#i mean she could snap my spine in seconds but

[strawbearri-frog]

thinking about her…

[miniwheat77]

Nasty. (Mean!König x Reader.)

!CW! NSFW, König being a big meanie, rough sex, unprotected sex, slight dub con, poorly translated German, this is short forgive me, (sorry if I missed any.)

Your nerves are completely shot as you stand in a line. You don’t know why, but he’s so so mean. So mean. He hates you for some reason. Absolutely hates you.

You’re lined up with other Sergeants, waiting nervously as Colonel König passes each of you. “Y/L/N, 50 push ups. im Augenblick.”

You know better than to argue, so you drop to the floor, beginning to do your push ups. Trying not to cry. You wish you could just know why he’s so mean to you. You just didn’t understand, you’d never done anything. You were always kind to him. Always obeyed him. When you finish your push ups, he’s excused everyone else and he’s watching you intently. “Colonel.” You ask, out of breath. He looks at you. “Can I ask why you gave me 50 push ups?” He stands there, eyes dark as he stares upon you.

“50 more.” He breathes. “Now.” A sigh leaves your lips and you obey him, dropping down to your knees again and propping yourself up. “When you’re finished you can go to bed.” He breathes. You choose to ignore him, tired of the way he’s treating you. He walks away down the hallway, but watches to make sure you actually finish your push ups. You do. He smirks to himself. You stand up when you finish and walk down the hallway to your room. You don’t understand.

A couple days later, you wait patiently for an order. You’ve been burned out completely, he’s making you run laps around the base and your eyes are burning from the sweat dripping down your face. The sun is beating down on you and he won’t let you stop for anything. He disappeared a while ago and you haven’t seen him. Your vision starts to blur, and you look confused. Legs slowing to a stop against your will. You start to see other colors, brighter colors filling your vision. That’s all you remember.

König forgot. He went inside for a second and he was going to head back out to relieve you but he got distracted. He’s sitting in his office when he hears yelling, and stands up to peek outside. Curious what the commotion is. He sees another Sergeant bursting through the door carrying you, and his stomach falls. “I need a medic!” He calls. Others flood the hallway and a medic appears. They’re rushing you back to the infirmary. “What’s going on?” She asks. “I don’t know, I found her outside passed out.”

She sighs. “She’s having a heat stroke, we need to cool her temperature down.” König walks away from the infirmary. He knows he’s a little extreme sometimes.

—

“My office, now.” His stern voice sends chills up your spine. You follow after him.

He closes the door behind you and walks around you, staring you down. “I said 50 push ups.” He crosses his arms. “I will do them, but I want to know why first.” You breath. He mumbles something under his breath in German, you don’t hear him. “Now.” He breathes. “No.” You breathe. “I deserve to know why.” He let’s out a deep chuckle and you know you’re digging yourself a hole, but you’re tired of this. “You listen to me, girl.” He growls. “I don’t have to explain myself. I don’t have to tell you why. I say jump, you fucking jump.” He growls. “dummes Mädchen.” He growls. You know what he’s just said. “Fuck you.” You growl. His eyes snap to you, wide. He’s pissed. In one second, he’s got you slammed up against a wall. Hand around your throat. He’s watching you turn a shade of red. “Fine. You want to fucking disobey me?” He breathes. You can feel his spit particles landing on your face. He’s seething. “Ich zeige dir, was ich mit bösen Mädchen mache.” He growls, he lets go of your throat and spins you around. Forcing you down onto his desk.

Your eyes widen as he tears your cargo pants down your legs, forcing them down. What is this? Why is he reacting like this? You feel the tip of his cock nudging at your entrance and in one hard thrust, he forces his cock into you and a gasp gets stuck in your throat as he starts to thrust himself into you. He’s stretching you and it hurts. Tears prick your eyes at the intrusion, a cry leaving your lips.

Luckily your body gets used to him. Your hands clutch his desk and he groans out. Hands holding your hips in a death grip, sure to leave bruises in their wake. His belt rattles violently with each of his brutal thrusts, the massive man makes you look small. Watching the way your pussy stretches around his massive cock has his eyes rolling back. You’re quiet for a while, but his thrusts halt immediately when a moan leaves your lips. He spins you around, pupils blown out. He can’t believe his ears. “Do you like this?” He asks. You’re leaning up against his desk, body exposed to his judgmental eyes. You stay quiet which earns a sharp slap to your cheek. You nod your head shyly. He grasps your thighs, forcing you back onto his desk again, returning his cock to your weepy hole. He thrusts in again and you cry out. “Ah! König please- slower please-“ you whimper. “You can take it, we both know you can.” He growls. He squeezes your breasts too hard and you whimper out, he’s so mean. “You like when I’m mean to you, dumme Hure” he growls. “You like when I bully your slutty pussy. I know how wet you get for me when I’m mean to you. You like it. So take it. Nimm mich, du verdammte Schlampe”

A cry leaves your lips as he bullies your cunt. Thrusting into you hard, not giving you anytime to adjust to him or his massive size. His desk is sliding across the floor with a violent screech, it doesn’t phase him. Not even a little bit. His groans that he’s letting out, they’re something different. You’ve never heard him being pleasured before, only angry at you. Maybe this is how you could make him happier. Maybe this is how you fix him being mean to you. You’ve got a death grip on his desk, his cock is pushing into your cervix and it’s too much. Bordering uncomfortable but you don’t dare tell him that. You keep your legs open for him, letting him use you. His moans are getting a little more desperate. Whimpers almost. “Oh fuck, so tight.” He gasps. He pushes one of your legs up a little higher, cock sliding even further into you. How on earth you were handling him was beyond you. You can’t help as your eyes start to water, tears beginning to spill from your eyes at the intensity of his massive cock. He’s overwhelming you. You can’t help it. “König?” You ask. “What?” He growls, “can I cum?” You whimper. You can see the way the small wrinkles around his eyes form, he’s smiling. “Now that’s a good girl, asking for permission.” He breathes. “Just a little longer.” He breathes.

You’re right on the edge. He’s pushing you over it quickly and you don’t know if you can hold on. “Ich sagte, warte”

You nod your head eagerly and he’s smiling down at you again. His cock twitches slightly and he’s about to cum. “Cum now, Liebling” he mumbles. You fall apart completely beneath him. Thighs shaking, body shivering. Chills arising on your skin. Your eyes roll back and you’re sucked into another dimension for a minute. The sound of him panting is bringing you back down to earth. He slides out of you and you let out a gasp. Realizing what’s just happened, he’s cum in you. Your eyes widen slightly. Worry filling you up.

“Get dressed and go clean up.” He orders. You nod your head, obeying him immediately.

The feeling that settles into your chest, sadness. Because no matter how much you offered your body up for him. Your holes, he was always just going to be mean.

[atlabeth]

greener grass | luke castellan

i recommend reading bleedin me dry before this as this is the au to that!

summary: what if you left with luke that day in the woods?

a/n: would just like to give a HUGE thank you for the massive amount of support on my luke fic!! and another huge thank you to all you angst demons because why do you want more of it. i mean i get it but why. anyways here’s a different path of actually accepting luke’s offer like so many of you said you would instantly fold lmao i hope you enjoy

wc: 3.2k

warning(s): fem!daughter of demeter reader. luke is his own warning. kind of unhealthy relationship, weird vibes all around

The stars were brighter than ever tonight. 

It was one of the first things that stuck out to you when you got to camp, and it was one of the first things that you noticed when you first got on the road with Luke. 

You’d always loved the stars. They were a rare sight coming from the city, such a sign of nature and purity that it honestly shouldn’t have been a surprise when you were claimed. You still remembered the shock that went through you when you first saw what a night sky free of pollution could be, and you still remembered the first time you risked your life with the harpies just to spend the night star-gazing. 

And you could never forget the first time you dragged Luke along with you, his wry protests falling on deaf ears though he grinned the entire way down to the beach, his hand laced in yours.  

Gods. 

Luke. 

Even the thought of him these days was enough to make your heart clench, a slight shiver run down your spine, and you weren’t fully sure as to why. 

You loved him. You ran away with him. Every path that led you here, you willingly chose to walk down. 

But you still questioned every second of every godsdamned day if they were the right decisions. Especially now, as you sat alone in front of the fire, carefully stoking it with one of the few dry sticks you’d been able to find after taking shelter—in your own haphazard tent made of vines and tree trunks and any other bits of nature you’d managed to sprout from the ground with your powers—to wait out a rainstorm. 

You decided to spend the night, deciding that traveling through the darkness was too risky after the last monster attack, but the minutes couldn’t have been creeping by slower. If being in nature didn’t quite literally fuel you, you knew you would be far more miserable than you already were.

You loved Luke with all your heart, and if he was willing to potentially throw off his entire plan just so he could bring you with him, then he had to love you the same. You owed him this, at least, to not abandon him. 

You— you didn’t want to serve Kronos, but you didn’t want to serve the gods, either. Your mother abandoned you before you were old enough to know what the word meant, leaving you on your father’s doorstep swaddled in blankets and with a note that he still had to this day. 

Demeter left your father to raise you on his own, left you to live the half-life of a half-blood, and hardly paid attention to you since. She didn’t help you when you were on the road to camp with your satyr, wondering if every bump in the night would be your end, and she let you feel worthless for an entire year before she finally decided you were deserving of her claim.

Or maybe she just finally remembered you existed. 

You understood Luke’s anger—you felt it yourself more than you liked to admit—but the path he was on was a dangerous one. You doubted you could take him off of it, but you could keep him safe, and you could prevent more damage. That was all you cared about at this point. 

How long you could walk this line was an entirely different question. 

You sensed him before you heard him even lost in your thoughts, but the snapping of twigs still made your breath catch for a moment. You kept your gaze on the fire as you spoke. 

“Anything?” 

“These woods are surprisingly bare for the time of year,” Luke said as he set his backpack on the ground, kneeling down to rifle through it. “I feel like Artemis is punishing me.” 

“Well, she doesn’t exactly have a reason to help you,” you said wryly. You gestured with your head towards the miniature orchard you’d been making at each one of your camps—one pro of your parentage was that you—hopefully—wouldn’t ever starve on the road. You’d been growing plants since you realized you could, so it was practically second nature at this point. “Fruit’s on the menu, if you’re interested.” 

Luke chuckled as he walked over, and as he plucked a perfectly ripe strawberry, he glanced at you. “Feeling nostalgic?” 

You shrugged. You wondered which of your siblings would be in charge of the strawberries with you gone. You hoped Mr. D wouldn’t give it to one of his kids. “Do you blame me?” 

“Not at all.” He popped it into his mouth then took an apple from the smallest tree you’d been able to grow. “It was home for us both, for a while.” 

You bit your lip. It still was your home—it had been for the past four years. You wanted to go back eventually, but you felt like you had sealed your coffin by going with Luke. Would they ever welcome you back, knowing you willingly followed him into the darkness?

“How long do you think we’ll be on the road?” you asked, finally looking over at him as he sat down across from you. “Not that I don’t enjoy being with you, but… it’s not exactly the safest.”

“At least another week or two,” Luke said. You tried your hardest to keep your expression even as he settled the full force of his gaze on you—you couldn’t deal with the scrutiny. “I need to make sure they’ve lost our trail. The last thing we need is a questing group on our asses.”

You huffed a laugh. “You think they’ll actually send anyone after us?”

Luke shrugged. “If all went well, camp is in total disarray. If it didn’t, they still know I’m with Kronos. I can’t imagine Chiron would take that lightly. And,” he inclined his head, “I did kidnap you.”

You scoffed. “You didn’t kidnap me.”

“They’ll probably think so,” he said, and there was something strange in his eyes. “Doesn’t make sense for you to come with me willingly.”

This again. “Luke—”

“I know,” he said, a slight smile on his lips. There wasn’t much heart in it. “You don’t have to explain yourself again.”

“I just don’t want you to think I’m not with you,” you said. “I— I am. I’m only here for you, Luke.”

His eyes softened. “You mean it?”

“I do,” you nodded. “I couldn’t just leave you.”

“I don’t take any of this lightly, you know.” His eyes never wavered from yours, the orange light flickering across his face and casting a devilish shadow. “You being here means the world. Nothing’s gonna happen to you—I’ll make sure of it.”

“I’m not just gonna lay you out to dry, either,” you said wryly. “We’ll protect each other. Like we always have.”

“Exactly,” Luke affirmed. He bit into the apple he’d seemingly forgot about, and you looked up at the sky in the resulting silence.

It felt like your mind always drifted back to camp, back to your siblings and friends and the victims of Luke’s crusade.

Your summer siblings who would come back next year and wonder where you went, your year-rounders waking up the next morning and all the mornings after with a discontented glance at your bed. 

How long would it take for them to forget you? For you to just be another lost demigod in the camp files?

And poor Annabeth Chase. Luke practically raised her, and he walked out on her without a word—you considered yourself lucky he didn’t do the same to you, and you had no idea what awaited you on your path together. 

The gods had never been one for listening, and certainly not to you, but you hoped at least one of them would look down on you. Maybe your mother could provide some of that wizened second child advice, shine her favor on you for the first time in your life.

Well. You doubted Demeter would very much appreciate your quasi-support of the titan that ate her. The thing you should have considered yourself lucky for was that your powers still worked. 

Luke brought you back to Earth by saying your name, and your gaze snapped back down to meet his. His scar seemed especially grisly in the firelight, at odds with the softness of his expression—something that felt all too rare these days. 

“What’s on your mind?” he asked. 

“What else could possibly be on it?” you asked wryly, tossing the stick you’d been fiddling with into the fire. It crackled as the flames devoured it, something so out of its realm thrust into it anyways. 

“Stupid question,” he admitted. 

“We’re practically fugitives, Luke,” you said. “We have monsters after us, and possibly people from camp. We left everyone behind. I’m with you, trust me, but— but I can’t just get over it all as easily as you.”

“And I get that,” he said. “This—” he sighed and shook his head— “you really don’t know how much you being here means to me. I thought I was going to be out on my own on all this.”

Your throat bobbed. You’d never tell him, but you didn’t even know what your answer was going to be until the words left your mouth.

“And you’re telling me that you’d still choose them over me?”

“No,” you said. “I wouldn’t.”

Luke’s eyes softened and your throat felt like it was closing up.

“Then come with me,” he whispered. “We will change the world together.”

“I can’t,” you asserted. “I can’t just leave everyone behind— I’d be leaving my entire life behind, Luke!”

“You’ll help them more this way,” Luke insisted. “The gods aren’t on our side—we’re here so they don’t have to pay attention to us. If we want anything to change for the better, we’re gonna have to do it ourselves.” 

You bit your lip, and he brushed a strand of hair out of your face. 

“I wouldn’t ask you this if I didn’t think you were right for it,” he murmured, tilting his head as he gazed into your eyes. “Your mother’s never bothered to see you before. I’m gonna make her see you.” 

“How?” you asked, hating the hints of desperation coloring your voice. 

“You’ll see,” he said. “But we’re gonna do something so big that no one’s going to be able to ignore us.” 

Memories of the past four years flashed through your mind, but the two at the forefront were ones with Luke and ones without your mother. 

He’d always been there for you, even when Demeter—especially when she wasn’t.

You couldn’t just leave him on his own. Not when he was baring his soul to you—not when his quest for greatness included it for you too. 

Not when he was the first boy you ever loved, the one who brought you back from the god-induced edge. 

“…Okay,” you said, the word feeling like an ultimatum the moment it left your lips. “Okay. I’ll go with you.” 

He stared at you for a second like he didn’t hear you, or rather like he didn’t actually believe it. And then he broke out into a grin. 

“Really?” 

“Yes, really,” you said. “Have I ever lied to you?” 

“Go to your cabin and pack your bags,” Luke said, still unable to control his exuberant expression. We’ll meet each other at the top of the hill.” 

“Right now?” 

Luke nodded. “Only a couple hours until we’re harpy feed. Everyone’ll think we’re just leaving for the school year.” 

“You’ve always been a year-rounder,” you said. “Won’t people—” 

“It doesn’t matter,” he said. “No one’ll think anything of it. We just have to get out before anyone asks any questions.” 

“Luke,��� you murmured, “are you—” 

Luke cut you off with a blazing kiss, the same kind of fire in his eyes when he pulled away, a slight smile on his lips at leaving you breathless. 

“I’m sure,” he whispered. “You’re not going to regret this. I promise.” 

It was all you could do to stare up at him, his grip on your arms the only thing keeping you upright for a solid moment. 

“Go,” he said. “Take your time—don’t draw any suspicion. I’ll meet you there.”

“You’re really sure?” you asked, finally able to form words. “Really really sure? About this, a— and me?” 

He cupped your cheek, tracing his thumb along your jaw. “I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life than I am about you.” 

Leaving camp was insane—when Luke told you of Kronos’s plans, it was even more insane—but it had always been you and Luke. He’d been such a huge part of your life, ever since you first came to camp, that you couldn’t imagine yourself without him. 

And when you looked back at him, illuminated by the fire, you were sure of at least one thing. 

You weren’t leaving any time soon. Not when you could still fix all of this. 

A yawn got the better of you, and you felt Luke’s eyes on you as you covered your mouth with a fist. 

“You should get to sleep,” he said. “It’s been a long day.” 

“It’s been a long day for both of us,” you said. “We both had to get here—and you were the one who wandered around in the woods for two hours trying to hunt.” 

“How do you know I wandered?” Luke asked, setting the apple core down on the ground next to him. “You weren’t there. Maybe I had a very respectable saunter and just came up with nothing.” 

You chuckled. “The trees speak to me.” 

“Really?” he asked, clearly amused. “And what did they say?” 

“That you’re an awful hunter,” you mused, “and you should be very thankful that your girlfriend is good at everything.” 

Luke smirked and got up to start walking towards you. “Your ever-knowledgeable trees should know that I already know.” He kneeled down in front of you, a slight smile curling on your lips. “And that I am very thankful.” 

He pressed a heated kiss to your lips, and you reciprocated, looping an arm around him to keep him close before you pulled away. 

“It’s always good to hear it,” you murmured. 

“I’ll say it as many times as you need,” he assured. Luke stole another kiss then gestured towards your makeshift tent. “But you do need to get some sleep. We’re picking up at first light.” 

Your smile wavered. “We’ve been moving break-neck for a week already. Are you sure we can’t ease up?” 

“Soon,” Luke promised. “I told you, I just want to make sure we’ve lost any tails. We can’t afford that right now.” 

He must have seen the change in your expression, because his eyes softened and he took your hand. “It won’t be like this forever, babe. You can handle it.” 

“It doesn’t mean I want to,” you said dryly, but you sighed as you squeezed his hand. “I’ll turn in if you do too.” 

“Anything for you,” Luke said with a smile. You chuckled and shook your head as you stood up, and Luke grabbed his backpack before he went over to the tent with you. 

Your meager belongings weren’t much. You’d stuffed all the demigod essentials, some outfits, and a sleeping bag in your pack before hightailing it to Thalia’s tree, and Luke hadn’t packed much more—but at least it was light traveling. 

Every night had been spent in the same way, sharing your sleeping bag as you got what precious sleep Luke allocated before you were back on the road again. You were sure the only thing that got you through each early rising was his soft touches and easy murmured words. 

You laid down, staring up at the roof of brambles and bark, and you twisted your hand just so to make them twist away from each other for a small opening. 

Luke raised an eyebrow at you as he zipped his bag up, still crouched on the ground. “What’s that for?” 

You shrugged. “I’ve always liked sleeping under the stars.” 

Again, that small smile. It could still make you melt, even now. “I remember. I just hope it doesn’t start raining again.” 

“Like rain’ll be the worst thing we’ve dealt with,” you said wryly. “Besides, I can feel it in the air. We’re gonna be fine.”

“Yeah,” he said. “We are.” 

You glanced over and he was looking at you. You patted the spot next to you. 

“C’mon,” you said. “I’m cold.” 

“Oh, we can’t have that,” he said, amused, and he huddled in next to you. You let out a contented sigh as his body heat sunk into you, and he draped an arm across you to pull you closer. 

“That better?” he asked. 

You hummed in response. “Thank you.” 

“Always.” 

You closed your eyes as you exhaled deeply, trying your best to unwind the tension in every part of your body. You weren’t used to trekking miles every day, eating rations you’d packed from camp or gas station food from whenever you ended up close to town, only having the woods and the sky and Luke for company. It was starting to wear on you, but you weren’t going to let Luke know. 

“I love you,” Luke said suddenly, breaking the silence, his breath tickling your neck. Your eyes snapped open. “You know that, right?” 

A moment passed before you murmured, “I know.” 

You could feel some of the tension leave his body, and he adjusted his position to be closer to you. 

“Good.” 

His curls brushed against your skin as he rested his head in the crook of your neck. Luke was a comforting presence behind you, like an anchor in the choppy waters you’d thrown yourself into, but it… it just felt different than the countless other times. 

But that was only natural. You were back on the road, living the way you did when you first made the trip to Camp Half-blood with your satyr. Of course it felt different than the crowded chaos of the Hermes cabin, or the beach underneath a tapestry of stars, or your own bed at the behest of your siblings. The only thing that stayed the same was the scent of nature, and the scent of Luke. 

Things were different, yes, but you knew that would happen. Luke was different, but you knew that would happen—half the reason you came along with him was because you wanted to make sure he had a lifeline, a way to come back to shore when he decided his crusade was over. 

Because it had to be over eventually. He would decide that there was no way you could beat the gods, that it wasn’t worth killing himself over some meaningless mission. The gods had never cared about you before—you didn’t know why they would care about some half-baked rebellion by two of their least favorite kids. 

You loved Luke. He loved you. You told yourself that was all that mattered, because you were in this together now. 

For better or for worse. 

[xxchumanixx]

fake dating tim bradford 🙏🏼🙏🏼 do as you will

Fake it 'til you make it

Tim Bradford x fem!reader

Warnings/Tags: jealousy, fluff, a little angst if you squint, unspoken feelings

Word count: 2.325

Authors note: Hello, love, thanks for the request! I really hope this lives up to your expectations! The idea with the class reunion came rather spontaneously, but I hope it's good enough!

Enjoy!

Tim Bradford Masterlist

It's wasn't that you couldn't find a date - you just couldn't find one with the right person.

At least that's what you told yourself whilst looking at the e-mail displayed on your phone, sighing inwardly.

Your class from high-school planned to make a reunion, a shitty excuse to talk about the things you had accomplished over the last years and how great your lives were.

Rolling your eyes you locked your phone, still thinking about the last part of the mail, where you were told to bring your partner, husband or 'soulmate' - if you had one.

But you didn't.

Looking up, after shoving the phone inside your pocket, your eyes met Tim's. He rose a brow questioningly, sipping his beer.

Sighing you took a sip of your own, your gaze wandering over the crowd gathered at the food truck, before you looked back to him.

Or you just couldn't date the man you secretly loved - but that was another story.

"My class from high-school wants to make a reunion." you explained, shaking your head slightly, as you peeled off the corner of the sticker on your bottle.

"Sounds nice, have fun." Tim gave back nonchalantly, causing you to look at him in confusion. "Not that I'd voluntarily go to a class reunion." he added, and you groaned.

"Yeah, I'm not sure if I'll go, either." you told him, wiping over your face with your free hand. Again he rose a brow, tilting his head slightly as he waited for you to explain.

"Class reunions are just a shitty excuse to brag about your career, your wonderful life and not to forget: 'your partner, husband or soulmate'."

His brows knitted together as he chuckled silently at your quoted words.

"And what exactly is your problem?" he asked, taking another sip, before continuing, not waiting for an answer. "Your making career at the LAPD, have a good life, so I assume it's the 'soulmate' thing."

Rolling your eyes you couldn't help but smile.

"Yeah, maybe it's the 'lacking boyfriend' problem." you confirmed, your smile slowly fading. "I don't want them to think that I'm still single, that I still wasn't able to find someone willing to date me."

Shaking his head he leaned forward on the table, elbows resting on the scratched wood.

"Why is this so important to you? I'm a divorced single, and I don't give a fuck about what other people think about it."

Sighing you looked away for a second.

"Other people aren't Stacy Howard, Tim." you told him, when you looked back. His brows knitted together. "Who?"

"Stacy Howard was the most popular girl at my school." you explained, struggling to hold his gaze as it sent pleasant shivers down your spine. "And she just so happened to be in my class. She used every opportunity to bully me, mostly making fun of me for not finding a boyfriend."

He leaned back a little, now understanding why you didn't want to go alone.

It was silent for a while as you watched your Rookies talking in a small group.

"What if you go with a fake boyfriend?" Tim suddenly broke the silence, causing your gaze to snap back to his.

"What do you mean?" you wanted to know, irritation clear on your face. "I mean, that you could ask someone to be your fake boyfriend for the class reunion, so they can't judge you for being single." he explained, toying with his now empty bottle.

Huffing a laugh you shook your head.

"And who am I supposed to ask?" you returned. "Smitty?"

His face contorted like he bit on something sour, before he shook his head. "God, no." he spoke, looking at you like you were out of your mind. "Not even you can be that desperate."

Giving him a pointed look you crossed your arms over your chest, after setting your bottle down on the table.

He chuckled half-heartedly, his gaze wandering away for a second, before he looked back at you, sighing quietly. "What about me?"

Unfolding your arms you leaned a little closer, shock written on your face. "Are you serious?" you wanted to know, your heart hammering in your chest.

Never did you expect for him to volunteer.

Shrugging, he rubbed his chin. "Yeah, I mean, only if you want me to do it." he said, still looking at you.

A smile tugged at your lips, as warmth flooded you. He was willing to be your boyfriend for a day - even if it was fake.

"What about the part where you told me you'd never voluntarily go to a class reunion?" you asked, cocking a brow at him, as a grin stretched your lips.

"Hey, I can take that offer back as fast as I made it!" he warned. "So?"

"Yes!" you almost shouted, before composing yourself. "I mean, sure, if you really want to... that would be great."

He grinned slightly at your reaction, making you blush, before he stood. "Text me when and where and I'll come pick you up."

Nodding you smiled up at him, not believing the luck you had. "Thank you."

Nodding as well, he left.

Friday afternoon came quicker than you had expected.

As the time ticked closer to when Tim would be picking you up, you got nervous.

What if he changed his mind? You wouldn't blame him.

The dress you chose was tight, hugging your curves and went down to your knees. You weren't that insecure about your looks, but in this situation you couldn't help but wonder nervously, if he would like it.

When the doorbell rang you flinched. Your heart raced as you made your way to the front door, opening it to see Tim in a suit.

He wasn't happy about the dress code, but he had already offered his help, so he refused to back down now.

When he saw you his eyes widened almost unnoticeable, mouth slightly agape. Blushing you cleared your throat, greeting him.

"Hey." he greeted you back. "You look beautiful, Y/N." Swallowing, your blush intensified. "Thank you, you clean up pretty good as well, Mr. Bradford."

He smirked, offering you his arm.

Chuckling you took it, after grabbing your purse, before you followed him to his truck.

Taking a seat on the passenger side you exhaled shakily, nervous about the evening that lay before you. When Tim entered he started the engine, silently driving towards your destination.

The schools gym was beautifully decorated, matching the dress code. Entering the big hall you looked around, already spotting familiar faces.

"Whoever made this dress code was clearly planning the wrong event." Tim mumbled, making you laugh. "Yeah, it feels like a gala of some sorts."

Nodding he agreed with you, carefully guiding you through the already crowded hall. You weren't expecting that much people, when you received the invitation.

They must have invited everyone who was in the same grade as you, when you finished school.

A blonde woman walked towards you, a smile on her pink lips.

"Y/N!" she called, coming to a halt infront of you. "Is that really you?" Smiling back you nodded. "Hey Sara - yes it's really me."

As she eyed Tim for a moment, you felt how you became jealous. "This is my boyfriend: Tim." you introduced him, doing your best to keep that smile on your face.

They shook hands, as Tim greeted her. "Nice to meet you, Sara." She nodded, her smile getting wider. "Nice to meet you too, Tim."

Clearing your throat awkwardly, you faced Sara. "How have you been?" you wanted to know, trying to divert her attention.

"Oh, great actually, thank you!" she returned. "I married Brad - if you remember him - and currently work as a model." Smiling, you nodded.

Of course you remembered Brad. He was the quarterback of your high-school's team back then, the cliché douchebag every girl had a crush on - except for you.

He wasn't the smartest, something you found rather unattractive.

"What about you? What have you done the last couple years?" Sara inquired. "I work for the LAPD, I'm a cop." you explained, looking at Tim. "He's a cop as well." "Guilty." he added, smiling a little.

Sara's eyes widened. "Wow!" she made. "That is so cool!"

Before she could have said more she was interrupted by a tall brunette - Brad. His arm snaked around her waist, his toothpaste grin directed at you.

"Y/L/N!" he greeted you. "Long time no see!" Nodding you agreed, silently wishing for this conversation to be over as quick as possible.

It took an hour or two, in which you drank some champagne and ate some appetizers, whilst chatting with former class mates.

You were currently talking to Janette, a small brunette who was publishing her own books, as she was interrupted by a blonde woman, who stopped beside her.

She looked at you in disbelieve, her eyes briefly wandering to Tim, before she fixated you.

"Y/N Y/L/N." she said, tilting her head. "Stacy Howard." you returned, stiffening slightly. Tim must have noticed, as his hand found yours, giving it a reassuring squeeze.

You would thank him later for that.

"May you introduce us?" Stacy asked, pointing at Tim. Clearing your throat, you did as she asked. "Stacy, this is Tim Bradford - my boyfriend."

She huffed quietly, shaking Tim's hand as he offered it.

"Never thought you would actually land someone." she spoke, still looking at Tim. He bit his cheek, as you bit your lip, swallowing.

That had to come, right?

"She always was single, our little Y/N." Stacy started to explain, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Never found the right one, no one wanted to date her. I'm surprised she found someone this handsome."

Before you could have said anything, you felt Tim's hand stiffen in yours. Clearing his throat, he looked at Stacy, who was almost at eye level, given her heels.

"Actually, Y/N is one of the most wonderful women I know." he began to explain and you felt your cheeks growing hot. "She's smart, funny, a good cop and not to mention beautiful. I don't see why she shouldn't date someone 'handsome'. If anything, she deserves the best there is. There is no need for you to treat her like that."

Stacy was speechless, as she only nodded after gawking at him like a fish, before grabbing Janette and walking away.

"Wow." you said, stunned at his reaction. "You're taking the part as my fake boyfriend very seriously."

His brows knitted as he looked down at you, confused. "I mean that your acting is very good." you explained, smiling nervously. "Like you did that before."

Shaking his head he huffed. "You really think I was acting? I meant what I said." he told you, looking you in the eyes as his words stole your breath.

You didn't know what to say, only gawking at him like Stacy did only seconds before.

"You're smart, funny, you're a good cop. And you're beautiful. What she said wasn't right - and I won't let her treat you like that."

Tears stung your eyes, as you struggled to keep up the eye contact.

"Do you really mean that?" you wanted to know, as you were suddenly struck by insecurities. He could have only said it to make you feel better, after all.

Nodding, he sighed. "I did." he admitted.

A smile stretched your lips, as you looked away from him, suddenly becoming shy.

He found you beautiful.

"Hey, look-" he began, causing your gaze to snap back to his. "I know that I'm only here as your boyfriend for the night. But-" he cut himself off, searching for the right words.

"I really do mean what I said and I- I don't want to fake this- being your boyfriend and all." He sighed, rubbing his chin. "I love you, Y/N." he then suddenly admitted, causing your mouth to open in shock, eyes widening.

"I know that we're colleagues and I know that I could be misreading things- but I had to tell you. How could I fake being your boyfriend now and then go back to normal? I got a taste of it and now I don't want to give it back anymore."

Tears stung your eyes, as your heart nearly exploded.

He loved you?

He loved you!

"I love you too." you told him through the tears, before he could have said any more.

He huffed, as a smile split his lips.

"And it only took us a couple hours of fake dating to realize." he said, shaking his head.

Shaking your head you looked up at him. "I was actually hoping you'd offer your help." you admitted, biting your lip. "Yeah?" he asked, as he took a step closer, his hands finding your hips.

"Yeah." you murmured, blushing even more. "I kind of like you for quite some time now." He rose a brow at your words, smirking. "How long?" he wanted to know.

Huffing you sighed. "A few months, give or take."

Chuckling he got even closer, his breath fanning over your face as his lips ghosted over yours. "How many?"

You contemplated for a moment, before you responded. "About eight months?" He leaned back a little, tilting his head. "Wow, I should have done this earlier." he noticed, before he leaned back in.

"Well, then we have at least eight months of kissing to catch up." With that, he closed the distance, pressing his lips against yours.

Something inside you exploded, as your arms wrapped around his neck, hands brushing through his hair.

Pure luck and happiness mixed with love, as his lips moved against yours.

They matched like they were made for each other.

When you separated out of breath he leaned his forehead against yours.

"Let's make it official then." he suggested, smirking. Chuckling you pecked his lips, before responding. "Yeah, let's make it official."

[corroded-hellfire]

Okay. I absolute love ASW serie. And i have a request about the boy’s holiday concert and knowing what Eddie thinking when she arrived. 🥰

I love see you in my notifications. You’re the best 🫶

Ooh I’ve been so excited for this one! Been chomping at the bit for it to be Christmas time so @munson-blurbs and I could write it lol. Eddie’s mentioned before how pivotal of a moment this was in regards to how he feels about reader, so I’m very glad and thankful you requested this. I hope you enjoy ❤️

Words: 4.5k

[As You Wish masterlist]

4:56. In four minutes, Eddie is supposed to take Ryan to school. The concert doesn’t start until 6, but kids have to be there early to warm up. He’s not quite sure how much a vocal warm-up will help second graders harmonize, but he’s not about to be the parent whose kid shows up late. 

His wife apparently does not share that same concern. 

4:57. 

Brittany was supposed to be home to watch Luke; Eddie knows better than to drag him along any earlier than he has to. Ryan is nervous enough about his solo, and he certainly doesn’t need his little brother incessantly asking questions that will only fuel his anxiety. 

4:58. 

“Daddy?” Ryan comes down the hall with you following close behind. “Can you tie my tie?”

Eddie nods, tongue poking from between his lips as he kneels down and fixes his son’s tie. It’s still a bit crooked—there are minimal opportunities for him to wear one as a mechanic, and even fewer now that he and Brittany rarely go on dates—but it will have to suffice. 

Tears gather in your eyes as you look at Ryan’s outfit, the red tie completing his white button-down, black slacks, and shiny shoes. “You’re so grown up!”

4:59. 

You catch Eddie glancing worriedly at the clock. He’s changed out of his coveralls and wears a maroon button-down shirt, cuffed at the elbows, and pants that match Ryan’s. He’s absolutely delicious; the thought of being the one to unbutton him has sweat prickling under your arms. 

“Ry, why don’t you go and get your brother?” Eddie says as gently as he can. Vaguely aware of the tension growing within his father, Ryan nods and heads off to do as he’s told.

As soon as the boy is out of earshot, Eddie mumbles, “shit” under his breath, and rubs his hand across his forehead. 

“He has to be there by—” you start to ask but are cut off by Eddie’s exasperated sigh.

“Yes, we need to leave. Now.” Eddie takes a deep breath and his eyes trail over to you. “Oh shit, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to jump down your throat like that.”

“Hey, no, it’s okay,” you assure him with a shake of your head. “I completely get it. Brittany’s late, you need to get going, it’s stressful.”

“Yeah, Brittany’s late,” he murmurs more to himself before addressing you. “There’s no reason for me to take anything out on you, you’ve been nothing but wonderful.” His words send a pleasant tingle down your spine. As he takes a step closer, you look up at him beneath your eyelashes. “I’m sorry I snapped, sweetheart.”

“Really, Eddie, it’s okay.” Your hand comes up to rest on his shoulder, trying to emphasize your point. All it does though is leave both of you on pins and needles at the touch. “Why don’t you go ahead and take Ryan?” you offer, reluctantly bringing your hand down. “I’ll bring Luke by for the start of the show. This way you don’t have to try to wrangle the little monkey while you’re getting Ryan where he needs to be.”

Eddie’s brow furrows together and he eyes you warily. “A-Are you sure? Because I don’t have a problem taking on both of them. I’ll use a spare tie as a leash for Luke if I have to.”

You can’t help but giggle at the mental image that conjures. Luke would manage to get a foot or so away and Eddie would reel him back in like a catfish. 

“I don’t mind. Really. Cross my heart and all.”

Eddie takes another moment to consider it and concedes as he nods his head. “That would be really helpful. Thank you.”

“You don’t have to thank me,” you say with a dismissive wave. “I enjoy the talks Luke and I have when we hang out. I always end up learning something new.”

“Oh yeah,” Eddie agrees with a breathy chuckle. “Has he told you that one milliliter of ocean water can contain about 10 million viruses? I got that one at dinner the other night.”

“He has,” you say with a soft giggle. “And yet, he still says going to the beach is what he always wishes for when he throws a coin in the fountain at the mall.”

“Are we going?” Luke’s booming voice precedes both boys as they come into the room. The younger Munson brother looks more annoyed than anything. He probably knows he’ll have to stand around and do nothing before he is forced to sit in an uncomfortable seat and made to listen to his schoolmates unwittingly butcher Christmas Carols. 

“Nope, you’re coming with me,” you tell Luke, poking him on the top of his head as he walks by. “Daddy’s taking Ryan to school now and I’m gonna take you for the show.”

“Oh, good,” Luke says with a sigh of relief. Even Ryan looks a bit relieved; he knows it’s hard to corral his little brother. 

Eddie’s also noticeably calmer as he prepares himself to leave the house. He pats his pockets, and the jingling of keys lets him know he’s got them. Another pat to his back pocket confirms he’s got his wallet as well.

“All right,” he says, looking to Ryan. “You got everything? We ready to go?”

“Uh, I think so,” Ryan says. He looks down at the secured tie around his neck and can’t come up with anything else he might need. 

“Then let’s hit the road. We’ll see you guys later,” Eddie says, nodding at you and Luke.

“Bye, Daddy! Remember, don’t drive on black ice!”

Luke’s warning makes you giggle to yourself as you wave Eddie and Ryan out the door. Once the sound of Eddie’s truck has faded out of the driveway and down the road, Luke turns to you and places his hands on his little hips.

“What’re we gonna do?” he asks. 

“Hmm.” You pretend to ponder over his question as you walk to the other side of the room and pick up your purse. “What about, we go up and get your nice clothes for the concert and put them in your Scooby Doo backpack.”

“Why?” Luke asks, wrinkling up his nose. The small boy has a lot of adorable quirks, but you’re pretty sure that one’s your favorite.

“Well, I was thinking,” you say with a shrug. “Nothing goes better with a Christmas concert than some cookies and hot cocoa. I thought you and I could go grab some at the cafe near my apartment. And I know you, you’ll end up wearing half the snack, so it’s better we don’t get you into those nicer clothes until you have to.”

Luke’s big blue eyes light up at the idea of the sugary confections. His head nods so quickly that, with his small shoulders, he looks like a Munson Bobblehead. 

“Good idea!” he calls behind him as he races towards his room, nearly tripping over his own feet. “I’m okay!”

The auditorium buzzes with excitement as you and Luke make your way down the aisle. Eddie sits in the front row, easily spotted by the mess of curls tucked into a low ponytail. His brown eyes nearly pop out of their sockets when he sees you. 

“Oh, wow—I mean, you made it!” Eddie can’t help but gaze at the way your green velvet dress hugs you in all the right places. It’s flattering without even teetering on inappropriate for an elementary school concert. He recovers awkwardly but quickly, reflexively pulling at his collar to give himself more room to breathe. “Here, um, you guys take a seat…”

Luke bounds over to his dad, plopping into the chair between the two of you. Better off, Eddie thinks wryly, before I do something I really shouldn’t. He glances over at the handmade Naughty and Nice list propped up on the stage; if anyone could read his thoughts right now, he knows exactly where his name would be written. 

“Daddy, I had hot cocoa and cookies! And the cookies had chocolate chunks in them. Not chips—chunks,” Luke clarifies, underscoring the importance of differentiating between the two. 

You shrug guiltily. “Sorry, I needed a way to get him out of the house on time,” you explain. 

Eddie laughs, ruffling Luke’s hair before turning to you. “Didn’t anyone teach you not to negotiate with terrorists?” But above Luke’s line of vision, he mouths thank you, the inaudible movement of his lips sending sparks to your lower belly. 

Someone slides into the seat next to Eddie; you expect him to say that it’s taken, but he barely notices. Neither does Luke, and that’s what breaks your heart. Both he and Ryan are so accustomed to their mom missing important events that they no longer bat an eye. 

The lights in the auditorium dim and the audience breaks into polite applause as the spotlights click on and teachers usher their small students to where they’re supposed to stand. You have no doubt this is part of what they practiced with the children being here so early, but there’s a handful of kids who still don’t seem to have a clue of what they’re doing. 

Ryan is easy to pick out of the crowd. He’s one of the taller boys in his class so he stands up on the back rafter, a spotlight hitting his hair just so to make it look like a honey brown waterfall. Quickly, he catches sight of you as well and waves to you, his father, and brother as the rest of the kids are reaching their intended destinations on stage. Both you and Eddie acknowledge Ryan with small waves, but Luke whips his arm up in the air and waves it back and forth like he’s trying to signal a helicopter where to land. 

Feedback crackles over the microphone on center stage as a teacher steps up to it. She clears her throat and shields her bespectacled eyes from the bright lights aimed her way. She taps once, twice on the microphone before she leans in to speak, short blonde curls falling in her face.

“Thank you, everyone, for joining us this evening for Hawkins Elementary School’s Festive Fun Holiday Concert.” There’s a small smattering of applause before she continues. “I am Mrs. Pierce. My class, along with the classes of Mrs. Lopez and Mr. Abrams, have been practicing very hard to bring you all a Christmas treat this evening.”

Luke has already tuned out the talking, his head on a swivel to take in all aspects of the small auditorium. He looks from the speakers to the light fixtures adorned with green garland, back to the kids on stage, then down the rows of the audience to see who all is there. You gently take his littler hand in yours and give it a soft squeeze. Just to ground him back in this moment from wherever his mind wandered off to. He smiles when you shoot him a wink and, now that the teachers are done talking, finds it easier to zone back into the show. 

Tinny music begins to play over the speakers stationed around the space and it takes you a moment to place the song as Let it Snow. The initial singing by the children is jarring, but not nearly as off-key as you were expecting. Some of the songs are a bit rough, but some are surprisingly pleasant as well. 

As the music transitions to the next song, you see Ryan take a step down from his rafter and make his way towards the front of the stage. He goes to one of the two microphones low enough for the children to access and waits. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer starts with all the children, but by the look of how nervous Ryan is, you’d wager that he has a solo coming up. His small fingers twist against one another as he does his best not to look out into the crowd. Though he’s naturally a shy boy, you can tell there’s some stage fright in there as well. It’s evident that his part is fast approaching when you see his little chest swell with breath, then release it slowly. Grinning from ear to ear, you watch as Ryan takes half a step closer to the microphone and opens his mouth.

“Then one foggy Christmas Eve, Santa came to say,

‘Rudolph with your nose so bright, won’t you guide my sleigh tonight?’”

A look of relief washes over Ryan’s face, but you can also see a bit of pride in the way that he smiles. And he should be proud! His small solo was excellent, and you can’t wait to dote on him over it later. 

You glance over at Eddie; his grin stretches across his face so widely that you wouldn’t be shocked if his cheeks hurt. He catches you looking and turns his head slightly, one eye winking as if to say, thanks for being here for my kid. Thanks for being here with me. 

And maybe it’s the way you giggle, or the way you make sure Luke is comfortable before easing back into your seat, or the way you cheer for Ryan like you’re at a stadium concert, but something shifts within Eddie. He’s always found you beautiful; tonight, you were downright stunning in that dress. It was the oldest cliché in the book: dad crushing on the hot, young babysitter. That’s how he’d managed to brush it off all this time. He was a man with needs, you were an attractive woman. Simple biology. 

What he’s feeling now is anything but straightforward. He doesn’t just want to sleep with you; no, he wants you by his side at every school function, every birthday party, every moment of his life, big or small. And not as the babysitter; as his girl. 

No, this is not a crush, and it’s not a cliché. It’s love. 

After the concert, both you and Eddie are excited to greet Ryan and gush over how well he did. The unspoken fear that you both have though, is that the seven-year-old will be heartbroken when he finds out that his mother didn’t attend the performance. While Luke fidgets where you wait outside of the auditorium for his brother, you and Eddie trade nervous glances as the kids start coming out.

“Where is he?” Luke bemoans after the third student comes out and it isn’t the one he wants. 

Ryan comes barreling out of the red double doors, laughing with a group of his friends. The moment he spots you and his family, he waves goodbye to the other kids and dashes over to you. 

Out of the corner of your eye, you can see Eddie holding his breath, waiting on pins and needles to hear what the first thing out of his oldest son’s mouth will be.

“I did it!” Ryan cheers.

Eddie sags in relief and even you feel unburdened of a weight you weren’t aware you were holding. The smile on Ryan’s face is pure glee and he’s practically jumping up and down on the spot.

“I’m so proud of you!” Eddie tells him, throwing one arm around the boy’s shoulders and ruffling his hair with the other. “You were the best one up there.”

Ryan’s cheeks turn pink at his father’s praise. Of course, you just pile on top of it, relishing in the way he gets embarrassed and overjoyed at the same time. 

“My little George Michael!” you say as you pull Ryan in for a hug. His nose wrinkles up at your comparison but the smile on his face only grows.

Luke looks up at his big brother. “Y’know, I always thought it was froggy Christmas Eve.”

Despite his better judgment, Eddie asks, “bud…why would Christmas Eve be froggy?”

“I dunno,” Luke shrugs, “maybe Santa was delivering a lot of frogs. Or the reindeer got tired, so he had frogs pull his sleigh. Or—”

Eddie puts his hands on Luke’s shoulders and laughs. “All right, Frog Boy. What do you say we get home and celebrate Ryan’s rockstar moment?”

Everyone agrees to that, the four of you walking through the double doors and into the parking lot. Ryan takes Eddie’s hand, and Luke takes yours. 

“Where’d you park?” Eddie asks you, and you realize he wants to escort you to your car. Heat creeps up your neck at his small act of chivalry. Part of you suspects that if you shivered, he’d offer his jacket. 

Maybe if you were more courageous, you’d test that theory. 

“Oh, um, over there.” You point towards your car, leading the way. You can feel Eddie’s eyes on you; protectiveness with a hint of possession. It’s lust with something you can’t quite put your finger on. 

You dig your keys out of your bag, smiling triumphantly when you find them quickly. “I’ll see you boys tomorrow?” You laugh kindly, ruffling Ryan’s hair. “I’m so proud of you, Ry. You’re brave and talented.”

A blush settles into Ryan’s cheeks. “Thanks. Um, I’m glad you got to hear me sing. You’re the best.”

“Me, too,” Eddie chimes in, clearing his throat. “I mean, I’m glad you got to hear him sing, too. Not that I think you’re the best. Not that you’re not the best, because the kids love you, and you, um—”

“Hey, look what I found!” 

Eddie has never been more grateful for one of Luke’s interruptions. “What is it?”

“Mistletoe!” The little boy holds something that is certainly not mistletoe above his head. “See?”

Ryan scoffs. “That’s a leaf.”

“And a very dead one at that,” Eddie muses, plucking the stem from Luke’s fingers. 

A pout puckers Luke’s lips. “You gotta use your imagination!” he insists, taking the pseudo-mistletoe and jumping up and down between you and Eddie. “Now…you…gotta…kiss!”

“No, we don’t,” you and Eddie blurt out in unison. 

“Yes, you do,” Luke indignantly sighs. “It’s the law.”

Before he can wimp out, Eddie swoops in and presses a chaste kiss to your cheek. Your skin tingles where his lips brushed against it, and you’re left speechless. 

Luke, however, remains unimpressed. “That wasn’t a real kiss!”

“Yeah, well, that’s not real mistletoe,” Eddie retorts, trying to compose himself. “C’mon, let’s get home. It’s past your bedtime.”

Eddie was hoping that the ride home would help lull the boys to sleep like it used to when they were babies. Ryan still has adrenaline going through him from the concert though, and Luke is feeding off of that energy.

They’re both talking a mile a minute and neither one of them quiet, but Eddie doesn’t hear a word they say because his mind is so focused on you. You offering to bring Luke to the school later when he had to bring Ryan. You in that curve-hugging dress. You showing up for Ryan when his own mother didn’t. You, with the softest skin when his lips brushed your cheek. 

Realizing that he’s in love with you should make Eddie feel worse than it does. The guilt that’s gnawing at his stomach is somewhat abated by the fact that Brittany’s been screwing a litany of men for years. Does it make it worse or better that she probably had no feelings for any of those men? He’s not sure it’s possible for her to truly love anyone besides herself.

Eddie can’t help the smile on his face as he thinks about his feelings for you, though. The way you make him happy is something that he hasn’t experienced in years—if Brittany ever truly made him this happy at all. Everything about you brings joy to Eddie. Well, other than when he thinks of how much younger you are and how you’re surrounded by college age guys who must be tripping over themselves to go out with you. That provides him with a sickening feeling that leaves him dizzy. It’s much easier to focus on the fantasy of being with you, not the reality of where or who you might be headed home to tonight. 

When Eddie pulls into the driveway, the boys are decidedly less quiet, though they’re still chatting away. Brittany’s car is parked there as well, sitting idly next to where Eddie’s truck now is. Eddie wordlessly gets out of the car and lets the boys keep talking about whatever it is they’re talking about as he walks with them up to the front door, the light dusting of snow floating down kissing their cheeks and noses. 

“It’s late, I want you boys to head to your rooms and put your pajamas on, okay?” Eddie says as he unlocks the door. Both boys agree—begrudgingly, on Luke’s part. 

Brittany isn’t in sight when they first step into the house, which has Eddie breathing a sigh of relief. He really shouldn’t be feeling that way about seeing his own wife, should he? Oh well, that ship sailed a long time ago.

The boys head down the hall and as Ryan passes the kitchen, he skids to a halt and does a double take. 

“Hi, Mom!” he says with an enthusiastic wave. Eddie’s prepared for his oldest to launch into the story of how great the concert was and how much fun he had, but he just continues down the hall towards his room. Luke didn’t even stop to greet his mother. 

Eddie drops his keys in the bowl by the door and shrugs out of his leather jacket. It’s slightly wet to the touch from the flurries that landed on him between the truck and the house.

If Brittany had just missed an event of his, Eddie wouldn’t give two shits or make a big deal of it. But this was Ryan’s big night, something that she should have wanted to and made sure to attend. Now Eddie feels the need to make a stink about it.

He wanders into the kitchen and slips his hands into the pockets of his jeans. As soon as he steps inside, he sees Brittany leaning against the counter with a glass of water in her hand, absolutely glaring at him. The look takes him aback. Why in the hell is he getting that look? She’s the one who has to explain herself. 

“I can’t believe you,” Brittany says, further shocking her husband. 

“I…what?” Eddie asks. He almost feels too dumbfounded to speak. It quickly crosses his mind that maybe she somehow figured out the epiphany he had about his feelings for you tonight, but if Brittany could read minds things would have gone downhill a lot sooner in their marriage than this. 

“You left without me. You couldn’t even wait until I got home?” Brittany slams the glass of water down on the counter and takes a step towards him. 

Eddie quickly checks to make sure the boys haven’t stepped in behind him before he raises his eyebrows and lowers his voice.

“Are you fucking kidding me? I did wait, Britt. I waited until the last goddamn minute. But Ryan had to get to the school, and I wasn’t about to make him late just because you couldn’t be bothered to be home on time.”

The sneer Brittany gives him could curdle milk. 

“So now my son is going to think that I don’t care because I didn’t go tonight,” she seethes.

Eddie toys with the idea of telling her that he didn’t seem to care one iota that she wasn’t there, but he doesn’t want Ryan to catch even a smidgen of her wrath. 

“You have a car. You know where the damn school is. Why didn’t you get your ass over there when you got home?”

“That isn’t the point!” she snaps. Eddie now knows that this argument has moved from rational and logic, to whatever bullshit straws Brittany can grasp at. 

“Okay,” Eddie says, knowing full well he’s already fighting a losing battle. “What is the point?” He crosses his arms over his chest and Brittany mirrors the action, as if annoyed she didn’t think of taking up the offended posture first. 

“That you didn’t wait for me. Your wife. I had to come home probably five minutes after you left!”

“And I told you why we left when we did. I also provided you with what you could have alternatively done, but that would mean admitting that you’re wrong and God forbid you do that.” Brittany opens her mouth, but Eddie shakes his head and cuts her off before she can say anything. “Fucking forget it. It’s late, I’m tired, I’m going to bed.”

Eddie goes to turn down the hallway towards the master bedroom when he realizes he never took off his boots. He stalks back to the front door and kicks them off, using the wall for balance. When his eyes flit back up from his feet, they catch sight of his jacket—and Brittany’s next to it. He narrows his eyes as he looks at them side by side. His is still wet from the melted snow coating it, but Brittany’s is wet as well. It’s not just the side where his jacket is brushing up against it, either. Eddie reaches for the arm of the jacket on the opposite side and feels that it’s just as wet as his own. If Brittany had really come home just after they’d left, there’s no way it would still be wet.

Dropping the jacket sleeve and letting out a huff of unamused laughter, Eddie shakes his head in disbelief. He shouldn’t be surprised, really. Brittany is no stranger to lying. She probably got home about five minutes before they did, but in typical Brittany fashion, had to spin everything so she’s the victim even when she’s the one in the wrong. 

“Jesus Christ,” Eddie mumbles to himself. He rubs at his eyes as he walks back down the hallway. He’s way too tired to deal with any of this bullshit. 

It doesn’t matter, he tells himself. I’ll just get ready for bed and then I can lay down and think about the woman who actually shows up for me and my boys—and try to imagine she doesn’t do it purely out of the goodness of her heart, and that she enjoys spending time with me as much as I do her.

He can hear Brittany talking on the kitchen phone, prattling on to her friend about how her awful husband cruelly abandoned her at their son’s holiday concert. Looking over at the empty half of the bed, he pictures you sleeping there. His arms would wrap around you as you whisper about how proud you are of Ryan or relay a funny tidbit from Luke. Eddie would kiss your forehead as you drift off to sleep, reveling in your beauty even as you slumber.  His own eyelids soon grow heavy with the day’s physical and emotional exhaustion. Before he falls asleep, he manages to eke out a wish to dream of you tonight. 

[littlexscarletxwitch]

hello I would like to request Flo X reader fic. Where reader is touring with Harry styles. She plays guitar and Flo comes to his concert (she is friends with Harry) and meets Y/n and they hook up later that night (soft smut, maybe some praise or light choking?) . And then like a timeskip to their wedding. Harry gives a funny speech about how they met.

Sorry if it's too much. But this is one of my daydreaming scenarios. I trust you with doing it justice ❤️

── ༊*·˚⋆ 𝘆𝗼𝘂'𝗿𝗲 𝗳𝘂𝗰𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗺𝘆 𝗴𝘂𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁

paring: florence pugh x fem!reader

tag(s): fluff, nsfw, r is harry's friend, flo's also harry's friend, harry is like r's big bro

warning(s): MDNI, +18 ONLY read at your own risk, explicit smut, wlw sex, oral sex, slight praise kink, slight choking kink, grammatical errors, unedited

word count: 3.1k

note: It's been a long time coming but here I am lol. I FUCKING LOVED YOUR IDEA ANON. I just love Florence and love Harry so this was on fucking top. I hope you like it, sooo sorry it took me soo long to post it. Love you all, M <3

requests are open! + check my rules + masterlist <3

The screaming, the singing, the cheering, the whole whole scene just sent shivers up your spine. 

You knew that it wasn’t for you, not really. It was all for him and you couldn’t be prouder of all the things he had accomplished. Sure, he was kinda like your boss, or so the two of you would joke, but in reality Harry was a really good friend of yours. He was the older brother you had never had. 

A sad smile made its way over to your face as the show came to an end. It was always the worst part of the show, knowing that you would have to say goodbye to the unbelievably loud, fun, joyful atmosphere. But the thought of doing it all over again soon offered you some comfort. 

And so it came to an end, as everyone hit the last chord and note, and as Harry said goodbye to every person in the stadium. A second later, all lights went out, and everyone went offstage. 

“I could never get tired of this,” was the first thing you said as you all made their way into your dressing rooms. 

“Damn right!” Sarah agreed. You took a quick glance at her and smiled as you watched her holding Mitch’s hand. 

“They always are so incredible,” Harry said from next to you. “You guys are also incredible. I cannot thank you enough for being here.”

“Get out of here, you dork,” you playfully nudge your shoulder against him. 

“I mean it,” he said, chuckling. 

“I know you do,” you said, rolling your eyes at him. 

“Harry!” you heard someone screaming behind you, causing the aforementioned to turn around. 

“Flor?” he said as a blond woman came running closer. “Flor!” he said, this time sure, as he opened up his arms to hug the woman

She, pretty much, launched herself into his arms as he tightly hugged her. “You were amazing! she said. “You all were!” she finished as Harry let go of her. 

“Thank you, Flor. I didn’t know you were actually coming,” you noticed that Harry couldn't stop smiling. 

“I know, I didn’t either. But I just thought I couldn't miss this, you know,” she nudged Harry’s side as you had done a few seconds before. 

You cleared your throat getting Harry’s attention. “Oh, right. Everyone, this is Florence, fellow actor,” he joked. “Flor, this is everyone: Mitch and Sarah,” he gestured to the couple. “Elin, Niji, Pauli, Ny,” the four of them nodded and waved at her. “And lastly, but definitely not least, Y/n.”

“Hello,” you smiled at her. “Nice to finally put a face to your name.”

“Likewise,” she smiled back, her eyes not leaving your frame and you swore you felt your stomach flipping. “It’s nice to meet all of you, really,” Florence gently shook her head, snapping out of her own thoughts. “I just wanted to say ‘hi’, I guess I’ll be on my way…”

“No, don’t leave,” Harry protested. “We finally get to hang out. Have dinner with me, please,” he said, grabbing her hands. “Y/n and I are going to this amazing restaurant and I’m sure you’ll love it.”

“Oh, no. I don’t want to intrude…”

“Not at all,” you quickly cut her off. “It would be lovely to have someone helping me handle this one over here,” you motioned to Harry. 

“Rude,” he scoffed, as if he was actually hurt but there was a grin on his lips. 

She chuckled, “I’m not sure…”

“Please, I insist.”

“She insists,” Harry repeated your statement. 

“I, um…” Harry looked at her with puppy eyes. “Fine, fine,” she gave up with a smile on her face. “But dinner’s on me.”

“Not a chance,” Harry said as he wrapped his arm around her shoulders.

[...]

“So, this Olivia girl is nuts,” you concluded. 

“Well, I wouldn’t use that word,” Harry said as he winced at your choice of word.

“Yeah, she’s mental,” Florence said otherwise, nodding at you. 

“Was the movie good at least?”

“You didn’t watch it?” Harry asked, but your whole attention was on Florence. 

“Yeah, I guess so,” she answered you. “Fans like it, critics thought it was alright. But the whole cast… there was some weird energy going on…” she shrugged it off as she took a bite of her pasta. 

“I can’t believe you didn’t watch my movie,” you heard Harry keep on complaining.

“It must have sucked. Such great actors and good people were involved, all for her to ruin the whole thing…”

“I’m your best friend, why didn’t you watch it?” he said, turning his head to you so you couldn't ignore him anymore. 

“Jesus! I’m sorry, okay,” you said defensively, making Florence chuckled. “It just slipped out of my mind,” you said as a smile creeped on your lips, mirroring Florence’s.

“You are a bad friend.”

“I’m not.”

“Yeah, you are,” he dramatically sighed. “But that’s okay, I still love you,” he said, placing a kiss on your forehead as he stood up. “I’m going to the loo, I’ll be right back.”

“He’s such an ass,” you said, once he was gone, as you took a sip of water. 

Florence giggled at your words. “He is, isn’t he?” She cleared her throat. “So, I… I have to ask… Are you and Harry… you know like…,” she said, feeling the blood rushing to her cheeks. 

You quickly realised what she meant and almost choked on your water. 

“No! God, no,” you said, clearing your throat, causing Florence to both laugh and sigh in relief. “He’s like my big brother. From the moment we met I just… I knew he would be a big part of my life, and he is… as my brother,” she nodded as a smile found its way to her lips. “Plus, he’s definitely not my type. Like at all, if you know what I mean,” you said, hiding behind your glass again. 

“I think I do know what you mean,” Florence smiled at you in accompaniment. 

“So, you and him never…”

“No,” she chuckled. “I mean we did kiss but it was just acting so…” she trailed off, licking her lips which caused your eyes to quickly look at them. 

“Good to know,” you said as you gulped down the lump that had formed in your throat.

[...]

“I’m sorry I have to leave early,” Harry mumbled disappointed. 

“It’s okay. We had a lot of fun, right?” you winked at Florence to which she nodded. “Drive safe, H,” you mumbled as you hugged him goodbye. 

“Always,” he said as he let you go and went to hug Florence. “Don’t be a stranger, okay, Flor?”

“I won’t,” she hugged him tightly. “I promise.”

“You guys are sure you don’t want me to drop…”

“We’ll be fine,” you quickly cut him off. 

“M’okay, I’m leaving,” he said, making his way to his car. “Good night!”

“Night night!” you said back, watching his back as he left the two of you alone. 

“So, um…” Florence said once she was sure her friend was gone. “Would you like to get some coffee back at mine?” you smiled as her cheeks turned red once again. “Well, it’s not mine. I don’t live there, but I am staying there. So I guess it does count as mine—” she was rambling. 

“I would love to,” you cut her off. 

[...]

The moment the both of you stepped through the door, the coffee was long forgotten. 

“I’ve been waiting to do this the entire night,” she whispered on your lips.

You didn't know how it happened, but the glances on your way to Florence’s house became featherlight touches and next thing you knew she was pushing you inside her house and her lips soon found yours. You weren’t complaining though. 

“Oh, really?” you teased her as you bit her bottom lip. 

“Yes,” she said in between a soft moan, dragging you to the couch. 

“We are doing this here?” you said, as you kissed her neck. 

“The bedroom is too far away,” she said, already breathless, lying on the couch. 

“It’s literally just ten more—.”

“Just shut up and kiss me,” she said cupping your cheeks, forcing her lips onto yours. 

The kiss only became rougher as your tongue made its way past her lips, fighting against her own. You could still taste the wine she had earlier along with the ice cream she had for dessert. You moved your lips down, finding once again her sensitive skin and decided to leave your mark on her. Something for her to remember you afterwards. 

“That’s gonna leave a mark.”

“Yeah, that’s what I want,” you said as you kissed right where your teeth had been. “I don’t want you to forget me so easily,” you chuckled, before sucking another part of her skin just to leave another bruise. 

“Trust me, I’m gonna remember this night.”

As best as you could, while still being on top of her, you stripped her out of her clothes. It wasn’t that hard since she was wearing a dress, and she wasn’t wearing a bra like she always would. The only thing keeping you from admiring the entirety of her body was the thin piece of cloth covering her centre. 

“God, you are breathtaking,” you said as your lips wrapped around her nipple.

“Fuck,” Florence muttered as her head fell back, arching her back against the couch. 

Slowly, you made your way down her body, your lips ghosting over where she needed you the most. You brushed your nose against her clothed clit, your hot breath on her making her squirm under you. 

“Y/n…” she whined. 

You licked up her slit, tasting her even through the thin fabric, making you moan into her at how wet she already was. 

“Just take it off already, please.”

“So eager, so wet for me… I like that,” you chuckled, before tugging down the piece of cloth with the help of your teeth. 

As your tongue explored her sensitive centre, your right hand found its way up to her neck and slightly squeezed once you pushed your tongue inside her. You could feel her fast heartbeat under your hand, and decided to keep up with that pace as your tongue thrusted in and out of her. 

You moved your tongue up, finding her clit and sucking hard on it while you used your free hand to push two fingers in her, making her moan out loud. You squeezed her neck a bit tighter, not tight enough to stop her from breathing, just to let her know she was being taken care of. 

“Shit, I won’t be able to hold back for longer,” she cried out, brows furrowed as you keep on working on her. 

“Then don’t hold back, baby,” your voice was muffled because of her cunt. “Just come for me, Flor.”

You thrusted even faster and harder, arching the tip of your finger just to hit her sweet spot, working your tongue rougher on her clit and a second later you felt her legs wrapping around your head as her whole body started to tremble and your name fell out of your lips. You helped her ride her orgasm as you squeezed her neck getting the best out of her as you swallowed every drop of her juices. 

“You did so good for me, babygirl,” you said as you went up to kiss her lips so she could have a taste of herself.

“Bloody hell, Y/n. That was amazing…” she struggled to speak the words out, she was completely breathless. 

“We are just getting started, sweetheart.” 

[...]

After that night, Florence and you exchanged numbers and found yourself reaching out for the other constantly. She would tell you about her job, and you would tell her about the tour. Some nights, when she had a free weekend, she would fly out to where you were and stay in the hotel with you. Those were the best nights ever, just the two of you cuddling and kissing and doing more than just kissing. 

She was one of the best things that had ever happened in a long time, you wanted to let the whole world know she was now yours and you were hers. But if the whole world knew, then Harry would too. And neither of you were sure how he would take the news. You were scared to lose your best friend —your brother— even if it sounded really silly, you were fucking his best friends after all.

There were so many times when you almost told him, after all when touring with your best friend he knew there was something going on with you, he just couldn’t put his finger on it. He would watch as you giggled and smiled at your phone, or he would wonder why you started to stay at the hotels instead of going out with the whole group at night. He didn’t want to intrude, so he settled for waiting for you to open up with him. But curiosity was eating him inside out, luckily for Harry, he would find some answers really soon. 

First night in London was just around the corner, and Florence came along with it, since he decided to invite her to that show as well. You weren’t aware of the arrangement until you stumbled into Harry’s dressing room and she was just sitting there. 

“Hi,” you said, with a tint of uncertainty. 

“Hi,” she just smiled at you and you felt your tummy shrinking. 

“What are you–? How? When?” you felt your anxiety creeping in. 

“I’m seeing one of my best friends performing, and my girlfriend as a plus. How? Well, I guess Harry made it possible and when? I just got here, like twenty minutes ago,” she chuckled. “Do you not want me here?” she joked. 

“No!” you shook your head. “I mean, of course I want you here,” you said, getting closer to her, wrapping your arms around her waist and resting your forehead on hers. “I just…,” you sighed. “I’m sorry, I just freaked out because of Harry.”

“I know, love,” she said, caressing your arms. “I think we should tell him, maybe after the show.”

“Yeah, I agree.”

“It’ll go just fine, I promise,” she added, once she sensed your doubt. She cupped your cheeks searching for your eyes. “I promise, okay?” she reassured you.

“Okay,” you nodded, convincing yourself that Florence was right. 

She couldn’t help it and sealed the promise by softly kissing all your doubts and worries away. You didn’t realise how badly you needed that kiss until your breath was taken away. It wasn’t just a kiss, it was a caress to your uneasy heart and you felt your entire self melting into her, completely forgetting where the two of you were standing. 

“So this was it,” you heard someone say behind you. 

A pair of stern green eyes met yours and you felt your heart drop to your stomach, but the cold green eyes quickly moved past you. 

“I cant believe you are fucking my guitarist,” Harry simply said to Florence.

You didn’t expect him to snap at Florence, but for some reason there he was doing exactly that.

“Harry!” you chimed in.

“What? It's true, isn’t it?” he shrugged it off, not moving his eyes from Florence.

“It’s complicated,” she attacked him back.

“It’s not complicated. Are you or are you two not fucking? Simple as that.”

“It’s not just fucking,” he winced at the use of the ‘f-word’ coming out of your lips. You were his best friend, almost like a sister and there he was finding out his ‘sister’ was fucking his best friend. “There’s more to it.”

“This is what you had been hiding from me, isn’t it? I knew there was something off with you. I just… I can’t believe neither of you would tell me.”

“We didn’t do it on purpose, Harry,” Flo said.

“It just happened,” his eyes softened once he found yours again. “We didn’t mean for it to happen, but it did, Hazz.”

“So it’s not just, you know…” he didn’t want to say ‘fuck’ again, he had had enough with that word when it came to you. 

“No, it’s not—.”

“I love her,” Florence said. 

“What?” you asked in disbelief, that was the first time she would say that. 

“I do. I love you,” she said now to you. “You feel like home, Y/n. And I want nothing more than to come home every night to you.”

You couldn't help the smile forming on your lips. “I love you too,” you said chuckling. 

“Great! I can’t stay mad at you two if you keep on being this lovely…” Harry huffed. “You know what, I’m just gonna leave. We can talk about this later, or maybe not,” he said making his way to the door, but before he walked out he said: “Though, I want both of you to know that I’m glad you two found each other… and that it was because of me.”

[...]

Three years later. 

Harry cleared his throat before speaking. “I would like to start my best man speech by saying that these two lovebirds met because of me, so I am to thank that we are all gathered here, therefore you are all very welcome,” the room cheered for him, even though it was supposed to be yours and Florence’s night. “When I first found out about them, I just freaked out,” the whole room bursted into laughter both yours and Florence’s family and friends. “I did, I swear. I just couldn't believe it.”

“Harry!” you scolded him.

“Y/n is like my little sister, “ Harry completely ignored you. “And when I found out that my little sister was doing things… unthinkable, unspeakable, unpleasant things, with my so-called friend…”

“Harry!” this time Florence said with a warning tone, making the whole room chuckled.

“I freaked out,” he smiled to himself remembering the moment. “But now, standing here and celebrating their love on this glorious day, their wedding day, I just know it was meant to be. Y/n,” he said looking into your eyes. “You know you feel like a sister to me,” you felt tears burning your eyes. “And I couldn’t be happier knowing that you found the love of your life. And that it’s not just some random stranger you found online or something, “ the room chuckled again. “But it’s one of the best, kind, gentle souls I know,” you searched for Florence’s hand, squeezing it. “I’m glad you found her, Flor. I’m glad you found each other” his eyes were now locked on hers. “And I’m glad you love her just as much as I do, maybe even more,” he winked at her. “So,” he raised his glass of champagne, everyone following suit. “Cheers to the both of you, for your undecaying love,” he was going to take a sip from his glass but he quickly added: “And cheers to me for bringing you two together.”

Likes, comments and reblogs are appreciated! <3

-M

[sant-riley]

[Ghost x fem!reader blurb]

this is for the girlies who can't drive for shit and don't have their license <3 it's me. I'm girly.

Notes: Extremely short, about 400-500 words, She/her pronouns aren't used but he does call you girl. Use of the nickname "Runt." No established relationship. Lmk if I missed anything!

~

"You know I can drive right?" You murmured, looking up from your phone as you sat on the passenger side.

Ghost was rubbing his nose bridge, sighing heavily at the traffic on the road.

He was slouched back in his seat, legs spread wide in his seat as his eyes closed forcibly. It was a treat to see him in civilian clothing, a real one.

A small part of you hummed with contentment knowing you were one of the very few to get to see him like this often.

You two were the off base for a week-long break, choosing to spend it together as you both usually did. It was too much hassle to head back home on your end and Ghost enjoyed your company.

It wasn't rare to see the pair of you get back to base together and return as well. You had worried about what the others could say but that was quickly silenced when Ghost shot a glance at you with a look of "I don't give a fuck." which silenced your worries.

Snapping out of your running thoughts, You swore you could hear the creak of his neck twisting towards you, Simon's eyes snapping open and looking at you incredulously.

"What? No." He turned his head back to the road, inching the truck closer to the light. You could see his eyes roll too.

"You don't look like you want to, so let me." Rolling your eyes in return, moving to undo your seatbelt so you could do a quick swap as the light was red.

"Runt, no." A big hand covered your hand, pushing your own away, leaving as soon as it was there.

"And why not?" You raise an eyebrow, narrowing your eyes.

"For starters, you're a shit driver in the states, can't imagine you driving here in Manchester." He stated it was a fact. He shrugged like y'all were talking about the weather. Fucker.

"What the fuck is that supposed to mean-" You stuttered, huffing as he doubted you. He wasn't wrong but did he have to fucking phrase it like that?

Ghost couldn't help the smirk growing on his face at your pout, letting out a low chuckle.

"It means what it means, runt. Second of all, it's not your job." He poked fun at you, licking his lips under his mask as he focused his eyes back on the road.

"What the fuck does that mean, 'my job?' Don't tell me you're playing stereotypes on me."

You grumbled, crossing your arms as you stared out the window, watching the people on the sidewalks.

"No, don't be stupid." He should be offended, to think you'd say that but to be fair, he couldn't blame you.

"Okay so tell me!" The whine left your lips, staring at his side profile, puffing your chest as you tried to get him to meet your eyes with his own.

"Pretty girls don't drive, simple as that."

His huge hand patted your thigh, sending a shiver down your spine as you felt the blood rush to your face.

All he could do was snicker as he stepped on the gas pedal, his hand warming your skin as he drove.

Taglist:

@devilsfoodcake22 @simon-rileys-princess

@stupid-ninja @milkmily

@lune-la-chanson @tamayakii

@teacupcollector @perilous-pasta @ihatethisappsomuchitpains

@marsbar127xx @baddump

@xncasi @king-cookiex

@palomaxaxaxa @amatchasky @wolfyland07 @diejager

@hailstrum18 @pretty-little-bunny382728 @mzfandom @solarslushee @areislol

@cluelessyasmin @sesshomaruwaifu @chaos-unchecked @kalamataolivesssss @arunasmisfortune @tbrfic

@117s-girl @1234ilikecowsthanyoumore @sparrowwithaquill @justtiredandvibing

[freshlove-sturn]

HELP ME OUT? PT 2

pt 1 pt2 pt3 pt 4 pt 5 pt 6 pt7 pt8

chris sturniolo × fem reader

pink- reader

orange- chris

blue- matt

summary: chris is falling behind in english. he knows he has to get in grade in check before his big lacrosse game, or else coach will bench him. so what better idea than to reach out to the smart girl who sits in front of him in class? after all, it's just a little help... right?

readers pov

when i opened up my front door, i was met with his blue eyes and his long brown hair that fell messily into his face. he gave me a slight tongue in cheek smirk before speaking.

“hey y/l/n” he said, running a hand through his hair, pushing it back out of his eyes.

“where’s your books?” i questioned as i looked down at his hands that were in his pockets.

“well we’re in the same class aren’t we?” he asked.

“correct” i furrowed my brows slightly at the boy.

“then we have the same books no?” he smirked down at me, he knew i couldn’t argue with that.

“whatever” i rolled my eyes in a joking manner. “you can come in” i stepped aside, making room for him to walk through the doorway.

chris walked in and i shut the door behind him. it was silent for a few seconds as his eyes scanned around, taking quick glances at all the picture frames that hung on the wall.

“my room is upstairs. that’s where all my books are. do you want something to drink before we go up? water, pepsi-“

“a pepsi would be perfect actually” he cut me off, seemingly excited.

“okay i’ll go grab one real quick. you can go ahead and go upstairs if you want. my room is the first one on the right” i told him as i walked towards the kitchen.

chris went up the staircase. i opened the fridge and grabbed us our drinks before i went up. i opened the door and found him sitting on the edge of my bed, looking around at my decor.

“sorry it’s kinda messy, i wouldn’t cleaned more if you have me more of a heads up” i teased, handing him his pepsi.

“nah you’re good. this is nothing compared to my brothers room” he shook his head and grabbed the can from me. our fingers brushed against each other. i felt a chill run down my spine, my cheeks flushed with warmth and i knew for sure i was blushing. why did my body react like that? his hands hardly grazed mine and i felt my heart skip a beat. this was ridiculous. the crack of the can opening snapped me out of my thoughts.

“so how about let’s start with what you are understanding so i kind of have a ballpark idea of how to help you” i unzipped my bookbag and pulled out my textbook, opening it to the chapter we were learning in class.

“i don’t understand shit. i’m so lost” he leans back on his elbows, his eyes fixed me while i flip through my notes.

i look up from my notebook and raise an eyebrow at him. “well then what are you the least confused about?” i tried getting something out of him.

“probably the fact that this shakespeare guy was full of shit.” he mumbled before taking a sip of his pepsi, eying me, waiting for my reaction.

“you’re ridiculous.” i deadpan. he smirks and i try my best not to smile, but i feel the corners of my lips curl up. only egging him on more.

“i mean come on. he doesn’t even use real words” he points to a sentence quoting a like from Macbeth.

“i don’t know. i think it’s kinda cool.” i shrugged.

chris didn’t say anything. he just looked at me through the strands of hair that have fallen back into his eyes after numerous attempts of pushing them out of his face. we stare at each other in silence for a few moments. i admire his features. his button nose, his blue eyes, the pink hue of his lips, the way his dark brown hair curled slightly at the ends. each feature of him face complimented the next so beautifully.

i’m the first to look away. i still felt his eyes lingering on me. i could already tell that this was going to be far more difficult than i ever anticipated. in more ways than one.

chris pov

i watched her as her eyes skimmed over her textbook. she sat criss cross on her bed. hair falling into her view and she would brush it back behind her ear. i never really realized how beautiful she was. i guess i was only used to seeing the back of her head. i never noticed the way she would take her bottom lip into her mouth while she focused. i never noticed that her eyes were the perfect shade of y/e/c. or how she had freckles that littered her cheeks, looking like constellations on a map of the sky and stars. or the bracelets that clung to her wrist. it was all new to me. i wanna kick myself for not admiring all these things sooner. but maybe if i did know about all these little details about her, i definitely would have paid far less attention in class.

“so” she cleared her throat. “i think it would be best if we start here. this is the most difficult part i think, so it’s probably a good idea to get it knocked out first. is that okay?” she picks up her textbook and puts it between us, pointing to the section.

“you’re the boss” i sit up from my laying position on her bed. adjusting my shirt as i scoot ever so slightly closer to her.

the way she talked about the subject mesmerizes me. she used her hands as she spoke. each word leaving her mouth with a sense of knowledge and passion that made this situation far more attractive than it should have been. i nodded along. i could listen to her talk forever. her voice was soft and relaxing. it fell from her lips like that of honey. i took in everything she was saying. not wanting to miss the sound of a single word. she never talked much in school. i think before this i’ve only heard her speak maybe twice. short one word sentences. but now i never wanted her to stop. she could sit there and read me the oxford dictionary front and back twelve times and i wouldn’t get bored. the pace of her words would quicken and i could tell she really enjoyed what she was talking about.

“oh my god. i’m so sorry. i’m just rambling” she laughs awkwardly, a light pink color painted on her cheeks.

“no don’t apologize. you’re good. i liked it. it’s really cool how you know all this stuff. “ i reassured her.

she smiled and continued talking for a few for minutes. she pulled out a pen from her bookbag that was laying behind her. she ripped out a piece of paper from her notebook and wrote down a few things and handed it to me.

“these are just some sections that i think you should read over that will help the homework make more sense.“ i looked down at the paper, reading what she had jotted down. god even her hand writing was pretty.

“‘’preciate it” i folded up the paper and slipped it into my pocket.

“i can also send you my notes if you’d like?” she held up her notebook

“yeah that would be great actually. my notes are ass” i admitted. earning a slight giggle to escape her lips.

i watched her as she flipped through the pages of her notes and snapped pictures. my phone dinged. it was all the pictures she took.

“thanks. those will help me a lot” i turn my phone off and looked at her.

“good. so, are you gonna come back over tomorrow? or are you busy?” she asked.

“i’m pretty sure i’m free.” i answered. trying my best not to let her on about how eager i was to see her again. i knew for a fact i was free. even if i wasn’t, i’d make it work.

“okay cool.“ she smiled.

our eyes land on each others for the millionth time tonight. i never wanted to look away. our knees were touching. we stay like this for all of 10 seconds. not speaking. just staring back at each other. i couldn’t help but look down at her lips. they looked so soft. i couldn’t help but imagine how they’d mold with mine. the sound of her voice snaps me out of my thoughts.

“well uh, i don’t want to corrupt you with too much in one night.” her voice cut through the silence.

“yeah. i think matt’s on his way. i don’t live far.” i responded.

honestly, i wouldn’t have minded if she gave me a 12 hour lecture about the mechanics of a toaster. something about her drew me to her. i didn’t know what it was. it was almost intoxicating.

a few minutes pass before i get a text from matt letting me know he’s outside. y/n follows me down the stairs and to the door.

“thanks for everything. you didn’t have to do all that” i put my hand on the door handle.

“no i wanted to. besides, how tragic would it be if THE christopher sturniolo couldn’t play lacrosse?” she teased.

i rolled my eyes and smiled. “man i don’t even want to think about it” i pretended to shiver at the thought. she laughed. i think that was my new favorite thing.

“alright we’ll i should probably get outta here. matt’s probably getting pissed waiting on me.” i started twisting the door handle.

“okay. i’ll see you tomorrow” she waved.

“see ya y/l/n” i step out and jog down her porch steps.

i get to the van and opened the door. i sit down and get buckled in.

“what are you smiling about?”

a/n: AHHH. i hope y’all like this. i think it’s kinda cutie 😋 lmk how you’re feelin !!

[nokiatelava]

✿✿In A Good Way✿✿

⊹₊⋆☁︎⋆⁺₊⋆ ☀︎ ⋆⁺₊⋆☁︎⋆₊⊹

Author’s Note - Hello hellooo!! Okay, so in this story it’s gonna be an OC!Na’vi x Fem!Sully!Reader. I’ve never, ever written a story where there is a OC love interest. So I’m very excited but just as nervous because I am definitely trying something new out! Also, please if I had made any grammatical errors I apologize! But anyway, please enjoy the story!

⊹₊⋆☁︎⋆⁺₊⋆ ☀︎ ⋆⁺₊⋆☁︎⋆₊⊹

Summary - Y/n Sully, was the daughter of the mighty Toruk Makto. She was striking, a pleasure to the eyes of those that stared. But Y/n wanted more than just looks, she yearned for love. True love. Yet she was to scared. Of the heartbreak, the pain, the grief, the dread. But, she just so happened to meet a very special boy.

⊹₊⋆☁︎⋆⁺₊⋆ ☀︎ ⋆⁺₊⋆☁︎⋆₊⊹

Warnings - helpless romantics, young love, annoying siblings, light swearing, family love, yearning, self-doubt (never doubt yourself!!), reassurance, father-daughter talk, comfort

˚*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎˚*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚

The stiff fibers of your newly weaved basket rubbed gently against the palm of your hand and finger tips as you walked down the small path in the forest.

You were on your way to forage Lionberry seeds as well as the Melon Tree fruit you’ve been craving to taste for the past few days.

As you continued walking down the path you were able to spot a small cluster of the blue Lionberry seeds, almost successfully tucked away behind a few trees.

Once you made your way to the plants, and plucked enough seeds from the center. Snacking on some yourself for the extra energy, you ventured back onto the path.

The chirps and abundant distant howls brought a serene atmosphere to everything as you walked through the sunlit forest. Your eyes still peeled looking for the Melon Trees.

Which was right up across the path, a clearing that held a bunch of the Melon Trees and the fruits you had been searching for.

As you walked into the passageway, a feeling of trepidation pooled hot into your stomach as you stared at the muscular back of a young na’vi man who was picking the fruits you were about to.

You were frozen in the entrance of the passage way, thinking about the only three options you could go about the situation you were in, or bound to be in.

1. Back away slowly and forget you even wanted fruit in the first place.

2. Walk into the clearing and pick the fruit as if nobody was there.

Or 3.. Which you were currently doing. Continue to stare at this young man who is definitely your age’s back.

Embarrassment pinged down your spine as your face grew hot at the sight in front of you. Diverting your dry eyes and walking into the foliage either way.

Trying to ignore that you would be in there regardless of the fact that there was a boy there too.

Or may you say man.. The physique of his body made him look like he was not one to be trifled with.

The almost silent patters of your feet against the grass caught his attention as he turned his head towards you. His eyes widening for a split second as he saw you, up close.

“Y/n, Oel Ngati Kameie.” He did the universal sign of respect and greeting.

“Oel Ngati Kameie. I don’t think we’ve ever met before. Tell me, what is your name?” You couldn’t even believe the words coming out of your own mouth.

When did you ever want to start a conversation? The tone you used made you sound like your mother. Nothing was wrong with that. But where the hell did it come from?

“My name is Awpxey! It’s nice to formally meet you,” A close-eyed smile took over his features, your eyes looking up into his face at the bright attitude.

“It is nice to formally meet you too, Awpxey. I see you were picking Melon Tree fruit, they are ripe enough now correct?” Your fingers tightened against the handle of the basket. The fibers feeling as though they were gonna snap with the pressure you applied on them.

‘Why are am I being so awkward? I mean at least I didn’t ask him how’s he’s doing! Don’t conversations always go downhill from there?’

“Ah yes, all the fruits are seemingly becoming more ripe by they day. Finally, I have been waiting to long for these fruits. But they are to good to forget about.”

You nodded along in silent agreement with his words.

“It’s a bit of a mood spoiler when you find your favorite fruit isn’t ripe yet isn’t it?” Your body language was against your own better judgment.

Your tail low and swaying, the short grass tickling the underside as it swished faster the longer you stood in front of him.

“Yes! It kills my day every time!”

The both of you stood still. Awpxey was stuck staring into your eyes. His body stiff as he stood in front of you before he cleared his throat, his face getting hot.

“W-well, I should let you go get your fruit then! I still have to finish picking mine..” Awpxey gave a small chuckle as he rubbed the back of his neck. His face turning a light shade of purple as he blushed before turning his face in the direction of his basket.

‘Did I just stutter? In front of Y/n? You’ve gotta be joking. Literally.’

“Yeah.. uhm, yeah. I’ll be right, uh, right there,” you pointed to a specific Melon Tree that had not gotten picked yet. Far enough away from the one Awpxey was at but just close enough.

“Great, well, I’ll be right there then.” Awpxey reluctantly turned his face back towards Y/n. A nervous smile on his face.

You give him a smile and a small nod, walking over to the tree you had pointed out. Going about your business picking the medium sized fruits off of the tree.

The clearing was now filled with a comfortable silence, the rustles of the leaves and the crunches of the grass set a peaceful ambience to the area.

That was until a loud snap rang in the area, your shoulders tensed at the unreasonably loud sound. A small, embarrassed ‘oh’ being said but not by you.

It was Awpxey. His basket that carried a good amount of Melon Tree fruit snapped. Breaking due to the pressure of so much fruit on it, not only that but it was certainly worn down.

“Here, let me help.” You brought your basket over to Awpxey, picking up his fallen fruits and putting them in your own basket.

“No Y/n, no. You do not have to carry my fruit for me, plus, you have seeds in here, it might break again.” Awpxey felt guilty as he watched you pick up his fruit. Awkwardly holding the few in his hand as he refused to place it in your basket.

You took the fruits out his hands — a spark running up your hands — and placed them into your basket, picking up and placing the remaining fruit in your basket before standing back up.

“Come.” You beckoned him to follow behind you, which he quickly did.

“I will weave you a new basket. Meet me here tomorrow at the same time and I will give it to you.” You spoke as you walked out the clearing.

You were offering, but also demanding at the same time. You’ve had time on your hands recently. So what good to do with it than make a basket for someone who’s just broke?

Awpxey’s eyes widened. “No Y/n! You don’t have to do that, seriously! It’s alright I promise,” Awpxey was trying to convince you he didn’t need a new one. But you knew better.

“Not asking Awpxey, come here tomorrow and you will have a new basket.”

Awpxey’s shoulders slouched as he realized you wouldn’t change your mind. “Okay…” He said with a grumble as you walked in front of him.

Once you made it back to High Camp, you asked Awpxey to direct you both towards his family’s hut so you can drop off his fruit. An apprehensive look developed on his face as he got closer to his family’s home.

Hoping his parents wouldn’t say something that could drive you away.

You both entered his family’s kelku, a small smile on your face as you looked towards his parents.

Who had turned to face you quickly once they seen you walk in, their current conversation put to hold as shock visibly enveloped their faces.

“Oel Ngati Kameie.” You greeted, bringing your hand to your forehead before taking it back down.

They both recuperated themselves, and greeted you back, “Oel Ngati Kameie.” His parents had small smiles on their face also. Their minds jumping when they noticed the basket full of the Melon Tree fruit. Was it an offering to ask for their blessing?

Awpxey’s face dropped and started to get hot as he realized where his parents minds were turning to, but before he could say anything, his mother spoke.

“Y/n, what brings you here dear? And with all that fruit!” Itxä was a nice woman, you’ve met her before at clan gatherings and have spoken to her while she was in Mo’at’s tent more than a few times.

“I came to help bring Awpxey’s fruit back! His basket broke while he was picking the fruit and I decided to put them in mine! I do plan on weaving him a new basket, he will receive it tomorrow!” You explained yourself in a soft tone, his parents were sweet people.

Awpxey’s father, Puo was a funny and sweet man. Always wishing to keep the ones around him safe and happy.

“And you’re holding the basket? Awpxey! I took a long time out of my days to teach you to be a gentleman and this is how you turn up?” Puo exclaimed. You covered your smile with your hand as you watched Awpxey put his hands forward, trying to explain himself to his father.

“No dad!- That’s not even what happened!-“ Puo looked at his son with a bored look as he put his hands on his hips.

“Well from what I’m seeing, that is what happened. You idiot!” You never knew men could be so sassy, but you have your own fair share at your home.

And it’s not just Tuk.

Itxä helped you sort the Melon Tree fruits into their own fruit bowl, making sure you had more still in your basket, much to your own protests before she sent you off with a smile.

As you walked home, it was almost as if realization was settling into you.

You just went to that boy’s home.. Met his parents. And talked with his mother…

A blush adorned your face once you entered your own hut. Quickly setting away the fruits before anyone could notice your warm face.

But it just had to be your father who spoke up first.

“What’s got your face all warmed up babygirl?” Dread was the only thing you felt once you heard all the conversations stop. All eyes turning towards you.

Lo’ak smirked, deciding on taking his chance to do his daily readings.

“Yeah big sis. Couldn’t help but notice you came home blushing.. Did you meet a boy?” You cringed as you heard the smile in his tone. And cringed at how he got his reading assumption, correct.

You hissed lightly in his direction to defend yourself.

“Shut the hell up Lo’ak! I didn’t meet anybody. And even if I did. It’s definitely not any of your monkey brain business.” You clapped back at him verbally, which shut him up.

For only a few seconds.

“I do not have a monkey brain! And even if I did, don’t you remember what Norm said? He said monkeys were one of the smartest animals, since they were like human technically?” He thought he had shut you up now, that was before you noticed this was just gonna become a stupid bickering back and forth that could go on for hours.

“Who are you trying to fool Lo’ak? You’re one of the dumbest people I know.” Your arms were now crossed over your chest. Facing him as you say on the floor, trying to start weaving Awpxey’s basket.

“Oh yeah? Well then who’s the smartest person you know!?” You don’t know where he was going with that, but you answered anyway.

“I am.” You said nonchalantly and started to make the basket.

Tuk scoffed loudly as her face scrunched.

“Excuse me? I thought I was the smartest person you knew Y/n!” Tuk’s tone was smart mouthed.

Your eyes widened as you realized what you said. “I was just joking Tuk! You know you’re the smartest person here!”

Now it was your father’s turn to scoff, placing his hand on his chest.

“But you said I was the smartest babygirl?” Now everyone was looking between you and your father. And your face held disbelief as you paused in weaving.

“Um… Well… Yeah you are too dad!” You noticed your mother patting your father’s shoulder as he held a look of exaggerated betrayal on his face.

“Can I weave in peace?” You ask defeatedly. Neteyam’s face scruched in confusion at your question.

“Didn’t you just finish weaving one, like yesterday?”

Dread, once again, enveloped your body as embarrassment sunk in. Lo’ak was having a ball at your flushed face and obvious body language.

“You’re making one for a boy aren’t you?” His tone was sleazy and you wanted to sucker punch him right in his nose.

“Shut up Lo’ak!”

Your father’s face twisted into a grimace, “you’re courting somebody?” His voice was dry, as if his mouth was only grating sandpaper.

“No dad! No, I’m not courting anybody. I’m only doing somebody a favor..” The way your dad visibly softened his back and rested against your mother made you feel calmer.

“Who are you weaving for ma’ite?” As soon as the question left your mother’s lips, everyone in the room perked up and stared at you.

“Umm… It’s for Itxä’s and Puo’s son..” Your parents smiled at the familiar names.

“Itxä is a nice woman, she’s sweet.” Your mother stated.

“Puo’s one funny man isn’t he?” Your father said chuckling. You nodded with a small smile, finally feeling in the clear as the random chatter started all over again.

“Wait.. Did you say son?” Neteyam spoke looking at you, 5 other heads turning in your direction once more.

You groaned, now annoyed at the fact the attention was on you once again.

“Yes Neteyam. I said son.” You grumbled.

“Why are you making a basket for him Y/n?” Tuk asked as she moved to sit next to you on the floor, curling up into your side.

“His broke Tuk-Tuk, I’m just doing him a favor.” You explained as you put your arm around Tuk, playing with one of her short braids softly.

“How do you know his basket broke?” Kiri asked with a smirk. You felt like your heart almost broke. Never, ever did you expect Kiri to join in on your brother’s teasing you.

“Were you guys out, together?” Lo’ak questioned next. Raising his eyebrows up and down repeatedly, taunting you.

“Did nothing interesting happen while I was gone? Why are you guys so focused on me. Like didn’t Lo’ak shit himself 4 days ago or something?”

Lo’ak’s face paled. “That was eight years ago you skxawng!”

“Oh, well it feels like yesterday-”

“Language, both of you.” Your dad cut in.

“Skxawng isn’t even a bad word!” Lo’ak was quick to try and defend himself.

“But it is an insult, and Y/n, you know better to be swearing here. Tuk is here!” Your mother scolded you both.

“Huh?” Tuk said as she looked over to Neytiri, she hadn’t even been listening.

“Well never mind that then. But anyway, you both know to watch your mouths.”

Lo’ak grumbled his incessant nothings while you continued to weave.

Hours passed in the blink of an eye, the basket was fortunately halfway done and it was dinner time. Tuk had ended up falling asleep against you, so you woke her gently before joining your family at the table.

You all ate, somewhat peacefully, as Lo’ak sped through the whole meal and almost choked more than you can count on two hands.

Once dinner was over you helped clean up the table and settle everything away.

Taking it upon yourself to put Tuk to bed early as she seemed so tired.

You brought yourself back to the center of you kelku, trying to at least finish the basket before tomorrow.

Jake watched you sadly from the table. His ears folded down and eyes looking a darker yellow with sadness.

Neytiri noticed his grim attitude immediately. “Ma’Jake? What is wrong?” She sat next to him, placing her hand on his shoulder.

He looked at you a bit more before turning back to Neytiri.

“She’s already growing up so fast… like she’s getting a boyfriend?.. It feels like just yesterday I was holding her while she cried..."

Jake remembers how tough you were to put to sleep at one point. Missing that feeling of pride he had when you finally closed your eyes.

Neytiri cringed as she realized what she’s gonna say may hurt Jake’s feelings.

“Well you could always hold her.. The crying part may or may not happen…” Neytiri hoped she spoke so quiet Jake couldn’t hear her, but Neytiri knew better.

“What do you mean by that?” Jake was quick to ask.

“She’s met a boy Jake.. You never know what path Eywa has planned for her. Maybe she could stay with Awpxey forever, maybe Awpxey could break her heart. But no matter what happens ma’Jake, you have to be there for her always. You are her father, one of her confiders. She trusts you, and forever will.”

At this point Jake was a blink away from bawling like a baby. Neytiri’s words gave him a newfound confidence, but also a newfound fear.

He didn’t want you to go around chasing boys, and getting your heart broken in return.

The last thing he wanted his sweet babygirl to run into was a player. But he felt a feeling in his heart that told him not to interfere.

It was to be left up to Eywa. Your fate and will was in her hands.

In your own head, you weren’t really thinking about a future or anything with Awpxey. You were doing him a simple favor. But you couldn’t help yourself as your mind drifted to the memory of his back in the sunlit clearing.

Your hands became clammy and your throat dried. Heat bursting in your neck and spreading down your spine to your whole body.

Your hands moved hastily, finishing up the basket with an embarrassed huff. You were hoping nobody was looking at you.

“Come you guys, it is time for us to sleep!” Your mother whisper shouted. Acknowledging the fact Tuk was already asleep.

You all complied, filing into your sleeping mats and saying goodnight.

A giddy feeling was all you could feel in your chest and stomach as a smile broke out onto your face.

You were going to see Awpxey tomorrow and you were beyond ecstatic. You closed your eyes as they began to fall shut themselves.

In the morning when you all awoke and gravitated towards the table for breakfast,  you embarrassingly ate at a pace that would put Lo'ak to shame.

Lo’ak was feeding into your flushed face and rushed actions.

“What's the matter big sis?” He asked, cocking his eyebrow annoyingly with a sneer on his face. “You excited to see your boyfriend?”

You growled at him in annoyance, “He is not my boyfriend.”

“Yet,” Kiri added before covering her mouth with her hand, trying to mask her smile.

"Kiri!" You said in an irritated tone.

"Why are you joining them with their bs!?” You felt like you were being cornered, without a corner.

“Watch your mouth,” your father grumbled exasperatedly.

“Fine.” You sighed, finishing your breakfast a whole lot slower now.

“Y/n? Can we go to the forest with you too?” Tuk laid her head against your collarbone, closing her eyes as she felt your hand brush through her braids softly.

“I’m sorry Tuk, not right now. But if you want, later we can go to Grandmother’s tent and I could teach you a few more things…” You whispered into her ear, watching how it perked as you spoke about teaching her new things.

“Of course! Only if you pinky promise!” You laughed as you folded your other fingers down, leaving your ring finger sticking out awkwardly.

When you, Kiri, and Lo’ak were younger your father had taught you about pinky promises. You three made promises about random stuff almost everyday.

Tuk and Neteyam picked up an it quickly and wanted to try and make them too, just using their last finger as a makeshift pinky.

“I promise Tuk, okay? I’ll see you later.” You kissed the top of her head before grabbing the new basket you made and waving to your family.

Your pace was almost a skip as you went towards the ikran, mounting yours and quickly flying down to the large forest below.

Your keen eyes surveyed the forest from above trying your best to look for the clearing you and Awpxey were just at yesterday.

When you finally spotted it, you landed your ikran a little bit away from it, choosing to have a small walk the rest of the way.

When you finally entered the clearing, you were greeted with the same muscular back you saw yesterday.

Awpxey gave you a smile as he seen you, quickly walking towards you.

“Hi Y/n.” He said in an almost hushed tone.

“Hi Awpxey.” Your voice was breathy, light and clear as it traveled to Awpxey’s ears. Which turned a darker pink as they folded against his head.

“Here’s your basket, I hope you like it!” You presented the gift to him, and he took it with hasty hands and and a happy face.

“It’s perfect Y/n! Thank you so much!”

Your face heated as you felt shy under his praise and gaze.

“Y-Yeah it’s no problem at all Awpxey, if you ever need anything else you can always tell me.”

He smiled, his fingers fidgeting with the strong fibers of the weaving.

“I definitely will..”

A quiet pause enveloped the clearing, it wasn’t awkward. Just silence, with the sounds of chirping and hooting from other animals in the forest.

“Hey Y/n… I was wondering if you wanna hang out?” Awpxey’s voice came out slow and controlled. Almost as if he was rehearsing. Which he had.

There was a quick blank silence.

“N-Now?” Your mind was still working on trying to process what you had heard. But once it clicked you answered back quickly.

“Yeah that’s fine Awpxey, w-we can hang out if you want.” You didn’t even know when he wanted to hang out, but you had no objections if it were to be right now.

Awpxey’s tail was shaking behind his back, as he was trying his best to not let it sway to excitedly where you would notice.

You were on the same page as him, fighting the urge to reach behind your back and pull your own tail.

Awpxey nodded, “I was gonna ask if you think now is okay?..”

“Now’s perfectly fine!” Your smile was small, though it was grateful.

That whole day, you and Awpxey strolled around the forest, looking at all the different animals and plants.

Multiple “accidents” happened where as you both walked, your hands would bump. There was a unfamiliar feeling that would bloom in your stomach as his touch sent an electric shock up your arm.

Eclipse was bound to happen soon, so you both decided it would be smart to start heading home now.

As you two continued to walk side by side, the sudden memory of this morning and Tuk rushed through your head.

You had spent the whole day with Awpxey, you forgot about literally everything.

Your steps paused, hand coming to your forehead as you sucked a guilty sigh.

Awpxey was quick to stop, turning to face you quickly.

“Y/n? Are you alright? What has happened?” He paced a step closer, placing his hands and your shoulders.

You had a grimace on your face,

“I forgot that my younger sister wanted to play with me today… Gosh how could I have forgotten?” Guilt was eating away at you.

Tuk was probably home all day, waiting for you, and most likely pestering your parents for when you were to come home.

Awpxey gave a small reassuring smile. He had no siblings, so he couldn’t really say he understood. But he understood the guilt of being late.

“I am sure she will me alright Y/n, we should get you home now so you don’t make her wait any longer!” Awpxey nudged you forward gently, to which you complied and walked.

“I promised her- Promised! That since we couldn’t come to the forest, I would teach her new things about different herbs and pastes in our grandmothers tent together.”

You were rambling, talking with your hands. You felt disappointed in yourself.

How could one make a promise and just forget it?

Awpxey just walked next to you, soft smile adorning his full lips. He could tell you felt guilty about leaving your sister, so he let you ramble and didn’t interrupt you to try and invalidate your feelings in any way.

Once back at High Camp, you wanted to go home quick, but you never left without saying goodbye.

“Bye Awpxey! It was really nice hanging out with you today, had lots of fun! We should do it again!”

You were saying as you scurried off your ikran, facing him quick.

Awpxey climbed down with grace.

“I know, it was really nice today Y/n. We have to do it again.” His voice was so deep and sultry, a rumble passed through your bones.

Purple was becoming to spread on your face, so you turned quickly and ran home.

“Bye Awpxey!” You threw over your shoulder, sending him a small wave.

“Bye Y/n..” He lifted his hand a bit to wave too, although his goodbye was quite silent.

You didn’t even want to enter your kelku.

You walked so slow towards the enterance of your home, taking deep breaths as to just calm yourself down.

Though you ended up entering quick due to the guilt that ate away at your stomach.

You felt irresponsible.

How could you just have left Tuk over him? Over a boy?

Your whole life all you have been taught was to just care for your family. Only pay attention to your family.

They are what’s most important. Your responsibility.

“Tuk-” You mutter as you enter the hut.

Eyes turn to you, studying. But in your state of mind they felt judging.

“Hi Y/n.” Tuk said with a wave and smile, she held a snack in her hand.

“Tuk. I’m really sorry about not coming home earlier. I know I said I was going to take you to see grandma but I really forgot, it completely slipped my mind and-“

You were cut off.

“Y/n.” It was your father. Jake’s gravely voice grounded you quick, snapping you up straight.

“It’s fine you didn’t come and get her, she was sleeping for almost the whole day anyway. She had a headache.” Your father explained to you.

It didn’t help. It made you feel more guiltier than ever.

You should have been there. She was in pain.

“Oh.. Are you feeling better Tuk?” You were now next to her, placing your hand on her forehead.

“Mhm! I got snacks, see?” Tuk held up her small handful of cut up Melon Tree Fruit.

Seeing it made your heart thump just a bit harder.

It was the exact fruit that had made you meet your ma- The man you were with today.

“Oh, well that’s good. Do they taste good? Are they ripe yet?” You examine the fruits color from afar.

“Y/n.”

The voice pulled your attention from Tuk.

It was your father who had called you.

This alone made your mouth feel sticky, your hands already becoming clammy.

“Yeah dad?” You tried your hardest to make your voice the same tone it was before, to not sound nervous.

To not crumble under the gaze of your mother. Nor your siblings who were barely visible.

“Can I talk to you for a minute?”

Shit.

Did you do something? You raked your head as hard as you could to think of any recent events that could have possibly gotten you in trouble.

Was this about Awpxey?

Before you even noticed you were at a secluded area of your family’s kelku.

Alone with your father, and beyond nervous.

“Come, sit with me babygirl.” Your dad waved his hand towards himself, taking a seat onto the floor in a criss crossed position.

You quickly sat down, deciding to sit with your legs to your chest for now.

Your ears twitched as you heard your dad sigh. A pit crating into your stomach.

Was he upset with you?

“I’m not angry with you babygirl.. I just have.. A few questions is all.” He spoke softly. His voice hesitant and surprisingly, nervous.

You nodded, “okay dad. You can ask me.”

Your father opened his mouth, taking in a breath before closing it and turning his head. He didn’t know what to say, how to ask his question.

Your fingers fidgeted with the jewelry on your hands.

Just how nervous was he to not even be able to face you and speak?

“That… Boy. That you’ve been talking to recently, Awpxey. The ones your siblings keep teasing you about.” The sentence came out stiff, hesitant. As if it hurt him to even say the boy’s name in a sentence.

You nodded, signaling to him to carry on.

“I was, um, just wondering if you guys are… You know.” Your father lifted his hands at the end of his sentence.

You were trying to process his words, what is he even talking about?

Then it suddenly clicked.

He thinks you and Awpxey are dating.

Oh god.

“Dating?” You say the word out loud, it sounds so taboo to even say it. In front of your father no less.

“Yeah. Yeah, dating.. Are you guys, dating?” Your father almost looked pale. What exactly is going on here?

“We’re not dating. No, definitely not.” You were quick to respond. You hoped it wasn’t to fast to be considered ‘suspicious’.

You father slowly nodded, his lips pursed as he was working your words.

“Well, I just. I really, um, wanted to tell you that..” There was a pause.

It was really hitting Jake now.

His babygirl is growing up.

This is going to be a new chapter in everyone's lives.

You've found love.

Now he— and everybody else— is going to have to learn how to transition from having you most of the time to having barely seeing you. Though he's come to realize, it's been like that ever since you moved to High Camp.

Jake has come to terms that he isn't the best father. But he loves all his children. And always will. And Eywa knows he prays so much to her at night. Asking for patience, knowledge, and strength to help him become a better father.

It’s going to be hard for him to accept that his babygirl is growing up.

Jake took in a much needed breath, “I just wanted to tell you I love you.” His nod and smile gave you that feeling of happiness from back when you were younger.

“And that I’m here for you, always will be. I will be your shoulder to cry when you need it, I’ll listen to every problem you want me to hear because I love you. I want to see you mentally, not only physically as my daughter. But emotionally as my first baby.” Jake’s voice cracked slightly throughout his sentences. Small tears pricked the corners of his eyes.

You were no better. As soon as he said he loved you, your eyes burned. It feels so good to hear your parents say they love you when you feel they haven’t said it in such a long time.

You wiped your eyes, “I love you too dad. And I’ll be here for you too. You can tell me anything too.” Both of you were vulnerable. Your hearts were exposed, almost as if they were out of your chests. The words your father shared were deep. It was personal, but he still told you.

Because he wanted to.

“And I also want you to know. You have my blessing. If that boy starts courting you and you know truly that he’s the one you want and the one you see. You have my blessing.”

Your smiles were contagious, both of you had mirrored smiles on your face, giggling at each others slowly swollen faces.

Before embracing in a much needed, daddy-daughter hug.

hi! this story was a process and a mf half! so much happened while this was in the making, research, blah blah blah blah, school, home stuff but it’s fine! i got it done! and i’m happy i did! if any of you think I should genuinely keep the story going and make a part two please tell me! I’m always open to accepting requests! bye, and thank you for reading 💖!

[anoa-eunoia]

Did it hurt - Tyler Galpin x reader

Smut warning

———

She couldn’t give you a reason as to why she was roaming the woods but there she was wondering around the the dark in that dress she knew he loved. Y/n had known for all to long that Tyler wasn’t who he claimed to be. She could feel it in her bones, he was rotten to the core but so was she.

A Twig cracked and she coulda sworn she felt breath on her neck but she put it down to the paranoia, or better yet The adrenaline of the chase. y/n continued to wonder the woods her hands brushing against the trees as she mistook the slightest noises fior footsteps.

“God, I don't like this.” Y/n whispered to herself. She heard Whispers. She knew it was just the wind with no one to listen but oh how she hoped it was him behind her stalking her like pray. It wasn’t until she found a cave a few miles out that she knew she was on the right tracks but just as she was about to turn back out of the cave she felt and arm around her waist and a hand flew over her mouth

"Don't be scared, Nobody can find us here. my dear.” His voice sent shivers down her spine. She made a pathetic attempt but fight him if but he knew just as much as her that she doesn’t care. Y/n had practically been crawling miles through the woods, for him.

“Get off me.” She whispered trying to be as convincing as she possibly could but Tyler just let out a chuckle spinning her to face him before pushing her against the wall of the cave

“What’s a girl like you doing roaming the woods at this time… don’t you know there’s a killer on the loose?” He teased with that oh so familiar smirk playing on his lips. Y/n rolled her eyes at the sarcasm but all she could think about was the way his hands felt against her skin or how his lips were just inches from her own.

“Maybe I like the thrill.” She told him as his hands moved for her waist to one on her face and the other around her neck. Tyler let out a soft hmm as his fingers traced the freckles across her cheek

“What to do with you?” He said meer seconds before slamming his lips into hers. There wasn’t even a slight hesitation before she kissed him back her arms wrapping around his neck pulling him impossibly close. The second their lips touched she knew she was done for that there was no escaping him. She was his for good.

Y/n was infatuated with Tyler. He was intoxicating. So sweet till he turns around and that’s when you see the Double faces both fighting for the power. Y/n didn’t know which she preferred. She spent every moment she could by his side. Everyone envied how in love they were. Wednesday could have have sworn y/n’s name was Tattooed on Tyler’s heart the way he went on about her when she wasn’t there.

Their love with poison. Intoxicatingly Delicious. But poison.

“What do you mean?” Y/n snapped her head looking over at her boyfriend in the drivers seat of his car. Tyler sighed his hand crawling further up her thigh oh how he loved when she’d get hot headed.

“I didn’t let her die!” He said nonchalantly as he continued to drive which only pissed y/n off more she gripped his hand throwing it off her thigh as she turned her entire body to face him.

“What the fuck is wrong with you!” She yelled Tyler just sat growing angrier the more she was screaming out her livid lungs. Y/n continued to ramble about how he’d promised he wouldn’t hurt her friends but had somehow hurt Enid while she was wolfed out.

“She got in the way!” he spat but y/n wasn’t having it she just rolled her eyes and continued to cuss the boy out

“Yell at me one more fucking time, y/n!” Tyler snapped only speeding up slightly the anger making him reckless

“You’re a fucking cunt!” She yelled before Tyler brought the car to a sudden halt reaching over to unclip her seatbelt

“Get the fuck out of my Car!” He swung her door open watching as the rain that was pouring splashed all over his dashboard. Y/n looked at him in disbelief and before she even had chance to responded he was pushing her out of the car and speeding away leaving her to walk back to Nevermore in the pouring rain.

“Woah, what happened to you?” Ajax said as y/n stomped into Wednesday and Enid’s room drenched from head to toe. Wednesday was busy cleaning up the scratch Tyler had left on Enid’s thigh to even give y/n a second look while thing grabbed her a towel.

“Shit what happened Enid?” Y/n said completely ignoring Ajax comment not wanting to get into why she looked a state.

“Just a run in with The Hyde… but that’s not important, what’s wrong?” Enid asked and she was the one person y/n couldn’t change the subject from.

“Me and Tyler had an argument so I got out of his car and walked back.” Y/n half told the truth Enid sighed going to get up but being pulled back down by Wednesday

“He’ll be on his way to apologise. He’s so infatuated with you it’s pathetic.” Wednesday said her eyes glancing at y/n for mer seconds.

And she was right. when y/n Finally got back to her own room tyler was already sat on her bed looking at her with his pretty doe eyes ready to grovel.

“I’m sorry doll. I shouldn’t have got so angry with you.” He said as y/n kept up her angry facade walking over to get closet Tyler following behind her. “Come on Baby, look at me.” She sighed before turning to face him pouting slightly

“Im sorry.” He whispered before leaning down to catch her lips in his and she could practically taste the apologies right off his tongue. Tyler pulled away way smiling at her with a Dopey, boyish grin.

“See you just can’t be mad at me, I’m irresistible.” He joked

“Shut up and touch me” she said and he immediately obeyed his hands coming under her shirt pulling it off the the process to reveal her bare chest

“Fuck.” He barely let the word slip out before he was pushing her onto her bad as his mouth latched around her left nipple sucking and nipping at it while his hand came to the opposite Brest massaging it. She let out an almost pornographic moan just at the slightest of touch which onto enticed him more. Her hands were gripping his biceps as he made work of her

“God you’re so sensitive.” He groaned watching as her eyes rolled back into her head before he began placing soft kisses down her body stopping just above the waist band of her shorts he didn’t waist anymore time before ripping her underwear off

“Asshole they’re my favourite.”

“I’ll buy you a new pair.” He said stripping himself off before he lined himself up with her entrance before he sank into her both of them gasping at the feeling. “fuck, you feel so good,” he moaned. She was appreciative of his slow thrusts her constant wines were evident of that.

Tyler brought his hand to her mouth shoving two of his fingers into her mouth “As much as I love hearing my name from that pretty little mouth of yours you gotta keep quite or everyone is gonna hear.” He said stifling a moan himself she nodded her legs wrapping around his waist pulling him closer as his hips rocked back and forth

“Fuck, y/n.” He groaned in her ear as she clenched around him. His free hand moving from her mouth and wrapping around her throat squeezing slightly as his hips moved faster

“Fuck Ty… I’m close.” She managed biting her lips to stop herself from screaming out

“You're close, huh Doll? You gonna cum all over my cock like the good girl you are?" Each one of his words brings her closer and closer to the edge, and all it takes is his thumb massaging against her clit to push her over. Everything goes tight. She cry out a high-pitched moan, whispering Romans name over and over because it's the only word She can manage to say. She clench hard around his cock, but his pace never slows which makes the pleasure almost painful. Her thighs are trembling where they're wrapped around his torso and her hands curl into the sheets.

“God you look so pretty like that.” His thrusts start to grow uneven and His breaths become sharp as he snaps his hips against hers until finally he releases a strained moan from low in his throat and stills inside her, spilling his cum into her. His head drops to the crook of her neck momentarily pressing light kisses over the marks he’d previously left. He pulled out of her rolling onto his back next to her.

“Did it hurt?” Y/n said breathlessly looking over at him

“Did what hurt?”

“when you fell from heaven, just for me?” Tyler laughed as he got up from her bed leaning down to kiss her softly

“It'll hurt worse if you leave.”

And that’s when she knew she was going to love him till she lost her mind.

[tainted-liquor]

'You're An Angel ʚ♡ɞ

E1610Miles x Halle Coded!BlackFem Reader ingredients: Sugar, kisses, n a lil bit of smiles! Tws: I don't think any? Awkward/accurate Miles? W/C: 882 A/N: I TRIED MY HARDEST TO CAPTURE HALLE IM SORRYY

"You're literally the sweetest!"

"She's an angel, oh my god."

"Thats my baefy for real, she so sweet!"

Everywhere you went, you seemed to earn yourself a reputation for being a great person. From your gentle and patient character, your calming voice, and your honesty when it came to tough situations. Every one of your friends always said you could do no harm, and always being someone's shoulder to cry on. When people say everyone in Brooklyn Visions says everyone loved you, they mean everyone. So what happens when a strange boy you've never seen before comes speeding down the hallway, looking lost and stressed during your shared free period?

The library doors banged open aggressively, revealing a panting and hunched over Miles as he silently apologized to the people staring at him. You whipped your head towards the source of the noise, quickly locking eyes with a sweet-looking boy as he gave a sideways smile and a nervous 'sorry'. You gave him a warm smile and a thumbs-up before returning your focus back to your notebook, jotting down notes for your Honors Chemistry class so you could actually pass this semester. It was silent for the most part, you humming along to the music playing in your right ear as you refrained from banging your head on the table over some dumb isotopes. After a moment of silence, the boy from a couple seconds earlier sat across from you, two seats to the left as he clearly struggled to control his breathing.

You leaned over the table, gently tapping him with the tip of your pencil. You whispered a small "Are you alright? You look a little stressed, would you like some water?" you asked as you offered him a water bottle from your lunchbox. His eyes widened a fraction as he turned to you, clearing his throat and giving you a very shaky "I'm alright! Thank you." You nodded your head, turning your attention to the library doors once again as your friends came swarming in like a group of NYC subway rats. As soon as you were in their sights, there was a swarm of girls rushing to give you a spine-breaking hug as they squealed things that sounded like 'Hey girl!' 'How are you!' and 'Heyyy!"

This caught Miles's attention, watching as the table slowly filled itself up as your friends wasted zero time in making quick convo, whispering and gossiping about whatever it was that they were talking about. Miles was immediately caught off guard by your voice, having already heard it a couple minutes prior, but just now registering how soft and reassuring it was. The way you muttered small praises and loving nicknames to each of your friends caught him for a loop, and he found himself staring at your gorgeous side profile as you spoke to your girls. "Uhm, excuse me do you have a problem?" Hailey spoke, immediately snapping Miles out of his mini-trance as the rest of the table whipped their heads to look at where the issue was. Miles quickly stammered, muttering a tiny 'no' as you gave Hailey a firm glare before returning your attention to the boy across from you.

"I am so sorry! She doesn't mean it, she's in a mood right now." You giggled, offering Miles another warm smile. "What's your name by the way?" You asked, leaning your head on Hailey's shoulder while still maintaining eye contact with the boy. "Oh-Uh What? Oh! I'm Morales- Ah, Miles! Miles!" he blurted, giving you an awkward smile as you nodded slowly. "Nice to meet you, Miles! Let me know if you ever need anything, okay?" You smiled, turning your attention back to your friends as Miles gave you a small nod. And that simple conversation changed the trajectory of your relationship forever.

Miles began talking to you more frequently, making up excuses to start a conversation so he could hear that soft little voice of yours as often as possible. He fell face-first into your polite and caring nature, learning why everyone spoke so highly of you as he began learning your character. He found himself drawing Gwen in the past, but when It came to you it was a whole different story. He sketched you like something out of a bible picture book, with wings spanning across pages and a halo like the sun as you flashed that perfect smile of yours. He even found himself painting you a couple of times, lively watercolor and paint markers mixing together as each feature of yours occupied his canvas.

He rushed up to your locker, watching as you emptied any unnecessary books or material into the blue metal as he leaned against the neighboring locker. "Oh, hey Bambi! What's up?" you smiled, closing your locker to face him as he gave you a nervous smile. He waved, handing you a tiny folded-up piece of paper before seemingly disappearing twice as fast as he gave it to you. You smiled in shock, unfolding the paper as you scanned over the note.

'pls go out with me'

You giggled, finding his shy and nervous demeanor cute as you placed the note in your pocket. You kind of thought you were already a thing, but it was great to have that confirmation!

[bumblesimagines]

“can i kiss you?”

“is this your way of asking me out or—”

“think i wanna do a little more than just kiss.”

- Belly Conklin

“think i wanna do a little more than just kiss.”

“is this your way of asking me out or—”

“can i kiss you?”

Pronouns: he/him/his, male

imma be fully honest, i haven't finished season 1 but i know people have many opinions on season 2

Belly surveyed the other teenagers partying around her, feeling wildly out of her element amongst dancing and drinking strangers. Steven had promised their mother he'd keep an eye on her, but the second he found Shayla amidst the party, he went after her like a puppy and left Belly all alone to search for the Fisher brothers. Her two friends had similarly drifted away as well, one in search of his girlfriend and the other had gone off to chat with some old friends.

Thus, Belly Conklin had been left alone to do as she pleased without three guys hovering over her. Not that she felt like doing much. She watched drinking competitions with a nervous grimace, felt too out of place to dance, and had no one to talk to unless she wanted to bring the boys' attention back to her.

Waddling deeper into the party and whispering soft a 'excuse me' every three seconds, she began having regrets about pestering the boys' into letting her attend. The feeling only intensified upon spotting Conrad sat on one of the couches with an arm hung loosely around Nicole and the smallest of smiles on his face.

Her body went rigid and she took in a sharp inhale, spinning back around to block the sight from her vision. She tried ignoring the way her throat tightened and her veins flooded with jealousy and hurt. Conrad was her best friend. He never even showed any real interest in her. But seeing him cozying up to someone else...

"Isabel!" A voice called her name and she looked up, spotting the familiar teen sat on the opposite side of the room. He grinned at her and Belly surprised herself by immediately walking over to him. (Y/N) straightened up on the couch and set his red solo cup on the nightstand beside him. "Never thought I'd see you at a party."

Relief trickled into her and she smiled at him. The two weren't close by any means but Belly knew him well enough to feel comfortable around him. She only saw him on occasion every summer when his mother would drop by to see Susannah and catch up. Steven had desperately been trying to gain the attention of (Y/N), one of Cousin's notable 'cool kids', but his attempts always proved futile.

"It's not really my vibe, I guess." Belly chuckled breathlessly and brushed her hair back over her ear, glancing back in the direction of Conrad while doing so. Their eyes locked and she snapped her attention back to (Y/N).

"I could introduce you to some of my friends, if you want. It's always easier to know who to hang with." He offered with a shrug and she exhaled heavily, body nearly slumping into the cushion of the couch.

"That'd be... really nice. Thank you, (Y/N)." Belly smiled widely and tucked her legs underneath her, propping one arm up on the thick cushion of the couch. She took another glance back at Conrad and a jolt went up her spine when she noticed him watching them.

And then, an idea struck.

“Can I kiss you?” The words tumbled out of her mouth faster than she processed them and her skin immediately lit ablaze. Part of her couldn't believe she'd even asked. Her experience in the romance department was nonexistent and she'd only ever briefly kissed Cam, yet there she was, asking a far more experienced friend if she could kiss them.

“Is this your way of asking me out or—” His amusement made her skin warm further.

"No! I mean, it's not like I don't think you're hot- I mean, I-I wouldn't say no if you asked me out but I didn't ask to ask you out, if that makes sense? I-" Belly groaned quietly and covered her face, unable to shake off the embarrassment as he snickered quietly under his breath. Taking in a deep breath and moving her hands from her face, she scooted closer to him and dropped her voice to a whisper. "I... I like Conrad. I've liked him for a really long time and... I want to, I don't know, make him jealous, I guess."

"I see." (Y/N) hummed, eyes flickering past her to look at Conrad. He pursed his lips in thought and just when she was about to brush aside everything, he gently grabbed her chin and pulled her in. An electrifying feeling erupted within her when their lips connected, goosebumps rising across her arms and the hairs on the nape of her neck rose.

His fingers fluttered over her jawline until his palm pressed against her cheek, their lips briefly disconnecting and nose brushing against each other before he closed the gap again. While Belly had no clue on what to do with herself, she decided to let her instincts do the acting. Her hands found his shoulders and she leaned forward, pulling back for a moment to settle down on his lap. He chuckled against her lips and tilted his head, arms curling around her waist to keep from from falling backwards.

"What'd you think about that, Isabel?"

“Think I wanna do a little more than just kiss.” She whispered, heat erupting in her belly and a flustered giggle escaping her. His lips curled into a smirk and he gave a curt nod.

"That can be arranged." He murmured and she moved her hands up to cup his face, strands of her long hair brushing against his skin. Before she could lean in again, an angry voice barked out.

"What the fuck do you think you're doing?"

Oh, shit. Conrad.

[withacapitalp]

How to Rehabilitate a Jock in Four Months Part 13

Part One Part Twelve Link to Ao3. Part Fourteen

This is the stoncy chapter I've been talking about y'all enjoy!

All I want is to be left alone, in my average home

But why do I always feel

Like I'm in the Twilight Zone?

Click. 

No one heard a single word you said

They should have seen it in your eyes

What was going around your head

Click

Mama, oooh

I don't want to die,

I sometimes wish I'd never been born at all.

Click. 

Static. 

“Just leave it off Jonathan?” Nancy murmured. Jonathan shrugged, clicking off the radio and  putting his reaching hand back on the steering wheel. Ten and two, perfectly safe.

Did that matter to Nancy? She had always made a fuss about Steve driving one handed, but he had ignored her, even joked about her being a nag. He thought it was fun, the teasing little jabs that a couple gives each other when they’re young and dumb and in love. 

Was this one of the million things he had missed about Nancy? Was that why she had stopped loving him? 

Hell, maybe she never even started.  

Or maybe Steve was just overthinking things. None of it mattered, not really. Not anymore. It was a bunch of inconsequential details, that was all. Nancy just didn’t want to listen to the never ending changing sounds of Jonathan trying to find something on the radio. Steve was also grateful it was finally quiet, even if the tension filling the silence of the car was threatening to crush his lungs flat. 

“I don’t think it’s your fault.”

That was his voice. He had just said that. 

Why the hell did he just say that?!

Steve snapped his mouth shut, eyes widening as he realized he had just spoken without even meaning to. He hadn’t even really been thinking about it, but now it was out in the air for all of them to deal with. 

Jonathan flinched violently when he heard the words, like Steve had just hit him right in the jaw, and Nancy’s entire body was stiff as a board. Steve’s own limbs were locked up, joints starting to ache from how straight his spine was. 

“You said-“ Steve cut himself off with a frustrated little sigh, looking out the window at the trees rushing past them. He forced his body to relax, taking a deep breath the way Joyce said to. 

“I don’t think it’s your fault,” He repeated, quieter. 

That’s what she had said before, after he told her off. She said it was her fault they broke up, so that meant she blamed herself, right? Or that she thought Steve blamed her? He didn’t, and he didn’t want her thinking that he did. 

That was probably why she wanted to be friends so badly. All this time he hadn’t really gotten it, but now it was starting to make sense. She just wanted to get rid of the guilt, or maybe she pitied him. 

It wasn’t real. It was just Nancy being Nancy- trying to make things better. 

Steve wasn’t really that sure this was better. For any of them. Maybe knowing that he didn’t blame her would be enough to make Nancy give up pretending that she cared, when he already knew what he was to her. 

Bullshit. 

The quiet had stretched out too long, every second grating on Steve’s already frayed nerves. But just as he went to speak, to tell her to forget the whole thing, Nancy finally replied. 

“I thought you didn’t care that she was dead.”

Oh. 

And the fog was back. 

When the power had gone out, a fog had fallen over Steve. Thick white clouds and emptiness with nothing around him to hold onto. He wasn’t in his body anymore, just nearby. Jeff had helped him start to find the light, but now Nancy’s words were throwing him dead into the center of the mist. 

“I thought it didn’t matter to you. That my best friend was dead, and no one noticed,” She continued, her voice breaking.

It was good he couldn’t feel anything right now. 

If he could, he would probably act stupid about this. Get mad, or be angry, try and hide all the other bigger, more confusing, emotions down under things that made sense. But, since he couldn’t feel anything, Steve thought. 

He thought, and thought, and thought; wracking his brains, treading the water as he tried to think about what else he could have possibly done to show Nancy he cared. He had gone to every dinner at the Hollands with Nancy, every memorial. Steve had even gone to Barb’s funeral, and that had happened after they broke up. 

The only thing he didn’t do was the one thing that could put them all in danger. Steve had just tried to keep everyone safe, because Barb was gone, but Nancy was still here, and Steve could help her. 

But apparently that was the only thing that had ever mattered. All the rest was just bullshit.  

“I haven’t gone in my pool since that night,” Steve managed to say through the fog, “not once.” 

It was true. He hadn’t gone in any other pool either. The smell of the chlorine made him nauseous now, and the feeling of water on his skin left him anxious and jumpy. He had given up his spot on the swim team, and Nancy had never asked why. She thought he didn’t care, but she didn’t even notice that. 

Eddie would have noticed. 

Steve sucked in a sharp breath, viciously thrown out of the mist by that idle, ludicrous thought. Eddie might’ve noticed, but that didn’t mean anything. Why on earth would it matter if Eddie would have asked? 

But Eddie noticed tonight too, a strange little voice said in the back of his mind, Eddie noticed when you ran off, and he went looking for you. 

No. No. They all went looking for him. They all did, because they were his friends. It wasn’t like Eddie- It wasn’t like Steve-

“I’m really tired,” Steve whispered, lacing his fingers together to try and make his hands stop shaking, his mind pulled in too many directions to form a coherent thought. 

“Same,” Nancy agreed with a humourless laugh. 

“Yeah,” Jonathan sighed, taking the last turn into the cul-de-sac. 

If there was going to be any more conversation after that, it was quickly put on hold, because the second Jonathan’s headlights flashed across the front of the Wheeler house, the kids were spilling out the front door. 

Somewhere along the drive, the power must have turned on, because all of the lights were on in the house. Bright gold light spilled along inky black grass as Jonathan smoothly pulled into the driveway, throwing the parking brake just in time for the kids to practically slam themselves into his car. 

“Geez, easy guys!” Jonathan barked as he shot out of the car, inspecting to see if there was any damage. Steve and Nancy got out slower on the other side, coming around as the kids began their interrogation, throwing words and bodies directly at Steve. 

“Where were you?!” 

“Why didn’t you answer your walkie!” 

“What is the point of party rules if you don’t follow them!” 

And on and on. It was another long ass lecture, one Steve was not interested in hearing. He wanted to snap and tell them all to knock it off, but just a single look over made him close his mouth and force another deep breath. 

They were good at hiding it, shoving it deep under anger and indignation, but Steve knew his kids. 

Dustin’s face was buried right in the middle of Steve’s chest, his hat knocked off in the calamity, and Lucas was practically glued to his side. Mike was yelling, but he had his eyes firmly on the ground, a tell tale sign he was tearing up, and Max hadn’t even spoken yet. Even Will had pulled away to nestle against Jonathan, wide eyed and worried, alternating between looking at his friends, and their babysitter. 

He had scared them. Badly. 

“I’m sorry,” Steve said, apologizing easily as he made direct eye contact with Max, who was staring him down. “I shouldn’t have left my walkie where I couldn’t get to it quickly.”

“Where were you?” Dustin demanded, still latched onto Steve like a koala. 

“I went with Eddie and Hellfire to go see his show,” Steve explained, gently starting to extract himself from both Dustin and Lucas. “I told Hopper about it, but he must have forgotten to tell you guys.”

Was it particularly nice to blame Hopper? No, but Steve could do damage control later. Right now he had to get his kids back to at least a somewhat controllable emotional state.

“A show?” Mike said incredulously, crossing his arms. He looked up from behind his bangs for a second as he spoke, quickly going back to glaring at the ground. 

Progress. At least a little bit.

“He’s in a band,” Steve replied. “They’re called Corroded Coffin. They play metal music.”

“Cool name,” Max said shortly, speaking for the first time since he got there. Steve nodded, mentally counting. 

One and Two in his arms, Three and Four standing in front of him, Five with Jonathan…

“Where’s El?” Steve asked, his heart dropping to his feet. The looks the kids shared only made the feeling worse, and Steve could feel his hands starting to shake. 

The fog was rolling back in.

——————————

“She hasn’t woken up at all since Hopper dropped her off,” Lucas explained in a hushed tone as they went down the stairs. It was hard to manage with all the kids still crowded pretty close around him, but Steve managed the best he could. 

El was lying on the couch, snuggled tight under a handmade blue and yellow quilt. Her curls were poking from one end, and mismatched polka dot socks peeked out from the other. 

“What happened?” Steve wondered, walking over in a daze and pulling the corner of the blanket back to look down at El’s face. 

“Apparently they were watching a movie, and then the lights started to flicker,” Dustin said as Steve squatted down to examine El more closely. 

She was sleeping still, but not peacefully. Her brow was furrowed, and her eyes darted back and forth behind her eyelids. Whatever dream she was having, if it was a dream at all, was not good. 

“She sat up, gasped, and then just… passed out,” Will added, looking uncomfortable. “I didn’t feel anything when the power went out, not really. Maybe a shiver? I dunno, but my mom went with Hopper to check the lab out.”

“We’re lucky my parents are out with Holly visiting Nana for the holidays,” Nancy said. 

“Very lucky,” Steve said hollowly, not really feeling lucky at all. He took El’s wrist as he spoke and felt out a pulse, just to be safe. 

It was there, strong and steady. The tension melted from Steve’s shoulders, and he sighed again, keeping his fingers pressed against her pulse point. 

“She’s fine,” Mike insisted, sitting on the floor next to Steve and staring at El, still avoiding looking at Steve. 

“Of course she is,” Steve agreed, unable to help the smile on his face. “Like you would ever let anything happen to her.”

This was enough to crack through Mike’s icy facade. He looked up at Steve for a second before sighing and roughly jabbing his elbow in Steve’s direction. It was the closest he was going to get to forgiveness, and he would take it. 

Besides, he had bigger things to worry about now. El was waking up, and not in a good way. She had started to whimper, her head tossing and turning. Then, just as Steve was going to try and shake her awake, she sat straight up, eyes wide open. 

“Steve?!” El said, panic and fear heavy in her tone, cutting straight through his heart. She looked around in a panic, curls flying as she seemed not to notice any of them near her. 

“Steve!” El yelled again, sounding even more terrified. 

“Hey, I’m right here,” Steve said, reaching over gently and putting his hand on El’s back.  He went as slow and careful as possible, but El jumped anyway, letting out a small scream of fright just at being touched, which only made Steve’s heart hurt more.  

The second she realized it was Steve that had his hand on her, El launched herself at him, practically welding her arms around his neck and squeezing on just the wrong side of too tight. 

“Had a bad dream,” El whimpered, nearly inaudible from where she was buried into his shoulder. Steve hugged her back, lifting her off of the couch and into his arms, gently rubbing his hand up and down the way Hopper had done for him the other day when he had his migraine. 

“It’s okay, it’s over now,” He said, trying to soothe her. 

“No,” El insisted, squirming her way out of Steve’s hold so she could latch her hands around his 

forearms, fingers pressing in hard enough Steve was almost worried he would have bruises. 

“You were holding something silver,” El started, her voice going dead monotone as her eyes glazed over. She wasn’t seeing him, just looking now. “You thought there was not enough time, so you made a choice.”

“Ellie,” Steve whispered, using his nickname for her to try and pull her from wherever she had gone. 

“Me for them,” El said, steamrolling right over Steve’s attempt, “you kept thinking that over and over. Me for them. Me for them. Me for them.”

She continued to say it, lowering her voice to barely a whisper as tears pooled in her eyes. 

“It’s okay, Ellie, it was- it was just a dream,” Steve said helplessly as El burrowed back into his arms, shaking her head. 

Whether it was or wasn’t, she was miserable, and Steve couldn’t leave her like that. He  wrapped her in a firm hug, blindly turning around to give Jonathan and Nancy a confused look, hoping they had some sort of answer. 

Unfortunately they were clearly just as perplexed by El’s sudden downturn into weirdness, and the kids seemed downright freaked out. 

“There is always enough time, Steve. Do not run,” El murmured, sounding utterly exhausted. “It is not you or us, and I do not want you Gone.”

Gone. The word El used because she couldn’t even think about the other one. 

“I’m not going anywhere, El, I promise,” Steve swore, hoping that would be enough to stop whatever this was. 

“If you run, it will get you.”

A cold shiver ran down Steve’s spine at El’s declaration. Judging by the looks the others were giving him, they had felt the same thing. It was more than just the words of a traumatized child in the throes of a nightmare. It was…

It was…

It was just more. More in a way that made Steve want to let the fog come back. He wanted to not feel anything, wanted to be blank, but he couldn’t. He had to fight it, because everyone was looking at him for an answer, and Steve didn’t have one yet. 

“You were watching a movie before with Hopper?” Steve asked, going with his instincts. 

“Yes,” El said slowly, unsure of why Steve was asking her. She furrowed her brow, pulling an absolutely adorable confused look. “It was called The Unsinkable Molly Brown.”

“My mom really likes that movie,” Mike said idly, mostly talking to himself. 

That meant that the Wheeler’s definitely had a copy. And El hadn’t finished the movie. 

“We should finish it,” Steve declared, coming up with a plan at the speed of light. “Mike, go get it.”

“What?! No,” Mike said, more shock than actual denial. “We can’t just sit around watching a movie! What if something happens?”

“Then something happens,” Steve shot back immediately, using his snarkiest tone of voice. He stood up, easily lifting El alongside him and dumping her onto the couch next to Max and making both girls let out unexpected laughter as they were jostled around.  

“Until Hopper and Mrs. Byers get back, we have a job… building the world’s best blanket fort,” Steve said, placing his hands on his hips and squaring his shoulders. 

“Yes!” Dustin hissed, holding out his hand for Lucas to smack. They had instantly caught onto Steve’s infectious energy, grabbing Max and Will and planning a layout that would be ideal for holding all six of them. 

As they began to debate the pros and cons of grabbing chairs from the kitchen upstairs, Steve turned to Jonathan and Nancy. Jonathan looked dubious, and Nancy wasn’t much better, but they weren’t arguing against him, and that was what mattered most. He only had one more hurdle to get over, and apparently Eleven was going to do it for him. 

“I enjoyed your old fort,” El said softly, giving Mike one of her tiny wonderful smiles, “it was fun.”

Mike melted into a puddle of goo, like he always did when it came to her. If it was just Steve, the answer would be no. If it was the party and Steve, the answer would probably still be no. Even with his sister and Jonathan thrown in, it wouldn’t stop Mike from pitching a fit.  

But El? There was nothing that boy wouldn’t do to make her happy. 

“Fine. I’ll go get the stupid movie,” Mike grumbled, stomping towards the stairs. Dustin blew past him in a rush with Will hot on his heels. 

“I’m stealing your pillow, Mike!” Dustin yelled from the top of the stairs, sounding positively gleeful. 

“Like hell you are!” The boy snarled, taking the steps two at a time to catch up with his friends. 

Steve could hear them arguing all the way to Mike’s  bedroom, happy fighting that meant his distraction was working like a charm. 

That was what he was best at. He couldn’t stop the monsters, he couldn’t make the fog go away. But Steve could light some candles and make shadows on the walls with his hands to tell a story. He could create something for them to focus on that wasn’t fear, for as long as they would take it from him. 

That had to be enough. It was all he had to give now. 

“Alright Mayfield, where do you want to start?” Steve asked, turning towards his favorite redhead. 

——————————

There they were, all six of them sleeping in a pile. Again. 

El in the middle, her face now lax and soft with peaceful sleep. Will on one side, Dustin on the other. Lucas and Max resting their heads on her stomach with Mike holding her hand over Will’s chest. 

And there Steve was, just sitting there watching them. 

Again. 

It was probably going to start being creepy at some point, but Steve couldn’t stop. There was a part of him that was convinced if he looked away, maybe even if he blinked for too long, they would disappear. A single moment, and they would be gone, and it would be his fault for not watching.

At least there wasn’t any pool light to shine on them now. Just the soft orange glow of the street lamps filtering in from the high basement window. 

“Hey,” A voice said from behind him, pulling Steve out of his thoughts. 

“Hey,” Steve replied, not bothering to turn and look as Jonathan eased himself down, sitting crosslegged on Steve’s left. They sat quietly, both staring at the sleeping kids in companionable silence. 

“Our parents used to fight a lot,” Jonathan said, cutting through the quiet. His voice was soft, low so it didn’t wake the kids, but sitting this close, Steve could hear every word. 

“Mom would send us to our rooms, but it didn’t matter. When they were screaming at each other, you could hear it all the way down the street.”

You could hear it in the woods too. Steve could remember a few times he was walking through the forest and caught the barely there sound of Mr. and Mrs. Byers arguing. 

He had tried not to listen, but the curiosity had been too alluring. Steve’s parents fought cold, cold to the point of freezing. They hurt each other with pointed words in a polite tone, or icy silences that made even Steve shiver. To them, being the first one to yell was losing. Then you were ‘overdramatic’, ‘irrational’, and above all ‘wrong’. 

There was something so foreign about the way the couple screamed at each other, but still so compelling. Like there was no hiding their feelings, no need to push down the pain. They gave it to each other loud enough for the rest of the world to hear, and everyone in town knew almost every detail about their extremely messy separation. 

Almost no one knew that Steve’s parents rarely ever slept in the same bed anymore. They continued to remain the perfect couple, a pillar of the town’s upper class society. It was a dirty little secret, the kind that kept Steve up at night. 

He still wasn’t sure which way was better. 

“So I used to put on music for us,” Jonathan continued, unaware of Steve’s thoughts. There was a ghost of a smile on his face, the kind that seemed to be solely reserved for Will and Nancy,.“The Clash, Bon Jovi, The Police. Whatever would be loudest.”

It seemed that even quiet kid Jonathan was loud when he had to be, truly his parent’s child. Another little quirk of his for Steve to remember, even if he had no idea why Jonathan was telling him this story. 

“I get it now. Why you act the way you do,” Jonathan whispered, watching Will like a hawk. “You don’t want this to be the only thing they know. You want them to still get a chance to let this go someday, even if we never will.” 

A familiar rush of envy shot through Steve’s veins. Jonathan was just so damn perceptive, able to cut straight to the heart of an issue in a way Steve could never do. Steve was perceptive, but never on purpose. It was like there was this secret part of his brain that processed things and gave him little tidbits whenever it felt like it. 

Jonathan just understood. 

“Do you think it was just a power outage?” Steve murmured, needing to know if Jonathan felt the same way he did. 

“I don’t think it will ever just be a power outage anymore,” Jonathan said with a sigh, hitting the nail perfectly on the head, “not for us.” 

“Fuck,” Steve swore, hating the way Jonathan’s words made tears prick at his eyes. It was just so damn exhausting, annoying in a way that was impossible to explain. Steve had survived as long as he did by being able to let things go. Nothing stuck, nothing held on, and he was safe. 

But there was no letting go anymore. 

Steve had memories, and Steve had migraines, and Steve had kids. They needed him to remember, because they needed to be able to rely on him. He had to remember because how else would he keep them safe? 

It was sacrifice, and Steve didn’t mind it, but damn if it didn’t make him so tired all the time. 

“At least you aren’t going crazy all by yourself,” Jonathan offered, ducking his head down the way he always did when he was being genuine or kind. Like he was scared to see what people would do when he was nice to them, or nervous if he looked they would take it differently. 

Steve huffed out a soft laugh, leaning over to bump their shoulders together. It was silly, but a little bit of the awkwardness was gone. Not just the awkwardness of staring at a bunch of sleeping preteens, but also the awkwardness that seemed to permanently exist between him and Jonathan. 

The door from the house to the basement creaked open, light spilling down onto the kids. Jonathan looked up, and Steve risked a glance away from them as well. If Jonathan thought it was fine, it probably would be. 

Nancy was slowly making her way down the stairs, balancing three steaming mugs with the precision only she seemed to have. Both boys jumped to help her, each grabbing a cup before walking back to their spots. 

“The kids?” Nancy asked as she sat on the couch nearby them, taking a sip from her mug. 

“All good,” Steve reassured, looking down at his own drink. Hot chocolate, foamy and smelling absolutely divine.

He took a sip, letting it burn the roof of his mouth just to give himself something to do. The awkwardness had returned with Nancy’s arrival, sitting like a rock in all of their stomachs. Unconsciously Steve began to count the seconds, timing his breaths to beats of four. 

Four. In.

Eight. Hold.

Twelve. Out.

Sixteen. Hold. 

Twenty. In-

“I should have noticed,” Nancy murmured, cutting through the silence.

Steve blew his breath out early, glancing over at Nancy. She was staring down into her cup of cocoa, but her eyes darted up to meet Steve’s as soon as she spoke, needing to see his reaction. 

He couldn’t give her much. Steve didn’t know what she had apparently not noticed. 

“That you never went in the pool anymore,” Nancy continued when she realized he didn’t understand. “You always loved to swim before.”

Oh. 

Steve placed his mug on the floor next to him, going back to staring at the kids. 

“It was wrong,” Nancy started, brave as ever, unable to hide the way Steve always did. “I knew it was, but I knew you loved me, and you wouldn’t hurt me, and I was just so-“

She cut herself off, sounding uncharacteristically choked up. Steve couldn’t see, because he wasn’t looking at her.

“But I knew it was wrong to start dating you again. And I’m sorry.”

Was she sorry that she had dated him, or sorry she said yes? Did all of that mean that there really wasn’t anything that mattered between them for an entire year? 

Steve didn’t want the answers. He didn’t even want to talk about this. He wanted the fog and he wanted to hide, and he even wanted the awkward silence from before. 

Anything but this. 

“Nance-” 

“I hurt you, Steve,” Nancy said, interrupting him before he could stop the conversation. 

She said it so plainly. A statement of fact, not opinion. Steve had justified everything by telling himself he was a shitty boyfriend, that he had done a bad job, and that’s why they didn’t work. 

He had never even let himself really consider that it was Nancy and not him that had been a bad partner. That just wasn’t how relationships worked. He was the one that did the wrong thing, he was the one that didn’t work hard enough. 

But Nancy hadn’t noticed he didn’t swim anymore. 

“And I made myself think that you had done something to cause our problems,” Nancy said, with a laugh that bordered on a sob. Steve was glad he wasn’t looking at her. If she was crying, he wouldn’t be able to have this conversation. “I made it so you didn’t care enough, or that you didn’t notice, when the truth was I refused to let you in. I had to make it your problem, because I couldn’t handle it if it was just me doing the wrong thing.”

“You didn’t hurt me on purpose, Nancy,” Steve said dumbly, inserting himself in the middle of her self-deprecating spiral, unable to listen as she took the entire weight of their failed relationship. 

“Does that matter?” Nancy asked.

“It matters to me,” Steve said, his voice firm and his tone set. 

He forced his body to stand, walking over to the couch and sitting next to Nancy, risking a look over to see her face. Sure enough, there were tear tracks on her cheeks, and just seeing them was enough to make Steve want to balk and forget the whole thing. 

But he didn’t waver, didn’t stop, because if Nancy could be brave enough to do this, then Steve had to be too. 

“I meant it, Nancy, when I told you that night that it was okay,” Steve said, leaning his forearms on his knees. “You weren’t happy with me and…”

He gathered his courage, needing to admit the thing he hadn’t even really been able to say to himself before tonight. 

“And I wasn’t happy either.”

“What?” Nancy breathed, turning to stare at Steve with complete bewilderment in her eyes.

Just saying it was like cutting the strings holding him up. Steve’s entire body sagged in relief and he wasn’t afraid to look at Nancy now. 

“I made myself think I was, or that we would be able to get there,” Steve explained, finally fully realizing what he had been feeling in the weeks since their breakup, “but that night that El closed the gate? When I told you to go with Jonathan and let me stay with the kids? I felt this… release. Like we could both just finally breathe, because we were broken up, but we weren’t losing anyone. I wasn’t losing you, and you are never going to lose me.” 

That was at the heart of everything, wasn’t it? Nancy had lost Barb, and she didn’t think she could go through that kind of pain again. Steve knew she could, he was pretty sure there wasn’t a thing in the world that would knock Nancy down permanently. But she didn’t know, and the fear of that was enough to make her act a little crazy. 

He could get that. He was still counting the kids. 

Steve opened an arm, and Nancy hugged him tightly, the same desperate clutching hold that she had given him earlier in the parking lot. 

“I do care about you, so much,” Nancy whispered harshly into his ear, saying the words like she needed to make herself believe them, “I do care. I do.”

“I know,” Steve replied, shocked at how true it was. He did know how much Nancy cared. She cared more than anything, but she was scared about that. All that bravery, all that courage, and she was still terrified to say she loved, because she thought it would hurt worse when loss came. 

It was funny how similar they were. Steve could see that now. 

“Everything’s okay now,” Steve told her as they broke apart. 

“Is it?” Nancy asked dubiously, turning to Jonathan who shrugged. 

“If it isn’t, then we’ll survive. We always do,” Jonathan pointed out, coming over and sitting on Nancy’s other side. She leaned against him and he hooked his chin overtop her head, raising an eyebrow towards Steve. 

“Still have your bat?”

“Well it’s in my car that’s sitting in Eddie’s driveway, but I think we can probably make a pit stop before the devil dogs get us,” Steve offered. Nancy and Jonathan both immediately began to laugh, trying to smother down giggles and snickers so they didn’t wake up the kids. 

“What?” Steve said, teasingly defensive. “Mad that I have friends?”

“D-d-demodogs, Steve,” Nancy said through her tamped down laughter. “Devil dogs are a p-p-p-pastry!” 

All three of them lost it. Nancy hid her face in her hands, and Jonathan put his forehead against the crown of her head, his shoulders shaking. Steve bit down his grin, watching the two of them with a soft golden glow sitting in his chest. 

No, things weren’t perfect, and they probably never would be, but there was something about getting to laugh about all of this that was incredibly cathartic. 

“Okay what is going on with you and Eddie Munson?” Nancy finally asked when she had control of herself again. 

“What do you mean, Nance?” Steve asked, grabbing his mug and holding it close. 

“You’re like total opposites,” Jonathan explained, still grinning. “It’s like Freaky Friday.”

Nancy snorted, and Steve sputtered as he tried to defend himself and his friend. They weren’t that different, at least Steve didn’t think so. Eddie was sweet, smart in a kind of unconventional way, and he was always trying his hardest in everything he did. He noticed everything, but he didn’t always have to comment. At least, not in a way that was too deep. 

They were similar in the ways that mattered. The ways that mattered to Steve anyway. 

But there was no way to explain that, was there? Not one that would make sense to anyone but him. 

“He’s safe,” Steve said simply, wrapping it all up in just two words. 

Nancy and Jonathan shared one of those secret couple looks after Steve spoke, communicating without words as they processed his explanation. But before either of them could comment, bright headlights raced across the windows. Someone was outside. 

Instant mood shift. The easy going warmth between the three of them had disappeared, replaced by a panicky cold that made Steve’s hands tremble and his mind go blank. Nancy stood and the two boys got up right after, all three moving as a single unit out of the basement and up to the driveway. 

Hopper and Joyce were getting out of his car, hopping down with drawn weary looks and slumped shoulders. Nancy grabbed Jonathan’s hand, and, after a moment of hesitation, she grabbed Steve’s with her other. They let Hopper and Joyce approach them, both groups staring the other down in the strangest standoff Steve had ever seen. 

“Well?” Nancy asked, still brave. 

“Nothing,” Hopper answered with a sigh, “no gate.” 

No gate. 

It should have been a relief. Steve should be happy now, calm and content. Instead it was a hollow victory, an achievement that only made him feel worse. 

“That’s not possible,” Jonathan insisted, and Steve had to agree. After everything they went through tonight, that was it? 

“There’s nothing there. Owens took us through the entire lab. Everything was still condemned, locked up tight. We even went down to the basement, and there was no gate,” Joyce explained, rubbing a hand over face and wrapping her arms around her middle. 

“It was just a power outage,” Hopper said, as if that was the end of it. 

But it wasn’t. It would never be the end of it. There was still too much unanswered. 

“El passed out,” Steve protested, speaking up for the first time since they came outside.  Not only had she passed out, she had also had some sort of vision about him that ended in him being Gone. That didn’t feel like just a power outage. 

“And she’s a traumatized kid,” Hopper replied, using the same soft tone he had when they were sitting together on his steps. “She’s entitled to a few overreactions.” 

An overreaction? Was that really all this was? But then what had Steve seen in the woods by the trailer park? Why had the headlights on Eddie’s van flickered? 

He wanted to tell them, wanted to explain why he was pressing the issue, but Steve couldn’t make his mouth form the words. They just swirled around in the back of his mind, dark and stormy. 

“We made sure. There’s nothing there,” Joyce said, reaching over and holding out a hand for Jonathan. He pulled away from Nancy and went to his mother, both of them starting to speak in low whispers. Hopper stepped closer, giving Steve a once over. 

“Seems like you and El both are going for the whole MTV punk thing,” Hopper teased. Steve gave him an unimpressed look, and Hopper held up his hands in surrender. “No hate, just pointing it out.”

“I went to Eddie’s show tonight?” Steve reminded him. Recognition flitted across the man’s features and his good mood soured ever so slightly. 

“Ah, yes, drug dealing Eddie Munson,” Hopper said with a sigh. Steve stuck his tongue out, annoyed that he was so focused on that one single detail. So what? Eddie sold drugs. He wasn’t the only one who did, and at least he wasn’t cutting them with ridiculous shit like Marty Feldman liked to. 

“Where’s your car?” Hopper asked, clearly hoping to change the subject.  

“At Eddie’s place,” Steve promptly answered. Hopper huffed out a sarcastic little laugh and Steve scowled. 

“What?” He challenged, daring Hopper to say something. 

“Nothing, nothing,” Hopper said, making himself the picture of innocence. He put his hands on his hips, leaning back on his heels with a sigh, “Listen, I’m gonna go in and grab El, tell the kids everything, make sure they’re okay and aren’t about to go trespassing to make sure things are settled. Do you want me to give you a ride to go get it? Or maybe you should just stay at the cabin tonight, and-“

“Steve already said he was staying here,” Nancy said in a rush. She was still holding his hand, but she squeezed it tight when she spoke, “Jonathan and I asked him. That’s still okay, right?”

Oh. She was talking to Steve. They were both looking at him, waiting for an answer. 

“Yeah, that works,” Steve lied smoothly, turning to Hopper with a shrug. “Sorry, Hop.”

“Whatever works, kid. Just an offer,” Hopper shrugged. Jonathan and Joyce walked over and Hopper and Joyce started towards the basement, leaving the three of them standing alone in the driveway

“I just- I don’t want you to leave. Not yet,” Nancy explained when Steve turned to her with an absolutely bewildered expression. 

For so much of their relationship, it felt like Steve was always the one asking her to stay. There were a thousand times in their relationship Steve had wanted to hear those words coming from her instead of him. And because of that a part of him wanted to leave. 

That little bit of him wanted to lash out. Leave her in the dust and see how she managed it. It would be easy to do that, to put up a spikey wall to keep her out now that Nancy was showing her own vulnerability. 

But that vicious little part of him was overwhelmed by an easy love for Nancy. Not romantic, not the same yearning painful ache he had carried for a year and half. This was warm, soft, coated in something that Steve knew was love, just not the kind he was used to feeling. It was nice, and Steve didn’t want to leave. 

“Okay,” Steve whispered, lacing their fingers together. 

“Steve’s staying tonight,” Nancy said to Jonathan. Steve had a second of being worried he was overstepping, afraid Jonathan was going to be less than thrilled at the impromptu sleepover. But Jonathan just gave Steve one of his rare smiles, grabbing Nancy’s other hand. 

“Good,” Jonathan said, dragging them both back towards the house.

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[iluvshinytwink]

if ur still taking requests can u write for jude where he's insecure and doesn't feel like he deserves her and he doesn't tell her but she finds out when she finds him looking at himself in the mirror in tears and she makes sure he knows she loves all of him ❤️

Reaching Out - Jude Bellingham

"I just hope you realize how much you mean to me. I just wish I could remind you of how beautiful you are. I'm sorry I haven't told you in so long. But please don't think I have given up on you. I will never give up on you. My arms are wide open. There is always a place for you here."

A/N: NAHHH I SAW THIS REQUEST AND RUSHED TO A BOOK I BORROWED FROM MY SCHOOLS LIBRARY, its filled with poetry and the title of the poem was "Reaching Out" AHHH IM SO EXCITEDDD, I HAVE SO MANY IDEAS THANKS TO THIS BOOK AND THIS IS JUST THE BEGINNING!! &lt;333

Insecurity, the word hurts as much as how it feels. The feeling of no longer loving your body, the feeling of questioning someone's love for you based on your physical appearance. It's a horrid feeling that sends shivers down your spine and doubt all over your mind.

Jude adored you, everything about you, physically or mentally he always found himself stricken for you in one way or another. He found himself having a bashful smile every time he looked at you. But the question is, did you feel the same way? Do you feel nervous around him like he does? Do you look at him and think he's the most beautiful thing on this Earth like he does? Is he giving too much? Did you even like how he looked?

These cruel thoughts began filling his mind. These thoughts ate his heart out. He found himself looking at the mirror, examining himself, judging himself. He'd go up close to the mirror, examining his facial features and he'd feel tears brim his eyes.

He'd go on social media and find men who he thinks would be better with you. And every time he does, he feels a piece of his heart breaking away.

It's come to the point where he feels.. almost ashamed around you. He feels nervous, too nervous.

"Hi, babe!" You greeted with a heartwarming smile, putting everything in your hands down. Jude looks at you with a smile, but you couldn't see it. "Why're you wearing a mask?" You chuckled, sitting beside him as you stared at his face. "I've.. got a cough." Jude lies. Jude always thought that lying to you of all people would feel like tearing a piece of his respect for you away and he felt that in the moment. "But I really want a kiss right now.." you hummed jokingly. Jude felt another smile creep his face even though you couldn't see it.

You tug his mask down, fast enough for him to not realize and you softly place your lips on his. You closed your eyes, savoring the moment. Jude had his eyes wide open as his heart started pounding in his ears. Something within him was happy you had your eyes closed, so you couldn't see him.

You break away, a blush on your cheeks as you chuckled. "You looked like a dumbass!" You laughed. Jude felt a smile on his face and his cheeks tinted red.

Lately, you've noticed something was off about your boyfriend. He kept to himself and you'd notice his lips would crack because he rarely spoke. His eyes would wander somewhere else.

"Jude?" You said softly. Your boyfriend looked at something without thinking, his eyes didn't even blink. Jude snapped out of his daydreaming and his eyes met yours. "Hm?" He hummed. "You okay, hon?" You asked worriedly. You placed your hand on top of his, they were cold. "I'm alright, go on with your story." Jude smiled, his voice came out soft and almost weak. "If something's on your mind, tell me, okay?" You looked at him with worry written all over your face. Jude didn't look back. Jude felt your eyes all over him, his heartbeat quickened. He glanced at you and felt his heart accelerating by the second. You smiled at him reassuringly, eyes softened.

He didn't want to tell you. He didn't know how you would react and he was afraid of that. He thought that telling you might've been childish and stupid and so he kept it to himself.

His feelings were buried deep within his soul, away from your reach.

You opened the door quietly, you felt your eyes droop lower by the minute. You sigh to yourself. The house sounds empty, hauntingly empty. You looked around, the presence of your lovely boyfriend which you craved for wasn't there.

Above, you heard sniffling. Your eyebrows furrowed, confused and scared of what might've happened.

Seconds pass and you hear the same sniffle again, accompanied by a strained sob. It echoed through your ears and into the core of your heart.

You quickly yet quietly ascended the stairs, heartbeat picking up.

The bedroom door was opened but no lights peeked from the door and the sniffling got louder. Your heart dropped momentarily. Never had you heard your boyfriend cry, this feeling of worry drowned you.

You made your way into your shared bedroom, inside the room was dark except for the peeking light from your shared bathroom.

You peeked inside and what you found shattered your heart.

You found Jude having a hand over his face, teeth gritting. His cheeks stained with tears. He had no shirt on. His hand curled into a fist as he cried, tears escaping his hand and onto his cheeks.

"Jude?" Your voice came out as a whisper. Jude flinched, harshly. His wet eyes turned to face yours. You had a shocked, sad expression on your face and he felt his heart drop. His mouth gaped open, hoping that something-- anything would come out of his throat, but nothing. A stiffed sob came out of his throat as he looked at you.

Instinctively you ran to your boyfriend, engulfing him in a tight hug as you felt tears of your own forming. Jude fumbled back. "What's wrong, Jude? Why are you crying? What's on your mind?" You asked, voice slowly breaking. "I--" he stammered. He desperately tried to find words, he begged for words to come to his mind. You closed your eyes as the first of your tears fell freely. "What's wrong..?" You asked once more, your grip around his body tightened. Jude bit his lip, mind blank of what to say.

"I don't look good." He managed to murmur, his voice cracking. "What do you mean?" You asked with a soft tone. "I don't feel good.." he slowly explained. You broke the hug, Jude's eyes shut tight as more tears poured from his eyes. You cup his face, his tears staining your fingers. "I feel so.." he croaked. Tears blurred your vision, your lips trembled.

Jude suddenly hugged you, so tight is started to hurt. His head buried in your neck. "Please tell me.." he sniffled, legs shaking. ".. anything." He sounded desperate. Your heart broke in that moment. "Why do you love me?" He choked on his words and you felt his tears descending onto your neck.

"You're beautiful, Jude. Everything about you makes my heart ache." You explained, arms wrapped around him. Jude's legs gave up on him, making both of you descend to the floor. "I love how you look at me, I love your smile, I love your voice, I love your soft lips." Your voice trailed. You went on and on and your voice broke with every sentence that left your lips.

"I love all of you." You finished with a whisper. His hands dug into your back, he sobbed even more.

This time, he felt that he wasn't crying because of sadness and insecurity, he cried because he was overjoyed. You said everything he needed and wanted to hear. You calmed the raging storm that infiltrated his soul. This burden, this feeling of regret slowly left him. You had a way of words that shot his heart every time.

"I love you, Jude. Everyday I love you even more." You cried into his back.

(THANK U FOR THE PERSON WHO REQUESTED THIS!! As i said in the beginning i loved this idea and i loved it even more because it had a connection to a book!! if im being honest yall r eating good this week, since tomorrow is valentine's day im gonna give yall a valentine's day special and wednesday will be the long awaited part two of ARE WE STILL FRIENDS !! please stay tuned and ill see u when i post again <33)

[farity]

The toast

Pairing: Aemond Targaryen x reader 

Summary: Aemond must clear up something Helaena says

Warning:  Smut

.

“I would like to make a toast.”

You were surprised to hear the Princess Helaena’s voice.  She had been quiet for the duration of dinner, but now she stood and looked at you.

“You are to be married soon,” she continued, raising her cup of wine.  A sad smile appeared on her pretty face.  “It’s not so bad, really.  Mostly he just ignores you, except sometimes when he’s drunk.”

You kept your composure, and a smile on your face as she looked at her grandfather, who nodded and mouthed Good at her.

Out of the corner of your eye, you caught Prince Aegon’s annoyed expression, but more than anything, you were curious to see what your betrothed, Prince Aemond’s reaction, but as that would mean turning around from where Helaena was, you resisted the temptation.

“Thank you, Princess,” you leaned in conspiratorially.  “I appreciate the advice.”

Helaena beamed at you, then went back to examining the embroidery drawing she had been inspecting throughout dinner.  You were about to casually turn so you could see what your betrothed thought of all this when suddenly, long fingers wrapped around your wrist and you looked up, startled.

“I wish to speak to my betrothed.  In private.”

Before you could register the words, Aemond had tugged on your hand and you had no choice but to follow him down the labyrinthine corridors of the Red Keep.  “What is happening?” you asked, but if he heard you, he gave no indication.

You found yourself led to an empty guest room and the door shut behind you.

“You will ignore what my sister said,” Aemond said harshly, letting go of your wrist.

When you said nothing, he took a step toward you.  “Did you hear me?”

“Considering you are almost shouting and we are in a closed room, yes, I heard you perfectly,” you snapped.  “I figured she was speaking of her own experience with her brother, I mean, her hus- you know what I mean.”

You’d known you would marry Aemond for over a year but had met him just three days before, and although that was very little time to judge a person’s character and suitability as life partner, you had quickly gathered that between him and Aegon, it was Aemond who was the responsible, more measured man.  Something lurked behind the stoic veneer he presented, but you had yet to see him take more than one or two sips of wine per meal.

“I gather you are not the one she meant when she said ‘drunk’,” you added.

“It’s not just that.”

You looked at him as he took another step toward you and for a split second, fear shimmered down your spine.  He was taller than you, of course - most adults were - but you hadn’t realized that the top of your head only reached shoulder level on him. 

“What else, then?”

Did your voice always sound so small?  

He took the last step, slipping one hand into the silken waves of your hair and tilting your face up to his.  “I will not be ignoring you.”  His eye lingered on your mouth and then he was kissing you.  Not the polite, split second brush of lips he had given you when your betrothal had been formalized, but an overwhelming assault on your senses, not just the taste of his mouth but the sound of his breathing, the scent of his skin as he wrapped his other arm around you, pulling you in.  

You burrowed into him, your arms slipping beneath the waistcoat he wore.  There was another layer of fabric and you whimpered at the frustration of not touching skin, but then he pulled back, unfastening the garment and tossing it to the floor.  Emboldened by his unspoken agreement, you slipped your hands under his tunic and he swiftly moved to pull it over his head and toss it next to the waistcoat.  

“My turn,” he said, and turned you around to begin unfastening the laces on your gown.  With nothing to do as his fingers pulled on ribbon after ribbon, you began to grow nervous.  Were you really going through with this?  You had been told what to expect but now, with the deed almost upon you, you wondered if he would find you appealing, if he would see you and feel more duty than desire.

You felt the cool air on your back and then Aemond was turning you back around.  Instinctively, you put a hand on your bodice, holding it in place.  

This was irrational.  Clearly he liked you enough to kiss you as he had.  You looked up and met his gaze.

“There will be a moment when I can no longer wait to have you,” he said quietly, “but this is not that moment.  If you wish to stop, we can go-”

You let the gown fall and reached for him.  The feel of his hands on your bare back was almost comforting, a confirmation that you had made the right decision.  His mouth on yours was demanding, his hair in your hands like the finest silk.  You let him place you on the bed, arching your back to rub your breasts against him.  It felt so damned good, but not as good as when he cupped one soft mound after discarding the rest of his clothes.

You let your hands roam on his shoulders and arms, feeling the strength hidden by his lean frame.  You had never touched a man before, certainly not like this, naked beneath him, and the knowledge that you were doing something forbidden emboldened you.  You wrapped one of your legs around his hip, and arched your back again.  Aemond smirked down at you.  “Seems I am not the only eager one.”

“You are not,” you replied unapologetically.  

His smirk grew into a smile and he kissed you as he ran a hand down your side, pulling your other leg around him as well.  “I am told the first time is not always pleasurable for a woman,” he said gently.

You nodded at him.  “I was told the same.”  You reached up and touched his cheek, brushing your fingers across his scar.  “I am not afraid.”

You felt him touching you, touching the tender flesh between your legs and you gasped.  He was incredibly gentle, moving slowly while he placed soft kisses on your temple.  “My brave girl, you feel so good.”

He shifted his weight so that you felt him begin to enter you.  You’d been told about men who got so drunk they couldn’t do the deed, others who were brutes and simply rammed their cocks into their wives without a care.  Aemond was neither, and as impulsive as your coupling might be, he was being tender and going slowly so as not to hurt you.

Still, he felt big, each inch of him stretching you more and more until you began to feel a dull stinging pain.  With a roll of his hips, the dull pain became bright pain for a moment and you sank your nails into his shoulders.  He stilled, pressing his forehead against yours.  “I am fine,” you said shakily, and tentatively moved your hips.  The pain had almost faded completely and you pulled him down to kiss him.  “Aemond,” you whispered, caressing his face before you pressed your lips against his.

He kissed you hungrily and began moving, and you now understood why people risked so much to lay with someone they desired.  There was pleasure, yes, but the closeness, being wrapped in each other’s arms, tasting each other’s lips, it was an intoxicating experience.  

“I want you to feel pleasure as well,” he murmured between kisses, and reached between you.  You wanted to tell him you were feeling pleasure already but when he began touching you, all you could do was close your eyes and feel.  Something was building within you, and as he began pumping his hips faster, you realized it was building inside him as well.  

You tightened your legs around him and soon something like fire was tearing you apart.  You cried out, burying your face in Aemond’s neck as pleasure spread through you, leaving you dazed and limp.  You felt him tense soon after, a harsh moan escaping his throat, and you knew the same had happened to him.

He pulled you close as he collapsed onto his back and again, you remembered what you had been told before you left home.  Most of the time, men turned over and went to sleep, some simply left the bed without a word, and you’d been warned not to cling if this was how your husband chose to act.  You smiled to yourself as Aemond kissed your forehead and held you to his side.  You placed your hand on his chest, feeling his heartbeat still racing.

“Should I get you some wine?” you offered.

Aemond looked down at you, “maybe later.  I am enjoying having you close.”

You beamed at him, scooting up a little so you could kiss him.  “I am delighted to hear that.”  You wondered if some day he might let you see him without his eye patch.  You could wait.  

You had your whole life together ahead of you.

* * * * * 

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[chronophobique]

Prompt: Lust potion

— 573 words

content warning: nsfw ish

Malfoy heaves a long sigh at the sight of her. “Is that really necessary?” he asks Shacklebolt.

“What is?”

As if irritated that the wizard would pretend not to understand what he’s very clearly referring to, he scowls, before gesturing to her mouth and upper body. “That.”

“Oh, you mean the light makeup and adorable top I’ve chosen for today?” Hermione chimes in, a slight bite behind each word.

“I wouldn’t call adorable a clothing item that leaves so little room to the imagination.”

For some reason she refuses to dwell on, the thought of him checking her body out sends a jolt of pleasure down her spine. “Would you prefer I only wore turtlenecks so you could have all the latitude to imagine what’s underneath?”

The look he gives her is like nothing she’s seen in his gaze before. “That’s not what I said.”

“But you implied it,” she argues.

“It’s indecent.”

“It’s just a bit of skin, Malfoy. You’ll survive.”

He’s about to retort when Shacklebolt reminds them of his presence. “The clock is ticking—let’s not waste more time on pointless conversations. Do you know what you have to do?”

“Make the French minister believe Malfoy lusts for me,” Hermione replies matter-of-factly, a poorly hidden smirk stretching her lips.

It’s one of the worst situations she’s found herself in since she started working at the ministry, and yet she can’t help but find it particularly comical.

“That’s right.” The Minister for Magic turns to her grumpy partner. “When he enters your mind, it needs to be as clear as water that you are head over heels for Hermione, and that you will not hesitate to act if he continues to make advances towards her, do you understand?”

His ‘yes’ sounds more like a grunt.

“It’s the only way he’ll leave her alone.”

“Just give me the bloody lust potion and let’s be done with it,” he snaps, snatching the vial out of her hands before she has time to hand it to him, and chugging its contents down.

“What are you—”

“Stop talking,” he demands, his tone pleading, as he holds a hand up between them.

“But—”

“Please.”

“But it—”

“No!”

She likes this new tone no more than she does being cut off while trying to speak, but his eyes are wide, his alabaster skin is flushed, and Hermione is too entranced to say anything.

“You think it’s funny, don’t you? That I get hard by the mere sound of your voice,” he hisses as he suddenly steps into her personal space, causing her heartbeat to accelerate considerably. “You like having that power over me, I know you do.”

“What if I told you I can’t even look at you without feeling the irrepressible urge to bend you over the nearest furniture and fuck you until the only word that comes out of your mouth is my name. Will your smile waver, then?”

It doesn’t, and she can tell it drives him crazy.

“It’s torture, every second of it,” he says through his teeth. “But worse than that is the fact that I would trade the way I feel for nothing in the world.”

He turns her back to her, then, and it’s the growing distance between them that makes her blurt out, “Veritaserum.”

“What?”

Still glued to the spot, she gulps. “The vial you took; it had veritaserum in it. The lust potion was in my other hand.”