#kicked out to find a place here ( lucas answered )

[jolapeno]

11. dusky pink

frankie morales x f!reader | chapter eleven of do me yourself

summary: a meet-cute in a hardware store? impossible, out of the question. except, that's exactly what happens. a need for screws leads you to a broad-shouldered, brown-eyed man who you're sure is about to change your day, never mind your life.

wordcount: 3.7k chapter warnings: frankie calls you 'rainy' (paint-related from chp.1) no other descriptions or name used. no use of y/n. frankie being a boy!dad, luca appearance. an: this one is called jo kicked her feet mid-writing and editing.

prev chapter | series masterlist

key: frankie is in bold, you are in italics

“You didn’t have to come to help me.”

Tilting your head, a grin playing at the corners of your lips, you adjust the apron he gave you. “I don’t mind. Plus, you did promise me food after, so.”

A hint of mischief dances in his eyes, tongue sweeping across his lower lip. “So, if I want to persuade you to do something, I should wave a carrot in your face.”

Smirking, biting down on your cheek as you slide the boxed screws onto the shelf. “Oh, you can definitely wave something in front of my face.”

It's instant, the way his mouth falls open, hanging. Frankie's arm pauses, mid-air, on the shelf as he stares, blinks, and eventually clears his throat. “That's… good to know.”

“Your voice cracked there a little bit.”

Glancing at you from the corner of his eye, body beginning to restock again, you watch as he swallows, his forehead crinkling. Did it?”

Laughing, you remove the empty box from the cart—grabbing the Stanley knife attached to the side of it to slice open the next.

Even though you've been here at night before, it's different being down the aisles than when you shared food. There's an eerie stillness that hangs in the air under the low lights, punctuated by the occasional creak of the shelving when the two of you stack something. The strong scent of disinfectant is wavering from its assault on your senses, mingling with the musty odour of warehouse cardboard boxes. A smell that worsens, for a moment, each time one of you empties and flattens it.

But, you wouldn't want to be anywhere else.

Finding yourself charmed by the place. Although, you suspect it's by the man beside you. The one who had been prepared to do all of this himself all evening.

“Frankie?” you ask, hearing him hmm. “You ever thought of owning this place? Maybe, making it your own or something?”

Snorting, he shakes his head as his fingers slide to itch at the back of his forearm. “No. Not… Well, I’ve thought about it, obviously. Not owning this place, but…”

“But...?”

Shrugging, mouth open, all but chewing his response as he stacks the shelf and answers with, “Doesn't matter. Wouldn’t be good at it.”

Scoffing, you lift your head, finding him staring. “Sorry, I’ll scoff quieter next time.”

“It's a lot of work. And, it's risky. The place can barely afford me, never mind someone else.”

Shaking his head, you see that look appear—the disbelieving one—catching it flutter across his face. His attempt at making it unreadable fails, as you spot it written all over his expression, practically in bold, italic, and underlined; all very much screaming he very much believes he couldn’t.

Continuing, he shrugs, nostrils flaring under a sigh. “S’not worth thinking about. Got bills. Luca. I… I failed him once, don’t wanna do it again.”

Dropping the contents back into the box, you don't think when you gently lay a hand on his arm, urging him to look. You're just grateful that he does.

Head tilting, trying to find words you swap easily for the truth. “I know I don’t know the version of you from back then, but I really doubt you failed him. You were trying to do the best you could, with what you had.”

His gaze meets yours, a blend of gratitude and uncertainty shimmering in his eyes. “I… just...I want to do right by him now, you know?”

“I know,” you answer softly, giving his arm a comforting squeeze. “And for what it's worth, I think you're doing an amazing job.”

He gives a small, appreciative smile at your words, eyes blinking past you as if trying to process the unexpected validation. Then, when his eyes fall back to you, his smile widens ever so slightly, a gleam of hope seemingly emerging from the shadows of doubt.

“I think you could do something like this.”

Flicking his eyes from yours to your lips, he smiles. “I don’t wanna own this.”

“What do you want then?” Hand sliding back inside the box, pulling out glue—the industrial kind, you imagine—that thankfully is labelled. “Outside of me helping you restock after hours.”

Grinning, he shakes his head. “Haven’t given it much thought.”

Smiling to yourself, turning the labels out, you leave him in silence for a moment. Letting him think, stew. “Not renovating?”

Tipping his head, his eyes meet yours—something twinkling in them. Shimmering. It makes you wonder to yourself if he’s ever been given a chance to think about something that he wants in a while.

“Maybe. I don’t know,” he replies, evidence there of a smile, of something turning, cogs shifting.

“Could get Luca to help—get him a mini tool belt.”

Laughing, he nudges you. “He’d charm them all into giving us free coffee.”

“From the stories you’ve told me, I don’t doubt it.”

It’s then he slides his hand across your back, fingers fanning, spreading warmth through the thin fabric covering your spine. “You still looking forward to meeting him?”

“Only when I don’t overthink it, and worry about the possibility of making the only person who matters in your world cry or something,” you smile, hand gesturing. “Outside of that thought process, very excited.”

Shaking his head, he steps closer, arm sliding around your waist—lips pressing to the top of your head. “Don’t tell him dinosaurs are extinct and you’re good.”

“Noted,” you whisper, staring up at him.

Eyes holding his, lingering. Your throat becomes full with letters, lips rolling as you weigh up whether it’s worth saying them—confessing them.

Instead, you press your mouth to his—hoping he can taste them, and how badly you want to share them.

Did you put that song over your latest Reel for my benefit?

If I did, was it appreciated?

I’m disappointed it’s not the loud-cat-screeching version I gave you in the car, but guess the original would be more well-known.

I want to keep that version, selfishly, to myself.

Just like I want to keep the photo of you with fries in your mouth just for me.

See, we have our things. Thanks for the help putting the Reel together.

I liked being your camerawoman. But next time, could I have a clapboard—maybe one of those chairs that says ‘Director’ on it?

I think I could find something for you to sit on.

Think that movie is something we’d selfishly keep to ourselves.

Be a good movie, though.

[SENDS PHOTO]

Wow, I didn’t even know they did coffees that large.

It was a special request. I told you she’s persuasive.

I wish I wasn’t on my own, otherwise I’d come down and see you both.

You just want her to get you a large coffee. Which I think she would—she likes you.

Rainy, that is the largest coffee I’ve ever seen. I’m glad she does. It matters your friends like me like mine like you.

Yours love me.

I am very aware.

If you’re good, I might drop you one off before I go home.

Have I told you how pretty you are today?

Such a charmer. [SENDS PHOTO]

See I knew you looked pretty.

Waiting, nerves prickling beneath your skin, your fingers interlacing tightly as you flick your eyes from the array of items you've arranged to the still-closed front door.

For the past, so many minutes, you've paced, chewed your cheeks, and endlessly rearranged the items on the table until they blur into a mess of neatness or chaos, you're not quite sure anymore.

Because it matters. Not just to him but to you.

Speaking to Luca (briefly, and on the phone) is so wildly different from meeting him. A thing you're aware of.

It's big. Fucking huge. A thing that you don't take lightly, or ever wish to. Not the permission to meet him, or the fact it's happening. It's why it keeps churning inside of you, bubbling and swimming up your throat; hands wringing out in front of you, thinking over what you'll do when his big eyes draw out the shape of you, standing there, waiting for you, this person who has entered his dad’s life, to say or do something.

You suppose that’s why your fingernail has migrated to scratching at the skin on your index finger, why your stomach is doing somersaults—more so when you hear the sound of Frankie’s vehicle pulling onto his drive.

You’ve got this. You can do this. Just breathe, just breathe, just—

The door finally opens, and there he is. The biggest eyes meet yours, all curious and wide. Even if the shadow of Frankie is behind him, you don’t take your eyes off Luca. Offering a small, reassuring smile, hoping it’ll be enough to show you’re trustworthy as he steps hesitantly into the room.

Not bending over, but crouching down, you let him approach. Watching as Frankie takes his jacket from his son before the soft introduction you've practised over and over again rolls from you—the sweet hello, followed by your name and I’m your dad’s friend.

And you knew it from photos—from the glimpses of the boy in front of you—but he has his eyes. Those soft, expressive eyes twinkle and shimmer at you as he offers his tiny hand for you to shake. One you take happily, with nothing but joy.

“Hey,” you say, voice soft and friendly. “I've heard so much about you.”

He looks at you for a moment longer, taking in your presence. Then, with a shy smile, he mumbles, “Hi.”

Frankie, watching the interaction from the doorway, closes the door, stepping further into the room as he presses his hand to Luca’s shoulder.

"Luca, you remember her from the phone?” He pauses, looking at you for a moment, before finishing, “...the one who struggled to say Aegyptosaurus.”

Narrowing your eyes a little, you smirk playfully at Frankie, the slightest shake of your head as you stare at the boy—warmth spreading through you as Luca begins to grin.

“Speaking of dinosaurs, I wasn’t sure if you wanted to help me with something?” you ask, gaze flicking up to Frankie who gives a supportive nod. “So, I’ve found this colouring book full of dinosaurs inside your Daddy’s coffee table, and I’m not sure what colours to make them.”

Slowly, his face shifts—from a questionable blank one to a slow smile that has the shadow of his dad’s, but breaks into something you assume must be his mom’s.

And god, it’s the most beautiful smile you think you’ve ever seen.

“Sure, I can helps,” Luca says, walking to the coffee table where the book is—before he’s beckoning you, little fingers urging you to come closer.

And you take a breath, a sigh—letting it flow into your lungs, as you reply with a quick ‘coming’ before you glance at the man still giving you both space.

Joining Luca on the floor, you sit cross-legged, the book propped up already on the table as colouring pens, crayons and pencils begin littering the wood not covered by un-coloured pages.

He's eager, flipping through the book, pointing out the different dinosaurs and naming them with an enthusiastic flourish that makes you chuckle. But, when he finds one, he stops. Head tilting from side to side, little finger tapping on the page before he sighs.

“This one!”

Grinning, you take a closer look. “Perfect.”

His smile mirrors yours, before he copies the pitch of your perfect and begins grasping for colours as he hands them to you.

“What’s your favourite dinosaur, Luca?”

Pausing, Luca brings his finger to his lips—dabbing it, scrunching his face before it explodes into a grin so large it almost makes you laugh. “Stegosaurus.”

“Cause of the spikey back?”

Nodding, he grins even wider, doing a little wiggle. “His name means roof lizard, you know that?” Shaking your head, he scrunches his nose as the corner of his lips rises. “And, and it used its back to defend himself.”

“He has a little beak too, right?”

Nodding, Luca begins to scribble his crayon onto the page. "You know him?"

“I’ve been doing my research.”

At Luca’s loud wow, and insistence on you using a colour he doesn’t like—maroon, which looks barely used—you glance towards Frankie, finding him leaning against the doorway, arms crossed, fingers lazily tracing up and down the back of his arm, while sporting a soft smile.

Returning your attention to Luca, you spend the next hour engrossed in colouring (a thing you discover you’re doing wrong), dinosaur facts (you’re not sure how he knows so many) and hilarious stories. Finding, with each passing minute, the anxiety sliding from your bones, it falling from you altogether—slipping away, disappearing completely the more Luca interacts.

The two of you only come to a stop when Frankie mentions that it’s almost dinner time, putting the cap on your pen down.

“Hey, Luca. I have to go now. But, I’ve had the best time.”

“You’re not wanting to stay for dinner?” he asks, eyes full of hope as you spot his fist clenched around the pen he’s pressing to the page—the colour bleeding out.

Leaning forward, you smile. “Next time, promise.”

“Okay.”

“Okay. Thanks so much for letting me colour with you.”

Getting up, suppressing a groan as your body aches from having to unfold itself from sitting cross-legged, you find Frankie waiting, his expression soft and tender.

“Hi handsome,” you whisper, taking the jacket from his hands.

Frankie leans down, pressing a chaste kiss to your forehead—all out of view, just like the two of you had agreed. “You did good,” he tells you quietly. “He likes you.”

Heart swelling at his words, you look back at Luca, who is now animatedly talking to his colouring book, and you find yourself unable to stop smiling.

“I like him too,” you say, your voice barely above a whisper.

And as you listen to Luca's excited chatter, you realise just how much you mean it.

Think you have a new fan.

Stop, do I really?

Apparently, you’re very pretty, and old like me, and so I should kiss you.

Well, not that I love all of those sentiments, I do like the last one.

Do you want me to call when he’s in bed?

You not sick of me?

Not even a little bit.

I’ll wrap up these amends, shower and then I’m all yours.

The image of you covered in soap suds is going to get me through the next half an hour of this show.

It vibrates softly against the bedsheets, your smile spreading—replacing the earlier irksome client and the nervousness from your afternoon.

“He hasn’t shut up about you.”

No hello. Just a continuation, as if the two of you had only paused from the texting to now. Biting your cheek, you smile, knees pulling up as you feel your Lee scrunch.

“Yeah?”

“Baby, he’s pulled out books to show you the next time you come round.”

Grinning, you sigh. “He’s really great, Frankie. He’s so funny? You never told me how funny he was, and how smart. God, when he—”

And you ramble.

For longer than you’re even aware of as you accidentally go into a play-by-play from this morning—as though the man hadn’t been loitering, standing close by or joining in when Luca’s stories got more outrageous. A standout favourite had been Frankie saving the neighbour's lion from a tree, which had turned out to be a cat called Leon.

“—Also, how does he know so much about dinosaurs? And, fuck—Frankie. Did I just ramble to you about your own son?”

You hear his laugh, real and airy, flow down the phone. “I like it, don’t worry. It’s nice hearing you ramble.”

“You’re a filthy liar.”

With a deep, resonant snort, his sigh of contentment drifts through the phone, making your body, in response, relax. Every muscle slowly uncoils, back sinking further into the plush comfort of the bed beneath you. Ear meeting the pillow as it wrinkles gently under the weight of your head.

“Did it… do you think it went as well as you thought?”

“Better,” he confesses, hearing the breath he releases with it.

Biting your lip, you settle yourself further into your duvet—resting your back against the pillows. “Have I told you today that I really like you?”

“Pretty sure that’s my line.”

Smirking, you rest your tongue between your teeth.

“And, really like? That’s a new one.”

“Well,” you grin, unable to fight a smile, “Felt you deserved the extra word.”

Rolling your head, you trace your teeth over your bottom lip—hearing it, absorbing it, the way he repeats it back. I really like you too. The words find a home, rather than sliding in one ear and out the other. Burying themselves, slotting into a place so perfect as they fit so snugly.

A comfortable beat passes, a moment to linger in it before he asks about your work—about the latest thing you’re working on. Even if you always feel you’ll bore him, he always surprises you by reminding you he won’t be. Engaged, asking questions. Listening and recalling back to things you’ve said before, that you suspect most wouldn’t have paid much mind to.

But, then, he’s not anyone.

“I think I left my hoodie at yours.”

Humming, you hear sheets rustling, before rummaging. “Um, the—yes, yeah you have. I’ll hang it up for you.”

“Only if you have the space too.”

“Well, this is… awkward. I wanted to do it in person—”

Even if there’s no indication to do so, your stomach knots. Tangles. Your heart slams into your chest as your throat, all of a sudden, dries.

“I… fuck, if this is too much tell me, but I’ve made you some space—in my wardrobe. And a drawer. And—”

“And, Frankie? How much space are you giving me?”

Swallowing, you hear him click his tongue. “Well... I mean, as much as you want, baby.”

“Frankie…”

“Have I… Is it too much?”

Pulling your knees up, grinning. Quickly wanting to fire a text to your friend and scream HE’S MADE ME A DRAWER, only stopping yourself because, instead, you, all high-pitched and squeaky ask if you can swap to video. Fingers trembling, your face filling the screen before you can eventually push it to the corner when his greets yours.

“You’re so sweet, thank you—it isn’t too much. Not even a little bit. I want—if you want—to give you the same.”

Laughing lowly, you watch him slide back into bed—the freckles on his collarbone illuminated by the bedside lamp. “Baby, you have half my tools at your house—you’ve made plenty of room for me.”

“Yeah, that toolbox is a health hazard—it is very heavy.”

“I’ll make sure to move it next time”

Scrunching your nose. “Oh no, I moved it. Managed to find some strength from somewhere to do so. That’s my workout for the week.”

Shaking his head, you watch him get into bed—arm resting above his head, fingers teasing at his curls as he smiles at you—eyes somehow just as bright even in low light as he begins telling you about his day tomorrow.

You watch, noticing the little lift of his lips when he talks about Benny, when he mentions taking Luca to training—which in turn (he explains) means Luca bosses them around and they all have to listen. Then after they’ll go on a boys’ lunch, where ice cream is usually consumed, the tradition having started when Luca was teething.

“Send me a photo—post-training.”

His tongue slides into his cheek, eyebrow lifting as he stares at you.

“Dripping in sweat do it for you, Rainy?”

“I’m not rewatching your Reels because I want to use a circle-saw, Frankie. Plus, you look so good in sweats—that black pair. Fuck.”

Chuckling to himself, he runs his hand over his face—and you imagine his cheeks are warm, that if the lighting were better, you’d see the beginning of his pink embarrassment crawling up his neck.

Yawning and stretching, you reach for your charger, plugging it in before moving to lie on your side, hearing him ask—as soft, and as sleepily, as he would if you were next to him—you comfy, baby? as your heart does a little flicker as you rest the phone against the pillow.

“Very,” you assure him, pulling the duvet closer around you. “Be more comfy if you were here.”

“Would you, though?”

Hesitating, you hum—hearing the lightest laugh come from him. “You’re very warm—like a furnace. I like it.”

“That all I’m good for, warming your bed?”

Smirking, your eyes heavy, you sigh. “You have some other uses.”

“I’m glad I’m useful.”

Settling further into the bed, hearing him shuffle and rustle from his end, you clear your throat to ask, “Do you think you'd rather have a pineapple for a head or a watermelon?”

Even with your eyes struggling to stay open, you sneak a glance to see his grin break out. “I'd love to live in your head.”

“You sure about that?”

Snorting, he shakes his head, fingers pushing the hair back from his forehead. “Pineapple. Sweeter for you to kiss.”

“You're so thoughtful.”

Giggling, you find a response sitting on your tongue, it just not able to form as you hum again—finding yourself so comfortable and warm under the sheets you’re barely able to hang onto his voice until he whispers ‘baby’. A little noise coming from you that in your head is clearly words, but not to anyone else.

Only realising it isn’t when he says your name. Calls it.

“Frankie…”

“Baby, why don’t we hang—“

“No,” you groan, the O sound stretching out—hardly with any intent. More said with tenderness and pouting than anything as you hear him chuckle. “I’ll wake up.”

“No, don’t… don’t do that. I’ll stay—listen to you snore.”

Flicking your eyes open, glaring at the screen. “I do not snore.”

Chuckling, his voice wraps around you like a warm blanket. “Sure, baby. You just keep telling yourself that.”

“Francisco!”

His laugh roars down the phone, making your cheeks hurt from smiling, shaking your head against the pillow as his laugh turns to an ‘aww’.

“Do you know how pretty you look right now?”

“You can barely see me, Morales. Stop trying to flatter me.”

Somehow, his laugh is even louder than it was before. And somehow, your smile is larger too.

NEXT CHAPTER ->

[notjustjavierpena]

Marks

Series Masterpost | Main Masterpost | Support a disabled creator

A/N: For all you who wanted to have more of husband!Javi and The Peñas. This is a follow-up to All Roads Lead To Someone! Pregnant!reader getting the right treatment.

Summary: Javier just wanna fuck you: His gorgeous pregnant wife.

Pairing: Javier Peña x f!reader (no y/n)

Tags: +18 smut (MDNI!), pregnancy sex, mentions of f masturbation, body issues, domestic bliss, piv sex, dirty talk, breeding kink, creampie, love!!!

Word count: 2.8k

Link to this work on AO3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/48631087

Marks

“Por favor,” Javier begs as he kisses your shoulder from behind and has you shivering because of how sensitive your skin is at the moment. He keeps it innocent though, because there’s a kitchen knife lying to your right as you are rinsing the vegetables for tonight’s dinner. He doesn’t relent though and a wandering hand squeezes the side of your thigh, “I can see it on you.”

“Inés is coloring in the living room and you have to pick up Lucas from soccer practice soon. We can’t,” you say simply, batting his hand away with a disapproving click of your tongue. As if it’s not bothering you as well.

You turn up the water pressure to rinse the carrots that you have gotten from Chucho Peña’s farm, but decide to scrub it with your hand instead to remove the dirt properly. 

As promised, the beginning of your third trimester brings along a constant ache between your thighs. Javier has sensed it coming, counted the days and is now circling you like a shark on the hunt.

It comes after a drought; a whole month of you not being able to stand the sight of him, even his smell making you furious and causing him to be skittish around your pregnant form. He isn’t skittish anymore. Quite the opposite. 

“I could find the baby alarm in the drawer. We could go to the bedroom for just a few minutes,” he suggests and you instantly roll your eyes without him being able to see it. When you don’t answer, he steps back but only to lean against the kitchen counter beside your workspace. 

You would love it; you would jump your husband’s bones at every opportunity that you get to have him relieve you of the dull throb of your clit, but… You’re in your third trimester with stretch marks, a sore back, an overactive bladder and a baby that kicks you so hard that you feel out of breath sometimes. All in all, it’s hard to feel sexy and it’s easier to take care of it yourself.

“Go entertain yourself, if you catch my drift,” you retort and make a suggestive hand movement along the carrot in your sink. 

Javier snorts bitterly, “Fuck you.” 

“Fuck you,” a little girl’s voice repeats. Inés has entered the kitchen.

Javier and you freeze, but whereas you narrow your eyes at Javier, your husband just starts laughing and goes to ruffle his daughter’s hair, “There she is, mi diablita.”

“We don’t use that word around here, Daddy’s very sorry that he said it,” you dry your hands in a towel and turn towards the both of them. Javier gets a raised brow and stops laughing. 

He groans as he stretches from having bent over to pick Inés up, settling her on his hip and giving you a soft smile. He takes her little hand in his own, swaying back and forth with her as if they are slow dancing. The way she cuddles up to him has you melting right away, placing your folded hands on your protruding belly.

“Te quiero mucho,” you say affectionately and walk up to both of them. You kiss Inés’ hair, then look at Javier, “But you can’t keep swearing in a house full of children.” 

“Sorry, mi amor. Perhaps if you let me…” Javier looks down at his daughter who curiously observes the conversation between her parents. He finds your eyes again, “If you let me hug you real hard tonight, I might be reminded.”

You roll your eyes again, but there’s a smile on your face this time. There’s something insanely sexy about him like this, still swaying with Inés on his hip and secretly booking an appointment with you in your shared bedroom. 

“Dónde está Lucas?” Inés then interrupts. 

“Soccer practice,” he replies, winking at you when Inés can’t see it. You hate that it makes your heart jump as if it's been shocked. Beside you, Javier is oblivious to your schoolgirl crush, “You want to come with me to pick him up?”

Inés nods enthusiastically, starting to move around in Javier’s arms to indicate that she wants to be put down on the floor again, “I made Lucas a picture.” 

“You can give it to him in the car,” Javier watches his daughter run off into the living room again. You’ve turned towards the sink once more, and he takes a chance to walk up behind you. You feel his hand come down playfully on your ass, causing you to jump where you are standing.

“You little—“ you whip around, but are met with Javier’s shit-eating grin. Oh, curse him. 

“You and I have a deal tonight, sí?” 

“Yes, yes, whatever, get out of my kitchen.”

*

Lucas eats like he has been starving for days. Inés talks loudly about what she’s seen at the soccer field, especially about the fact that she got permission to kick the ball a few times. 

You listen with a soft expression on your face, leaned back in your dining chair with a hand resting on top of your belly. The baby is kicking but since you’re not in bed and therefore still walking around the house, it’s not as bad as it could be. 

Javier talks just as enthusiastically about their adventure out on the soccer field. Lucas adds that he might be picked as goalkeeper. You get up to kiss his hair repeatedly and call him your little man to which he giggles in a way that makes you overly emotional, eventually to the point where you have to excuse and keep yourself busy. 

All in all, dinner ends and tucking the kids in goes smoothly. They are both tired beyond belief. 

Later, you stare at yourself in the mirror as Javier brushes his teeth in the master bathroom. You are completely undressed since it’s better for you to sleep naked these days, but it has the downside of catching yourself in the mirror as you pass it and frowning slightly as you notice a new stretch mark along your side. You swear under your breath, trying your hardest to tell yourself (for the third time in your life) that this is part of growing a new and healthy life. You sigh loudly. 

Behind you, Javier enters the bedroom in his underwear and nearly doubles over as he sees you naked already. He stalks after you with the energy of someone who has been starved of food for weeks, walking up behind you with dark lust-filled eyes that go soft as soon as he sees your face in the mirror. 

“You okay, mi amor?” He asks, looking at you through the mirror. He wraps his arms around your body, holding you close to his chest as his hands link around your belly, “Look at you.”

“Are you sure about this?” You ask him, too busy to look at him when you’re staring at your own naked form. Javier starts rubbing his hands over the strained skin of your stomach, soothing it with his warmth. 

“Sure about what?” He sounds a little confused, but then catches on, “About wanting to hug you real hard? Don’t think I’m the uncertain one here. What’s wrong?”

“Look,” you point to the newest mark along the swell of your stomach, then run your finger over it. It is red and slightly raised, having made itself known by itching all day, “I’m sorry, but I didn’t get these as quickly during the first two. It’s not exactly sexy.”

“Who on earth told you that?” Javier places a kiss on your shoulder, nuzzling his nose along your neck afterwards. He finds your pouty face in the mirror again, “Are you telling me there’s people out there who don’t think their wife is the sexiest when she’s growing their kid?”

You turn around in his arms to slap his naked chest, but he just grabs at your hips to steer you backwards towards the double bed. Carefully, he helps you to sit down when you feel the edge dig into the back of your calves. 

“I mean it, Javi,” you say with a soft sigh as you are finally off your feet for the day.

“I mean it too,” he motions with his hand, “Now crawl back and let me take care of my pregnant and sexy wife.”

He is too perfect for you. 

“How sensitive are you today?” He asks casually as he follows you onto the bed, kneeling between your legs and easing himself out of his boxers. It’s quite reassuring to your confidence to see his cock stand upright from how hard he is for you. 

He is right to ask about your sensitivity, because pregnancy hormones and more blood flow has been overwhelming during all your previous pregnancies. You are more sensitive due to that, swollen and puffy no matter what time of day or what your previous activity has been. It makes for delicious sex, at least if you have someone who treats you right. Javier Peña does.

“I don’t think you can go too rough tonight, I’ve been aching and wet all day,” you reply as you settle into your pillow and grab his for him to place underneath your back. 

“And you refused this earlier?” He raises a brow as he watches you lower your hips onto the pillow, “You got some self-control.”

“I was going to just take care of it whilst you were putting the kids to bed,” you nod towards the dresser where the both of you keep your toys, safely tucked away from curious children.

“I woulda never forgiven you,” he chuckles, leaning over you to kiss your swollen belly. He skims a hand over the stretch marks afterwards. It’s a silent compliment, “But just to involve myself in your playtime… which toy had you been thinking of?”

“The glass one,” you feel your face heat up as you confess to having wanted to masturbate, “Might’ve cooled me down a little, but if it wasn’t going to be that one, I’d want the g-spot massager.”

“You have no idea what you do to me,” Javier dramatically groans at that. He rests his forehead against your stomach, “Let me be your g-spot massager.”

You laugh loudly at that, but it earns you a kick from your baby, causing you to wince when it lands right underneath your ribs. Javier pulls back a little in shock, placing his palm over the spot when he has just felt your stomach move. 

“Be nice to your mother,” he scolds softly, “I know you want to be rocked to sleep, mi bebito, but gimme a second here. I’ll get to it.”

“Javi!” You cover your face with your hands, “God, you are so… imagine if people could hear you.”

Javier peels your hands away, looking devilishly down at you, “Don’t hide from me, and please let me f— take care of you.”

“Not going to say the bad word again, huh?” You grin triumphantly, scooting a little closer to him but without sliding off the pillow. 

“Not right this instant, but I am for sure going to make you say it before we’re done here,” he smirks, wasting no time to stroke himself a few times and then sliding into your wet heat. The moan you want to let out is desperate and wanton, but with two sleeping children in the house, you only let yourself whimper quietly. 

Javier holds your gaze intensely as he feeds your cunt his dick inch by inch, letting you relish in the slightly painful stretch of your walls as he bottoms out and settles inside of you like you’re made for him. 

“Feeling good? Not uncomfortable?” He asks in a whisper, voice strained as if trying to hold something back within himself. You know that your pregnant body is as glorious for him as it is for you as your pussy’s walls feel softer, warmer and tighter than usual and especially now that you’re in one of your states. 

“I’m perfect… God, I’ve wanted this since you kissed me this morning,” you exaggerate to prove it, resting a hand on top of your stomach. Javier places one of his own on top, curling his fingers around your palm. 

“Te amo,” he says with so much love in his voice that you might melt into the mattress, holding onto your hand tightly as he moves inside of you, experimentally at first and then building up a rhythm that has you feeling dizzy with finally getting what you want. Something is already brewing behind your clit, and Javier knows you come so easily when your hormones play tricks on you. He goes a little faster.

Your other hand comes up to grab at the headboard behind your head, gripping hard as the bed squeaks under the both of you. There’s a desperate need to be loud that you reluctantly keep pushing away, swearing to yourself that you will plan a weekend trip away from home to have Javier fuck you until you scream. You wonder if Chucho can babysit. 

“Tell me I fuck you so good,” Javier interrupts your thoughts.

“Just like that, ah,” you reply breathlessly, “Keep going. You treat me so well, baby.”

“You feel so fucking good, mi amor,” he moans quietly as he continues rocking into your cunt. The wet squelches are dirty evidence that he knows exactly how to fuck you until you can’t comprehend the world around you. When you accidentally cry out, he shushes you, “Shhh, baby, I know. Right there?”

He punctuates the last word by giving you a particularly hard thrust against your g-spot and your hand on the headboard flies down to cover your own mouth. You nod frantically, tears forming at the corners of your eyes as the pleasure increases significantly and the sensitivity borders on overwhelming. 

“You look so good pregnant with my baby,” he praises, slickly sliding in and out of you with ease. Your sheets are soaked with your wetness, “All overwhelmed and sensitive. Look at you, fuck, I wasn’t kidding about that football team. I wanna knock you up over and over and— ah.”

When you finally dare lift the hand from your mouth again, having settled a little, you reach down under your belly to rub your swollen clit. It makes you throw your head back, blood pumping in your ears at how every nerve ending has changed since you got pregnant. Your walls start to clench, and Javier nearly collapses at the feel of your cunt pulling him in further, so you slow down your fingers a little until coming to a halt as to not make it be over already. You want him to fuck you to orgasm, and whilst carrying his baby, it is a lot easier to come from getting your g-spot pounded than it used to be.

“Yeah?” You whisper, breathing ragged, “I’ll give you all the babies you want. Just make me come. Please.”

“Say the bad word as you milk me,” he growls, hips having started to falter as indication that he is close himself. He entwines your fingers, “Come on, you can do it, baby.”

Heaven-sent electricity floods your body in the next second as you come with a silent shout, mouth hanging open and eyes half-lidded. Relief is not the right word; it seems too weak to describe what you are experiencing as you feel the pressure in your lower belly erupt into flutters of pleasure.

“Fuck,” you pant as you realize that you’ve been holding your breath. The swear comes so naturally when he makes you feel so good, “Fuck, Javi, fuck!”

“Shhh… There you are,” he groans at the first feel of your orgasm. It takes only a few of the spasms of muscles before he empties himself inside of you, the wetness of him inside of you sounding obscene, “Good fucking girl coming on my dick.”

It takes a moment to calm down after that.

Javier pulls out of you with a little noise, but then throws himself down onto the bed right beside you. He runs a hand over his forehead, pushing his sweaty hair back, “Jesus Christ.”

“I want more,” you complain, staring up at the ceiling with still ragged breathing.

“Of course you do,” he chuckles, still out of breath himself. 

“Do you think we were too loud?” You ask, turning your head to look at him. 

“Definitely,” he winks but then places a hand on your stomach, rubbing gently, “Is kiddo okay?”

“I think you put them to sleep,” you yawn. 

“I think I put the both of you to sleep,” he retorts. 

“I need to go clean myself first,” you groan at the realization, “C’mon, help your pregnant wife out of bed.”

.

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If you would like to follow my writing then go follow @notjustjavierpena-fics and turn on notifications 💖❤️

[fluentmoviequoter]

Love (Both of) You More

Part 2 of Love (Both of) You

Pairing: David 'Deacon' Kay x pregnant!fem!reader

Summary: You grow closer to Deacon throughout your pregnancy and learn that you aren't the only one who loves him. (This picks up about a month after Part 1 and covers the rest of the pregnancy and birth!)

Warnings: fluff, brief angst, vague threat from r's ex-husband, protective Luca and Deacon, labor and birth, more fluff, Deacon sings Sinatra

Word Count: 4.1k+ words

A/N: Thank you so much for the love on the first part! I really enjoyed writing this! An extra special thanks to @elephants-bubbles-brachosauruses for the amazing ideas and for being so kind!!🫶🏼

Living with Deacon Kay for a month has changed your perspective on a lot of things. Your life changed in an hour, in the moments between when your now ex-husband kicked you out and when you found solace and comfort in Deacon’s arms. Now, everything is different and infinitely better, even if you’re pregnant and suffer daily from dizziness and nausea. The moment Deacon wraps you in his arms, it doesn’t seem to matter.

“What are you thinking?” Deacon inquires softly.

“Are you sure?” you ask Deacon.

He chuckles and his arms shake around your shoulders. “Of course.”

You look down at your growing bump and frown. “You wouldn’t prefer to wait four months?”

Deacon moves his hand to your chin and directs your face toward his. “No, I would not. Whatever you are thinking, it’s not true. You’re pregnant, but you’re still you. Still beautiful.”

You nod slowly against Deacon’s hand, and his eyes soften as your smile grows. “I would love to go on a date with you.”

“That’s not what I asked,” Deacon replies happily. “I asked if you would be my girlfr-“

You lay your hand over Deacon’s mouth and say, “Just because I already live here doesn’t mean we can jump to that.”

Deacon gently pulls your wrist away from his face, but not before he kisses your fingers. “Whatever you want.”

“I want to say yes,” you whisper.

“I can wait. For both of you.”

When your phone rings after Deacon leaves for work, your vision is blurry from dizziness. Despite not knowing who is calling, you answer and say your name.

“Good morning,” your realtor greets. “I’ve got good news and bad news.”

“They didn’t accept my offer?” you guess, pinching the bridge of your nose.

“I’m sorry. I did find another house in the neighbourhood; it just hit the market and it’s got everything you want.”

“Okay,” you murmur. “I’ll, uh… Can you send me the listing and I’ll get back to you?”

“Of course. Have a good one.”

You hang up and drop your head into your hands. The dizziness hasn’t passed, and you force yourself to take a few deep breaths before the stress of the bad news can make you feel any worse. As your stomach begins to churn, you reach for your phone again. Before you can find Deacon’s contact in your favorites list, his front door opens.

“Deac,” you whimper as he returns.

“You’re okay,” he assures softly.

He walks to the couch and kneels beside you. The moment his hands meet your arms, you relax.

“What happened?” Deacon asks.

“I was really dizzy, and then the realtor called…”

“You didn’t get the house?”

You shake your head, and Deacon shifts to pull you into his arms. With your face pressed to his shoulder, your breaths grow more regular, and your dizziness begins to fade.

“Listen,” Deacon requests. “I know that it’s hard, that you are dealing with everything and holding it together for this little guy… Would you maybe want to stay here? Just until the baby is born and then you can get a house without having to worry about this. The stress isn’t good for you, but I want you here. Being by your side is- it’s the best place I’ve ever been.”

You nod against Deacon’s shoulder. His arms wrap tighter around you, and you suddenly remember he is supposed to be at work.

“Why’d you come back?” you ask.

“Would you believe me if I said I felt like I should?” When you shake your head and smile, Deacon amends, “I forgot my coffee and can’t live without it.”

You laugh and lean back. With the room to leave, Deacon leans closer to you and lays his hand over your stomach.

“Thank you,” you whisper. “I love you, Deacon.”

“I love you,” he replies. “Both of you.”

At 15 weeks pregnant, you’re convinced that your baby is going to be an Olympic gymnast. Between the kicks to your bladder and the discomfort he or she can cause, you’ve forgotten what it’s like to simply sit and be comfortable. You’ve lost count of how many times you’ve been to the bathroom or shifted to find a better position, but it’s been an all-day battle.

“We’ve got 25 more weeks of this,” you whisper to your stomach. “Could we try to work together?”

A sharp pain against your side is your answer, and you shake your head in both discomfort and amusement. Deacon will be home soon, but you don’t want to concern him by mentioning any issues. When he does return, you raise your arms and hug him tightly.

“I missed you,” you say. It’s punctuated with a kiss on his jaw. “And I have an answer.”

Deacon’s eyes widen as he awaits your answer.

“I’m ready to say yes. I want to be your girlfriend, Deacon, more than anything.”

“I love you,” Deacon says.

He cups your face in his hands and kisses you. You move with Deacon until you hiss in pain and pull away. With a hand pressed to your bump, you wonder how someone can move so much in such a small space.

“You alright?” Deacon asks.

“Mostly. Someone’s active today.”

“C’mon, sit down,” Deacon urges.

After he helps you lower to the couch and kisses your forehead, Deacon walks to the kitchen. You twist as more kicks begin and tilt your head back as tears prick your eyes. Whether it’s pain or hormones, you can’t tell, but it’s not enjoyable.

“Let me try something,” Deacon says.

You nod to welcome him, and after he sets a snack and a glass of water before you (which you smile at), he sits beside you. He lays his hand over your stomach and brushes his thumb against you.

“Practicality doesn’t interest me, Love the life that I lead, I’ve got a pocketful of miracles, And with a pocketful of miracles, One little miracle a day is all I need,” Deacon sings softly. “Troubles more or less bother me, I guess When the sun doesn’t shine, But there’s a pocketful of miracles, And with a pocketful of miracles The world’s a bright and shiny apple that’s mine, All mine.”

As Deacon sings, your baby calms. You relax beneath Deacon’s touch, and he smiles up at you through the words of the song. You’ve told Deacon that you love him, but it’s clear that you aren’t the only one.

“Thank you,” you tell Deacon after he finishes the song. “We love you, Deacon Sinatra.”

“Not as much as I love you,” Deacon argues.

He kisses you, and your baby kicks. As you groan, Deacon chuckles and leans toward your bump again.

Your 16-week appointment is one of the most exciting, though you think Deacon is more excited than you. The appointment will tell you the gender of your baby, which has been the topic of many debates between Deacon and Luca over the last three months. Deacon is convinced it’s a boy, but Luca won’t change his vote for a girl. Either way, you know your baby is going to have an amazing and protective father figure and uncle in Deacon and Luca.

Two days before the appointment, however, everyone’s excitement levels drop. Deacon calls you as soon as he learns that he has to be in court the day of your ultrasound.

“I’m so sorry,” Deacon apologizes. “I would be there- I want to be there, but this court date came up out of nowhere and I have to testify.”

“I can try to reschedule the appointment,” you offer. “I know you were looking forward to it.”

“No, no, you need to go. I just- I’ll find out when I get home.”

“Sorry, Deac. If you happen to get out of court early or anything, you know you’re welcome to drop by.”

“Yeah.” Deacon sighs before he says, “I love you.”

“I love you.”

After you end the call, you stare at your phone for a moment. Deacon was so excited when you asked him to come with you, and now he finds out just a few days before the most important ultrasound of your pregnancy that he can’t be with you. You’ll have to do something for him, and you have an excellent idea.

“Hey, are you okay?” Luca asks quickly when he answers.

“I’m fine,” you promise. “I just talked to Deacon, and he can’t come to the appointment this week. So, I wanted to ask a favor.”

“Anything.”

“I need your help to surprise Deacon.”

“Oh, I’m in.”

“He’s here,” you alert Luca. “Thank you for helping.”

“Of course,” he replies. “He’s going to be thrilled. You’re good for him.”

“I think you have that backward.”

“You’re good for each other. Trust me, I know things.”

You chuckle and shake your head. Luca pulls you into a hug and keeps one of his arms over your shoulders as Deacon enters the front door.

“Hey,” Deacon greets. “Luca.”

“Luca is here to tell us if I’m having a boy or a girl,” you explain.

“But you-“

“I told them not to tell me. So, they put it in an envelope and gave it to Luca.”

Deacon smiles and pulls you from Luca’s arms and into his. Luca scoffs and mumbles something about being your best friend before he walks away. You wrap your arms around Deacon from your position at his side.

“You didn’t have to do this,” Deacon tells you.

“Yes, I did. I wanted to.”

Luca returns with an oversized box. He shrugs at Deacon’s surprised look and says, “We couldn’t decide. So, would you like a lightsaber or your girl’s idea?”

“A lightsaber?” Deacon repeats. “I do want to see it, but I’ll take hers.”

“It’s not much,” you interject.

Luca nods and removes two smaller boxes. He sets them on Deacon’s kitchen table and steps back. You clutch Deacon’s hand between both of yours as he walks you to the table.

“Cake’s on the left, outfit’s on the right,” Luca tells you.

“I saw the ideas online,” you say. “The cake is either pink or blue, and the outfit is for the baby, so it’s for a boy or girl.”

“You pick,” Deacon offers. “Your baby.”

You shake your head and argue, “Your surprise.”

“Both, then. All of the above. I’ll cut the cake, you open the box, and Luca turns on the lightsaber.”

“Yes!” Luca exclaims.

“Yeah, let’s do it,” you agree.

You stand before the box with the newborn outfit in it, Deacon holds a cake knife over the confetti-decorated cake, and Luca raises the lightsaber before him. With the lights dimmed, you count down from three. The lightsaber buzzes as the light glows from the handle up to the top, and you look from the outfit to the cake, to the glowing toy.

“You were right,” you cheer as you wrap your arms around Deacon.

“It’s a boy!” Deacon yells as he hugs you tightly.

“I have a nephew!” Luca exclaims as he twirls the lightsaber.

Deacon pulls back from the hug and gently wipes the joyful tears from your face before he looks at the outfit in your box. This is better than anything you could’ve heard in the doctor’s office, and you’re glad that you have both Deacon and Luca by your side.

“Hey, what flavor is that?” you ask as you look at the cake.

“Your favorite,” Luca answers. “Because I’m a good friend and a better uncle.”

You watch him play with the lightsaber as you lean against Deacon. This is home, you decide, and he always will be.

“Sit down,” Luca demands. “You’re almost five months pregnant, you’re not helping.”

“I’m pretty sure you said I’ll help you move in not I’ll move in for you,” you argue.

“Absolutely not,” Deacon adds as he walks through with a box. “You’re not lifting anything.”

“Then let me put stuff away!” you try.

“And stand for hours? No.”

“Take a seat. We can handle it,” Luca promises.

You huff as you sit back on the couch. Luca and Deacon walk out to get more boxes from the back of Luca’s truck. There wasn’t much to move, and your ex had put everything in a storage unit and then shipped the key to your attorney. Outside, Deacon and Luca get another reminder of your ex as they prepare to move a larger box.

“Hold up,” Luca requests. He pulls his ringing phone from his pocket and answers, “Luca.”

“Hey,” your ex greets.

“I told you to stop calling,” Luca seethes.

He stands up straighter and Deacon raises his brows in question.

“Yeah, well, my baby is due pretty soon. I want to know where she’s having my kid so I can be there.”

“You’re not welcome, and you never will be.”

Luca hangs up and shakes his head. Before he tells Deacon who it is, his phone rings again.

“Don’t hang up on me,” your ex begins. “I have a right to know.”

“You lost that right when you kicked the mother of your child out and divorced her just because she was pregnant. No one wants you here, and if you call one more time, the only answer you’re going to get is a restraining order.”

“I’ll find her myself, then.”

“Listen very closely,” Luca says darkly, surprising Deacon with how quickly his attitude intensified. “Do not come near her and stop calling. You’re not a father, you never were.”

“That wasn’t the first time,” Deacon says after Luca ends the call. “How many times has he called?”

“It’s been a while. He called every day for the first month or so, but nothing until now. He said he wanted to be there for the birth.”

“Luca, she-“

“She is getting a restraining order,” Luca interrupts. “Not that I think she’ll argue.”

Deacon nods and jumps out of the bed of the truck to go inside. Luca knows that it’s time to tell you, so he follows Deacon inside.

“Why are you up?” Deacon asks. “C’mon, we need to talk about something.”

“Oh,” you say, looking between Deacon and Luca. “About what?”

“Your ex.”

“He called today, and it wasn’t the first time. For some reason, he wanted to know where you were having the baby because he wants to be there,” Luca explains. “It was the first call in months, but I think you should consider a restraining order, just to be safe.”

You nod and immediately agree. “Thank you for dealing with it, Luca, and for not telling me. I don’t think I could’ve handled it before now.”

“What changed?” Deacon asks.

“Everything. You, moving in. I didn’t love him and I’m really happy now.”

Deacon pulls you close, and Luca teases you about stealing his only capable helper as he exits the house to bring in another box.

“I’m happy with you,” you whisper. “Thank you, Deacon.”

“You’re sure you’re okay?” he checks.

“I’ve never been better than I am with you,” you assure. “Thank you for everything.”

The halfway point of your pregnancy passes in a blur, but the five-month mark feels like someone slammed on the brakes. The entire 21st week of your pregnancy, you were nauseous, dizzy, sick, and tired. You kept it from Deacon for a few days, but Luca found out somehow and checked in on you often.

An hour after you went to bed, you wake suddenly and move as quietly as possible to the bathroom. Two silent trips later, you decide to stay there rather than risk waking Deacon. Leaning back against the cool tub, you close your eyes.

“What happened to tell me when things happen?” Deacon asks from the doorway.

“Nothing happened,” you argue tiredly.

“You’re just taking a nap in the tub because it looked comfortable, then?”

“Easier than going back and forth.”

Deacon offers his hands and helps you up slowly. You begin to argue with him, but when he leads you past your temporary home in his guest room, you fall quiet. He welcomes you into his arms in his bed, and you fall asleep and stay asleep. Deacon cares about you, and every time he shows that care, you grow more convinced that you won’t be able to leave him.

“You’re glowing!” Street says.

You look up quickly and smile when you see him. The decision to stop by the station and see Deacon and Luca was last minute, but you’re glad you’re here.

“Is it pregnancy glow or I’m dating Deacon Kay glow?” Street inquires playfully.

“Maybe it’s Maybelline,” you joke.

Street furrows his brows in confusion, and you wave your hand before his face and laugh. He swats your hand away gently and gestures for you to follow him. As you approach Luca, with his back to you, Street raises a finger to his lips and points. You roll your eyes but do it anyway.

When you grab Luca’s shoulders, he spins quickly. He inhales sharply when he sees you and tries to act mad, but when you raise your arms for a hug, he smiles and pulls you in.

“About time you visit again,” Hondo exclaims.

You smile and hug him quickly, and soon every member of 20 Squad – except for Deacon – is around you and asking about you and your son. When Deacon returns from the locker room, you’re pulled from the center of the circle and into his arms.

“Hey, when’s the baby shower?” Street asks.

“Never. I’m not inviting you guys to buy me gifts,” you say.

“Too late. They’re taking up space in the locker room,” Hondo replies. “Give us a date or we’re sending them all home with Deac.”

You shrug, and Luca says, “Saturday, my house.”

“Is it always like this?” you ask Deacon.

He nods and whispers, “Welcome to the family.”

At six months pregnant, you had accepted that you weren’t in a position to have a baby shower. Yet, here you sit, surrounded by cops and their families with an entire table full of gifts and more well wishes and love than you thought existed.

“Excuse us,” Deacon interrupts.

He apologizes to Hicks and Molly as he pulls you away but steers you directly to the couch before he tells you why he needed you.

“You’re getting tired,” he says. “Take a breather.”

“Maybe,” you reply. “Or maybe I just need cake.”

“You’re going to end up on bedrest if you keep this up,” Deacon reminds you, though his voice and smile are gentle.

“Being with you 24/7,” you muse. “Maybe I’ll keep it up.”

Deacon shakes his head but kisses your forehead before he asks you to rest for a minute before you go back to socializing.

“Hello,” Deacon greets over the phone. “I was about to call you.”

“My water just broke,” you say. “Sorry, hi.”

“Did you say your water broke?”

“Yeah, like two minutes ago.” You grunt as a contraction begins.

“We’re on the way,” Deacon says. “Stay on the phone with me.”

“I’m not about to have the baby, you’ve got time.”

“I missed enough.”

“Wait, we?”

“You think Luca would let me leave without him?”

You chuckle through the end of the contraction and listen to Deacon yelling for Luca. He’s calm, but rushing, as if you’ll have the baby in the twenty minutes it will take him to get here.

“You’re amazing,” you tell Deacon.

“That’s all you. We’re leaving now. How do you feel?” he asks.

“I feel fine. Contractions hurt a little, but nothing I can’t handle.”

“We get to meet little man!” Luca cheers. “Hey, did she pick a name yet?”

“A few,” you and Deacon say together. “She’ll pick when she sees him,” he tells Luca.

Less than fifteen minutes later, Deacon and Luca rush into his house. You’re waiting by the door with your hospital bag, and you smile as Luca takes your bag. Deacon sits with you in the backseat of his car as Luca drives.

After you enter the hospital with two protective men wearing SWAT uniforms, you get into a private room before you can even sit in the waiting area. Your contractions grow closer quickly, and Deacon’s hand stays in yours through every moment of labor. Luca is waiting outside to meet your son, but at this moment, you only notice Deacon.

“You’re amazing,” Deacon tells you. “You can do this.”

He continues to encourage you and stays close to you throughout the entire process. The moment your son’s cries fill the room, you relax and whisper, “Thank you” to Deacon.

“A beautiful baby boy,” the nurse says as she passes your son to you.

You hold him against your chest, and you look up at Deacon. He smiles at you and lays his hand over yours on your son’s back. His eyes are misty, and you mouth I love you, which he returns without hesitation.

“We’ll be right back,” the nurse promises as she lifts your son. “Just a quick check-up.”

After the room clears, and only you and Deacon remain, you sit up carefully and pull him closer by his hand.

“I have a question,” you say. Deacon nods, and you ask, “Can I give him your last name?”

Deacon’s eyes widen but he doesn’t answer.

“I don’t have to; you don’t have to!” you add quickly. “I just thought-“

“Yes,” Deacon whispers as a tear breaks past his water line. “Yes.”

You sigh and smile as Deacon wraps both of his hands around yours.

“You’re the only father he’s had, the only one he will have,” you explain. “Thank you.”

Deacon bends over to kiss you, and you wipe his tears before he stands. The nurse returns soon after, and Deacon takes your son from her and holds him to his chest. Deacon may not be the reason this baby exists, but he’s his son, no matter what happens.

“He’s perfect,” Luca whispers as he enters your room. “Looks just like you.”

“Thank you for everything, Luca,” you reply.

“Are you kidding? I’m just getting started.”

He lifts a giant gift bag onto your bed, and you smile before you look at Deacon and your son. They’re both perfect, you think.

“We need to talk,” Deacon says as he returns from the nursery. He sits beside you and adds, “It’s about what you’re comfortable with me doing.”

“Everything,” you say.

“No, I mean-“

“I know what you mean,” you assure, pressing your hand to Deacon’s chest. “You’re his father, Deacon, and if you want to do anything for him, I won’t stop you. He loves you… almost as much as I do.”

Deacon smiles as he leans forward to kiss you. He told you in the hospital after you gave birth that he wanted to step in and be a father to your son, and you quickly corrected him to say our son. Even before you started dating Deacon, you knew there was something special about him, and now that you’re in a real relationship with him, you understand that everything about Deacon Kay is special.

With your head on Deacon’s chest and his arms around you, his touch and heartbeat lull you to sleep. Your son falls asleep the moment Deacon picks him up, too, and the realization makes Deacon smile. Deacon brushes his hand over your shoulder as he lays awake. He doesn’t know how much time passes before your son starts crying. Deacon turns down the baby monitor beside him and stands, careful not to disturb you.

He enters the nursery he set up before you gave birth and gently picks his son up. Deacon sways as he rubs little Kay’s back.

“Practicality doesn’t interest me, Love the life that I lead, I’ve got a pocketful of miracles, And with a pocketful of miracles, One little miracle a day is all I need,” Deacon sings softly.

With Deacon's touch, his voice, and the vibrations of his chest, your son calms quickly and falls asleep against Deacon’s chest. When Deacon turns, you’re leaning against the door frame with a soft smile.

“Don’t let me interrupt,” you whisper. “He still likes it.”

Deacon raises one arm, and you join his side. He kisses your head before you tilt your chin up for a proper kiss.

“I love you,” you tell him.

“I love you more than I can say,” he replies. “Both of you.”

Deacon begins singing again and sways. He locks eyes with you as he changes the song to The Way You Look Tonight. Your relationship with Deacon gets better daily, and this moment proves, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that Deacon is a great father, and he does love both of you.

[kedsandtubesocks]

Here are some Jack Daniels headcanons I have and I am shaking my fist at the sky because I never thought’d I’d get lassoed in by this cowboy yet HERE I AM!!!!

Also this is for Laura @lowlights for being the best/worst influence yeehaw ♡

I have a feeling he is a Scorpio - intense, loyal, literally can hold a grudge forever but also loves deeply

This man is a dork and I stand by that because yes he’s gorgeous and suave and yeah can take down a small army but the minute you answer a trivia question wrong about the empire strikes back he is correcting you, polite as ever because he’s an gentleman, but he still knows the right answer and even talks about how the scene where r2d2 is in the mud water was shot in George Lucas’ unfinished swimming pool

This makes sense when you see his rare and signed Han Solo vintage card in his home office

Also probably has a rare stamp collection he prides himself in and it’s adorable and you giggle so much because he is dorky and you are honored to see this side of him!!

Likes butter pecan ice cream because it’s a southern staple and his grandma loved it too so it reminds him of her

When he wanders away from you at the supermarket he comes back to your side and pretends he doesn’t know you, still tries to flirt with you and be playful while you are there smiling so big the entire time just trying to ask him what type of cereal he wants

Loves a good elegant wine dinner but when you decided to order in take out late one evening instead of going out Jack gets hit with those deep domestic feelings HARD

Once he comes to terms with his first wife’s death I like to believe he has this little dream where she kind of reassures him that their love is forever but he is allowed to heal and let love surround him again and it’s then that he really understands that yes she is and forever will be his first love but you are his forever love and after that he feels reborn

This is even more intensified when he stays over at your place and you have a self care night with relaxing face masks and your favorite treats and the minute you offer to put a face mask on him he’s done for, literally in the bathroom when you’re not looking he’s already browsing his phone for matching robes for you and him

Gets hooked into any series you are watching, he is immediately asking questions about who is who and very sincerely gasps when a big plot twist comes (also is an absolute sucker for a good rom com)

Has no ability to play any type of video game except Mario kart which he takes seriously too and he always picks Mario because “he’s a classic honey, can’t got wrong with a classic” and you joke about how boring that pick is until he kicks your ass on rainbow road

Loves to help people on airplanes move their luggage up into the overhead bins, he’s also that guy who can make conversation in line with almost anyone even at the DMV

You learn he almost domesticated a raccoon when he was a boy

Jack also loves a good museum date and can be super insightful but also a bit silly and he makes funny faces at paintings or statues to make you laugh

Big fan of 90’s country and specifically I see him as a Brooks & Dunn man cause he for SURE serenades you with their song ‘Brand New Man’ multiple times

also is probably a Willie Nelson fan and has a framed photo of when he met the country singer himself and Jack proudly tells the story of how they met any time someone comes over and the moment he decides he’s gonna marry you is when you jokingly prove you can repeat the story word for word

His dream is to one day meet Dolly Parton

LOVES to cuddle!!!

Loves dogs of course but when you care for a scared kitten you find under his truck on a rainy night Jack becomes a complete cat dad and even gets the cat a small little cowboy hat that makes him bust out laughing every time the cat wears it

Is a sucker for candles

Isn’t much of a beach guy but would sit in a lazy river for hours

Once you say yes to his proposal he carves your initials with his into a tree on his family’s property and on the day you get married of course shows it to you (you can’t help but cry of course and he does too)

He finds a left over empty bag or wrapper of your favorite snack in his suitcase when he’s on an away mission and calls you crying a bit drunk because he misses you and thinks you left that for him as a reminder that you’re always with him and you’re like ‘no baby that just means we need to clean our suitcases better’

Gets his wedding ring with your birthstone in it

[imaginecolby]

Friends with Benefits || Part Ten - The First Part of Forever

"are you busy?" colby text you one afternoon.

"not at the moment. i just left for my lunch break." you replied. as soon as it was marked read, he was calling you on facetime. "hi baby." you said with a smile when you answered.

"we miss you." he pouted, panning the camera to show lucas asleep on his chest. it was monday morning, and you had to go back to work after taking a few days off to spend with your boys.

"oh, stop. i will literally quit my job right now and come home." you joked.

"that's fine. daddy can support us, and you can be a stay at home mom." colby teased.

"you joke, as if i haven't heavily considered that." you laughed. truthfully, you loved your job, and the people you worked with, so you wouldn't actually ever leave. but you missed your boys so much every day, that it took all you had in you to not drop everything and rush home.

the first few years of parenthood had been better than you expected them. lucas was such a great kid, and already so incredibly smart. you just celebrated his fourth birthday, and you couldn't believe how fast he was growing up, but you loved getting to watch him grow every day.

you talked with colby throughout your entire lunch break, and a little bit after you got back to work. the rest of the day went by so slow, and all you wanted was to get home. once you left work, you drove home as fast you could. you let out a sigh of relief as you pulled into the driveway, glad to finally be home. you gathered your bags and went inside, kicking your shoes off by the door.

"mommy!" a tiny voice cheered as you walked into the kitchen.

"hello my baby!" you cheered as lucas jumped into your arms. you held him tight and pressed a kiss to his cheeks. "i missed you today." you said, kissing him again.

"me and daddy missed you too." he said softly. just then, colby came into the kitchen, saying hello and giving you a quick kiss.

"it's true." he laughed, moving to sit at the island. "lucas, you wanna tell mommy what happened today?" colby asked him. lucas turned his attention to you, giving a big smile. what was once a large toothy grin now had a noticable gap in the front. you felt your eyes widen, gasping loudly.

"i lost a tooth!" he cheered, kicking in your arms.

"your first tooth!" you cheered along with him. "make sure you put it under your pillow tonight so the tooth fairy can find it." you said, kissing his cheek again. he squirmed out of your arms and you heard him run off to his room. you turned to colby as a pout pulled on your lip. "his first tooth." you whined.

"i know." he said, pulling you into his lap. "fell out literally as soon as you and i hung up earlier." he laughed.

"i can't believe i missed it." you sighed. you draped your arm around colby's neck, leaning into his chest. you felt the stress from your day finally melt away, finding solace and comfort in colby's arms. you both sat there quietly, enjoying the peace, until lucas came running back into the kitchen.

"daddy, i'm hungry." he pouted, leaning into colby's side.

"i know, bud. our pizza should be here soon." colby said to him.

"okay!" he said before wandering off. you heard him turn on the tv in the living room, laughing as the theme song played to his favorite cartoon. you stood from colby's lap and he shortly followed suit, rising from his chair.

"i'm gonna go change before dinner gets here." you said, pressing a kiss to his lips before grabbing your things and heading upstairs. you changed into some lounge clothes and met the boys in the dining room where colby was making everyone plates. you sat down at the table as colby placed a plate in front of you. the three of you enjoyed your meal, making conversation.

after dinner, the three of you lounged in the living room, lucas' cartoon still playing on the tv. you and colby were snuggled up on the couch, and lucas was on the floor, playing with some his toys. you watched him with stars in your eyes, still beside yourself that this was your kid, and that he was growing up so fast.

you loved him with your whole heart, and would do anything to protect him from whatever bad things were thrown his way. you had a good feeling that he was going to grow up to be wonderful young man, and you couldn't wait to experience it all.

after a while, lucas was done playing, and had crawled onto the couch, nuzzling himself in between you and colby. he quickly fell asleep, breathing quietly beneath you. after a while, you moved slowly to carry him up to bed, being extra careful as to not wake him up. you laid him in his bed and tucked him in, wishing him a good night. you stood there watching him sleep before colby's voice sounded in your ear, scaring you.

"so, how much is the tooth fairy gonna leave him?" he asked, pulling wad of cash out of his pocket. "all i have is twenties."

"cole, we are not giving our four-year-old a twenty dollar bill for a single tooth."

"ooh, not the real first name. that hurts." he laughed, placing his hand over his heart, feining offense. you rolled your eyes and walked off to your bedroom.

"he can have one dollar." you asserted, grabbing some change from your dresser. you went back to lucas' room, carefully removing the tooth from underneath his pillow and placing the stack of quarters on his nightstand.

"i can't believe he's already lost his first tooth." you pouted again, suddenly feeling the tears well in your eyes.

"i feel like this is all happening so fast, but i can't wait to continue to watch him grow. he's gonna have so many incredible experiences, and i can't wat for us to be there to see them all." colby said as you walked back down to your bedroom. you stood at the foot of your bed, stumbling a bit as colby suddenly pulled you into his arms. he kissed you softly, and held you tight.

"i love you." you said, kissing him again.

"i love you more." he said, lips barely moving from yours. you quickly deepened the kiss, as colby's arms wrapped tighter around your waist. he lifted you slightly off the ground, and you followed his cue, wrapping your legs around him.

he carried you the few steps to the edge of the bed, laying you down beneath him. his lips pressed along the inches of your skin, down your neck, across your chest, in between your breasts, and down your stomach.

"let's make another one." he said out of breath, before pressing his lips met yours again. you pulled his face away and locked eyes with him, smiling wide before nodding.

"lock the door." you smirked.

“mmm, yes ma’am.” he said, his lips brushing yours as he moved to the bedroom door, quickly flipping the lock.

sex with colby never failed to satisfy you, and knowing that you had him all to yourself made it all the more perfect. after you finished that night, you cuddled for a bit, the two of you laying in a perfect silence as you both drifted off to sleep.

this was your forever; it was by no means perfect, but it was exactly what you wanted. your wonderful husband, your wonderful son, and your wonderful life. it was perfect to you, and you wouldn’t change it for the world.

[captmickey]

I knew you sent something, @dominustempori and it took me a minute to find it, but hey! I found it! And here we go!

---

Lucas wandered around the house, looking for something to do… anything, really. He would have joined his father on the ship, but according to him and uncle Winslow, it would be best if Lucas stayed put for now. 

(“Not because I don’t want you with me, kiddo, but because the ship has a lot of broken pieces and I don’t want you to get hurt.” Guybrush explained, kneeling down to be at eye level with him.

“But I can help!” Lucas pouted. “I can help, really!” Guybrush just let out a laugh and ruffled his hair a little. “I know, and you can any other time… just not with this one. I promise to make it up to you later, alright? I won’t be gone for long.”)

He huffed. He could have helped, he knew he could have. He just… didn’t know how, especially with how everything was so tall. But he’s just like his dad, Lucas Threepwood could solve that problem, no doubt.

Instead, he continued to pout and went upstairs, planning on going to his room and think of something to do when he heard humming from his parents’ room.

Curiosity got the best of him as Lucas peeked his head inside, seeing the neatly made bed in the room with the two night stands: one neatly organized with a book or two stacked and the other an absolute mess filled with too many books and parchments. He continued looking around when he spotted his mom sitting in front of a mirror fixing up her hair.

Perking up with finally someone in the room (let alone house), Lucas bee-line to his mother’s side and stood on his toes to catch a glimpse of the table filled with different smelling bottles and ribbons.

A chuckle was heard and a hand on his head.

“Hello to you too.” Elaine greeted him. 

“Hello!” Lucas beamed, looking between his mom and the table. 

“What are you up to?” She asked, going back to brushing her hair.

“Nothing. I’m bored.” He moved his hands to her lap, plopping a chin on her thigh. “Dad made me bored.”

“Did he now?” Elaine chuckled. “That’s not very nice of him.”

“It’s not. It’s…um…” he contemplated, trying to think of the rude his mom would say before perking up, “rude! It’s very rude.” 

“I would imagine so.”

Lucas continued watching her brush her hair, noticing how she was parting her hair into three strands and began criss-crossing it over one another. His eyes widened as he stared. 

Elaine, noting the expression, smirked. “Something the matter, Lucas?”

“What are you doing?” He asked, point-blank.

“Hm? Oh, I’m braiding my hair.”

“Why?”

She shrugged. “I just feel like it, nice to have it out of the way before we run some–”

“I want that!”

Elaine stopped and looked at Lucas who appeared to have stars in his eyes as he stood up straighter, a small hop in place was noticeable as well. 

“You want a braid?” She asked, just out of clarification considering his hair was not nearly long enough for there to be a braid but she was not about to spoil the small child’s mood with that tidbit.

Lucas, however, as an answer, hopped more in place.

“Alright, let’s make you a braid.” Elaine moved from her seat and picked up her son to sit in it in her place. She of course noticed as she was reaching for the brush, kicking his feet, his telltale sign of excitement. “Hold still for a moment, alright?”

“Okay!” He smiled, looking as much as he could at his reflection, or at least, half his head. 

Slowing his feet kicking to as much of a minimum as he could, Lucas felt his mother’s hands on his head followed by the gentle stroke of the hair brush. Slowly, he closed his eyes, feeling safe and comforted as she went to work grabbing some strands of his hair. He knew he did not have hair nearly as long as his parents, but whenever he saw them putting their hair up, he wanted to join in.

“Mommy?”

“Yes, dear?”

“Do you braid dad’s hair?” Lucas asked, opening his eyes and looking at his mother’s reflection.

“Sometimes.” Elaine answered. “Although your father likes to put it in a ponytail and call it a day.”

“Oh. Does he braid your hair?” He then asked.

She smiled. “Yes.”

“Does he do a good job? You do a good job with your hair.” Lucas smiled when he warranted a laugh out of her.

“He tries, darling. And that’s what matters.” Elaine decided to do two more braids, feeling the child would want to show off his new do. 

“I want long hair.” He decided. “Like you and dad.”

“Yeah? And what will you do with all that hair?” She asked, trying to not discourage him.

“Hmm…” Lucas kicked his feet in thought. “I’d… I’d braid it. Have dad’s ponytail. Oh! Maybe beads?”

“Beads?” Elaine sounded surprised.

“Mm-hmm!”

“Well, that sounds rather exciting. And with that…” she tied the ribbon to hold the last of the small braids in his hair, “we’re done.”

Lifting Lucas up so he could see himself better in the mirror. It was three very small braids that were on one side of his head, each a different color ribbon. Lucas looked at himself closer, leaning in as much as he could and shaking his head, watching the braids bounce a little and smiled that famous Threepwood grin as he turned to look at her.

“I love it!” He grinned, his feet kicking a little. “Thank you!”

“You look absolutely wonderful.” Elaine smiled in return, giving him a small kiss on the cheek which got a belly giggle from Lucas. “Want to show your father your new look?”

“Yeah!”

[apomaro-mellow]

Ep 2

The Dinner Car

The next car they went into had elegant piano music playing. There was a suit standing at a restaurant podium. Just a suit, no person on the inside.

"Do you have a reservation?", the suit asked in a thick French accent.

"Uhh", Eddie looked to Steve, who looked to Lucas, who looked to Chadwick.

"My good man, I am afraid we do not have a reservation", the knight replied.

"Then we cannot allow you into this establishment."

Well they couldn't just go right back out the door. They had to find the other door and continue down the line of trains. They turned to look at each other, willing one another to come up with a plan. Steve was the one to step up to the podium.

"Look here. You obviously don't know who I am. My name is Steven Harrington. Yes, of the Indiana Harringtons, related to the Virginia Harringtons, and connected to the Kennedys by way of my Aunt Elaine. So if you don't let us in, I'll have no choice but to make a call and your job will be the least of your worries. You'll have a national incident on your hands."

While the suit had no body and thus no head or face, it was clear he was getting flustered as Steve went on. "M-my apologies Monsieur Harrington! We will have you and your guests seated right away! Rochelle! Menus! And Jon Pierre, get them some jackets! We have a dress code policy, you understand."

"I understand I just told you who I am and I still don't have a glass in my hand."

Jon Pierre, also a floating suit, provided them all with suit jackets that fit like gloves. Rochelle, a simple, black dress hovering over some heels, led them to a table. She also had a French accent.

"You will be dining with Monsieur Allard, only the best for a Harrington."

She set their menus down at a long table. At the head of it was a grand maroon suit with a top hat, accompanied by a billowing blue dress to one side and a less elaborate green suit on the other.

"Are you really related to the Kennedy's?", Lucas whispered from his spot next to Steve.

"Not even. But you gotta act like you know important people in places like this", Steve whispered back.

"What a pleasant surprise this evening brings", Allard said in a boisterous voice. "My friends, Madame Fantine and Monsieur Gaspard, it seems we have almost-royalty at our table."

Steve raised a glass in recognition. It almost sounded like a backhanded compliment but that was how these things went.

"Sitting down to dinner wasn't in any of your steps", Eddie said.

"Neither was walking a red carpet", Steve said. "Apparently sometimes we need to do things to find the door. Besides, when was the last time you ate?"

Eddie opened his mouth but his stomach answered for him with a low growl.

Fantine scoffed. "How uncouth."

"Well excuuuuse me for having bodily functions", Eddie rolled his eyes.

"Monsieurs we have but one rule here", Allard began, then said in unison with the other two. "Mind your manners."

Steve sat up straighter while Eddie slouched even more. Lucas was looking fearfully at all the utensils.

A soup was served and Eddie went out of his way to loudly slurp it every time Allard tried to speak. Steve kicked him under the table and gave him a look of reprimand.

"So Mr. Allard, what do you do for a living?", Eddie asked.

"I am an industrialist", Allard answered.

"Ahh, an industry man", Eddie said while Steve focused on cutting his food into acceptable bites. "So what's your stance on worker's rights?"

"I beg your pardon?"

"Eddie", Steve hissed in warning.

"It's just that my uncle works in a factory and I know those folks put in long, hard hours and now that I'm face to face with one of the big bosses, I'm curious to know your thoughts." Eddie angled his body towards the man, letting his arm lean on the table.

"No elbows on the table!", Fantine scolded.

"What? Is the table your baby?"

"Where did you receive your education?", Gaspard asked.

"You can hardly call what I got an education", Eddie grinned.

"You know he's kind of right", Lucas agreed.

Eddie beamed. Lucas might've been on the path of a jock, but he'd always be one of his boys.

"I've been at that school for a year but it feels like the teachers have already counted me out."

"Well a professor of any caliber knows how to separate the directionless from the ambitious", Allard said.

"You hear that Lucas? We've got no direction", Eddie stuck a fork in one of his potatoes, the main course having just been served.

"If the shoe fits", Fantine huffed.

Eddie was waving his potato around as he spoke. "How can people stand to be around someone like you?"

This elicited gasps from the three of them and Steve covered his face.

"I think we've indulged you quite enough!", Allard shouted.

"Oh I'm just getting started!", Eddie shouted back, rising to his feet. He stepped onto the chair and then onto the table.

Fantine fainted and fell to the floor at the impropriety. Lucas was using the distraction to use whatever fork he wanted to eat.

"See I know I'll never be able to impress pompous bastards like you. So why even try? Why should I bend to your rules when the game is always stacked against people like me?"

"You are a child who has yet to learn his place", Allard growled. Slowly, he began to grow in size. "But pain is always the greatest teacher."

Eddie stood there frozen a moment as he was face with a giant. Steve pulled him off the table before Allard could swipe at him. They ducked under the table.

"Why do you always have to do that!?"

"Do what? Be myself?"

"Break the rules! Make people dislike you? Is it fun? Annoying people to the point where they don't wanna be around you anymore?"

The table lifted up and was thrown. Allard bent to reach for them again but they bolted in time. That was when Steve noticed something peculiar about his hat. He and Eddie ran to one of the circular tables in the restaurant, the white table cloth hiding them.

"Being my honest, annoying self is better than lying about who I am", Eddie argued in a soft voice.

"Having table manners isn't lying. It's...it's-"

"It's what, Steve?"

"It's how you survive these things!" Steve's palms had been up as he gestured, so Eddie was able to see the 161 go up to 174.

"Steve...your number."

Anymore conversation was cut off as Allard found their table and tossed that one too. "You both will learn to be functioning members of society!"

Eddie took Steve's hand and ran into the kitchen. Inside Chadwick was helping Lucas pack some food into a sack.

"Perfect timing", Lucas said. "Did you guys see what I saw on his hat?"

"Yeah", Steve nodded. "The door. It's on top of his top hat. But how do we get to it?"

"Sir Lucas has a splendid idea!", Chadwick exclaimed.

"Does it involve making an ass of myself?", Eddie asked, ripping the suit jacket off.

"Yeah", Lucas answered. "But you're used to that."

Allard was still stomping around the restaurant in a rage, somehow THAT wasn't considered rude, when Eddie burst forth from the kitchen.

"Hey ya ball of hot air? You wanna tell me which spoon I should use? Or how about women's liberation?"

Allard rounded on him and Eddie took him on a chase, distracting him while the others got ready.

"You couldn't hit the broad side of a barn!", Eddie taunted.

He kept leading him around until he saw a thumbs up from Lucas, then began running in their direction. Steve, Chadwick, and Lucas had taken the long table cloth and tied to a couple of columns in the restaurant. Eddie looked back to make sure Allard was still coming after him.

He was reaching out but Eddie jumped over the trip wire and ran behind one of the pillars. Allard only saw red and so he promptly fell over with a loud crash. The door was right there, atop his hat. Steve opened it and rushed the others outside before going out and closing the door himself.

They were all panting as the desert outside rushed by them. When he caught his breath, Eddie grabbed Steve's hand.

"Why is it going up? How long has it been doing that?"

"Steve's number is going up?", Lucas looked for himself.

"It's nothing", Steve snatched his hand away.

"It's not nothing! It could be a clue!", Eddie threw his own hands up.

"It went up when you were acting in that car before, okay? And then just now, you saw. I don't get why and we don't know for sure if it's important. It could mean nothing."

"Everything means something", Chadwick pointed out.

"It went up when we were arguing", Eddie said. "What is it? Do you think I'm annoying? Uncouth? Rude?"

"No", Steve shook his head. "None of those things. I just-you just...You don't understand."

"Then explain to me, so I can", Eddie said, eyes sincere.

Steve looked into them, feeling just the smallest bit of weight lift off him. "That's how those people are. You have to play by their rules. If you don't, you get booted out, just like we almost did."

"You called it survival earlier. Is that what it's like being a Harrington? You have to survive dinners?"

"Not...not most of them. But especially during family gatherings. It's like walking a minefield. Honestly, I wish I could be more like you, Eddie. I wish I wasn't afraid to be me all the time."

"You were right about one thing though", Eddie said. "I act out and make people hate me. If I point it out then they can't find...they can't find what I actually hate about myself."

The numbers on both of their hands changed, going down this time. Lucas clapped his hands together.

"That's it! The numbers just went down when you two were being honest about yourselves!"

"Oh that can't be it Sinclair", Eddie groaned, hands going on his hips. "A mystical magical train is invested in our emotional growth?"

"I mean, think of other stories like this. Alice in Wonderland, she thinks she wants nonsense but when she gets it she wants order. Maybe our journey is like that, learning about ourselves."

"Counterpoint, this is all an elaborate simulation game and Steve and I just lost points for being gooey and not killing the boss."

"Only one way to find out what happens if we get to zero", Steve said, nodding towards the next car.

They all really hoped something good would happen when their numbers reached zero.

Steve's number: 159

Eddie's number: 257

Lucas' number: 33

Next Episode: The Caricature Car

Tag Team:

@affablevixen

[avocado-frog]

Find the word tag because Today is the Day

Tagged by @oh-no-another-idea

Let's see if I post this the day I started writing it or if it goes to die in my drafts

Fish (??? i honestly just started writing. dunno what this was for)

(He didn't know if a dead pufferfish was just as dangerous as a live one. Ryan would know.)

(The next morning, out of curiosity, he found himself asking. The boy seemed a little startled by the question, but he lit up at seeing that he was the expert in that subject. He shook his head, but said that you shouldn't touch them, anyways.

"Don't people eat 'em sometimes?" Sam asked, through a bite of oatmeal. He gestured wildly with his hands.

"Yeah, but there's a certain way to cut them, I think." Ryan and Logan's answer was simultaneous.)

---

Fuel (Leo kills a man)

That fueled the fire like gasoline. With a sudden surge of adrenaline, Leo dodged the swing that came her way and placed a well-aimed foot into the boy's stomach. He fell back, threw a clump of dirt at Leo, and she took the opportunity.

He was on his back and Leo stomped hard on his neck, earning several screams behind her.

---

Feeling (cw for body horror I think)

Dylan pointedly did not look up, as the hand started to tighten. The demon's skin was ashy and gray, the hand thin and bony, black veins protruding through the cold skin. It wore a loose, turquoise shirt, and a white lab coat that nearly reached the floor.

Shooting a quick glance at Ryan, he had not yet noticed. Dylan didn't want to move, afraid of the demon's nails clawing at their skin. With a quiet hum of Ryan's name and a swift kick at the ground, their friend looked up, shot to his feet, looking terrified of the demon. Dylan didn't blame him, though they had yet to get the pleasure of looking at it.

Reluctantly, Dylan moved their head up, meeting the gaze of what they assumed was supposed to be Leo.

It had the same face, though gray and pale, black stripes slashed over its mouth. It had the same golden eyes, though bloodshot and glowing yellow, and it had the same brown hair tied up behind its head, thin and disheveled.

It opened its mouth, and the skin on its lips stuck together, sewn up like a doll, as it smiled big, lacking teeth.

This was an easy contender for one of the worst days of their life.

---

Float(ed) (drowning tw)

The rotting wood creaked under his feet, mold and moss lining the cracks in black wood. Red waves crashed harmlessly against the poles. Through murky water, he could see arms floating.

If Dylan were here, they wouldn't have hesitated to go into the water. They'd have already found Elliot by now. Lucas would've been out ages ago. That was why they were taken away, they were too determined to find Elliot. Ryan wasn't determined enough.

If he didn't find Elliot, he wouldn't get Dylan back, and if he didn't get Dylan back, he'd be stuck here forever. With that thought in mind, he took a deep breath, willed himself to move, and stood right on the edge of the docks, and tilted ever so slightly forwards.

He plunged into the water, in what felt familiar. The water, this time, was red instead of murky blue, and when he was pushed into the lake at the fair, there wasn't a hand around his wrist, pulling him down. This time, there was, and he had screamed at the realization. Bloody water entered his lungs, tasting distinctly like iron, getting colder and darker the further they went.

He latched onto the pole holding the docks, digging his fingers into moss, reaching up for the surface. A hand grabbed onto his, pulling him out of freezing water. Jaxon held him close, shouting at a group of kids, frantically apologizing. Ryan didn't do much but shake, huddled against the safe figure of his friend.

Jaxon wasn't there this time. No one was there. He did not know whose arm was dragging him so deep underwater

---

Sad to say I don't have fancy 😔

Words: Stake, stale, severe, shadow, sandwich

Tags:

@holdmyteaplease

@steh-lar-uh-nuhs

@kaiusvnoir

@words-after-midnight

@blind-the-winds

+open tag of course

[cobrakaisb]

Yn introducing cutter to the umich boys???

oh yes back on the cutter x fantilli sister grind 😤

when you invited cutter to come out to michigan for the weekend, you didn’t think it was a big deal. your brothers and their friends on the other hand didn’t agree.

“i cannot believe you convinced cutter to come here y/n. in the winter too!” rutger said, excitement present on his face. “i know me too,” you agree, waiting for cutter at the airport. you and rutger were picking cutter up before the two of you embarked on a quick, pre-hockey game, date. after what felt like ages, cutter walked through the airport doors. you met him halfway, throwing your arms around his broad shoulders while his took their place around your waist.

“hi baby, i missed you,” he mumbled against your neck. “missed you too,” you answered, fingers grasping at his long hair. “you kind of need a haircut,” you observed, pulling back just enough so you could see his face. he rolled his eyes, but the smile on his face told you that he wasn’t really mad. “soon, maybe,” he said, pressing a kiss to your cheek.

“ahem! i am here too!” rutger announced, causing both your heads to turn towards him. “sup rutger,” cutter greeted, never once moving to step away from you. “i’m great thanks for asking,” the wolverine answered with a sweet smile on his face. you and cutter laugh at his statement, but continue to bask in each others presence as you walk back to the car.

“so the boys have a game tonight, but i figured we’d have a little date night before, and if we make it to the game then we make it to the game,” you explained as you slid into the backseat with cutter. “whatever you want y/n, i’m just glad to spend the weekend with you,” cutter answered. you melt at his words, wiggling closer to him. “me too cut,” you whispered, kissing his jaw as rutger started up the car.

“what?” you snapped, answering your brother’s facetime call. “where are you? are you in bed?” luca asked, eyes squinted as he examined your surroundings. “yes, why?” you replied, annoyance dripping from your voice. you and cutter were relaxing in your dorm, watching a movie, when luca so rudely interrupted. “is cutter there? he better not be sleeping in your bed y/n. and you better have clothes on!” luca rambled, walking over to someone, who you can only assume is adam. “luca use your brain, obviously he’s here,” you mumbled, watching as adam’s face pops into the screen. “get your ass to eddy’s house,” the younger of the two demands. “for what?” you argued, but you shove cutter’s arm, hinting for him to get up. “the boys want to meet your man,” adam answered casually, causing cutter’s eyes to widen. he vigorously shakes his head no, begging for you to disagree. “that’s absolutely insane adam! no way!” you shouted, glaring at your brothers. “y/n please! we want to hang!” rutger begged, and he sounded like such a kicked puppy that neither you nor cutter could refuse.

when you pull up to the house, there’s a group of guys waiting on the stairs. “they have to be fucking kidding,” you groaned, putting your car in park. “this is kind of scary, like scarier than meeting your parents,” cutter said, looking out the window. “you’ll be fine. they’re harmless. besides, they have to say,” you answered with a shrug as you open the door and get out of the car. cutter follows behind you, his fingers finding their spot intertwined with yours.

“this is cutter?” mark asked, walking down the stairs to meet the bc player. “yup! this is my boyfriend, cutter. babe this is mark estapa,” you introduced, watching as the two boys give each other a once over. “when’d you meet?” mark asked, arms crossed as he looks at cutter. “draft night. she was lost so i helped her find her seat,” cutter answered. mark nods. “so you rizzed her up?” he asked. “i um..i guess,” cutter answered uncertainly. mark laughs at cutter’s words before patting him on the shoulder. “he’s good boys!” he shouted, leading cutter into the house.

you laugh at mark and his words while cutter just gives you a look that screams ‘what the fuck’.

[netflixnormalthings]

Saw that you're asking for prompts and I also just read the post you reblogged about "lumax broke up 5 times". So I would love to see your take on one (or more) of the times he won her back🫶

thanks anon! love the request and hope i did it justice! i'm so sorry it took this long but anyways here it is

Lucas didn't think Max would find a movie to be the most entertaining anymore if she was blind.

He's thinking about these things more often, now. What places would be better for her. Because besides the fact that movies tend to be a pretty visual thing, the steps are also steep and small, easy enough to miss even with proper vision and that plus the small isles make the theater one of the less wheelchair -friendly places in Hawkins.

He shares this dilemma with his dad. He sometimes huffs a bit, but mostly just gives a kind smile and advice that has prevented Lucas from getting his ass kicked on numerous occasions.

Now, he's pushing reading glasses up his nose and sipping coffee. It looks like he's not paying attention, but Lucas knows better. He's putting the pieces together, running through a list of places teenagers might want to visit for a night out.

Lucas sits cross-legged and twiddles his thumbs. Yeah, he knows he has to wait for an answer. Still doesn't mean he wants to.

When his dad huffs and shakes his head, Lucas takes that as his cue to leave, taking his bike with him to scout for a good enough date spot.

He looks around enough that it quite literally hits him in the face. Because he was too busy looking at the shops and cafes and businesses lining the streets, he ended up crashing through a bush and into the park and into a tree.

He springs up from his sprawled state in the leaves. Sure, he intimidate falls back down because 𝘰𝘸, but all Lucas is thinking about is how great of a date spot this would be.

The ground was even enough for him to ride his bike into the park and crash without noticing, so Max could probably get around fine on her wheelchair. Plus, it was fairly open, with a tree providing shade.

Now all he needed was a foldout table and chair, some food, and he was all set.

Ignoring the fact that Lucas felt his hands sweat at the thought of asking Max out again, anyways.

His dad raises an eyebrow that evening when he goes grocery shopping. And the next morning when he hauls the foldout table and chairs and a clean enough cloth out of the garage at what was probably too early a time for Lucas to be doing these things.

It's when he's putting on something more decent, as his father says, than pajamas, because his dad knows he's getting ready for a date-

(I'm your old man. I know these things and I'm not stupid. Good luck with Maxine, and try your best kiddo!)

-that the doorbell rings. Lucas opens the door. Nobody there apart from a long stick. He steps out to see Max on the side of the steps. She's muttering something likely related to the horrors of suburban porch design but she stops when she hears him and it all matters less when she gives him a soft smile.

It's there for a moment before splitting into something equally as Max: a smirk.

"Someone told me you're planning a date for someone."

"I-"

"Kieth told Steve, then Steve told Robin, and she told me."

"No privacy around here, I guess," Lucas replies, a little more lovesick than he though he was, because Max is here, sarcastic as ever, looking badass with fingerless gloves to roll her wheelchair and shoulder length hair-

"I hope your date with that guy goes well. One of Jason's old friends, right? You can tell me all about it later."

Lucas grumbles a bit, pinching the bridge of his nose.

"Just take me to our date spot, idiot."

Lucas smiles. His head is still ducked though. He's going to make a show of how her teasing hurt him. She's going to tease him more. Then they're going to eat lunch with soft smiles plastered to their faces.

He has her, now. Or maybe she has him. She doesn't tell him that, but after Vecna, Lucas thinks that both of them are happy with bashful kisses in early morning.

This was adorable to write and I'm happy this got sent in! Thanks, hope you enjoyed <3

[mymax]

Show Summary - MyWorld Enchantment

Introduction

The show begins with an opening fanfare that includes the movement of searchlights across Cinderella Castle and the park hub, ending with two large firework bursts. Narration from Angela Bassett welcomes guests with the following words:

"Good evening. Tonight we gather in a most enchanted kingdom, one overflowing with magic. And, once upon a time, it all began with a dream..."

An instrumental version of “When You Wish Upon a Star” plays as historical footage and images from the announcement of Walt Disney World's construction in Florida, including Walt Disney from the EPCOT film appear across the castle. A large blueprint canvas is then spread out across the castle, cycling between stylised characters, designs, and music from select attractions, including Pirates of the Caribbean, It's a Small World, Haunted Mansion and Carousel of Progress. Roy O. Disney's opening day speech and dedication then follows, the castle slowly transforming into its original color scheme to complement its history. As Roy's dedication ends, a large swarm of Mickey-shaped balloons begins to float from beneath the castle, ascending into the sky. Mickey Mouse, holding onto the final set of balloons, appears and lets go of them, leaping down onto the castle balcony and greeting the guests, reminding them that “they are the magic”.

”Oh, boy! This place sure is swell! Some folks like to say that it all started with a dream, but you wanna know what makes this place really special? It’s you! Each and every one of you! Any time you set foot here, you leave this place brighter than it was before, because you are the magic!”

As Mickey finishes his address, the theme song of the show "You Are the Magic" begins to play, punctuated by multiple fireworks and shells. Silhouetted scenes from the following contents appear, including: Aladdin, Peter Pan, Pinocchio, Sleeping Beauty, ABC Monsters, Gary & Jake, Trivia Master, Chuggington, Onward, Tangled, Frozen/Frozen II, and Cinderella.

Songs featured: "Yo Ho (A Pirate's Life for Me)", "It's a Small World", "Grim Grinning Ghosts", and "There's a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow"

The Second Star to the Right

Then, an instrumental version of “The Second Star to the Right” plays while Angela Bassett narrates the following words.

"Now, the magic of dreams come true is calling out to you, inspiring each of you to wish upon a star, follow your hearts, and discover a world full of wonder. Like those who have answered the call, if you allow your dream to be your guide, you may be surprised by what you discover... so long as you simply believe."

Almost There and Just Around the Riverbend

Stylised scenes of characters from Brave, Hercules, Coco, Aladdin, Tangled, and Onward appear, projected onto the castle in various ways.

We Know The Way

Scenes featuring characters from Raya and the Last Dragon and Zootopia are projected onto the castle, accompanied by a spectacular sparkle of fireworks, some resembling Maui’s fishhook and the spiral motif seen on the Heart of Te Fiti. The song ends as Judy Hopps walks out of a train and into the foreground, before the projections disappear with a sparkle.

Epiphany

Joe Gardner, seen in “the zone” plays a tune on his piano before an orchestra accompaniment kicks in. As the score progresses, the projections slowly extend onto the buildings of Main Street, U.S.A. with colorful fireworks complementing it. Scenes featuring many characters from a plethora of Disney films appear and disappear intermittently, some designed in the style of former Disney artist Mary Blair, including: Alice in Wonderland, Ratatouille, Lilo & Stitch, Finding Nemo/Finding Dory, Luca, Monsters University, Cars, Wreck-It Ralph/Ralph Breaks the Internet, Sleeping Beauty, Lady and the Tramp, The Lion King, Tarzan, Dumbo, Hercules, Big Hero 6, Treasure Planet, WALL-E, and Soul. Unique varieties of fireworks accompany these sections, including cube-shaped and smiley-face ones. The section ends with WALL-E and Eve soaring into the night sky, represented by two large white shells as they leave the projection radius.

Songs featured: "Be Our Guest", "Under the Sea", "You've Got a Friend in Me", "The Silly Song", "I've Got No Strings", "A Whole New World", and "You Can Fly".

Into the Unknown

As a rock variation of Into the Unknown plays, many scenes from Disney films showcasing characters in perilous situations are projected onto the castle, appearing inside various “portals”. The song ends as Elsa appears, shooting blasts of ice off in different directions around the castle. Films featured include Zootopia, Aladdin, Brave, Inside Out, Coco, The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Alice in Wonderland, Onward, and Frozen II.

Night on Bald Mountain

As the previous projection ends, shattering into fragments of ice, a lightning bolt strikes as a combined rock and instrumental version of Night on Bald Mountain from Fantasia plays, leading into a segment highlighting many Disney characters fighting their respective villains and their associates. Many scenes appear from the following films, such as: Frozen II, Beauty and the Beast, Inside Out, Coco, Tangled, Sleeping Beauty, Hercules, Onward, Mulan, Cinderella, Raya and the Last Dragon, and Moana.

I Am Moana

The chaos of the previous scene slowly fades away, leaving a period of silence for a moment before a poignant, gentle reprise of I Am Moana plays featuring, eventually crescendoing into a triumphant melody as joyful scenes of Disney characters achieving their goals appear, with a triumphant finale of fireworks at the end. Includes scenes from: Onward, Coco, Tangled, Cinderella, Mulan, Hercules, and The Princess and the Frog.

Finale

The narrator returns to intone that the true magic the audience has been searching for has been with them all the while. She adds that the Magic Kingdom will continue to serve as “a beacon to those with a wish in their heart”, reminding all who enter that “anything is possible, for you are the magic.” A pixie then begins to fly from the center of the castle and up to the tallest tower. It’s revealed to be Tinker Bell, sprinkling her pixie dust over the castle, the hub, and on Main Street, transforming them into gold. The reprise of "You Are the Magic" plays, crescendoing in a beautiful array of fireworks and lights. During the finale, Mickey Mouse walks out onto the castle balcony once more, amazed at the display, before joyfully proclaiming the following:

"You Are the Magic!"

[smileygoth]

28. What Makes Me Remember (Vamptober 2022)

Find the full list of chapters here.

Their night in hiding drags on, and Jazz asks Lucas an awkward question.

CW: Mention of past abuse. Nothing other than that.

Word count: 705 words.

Image from Stranger Things, courtesy of Netflix. Nothing to do with the story, I just needed a blonde 80s jock looking pleased with himself, and as a huge ST fan of course I thought of Jason Carver!!!

The dawn was laying heavily on their senses, making their eyelids droop and their heads hang low on their necks, when something occurred to Jazz.

"What about your sire?" she asked. "Is he alive?"

Lucas blinked sleepily and looked up at her. "Ye-es," he said slowly. "Why?"

"Would he take us in?"

"Why on earth would he do that?"

"Well, he's your sire. Isn't that basically like being your dad? Surely he has to help."

Lucas gave her a scornful look. "Am I like your dad?"

She winced. That was an uncomfortable thought. "Okay, bad example. But you know what I mean. You're like family. Or ... something. Surely he'd help you?"

"No." Lucas said dully. "He wouldn't."

Jazz sighed. "Well, isn't it at least worth asking?"

There was a long silence between them. Jazz was starting to think Lucas had fallen asleep when he finally replied. "When Adam found me, I was a perfectly happy kid, just going about my life in America in the 80s. I was on the football team, I had a cute girlfriend, my grades were good, I was lined up to go to a great college. It was textbook stuff. The American dream. Then Adam showed up. Would you like to know what he did?"

Jazz didn't answer. Suddenly her throat had gone dry. Lucas's voice was so different; there was none of his usual animation. He sounded flat, dead. Maybe it was because dawn was so close, or because he was so wounded, but she didn't think so. At least he can speak in sentences again, she thought. That's a good sign.

Lucas went on. "He lured me in. He messed with my head. He made me think I was miserable. He made me believe that my parents were abusing me, he made me think I was gay - which my uptight Christian parents flipped over, of course. I dumped my girlfriend, quit the football team, my grades went to shit and I lost my college place. My parents thought maybe a new start would help, so my dad got a transfer at his company and we moved over here. He followed me and kept messing with me. I got violent and paranoid. My parents eventually kicked me out. I ended up homeless in a country I'd only lived in for a few months. He did all that. He gradually and systematically destroyed my life. Then, after all of it, he embraced me and explained everything he had done. Then he blood bound me so that I couldn't even try to get payback. And then he made me kill my parents. He made me want to kill my parents."

Jazz couldn't move, not even to lay a comforting hand on him. She felt frozen with horror and shame.

"And do you know why he did all that?" Lucas went on. "Because he was bored, and I was happy. He just decided one night to destroy someone who was happy, just for fun."

"I ... I am so sorry," Jazz managed to squeak out. "If I'd known, I would never have ..."

"I know." Lucas shifted a little in her lap and groaned in pain. "Let's just forget it, okay?"

Jazz nodded into the slowly lifting darkness. "Okay. I'm sorry I made you remember all that."

Lucas grunted non-committally. Silence fell between them again. Jazz was slowly slipping down into sleep when Lucas spoke again. "I mean ... he is still in the UK. Last I checked."

"Yeah?" Jazz murmured. She didn't want to press the matter too hard.

"Yeah." There was another long silence, then Lucas spoke again. "I ... guess I could call him. What have we got to lose, right?"

"Right," Jazz agreed.

"But I'm warning you, he's an asshole. He'll help us if it suits him, but don't kid yourself that if he does help us, it means he cares. He doesn't care about anyone but himself."

"Okay." Jazz lifted a hand to stroke his hair. "We'll call him once we wake up, yeah?"

"Alright." Lucas sounded defeated ... and incredibly tired. "I should be a little better tomorrow. I really should feed though. We both should."

"We'll figure it out," Jazz assured him. 

"Okay," Lucas said quietly.

Silence again. This time, if Lucas broke it, Jazz didn't hear. She fell swiftly and heavily into sleep as the sun rose outside.

[liveshaunted-moved]

❝ [ text ] i think he stood me up ❞  | @souriisms​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ | meme ( accepting ) lucas&riley

[ Riley ] he did? he’s missing out then [ Riley ] do you want some company?

[fluentmoviequoter]

The Freak and The Princess (IV)

Summary: Eddie lets you walk by during his rant in the cafeteria, stumped by your quietness and manners toward the town freak. He then decides to be the perfect gentleman. [Part 4/5] 1.2k+ Words

Warnings: nightmare (about death), stress about the future (angst?), meddling best friends Steve and Robin, Jason Carver returns. I think that's all!

A/N: This part is written from a different perspective to give a glimpse into Eddie's life and thoughts! I edited this and proofread it, but please point out any errors or things you like! My requests are open! Hope you enjoy! :)

Part I. Part II. Part III. Part IV. Part V.

The Freak and the Princess

Part Four: The Freak

“No, no! You cannot die on me!” Eddie pleaded with tears streaming down his cheeks. “I just got you; I can’t lose you!” He watched as her eyes closed and her hand lost its grip on his. “No. I love you, princess.”

Eddie woke with a jolt, sheets all over the place, a thin sheen of sweat covering his skin, and tears rolling down his face. It felt so real; he thought she was gone. Eddie kicked the sheets off the bed, stepped over the pile, and walked around the trailer, trying to find anything to get his mind off the image of his princess dead in his arms. He struggled to go back to sleep, fighting the temptation to call her and ensure she was alright. When he finally fell asleep again, his mind drifted to his princess and the life they could have.

“Princess? You ready?” Eddie asked as he knocked on her door.

The door was pulled open a second later, revealing his princess holding her bag and extending a muffin to him.

“Yes, sorry I’m late. Here, I made blueberry muffins.”

Eddie happily bit into the treat, groaning in delight as he tasted it. “Of course, you can bake. What can’t you do?”

“Legally drive.” She smiled as she accepted his hand to climb into the passenger seat of his van.

“True, but that works out for my benefit too, so win-win?” he asked, popping the last bite of the muffin into his mouth and shifting his van into reverse. He looked over to see her nodding and smiling.

"How ya doin', princess?"

“I’m fine. Tired.”

“You sure?”

“Yeah, I just stayed up a little too late stress baking.”

“What are you stressed about?” Eddie was concerned, his thoughts drifting to his dream before he had a chance to stop them.

“Nothing specific, I guess. Finals, graduation, college, all that stuff." Her eyes were on her lap as she answered.

“You’ll ace your exams, princess.” He truly believed she’d do well but did not want her to move away to college in the fall.

The conversation shifted to D&D and music before they walked into school and went their separate ways. Eddie’s mind drifted to his princess, and he had to consciously fight to pay attention in class; he wanted – needed - to graduate with her this year. When lunch finally rolled around, he collapsed at the Hellfire lunch table with a sigh, drawing the attention of everyone present.

“What’s up, Eddie?” Dustin asked.

“Nothing,” Eddie lied.

“Is it your princess? I saw her going into the headmaster’s office earlier,” Lucas asked, shoving a piece of candy in his mouth.

“What? When?” Eddie lifted his head, suddenly concerned.

“Before last period.”

Eddie went to his locker after lunch, opened it, and found a note:

‘I left early, but I’ll be back for Hellfire. -Princess’

His mind started racing, and questions ran through his mind. Did something happen? Why did she leave, and where did she go? He pushed the thoughts back and went to his least favorite class, Mrs. O’Donnell’s English. After his last class, he went straight to the club meeting room but couldn't focus on the game. The boys started filing inside a few minutes early, talking about their characters and what they were doing over the weekend.

“Eds?” Eddie heard a quiet voice say from the doorway. 

He looked up and saw his princess point over her shoulder, asking him to come with her. He stood up and followed her into the hallway, trying to ignore the fluttering in his heart at the new nickname.

“Is everything ok? I’ve been worried about you all afternoon,” he explained, a hand landing on her bicep.

“Yeah. The headmaster had some stuff to talk to me about. We went over some of my college applications and I left to go to the library for essay research,” she answered.

“Oh. Well, I have no doubt the schools will be fighting over you.”

“I don’t know, Eddie. I’ve been so stressed about finals and college, but I don’t even know what I’d be good at or if I can get into any schools,” his princess countered quickly, her shyness present in her insecurities. “Honestly, I don’t know if I even want to go to college, because I don’t want to leave you.”

“Hey,” Eddie interrupted, pulling her closer. “You will get in, trust me. And if you decide to leave Hawkins, I’m right beside you. If it comes down to me or your dreams, choose your dreams.”

“I’m not going-“ his princess began.

“Eddie! It’s time to start!” Dustin yelled from inside.

Eddie and his princess returned, sitting in their usual seats and playing as if they hadn’t just been discussing a future with one another. When the game ended and the boys left, Eddie hugged his princess, holding her as closely as possible and burying his face in her neck.

“Eddie, are you alright?” She returned the hug as she spoke.

“I…” Eddie cleared the tightness from his throat before continuing, “dreamed you died in my arms. And then you disappeared today and it just- it scared me.”

“I am so sorry,” she said, squeezing him tighter.

“It’s not your fault; I’ll be ok. Wanna go to Family Video and get a movie? I don’t think either of us should be alone tonight.”

She nodded against his chest, not wanting to let go yet. He squeezed again, head on her shoulder. His hand found hers as they exited the school and headed to Family Video. As soon as they walked in, Steve and Robin looked up at them as if they knew something no one else did.

“Munson, a word?” Steve asked.

“You’re with me,” Robin added, pointing to Eddie’s princess.

They reluctantly separated, Eddie and Steve moving toward the front window as Robin and the princess went to the back room.

“Munson, you have to tell her. You’re not helping anything by keeping it bottled up,” Steve started.

“What are you getting at here, Harrington?”

“You’re in love with her. Tell her before you lose your chance.”

“She’s going to college; she’s leaving soon, and I am holding her back.”

“What if not telling her is holding her back? What if she wants to know how you feel?”

“Why would she want to know that I’m in love with her?”

“Because she feels the same, idiot!”

“Whoa, easy with the names. Honestly, I want nothing more than to believe you, I want to be with her, but she can do amazing things and I just-“

“Eddie,” Steve interrupted, “telling her isn’t going to stop her from doing great things. I’m willing to bet she already told you she doesn’t want to leave.”

“She did.”

“Everyone she loves is here, she doesn’t have anyone else. She deserves to know. Don’t you think?”

Eddie groaned. “I hate that you’re right.”

“So, you will tell her?”

“Yeah.”

“When?”

“I’ll wait ‘til she isn’t so stressed.”

Steve heard the phone ring once, silencing as he watched Robin answer it. She handed the receiver to Eddie’s princess, who faced the wall as she listened with tense shoulders. After a few moments of silence, she hung up the phone and took a shaky breath, tears building as she looked at Eddie.

“That was Jason Carver.”

Taglist: @loonalockley @paleidiot @kimmi-kat

[liveshaunteda]

“You do it over and over again.” lucas !

the script meme || accepting || @theirangel​

                “Do what exactly?” He doesn’t understand her words. Does he bottle his emotions until something small gets him to explode? Or is it the lies, the covering up of his mother’s antics? Or pushing himself to breaking point, or being over protective of his friends - even if they don’t need it. “I do a lot of stupid stuff it seems.”

[luvxiem]

80mph

word count ! ~950 pairing ! luca x gn!reader genre ! fluff hehe summary ! he likes when you hold onto him song ! nomad by zion. t & gen hoshino

"what is that."

luca beams at you from the driveway, holding a helmet under his arm while leaning against a motorcycle and waving enthusiastically. when he texted you to come outside at nearly eleven at night, going for an impromptu motorcycle ride was definitely not on your list of potential possibilities.

"c'mon! it'll be fun," he laughs. there's another helmet sitting on the seat waiting for you that you eye warily, wrapping your arms around your stomach. despite being with the blonde for almost six months now, he's never mentioned riding a bike before. all you ever see is that sleek black car he brings around whenever the two of you go on dates.

luca seems to notice your hesitation and his smile turns a little softer, reaching out a hand toward you.

"hey, it'll be fun—trust me. i won't let you get hurt," he reassures, and you can't help the fluttering in your chest. taking a tentative step forward, you glance between luca's outstretched arm and his face, hesitantly grasping his hand. luca instantly grins, gently tugging you closer so that he could help you gear up. he hands you the spare helmet and helps you secure it, leaning in to give you a quick peck on the lips, his own little way of saying "thank you for trusting me."

the blonde straps his own helmet on before helping you onto the bike, holding you steady as you swing one leg over. he climbs on after you, flipping down the visor before glancing at you over his shoulder.

"wrap your arms around me and hold on tight, okay?" luca instructs, and you slip your arms around his abdomen, pressing your chest against your lover's strong back. he switches on the ignition and the engine revs to life, echoing down the quiet street. hopefully your neighbors don't file a noise complaint…

"ready?" luca calls, and before you could answer, he kicks off the cement and glides off the driveway and onto the road, your eyes slipping shut in surprise. as the two of you exit the residential area and enter the main road, you can't help but wonder how you found yourself in this very moment—holding onto your boyfriend as he flies down empty streets, the wind roaring in your ears and streetlamps flitting by. just when you convince yourself to open your eyes, the bike suddenly speeds up, startling you as you grip luca tighter on instinct. you hear him giggle at your reaction and you can immediately tell he did that on purpose just to mess with you.

"LUCAAA!" you shriek as he accelerates again, wanting so badly to punch him yet too afraid to even consider letting go just for a moment. you can feel the rumble of his chest as he laughs loudly, turning down another street as he leads you to wherever he had in mind.

gradually, he slows down to a comfortable speed, cruising down the avenue with surprising expertise. your eyes are still shut tightly when luca calls out to you.

"open your eyes!" shaking your head in denial, luca just repeats what he said. "open them! the view is lovely here," he coaxes, and hesitantly, you open one eye and then another as your lips part open in awe. to your left was a clear view of the beach and sprawling ocean, a reflection of the full moon overhead seen clearly in the waves.

"wow," you breathe, and although you can't see it, luca is grinning widely at being able to bring you to places like this. all he ever wanted was to make you happy, and the feeling of your arms wrapped tightly around him with the wind rushing past was indescribable. the blonde leads the two of you onto a narrow path leading toward a small hill that unbeknownst to you had a view of the stars and the ocean that was unparalleled. where did he even find things like this anyway?

luca slows to a stop near the peak, removing his helmet before helping you off the bike and taking yours off too, leaving them both on the padded seat. he slips his hand into yours as he leads you excitedly to the hidden benches past the treeline, gasping at the sight. your boyfriend watches you with a fond expression on his face, reaching out to hold your chin and gently turning your head toward him. you open your mouth to ask him what was wrong when suddenly you feel a pair of plush lips on yours, your eyes slipping shut as you let out a soft sigh. luca's arms wrap around your waist as your link your own around his neck, a happy hum coming from him as you part, hooded eyes tearing themselves away from his lips to meet his gaze.

"what was that for?" you ask breathlessly, and luca simply shrugs.

"i just love you a lot, that's all." and the way he said it so casually—as if loving you was a certainty, as if loving you was as easy as breathing, as if loving you was written in the stars. your heart aches at his easy declaration and you can't stop yourself from reconnecting your lips in a deep kiss, hopefully conveying to him all the emotions you were feeling that you couldn't say.

you disconnect yourself from him yet stay close, reaching down to cup his face in your hand and tenderly rubbing your thumb over his cheek. luca leans into your hold, turning press his lips to your palm before reaching up and placing his hand over yours.

"i love you too; so, so much, luca."

and the sight of his smile is more beautiful than any view he could show you.

WRITTEN ! 091722