#lauren watches severance

[thelesbiandeli]

“Yeah, I really like Team Starkid,”

“Oh, me too! What’s your favourite show?”

“The one where Lauren Lopez has the fire.”

“Firebringer! Yeah, I love that one too-”

“No.”

[risestarkiss]

✨The Fashionista✨

Rise Ramblings #234

While watching “The Clothes Don’t Make The Turtle,” I noticed something.

I found it interesting that Raph, Mikey, and Leo were content with Raph’s outfit choice until Donnie stated that he wasn’t “in love with it, ya’ know.”

Suddenly, Raph declares “I’m a disaster!” Albeit ridiculously endearing, it was a little strange to see his sudden shift from moderately content to absolute dissatisfaction. Huh…

Then, the disaster twins decide to help him out.

Take a note of their outfit choices.

Raph tries on all of these fits and more.

Donnie’s first choice is a mild “no.” Leo’s choice is a hard “NO.” (Not surprising, lol.) But then, the overwhelming consensus lands on Raph’s fourth outfit, which ended up being Donatello’s other pick for his brother.

So, in summary, Raph tried on his personal choice for an outfit, of which they rejected. Then, ultimately, Donatello picked out an outfit for his brother, and that pick ended up being perfect. Hmm…

Then I noticed something else. In this episode, we never get a Donnie “curtain reveal” moment, to our disdain. I mean, Raph, Leo, and Mikey got to try on several different outfits in order to get their brothers' opinions before landing on that “perfect outfit, you know the one.” All of his brothers got to shine. Why not DonTron?

Then it hit me.

The try-ons were to get their brothers' opinions and approval. And, for his brothers' choices, he was a major contributor in assisting them in pulling their looks together.

What if, bear with me, Donnie didn’t need the "curtain scene" because he was so confident in his fashion sense that he didn’t need to ask his brothers for help to pick out a great look.

…or they figured out how to break Hypno’s spell before he could get a “curtain reveal.” BUT STILL-

Look at his outfit choices in this episode. Some of his wardrobe changes were off-screen, but all of them were fire.

(I added the baseball cap pic because it makes me happy. I wish we'd seen more of that fit.)

To me, he makes some really smart choices for himself, pushing the envelope of what is expected and taking chances: an open collar with no tie for a “black tie” event, a beanie and spiked wristbands for their “gansta look,” no socks with loafers (a viral fashion trend that actually began in Africa) with old man slacks in his reclined pose. *muah* Chef’s kiss!

But Don’s fashion sense doesn’t just shine in this episode.

In “Reparin’ the Baron” the boys go to Draxum’s apartment. Leo and Donnie show up in some extra nice “Sunday Dinner” twin drip.

The gold is in the details. Everything Leo is wearing, Donnie rocks its compliment: for Leo’s round collar, Donnie’s is angled, for Leo’s blue shirt, Donnie’s is white, For Leo’s light slacks, Donnie’s are dark. Blah blah blah. It’s so good!

Look at the winter fit in Snow Day.

Again, Donnie is Leo’s perfect compliment. As a pair? Fire.

Donnie has “the eye.” I can go on and on with examples, but I’ve said all of that to say this…

In the future, we see that Donatello’s technology had major pull in the resistance. He had drone ships patrolling the skies. He built and designed Leo’s arm, Casey’s chainsaw-hockey stick, and Casey's mask. The list goes on…

But, when Donatello from the past see’s Casey’s clothing from the future, he says this:

We know about the “Genius Built” brand. We’ve seen that logo on all of his tech up to this point. But, here he didn’t just say “Genius Built.” He said, “Genius Built Apparel.”

“Apparel” is not a tech brand. “Apparel” is a fashion brand. Of course, tech is incorporated into the clothing, but still.

This means that past Donatello secured this trademark with plans of creating a fashion brand, comparable to the likes of Gucci, Ralph Lauren, or any other modern clothing brand, as a subsidiary of “Genius Built,” the tech company.

And why not? The evidence has been in front of us this entire time. He has a sharp eye for style, fashion, and trends. It is easily canon that he can sew. Splinter sewed their ninja garbs in “Insane in the Mama Train,” and there is a sewing machine in the house.

They already learned Ninjutsu through basically osmosis, so learning to sew is not too far-fetched.

And here it is, right in front of us, Casey’s entire ensemble, from mask, to weapons, to clothing, was made by Donatello in the middle of the apocalypse under the brand name “Genius Built Apparel.”

And that was just in the bad future. Resources were limited, they didn’t have access to much of anything in that broken world as they were survivors of a devastating Krang invasion. Yet, he created all of this.

However, now that they’ve changed the future, his future as a fashion designer is limitless. Think of what Donatello could produce with unlimited resources, unlimited technology, and unlimited creative freedom.

Tech genius. Clothing designer. Fashionista. Future Genius Built Apparel Owner and CEO. I’m sorry, but I have to call it...

Donatello Hamato of the present, of the bad future, and of the good future is a fashion icon, the likes of which the world has never seen. ○○○○

Update: I've decided to make this concept into a mini-comic series!

[wittlesissyb4by]

Why do we keep letting these pigs get off scott-free? They think they can come in, play with our hearts and our heads, then cut and run and do the same to some other poor girl! Hell, sometimes they’re doing it to multiple women at the same time!

Well, I say “no more”! No longer will we let these immature men run around and take advantage of women! It’s time we take a stand! Starting with little Benjamin here.

Benny tried to slip a little something in my drink at the club last week and thought I wouldn’t notice. Little did he know, I’d already been watching him, planning a little bit of payback after what he did to my friend Lauren. She cried for weeks over this guy.

So when Benny wasn’t looking, I did the ‘ole switcheroo, he was out like a light 2 hours later.

Ohh you should have seen Benny’s face when he woke up for the first time! His hands and feet were chained to his new crib, and he kicked his little legs when he saw (or felt) what he had on. Every flail of his body only made his fresh new diaper crinkle louder and louder. He whined and cried and screamed as much as his gag would allow. But Benny had no idea that was just the beginning.

He thought, he really thought he wasn’t going to have to use his diaper, that it was just there for funsies. The way he moaned and groaned as he clenched and tucked his legs, trying anything he could to quell the painful throbbing coming from his very full bladder. I told him to save himself the torment, that all he was doing was delaying the inevitable, but still he resisted. To his credit, he made it a whole ‘nother thirty minutes before he sighed in relief and flooded his diaper for the very first time. His whimpers and whines after were pathetically adorable.

He drank the bottle out of desperation. He was obviously starving, and I made it clear he would not get out of his (now *very* wet) diaper until he finished the whole thing. I wonder if he could taste the laxatives and hormones mixed within? No matter, he certainly seemed to notice the effects about an hour later when he started fussing and complaining about the cramps.

“Just get over it,” I spat back at him, something I’ve heard way too many men say when they learn a woman is on her period, “just don’t be such a bitch!”

When I tell you: the man cried. Like, full-on bawled like a baybee when he couldn’t hold it anymore and started shitting all over himself in that diaper. He continued to cry for the next 3 hours when I refused to change him. I made him sit and wallow in his own filth while he thought about his life choices.

Reluctantly, his diaper was eventually changed, but so was his outfit. His eyes were wide as saucers when i held up the pink onesie and frilly skirt, but they closed soon after once the drugs kicked in. He woke up halfway through me doing his make-up, and seemed less than thrilled when the wig was put on.

Now, one week later, he’s mostly silent in his crib. I’m not sure if it’s the cocktail of hormones in his system messing with his brain, or he has finally accepted that this isn’t all a dream, that this isn’t going to stop, and this is his new life now. Any attempts to run will just lead to the thousands of pictures I have of him ending up all across the internet. The livestreams of him pooping his pampers notwithstanding. He’s quite docile now. He knows to keep that pacifier in his mouth otherwise it will delay his diaper change by several hours. It only took him a few rashes to learn to comply.

Lauren is now on her way over to get a look at the so-called “Man” that broke her heart. I highly doubt she’ll feel any sort of anguish now. Knowing her, she’ll have even more fun with him than I have.

So this is a call to all women, it is high time we put these deadbeat little fuck bois in their place. Take back what is ours. Let’s fight the patriarchy and turn it into a true Matriarchy, one pathetic little pervert at a time!

[trulyhblue]

please can we get a caitlin foord fic 🙏

Bug and Bingo

Caitlin Foord x Daughter! Child! Reader, Lauren Hemp x Child! Reader, AWFC + CITY x Child! Reader.

Warnings: pure fluff, coarse language, bit long for what I hoped.

A/N — was feeling cute. So sorry if you don't understand what Bluey is. Also, not really based on the most recent match as there are several changes.

__________________________

You were waiting for your mama to finish the bunny loops on her shoelaces, humming the Bluey theme song with your Bingo toy in one hand and Gunnersauris in the other.

You swung your legs from your mama’s cubby, where your coat was pooled around your waist. Auntie Stephy was talking to Beth, and Auntie Lani wasn't in the Changing Rooms, even though she was here, playing today.

Your mama told you that Auntie Lani was playing for the other team, and it wasn't the same as when you were back with all of your other Aunties. It was the same as when mama versed Macca and Mini, and Sammy — but Sammy was watching Macca and Mini’s game instead of playing, which you aren't quite sure you understand.

Sammy’s wife-but-not-girlfriend — you couldn't remember the name — Kristie also played for West Ham, but she only picks you up when you're running away from Sammy trying to tickle your tummy.

You also remember seeing Harper last week, showing her your Bingo toy, and playing hot potato with her in the stands. You love Harper, she is your only friend who knows about Bluey, and she's Australian like you. In Kindergarten, you and Harper are the only ones who speak the way you do. Your mama always asked you whether your classmates would tease you, but Harper would poke her tongue out at them, and you’d ignore them and play with Harper instead.

Your Gunnersauris was lying next to your coat, and your Bingo toy was snuggled under your arm. You were wearing your mama’s Tillie’s jersey because you liked it more than the one she was wearing now. Your Auntie Ky would call the other jersey the Cotton Candy Jersey, and you liked Cotton Candy, so you wore that Jersey when everyone else was. You liked wearing your mama’s jersey because it had your last name on the back too, and number nine was your favourite number so that made it the best. Mama said you were born on the ninth of September, which is the ninth month, so you are very special.

But the most special thing about today was that you were in charge of the Lolly Jar.

“Mama, when we going?” You asked, patting Bingo’s head, hoping she was comfortable where she was. You were slouching against the wall, watching Mama pull up her socks over her shin pads.

She looked up at you and smiled, using her thumb to graze your cheek. “Few minutes, Bug, you excited?”

You nodded your head. “Wanna see Auntie Lani and Mary. Will they sit with me with the Lolly Jar?”

“No, Bug, they sit with the other City girls.” Mama picked you up, propping you onto her hip, jutting you slightly. “But you're sitting with Stephy for the first half, then Vivid and Laura when Stephy comes on. But if I let you take care of the Lolly Jar, you've got to share, okay?”

You weren't too keen on sharing your lollies, especially your strawberry and cream ones, but Laura liked the Sour candy that was too hard for your teeth, and Vivi said that she thinks Snoep is bad for your teeth, so you think you’ll survive.

“Mama want a Lolly?” You asked, motioning towards the jar filled with lollies of all sorts.

“No, thank you, Bub.” Mama laughs, kissing your cheeks and tucking away your fly-away hairs.

“Can I have a lolly, Bug?” Your little body turned to face the voice.

Ky Ky was walking towards you with a warm grin, her hand coming up to fiddle with your collar. You giggled when her finger came in contact with your neck, sending giggles to echo through the room.

“Ky ky no manners.” You spoke, nuzzling your head further into Mama’s neck. Your mama laughed at Kyra’s dejected countenance.

“Yes, you're right,” The younger Aussie player admitted, shaking her head and pretending to act frustrated at herself for forgetting such a thing.

You, however, didn't catch onto her sarcasm, feeling a wave of empathy surging over you. You pulled your arms away from Mama, reaching out and whining for Ky Ky to hold you instead. Your mama handled her over, and you gripped the back of Kyra’s shirt as she danced with you in her arms.

“Ky Ky ‘gonna score today?” You asked, feeling the nip of the cool air shiver down your spine as the girls started exiting into the tunnel.

“I’ll try my best for you, Bub. You've just got to cheer extra loud for me, deal?” Ky held you impossibly close to her chest, her arm protecting you from feeling flimsy, and her body cradling the front half of your body from the cold.

“Will give you extra lollies and cuddles if you do.” You could see Leah at the front of the line with her big red ribbon around her arm, though Mama had told you it was an armband. You told your mama that they should do ribbons instead, hoping she could change it soon because ribbons were very pretty.

You had two yellow ribbons in each of your pigtails, which Lessi had done for you on the bus ride. Lessi was the best cuddle buddy, after Mama and Ky. She would rub and scratch your back with her nails gently, and let you trace her tattoos on her hands. Lessi was your favourite cuddle buddy, even if she wasn't the best. She was always the one you fell asleep on, and she’d always share her blanket with you when you sat next to her on the bench.

“If you don't score, I’ll just give you cuddles.” You muttered, readjusting your position in Kyra’s arms. She helped you by lifting you just above her hip, your legs locked around her waist. “Cuddles are never not allowed.”

“That's very sweet, Bub, thank you.”

“That's okay. Love you, Ky Ky.” You added, not noticing your Mama coming up behind you.

“Hey, Bub, time to put on your coat.” She said, slowly threading your small arms through the holes of the thick fabric. While your body moved without fuss, you made sure to whine a little loudly and huff to show how much you didn't like wearing your coat.

The people who loved your mama — not as much as you — and watched her play with her teammates weren't always allowed to see you. The people in the stands would inevitably catch sight of your chubby cheeks and small figure huddled in a mound of warm clothes and cuddles, whether that be during the lineup or when you were sitting on the bench.

Mama didn't like people seeing your face on their phones. She told you that cameras could cause you to feel big girl emotions, and while you were a big girl, Mama always tried her best to keep you discreet.

You didn't care all that much. Lessi would let you take funny videos with filters on your face when you talk with her on long bus rides. Stephy and Bethy would do dancing videos with you, which you love. So overall, you weren't too concerned with missing out on all that much.

But sometimes you felt like you wanted to be normal. You were cold, obviously, and the coat would warm you up, but you knew your mama wanted you to put it on for a different reason.

“Wanna stay with Ky for standing, Mama. Don't want the coat.”

Kyra acted like she had zoned out of the conversation, not sure how to manage a discussion that sounded so innocent, but had a deeper meaning behind it.

“As long as Kyra’s okay with it then you can.” Caitlin took your hand, squeezing it and zipping up your coat. “But you need to keep this on or else you’ll get a stuffy nose and a sore throat.”

“Still want my Lolly Jar.” You mumbled, not entirely content with the defeat in your situation.

Your Mama nodded, swiping your cheek. “Auntie Steph has got it in her lap for when you sit with her, alright?”

While you weren't awfully content with her decision, you sulked as you let the sleeves cover your body, hearing the zip dousing your body in a new-found warmth. You would never admit that the sensation was relieving, but you chose to snuggle back into Kyra’s chest when both teams started walking out into the crisp air.

There were a few smiles exchanged between the teams, but you understood that they both wanted to win and have the ball more than the other. Your yellow jersey stuck out under your coat, your pigtails and their bright yellow ribbons drawing more attention to yourself as usual. Your face was clasped into Ky’s neck, her body bobbing you up and down in swift motions. The crowd was beaming in excitement as everyone shook hands. You were too busy playing with the hem of Kyra’s jersey to notice the people rubbing your back and smiling.

“Cuddles now?” You asked your Ky Ky, prodding to the comfy chairs where Steph, and Kim were chatting in hushed whispers. Wally and Cloé were laughing with Stina and Laia, but you couldn't find your Auntie Vivi anywhere.

“I'm playing with your mama, Bug,” Ky spoke, rubbing your back as the two of you trudged over to the bench. “You're gonna show everyone your Lollies, aren't you? Mama said Stephy has the jar.”

You knew that Mama only gave you your lolly jar when you were feeling restless before a game. Sometimes, you just want to be attached to someone, whether that be Mama, Ky, or especially Vivi. You weren't used to not having your Auntie by your side during matches. When your Aunties had sore knees, you would sit with them in the crowd, showing them Bingo and bouncing ecstatically in your seat when they’d play games with you.

Bethy always let you swing your legs, and Lau would squish your cheeks and play Bingo games with you. Lau would make you giggle when Lee was talking about the game, and you’d clamour into the blonde’s lap and babble on about how she was a nervous Nelly, cause that's what your Mama calls you when you go to school sometimes.

Bethy wouldn't always let you have your Lolly jar, even though your Mama gave it to you. She said that it made you wiggle more and wiggles were hard to get rid of. But Vivi would always slip you some strawberry and cream lollies when Bethy wasn't looking. She’d make sure you always had a handful of your favourites when Beth was Roo immersed in the game.

You loved your Vivi.

It wasn't too bad when Bethy left, because you still had Vivi, Lee, and Lau, but then Vivi left, and now Lee, and so Lau sits in the stands with other people, and Mama doesn't want to leave Laura to take of you by herself, especially when her knee was only just mending fully.

But Vivi must've hurt her knee again because you saw her and Lau sitting in the stands without you.

It made you even more restless knowing that neither Ky nor Viv was there to play with you. You loved all of your Aunties, but some of them didn't have cuddles like Ky.

“Hello, Bug!” You heard your Auntie Stephy say. Kyra was careful in sparing the last of your affection, kneeling in front of Steph and peeling you off her slowly.

You didn't answer your Aunt, feeling what your mama called big girl feelings when Kyra kissed your forehead and ran towards the team. You latched onto Steph, who was going to put you down beside her before you curled into her lap. She wrapped her arms over your small body, pulling her blanket over the top of both of you so that you were in a cocoon of warmth.

You grabbed Steph’s pointer finger and squeezed. Bingo was facing the grassy field while you had your head towards Lia.

“Are you playing with Mama today?” You asked, settling one of your arms over Lia’s lap.

Lia and your Mama were in love like Vivi and Beth, but Mama says that their friends now. You don't remember a lot without Wally living with you, but Wally wasn't your Mama like Mama was your Mama. You were Mama’s more than anyone else. Auntie Lani always called you Cait, and Auntie Macca would say that you were your Mama’s twin.

Lia was a very nice cuddle buddy. She read bedtime stories to you and let you sleep in her and Mama’s bed if Mama was already asleep.

But now Wally didn't live with you anymore, and the bed was a lot bigger without two cuddle buddies.

“I might be after the second half, but right now I'm here with you,” Lia answered, squeezing your flushed cheeks before drawing patterns on your hand.

You looked up at Steph, reaching for her face, and settling your hand on her cheek. “Where’s Lani and Flower?”

Wally and Kim laughed from either side of you. Mary’s real name wasn't Flower, but she was pretty like a flower, and you thought that Mary smelt like a flower too, so that's what stuck. You made the mistake of looking at your Mama’s team, unable to spot your Australian friends amidst the team.

“They're both on the bench, Bug.”

You peered across the seats around you, only finding Arsenal girls.

“Not this bench, darling.” Stephy shook her head. “Different one.”

“Why not all together?” You asked, folding your arms across your chest. The ball went out of play, and you forgot your question when you saw Mama retrieving the ball.

You squealed when your Mama waved, putting your hands in your mouth and blushing when one of the Lani-Flower teammates gushed at you in adoration.

The Lani-Flower teammate was blonde, and wore a ponytail very high on her head. While she wasn't someone you were particularly familiar with, you made the effort to wave meekly at her, feeling a blush film across your face when the woman waved back.

“Classic Hempo.” You heard someone say, and you wondered whether Hempo was your friend or not. She wasn't an Australian like you, because you had never seen her back home. Maybe she was one of Bethy’s friends, because when she yelled, she sounded a lot like her friends.

“Wanna give her one of my Lollies.” You announced, looking down at the jar that Steph had put on the floor, reaching down and using all of your strength to get it on your lap.

“Maybe after the game, Bug,” Steph spoke, opening the jar, and letting you pop one of the sweets into your mouth. “Lauren is playing at the moment. If you want, you can give her one at the very end, okay?”

Your eyebrows furrowed. “Who’s Lauren?”

Steph sighed, shaking her head with a soft smile. “The girl that just waved at you.”

“Hempo?”

“Yes, darling, Hempo.”

The game continued on for what felt like forever. No one was scoring goals, not even your Mama. Most of the girls on the bench had grown anxious leading into halftime, and now it was Steph who was playing with your hands as you watched both teams tread towards the Changing Rooms.

Kim was very scary at times, even when her scariness was directed at you. She was very, very stern, and sometimes you had to cover Bingo’s ears because what she was saying was not always appropriate for younger ears.

Lee was also letting out her frustration. Leah was definitely opposed to the lack of goals since she was encouraging all of the girls to get back out there and try harder. You wondered why the Lani-Flower Team was so hard to beat when Mary and Lani weren't even playing. You’d understand if they were on the field, but they must've had superpowers that made the team really good because they were on the bench that you couldn't see.

Leah had the big band around her arm — the one you thought should be a ribbon but wasn't. You wore your ribbons all the time, at home, school, games, everywhere. Mama would send photos to your Auntie Hayley all the time, showing how her legacy was proven charismatic on her daughter.

Hayley was someone you missed a lot, especially when she and Mama never versed each other. When you were in Australia, Hayley would do your hair, and she’d use her own special ribbons. She would spend a lot of time with you. She and Ellie Belly would go out with you on what they called ‘Big Girl Days’, where you’d play at the park, get ice cream, and go to the movies, all in one day. You loved Ellie Belly, she was as silly as you. She loved blowing raspberries on your tummy. She was always throwing you up in the air, giving your Mama a surprised face.

You wanted a Big Girl Day now, you thought to yourself. The weather in London wasn't nice. You liked swimming with Harper and Harley. You liked spending time with your Australian Aunties in the sun.

You were sitting in Lessi’s lap, keeping yourself still as she redid her hair. Your coat was left on your seat on the bench, but the Changing Rooms were nice and cosy so no one paid much attention. Your Mama was fixing her hair as well, something everyone seemed to do, so you paddled over to her and tugged on her shorts.

“Hold on a second, Bug,” Mama spoke, smiling down at you, patting the wispy bits of your hair behind your ears.

You didn't want to wait, so you sighed and waddled to the next available person.

You tugged on Katie’s shorts, latching onto her leg and beaming at the woman’s immediate reaction.

“Well, hello, Miss Yellow!” She uttered, jostling your bright-coloured jersey and fixing your ribbons.

“I'm not Miss Yellow!” You laughed loudly, swatting away her hand. “I'm Bug!”

“You're a bug and yellow?!” Katie’s eyebrows raised as she pretended to be shocked. Everyone looked on in adoration, but to you her shock was real. Your laughter emulsified. “That means you're a Bee!”

“No, I'm not a BumbleBee!” You grinned, clasping your arms around her neck, soaking in the way she held you close. “I'm just Bug!”

“Oh, you're bug!” Katie huffed, shaking her head and sighing. “You scared me, Bug. I thought you were a Bee.”

“A Bumblebee, Katie.”

“That's right, a Bumblebee.”

You huffed, deciding that you were just smarter. “You're so silly, Katie.”

Katie let you run over to Mama, who swung you playfully all the way to the bench again.

Everyone was coming back onto the pitch, and the refs blew their loud whistles so that they could start kicking the ball. Both teams were a little bit more aggressive in everything they did. Katie was pushing and getting shoved, and Hempo was doing the same. Another blonde Lani-Flower girl was getting angry at Katie, but the Refs didn't put up their naughty cards so the game went on.

It had been a little while since you were sitting alone on the bench with just Bingo and your Lolly Jar. You scanned the pitch again, wondering whether Hempo was, but couldn't find her. Everyone was warming up on the sidelines. Steph had told you to count how many lollies you could eat so that you were left with something to do.

But you were growing very bored when no goals were happening, and no one to talk to.

So, as your Mama always said, do what makes you happy.

So you did.

You clambered out of your seat, using your big muscles to lug the Lolly Jar with you. Everyone was still playing around you, but you knew that Lani and Mary were here somewhere.

Without thinking, you forget your coat in your chair.

You were careful with every step you took, making sure you were holding the Jar tight. You stopped and waited for people to pass by so you weren't in the way, and it didn't take long for Red Jerseys to turn into Blue ones.

You felt a little out of place with your bright yellow jersey, you thought that no one else knew what you were wearing. After a little while longer of trampling down the sideline, you found a similar bench to the Arsenal one, except there was not a blotch of red in sight.

It took you a few more steps until you shivered at the coolness. You felt silly for not remembering your coat like Mama told you, but you didn't want to leave your Lollies instead. Mama told you to always share your Lollies, so you were doing what she told you to do, just not everything.

You found a coat similar to yours alone on one of the seats. It looked very warm, and you wanted to be warm, so you put the jar down with caution and grabbed the jacket with ease, slipping it on like Mama had taught you.

It wasn't until you saw Mary being subbed on and a cautious hand grabbing your shoulder that you realised that you had one of your ribbons falling from your hair.

“Um, excuse me.” You heard a woman say, making your little head reel up. “I think you're wearing my jacket.”

The sight of Hempo — or Lauren, as Stephy said — sent you into shyness. Mama said you weren't allowed to talk to strangers, even if they seemed friendly and smiled. You didn't necessarily think of Hempo as a stranger, since Mama talked to her and Stephy knew her name, but you only knew her from today, so an introduction was needed in order for you to feel even remotely safe.

“Was cold.” You muttered, holding your Lolly Jar as tight as you could, making you realise that you had not only left your coat on the Arsenal Bench, but Bingo, too. “Sorry.”

This sent your big girl feelings over the edge. The combined factors of strangers, the loud noises of the crowd, your coldness, and no Bingo made your lips quiver and your eyes rimmed with tears. You struggled to put the Lolly jar down but did so in a hurry, avoiding Hempo’s eyes as you tried to shake off her jacket.

The blonde woman stood above you in shock, feeling a wave of guilt wash over her when tears flooded your cheeks. She hadn't meant to make you cry. She was just confused about why you were there, and not with Arsenal, and why you were wearing her coat instead of your own.

“Oh, no, I'm so sorry.” She spoke, shaking her head as she knelt on the floor, making sure you were okay with her being at your level. “You can keep my jacket, I swear. You're smart for staying warm—”

“—Mama says swearing is bad.” You retorted, tears drying the minute the blonde spoke. Sniffles fell from your nose. “Are you on the Lani-Flower’s team?”

Lauren looked at you incredulously. “The what?”

“My Auntie Lani and Flow— Fowler, is on that team,” You pointed onto the pitch, specifically Mary, who was carrying the ball down the wing. Lauren glanced across the field, noticing Mary had no clue about what was going on. She looked back at you and smiled meekly.

“Is your Mum or Dad in the crowd somewhere? I could always help you find them.”

The mention of a father made your eyebrows furrow. You had thought that Hempo had known your Mama, but apparently not.

“You were talking to my Mama just then!” You sighed, picking up your Jar and peeling off the lid. “I was sitting on Stephy’s lap when you waved at me.”

“What?” It took a beat for Hempo’s face to change, a flow of realisation painting her features. You popped a treat into your mouth. “Oh! You're Foord’s daughter! Sorry, wait-”

You watched as the woman kneeled down again, carefully using her hands to open the split of her jacket that covered your jersey. It revealed the bold Australian colours and emblem. You pivoted so that your shoulders showed off your last name.

“Want a Lolly?” You asked, holding out the heavy container.

“Sure… I guess.” Lauren hesitated but nodded after soaking in your adamant state. “I'm sorry for asking but… why are you over here?”

“I'm looking for Auntie Lani.” You stated, not bothering to ask the woman before making your way over to a spare seat. “Mama told me that I should share my Lollies, but my Auntie Stephy was warming up, and Kim is a little scary sometimes, and Wally was stretching, and Ky Ky was playing, so Flower and Lani were left.”

Lauren managed to understand your whines to help you up onto the chair, joining next to you. “Did Caitlin say you could come over here.”

“Um,” You pondered, slightly sheepish. “She didn't say no.”

“Oh,” Lauren replied, unable to conform to a solid response. “Um, do you want me to get Alanna for you, then?”

You thought to yourself for a moment, thinking about whether Hempo was nice enough to stay with you until you felt like moving again. You settled on a yes.

“No that's okay.” You spoke, leaving the Lolly Jar on your chair and moving into Lauren’s lap. “You can have more Lollies. Mama said I should share.”

Without thinking, Lauren shoved her hand down the jar, grabbed a handful of lollies and slowly popped them into her mouth one by one. She didn't know if keeping you with her was a good idea, especially after Laia shot a brilliant goal, sending City into the lead. Alanna was warming up, getting ready to go on, so no Australians could help her out.

You weren't affected by the score, too busy babbling on about how much you wanted some sort of Bingo that Lauren had no idea about. You were content on the woman’s knee, happy in the way she bobbed up and down rhythmically, similar to how Ellie Belly would when your Mama was in interviews.

You both fell into comfortable conversation, leading each other into new topics as the game went on. Lauren let you play with her hands, and you didn't mind how many strawberries and creams she was taking from your jar. No one from either team had noticed the two of you in your own little bubble.

Everyone except a man with a big camera and a microphone.

The English woman didn't know you well. She knew that Caitlin kept you away from the media and that you were a very private part of her life that she kept at bay. You were a bubbly child with a bright personality, she thought, but she also wondered whether you got yourself into trouble as often as it seemed.

Lauren knew the man from City’s media team. He was friendly, and nice to talk to, but she had never had the experience of a toddler in her arms to handle this kind of attention.

“Who might this be?” He spoke, holding the camera up to the both of you.

Before Lauren could answer, you swerved your front to face her chest, potent in the way you shoved your body away from the camera. Your Mama had taught you to do this from a very young age, and now it felt like second nature.

Lauren caught onto your worry almost instantly, shaking her head towards the kind man, waving his endeavours off.

The man must've caught on quickly, as the camera dropped as fast as it arrived. You kept your head buried into Hempo’s neck, curling your legs around her waist, thankful for the way she pulled your hood up.

“Don't worry, I don't like cameras all that much, either.” She cooed, rubbing your back in comforting circles, relieved at your tense figure softening as she did so. “Sometimes it's just good to talk without them, eh?”

“Yeah,” You muttered in agreement, pulling your head away slowly, taking your time to turn back around.

The game was coming to an end, heading into extra time, and you were feeling the effects of your long adventure hurling over your little body.

Arsenal were not playing to their strengths, and the frustration of their gameplay radiated in beams to everyone who watched.

You had just caught sight of Auntie Lani being subbed on before your eyes had drifted close and your breathing had evened. Lauren only noticed your deep slumber when the full-time whistle blew, and you made no more advancements towards your Lolly Jar.

Hempo tried extra hard to keep you sound as she curled her arms around you, lifting you into a cuddle, and walked towards her celebrating teammates and defeated rivals silently. With your hood still up and the blonde rubbing small patterns on your back, you held onto the woman peacefully, relishing the fatigue that had caught up to you.

Hempo had separated from her confused teammates — who were all questioning when Lauren ever had any affiliation with a child — and strolled over to the Arsenal bench, where a flurry of anxiety hit her straight.

Kyra was indefinitely pale. Wally and Leah were searching the parameters of the field. Katie was ridiculing fans, and Caitlin was an absolute wreck.

Beth was beside herself, Viv by her side, comforting her spouse with a strained expression herself.

A flooding red flushed Lauren’s face, the reality of the stress the girls in front of her were under hitting her like a truck. She was conflicted in keeping you sleeping and running over to announce that you were okay. She resulted in jogging cautiously, nearly dropping the Lolly Jar on the way.

Leah was the first to notice the young Lioness. “Lauren, what are you—”

The Arsenal Captain nearly collapsed at the sight of your tiny figure curled up in her arms, meeting the woman in the middle and calling out to the rest of the girls.

“Oh my fucking God, where was she?” Caitlin sighed, immediately taking you from Lauren’s chest and hugging the breath from your lungs.

You stirred out of your daze, surprised by the sound of your Mama’s voice and not Lauren’s.

“Mama swear.” You whispered, not comprehending the gravity of the situation as you found a new comfortable position in your Mama’s arms.

“She was just wandering around with her Lolly Jar, looking for Alanna and Mary,” Lauren spoke, her voice cracking at the amount of eyes on her. “I was with her the whole time. She just wanted to share her Lollies, and erm— she forgot her coat so— yeah… oh and something about Bingo—”

“Thank you so much,” Caitlin said, looking down at you and hugging you closer. “How long did you think she was by herself?”

“Oh, not long.” Lauren started. “I found her with my coat on, so she knew what to do with herself. But I made sure no one recorded her. I'm not sure about when she was alone though, sorry.”

“Don't be.” Caitlin sighed. “I'm just glad she was with someone.”

“Shared my Lollies, Mama.” You whispered out from her neck. “But I think we need more Strawberries and Cream.”

Katie came up behind you and Mama with your toy Bingo in her hands. She took off your hood and poked your cheeks. “I think that's enough lollies for you, Bumblebee.”

You took Bingo and hugged her, smiling like not a minute in the world had passed, content with the new friend you had made and the lollies you had eaten.

You hoped every match was like this.

________________________

[angelkiyo]

modern au high school hcs for my fav haikyuu boys based on my high school experiences + romance hcs <3

[miya osamu, sakusa kiyoomi, oikawa torū, iwaizumi haijime]

a/n- part one + my asks are open bc i do not know what to write but im down for mostly anything tbh so ASK AWAY PLS

miya osamu

he has a similar gpa to his brother [gpa at a 2.5 😔]

is in culinary club and the president

since atsumu is a drake glazer, osamu makes sure to bring up kendrick everytime he hears a drake song

he had a field day when “not like us” mv dropped

even though his brother and him are opposites in a way, that hasn’t stopped osamu from being submitted on ‘inarizaki.bops’

he was most likely talking to a teacher

private insta with 300 followers

doesn’t give a fuck abt p.e and would be enjoying basketball if they weren’t able to play volleyball

osamu would probably also have a very casual way of dressing — stussy and abrocrombie fiend

steals from his brother’s nike collection while owning several pairs adidas gazelles and new balances himself

as for with his s/o, he would be more of a soft launch guy and would post stories of you two holding hands or the two of you in a mirror pic

he would def be holding your hand in the halls and having his arm around you

imagine peter k lara jean moment

your friends would find him to be a green flag

the two of you would use study hall to not study at all but use his little crock pot thing he got from tiktok shop and make food

would try to be nara smith one day and fail miserably

very much would wear ‘aqua de gio’ bc i said so (n would find atsumu’s cologne to be too strong)

dates would include: cooking at his place and eating your masterpieces while watching movies (esp spider-man bc he seems the type)

artists he would listen to: kendrick lamar, joey bada$$, childish gambino, doja cat

sakusa kiyoomi

annoyingly smart (3.6 gpa) and would probably get a 4/5 avg on his ap tests

if he wasn’t on volleyball, he seems the type to be in academic decathlon or science olympiad

would be keeping to himself but if he were to play a sport, it would be smt like lacrosse or tennis

he’s rich. like RICH RICH. (he goes to itachiyama with three siblings or smt)

so he’d wear like club monaco, j. crew, or like ralph lauren

would have a specific rotation of shoes that would be asics or new balance in white

insta would be like 700 followers and 32 following

for him and his s/o, he’d be like osamu and would be very much soft launch you

even though he hates crowds, he would very much like to go out with you shopping (in a shopping center that has nobody/barely anyone)

kiyoomi may be presenting himself as a cold and calculating and he can be, but he’s a soft to ppl he’s close with

him and komori would use brain rot language ironically (I just see that lemme elaborate) after komori would use brain rot language unironically

he would use it with you once “by accident”

he kept hearing komori say it and said it subconsciously

and then never again after the second hand embarrassment he got

“on skibidi…?”

you still bring it up to this day (he blames komori)

dates would include movie nights and making pillow forts

artists he would listen to: sza, 21 savage, kanye west, playboi carti

oikawa torū

would be a note taking fiend and be an honors/ap student with a 3.4

he would be on a ‘bop’ page for volleyball in general

great king? nah great bop

instead of being a wyll warrior, he’d be one of the mfks on insta that would slide up with a 😍 then ghost you after dm-ing

another dior sauvage user and on some days, versace eros…

caught up in the central cee madz drama

also obsessed with watching nara smith (me too)

he’s team ice spice

would be very persistent in taking 0.5s

though because of this, he purposely fluffs up his bangs and hair for him to not fall victim to 0.5s

if he didn’t play volleyball, he would play badminton/tennis

would be a SLUTTTT for pinterest clean boy fits

very clean boy core with his lululemon mens shit and would be shopping at alo + urban outfitters

also ralph lauren teddy bear sweaters n golden gooses

his insta user would be smt like “theyenvy_.toruuu” or basic like his full name and he would have more than 3k followers

THOUGH HE WOULD BE MAKING THOSE SHARED POSTS W YOU.

his finsta would be very full of you and spams of volleyball

nle choppa slut me out 2 glazer

dates would include: self care day at either one of your places while watching baddies or real housewives +shopping

artists he would listen to: laufey, cigarettes after sex, olivia rodrigo, megan thee stallion, nle choppa

iwaizumi hajime

he went to uci so he has his shit tgt (nhs and 3.9 type shit w aps)

though, he would definitely be apart of debate club and a lacrosse person if he didn’t do volleyball

shops at psycho bunny or hollister. the occasional lululemon shirt bc oikawa put him on

would wear yeezys and supreme, i fear

i can see him being into watching the “who tf did I marry” series

massive gym bro

would have his finsta tracking his gains

his fyp would also probably be workouts and those “baby don’t hurt me” meme tiktoks (idk how to explain)

would be the winner of senior assassin

he would def shoot oikawa first

type of person to wear ‘obession’ by calvin klein mixed with axe body spray

as for insta, he would def have a good 1k

would post you to the cutest songs ever and collab on posts

HARD LAUNCH TYPA GUY

yall would have like a specific song that would make him be like “this is our songgg”

in his head

most likely a tyler song

aka ‘sweet/i thought you wanted to dance’

he’d be the okokok to your lalalala

dates would include: him just spoiling you and dinner dates

artists he would listen to: tyler the creator, metro boomin, 21 savage, kendrick lamar, j. cole

[theoceansluvr]

Percy Jackson x Ballerina! Reader

warnings; like every sports headcanon list, injuries ! and horrendous foot pain author's notes; im so sorry to the lovely @officiallyalbino that requested this for borderline lying about when i'd post this😭 unrelated to the post but im severely sunburned and writing this kept me from scratching my skin off :((

oooo you best believe he has front row seats to every single one of your performances !

you'd think the adhd™ would get to him, but he's way too focused on you

he likes helping you with lifts because.. well of course he does !

he's very huge on helping you practice if you couldn't tell !

i think he'd always be insane flexible so he tries to copy your positions

looks DISGUSTINGLY good in the leotard might i add

brings flowers and a little (poorly spelled and written) card after every performance

like everybody knows him as your boyfriend because he proudly announces it while carrying his little gifts

doesn't matter if your just in the background he will clap like you just won an oscar

the parents next to him used to think he was just an overly proud older brother to be honest

that was until he leaned over while yelling "THAT'S MY PARTNER Y'KNOW ?"

he's quite the fanboy if he couldn't tell from my many, MANY times if saying this !

foot rubs ? foot rubs !

i personally hate people touching my feet, BUT !

i can see how this is probably the most relaxing thing in the world after hours of practice ngl

he's oddly good at it too

could probably hum every single Nutcracker song off the top of his head

honestly he probably really likes listening to your practice music actually

it keeps him focused when he's studying and whatnot !

could've mentioned this earlier, but he learns all the positions just so he can help you with certain dances

coordinated in the arena and almost anything else, not so much with dance

but he makes it work just for you :D

secretly really likes Black Swan

he watches it like a little kid trying to video games without his mom knowing

thinks your better than everyone no matter how much experience they might have over you

you're literally lauren anderson in his eyes

(or any ballet dancer you may look up to of course !)

enjoys watching you do your hair before recitals

it's oddly satisfying to him, so much to the point he has it memorized on how you do it

possibly keeps a fat stack of hair ties on him at all times (if your hair is long enough to even need any)

not as long as i would've loved this to be, but ballet still has a special place in my heart and i hope this was good fo

[kamotecue]

how could a heart like yours? (ever love a heart like mine) ও e. morgan

pairing: esme morgan x reader

summary: you and esme were the definition of polar opposites. she was warm, lovely and a sweetheart. while you were cold, atrocious, most of all—you were a player.

you felt someone shuffle beside you, as you catch a glimpse of the eyes that you fell for. it wasn’t a secret that you were lost in your thoughts, but the whole team needed you to step it up.

you heard esme chuckle that made your heart flutter, a soft yet gentle smile made its way to her face. she hummed before giving you a soft rub on the back.

“what’s on your mind, love?” esme asked, as you gave her a small yet timid smile. you felt a bit brittle, maybe it was the comments that people would leave, or how the so-called fans would say things out of the pocket.

“i’ll tell you after the game?” you said, as esme analyzed your actions. she looked into your deep blue eyes, the ones that she desperately loved, looking for something.

she broke the eye contact as she leaned forward placing a small yet gently kiss on the crown of your head. it was something she did to ease your mind, the thoughts going through your head.

you looked at your captain, steph who gave you a soft look. how could she not, you were only a young teen when she adopted you.

yes, steph houghton—the previous lioness skipper is your mother, adoptive that is. how the two of you met? you were in the middle of a pitch really, practicing shooting with your left foot as it was the weak one.

you ran through several drills, looking ways to improve that you didn’t notice her looking at you. she revealed herself at the end of your individual training session when you laid on the pitch due to exhaustion.

“alright, little one?” steph asked, as you gave her a soft nod, but your eyes said everything.

“i’m alright, mum.” she hummed before standing up, after all you did have a game to play.

“well then, it’s time to line-up.” she said, before putting on the captain’s armband. you tugged on the manchester city trainer jacket, as you joined the others in the tunnel.

you wore the number 13, with the last name houghton on the back with pride. you were fortunate to make your debut for the senior lionesses, when she was still captain. yet she was always still strict on you, claims as it was ways for you to improve.

you looked ahead to see west ham’s new captain, mackenzie arnold—it was always a pleasure playing against her. the players started to walk out the tunnel, you held onto the mascot’s hand as you gently swung it back and forward.

the kick off had started, you were in the mid field line—both teams weren’t able to score until the 31st minute where steph had sent a cross to lauren who managed to get a light tap on the ball, sending it to the bottom right corner where mackenzie arnold wasn’t able to save.

you watched as the man city fans cheered, you were in the lead—and no doubt was west ham set on scoring an equalizer before the first half had come to an end.

yet the whistle had blew signaling the end of the first half. you gave a soft smile to esme as she held out a bottle for you, you hummed before gently grabbing it.

as you were walking to the tunnel, you couldn’t help but notice a comment that a fan said.

“y/n’s no good for morgan.” you looked at esme who was busy chatting with lauren, she didn’t manage to hear it.

you felt someone swing their arm over your shoulder, it was julie. the norweigan was literally one of your closest teammates besides the english girls.

she had taught you norwegian, and you were literally quick to catch up on the language. so, whenever the two of you were together, you’d speak in her language.

“alt bra? [all good?]” you shook your head, the comment had left you wondering if they were right, it felt like everyone had told you that.

the moment you guys had become public, a few fans had always seem to make a comment about your past. you would notice the hate comments and tried to ignore them—it worked, most of the time. and the time that didn’t you had kept quiet.

“ting kan bli bedre. [things could be better.]” she hummed at your tone, it was a bit soft yet she could hear the hurt in your voice. you had entered the locker room in silence, listening to the coaches tactics.

you had avoided steph’s eyes, as she knew you weren’t alright. and her concern was proven well, when you went down a few minutes after the second half had started.

a mistimed tackle by riko had sent you to the ground, her studs ended up chipping your ankle as you felt to the ground.

“alright, n/n?” alanna asked, as you groaned—as you felt a wave of pain.

“does it look like i’m alright?” you joked, as alanna laughed at your behavior. despite being injured, you always found ways to joke around.

“can you continue?” steph asked, as she knelt beside you. she had took note of how you held onto your knee.

“i think i’ve done my knee-“ you said, as the team’s physio looked at your knee, analyzing it.

“it’s definitely a knee injury, but not an acl.” the physio said, as esme let out a deep breath. the amount of acl injuries that had already happened was quite concerning.

“you’ll be subbed off.” steph said, as she gestured to the head coach. you nodded, not disagreeing with her as the team physio helped you up.

the fans had clapped for you, as you disappeared into the tunnel heading to the med room. it wasn’t long before the game had ended.

the result had ended in a 2-1, with manchester city ending the long equalizer as they scored a late goal. you heard the door open revealing esme who had a concerned look in her eyes, her kit was all dirty as she made her way towards you.

how could a heart like yours, ever love a heart like mine?

“would you like to tell me, what’s going on love?” you knew she knew—you weren’t one to get distracted easily.

“what if they’re right?” you said, softly. esme hummed, not picking it up as she grabbed your hand.

“if who’s right?” esme asked, as you avoided her stare looking at the door. she sighed before wrapping her arms around your body, pulling you closer to her.

“tell me properly, don’t avoid eye contact with me.” she furrowed her eyebrows, as you sighed before giving in.

“the fans—what if they’re right that i’m no good for you? or that you deserve someone better than me?” she chuckled as her thumb came to wipe a tear that fell from your eyes.

“since when do you care about what they say? besides, i wouldn’t have let you into my heart if you weren’t good for me.” esme said, as she placed a kiss on your forehead.

your lover was literally the kindest person, you’ve ever known (besides steph ofc). you’d always say that her heart was made out of gold, and she’d give you a soft yet shy smile at your compliment.

how could i live before? how could i have been so blind?

“you aren’t like before, love. you have proven yourself to me, that you won’t break my heart. and that’s all that matters. i don’t care—if you’ve been with other girls, all i care is that you’re mine now.” esme said

you gave her a soft look before she gave you a toothy grin. you watched as she gave you a mischievous look, before planting a few kisses on your face.

you groaned as you weren’t a fan of public affection, despite being the only two in the medical room. the team’s doctor had already checked your knee out, you were told to rest as it was a minor sprain.

you opened up my eyes

she was literally the only person that made you realized your self worth. you weren’t like your birth parents—they were the ones that made you hate love, they were the ones that made you a player.

you’d watched as they cheated on each other, blaming each other for the down fall of the relationship—when it was their fault after all.

but when you met esme, the ball of sunshine, your image of love had changed. and you were forever grateful to her, she is and always—your happily ever after.

[azzifuddworlddomination]

casual pt.4

paige x azzi

where my perkins tolerators at???

they'll be a part 5, maybe a part 6

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Here girls let me open up the trunk for you,” Paige’s mom says as they approach the car. Azzi had already been subjected to a somewhat awkward reunion between mother and daughter, and now she has to sit through a forty-minute car ride with not only Paige and her mother but her siblings as well.

Paige truly does love her mother, and her mother loves her. When Paige’s mother, Amy, found out she was having a girl she was over the moon. So excited for the princesses, the pink, the dresses, and the unicorns that would fill her life once her little girl was born. It didn’t take long for Amy to catch on that her baby girl was a copy and paste of her father, Amy’s estranged husband. Between Paige being a constant reminder of her failed marriage and several states between them, Paige didn’t see her mom too often. Amy thought inviting Paige’s best friend would sweeten the deal and encourage her to come. She was right, but as the girls giggle as they load their stuff into the car. Amy silently rejoices as she sees her daughter happy to be in Montana for once.

As they pull out of the airport parking lot Paige’s younger siblings, Ryan and Lauren, begin to fire off every question and fun fact that hits their mind. Paige and Azzi indulge them by giving the kids the silliest answers that she can to keep them entertained as Amy navigates the snowy mountain roads. Finally, they reach Amy’s home. As they bring in their bags Paige nudges Azzi, “y’know you’re staying in my room right? My mom said she set up the guest bedroom, but I told her you’re fine with me.” Conflicted, Azzi responds, “P, if your mom went to all that trouble I should at least humor her.” 

Amy leads them into the house, stopping at Paige’s room so she could drop off her bags before taking Azzi further down the hall. “Here you go Azzi, let me know if you need anything, okay sweetie?” Azzi nodded her head as Amy shut the door behind her. She held my hand the whole flight… who does that?? Casual my ass, Azzi thinks to herself. She stares up at the ceiling, am I stupid??? What am I doing here?” Azzi’s thoughts are interrupted as she hears knocks on the door. Azzi sits up at the sudden noise and looks over at the door. It’s Paige, she lets herself in as Azzi gives a nod of approval. Paige makes her way over to the bed and sits down next to Azzi. Silence fills the room before Paige breaks it. “Don’t sleep in here,” Paige looks at Azzi. She has a earnest look in her eyes, “Please, I need you with me…” “Okay,” Azzi replies “I will.” 

 Amy turned on a movie for the kids to watch as she worked on Thanksgiving dinner for the next day. Ryan and Paige played Fortnite on his switch as Azzi let Lauren tell her all about the fourth-grade drama ensuing at her school. Azzi even pinky swore to not tell anyone that Lauren had a boyfriend, a boy in her class named Brady, who played basketball but wasn’t super good. Azzi also promised to beat him in a game of HORSE if he broke her heart. As the night continued, one more movie and three more bowls of popcorn later, Lauren and Ryan were asleep. Paige carried Ryan as Azzi carried Lauren to their rooms. Meeting back out in the hall after they had laid their respective kid down, they went into Paige’s room. Azzi briefly imagined what that would be like someday, laying their own kids down to go to sleep. But reality hit as Paige left Ryan’s room and ushered Azzi into hers.

Paige closed the door as she pressed Azzi up against it, kissing her neck. “I’ve waited all day to do this, Az,” Paige muttered as she kissed a trail down her neck. Azzi could give you a list of a thousand reasons why she shouldn’t give in right now, but she ignores all of them as she slips her shirt over her head and lets Paige lead her to the bed.

Hours later when Amy walks by, after finishing a night-long cooking session, she peeks into Paige’s room. The two girls lay in bed, burrowed into the blankets. Too tired to really process anything she figures they must’ve fallen asleep talking. As snow falls over the peaceful Montana mountains that night. Paige pulls Azzi closer as the cold winds seep through the window crack.

“Wake up!!! Wake up!!! You’re gonna miss the parade!!!” Lauren and Ryan run into Paige’s room as the two girls frantically attempt to untangle their limbs. “We’re up! We’re up! Geez get out of here!” Paige yells as her younger siblings retreat out of the room. Paige gets up and throws a sweatshirt and flannel pajama pants toward Azzi, “it’s cold as shit,” she mutters as puts warmer layers on. The two join Lauren and Ryan in the living room watching the parade. They decide to join the kids’ protest of breakfast to save room for their Thanksgiving dinner.  

After the parade is over Paige retreats to her room to change as Azzi wanders into the kitchen. She finds a distraught Amy at the kitchen table. “The wind must’ve knocked the power out last night! The fridge never turned back on. All of it is spoiled! God I can’t do anything right,” Azzi envelopes Amy in a hug. “You couldn’t have known that that was going to happen… It’ll be okay,” she reassured her, “we can go out to eat! It’ll be fine it’ll be okay!” Paige walks in and sees Azzi hugging and soothing her mom. Concerned at what happened Paige approaches them, but Azzi brushes her away and mouths to “not worry about it.” 

Azzi helps Amy find a restaurant open on Thanksgiving day. They settle on a Perkins that’s about thirty minutes away. While it wasn’t the Thanksgiving dinner she had worked so hard to give her kids, it was still something. Amy loaded the kids into the car as they waited on Paige and Azzi. “When you were with my mom… That was really sweet, Az,” Paige held Azzi’s cheek and turned her towards her. “It was really no problem,” Azzi replied sheepishly. “I love you, Az, I mean it,” Paige looks Azzi in the eyes before finally bringing her lips to hers. Paige pulls back, as Azzi looks up at her, “I… I… think your mom’s ready to go.” 

As Amy pulls into the Perkins parking lot, its deserted. They walk into the resteraunt, and are seated immediately. Amy can’t help, but wonder if they’re judging her. Once their orders are taken, Paige excuses herself to go to the bathroom. Looking around the table, Azzi decides that going to the bathroom now would be less awkward than sitting with Amy, Ryan, Lauren, and their father. She follows Paige to the bathroom, and opens the door to see Paige splashing her face with water. “You okay, P?” Azzi asks. “Yeah, fine,” Paige responds. “No, you’re not P…” Azzi looks at her. “I said I loved you, Az, and you didn’t say anything back,” Paige replies. “I do… I really do love you Paige, its just I’ve been so confused about what we are lately I just couldn’t say it,” Azzi responds, moving towards Paige, “What are we?” “We’re what we’ve always been, Az,” Paige says grabbing her hand. Azzi should’ve been pissed off by this non-answer-answer, but as Paige grabbed her hand and pulled her closer, she couldn’t find it in herself to be mad. “Yeah?” Azzi responds, playing with Paige’s fingers in her hand. “So… do you love me?” Paige asks, “I love you, P” Azzi responds bringing her hand up to kiss it. “Then show me,” Paige says as she drags Azzi into a bathroom stall. “This isn’t a good idea,” Azzi says as she pulls at Paige’s flannel to expose her shoulders. “Your mom’s out there… she could walk in…” Azzi tries to justify between kisses. “So let her,” Paige breaks out as she grabs Azzi’s hair. 

Azzi presses Paige against the door as she kisses down her neck. Shedding her flannel, Paige throws it on the floor as Azzi helps lift her shirt above her head granting her access to more skin. Azzi kisses down Paige’s neck and stomach before arriving at her jeans. She looks up at Paige for permission as she unbuttons her jeans. Azzi pulls her jeans down and kisses the clothed area before moving to her inner thigh. Azzi rises back up to Paige’s height as she plunges two fingers deep into her folds. 

When the girls arrive back at the table, their meal is already out. They tried their best to smooth each other’s hair, and rid each other of a freshly fucked look. Amy sarcastically welcomes them back to the table, and for a split second, she wonders if her mom is catching onto them. 

[https-harlow]

10 Years Later

Summary- You and Jack felt like your family was complete after four kids, but you start thinking about having a fifth baby.

You and Jack had agreed that after your fourth kid, your family was complete. Between Jack’s career and four growing kids, neither of you felt the need to add anything more to your already busy life. 

Of course, as you and Jack got older and your kids got older, Jack’s career started to settle down, with less time spent in studios and on the road and more time spent at home with family. You both still felt that your family was complete.

Over the past few years, several of your friends have gotten married and started to have kids. Since you and Jack had gotten married and had Paisley at 19, you both were enjoying having your friends be in the same stage of life that you were in. It was fun to watch your friends experience the same things that you and Jack had previously experienced.

Out of all of your friends, it was different when Urban got married and had his first baby with his wife. You were happy for everyone, but you knew how much Urban loved your kids practically as if they were his own, so you knew he was ecstatic to have a child of his own.

In high school, you, Jack, and Urban talked about raising your kids together and having similar-aged children. It didn’t work out that way, your oldest being almost 16 and your youngest being almost 8, and if there were one thing you regretted it would be that.

As you watched Urban and his wife experience pregnancy for the first time, you couldn’t help but have a few thoughts about having one more baby. 

Ever since Urban’s wife Lauren had given birth to their baby girl Rylee, you and Jack would often stop by during the day while your kids were at school and today was no different. 

You, Jack, Urban, and Lauren, were all sitting in their living room. Rylee was lying on Jack’s chest asleep.

“I don’t know how he does that, she was so fussy before Jack started holding her,” Lauren said.

“After having four kids with him, I don’t understand it either. Olive was probably our toughest baby, but I swear, Jack would just pick her up and she’d instantly stop crying.”

“I’m going to need Jack to move in for the next year then,” Lauren joked.

“I’ll send him over next time he’s annoying me,” You joked as you leaned over towards Jack, resting your head on his shoulder as you laid your hand on Rylee’s back.

“I can’t believe how big our kids have gotten. It’s hard to believe that they were all this small,” Jack said.

“I was just thinking about that at Georgia’s school play. I met her when she was six months old, it’s so crazy to think that was seven and a half years ago,” Lauren said.

“Like, the little girl you brought home to our old apartment at 19 is learning to drive. It felt like that would never happen.”

“I don’t even want to think about it,” You said, laughing softly. Jack carefully handed Rylee to you so he could get up to get a drink. Rylee fussed for a minute before relaxing again. “Literally anytime you need a babysitter, I swear I’ll drop whatever I’m doing to come watch Rylee.”

“I don’t know how you and Jack raised your kids while on tour and traveling all the time, it was hard enough just being pregnant, I can’t imagine doing it pregnant and having other kids,” Lauren said. 

“We were 19 and a little delusional, plus we had a lot of help. There’s no way we could have done it without everyone helping the way they did.”

“Do you miss having a baby?” Urban asked and you thought for a second.

“Yeah, I do,” You said, looking down at Rylee and rubbing her back softly. “Especially with everything slowing down. Raising kids on the road was fun, but I think it would have also been nice to experience having a baby without all of that.”

“You could always have one more baby,” Urban teased as Jack walked back into the room.

“I’ve thought about it,” You admitted, “But not seriously.”

“I’m down to get you pregnant again,” Jack said.

“Here we were having a sweet conversation and you just came in and ruined it with your dirty comments,” Urban teased.

It was a week later until you and Jack came back to your conversation with Urban and Lauren. All the kids were in bed except for Paisley who was having a sleepover with her friend downstairs so you let them stay up later than normal. You and Jack had already gotten ready for bed.

“Did you mean it when you said you’ve thought about having another baby?” Jack asked as he sat down next to you on the small couch you had in your bedroom.

“Yeah, I mean, I’m happy with four kids, and I don’t regret not having another, I still think our family feels complete. But sometimes I do think about what if we had a fifth baby,” You said. “Do you ever think about it?” You asked.

“I’ve thought about it, with the kids getting older, and all of our friends having kids,” Jack admitted.

“Would it be crazy to start over though? To have a baby while we also have a 16-year-old.”

“If we can raise four kids while traveling constantly, I think we can handle one baby and a couple of teenagers or almost teenagers at the same time while traveling a whole lot less.”

“You have a point,” You laughed softly.

“Do you want a fifth baby?” Jack asked and you nodded.

“The more I think about having another baby, the more I do want one more, and I’ve actually been thinking about it a lot since talking with Urban and Lauren,” You said, taking Jack’s hand and tracing random patterns on it with your finger.

“I’ve been thinking about it and I do too,” Jack said. “What if, we just see what happens? We don’t have to try, but if we’re meant to have a fifth baby, then it will happen.”

“I like that plan,” You agreed, “If it’s meant to be, it will happen.” 

“I really hope it’s meant to be,” Jack said.

“Me too,” You said, smiling softly at Jack.

Tag list @jackharloww @harlowcomehome @nattinatalia @hoodharlow @itsyagirljaz @heavyhitterheaux @harlowsbby @awhore4moree @harlowslefttoe @twerkforambrose @jackmans-poison @ilovenudy @taniapri @killatravtramp @easternparkway @macey234 @toocriticalharlow @lightsoutstyles @rachxc13 @iknowdatsrightbih @idktbh101 @blossomluvv @middlechild404 @hufflewhore128

[wonderatmywoman]

Things I love about Nerdy Prudes Must Die now that I've finally finished my proshot watch

Angela, literally everything she does in this show. She's fucking hilarious, her line delivery and facial expressions are incredible and she looks so insane and evil at the end. She's just amazing

The songs. They're so catchy and we know Jeff can write some absolute bangers, but to get so many in one show? They're all great

Speaking of songs, Joey and Mariah sound so good together when they're singing If I Loved You (idk if that's the name but you know which one I mean)

Will Branner is so good as Max. He reminded me of Jim Carrey several times. I love the way he delivers all of his lines and his voice is gorgeous

Bryce Charles in her solo as the reporter??? Holy shit what an incredible voice!

Lauren Lopez, love of my life, never fails to turn on an amazing performance. I love Ruth very much and to keep that voice going the whole time is impressive

Jon's 'I'm not a loser' in Nerdy Prudes Must Die is so pure and gorgeous

Jon overall was great, I loved his portrayal of Richie and he's genuinely quite scary as Wiggly

Dirty Girl Soup - just the phrase is ridiculous and I love it

Great performance from Mariah, I love her voice, especially when she hits those lower notes it's so beautiful

Wonderful from Joey, he was definitely giving me Scrags vibes as Peter

Curt, Kim and Corey were excellent as well even though they all had smaller roles. I adore evil Corey so much, he should be a villain more often

Costuming was On Point, everyone looks amazing

'Beans cool? Excellent' did I just step into Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure??

I got kinda carried away and as you can probably tell, I loved everything about this show. I bought a digital ticket (worth it just for Angela falling off the chair and everyone breaking tbh) but it didn't really hit then for a number of reasons but this proshot is so fucking good

[rattkachuk]

💛 mattdrai after the scf

💛 reunion kiss / relief - ao3 link !!!!!

It’s a late summer in Ontario, and golden sunshine filters through the curtains through one of Connor and Lauren’s many guest rooms, bird song accompanying the breeze through an open window. Leon is sunburnt and its a few days out from Connor’s wedding, and with the amount of events and activities he’d been a part of as one of the groomsmen it was almost enough to make him feel as tired as he was during hockey season. He had to allow himself an hour or so to just do nothing but mindlessly scroll Instagram in the quiet of his room.

He’s pretty sure everybody staying here is doing the exact same thing, there’s some faint voices from the dock on the lake, someone might be watching TV out in the living room, the doorbell rings (probably another McDavid-Kyle family member) and Leon hears a single set of footsteps go to answer the door. It’s all muffled background noise and several minutes pass without Leon thinking much of any of it, until a text pops up on his screen from Connor.

Connor: hey. don’t be mad. he wouldn’t take no for an answer and he rly wants to see you.

There’s no time to process before there’s a gentle knock at the door.

Leon’s fight or flight kicks, seemingly cancelling each other out so he feels like a deer in the headlights and can do nothing but sit still on the bed. “Yah?

The door handle turns and Matthew is standing on the other side. Fucking perfectly endearing smile on his face, and Leon feels his heart twist.

“Hey,” Matthew speaks first, a duffle bag slung over his shoulder as he rocks back and forth on his feet in the doorway.

Leon blinks, finally finding words, “What are you doing here?”

“Uh. Connor’s wedding?”

“Connor didn’t invite you.”

“I was supposed to be your plus one.”

Leon bites his lip and gives a slight shake to his head before making himself get off the bed, walking over to tug Matthew in by the elbow of his sweater—a Puma sweater that Leon had been missing for months now.

The door clicks shut and Matthew lets his bag fall to the floor, “You don’t want me here?”

“Matthew. I don’t know.”

“Okay…well, you haven’t answered a single call or text from me since June, and I already had the tickets booked, if you didn’t want me here you should have fucking said something. How am I supposed to…I don’t know what to do either, this is new territory for me, too, y’know? But I can’t keep waiting around. I need you to talk to me, Leon. So, I'm sorry if this is the only way I can get a conversation with you.”

Leon walks away to create distance between them, going as far as the walls of the room will let him as he buries his face in his hands. His chest hurts while his head is swimming, and an ache that hasn’t left since that final game 7 buzzer surges to the surface and it makes him feel sick. Underneath it all, there’s the bitter taste of regret like bile in his throat. He wasn’t there for Matthew. Wasn’t able to be a normal fucking partner and celebrate with him because he was too busy nursing one of the worst pains he’d ever felt. Something so gnawing and deep that left him feeling empty most days, and so distant from those he loved. So distant that even with Matthew here in front of him, it's hard to look at him.

When he turns back towards him, there’s tears in Matthew’s eyes and he’s not even trying to stop them as they track down his cheeks.

“I’m not sorry for winning,” Matthew tells him, voice thick.

“No. Matthew. You shouldn’t be,” Leon sniffs and takes a minute to choose his words before continuing, “You deserved it, you deserved every second of it. It just. It hurts. You know?”

“I do know,” Matthew looks towards the ceiling and laughs, dry and devoid of any real humour, “This whole time I just kept thinking about how special it would be to celebrate this whole fucking with you, and I can never do that because I know exactly what it feels like.”

“Fuck.”

“Fuck,” Matthew agrees with pursed lips.

Guilt raises it’s hand for a turn in Leon’s sea of emotions, bustling to the front of the line as he thinks about Matthew’s unanswered texts in his phone. The strings of ‘I love you’s’ from that week of partying with the cup, the ‘just checking in’ and ‘i miss you’s’.

“I’m sorry I haven’t answered you,” Leon says, looking down at his feet as the shame burns hot on his neck, “I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to be what you need. I still don’t know if I can be or if…if we…”

Matthew is the one to close the distance, his hands on Leon’s shoulders causing him to look up with a shock.

“Hey. Stop. I just need you, Leo. I don’t need you to be anything more than you have been, not right now,” Matthew moves a hand to the side of Leon’s face, and there’s desperation in his blue eyes, “We’re getting through this, though. And we’re doing it together now, okay? Come on.”

Something drains from Leon a little as he watches Matthew’s eyes, and the ache under his skin grows. Grows until he feels like he needs to pull away again, hide in some dark corner of the world where Matthew can’t find him until he can fix himself, but then Matthew’s hand gives his shoulder a gentle shake and a different sensation starts to dull the hurt. The touch spreads some rays of warmth to his soul like the forgiving sunshine that curls around them both.

There's a new feeling that he can place almost instantly. Relief. He thinks that maybe the cure for all the hurt and the pain was the exact thing he was avoiding. It was Matthew, of course it was.

Leon kisses Matthew, slow and quiet and different than it had ever been before. He pulls him into his arms and Matthew sighs against him, the lines of their bodies pressed together. Matthew had always carried some infectious energy, always able to crawl under Leon’s skin and make a home there with his smug smile and caring heart. It seeped into him now, making Leon feel the warmest and most content he’d been all summer.

When he pulls back, Leon hides his face on Matthew’s shoulder while the other runs his fingers through Leon’s hair.

“I’m glad you’re here,” Leon breaths quietly against Matthew’s neck.

Matthew’s arms tighten around him, “Me too. We’ve got this, yah?”

Leon nods, and he believes him.

[peachetteprice]

Born For It | Kyle "Gaz" Garrick

Enter: Rich-boy!Gaz who was never born into wealth, but rather, born for it.

Thankfully, his blagging skills were never subpar, as convincing the wealthiest blonde bimbo at a conference in Fort Lauderdale would have proved tricky had he not mastered the art of running his delicious mouth. It was, in his own words, piss-easy to convince the woman he was 'in love with' that he was, in fact, a very well-off, well-known auditor for numerous major tech companies, and he was, additionally, all too talented at forging the paperwork for a 2024 Kia Stonic in cerulean blue – that certainly did not cost him a month's worth of groceries to rent for two weeks – to prove that it was truly all his. And, goodness, thank the creator that his father was so devoted to owning three gorgeous, pin-striped Italian suits before he passed, otherwise he would have nothing prim and proper to wear on their first, second, third, fourth, and fifth dates! Well, before he devoured her on her velvet couch and stole her hand in marriage, of course.

Naturally, he takes to the role of pompous, spoilt, entitled husband like a moth to a flame, as he has an inordinate ability to stretch the truth with his long Ralph Lauren fleeces tucked at the elbows, VVS diamond-studded watches, and tinted Versace sunglasses.

Oh, but don't be fooled by the crass social act: the man knows a con artist when he sees one.

He doesn't spend long at the country club with a glass of red in hand, talking to Brian and James and Marcus and their wives Tiffany, Tiffany 2, and Tiffany 2.5, respectively, about the recent tax evasion scandal from Johnsons and Co. (and how they all might do it better without getting caught) before he spots you across the outdoor pool on a sun chair: the young, recently wed beauty with ample time left on your wrist to be doing anything with your life other than seduce poor, geriatric, twice-divorcée, once-widowed, thrice-Viagra'd Mr. Shepherd – or, more crucially – the vast riches he carries in those flabby jowls of his, just ripe enough for the taking as soon as that weak heart of his drops him dead in the shower on a cold Tuesday morning, months later.

It's a shame, really, that the old dog didn't put his conversation skills into the will, because it takes Kyle no more than three minutes of ogling to read the smudged guilt and lost desire on your face, and poses, to you, over a kiss on the knuckles and a well-timed whisper into your ear, the question of joining him one day for lunch in his large, supersized, monstrous mansion that hardly gets used by his married-to-her-work-first wife who, herself, would never think of Kyle wishing to screw another woman on the weekends to entertain himself in such a lonely... drab... suburb.

It does perplex you a little a first, especially when you aren't certain why he wants you of all the women at the country club, when every wife, waitress and pool girl would burst open their bras and dangle their naked breasts in his face at just a chance of that silver tongue on their bodies, because he's simply that irresistible.

Though, you do agree. In fact, you have to.

Not only because he knows your golden secret to greed, and has been known to – again – run that scrumptious mouth of his to anyone he can throw under the bus for another grand or two, but because it's clear to anyone that dear-old Shepherd's cock does nothing for a pretty pussy like yours, and you desperately need to cream over his thick, severing, thigh-splitting one until you cum, to make up for all the flab he wiggles in and around your folds at nine in the evening before he conks out in his silk pyjamas – he has to wake up early to catch the morning run of his favourite radio show, don't you remember?

And you wouldn't tell on him even if you could, even if he didn't have his wife's lawyer on speed-dial, due to that legally-binding, twenty-three page contract locked within a safe in your makeup drawer which clearly states that anything of yours from the inheritence – whenever your old biddie shoots the gun, kicks the bucket or collects his final paycheck, that is – is automatically his, too, as well as the properties in Toulouse, the estate in Dubai, the stocks and shares in Google and Facebook that only ever seem to be going up... oh, and that divine cunt of yours he laps up like a starved dog whenever his wife is away.

| Masterlist |

[m0chisenpai]

Hi, could you do a Louis x Fem!reader x Armand? Like something where they are both obsessed with her and maybe she a little oblivious even tho they give her what ever she wants. I love your others too by the way.🫶🏼

desires of the heart

˚｡⋆ louis de pointe du lac x black!fem!reader x armand

in which she has two immortals wrapped around her little finger

Author note: this sounds similarish to a loumand fic I got previously so I’m gonna build onto that one

Time in the penthouse seems to move slower. The days and nights felt blurred from adjusting your schedule to the ‘vampires’ Daniel interviews. And with each passing day, more and more do the vampires find themselves falling deeper into your heart.

You had their own dead ones in the palm of your hand yet you remained so oblivious to it.

But on top of this you find yourself spending your time less in your room and more in their company.

“Those books, are the older ones right?” You watch Armand hover above in the collection looking for more pictures of Claudia for your personal “research”.

“Yes, some of these are beyond your time,” he looks down at you slowly allowing himself to settle in front of you. You push your frames back up the bridge of your nose so you can properly look at the elder vampire.

“Can I see them?”

Louis watches amused from his seat as Armand holds you close to show you the books. Slowly he glides back u with you in his arms following your direction till you pick a small stack to sit with Louis and look through.

These are older photographs from his years in New Orleans.

"Aw what happened to the fro?" you pout as Louis pulls a family picture out.

"Times were different," Louis rolls his eyes as you scoff. You page through the album carefully.

"Is that him?" your eyes settle on a duo picture, him and his brother side by side. Louis can only nod, his lips pressed in a line as you stare. "He was handsome. Sweetheart, I can tell by how he's looking at you here in this one."

Before Louis can respond one f the workers has entered. Interrupting your bubble of peace. "Mr.Molloy has requested you in his room."

Armand's face immediately ices over into a glare, his response fiery. "Tell Mr.Molloy if he wishes for his help to return he can come and get them himself. She is not a dog."

"It's alright, the old fart does this all the time in the offices." You go to stand stretching your arms overhead and quickly rubbing your forearms for friction. You're cold, Louis observes the goosebumps across your freckled shoulders from the slouch neck sweater you wear.

When you are are out of ear shot Louis speaks to the worker.

"Have the shoppers come in tomorrow morning for Mr.Molloy's intern. The girl needs proper clothing."

Much to Daniel's distaste. you are like a child in a candy shop pointing to sweaters from Ralph Lauren's upcoming fall collection. But he hides his distaste giving you a smile when you happily show hi the sweater that was 'giving Rory Gilmore but I wear it better.' Armand sits watching as you soar through racks and picking your items of choice.

You hesitate when a woman approaches holding a cases of lenses, "we offer these in prescription of course."

"Oh no these are fine."

"Pick one." Armand finally speaks up. When you look at him he is now sitting up, but the way he sits with his legs crossed, an arm draped across the back while the other rests atop his knee. His eyes a show of dominance, as if daring you to say no to him.

You settle on a thick marbled brown pair. But he stands to move in front of you, picking up a few for you to try. You try on several till you are pushing his hands away.

"The jade green ones as well as the golden wired ones for her," you grumble watching as he picks up the two for the woman to box. "We will have your prescription sent as soon as possible."

"Thank you but, this a bit much for a few days stay."

"We have no issue providing you your comforts whilst you work on the novel."

"Ok but-"

He raises a bro that silences any opposition. When you offer no more pushback, Armand places his hand on the small of your back, guiding you to the women who begin to drape you in abayas and scarves for your hair.

You're nearing the end of the interviews. You can tell cause they spend any bit of time of the days glued to your side. You don't bring it up, you accidentally mentioned it in passing to Louis and his entire demeanor once so warm and gentle became...rigid.

He sits beside you on the couch now. Watching you listen and take notes.

These days he's more brazen in his affections. Sitting closer, allowing his hand to linger when he passes your chai, playing with the baby curls at the nape of your neck. But there is something even more intimate as he sits across from you, watching you.

"Gonna keep staring me down like a creep?"

His lips perk up, "sorry cher. Just memorizing your face."

Your fingers stop typing, your train of thought halts for a second till they both return at the steady pace you had going.

"Can a vampire love?"

"I believe we feel immensely. Everything feels...deeper. Almost too much."

"But if your entire being is dead, what is it that allows you to feel again?"

Ah, that mind of yours. Louis loved it deeply. His eyes flicker to his joined palms till they return on you.

"I've heard stories, seen elder vampires that lived many lifetimes take their life because of the loneliness. At times, I myself felt it. Had our feelings died with us, then I do not think they would put an end to themselves."

You nod, pausing for a moment again.

"I feel it too," you pause for a moment, "it's the worst."

Though Louis respects your boundaries, he feels the buzz in your bones. A desire sitting on your lips. “What do you need?” It comes out as a whisper, yet it feels so loud.

And your response is just as quiet, “can you hold me. Please.”

Louis is beside you in an instant. The laptop shut and atop the table, and he is holding you close. Your eyes slowly fall shut as you wrap your arms back around him. He pulls you atop him.

You feel complete again, so whole.

[cupidsdolll]

Steve Harrington × fem!reader

[16K] 18+

grumpy college student steve, tutoring sessions filled with tension, drunk confessions, smut and an accidental kiss.

We gather here

You’ve always loved mornings, you loved being able to wake and watch the sun rise. You loved being able to listen to nature’s song, the birds chirping, the different buzzing and humming of the insects and the various sounds of all the animals that stay around your house. You always wake with a bright smile on your face and enthusiasm to start your day, you’ll turn on your favorite playlist and sing along as you begin to start your day.

Today was different though, you had stayed up much later than normal which caused you to wake with a slight frown and you can’t help but to huff as you shut off the blaring beep coming from your alarm clock.

“I get it, I’m up. Now shut up.” You mumble as you tiredly rub your eyes and stand up. You grab the various sheets of paper strewn across the bottom half of your bed and stack them neatly on the wooden nightstand next to your bed. It's become a habit as of lately, falling asleep while you’re attempting to study, your eyelids fighting to stay open as the time slowly seeps into the early morning hours. You sigh as you stretch your arms over your head and lean back some, feeling slightly better as you feel your body loosening up.

You make your bed, tucking the thick blanket underneath your pillow before grabbing your phone and clicking on the ‘Music’ app and clicking your morning playlist. You smile as one of your favorite songs begins to play through the speakers and fill the room as you walk over to your closet to pick out your outfit for the day. After several minutes of aimlessly searching through your clothes you finally settle on a Ralph Lauren knitted sweater, a brown tartan skirt, some white open toe sandals and a small white mini purse.

You head into your en suite bathroom and set your outfit on the gray granite countertops before turning on the faucet and letting the water warm up. You hum along to the current song playing as you splash the warm water on your face and dry your face slightly. You grab your face wash and begin to do your daily morning routine, the small feeling of normalcy making you feel better already.

Once you’re dressed, done with your makeup and in a somewhat better mood, you head into the kitchen while singing along to whatever the next song is and begin to grab a banana and some leftover oatmeal from the fridge. Making your way to the small dining room table, you sigh happily and set the bowl of oatmeal down and begin to peel the banana and break it into small uneven pieces to eat in your oatmeal.

After eating everything, you wash the bowl and sit it in the dish rack placed next to the sink and grab your purse from the back of the chair you were sitting at and your phone, putting all your essentials in the small bag and walking to the front door. Smiling as you shut off the living room light and close the door behind you, you begin to make your way to the front of your apartment complex and towards the small bike rack, filled with various bikes of all sizes and colors.

————

It takes roughly less than twenty minutes when you finally reach Hawkins University and you sigh softly as you hop off your bike and tie it to the bike rack in front of your school. The air is warm and humid against your skin, the breeze only cooking your skin just a smidge. As you make your way into the school, you stop when you notice a few new flowers on the side of the steps. As you make your way over, you can feel your smile growing, the flowers are absolutely beautiful. They’re a beautiful shade of pink carnations, the bright color popping against the stark bricks of the stairs and you quickly take out your phone as you get ready to snap a picture of them.

“The flowers’ not going anywhere.” You hear your name being called, a cocky tone seeping into his words.

“No need for photography.” You turn around and a frown appears on your face when you realize who the voice belongs to.

His chestnut brown hair styled to perfection, a cotton white t-shirt paired with a pair of light wash denim jeans and a black leather jacket. His signature smirk is plastered on his face as a couple of his friends laugh and pat him on the back. For as long as you can remember you and Steve have been at each other's throats or more like he’s been dead set on giving you absolute hell since the start of their college years while you ignore him.

“I’m serious, nothing special about those flowers. Shouldn’t you be getting to class anyways?” He asks and snickers, your frown deepens as you stare at him briefly before turning around and making your way to the entrance door. Just before you open the door, you turn around and stare at him, a small smile taking over the frown.

“I suggest you do the same Harrington, last I heard failing English class isn’t gonna get you to graduate.” You yell back before quickly walking in the door and heading to your first class of the day.

While you love your classes, love interacting with the teacher and adding your input in group discussions, the lack of your normal amount of sleep makes your brain unfocused and easily distracted. your eyes flit across the room with every sound that occurs, you can’t seem to sit still. You're fidgety, your hands play with the pen in your hands as if you're not supposed to be taking notes right now, you can’t sit still, you can’t stay focused on anything before your attention being grabbed by something new.

Time seems to fly as you look down at your bare page in the notebook; nothing written on it beside the title of your notes and you sigh. Quietly you lean over and ask the girl behind you if you can take a picture of her notes after class, you quietly thank her when the girl nods before going back to writing, quickly jotting down what’s on the board.

A knock on the door grabs your attention and you watch the teacher make her way to the door. The clicking of her heels echo in the small classroom and finally her hand reaches for the door knob, she begins to twist it and pull the door open. You can hear him before you see him, his voice carrying through as he speaks.

“Mornin’ Liz. How’s my favorite girl?” You watch as the teacher frowns and swats his arm as he goes to give her a hug.

“You’re late Mr. Harrington. Have a seat.” She says as she makes her way back to her desk and Steve chuckles as he opens the door fully, his eyes scanning the room.

The only available seat is next to you and he scowls, a look that passes through his face quickly, briskly walking over to someone at the table furthest from you and asking to switch seats quietly, they shake their head and he sighs. He walks over to another table and asks to switch and in response he gets another no. Frowning, he walks over to your table and grabs the chair and moves it as far away as he can, mumbling a few words under his breath as he sits down.

Not bothering to pay attention, he lays his head down on the desk and closes his eyes. Allowing the outside noise to become faint murmurs, he bounces his leg quickly as he begins to drift to sleep.

“Can you stop please? You're shaking the table?” He huffs and rolls his eyes as he lifts his head.

“It’s not bothering you.” He says and you shake your head gently.

“I’m trying to take notes.” He scoffs as you point to your notebook.

“Hm, doesn’t look like it. The page looks quite empty if you ask me.” He says sarcastically and lays his head back down. He can hear you sigh and the crinkling of the paper as you move over some towards the opposite end of the table. He snickers softly to himself before closing his eyes once more.

————

He wakes up to the feeling of someone shaking his shoulder, it’s soft and small and gentle as it shakes him. He groans as he sits up and stretches his arms over his head. When he turns he sees you standing next to him, your side of the desk cleaned up and the room silent.

“Whaddya want?” He mumbles and frowns, he’s never been on to be happy whenever he’s woken up.

“Class is over, just figured you’d want to head wherever you need to go.” You say, your voice soft and sweet and he frowns once more.

“Uh huh.” He stands up and moves the chair back to its original position. He barely catches the sight of a small frown etched on your face before he’s heading out the door and onto his next class. He doesn’t care that you're upset, you live in your own world and don’t seem to grasp the fact that not everyone is as nice as you are or was raised with such manners, it’s not his problem.

On the way to his next class, he hears his name being yelled from behind him. He turns around and sees the principal yelling and jogging his way.

“Steve! A moment please?!” He yells and Steve frowns. He knows what he wants to talk about, it can only mean one of two things, it’s either his failed midterm or be found out that it’s him graffitiing the various parts of the school walls and parking lots.

He shakes his head as he begins to walk opposite of the voice calling his name.

“Steve Harrington!” The voice booms and he huffs before turning around and grumpily begins the short trek to the principal.

“Yeah?” He says and crosses his arms, the principal nods shortly before asking Steve to follow him. As Steve follows the older man into his office, he grumbles the whole time about how unfair and stupid all of this is. Passing by all the lockers and the small gaggle of students littering the halls as he walks, head held high and confidence is his walk because he can’t be seen being embarrassed.

It’d be the end of the world if that were to happen.

When the principal opens the tall wooden door leading to his office, he steps aside to let Steve in and smiles as he mumbles a rough thank you in response. Sitting behind his dark oak desk and opening up his laptop, the sound of clicking filling the room as he types.

“So, Steve, you know why I brought you here?” The older man asks and Steve nods.

“Think so, it’s about the midterm right? And if so I have some words. Knapick’s crazy if she thinks that test was anywhere near suitable to give to us. I suggest you look into that.” Steve says and the principal shakes his head.

He leans back and adjusts his glasses as he stares at Steve.

“No, Steve. It’s just you I believe. Almost everyone else passed the exam with at least a C average.” Steve frowns at that and shakes his head.

“No way, the test is rigged I tell you. I knew Knapick never liked me. She’s trying to get me, Oscar.”

“No, you barely made an effort. And if you wanna be able to graduate on time, I suggest you get a tutor.” The principal says and Steve’s frown deepens.

“No way.”

“Yes, Steve. I’m serious. I’m trying to help, I can give you a list of our best tutors in the school.”

Steve shakes his head furiously and the principal just watches him.

“It’s either you get the help you need or you’re gonna be repeating, and you know you don’t have the best reputation with the staff.” Steve huffs and rolls his eyes once more.

“Fine, who’s on the list.” The principal sighs as he begins to list off the students' names and ending it with your name.

“She’s real patient and won’t fall for your game Harrington.”

“There’s no game. I just know what the ladies want, Oscar.” Steve says and smirks.

“But I don’t want her, give me someone else.”

“I’ll see what I can do but I think she would be best. You’ll get the quickest response and I’m sure she works fast.”

Steve huffs obnoxiously loud as he uncrosses his arms.

“She makes me want to tug my hair out.”

“I’ll let her know. Have a good day Steve.” Steve grumpily walks out of the office and heads to the main door. His thoughts become a chant of how much you annoy him and why you have to be so smart and how life’s not fair. If he had to be paired with you, he’d make it the worst tutoring session ever. He’s really gonna make your life hell. And with that, he gets in his car and starts driving to his house to begin his plan.

You’ll be made of ashes too

Steve wakes up to the sound of his phone ringing and he grumbles as he sits up and stretches. He looks around and stops his tired gaze at the small window next to his bed. It’s dark with just a hint of sunlight beginning to cut through the glass windows, this is definitely not the scenery he’s used to seeing when he awakes from his slumber. Groggily he grabs his phone with one hand and rubs his left eye with the other, turns on the phone and hisses as he squints.

He quickly turns the brightness of the screen down to a manageable setting and mumbles under his breath when he sees it’s a little past six in the morning.

“Who the fuck is awake right now and why are they trying to talk to me. Someone better be fucking dying.” The call is from an unknown number, the numbers staring at him tauntingly.

“Hey!” Your voice rings through the phone and Steve can only laugh dryly before he hangs up. Your number pops up on his screen almost immediately and he declines it, just for you to call once more. He grumbles under his breath before clicking the answer button and bringing the phone to his ear.

“Don’t know what happened there, just wanted to say it's me! I got your number from principal Oscar! He said you were interested in tutoring? Let me know whatever time works best for you and I’ll do my best to arrange my schedule otherwise!” He sighs before shaking his head at you and slowly gets back into bed, only barely listening to you ramble on in his ear.

He rolls his eyes as he mumbles, wrapping himself up in his blanket before responding.

“Yes, it’s me. In case you haven’t noticed, it’s six in the morning. I was asleep.”

“Yes I know! Why are you still sleeping? I like to get my day started early!”

“Because literally no one in their right mind is up this early.”

“Well sorry for waking you! I just wanted to see what times and days work best for you. No need to be so grumpy.” She huffs playfully causing Steve to roll his eyes, he can’t imagine anything in his tone of voice to make you think you could talk to him as if you both were friends.

“M’not grumpy. Not everyone can be so happy early in the mornings. Except you.” He huffed and he could hear you laugh softly.

The line falls quiet for just a moment before you begin to speak again.

“What times work best for you?” He rolls his eyes before huffing.

“Uh, any time after four.”

You hum softly before beginning to speak.

“Okay! Um, how about tomorrow around 6 at the library?” He all but sighs as he agrees quickly and bids you goodbye, hanging up before you can say anything else. He wraps himself up in the blanket and lays back down, resting his head on the soft pillow as he closes his eyes.

Opening his eyes once more, he gets up and stretches once again. The muscles in his back popping smoothly and he groans softly. He gets out of his bed and quickly makes his bed, wrinkles sit in the middle of the blanket as he sets his pillow on top. He feels much better after getting another couple hours of sleep.

He heads into the bathroom and relieves his bladder, sighing in relief as it empties. Shutting the lid down, he flushes the toilet and heads to the sink so he can wash his hands. After he’s finished, he runs his fingers through his hair, applying product as he styles it just how he likes it.

Walking over to the small dresser where he keeps his clothes, he opens his needed drawers and pulls out an outfit. Settling on a white Rolling Stones t-shirt and some black skinny jeans, he gets dressed and makes sure he puts on his signature rings. Once he’s done with that, he sprays his favorite cologne and grabs his phone, responding to the very few notifications he does have and stares at your number in his call list. He heads out the small bedroom in his dorm and heads to the front door. He passes the various pictures of his roommate and his girlfriend and a couple of pictures showcasing his orange kitten, Delilah, in various moments. She was wrapped up in a soft towel from the day Steve brought her home, and other moments where he thought she looked pretty and decided to capture the moment.

All the pictures are neatly hung in a long cardboard frame, colorful tacks adding a pop of color to the otherwise boring wall of pictures. The small hallway leads to a basic living room, a simple gray futon sits alongside the cream colored wall with a modern artistic sketch hanging above it, a dark brown bookshelf holding all their movies and the very few books and textbooks they happen to own is placed next to the futon, and a small dresser underneath a decently sized tv.

In the corner of the living room area sits a small gray cat bed and Delilah lays there peacefully sleeping in a little ball, her tail twitching occasionally. The ends of Steve’s lips begin to curl upwards at the sight as he slowly walks over to the small dresser designated just for her. He silently opens the top drawer and opens the small can containing her food. The smell quickly floods his nose and he grimaces as he walks over to her food bowl and pouring it in there, silently gagging as it squelches into the bowl.

He throws away the now empty can in the small trash can and grabs her water bowl walking over to the dresser once again and fills it with a small water bottle sitting in the top drawer. He sets it down beside the food one carefully because he doesn’t feel like cleaning up water right now and walks back to the dresser. He opens the second one and grabs a few of her favorite toys and sets them under the coffee table in the living room, allowing her something to do while he’s gone and turns on the tv. Quickly pulling up her favorite tv show ‘Animal Planet’ he walks over to her and very gently rubs the top of her head. He coos at her softly to coax the sleepy kitten awake.

Delilah stretches and yawns as she opens her eyes, focusing on Steve crouching above her, she lets out a tired but happy meow as she nuzzles her face into Steve’s hand.

“Good morning, sweet girl. I gotta get to school but you got everything set up for you, just how you like. If Antonio is ever a bitch to you, just know you have full permission to smack him. I love you and I’ll be back soon.” He says with a small laugh as he gives the small kitten a couple extra pets and gets back up, stretching slightly as he heads to the door, making sure to grab his signature leather jacket from the futon as he opens the door and heads out.

————

It doesn’t take him long to head to the campus thanks to his dorm being a short drive from the campus. He parks his car in an empty space nearest the school and he sits in the car after he turns it off. He watches you as you walk to the bike rack, your hair flowing gently behind you as you walk due to the wind blowing. You’re dressed in an olive green sweater and dark blue Levi pants that flare at the end, you’d pair it with some white Nike Air Forces, a medium sized gray tote bag and a matching olive green thin belt, he can see the small shimmer of your jewelry shine when the sun hits it as you tie your bike to the small rack.

He turns the key to shut off his car and opens the door, slowly stepping outside the car as he puts on his jacket. He closes the door with a soft slam and locks it, the beep alerting the girl as you turn around, your hair briefly swishing in front of your face as you turn. He watches as you frown in anticipation of a snarky remark but returns to normal when it doesn’t happen. He slowly makes his way to the entrance, purposely avoiding eye contact with you as he grows closer.

“Hey!” He hears your voice ring out from behind him but his pace doesn’t falter. He makes it to the top of the steps before he feels a soft hand grip his shoulder and a tug, signaling him to turn around. He slowly turns around, face deadpanned and he takes a deep breath.

“Yeah?”

“Any place specific you want to meet in the library?” You ask softly and he shakes his head as he starts his journey into the school once again. He can feel your presence behind him and his frown begins to form.

He chooses to ignore you as he walks, the chatter of the other students in the hall filling their ears as they continue. One of Steve’s friends, Tommy, walks up to Steve with a big smile as he pays his shoulder and glares at you.

“How you doin’ Steve?” He asks and Steve’s frown only deepens at the unwanted conversation.

“Not now, Tommy.” He shakes his head as he heads to his locker. He can hear Tommy scoff as he walks away but he can still feel your presence behind him.

He huffs lightly as he gets to his locker, one hand reaching up to twist the little knob to the correct numbers and opens the door. He quickly grabs a textbook and slams it shut and he walks away, leaving you standing at the locker, your face etched with hurt and confusion.

Even on my worst day

You can’t help but frown at Steve’s more than usual grumpy behavior as you head to your own locker , true enough you were the main reason why he’s so grumpy but you just love helping people! You should know better than to assume they’d be friends simply because you’re tutoring him, but you assumed they’d at least be better than this. You wish they could at least be cordial and have him not act as if he hates your guts, and you can only wish that during the sessions they can meet in the middle.

You huff in frustration when you can’t get the lock to open, your combination not seeming to work as you twist and twist. You swear it’s the right one, so you try once more and you’re met with once again the lock not opening.

“Come on!” You huff as you stare at the lock intently. Beginning to think that maybe you changed the lock combination, you try a different sequence of the same numbers and after a couple of tries you finally hear the satisfying click as the lock opens.

You quickly grab the textbooks for your first two classes and shut it gently as you walk to your first class, your tote bag gently bouncing off your hip as you walk.

You just barely make it to your first class before the teacher closes the door, your hand pushing on the tall wooden door as you cry out ‘wait please!’ The door opens and you see the teacher smile softly as he lets you in.

“Just in time, have a seat quickly please.” He says and you nod silently, with your head down quietly making your way over to an empty seat towards the back of the class. Grabbing your notebook and a pen out of your bag, she begins to write down the title of the notes she’s gonna be taking and pulls your assignment due from the front of the notebook as well.

————

Time seems to fly in front of your eyes, the day taking not nearly as long as it usually feels like as you get released from your last class of the day. With a smile on your face, you plug your earbuds in your phone as you walk through the halls, stopping briefly to answer any questions from your classmates and to wave goodbye to your teachers.

You spot Steve talking to a pretty brunette, her lips smiling as she twirls her hair around her finger as she speaks. Hesitantly, you make your way over and tap him on the shoulder, meekly saying ‘excuse me’ and you’re greeted with a very nasty glare from the girl.

“Um, we're talking.” The girl says with a frown on her face. you can’t help the flush of embarrassment that begins to creep it’s way up to your cheeks.

“I’m sorry, I just wanted to remind Steve of the library. It’s at six, if you can’t make it or gonna be late, just let me know.” your voice comes out quietly as you speak, your hands subconsciously moving to your front as you begin to play with your fingers.

Steve lets out a very unenthusiastic ‘uh huh’ as his eyes never leave the brunette’s and he begins to talk to her once more, completely ignoring the other girl behind him as the brunette smirks and plays with the collar of his t-shirt. When you realize that he isn’t paying attention, you frown slightly before making your way out of the school building as music plays in your ears.

You mumble curses to Steve under your breath as you untie your bike and set the cord in your bag. Hopping on your bike, you begin your ride back to your apartment. You smile as you pass the cars and families out and about, their joy and love radiating off of them making you smile and aw. As you continue biking, you make a quick stop at your favorite flower shop, propping your bike against the side of the store and you quickly walk in. The smell of all the flowers welcome you warmly as well as the bright smile of the lady standing behind the counter.

“You! So good to see you! How’ve you been?” She asks and you smile as she walks up to the counter.

“Hi Tameka! I’m good, how are you?” you ask and Tameka responds with great enthusiasm as she starts telling the younger girl about her kids and how the store’s been getting along.

You love coming to this flower shop because no matter how long you stay away, she’s always greeted with a warm welcome, one that reminds you of your mother at a young age. The shop gives you a sense of family no matter what happens, and you’ve never been more grateful. After Tameka finishes rambling on about her life, she turns her attention to the younger girl as she props her head onto folded manicured hands and flashes you a warm smile.

“Here to get the usuals? Anything new to update me on chica?” You shake your head with a small laugh as you lean on the counter.

“Of course, I never stray. And no new updates unless you count having to tutor the boy who seems to hate my existence an update.” You say and sigh, the thought of having to do so is heavy.

You can’t help but to wonder how it’ll go, will he be the same as he is in school? Is he gonna spend the whole time mocking you and poking fun, or will he be kind and listen to you, asking questions whenever he’s confused. Will the session end in a screaming match as he tests your limits or will it be calm as he complies and agrees to your help.

As you pay for your flowers, you can’t help but to ask yourself those questions. You know wondering won’t help determine the outcome of the coming day, and you know there’s only one way to find out.

Did I deserve, babe

“Oh fuck, just like that baby. Doing s’good f’me.” Steve moans as his grip tightens in the brunette’s hair. Her mouth feels heavenly as she chokes, her throat tightening around his tip when she takes too much. He rolls his eyes back and curses out loud when she slows her pace, her tongue circling his tip when she reaches it before slowly gliding back down.

She pulls away long enough to spit onto her hand and quickly takes his leaking dick back into her more than welcoming mouth. She begins to bob her head slowly as she uses the hand she spit on to quickly jerk off the rest she can’t fit in her mouth. Steve hums in appreciation as she slows her pace again, taking her time to suck him off.

Steve can feel the spit dripping from her lips and onto the fern tattoos on his v-line as she continues, alternating between fast and slow, and she experiments with different things. As she comes back to his leaking tip, she runs her tongue over the slit and Steve shakes in pleasure.

“Oh fuck, just like that baby. You’re g’nna make me cum, your mouth feels so good.” He says between moans when she picks up her pace and uses the hand that was wrapped around him to cup his balls as she moans softly around him.

He can feel his stomach beginning to tighten as he slowly begins to fuck her mouth. He’s close, he’s so close he can taste it as she goes lower and lower. More spit falls from her lips and she begins to get messy, more careless, just wanting to taste his seed going down her throat. The sound of her soft gags and the wet sounds of him slipping in and out of her mouth only egging him on.

She speeds up just slightly and goes back up, choosing to suck softly on just the tip. He can feel his balls drawing up and his length beginning to twitch as his hips begin to falter.

“Oh fuck, I’m cumming, s’good baby. So good for me, that’s it, swallow it all.” He moans as he slowly continues thrusting in her eager mouth, milking himself for all he’s worth as his eyes flutter shut and he releases the grip on the brunette’s hair.

He sighs as she gets up and sits next to him, her hand gently rubbing small strokes on his thigh as he comes down. He can feel her begin to kiss his jawline softly, slowly trailing down his neck and he hums softly.

“Wait, where’s my phone?” He asks as his eyes open and he looks around. He quickly gets up from his bed and scrambles around his room in search for the small item.

Quickly grabbing a pair of black Calvin Klein boxers from his dresser, he yanks them on before searching the pile of clothes on the floor. In the process of him pulling his pants up to search the pockets, the desired phone falls and lands onto the brunette’s shirt. He grabs it and turns it on and curses under his breath when he sees the time.

He instinctively turns his attention to the halfway dressed girl sitting on his bed, and frowns.

“You gotta go.” He says as he throws on a hoodie and some shorts, messily throwing his hair in a bun as he gets dressed.

“What do you mean you gotta go? Don’t tell me your girlfriend is on the way?” She asks, her voice raspy as she frowns at him.

“No, but you gotta get out like now. I gotta go somewhere.” He watches her shake her head as she searches for her discarded bra and curses at him, yelling at how horrible he is and what’s she supposed to do now as he yanks a pair of socks on.

She angrily huffs as she walks out of his part of his dorm and slams the front door. He rolls his eyes as he slips on a pair of vans before grabbing his lone textbook sitting on the edge of the bed, heading to the front door. He gives a small pet to Delilah as he opens the door, telling the small kitten he’ll be back soon and closes the door. He quickly locks it and jogs through the dorm building, down the stairs and outside towards the parking lot.

He’s never been more grateful for parking nearest to the building as he quickly spots his car. He picks up the pace slightly as he gets closer to his car, the wind pricking at his eyes causing him to squint. The short jog feels like forever as he get closer, close enough to unlock the door and reach a tattooed arm to the door and pull it open. He rushes into the car, pulling the door closed behind him as he puts the keys in the ignition and turns them, the car stuttering to life as he quickly backs out and begins his journey to the library.

He passes different trees, stores and restaurants on his way. The world seeming to move in slow motion and he huffs angrily.

Fuck you for being so smart and fuck you and your schedules. He hates you, if it weren’t for him needing a tutor, he’d be balls deep inside of the brunette from earlier.

All the hell you gave me

He huffs in annoyance as he pulls into the parking lot of the library, choosing to park in the spot closest to the building he spots your bike sitting in the rack all tied up and he’s kinda grateful you chose to stay. He turns off the car and quickly heads to the entrance as he clicks the button on his keys to lock the door. He opens the door and looks around, tall bookshelves lining the walls and standing in straight rows block his view of finding you.

He huffs as he wanders through the library, eyes scanning for any sign of you in between the walls of books and at the tables scattered throughout the empty spaces. As he wanders through the building and makes his way to the back of the library, he can’t help but to feel a slight flutter in his chest; it’s definitely not one of excitement but he doesn’t think he’s nervous so he’s not sure what exactly he’s feeling.

His eyes scan over his surroundings and he finally spots you standing at one of the empty tables in the corner. He begins to slowly make his way over to you and he watches as you begin to put all of your belongings into the tote bag. Even though he can tell you’re upset, you still manage to gently place everything away. He clears his throat and you quickly turns around, your eyes narrowed and a frown sits on your face as you glare at him.

You gently place your bag on the back of a nearby empty chair and begin to cross your arms.

“You’re late..” Your voice wavers but he knows better than to comment on it. He chooses to avoid the conversation, simply nodding in response as he moves to sit down next to your bag.

“No explanation? I think I deserve something since you’re over an hour late Steve. You were supposed to text me and let me know…” You pull your textbooks out from your tote bag and set them gently on the table.

You sigh softly as you pull a couple worksheets from one of your binders and set them alongside the textbook.

“You know.. don’t even know why I allowed myself to get upset, you were never one to be on time.” You say with a small laugh and he furrows his eyebrows ever slightly, the frown only increasing with every sentence that comes from her lips.

He’s never been so close to you like this and it throws him off. He can make out the mascara coated lashes that fan your cheeks with every blink and your perfume fills his nose which only increases his already grumpy mood. In a feeble attempt to distract himself, he scoots his chair away from you subtly and rests his head on the back of his hand.

The library’s quiet, the only sound in the room is the humming of the air conditioner and the faint shuffling from the students as the walk around. The smell of old books fills the air and a few rays of light filter through the glass windows sitting high on the white painted walls. Students walk in, idly whispering among each other as they quickly silence their phones as they walk over the tall wooden shelves and search for the book they need.

His eyes quickly flit back to yours, his brown orbs meeting soft irises filled with annoyance as you tilt your head to the left ever so slightly.

“You’re not even listening to me. I’m trying to explain all these so your attention would be very much appreciated.” You say and he hums quickly, eyes staring straight ahead as he crosses his arms and leans back into the uncomfortable wooden chair.

As you begin to explain the basics of poetry, pointing to all the different elements as you list them off, Steve can feel his mind wandering once again. Small glimpses of happier times, easier ones flash through his mind, quickly jumping from one scene to the other. He breathes through his nose in annoyance, the action not going unnoticed by you but you choose not to speak on it. You figure you’ll allow him to wallow in his grumpiness as long as he pays attention.

You can’t help but to sneak peeks of Steve as you speak, turning your head ever so often as you explain what each element is and why it’s important. A couple stray strands of hair have fallen and frame his face, a furrow formed in the middle of his brows as he stares at the middle of his side of the table, and you can’t help but the smile softly at the fond memories.

“Reminds you of something?” You ask and all you get in return is a very soft grunt, one that could be considered either agreement or disagreement.

You gently turn the pages towards the grumpy boy sitting next to you, your polished finger points to the beginning part of the poem.

“Can you tell me what this is?” You ask, your voice slightly above a whisper so he can hear you. He hums once, turning his gaze to you as a small smirk begins to form on his lips. He shrugs once as he pushes the paper away with one hand, his intense gaze never leaving yours. He watches your features begin to harden and turn into frustration.

Your brows begin to furrow and your mouth turns downwards, your eyes darting between his and the paper on the table as he pushes it away. You stare at him in disbelief before shaking your head and shutting your eyes, one hand coming up to pinch the bridge of your nose as you sigh.

“I can’t do the work for you Steve, you have to do it so you can remember it. You don’t wanna fail again do you?” He hums twice as he keeps his gaze on your face, mapping out the three little lines resting in the middle of your eyebrows.

You bring one hand over to the discarded paper and pull it back towards him, your eyes narrowing just slightly as you pull your hand away. The silence is deafening as they stare into each other's eyes, frustration meeting stubbornness, warmth colliding with cold, two complete opposites fighting internally as the stare-off continues.

The sound of someone laughing breaks the silence, but it’s only briefly; the air conditioning fans cold air through the building and goosebumps begin to form on the back of your neck. You sigh softly as you break your gaze away from his intense stare, moving your hands to fidget with the ends of your long sleeves as you stare at the paper laying on the desk.

You know he’s always been stubborn so this shouldn’t be a surprise. He’s like this with everybody but you can’t help but to wonder why he seems to treat you worse. You don't expect the two of you to be best friends but he definitely shouldn’t hate you. As your thoughts run through your head, you bring one hand back to the table and move the discarded paper in between them.

“I cannot do the work for you and I will not do it. You should want to pass this exam Steve. I get that it’s the first lesson and I wasn’t expecting this to be smooth sailing - but I was at least expecting some cooperation here. It’s okay if you don’t like me, but for your sake can you work with me here? This will all be done a lot faster if you *try*.” You say as you point to the paper between them, a finger pointing towards the beginning of the poem where they left off.

Steve stares at the paper briefly before reluctantly opening up the textbook laying in front of you and flipping the pages to the section you're attempting to teach from. His eyes skim over the page, aiming to get the session done as soon as possible and for him to not have to hear your voice more than he has to.

He quickly finds the answer and he silently points to it. He can hear you sigh sadly and it’s full of disappointment. The ends of your hair graze his hand as you lean over just slightly to check his textbook page. Your floral scented perfume fills his nose once more and he frowns at just how well it suits you, soft and sweet, inviting and comforting. A soft smile begins to form on your lips as you lean back to your own seat.

“It wasn’t that bad right? You got it right, good job Steve.” You murmur as you turn to look at him.

You take note of the way his mouth is turned downward and you wonder how his muscles aren’t in pain constantly from having to sit like that all the time. you pull the paper to you and quickly mark on it with your pen, highlighting important parts and little things you think might help him remember. You gently slide the paper back over to him and smile softly.

“I’ve left some notes about everything so as long as you study this after we’re done, next time won’t take as long.”

————

The time passes rather slowly but you can’t help but to think it’s simply because you're the only one talking. you tried to initiate conversation with him, asking him about his classes, the latest tv show, and even attempting to talk about the weather! He refuses to talk to you, either replying with a blank stare, a simple huff or gruff hum accompanied by a shrug.

You don't mind the silence usually, but not when there’s supposed to be a conversation. You thought you’d have to answer all of Steve’s questions - work related and unrelated - and at least they’d make small talk about school. This silence is anything but comfortable, it’s awkward and full of tension; it’s the kind of silence that makes you blurt out all these random questions to try to fill it so you won’t end up packing up all your things and running out as fast as your legs can carry you.

You should be used to this type of tension between them, the way he’s always picking on you, throwing harsh words and nasty glares that you do your best to ignore. But to you, this tension feels different, it feels thicker; it could have something to do with the fact they’re in close proximity, sharing the same table and the way your hair keeps grazing his hand which causes him to freeze up and scowl at you until you move back to your seat.

You don't have to wonder if you're the only one to feel the difference because Steve’s body language tells you everything you need to know. You can see how tense his shoulders are, how he’s been bouncing his leg from underneath the table for the past hour and the way he’s moved his chair as far as the table will allow him but kept the worksheets and textbook in the middle so you can see.

Your phone buzzes from your back pocket as you explain the different types of poems, you quickly excuse yourself as you grab her phone and unlock it. You see a message from your best friend asking you to come over so they can binge watch their favorite tv show together, you can’t help but to smile softly as you reply quickly - telling her that you’ll be over as soon as your study session with Steve is over. You quickly put your phone back into your pocket and go to apologize to Steve when you’re met with him already looking at you.

The frown is no longer plastered in his face but his eyebrows are still furrowed. He doesn’t look as angry anymore, he simply looks confused. He looks lost in his own thoughts as his dark eyes stay locked on your face. The silence that fills the building seems to become even more deafening because the look on his face is one you haven't seen before and it confuses the hell out of you.

You don't know whether to comment on it or to simply ignore it and move on with the session. There’s two ways this interaction can go; if you comment on his behavior there’s a chance he’ll get upset and leave early, and if you ignore it you're afraid whatever tension is happening between the two of you will get awkward.

You exhale loudly as you break eye contact, your eyes choosing to focus on the textbook in front of you instead of the brown orbs beside you. Your hands play with the corners of the pages, your thumb running upwards causing the pages to slide against it as they fall. You bite your bottom lip nervously as your eyes graze over the words written on the page explaining all the different kinds of poems and the best way to use each one.

You can’t tell how much time has passed, but you can’t help but to wonder how long until their session is up. All of the silence and tension between them is draining you, all you wish to do now is curl up on your bed and take a much needed nap. Your eyes feel heavy as you continue scanning the pages, your hand now resting on the bottom corner of the page.

You slowly turn your head to face Steve, you can’t help but to see how tense he looks. His hands enclosed in a tight fist as they rest on top of the table, the frown prominent in his face accompanied by the deep furrow in his eyebrows, his leg bouncing rapidly underneath the table and his brown eyes focused on the wall ahead of him. The question you were gonna ask is now stuck inside your throat, the fear of upsetting him any more takes over the want to make sure he understands the information they’ve gone over today.

You hum softly as you gently begin to pull the worksheet from beside him and closer to you. You grab your favorite pen and begins to write a few small notes on the empty space on the bottom, leaving a few smiley faces in the corner as you makes sure to write clearly so he can understand everything.

Your notes are simple, but you feel like it’s just enough to pass him over until they decide when to meet up next for their next session. You smile softly as you look over everything and then slides it back over to him. His eyes quickly glance over in your direction as your hand gets closer in his space and then quickly moves back to their original spot focused on the wall.

You can’t believe how he’s acting as if being close to you is such a problem, you've only seen him this quiet and stiff once but that was years ago. After he got over whatever it was, he started hanging out with different people, becoming louder and completely changed who he was.

That’s when everything changed and now your mere presence bothers him deeply, one strong enough that he looks like he’s about to burst if he has to stay at this table any longer. There’s a faint beeping from the elderly librarian checking out books combining with the soft tapping of the keyboard as other students type up papers for classes and doing research that fills the silence that sits between them.

You open your mouth but quickly shuts it, you're afraid that you're just going to upset him even more and then he’ll call off for the rest of their session. You hate this, you hate how he always makes you afraid to speak and you hate how he knows that he has this effect on you.

You clear your throat and shut your eyes, if you can’t see him then you should be able to talk to him properly.

“I’ve written some more notes on it, and if it’s hard to understand I can type it all out on a separate document and give it to you. I’ll probably do that anyways if I’m being honest. Hopefully it all makes sense to you! If you have any questions or if you don’t get something, you can always text me and I’ll respond when I can!” You open your eyes just in time to watch his figure make its way through the space and towards the entrance.

Your mouth opens and closes a couple of times before you find your voice and at this moment, the frustration takes over the logic that you're still in the library. You huff in annoyance as you slam the textbook shut.

“You could’ve at least grabbed the textbook!” you yell as his frame exits through the door, causing all the students and the librarian to look at you with accusatory looks on their faces.

You’re too annoyed to even think about apologizing, gathering all the extra paper and the textbook as you stacks everything together. You grab your tote bag and stuff everything in there, mumbling under your breath as you clear off the table. You’re upset, you’s mad, and honestly you’re confused as fuck.

You can feel the tears begin to well in your eyes as you stare at the door, your hand clutching the strap of your tote bag as you hold it close to your body. you sniffle as you make your way to the entrance, softly apologizing to the librarian as you pass. The short walk feels as if you're walking in slow motion, the door feels heavy against your hand as you push it open.

As soon as you step outside and the sun is setting in the sky, painting the sky with beautiful pink and orange meshing together, the soft breeze blowing your hair behind you slightly makes you feel even more upset. The tears begin to fall freely from your eyes, staining your cheeks as they cascade down your cheeks.

You’re upset at him for leaving so coldly after being late and barely even acknowledging your existence. You’re mainly upset at yourself though, you gave yourself this stupidly false hope that this one session would somehow make it easier for them to tolerate one another. you're upset for arriving early and staying up later than you would’ve liked to plan out everything and print out the worksheets for him. you're just sad!

You knew that this wasn’t just gonna magically change anything, and you knew that the first session more than likely wasn’t going to be easy, but you wished that it went better than how it did. you felt a little embarrassed by how little attention he gave to the lesson, let alone you during the hour and a half they spent in the library once you check your phone and see the time.

You sigh as you head to the bike rack and bend down to undo the lock holding your bike to the metal rack. You wipe your tears before setting the chain and lock in your tote and pull her bike away, swinging one leg over the middle as you get yourself situated. You begin to pedal, your bike moving on the far end of the sidewalk as you begin to make her journey over to your friend’s house.

Look at how my tears ricochet

You huff, slightly out of breath from the long ride from the library to your friend's house as you set her bike against the front of the house. You gingerly walk up to the white framed door and raise your hand to knock on it as the door swings open. You’re met with your friend sporting a big smile as she warmly wraps her arms around you.

“Oh my gosh, I’m so happy to see you! Come in, come in!” she exclaims and you nod happily. You follow her friend inside and sit beside her on the beige colored couch.

“So how was the session?” With the reminder of how it ended, a frown forms on her face.

“Oh it was so bad! First he arrived late, and then didn’t even explain why! To make matters worse, he didn’t even speak to me for the whole hour and a half we were in the library, and then he just walked out without even letting me know he was leaving!” You exclaim, your voice watery and shaky and you can feel your eyes begin to burn as tears start to form in your eyes.

Your friend doesn’t waste a second before she’s embracing the young girl in her arms, wrapping around her shoulders tightly as you begin to sob in her shoulder. You can’t recall a time you were so upset, and it’s almost embarrassing how this little incident is making her so upset. You just wish everything that has to do with Steve wasn’t so.. hurtful.

————

You knew logically there was no reason for you to be upset, especially not about something so small and more than likely had nothing to do with you in the first place. He was just being his normal self - well as normal as he is whenever he’s around you, he was in a mood and just didn’t want to be there. Deep down you wanted everything to go differently, you wanted to see if there was a chance he could maybe not like her a little less, he might crack a smile or at least talk!

The whole time he was silent aside from the hums and grunts he would answer with that you had a hard time deciphering. You had to fight back a smile every time they made eye contact but the small moment was ruined when he’d look away and huff.

The following days after their study session seemed to drag on for you. The days’ they go to school haven’t changed, you try to approach him to discuss when to meet next or to ask him if he has any questions, and he ignores you. He’ll carry on with his conversation as if you're not standing right there and you're left to walk away with your head held down and a sad smile on your lips.

So you stopped trying, you stopped texting him about the worksheets he has, you stopped trying to talk to him in between classes, you hate the way he treated you and you’re tired. You figure that he’ll come to you whenever he’s ready. So you went on with your normal routine and didn’t focus on him as much, and if he never comes back then it’s not your fault. You continued with all your studies and preparing for your own exams, spending time with her friends and making short trips to your favorite meadow.

You’ve always found the breeze blowing against your skin comforting, the silence of the field aside from the couple of birds chirping and the insects that have made the grass their home almost feels like a hug. You loved being outside even as a young girl, it seemed to be the only place you could go to escape the chaos and loud feelings of your life. You never hesitated to step outside whenever your parents began to raise their voices, or after a long day filled with stress. As you sit against the tall oak tree, the leaves shading you from the heat of the Florida sun, you can feel the stress of the past few days leave your body. You smile happily as the grass tickles your skin, and at this moment you feel at home.

The next couple of days, you still haven't heard from Steve about their next session and midterms are coming soon and you’d hate to be the reason Steve fails. The only thing coming into mind is to make your way to the principal’s office and demand that he comes to sessions but you know that won’t work. It’ll just cause Steve to hate you even more if that’s even remotely possible. You sigh as you walk out the school doors and down the steps, a slight pep in your step and a soft smile placed delicately on your lips.

You skip over happily to the bike rack and untie your own, slowly pulling it backwards until you're a good distance from the rack. You stop briefly as something catches your eye. With one hand shielding your eyes from the harsh sun as you scan the crowd, you smile brightly as your gaze lands on a familiar figure, the perfectly styled hair and the leather jacket are all too familiar to you, so without thinking you begin to move towards him. Your legs carry you through the crowd of students until you're standing directly behind him. Your hand comes up to tap gently on his shoulder, stepping backwards so he can turn around.

He turns around, scowl already forming on his lips as his eyes meet yours. His fists clench at his side and he shakes his head. He quickly turns back around and opens his car, not caring about the conversation he was in the middle of. You frown slightly before walking behind him as he aggressively opens the door and gets in, making sure to glare at you when your hand reaches out to rest on his door.

“What the fuck do y’want?” He asks and you frown slightly.

“You’ve been ignoring me.” He scoffs lightly at your response as he sticks his keys in and starts the car.

“Get the hint then, lala.” He gently begins to tug on the door, just because he’s an asshole doesn’t mean he’s just gonna let you get hurt physically.

You frown as you keep your hand on the door.

“Just because it was one bad study session - keep in mind it was only bad because of *you* - doesn’t mean you can be even more of an asshole to me. I know you don’t wanna fail, you wanna get the hell out of here as fast as possible.” He stares at you blankly as you speak.

“I don’t care if you like me or not because frankly I don’t like you right now. I’ve tried to schedule sessions and all I get is radio silence. If you want this to be over as soon as possible, then you need to try. You need to work with me, not against me. If you wanna pass, I’ll be at the library in the same spot all week. If you don’t, then you better tell principal you canceled our study session and whatever bullshit you need to say. I want you to know that if you fail, you can’t blame me because you did this yourself.” You say as your grip on the door loosens. He furrows his eyebrows as he stares at her intensely, his frown prominent as his eyes size her up.

He lets out a defeated sigh as he shuts his eyes and turns his head slightly.

“Fine, two days from now I guess we can meet up and study some more. Is that all?” His voice lacks any eagerness but that doesn’t deter you from cracking a big smile at him before you skip off towards the bike rack. His eyes never leave your retreating figure even after you peddle out of the parking lot and down the street.

He’s so stuck in his brain that he doesn’t hear his friend Tommy walk up beside him, the feeling of a hand slapping him on the shoulder startles him from the trance he was in. He snaps his head around and nods his head once in acknowledgement, Tommy smiles at him briefly.

“Wassup man, why’re you being weird?” Steve shakes his head as a frown quickly begins to form on his face.

“The fuck are you talking about?” Steve asks and he chuckles, a hand flying out to grasp Steve’s shoulder in response.

“You’ve been staring into space since what’s her face left. She try to start something?” Steve shakes his head in response as he chuckles.

“Nothin’ like that. S’all taken care of.” Tommy nods once before releasing his hold on Steve’s leather clad shoulder.

“Me and a couple buds are going to the bar tonight, you wanna come?” Steve nods once in agreement before they say their goodbyes.

And you can aim for my heart, go for blood

You sit on the couch beside your closest and best friend, Leya, aimlessly scrolling through the channels on the television. Their phones are discarded on the coffee table in front of them as they make small talk as they search for something to watch. The day’s been boring for both of them, you went to school and then headed over to Leya’s house where your friend’s been cooped up all day.

“We should go out tonight.” Leya says after settling on some cooking show.

She sets the remote on the table before turning to face you beside her, her eyes meeting confused ones.

“It’s a school night… Why on earth would we go out?” You ask and Leya chuckles.

“We won’t be out late, promise. Just tired of being cooped up inside and we haven’t hung out outside of these four walls in forever it seems. You’ve been busy.” You smile softly as you tuck one leg underneath you as you bite your bottom lip.

You know your best friend’s idea of ‘not late’ is much different than your own, they’re more than likely to be heading back to their places around one in the morning, meanwhile you usually only stay out until eleven p.m. since you have early morning classes. You sigh before turning your gaze to your best friend, eagerness and excitement is written all over her face and you can’t help but to return the excitement. A bright smile forms on her lips before you nod her head.

“Where did you want to go and we’re only staying out until midnight at the latest, I have to get up early.” You can’t help but smile at her friend's excitement after you finish speaking.

They both turn their gaze to the television, smiles etched on their faces as they focus on whatever the man on the screen in cooking. You know this isn’t a good idea because you know they’ll be out much later than intended simply because time won’t matter once they’re having fun. No one will be checking their phones and you don't even know where you’re going!

You know you haven't had much time to properly hang out with your best friend because you’ve been doing a lot more. You’ve been juggling school with tutoring two different students and trying to snag some hours in at the local library for a little side cash. You can’t help but to feel bad, but there’s nothing you can do about it now and you’re sure your friend understands why.

Leya goes on and on about a bar nearby that’s under new management and is supposed to be so much better and how she wants to try it.

“They have a better selection of drinks, live music! This sounds like so much fun I promise you won’t regret it. Please say you’ll go, you have to! I’m afraid I’ll die if you say no.” Leya says, placing a hand on her forehead to feed into the dramatics as she rests her upper half over the couch rest.

You can’t help but to laugh at your friend as you roll your eyes playfully.

“You’re silly. You know I was gonna say yes regardless, you deserve a proper fun night out.” Leya’s face might be broken with how hard she’s smiling, teeth showcased fully and her eyes barely showing as she quickly shortens the small distance between to embrace her best friend into a tight hug.

“I could quite literally kiss you right now, you’re the best friend ever! I’m so excited, thank you thank you!” She squeals before pulling away to plant a sloppy kiss on your cheek causing the girl to laugh as you wipe it away with the back of you hand.

A comfortable silence falls over them as they turn their attention back to the television, the man’s voice playing in the background as he talks about whatever dish he’s making for the day. Your head lays on Leya’s shoulder as they continue to watch tv, a happy smile on your face as you enjoy the company and peaceful bliss.

————

Several hours later, you find yourself standing in front of the standing floor mirror holding two different dresses. You take turns in holding the dresses up to your body as you try to decide which one you want to wear. You don't want to put too much effort in your appearance since you know it’ll all just be sweated off by the end of the night.

You end up choosing a simple black dress, one that hugs your frame nicely with lace detailing around the edges and stops mid thigh. It’s plain enough so you won’t stand out too much, but dressy enough to show you actually put some effort into your appearance. After you slip it on, you apply some light makeup and quickly fix your hair.

You walk out of Leya’s room and into the living room where you’re met with your best friends’ figure leaning over the kitchen island as she applies a pink tinted lipstick over her lips, the burgundy dress compliments her skin, hugging her curves but flaring out towards the bottom with a open back and stops mid thigh. Her hair has been pinned back as it rests in the matching burgundy hair clip. You can’t help but to smile as you watch your friend add the finishing touches to her makeup before choosing to speak up.

“You look super pretty, Leya. Is that dress new?” Leya turns around and smiles just as big as she nods.

“Yes! Oh my gosh, you look to die for! Spin for me baby!” Leya exclaims and you can’t help but to giggle as you do a spin, her heels clicking against the tile floor with every step.

They both laugh as they embrace each other in a tight hug before walking out the door and towards Leya’s car. The soft breeze blowing against your skin and you smile dopily as you step inside the car. Leya hops into the driver seat and starts the car making sure to roll your window down as she drives down the street. The trees and houses turn into a blur, the breeze fanning your face as you lay your head on the open space on the car door.

————

The smell of weed quickly fills your nose as you step out of the car and lets your eyes sweep over the building. There’s a couple of guys huddled in the far side of the building, you can only assume they’re smoking the weed by how clouds of smoke keep blowing in the air every couple of seconds. You can see the side profile of one of the guys and you can’t help the small gasp that escapes from your lips when she realizes that one of the guys is Steve.

He’s dressed like normal, a white dress shirt halfway unbuttoned to show off his toned chest, a pair of black skinny jeans and his signature white sneakers. You can hear Leya clear her throat from behind you and you turn around to meet her gaze with a sly smile.

They don’t say anything to each other before Leya’s grabbing your hand and heading towards the entrance and you laugh as Leya yells.

“Party time baby!” The sound of your friend's voice causes Steve and his friends to look over and you catch a glimpse of his signature frown beginning to form.

You refuse to let him ruin a perfectly good night so you send him a smile before you’re being dragged through the door and directly to the bar, you stagger behind your friend as her heels clack against the wooden floor. You quickly apologize to everyone you bump into as you try to make yourself as small as possible, earning a few nasty glares in the process. It doesn’t take long for the two girls to reach the bar and they quickly hop onto the bar stools, the leather squeaks underneath with every move.

The music is loud and you can feel the vibrations through the stool, even though you just walked in the heat from all the dancing bodies enveloping you, wrapping you in a warm hug. The bartender comes over and sends both of them a flirty smile as he leans on the counter top.

“And what can I get for you lovely ladies?” He asks and they both let out a giggle. Leya’s the first to answer as she smiles back.

“I’d like a sex on the beach please!” The waiter nods in response as he gathers everything he needs and begins to make her drink.

You don’t know what you want to drink, you’ve never really been a heavy drinker, you don’t like the bitterness of beer or the burn of tequila as it flows down your throat. You usually stick with water or tea, something non-alcoholic or occasionally opting for something sweet and fruity when you’re out so you turn your head and plead with Leya. Wide eyes begging for help to make yourself feel better about your decision which causes your friend to laugh softly before nodding her head.

The waiter comes back with a smile as he hands Leya’s drink to her and turns to you, flashing you a flirty smile as well.

“And what can I get started for you, pretty?” You smile politely back at him before Leya interrupts them.

“Do you by any chance have anything fruity?” The bartender nods and quickly mixes your drink and hands it to you, it’s orange and looks just like orange juice and you can make out a few ice cubes floating around.

You hesitantly bring the cup to your lips and take a small sip, expecting to feel the burn in your throat or taste the bitter aftertaste that’ll linger on your taste buds. Surprisingly you don't taste any of it, it’s sweet and tastes just like orange juice. You lick your lips before taking a longer sip and nod.

“I like this! What’s it called?” You ask and the bartender chuckles softly before he replies.

“It’s called a screwdriver. It’s orange juice and vodka. I’d be careful with that, because it’s so easy to drink it’ll get you pretty tipsy fast. Don’t just drown it, small sips.” You nod gingerly in response as you turn to Leya.

“Want some?” Leya shakes her head softly as she sends a smile to you, one full of love and happiness that you can’t help but to send a reciprocated smile back.

The bartender leaves them to chat idly as the music plays, loud enough to cause them to lean into each other to make sure they’re heard correctly. Leya talks about how she can’t believe that you're out and drinking, making jokes about where has her friend gone because the girl she knows wouldn’t be caught dead in a bar, let alone outside her apartment at this time. You laugh softly before playfully pushing your friend’s shoulder and taking another sip of your drink.

As their eyes glaze over the crowd full of dancing people, Leya nudges you softly causing you to turn your head briefly where you’re met with a smirk.

“You know Steve’s here?” You smile before nodding.

“Saw him outside before we came in. Didn’t look too happy to see me.” You shrug before taking another sip of your drink. You watch as your friend shakes her head and rolls her eyes.

“Still nothing huh? I don’t even understand why he dislikes you so strongly. You said you confronted him in the parking lot? Did nothing happen?” You can feel your frown beginning to form at the thought of your outburst at him.

“No, he just stared like a statue the whole time before he very reluctantly agreed to another study session. I hate to feel like I’m forcing him but I refuse to let him fail under my watch you know? I know he can do better.” You take another sip of your drink as you begin to drum your fingers on your thigh to the rhythm of the song playing.

Leya smiles as she sips her own, she loves that most about her best friend. The fact that no matter what you’re always seeing the best in people and never treating

them the way they treat you.

“Let’s play a game.” The smirk is back on Leya’s lips as she sets her drink on the counter behind her.

“What could we possibly play at the bar Leya?” Your curiosity is getting the best of you, you always have fun with her and this wouldn’t be any different.

“Let’s see how many people end up fucking tonight. You take a sip if you end up losing your guess, and the other person takes a sip if you guess correctly.” You can’t help the shiver of excitement that runs through your body at the game description and so you nod your head excitedly as both sets of eyes trail over the crowd.

But you would still miss me in your bones

Several wrong guesses and a couple correct ones, you can feel the warmth of your cheeks and you’re a giggling mess. You’ve never felt more at peace as you lean your head on your friend's shoulder. They’ve left their multiple glasses behind as they sway lightly and slowly to the very upbeat song, not caring about the nasty glares they’re receiving or the way the bass of the song vibrates in your chest. They’ve forgotten the game a while ago, after Leya’s guesses got more incorrect and your guesses became slurred words and giggles.

You’ve never been a heavy drinker so most would consider herself a lightweight when it comes to alcohol and at this moment it shows. You’re more gone than Leya is - she’s borderline tipsy, still able to form sentences and can kinda walk in a straight enough line if she concentrates hard enough. So you lean your weight on your friend as you wrap your arms around her waist and snuggle your face into her neck, neither girl caring about your makeup that’s definitely leaving a stain as they sway.

“Leys..” a giggle escapes your lips at the new nickname coming from you before you turn your head upwards to gaze at your best friend.

“Yes?” Leya asks, your own nickname falling through her lips as she brings one hand up to your head and softly runs her hand over your hair, she can feel you begin to relax in her hold and she chuckles softly.

“Love you.” You mumble and you can feel a soft kiss on the top of your hair and the tightening of Leya’s arms around your shoulders.

“Love you too sweets. You feeling okay?” You nod your head softly against Leya’s chest.

A couple seconds past, a comfortable silence looming over them before you gasp and pull away.

“What? What’s wrong?” Leya’s face is laced with concern, eyebrows raised and eyes wide as she stares at the drunk girl.

“You’re my best friend!” You exclaim and let out a small giggle. Relief floods over Leya’s face and turns into a loving smile.

“And you’re mine, forever and always.” You can’t help but break into a big smile at the returned sentiment, one that makes your cheeks hurt and shows off all of your teeth, one that seems to brighten up the decently lit building.

The music has seemed to fade away into the background, it doesn’t seem as loud anymore but you can still feel the bass of the guitar vibrating through your body as you very clumsily dance alongside your best friend. Hands, arms, and sides bump into one another throughout your time shared on the dance floor, but you can’t bring yourself to care about any of that. The only thing that matters at the moment is that you’re happy and they’re having fun, you can’t remember a time you’ve felt so loose.

You stop dancing around to stumble over to the bar once more, both of their glasses cleaned up and the bartender already ready with a medium sized glass cup.

“You thirsty?” He says as he pushes the cup towards you, the condensation leaves a wet trail against the wooden countertop and you shake your head.

“New cup please, no drugs.” You giggle slightly at yourself and set your hand on the table. You focus your attention on the bartender as he pours out the water and rinses the cup. He quickly pours you some fresh water and you giggle as you thank him, their fingers brushing over another as you grabs the cup

from him and take a sip.

You’ve managed to lose Leya in such a short timeframe, your eyes flitting over the crowd but you can’t seem to focus on finding your friend when your eyes land on Steve’s signature hair and leather jacket. You laugh quietly to yourself before taking a big sip of the water and set your cup on the counter as you hop down from the stool and begin to clumsily make your way over to Steve. You bump into a couple people on the way over, quickly saying excuse me before bursting into small fits of laughter with every bump.

You almost trip over someone sitting near Steve, your hand coming out to grab onto the closest thing to you and you quickly grab onto someone’s chair.

“Watch it!” The guy yells and you quickly push yourself up and apologize, a soft laugh falling out from your lips as your eyes lock onto Steve’s. His face is bare, no frown placed on it but his hazy eyes show just the hint of annoyance. His eyes wander over your body as you just stand there before he leans forward and his eyes flick up to yours as his hands slowly come up to your frame. He ever so gently and very carefully takes the end of your dress and tugs it down from its resting position from at the top of your thighs to the middle of your thigh.

After he’s satisfied he quickly pulls back and grabs the joint from Tommy’s hand and takes a hit, he enjoys the burn in his throat as he inhales and watches the smoke as he exhales. He finds that your presence isn’t as infuriating like this, his eyes travel down your frame - taking in your hair, and the dress and just how well it compliments your curves, the way you play with your fingers and the slight sway you have as you stand in place.

You then quickly break out into a big smile and stumble closer to Steve.

“Hi!” He frowns slightly before nodding to you in acknowledgment.

“Have you seen Leys?” You hiccup softly before letting out a small laugh. He shakes his head before turning to his friend.

“Seen her friend?” His friend shakes his head as well and he turns his gaze back to you.

“Go look around. Couldn’t have gone too far. She shouldn’t have left you like this anyways.” You can’t help but to frown at that before shaking your head.

“I left her, got thirsty. The nice bartender gave me water with no drugs.” You giggle before turning around and pointing to the man standing behind the counter, his eyes already fixed on you.

Steve leans slightly to stare at the man before looking back to you and sighs in annoyance as he stands up. He tells his friends he’ll be right back as he walks the couple steps to stand in front of the intoxicated girl.

“C’mon then, let’s see if we can find her.” His voice gruff as you turn around and begin to stumble your way through the crowd, bumping into a guy and causing him to spill his drink.

“Fucking bitch. You owe me a drink!” Steve watches as you flinch away slightly at the already drunk man’s tone.

Steve can’t help but to frown as he steps forward and stares at the man with anger clouding his eyes.

“I’d watch your mouth, talk to her with fucking respect.” He says as he steps back and reaches into his pocket to grab his wallet, opening it up and grabs a couple dollars and roughly hands it to him.

“Now shut the fuck up and get your drink.” He says and walks over to you and just barely lays his hand on your shoulder as he pushes you to the bar gently. The girl giggles and thanks Steve for saving you from the ‘scary man’ as they make it to the counter.

“Are you ready for another one, pretty girl?” The waiter asks and you shake her head softly. Steve can’t help but to clear his throat in an attempt to get his attention away from the girl beside him.

“We’re actually looking for her friend, have you seen her?” The bartender's eyes flick back and forth between you and Steve before nodding his head.

“Yeah, she went into the bathroom with some guy a little bit ago.” Steve scoffs as he grabs your hand and leads you to the door.

You squeal before you smack Steve’s hand.

“Hey! Steve! Slow down! Wait! She’s in there!! Can’t leave her!” You yell, but Steve shows no sign of stopping. His grip firm on your hand as he drags you to the door, the sound of your heels clicking against the wooden floor just barely audible over to the sound of the drums on the stage. He doesn’t stop until they’ve made it outside the door and he stops abruptly and runs his hand through his hair.

“Can’t leave Leys, Steve. Love her. She’s my best friend! We gotta go back!” You huff and he shakes his head.

“No can do, lala. Your best friend is hooking up with some random fucking guy instead of making sure you’re okay. M’taking you home. What’s your address?” He takes out his phone and opens the Maps app, you do nothing but glare at him.

“Don’t want you, want Leys.” You say with finality as you turn around and head to the door.

He rolls his eyes as he moves to stand in front of you and softly places his hands on your shoulders.

“C’mon now. M’not gonna hurt you. Just let me take you home.” He says and you shake your head and cross your arms, you don’t miss the way his gaze drops to your chest ever so briefly.

“You’re not Leys.” He rolls his eyes at this.

“M’doing you a favor by continuing these sessions, it’s the least you can do. You’re drunk off your fucking ass and your best friend obviously isn’t too worried about you. C’mon and let me take you home. Can you not be so stubborn for once, you’re in no condition to be anywhere but in your own bed.” Your bottom lip juts out and begins to wobble and he sighs.

“Leya cares ‘bout me, she’s worried right now. Let me inside, you don’t care. Just gonna hold this over my head tomorrow.” She mumble softly as you reach into your purse for your phone.

You quickly grab it and unlock it, your finger clicking on the phone icon and clicking on Leya’s name and clicking the speaker icon. The phone rings several times and you bite your bottom lip nervously, the time taking forever with each second that the phone doesn’t click and your friend's voice comes through. After a while the phone goes to voicemail and you can’t help the few tears that fall from your eyes and onto your cheeks. You dejectedly nod her head in agreement and follow Steve to his car and you only manage to bump into a few cars along the way.

Steve sighs before coming next to you and ever so gently wraps his arm around your waist, not touching you but enough to keep you from stumbling too much and setting off someone’s car. It’s almost too easy for you to melt into his hold as your head comes to rest on his shoulder and you wrap your own arm around him, you’re too far gone to take note of the way his body tenses up underneath your touch. It takes the both of them longer to get to his car than it would if it was just him because of the way you keep stumbling over cracks in the road or just your own two feet. He opens the door for you, allowing you to get in and sets his jacket over your lap just in case. He’s careful when strapping you in - trying his best not to touch you too much and announcing his every move for you to nod and giggle.

And if I’m dead to you, why are you at the wake

After a couple wrong directions from the drunk girl talking over the voice coming from the speaker, Steve manages to pull into your driveway and parks the car. He gets out after telling you to stay put, walking around the car to your side, opening the door and unbuckling your seatbelt, being unusually gentle with you as he helps you out of the car and towards your house. When they reach the front door, he taps you on the shoulder and nods to the door.

“You got your keys?” His voice comes out softer than usual, taking on a more gentle tone with the girl and it only confuses him more. You nod tiredly before reaching into your purse and surprisingly fast you pull out your keychain, the various keys jingling against each other as you use the other hand to pick at each key.

Right when your fingers begin to wrap around your house key, they slip through your grasp and make a loud jingle as they hit the floor.

“Whoopsie.” You giggle as you bend down, Steve follows suit as his own hand reaches out to grab it and he manages to beat you to it as his right hand wraps around the keychain. They both stand up at the same time causing them both to hit their head against the other, you frown as one hand comes up to rub your head. Steve can’t help but to crack a smile at the sight before he shakes his head and unlocks your door, opening it fully as his arm wraps around your waist.

His fingers are just barely touching your dress as he guides you into the house, quietly shutting the door before asking you to lead you into your own room. You smile softly as you nod, your own hand coming to rest on top of his as they walk into your room. Steve’s not disgusted by your room, in fact it reminds him of earlier years, the various posters of plants and paintings, post it notes with words of encouragement and a decent sized calendar line the plain white walls, your beige comforter set contrasts the soft pink carpet that rests underneath the bed and he can spot a flower vase full of various flowers sitting on top of your dresser accompanied by other small decorations.

Your room is exactly how he figured it’d be, it’s something that you’d expect to see from you and he can’t complain. For as long as he can remember you’ve always been so predictable when it comes to anything really, and so as he leads you to the bed your foot catches on the leg of your dresser causing you to begin to fall forward. You squeal as you prepare yourself for the hard impact against the floor but it never comes, Steve’s arms are wrapped around you securely, his fingers digging into your waist as he pulls you up.

“For fucks sake, slow down will you. Need you alive so I can pass this stupid test. Don’t want you to damage that useful brain of yours huh?” He can’t help to add a teasing tone to his voice and you shake your head.

“Can you get dressed by yourself?” He asks and you quickly nod your head in agreement.

He quickly heads to your dresser and waits for instructions that never seem to come, so slowly he opens one of the drawers - wary not to open one he definitely does not want to open, and he’s met with a collection of hoodies and large shirts. So he quickly grabs one and tosses it to you, not bothering to look back as he speaks.

“D’ya need shorts or anything?” He’s met with silence and he turns around to see your gaze set on him, your features soft and a hint of smile plays at your lips.

“Did ya hear me?” He says, your voice being called after the question and still no response, so he steps closer and bends down so they’re eye level causing you to break from whatever trance you were stuck in.

“Huh, what?” You slur as you blink fast, your breath fanning over his face so he quickly leans back.

“I asked if you need shorts to sleep in?” You shake your head as your cheeks begin to warm slightly in embarrassment.

“What were you staring at?” He knows he doesn’t care but his curiosity gets the best of him.

“You’re jus’ really pretty, s’all.”

He shakes his head at you before heading to your door.

“I’m pretty now? Be careful or someone might think you like me or something. But thank you, you didn’t look half bad tonight.” He says as he walks out the door and closes it behind it. Your head is swimming as you stand up and begin to tug your dress off of your body. It takes you a couple of attempts but you finally manage to drag the garment off your frame and you quickly toss it onto the edge of your bed before slipping on the shirt Steve tossed at you.

You quickly sit on your bed and grab the closest thing to you to help cover your bare legs, resulting in his jacket covering the lower half as you tell him to come in. The door squeaks as it opens and he sticks his head in before walking inside. His eyes flick to his jacket covering your bare thighs and one hand clenches into a fist.

“Steve?” His thoughts are interrupted by the sound of your voice and he opens his eyes to stare at you.

“Why don’t you like me?” You tilt your head forward as you gather your hair into a bun.

“Never said I didn’t lala girl, don’t go into that big head of yours.” He leans backwards against your doorframe and watches as you take a big breath.

“You always get irritable in my presence and you’re more mean to me than anyone else.” You begin to fiddle with your fingers as you duck your head down.

Steve sighs before coming to sit next to you on the bed, choosing to sit on the farthest side to protect anything from happening.

“All I’m gonna say is I don’t not like you. Now come lay down so I can leave.” He says and stands up, pulling your blankets down and helps you get into bed, making sure you’re covered fully. His head is tilted down as he finishes the last touches and you turn your head to the side to tell him thank you and apologize but you’re met with the softness of his lips. It’s quick and most definitely was an accident by the way he jerks back as if he got burned.

You let out a nervous giggle before you sit up, your shirt beginning to slip down your shoulder and Steve frowns.

“I’m sorry, so sorry! I actually wanted to apologize when I turned. So uh sorry about everything, fuck I’m sorry.” Your mouth is moving a mile a minute, the words slurring together as they spill from your lips and a faint red begins to tint his cheeks.

[infinitywrites]

I Didn't Expect You Part 4 ~ Conrad Fisher

(Part 3) (Masterlist) (Part 5)

gif credit @laurens-german

synopsis: Y/N never expected it to be the summer that everything changed. Conrad, Belly and Steven were all dealing with the consequences of recent break ups while Jeremiah's wasn't acting like himself. Susannah was undergoing treatment that provided unpredictable health results and kept her loved ones on the edge of tragedy. Had they drained the well of the magic of Cousin's beach? Or could something new fulfil it again?

warnings: multichapter slow burn, warnings will update with every chapter, timeline is both POST S2 and a retelling of S2 with changes, everyone swears A LOT, 4th of July party, ANGST between Jeremiah/Conrad, ANGST between Conrad/Y/N, Nicole (sorry to this Queen), Conrad's friend Danny (made him into my own thing), hints of Belly/Jeremiah, I don't know shit about sports

word count: 4,141

___________________________________________

I feel like no one wants me

And I hate the way I'm perceived

I only have two real friends

'Cause I love people I don't like

All I did was try my best

Ego crush is so severe

God, it's brutal out here

Got a broken ego, broken heart

I decided I needed sustenance before heading into the lion's den and popped a bacon wrapped scallop in my mouth. Nicole sidled up next to me in no time, refilling her plate.

"Someone's got game." Her voice was low, unassuming and her eyes were focused on the desserts when I looked at her.

I almost spit out my margarita, "You're kidding, right?"

She giggled, "Nuh uh. I got to watch you in action twice now. Danny was eating out of the palm of your hand and even Cam looked weak."

"OhmiGod, Cam is Belly's ex!"

Nicole shrugged, "Okay, fair but I don't blame you for Danny cause he's definitely been working out." Our eyeline shifted to where he was laughing with Jeremiah and Steven.

"He's at school for a baseball scholarship, of course he works out." Her look of unabashed thirst would never not amuse me.

"Fuck, that's so hot." She looked like she was about to swallow her tongue.

Without another word Nicole walked off in his direction and I smiled as I watched her get her flirt game on and trail her fingers up his bicep. My mind drifted back to the house as I downed the last of my margarita before I headed inside to poke the bear.

He was in the kitchen, drinking from a dark liquor bottle when I walked in. His sullen eyes met mine for a long moment, "Where's your boyfriend?" 

"Would you shut the fuck up for like a second?" The words were out of my mouth before I could stop them as I leaned against the island on my palms. Conrad rolled his eyes and turned his body away from me. That set me off again, "Since when the fuck do you talk so much anyway? My god the stupid fucking shit that flies–" 

He put his bottle down, "Since when the fuck so you swear so much?" It was disconcerting how much calmer he was than me. It spurred me on.

"Since you, asshole!" I didn't even realize how angry I was until the words came flying out and the adrenaline spiked higher. "Since you make me so fucking mad I wanna tear my own hair out! And I thought we made progress the other night. How fucking stupid am I?" I took a long breath and felt the heat prickle my cheeks. I should have brought in another frozen margarita.

The look on Conrad's face changed and his voice went soft, "You've never been stupid a day in your life." 

"Fuck you, I'm not done!" I wasn't done being pissed at him for trying to ruin a perfectly good day. "Do you even know who asked me to come in after you? Your friend, Danny. Sweet Danny who was genuinely worried that he hurt your feelings, you fucking–" 

His eyes narrowed cruelly, "Oh, poor sweet Danny who wrangled an invitation to 4th party just to drool all over you apparently." 

"Are you seriously fucking jealous right now?"

Conrad's mouth snapped shut as his eyes widened in panic for a second and I couldn't have cared less, "I didn't want to steal his attention away from you, Conrad. I was just saying hi…you know, like a nice person." 

"Mhm. I'm sure he's got lots of ideas of how you can be nice to him." He took another swig from his bottle.

I couldn't even look at him anymore so I squeezed my eyes shut until I could. "Jesus, I'm not gonna date your friend, okay?!? Not if really you don't want me to." 

When I opened my eyes Conrad looked shocked, "What? Seriously?"

It was the last thing I was expecting and I could feel myself start to calm down finally, "I mean, yeah. If it bugs you that much." 

I could tell he was thinking about it. "Y/N…" 

"Unless it really was the stupid fucking baseball shit." It was the shift in his tone of voice. I couldn't handle it.

Conrad paused, "I mean, he is a fucking liar. It's…" I spluttered a laugh and couldn't even hear his very important correction. "What? It's true." Conrad shrugged miserably and placed his bottle back on the counter.

I thought about Danny's request when I said, "I'm sure it is. I just have no idea what you're talking about."

Conrad rolled his eyes and I sighed.

"How is it I've known you my whole life and I never knew the absolute stats nerd hidden under that 90s heartthrob hair?" The second I walked into that kitchen I could barely believe the words coming out of my mouth. I was cutting myself off from another margarita even though I wanted it.

"You think I'm a 90s heartthrob?" He was leaning on the other side of the island and peering at me quizzically. I thought I could even see the hint of smirk under his misery.

"Ohmigod, that's what you got from that?" My face was screwed up in disbelief. His ego had no bounds.

"Uh, that was definitely the most important part." 

"Oh so you're a delusional nerd too?" This was better than sulking Conrad or angry Conrad but only by an inch.

He paused and shrugged like he was shaking off the rest of his sour mood. And then I felt him focus his stare directly at me in a way I'd never experienced. I didn't have to look up at him to know what I'd find. Was this the shameless confidence that Belly always talked about? The silence was bad enough. He always did that; said the thing I least expected or never said anything at all after I did. He'd just wait and look at me, expectantly until I felt like I couldn't breathe.

The silence was never comfortable so I mustered the last bits of my courage and looked him square in the face, "Not everyone is flirting with you, Conrad." 

His smile grew for the first time since he thought he was on a winning streak in the pool. The unsettling thing about it was it seemed like he knew something I didn't. Conrad was nodding and considering the statement as he stepped around the island to stand in front of me on the other side. 

I gasped softly when his eyes flashed back to mine and muttered, "You sure?" He lingered in the moment and I felt a calloused fingertip graze the back on my hand gripping the island countertop. Just when the static in my brain started the clear and I could breathe again, Conrad leaned into my ear to whisper, 

"Or do you save that for Danny now?" 

He stayed close but he had to be drunker than I thought and fucking with me again so I took a breath and tried not to take the bait. Maybe it was my turn to say the thing he least expected for once. I didn't want to have to look him in the eye again after that, "I…you know, sometimes I can't tell and it's unintentional. Danny probably did the same thing. He's just a nice guy." 

He scoffed and took a step back. "Sure. Not like you'd notice either way."

I looked at him then and shook my head in confusion, "What is that supposed to mean?" 

Conrad opened his mouth as he stepped closer again but was shocked into place when he heard his brother calling for him from the other room. "Connie!"

He had the decency to look at me apologetically before directing him to the kitchen. When I saw Jeremiah's expression was serious and fixed on Conrad, I used that opportunity to make my exit. I took a few minutes in the bathroom to splash some water on my face and assess the pink hue in my skin as flush or sunburn. It didn't take long before I started to hear raised voices. I debated whether to investigate or leave them to it, if it was even the Fisher brothers at all, but when I thought about how Susannah wouldn't be able to deal with it like she always did, I knew I had to make sure it wouldn't get out of hand.

I caught pieces of the story as I walked back towards the kitchen. Susannah and Adam had been separated for a year now but he'd helped throughout as he should. He helped more than he did when they were together if Conrad was telling the truth. I heard Jeremiah accuse Conrad of scaring Adam away from the party altogether. It was true, Adam Fisher was nowhere to be found for the first time since I could remember. It was strange to think about now when he'd showed up for a few short hours the year before.

Jeremiah's tone was firm. "What gave you the right?" 

"Get over it, Jere. They're not even together anymore." In contrast, Conrad sounded like this was the last conversation he wanted to have.

"You think I don't know that?" 

"This is Mom's house and her party. You really think she wants him here?" 

"I think she wanted him at Thanksgiving and Christmas and when the treatment got really bad in the Spring too. Oh, but that's right you had finals and weren't around much then, moping around after you screwed things up with Belly." My eyes squeezed shut at the dig. This could escalate badly.

"Fuck you, you know I came home every second I could!" 

"I was there every day!" 

"Okay?! Okay! What do you want, a medal?" I hoped the breath I huffed wasn't audible enough for them to hear.

Jeremiah shook his head out of the corner of my eye, "Did you even ask her? Cause you're right, this is her party and she should have decided. Not you." The footsteps were heavy across the tile as he left and I heard the door slam behind him. 

Conrad sighed. "You heard every word of that, didn't you?" 

I winced and came out of hiding around the corner to see him leaning heavy on the island like it was the only thing holding him up at this point. His liquor bottle of choice was abandoned by the sink. "I'm sorry...but not every word and I didn't mean to, I swear. I was just in the bathroom." 

"It's okay. It's not your fault. Actually it's my fault. As per usual." He didn't move from his spot as his eyes carved holes into the countertop.

"Don't say that." My heart ached for him without my permission. Maybe Conrad fucked up by not inviting Adam or telling him not to show up at all but some of what Jeremiah said was unfair. And it wasn't hard to see that his brother was taking every word to heart no matter what.

"Why not? It's true. It's the only fucking thing I'm good at anymore." He looked up finally, lost.

"Connie, come on." 

The words seemed to shock him out of his emotional spiral. His brows raised and while the smile on his face was immediate, it fell just as quick, "I can't remember the last time you called me Connie." 

"I think I do, actually." Apparently it was infectious because now I was smiling at a memory I thought I'd lost.

When I looked his way again, he was watching me expectantly with the hint of that same sweet smile on his face. It was the least I could do since he seemed interested in the distraction from his own thoughts.

"There was this girl in my freshman year named Connie and I remember thinking it was hilarious that it was a girl's name. Kinda gross of me, honestly." 

"I would say," he interrupted but was still listening. 

"Do you wanna hear the story or not?" His hands raised in defeat as he chuckled. "I told Belly I was gonna torture you with it that summer; calling you every famous Connie I could come up with. TV characters and political figures but she got really upset and said you'd be mad so 'please don't'. So I tried to forget about it entirely so I wasn't tempted." 

When I looked up again, Conrad was looking at me with an expression I couldn't quite figure out so I kept on. "And it must have worked too because I forgot about it until this second." 

He nodded slowly, "Does that mean I get to call you Y/N/N again?" 

I rolled my eyes at the old nickname and conceded, "I guess it's only fair." 

We ended up heading back towards the party and paused to look outside sliding door windows at the view of the patio. He nudged me, "So you've grown to like my name." 

I didn't need to look at him to know he was trying to shift his mood before we went back to everyone who was oblivious about what had gone down inside. "Damn, the confidence with which you said that completely inaccurate statement."

"Mm, say it again." He muttered and I shot him a glare so fast I couldn't believe he kept talking. "But softer."

My patience was battling against the need for physical violence but I let it out verbally. "Maybe try therapy if that gives you a nerdgasm." I was gonna get a lot of traction out of this nerd thing.

"Exposure therapy maybe." The mood shift was successful if I could base it on his teasing tone and goofy smile.

"I said I wasn't flirting with you, dummy." I didn't mean to bring it up again since it wasn't that serious but it wasn't the only thing I'd said that I was gonna regret after the fact.

Conrad scrunched his face in disbelief, "That's definitely not what you said. Actually, we decided you wouldn't know if someone was flirting with you. Case in point." 

I could barely listen to him anymore and I gestured for him to quit it. "Fine, whatever, I'm saying it now. Not flirting. Can we move on?" I knew he was looking at me then but I refused to do the same.

"No." His response was immediate and I saw him register the shock, like it even surprised him a little that he'd said it. 

I didn't have a choice then and could only gape in his direction, eyes struck wide by his stubborn streak. 

Conrad turned to me and stepped closer like he'd made a decision. "Even if you weren't, I was. And I want you to know so I'm telling you now, straight up, to your face, so later you can't explain it away or pretend I didn't…flirt with you." 

And that's when I realized he did know something I didn't. I was such an idiot. He broke his steady gaze for a second and chuckled, "I didn't mean to at first and then…I don't think I can stop now." 

If all that wasn't enough, he wasn't done. "I don't want to." Conrad leant close then and his voice dropped an octave, "I mean, why does he get to when I can't?"

I heard the sliding door shift open and closed but didn't see it from my frozen state, staring at a corner piece of the door frame. I sucked in an unsteady breath and looked up just in time to see him look back at me from the edge of the pool, quickly before he jumped in.

My nerves were shot and despite the cool air inside the house compared to the heavy July sun, my hairline was damp. My mind was blank and racing at the same time; no thought coherent in the slightest so I shut it down completely. No more thinking, not that I could think myself out of this one anyway. I waited until I could breathe normally and wasn't overheating from the inside before I stepped back out to the patio and steered directly to the drinks table for my third frozen margarita.

The rest of the party was fairly uneventful in comparison but still great. No more drunken drama or broken family heirlooms to Belly's great relief. In fact, I found a lot of peace watching her for the rest of the night; giggling with her friends, swimming until her limbs cramped up and flirting with Jeremiah if I could read the signals right. He seemed elated by the development and I let myself be happy for them instead of diving into the complications of that potential. No more thinking. 

At one point, I watched Conrad grab Danny's shoulder, both of them nursing their last beers of the night, and mutter something to him that looked serious enough to be an apology. Danny shook his head with a smile and gripped him in a fierce hug. I didn't even realize I was smiling at the sight until Danny's eyes caught mine and he mouthed a grateful 'thank you'. It was so sweet I had to put down my margarita and rethink my life choices. I caught Aunt Laur and Susannah sitting together and seeing it too: Laurel pouted her bottom lip at her friend and Susannah's eyes sparkled with unshed tears.

When the party got to the point of only relying on the patio and pool lights, I distracted myself with the first steps of organized clean up. Steven joined me not long after, saying that he needed an excuse for a quiet task to keep his hands busy. Usually I would have pressed for more information but I was surviving off fumes by that point. Maybe everyone was. Nicole and Danny stopped by to say goodbye and thanked us for a great party. I hugged them both and looked around to realize that it was only the family left after that. Jeremiah and Belly said something about how they'd make up for their clean up crew shift in the morning and were nowhere to be found after that.

Eventually, when Susannah's porcelain serving platter almost slipped from my hands and into pieces on the kitchen floor, Laurel told me I'd done enough and shooed me upstairs. I debated washing the day off before I crashed into bed but worried I'd actually fall asleep under the warm spray. I'd just managed to get into a baggy Cousin's Rowing t-shirt and sleep shorts before I drifted off into a dreamless sleep.

It was the creak of the old wooden drawers of Belly's dresser that pulled me out of deep slumber. The room was bright with sunlight shining through the curtains and I had slept right on anyway. I yawned as Belly made a face in my direction and grabbed her crop top.

"I'm sorry! I was just gonna change before I got to the beach. I don't wanna miss the chance on our last day." 

"What time is it?" I looked around the room when my phone wasn't on my nightstand like usual. It landed on the end of my bed with a thump.

"After 10. Here. I found it on the kitchen table when I came in last night. Figured I should plug it in for you."

I smiled and saw that it was, indeed, fully charged. "You're sweet."

"The least I could do. You barely left anything for me and Jere to finish up this morning."

"Yeah, I was on a mission." I looked at her smiley face as she pulled her top over her bikini. "So. About you and Jere…"

Belly was never good at hiding things from me and her face screamed guilt even as she tried to shrug it off. "What do you mean?"

"Belly. Come on." She looked at me then, waiting. "You guys hung out all day yesterday and then you left together last night. What's going on there?"

The poor thing looked scared, "You're not mad?"

I rolled my eyes, "Is there something to be mad about? I mean, if you guys like each other…it's not gonna be easy but there are worse things."

"Wow, you should sleep in more often. Oh, don't forget to check the kitchen when you get up. Conrad went out early and got the good muffins."

"Oh, nice. But you're not off the hook about this Jere thing."

She pulled her lip balm out of her pocket and smeared it across her bottom lip. "It's not anything yet. When there's something to tell, I'll let you know."

"You better."

I took a moment to check my phone and saw an unread message from an unknown number. Hey, it's Danny. Jeremiah swore it was cool if he gave me your number so I hope that's okay. It was nice seeing you yesterday. The look on my face must have given me away because Belly was laughing at my expense in almost no time.

"Let me guess. Danny decided to text you after all." She wiggled her brows and giggled.

"Did you know about this?"

"I was there when Jere was trying to convince him. Poor guy actually thought you rejected him because of Conrad." Belly didn't seem to notice if my face reacted to that tidbit. "I told him there wasn't any reason you couldn't come back to Cousin's this summer if you had some good incentive."

She wasn't wrong. It wasn't like I had plans like Steven and Belly. I didn't need to be anywhere until the middle of August. I didn't need to shut everything down before it even started; before giving it a chance to be something to forget about at all. It was a nice thought that was almost immediately ruined by Conrad's look of relief when I told him I'd do the exact opposite. Maybe in a different world where I wasn't leaving for California in five weeks, or if I had any concrete plans of spending more time in Cousin's this summer, I'd feel different. Not to mention that I still didn't have the slightest idea where Conrad's head was at after yesterday and I wasn't sure I even wanted to. The world in which I could be excited about this didn't exist and it was time to make peace with that. 

"You know he invited me to his ball game? I can't believe I have to leave before seeing him in those white pants." 

"Y/N!" Belly threw her stuffed polar bear, Junior Mint, at my chest and I caught it with a laugh. "I knew you liked him. He got so much hotter this year, I'm a little jealous I didn't get there first." 

I gasped dramatically, "I'm telling Jeremiah!" 

"I'm kidding…kind of. I mean, I'm definitely leaving but Danny Wilder could inspire a hot girl summer." 

"Mm. Period." I looked back at the text and wondered if I should just leave it altogether. My stomach grumbled and it distracted me enough to leave it be for now and wave Belly off to the beach to have her fun.

I shuffled down the stairs to the kitchen after my shower, remembering the muffins Belly said would be waiting for me. The box was on the island like always and I smiled at the small victory. I really should have missed my chance at one, let alone my favourite, coming down after 11am. I opened the box and considered my choices when I heard someone clear their throat. I looked towards the sound and found Conrad standing in the doorway.

"Uh…I uh, saved you a carrot. It's under the cake plate." He gestured to the other side of the counter where it waited for me.

"Oh. Thanks." I walked that way and saw him shift his stance uncomfortably, and look down at his feet. I forced myself to give him the credit he deserved at that moment with a look of sincerity. "You didn't have to do that."

He looked pleasantly surprised, "It's no problem. You uh…call it a thanks for cleaning up last night. My mom really appreciated it."

"Of course. Anything for Susannah." 

It was the most polite we'd ever been to each other in our entire lives. I wasn't even sure it was real since there were no witnesses to prove I wasn't making the whole thing up somehow. Belly and Steven would laugh in my face if I told them. But that didn't stop the awkwardness from getting worse by the second and finally I couldn't take it anymore. Conrad looked like he wanted to say something else but I couldn't hear it, whatever it was and I was scared that I already knew. Instead of giving him the chance, I mumbled a quick 'thanks again' and 'see you later' before bolting back upstairs with my carrot muffin in hand and shut the door behind me. I leaned back against it and wondered how I'd avoid whatever that was for the next 24 hours before my time in Cousin's would come to an end.

Next

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author's note: I hope you enjoyed part 2 of 4th of July! How are we feeling at this point? Don't worry because there's still lots more story to come even if Y/N thinks her journey is ending. Next chapter is a day at the boardwalk! Thank you again for the continued support 💚💛🧡❤️. Reply with comments and let me know if you wanna be added to my taglist. If you'd like to ask me about any upcoming chapter warnings you wanna be warned of ahead of time (angst? 18+ smut?) then come visit my blog with any questions and I'll be happy to answer!

taglist: @c4rpediem-s @jackierose902109 @lcvecstiel @h0t-as-h3ll @stylesxroyalty @fandom-addict404 @hellofutur @junnniiieee07 @shelby-x @historygeekqueen

[alexblakeisgay]

Hook, Line, and Sinker

Ship: Emily Prentiss/Reader

Summary: When your father had started dating Lauren Reynolds, you couldn't help but seethe with jealousy that a piece of shit like him could get a gorgeous milf like her...

Word Count: 1087

Author's Note: This fills the Coercion square on my @cmkinkbingo2024 card.

Lauren poked her head into your father's study, frowning when she caught sight of you. "Should you be drinking that?" she asked, crossing the room to snatch the glass of whisky out of your hand (and downing a greedy sip herself).

You rolled your eyes, pouring yourself another glass in spite of her reprimand. "You think Ian really gives a fuck?" you replied.

She couldn't help but bark out a laugh at that. "I also doubt he'd approve of you calling him by his first name," she said wryly, only to laugh once again at your lackadaisical shrug. "You're kind of a brat," she said.

You just flashed her a mischievous grin that could've been agreement...not that you were saying as much. You watched as she took the seat opposite you, still gripping the pilfered glass of whisky. "You look tense..." you said, almost conversationally, but for the undertone of sexuality simmering beneath the surface.

She raised a brow, gestured vaguely at your surroundings, which...fair.

Before she'd had the opportunity to realize what was happening, you'd circled behind her, hands finding her shoulders and beginning to massage them. "Your muscles are like concrete," you purred as you kneaded them, "You really need to loosen up..."

She was clearly taken aback by the forward gesture, but she couldn't seem to form words in the face of it. She swallowed thickly, opened her mouth, and once again failed to speak.

"Why don't you get more comfortable?" you suggested silkily, hands slipping down towards the buttons of her blouse.

"Wh-what are you doing?" she stammered, but made no move to stop your progress, even as you unfastened the first button. You didn't bother answering with words – your actions spoke loud and clear as you slipped her blouse off altogether. It wasn't until your fingers landed on the front clasp of her bra that she seemed to spring back to life. "This can't happen," she said, but the protest was weak.

You smirked, though she couldn't see it from her vantage point in front of you. "Why not?" you asked, as if you truly didn't know where her protests were coming from. "I'm eighteen, it's all perfectly legal..."

She scoffed. "For one thing, I'm dating your father," she pointed out.

"So?" You popped the clasp on her bra, thumbs finding her nipples, brushing them teasingly.

You could hear her breath hitch, in spite of her best efforts to hide the reaction. "So," she repeated urgently, but she didn't seem to know what to follow it up with.

Then, you were in her lap, leaning in close enough that your lips were hovering over hers. "Please, Lauren..." you husked, breath hot on her lips. "Don't pretend you haven't thought about it...I've seen the way you look at me."

"Y/N..." she protested weakly. "W-we shouldn't..."

"We should," you pressed, then your lips were on hers, your tongue delving into her mouth and, in spite of herself and her insistence that this couldn't happen, she was kissing you back. You indulged in the kiss for several long minutes before finally pulling back, dragging your teeth along her lip as you did so. "Tell me you don't want this..."

You could tell she wanted to, wanted to stop this because she knew it was the right thing to do, but knowing it and actually doing it were two very different things. She groaned, attempting to work up the words, but couldn't seem to actually say them aloud.

Saving her the trouble, you once again pressed your lips to hers, shifting in her lap to properly straddle her. This time, she didn't hesitate before kissing you back, her hands delving beneath your tank top to explore the planes of your back. Your hands were once again on her nipples, teasing the sensitive buds until her breath was catching and her hips squirming beneath you.

You knew you had her right where you wanted her...

"I want you, Lauren," you said breathlessly, pulling back to fix her with a laden look. She nodded eagerly, apparently lost to arousal and the eroticism of having you grinding in her lap and begging to fuck her. With a smug grin, knowing you'd succeeded in convincing her, you moved so you were kneeling in front of her, working on the zipper of her khakis.

She assisted you in removing her clothes and, once her pants and underwear were discarded, you trailed kisses and gentle nips back up her legs until you reached her centre, burying your nose in her folds and inhaling deeply the scent of her.

Then, staring up at her with mischief twinkling in your eyes, you dragged your tongue through her cunt, finally getting to taste her the way you'd spent all those nights touching yourself, dreaming about what this moment would be like...

"Oh, Y/N, you're going to get yourself in trouble if you keep doing that," she warned.

You waggled your brows as you found her clit with the tip of your tongue. "I happen to love trouble."

"Cocky little slut..." she muttered, though there was no heat behind it. She wound her fingers in your hair, using the leverage to force you deeper into her cunt, smearing your face with her juices. "Let me guess: you've spent a lot of nights lying awake, dreaming about being exactly here, hmm? Wondering what it would be like to be at my complete and utter mercy?"

You nodded eagerly.

She pulled you back from her cunt, stared you down, and ordered, "Open." You were quick to open your mouth, tongue lolling out, awaiting her fingers. She let you suck on her fingers for longer than you would have liked, but you certainly weren't about to complain and risk her ire.

Without warning, she pulled her fingers past your lips, then – gentle, but firm enough to leave a sting – she slapped your cheek. When you gasped sharply, she raised a brow, wearing a smile that only grew as she watched your pupils dilate. "Oh, you're one of those..."

Briefly, you were tempted to make a smart Aleck remark, but you had a feeling that doing so would cost you dearly, so you remained silent and nodded once again.

"Oh, Kitten, I'm going to have so much fun with you..."