you hurry over to grab Javi's suits.

Sitting on the bed while you quickly check all the pockets of each blazer and pant, you fish out some receipts, a few coins, spent gum packets, and the occasional cigarette cellophane wrapper. You're digging into the left pocket of a muted-brown blazer when you pluck out a slightly crumpled note. Furrowing your brow, you notice the dark, bold penmanship and unfurl the paper.

A cold chill runs down your spine, breath stuttering while you stare at the note, rereading it over and over in a vacant attempt to try and make sense of it.

When Javier comes through the door a while later, he can't help call out in a cheesy croon, "Honey, I'm home," with a bright smile on his handsome features, demeanor carefree – until he sees you sitting on the couch.

The apartment is dimly lit. The kitchen light is on, but you've only switched on a lamp in the living room, seeming to favor sitting in the din with what looks to be a stiff drink resting on the coffee table. Tossing his keys onto the credenza and shirking the empty lunch container to the counter, Javi strides over to you. "Querida, what's wrong?" he asks as he nears, pausing when you hesitate and fiddle with something in your hands. He can smell the aroma of your delicious rice and beans, and he hears the air conditioning kick on, but everything seems odd when juxtaposed with your uneasy glance – with how you curl into the sofa cushions worriedly.

Taking a fortifying breath, you pat the empty spot next to you, beckoning him to sit. Once Javi plunks down and his stare only intensifies, you sigh and show him the paper in your hands. "I was sorting through the laundry to take down to the dry cleaners, when I found this," you say, watching intently for his reaction.

YOU BROKE IT, YOU BOUGHT IT. ASSHOLE!

His jaw sets, clenching tightly. "This? It's nothing," he tries to dismiss, tossing it down onto the coffee table as he pivots to nuzzle you and flippantly drawl, "That's what's got you all tense? You should see some of the memos I get—"

Shying away, you stand and pad barefoot across the apartment to grab your purse from the counter, digging through it judiciously before producing something and walking back to him. Holding his confused gaze with your dubious stare, you hand him the folded piece of paper. "This was left on my desk earlier in the week," you tell him evenly as he takes it and opens it.

CONGRATULATIONS ON THE FUNDING. LOOKING FORWARD TO WORKING TOGETHER SOON.

Javier sees red. You watch on, disarmed, as his hands curl into fists while his shoulders broaden and square up. He bows his head, tucking his chin down to hide the furious expression contorting his features as he grapples with his blinding rage.

"That pinche cabrón," Javi growls in a gravelly pitch, blood pressure shooting up and anger welling in his chest. "That bastard—" he snarls – warring with the dizzying wave of impotent anger zinging in his veins when he finally looks up at you and sees the bewildered trepidation in your face. He reins himself in and pulls you over to sit next to him. "Fuck, I'm sorry—"

"Stechner wrote that to you."

Javi tenses, and when you just insistently stare at him, he gruffly confirms, "Yes. He slipped it in my folder during the meeting with the Colombian officials at the National Palace, after we captured Gilberto Rodríguez…"

Absorbing that, your brows knit together in brooding thought. This was clearly an attempt by the CIA station chief to size you up in some way, and the fact he left that note after Javier had thwarted his plans could not be downplayed.

"I should've known," you muse out loud, adding thoughtfully, "I didn't think of him until I saw this note. But I should've suspected him sooner."

Javier's expression shutters in at how calm and clinical you're being about this. "That motherfucker has no cause to be hassling you, and I'm going to tell him so tomorrow—"

"You will do no such thing, Javier," you suddenly snap and glare seriously at him. "That's exactly what he wants you to do. Don't play into that prick's hands, please," is your resolute sneer, grabbing both notes and folding them together before marching to the counter and storing them in your purse.

That riles Javi, so he stands and emphatically rails, "I don't give a fuck! He can try pissing on my plans all he wants, but he's not going to retaliate against me by harassing you."

"He's not harassing me," you dismiss curtly and turn to stare impatiently at him. "This is his attempt at rattling my cage and seeing if I'll take the bait. I will not, so I expect you not to go más macho and confront him, which will only prove he can get to you by bugging me," is your sharp assessment as you stride back to him when you see him only wind up with frustrated anger. Caressing your hands up his chest to slip them under his blazer so you can knead his shoulders and intensely stare up into his smoldering glare, you murmur gently, "He's a supercilious, self-important, limp dildo, Javi."

That is such a ridiculous description of the smarmy bastard Bill Stechner that Javier scoffs cynically and snorts when you playfully grunt and shake him by the shoulders. "Yeah, well, I don't want that fucker bothering you," he grumbles gruffly and pulls you against him, nuzzling a kiss to your hairline.

You want to assure him that no such thing will occur without ending in a very well planned outcome that will backfire on the facetious man, but decide to muse light-heartedly instead, "He won't, mi amor. Let's forget about him so he doesn't spoil any more of our night, ok?"

Surly, he grunts, so you huff and start kissing him relentlessly until his scowl dissolves and that irreverent smirk quirks his pillowy lips. "I won't argue with that," he chuckles and squeezes your ass cheekily before stealing a flirty kiss from your lips.

Smiling, you backpedal impishly away towards the kitchen as you chime, "Good! Now go get comfy while I fry up the pollo."

He's about to snicker when he notices you've tidied up the counter and the louvered doors are open. Shit, did she…?

Loping into the bedroom while he shrugs his blazer off, Javi sees the hamper tucked by the closet and his empty duffle on the bed. The piles of clothes in the corner are gone. Then, it dawns on him, and he rushes to the duffle and digs into the hidden pocket.

You're merrily smirking to yourself as you tend to the chicken when you hear Javi complain gruffly, "Oh c'mon!" from the bedroom, hearing him fling the duffle to the floor before the protesting of the mattress as he lifts it to find the other hidden pair of panties gone. "Really?!" his exclaimed scoff has you giggling as you fry the drumsticks.

Javier's footfalls amble in from the bedroom a few minutes later. "Just got two more minutes of frying and then we can eat, babe," you innocently lilt as you keep your gloating features hidden.

"Who told you to clean, by the way?" he crisply grumbles, but you can hear the amusement in his baritone, poorly hidden away as he mutters, "You would have a fit if I went through your stuff—"

"Oh my god, you did though," you exclaim irreverently and whirl on him, quirking a derisive eyebrow at him while he rolls his eyes and his shirtsleeves up to his elbows. He's shoeless and tieless, shirt collar unbuttoned and belt removed from his slacks. "Remember?! You went snooping in my nightstand like, the next morning after our first time, malcriado. You're just mad I washed those disgustingly skanky panties—"

"They were not disgusting," he lamely counters and actually gives you a pouty glare as he puts his hands on his hips.

You wrinkle your nose derisively and drawl, "You know they were, so stop being a silly beyako and go set the table for me, please?"

The corner of his mouth twitches in a lewd smirk before he husks, "I'll just steal a pair when you're not looking," before loping into the kitchen to retrieve the napkins and cutlery. You turn back to the stove to hide your amused reaction, which gives Javier the opportunity to teasingly brush up against you, and add raunchily, "Maybe the ones you're wearing right now, even."

It's incomprehensible how wet he gets you just from telling you something so shameless. The ache in your lower back is replaced by the pulse of arousal that thrums between your thighs now, leaving you ridiculously turned on as you take the last pieces out of the frying pan and shut the stove off. He sees the apples of your cheeks flush, and he knows it isn't from the heat in the kitchen, so he smugly sets the table and smiles when you fan yourself and go to get a hair tie so you can fasten your locks up in a messy bun.

Dinner is wonderful – spent merrily eating and catching up about the day. When you notice the bruise on his finger, you tut and take his hand so you can affectionately kiss it. "Who'd you piss off to slam a drawer shut on your poor finger?" you lament, smiling when he scoffs and caresses your cheek.

"Just myself, with that goddamn filing cabinet drawer. Wasn't paying attention," Javi huffs dryly. He wants to add that it was partially your fault by distracting his thoughts – that he spent every spare moment replaying what you'd told him that morning. Instead, he steals a kiss from your lips as he gets up from the table and collects your dish, and true to his promise, when he finishes clearing the table and washes the dishes, he smugly declares, "We're having dessert in the bedroom, querida."

Snickering, you finish your drink and lean over the counter separating you from him to contrarily muse, "It'll have to be a one-sided dessert tonight, stud."

He shakes his head charismatically. "Nonsense," Javier croons and turns to face you while he dries his hands. "Not after I've been thinking about you all damn day – going without you and coffee—"

"You are such a dork," you giggle and toss your napkin at him, which he catches and deposits in the trash before sighing noisily and pursing his lips at you.

Javi starts unbuttoning his shirt open as he walks around the counter to get to you. "I've been called many things, but dork is a new one," he jokes as he tugs his shirt loose from his slacks and finishes unbuttoning it. Your coy smile becomes an alluring smirk when you grab both ends of his open dress shirt and guide him close.

His scent is even better now that your senses are heightened by your hormones – warm spice of his skin making your blood vessels expand in tantalized attraction, seeking out more. So, you press your nose to his chest and get lost in his musky, spiced and salty smell, on delay when his hands yank you up against him by the backs of your thighs so he can effortlessly carry you into the bedroom. You hum contentedly as you nuzzle his neck and kiss his pulse. Javier lays you on the bed and climbs over you, intending to stay on his propped hands and knees when you protest and pull him down on top of you to meet your hungry kiss.

You both languidly make out and enjoy the feel of each other – how warm his chest and back are when you wrap your arms around him and trail your touch under the shirt. Javier caresses a hand up the contour of your side to hike your soft dress up, but you thwart its assent and mewl into his mouth. "I can't tonight," you whisper against his lips when he sits up enough to stare intently with lusted eyes at you. "Let me just take care of you," is your breathy murmur as you slip your hand down his body to reach for his fly.

He gently redirects your hand up and kisses the inside of your wrist. "Don't be silly. I told you, it's nothing to be skittish about—"

"Pfft, I can't really stay in the mood if I'm bleeding all over the bed, Javier," you counter grumpily, plush lips pouting when he sits up and arches a sardonic brow at you. "It's not sexy, and daresay, it's actually really embarrassing—"

"But it's normal and nothing to be embarrassed about?" he contradicts and affectionately traces your jawline with his fingertips. "If you want to…we can. Don't go without because you think it'd bother me, is all I mean."

Sighing bashfully, you chew on the inside of your cheek. After all, this was a first for you both. Peculiarly enough, your relationship had been so on-and-off that you'd rarely had your time of the month while Javier was around. He'd either be coming back from Medellín right after your period or you'd spend a solid week together right before it. Stars aligning and full moons cresting in your favor, you suppose.

Now though, as you try avoiding being flustered, you stretch out under him before mustering the gumption to query, "You wouldn't be grossed out? For real?"

He reassuringly chuckles, "Christ, of course not, cariño. It's just sex, well, with maybe a towel over the bed, but really, it's no different than dealing with cum, if you think about it," Javier muses wryly, but when he sees you look a bit dubious, he sobers and assures, "But if it bothers you that much—"

"Once, when I was at a house party, I went up to a bedroom with a really cute guy my age, and in the middle of sex, I got my period," is your interjection, confiding in a self-deprecating stream of consciousness, "He saw the blood and freaked. I was so embarrassed. I wasn't supposed to get it for a few more days, and then there I was, bleeding over some Upper East Siders' expensive Egyptian cotton sheets with this jock acting like the elevator from The Shining opened up between my legs," you explain and cover your face self-consciously. "It was so mortifying!"

Rolling onto his back and tugging you along with him, Javier groans while consolingly pulling you into his arms to tut, "What a fucking idiot."

You laugh and shake your head. "That was the last time I hooked up with anyone I went to school with. Didn't save me from all the gossip and taunts, though," you sigh flatly and huff at yourself as you bury your face into his chest.

He's angry at hearing that, wishing he could retroactively take that pain from you and exact it on someone more deserving.

"So?! How are you so cool with the prospect of period sex, then?" you suddenly ask and sit up to squint adorably down at him when you think you're looking judiciously bossy.

He snorts and stretches out under you so he can fold his hands behind his head. "I grew up with lots of girl cousins. A few were older than me, and at family gatherings, I would hear some crazy girl shit," he tells you earnestly, and you crack an endeared smile. "My cousin Lucía once told the other girls that the best way to get rid of period cramps was to ride a guy and get fucked side saddle," Javier remarks without an ounce of shame while you dissolve into startled giggles.

"They'd talk about that around you?!" you ask, still laughing in shock as you absently tuck the rogue strands of hair that have escaped your bun behind your ears.

"I mean, I might've been eavesdropping around the corner of the barn, but yeah," he remarks aloofly and shrugs a shoulder.

"How old were you?!" you chortle, smile silly and intrigued.

"I don't know, maybe 11 or 12? I was the only boy for a while until my cousin Danny was born," Javier remarks warmly while you start giggling at the mental image of a little Javi hearing girl talk and gaping in round-eyed horror. "So? Let's shower, and if you're in the mood…" he suggests in a tentative, no-pressure drawl before cupping the small of your back and rubbing his fingers soothingly in massaging circles there.

Nodding, you acquiesce. Once you've taken your earrings off and shed your dress, you go to the bathroom while he strips out of his suit, and after you've removed your tampon and used the facilities, you hop in the shower and get joined by Javi a few minutes later. He's ridiculously tender and sweet with you – rubbing his hands down your body and kneading his thumbs gently into your achy lower back, kissing the shell of your ear while you rinse the soap off your skin. He's even behaving while you affectionately lather his chest up and wash him sensually. And the kisses he steals from your lips are soft, albeit tender with desire.

Once dry and back in the bedroom, you can't deny how enticed and worked up you are, cunt yearning to be split open on his thick cock, regardless of your previous insecurity. So, you lay the dark towel down on the bed and stretch out over it, completely nude and feeling tingly for him. Javier takes the unspoken assent and sheds his towel to admire you from the front of the bed. You're tempted to suggest he use a condom, but you don't have a chance when he ruggedly pulls you to the foot of the bed by the backs of your knees, and pushes them gently up and apart.

You inhale a charged breath and blush, keeping your hands down on the bed and staring demurely up at Javi. His hands glide down to caress your inner thighs, and you get lost in the tickling tingle his touch ripples through you while you gaze up at his golden skin and start to really yearn for him to be inside you. Javi's brown eyes capture your sultry gaze as he trails his touch through the soft curls of your mound before brushing his thumb over the hood of your clit while his other hand keeps one of your thighs butterflied open from you arching and mewling.

"If at any point you want me to stop, tell me," he murmurs to you and keeps his dark coffee gaze on yours.

You nod and bite your bottom lip, anticipating his hands to nudge your legs completely open so he can nestle between them and press into the cradle of your pelvis to rut his thick, engorged cock you're now staring at into you. Instead, Javi surprises you by bowing over your torso to kiss and suckle an incandescent path from your sensitive nipples – both of which he purses his mouth over to lave and tease the pebbled morsels – to the crest of your sex before his hands push your hips up so he could angle your pelvis up to his greedy worship.

The gasp you let out when he licks the seam of your pussy before suckling over the hood of your clit sounds pitchy and floored to your own ears, but you instinctively arch back and rock your hips up higher to him, seeking more. Your face burns with anxiety, but it's becoming muddled under your mounting arousal as Javi hums in desire at your reaction and sweeps his tongue through your folds.

"Ah, Ja-Javi," you mewl and start to tremble in anticipation of the worst. That he'll recoil from your ripened womanhood, or you'll gush into his mouth, but just as you start to get taut from the fretting, Javi groans and buries his tongue into you.

The feral delight that dings in Javier at the heady-yet-tender feel of your pussy engulfing his tongue makes him wild and eager for more, so he swipes the talented appendage around your fluttering slit and glances up at you to make sure he's not misreading your cues. You're quivering now, eyes glossed over with awed lust as you pant and gasp in nervous excitement. Smirking up at you, Javier uses the flat of his tongue to lave a long lick up your pussy before flicking it over your clit. You let out a startled moan and writhe, cheeks burning with your blush.

"Jesus, you taste so fucking good," he growls and plants a sloppy kiss to the inseam of your thigh. "Just wanna bury my face in your pussy, baby—"

"Ja-Javi, you can't," you giggle and press the back of your hand over your eyes, overwhelmed and bashful about it. He rumbles in protest, so you huff a flustered sound before looking at him and seeing he's genuinely into eating you out and savoring your heightened warmth, scent and taste. It makes your core melt down into cloying desire, enraptured by the hunger you see in his eyes as he toys his lips along your cunt. With a breathy sound, you beg, "Please, n-need you inside me."

Javier needs no other prompt. Effortlessly, he shifts you up further on the bed so he can plant his knees on the soft surface – strategically keeping you both placed over the towel you laid out – and hitches up between your thighs before skimming his throbbing, thick erection over your mound. The weight of his length against you has you groaning lustfully – the anticipation of having it buried inside your heated and syrupy sheath has your pussy weeping with excitement. He's trying to keep control of his own desire and not miss any sign of your unease or discomfort, so he gives you an intent and appraising once over while his hands soothingly rub the tops of your thighs.

He takes you in. Flushed cheeks, plush-panting lips, blown out pupils staring gorgeously up at him. Your skin is several degrees warmer than usual, running hot and feeling sinuous. Your usually taut tummy is supple and soft, and he finds himself skimming his fingertips over your womb, admiring how smooth and warm you are there as you wistfully relax and sigh. Javier thinks how beautiful you'd look with a round little belly and it takes his mind a second to register that and snap him back. Fuck me, where did that come from?!

You let out a soft giggle when his touch starts to tickle, so he leans down and plants a kiss on your sternum, between your breasts, before he purrs, "Mi hermosura, tan tierna y calientita."

The delight he sees crest your alluring eyes settles a warm ache in his chest. "Deja de tentarme, amado," you breathily whine and reach for his hand so you can trail his fingertips along your mouth before suckling the pad of his index and middle fingers. You watch his gaze get heavy with want, so you murmur, "Give it to me, Javi…please. I want it."

He groans and caresses your jawline as he guides his cock to part your folds and press into you. His thrust breaches you and feels amazing, punching pleasure so swiftly into your pussy that it blows apart the menstrual cramping and aches in your lower back. For Javi, it feels like your tight pussy is molten – clutching him lushly and rippling like velvet, wet heat around his cock. Planting his hands on either side of you, Javi snaps his hips into you and groans a husky sound as you grab his triceps and hike your pelvis up to encourage him to thrust deeper. So, with a feral growl and possessive nuzzle, Javi slams home and hits that devastating point inside you before he sets a toe-curling pace in his piston-like strokes into your melted silken vise.

You'd be utterly mortified by the messy and obscene sounds coming from him pumping his ramrod cock through your squelching pussy if him fucking you like this didn't feel so insanely good. The boisterous pleasure that sears up your body to fizzle delirious rapture into your throat has you dizzy, escaping you as a delectable moan Javi's never heard you make before, so he suckles a hungry kiss into your neck as he shoves his hand under you to tilt your lower back up on his next pounding series of thrusts.

Gasping incandescently and clinging to Javier now, you moan, "Oh fuck-oh my fucking god!" He can feel your cunt flood over and wring around his pulsing cock just as you toss your head back and sob, "Javi!" when you climax hard, so wrecked and overcome by the ecstasy of sensation in this fertile state your body is in that you hike your knees instinctively up to grapple with his sides and bury your face in his shoulder. Your fingers are clutching at his back as he groans and prolongs your bliss – slamming his cock over and over into you while ravished mewls fall from your gasping lips.

He keeps rocking into your luscious cunt as you tremble from the waves of pleasure crashing through your insides, so when you whimper overwhelmed little sounds, Javier soothes you with, "I got you, querida. Not going anywhere. J-Just let go and don't worry, mi tiernita. K-Keep you safe."

Your eyes well with tears and you surrender to the soul-shattering feeling of trusting someone so utterly and fiercely. He feels you relax, hears your satiated little sighs as he tries to regain his own breath from the staccato, shallow panting it's become. His cock is throbbing, but he's concentrating on you, making sure you're not anything but satisfied as he nuzzles your temple and caresses his hand along your side.

"Javi?" Your voice sounds soft and breathy, so he sits up on his propped hands on either side of you again to gaze down at you. He sees how smoldering your expression is, flushed and sultry with the promise of sinfulness. "Please, mi amor, fuck me again," is your smoky petition, hungry and shameless as you bat your lashes and caress an open-mouth kiss over his forearm.

Javi's cock throbs in response inside you, enthralled features becoming lustful as he smirks and nods. "As you wish, guapita," he grouses and leans down to kiss you.

The feeling of being railed by Javier is just short of heaven for you right now, any previous unease or embarrassment discarded for the exhilarating and heightened pleasure you're in. He flipped you from your back onto your knees before he speared back into your molten cunt from behind, hands on the small of your back and pressing you to bow into the bed to just let him dominate you like this. For his part, Javier is loving how wired and raw you are in your pleasure, savoring the luscious clutch of your pussy swallowing his cock greedily while you moan and give yourself over to him.

The sight of you coming and writhing under him with your ass up against him has his cock straining and swelling with an impending release, but it's your reaching a hand blindly behind yourself to grip his wrist while begging, "Fucking fill me with your cum, Javi, please, please please!" that sends him over the scintillating edge of a ferocious orgasm.

He shouts out and barrels mindlessly into your molten cunt over and over until his climax surges in thick bursts to saturate your already melted insides with his spend. Shivering, his thrusts stutter in rhythm as he groans charged, hoarse sounds of completion before he clumsily folds over you and gasps into the nape of your neck.

You're drunkenly smiling into the bed, elated and the most fulfilled you've ever felt in your life. You can feel the debauched mess seeping out of you, but you can't muster the shame or concern, so you lie under Javi until he comes to his senses and regains his awareness.

"Shit, baby, you ok?" he mumbles and shifts to roll you both onto your sides, staying nestled inside you and pressed up against you while he encircles your body and spoons you.

"Mmm…" you respond sensually and pull your knees up closer to your chest so you can feel like a curled up sated thing, warm and coiled against him. "I've never felt better," you sigh contentedly and interlace your fingers with the hand he has resting over your womb.

Javi grunts proudly and nuzzles you in the spot beneath your ear. "Want me to pull out?" is his mellow chuckle, and you shake your head, making a little sound to protest the suggestion. "Mmph, you're so warm. Feel so good," he mumbles on a wistful exhale and kisses the side of your neck.

Your mind is recovering from a flashflood of lust that numbed all your shame and inhibitions, and now that the flood has ebbed and left you dazed in its wake, you can't muster any fretting thoughts. Instead, some primal little spark in you hazes at the vacant musing that Javi could've easily gotten you pregnant after something that heady and primordial – pill or no pill. And the anxiety the thought coaxes free from the lust-logged recesses of your mind shakes you loose. However, the thought of such a happening doesn't well cold terror in you like it did the last time, but it gives you pause.

Squeezing his hand, you whisper, "I'm kind of scared to look."

He snorts and kisses the sloping juncture of your shoulder before he eases out of you and shifts. The aftermath of your lovemaking is a crimson-tinged mess that's pooling on the dark towel, but definitely nothing to make him reconsider having sex while you're on your period. Really, he looks forward to doing it again,since it feels that good for the both of you. Agilely, Javi gets off the bed and cleans off before tending to you and helping you wriggle up off the sullied towel. A quick shower later, and you both get ready for bed.

He can't hide the adoring smile quirking his lips while he watches you tug your stretched out tour shirt-turned-pajama nightgown down over your cotton-panty-clad derrière before you shake out your hair from the messy bun and finger comb it. Glancing over and catching his flirty glance, you playfully leer at him while he charmingly climbs in his nude glory under the covers and pats your side of the bed. Slinking onto the bed, you kiss his cheek and smile when he pulls the bedding back for you to slip under with him before he shuts the lamp on the nightstand off.

Once under the covers in the dark, you cuddle into his side and murmur, "You're the best cramp reliever of my life."

Javier laughs heartily at that before wrapping his arm around you and rumbling, "We gotta try that side saddle business next time."

Now your turn to chuckle, you kiss his cheek and settle comfortably against him. "Maybe tomorrow?" you suggest as you teasingly brush your fingertips from his forehead down the etched bridge of his nose before thrumming them playfully over his mustachioed lips.

He kisses your impish digits before drawling, "Fuck yeah, I need something good to look forward to."

You sober at that. Caressing his cheek, you let your eyes adjust to the penumbra of the room so you can trail your touch up to his forehead, where you brush his rogue wisps of hair back. "That meeting?" you ask gently.

He sighs. "I know it's not going to go well. Vargas is on the surrender, keep things status quo, side of the argument. I fucked all that up for him and the rest of the Cali cronies," Javier grumbles dryly. "I've never been good at dealing with the political sleight of hand shit."

Absorbing that as you continue to caress your touch along his handsome countenance, you inquire, "And Crosby isn't on your side?"

Javier huffs flippantly. "His concern is about destabilizing relations with the Colombian government. He's given me shit, but has backed me up in front of officials, when it's come to a head," he remarks and idly caresses his hand along the length of your side. "I can't help suspect he's just shepherding shit along and doesn't care for actually taking down the cartel," is his sulky musing. He's dying for a cigarette, but with you nestled against him? The last thing he wants to do is get up to smoke right now.

"Well…maybe that's the case," you retort thoughtfully and feel Javi grunt in displeasure. "Crosby is one of the most pragmatic people I've ever met. There are other agencies in the building other than DEA," you can't help razz, and when he turns his head to glower at you? Your eyes twinkle as you give him a lopsided smile. "I'm serious. Not all of them have the same goals. Most of the time, agencies have competing interests. His job is to make sure none of that jeopardizes the standing of the U.S. here, on top of not pissing off the locals," is your judicious remark before you kiss his cheek and jibe, "If you're thinking the only goal is pursuing something for the greater good, you're gonna ruffle a lot of feathers."

He grunts at that, unable to take umbrage. It's insightful and objective – which is what he desperately lacks in his current circumstance.

Sitting up to kiss his forehead, you drawl, "Go have your cigarette."

Javi scoffs and fists his fingers through his hair. "How the hell did you know?"

"I know you, chulito," you giggle and playfully flick your thumb over his nipple, laughing when he inhales a sharp sound and taps your ass in retaliation. "Plus, your fingers start to fidget when you're craving a smoke," is your sardonic lilt.

He sits up in bed and pouts, shaking his right hand out and huffing sarcastically. "You should've gone into law enforcement with how good you are at spotting tells," he quips in a purring bass. "I already know you're a crack shot—"

You snicker and adjust to affectionately lean into him. "Ah-hah, keep it up, burlón. If you and I were partners on the job, I'd show you up," is your sassy retort, to which he makes an, 'Oh yeah?' drawn out grunt, so you nudge him bossily out of bed. "You know I would. Murphy would have nothing on me, and bonus: I'd take you home after work and handcuff you to the bed," you brazenly chime and goose him.

The yelp Javier gasps out has you grinning. "Tan atrevida," he growls derisively and moseys over to the dresser to get a pair of pajama pants to put on. "…I might take you up on that," he drawls as he pulls the bottoms on and shoots you a saucy wink before loping out of the room, quickly returning with the pack and lighter. "Come to think of it, I wouldn't mind putting you in the cuffs instead," Javi quips as he pulls the curtain back from the windows so he can open the center pane before lighting up a cigarette and exhaling the smoke away into the night air.

Propping the pillows up behind yourself so you can lounge more comfortably and shoot him a playful look, you deadpan, "I'm sure."

Chuckling, he takes a long pull from the cigarette before exhaling. "Maybe this weekend?" he queries and bounces his brows at you.

You giggle and shake your head amusedly as you grab the ashtray from the nightstand and hold it out to him so he can flick the ash into it. He takes it from you and does so as you remark aloofly, "Only plans I have are to make that lasagna for Ellis. Perhaps I can pencil you in for some kinky fun at some point."

He hums intriguingly at that as he stubs his cigarette out and shuts the window. "How magnanimous of you," he remarks goadingly as he pulls the curtain back into place. "Shit, I still have to find something to wear to that fancy art thing Monday night," Javi blurts as he places the ashtray back on the nightstand and saunters to the bathroom to brush his teeth. "Unless you wanna sort through my closet and judge more of my clothes," is his cheeky callout to you before you hear water start to run from the faucet.

Amused, you take the chance to lotion up your elbows and knees while you hear him gargling. "You know what? I think I'll do that tomorrow. Sort through all your clothes and organize them by 'cute and can stay' to 'horrible and must burn' categories," you're remarking glibly loud enough for him to hear. His haughty scoff echoes down to you just as he dries his face before shutting the bathroom light. "Worst case scenario will be taking you to a tailor to get your measurements so I can get you a nice outfit—"

Javier dismissively huffs at that as he saunters back into the room and tosses himself down on the bed to frown in faux-outrage at you. "I know how to dress. I'm quite a snappy dresser, if I do say so myself," he grumbles ruggedly and playfully tugs you close by your hip. "Shit, I know for a fact you like how I dress—"

"I do, but everyone could use a bit of sprucing up," you tease and kiss the corner of his mouth when he twists his lips in a pouty grimace. "But button-up shirts and 'fuck me' jeans aren't appropriate for every outing—"

" 'Fuck me' jeans?!" he balks and stares comically at you. "Is that what you call 'em?"

"Oh my fucking god, Javi. Your jeans contour to you like they were sewn on! They barely leave anything to the imagination, so is it any wonder I'd call 'em your 'fuck me' jeans?" you cackle irreverently and squeal peels of laughter when he starts relentlessly tickling and kissing you.

"But you like them, right?" he growls while you giggle and squirm against him.

"I love them, Javi, now quit it – quit it!" you exclaim in between peels of laughter, so Javi loops his arms around you and hoists you to lie on top of him after he flings himself backwards into the pillows. Mirthful, you giggle, "You don't have to worry about me chucking any of 'em away, let's just put it that way."

"You better not, traviesa," he grunts bossily and squeezes you affectionately. "Now, quit keeping me up and go to sleep."

You scoff and wriggle to sit up and straddle his lap so you can playfully swat him lightly on his bare chest. "Mira quien habla," is your sassy huff before you daringly tousle his hair and nimbly scamper off of him to slide under the covers.

He chuckles and rolls to tug you against him so he can spoon you and suckle doting kisses into your neck. "Goodnight, bravita."

Turning to brush your lips in a silly peck next to his nose, you chime, "Buenas noches, chavón."

Settling down, you both easily doze off, lulled by well-achieved exhaustion and the tranquil comfort of being together – of feeling completely safe with each other. Any anxious feeling Javier had about his upcoming day had been quelled by you, making sleep come heavy and serene for him. So much so, that when he stirred awake a few minutes before the alarm clock was meant to go off, he was drowsy and lethargic as he rolled over to reach for you.

Finding your side of the bed empty, Javi dully wondered if he'd dreamed you, before his brain kicked on completely and he sat up in bed. Grunting, he scrubbed his hands over his face and let his senses sharpen. He finally picked up on the sound of shuffling around out in the main room, so with a labored grumble and stretch of his back, he kicked the covers off and got up.

Javier finds you cooking at the stove, wearing your fluffy cream robe and matching slippers, with your hair up in a bun as you intently tend to the sausage links you have in the pan before shuffling back to the bowl you're using to crack some eggs into and whisking them briskly, then seasoning them with salt and pepper. The domestic sight has that funny feeling of warmth wriggling in Javi's breastbone. When you go to turn to retrieve the container of butter from the counter, you freeze and innocently blink at him.

"Ugh, I didn't mean to wake you," is your pouty whisper. "Was gonna surprise you with breakfast in bed."

The beaming love he feels has him tangled up with what to say, so he just stands there and melts with charmed, albeit flustered awe. But then, you smile, endearing and sweet, and before Javier knows it, he has breezed over and wrapped his arms around you to capture your lips in a reverent kiss. You grunt in surprise and then giggle when he presses you up against the edge of the counter, which nudges his morning wood into you.

"Babe!" you chortle and fumble to nudge him back with how possessively affectionate he's being, so you pat his ass and nip impishly at his lower lip to get his attention. He jolts and leans back with those irrepressibly adorable brown puppy dog eyes. "You're gonna make me burn the sausages," you wryly admonish as you herd around him and expertly turn the links to the opposite side.

Before Javi could grumble a response, the alarm clock starts going off in the bedroom, so he begrudgingly goes to shut it off. By the time he comes back, you're already buttering the pan for the scrambled eggs. "You get the munchies when it's your time of the month?" he can't help quip when he hitches up behind you to nuzzle a kiss to the nape of your neck.

"Hah, sometimes, but this is for you, because I know you're going to neglect eating today," you muse sagely as you pour the eggs into the pan before turning your head to plant a kiss on his stubble-covered cheek. "I saw you have some Bustelo in the cupboard. Want me to brew a pot of coffee?" you ask as you fold the eggs before you start to fluff and scramble them.

"I'll take care of that," he retorts and caresses your robe-covered hip before going to do just that. "I never bother with it; brewing coffee here. Got me spoiled with Don Gilberto's stuff now," he warmly muses and glances at you, smirking when you shrug, as if to say, 'Well, naturally!'

Once the food is ready, you plate breakfast and sit at a stool at the counter next to each other to eat. Javi has such a healthy appetite when you cook for him, knowing his bad habit of not taking care of himself in keeping himself fed, which is why you push food on him like this. Watching him scarf breakfast down in a few minutes makes you feel less guilty about being so pushy, though.

Sipping from your mug, you sigh. "This is all right, but I just love how smooth and rich the other coffee is," you remark while he polishes off his plate and chugs down his orange juice. "Think you'll have a break to sneak down for a coffee date today?" is your flirty query as he dabs his mouth with a napkin.

"The meeting is first thing at CNP Headquarters, but I should be back in the office around lunchtime," he retorts smoothly and finishes his coffee before collecting all the dishes and taking them to the sink. "Got a lot of work today?"

"Yeah, just finalizing prep for the system that's coming in next week, and I have a meeting with Crosby later in the day," you remark and stand to cutely shuffle over to shut the sink off so you can bossily tug him to the bedroom. Javi grunts amusedly and follows, letting you shove him to sit on the bed so you can slink onto his lap and encircle your arms around his shoulders. Hugging him tight, you murmur, "You'll let me know how it goes?"

Exhaling, he nods and caresses your back. "I will, querida," he husks near your temple before nuzzling you.

Reluctantly, you both go through the morning chores of getting ready for work together. The quickie in the shower has you both smiling and bantering playfully about the raunchy fun to come over the weekend, which helps keep your collective worries at bay.

Once you're slipping on your chic heels, Javi's all dressed, albeit fiddling with his deep red tie with oblong blue circles outlined in gold dots. Smiling, you waltz over and adjust it for him, fixing the knot and straightening it to fall smoothly over his crisp white dress shirt. While you do so, Javi takes the opportunity to admire your emerald chiffon blouse and tailored pencil skirt with the back split that shows a sliver of your supple thighs when you walk.

Glancing up at him through your long, dark lashes, you smile and purr, "To your liking, mi patrón?"

"Fuck…you can't say sexy shit like that to me when we're about to walk out the door, guapita," he growls and fondles your ass while he dips down to brush an open-mouth kiss along your neck.

You shiver and playfully grip his waistband. "Then quit looking at me all hungrily like that," is your smoky sigh as you cup his cheek and guide him to meet your lips for a chaste, doting kiss.

"Hmph," he grunts dryly and taps your ass before letting you strut over to grab your black blazer and slip it on. "Want to go out for dinner tonight?" Javi asks as he grabs his watch from the dresser and fastens it on.

"Oh, it'll have to be after happy hour," you retort and brush your hair back over your shoulders once you've shrugged the jacket in place comfortably. "It should be done by 7:30pm. Meet here around then and go together?" you suggest as you strut to the main room to grab your purse and tote while Javi follows and pockets his wallet, keys, service weapon, and grabs his obnoxiously large satellite phone.

"Sounds like a plan, preciosa," he drawls in a velvety tone before stealing a kiss from your lips as you both get to the door.

You snicker at the gesture when you both know that if the elevator is empty, you're going to make out all the way down to the garage. After locking up and escorting you to the end of the hall, you end up doing just that – kissing the entire ride down until the doors slide open. You know Javier's trying to prolong leaving, because he walks you to your car and opens the door and leans down to kiss you wistfully. So, you grab the lapel of his suit jacket and hold him from stepping back from the open door.

With a gentle smile, you murmur, "I love you."

Soulful eyes crinkling warmly at the corners, Javi husks, "I love you too," before stealing one last kiss from your lips.

Parting ways, you both drive to the start of your hectic days, hoping for the best.

Of course, things aren't that simple.

Especially not for Javier. The moment he walked into the conference room and saw how jam-packed with people it was, the cold chill of anxiety trickled down his spine. Sitting across from Crosby and seeing the glacial stare fixed stoically on him while the meeting was opened up by some of Vargas' tenientes didn't help his wariness dissipate either. So, when the general at the head of the conference table went in on his supercilious recounting of events up to date, and made it appoint to emphasize the unilateral operation that did not have his blessing, Javier knew he was poised to get a verbal dagger thrown his way.

What Javier did not expect was to get directly called out.

"Well in that case, I will turn things over to the man who's responsible for this situation. Maybe he can walk us through his path to victory. So Agent Peña, what comes next?" When Javier looks over at the man, he gives him a thin smile before adding crisply, "The floor is yours."

He'd be lying if he said stark panic hadn't seized him at being put on the spot in such a flagrant manner. Javier's pulse jumped and anxiety wrung in his chest, so after self-consciously caressing his hand from his cheek to then press over his mouth, he quickly collected his thoughts in order not to end up the piñata of the meeting.

In a smooth musing tone, Javier answered, "I appreciate your candor, general. But I believe that the remaining capos will be liable to make more mistakes without the leadership of Gilberto Rodríguez. Their security apparatus might scale up, but that can't be achieved without bringing attention to their operation, which will no doubt create internal strife where the 'stabilizing influence' of Gilberto Rodríguez wouldn't have allowed for before."

"That is a very optimistic assessment," General Vargas flatly remarks and glances over at Crosby. "It does not take into account the 'volatility' of when that internal strife could spill out externally to the public."

"Our sources have assessed that had begun to happen before the raid, general," Crosby answers neutrally before glancing over at Javier. "The surrender plan was spearheaded by Gilberto, but there was some resistance from the other heads of the cartel."

"That, and now with his capture, will put pressure on them to regroup in a way they've not been willing to do prior, which will give us the advantage in our pursuit of the other capos," Javi remarks and gives Vargas a steely look. "One down, three to go. With your cooperation and the backing of the Minister of Defense, I believe we can successfully capture the others before any fallout can occur from the dismantling of Cali's operations."

Vargas looks annoyed, but gives them both another thin smile as he diplomatically drawls, "I would like to hear more about Minister Botero's thoughts on the matter. Perhaps once you've briefed him on your intentions?"

Goddammit. Javier knows he has to hustle his ass to do just that as soon as possible, for fear Vargas will start tainting things to his superiors who will then take it to Botero.

So, as soon as the meeting concludes, Javier huddles with Crosby in the corner of the hall, just outside the conference room, and tells him he's going straight to Botero's office. "Fine. I'll put in a call and ask that he take a meeting with you," the ambassador grouses as he starts dialing on his secure cell phone. "Just do me a favor and don't piss him off as bad as you did Vargas."

By the time Javi's marching across the sprawling plaza towards the regal building the minister's office resides, he can't help feel his day is about to go to shit, and then Feistl calls him. It's the last thing he needs to hear right now – about how Cali CNP got him and Van Ness on lockdown. How they won't let them off the base without an escort, but there conveniently was no manpower that could be spared to provide them said escort off base. Javi adds it to the list of shit he needs to manage now, and is seething by the time he climbs the steps and hustles into the building to meet with the new Minister of Defense.

Pleasantries aside, Javier senses the man is ambivalently on the level, but chooses to keep his cards close to the vest. He makes sure to keep his flippant sarcasm at a minimum as well, and manages to assure Botero that his only agenda is to take down the Cali cartel, and asks his help to lift the restrictions on Feistl and Van Ness. He doesn't expect the stoic man to suggest he find a witness who can testify against the cartel if he wants Gilberto Rodríguez to remain in jail. It feels like a warning more than a suggestion, so Javier rushes back to the embassy to just that.

You've just gotten back from a marathon of morning meetings when you walk into your office and sigh wearily as you sit in your desk chair, plopping your things on the desktop and checking your watch to see it's almost lunchtime when your cell phone rings. Reaching into your purse, you answer it.

"Hey," Javi's raspy baritone sounds tense, so your brows immediately furrow with worry. "Sorry for the short notice, but I can't do coffee today. I'm heading back to brainstorm over this Jurado thing with Stoddard."

"It's ok. How'd the meeting go?" you ask coolly and fiddle with a pen.

"It was a raking over the coals," he tells you acerbically, and you frown. "I went right after to meet with the new Minister of Defense. He basically told me Rodríguez could get out of prison if we don't find a witness against him and the cartel's operations," he sighs gruffly before muttering, "Need a break on Jurado's location."

Chewing on the inside of your cheek, you get up to swiftly close your office door and sit on the couch to ask in a hushed tone, "Well, what about his wife?"

"…What about her?" he asks, perplexed.

"I mean, if you catch Jurado, you'll have to give him immunity and protection for his cooperation, right? Which naturally will extend to his wife, so, why not put pressure on her to tell you where he's at?" is your suggestion, and you hear Javi exhale a bemused sound along with what you imagine is cigarette smoke. "I know you'll play your hand that you're looking for him, but the longer you wait to get him, the bigger the chance he'll just go MIA – or the cartel will take him out," you remark, adding, "The wife is likely the only thing keeping him tethered here."

Javi can't help hum thoughtfully as he drives towards the avenue that leads to the embassy's main security gate. "See? You should've gone into law enforcement," he jibes wryly, smiling as he flicks his cigarette out of the window and chuckling when you snicker a silly sound. "I gotta go. I'll see you tonight."

"Good luck, agente," you purr in his ear, and heat flares down into his groin. "Bye."

He's in a better mood when he gets to his office ten minutes later and pauses at the sight of a to-go coffee cup waiting for him on his desk. Smirking, he picks it up and takes several sips as he unloads his bulky satellite phone to the desktop. Once he's chugged enough of the delicious brew, he places the cup down and makes a beeline to the makeshift audio room Stoddard's in currently listening to the latest of the wiretaps. Unfortunately, the man has no good news about Jurado's location, so Javi's stuck pondering a risky maneuver before deciding it's his best play, under the fucked circumstances. He doesn't even feel like a dick when Stoddard finally asks to talk about the legalities of the wiretaps and he flat out rhetorically tells his deputy to think about his career and whether having the conversation will help or hurt his chances of getting there.

Javier does feel like a dick when he rushes home to change out of his gray suit for a red wool blend button shirt and well-worn cool-toned brown velvet jacket, brown belt and blue jeans. Slipping on his favorite leather boots, he wonders if he should call you – let you know he's going to take your advice and approach Christina Jurado, but decides against it. He second-guesses himself once he's tailing her from her condo to an upscale high-rise bar in the city, though. After all, it's been a while since he's had to approach a target like this, and back when he did so, he'd been single and industrious. Flirting his way in was his specialty, but it'd mostly been with working girls – not a married gringa who didn't know her life was about to be upended.

Plus…he didn't really want to flirt her up, but under the hasty circumstances, he didn't have another idea in mind. Sitting at the end of the bar now, he watched her drink her martini, how she plucked the olives into her mouth from the wooden stirrer and seemed desperate for some kind of respite. She was an attractive woman, he couldn't deny that, but he struggled to find a decent enough throughway to hook her and get her talking. So, he told the bartender to send her a martini, courtesy of him.

Hell, he could be charming when he didn't want to be, so, he loped over and turned it on, going for charismatically dashing.

She was not buying it.

To his chagrin, Javi couldn't help be reminded of Lorraine. Of how she could shut him down with a tepid smile and a scathing squint of her blue eyes. Christina Jurado was clearly a loyal wife, and with his window of opportunity about to close with her strutting off, Javi relents and drops the act. She is none too please or willing to cooperate, dismissively storming off with a parting, 'Enjoy your drink, Elliot Ness,' shot that leaves him feeling like a righteous jackass.

"Fuck," he swears under his breath before turning to the bar and asking for the bill with an impatient tap on the bar top.

Regrouping, he goes to his car and calls Stoddard, ordering him to make sure to pull the wiretaps for all calls in the next few hours and have them ready for when he gets back to the office. Deciding a second run at Christina is necessary, Javier goes to the Jurados' luxury condo and has the front desk call up that an Elliot Ness is there to see her. Once up in the apartment, he sits down and gives her the hard sell. What seems to rattle her bitchy façade to flint away is the idea that no matter how things play out, there would be no future for her or Franklin if he didn't help the DEA out.

"I didn't plan on living like this. It…it was a mistake, not stopping it sooner. Have you ever done anything like that?" Christina rambles and asks.

"I have." His tone is sincere but no-nonsense.

He doesn't ask her for his location.

Fearing doing so would scare her off to calling and warning her husband, he decides it's best to bait the line and see if she and Franklin take it. After all, he'd rather get the jump on the guy than risk him getting cold feet – to him cutting and running. So, Javier leaves his card and tells her to think it over, but the look in his stern brown eyes tells her not to take too long.

While he hurries back to the embassy, you're going into your meeting with the ambassador. When he looks up from his desk as you walk in, he grins at the sight of two to-go coffee cups held in your hands.

"Bless you for having the foresight to know my ass is dragging today," he snickers as you hand him one of the cups before sitting across from him in front of his desk.

"It's been a hectic week for everyone, sir. I think coffee is the only thing keeping the place from folding down," you chuckle before taking a sip.

He hums over the rim of his cup after taking a long draw and placing his coffee aside with a raspy exhale and weary smile. "Well, I hate to make it any more hectic for you, darlin', but I wanted to give you a heads up that CIA is a little jealous of DEA getting to be part of the pilot before them. Bill Stechner's been impressed with your operation, and let me know he wants in on it," Crosby tells you in a put-on conversational tone.

You're internally bristling at the thought of that fucking asshole poking around, but you tactfully smile and retort, "I'd be happy to discuss it further with him, sir—"

"I'm going to speak plain now," Crosby cuts in and leans forward to confide, "Bill doesn't report to me. And while I don't report to the CIA, we both know they have a lot of pull down here. I know you dealt with resistance from the agency in the past, but he's got a different mind about things. I wouldn't be surprised if he expects your department to fall in line with his wishes, but I want you to know that is not coming from me. I will leave it to you to decide how much leeway you want to allow the station chief…but just know that he's a treacherous son of a bitch when he wants to be."

Not betraying a flicker of shock or worry, you nod curtly. "I appreciate the advice, ambassador. So, should I go up to the top floor and set up a meeting with him?"

"Nah, he doesn't actually spend much time up there. He has a tendency to show up out the blue, so don't be surprised if he just pops into your office at some point," Crosby answers mildly before picking up his coffee cup and reclining in his chair. "Anyway, in better news, the funding is being fast-tracked to the State Department next week, so let me know if there are any issues with the finance team."

"Will do, sir," you stand and offer him a kind smile as you muse, "Have a nice weekend, and give my regards to Mrs. Crosby."

By the time you're back in your office, you're simmering with anger. Stechner's play is still a mystery to you, but you know he's a bastard who uses people and has no qualms about tanking careers if it strikes his whim. You're distractedly ruminating over it as you sit at your desk and review some of the requisitions, trying to find anything that would've been an in for the station chief to poke around in, when Francesca pops her head into your office.

"Hey! Is it a good time to run something by you?" she asks, and you wave her in, so she closes the door and rushes over to take a seat across from you. "I have all the prep done for next week, and was wondering if you needed me to come in? Since it's a school break, I'll be free."

"Oh, that would be great! I can have you sit in on the system launch stuff too," you remark and smile at her. "What about Monday night? Got everything set?"

"Yeah, I got my questions prepped, and a disposable camera so I can snap photos to add to the report," she chimes affably and leans over your desktop to cheekily whisper, "And I even got a nice dress I'm kinda gonna borrow from my roommate without her permission, but she's going to be away, so no harm done!"

"Hah, I'm glad. Do you need a ride to the museum?" you ask as you nurse your coffee.

"Actually, my dorm is only a block away from MAMBO, so I'm all set," Francesca remarks and adjusts her glasses onto the bridge of her nose.

You're about to retort when a knock raps on your door before it's opened and Ellis pokes his head in now. "Hey, kids! Private meeting? Just wanted to check if we're still on for happy hour," he inquires.

"Yeah, I won't be there until late this time, though," you answer as you wave him in. "Francesca and I were chatting about next week."

As the three of you chat pleasantly, Javier is painstakingly reviewing the wiretaps with Stoddard, forcing him to rewind and fast-forward sections for him and adjust the audio quality when needed. He can hear the tense desperation in Christina's voice, and just hopes she doesn't completely fall apart and spook Franklin. But it's on the next playback that he hears the clue he needs, and with a surge of hope, he rushes out of the audio room to dig for the number of the language guy at SLS. Said guy informs him 'Danki masha danki' is Papiamento, so based on that, Javier searched Caribbean nations that would have a luxury resort with an island villa for rent.

Curaçao. It made so much sense, and he kicks himself for not having thought of it before. Once he's rushed out to Stoddard and given the man the instructions, Javier goes back to his office to call Crosby and give him the heads up.

While Javier starts working on a plan of action, you're trying to wrap up a few things in your office.

Wearing the eyeglasses you use when your eyes are straining from staring at the computer screen for too long, you're furiously typing away, entering your clearances to sign off on field offices' requisitions and running an assessment of their pilot program hours. Ellis and the rest of the staff had already headed out to the bar, and you'd assured him you'd be maybe fifteen minutes more when he'd loped out, so you're checking your watch and seeing you have a few more minutes to spare when a knock on your open door stirs you to glance up from your laptop.

"Bad time?"

You have to will your features into a stoic, placid regard upon seeing the CIA station chief taking up space at your doorway. "Not at all," you reply as you remove your glasses and shut your laptop before standing and gesturing to a chair while you ask, "Would you like to have a seat?"

"Ah, that won't be necessary," he casually waves off before loping into your office in a perusing pace, as if you're there for his amusement. "I take it you spoke to the ambassador?"

"Yes, and he informed me of your interest on having CIA on boarded to the pilot program," you retort and sit on the corner of your desk, which discourages him from loping any closer. "I know you rarely keep office hours, Agent Stechner—"

"Call me Bill," the smarmy man lilts and gives you a mild smile. "And I trust you to know the right resources that should be brought on to the pilot, but I have a list here," he remarks as he fishes out a folded piece of paper from his blue corduroy blazer's pocket and hands it to you. "These are my top guys – and gals – that I would like to have first shot at the program. If, they meet your requirements, of course," is his drawl as he flicks his deriding eyes from the paper to your gaze.

"Absolutely," you answer, deliberately avoiding addressing him at all by his title or first name. "Would you like me to set up a status report with your deputy?"

"I don't have one, but, like I said: I trust you," he muses glibly, slipping his hands in his dark slacks and shrugging his corduroy-clad shoulders before he turns and lopes to the door. "Oh, by the way," he says as he pauses at the threshold and turns to glance sidelong at you. "I hope you thanked Agent Peña for putting in a good word with the Senators. I doubt you would've gotten any of the funding you requested otherwise," he jabs as he toys his tongue along his bottom lip thoughtfully before adding, "Although, seeing as he spent his afternoon personally tracking a target and flirting her up at the bar, I guess you wouldn't have the opportunity to give him your thanks."

His steely blue eyes flicker over you, but instead of a haughty flare of temper, you serenely smile at him and remark, "Well, next time I see him, I'll be sure to thank him. He's been quite a busy man recently, after all."

The dig earns a quirk of his lips before he aloofly snickers, "You have a good night, director."

"You as well," you remark and stand to return back to your desk chair, making a point to dismissively open your laptop and go back to your work.

You can feel Stechner get a bit miffed that you don't track his exit, but when you distantly hear the chime of the arriving elevator out in the main hall, your poker face becomes a glower. Fucking asshole really has it in for Javi…I'm going to have to vet things quicker than planned…

As soon as Stoddard confirmed that Willemstad Police had a track on Franklin Jurado's location on the island, Javier instructed him to book a flight out for him ASAP, so once his deputy informed him the next departure was in a couple of hours, Javier told him to lock it in. He's rushing home a few minutes later, needing to pack his duffle with a few changes of clothes in anticipation of spending several days with the Cali moneyman once he's captured and processed in Miami. When he arrives in the garage and doesn't see your car, he frowns and hurries up to the apartment while he preemptively dials your cell phone number.

"Hello?" you answer, and he can hear a lot of ambient noise in the background.

"Hey, baby. Where are you?" Javi asks as he enters his apartment and turns on the lights before striding to his bedroom to grab his duffle.

"I'm at happy hour with my staff. Is something wrong?" you retort.

"Fuck…that's right. Sorry, I forgot," he grumbles while he starts packing clothes into the duffle. "Listen, something's come up, and I'm flying out to Curaçao, so I might be gone a few days—"

"You found him, then?" you ask, and he can't quite place your tone. "When is the flight?"

"It's in over an hour. I'm at my place packing and heading direct to the airport—"

"I'll leave now—" you begin to tell him.

"No, that's ok," he assures, although he would love to see you before he goes. "Don't come rushing over on my account. It'll only be a few days, and I'll call you when I can," Javier assures as he tosses his travel toiletry case into the duffle and zips it up. "I'm sorry about dinner."

You make an easy-going sound in response. "It's fine. Just promise me you'll let me know you've landed and are safe?" you petition, sounding like you've stepped outside to talk without the ruckus of the bar chatter and music. "And, promise you won't go cowboy down there?"

"…I can promise the former, but can't commit to the latter," he tells you honestly, and you huff into the phone. "Querida, I got my guys in Cali, so I'm going solo on this. I might need to do some cowboy shit," is his grouse as he shoulders his duffle and starts heading out.

"What happened to 'I'm not a field agent anymore? No more getting roped down into shit'?" you counter, which has Javi internally swearing while he locks up before stalking down to the elevator. But then, you let out a rescind hum. "Sigh…be careful, mi amor."

His frown becomes a rueful smile. "I will, cariño. I'll call you when I'm at the hotel. Ok?"

"You better," you growl at him, and that familiar flare of arousal coils in his apex at your bossy tone. "Have a safe flight, hermoso. I love you."

"Love you too, guapita. Talk soon," Javi purrs before ending the call and getting into the elevator.

Sighing worriedly, you lean against the banister of the bar's foyer, heartache already welling in your chest. You only stay half hour longer before making sure Ellis will settle the tab. "—And I'll come over to your place probably late afternoon with the lasagna," you're telling him as you shoulder your purse.

"Awesome! I'm salivating already," he quips and gives you a farewell hug before you pat Francesca on the shoulder and wave to the staff as you head out.

Javier's at the airport bar when Christina Jurado calls and assures that she can get Franklin to agree to cooperate – that she just needed more time. He's too tired to linger on the irony of the harried woman professing to something he knows is bullshit and was currently en route to rectify, but once his 2-hour flight to Willemstad lands, he snickers to himself. Even though he crashed and burned at the bar, approaching her had been a good play after all. The thought of telling you the story makes him wonder if you'll razz him, maybe even punish him for not quite following your suggestion. Fuck…she's got me whipped.

Any acerbic humor he nurses is snuffed the minute he steps off the plane and feels the Caribbean heat press into him.

By the time he's checked into his hotel room, Javier is hastily tearing his jacket off and stripping free of the rest of his clothes as he stalks to the small bathroom and gets the shower running. Even after the cold shower, he ends up standing in front of the air-conditioning unit's vents in his towel, baffled by how drastic the shift in climate could be. Deciding to stay parked in front of the blowing cold air for a bit, he grabs his satellite phone and dials your number.

You're just shuffling into his bedroom in your warm robe and slippers when your cell phone rings in the charger. Rushing to grab it, you answer in a playful chime, "How's that Caribbean night air treating you?"

"I'm sweating my balls off," Javi rasps laconically, and you giggle impishly as you sit on the bed. "Literally sitting in front of the air-conditioner's vent to try and not melt."

"Oof, that means tomorrow's likely to be humid," you tell him and idly kick your legs in a silly rhythm. He grunts peevishly, so you chuckle, "I thought you were made for heat, remember?"

"This is muggy hell, burlona," he drawls, but you can hear his smile. "Anyway…I'm sorry about today. But we finally heard Jurado say something that gave us a lead, and it was just fast and furious to align an operation and get here—"

"It's fine, Javi. I know how important it is. Just catch him and come back so we can do all the naughty things we talked about," you silkily murmur as you lie back on the bed to stare up at the ceiling.

His enticed groan has excitement fluttering in your core. "I will, preciosa. So…what're you wearing?" he purrs in that lower octave that has you shivering.

"Well, right now? My robe," you chirp simply as you sit up and add, "I haven't had a chance to lotion up, so nothing else underneath yet…"

"Fuck. You just had to put that mental image in my head, didn't you," he rumbles hotly, and you give him a silly hum in response, so he sighs, "All naked and smooth in your bed—"

"Oh, I'm actually in your bed," you remark offhandedly before hopping off to pace towards the closet as you muse, "It was closer, and I promised to peruse your wardrobe for you—"

As you're telling him and looking through his hung up clothes, Javi can't help but sit on his bed and smile at the idea that you went to his place – that you feel comfortable enough to stay there even when he's out of town. It makes him happy – lifts his spirits. Tossing his towel aside so he can settle more comfortably on the bed, he listens to you describe a particular dress shirt you're suggesting for him to wear.

"—Ah, I think it'll look nice with this dark charcoal suit," you're telling him as you hold out the black dress shirt and tuck it behind the lapel of the charcoal-colored suit jacket, admiring the contrast. "Hopefully you'll be back by then," you find yourself saying out loud as you keep pulling items to complete the ensemble together, cell phone propped strategically at your ear by your shoulder. The pleasant chatter is nice, and Javi's grunts sound relaxed and content.

You decided not to tell him about what Stechner had said. It didn't seem like something you should bring up with everything going on today, and you don't want to add any stress to Javier when he's got to keep his focus on catching Franklin Jurado. It also might have something to do with wanting him to mention the supposed flirt session with who you're guessing was Jurado's wife, and feeling it should be something he discloses—

"I'm confident we'll get him in custody tomorrow. The unknown is how long it'll take to process and finalize his cooperation agreement when we get to Miami," Javier is telling you, pulling you back from your absent styling. You're hanging the outfit you've picked out for him on the top of the closet door when he asks, "Oh, how did your meeting with Crosby go?"

"It was interesting," you find yourself remarking as you go now to the fridge and decide to snack on some of the fruit. You'd nibbled on appetizers at the bar, so you're not very hungry, and want the distraction of making yourself a treat as you continue, "He said the funding is being fast-tracked, so it'll be in next week." He hums, and you can tell he's getting sleepy, so you smile and purr, "You cooled down finally?"

"Mmhmm," he mumbles over the line. "Sorry, baby. Fucking exhausted…going to the police station first thing to coordinate things."

"It's fine, chulito," you say and smirk when he grunts at the nickname in half-asleep umbrage. "Good luck tomorrow, and…stay in touch, or else I'm going to punish you," is your alluring command.

Javi stirs and smiles broadly at the tone of your voice. "I'll call you tomorrow, querida. Promise…but I might be into getting punished anyway when I get back," he tells you in a husky purr and stretches out more comfortably before he murmurs, "I love you."

"Love you too, Javi. Goodnight."

He places his satellite phone to charge and then rolls over, lulled to sleep by the oscillating hum of the air-conditioning unit. While he's seguing into a deep slumber, you're chewing on the last piece of fruit and washing the dishes in the sink before shutting the lights out, shedding your robe to lotion your skin, and getting in pajamas before crawling into his bed, alone.

You can't help worry about Javi as you doze off to sleep, and even when you wake up, you lie in bed, cuddling his pillow to take in his scent as you fret over the possibilities that this will finally be the end of the cartel. What would happen once Jurado testifies? Would all the dominos fall in place? Is everything going to get better or worse for Javi?

Would you two finally be able to plan your life together beyond who's staying over at whose?

Annoyed with yourself, you get out of bed, make it, and start getting ready for your day. Once you're locking up the apartment and heading down to the parking garage to go to the market for some fresh ingredients before heading to your place to start the lasagna prep, Javi is checking in with Crosby.

He's just set out to trail Jurado once he'd coordinated a plan with the head of the Willemstad police, and while he's aggravated by the allowances he needs to make in not grabbing Jurado outside of a bank, he assures the ambassador that he doesn't anticipate any issues in capturing the man.

"Good, because I got everyone waiting in Miami on confirmation of the capture so they can start the proceedings. Keep me posted, Peña."

Javier ends the call and sits back in his seat in the car, watching the front of the bank they'd seen Franklin go into. He allows himself a cigarette, having skipped breakfast and feeling his gut start to roil from the anxiety. The two officers sitting up front are mumbling in Papiamento to each other, so he'd decidedly on the oust as he stares out the window behind his Aviator shades. It's hot as sin out, and even in his light cotton faded salmon-colored short-sleeved button up, Javier is sweating. He can't blame it completely on the heat, though.

When he spots Jurado walk out of the bank and waits for his chauffer to pull up, Javi taps at the back of the driver's headrest and tells him to follow him, but lag back so it isn't obvious. The man in the passenger's seat radios his commander and lets him know they're in pursuit. Tossing his cigarette out the window, Javier rolls it up as they start to tail the silver car towards the restaurant district of the city.

While he starts preparing for the possible confrontation, you're merrily popping the two lasagna trays into the oven. You're free now to catch up on chores, and once you've started on the laundry, you decide to call your grandmother and check in. She fills you in on all the latest, and starts in about needing you to take time off so you can help her shop and prep for your cousin's wedding as well as the actual event. You promise to carve out a few days so she and you can go shopping for the reception. Once she rushes off the phone, you snicker and continue with your to-do list.

Aside from being in decent spirits even though you're worried about Javi, you're relieved to be able to go tampon-free once you'd found you're no longer bleeding or even spotting. His dick really was the ultimate period reliever, you think crassly to yourself before chuckling as you water your plants before tidying up the kitchen.

You've just finished folding your laundry – dutifully setting Javi's shirts aside for ironing – when scratches at your balcony doors are followed by a yowl. "Hah, well then, come in, missy," you open one of the doors to the black cat who meows a bunch at you, as if recriminating you for not being around the last few days. You pet her before breaking out the tuna and plating it. The phone rings as you just placed her food and water down for her, so you hurry to answer the call.

"Well, don't you sound spry! I thought there'd be a chance you were still in bed, ketsele," Sasha's velvety drawl earns a snicker from you.

"The days of sleeping in until noon have long been over," you jibe. "You make it in ok? How do you like Colombia so far?"

"It's very nice. I was a bit jetlagged, so I haven't seen much, but I'll be at the museum today and tomorrow to supervise the installation. You're still able to come on Monday?" he asks, and for some reason, you can picture him pacing, and toying with his earlobe – all his nervous tells you'd catalogued after years of friendship. Maybe it's the musing tone in his voice?

"Yes! I'm so excited to see you and get a look at what's so top secret," you assure warmly. "It's still alright to bring all the people on my list?"

"Of course. They're already on the VIP list," there's a pause. "So, which one is your date?" he rasps, tone hitting a huskier note as be purrs, "I'm guessing it's the one with the gallant-sounding name. What was it? Javier Pena?"

"Peña," you correct, pursing your lips at his teasing grunt. Sitting on your couch and staring at the cat as she lounges like the Sphinx, you add, "And yes, he's my date. Although, he might not be able to make it—"

"Not so gallant then after all…" you hear him disparage under his breath.

"He's currently out of town, and might not be back in time, bub," you answer aloofly, which always gets Sasha's attention. "So? You going to give me a hint as to the theme of this collection?"

"Ah, I want to see your reaction, so no, you'll just have to be surprised, darling," he husks in a deep chuckle. "I have to run. The car is here. I can't wait to see you, krasivaya," Sasha purrs.

"Looking forward to it, velvel," you chime, and grin when Sasha scoffs haughtily at your nickname for him, reserved for times you truly want to bug him. You still remember the time you'd asked his sister, 'What's wolf in Yiddish?' only to turn around and purr into Sasha's ear while on the way to a night out clubbing, 'My blue-eyed velvel…'

"If your date is a no-show, I'm going to get you back for that, ketsele," he growls, and you just laugh irreverently, so he grouses, "I mean it!"

"Go to your car already!" you order playfully. "Goodbye."

He gives you one parting growl before hanging up, and you just chuckle to yourself as you go back to your chores.

As you're currently checking on the lasagnas in the oven, Javi is walking up to the restaurant he'd seen Jurado go into. The Willemstad police commander pulled up in his own patrol unit and joined him at the curb before silently communicating he'd go in first. They both strolled in, and the moment Javi loped towards the bar and then looked at the dining room to his right, he locked eyes with Franklin – and the bastard booked it.

Giving chase, he sprinted through the kitchen and out to the callejón at the back of the block. The fucker was an agile and fast runner, even in the blazer and dress shoes, making a quick sprint around the corner and up into a building with Javi and the other officers right on his heels. By the time Javi gets to the top of the stairs, he's worried Jurado gave them the slip, so he orders the officers to check the back while he dips into the next room. But his sixth sense has him rushing back and running to the balcony to spot Franklin exiting and rushing down the street.

"Fuck!" Javi snarls as he bounds over the balcony's railing and maneuvers his frame down enough before he lets go to drop hastily down to the sidewalk below before continuing his ambling sprint after the Cali moneyman. Even with the head start, he manages to gain on him once Franklin ditched his jacket and tried to mingle into the crowded, tourist-laden plaza. But Javi spots him when Franklin is spiraling in the middle of the crowded promenade when he sees the patrol units pull up and cut off his escape.

The look in the man's eyes tells Javi he's desperate, so he mutters, "Don't run," as he holds up his weapon, but when Jurado tries to scramble away, Javi shoots four warning shots in the air, which instantly has the man quaking in his leather dress shoes and stopping while the panicked onlookers disperse. Marching gruffly up to him, Javi, in a commanding, albeit winded tone declares he's being extradited for money laundering and racketeering as the officers detain Franklin and put the cuffs on him.

"My wife. You need to make sure—"

"She's in Bogotá. She'll meet us in Miami," Javier cuts in before gesturing to the officers to take him away.

While they put him in the back of a squad car, Javier's adrenaline finally comes down and he realizes he's sweating buckets, so he wipes at his brow and his upper lip as he dials the ambassador's office. He updates Crosby, who assures him everything is in the works and to let him know once Jurado's started talking so he can update the Department of Justice.

"Agent Peña. Good work."

The praise has Javi feeling raw and outside of his skin. He chalks it up to being fucking exhausted, out of shape, and sweating like a damn pig after the chase in the muggiest heat he's dealt with. It sticks with him once he's back in his hotel and splashing water on his face before wringing a damp towel and using it to wipe the sweat from the back of his neck, throat, and chest. Grabbing his duffle and checking out, he rushes out without taking the shower he desperately needs to instead hop into the patrol car that's escorting him to the airport so he can get en route to Miami with Franklin first thing.

While they're loading the man onto the private plane and chaining him to his seat, Javi sneaks off to the side to call you.

"Hey! Are you alright?" you ask, tone teeming with worry.

"Yes, everything's fine. I got him," Javier tells you, idly running his fingers through his hair. "I'm on my way to Miami. Hoping he starts talking as soon as he's processed, that way I can be on the first flight back with the intel."

He hears you sigh in relief. "I'm so glad. Call me and let me know once you're there?"

Looking back when the air marshal signals they're ready for him, he nods at him and starts loping over to the plane's steps. "I will," he says, pausing at the bottom step once the marshal has re-entered the plane in order to purr a covert, "I love you."

"I love you too. Now hurry up and get back," is your charming demand, and he can hear your sultry smile in it, which has his pulse skipping a beat.

So, as he climbs the steps, he laconically drawls, "Yes, boss lady," before saying goodbye.

Standing outside on Ellis and Anita's patio, you let out a cleansing breath and lean against the wrought-iron railing. You'd been in the middle of an animated conversation with your friends over lasagna when your phone rang in your purse and you'd practically sprinted for it and rushed outside for privacy.

When you come back in, Ellis eyes you intently, trying to read if you're upset before he asks, "Everything ok?"

"Yeah, it's all good. Sorry for rushing out like that," you meekly retort before sitting back at the table. "That was so rude of me—"

"Well, make it up to us by passing me more of the sauce?" Anita diverts your self-deprecation and smiles when you grin and hand her the bowl. "So, we were talking about the dress code Monday night?" she redirects back to the previous conversation.

"Ah, just a nice cocktail dress should suffice," you answer before the conversation veers into the plan for you all going together to the art show.

A few hours of good company later, and you and Ellis are sitting at the now-cleared table just chatting idly about the office while Anita made the mistake of going to sit on the couch after all that lasagna. Once she passed out, you both nursed your drinks and talked in hushed tones. He's discussing the latest he'd heard from Devon and Jackie when you remember the interaction with Bill Stechner the night before. Begrudgingly, you decide to fill him in. You don't tell him the contentious backstory between the CIA station chief and the DEA country attaché, but you do tell him how the smarmy man seems to have an axe to grind against Javier.

"I mean, Samson once mentioned something about him derailing things Mil Group had in the works. Shit, I think Benson once made a crack about Stechner being the one behind that story," he pauses and eyes you keenly. "The Miami Herald thing."

You nod, figuring it wouldn't hurt to divulge just a little more to Ellis. "The source? She'd been Javi's criminal informant, and while on the way to record her testimony against the Cali cartel, Stechner had his contact put her on a plane and ship her off to do that hit piece instead," you tell him, tone clinical while your gaze narrows in retroactive anger. "She flipped to be a CIA informant, and since they weren't supposed to be going after the Cali cartel, Stechner had Messina and Javi rotated out," is your elaboration as you swirl your drink idly and stare into the glass. "I'm sure he's going to use Javi as a scapegoat again to obfuscate the shit he's really doing. I just don't know what his play is towards our department."

"Well, I'll ask around. Vet the names he gave you," Ellis remarks and drains his glass of scotch. "Do you think he knows about you two?" he asks and watches you flick your gaze back up at him and ponder something silently.

"…He knows about us. So, he could potentially use that to interfere with us at the embassy," you admit before finishing your drink. "But, oddly, I don't get the feeling that he's going to expose us. I just can't figure out what his angle is towards me…"

"Maybe he just wants to fuck you," Ellis blurts derisively, and you comically grimace at the prospect. "I mean, I know plenty of guys at the embassy that would definitely be bummed at finding out you're with Peña," he can't help snort.

While Ellis keeps razzing you until you haughtily change the subject back to work, Javier is charged up with exhilaration as he briefs the Department of Justice lawyers who've met him at the processing checkpoint.

The flight to Miami had been a contentious one until Jurado had staked his terms: He won't say a word until he sees his wife. Once that's done, Javi will have his witness. So, once they'd landed and were deplaning, he's flippant with Christina. After all, she's calling, all frazzled, and running away from Stoddard and the security detail he'd had sent to her place rather than just fucking cooperating already. As they're taking Franklin and loading him into the back of an SUV, he tells her that he's been arrested. His patience with her has worn out, and he tells her this is it – to get to the embassy immediately and not talk to anyone.

Now, as he's walking the corridors and giving the interrogators the instructions of exactly what he needs them to get out of Jurado, he can't help feel a little guilty about how impatient he was with her. But the moment he turns the corner and sees into the interrogation room, those sentiments evaporate and are replaced by the cold anticipation of defeat that's welling in his gut.

Fucking lawyers, he can't help think before the smug bastard waltzes out of the room and tells him Franklin isn't cooperating. But what feels like the gut punch is the unscrupulous man telling him glibly that his wife 'met with Jurado's employers' and had a change of heart. Rocked, Javi frantically calls the embassy and finds out no one ever arrived under the name Christina Jurado, and when they patch him into Stoddard's line, his deputy gives him the real shitty news:

"—Found a vehicle with a dead female driver, and Christina Jurado's purse was in the front seat, boss. They must've been trailing her this whole time, and the minute Franklin's arrest hit the wires, they moved on her," Stoddard theorizes glumly.

Javier's never felt more demoralized in his life. Not even the switcheroo Stechner pulled on him with Judy Moncado had left him reeling as bad as he is now, standing on the tarmac while they prep the private jet for him back to Bogotá. Vacantly, he stares at his satellite phone before mechanically dialing the number.

You're humming a song to yourself as you iron a dress shirt while watching the variety show on the TV in your living room when your cell phone rings. Smiling, you set the iron down and rush to answer it. "¿Bueno, cómo le va, mi patrón?" you singsong silkily. When you don't hear his amused or enticed grunt in response, you sober and strain your hearing. It sounds like he's outside, but you can't make out where. "Javi?"

"…I'm flying back tonight."

Alarmed, you sit in the chair in front of the coffee table, feeling nervous about his emotionless tone. "What's wrong?" you ask, and when you can feel his tension even over the line thousands of miles away, you decide to press tentatively, "Tell me what happened, mi amor."

There's a foreboding pause that has you trembling with fear of the worst – heart racing and breath catching in your chest when you finally hear him exhale a lonesome sound.

"We fucked up. Jurado was going to cooperate only if we could get his wife out of Colombia and let him see her, but she got taken before my people could secure her," he tells you in a hollow drone, and you cover your mouth to stifle your gasp. "I'd fucking just spoken to her right when we landed! I told her to get to the fucking embassy, and in less than an hour, she got grabbed—"

You're absorbing everything, and the shock is quickly set aside by your tactical, clinical nature kicking in and immediately analyzing all the contingencies and worst-case scenarios. When you hear his tone getting that irascible edge, you cut in, "This isn't your fault, Javier."

"…I have to go."

The sadness that curls in your chest has your bottom lip trembling. "Ok…I love you—"

The dial tone interrupts you, and you listen to it for a beat too long, processing things before you end the call.

Javier's gone on autopilot. It's the only way his mind can stop him from succumbing to the blinding rage that's suffocating him. The wrath helps keep the self-loathing at bay. It also keeps him awake and numb as he sits on the plane – alone – and flies back into the clusterfuck that is his assignment. He helps himself to a double whiskey neat, and stares off into space while his fury roils him. He'd already told Crosby the shit news, and rather than chew his ass out, the man had just icily told him to get the fuck back and start dealing with the shitshow that'd erupted while he'd been babysitting Jurado all day.

It's after midnight by the time he lands, and the drive to his place is filled with the quiet rage of his thoughts. You fucked this up. Why didn't you put her into protective custody?! Have a fucking escort tailing her?! Snarling, he reaches for a cigarette, and by the time he gets to his apartment and parks in the garage, he's in full self-loathing mode. The bitter taste in his mouth only gets worse when he thinks about how badly this whole fuckup has set him back, and with the snarky update Crosby gave him about the assassination attempt in a crowded club during the height of the Feria de Cali, he feels boxed in by all the new obstacles he's now having to surmount.

Dejectedly exiting the car, he stubs the cigarette butt out with the tip of his boot before grabbing his duffle and walking to the elevator. He's making a mental list of all the things he'll need to deal with in the morning while he trudges down the hall towards his apartment door, feeling like shit when he realizes he'd been a callous asshole on the phone with you. Annoyed with himself further, he unlocks the door and enters his place.

He's bemused to find the living room dark, save for the ambient glow of the television sitting on. Adjusting his tired gaze, he realizes there's a form curled up on the couch. Shutting the door and quietly placing his duffle down by the credenza, he lopes closer, and once his eyes have adjusted to the lowlight, he makes you out.

You're asleep, curled up on your side under the throw blanket. Something fragile wriggles in his chest, making him feel afflicted and hopeful at the same time. Before he's able to confront the dueling feelings, he's gone to sit on the edge of the sofa so he can admire your sleeping features. Reaching his fingers to gently brush your hair from your face, Javi gets calmed by the serene softness of your countenance in this state.

Tucking the rogue strands behind your ear is what makes you stir. Groggily you unfurl under the throw and murmur, "Javi?"

"…I didn't expect you…to be here," his halting murmur stirs you fully awake, and you go to sit up. The throw slinks down from your shoulders and reveals you're wearing his favorite nighty – the one with the slit up the thigh. His eyes linger on the delicate fabric clinging to your breasts, which distracts him long enough for you to shift up and throw your arms around him.

Hugging him tight, you bury your face in his neck. "I'll always be here for you," is your murmur, and you feel Javi go slack, so you give him a fortifying squeeze. "You can't just hang up on me and not expect to find me waiting for you in the dark of your apartment," you quip.

Javi lets out an acerbic snort and encircles you, pulling you close. He nuzzles your soft hair and breathes in your enchanting scent. "I'm a fucking asshole," he tells you in a rumbled drone.

Frowning, you pull back and cup his face, staring deep into his loathsomely frowning, dark brown eyes. "You are not," is your counter, and he flicks his gaze away. "Mírame, Javier." When he slowly looks back into your fierce stare, you tell him, "I will not let you wallow in this."

"…You don't have to do anything—" he begins to dismiss as he nudges you back so he can stand.

Literally shoving him back down and straddling his lap to keep him pinned in place, you imperiously glare at him. "I'm not going to let you beat yourself up," you declare in an exacting tone, eyes boring into his with conviction until he surrenders. "You want to vent? Go ahead. But you're not going to swallow up your anger and turn it around on yourself."

Disarmed, he tosses his head back and wrings his hand over his features before pressing it into his eyes with exasperation as he collects his thoughts. You take the moment to catalogue how tense his muscles feel under your touch. His scent teems with briny, dried sweat, the remnants of his overworked deodorant and cologne, the clinging whiff of chain-smoked cigarettes, and the spice of whiskey on his breath.

"…Do you know how fucking maddening it is to get the guy – to have chased him like a fucking old dog running after the meat wagon – only to have a cartel-retained lawyer tell you before your own people that the bargaining chip you had got fucking snatched right out from under you?"

You calmly sit on his lap while he drops his hand moodily to the armrest and glares up at the ceiling.

"…Is that why you have such a ripe tufo on you?"

Javi barks out a laugh and looks at you. "I thought you liked how I smelled?" he drawls as he scratches at his sweat-permeated hair.

"I love how you smell, but right now, you stink," you chime and shrug innocently, trying to lighten the mood. "You chased that fucker in humid heat and stayed in these sweaty things all day?" is your faux-aghast lilt as you tug on his shirt and wrinkle your nose cutely at him.

Javier scowls. "Alright, I get the point," he grumbles and nudges you onto the couch so he can stand. "I had more important things to do than smell good for anyone today—" is his grouchy huff as he stalks over to snatch his duffle bag up and heads with it to the bathroom.

"Ok, so, let me amend something to you," you cut in and adjust to sit up on your knees on the couch so you can glare at his back. "You don't get to beat yourself up, or take your shitty mood out on me, Javier," is your sharp remark when he pauses in the hall.

Ashamed, he nods before rushing into the bathroom and shutting the door.

You frown, feeling that familiar ache in your heart. Your temper flared and got the best of you when you should've just understood how low he feels right now. Lying back down on the sofa, you listen to the hum of the shower running, and before long, you doze off for an unmeasured period of time, before you feel yourself being lifted up off the couch.

Javier carries you in his arms to his bed, still warm and dewy from the shower, so you cuddle into him and mumble, "Sorry…" He pauses at that just as he was going to set you down, so you stir fully awake and curl your arms around him. "I shouldn't have snapped at you—"

Shaking his head, he sets you down on the bed and starts trying to tuck you in. "You didn't," he huffs and goes to move away, but you grab his hand, so he gruffly exhales and sits at the side of the bed. You realize he's only in a towel that's wrapped snugly around his hips. You're still a little drowsy, so you're having a hard time deciphering his mood, but when he squeezes your hand, you sit up and lean into his back, rubbing your palm soothingly along the curve of his shoulder. "I…whenever I've dealt with something like this, I just…" he trails off, brooding thoughts weighing heavy on him. He doesn't have the gall to say that in his lowest moments, he'd drink himself into a stupor, or seek out the company of women he could fuck his anger away with. The shame is like an anchor tied around his neck, and he suddenly bows his head and vacantly rubs his hand over his moustache before blurting, "I just want to take this out of me."

You jolt at that and shift to wrap your arms around him from behind. "Take what out?" you query on a thin whisper.

Javi shakes his head in disgust with himself. "Just forget I said that…" he rasps and shies away from your embrace.

Wounded, you lean away and try not to let the knot forming in your throat break loose the tears you feel welling up there. "I—I'll give you your space then," you whisper and amble to the foot of the bed in order to retrieve some clothes from the drawer.

Your breath catches in your chest when his hand grabs your upper arm and pulls you around to face him before he tugs you close. "Goddammit, I don't—I don't want to be alone…I fucking just—I don't fucking trust myself," he growls in terse frustration, usually soulful eyes fraught with conflicting emotions. "I'm so fucking tired of being angry…"

That strikes such a chord in you that he's taken aback by the fire that flares in your smoldering gaze as you slink up against him and grip your hands at the back of his neck. "Then fucking do something about it, querido," you hiss and nudge your cheek into the side of his jaw in a primal sign of wanting to rile him. His breath hitches, and he stares ambivalently down at you, so you decide to give him another push.

You whip his towel off of his hips and suckle a hard kiss to the top of his left pectoral before murmuring haughtily, "Fuck me already, Javier."

The intensity you see ignite in his dark eyes sends a flutter into your womb, and before you can blink, Javier has whisked you up into his arms and tossed you onto the bed before pouncing down on you. Your gasp stutters when he smothers your mouth with his and kisses you like nothing in the world matters. His tongue sweeps into your mouth and claims you with ravenous hunger as his hands possessively clutch you to him – warm skin pressing down on you and the firm press of his cock grinding into your inner thigh.

No words pass between you as he suddenly snatches you up and hikes your nighty off in an impatient yank before he tugs you around to face the foot of the bed while he hitches up flush behind you and suckles wanton kisses into your neck and shoulder. You moan and arch back into him, feeling alight and tingling wildly with anticipation when he sweeps his fingers through your folds and feels how hot and wet you are, how your desire drips slickly over his digits while his thumb grinds against your clit.

"Ah!" you whimper and cling to his arms when he plunges two fingers into you and curves them while he nuzzles you dominantly before nipping at the delicate spot just under your ear. His cock is digging into the plump ridge of your ass while he continues to tease your clit, fill your cunt with his fingers, and suckle greedily down the length of your neck before he fondles his other hand from your waist to squeeze your tit and pluck at your studded nipple.

You gasp and squirm in delight, feeling overloaded by all the pleasurable sensations when he suddenly yanks his fingers out of your clenching cunt and sucks them into his mouth while he shoves you down onto your hands and knees before his hand grips your hip to pivot your pelvis up to align for the spear of his cock. The sound you let out when Javi thrusts into you to the hilt from behind is needy and alluring, which helps rein in his feral concentration.

The sight of you bowing into the bed with your lower back arched up – ass high and right, where he can see his cock getting swallowed by your tight pussy? That primal desperation rakes up in him, a lewd urge he's always tried to keep at bay when he's with you but now feels it overtaking him with a demanding fury.

You're not prepared when his hand latches to your shoulder and yanks you up from the bed while he ferociously tugs your hip back to slam you full-force onto his cock. Gasping, you instinctively reach a hand backwards to cling to the wrist of the hand gripping your hip and setting the pace of his now relentless pounding thrusts while the other grapples for balance on the bed. You whimper when his fingers knead into your hip – feeling like he's imprinting them to the sinew, so you toss your head back on a reedy mewl and catch your reflection in the mirror above his dresser.

You've never seen Javi look so wild. His shoulders are rolled back, chest puffed out – looking intensely broad, with every muscle bunched up as he unfocusedly stares into the back of your head while he grunts and growls with every pounding slam of his cock into you, lips curling back from the brutal force of him trying to take his pleasure by pounding his savage need in you.

The feral fervor etched into his features – that's ticking his jaw and making him bare his teeth after a particularly deep slam of his cock – has you blooming with something primordial and intense. He's never fucked you like this, never been so rough, and rather than scare you, it has you coiling up with a searing desire. So, you suddenly shift your knees for better purchase and rock your hips backwards to meet his next thrust, then the next, and the sounds you've been biting back? You let them out, no matter how heady and obscene they are echoing in the room over the squelching slap of skin-on-skin.

The blown-out, unfocused stare flits away from Javi's ferocious features and he gasps as you dig your fingertips into his wrist and watch him fuck you in the mirror. He follows your gaze and sees the lurid display of you both reveling ardently in each other for the first time, and the hoarse growl he lets out has you clenching and flooding with arousal until your thighs are damp with it.

It's all too much for him to not chase and plummet headfirst into, so he hammers his cock into you and clutches you protectively against him when you cry out, "Javi!" in a drawn out sob and climax all over his apex while he continues to pound your pussy until it clamps down on him. You're deliriously mewling and writhing, mind gone the minute his cock drove into you with such force you would swear he punched up into your womb. So you're unconsciously reacting to him hauling you up to be pressed against him while he groans a fierce sound just as his cock swells and he shouts out his orgasm. You moan at the sensation of Javier filling you with cum after such a fierce coupling, shivering as he prolongs the exhilarating sensations tumbling wildly inside you.

You cling to his hand when it grips your ribcage to pin you in place against him, and moan in satisfaction when the hand gripping your shoulder curls at the side of your head and laces its fingers into your tousled hair there to tilt your face up so he can press his face into you – to dominantly nuzzle your temple, cheekbone and jaw.

He shudders, hips stuttering the remnants of his powerful ecstasy as he exhales a panting grunt and buries his face into your neck while he holds you possessively. You're coming down from the prolonged bliss, sweating and throbbing and feeling the most alive you've ever been. So it's disarming when Javier seems to jolt against you and starts to reel away.

Now in his right frame of mind, Javier is prodded by the sense memory of the last time he'd done this – lost himself in pounding his fury away in the throes of rough sex until he was no longer anything but the angry thing he tried so hard to keep locked down deep in himself. It's like a scalding déjà vu, and he's retreating back from you as anxiety springs up in him. Fuck, no, fuck, what did I do?! Jesus Christ, I never wanted to do this with her—

You don't know why he's suddenly skittish, but you intuitively sense this is something loathsome and harsh he's become tangled up in, so you turn and grab his face. Hands firmly gripping and pinning him in place from shifting away, you're searching his startled expression. You're both panting, still recovering from the animalistic coupling, and even though you are literally a ravished mess, you look deep into Javi's dark brewed eyes and see something you don't expect.

"Don't run away," you whisper and press closer to him, and he shudders. His shoulders droop as the shaky exhale he lets out has his frame trembling with something he's trying to keep control of. "You don't have to hide anything from me," you murmur and pull him close, looping your arms around his shoulders and kissing his cheek while he silently wars with himself, so when you see him squeeze his eyes shut and huff tensely, you susurrate, "I love you, Javi. Please, don't push me away…just let me in."

Javier dissolves at that. Internally crumbles at the profoundly overwhelming tumult warring in him. Falling back to sit on the bed with his knees butterflying askew, he hunches protectively, completely ashamed as he buries his face in his hands and stutters a weary breath. You can't take seeing him like that, so you straddle his lap and wrap your arms around him, hugging him with all your might as you press your nose to his hair and kiss him. His hands move around to grip you desperately to him as he hides his face in your neck.

You hold him for a quiet beat, concentrating on listening to his breathing and feeling his muscles relax the longer you dotingly kiss his head and squeeze and rub his shoulders.

"You don't have to hide your anger from me," you find yourself murmuring softly. "It doesn't scare me. You don't scare me."

He shifts to rest his forehead to your cheek, but doesn't say anything, thoughts racing through the quicksand of his mind.

"And no – that wasn't scary or overwhelming or too rough," you tell him in a quipping tone, and he lets out his breath in a charged huff. "Talk to me, mi amor."

"…I-I never wanted to do that…only did that…" he's haltingly grasping for words, but is utterly ashamed – tongue-tied and wary of voicing the truth.

With a sigh, you turn to kiss his temple. "Only with women like that Gabby and Vanessa – with just working girls," you fill in for him, and when he stirs and leans back to stare in open, unguarded shock, you cup his cheek. "I told you what I would do when I would get so angry that I just couldn't handle ignoring it, right?"

Javier nods. "But that was different," he croaks.

"No, it wasn't," you reply and rest your forehead to his. "I'm not this fragile, delicate thing you can't be raw with. You can vent with me, Javi."

"Is that what we're going to call that?" he blurts before shying his brown puppy eyes away. "…Venting?"

"We can call it 'doing the caveman,' if you want," you jibe, and he actually lets out a startled laugh. "I mean, look at us. We clearly enjoyed it—"

"Jesus, querida," he snickers and covers his nervously beguiled face with his hand. "I was fucking cringing that I went too goddamn far—"

"Have I ever let you do something I didn't like?" you cut in and bossily pull his hand away so he can see your confident smile. "Or not told you when something did not feel good?" When his brows crinkle from him trying to think back, you roll your eyes and deadpan, "Remember 'mamita'? Or when you plowed your cock into me that one time on the kitchen island—"

"Fucking hell, yeah…I remember," he grumbles, a bit exasperated, so you growl and shake him by the shoulders until his sulky pout is replaced by a lopsided smirk. "So you're saying you liked it, and it wasn't just something you went along with for my sake?" he presses, that little furrow in between his brows getting deeper when he adds, "It didn't hurt…at all?"

He has to ask. After all, Gabby had remarked offhandedly once how she would probably have a hard time walking after one particularly rough session.

You kiss his lips and give him a sweet smile. "I mean, it was that exhilarating kind of thing where pain and pleasure are entwined together" you answer honestly and nudge him down to lie back on the rumpled pillows so you can lounge on top of him. "It felt great, babe," is your sultry purr as you caress his hair and smile at his enthralled stare. "I'm kinda annoyed you've been holding back on me, actually—"

"Fuck me," he scoffs sardonically and runs a hand down his face in flustered intrigue.

You giggle and kiss his chin when he dips his head back into the pillow. With a sobering sigh, you keep caressing his hair as you admit, "I would want to feel anything else but the anger. The way that worked the best and didn't involve getting sloshed, or doing really reckless adrenaline-junkie-kind-of-things was to get lost in the feeling of sex," you pause when he exhales worriedly and caresses you protectively. Smiling, you rest your head on his shoulder and continue, "Sometimes it'd be me using a guy…I think that's what happened with Luke – with most of the guys in my past…"

Javier is silent, but he hasn't stopped caressing you, and when you hesitate in continuing, he kisses your temple. "I ever made you that angry?"

"Yes," you admit. "I missed you so much…was so angry that I would never see you again. So I just…I just surrendered to getting lost in any other feeling, would ask him to be rough – to fuck me with abandon. But, he and I…I don't know. I didn't want anything but the distraction, so I don't know what would've happened had he not been reassigned," is your stream of conscious as you nose his neck. "I probably would've pushed him away…"

"Because he didn't really do it for you?" he can't help grumble as he runs a hand over your mussed hair.

"Because I really only wanted to be with you," you declare simply and nuzzle him under the hinge of his jaw.

Absorbing that, Javier can't help feel completely at ease now. He always felt alone and ashamed by his coping mechanisms, by how he went about shaking free from his loathsome fury. But right now, he doesn't feel alone anymore. It's also resonating deeply with him, hearing you confide to him these things you've never shared with anyone. It all has him bowled over. And, the fact that you have opened up so much to him in his lowest moment has anchored him, saved him from the tempest of his anger. So, he sits up and kisses you adoringly.

"You're the best thing that's ever happened to me."

The weighty murmur gives you pause and makes your heart swell. "Javi…" you hiccup, feeling overcome with emotion as he gazes deeply in your eyes and caresses the back of his knuckles along your cheek. No one has ever said that to you, and the reverent look in his eyes makes you feel filled with vast love. His expression softens as he leans down and kisses you with toe-curling passion. You cling lovingly to him as you both stretch out and cuddle into each other, before you snicker despite yourself. When he looks into your eyes with concern, you meekly mumble, "We're both so sticky."

He laughs, and with a wonderful grin, Javier sits up and literally picks you up to march gallantly to the bathroom. "Quick shower, and no funny business," he drawls, and you try not to melt.

Once you're both warm and dewy, thanks to Javi hastily drying the both of you, he picks you up and carries you to bed. Slipping under the covers with him never felt better, and before you know it, you're fast asleep in his arms. Nuzzling the top of your hair, Javi relishes your comforting smell, as he gets lost in thought about everything that's gone wrong. It's like his work is destined to always get derailed – to constantly be racing to a result before failure inevitably sets in.

Part of him still feels scared that the turmoil will impact things with you. That seeing any more of his dark, furious moments will alienate you from him. The heaviness in his chest when he worries about losing you only subsides when he recalls what you'd told him previously.

"You, Javier Felipe Peña, are the love of my life. I've never been happier, and more hopeful than I feel right now, being with you."

Consoled by the recall, he closes his eyes and dozes off to the hope that he'll be able to live up to making you happier and inspiring more hope to bloom inside you for the future.

Unfortunately, it won't be that simple.

________________

Read Chapter 26: Art

Spanish-English Glossary:

Beyako = Puerto Rican slang for horny/naughty guy; akin to "horn dog"

Querida = Affectionate term for a female, akin to expressing one's want and desire

Pinche cabrón = Fucking asshole

Más macho = More manly; akin to saying "the most manly man"

Mi amor = My love

Pollo = Chicken

Malcriada/malcriado = Brat/spoiled

Cariño = Darling/sweetheart

Mi hermosura, tan tierna y calientita = My beauty, so tender and warm

Deja de tentarme, amado = Stop tempting me, beloved

Mi tiernita = My tender little girl

Guapita = Sassy/foxy/daring/testy lady

Chulo/Chulito = Cute guy; little cutie

Burlón = Joker; teaser

Tan atrevida = So daring [woman]

Traviesa = Naughty/Mischievous girl

Mira quien habla = Look who's talking

Bravita= Tough girl; feisty girl

Buenas noches, chavón = Goodnight, pesterer

Mi patrón = My master/boss

Preciosa = Gorgeous; precious

Tenientes = Lieutenants

Agente = Agent

Gringa = American woman

Hermosa/hermoso = Beautiful (female); beautiful (male)

Burlona = Joker (female)

Callejón = Alleyway

¿Bueno, cómo le va, mi patrón = Well, how's it going, my master?

Mírame, Javier = Look at me, Javier

Tufo = Stink

Thanks for reading! Please consider leaving a comment and sharing your feedback. I would be eternally grateful.

#Heat - Narcos fanfic #Javier Peña #Javi Peña #Narcos #Narcos fan fiction #Javi x Querida #Javi Peña fan fiction #Javi Pena #Javier Pena #Javi Pena Narcos #Javi Pena fan fiction #Pedro Pascal #pedro pascal characters #Javi Peña x Latina OFC

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something-tofightfor · 3 years

Text

Catch Probability

Pairing: Jack Daniels x Female Reader (’On Deck’ Baseball AU)

Word Count: 8,213

Rating: M: There’s some language, a lil bit of smut, Jack being charming ... but it’s Jack Daniels, so do you really expect anything different?

Summary: Jack’s been back in Texas since the regular season ended, but a change in your Thanksgiving plans means an opportunity for him. It also means meeting his parents for the first time - are you prepared?

Author’s note:

This is a month late, but there’s never a bad time for a Thanksgiving story, right? (And it’s not even like the holiday is the focal point of the story - it’s just sort of an overall catalyst and I should have had it done but I didn’t so that’s on me.)

This is meant to take place AFTER the events of On Deck (which is still being written) but before Display of Affection. It’s a full-on baseball AU - so no Secret Agent Stuff to be found. Just good old Jack Daniels, veteran 3rd baseman for the Statesman.

Catch Probability represents the likelihood that a batted ball to the outfield will be caught, based on four important pieces of information tracked by Statcast. 1. How far did the fielder have to go? 2. How much time did he have to get there? 3. What direction did he need to go in? 4. Was proximity to the wall a factor?

The phone vibrated before it started to ring, and for a brief moment, you thought about reaching over and silencing it. But when you heard the familiar ringtone - much quieter than you’d gotten used to hearing it blare out over stadium speakers each summer - you scrambled into a sitting position instead, raising the device and grinning at the photo on the screen. It’s too early for him to be calling. The smile still lifting your lips, you laid back against your pillows as you answered, eyes closing once more as you spoke. “Good morning, Jack.”

“Mornin’, gorgeous.” You rolled your eyes behind your closed lids, but couldn’t stop the warmth that spread through you at the term of endearment. Any other man saying it with such regularity would have made your skin crawl, but it was different with Jack - in both the way it sounded and the way it made you feel, and so you allowed it. No, I look forward to it. “Did I wake you up?”

“Yeah.” Groaning, you rolled onto your back and stretched, letting a quiet ‘yip’ escape your lips, knowing that the man on the other end of the call could hear it. “Took today off so I’d have a five day weekend, and decided to turn my alarm off.” Raising the phone, you squinted at the time displayed at the top. It’s not even 8 am here, so for him, it’s… “Why are you awake so early, Jack?”

“Pop’s got me up doin’ shit around the ranch, so I’ve been up and busy for almost an hour already.” He sighed. “Wanted to call and say hi before it gets too late, since I’m not sure how the rest of today’s gonna go.” That didn’t surprise you - you knew that Jack’s parents still expected him to help out when he was home, and that wouldn’t change no matter how many fielding awards or batting trophies the man earned. “Gotta get everything ready for tomorrow.”

Though you hadn’t seen him in weeks - Jack leaving Louisville soon after the season ended to spend time with his family - he’d updated you on what was going on. That included the planning of his family’s annual Thanksgiving dinner, which was held on his parents’ property every fall. “How many people are coming this year, Jack?” Stifling a yawn, you waited while he muttered under his breath, counting.

“Actually, it’s a little smaller than usual. I think there’s only gonna be about twenty.” That was a shock; the number was usually closer to fifty, according to the pictures he’d shown you. “Couple of the neighbors made other plans, so it’s just us.”

“That’ll be nice, though.” You sighed. “Fewer people means more leftovers.” That pulled a laugh from Jack, the sound causing you to squeeze your eyes shut even tighter, teeth biting into your lower lip. I miss him. A lot. You weren’t officially a couple, but you and Jack had grown close over the last two months of the season, and the distance between you had been the only thing to change once he’d flown back to Texas. “Too bad you can’t send a plate up to me so I don’t have to find something that’s going to be open to order.” Ah, shit. It slipped out without thought, and you groaned inwardly. Dammit.

“I thought you were going to Erin’s?” He cleared his throat. “Don’t you -” Yeah, about that.

“I was.” Rubbing a hand over your face, you continued. “Caleb brought something home from school last week. Poor kid was sick all weekend, and now Erin and their parents have it, so … dinner’s canceled.” You were disappointed, but understood. “Missing a meal like that sucks, but I’d rather do that than be sick for -” “Come to Texas.” It stopped you immediately, eyes going wide as you shot up into a sitting position. What? It wasn’t the first time that Jack had said those words to you, but this was different. It’s not for a couple games, this is… “There’s gotta be flights, and -” “Jack.” Head shaking back and forth, you closed your eyes. “I appreciate the offer, but holiday travel is nuts, and even if there’s an open seat on a flight, last minute would be ridiculously expensive, and -” And we’re not even a couple, so how would you explain that to your - “My parents wanna meet you.” That froze you in place, your fingers tightly gripping the blanket on your lap. What? “Find a flight into Dallas sometime today, or even tomorrow morning. I’ll come pick you up.” Head moving back and forth, you opened your mouth to speak, but Jack beat you to it. “Stay with me for the weekend.” You had nothing keeping you in Kentucky for the holiday, and Jack knew it. Five day weekend, no plans, a sick best friend, and a guy that’s… “Book the ticket and I’ll pay you back for it… I…” He paused and you heard him clearing his throat. “Would be real nice to have you here.” Any lingering doubts about taking him up on the offer disappeared, and it had nothing to do with him offering to pay for the ticket. But was I ever really going to say no? Especially after he …

“Alright, Jack.” Your eyes flicked over to your closet, the smile creeping back onto your face. “Guess I gotta get some stuff packed.”

---

Seven hours later, you were peering out the window of the plane as you descended toward the Dallas airport, pointedly ignoring the steady thump against the back of your seat. Twenty more minutes and it won’t matter. The kid had started kicking your seat shortly after takeoff, and aside from a short nap, had done so for the duration of the flight, despite half-hearted intervention by his parents. That’s what happens when you fly on a holiday, you reminded yourself as the buildings beneath you began to come into focus. It’s almost over.

You’d found an available seat on a flight that left a little after noon, and after booking the round trip fare, sent the confirmation to Jack. Settling back against the cushion without taking your eyes away from the view, you couldn’t help smiling at the memory of his return text - multiple exclamation points, and a promise that he’d be waiting when you landed. You felt bad that he had to make the 90 minute drive between his parents’ and the airport - and then back - but you also reminded yourself that he’d offered - you hadn’t asked. Texas is huge, so maybe he’s used to so much driving anyway. Eyes still on the window, you gritted your teeth at yet another impact to the back of your seat, and took a deep breath. It’s going to be worth it.

The unexpected time with Jack wasn’t something you planned on wasting, and the fact that it was nearly four days total in Texas was exciting. That was especially true since before that morning, you hadn’t known when you’d see him next. And now I have a lot of time, even with the holiday tomorrow.

As the plane touched down, you gripped the armrest, and when you stopped moving, turned your phone back on, eyes scanning the screen to see if you’d missed any messages. There was one from Erin, telling you to have a good time, a picture from your parents that they’d emailed from one of the ports on their cruise, and two from Jack; one letting you know he was leaving the house, and another telling you to let him know when you landed. Probably so he doesn’t have to keep driving in circles until I make it outside. You did just that, telling him that you only had a carry on, and so you wouldn’t have to wait for luggage, but didn’t wait to see his response before you tucked your phone away, gathering your stuff. You’d had the row to yourself, which was a plus, and after giving the seat-kicker’s father one last glare when they tried to cut in front of you to beeline it off the plane, you made your way to the front and then off of it, following the line of people through the tunnel and into the airport.

It wasn’t as busy as you’d imagined it to be, though it was busier than Louisville, and despite the fact that you wanted to duck into the bathroom and assess yourself before you headed for baggage claim, the desire to see Jack sooner won out. Even though it’s only a few minutes sooner, it … Your phone buzzed, but instead of checking it, you continued toward the baggage claim area and the exit, focused only on the fact that you were about to be reunited with the man. This is so stupid, you chided yourself as you walked, fighting the urge to roll your eyes. We’re not even a…

But as you made it past the luggage carousels, you stopped in your tracks, eyes widening. No. Your hold on the strap of your bag tightened as your eyes focused, and it wasn’t until you heard your name that you moved again, feet carrying you through the crowded space and toward the man - a bright white piece of paper with your name written on it in his hands. He didn’t. Jack was waiting for you next to one of pillars by the exit, dressed casually in long-sleeved shirt and a pair of faded jeans, and he also couldn’t keep the smile off of his face, though you could tell he was trying his hardest. Look at him.

“Welcome to Texas, darlin.” He spoke again when you reached him, giving you a single nod and raising his eyebrow. “Told you I’d be waiting.” Am I allowed to hug you? Are we - He answered the questions for you, raising both arms and encircling your body with them, the man pulling you tightly to his chest as the paper he held crinkled against your back. You’d missed the feeling of him holding you, missed the way he smelled and sounded in person, and as he hugged you in the baggage claim of Terminal C, you realized just how strongly you felt about the man. I’m fucked. “Flight alright?” “Sort of.” You took one last breath, inhaling the scent of his cologne and then straightened your back, looking up at him. “Kid behind me kept kicking me, but it wasn’t terrible, and …” You trailed off as you realized that he’d lifted one hand, sliding his fingers along your jaw and urging you to tilt your head back. “Gonna make a scene in the airport, Jack Daniels?” He nodded in return and then the man was kissing you, lips warm and soft, his beath tinged with cinnamon. Good. I won’t complain. It was a quick kiss, but it was more than you’d expected, his brown eyes sparkling when he pulled back, tongue swiping over his lower lip. “Hi.” Your heart was pounding, and you felt yourself breaking out into a grin, sighing as you watched him. “Didn’t expect this, I -” He let go of you in the same motion that he took the strap of your bag in one of his large hands, slinging it away from your body and over his shoulder. “You think I’d just let you wander around lookin’ for me on the sidewalk?” He took a step toward the door and then looked back at you. “My Momma’d toss me out the back door if she found out.” You laughed at that, and then Jack did too, both of you stepping out into the afternoon sunlight. “Parked over here. You hungry? We can stop on the way, or eat when we get back. Doesn’t matter to me.” Me either. I’m just happy to be here. You still couldn’t believe that you were in Texas with Jack - and for a holiday that he was spending with his parents. Wonder how he’ll introduce me.

It was something that you’d thought about on the plane, too, and even though it made you anxious, you didn’t want to be the one to bring it up. He’ll figure it out. “I ate before I left.” You cleared your throat. “I should be alright until we get back to your house, unless you need to… wait, you have the Bronco here?” You stopped walking, eyes on the vehicle parked in one of the spots closest to the front of the lot. “I didn’t know you brought it home, I thought it was still in your garage up -” “Yeah, I already had it scheduled to be shipped back before we met.” He ran a hand through his hair, angling his body toward yours. “I don’t like keepin’ it in Kentucky in the winter, but if I’d known that I’d be spendin’ more time up there this year, I probably would have.” Makes sense. It’s colder up there, but … wait. Spending more time in Kentucky? What does that mean? “But she’s here now.” He unlocked the car and opened the back hatch, setting your bag down before he closed it, turning to face you again. “And so are you.”

You knew that he was going to kiss you again when you saw the look in his eyes - and you made no move to stop him, backing up so that you were pressed against the passenger door. “I am, Jack.” Speaking quietly, you let out a soft sigh when his hands found your waist and another as his exhale met the corner of your mouth. “Thank you for -” He didn’t let you finish, the man’s full lips pressed to yours, this time parted enough that you felt the edges of his teeth as he tugged your bottom one between them, pressure increasing and surprising you enough that you opened your mouth slightly in surprise. He’s not playing fair.

But when you thought about it, you realized that he never played fair, not when it came to his personal life - or to you. The kiss deepened and the taste of cinnamon became stronger as his tongue stroked along yours, Jack’s grip at your waist tightening, too. Before you knew it, you’d lifted your hands to rest one on his shoulder, the fingers of the other one moving through the hair at the back of his head as you held him close. It still shocked you that you got to do that; to touch him freely in private, to not have to worry about keeping your distance the way you’d had to during the end of the season. But we’re not in private here, we’re… Pushing Jack away gently with the hand on his shoulder, you pressed your lips together and took a deep breath. “What’s that look for?”

“Someone could see us, Jack, and you… this is …” You shrugged. “It’s not that I don’t want to kiss you right now, but we said we were going to keep it low-key, and if someone -” Both of his hands sliding around your body, Jack pulled you toward him, holding you tightly to his chest. What?

“You really are somethin’ else, aren’t you?” He kissed the top of your head, clearing his throat. “We should get goin’ though. Long drive back, and I wanna show you somea the property before it gets too dark.” You agreed, waiting until he pulled away from you so that you could turn and open the door, but Jack didn’t move much, instead leaning back down and kissing you again - this time much more softly. “Ready?” You gave him a single nod and then Jack did pull away from you, winking before he rounded the back of the Bronco toward the driver’s side. This is going to get interesting.

Taking another deep breath, you closed your fingers around the door handle and pulled.

---

“This is all yours?” You tried to keep the shock from your voice as you peered out the window, but knew that you were failing. “This driveway’s like … a mile long.” He laughed from next to you, the hand that was holding yours tightening before it let go, returning to the steering wheel. He’d told you plenty of times that his parents lived on a ranch, but you’d grossly underestimated the size of it. I should have looked into it. But the pictures he showed me, the house looked … normal.

“Just under 60 acres. Lotta trees. There’s a lake. It’s real small, but it’s water. Couple pastures. A barn.” He cleared his throat. “We’ve got horses and a couple cows. Some chickens, too. It’s -” “You know, Jack….” You rested your elbow on the inside of the door next to you, turning your head to look at him. “You don’t have to try to impress me. You already -” He laughed at that, the sound filling the small space, and when he turned his head to look at you, you saw the twitch of his mustache and even though his eyes were partially obscured by the sunglasses he wore, you knew his eyes were glittering with amusement, too.

“We’ll see how impressed you are when you’re in the barn with me feedin’ the animals tonight.” That made you laugh, too, and with a roll of your eyes you returned your gaze to the scenery in front of you, a hint of water glimmering at the edge of your field of vision and to the right of what you assumed was the barn. “You ever ride a horse?” Here we go.

“Once. No, wait… twice, if the fair counts. Never done anything more than trot, though, and I wouldn’t want to embarrass myself in front of you, so…” You blinked as the house came into view and couldn’t help the way your eyes widened. It’s so … perfect. “Jack, it’s…” Head shaking back and forth, you bit your lower lip. “Your house is … it’s…” “Tell my parents that.” He chuckled as he put the Bronco into park, clearing his throat again while he pulled his sunglasses off, tucking them into the neckline of his shirt. “Listen.” Uh oh. “You bein’ here on a holiday like this is … I know it’s not somethin’ that we talked about before, but…” He paused and you watched the way his jaw set. “I’m gonna have to introduce you to ‘em somehow, and … I’m not sure what to say.” Oh. Quickly averting your eyes, you focused on both hands, which were resting in your lap. Yeah, I guess you wouldn’t. “I know what I wanna tell them, but…” Jack reached over, using one hand to turn your face back toward him, tilting your chin up. “I don’t wanna make assumptions.” Yeah, me either.

“Tell them whatever you want to tell them, Jack.” Wetting your lips, you fought back a frown. “You invited me here, this is your show. I’ll… follow your lead.” I know what I’d like you to tell them, but …it’s not just up to me. “I’m just here for the food.” That broke the tension, but you saw the way his gaze lingered on you before he sighed, pulling the keys from the ignition and opening the door. Did I say something wrong?

He helped you with your bag again, grabbing it out of the back before you could tell him that you had it, and so when the two of you had climbed the three steps up onto the wraparound porch, it was you that pulled the screen door open, letting him reach for the knob on the solid one behind it. “Anyone here? We’re back!” His voice carried through the front hall and into the surrounding rooms, and before you could say a word in reply, a short woman with dark blonde hair and a tall man that looked almost exactly like an older version of the man next to you appeared. He looks just like …

Trying to keep the surprise off of your face, you inched closer to Jack without realizing it, the man’s arm moving so that he could rest his free hand against your back. “Hi.” It came out little more than a squeak, and so you tried again, closing your eyes and taking a deep breath. “Mr. and Mrs. Daniels, I’m -” “We saw you.” Jack’s mother’s eyes widened, gaze moving between you and her son. What? “At the ballgame, in September? You were sittin’ a couple rows back, remember, John? We -” Oh, shit. “He showed us pictures of you, but I couldn’t… I knew you looked familiar, but I didn’t…” She stepped closer, reaching out to settle her hand against your arm. “Jack, why didn’t you -” “C’mon, Momma.” Jack pulled you closer, the woman’s eyes locked on his face. “Let her get inside before you start askin’ so many questions.” He didn’t sound flustered; in fact, Jack sounded composed, though his accent was coming through more than it usually did. Actually, it’s been that way the whole time I’ve been here, I guess after being back, it’s… automatic. “These are my parents, Annie and John.” With a smile, you greeted both of them, feeling the woman’s fingers tighten on your arm before she let go, stepping backwards and next to her husband. “And this right here’s my lady.” You tuned him out as he said your name, fighting the urge to turn and run out the front door in surprise. His lady? His… he just… In your wildest dreams, you’d never imagined that Jack would claim you in such a way in front of his parents, but you didn’t want to let him know how much it surprised you. Wait til we’re outside. Then freak out. Then… ask him. “Do you wanna go put your bag upstairs? I can show you where you’ll be sleepin’.”

“I wasn’t sure, Jack, so I made up a guest room…” The woman trailed off. “But -” Blinking to focus, you watched as she eyed you again, one brow raised in an expression that was so Jack you almost snorted. “But I guess you won’t be needin’ that one.” I guess not. Heart slamming against the back side of your ribcage, you nodded. “Dinner’s whatever you can find tonight, since I’ve been cookin’ for tomorrow all week.” Of course. That makes sense, but I don’t know that I could eat anything right now anyway.

“Gonna show her the barn while I check on the feed.” Jack nodded once at his parents and then looked down at you, and you saw the worry in his eyes. Why is he worried? “We’ll be back for dinner though.” He slid his hand away from your body and laced his fingers with yours, pulling you in the direction of the staircase. “C’mon.” Right.

“It’s great to meet you.” You finally managed to speak again, looking between the man’s parents. “Jack talks about you all the time, and I’m … it’s great to meet you.” She gave you a soft smile as you and Jack headed for the steps. He dropped your hand as you began to climb them, but instead of staying silent, he started speaking, telling you about the house and pointing out rooms as you passed them.

“Parents sleep on the other side of the house,” he finished as you stopped in front of a door at the end of one hallway. “Worked out better before because I liked to play my music loud. Now...” He trailed off, brow furrowed. And now? Now it works better when you have someone in the room with you. But you stayed silent as he opened the door, gesturing for you to head into the room ahead of him, and even though it shouldn’t have surprised you, the way it was decorated did. Not because it wasn’t a nice bedroom, but because walking into it, you’d never know that it belonged to an All-Star Major League Baseball player.

“It’s … cozy.” Turning in a slow circle, you stopped when you were facing the man, Jack standing in front of the once again closed door. “This …” You couldn’t help smiling, using one hand to gesture around you. “I like it, Jack.” The furniture was dark-stained wood, the walls a clean, light gray - and there was a large glass door leading out onto a small balcony that overlooked one of the fields and a corner of the lake. “You -” “I haven’t brought anyone home to meet my parents since…” He cleared his throat. “Since Janie.” That froze you, and instead of letting your hand drop, you brought it up to cover your mouth. That’s not … “They’ve met some of the girls I’ve been seein’, but not … not here.”

“Jack, I -” He stepped closer to you, reaching out to cup your jaw in one large hand. Since Janie? That’s been how many years? “We’re not even …” It hasn’t even been four months. “I know. But I didn’t … I couldn’t just tell ‘em you’re a friend. Because that ain’t…” He closed his eyes. “I didn’t mean to put you on the spot, especially after what you said at the airport.” I said that because we’ve never talked about … it’s never come up. “I didn’t want to assume anything either, Jack.” Taking a step closer, you pulled the sunglasses from his neckline, reaching to the side of him to set them atop the dresser. “We said casual from the beginning, and I didn’t want to push, but I haven’t even wanted to date anyone else since the night we got ice cream.” It felt strange - saying the words out loud - but it also felt good, being completely honest with the man about your feelings for the first time in the entire time you’d known him. This just got really real. “I didn’t expect… any of this, actually. But … I don’t hate it.”

He laughed at that, and the apprehension disappeared from his face as he closed the distance between you. By the time your lips met, you were laughing, too. I guess this is happening. I guess we’re… “Didn’t plan on doin’ it like that,” he murmured as you separated, his mustache tickling against your cheek briefly. “Just kinda came out.”

“Of course it did.” It was a surprise to me, too. You met his eyes again, not surprised to see that they were already focused on your face. “Wouldn’t expect anything less from you, Jack.” Holding a hand out, you motioned for him to give you your bag. When he did, you stepped over toward the bed and set it down, taking a few moments to compose yourself instead of turning back around to face him. Is this real? It was real, you decided as he came up behind you and wound his arms around you, crossing them over your chest and lowering his face so that he could bury it in the crook of your neck. Fuck, it feels good when he does that. “Thank you for inviting me here.” Turning your head so that you could kiss him on the temple, you whispered the words. “It really… it means a lot.”

His hold tightened on you in response, and you raised your hands so that you could grasp his wrists, squeezing them. “We gotta go out to the barn. Gotta check on the animals.” Jack spoke so that you could hear him without lifting his head, and even though the words were muffled, you understood everything. “And after dinner?” You felt his mouth moving against your neck, lips climbing higher on the thin skin of your throat until he was speaking directly into your ear. “Gonna get you in this bed and keep you there til tomorrow mornin’ when it’s time for the parade.”

---

The barn wasn’t massive, but it was still larger than it had looked as you drove by. Jack pointed you in the direction of the chicken feed while he got things ready for the horses, and you hurried through that assignment, scattering the pellets in the area he’d pointed out and making sure that there was plenty of water. ‘Some’ chickens had turned out to be at least 10, the birds crowding around your feet as you moved, but they seemed almost friendly, clucking quietly and remaining on the ground while they waited to eat. The last time I did this was at a petting zoo. You smiled, though, as you turned and saw Jack standing just outside the fenced-in run, arms crossed over his chest. “What?” Dropping the last of the food, you placed a hand on your hip. “Didn’t think I -” “I wanted you to come here for a while now.” He narrowed his eyes at you in a thoughtful way, shaking his head back and forth. “But seein’ you here?” Jack laughed, but it was an almost nervous sound. He’s … but I’m just … “I like it.” Both of you quiet, he waited a few seconds and then cleared his throat, gesturing behind him. “C’mon. I wanna introduce you to the horses.”

And he did introduce you, taking the time to tell you the names of each animal, large hand settled on a muzzle or a shoulder while he spoke. Though you knew that before the end of the season, he hadn’t been on the property in months, each horse reacted to the sound of his voice, especially the last two - Poppy and Ivy. “Knew you were charming, Jack.” You stroked along the broad neck of Poppy, a gorgeous copper-red creature while Jack filled the water trough with the hose. “These two are practically dancing when you talk to ‘em.” He grinned at your words, looking over his shoulder and shrugging.

“What can I say? My girls missed me.” His? “These two belong to me. They spend the season here with my parents and then come home whenever I’m at my place for long enough.” Jack cleared his throat. “Had both of ‘em for a while now. Helped train ‘em. When I retire, they’re comin’ to live with me full time.” Because he’s moving back to Texas when he retires. It makes sense. “Wherever that might be.” Or… not.

“You don’t have this much land, do you?” He hadn’t talked a lot about his home in Texas, and you hadn’t pressed him, because you didn’t want to overstep in your non-relationship. But that might not be so true anymore. “Would be a shame if it’s just sitting -” “Nope.” The man finished, stepping next to you and reaching out to let Ivy nudge at his hand with her nose. “Smaller. Just a house, a barn not even half this size, and a few acres. Got room for one more horse there if I want, but I think I’m good with these two.” His eyes were on the animal in front of him - her skin painted in black and gray dappling. “I’m not there as often as I’d liketa be, so it’s nothin’ special. Hired people to take care of it for me when I’m not home, so it’s not completely overgrown.” The man was confident, but at the same time, when it had nothing to do with baseball or his career, he didn’t like to brag. He’s different in private, you thought as you continued to move your fingers through the horse’s mane. I like seeing both sides of him. “If you wanna ride tomorrow, Ivy’s a better choice for you. Poppy can be a little stubborn with anyone that ain’t me.”

“I don’t doubt it.” You patted the horse one final time, clearing your throat. “But that sounds good. You’re going to have to help me, though, because -” “I know.” He grinned, shrugging. “Planned on it.” With his chin, Jack gestured to the doors. “We can check on the cow feed on the way out. They should be alright for now since they’re just grazin’.” There was a lot to ranch life that you weren’t familiar with, but you were genuinely shocked that Jack seemed to fall back into it so quickly, especially after only spending short stints at home over the previous years of his baseball career. “They’re good. Come on, we can watch the sunset behind the barn an’ then go eat.”

Taking his hand as you walked, you let Jack lead you past the chickens and around the building. There were bales of hay stacked against the back of it, and he motioned for you to climb onto one of them, his other hand still holding yours tightly.

Hopping up next to you, the man wound his arm around you, pulling you closer. “It’s really something, Jack.” Taking a deep breath and holding it, you stared out over the horizon. “Louisville is -” “Nothin’ like this.” He agreed with you. “I don’t mind it, but it’s not home.” It was cloudy, but not cloudy enough that you couldn’t see the sun setting, and the two of you watched the sky for long moments. There were trees in the distance, their dark outline enhanced by the colors of the setting sun - vibrant oranges and yellows, the clouds edged in a rose gold that was almost blindingly bright. I’ve never seen a sunset like this one. “Gonna get real cold real fast when the sun goes down.”

Jack’s voice was soothing next to you as you leaned closer, resting your cheek on his shoulder. “I brought a coat with me, but -” He laughed, his whole body shaking, and you sat up straight to look at him. “What’s so funny?”

“You’re not wearin’ a coat right now, so it’s not gonna help much.” He had a point, and even though you rolled your eyes in reply, you weren’t upset. Got me there. “I just meant that as soon as we’re done here, we gotta hurry back up to the house before it gets too bad.” Jack reached up and over, letting his knuckles move over your cheek. “Meant it.” Meant what? “I like you bein’ here.” Of all the things you’d expected from the last-minute trip, Jack baring his feelings so openly hadn’t even been on your radar. “My parents like you, too.”

“Yeah?” He nodded in return, eyes locked on your face. “How do you know?” One side of his mouth twitched, almost like he was trying to keep from smiling, but when he spoke, his tone was serious.

“If my Momma didn’t like you, she would have made you sleep in the guest room anyway.” You couldn’t help laughing at that, tossing your head back and closing your eyes. Of course. Of course she would have… but they don’t even know me, they… “Seeing you at that game probably helped make up her mind.” “Jack, I didn’t mean for them to -” He cut you off, turning his head back toward the setting sun.

“Later. Just watch.” Alright. You settled your head against his shoulder again, the man’s hold on you tight as both of you looked off into the distance, eyes on the sun as it dropped below the horizon. I can do that.

---

You were in love with the kitchen on the ranch, and couldn’t wait for Jack to come back into the room so that you could tell him. This is my favorite part of the house, hands down. Wide open and with high ceilings accented by dark-stained wooden beams, there were two islands, one of them piled high with the food that Annie had prepared throughout the week that didn’t need refrigeration.

The tables were already set in the dining room; you eyed them as you waited for the bread to toast on the griddle portion of the stovetop. Twenty one plates. The extra because I’m here.

“Jack leave you alone in here?” Eyes snapping from the table settings to the doorway, you were unsurprised to see the woman standing there. “He makin’ you cook dinner for him, too?” She was joking; you could see the gleam in her eyes and so you played along, carefully lifting the edge of one sandwich to check on it. Still needs a few minutes.

“Yeah, that’s why he had me fly out here. Wanted me to make him Thanksgiving Eve dinner.” She smiled at you, stepping into the kitchen and sliding into one of the high-backed chairs positioned around the second island, keeping her eyes on you. “Bet he has me make breakfast, too.” Her smile faltered for a moment at that, but before you could worry much about it, she cleared her throat and spoke.

“Jack always makes Thanksgiving breakfast for us. We eat while we watch the parade.” That’s why he mentioned it specifically. “After Janie, he…” At the mention of the girl’s name, your grip on the spatula tightened for a moment. “You … know about Janie, right?”

“I do.” Swallowing, you flipped both sandwiches, twisting the knob to turn the heat down slightly before facing the woman head on. “After I met him, I … I knew who he was before, just because he played for my team, but…” You chewed on the corner of your lip and decided that telling the truth was best. “I looked up more information about him online, and I read about her. About … them, and what happened, and…”

You’d spoken with Jack about the woman very briefly a few times - and only after he’d brought her up. You knew that even so many years later, the loss of Jack’s high school sweetheart in a drunk driving accident the year before he’d been drafted still weighed heavily on him. And it always will. “After we lost her, he … changed. Realized what was real important to him, and makes it a point now to be here for Thanksgiving. We don’t always see him at Christmas, but …” She shrugged, the smile still on her face. “He’s busy, and has to make the most of the time he’s got playin’ ball and everything that comes with it. So we take what we can get.”

“That makes me happy to hear.” You glanced back at the sandwiches, and then returned your attention on Annie again. “I’m sorry about earlier, Mrs. Daniels. I probably sounded like -” “He sprung that on you the same way he did on us, didn’t he.” She raised an eyebrow again, and you could do nothing but wrinkle your nose and nod. “There a reason my son’s invitin’ you to spend a holiday with us and not calling you his girlfriend until you get here, or -” She went right for it. How do I -

“Cool it, Momma.” Jack reentered the room, phone in hand. “Didn’t bring her here so you could interrogate her.” Pressing your lips together at that, you turned back to the stove, removing the food from heat and onto a cutting board. It was nothing special - just grilled cheese with some assorted additional toppings - but you were hungry, and they were done. You heard the chair legs moving across the floor before he continued. “And no, there’s no reason except for the fact that we just hadn’t talked about anythin’ yet.” Well that’s not quite honest, but alright.

“When I met Jack,” you continued as you sliced through the bread, eyes on your hands. “And we started talking, we both decided that whatever happened, it didn’t need to be labeled.” You put the cut sandwiches onto plates along with a handful of chips each and turned back around, Jack reaching for both of them. “Thank you.” He nodded, eyes on you as you took the seat next to him, but you were still looking at Annie. “It was already so close to the end of the season, and I knew he was leaving to come back to Texas at the end of it for a couple months, so we just … friends that went out occasionally worked. It gave us a chance to get to know each other without … expectations.”

“But you’re here now. And he’s calling you -” She stopped, closing her eyes. “You know what? It doesn’t really matter and it’s none of my business, but you listen to me right now.” Uh oh. He perked up, straightening his back. “Your father and I are excited that you’re finally bringin’ someone home, but puttin’ her on the spot like that was terrible of you.” She’s on my side? This day is … “We raised you better than that, Jackson, and you know it.” Jackson?

“Yes, ma’am.” You’d never heard him sound so contrite, but when you looked between the two of them - Jack’s eyes focused on his mother and her face set in a stern expression - you realized that you were seeing something that very few people had ever witnessed. Another difference from on-field Jack. He said your name and you returned your attention to him, waiting. “I shouldn’t have done that. I know I already apologized, but -” “It’s alright, Jack.” You sighed. “And to be honest, it saved me from awkwardly bringing it up, so … even better.” He grinned at that and Annie groaned, her head shaking back and forth as she told you to stop encouraging him. It’s the truth, though.

After that, the three of you continued to talk while you and Jack ate, his mother asking about you and you and Jack taking turns filling in the details. It felt normal, all of your earlier apprehension gone, and by the time you’d finished drying the dishes you’d used with a hand towel, you felt completely at ease in their large, open kitchen.

She caught you as you were getting ready to leave the kitchen, Jack’s hand on your lower back, fingers warm through the material of your shirt. “How long are you stayin’ for?”

“Sunday afternoon.” Jack spoke for you, fingers flexing at the words. “Gotta leave here for the airport around 3:30.” You heard the woman hum, and when she said your name, you twisted partially around so that you could look at her.

“We should get lunch on Saturday, then - just the two of us.” Oh, that… I’d like that. If Jack hadn’t wanted you to spend time with his mother, he wouldn’t invited you - or would have invited you and introduced you as his friend and nothing more. Agreeing, you were happy to see that the woman’s eyes lit up before she moved them between you and Jack, giving her son a wink. “Another thing.” What? What did - “You can call me Annie.”

—

By the time you were both ready for bed, you were completely relaxed. “When I woke up this morning, Jack, I didn’t think I’d be going to sleep in Texas.” He was sitting on the edge of the bed and beckoned you closer with both hands, spreading his legs wide enough that you could stand between them, hands settled on his shoulders. “With you.”

“Neither did I, but I’m glad it’s happenin’.” He looked up at you and without thinking, you raised one hand, running your fingers through the hair at his temple. “Told you she liked you.”

“You did.” His hands were on your thighs, loosely holding on - but you could feel the heat from them. “If you don’t want me to go with her Saturday, I won’t. She just -” “No, go. It’ll be good. She’ll show you downtown, and probably introduce you to a couplea her friends. I’m sure she’s gonna tell ‘em all you’re here anyway.” You didn’t hear apprehension in his words, but you saw it briefly in his eyes as he spoke. “Might as well get that out of the way.” “You can tell her not to, Jack. This is still new, so I wouldn’t be upset if we kept it quiet.” He tightened his hold on you, thumbs moving over the sides of your legs. “She’s gotta understand that, especially since you haven’t … brought anyone home in a long time.” You knew that mentioning that had the potential to shift the mood, but Jack only stayed quiet for a few seconds, then said your name quietly.

“She’s either gonna tell ‘em all now, or tell ‘em when she explains why I’m not comin’ home for Christmas.” What? He smiled at your reaction, the man wetting his lips. “I’ll be back in Kentucky for the holiday and into January as long as you don’t mind me spendin’ it with you.”

“Are you serious?” He nodded, expression solemn once again. “Jack, I didn’t expect -” Leaning down, you kissed him on the mouth - barely giving him a chance to react before you straightened up again. “That’s so much of your time off before you have to go to Spring Training, and you usually travel…”

“And how do you know that?” He was smirking at you, one eyebrow raised. “Checkin’ up on me?” Oops. Continuing to move your fingers through his hair, you urged him backward, waiting until his back was against the mattress to climb into the bed, one knee on either side of his hips.

“Maybe.” His hands slid around to the backs of your legs, pausing before they moved up, fingers flexing to conform to your curves. “I wanted to see what you like to do in your time off, Jack. It’s a lot of plane rides. A lot of new countries and food, and -”

“That’s what happens when you’re single.” He left one hand where it was, reaching up with the other to cup the back of your head, urging your face toward his. “No reason to stay anywhere long, no one to spend holidays with except my family.” He kissed you as he finished speaking, lips soft against yours and lingering, fingers digging into the material of your pants and dimpling the skin beneath them. “That ain’t true anymore, though.”

It wasn’t, and you felt yourself flood with warmth at the thought of spending Christmas with Jack, the man sitting in your parents’ house, opening gifts with you and some of your other family members. I’m lucky. So lucky. You sighed against his lips, the tip of his tongue poking through and then he was kissing you deeply, the man urging you further into the bed with him with every passing second.

You didn’t realize that he had his hand beneath your shirt until you felt the heel of it moving against the swell of your breast, the touch drawing an unconscious gasp from your throat. He knew exactly how to touch you, and the man made the most of this knowledge, the placement of his hand shifting so that he could circle the pad of his thumb over your nipple, and without pause, you rolled your hips toward his, feeling the length of him through the pants he had on beneath you. Wait though, one more … “Jack, wait.”

It was difficult, but you separated from him, licking your lips and staring down, one hand firmly planted on his chest. “What?” It was only one word, and he said it quietly, the man patiently waiting for your response even though you could tell it was difficult for him. Me, too, Jack.

“The game they saw me at. I didn’t mean for them to see me, I was just sitting in the seat. I didn’t actually say anything to them, so I -” He laughed quietly, pulling the hand from beneath your shirt and bringing it up so that he could run his fingertip along your jaw. “Why are you laughing?”

“I knew you’d see ‘em. I’m the one that got you the ticket, remember? Got ‘em for them too. Same section, a couple rows apart.” It made perfect sense, though you hadn’t considered it earlier. “You know I try to put ‘em in that area whenever I can, so I’m not surprised they noticed you.” He closed his eyes and cleared his throat. “Or, actually, I’m not surprised my Momma noticed me lookin’ at you.”

“Oh.” You breathed the word out, remembering the way the man had sought you out during the game, giving you wide smiles and winking a few times. “Yeah, you…” You leaned back in, lips hovering over his ear. “You’ve done that a couple times now at games, Jackson.” He groaned at the use of his full name, his hold on you tightening again, and within seconds, he had you on your back, propped up over your body on both elbows, though his chest was pressed against yours.

“You gonna use my full name on me, hmm?” You nodded in agreement, feeling a rush of desire at the sound of his voice. It’s been weeks, it’s… “Then I’m gonna make you really use it on me, darlin’.” He lowered his head, taking your earlobe between his teeth as he slid one hand between the back of your head and the pillow, urging it to one side and giving himself more access to your bared skin. “Startin’ right now.”

—

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#jack daniels x reader #agent whiskey x reader #jack daniels x female reader #pedrostories #jack daniels baseball au #jack daniels #agent whiskey #kingsman the golden circle fic #agent whiskey au #jack daniels thanksgiving fic #pedro pascal character #pedro pascal jack daniels #jack daniels: catch probability #pedro pascal masterlist #jack daniels masterlist #on deck #jack daniels: on deck #on deck masterlist

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soniaxdixon · 4 years

Text

My Girl

Word count: 1847

Set end of season 3 start of season 4ish

Summary: You and Daryl have an unspoken relationship and when a new girl comes to the prison, you let her know very clearly who Daryl is with.

Warnings: Swearing, TWD gore, reader is a bit hot headed.

Rick bringing the people of Woodbury to the prison was definitely a surprise to you all but in this day and age, strength came in numbers so you were lucky to have this many people now. The governor was still at large and no one had any idea where he could have possibly gone which meant that you all needed to be prepared. Most of the people from Woodbury where either older or didn’t know how to fight which was an issue. You were one of the best fighters among your group along with Daryl, Maggie, Glenn and of course Rick but Rick had other commitments which left the four of you to run lessons. Maggie and Glenn taught the newcomers how to use guns and knives while you and Daryl taught hand to hand classes. Most of your classes involved sparring and it always helped when there were even numbers of people but today Rick had brought in a new person who he had found on the road a few days ago. She was quite small and didn’t know how to fight at all, you wondered how she had survived this far.

Rick brought her over to you and Daryl once she had rested for a few days, she was now ready to learn to defend herself.

“You’re not gonna find better teachers than these two.” Rick led the girl over to you and Daryl, gesturing towards you as he spoke. You both walked up to meet the two of them in the middle of the field. “Mia, this is y/n and Daryl.” Her eyes flicked between the two of you, looking Daryl up and down far too many times for your liking.

You and Daryl had been in love with each other since the day you met, you shared a cell and everything but you still hadn’t technically made things ‘official.’ Your group liked to make jokes about how obvious your feelings were except you seemed to be oblivious to each other for so long.

You noticed Daryl’s breath hitch as her eyes slowly roamed his body, your stomach twisting in knots as you watched her practically undress him with her stare. You broke the silence, drawing her eyes back to you.

“How long you been out there”

“It’s been a while, since I lost my boyfriend I’ve been all alone.”

Her eyes flicked back to Daryl earning an eye roll from you. “Shame.”

Daryl cleared his throat, “Right, we better get started with the rest of em over there. Come on.”

You followed Daryl back over to the group, Mia standing close behind him like a lost puppy.

“Right, today we are working on getting out of someone’s grip. There may be times where someone grabs you, pins you, whatever, you need to be able to get out of it. Watch Daryl and I first, then buddy up and start practicing.”

You walked over to Daryl turning to face the group as he stood behind you, wrapping his arms tightly around your frame, trapping your arms.

“This is where you would kick their shins or slam your head into their face. The shock should be enough to throw them off their game to which you should be able to rip your way out of their hold then turn and kick them until they’re down and keep them down. Your turn, find a partner and get started.”

Everyone had a partner except for Mia, she was walking over towards Daryl before you stepped in.

“Excuse me” She looked passed you her sites still set on Daryl.

“Just practice with me, let’s see what you got.”

“Don’t you think it would be better if I had someone bigger holding me to see if I can really get out of this situation?” She batted her eyelashes towards Daryl as she spoke. Was this girl for real? Couldn’t she take a hint?

“You know what, you’re so right.” Sarcasm dripped from your words.

Her smile grew as she started walking towards Daryl again.

“Hey Tyrese, can you give me a hand here for a second?” Your words stopped her in her tracks, anger taking over her face.

You stood back with Daryl and watched as everyone practiced what you had taught them, all except Mia who just wasn’t getting out of Tyrese’s grip.

Then sun began to set as you wrapped up the classes. “We’ll see you all tomorrow, same time, same place as always.”

You and Daryl began to walk back to the prison as your stomach’s growled.

“Any idea what we’re havin’ for dinner?” Daryl asked you but your mind remained focused on the girl staring at him.

“Hm? Oh um, I think Carol made a stew.”

You ate with the rest of your family before making your way over to the showers, Daryl heading up towards your shared cell. While you were in the shower, Mia took the opportunity to head over to your cell and chat with Daryl.

“Hey Daryl.”

“Hey, Mia right?”

“Yeah, I was wondering if you run one on one classes? I feel like I’ve missed a lot of training here and I thought it might be good to catch up.”

“We usually just run the group classes.”

“Oh. Would you be willing to maybe just help me out a bit then, I promise I’m a fast learner and I’ll do anything you tell me.” She had a devilish look to her when she spoke. Daryl chewed his thumb as he thought about her question. She seemed like she really just wanted to learn and it wouldn’t hurt to have her learn a few extra things.

“M’kay, meet me where we had class today, after breakfast.”

“Thank you!” She squealed as she made her way to her cell.

You got out of the shower, drying off and dressing into your pyjamas before you climbed the stairs up to your cell. By the time you got in there Daryl had changed and climbed under the covers, his arm covering his eyes. You couldn’t help but let your eyes roam over his toned arms.

“I know ya starin’ at me.” You giggled at his comment before climbing over him onto the other side of the bed, rolling over and facing the wall. He rolled onto his side and wrapped his arm around your waist pulling your body flush against his. You traced circles around his arm that was draped over you.

“What do you think about that new girl, Mia?” You asked him, your eyes remaining focused on the wall in front of you.

“She seems harmless.”

“Yeah, you’re probably right. Goodnight Daryl.”

“Mhm, night.”

You squeezed his arm before letting your arm slide back down onto the pillow under you, drifting to sleep with your archer behind you.

You woke up before Daryl, his arm was still wrapped around you, loose enough that you could slide out of his grip and shuffle off the bed. He stirred slightly as you climbed off the bunk.

“Where ya goin’?”

“I have fence duty, go back to sleep. I’ll see you for lunch.” You bent down and kissed him on the forehead before exiting your cell and making your way down to the fences.

After about an hour of stabbing walkers through the fence you saw Daryl walk out of the prison, you waved at him and he sent a smile your way. You turned back around and continued to take care of the walker issue.

“Hey y/n” The southern drawl you knew so well caught your attention.

“Hey Ricky.” You smiled cheekily, he hated when you called him that but part of him loved it, it showed how close the two of you were.

“How’d that new girl, Mia go at classes yesterday?”

“Not great, she needs a lot of work. Plus, I think she has a thing for Daryl and that’s not on.”

“Well you’re not gonna like this.” Your stomach dropped at his words.

“What?” He gestured over towards the middle of the field where Daryl and Mia were sparring. One on One.

“You’ve gotta be shitting me.” You glared at the two of them, your stomach twisting repeatedly when you could hear her giggles whenever Daryl would go to grab her.

“Go handle it, I got you covered for a bit.”

You stabbed one more walker through the head violently yanking your knife back out sending blood everywhere as you shook it and shoved it back in its sheath. You could feel your anger rise every time Daryl put his hands on her, you could see her leaning into his touch.

————

“Alright let’s try again.” Mia said, looking at Daryl with a spark in her eyes.

“M’kay one more time.” Daryl went to wrap his arms around her from behind but at the last second she turned and was facing him, her hands pressed up against his chest which caught him off guard as he stepped back. “What the hell?”

“Come on Daryl, we should have a bit of fun while we’re here.” She started leaning up towards him before he took another step back. “Don’t tell me you’re not attracted to me, I know you want me and I’ll give you everything and more. More than y/n can give you.”

“You’re fucking crazy, ya know that?”

She took a step towards him, placing her hands on his shoulder before his eyes met yours, you were now almost standing directly behind Mia and she was oblivious.

“My girl ain’t gonna like this.”

“She doesn’t have to know, I don’t see her anywhere.”

With that, you grabbed her hair and yanked her so hard she hit the floor. “Now you do.”

“y-y/n I-” She struggled to find words before you stood next to Daryl, looking down at her.

“You ever try anything again, you even think about trying anything again, I will personally tie you to a tree and let the walkers finish you off. Do you understand me?”

She gulped, “Yes”

“Good, now go and find someone else to teach you how to fight. I’m sick of seeing your face.”

She pushed herself off the floor and scurried towards the prison building.

Daryl went to grab your hand but you pulled away.

“Nuh uh. Not letting you off that easy asshole. What the hell were you thinking?”

“She asked for a one on one session to help her improve, I thought she was bein’ serious but obviously not.”

“Mhm.” You started to walk away from him before turning back “My girl, huh?” Daryl rubbed the back of his neck. “I like it.” You started to walk back down towards the fence to return to Rick as Daryl’s eyes focused on the swing in your hips.

He smiled sheepishly at the ground before following you like a lovesick teen. He was completely under your spell and would never have done anything with Mia. You knew that but you needed Mia to know who he was with and that he was not fair game.

She understood that now.

#daryl dixon #daryl dixon x reader #daryl dixion imagine #daryl dixon x you #daryl dixon x grimes reader #you x daryl dixon #you x daryl #daryl x you #twd #twd fic #twd series #twd fic series #twd fanfiction #the walking dead #the walking dead fic #the walking dead imagine

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caramelcal · 4 years

Text

Invisible String

Ship: Stiles Stilinski x Reader

Word Count: 1.1k (excluding lyrics)

Request: Could I please request a stiles x reader fic based on the song ‘invisible string’ by Taylor swift? Maybe a soulmate au if you’re comfortable with that?

a/n: hello! I hope you guys enjoy this! I don’t even know if I like this but y’knowww...Also this is technically a soulmate AU as it mentions the tug on a string (like the red string soulmate AU) but it isn’t actually said like “we’re soulmates”

Green was the color of the grass Where I used to read at Centennial Park I used to think I would meet somebody there Teal was the color of your shirt When you were sixteen at the yogurt shop You used to work at to make a little money

You should have been watching where you were going but you weren’t. It had been a bad day, one filled with a bad shift at your part-time job, forgetting about the homework you were supposed to hand in and now had an after-school detention tomorrow and the fact you got in a fight with one of your friends.

Grumbling, you walked on with a slightly stomp against the concrete pavement, eyes gazing down at your shoes with the yogurt in your hand gripped tightly. Yet it didn’t stay in your hand for long as you hit against something.

The yogurt was now all over his top, making you both jerk back in surprise, barely noticing the tug you felt on your pinky.

“I am so sorry!” You gushed, running to him as you scrambled to get a napkin out of your pocket. However, he wasn’t looking at you, and instead, he looked down at the damage the collision had done on his shirt.

“It’s alright,” He murmured as you anxiously scrambled to take most of the yogurt off. Noticing that you weren’t stopping, he put his hand over yours and gave it a small squeeze, “It’s alright, don’t worry about it.”

Your eyes met his and all panic left your mind. His eyes were enrapturing, deep hazel gazing down at you softly, both maintaining eye contact. Everything seemed to blur out as you focused solely on his eyes without embarrassment. You felt no bad emotions at all as you stood there, and any that were there beforehand were washed away by the deep hazel you gazed into.

People passed mindlessly but you both stood there, soft smiles adorning both of your faces as the boy spoke, “I’m Stiles by the way.”

Time, curious time Gave me no compasses, gave me no signs Were there clues I didn't see? And isn't it just so pretty to think All along there was some Invisible string Tying you to me? Ooh

The grass below you ticked on your legs, and the bright sundress you were wearing did nothing to protect them. You gazed up at the hazel you had become so familiar with, the book you had been reading moments before being abandoned on the grass.

Beams of sunlight filtered down on the both of you, the heat of the sun surrounding you both as he rambled on about one of the comics he had been reading. You bit down on a piece of fruit that you had packed for the picnic you guys had been having as he talked, smiling at how passionately he rambled. You loved listening to his rambling, it ignited a fire inside of him that fascinated you and no matter what he talked about, you were always interested because you knew it was important to him.

This wasn’t your first date, but it was your first official date with Stiles. Sure, you guys had hung out a little during the first part of the summer, and had talked a lot over text but as it reached the end of summer Stiles finally asked you on a date. That leads you to where you were, play fighting with Stiles on the grass before you rolled over, clutching on to Stiles as you rolled down the hill together. You let out a playful and happy squeal as you fell, Stiles holding you closer to his body.

The breath was knocked out of your body when you landed at the bottom, Stiles on top of you as you looked at him with wide eyes. You didn’t know how to breathe as you continued to stare up at him, hair splayed over the grass below you as Stiles made no effort to try and get off of you.

What he did do, however, was lean down and capture your lips in a kiss.

Bad was the blood of the song in the cab On your first trip to LA You ate at my favorite spot for dinner Bold was the waitress on our three year trip Getting lunch down by the lakes She said I looked like an American singer

It was crazy. You never thought about the future’s possibilities much, but now that you were here, on your third anniversary, you couldn’t help but smile.

It had been a lovely evening, you guys had eaten at a fancy restaurant and had the most amazing food before taking a stroll in a nearby park. It was filled with pretty cherry blossom trees, hedges at either side of the pathways, and a large fountain in the middle. Your fingers were interlocked with his as he gently dragged you along to a bench, sitting down beside you.

Eyes gazing up at the twinkling stars in the night sky, a smile lit up your face. Your head lay against his shoulder, fingers still interlocked with yours whilst you rambled on about how pretty the sky was.

Yet, Stiles' eyes weren’t on the sky, instead, they were gazing down at you with such tender care and love that melted your heart. You caught his gaze as your eyes flickered over to his, making you murmur, “What? Is everything alright?”

“Yeah,” He whispered back lowly, his gaze not moving off of you as you turned your body to be able to look at him better, “I just want you to know that I love you.”

Time, mystical time Cuttin' me open, then healin' me fine Were there clues I didn't see? And isn't it just so pretty to think All along there was some Invisible string Tying you to me? OohA string that pulled me Out of all the wrong arms right into that dive bar Something wrapped all of my past mistakes in barbed wire Chains around my demons, wool to brave the seasons One single thread of gold tied me to you

The room was quiet as your eyes opened, a silent yawn coming out of your mouth. Your hair was tousled, palms of your hands rubbing the sleep away from your eyes whilst you tried your best to look around the room despite the darkness. Your eyes met the sleeping figure beside you and you smiled.

Stiles. Your boyfriend. Your caring, nerdy and loving boyfriend. He was unlike anyone that you ever met, a certain adoration for him infesting your chest as you thought about one of the most important men in your life.

Up until you met Stiles you hadn’t had much luck in the dating field. Between boys cheating, you slowly falling out of love and relationships that just weren’t meant to be you were never met with the sheer love that Stiles gave you. He gave you good morning kisses, sweet texts during the day if he hadn’t seen you, he made you laugh, and if you needed to, he would let you cry to him. He was always there for you, and you would always be there for him.

He was the one for you. And you were the one for him and as you stared down at him, you realized just how much you were willing to risk for him. You were willing to risk everything.

Cold was the steel of my axe to grind For the boys who broke my heart Now I send their babies presents Gold was the color of the leaves When I showed you around Centennial Park Hell was the journey but it brought me heaven Time, wondrous time Gave me the blues and then purple pink skies And it's cool, baby, with me And isn't it just so pretty to think All along there was some Invisible string Tying you to me? Ooh Hee Ooh

The music played loudly as silence filled the room, all eyes on the two of you as you swayed to the music. A white dress adorned your figure, a suit on his whilst your head lay against his chest. His arms were hooked around your figure and landed on the back of your hips, your arms splayed over his shoulders.

Smiles lit up both of your faces as you held each other close, everyone smiling at the two of you and how deeply you guys fell for each other. Even in married couples, it was very rare to be just as enamored and in love with each other as you and Stiles were with each other. You guys were made for each other; even in high school, everyone knew that you guys were going to get married.

That’s what led you to this moment, a white dress, rings and two “I do’s” later you were having your first dance with him. His dad and friends that he often referred to as 'his pack' watching as well as family and friends of your own watching you with sheer happiness for the two of you.

Your eyes looked up to his hazel, the hazel you loved so incredibly much when you lifted your head off of his chest.

“I love you too.”

#stiles stilinski #teen wolf stiles #stiles stilinski x you #stiles stilinksi x reader #stiles stilinski x y/n #teen wolf #teen wolf x reader #teen wolf reader #dylan o'brien #dylan o'brien x reader

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dweemeister · 3 years

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The complete list of films featured in 2021′s “31 Days of Oscar” marathon

What follows is the exhaustive list of all 403 short- and feature-length films featured on this blog over the last thirty-one days for the 31 Days of Oscar marathon. This number is up from last year’s count of 327 and is the second-highest number of films I have ever featured in this marathon (behind the 410 films from 2016). Despite the number, this remains only a fraction of the nearly 5,000 films that have been nominated for Academy Awards. This year’s marathon was harder to plan than usual due to the fact it was presented in alphabetical order - with the exception of any write-ups I did.

BREAKDOWN BY DECADE 1927-1929: 7 1930s: 44 1940s: 63 1950s: 63 1960s: 46 1970s: 25 1980s: 29 1990s: 28 2000s: 25 2010s: 43 2020s: 30

Year with most representation (2020 excluded): 1940 (ten films) Median year: 1964

And now, the list. Best Picture winners and the one (and only) winner for Unique and Artistic Production are in bold. Asterisked (*) films are films I haven’t seen in their entirety as of the publishing of this post.

A.I. Artificial Intelligence (2001)

Ace in the Hole (1951)

Adam’s Rib (1949)*

The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938)

After the Thin Man (1936)*

Airport (1970)*

Aladdin (1992)

Albert Nobbs (2011)

Alexander’s Ragtime Band (1938)

All Quiet on the Western Front (1930)

Almost Famous (2000)

An American in Paris (1951)

Anastasia (1956)

Anatomy of a Murder (1959)

Annie (1982)

Around the World in Eighty Days (1956)

Arrival (2016)

Au Revoir Les Enfants (1987, France)

The Awful Truth (1937)

Babe (1995)

Baby Doll (1956)*

Ballad of a Soldier (1959, Soviet Union)*

The Band Wagon (1953)

Bao (2018 short)

Ben-Hur (1959)

Berkeley Square (1933)

The Best Man (1964)

Better Days (2019, Hong Kong)*

The Big Chill (1983)*

The Birds (1963)

Birds Anonymous (1957 short)

Black Orpheus (1959, Brazil)

BlacKkKlansman (2018)

Blue Velvet (1986)

Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan (2006)*

Borat Subsequent Moviefilm: Delivery of Prodigious Bribe to American Regime for Make Benefit Once Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan (2020)*

The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957)

Brief Encounter (1945)

Brotherhood (2018 short, Tunisia/Canada/Qatar/Sweden)

Cabin in the Sky (1943)

Calamity Jane (1953)

Carol (2015)*

Casablanca (1942)

Casino (1995)*

Charade (1963)

The Circus (1928)

Citizen Kane (1941)

City of God (2002, Brazil)*

Claudine (1974)*

Closely Watched Trains (1966, Czechoslovakia)

Coraline (2009)*

Da 5 Bloods (2020)*

Dances with Wolves (1990)

Death in Venice (1971)*

Destination Moon (1950)*

The Devil and Daniel Webster (1941)

Down Argentine Way (1940)

Dunkirk (2017)

Easter Parade (1948)

The Edge of Democracy (2019, Brazil)*

Educated Fish (1937 short)*

El Cid (1961)*

Elmer Gantry (1960)

The End of the Affair (1999)*

Ernest & Celestine (2012, France/Belgium)

Face to Face (1976, Sweden)*

The Fallen Idol (1948)

Fantasia (1940)

A Fantastic Woman (2017, Chile)*

Far from the Madding Crowd (1967)*

A Farewell to Arms (1932)*

A Few Good Men (1992)*

Five Easy Pieces (1970)*

The Five Pennies (1959)

The 5,000 Fingers of Dr. T. (1953)

Flower Drum Song (1961)

Flowers and Trees (1932 short)

Flying Down to Rio (1933)*

For All Mankind (1989)

For Sama (2019)*

Forbidden Planet (1956)

Forrest Gump (1994)

42nd Street (1933)

Four Days in November (1964)*

The Four Feathers (1939)

The 400 Blows (1959, France)

Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994)*

From Here to Eternity (1953)

Funny Face (1957)

Funny Girl (1968)

Fury (1936)*

Gandhi (1982)

The Garden of Allah (1936)

Garden Party (2017 short, France)

Gaslight (1944)

Giant (1956)

Gigi (1958)

Gladiator (2000)

The Godfather (1972)

The Godfather, Part II (1974)

Goodbye, Mr. Chips (1939)

Gorillas in the Mist (1988)*

Gosford Park (2001)

Grand Hotel (1932)

Grand Prix (1966)*

The Great Beauty (2013, Italy)

The Great Race (1965)

The Great Ziegfeld (1936)

Green Book (2018)

Green Dolphin Street (1947)*

The Green Mile (1999)*

Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner (1967)

Gunfight at the O.K. Corral (1957)

Gunga Din (1939)

Hair Love (2019 short)

Hallelujah (1929)*

Hamlet (1948)

Hamlet (1990)

Hamlet (1996)

Hangmen Also Die! (1943)*

The Happiest Millionaire (1967)

A Hard Day’s Night (1964)

Harlan County U.S.A. (1976)

The Harvey Girls (1946)

Heartbreak Ridge (1986)*

The Heiress (1949)

Hell’s Angels (1930)*

Henry V (1989)

Here Comes Mr. Jordan (1941)

Hero (2002, China)*

Hidden Figures (2016)

The High and the Mighty (1954)*

High Noon (1952)

High Society (1956)

Himalaya (1999, France/Switzerland/United Kingdom/Nepal)*

Home Alone (1990)

Honeysuckle Rose (1980)*

Hoosiers (1986)

The House on 92nd Street (1945)*

How the West Was Won (1962)

How to Survive a Plague (2012)*

I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang (1932)

I Married a Witch (1942)*

I Never Sang for My Father (1970)

I Vitelloni (1953, Italy)*

I Wanted Wings (1941)*

I, Tonya (2017)*

Ida (2013, Poland)

Imitation of Life (1959)

In Cold Blood (1967)

In the Absence (2018 short, South Korea)

In the Heat of the Night (1967)

Inherit the Wind (1960)

Inside Daisy Clover (1965)*

Inside Moves (1980)*

It Happened One Night (1934)

It Happened Tomorrow (1944)*

It Should Happen to You (1954)*

It’s Always Fair Weather (1955)

Jackie Brown (1997)*

Jammin’ the Blues (1944 short)*

Jaws (1975)

The Jazz Singer (1927)

Jerry’s Cousin (1951 short)

Jesus Camp (2006)*

Jezebel (1938)

Jim: The James Foley Story (2016)*

Joe’s Violin (2016 short)

The Journey of Natty Gann (1985)

Joyeux Noel (2005, France)

Judgment at Nuremberg (1961)

Julia (1977)*

Juliet of the Spirits (1965, Italy)

Kagemusha (1980, Japan)

The Karate Kid (1984)

The Killers (1946)*

The King and I (1956)

The King’s Speech (2010)

The Kite Runner (2007)

Knights of the Round Table (1953)*

Knives Out (2019)

Kundun (1997)*

La Ronde (1950, France)*

La Strada (1954, Italy)

La Traviata (1982, Italy)*

Lady Be Good (1941)*

The Lady Eve (1941)

The Ladykillers (1955)*

The Last Emperor (1987)

A Letter to Three Wives (1949)

The Life Ahead (2020, Italy)*

Life is Beautiful (1997, Italy)

Life with Feathers (1945 short)

Lili (1953)

Lilies of the Field (1963)

The Lion in Winter (1968)*

Little Caesar (1931)

A Little Romance (1979)

Little Women (2019)

Logan (2017)

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)

Lost Horizon (1937)

Love Affair (1939)*

Love Story (1970)*

Loving Vincent (2017)

The Magic Flute (1975, Sweden)

The Magnificent Ambersons (1942)

Malcolm X (1992)

The Maltese Falcon (1941)

A Man for All Seasons (1966)

The Man Who Knew Too Much (1956)

The Manchurian Candidate (1962)

Maria Full of Grace (2004, Colombia)*

Meet Me in Las Vegas (1956)*

Meet Me in St. Louis (1944)

Mighty Joe Young (1949)*

Milk (2008)

Million Dollar Mermaid (1952)*

The Miracle Worker (1962)*

Mon Oncle (1958, France)

Monsieur Hulot’s Holiday (1953, France)*

Mutiny on the Bounty (1935)

My Fair Lady (1964)

My Favorite Wife (1940)

My Favorite Year (1982)

My Night at Maud’s (1969)*

The Narrow Margin (1952)

The Natural (1984)

Nebraska (2013)

Network (1976)

Night Must Fall (1937)*

Nightcrawler (2014)*

The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

Ninotchka (1939)

Nowhere in Africa (2001, Germany)*

Odd Man Out (1947)*

The Official Story (1985, Argentina)*

Oklahoma! (1955)*

Oliver! (1968)

On Golden Pond (1981)*

On the Riviera (1951)*

On the Waterfront (1954)

One Day in September (1999)*

One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975)

One Foot in Heaven (1941)

One Hour with You (1932)

One Potato, Two Potato (1964)*

Only Angels Have Wings (1939)*

Our Town (1940)

Paisan (1946, Italy)

Pal Joey (1957)*

Pan’s Labyrinth (2006, Mexico)

Paper Moon (1973)*

Parasite (2019, South Korea)

The Parent Trap (1961)

A Passage to India (1984)*

Patton (1970)

Pelle the Conqueror (1987, Denmark)*

Period. End of Sentence. (2018 short)

Persepolis (2007, France)

The Philadelphia Story (1940)

The Picture of Dorian Gray (1945)

Pigs in a Polka (1943 short)*

Pillow Talk (1959)*

Pinocchio (1940)

Places in the Heart (1984)*

Poltergeist (1982)

Portrait of Jennie (1948)

Precious (2009)*

The Prisoner of Zenda (1937)

The Private Life of Helen of Troy (1927)*

The Private Lives of Elizabeth and Essex (1939)*

The Producers (1967)

Psycho (1960)

Pulp Fiction (1994)

Purple Rain (1984)

Puss Gets the Boot (1940 short)

Pygmalion (1938)

Quiet Please! (1945 short)

Quo Vadis, Aida? (2020, Bosnia-Herzegovina)*

Rachel, Rachel (1968)*

Ran (1985, Japan)

Random Harvest (1942)

Rashômon (1950, Japan)

Rasputin and the Empress (1932)*

Rear Window (1954)

Rebecca (1940)

Red River (1948)

The Red Shoes (1948)

A River Runs Through It (1992)

Road to Perdition (2002)

Roma (2018, Mexico)

Saludos Amigos (1942)

Same Time, Next Year (1978)*

The Secret of Kells (2009)

Sense and Sensibility (1995)*

Sergeant York (1941)

Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (1954)

Seven Samurai (1954, Japan)

Shadow of a Doubt (1943)

The Shape of Water (2017)

Shaun the Sheep Movie (2015)*

She Done Him Wrong (1933)*

She Wore a Yellow Ribbon (1949)

The Shootist (1976)

The Shop on Main Street (1965, Czechoslovakia)

The Silence of the Lambs (1991)

Silverado (1985)

Singin’ in the Rain (1952)

Sleeping Beauty (1959)

The Smiling Lieutenant (1931)

The Snake Pit (1948)*

Song of the Sea (2014)

Sounder (1972)

The Sound of Music (1965)

The Spanish Main (1945)*

Speedy (1928)

Speedy Gonzales (1955 short)

Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)

Spirited Away (2001, Japan)

Stagecoach (1939)

A Star is Born (1937)

A Star is Born (1954)

A Star is Born (1976)*

A Star is Born (2018)

Star Trek: First Contact (1996)

Star Wars (1977)

Starship Troopers (1997)

The Sting (1973)

A Stolen Life (1946)*

The Story of Three Loves (1953)*

The Story of the Weeping Camel (2003, Mongolia)*

The Strange Love of Martha Ivers (1946)*

The Stranger (1946)*

A Streetcar Named Desire (1951)

Strike Up the Band (1940)

Strings (1991 short)*

The Sundowners (1960)*

Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans (1927)

Superman (1978)

Sweet Bird of Youth (1962)

Swing Time (1936)

T-Men (1947)*

The Tale of the Princess Kaguya (2013, Japan)

Tangerines (2013, Estonia)*

Tenet (2020)

Them! (1954)

Theodora Goes Wild (1936)*

Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo (1944)*

This is Cinerama (1952)*

The Three Musketeers (1948)

Three Orphan Kittens (1935 short)

Time (2020)*

Timecode (2016 short, Spain)

Tom Jones (1963)

Toni Erdmann (2016, Germany)*

Top Hat (1935)

The Triplets of Belleville (2003, France)*

The Truman Show (1998)*

12 Angry Men (1957)

Twilight of Honor (1963)*

Two Girls and a Sailor (1944)*

2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)

Umberto D. (1952, Italy)

The Umbrellas of Cherbourg (1964, France)

Unforgiven (1992)

Up (2009)

Vertigo (1958)

Victor/Victoria (1982)

WALL-E (2008)

Watch on the Rhine (1943)*

Waterloo Bridge (1940)

Weary River (1929)*

West Side Story (1961)

Winnie the Pooh and the Blustery Day (1968 short)

The Wizard of Oz (1939)

Wolfwalkers (2020)

X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014)

You Can’t Take It with You (1938)

Zorba the Greek (1964)*

The 15 nominated short films for the 93rd Academy Awards

The 8 nominees for Best Picture at the 93rd Academy Awards, including the winner, Nomadland

Until next year’s ceremony, folks - February will be here before we know it!

#Oscars #31 Days of Oscar

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itsuki-minamy · 3 years

Text

LIMITED KINGSHIP, WAR STORIES:

CHAPTER 2: HEKIREKI & SENDEN

* Mini Episodes KFCN (List of Chapters) * Projects & Chapters

Translation: Naru-kun Raws: Ridia

Suddenly he realized that the enemy was gone.

The surroundings were full of the dead. Most of the folded corpses belonged to members of the "Purgatory" clan who wore black clothes. Fifteen minutes ago, a hasty force led by Gouki Zenjo raided that warehouse after being contacted by the intelligence department. And then the warehouse turned into a terrible battlefield.

With "Hekireki" bloody on his shoulder, Zenjo started looking for the next enemy to attack. But that no longer existed.

The battle was over and the remnants were hunting. There were still some in black who resisted, but it was only a matter of time before they were crushed or smashed. While he was thinking that, Bado's iron spear pierced one of the black ones, and Azuma's twin sword stabbed another. The "Purgatory" clan member, who had decent fighting ability, didn't seem to be staying anywhere.

"How boring."

He hit the field in an unsightly way and lowered "Hekireki" to the ground.

The next moment, the pile of corpses exploded.

"Zenjo!"

Fresh blood came out from the sword wound all over the body, and flames came from both feet, the one in black clothes was good at fighting. A deadly surprise attack that hid the corpse of a colleague. Long before he understood it, Zenjo tried to shake "Hekireki" with his own super reaction.

He could not.

According to a later investigation, it was an inadvertent collaboration between those in black. One in black that lay behind Zenjo was dying, but was still breathing. With the last of his strength, he grabbed the "outside" blade, regardless of whether his fingers fell.

That caused a delay of a few seconds. Zenjo was just looking at the flaming fingers approaching in front of him, holding "Hekireki's" fixed handle.

But he just grabbed Zenjo's nose.

"You need more than that..."

The one in black clothes who attacked Zenjo stopped in midair. Blood poured from the edge of his mouth which opened and closed with bloody eyes wide open. A thin saber protruded from his chest, and the saber that pierced his chest diagonally from below suddenly stopped the one in black clothing.

"Ah!"

A cheerful voice that did not seem to belong to the place, resounded behind the one in black clothes.

"I'm sorry I made a mistake! Zenjo-san, can you take care of it please?"

It was as easy as asking him to take the remote there. After blinking, Zenjo passed by "Hekireki" and frequently shook the ones in black clothes.

The flames that clung to both feet disappeared.

The body of the man in black, who had lost his neck, was thrown to the ground. A young man standing there waved his saber and wiped off the blood. The friendly look reminded him of a laughing dog.

"No, I made a mistake. If you tap it, it can't be the case, huh? Hahaha…"

"Kuze. You saved me."

Young Kuse laughed cheerfully and waved.

"I just did something extra. Zenjo-san, you could have handled it with a margin."

"No, I couldn't react now. I would have been 'without a nose' at best, because it was aiming at my head."

"Well, is that so? That's good. Soon it's new soba season!"

Zenjo smirked as he tapped on Kuze's shoulder, saying that he was out of focus.

"This season's buckwheat noodles are pretty good too. I'll use chopsticks when I get back to the barracks. Thanks for your help."

"Oh then, make it soba."

"What? Are you going to ask me to make arrangements again?"

Kuse was smiling. Zenjo saw the smile as if he was amazed. Not suitable for a bright appearance, this young man had a very persistent character.

"Well, I wish I could go home."

"Oh, thanks!"

As Kuze struck a gutsy pose, Zenjo shrugged and walked towards a group of hurrying troops who had begun to take care of the remaining work.

++++++++++

The war was escalating.

Kagutsu Detention Center "Red King" crackdown operation. The attack from "Scepter 4" intended to kill Kagutsu Genji was unsuccessful in retrospect. Although the force of "Purgatory" was greatly reduced, the original purpose of the operation was not finally achieved, and Kagutsu left his territory and fled, and the remaining clan members divided into thousands and went into hiding. The hive was destroyed, but the queen bee and the soldier bees were flying now.

The activities of the scattered members of the "Purgatory" clan were almost the same as before. Whenever something happened, there was a danger that they would explode. "Scepter 4" chased after them and they were incapacitated as soon as they were discovered, but "Purgatory" wasn't just silently hunted to death. The damage caused by a fierce counterattack who did not care about his own life was turning into a social problem that could not be covered even by "Tokijikuin".

There were two pressing issues.

One was the search and murder of Kagutsu as soon as possible. As long as that "King" will continue to exist on earth, this war would never end.

And the other was to increase the strength of "Scepter 4".

The battle with "Purgatory", who burned the people, burned the city and even burned themselves, was slowly shaving the staff of "Scepter 4". To make up for the loss, they touted that they had the cause of the war and recruited a large number of talented personnel from the relevant ministries.

Shuichiro Kuze was one of those supplemental staff members.

Originally a police officer, he achieved outstanding results on both his aptitude and skill tests, and joined the "Scepter 4" running unit at exceptional speed. He was a rare human resource who had already been dispatched several times and was not afraid to fight the deadly "Purgatory", but instead displayed a simulation as if he was enjoying it.

For some reason, Kuze teamed up with Zenjo.

Even now, Kuze and Zenjo were undergoing simulated one-on-one training in the training ground of the "Scepter 4" barracks. Except for the fact that the product was a bamboo sword, it was a form of training that came as close to the actual battle as possible. Even attacks on key points were tolerated wherever they were covered by armor.

Kuze raised the bamboo sword to eye level and turned its blade towards Zenjo.

Zenjo carried a large bamboo sword on his shoulder and was about to attack him.

Kuze's specialty was "pushing". His stab, fired by explosive acceleration with a different ability, was roughly equal to the speed of a bullet. It would be impossible to react if it were the perception of an ordinary person.

But, of course, Zenjo was not an ordinary person.

"Let's go!"

The next moment that Kuze said that, the figure disappeared.

An extraordinary light that glowed fluttering blue like the tail of a meteor. Before recognizing it, Zenjo's body was moving. The speed God's sword judgment darted into the void on the right.

Zenjo's bamboo sword touched Kuze's sword that jutted out without fail.

"Ah!"

As he wielded the sword of pursuit, Zenjo was impressed. Viewed from above, the location of the different abilities would have looked like a rank "nine". A blow from outside the field of vision due to explosive acceleration, but it did not exceed Zenjo's reaction speed.

"Che!"

Kuze sped up again, leaving a childish click of the tongue. As he repeated sharp turns ignoring the laws of physics, he jumped incessantly. He was like a spring-loaded toy that swept across the training ground.

Zenjo stopped chasing him with his eyes and closed his lids.

Behind.

Before he felt it, his body was still moving. He turns and cut the space behind him. The cut that was shot deflected Kuze's thrust horizontally upward and hit him like he was a face shield.

"Damn!"

With a stupid voice, Kuze struck and fell to the ground of the training ground. If he had been serious, he would have lost his nose.

"This is the ninth."

Carrying the bamboo sword on his shoulder again, Zenjo said that without pride. Kuze, who had stretched out into a large shape, lifted his upper body as he rubbed the back of his neck.

"I thought I could pull it off now... Zenjo-san, do you have eyes behind you?"

"Well, it's clear. You can understand it even if you can't see it."

"Mm... Zenjo-san, another one! Please."

When Kuze lifted his index finger, Zenjo was truly astonished and showed the training ground clock with his chin.

"It's closing time. It will be tomorrow."

"Really? Absolutely tomorrow!"

"I wish they hadn't sent me."

Saying that, while he was a bit crowded, Zenjo headed for the exit. Kuze also put the bamboo sword in a bag and bounced after him.

After taking a shower together, they had dinner later.

The barracks cafeteria was quiet, probably because it was late. Zenjo ordered a hazaru soba and Kuze a kitsune udon, and they ate together.

Kuze talked to Zenjo all the time while he ate.

"Zenjo-san, are you attached to the army?"

"Hmm?"

" I belonged there. There are a lot of people like that in 'Scepter 4', right?"

Surely it was so. The personnel of "Scepter 4" came mainly from other security organizations. Unless they didn't lack combat training on a daily basis, they couldn't withstand the battle with "Purgatory."

However, the situation was different for Zenjo.

After slurping his soba, he said...

"I am from a mountain."

"Mountain?"

"When I was waving a stick in the mountains, I met Habari, so I followed him."

Kuze blinked twice as he pinched the fried food with chopsticks.

"Well, what was that? What kind of situation?"

"Thanks, like I said."

Answering only that, Zenjo took a sip of soba again.

Kuze stared at Zenjo for a while with a surprised face, and then...

"Fu…"

He shook his shoulders and started laughing.

"Hahahahahahahaha! What's wrong, did you meet the commander in the mountains and follow him? Hahaha, Zenjo-san, are you a youkai?"

Zenjo was disappointed in Kuze, who bent over his body and laughed like a child. It was surprising that he was laughed at, although it was not his intention to make him laugh.

"No, sorry, I'm not going to make a fool of myself. But that was very interesting."

"Is it interesting?"

"It's incredibly interesting! I've never met such a person!"

"Mmm...?"

He wondered if that was the case. Originally, Zenjo was a guy who didn't understand many things. If they told him it was interesting, it would be true.

"No, you're good at 'Scepter 4' after all. It's not boring."

As he cheerfully said that, Kuze drank the udon from him. As Zenjo ate the soba noodles, he looked at Kuze as if he was looking at something strange.

"Bored?"

"Yes. The workplace in front of me was already boring. Anyone can do it, such as document preparation, on-site verification and traffic control. More like this, a fierce car chase with the criminal! Fighting battle! Shooting! I was imagining it."

He lifted the bowl and drank the soup.

"So it's so boring that I shouldn't do it. When I was thinking about it, they asked me and I came to try it. I can do what I want every day! It's a lot of fun, right? That's why I think you adapt very well to "Scepter 4"!

Zenjo scratched his cheeks while Kuze drank, wiped his mouth and clasped his hands with a "Thanks for the food!"

"Uh..."

"Isn't that the case with Zenjo-san? Don't you do it because it's medicinal?"

"Eh?"

He wondered if that was the case. Was he enjoying the battle with "Purgatory"?

There was no doubt that he was elevated during the battle. On the battlefield where a momentary judgment divides life and death, that feeling that inspires all cells cannot be experienced anywhere else.

But he didn't think he was struggling to taste it.

When he swung his sword under Habari's command in "Scepter 4", he felt that he was breathing properly. It seemed natural to do so and it "fit." He didn't know if he could describe it as funny.

"Well, that's correct."

It became difficult to think of the way and Zenjo answered that.

"That's right! Well, I'm glad you feel the same way as me!"

Kuze laughed in a friendly way and then a mysterious light fell on his eyes.

"But lately, it's more fun practicing with Zenjo-san than interacting with 'Purgatory'."

"Really?"

"Yes, because Zenjo-san is much stronger than them, so it's fun to do it. Hey, Zenjo-san. Someday, with me…"

Kuze cut off the words when he suddenly remembered. After blinking several times, the mysterious light disappeared. Then suddenly he stood up and held the bowl of kitsune udon in his hands.

"Sorry, it's nothing! So, good night!"

With a smile, Kuze went to the place where the dishes were being returned.

As he drank his soba, Zenjo rebelled against Kuze's words.

(Well, I'm glad you feel the same way as me!)

Maybe it wasn't.

Although they belonged to the same "Scepter 4" and wielded a saber, he felt that something was decisively different between him and Kuze.

He didn't know what it was. He didn't want to think until he knew. Thinking again that he was okay, Zenjo dropped the green onion seasoning into crushed chunks.

++++++++++

Three days later, the hidden member of the "Purgatory" clan in Minari-cho, Fengze-ku, was discovered.

According to the information department report, there was only one member. However, the problem is that he was hiding in the houses of common people. They threatened the inhabitants and parasitized their lives themselves. A bully lurked in his house and behaved inattentive. The father of the family, who could not bear such a situation, rushed to a public institution and discovered his existence.

In response to this, "Scepter 4" quickly formed a unit that rushed over. They ran to the site to "exterminate" the abominable parasite.

However, this time, it was not possible to get through the gate with the transport vehicle and cut it randomly. After all, the other party was alone and the detained hostages were a mother and two young children, according to the father's information. If they took action inadvertently, it would have the worst consequences.

The operation required speed and stealth. "Scepter 4", the deputy director, Gen Shiotsu, selected the appropriate personnel and devised a strategy.

Shuichiro Kuse was included in the staff, but it was boring for him.

Kuze was toying with that idea while biting his yawn in the car.

It had already been three hours since they arrived at the place. Because "Scepter 4" stood out in a transport vehicle, they used an ordinary sedan type and stopped from hiding to blind spot. Kuze sighed softly, looking at him stagnant out the window.

He wished he could rush in and kill him.

It would be easy. He would jump out the door, go through the second floor and invade, and drive the saber into the heart of the guy in black. That was all that was needed.

Kuze understood why he was selected as a runner. The small body was suitable for infiltration, and the "Senden" saber he had was also a slim custom-made one, so it should work effectively in a small room.

So he wanted to do it as soon as possible.

Finally, the long-awaited command came from insiders.

"The target has taken the hostage. I enclose the location."

"Yes!"

He sprang to his feet, grabbed the saber, opened the passenger seat door, and Kuze broke into a run.

In seconds, the target house came into view. When he was hiding behind the wall of a neighbor's house and observing the situation, the transmitter spoke a voice again.

"The target is in the bathroom on the second floor. The children cannot confirm the whereabouts of their mother in the next room. Each member must pay the utmost attention and do everything in their power to secure the hostages."

"Kuze, ready!"

With a light tone, Kuze pulled "Senden" out of the scabbard.

He held his breath and waited for the moment. The plan of the house is engraved on his head. All the images of how he would move, what kind of path he would take and how he would kill the one in black clothes were created in Kuze's brain.

Kuze himself did not know that there were no hostages there.

"Fast!"

By the time Shiotsu's voice echoed, Kuze was jumping.

He jumped off the wall, landed on the ceiling, and ran. At the edge of the field of vision, he could see a blue trail that went through him in the same way. There were a total of four runners, all their own competitors, who aspired to the life of a single man in black. Kuze licked his lips and accelerated to the point where the shingles broke.

He jumped with the same impulse, he broke the second floor window with his body and ran inside.

"Eh?!"

He heard a high-pitched voice. Kuze invaded the children's room on the second floor. According to the information, two children who were less than elementary school students were shaking in a corner of the room.

Kuze ignored it.

The problem was that of black clothes. If he killed him, everything would be solved. So that should take precedence. Kuze thought that way and stepped out into the second floor hallway.

Their eyes met.

There was a figure in black clothes in the bathroom that was left open. However, when Kuze found him, he was strangling and using the children's mother as a shield.

"Stay away, blue clothes! This woman will die!"

He could barely see the one in black who was angry. Very firmly, he was hiding behind the woman. The scared woman shook her head, while she shook her head, he looked and disappeared his face burned in black.

Before thinking of anything, Kuze was kicking the ground.

If he killed him, that would be it. That was the only priority, and everything else was wiped from Kuze's head.

Many things happened at the same time.

"Kuze, stop!" One of the rushing staff members yelled.

"Damn it!" The man in black's burned face turned red, and the flame-filled woman screamed in tears.

Time seemed to flow slowly. He could feel precisely the extraordinary light of "Senden", the heat of the flames that sprouted from the face of the man in black and the smell of the flesh that enveloped her.

In the slowdown time, Kuze analyzed various factors and...

(Oh, this person can't be helped anymore.), he thought.

Too easily, he cut off the hostage's life.

This being the case, the hostage's body was no longer a problem. It was just a corpse, a wall of flesh less than 8 inches.

It did not hinder "Senden".

With a half-smile, Kuze stabbed hard forward.

A bright blue tip pierced the woman's chest, and the heart of the man in black was skewered and glued to the bathroom wall.

"......"

The woman opened and closed her mouth. Kuze tilted his head and looked at her face, thinking that she looks like a dying goldfish.

When Kuze drew the saber, the woman and the one in black fell one on top of the other. Their bloods mixed.

The bodies clung to each other and wet Kuze's shoes.

He takes a breath and inform the others.

"We have deactivated the objective. The mission is complete."

At the same time, an angry sound rang out from behind.

"Kuze! Damn! What did you do?!"

He thought, and looked at the owner of the voice as if he was confused. It was Shinohara, who belonged to the same group as him. He was yelling something when he flushed with anger, but Kuze couldn't understand the meaning of the word. He turned his neck and face away to keep them from flying off.

The frozen facial expressions of the two boys, looking through the door, were reflected in Kuze's field of vision.

++++++++++

"Do you know what you did?"

"Scepter 4", Shiotsu made a heavy voice in the barracks interview room.

Shuichiro Kuze, standing in front of him, replied as if nothing had happened.

"I killed the member of the 'Purgatory' clan. I think it was an unavoidable decision in that situation."

"Right now, 'Purgatory' is not the problem. The problem is Kuze, you stabbed the hostage and killed her."

"I did not murder her. At that time, the woman had already been killed by the one in black clothes. Should I be so reprimanded for damaging her corpse?"

Shiotsu had various reports in front of him.

"Shinohara's report is different. At that time, Shinohara said that the woman was still alive. However, he testified that you ignored the warning and approached the black-robed one and went through him."

"In my eyes, she looked dead."

Kuze spoke clearly.

"I think it would have been difficult to help her, even if she had a break. Is it the right decision to leave the dangerous clansman to help a dying woman? If the action was delayed, hers, two of her children and I could have been euthanized."

"It is not you who should judge whether the woman would be saved or not."

"The judgment of the site should be left to the members of the site."

Shiotsu groaned softly.

What Kuze said was correct in some respects. In the battle with "Purgatory", a momentary misjudgment could be fatal. And that moment came innumerably. It was not enough to have many lives if they were all compared with the regulations of the body and the current law. Above all, Kuze said that a certain amount of excessive acts should be allowed to protect one's life.

But…

Shiotsu watched Kuze's expression.

There was no expression floating there. Self-blame, regret, remorse. He couldn't read any of the emotions the one with the almost innocent human hands would have.

Shiotsu muttered to himself that that was the real problem.

"Kuze..."

At that moment, Shiotsu silently inhaled, and then...

"Where do you think the meaning of 'Scepter 4' is?"

"Eh…?"

"Answer it. What's 'Scepter 4' for?"

For the first time, the color of hesitation reached Kuze's expression.

As he listened to Shiotsu, Kuze replied.

"Kill the enemy. Annihilate "Purgatory" and bring peace to society."

Shiotsu sighed deeply and said.

"No. You are definitely misunderstanding."

"......"

"Our mission is to protect the general public. The sword to protect those who cannot resist the weapon of incompetence, that is 'Scepter 4'."

"It's the same as I said, right?"

In the words that Kuze muttered, unprecedented emotions appeared.

He was frustrated.

"Killing those in black clothes is to protect the general public. If they are left unattended, tens or even hundreds of people will die if they are not treated well. To avoid that, isn't it natural to leave two people alone?"

"Still, we should not be the ones to kill. We should be the ones to protect the people. If there is a defenseless civilian, that is why we have the power to protect ourselves."

"It's stupid."

Kuze laughed through his nose. His dark and bright gaze seemed harsher, as he generally had a friendly gaze.

"Why do we have to do that? It is so stupid for a good person to be sacrificed for an inferior person."

Shiotsu closed his eyes.

What swirled around his chest was not anger at Kuze, but responsibility for himself.

He may have been too impatient to make up for the personnel lost in the battle with "Purgatory". He had hired a person who lacked the most important qualities, distracted only by the ability to fight. He should have known well what would happen if that person had a different ability and special power.

People who cannot control themselves will eventually use their different abilities as they wish.

How is it different from "Purgatory"?

Shiotsu slowly opened his eyes and said in a low voice,

"Shuichiro Kuse. Say goodbye to "Scepter 4" from now on."

++++++++++

Kuze, who came out of the interview room, was looking vaguely at the ceiling of the hallway.

(I blew it.), he thought.

With that in mind, he sighs. This time, he looked down at the ground and started walking.

When he was called by Shiotsu, Kuze had decided what he should do. That was a field decision and he didn't think he had done anything wrong. He intended to stick to that statement.

It is the members of the field who exchange lives. However, it was not uncommon for him to be blamed for a later trial. It was a common feeling not only for Kuze but also for the ER personnel.

Shiotsu was smart and looked closely at the members. That is why he thought that he would not give such a severe punishment based on his thoughts.

"He was telling me something strange."

Kuze lied and looked at his hand. When he focused his consciousness there, the blue glow of the extraordinary shimmered.

It was proof that he was an excellent person and a chosen one.

Kuze couldn't respond well to Shiotsu's words asking the meaning of "Scepter 4". That was because Kuze didn't know. Therefore, he got a rag out of there. It didn't matter if the general public died or lived, he knew that his true intentions would probably not be forgiven within the organization, so he hid it.

The important thing for Kuze was to use that power in all directions to fight. Fight "Purgatory", bypass the momentary deadline and end the life of the enemy. Never in a dull life until now, was it a bright day.

That was stolen from him.

Because he took a boring life from a boring human.

Kuze sighed again and suddenly raised his face.

A familiar giant was walking down the hall. Kuze laughed and raised a hand.

"Hey, Zenjo-san."

"Oh, Kuze?"

Zenjo's eyebrows widened when he noticed that Kuze was there for the first time.

"What are you doing in a place like this? Is it training?"

"No."

Kuze laughed bitterly and...

"Hey, I've been preaching to the vice principal. I'm here for that."

"Oh, Shiotsu? It's loud."

Sympathy reached Zenjo's eyes. Seeing that, Kuze's smile changed to a natural one.

That person knew himself.

He had always felt that way. Zenjo, like himself, rejoiced in the fight. He was a person who should have the nature of killing people rather than helping people. So, Kuze was sure that if he talked about the situation, this person would be on his side.

"But you're almost right."

Zenjo simply denied the idea.

"Eh?"

"Shiotsu is loud, but he's always right. If he claims something from you, you're wrong. I wonder what he was. Apologize properly."

"......"

Kuze looked at his toes.

"Yes, what is that?"

"If that is all."

"I see."

Kuze scratched his head again with a bitter smile.

"In a way that's correct. I thought it was suitable for 'Scepter 4', but surprisingly, isn't it?"

"Eh?"

Zenjo mysteriously shook his head, thought for a moment and then nodded.

"That's right. You said you were the same as me, but I think you are different from me."

"......"

"I can't put it right. You might not be good at 'Scepter 4'. You should stop in time."

Zenjo said that in a wonderful and irresponsible way.

Kuze was about to start laughing. Interestingly, he didn't get mad at all. This was because it had been broadcast that Zenjo was saying that from the bottom of his heart without any malicious intent.

After all, Kuze didn't dislike Zenjo. He was clean, natural, and stronger than anyone. That's why he liked dealing with this person, because he could fight without shackles.

He regretted thinking that he couldn't do that from now on.

Then, Kuze suddenly glowed.

"Ah!"

"Hmm? What's wrong?"

"Sorry Zenjo-san, I just remembered my errand now! I'm done!"

In a hurry, Kuze ran down the hall. Zenjo said, "Oh...?", and gave up, but Kuze suddenly stopped and looked back.

"Please help me again later!"

Zenjo laughed and nodded.

"Oh, I have to be sent."

"Still, please!"

Kuze ran away, saying just that with a smile.

It was that night that Shuichiro Kuze disappeared with "Senden".

++++++++++

When he got out of the transport car, a warm wind caressed Zenjo's cheeks.

The policeman raised his face and smelled a faint smell on the wind. He was delving into the battlefield with "Purgatory". He smelled like sticky, burnt blood.

According to the map, the back alley where the discovery of the men in black was reported was divided into T-shapes. The unit split into three hands, blocking all exits. The most important thing to prevent was that those in black clothes escaped. They had to make sure to capture or neutralize them, even if they took some risks.

At that moment, in front of Zenjo, the entrance to the back alley was black and open.

"Over there."

At random, Zenjo entered an alley.

The back alley was narrow and dark. Polyethylene buckets and outdoor units blocked the street, and the walls of the building that approached from the left and right blocked the sunlight. If one in black clothes came out of the shadows and emitted a flame of extraordinary skill, there would be no way around it. It could be said that this was also a dead place.

Still, Zenjo was not afraid and advanced slowly.

The process suddenly stopped.

Shinohara, who was following Zenjo, said groaning.

"What is the situation? What is this?"

One in black clothes was dead, as if his back was against the wall of the building.

Wide-eyed and in a pool of blood. The burned right hand was soaked in the blood clot, burning and producing black smoke. This was probably the cause of the smell.

In the first place, it was a mystery from the initial discovery report.

It was said that several of the black clothes were fighting. At the time, there were no "Scepter 4" units deployed nearby, and since the Hiiragi incident, the police had been told to stay away from the men in black. Most likely it was a fight between those in black, but in the current situation where they were hiding in a scattered way, he did not think they would do such an outstanding act.

So who was fighting the ones in black?

Zenjo, who was inspecting the corpse in black, said the answer.

"It's Kuze."

"What…?!"

"It is pierced all over the body. This is due to 'Senden'."

Saying that, Zenjo stood up.

Since that night, Kuze's whereabouts have been known to be uncertain. Kuze's legal status was the same as an "Illegal Strain" since he was fired from "Scepter 4". They had to capture him and put a skill suppressor on him, but there weren't enough personnel to track him down in "Scepter 4".

Kuze killed the ones in black and, perhaps, he was still hiding in that place.

"But why is Kuze here?"

Shinohara said that, and suddenly closed his mouth.

Someone slowly emerged from the darkness behind the alley.

It was also one of black clothes.

"Oh, fufu...!"

His face was distorted with anger and hatred, and blood was pouring from his entire body to the point that his black suit was still drenched in red and black. Legs wobbly, the one in black slowly approached.

"Gah!"

The tip of the saber protruded from his chest.

The saber was instantly pulled out and the one in black collapsed to his knees.

Zenjo spoke the name from behind him, standing there.

"Hekireki."

"Oh, Zenjo-san!"

Dressed in a dark green raincoat, Kuze smiled at his face, which had been bathed in blood, and called out to Zenjo cheerfully.

"No, I'm lucky! I can't get it all of a sudden!"

"What are you doing?"

"What?"

Eyes blinking, Kuze looked around him, and mysteriously at himself.

"What's wrong? It's not a job. I got fired from 'Scepter 4'."

He shook "Senden" to spill the blood.

"But if you look for the black clothes, 'Scepter 4' will come, right? Maybe Zenjo-san is there! I thought it was good."

While he smiled, Kuze,

"I never thought we could meet at once! I'm lucky! So…"

He crouched down and pointed the tip of "Senden".

"Let's go."

Before Zenjo thought of anything, Kuze was kicking the ground.

The glow of the blue genie was diffusely reflected in the narrow back alley. He bounced off the ground, scaled walls, emergency stairs, he went up, down, left and right, and hit everything, drawing an unpredictable trajectory like a pinball.

Shinohara, who was behind Zenjo, couldn't even follow Kuze with his eyes. But Zenjo reacted.

It was also an action before thinking. The thick blade of "Hekireki" flipped up as the wind scattered.

The dark green raincoat split in half.

Kuze was no longer there. He twisted in midair, tossed his raincoat, and landed on the ground.

Zenjo kept "Hekireki" jumping and stopped in an unprotected posture. Looking at his empty torso, a fierce smile appeared on Kuze's mouth.

(I caught you!), he thought.

With extraordinary power in his legs, Kuze tried to strike a stroke of luck.

He felt the shock in his chest.

"Eh?"

He lost the strength of his leg. His soles did not separate as if they were stuck to the ground. Interestingly, he looked under his feet and saw a saber thrust into his chest.

"Ah?"

When he coughed, a blood clot spilled from his lips.

Kuze slowly looked at Zenjo.

Zenjo was flipping "Hekireki", with just his right hand.

Before he knew it, he held another saber in his left hand. That pierced through Kuze's chest.

"Oh, wow...!"

Kuze distorted the edge of his mouth when he heard Shinohara make a panicky voice.

"Hey, Shinohara. It's a pay cut to have a saber stolen from you."

When Zenjo drew the saber, Kuze sank into place.

The blood was overflowing. The color of his face was white and transparent. It was clear to everyone that it was no longer useful.

Still, Kuze was somewhat satisfied. He looked at Zenjo and laughed weakly.

"After all... you are amazing, Zenjo-san. I couldn't get over you."

"Kuze."

There was no anger or sadness in Zenjo's expression, just confusion.

"What did you want to do?"

"What?"

Kuze shook his shoulders and laughed. Eventually the laughter turned into a cough and the exhaled blood created a series of stains in the alley.

"I wanted to. A real and potentially deadly battle with Zenjo-san."

Breathing out, Kuze fell onto his side.

"It was fun."

That was the last word from him.

Zenjo, holding a bloody saber, shot a confused look at Kuze's corpse.

#k #k project #k fan clan #scepter 4 #habari jin #shiotsu gen #zenjo gouki #kagutsu genji

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ackerfics · 3 years

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Hiiii is it okay to request something? I just really love your fics 🥺 I saw that you did song fics, so I was thinking Still Into You by Paramore mixed with Thinking of You by Katy Perry since I legit couldn’t get those out of my head. Also I’m having Mikasa brainrot rn, so maybe a fic about exes getting back together? Where reader is like already in a new relationship with Historia, but they still love Mikasa, and the pining is mutual. Thank you so much 🥺

we sang along to the start of forever — mikasa ackerman

— mikasa ackerman x female reader (modern au)

— warnings: angst but it transitioned into fluff in the end so we’re fine :)))

— summary: you still love each other and like puzzle pieces, the two of you thought about trying out the relationship thing again.

— word count: 4.8k

— author’s notes: i’m so sorry this took so long, we have so many backlogs but i thought that writing would be a great thing to unwind so here it is !! i also made the reader a girl because as soon i started writing, mikasa with a girlfriend just keeps popping in my brain and i can’t help it sjjkjksjs and thank you so much for requesting !!

reblogs are greatly appreciated !!

< you said move on, where do i go

“Hey, there you are.”

A melodic whisper got you out of your daze from looking at your laptop screen. Exams are around the corner and your professors thought that it was the perfect time to dump more work for you. Tomorrow, you have a deadline coming up for a 2k-word essay about a topic that you could care less about, it wasn’t even under your major. Yet here you are, in one of the study areas of your university, trying to squeeze your brain just so you could reach the word count without caring for the outcome of your essay. But it seems like the gods graced your prayers because a small figure with golden blonde hair appeared in front of you, her blue eyes shining under the lights of the study area.

You started dating Historia Reiss not too long ago, it was probably ranging for three months at most. It was quite rocky at first, with you being out of a long-term relationship and Historia balancing out her time between extracurriculars and academics. The long-term relationship that got you all wound up was with a close friend back in high school and it sucked because you were such a good pair together — maybe fate wasn’t by your side that time. The two of you were immature and young but your time together was golden, having known each other way before asking one another out. You promised each other you’d move on and clearly, you did, your eyes finding your current girlfriend sitting in the neighboring study desk, taking out her stationery and color-coordinated notes.

Historia was a sweet person, always patient and caring when it comes to you. You met during a lecture that you two happened to share. She forgot her Apple pencil and luckily, you still had yours in your bag, lending the gadget to the blonde since you already have your laptop perched in front of you. With small smiles, the two of you gradually became friends, sitting next to each other during that lecture. Those small moments grew and later became study meet-ups in cafés or hanging out in one of the university’s libraries. The best thing that connected you two was your personalities, it matched so well that people sometimes thought you knew each other way longer before college. When you noticed Historia showing some signs that she likes you more than a friend, you couldn’t quite believe it at first. It was Historia being so understanding of you that made you say yes to her dates.

And now, here you are.

“Yup, you found me,” you told her, stretching your arms above your head before smiling at your girlfriend.

“Is that essay for Mr. Smith’s class?” Historia asked, leaning over to your side to get a glimpse of your screen. She patted your shoulder at the number of words you wrote. “Wow, you already got past the 1k mark. That’s amazing! Don’t forget to take breaks, though.”

“Of course, Tori,” you smiled. “You, too. I know your exams start four days from now. How is that holding up?”

Historia opened her readings, sighing at the thought of the dreaded season of the student body. “I don’t know if I can answer anything that well. I mean, we’ve been having study dates every day but I get so nervous just thinking about the exams. I know I’m going to be prepared but my anxiety said ‘no’.” She buried her hands through her hair, eyes softening when your face started showing how worried you are for her. “I’ll just think that this will be over a week from now.” Historia reached a hand out to tuck a stray lock of hair behind your ear. “Hey, why don’t we go to that restaurant just outside of uni for dinner?”

You took her hand in yours, squeezing it affectionately. “I think that’s perfect.”

The two of you proceeded to work on your separate tasks until you both agreed that it’s time for a good dinner. Historia helped you tidy your things up, occasionally smiling softly at you when you yawn. You bid goodbye to some of the students in the study area you know and the two of you went out of the room with joined hands. It was a nice walk around the university, the golden glow of the Sun bathing everything in orange, and making you relax despite the many backlogs still on your to-do list. That was until you saw a familiar figure going out of one of the many buildings of the Business Department. The blonde beside you even recognized the young woman hiding her face behind her scarf, blue eyes darting to you with a worried air.

It also happened that Mikasa Ackerman looked up from adjusting her scarf, her stormy gray eyes meeting with yours by chance.

Her eyes slightly widened at the sight of you, her gaze then dropping to your hands still joined with Historia’s before pursing her lips. Looking up to tangle your eyes again, she rose her hand in a little wave. You reciprocated the gesture weakly, never leaving your stare off her retreating form. You noticed that her shoulders became tense after that little encounter, fists enclosing the straps of her backpack and steps hurrying to get to her apartment that was just a walking distance from the university.

You felt a light squeeze coming from the girl beside you, knocking you out of your reverie.

“Let’s go?” Historia asked, eyes knowingly roaming your face.

“Mm-hmm,” you only hummed, following your girlfriend out of the campus.

You thought there wasn’t anything left but why were you still stuck in a limbo that you couldn’t get out of when you stared into those gray hues haunting your dreams?

< recount the night that i first met your mother

Mikasa had her life figured out.

Everything was perfect. She has the most amazing people she can call her friends. She has the most supportive parents (and brother, but he can be a little shit sometimes but that’s beside the point). She has the perfect grades that can maintain her standing in the university, earning her great credits from various professors on the campus. She has scored a good apartment with her best friend, Sasha, all equipped with the best rooms and views that she can pay for a reasonable price. She is still a member of the university’s track and field long-distance running team, a regular and a manager at the same time. She also had the most beautiful girl as her lover and confidante, someone she could be herself with (not that her closest friends and brother didn’t see her real personality but being with her lover was a different kind of bliss compared to hanging out with her friends).

Well, had a girlfriend.

Ever since meeting you again earlier that night, suddenly Mikasa’s schedule for the night seems to blur.

It was her turn to cook for dinner but she couldn’t do anything properly. First, she managed to burn her sauteed vegetables, something that she had never done before knowing that this is her favorite go-to dish. Second, she boiled the pasta too long and now they’re too soggy. She nearly threw the pot down the sink but she didn’t want their neighbors to call the cops to their place, she just didn’t want to have a repeat of the first time that happened. (The first time their neighbors called the cops because of them was all Sasha’s fault, it appeared to the brown-haired girl that Mikasa’s cooking is one of the best in the world that she screamed bloody murder in the middle of the night.) Now, the gray-eyed girl had no choice but to start from scratch with the pasta, it was a good thing it was only the pasta though.

The front door of their apartment opened with a bang while Mikasa tried to concentrate this time. Without looking up, she can see a brown-headed blur dashing towards the kitchen. “Stop right there, Sasha,” she said while stirring the alfredo sauce in the pan. “If you reach for the chicken one more time, I’m going to skin you alive. I don’t have the energy to hold your hungry ass back right now.”

Sasha backed away at the look of her roommate who was ready to commit violence if she steps out of line. “Whoa, who pissed at your day?”

Mikasa blinked, realizing that she might have been unreasonable with her remark. Of course, she wasn’t the only tired one in their apartment right now. Sasha was also struggling with academics and extracurriculars, not to mention, her love life is perfectly stable despite being in a relationship for a year. Not that Mikasa felt slightly jealous but she did everything she could to save their relationship but it still ended on a consensual note. The black-haired girl relaxed her tense posture, sighing deeply to expel the negativity accumulating her mind at the moment (Sasha called them dark forces after Mikasa told her about it, it took everything not to leave the room when the words came out of her friend’s mouth). Turning back on her sauce, Mikasa stated, “I’m sorry, I’m just stressed. You know, with the exams coming up and my track team entering this meet at the end of the month for official records. It’s just,” she sighed, “too much right now.”

“Aw, Mikasa,” Sasha empathized, going around the countertop to wrap her arms around Mikasa. She placed her head against her friend’s, petting the latter’s hair until they became a mess on her head. “I know just the thing to make us feel better. Let’s watch some of those anime movies that Armin recommended while eating dinner. Or anything that you want to watch if you don’t feel like watching anime right now.”

Mikasa smiled a little, resting her head on top of Sasha’s and relishing the comfort her friend gave her. “Thanks, I appreciate it, Sash.”

The moment she shared with Sasha reminded her of when you two were in high school. At that time, Mikasa was one of the star athletes that belonged to the track team. After the rigorous training their coach gave them, Mikasa’s knee started to hurt. This was dismissed by the head coach, saying that this wasn’t serious at all. You witnessed it when she ran more laps than what was written in her training regime to the point that her knee gave out. It was a good thing that her knee only acquired a sprain and a good rest from physical activities for some time will heal it gradually. Mikasa never had anything against it because getting some time off from her club meant that she could spend her free time with you. It was spent staying on her family’s couch, watching movies to pass the time while making small talk about her friends. The reminiscing continued until Sasha helped her prepare the living room for their movie night. She just couldn’t help but associate every little thing with you. You were a great part of her life since middle school.

She missed everything about you.

While the movie played out, her mind went to a time when it was time to introduce Mikasa as your girlfriend to your mother.

It was in the first months of being first-years in university. There was an issued academic break set by the faculties, taking the time to invite Mikasa to your home. You were so excited that that’s all you can talk about while the gray-eyed girl drove you two to your hometown. That was the only thing enjoyable in the entire trip. Everything went into shit when you blurted out that Mikasa has been more than a friend to you ever since high school. The look on your mother’s face was enough for the two of you to tell that this shouldn’t go on as planned.

“So, you’re telling me that Mikasa has been in our home, doing God knows what to you since high school?” Your mother flatly questioned.

The coldness of her tone made you stiffen in your seat. You can see Mikasa from the corner of your eyes trying to calm herself down by rubbing your hand under the table. It couldn’t be helped that your father, the only understanding person in the family, was absent because of his job. This is why your father chose to live separately from your mom, seeing as she was the kind of authoritative parent and wife, always hovering around each of her family members to keep them in line. You now understand why your father left her because God forbid, it was tempting to cut off ties with the person who gave birth to you as she threw degrading words at Mikasa left and right. You furrowed your eyebrows, tightening your hold on your girlfriend’s hand, which was trembling on your lap. The first time you saw her this shaken was when her knee got injured during her track training. Her skin was so pale like that time that you wanted to pull her out of the house and stay at a nearby hotel to get away from your mother’s wrath.

“Mom, please,” you pleaded, tears prickling your eyes.

“No, [Name], don’t you say another word,” she pointedly snapped at you. “I feel like I have become a failure of a mother. I don’t understand why you have a woman as your lover. It’s just not right. I support it but not if it’s with my daughter.”

You abruptly stood up with half-lidded eyes that never strayed from your mother’s similar shaded ones. Your hand still gripped Mikasa’s, your thumb stroking the back of it in a soothing circle that contrasted the indifferent gaze you gave your mother. When you were a child, you understood her sentiments because you’re her only child, the only person left in her life. But when she started badmouthing the little things observed from other people, you started questioning her parenting. You were told that people who love others of the same sex were sinning the word of a divine being but if that’s the case, you’d gladly be condemned to the pits of Hell if it meant protecting Mikasa from your mother’s harsh words. “We’re leaving.”

“What—?” It was Mikasa.

“Come on, Mika. Let’s find some restaurant downtown. This place is becoming stuffy and I don’t want you to suffocate any further.”

“Hey, Mikasa? Are you alright?”

Mikasa jumped, looking around at their apartment’s living room as if she was confused as to why she was there. She slightly shook her head before turning to the concerned brown irises of her roommate. Trying for a convincing smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes, Mikasa forced a laugh as she mindlessly twirled the pasta on her plate with a wistful air surrounding her. “Yeah, I think I’m alright. Just saw my ex earlier when I got out of my last lecture for the day. I feel like that’s the reason why I don’t feel like myself today.”

The movie was then forgotten when Sasha positioned her body so that she could give Mikasa her undivided attention. With a serious expression that the gray-eyed young woman didn’t see in a long time, Sasha asked, “That gorgeous beauty?”

A nod was all Mikasa could answer. Gorgeous was an understatement when it comes to imagining you. You’re practically the most beautiful girl Mikasa saw in her lifetime.

“Damn, it’s been what? Half a year since you guys broke up?”

A nod from Mikasa. She wrapped her arms around her knees, pushing them further into her chest, feeling so small at the moment. “It would have been fine if she’s alone but…”

Sasha’s mouth parted with realization; eyes wide as she stared at her roommate. “Oh,” she breathed.

Scooting closer to the gray-eyed girl, Sasha wrapped an arm around her shoulder to let the former lean against her side. She always viewed the two of you to be endgame, seeing as you were dating since you were in high school. It sucks that no matter how much the two of you proved that you belong to one another, it just ends inevitably. Sasha even liked you when Mikasa introduced you to her new roommate when you were first-years. You were shining in the brown-eyed girl’s eyes; smile so bright that she couldn’t help but think you’re pretty, hair perfectly mussed by the wind during the ride to the apartment, casual clothing fitting you in the most pleasing way possible, and personality that one could describe as amazing. You even gave her some of your food when the three of you ate out together. (Mikasa always scolded you for giving away your food when you’re barely even eating regularly.) And when you guys broke up, Sasha saw how Mikasa ended up at the lowest point of her life, locking up inside her room and only going out when Sasha’s asleep. It was only recently that Mikasa slowly became herself again.

Now, Mikasa became that closed-off version of herself after the break-up, and Sasha instantly pulled her in for a hug.

The television kept playing the movie they chose to watch, Mikasa’s silent sobs blending with the movie’s dialogue and seeping through the night.

< she kissed my lips, i taste your mouth

You nearly pulled away when you tasted lemon instead of strawberry.

You nearly looked away when you saw azure instead of metallic gray after the kiss.

You felt so bad for thinking of midnight tresses instead of spun gold every time you lay in bed after hours of studying. Guilt bloomed in your whole torso like a giant wad of roses prickling your insides with their thorns, images of Mikasa plaguing your mind a week after you saw her again after six months. And every time you close your eyes to let sleep pull you in their embrace, arms so secure would wrap around your middle in your dreams, the smell of a rose-scented soap enveloping you in a warm cocoon. It was so contrasting to the minty scent you tried so hard to get used to in those three months you were together with Historia. You promised yourself you’d never date someone else after Mikasa but you tried because she told you to find someone who will treat you better than her. As much as you pleaded with your rationality to not follow her advice, Historia was a breath of fresh air.

It was a rainy night the time you and Mikasa broke up. Funny how you always love the rain and yet the one moment tormenting your daydreams occurred in a thunderstorm.

“Mikasa, what are you talking about?”

Your favorite-colored irises couldn’t meet your stare. “I said you deserve to be with someone who can make you glow with happiness.”

“Where is this coming from?”

She only shook her head, short black hair moving along with the movement. “I feel like I’m not giving enough in this relationship. I noticed how happier you look when you hang out with your friends from your department but when you’re with me, you’re mellowed down and so drained that I’m starting to feel like I’ve done something wrong.” Mikasa buried her hands in her hair, elbows placed on her knees, making herself feel smaller in front of you. You stood up from your bed to kneel in front of her, covering her cheeks tenderly with the palms of your hands. Yet she continued, “My mind is telling me these thoughts that I denied a long time ago since we started university.”

“What thoughts, Mika?”

“That our spark had died down for good.”

You searched her face for any sign of a joke but you could only stare at her downturned eyes.

“That I think we should break up for you to be happier with other people.”

“No,” you murmured, tears starting to blur your vision. “Mikasa.”

“I love you so much to see you unhappy with me.”

“I’m never unhappy when I’m with you. Where did you get that idea?”

Mikasa smiled despite her wobbly lips, gingerly placing her lips on your forehead. “I love you, [Name], I hope you’ll find someone bright enough to let you shine even more.”

It hurts just thinking about that but something pinched it even more when you stared at Historia in front of you, Facetiming someone on her phone. You two were celebrating the end of your exams in a café, treats covering the expanse of your table. It was a breather from all the stressful weeks draining your energy and now you feel refreshed. The book you recently bought was snug in your hands, eyes skimming over the words as Historia animatedly talked to her friend, Ymir. Hearing her laugh at something the freckled girl said, you couldn’t help but look up from a paragraph you were engrossed in. Historia looks so happy, cheeks flushed and giggles so clear that she couldn’t even contain them with her small hand. She never looked like this with you and as much as you anticipated the pain brought by the sight, it didn’t come.

Now, you understood what Mikasa felt, only this time you had to let Historia go because she already belonged to someone else.

Historia just said goodbye to her friend and you knew you had to hold on to this chance.

“Hey, Historia, I have a question.”

She sipped her iced tea. “Shoot.”

“You like Ymir, don’t you?”

The silence and flustered reaction that followed was all it took for you to smile.

< no more mistakes ‘cause in your eyes i'd like to stay

Getting out of a four-hour lecture was bliss to Mikasa. She stretched her arms over her head, letting out a deep breath of relief at the thought of spending her weekend without any backlogs. Finally, she can relax without feeling guilty. After all that hell her department professors gave her, she deserved this break.

Mikasa walked down the hallways with a slight spring in her steps, feeling her phone vibrate with a text message in her bag. Stopping by a little bit at the side of the hallway, Mikasa opened the outer compartment of her bag and turned on her phone. A smile instantly overtook her confused expression.

armin

hey, wanna watch a movie tonite?

eren suggested we could unwind after the exams

figured you needed it

you can stay the night here too !!

Her fingers typed out a reply almost giddily.

Sure.

Let me just text Sasha that I won’t be sleeping in the apartment tonight.

Another message from Armin appeared.

armin

yey !! see you later, Mikasa

At this point, her smile couldn’t be erased on her face.

See you later, Armin.

Then, another message from Armin popped out that made Mikasa laugh a little.

armin

this is eren

mikasa, can u bring dinner PLS

armin and i are too lazy to cook

plus, you love us 🥺🥺🥺

The gray-eyed girl rolled her eyes, typing out a ‘fine’ before closing her phone. Her brother was sometimes too hard to handle but he can be sweet as well and saying that he needs dinner is just a way for him to say that he misses Mikasa’s cooking. When she looked up, a very familiar blonde and one of Mikasa’s classmates in a general subject came into view in one of the gazebos. Confusion was an understatement while she continued staring at Historia and Ymir laughing as if they were the only ones in the world. It was only a few weeks ago that she saw the blonde girl holding hands with you after a whole day of lectures. Maybe it was because she was staring too long at the couple that Ymir turned in her direction. As the freckled girl recognized the black-haired, stoic girl in one of their general classes, Ymir rose a hand in the air as a greeting. It also didn’t help that Historia looked at where Ymir was waving, with Mikasa tensing at the attention. She hastily waved back before turning in the direction of her car in the parking lot.

Several theories flickered through Mikasa’s head as she pulled out of the parking lot, the department store in their part of the city as her destination. Her mind was still a questioning mess the whole time she roamed the vegetable aisle until she bumped into another shopping cart, the clang of the metal breaking her trance.

“I’m sorry,” she told the person holding the other cart without looking up from her groceries.

“It’s fine.”

Mikasa quickly lifted her head at your voice. She probably looked like an idiot gawking at you in the middle of an aisle. You were dressed in an aquamarine shirt tucked in a pair of black slacks; your hair slung over one of your shoulders but for her, you looked so pretty. She concluded that you also got back from one of your lectures since your bag was placed inside the shopping cart, leaning beside a carton of strawberry milk. At the sight of the beverage, Mikasa’s chest pounded with her loud heartbeat, all the memories of you saying you like the taste of strawberries because of her entering her mind. Even after a full minute of you staring at each other, Mikasa couldn’t bear to look away. You’re so beautiful and she misses you so much.

“I miss you, too, Mikasa,” you murmured with flushed cheeks. “And you look good as usual.”

Mikasa’s face burned with embarrassment, reaching her ears, as she realized that she said her thoughts out loud. She was acting like she was in high school when she came to terms with her feelings for you. “U-Uhm, how are y-you?” Fucking hell, what is she stuttering for? It’s not like she got a below-passing score on one of her majors.

You softly smiled, tucking a stray lock of her behind your ear. “I’m doing fine. I was just thinking of making some homemade dinner tonight.”

Mikasa nodded, recalling that you got a single apartment. “Me, too, but Eren asked me to make dinner for our movie night with Armin.”

At the mention of the two men, your face brightened. “How are they?”

The gray-eyed young woman reciprocated your smile. “Armin is still reeling Eren from doing anything stupid. You know how that dingbat is.” Your laugh made her day better. She faintly noticed that the two of you started walking side by side, pushing your carts to who knows what section of the department store. “The last time I saw them was before the exam week and we were studying so we didn’t do any catching up. Speaking of exams, how are yours?”

You hummed. “I think I got a passing grade on Parasitology and Microbiology. Those were the only subjects keeping me up for how many nights in a row.” You chuckled at your caffeinated state the previous weeks. “But the others were all papers so I guess I’m fine as of now.”

“Don’t tell me you got yourself palpitations from all the coffee.”

“You know me so well, Mika,” you laughed. “Don’t worry, I’m not going to order coffee every time I go out this time. I don’t want a repeat of that night when I studied for Para. It was worse because I don’t have a roommate. How is Sasha doing, by the way? Still a ball of sunshine, I hope.” You spotted a cereal box you wanted to try so you mindlessly reached out for it but it was on the top shelf. Mikasa noticed your struggles, stopping behind you after chuckling to herself at how adorable you looked to reach the cereal box. You visibly tensed when you felt her front brush against your back, the box of cereal greeting your vision with Mikasa’s hand brushing on yours. “Thank you,” you whispered.

“You’re welcome,” she answered, patting your head before taking her cart and pushing it in the direction of the dairy section. “Yeah, Sasha is still as rowdy as the day you last visited. I threatened her again when she tried eating what I was plating for dinner. It was not a lovely night.” Mikasa paused, looking behind her when you’re not following close. She slightly panicked when she saw you looking down and gripping on the handle of the shopping cart. “[Name]? Are you okay?”

“Mikasa, I’m still into you.” You faced her with a smile. “Will you let me love you with all my heart again?”

Mikasa was speechless, her throat clogging up with overflowing emotions. She let out a delighted light, looking at you with eyes full of love.

“Yes. Will you let me in your heart again, [Name]?”

“Always, Mika.”

Their song of forever played once again and it felt so right that they wondered why they stopped it in the first place.

#aot #snk #attack on titan #aot x reader #attack on titan x reader #shingeki no kyoujin x reader #mikasa ackerman #mikasa #mikasa ackerman x reader #mikasa ackerman x you #ex to lovers #modern au

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teamhappyme · 4 years

Note

31 from the fluff prompts with peter!!! (yes this is what i meant oops-)

my darling red! so happy you requested peter as this is my first peter fic!

yes i went way too into detail about baseball but it’s the first thing that came to mind-

pairing: peter stone x female!reader

prompt: “shut up before i kiss you”

warnings: none.

word count: 1.4k

****

“Are you kidding me? He has a no hitter through six innings, and as soon as he lets someone on first, which was actually due to an error by the shortstop, he gets pulled?” You threw your empty cup on the ground before turning to Peter.

He was silent, with a growing smirk on his face as you continued to ramble on about the coaching staff, or lack thereof, in your opinion.

“Great, now they’re putting this guy in? I know it’s early in the season, but he’s closed three games so far and he doesn’t even have a win.”

You and Peter were at Citi Field, watching the Mets go against the Phillies. You’d agreed to go to a game with him under one circumstance; you got to sit in the bleachers like regular people. No boxes, no special menu for the former starting pitcher. You wanted to experience the game like you always had growing up; with greasy hot dogs, and beers spilling all around you.

This was technically your first date with the ADA. According to Rollins, Peter had been trying to ask you out for weeks. Asking you to join him for drinks after a long case, offering to get dinner after a late night interrogation, but you said no every time, too invested in the case, or too oblivious to his motives.

It was a no brainer for you when he finally asked you to come to the game with him, on a date, he clarified, the two of you sharing a laugh over his failed past attempts. He’d been working with the unit for almost a year now, but it was weird to think of your job without him in the mix.

Although you were surprised that Peter was trying to take you on a date for months, it was him that now stood speechless as you critiqued every pitching change, stolen base, and balls that seemed to be just outside of the strike zone. “Christ, this guy couldn’t find the strike zone if it hit him in the face.”

What surprised him the most would have to be your vocabulary. He knew you could go off on a perp in interrogation, but he didn’t peg you for the profanity enduring type. But your passion for the game only made him feel warmer inside.

“Peter, he hasn’t cleared the plate once,” You started as the batter took his place on first base. “You’d think they’d approach the mound, at least try-”

“Would you shut up before I kiss you?” He interrupted you, the smirk on his face unbelievably teasing.

You turned to face him, silenced by his statement, a red flush starting to cover your face. But you recovered quickly, not ready to show your hand completely to the counselor.

“Peter Stone, I don’t kiss on the first date.”

“You wouldn’t be willing to make an exception for me?” He asked, eyes flickering to your lips for a brief second before locking on your eyes again.

You were certainly tempted. But you were also having too much fun.

“Maybe, if you joined in on my expert commentary, I could rethink my stance. I mean, I am at a baseball game with the former starting pitcher for the Cubs.” He rolled his eyes as I lightly shoved his shoulder. “C’mon, you know I’m right about that pitching move. And you’re just dying to tell me how smart I am for recognizing it.”

“Alright, alright, you are right about pulling the pitcher.” You smiled, shooting your hand into the air in victory. “But don’t let it get to your head. We have two and a half innings left, and like you said, you’re here with the former starting pitcher for the Cubs. I may know a thing or two more than you.”

He wrapped his arm around your shoulder, and you easily leaned into him. You couldn’t hide the smile growing on your face, even if you wanted too.

“Bring it on, Ace.”

****

“So I think we can both agree that you should be the new manager for the New York Mets,”

“Deal. But only if you sign on to be my pitching coach. And Noah Porter Benson is our number one starting pitcher.”

“Deal.” Peter smiled, and looked over at you.

After the game, the two of you took the subway from Queens back to Manhattan, when Peter insisted on walking you home. You only objected four times, but after he grabbed your hand and started leading the way to your apartment, you quickly shut your mouth.

You thought he would’ve let go of your hand after a few seconds. Instead, he laced your fingers together, and hadn’t let go in ten minutes.

The night had gone so smooth, never a lull in the conversation, due in large part to your inability to keep your coaching opinions to yourself. But Peter liked that about you; he liked that you didn’t shy away from him, or make him take charge of the night. Everything was so easy with the two of you. Everything just made sense.

When you approached your brick building, you let out a sigh. You really didn’t want this night to end.

“Let me walk you up,” He offered, clearly not done spending time together either.

You took the elevator, letting you off at the third floor to walk to your door. Peter still hadn’t let go of your hand.

“This is me. Lucky number nine.” You said as you stood in front of your door, turning to face Peter. He looked so soft in his jeans and crew neck, so much more relaxed than in his suits for the office.

“I had a lot of fun tonight,” He started. “Thank you for finally agreeing to come on a date with me.”

You let out a laugh, while looking down at your intertwined hands. “Yeah well, I would’ve agreed sooner had I not been so blind to your intentions.”

“Well we can still make up for lost time.” He gave your hand a squeeze, and you looked up to meet his gaze. “Would you come to dinner with me Friday night, for a second date?”

“You sure you still want to spend time with me after tonight? I don’t shut up easily,” You teased, earning a grin from your handsome date.

“I’m sure. You keep me on my toes, detective.”

“Good. Because I’ve been rethinking that rule I have about first dates,” You took a step towards him, still leaving enough space for him to back out. But the red tinge on his cheeks told you he wouldn’t.

“Oh really?” He asked, letting go of your hand to wrap his arms around your waist. It brought you closer to him, enough to see that his eyes held a little bit of green amongst the sea of blue.

He cocked his head to the side the slightest bit, as if to ask if this was okay. You wrapped your arms around his neck in response, a small nod to show you meant it.

When his lips met your own, they were soft, perfectly fitting together in a short, sweet kiss. He started to pull away, but you quickly pulled him back to your lips, not done with him just yet. You felt him smile into it, a little exhale of breath leaving his nose and tickling your upper lip. That made you smile, preventing you from staying together any longer.

You leaned back, removing your hands from around his neck to circle his waist, finally feeling the soft fabric of the blue crew neck.

“I’d say that made up for months of miscommunication.” He grinned, and you could only smile in response.

“Definitely.” Your eyes found the clock at the end of the hall, already eleven thirty. “As much as I’d love to talk all night about my coaching strategy, we both have to be in court early tomorrow morning.”

He bowed his head in disappointment, knowing you were right. Rollins and Carisi were testifying tomorrow and needed all the rest you could get.

“Then you’ll just have to save it for Friday.” He said and unwrapped himself from you. You held on another second, enjoying the warmth from his torso.

“I will. Now, go get some sleep. I’ll see you from the gallery tomorrow.”

“Okay. Make sure you keep your comments to yourself in there.” He joked, earning him a light smack to his chest. “See you in the morning.”

He leaned down and kissed your cheek, then lightly pecked your lips. “Sleep tight.”

You watched him walk back down the hall as you unlocked your door, a little dizzy from the charming effects of ADA Peter Stone.

****

#peter stone x female!reader #peter stone x reader #peter stone fic #law and order svu #jules writes shit ??

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thetravelerwrites · 4 years

Text

Henry (Amphiptere Naga) Lemon

Rating: Explicit Relationship: Female Human/Male Naga Additional Tags: Exophilia, Monster Boyfriend, Naga, Amphiptere, Best Friends to Lovers, Demisexual, Graysexual, Sex Worker, Cam Model, Mutual Pining Words: 6104

A gift from @oddacle to her friend/roommate! A woman moves back to her home town after an online friend offers her both a job and a place to stay. She accidentally learns an interesting secret about him that she tries, and fails, to hide. Please reblog and leave feedback! Art by @oddacle!

The Traveler's Masterlist

You stretched at your desk and sighed. “Well, Henry, I should get to bed,” You said. “I’ve got a lot of packing to do tomorrow.”

“Dude, I can’t wait to see you in person finally!” He said over the headset. “I’m so excited you’re coming to work in the store.”

“Me too!” You said. “It’ll be nice to see you in person! And I can’t thank you enough for giving me a job and a place to stay. Working at the grocery store was crushing my soul.”

“I get that,” He told you. “I felt so out of place when I worked construction. I’m so glad I decided to save up to open the flower shop.”

“You and me both,” You said. “Flower arranging is something I love to do. I about fell out of my chair when you said you owned a shop.”

“Two more days and you’ll get to see it yourself,” He said with a laugh. “Go get some sleep. I’ll see you soon.”

“Night, Henry,” You said, smiling to yourself as you logged off. You had met Henry while gaming almost five years ago now, and he had been one of the best friends you’d ever had. At first you just played together, but after about a year, the two of you had exchanged phone numbers, and since then you texted each other constantly and called each other once a week. Despite that, you had never actually seen what he looked like. You didn’t mind; maybe he was body-shy. You could understand that.

When you finally quit the soul-suck of a job in the back of a grocery, he was quick to offer you a place in his shop, in your own home town, no less, as well as one of the apartments above the store. You’d been homesick since you moved away with your mom when you were younger, so the idea of going back had massive appeal. Combined with your dream job and working with your best friend, it was like everything you ever wanted was just falling into place.

That Saturday, you loaded every single thing you owned into a rental truck and headed to Santa Barbara, excited to start a new life and meet your best friend for the first time.

You pulled up to Henry’s Floral Arrangements later that evening just before sundown, driving nearly nine hours straight with only a few breaks for food, gas, and bathroom visits. You pulled out your phone and clicked Henry’s number.

“Hey, are you here?” He asked excitedly.

“Yep!” You said, stepping out of the truck. “I pulled up just now. Are you in the shop?”

“Yeah, I’m coming out! Be right there.” And he hung up.

You giggled at his enthusiasm and walked around the truck just as he came out of the shop, his face as excited as a brand new puppy with a brand new toy, and you stopped in your tracks.

He. Was. Beautiful.

He was a naga, but a rarer breed than average: an amphiptere. He had short, two pronged horns on his head and large wings on his back. His horns were teal, and the feathers of his wings were teal and ocean blue with black accents on the outside and grey on the inside, like the skin of his torso. His snake skin was teal and ocean blue as well, with giant black rings lining his back. His eyes were as golden as his nipple rings. He had lovely tattoos on his arms, neck, and back of waves and geometric shapes. He was lean and muscular, and had short black hair. He wore no clothing, so every inch of his glorious body was on full display.

You stood staring at him, unable to speak, as he slithered up to you. Oh god. This was not a possibility you had entertained. Living next to your best friend had sounded like a dream. But now… oh no, this was a disaster. How could you be attracted to him? You never felt attraction, not ever! Of all the times, of all the people, Henry had to be… this! This lovely specimen of a naga, and the best friend you’d ever had! What were you going to do?!

“You alright?” He asked, tilting his head and lowering himself down to look at your face.

You blinked and smiled breathlessly. “Yes! Yes, I’m great! It’s so nice to finally meet you!”

“You too!” He reached out for a hug and you walked into it. His skin was cool and smooth to the touch. He smelled like peonies. “Come in, come in, let me show you around!”

“What about unpacking?” You asked.

“Oh, leave that till tomorrow,” He said. “Let’s order a pizza and eat in the shop.”

You grinned. “That actually sounds amazing.”

“Come on!” He held out his hand and took yours and pulled you into the shop.

Oh, it was incredible. It had just crested into the middle of spring and the seasonal flowers were exploding all over the place. Color was everywhere. You closed your eyes and just breathed in the fragrances.

“Have I died?” You asked, your eyes still closed. “I’ve died, haven’t I?”

He laughed. “I hope not, you just got here.” He picked up his cell phone from the counter. “Pepperoni and pineapple on thin crust, right?”

“Yep!” You said, sitting at the counter, your eye catching on the decorative cherry blossom bonzai tree that you’d sent him for Christmas two years ago. You weren’t sure if he’d even like it, much less have kept it, but there it was, right next to the register where everyone could see it. It gave you a warm feeling in your chest.

He took you to the second floor, where there were two apartments, one on either side. You couldn’t help but notice one half of the stairs was covered with a ramp, likely to make it easier for Henry to get to the second story.

He led you to the apartment on the right and opened the door. It was a modest place but comfortable, and from the smell it seemed like it was recently deep cleaned and freshly painted in a pretty holly-green color with blush pink accents. There was a vase with all your favorite flowers spilling out of it on the kitchen table. It was mostly furnished with older but functional furniture, so you hadn’t needed to bring any heavy wardrobes or mattresses or anything, thankfully. Most of what you had in your old place was junk anyway.

“I love it,” You told Henry. “And I love the flowers.”

“I thought it would be a nice touch,” He said, holding his arm almost shyly. “I wanted you to feel comfortable.”

“I feel more comfortable here than I did in the two years I spent in my last place,” You said truthfully. “You know, we can leave the unpacking for tomorrow, but can we go down and get my rig and gear and hook it up while we wait for the pizza? It’s the only thing I have that I don’t want to leave in a truck overnight.”

“I get that,” He said.

The two of you managed to get your PC, laptop, gaming gear, and computer desk up the stairs in one trip. There was a flat screen TV on the wall of the living room to which you hooked up your PC. You ran a diagnostic as Henry heard the buzzer from the door and rushed down to get the pizza. Then the two of you spent an incredible evening eating pizza, watching comedies on Netflix, and solidifying the strength of your friendship.

You were comfortable, more so than you had ever been with anyone. Five years of talking to him was wonderful, but being close, seeing his smile, hearing his laugh and the way his eyes crinkled when he did was pure magic.

Magic that you didn’t want to ruin by being weird or creepy just because you suddenly felt attracted to him. Would he be weirded out by the fact that your brain turned into goo the moment you saw him? Would he think it was just because of his looks? You didn’t want that.

And you didn’t want to fuck up what was already an amazing relationship. Hell, meeting him in person and hanging out with him had already been a huge test of your friendship; working with him and living next to him would be an even greater one. You didn’t want to complicate it even further with an, in all likelihood, one-sided attraction.

By the time the pizza was gone and he headed back to his apartment for bed, you’d already decided to put the attraction or any notion of a relationship beyond friends out of your head.

But by God, he was beautiful.

You sort of jumped into the deep end when you started in the shop: prom season was just beginning, so you spent weeks making corsages and lapel pins. Henry thankfully spared you from having to deal with spoiled teenagers, entitled moms, and annoyed jocks dragged in by their girlfriends. Henry seemed well practiced at fielding angry customers who couldn’t make up their mind.

After work, the two of you often ate dinner together, either in his place or yours. Even though you were usually exhausted at the end of the day, you still played games together at least four times a week from your respective apartments, talking to each other over headsets even though you were probably only two walls and twenty feet apart. Sometimes you took your laptop to his apartment and played at the same desk.

It went on that way for months. It was amazing and you treasured every minute you got to spend with him. Despite putting the idea of dating him away in the back of your head, it was easy to pretend like it was just the two of you, together, against the world

After prom season ended, business slowed dramatically. You weren’t as tired in the evenings, so when you weren’t playing games with Henry, you did a little writing. You were too shy to let anyone read it, even Henry, but it still felt good to have a creative outlet.

One night, as you were writing, you heard Henry’s voice over your gaming headset on the desk. The two of you had quit playing over an hour ago, so you put it on to see if he needed anything.

“You alright, Henry? Are you back online?”

He didn’t respond, so you thought maybe you were just hearing things, but as you went to pull your headset off, you heard him say, “I’m glad to see you again. I’ve missed you.” The sound of his voice was distant, like he didn’t have his headset on.

Did he have company? His voice sounded silky and sultry, a tone you’d never heard before, and you wondered briefly if he had a girlfriend, or boyfriend. Or whatever. He’d never mentioned anything like that to you, but you weren’t his mom; he was allowed to have private things he didn’t share with other people. You did, after all.

Still, the idea that he was in a relationship cut a little deeper than you would have liked.

You heard another voice, but it was strangely robotic sounding, like it was coming through a speaker, and you couldn’t quite make out what the other person was saying. Whoever they were, they sounded male. Maybe he was in a long distance relationship?

“Mm, I love it when you talk to me like that,” Henry said, a sexy lilt in his voice. “Tell me what you’d like me to do. I could touch myself. Would you like that?”

You blushed and your heart began to race. You shouldn’t be listening to this, you knew that. It was private and none of your business. But… you couldn’t take the headset off. You wanted to hear this. You wanted him to talk to you that way. Maybe through this person, vicariously, you could have an intimate moment with him. It may be the only chance you ever got.

You heard him moan over the headset, and a sparkling heat filled your body. You bit your lip at the thrill you felt, but you were unable to move, like a deer in headlights. There was a dangerous quality to this, the idea of getting caught listening in terrified you.

You heard the person on the computer say something, but you couldn’t understand them.

Henry responded, “Of course I will. I know how much you like that… mmm, that feels so good.”

Henry’s moaning over the headset made you feel both exhilarated and astonished. You felt like you could listen to him moaned for hours.

Henry grunted sharply and repeatedly, then gasped for a minute before speaking again.

“That was wonderful,” Henry said. “It always is with you.” The other person said something you couldn’t understand, and Henry answered, “Oh, I’m afraid we don’t have time for that, darling. Our date is almost over. If you’d like to purchase a ten minute extension, you can donate an additional five hundred tokens, or you can schedule another date from any of the open slots on the main website. You know I’m always happy to spend time with you.”

You sat up in your seat, confused. Tokens? Website? What was he talking about?

There were more words you could hear, and Henry tutted. “Aww, are you sure?” He pouted. “Well, alright. I hope you won’t make me wait long, darling. See you soon.”

There was some tapping on his keyboard, and there was a power-down sound. Henry sighed and you could hear him slither out of his office, closing the door behind him.

You sat for a moment, trying to wrap your head around what you’d heard. Was he getting paid to jerk off for people? You opened a web browser and typed “amphiptere cam model” into the search engine.

You knew amphiptere nagas were rare, of course, so you weren’t surprised to only have found two results. You were surprised to find Henry’s face on one of the profiles, wearing beautiful make up and a sexy underbust corset with matching opera gloves. You clicked it, and realized he was both very expensive and highly sought after, considering all of his five weekly slots were already filled for the next two months.

Henry was a cam model. And he was apparently very good at it.

You put a hand to your forehead, stunned. What was happening right now? This was something you could never have anticipated. He was hot, of course, but he always seemed like a shy, down-to-earth kind of guy to you, even after meeting him. Who knew he had this in him? You weren’t judging, it was just surprising.

You didn’t manage to get much sleep that night, and when you did, you dreamt of being on the other end of that screen and woke in a sweat.

The next morning, you stood in the shower with your thoughts in a roil. Should you tell him you know? Would he be upset with you? Probably; listening in was a huge breach of both privacy and trust. Oh, god, what had you done? How were you supposed to act around him now? He’d know something was wrong; you could never hide your emotions well and he knew you better than anyone. Was it too late to live in a cave and cut ties with society altogether?

No, there was no internet in caves. Fuck.

You couldn’t avoid him forever; you were due downstairs for work. You could tell him that you were sick, but knowing him, he’d shut down the shop for the day to take care of you. He was so damn sweet.

No, You said, mentally slapping yourself. Don’t get distracted by his adorableness! This is a crisis!

You got out of the shower and started brushing out your hair, your stomach in knots. A knock at the door made you jump clean out of your towel. Throwing on your robe, you went to answer it. Henry was standing there with a bag and coffee, and his eyes widened when he saw your bathrobe.

“Oh, sorry, I just came to bring some breakfast. Felt like treating you a little.”

You swallowed a lump in your throat and smiled. “Thanks, this is awesome. I’ll get dressed and meet you down in the shop. You’re the best.”

He gave you a full, sharp-toothed grin and snaked his way downstairs, leaving you to grip the door to keep from falling to your knees. Did he have to be so kind? He was the worst!

You met him downstairs and tried to be normal through breakfast, but all you could think of was the way he moaned last night and tried to keep the blush off your face. Work wasn’t any better, you had all of ten customers that day, so you spent most of it talking to Henry and daydreaming about him calling you darling. It was all you could do to hold it together.

After closing the shop, he asked if you wanted to have dinner and a game at his place, but you declined, saying you were tired. He seemed concerned but didn’t press it, and you were able to escape upstairs.

You made yourself some tea to try and settle your nerves, stress-eating girl scout cookies straight from the box as you waited for the water to boil. Was it going to be like this forever? This was torture.

Another knock at the door startled you into dropping your cookies.

“Fuck!” You hissed at yourself as you bent to pick up a box. “Get your shit together!”

Henry was at the door. He had a bag from a deli.

“I brought you soup,” He said. “You seemed like you weren’t feeling well today. Is anything wrong?”

You felt incredibly guilty, staring at that bag for a solid minute, unable to talk.

“Hey,” He said, frowning and squinting into your eyes. “What’s up? Talk to me. What’s wrong?”

“I’m so sorry, Henry,” You said without thinking.

“Sorry?” He said. “For what? What happened?”

You were having a hard time articulating your thoughts. You hadn’t meant to say sorry, and once it slipped out, your mind blanked.

“Look, can I come in?” He asked plaintively. “Something is obviously wrong. I want to help.”

You scrubbed your face. “Okay.”

He followed you in and laid the soup on the table. “So… tell me. What’s going on?”

“I don’t even know how to say it,” You said, looking around helplessly. Your eyes fell on your headset. You picked it up and listened to it, and you could hear the fan from his office running. “Here,” You said, handing it to him. “Listen.”

He put the headset on, frowning with confusion.

“Do you hear anything?” You asked.

“I think that’s the fan, right?”

“Yeah, from your office,” You said.

He laughed as he took it off. “I’m an idiot, I must have forgot to disconnect last night after we were playing.”

“Right, it was active last night. All last night. I could hear you.”

His face went from confusion to blank shock, his mouth hanging open.

“...oh,” He said quietly. “Oh, god.”

“I’m so sorry,” You said. “I shouldn’t have listened. I should have taken it off and ignored it. I’m so, so sorry.”

There was a pause. “How long did you listen?”

“I think it was the whole thing. I heard you… finish.” You blushed just thinking about it.

“That was a thirty minute session,” He said, confusion back on his face. “Why did you listen so long?”

You looked away and bit your lip, unable to meet his eyes.

“Did you… enjoy it?” He asked. He sounded almost hopeful.

You couldn’t speak, but you nodded once.

“Really?” You heard a smile in his voice, and you managed to look up. He had a goofy, sappy grin on his face. “You don’t think it’s gross or anything like that?”

You shook your head. “No. I’m curious, though. Why do you do it?”

“I only do it during the off seasons,” He said. “The first year was really hard for the store and I almost lost the shop. I got into camming to make ends meet, but the money was so good I just continued to do it when business is really slow. I’ve been able to save a lot of money this way. I was even thinking of opening a second location, and I think at the end of this season, I’ll have enough.” He looked very shy. “You really don’t mind it?”

You shook your head fervently. “No, not at all.” You looked at his earnest face. He didn’t seem angry, and while you were relieved, you also felt inquisitive. “What’s it like? Does it feel weird?”

“It did at first,” He admitted. “But it’s normal now. It’s actually fun, especially getting ready and putting on the clothes and stuff. I don’t really get to wear that stuff out, so it’s the only time I get to feel… I don’t know, fancy.”

You smiled softly. “I think I get that.”

“Actually,” He said, rubbing his neck. “I was going to record a free promo to put up on the website tonight. Do you want to help me do my makeup? I sort of self-taught myself, but I can never get the eyeliner right.”

“Oh! Yeah, of course, sure!” You said. “I really liked that corset I saw you in.”

He narrowed his eyes at you and smirked. “Did you Google me?”

“I had to,” You said. “Wouldn’t you?”

He laughed. “I guess.” He took your hand and led you toward the door and his apartment. “Come on. I’ve always wanted to have someone help with this. I’m never sure which colors compliment my skin.”

“Wait, let me grab my makeup bag,” You said, running back to your bathroom, snatching it up, and returning. “Okay, let’s go.”

Helping a guy with his makeup counted as a date, right?

He took you to his bedroom, which you’d never been. There wasn’t any furniture, not even a bed. Instead there was a huge nest of fluffy pillows and soft blankets which took up most of the floor space. He had a large walk-in closet where there was a hidden vanity with fairy lights around the mirror. The hangers had various corsets, fishnet shirts, and gloves. There was another desk that seemed to be a large jewelry case.

“This must have cost a fortune,” You said, impressed. You wished you had the confidence to wear some of this.

“A small one,” He told you. “Sometimes in camming, you have to spend to make money. The customers like variety; it’s why I record a new free promo every week. I don’t want my patrons to get bored with me.”

“Who could ever get bored with you?” You blurted without thinking.

You blushed. He blushed.

“Uh… I don’t have any chairs,” He said. “But you can sit on my tail, if you like.”

“Are you sure?” You asked, looking at his tail as it made a hump for you to rest on. “Won’t I hurt you?”

“No, no, not at all,” He said. “Please. I want you to be comfortable.”

“Really, it’s okay, I’ll stand,” You said, unable to even imagine sitting on his beautiful tail. “Now, let’s see. We’ll wash your face first and then we’ll start on your make-up. What about a gold lip? That’ll make your eyes pop.”

“Ooh, that’s a good idea,” He said. “I just bought some new shades recently, and I think there’s a gold in there.”

Applying his makeup for him was a stressful experience. You were eye to eye with him, so close you could feel his breath on your skin. His lips were inches away from your own, and you were having trouble not dwelling on that fact. He was cold-blooded, and therefore generated no heat, but you wondered if he could feel yours at this distance, if he enjoyed it or was made uncomfortable by it.

You did also notice, though, that his tail had wrapped around the two of you twice. He let his arms dangle, but you noticed the muscles twitching a few times and asked yourself if you might be making him self-conscious. After all, you were the only person in his real life who knew about all this.

“Makeup done,” You said. “You look amazing. I wish I could pull off a look this daring.”

“I bet you could,” He said with a smile, looking at you fondly. “Now that I think about it, I’ve never seen you done up before. I’ll have to take you somewhere really nice so that I can see what that looks like.”

Again he blushed, even through the makeup, and pressed his lips together.

You didn’t answer that statement, trying not to read too much into it, and instead looked over at his vast array of cute garments. “How about that gold and blue underbust with the Victorian scrolling pattern? I think it would look good with your makeup.”

“Oh, yes, that’ll work nicely,” He said, grinning. “And that shrug with those gloves. I usually work a little bit of a striptease into these promos.”

You cleared your throat. “You… uh… you’ll have to let me go,” You said, gesturing at his tail.

“Oh!” He jumped and unspooled, so to speak. “Sorry. Have you ever laced a corset before?”

“Yeah, once or twice. I’ve had friends who’ve worn them before. Would you like help?”

“Yes, please,” He said. He lifted his arms to let you reach around him and position the corset, gingerly moving the feathers of his wings out of the way so that you didn’t crush them. “Thank you for this. I’ve never gotten finished so fast before. I should ask you to help all the time.”

“I wouldn’t mind,” You said, pulling the strings taut. “This was fun.”

“I’m glad you think so, too,” He said, looking over his shoulder. “If you don’t have any plans after I’m done filming and editing the video, would you like to come back over and help me take all of it off?”

You looked at him and blushed.

“I didn’t mean that in a dirty way,” He said hurriedly. “It’s just nice having someone who knows and I can talk to about it.”

“I get that,” You said as he pulled on the gloves. “Are you ready to record?”

“Yeah,” He said. “Thanks for helping.”

“Sure,” You told him. “I has happy to. I’ll let you get to it, then.”

He nodded and you saw yourself out.

When you got back to your apartment and sat down at your gaming desk, you sighed heavily, the thoughts of how good Henry looked revolving in your mind. You were both extremely attracted to him and a bit jealous that he looked better than you in all that stuff. It actually made you laugh a little bit.

“Welcome back,” You heard Henry say, and you looked down at the headset laying on your desk.

Oh jeez, he left his headset plugged in again. God you loved him, but he was such an idiot sometimes.

“I’m glad you could join me. I’m hoping your having a lovely day.” You heard the soft shhff of him taking off one of the gloves. “I always love seeing your face. I love the way your hands move. I love the smell of your shampoo when it mixes with your perfume. I love that soft little smile that you get when you arrange flowers across the shop from me.”

…what? What did he just say?

“I hope you’re listening. I’ve tried so hard to say this to you when we’re face to face, but I can never seem to find the words. This way, I can say what I want. This way, if you don’t hear me, then I haven’t risked our friendship, and if you do hear and don’t feel the same, you can ignore it, and nothing has to change. But… if you do feel the same… come back. Please. This show is for you and no one else. I’ll be waiting for you.” You heard the headset being pulled off and laid down on the desk.

You stood up and did the same. He couldn’t mean you, could he? There was no way. Stunned, you walked back toward your front door and opened it, looking across the hall at Henry’s door.

It was cracked open.

With your heart in your throat and breathing like you just ran a mile, you pushed it open and walked slowly toward his office, only to find it empty. The headset was laying on the desk and the camera was off. Looking down the hallway, you saw the light in his bedroom was on and the door was also cracked. Swallowing hard, you walked down to his room and opened the door.

He was laying there, curled up around himself, laying with his head on his arms, looking a little forlorn.

“Henry?” You asked.

He popped up immediately, his eyes widening. “You came.” He whispered. “You actually came!” Before you could respond, he rushed up and snatched you off the ground, hugging you tight. “Does this mean you want me, too? The way I want you, I mean.”

“I… yes,” You said. “I just didn’t want you to think it was because of… well… all this.”

“I don’t care about that, I’m just so happy,” He said, kissing your cheek. “I’ve been in love with you forever, even before we met in person. I was just scared that if you found out about my second job, you’d be disgusted. Knowing you don’t mind it gave me the courage to try and confess.”

“I’m glad you did,” You replied, hugging him tightly around the neck. “I’d never have been able to do it.”

He pulled back and looked at you. “Can I kiss you, please?”

You laughed at the absurdity, but you appreciated that he asked first. He was thoughtful like that. You nodded, and he didn’t waste time, pressing his lips to yours hard enough that you could feel the fangs behind them.

His kisses became hungry, and he gripped your clothes. “I… um… don’t want to assume,” He said breathlessly between kisses. “But… um…” He looked over at his bed-nest, and regarded you with a questioning look.

“It’s okay,” You replied. “I’ve wanted this for a long time, too.”

He snaked over to the nest and lay you down in it, unbuttoning your shirt.

“Should I take off the corset for you?” You asked him.

“I can leave it on, if you like,” he said seductively, kissing your neck and leaving a trail of sparkling gold lipstick on your skin.

“Would that be uncomfortable?” You asked.

“Not at all,” He replied, his kisses moving lower. “I want to look good for you.”

“I’m not a client, Henry,” You said. “You don’t have to work so hard to impress me. I’m already in love with you.”

“That’s good to hear,” He said, his lips against your breast. “But it’s not about wanting to impress you and I don’t see you as a client. I see you as the woman I want to be with. I should put more effort into my time with you than anyone else. I want you to know you’re special to me.”

“You’ve done more than enough to make me feel special,” You said. “I want to return the favor.”

Your hand went into his hair as his tongue swirled around your nipple, and the lower half of his tail moved up around your head. When you turned to look at it, you saw a swollen, puckering slit, normally hidden underneath him as he moved, that he now revealed to you. You pressed your finger along the line, and he moaned against your skin. One of his hands reached down into your pants, into your underwear, and touched you.

You gasped softly at his fingers tickling your slit, you doubled your efforts on his own, moving your head so that your tongue could reach it and licking a slow stripe upward. A strangled, broken grunt came from him.

He continued to undress you slowly and kiss your body, touching you and teasing. You writhed underneath him while sucking at the slit on his body, watching as a bright golden organ slowly peaked its way out, followed by another. You were startled at first, but it was fascinating to watch. You took one in your hand and sucked on the tip of the other, reveling in the sounds that he made.

His lips finally came back up to meet yours, the need in his body evident as he lined one of his cocks up to you, the other resting against your clit. He rose up to look at you.

“Still okay?”

You nodded. “It’s okay.”

He began to push himself inside you, kissing your forehead and cheek as he did so. You gripped his shoulders and held on as he fully seated himself, his second member resting between you. The slit was farther down on his tail, about halfway down, so the position was a little awkward at first, but the two of you pulled each other close and found a rhythm that suited you.

He lifted you up easily, his tail between your legs, undulating into and out of you, and all you could do was hang on for the ride. You moaned, held securely in his arms, his wings flaring out behind him, the light of his bedroom lamp filtering through the feathers like sunlight through clouds.

“I’m so close,” He gasped, picking you up as a flood gushed from the cock you had been riding, splashing against your leg and his tail, before he moved you onto the second one and kept going.

“That’s handy,” You said, also gasping.

“When this one is done, the other one will be ready again,” He said as you bounced on him.

“Oh, god,” You wheezed. “What have I gotten myself into?”

He laughed breathlessly and kissed you again, hitting harder and faster. You felt your own wave coming fast and you began to moan and whimper, not able to control the sounds you made.

Finally, you came, and the rush of ecstasy filled your mind. You lay your head on his shoulder as you dangled in his grasp bonelessly, his tail still moving inside you slowly.

After giving you a moment to recover, he sped up again, and you came again. It might have been hours before the two of you found a stopping point, or more precisely, and exhaustion point. He lay you down in the nest, corset and makeup still on, and the two of you slept in a sweaty pile.

The next morning, he woke up with the makeup smeared across his face and a serious case of bed-head. You laughed.

“What’s funny?” He asked sleepily, smiling at you from the coil of his tail.

“I think I should have taken you up on the offer to help you dress down,” You said. “Let’s get that taken care of.”

You helped him out of his corset and the two of you stepped into the bathroom, three-fourths of which was just the shower. Stepping into the shower, you soaped him down and washed his long body, and he did the same for you. The two of you couldn’t help kissing and giggling and cuddling the whole time.

He ordered in breakfast as you dashed across the hall to fetch some clothes. When you got back, you said, “You didn’t get to record your promo.”

“I can do it tonight,” He said. “Will you help me with it?”

“Of course,” You said. “I’ll be your manager or assistant or whatever you’d like to call me.”

“I’d like to call you my girlfriend, actually,” He said with a smile.

“I like the sound of that,” You replied, hugging him around the waist. “Partners in all things.”

“I like that, too. Speaking of which, I think I might be able to open that second location sooner than I thought.”

“Why’s that?”

“Well, if you live with me in my apartment, we can rent out your apartment, and the extra income will help. Two birds, one stone.”

You smiled. “Sounds good to me. As long as I’m with you.”

“Always.”

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My Masterlist

The Exophilia Creator’s Masterlist

#Exophilia #Naga #Demisexual #Graysexual

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