#line-cook javi

[its3amandiamverytired]

been blessed with the vision of line-cook!shauna and waitress!jackie and now i cant let it go

[absurdthirst]

Online Love {Javier Peña x F!Reader}

Rating: Explicit

Word Count: 18.3k

Warnings: Online dating, feelings of inadequacy, anger, upset, mentions of past bullying, Javi having restraint, oral sex (male and female receiving), tiny bit of body worship, unprotected sex, vaginal sex

Comments: Coming home after Cali, Javi finds that his dad has moved into modern times. There's a computer in the house. Unsatisfied with his reputation proceeding him, he decides to go online to find out if he can be the man he wants to be. Except the one he connects with, you, has a very complicated past together.

Co-written with @storiesofthefandomlovers

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|| MasterList || Javier Peña MasterList ||

Click Keep Reading only if you have read the Rating and Warnings and understand the warnings may not be complete to avoid listing spoilers. As AO3 says 'creator chooses not to use warnings'. You also agree that you're the right age to be consuming anything here.

The last thing that Javi expected to find at the Peña ranch upon his return, was a computer. He wasn’t even sure that his father had known what one was, let alone how to turn one on. But there it was. A great hulking machine that is set up in the dining room, taking up half the damn table. He had frowned at his pop, hands on his hips as he asked him what the hell he did with the damn thing. “Talk to people.” Chucho laughs at his son’s confused ire and slaps him on the back. “I got that dial up package added to the phone line. Even my accountant told me I needed one.” 

Javier avoids the computer for weeks, eying it like it's going to turn on and take over the world. At least, that's what every Sci-Fi movie is about lately. He watches his pa try to cook scrambled eggs and snorts at the curses coming from his father's mouth while he flips through the paper. ‘Free Online Dating Membership. Join Match.com today!’ The ad in the corner catches his eye and he snorts again, wondering who the hell goes on the internet to find a date. He can go to any bar and pick up a woman. Well, he can get a one night stand. Every woman within fifty miles knows about the infamous Javier Peña and his reputation precedes him. The doorbell rings and Javier huffs, folding the paper to get the door. "I got it, pa." He tells his father who is still cursing the now burnt scrambled eggs. 

"Oh, uh, hi. Javier." You clear your throat and Javier's eyes widen. He says your name and you are surprised he remembers you. "I have papers for Chucho." You hold up the folder and Javier steps aside. You walk into the kitchen to find Chucho rinsing out a frying pan, the smell of burnt eggs in the air, and you smile at the older Peña. "Just dropping off the quarterly report." You set the folder down.

“You’re his accountant?” Javi asks, following you into the kitchen and he can’t help that his eyes have fallen down to your ass as you walk in front of him. It is a habit when he is around a beautiful woman and you have become that. No longer the awkward and gangly girl he had remembered before he had left for Columbia, you have matured into a graceful woman. It isn’t quite fair because you weren’t too much younger than him. 

“Yes.” You turn and give him a confused smile and tilt your head in curiosity at what he was meaning. You had always been good at math, enjoying numbers more than socializing. 

“So that-” he points to the computer in the dining room, “is your fault?” 

You chuckle a little, "don't you want to join us in the 20th century, Javier? It's nearly the 21st. A computer is the future." You take a step closer to Javier, lowering your voice, "besides, your dad can join forums. Speak to other ranchers. Other widows. There's a whole world out there and that computer brings it to him." You had noticed how lonely Chucho was and he is far too proud to say anything so you suggested the computer.

“What’s wrong with the annual rancher’s association meetings?” Javi snorts, rolling his eyes at the idea of his father courting widows through a computer. His mother was the love of his life, and he had honestly never even suggested moving on. He was still wearing his wedding ring that his mother placed on his finger nearly fifty years ago. “Going to town to the tack and feed store? Meeting people in person?” 

You shake your head, "your dad is a proud man. He's loyal to your mother, even after all these years. You can't be honest about how you feel with people you've known for years. On the computer, you can be anonymous, you can tell someone how you truly feel without seeing the judgment on their face. You can be who you really are when you're behind a screen." You confess, knowing you have your own experience with that anonymity. "You wouldn't understand it. You've never had a problem with saying what you think."

That’s not true, and Javi opens his mouth to tell you that, but he stops. You said that one could be the person they wanted to be. Who they really are. Javi glances back at the computer again, contemplating that in a different light. Everyone knew Javier Peña, by his reputation, by the stories that had been written while he was in Colombia. They judged him, or treated him how they expected him to act. Every woman he had met recently just wanted to ‘see if the rumors were true’. He hadn’t taken many of them home. Looking back at you, he shrugs slightly, as if it’s not anything to him. “They are a pain in the ass when they act up.” He grunts. 

You chuckle, pointing to the big book on the dining room table next to the computer. "Good thing you have the instruction manual." You quip and walk back over to Chucho who thanks you for bringing the report. "We need to work on the W2's next month." You tell Chucho who nods, "thanks, chiquita." He winks at you and grabs the egg carton. "Any chance you can cook scrambled eggs?" He asks and you giggle, "I would show you but I have to go meet Maria to explain why her new RV is not a tax write off." You chuckle and Chucho winks at you, "luego." You turn to look at Javier, "see you around, Peña." You show yourself out, exhaling deeply as you recognize that you couldn't avoid Javier forever.

Over the next few days, Javi eyes the computer. Debating with himself as he smokes out on the front porch. His dad still won’t allow smoking in the house even though his mother’s oxygen tanks were long gone. Looking at the outline of the large monitor through the screen door and contemplating your comment. He could be someone other than Javier Peña, manwhore or DEA disgrace. He wouldn’t be grumpy or sarcastic, not unless he wanted to appear that way. The person he could be online wouldn’t be burdened with the sorrows and mistakes that seemingly weigh him down. He blows out a breath and crushes out the butt before he yanks the door open and steps back into the house. His father is out for a few hours and he can at least turn it on to see what all the fuss is about. 

You bite your lip as you log onto the website. You never imagined you'd join an online dating website. You had seen the video tapes from dating agencies and you never allowed yourself to get so lonely that you resorted to that but the internet brought a new option. You like that there's no photos. Only an initial and a location. It's anonymous and you chat, then decide if you like each other. Sure, you've had some bad matches in person. Some not at all like they described themselves, some total assholes. You keep trying though. You want to find your person.

“Goddamnit.” Javi scowls at the computer and bangs the enter button several times. “Why won’t you do it?” He hisses, seeing the little arrow over the area he wants to go, but it’s not doing anything. “Fuck.” He rolls his eyes at himself and grabs the stupid thing called a mouse. Why it was a mouse, he will never know, but he clicks buttons until the page starts to load, leaning back with an annoyed sigh while he waits.

You have a sip of wine as you wait for the website to load. You sigh, watching the screen flicker as the website is displayed pixel by pixel. When it's loaded, you type in your email address and password. Grabbing the mouse, you click the 'log in' button and lean back, waiting again for the website to load.

It’s been nothing but a pain in the ass to set up this page. Debating on what to put, he had gotten annoyed at himself several times and almost walked away. Now he’s ready to browse available women, but knowing his luck, there won’t be anyone for hundreds of miles.

You set your wine glass down, surprised to see there's a new person online. "J" is the name and his tagline says "here to be myself." That intrigues you. You bite your lip, contemplating clicking on the profile until you select it and wait for it to load. "Name is J. Looking to be myself, find someone to talk to who wants to get to know who I truly am. Texas born and raised. Work in law enforcement so not a creep." You chuckle at the bio and decide to click on the 'chat now' button. You take another gulp of wine and select his profile, typing out a simple "hi".

A box pops up with a loud ding, making Javi sit up. Someone is messaging him already. He tries to suppress the surge of pleasure in his stomach as he remembers to click the line so he can peck at the keyboard. “Hi.” He hits enter and then frowns slightly because it seems so impersonal. “How are you?” He notices the initial and adds that before sending the next message. Frowning as he waits for a response.

You are surprised he responded so fast and your stomach clenches with nerves as you type out “I’m good. Just having a glass of wine. How are you?” You type, glad for those hours you spent on typewriters back when you were a teenager trying to write a novel. It sucked but your typing skills are excellent.

“Well shit.” Javier huffs, slightly amazed at the speed of the reply. He’s used a computer, he had to in those final years with the DEA. Hated it, preferred the typewriter, but he had never really talked to someone online like this before. “What do I say now?” He asks himself, wishing he could light up a cigarette. Hunching over the keyboard, he begins a two finger pecked response. “Wine sounds good right about now, although a glass of whiskey and a cigarette is more my speed.”

You have another sip of wine, waiting for his response. It takes a while and you wonder if he’s walked away from the computer but it soon pings through the speakers and you read his reply. A chuckle escapes your lips, “typical man.” You snort to yourself and reply quickly, hitting enter to send the message. “I don’t smoke. Never have. I don’t care if someone does smoke. So what brings you to this website?” You chew on the skin of your thumb as you wait for his response. It’s nice to talk to someone different. Someone you haven’t known your whole life growing up in Laredo.

Javi feels slightly guilty about smoking as he reads your reply. He will have to air the house out before his pa gets home. Wondering why he’s actually here. “Want someone to get to know me and not what they think they know about me.” Javi types out slowly. “Like I’m trying to quit smoking again, and everyone tells me that I shouldn’t try.”

Your heart clenches at his honest reply. You glance over at the photo of you and your parents when you were younger, remembering how you’d get made fun of for being too geeky. For liking numbers instead of boys. “If you want to quit smoking, you should try. Do it for you. Not anyone else.” You hit send, and then type out “everyone tells me I need to get laid but I don’t want meaningless sex. I want a real relationship. Someone I can talk to and be real myself with.” You hit send before you can think too hard about your reply.

Javi snorts to himself. “Meaningless sex doesn’t help.” He types out. “Not in the long run. I know. Sometimes it just makes you feel worse.” He’s had plenty of time for self reflection and regret. “So who is the real you?”

You sigh and type out “I guess that’s what I’m wanting to figure out. I have been so sensible my entire life. I want to let loose a little. Enjoy life. I struggle to trust anyone and it’s led to me to isolating. Hence why I’m on here.” You hit send and take another gulp of wine, feeling vulnerable.

Javi understands that. “People always call me an asshole, not understanding that I’ve seen shit that would make grown men cry. They wouldn’t believe me if I told them I’ve cried.” He tells you and continues the message. “Letting loose sounds like something I need to do too.”

“Were you in the armed forces?” You type out and he replies, “something like that.” You hum, typing again, “well at least you know yourself. You should be able to cry. Doesn’t make you any less of a man because you cry. As for letting loose, maybe we could help each other out with that.” You hit send and take another sip of wine, glancing over at the clock. It’s getting late.

“We could do that.” Javi hums to himself as he starts to type out his response. “What’s your idea of fun?” He asks. “Or the theory of fun.” His idea of fun is so far removed he doesn’t remember anymore. “I like watching movies.”

“Watching movies is good. I love bowling. I haven’t been since I was a kid.” You confess when you type, “or just a day out in the sun. I work so much. It’s hard to relax. I want to succeed. Stand on my own two feet.” You hit send and exhale, realizing how long you’ve been holding this inside of you.

“Do you like the beach?” Javi asks in return, smirking to himself about going to the bowling alley a few towns over. “Or more of a swimming pool kind of girl? You are a girl, right?”

You giggle, imagining J furrowing his brow. “I’m a girl. It says so in the bio.” You hit enter and continue typing, “you’re a boy?” You ask him to confirm and he responds, “yes.” It said so in his bio but you can’t trust anything on the internet. “I love the beach. And the swimming pool. Pool is better for sex. The beach…sand gets in places you don’t want to imagine.” You shudder, remembering when you went to the beach with your first boyfriend and got sand in too many crevices.

Javi’s brows shoot up when you admit that. He chuckles to himself and decides to be completely honest. “Never had sex in a pool or at the beach.” He types. “Fucked in a swimming hole, does that count?” He asks, remembering the time him and Lorraine went down to the local swimming hangout.

You giggle, typing back, “it kinda does. So, what is the true J? A man of mystery. Perhaps you’re a spy and that’s why you haven’t let anyone close to you.” You smirk as you hit send.

Javi chuckles as he reads that and shakes his head like he is in the room with the other person. “Hardly. No one could ever accuse me of being Bond. I don’t have the patience for it.” He pauses, considering your question. “I’m secretly a romantic. Wishing that I had someone to share a future with. I want to love someone, have them love me. I want laughter and fun, quiet nights reading books, early morning cups of coffee with someone.”

You smile softly at the way he says he wants romance. You want the same thing. You want someone to be happy with, to make happy. You quickly type back “that’s exactly what I want. A partner. I want someone to laugh with, to share my day with.” You hit send before you can think too hard about it.

Smiling as he reads the message, he feels like someone is listening to him for the first time. Really listening to him. He licks his lips and feels like he’s crazy for feeling connected through a computer screen. “Until you find that partner, maybe we can share our days?” He offers, biting his lip and wishing he could unsend it just as soon as it’s posted.

“Absolutely.” You type back and hit send before you think twice. You have a good feel for J and you want to get to know him more, be that person he can talk to. It’s nice to have someone want to talk to you that doesn’t even know what you look like. You yawn, the wine and the long day getting to you, and you type out “I’m exhausted. Long day today. Chat tomorrow?”

Javi looks at the clock and is surprised by how long he’s spent online. Soon, his father will be back. “Sounds good. Sweet dreams.” He types out, sending it and wondering if whoever the other person is will sleep soundly or toss and turn like he normally does. He hopes that it’s the former.

You log off, getting ready for bed and you fall asleep to dreams of a partner who loves you and makes you happy and you make them happy. 

****

The entire day you spend thinking about logging back onto the website. You try to concentrate on the numbers in front of you but it’s almost impossible to calculate when you think about what J might look like. His bio said brown eyes and brown hair. You wonder if he’s tall or short. You don’t care, you like talking to him. When you arrive home, you eat dinner and disconnect your phone so you can connect to the internet. The shrill tone of the dial up is a familiar sound to you but still makes you wince until you can log back on the website, tapping your fingers as you wait for any sign that J is online.

“Pa! Don’t pick up the phone, I’m going to be online!” Javi calls out from the dining room to the living room where his dad is laid back in the recliner in front of a soccer game. “I thought it was stupid?” The rough laugh of the older man feels like teasing but Javi rolls his eyes and huffs slightly. His reading glasses perched on the end of his nose as he had a headache from staring at the screen last night. “Just don’t pick up the phone!” He demands again and starts to connect the computer so he can see how his online friend is doing this evening.

You smile when the speakers chirp with a new message alert. “Hi. How was your day?” He asks and you type out a quick response. “Long. Boring. But it’s looking up right now. How was your day?” You respond, wondering if he had a good day or if he found it as laborious as you did.

Javi has been looking forward  to this all day, if he’s honest with himself. It was what had gotten him through another day of repairing fences and trying to fix everything on the ranch that his pop hadn’t been able to get to. “Seemed like it would never end.” He grins to himself when he thinks that you might have been looking forward to talking to him. “But I’m settled down with a beer, how about you? Got a glass of wine?”

You smile at his response, quickly typing “of course. Cheers, J.” You hit send and type another message. “I was thinking about you today. Wondered what kind of movies you like. What kind of music you like.” You know these questions are juvenile but you like chatting to him and getting to know him without any pressure.

Javi hums to himself. Intrigued that his mystery friend was thinking of him. He taps his chin, wishing for a cigarette, but he had put on a patch this morning, and starts to list them out. “Grew up watching westerns, but I think I like dramas.” He types out. “Action is alright, but they always depict shit wrong. Shooing a car’s gas tanks isn’t going to make it blow up.” He goes on. “Music, I’m still an easy listening, 70’s kind of guy. What about you? What’s your taste in movies and music?”

You snort at his answer about action not being accurate. You type back, “I love dramas. And romance. Westerns…my dad used to watch them so I’ve seen almost every western out there. John Wayne was a big hit in my house growing up. As for music, 70s, 80s. I’m not sure about the 90s. Music is changing. I miss the ballads and classic rock.” You hit send and take a sip of wine, the dial up crackling in the background.

Javi snorts and shrugs slightly, like he’s talking to someone in person. “80s music is a little too peppy for me.” He admits with a grin as he types it out. “Power ballads are amazing.”

You nod as if he’s in the damn room with you and you fluster as you catch yourself. “I can’t imagine you as a Huey Lewis listener.” You type out and he types back, “how do you imagine me?” You bite your lip, “well, your bio says you have brown eyes and brown hair. So I’m guessing your eyes are a little jaded from shit you’ve gone through but also soulful, like the key to your emotions is in your eyes. Most men are guarded but their eyes tell their story.” You hit send, hoping he doesn’t think you’ve overstepped.

Suddenly, he feels like this person is in the room with him and has stripped him naked. Not of his clothes, but of his armor. “I rarely look in the mirror. Except when I’m shaving.” He admits. “But my momma used to say she could tell everything I was feeling through my eyes.”

Your heart aches for the man, clearly he’s been beaten up by life and you want to hold him, tell him it’s all okay. You type back, “wise woman your momma. I understand how you feel. I’m not haunted by demons but I was bullied as a kid until I left school. Too nerdy, not pretty enough. Not thin enough. It still affects me to this day.” You hit send and take a large gulp of wine.

Javi frowns when he sees your words and hates how that could be possible when you are a sweet person. “Size doesn’t matter. Every body type is beautiful in some way.” He types out. “I love women of all shapes and sizes. Pretty only lasts as long as age. It’s the soul that makes a person beautiful.”

His words melt your heart, a man who doesn't just want the pretty Playboy bunny girl to fuck. He seems genuine, unlike most men you meet. "Exactly. That's how I feel. You are attracted to their aura, their personality...looks are a bonus." You hit send and smile into your wine glass, wondering if you should suggest meeting up. His bio shows that he is within 20 miles of you.

“Exactly.” Javi types back immediately. “I want someone who will build a future with me, but also be willing to jump into the truck with a cooler of sodas, a full tank of gas, a map and no destination in mind.” He had imagined taking a road trip once, with Lorraine and she had immediately vetoed it. It might be one of the things that caused him to start rethinking their upcoming marriage so many years ago.

Your stomach twists at how perfect he seems, how he seems to completely understand you. "Well, if you ever need a road trip buddy. I'm your gal.” You type back, a grin on your face and you know you look ridiculous. His chat goes offline after that and you frown, confused and wondering if you did something to upset him. 

"Pa! Get off the phone!" Javi yells at his father who picked up the landline, forgetting that Javi is online. "Sorry mijo. I forgot." He admits, slamming the phone down.

“Damnit.” Javi hisses, hoping that you weren’t insulted by his internet dropping out. He listens to the modem dialing and it seems like it’s taking forever. “Hurry up, hurry up!” He growls, his stomach flipping unpleasantly at the idea of you thinking that he’s just done with the conversation. It takes forever in his mind, even if it’s just a few minutes and he’s relieved when the chat reconnects. “Fuck, I’m sorry. My dad picked up the phone.” He types out quickly.

You’re surprised that he lives with his dad but you can’t judge, you lived with your parents until you finished university. His bio says he’s over 40. “It’s fine! Shit happens.” You hit send and giggle slightly, wondering if he was frustrated that the connection dropped. “Thought you didn’t want a road trip buddy.” You tease, watching the message go through for a few seconds until it says delivered.

“Get me out of here!” Javi types back quickly, chuckling to himself. “I never thought living with my dad again would be so frustrating.” He admits. “I moved back to help him and it doesn’t make sense to live somewhere else. He’s stubborn and doesn’t want to admit he’s getting older.”

You like that he is living with his dad to help him. You like that he seems to be a family man. “One day you’ll miss him when he’s gone.” You type, hitting send. “Do you want kids? Marriage?” You ask, curious if he’s interested in that.

Javi frowns as he contemplates that question. It had been one that Lorraine had sort of asked him, in a way, when she asked him if he had imagined their life together. He had. He would have never had kids while he was DEA, but he’s done with that part of his life now. He could have that if he wanted, so does he? He flexes his fingers and starts to type. “Never really thought it was going to happen for me.” He replies. “But I could see it. Now. Had a dangerous job for a long time and I wouldn’t have ever thought about it then. But yeah, I would want that. You?”

You ponder his answer, appreciating his honesty and you aren’t rushing him down the aisle but you like to know if you’re on the same page because you like him. You type back “I want kids someday. If it happens. I’m a big believer that things that are meant to be, happen.”

Javi leans back, running a hand through his hair as he thinks about that. There’s been plenty of times he probably should have become a father, by accident, but it had never happened. He had made sure not to leave any kids behind for the mothers to take care of while he had moved on. He notices that your profile says you are in your 30s. So there’s still time. “One? Two?” He types out. “Boy? Girl? Both?”

You are surprised he’s not running a mile at this conversation. Most men would. “Two. One of each ideally but I’d take healthy babies any day.” You hover to hit send before you add, “what about you? Any ideas on kids?” You hit send and rub your cheek, hating how much you like this guy. Someone whose name you don’t even know. You have no photo, no additional information.

Javi never really thought about it before, not sure if it would matter. He shrugs slightly. “Happy, healthy, safe.” He replies. “Not sure if you really have any options. You’re gonna get what you get. Least that’s how I look at it.”

You chuckle, replying back, “very true. Healthy. Happy. Safe. That’s what everyone wants.” You like that he didn’t say “boy” like every other man would. You chat for another hour, turning the conversation to the best movies of all time until you look at the clock. “I could spend all night talking but I have to get up earlier to get to work. Goodnight J.” You hit send, deciding to wait for his response before you log off.

****

Javi is happy that he installed a second line to the house for the internet. Now he doesn’t have to worry about his pa picking up the phone and kicking him offline. He’s been talking to the woman online for weeks, deciding to call her ‘sweetheart’ instead of just by her initial. It’s funny, because he’s received messages from other women, but he isn’t even interested in responding. Despite his playboy ways before, he had no desire in getting to know anyone else. Grinning as your chat pops up, his typing improves, he quickly greets you. “Hey sweetheart, how was your day? That client’s son still being an asshole?”

You scoff to yourself as you type, “hey handsome. Yeah, he is. God, he thinks he knows better and he’s always been that way. He was best friends with my brother when we were growing up and he was a dick back then.” You hit send, glad you can vent about Javier Peña. He questioned the amount of write offs his dad was submitting with his quarterly filing.

“Just ignore him, he’s probably unhappy.” Lord knows he’s fully aware some people are just unhappy with being questioned. He had tangled with his dad’s accountant again today, frustrated because he knew that the assholes he used to work with wouldn’t stoop to hit his dad to get back at him. Of course, Miss Priss had looked like she was sucking a lemon talking to him about everything. Like he was just trying to make her job harder. He didn’t want his dad to get audited. “Wine or something stronger tonight?” He asks.

“Stronger. Whiskey.” You confess, “he really annoyed me. He thinks he knows best and I wish you could go head to head with him. I think you’d come out on top.�� You hit send and take a sip of whiskey. You sigh, rubbing your eyes as you look down at your nails, you really need to get a manicure soon.

Javi chuckles to himself, grinning at the screen and feeling oddly proud to have the confidence of his sweetheart. “I’ll talk to him, see if I can’t get him to back off.” He volunteers. “Can’t let someone upset my sweetheart.”

Your heart flutters in your chest at the way he calls you his sweetheart. You have talked every night for weeks. You know that he struggles with the things he’s seen. “You’re too sweet, handsome. He wouldn’t know how to handle you.” You giggle as you hit send and take another sip of whiskey, feeling brave. “I know we have been talking for a few weeks. Would you like to meet up?” You hit the backspace, changing your wording, “would you like to meet me sometime?” You hit send and exhale shakily, nervous of his response.

Swallowing harshly, Javi’s eyes must run over your worse half a dozen times before he can grasp that you want to meet him. He types “Yes” before he thinks about it and changes it to “Yes, absolutely.” He doesn’t know when you want to meet but as soon as he sends it, he’s immediately typing again. “You said you haven’t been bowling in forever. Why don’t we do that?”

You are shocked that he remembered what you said from one of your first conversations together online. You immediately type back, “yes, absolutely! I would love that. Are you free on Friday? 7 pm?” You hit send before you think twice about it and you feel giddy at the thought of finally meeting the mystery man you’ve been talking to for weeks on the computer. Hope that you can meet his expectations of you and that he is some kind of creep. Normally you would never meet someone off of the Internet without knowing their full name but you do like the aspect of mystery of him and also you trust him. As insane as that sounds, you trust your mystery man.

Javi hasn’t grinned so widely since he was a teenager, feeling his stomach flutter and twist in pleasure. He types out the name of the bowling alley that is in the next town over, he’s heard that one is better. “Is that one close enough for you? I’ve heard there aren’t as many bowling leagues there, taking up all the lanes. We can bowl and have a few drinks, nothing too fancy.” He sends that and then chuckles. “I’ll even get some nachos and hamburgers.”

Your face hurts from grinning and you type back, “you are spoiling me, handsome. That works for me. I’ll see you there on Friday at 7pm. I’ll wear red lipstick so you know it’s me.” You hit send, reaching up to touch your lips. J had said he loves when a woman wears red lipstick.

Javi can’t even stop nodding at the computer screen. It’s a dumb habit, but he always feels like he is talking to his sweetheart face to face instead of through a screen. “I’ll get there early to make sure we’ve got a lane.” He promises. “I’ll be in a red shirt to match your lips.”

****

Friday comes around and you are nervous all day. Exhaling shakily, you check your red lipstick in the mirror of your car before you lock it up and head into the bowling alley. You’re here to meet J and you are nervous as shit. What if he doesn’t like how you look? What if you don’t live up to expectations? You enter the bowling alley and glance around, not seeing a red shirt so you make your way over to the front desk, hovering as you wait for your mystery man.

He’s got the lane and for some damn reason, Javi had decided to have too much coffee. Now paying for it with having to piss right as he sat down to wait. Trying to hurry as he washes his hands and rushes out of the bathroom. Scanning the people eagerly for the sight of red lips. His sweetheart will be early, he can tell from getting to know her over the past few weeks.

You glance around and see the one and only Javier Peña come out of the bathroom. You huff, "fancy seeing you here, Peña. Did not take you as the type for bowling." Your eyes drift down to his red shirt and your eyes widen, "J?" You choke, realizing he's the only person wearing a red shirt. This has to be a joke. Surely your online companion isn't here yet.

Javi’s eyes widen and he glances down at your lips. “Sweetheart?” He frowns slightly and wonders if this is some kind of sick joke. You hate him, think that you’re better than him because you deal with numbers all day. He could tell you things about numbers that would have your stomach churning. “What are you-“ he can’t even finish the question.

Your eyes widen at the nickname until you shake your head and let out a sarcastic laugh, "is this some kind of joke? Someone hiding with a camera? Did you - did you set up an account to mess with me? Manwhore Peña making out like he wanted something real? Please, you gotta be dreaming. I - oh God. You did this to mess with me. Well, fuck you handsome." You spit the nickname that once held affection for you and you spin on your heel, making your way out of the bowling alley, cheeks burning with mortification and tears stinging in your eyes.

Embarrassed at the people who are staring, Javi rushes out of the bowling alley, abandoning the lane he had already paid for. Spotting you as you hurry to your car, he admires the dress you are wearing even as he calls your name, breaking out into a jog to catch you. “Will you stop, goddamnit?”

You spin as you fumble to unlock your car. Your hands shake as you try to get the key in the lock. "What?" You hiss, knowing that you'll be a funny story he tells his friends tomorrow. The way it's always been. Javier used to make fun of you when you were in high school, your brother his best friend. Hell, your brother was supposed to be his best man until the wedding never happened.

He’s breathing harder as he comes to a stop in front of you, not panting but almost there. “Don’t- don’t leave.” He tells you, not reaching out but the anger on your face cuts deep. You loathe him, but there had to have been something you liked when you were talking to him online. “Look, if you’re - you go in and bowl.” He offers, holding out the slip to claim the shoes from the counter. “I paid for two games, there’s a pitcher of beer and nachos that should already be waiting.” He explains. “I’ll leave, okay?” His eyes slide away from yours, unable to continue staring at you when you despise him so much.

You shake your head, your heart clenching. You really thought you had something special with J. You don’t take the slip from his hand, your eyes stinging with unused tears. “I’ll go. You go bowl, enjoy the beer.” You spit and growl as you try to open your door, managing to yank it open after a while. “I don’t want to be the butt of your jokes ever again.” You hiss as you get into your car and slam the door, turning on the engine.

Javi frowns as you throw your car into gear and pull out of the parking spot, swallowing harshly. His jokes? Yeah, he teased you when you were both younger, but you still take that to heart? He steps back and shoves the claim ticket into his pocket, turning to walk to his truck. The date is ruined and he feels like shit even though he doesn’t know why.

You make it home and when you enter your apartment, you start to sob. Embarrassed that your entire online relationship has been a big joke. You know Javier is probably laughing about leading you on. You collapse on the sofa, burying your face in your hands, and you spend the first night in a long time not on the computer.

Javi comes into a dark house, his pop already in bed and he sits down in front of the computer. Staring at the dark screen and wishing he had never agreed to meet. Now that he knows that it’s you, he doesn’t regret that he created the profile, but he hates the image of your distraught face. Sighing, he turns the computer on, deciding to send you one last message.

You sniff as you log onto your computer after dialing up, wanting to send an email to your mom to vent about what happened when your email pops up with “message from ‘J’ waiting.” You huff and log into the website. You open the message and rub your cheek, hating that the mascara you so excitedly put on is now smudged all over your face.

“Sweetheart….I want to apologize for ruining your night, and your life it seems. I’m sorry that the night was ruined and I wasn’t the man you had been looking for. Your dress was very pretty. I want you to know that I’ve enjoyed getting to know you over the past few weeks and you are wonderful. I hope that you don’t give up looking for that special person that you can explore and share with. Javier.” The message is simple and straightforward, but Javi worries that he might have overstepped by contacting you again at all.

You read his message a few times. Your heart pounding in your chest and you bite your lip as you ponder what to say to him. You thought about what happened during your drive home. You try to reconcile the Javier you know in the daylight to the man you’ve been speaking to for weeks. You clear your throat and type your response, “Javier. I didn’t know it was you when I was messaging you. I guess I was shocked because you used to make fun of me when we were teenagers. You joining my brother to make fun of his geeky sister. I thought you weren’t interested in anything but sex - I heard the rumors about you in Colombia. I can’t figure out how the man who fucked his way through Texas is the same man who told me he wanted romance. All I can think is that this is a big joke at my expense.” You sniff, hating that your eyes sting again. “I really like J and if you are that man, not the man who rolls his eyes when I point out some issues with his  dad’s receipts, then I would like to try again. Talk in person.” You hit send before you can regret it.

Javi reads your message and it hurts. The magic of talking to you is now gone and he feels a heavy weight of guilt settling back down on his shoulders and he wishes he had a fucking cigarette. He sighs and starts to type. “Yeah, I made fun of you with your brother when we were teenagers. I was an asshole and it was wrong. I’m sorry.” He doesn’t address the manwhore comments, and decides to address the issue with his father. “I will stay out of your business.” He continues on. “I used to work with men who would dig and have others dig until they had leverage on you. I was just trying to make sure my pop didn’t suffer from me pissing them off.” He sighs and rolls his head around before continuing on. “For what it’s worth, I really was looking forward to that bowling date.”

You read his message, leaning back against your chair, and you swallow down the guilt that swirls in your stomach. Maybe you jumped to judging Javier. He was an asshole, but the guy who has been messaging you for three weeks has made your heart flutter. You bite your lip and type back, “I was really looking forward to it too. I’m sorry I'm defensive. I guess I have a complex from high school. Never being the girl that got asked to the dance and it’s given me some issues. I would never let your dad be dragged into something. I want to make sure he’s protected and doing things above board. Maybe we could try again? I really like J. I’m sure I’d like Javier if I gave him an actual chance.” You hit send and sigh, knowing that you have to accept what he says when he responds.

Javi sighs softly, aware this could be some kind of payback, but he doesn’t think so. “I guess it’s too late tonight.” He would go out, but you might not be able to do it tonight. “How about this? I’m free tomorrow night. If you want to do something, we absolutely can.”

You smile softly, typing out your reply. “Miguel’s? Tomorrow at 8?” You hit send and you know that this could be a massive mistake but you want to try. The man you’ve gotten to know has to be inside of the asshole you grew up with.

The bar in town is much more his speed and Javi quickly types out an agreement. “That sounds good. I’ll see you then.” He bites his lip. “Have a glass of wine and soak in a bath, sweetheart, you deserve it.”

You reread his words a few times, loving and hating the smile on your face. You log off the computer and follow his advice, soaking in the bath with a glass of wine. 

****

You glance up at the shitty sign that Miguel’s has had since your papa used to come here and drink after work sometimes. You brush down your dress, walking into the bar and classic rock is playing as you look around for Javi. He’s sitting at the bar, glass of whiskey in front of him, and his eyes widen when he sees you. You walk over to him, a little unsure. “Hi. I guess we should reintroduce ourselves after yesterday.” You tell him, wanting him to know that this is you trying again.

Javi smirks slightly and nods, noticing that you are wearing that red lipstick again. “Red lips.” He hums, wanting to reach out and see if they are as soft as they look. “Guess that makes you sweetheart?” He asks, standing up and pulling out the barstool beside him for you to sit down. “Javier.”

You sit down on the stool beside him, “handsome.” You murmur, taking in the sight of him in a red shirt and you like how he’s trimmed his mustache. He offers you a smile and the bartender comes over. You order a glass of wine and you turn your gaze back to Javier. “I’m sorry I ran off yesterday. I was - it was a shock to see you standing there.” You confess, thanking the bartender when he sets your drink down.

“I could tell.” He doesn’t smile or make light of it, nodding to the bartender himself. “I was surprised that it was you standing there.” Javier admits as well. “Although I guess I should have recognized the asshole son you had to deal with.” He snorts, having gone back through the archived conversations now that he knows it’s you and it’s almost silly that he didn’t figure it out before.

You fluster slightly, knowing you said some mean things about him. “Yeah, sorry about that. I was venting. It’s not easy dealing with numbers all day and then you come along and argue it all.” You raise your eyebrows, “I understand that you’re trying to protect your dad but you really are a pain in my ass.” You nudge him and he chuckles, shrugging a shoulder, “I won’t apologize for being protective.” You nod and pick up your drink to have a sip. “Cheers, J.” You reach out to clink your glass against his.

He chuckles again, nodding at sentiment and taking a sip as you do. “We could have used you in Colombia.” Javi compliments you. “Being so good with numbers, you could have spotted things that took us months to figure out with Escobar.” He snorts. “When he was in “jail”-“ Javi uses air quotes. “That asshole would truck in live lobsters. I would have paid money to see you go through his money trail.”

You set your drink down, “I highly doubt that his accountant was tracking his hard earned cash.” You snort and shake your head, “the things you’ve seen down there…I couldn’t even imagine it.” You confess, knowing that he went through a lot during his time in Colombia. “Thank you for the compliment though.” You offer him a smile, “could’ve used your interrogation skills when old man Garcia refused to pay for his filing.”

Javi snorts, imagining putting the screws to that old coot. “That’s when you threaten to tell Mrs. Garcia about his drinking.” He tells you with a wink. Old man Garcia’s wife is heavily religious and has a strict no alcohol rule in her house. You laugh and he taps the bar self consciously. “I wasn’t lying. Online.” He adds. “You know what people think of me. Hell, what you think of me.” He looks at you softly. “Our conversations have been the best parts of my day.”

You soften at the sincerity in his eyes, “me too. I loved talking to you.” You sigh and shake your head, “I think I have misjudged you. I just remembered you when we were younger and then the rumors I heard about Colombia. And leaving Lorraine at the altar. Didn’t exactly paint a pretty picture but I shouldn’t have judged you like that. I think J is the real you, right? If it is, then I want to start again because I like you, Javier. I liked J a lot so if you are the same man, I want to see where this goes.”

Javi smirks at you slightly and leans in. “I thought this was starting again, sweetheart?” He teases playfully. “I don’t mind you misjudging me.” Not exactly the truth, but there’s nothing he can do about it. “Not as long as you give me a fair chance now.” He leans back. “Are you hungry? You always complain about waiting too long to eat. I don’t want you to do that tonight.”

You soften even more at the way he remembers how bad you are at eating and you nod a little too fast. “I’m starving.” You admit, “are you hungry? I wouldn’t mind getting some food after this drink.” You gesture to the bar top and you let your eyes take him in now that you aren’t fighting. His eyes are crinkled when he smiles and his dark hair has grays scattered throughout but he’s as gorgeous as ever. No wonder he fucked around so much. He could have any woman he wants.

“That sounds good.” He admits. “If you don’t want bar food, we could go somewhere else?” He knows you prefer casual over formal, which he really appreciates, but sometimes bar food isn’t what someone wants.

You shake your head, “I like the food here. They have amazing burgers.” You say and he nods, “the fucking best.” You relax a little more, taking another sip of your drink, and you let your eyes wander a little more, taking in the golden skin beneath his shirt, peeking through from the buttons he’s left undone. He notices your appraising eyes and smirks. You fluster and set your glass down, “you know how women see you.” You scoff softly, trying to cover your embarrassment at being caught.

Javi chuckles softly. “Like a notch in their bedpost.” He admits, shrugging slightly. “Last woman that hit on me told me she wanted to see if the rumors were true.” It’s not been a bad thing, but it’s not what he wants now.

His words make you frown and you feel a little guilty for eying him. "For the record, I don't think you could fuck all night long. At least that's what I heard in the grocery store a few weeks ago." You nudge him to show you're joking, "you are more than that. More than what people see." You add with a murmur, recalling the things he said to you. "You're handsome but you're smart, loyal, and funny." You say about the man you know online.

He’s grateful you don’t buy into the rumors and you are willing to judge him on what you’ve talked about. “I’m not eighteen anymore.” He huffs. “Three good rounds is about all I’ve got in me these days.” He admits, smirking slightly. “Four if you’re counting the next morning.”

Your throat goes a little dry and you pick up your wine to take a gulp. “Three is…more than I’ve had.” You confess, “one…sometimes half.” You snort and Javier chuckles, “one and a half.” You shake your head, “no. Half. He came before I did and he didn’t -” You sigh and chuckle softly.

Javi grimaces and shakes his head. “Fuck.” He snorts. “Every man has had a time where he’s too excited or worked up. But you have to make sure your girl squeals in pleasure.” He sends you a small sigh. “Sounds like you slept with some real assholes.”

You snort and nod, “absolutely. Some real assholes.” You echo his words and sigh, “I just want someone who wants me and I want them. To make them happy.” You echo your typed words, knowing he feels the same way.

Javi nods, listening rather than jumping in and offering to make you feel good. He wants to take this slow and show you - and himself - that things can be different. The bartender comes over and he asks for two menus before giving you his attention again. “When was your last relationship?” He asks. “I find it hard to believe that it’s been long. You’re too pretty to be single.”

You thought that Javier would have offered to take you to bed but the fact that he didn’t is refreshing. “Uh, you remember Frankie from the auto shop? I went out with him about two years ago. I’ve been trying to build my business and I haven’t really had time to date. I’m not a one night stand kind of girl.”

He cannot say the same, but he nods, understanding what you mean. “You have to have an emotional connect, right?” He asks, wanting to know more about you. He's still reconciling the woman online with his ex-best friend’s little sister.

You glance down at the menu, his dark eyes burning into you, but you love how his attention is solely on you. “Emotional and primal. I think that the chemistry has to be there from the beginning otherwise you’re possibly waiting for something that could never happen. I thought you were a dick for so many years but I’ve always been attracted to you. Our chemistry was bickering but it was still there from the beginning.”

Javi smirks proudly, his eyes heating up at your confession and he lifts a brow. “I won’t lie and say I’ve always wanted you.” He tells you honestly. “There was a time when you were too young for me. But now…..” he winks. “I can tell you that it’s not just innocent thoughts.”

You bite your lip at his own confession and you lean a little closer to him, “glad we are on the same page now.” You reach out to touch his hand just as the bartender comes over to ask you what you want to order. You lean back from Javier as he gestures for you to go first and you order the burger and fries. Javier orders the same and you hand the menus over. “Best fucking burgers.” He says when he takes a bite into the burger after it arrives. “Damn right.” You groan in agreement after you swallow your bite.

“So.” Javi wipes his mustache with a bar napkin and looks over at you. “If there’s one thing that you’ve never done but always wanted to, what would it be?” He asks, grinning when you lift your brows in surprise at his question.

You hum, tapping your chin after you push your empty plate away. “I want to ride a mechanical bull.” You admit, giggling at the way his brows immediately shoot up. “Seriously?” He asks and you nod, a smirk on your face. “I’ve never had the guts to get up and do it. Always figured I’d look like an idiot and fall within seconds.”

“Everyone looks like an idiot and falls within seconds.” Javi snorts. “You’ll look like everyone else.” You huff and pout slightly, making him tap his chin. “There’s a bull a town over. Hole in the wall place. We could drive over and give it a whirl.”

You grin, “let’s go, Peña.” You reach for your purse and he tuts, “my momma would whoop me for letting a lady pay. It’s our first date.” He reminds you and pulls out his wallet, throwing enough cash down to cover the bill. You thank him, unused to such gentlemanly behavior from him and his gender. You take the hand he extends you and he guides you out of the bar to his truck. “You wanna follow me or I can bring you back here?” He asks and you are hyper focused on the feel of his calloused hand in yours. “Let’s ride together.” You decide and he nods, escorting you around the truck to open the passenger door for you, helping you up.

Javi rounds the front of the truck and climbs in beside you. “It’s only about a twenty minute drive.” He promises as he turns the engine over. “We have another drink, check something off that bucket list of yours and maybe even dance a time or two.”

His truck rumbles as he pulls out of the parking lot and the radio plays a country song. You admire the way his arms flex as he navigates the road, knowing that he realizes he’s attractive but maybe not aware of how much.

“Did you always want to be an accountant?” Javi asks, glancing over at you before looking back at the road. You’re so damn pretty sitting in his passenger seat and he wonders if you will bristle at the question. “I know you’re a math whiz, but was it a goal? Or something you fell into?”

“Kinda?” You answer, “went to college for math and I wanted to work for NASA. Then - then my mom got sick after I graduated and I couldn’t go to Houston. I had an internship there and I turned it down to stay at home. Became an accountant to stay local. She’s better now, thank God, but I always wonder what could’ve been.”

“Holy shit.” He’s impressed. NASA would have been an incredible career and he wonders what kind of life you would have had if you had been able to go for that. “I understand.” He nods, gripping the steering wheel a little tighter. “Mom having cancer while I was in college really changed things for me. Honestly? I don’t know if I would have joined the DEA or not married Lorraine if she hadn’t passed.” He still misses her everyday, not regretting taking care of her one bit, but he had wondered what would have happened if she had lived. Or even lived longer than she did.

You were there the day he left Lorraine at the altar. The whole town was there. “I’m sorry. I remember your mom. She always made me feel so warm. She was kind and always made the best empanadas. I know you were a sheriff. What made you want to join the DEA?” You ask, curious what made him sign up, “was it to get away from Lorraine? From town?”

“Partly.” Javi snorts, remembering how the family he had once been almost welcomed into, had smeared his name through the streets. “She - or her family - told everyone I was fucking her best friend. Never even looked twice at her. But there were a lot of drugs running through town when I was a sheriff's deputy. Wanted to cut it off before it got here.”

You remember the rumor and you weren’t sure if you believed it. Javier was not a womanizer when he was with Lorraine. He seemed to only have eyes for her. “Yeah. It’s still bad. Those assholes will always win. You get rid of Escobar, someone else will take his place.” You sigh, “Lorraine did railroad you down the aisle.”

Javi shrugs slightly. "I loved her, but not enough." He admits. "I had some growing up to do and I don't regret it. Not really. She wouldn't have been happy in Colombia, and I wouldn't have let her stay."

You nod in understanding, “then she dated my brother. He was her rebound and I guess he didn’t really care about his best friend being her ex.” You scoff, remembering how your brother moved in on Lorraine as soon as Javier left town. “I’m sorry he was such an asshole and didn’t respect you.”

He huffs slightly and glances back over at you with an amused look before turning his attention back to the road. "Not a great look." He tells you. "Always wondered if they were fucking around before I left." He admits, revealing something that had been rolling around in his mind for a long time, but never voiced. "Doesn't matter anymore, though. We are all different people than we were back then." 

“My brother is an asshole. He lives in Dallas now with his pretty wife and two kids. I haven’t seen him for a while. When Mom was sick, he stayed away. Didn’t even come to see her.” You shake your head and lean back in your seat, “he’s always been an asshole. Used to say I was a nerd who would never have a boyfriend.” You chuckle, “guess he was kind of right.” You look up as Javier pulls into the parking lot of the bar.

“I was an asshole too.” At the time, Javi had thought it was pretty funny. He took part in the teasing thinking that it was all in good sibling fun between you and his best friend. He had been an only child and had been too immature at the time to realize the hurt that it caused you. “I’m sorry.” He murmurs as he shifts the truck into Park and looks over at you. “For everything I did back then. For the hurt I caused. I’m sorry I didn’t stop him.”

You appreciate his apology and you know it’s ridiculous to be hung up on the teasing you got as a teenager but words hurt and they have always stuck with you. You reach out to squeeze his hand, “I appreciate you saying that, Javi. Now…let’s go ride a mechanical bull.” You grin, letting go of his hand so you can unbuckle your seatbelt.

He chuckles as he follows your lead. Sensing that you want to move past that, he climbs out of the truck and comes to your door to help you out. His perusal in your outfit is both to admire you and make sure you will be safe on the bull. “Good thing you wore jeans instead of a dress this time.” He hums.

You snort, “yeah. Don’t want to be flashing my ass to everyone in the bar.” You chuckle and Javier takes your hand to escort you inside the bar after locking his truck. The bar is busy but not slammed and you walk up to the bar to take a seat. Javier gestures for you to say what you want when the bartender comes over and you order a glass of wine while he orders a whiskey. “Liquid courage.” He declares and you giggle, “maybe wine isn’t strong enough.” You hum but don’t change your order.

He smirks slightly and turns to watch the bull in the corner of the room. The floor is covered in mats around it and he leans in, his elbows braced back on the bar. “There she is.” He talks into your ear since it’s loud with conversation and music. “You nervous?”

You shiver at the way his breath fans over you and you turn your head, bringing your face closer to his, “I’m ready. Nervous, but ready.” You promise, knowing that you could look like a fool but you desperately want to try this. It has always looked fun.

“Squeeze your knees tight.” He advises you, his voice dropping slightly on instinct. “Move your hips like you’re riding a man. You’ll do just fine, sweetheart.” The bartender brings your drinks over and he leans back to grab your wine and hand it to you before he takes his whiskey.

You take a gulp of wine, stomach twisting at the way he advises you, his voice lowering. You set your glass down, “you ready Peña?” You ask and he nods, calling the bartender over to say you want to ride the bull. “Sure man. We can get it revved up.” The bartender nods, calling his coworker over to get the bull up and running.

“Now, when you fall, just tuck your body into a ball.” Javi tells you. “People hurt themselves when they try to catch themselves.”

You nod, walking over to the bull. You’re nervous and a little scared but you are excited to try this. You eye the bull, taking Javier’s hand as he helps you up onto the bull. You grip the handles, preparing yourself and you squeeze your thighs like Javier suggested. The machine whirls to life and you squeal, eyes widening as it starts to move.

The bull starts slowly, turning as the front of the machine dips down before it bucks up. Javi watches as your hand flies up, like you’ve seen Bull riders do. Your thighs clench tight around it and you make the first full turn on it. You are damn good, his brow shoots up and his cock twitches in his pants. Making him wonder if you would ride his cock like you are riding the bull, your hips swerving and rolling with the movement of the ride.

You grin, giggling as you ride the bull. It flings around but you remain on top, you rock with the motion, squealing when it swings you around again, and you rock back, feeling invincible as you conquer something on your bucket list.

The speed of the bull increases and Javi can tell you are starting to lose your seat. Knowing you are about to lose your grip on the bull’s sides, he’s still impressed. Putting two fingers in his mouth, he whistles proudly.

Loving his enthusiasm, you try to hold on for as long as you can but eventually, you fall off. You curl in on yourself like Javier recommended and you hit the mat and the bull stops. “Shit.” You hiss, stumbling a little as you stand up.

“Holy shit.” Javi rushes over and takes hold of your waist, grinning proudly. “That was great!” He tells you. “You’re lying. You have to have ridden a bull before.” He doesn’t think you actually lied, but he loves the breathless exhilaration on your face.

You shake your head, letting him guide you out of the ring. “Never. I - holy shit. I can’t believe I just did that.” You grin and your heart pounds in your chest as you lean against him. “I just did that.” You exhale breathlessly and he nods, a grin on his face. You can’t help it, you cup his cheeks and surge forward to press your lips to his.

Javi is shocked you are kissing him, but he doesn’t push you away. Letting you wrap your arm around him while your tongue slides into his mouth boldly. Groaning, he squeezes your waist and reminds himself that it’s just the adrenaline. Enjoying the fact that you are pressed up against him before you break away.

You pull back and grin at him, still riding your high, and you grab his hand, “let’s go get our drinks. I’m thirsty after that.” You guide him over to the bar again and pick up your glass of wine to have a sip. “You gonna have a ride?” You ask him, wondering if he will attempt to ride the bull.

Javi chuckles as he takes a drink of his whiskey. “Why the hell not?” He asks, pushing the empty glass towards the bartender. “It’s only been at least ten years since I’ve been on a mechanical bull.” He shrugs. “Like riding a bike, right?”

He strides over to the bull and your mouth goes dry as he swings his leg over it to straddle it. You bite your lip as you watch him adjust himself and the bull starts to move.

Javi grew up on the back of a horse and when he was younger, him and his cousins all rodeoed a little. Plus the hell raising younger years where he would come here simply to see how long he could hang on. He's older and isn’t used to it anymore, but he still hangs on and throws you a wink while the bull twists him around for the first rotation.

Your stomach twists with arousal as you watch him swivel his hips and stay on the bull. You lean against the soft barrier and take in the sight of Javier Peña riding the bull. He is sexy and you can feel yourself getting wet from the display he’s putting on.

The operator turns up the speed faster than he did with you and soon enough, Javi is flying off the bull and tucking his body like he had advised you to do. Grunting as he climbs to his feet, he smirks when you rush up to him again. “You lasted longer.” He teases. “Just like a woman.”

You snort, reaching up to brush his hair back that had fallen into his face. “You were amazing. Very sexy to watch.” You confess and he smirks, “yeah?” You nod, “amazing.” You haven’t felt this good in so long, carefree and happy.

“Do you want to try it again later on?” Javi asks, watching you grin at him. “You were really sexy riding it too.” He had a semi from watching you, even though he had no intentions of taking you to bed tonight. This was going to be different.

You love that he thought you looked sexy and you nod, “yes. I’d love that. For now, another drink?” You suggest and he smiles, taking your hand to guide you over to the bar again. You enjoy your drinks, squeal over another round on the bull, and now, your arms are wrapped around his neck as you dance to the music playing. “I really didn’t expect you’d be a dancer.” You confess, enjoying the way his fingers grip your waist.

“Too much of an asshole?” He grins at you, making fun of the unrealistic views you each had of each other. “I like dancing. It’s a good way to be close without being naked.” He hums playfully. “There were a lot of times that it was a good cover for watching sicarios. I would get a trusted asset to come with me. It wouldn’t be fair to make her sit there and just look pretty all night.”

You hum, rocking to the beat. You know about Javier's adventures in Colombia but you know he did that to find Escobar. You dance for a while longer until last orders are called. "One more or shall we head out?" He asks and you are reluctant to go home but you can't have another drink. "Let's go. I need to run errands tomorrow and I don't want to sleep in too late." He nods and pays the bill before escorting you to his truck once again. "I had a really good time tonight." You confess when he is driving back to where your car is parked.

“I did too.” Javi admits easily, probably the most relaxed he has been in a long time. You are easy to talk to now that you aren’t butting heads and Javi doesn’t just look at you like his old friend’s little sister. “Maybe we can do it again soon?” He doesn’t want to assume, you said you were extremely busy with your business at times.

“Absolutely. I’d love to do this again. I’m free on Tuesday if you want to do something?” You ask, knowing it’s crazy to like him this much already but you’ve been getting to know him online for weeks.

“I think I can make that work.” He thinks about the work he has scheduled with his dad and nods. “I’m sure we’ll talk online?” He asks. “If something comes up, I’ll let you know.”

“Sounds like a plan, Peña.” You hum, looking out of the window at the passing streetlights until you turn your head to look at him, admiring his profile highlighted by the dashboard and the dim light outside. When you arrive back at your car, he opens the door for you and you reach into your purse for your keys, unlocking your door and before you can open it, Javier cups your cheek, bringing your face to his. His kiss is sweet, tilting your head so he can deepen it a little and you moan softly into his mouth. He’s a good kisser. He pulls back before he goes further and you smile, “goodnight Javier. See you soon.” You slide into the car and buckle your seatbelt then turn the engine, offering him a wave before you put your car in drive and make your way home. Javier stands there for a few moments, watching your car disappear in the distance and he sighs, “holy shit.” He shakes his head and gets into his truck, heading home to his bed. Alone.

**** 

“You missed!” Javi pumps his fist as he crows playfully, watching you spin around and stick your tongue out at him. He wants to show you what you can do with that tongue, but he just smirks as he gets to his feet after marking out your last set. It’s the third game you’ve played tonight and both of you are almost equally bad at bowling. Making it fun as you joke and play around on the lane. “Watch a professional.” He jokes, blowing on his fingers before he picks up the red and blue swirled ball he had picked out.

You roll your eyes, “sure thing, babe.” You watch him as he makes a show of positioning his feet, rolling his shoulders, before he throws the ball down the lane. It rolls into the gutter and you smother your giggle with your hand until you mark the sheet. “Professional, huh?” You tease, walking over to grab your ball. “How about a bet?” You suggest and he nods, “sure. What’s the bet?” You smirk, “first person to get a strike…gets a kiss.” You proposition and Javier smirks, “you’re on.” 

You make a show of positioning yourself to throw the ball, concentrating on the middle line, and you bowl it, holding your breath as you watch it go straight down the middle, all the pins flying as you get a strike. “Hey, that’s cheating!” Javier accuses halfheartedly and you grin, dusting off your hands as you walk over to him. “Now…my prize, Peña?”

Javi leans back in the hard plastic chairs and reaches for your waist, dragging you down into his lap. It’s been a long goddamn time since he’s felt this lighthearted and it’s all because of you. You giggle and throw your arm around his neck as he pulls you closer. “Your prize,” he teases, brushing his nose against yours. “You cheater.” Before you can protest, he lunges forward and presses his lips to yours.

You melt into the kiss, reaching up to run your fingers through his hair. His tongue slides against your lower lip and you allow him access, moaning softly into the kiss. His hands slide along your back and you feel giddy, heart pounding as he kisses you. You pull back after several moments, pecking his lips. “What a prize.” You murmur, your lips burning from his kiss. “And for the record, I didn’t cheat. It was luck.”

He chuckles, knowing you haven’t pretended to suck at bowling for three games to suddenly become good. “I know.” He pecks your lips again and pats your hip. “Lucky ass strike. I’m not complaining at all. I reaped the benefits of it too.”

**** 

You watch Javier shove a handful of popcorn into his mouth and giggle, “slow down. We can get a refill, baby.” You nudge him then take a sip of the large soda. “I heard this is a good movie. I always liked Russell Crowe.” You say as the trailers start. 

“It’s Gladiators, hermosa. It’s gonna be epic.” Javier says, channeling the teenage boy who would’ve loved this movie. He used to watch Westerns and Sci-Fi with his dad. They had to go to the movies to watch Star Wars at the midnight showing when it came out. You settle in beside him, leaning closer as the movie starts.

Javi throws his arm around your shoulders and watches you while he watches the movie. Wanting to make sure that you aren’t bored with the movie, but it’s soon apparent that you are just as thrilled with the action as he is. “They used to sleep together.” Javi predicts, talking about the Emperor’s sister.

Javier rubs your arm when you shiver but it’s not from the AC, it’s from him being so close. “I feel like he’s going to die.” You whisper, having a feeling that Maximus isn’t going to make it. You lean over to grab the soda, having a sip, and Javier leans in so you tilt the straw towards him so he can take a sip.

He feels like you are right, sucking down some of the soda and looking over at you and his eyes slide down to your lips. He leans in hums, "I think so too." He admits and leans back, reaching over and taking your hand when you put the soda down.

You feel like a teenager when he squeezes your hand and you watch the rest of the movie. When it’s over, Javier drives you home. His hand in yours as the radio plays and the wind is in your hair from the open windows. When he pulls up outside of your place, he cuts the engine and walks around the truck to open your door. He takes your hand and escorts you to your door. When you get there, you smile at him, “next time, I pick the movie.” You tease and he chuckles, reaching for your waist to pull you closer. 

“Rom com.” Javier guesses and you chuckle, reaching up to grip his shirt, dragging him closer. 

“You love them really.” You joke and he presses his lips to yours. His tongue slides against yours and he backs you up against the door. You whimper into his mouth and he kisses you thoroughly. He pulls back and your lips tingle when you say “do you want to come in?” You ask and he sighs, “not tonight. I gotta get up early to help Pa with the cows.” 

You nod, stomach twisting as you wonder why he hasn’t wanted to sleep with you. “Sure. I’ll see you soon.” You offer him a smile even though it’s a little tight. “Bye, cariño.” He murmurs and you turn to open your door. He stands there until you close it, waving at him until the door is shut. You sigh when you drop your purse down, confused as to why Javier hasn’t slept with you yet. You’ve been dating for 2 months, talking for 3 and you don’t understand why he hasn’t touched you when his reputation displays his willingness to fall into bed. You ponder it all night long until you come up with a plan. You’re going to invite Javier over for dinner and seduce him.

**** 

Another cold shower. Javi hisses as he shivers under the icy spray of water, closing his eyes and willing his erection to go down. Every day he is hard, especially when he is around you. He’s tried very hard to make sure he doesn’t rush this, he doesn’t rush you into bed. Wanting there to be a solid foundation of trust and respect between you both. He just has to wait until the time is right to move things forward. “Fuck.” He twitches despite the cold temperature and reaches down to wrap his hand around his cock. You are so fucking sexy and he is more attracted to you as the days pass. He’ll have to jerk off, he closes his eyes and thinks about you, reaching out with his other hand to turn the hot water on.

**** 

You check the chicken is cooked and cover it with foil just as the doorbell rings and you walk over to the door to open it after adjusting your dress. It’s tight and black and you hope he likes it. “Hey baby.” You greet him with a smile, leaning in to kiss his cheek.

"Hey." His eyes widen slightly and he wonders if he had misread the situation and undressed. He's glad he stopped to get flowers and a bottle of that wine you like. "You look nice. Very nice."

“Thanks, baby.” You wink and take the flowers from his hand. “These are gorgeous. Thank you.” You carry them into the kitchen and grab a vase to put them in. “Would you mind opening the wine? Dinner is nearly ready.” You tell him and fill the vase to put the flowers in.

“Sure.” You’ve got the wine glasses out as well as a bottle opener, so Javi brings the bottle over to the table to pour out some drinks. “It smells great!” He calls out to the kitchen, listening to you hustle around. “You didn’t have to do this, you know. We could have gone out to dinner.”

You look at him over your shoulder after you put the vase down on the side. You smile at him, “I wanted to treat you. I know you and your Pa don’t cook a lot so I figured you’d enjoy a homemade meal. Roast chicken, mashed potatoes, asparagus and red wine jus.” You tell him about tonight’s menu as he pours the wine out.

His brows lift in surprise at how elaborate the dinner is and he is impressed. “Are we celebrating something that I wasn’t aware of?” He asks with a slight smile, watching as you give him another one in return. It makes his heart flutter and he can’t help but think how beautiful you are. “Just a nice night together.” Your answer makes Javi hums in approval.

You work fast to put dinner together, setting it down in front of him, and you sit down in the seat beside him at your small kitchen table. “Enjoy.” You tell him and you pick up your knife and fork so you can dig in.

“It looks delicious.” Javi compliments as he looks down at the meal you’ve put in front of him. “Thank you, sweetheart.” You smile at him and again that fluttering in his heart makes him feel young and he wonders if this is that complete love his pa would always claim would one day find him and knock him on his ass.

You talk about your days while you eat. You still message online on nights you can’t see each other, complemented by phone calls, and after you finish eating, you clear the plates and grab the dessert you bought. “Still like pie?” You ask, placing a piece of apple pie and ice cream in front of him.

“You’re spoiling me.” Javi groans, watching the steam from the still hot pie rise and the ice cream start to melt over it. “I will have to plan something special for our next date.” He picks up his spoon and cuts into the pie for a large bite.

You like that he likes the dinner, making you feel special that you can look after him like this. You sit down and watch him devour the dessert. You eat your own plate and after the plates are cleared away, you find yourself on the sofa with your glasses of wine. Your radio plays in the background and you sit beside Javier, your legs tucked beneath you. “You’re so damn handsome.” You reach up to caress his cheek, “and smart. And funny. And I am so happy that we met online.”

“And you are blind.” He chuckles, leaning into your touch. “You are the one who is beautiful, kind and hilarious, you should be running from the disaster that I am. But for some reason you like spending time with me and I’m happy you do.”

“Me too. You’re not a disaster. You’re incredible.” You murmur, leaning in to press your lips to his. He tilts his head and you deepen the kiss, tangling your tongue with his. You kiss for a few moments until you break the kiss, kissing along his neck, and you shift to straddle him, your dress riding up your thighs.

Javi groans, his hands sliding up and down your thighs and he wonders what you are doing. He’s been good at not letting things go too far. “Sweetheart….” He pants, closing his eyes as he can’t believe he’s about to push you away. “Sweetheart, stop.” He murmurs.

You lean back and frown at him, “what’s wrong?” You ask, confused about why he’s pushing you away. “I don’t - not tonight.” He says and you shift off of him, “I don’t know - I’m confused. Am I - are you not attracted to me?” You question him, confused and hurt at him pushing you away.

“What?” He frowns at the question, looking at you like you are crazy. “No- no of course not. I am attracted to you.” He promises, but you shake your head, not believing him. “I am, sweetheart, I just- I’m trying to behave.” He tells you, shoving his hand through his hair and wishing you don’t look like he’s just broken up with you.

You shift to stand up, your stomach twisting, and you stare at him, “you’re trying to behave? I don’t want you to behave.” You look down at him, “I want you to fuck me. It’s been 2 months of dating. I never imagined you would go bowling, go to the movies like a teenager. I love that, don’t get me wrong, I loved all of our dates but God, Peña, I just want you to fuck me.” You exclaim, chest heaving.

Javi swallows harshly, watching you stand in front of him, practically begging him to fuck you. His mouth is dry and he rubs his hands on his thighs before he stands up. “Show me your bedroom, hermosa.” He demands. “You want me to fuck you, that’s where I’ll do it.”

His dark eyes are almost black and you see something in them that makes your stomach twist with arousal. “Baby, I want you.” You take his hand and guide him towards your bedroom, opening the door and you are nervous. Javier has had a lot of lovers. What if you don’t match up?

He’s groaning when he sees your bed and imagines spreading you out on it. You’ll look so pretty thoroughly fucked and exhausted. “I had a physical when I got back home.” Javi murmurs quietly. “And I haven’t slept with anyone, but I don’t have a condom.”

“I’m on birth control and I haven’t slept with anyone for a while.” You tell him and you reach for the tie of your wrap dress. You slowly untie it and let your dress fall open to expose the lingerie you picked out in hopes that Javier would touch you tonight.

“Fuck.” He exhales roughly, cock twitching in his pants as he takes in your curves, showcased in lace. “So fucking sexy.” He starts to unbutton his shirt as he strides closer, feeling cocky and yet also nervous because you are so important to him. “What were you thinking about when you got dressed? Me fucking you? I think about that a lot.”

“I was thinking about you. Fucking me. Touching me. I think about that a lot too.” You tell him and reach out to run your hands down his chest. “You’re so gorgeous, Javi.” You murmur, caressing his skin and you slide your hands up to push the shirt from his shoulders.

Javi hums, not used to really accepting compliments. Women would flatter him, in Colombia to earn a bit more, or to get him to fuck them. You, you have nothing but honesty and desire in your eyes and it’s thrilling. “Thought about it a lot too.” He admits with a smirk. “Too many cold showers lately.”

You giggle, “no more cold showers.” You promise and slide your hands lower to unbuckle his belt. You pull it from the loops and let it drop to the floor. You unbutton his jeans, reaching in to squeeze his hard cock and you are shocked to find he doesn’t wear underwear. “Oh God.” You gasp at the girth of him and you pull him out of his underwear.

Javi groans as your fingers wrap around him, twitching in your palm and glancing down at your hand engulfing him. “Fuck.” He hisses, eyes closing when you give him an experimental pump. “You seem surprised, hermosa.” He pants. “Rarely wear underwear. Too hot.”

“I didn’t know.” You admit, “God, didn’t know you had such a gorgeous cock. No wonder every woman from Texas to Colombia wanted you.” You pump him again, shifting down into your knees as you admire his girth and you lean in to wrap your lips around him.

“Shiiiiit.” He hisses, jaw clenching as he looks down at you on your knees in front of him. He’s imagined it, but this looks ever sexier than what he had thought. “Fuck baby, you thought about sucking my cock?” He asks, cupping your cheek. “You like doing it? I want to tongue fuck you. See how you like being licked.”

You moan around his cock at his filthy words, loving the way he talks dirty and it has you soaking your panties. You take him deeper, keeping your eyes on his, and you wrap your fingers around the back of his cock, starting to pump him.

“You’re good at this. Tell me you don’t love sucking cock, you could be a pro.” He grunts, caressing the hinge of your jaw and pushing slightly deeper. “Gonna be thinking about this when I’m working. My cock down your throat while you bat your eyes at me.”

You relax your jaw, letting him push deeper, and his words have you moaning around his cock. Fuck, he’s so gorgeous standing above you. His stomach is slightly soft but you love that. You are proud that he’s enjoying this when he’s had so much experience. You choke around him as you try to take him deeper. You exhale through your nose and try again, taking him deeper into your throat.

“Fuck, don’t hurt yourself, hermosa.” Javi groans, pulling you off of him slightly as he pulls his hips back. “Are you wet? Dripping from having my cock in your mouth? Why don’t you sit on my face while you do it? Let me eat your cunt.”

You nod, dripping wet from him and the idea of him eating you out while you suck him off. Pushing his jeans down, he kicks them off and is bare before you. You stand up on shaky legs and he steadies you. You lean in to kiss him, your tongue tangling with his and he pushes your dress from your shoulders.

He has a lot of experience with undressing a woman. His hands are skilled in stripping someone down and he does it with an eagerness that is more than just hungry for sex. He wants a connection, a bond that cannot be broken even when he pulls away.

You let him reach behind you to unclasp your bra, dragging the straps down your arms until it drops to the floor and your tits are exposed to his hungry gaze. "Javi!" You gasp when he grabs your back, pulling you close so he can duck down and take your nipple into his mouth.

He’s always been a greedy man. Sex is addictive. It's honestly just as addictive as the cocaine he had chased down and tried to prevent people from snorting up their noses. The feeling of losing himself, pleasure both given and received lets him forget about the problems or guilt that weighed him down. Now he gets to just feel you, learn what makes you cry in pleasure.

You moan as his hands slide down to squeeze your ass while he bites and sucks on your nipple until he switches to the other. His fingers hook into your panties and he pushes them down as he kisses along the swell of your breast. “Fuck, need more.” You whine, lightly pushing him away so you can kick your panties aside, patting the bed. “Lay down, baby.”

He chuckles at how eager you are. Following your orders and laying down, giving himself plenty of room away from the headboard. Watching as you peruse his body, your own eyes just as hungry as he knows his are.

You shift to kneel on the bed, shuffling up the bed until you face away from him and straddle his chest. His hands immediately go to your hips to drag you backwards to hover over his face and you bend down to take his cock into your hand.

Javi groans as he takes in the sight of your soaked folds. They are perfect and puffy, soaking wet because of your want of him. His fingers dig into your hips and he pulls you back more so he can flatten his tongue against your folds.

You cry out when he slides his tongue through your folds, making you grind back onto him. “Fuck baby. That’s good.” You whimper and lean down so you can take his cock into your mouth with a moan, wanting him to feel just as good.

Javi groans happily, enjoying the tang of your juices on his tongue. Licking into your cunt eagerly and making it messy. Groaning again when your mouth wraps around his cock again.

You love how he moans into your flesh and you grip his cock, sloppily sucking his cock as you want him to enjoy this as much as you are. You love how enthusiastic he is, sucking your clit into his mouth and you moan around his cock again.

He continues to lick into you, rocking your hips back and burying his tongue deep inside your soaked walls. Twitching in your mouth and groaning when a dribble of precum is spurted into your mouth as you suck.

You moan, hollowing your cheeks around his cock as you take him deeper, rocking back on his face as he sucks on your clit a little harder. It’s so good. You moan and pull off of his cock, continuing to pump him in your hand.

Javi moans into your folds, pulling back slightly. “I don’t want to cum yet.” He grunts before he is diving back in to make you cum.

You huff but loosen your grip on his cock, not taking him back into your mouth but he ducks harder on your clit. You rest your cheek on his thigh as he slides his tongue inside of you. You pant, “God baby. You’re gonna make me cum.” You moan, so close to your orgasm as he pushes his tongue deeper.

That’s the point. He doesn’t stop, speeding up his tongue as it flicks through your walls and pulls you back more firmly on his face. Willing you to cum for him, wanting to hear you and taste you.

You rock back onto his face, unashamed of your need and lust for him, and you moan his name when you fall over the edge. Your thighs gripping his face as he works you through it. “Javi. Oh shit. Baby, I - oh God.” You ramble against his thigh.

Javi loves it. The slick of your release covering his mouth and jaw as he works you through it. Keeping ahold of your hips and your cunt firm to his mouth until you are whimpering his name as a little protest.

He pushes you over the edge and keeps pushing, making you hiss as you get overstimulated. "Javi." You whine his name again, needing him to pull back and he relents, leaning away from your cunt with a groan. You sigh, closing your eyes, "God, so good." You murmur, taking a moment to ride your high.

Javi pants, licking his lips as he strokes your ass. He knows that feeling, riding the wave. He would need a cigarette if he hadn’t been using the patches and he still hasn’t even cum. Shoving his arm under his head, he watches you shift off of him a few minutes later. His cock is throbbing but he doesn’t mind.

You shift to lay beside him, leaning in to kiss him, and he turns his head so you can slide your tongue against his. You moan into the kiss, uncaring about your tangy cum on his lips, and you slide your hand down to grip his cock, squeezing him before you pump him slowly. "You're too good, Javi. How do you want me?" You ask, wanting him to enjoy this in case you don't cum again. You've already gotten more than you would have from other lovers.

Javi groans into your mouth. “I like to kiss and be close.” He admits. “But sometimes I change positions.” He rolls onto you and slides his hand down to bring your thigh up to his hip. “Start this way and end up however we do?”

You nod, sliding your hands along his back, loving the way his muscles flex under your touch. "Sounds perfect." You murmur and he reaches between you to position his cock at your entrance. You close your eyes as he pushes inside of you, your head tilting back while you silently moan at the stretch.

He watches you closely, loving how expressive you are. How you don’t care about how you look. You care about how you feel, how he is making you feel. It looks like you are feeling good and he wants to make you always feel this way. “So pretty.” He moans quietly. “So goddamn pretty and all mine. My pretty girl.”

You slide your hands up into his hair, "yours. All yours." You promise, lifting your legs so you can wrap them around his hips. He sinks deeper inside of you and you whimper, "God, you feel so good inside of me. Move, please." You beg, "don't care if you cum too fast. You already made me cum."

Javi snorts and shakes his head. “Fuck no.” He grunts, pulling his hips back to surge forward again. “Not going to do that to you.” He hisses out, eyes rolling back when you clench down around him. His lips find your skin and he starts to kiss, everywhere he can reach as he starts to move.

His lips on your skin have you on fire, rocking your hips up to meet his thrusts, and you caress his back, loving the way he feels covering your body. You tilt your head back so he can kiss down your neck until you grab his cheeks, bringing his mouth back to yours and you moan into his mouth, tangling your tongue with his as he rocks into you.

Every thrust of his hip makes both of you pant in pleasure, breath exchanged and mingled together as the two of you move. Javi slides his arms around your body and pulls you up close, sinking deeper as he pushes into you again and again.

He drops his hips and he grinds against your clit, making you gasp in pleasure, and he smirks, focusing on that spot again. “Good girl.” He murmurs and the praise makes you push your heels into his ass to press him deeper inside of you. “Shit. Feels so good. I - never felt like this before.” You admit breathlessly, getting closer and closer.

“Good.” It’s not good that you’ve never been fucked properly, but he’s glad you are making sure that you get the attention you deserve. “You feel so good. Tight little pussy squeezing my cock.” He praises roughly. “Could spend all night right here.”

His words make you gush around him and he caresses your thigh as he rocks into you, making you moan when he hits something just right. “Yes. Yes. Javier. Fuck, right there. That - oh God!” You squeal as you clamp down on his cock, soaking him, and his name echoes on your bedroom walls as you cum around him for the first time.

“Fuuuuuck.” He growls, slowly thrusting into you as you fall apart on his cock. Loving how tight you get, how wet. Bracing his knees on the bed, he pulls you up until you are in his lap.

You gasp, feeling him sink deeper and press against your cervix in this position. Your hands grip his waist and you scramble to brace your feet on the bed. “God, Javi.” You cry out when he starts to rock his hips again. “Yes. Love - love this.” You choke out, tilting your head back.

He groans as he rolls his hips up, using his thighs as he works in and out of you. “Fuck, you’re-“ he chokes out, gasping your name when you squeeze him inside your walls again. “Fuck, hermosa.” He hisses, lunging forward and biting down on your jaw as the thrusts become sharper, snapping his hips up.

You love the way he bites as he nips and kisses down your neck until he’s taking your nipple into his mouth. You tangle one hand in his hair, tugging on it to bring his mouth back to yours. Your tongues slide against each other while he thrusts into you and you use your feet to grind down onto him. “Shit. You got me worked up. Might cum again.” You pant against his chin.

“Do it.” He huffs, his hands sliding up and down your back, gripping your ass as he grinds into you. “Cum all over me again. Wanna feel it. So good.” He babbles slightly, hoping you are enjoying this as much as you seem to be. It’s been awhile since he’s had sex but he’s holding out. Jerking off before the date had been a good idea.

You pant, rocking down onto him and it doesn’t take long but it does take you by surprise when you cum again, clamping down on his cock and soaking him for the second him. Your chest heaves as you tilt your head back, moaning his name as you experience bliss once more.

Javi takes that opportunity to kiss along your throat, licking and biting your skin as he rocks up into you, fucking you through your orgasm. Starting to move a little faster as he chases his own pleasure, while the grunts and groans get louder.

You try to rock down onto him, wanting him to cum, and you tangle your fingers in his hair, tugging his face to yours. "Cum for me, Javi." You plead, leaning in to kiss him while he grunts into your mouth.

It doesn’t take many more thrusts, stiffening and moaning your name into your mouth, his cock pulsing deep inside you. Flooding your cunt with ropes of his sticky seed while he pants in pleasure. “Fuck.”

You smile against his chin as he relaxes beneath you, shifting you to lay you down on your pillows. You feel like you're floating as he leans in to gently nip your chin. "So fucking good." You murmur, "rumors were not wrong."

He chuckles quietly. “Glad I could live up to the hype.” He teases. “Fuck- I wish I had a cigarette.” He groans. “Nothing better than a cigarette after amazing sex.”

You sigh, caressing his cheek, "I don't have any cigarettes, baby." You murmur, "sorry." You lean in to kiss his cheek and he nods, "it's okay. I'm trying to quit." You shift to lay down and he pulls out of you, shuffling off the bed to head into your bathroom for a rag so he can clean you up.

Javi cleans up quickly and brings the rag back, damp and soapy to make sure you are wiped clean before he tosses it back into the sink. Not sure if you want him to lay with you, he stands in the doorway and looks at you laying in your bed like a warm puddle, boneless and content. It makes him smile, watching you almost glow in the aftereffects.

“Come here.” You pat the bed and he nods, slipping back into the bed with you after he pulls the comforter from under you. You curl into his chest, swinging your leg over his hip, “are you going to stay the night? I’ve been told I make great pancakes.”

“If you want me to.” Javi settles back against the pillows and holds you close, his fingers tracing the lines of your back as you cuddle close. The fan spins lazily above you and he feels completely relaxed. “I’ll do whatever you want me to.” He chuckles. “Had no other plans, except maybe logging online and talking to this girl I’ve been seeing.”

You grin against his peck, “is she nice?” You ask and Javier smirks and shrugs one shoulder, “she’s alright.” You playfully slap his chest but he grabs your hand and brings it to his lips to kiss the back of it. “I want you to stay.” You murmur, turning your head to kiss his chest.

Javi hums happily and agrees. “Then I’ll stay.” He promises. “But your pancakes better be worth it.” He teases, happy that he had found someone that it was so natural to be with, in and out of bed.

You snort, “just you wait, Peña.” You promise and snuggle into his side again, enjoying the closeness between you.

**** 

Javier groans as he walks into the kitchen, his jeans on and unbuttoned after he cleaned up in the bathroom. He rubs his eyes and you turn around to look at him, dressed in his shirt. “Pancakes are ready.” You declare, setting a plate down on the table for him but you grab the can of whipped cream to squirt a smiley face on the top cake for him.

​​He huffs in amusement as he looks down at the smiley face on his pancakes. “Did I do that good fucking you last night?” He teases as he reaches around and pats your ass. “I get the special pancakes?” The last time he had seen this was on a kids menu in some pancake diner. It’s cute and he pulls you down for a kiss.

You giggle against his lips, pecking them a few times, "you did real good, baby. Wanted to show you my appreciation. You said you've been hungrier since you quit smoking so I figured you'd want a big breakfast. Bacon and eggs are nearly done."

“I could have helped you.” He had slept longer than he meant to, intending to wake up with you this morning. However, when he opened his eyes, he was all alone in the bed. “Thank you, you didn’t have to do this. I could have taken you out.”

You shake your head, “I woke up early and didn’t want to wake you up. You looked peaceful. I know you’ve been up early with your dad so you needed the sleep. I like cooking, I like taking care of you.” You confess, biting your lip as you plate up the eggs and bacon and set the plate on the table.

Javi softens and smiles at you. “I’m not complaining at all, sweetheart.” He promises. “I really appreciate it.” He gets up to grab the two mugs of coffee you have poured. “Let’s eat while your hard work is hot.” He tells you, pulling out your chair for you to sit.

You sit down, picking up your knife and fork to dig in to eat and your eyes meet Javier’s as he groans when he takes a bite of your pancakes. “Good?” You ask and he hums, swallowing his bite. “So fucking good.” You grin, proud that he likes them. You watch him eat, enjoying the product of your labor and you notice him staring at you. “Do I have something on my face?” You ask, reaching for the napkin.

“No.” Javi shakes his head and forks up another bite of eggs. “Just admiring how pretty you are without makeup on.” He admits. “You are pretty with it, but I think you’re even more beautiful without it.”

You fluster, cheeks warming at his compliment. Something soft that you never really expected from Javier Peña, especially the one you knew from childhood. “Thank you. I like the five o clock shadow on you.” You gesture to his unshaved face.

“Yeah.” He rubs his face with his hand, feeling the raspiness of the hair growing in. “Can’t grow a beard for shit though.” He snorts. “Comes in all patchy.”

You lean closer, resting your elbow on the table, “sexy no matter what.” You promise and he offers you a bashful smile, making your heart flutter. 

**** 

You wrap your arms around his neck, swaying to the music. Javier decided to take you to the fair that’s happening a town over and you are currently on the makeshift dance floor, swaying to the music played by the teenage band.

“Are you having a good time?” Javi asks, pulling you a little closer and leaning his cheek against yours as the band plays. Tonight has been wonderful, but he can’t remember a time that he’s not had a good time around you. You’ve played some games and ridden some rides, had plenty of fair food, and now he gets to hold you close.

"Always with you, baby." You promise, breathing him in. He's become your home, your person to vent to, to cry with, to laugh with. You've never experienced anything like this. 

He leans back to look at you and you lean forward to nudge your nose against him. "I love you." He blurts out and you pull back in surprise. Neither of you have mentioned your feelings yet but you are shocked that he was the first one to say anything. He looks surprised with himself then he gets nervous and you cup his cheek, "I love you too." You declare, leaning forward to brush your lips with his.

Javi smiles against your lips, his fingers digging into your waist as he deepens the kiss. He is home, in mind, body and spirit. Healing every day while sharing himself with you. Your accounts are both canceled, no need to chat online, now that you have each other.

  ​​

[lt-taylor7]

Javi x reader angsty blurb

(Happy ending, GN reader, cussing, major spoilers, not proof read, kinda sucks, bad grammar,)

Imagine meeting Javi before he takes off the the military, he’s still hooked on Kate and even if he won’t admit to ir, it’s clear, very clear. So when you inevitably do end up together it doesn’t change, even if he treats you like an angel, the only purity in the sick world, You know he’s still thinking of her.

then he takes off to the military.

he changes, no doubt. But he seems more, aggressive with his love, as if he has to show you it or you’ll disappear, That is until storm par takes over his life, then it’s like you’re nothing. He shows barely any attention, barely speaking to you. He’d come home excited and proud after a good chase, buzzing with energy, and yet it’s like he spoke to you like some stranger.

then Kate comes along to help Storm Pat’s research, and it’s like you don’t even exist. Even after she stole his truck, running off with it, he was a wreck and you knew exactly why. “How much longer is she in Oklahoma?” You asked bluntly one night after cooking him dinner, he hesitated, “couple days, why?” He answered defensively, you just shrug. “No, why?” He asked impatiently. “Because I’d like to know when I’m getting my boyfriend back.” You say sarcastically, you heard the sound of his utensils hitting his plate before he got up, “Javi wait.” You immediately said, eyes following his frame as disappearing in the kitchen. You put your plate down on a table. “Javier please.” That caught his attention. You heard him stop moving before he came out to face you, “What’s your problem with Kate?” He finally asks, he was angry, shoulders rising and falling with each laboured breathe. You scoff, “are you serious?” You say in disbelief , “you never got over her, I’m not stupid I hear how you talk about her.” He looks down and scoffs, “So you’re insecure?” He asks, “about my boyfriend being obsessed with some girl his whole life, And then inviting her to our state and suddenly ghosting me in my own home, yeah Javier, I am.” You snap back, Careful not to raise your voice. “Oh for fuck sakes Y/n! I needed her here for business, you know that.” He argued, “Then why have you been ignoring me?” You argue back, tears threatening to spill from your lash line as you tried to blink them back. “I haven’t been.” The tears spilt, you let out a choked sob, “I’ll sleep on the couch tonight, my things will be packed by morning.” You say emotionless, Unsure of where else to go, but it certainly catches his attention as he looked up to you wide eyed. “What?” He asked, anger and confusion laced in his tongue. “Javier I’m not staying here if I’m not happy, I’m sorry.” You say, trying to blink back the tears that still fell, “no no, please baby I’ll make it up to you-“ you cut him off before he could beg anymore, “No Javi.” You say.

—-

the next morning you woke up to an empty house, and a small pile of paper in front of you, you wipe away your groggy eyes before looking down, a letter in Javi’s hand writing, a multi page one at that, you look down at it and begin reading, It went over all his feelings, why he’d been so cold lately, why he acted the way he did and about a million ‘I’m so sorries’ and although, it didn’t make up for the way he treated you, it did remind you how much you loved him, through thick and thin…

—

it was later that day when you heard the familiar sound of gravel under thick tires, Javi was home. It was clear with his own truck this time instead of Scott’s SUV, you sat on the love seat that faced the front door, taking a sip of water before you heard the handle twist and push open, Javi walked in, nervous expression and scared eyes scanning the room before meeting your gaze, he looked petrified. You got up from your spot, slowly walking over and taking one of his bags off his back and placing it on the ground, he didn’t speak nor touch you, he just stared. You placed your hands on his chest and snaked them up into his shoulders and around his neck. “We definitely need to talk about yesterday, but I’m not going anywhere, okay?” You said, carefully looking over his face. You felt his shoulders relax as he dropped his other bags and he immediately wrapped his arms around you, pulling you in tightly against his chest in a warm embrace, as if you’d disappear if he let go. You could feel his chest quiver as he held back tears, you brought your arms around him more comfortably, “your aloud to cry honey, go ahead.” And with that he let out a choked sob, “I’m so sorry, I was so scared to loose you.” He cried into your shoulder as you brought. Shane to his hair, gently running your nails through his scalp, “It’s okay, I’m right here.” You assure him holding him until he pulls away first, Teary eyes looking into yours before flicking down to your lips, then back to your eyes. You smile before bringing your hands to his hair and pulling him in for a soft kiss.

This is actually so bad, but I haven’t slept so enjoy what I give you pookies

[sushiwriterhere]

in a heartbeat

summary: "Maybe he just didn’t need the fanfare, maybe he needed to ditch the plans and just hand the rock to you over Chinese takeout and let that be it."  rating: explicit (no minors!) pairing: bradley 'rooster' bradshaw x f!reader word count: 3.9k warnings: very fluffy, PiV (unprotected), no use of y/n.  notes: this is my first fic in a while and im fighting writers block something awful. this is not proofread :( pls lmk what you think <3! my other works are here part of the coming home to you universe

four days before.

“I’m gonna go out for drinks with the girls Saturday.”

“Uhhh, you can’t.”

Did he need to loop your coworkers into the proposal plan too? Phoenix having dragged it out of him so they could all help was bad enough. Bradley could feel his headache building behind his eyes. He tried to avert eye contact to make the conversation feel natural, instead focusing his gaze on the onion he was trying to caramelize. 

“I can’t?”

Bradley’s never been controlling, never tried to tell you who you can and can’t hang out with, and certainly never with that particular tone in his voice. He heard the mail you were inspecting drop onto the granite countertop as you turned your full attention on him.

“Why?”

Fuck.

He could hear the way your eyes were narrowed from the uncharacteristically steady tone of your voice, the way one eyebrow was raised expectantly. 

In the back of his mind, Bradley also saw the picnic blanket, candles, and bottle of your favorite wine stashed at Mav’s. There were the flowers he had to pick up and arrange on Friday while you were working, the homemade meal Javy promised him that he needed to grab on Saturday around midday. 

“I made dinner reservations at this new place down by the beach, and the only time they had was Saturday evening.”

“And you forgot to tell me until now?”

Bradley didn’t forget. Not about these types of things. Ever since your first date, Bradley had been nothing but proactive. He planned dates, cooked meals, doted on you. Forgetting just wasn’t like him. 

“Made the reservation this morning and you seemed busy.” He finally met your eyes and he watched as your gaze softened and you turned back to the stack of mail.

“Bradley Bradshaw you are a sap.”

And the moment passed. 

You and Bradley had talked about marriage, you have. You’d talked about it enough for him to know what kind of ring you wanted, that you wanted a small, intimate ceremony, and that you’d lost more than enough sleep over whether to invite your parents. You’d talked enough to know Bradley would probably have the Dagger Squad as best men (people?) and that he’d let Phoenix be part of your bridal party if you wanted, that he wanted Mav right there next to him, and that there would be an empty chair for Goose and Carole. That was one thing. 

Getting down on one knee and actually going over that line? That was another. 

The rational part of his brain had always insisted that you would say yes, that you also knew from very early on, if not the beginning. The unhelpful part of his brain kept telling him the ring was the wrong size or that a seagull would swoop down and steal the shiny thing right from his fingertips before you could even say no.

three days before.

Bradley’s checked the ring at least six times since he, Javy, and the other guys came into the shop. The sound of the velvet clicking back against itself then sliding open again was starting to grate on his nerves, but he wanted to give Bradley the benefit of the doubt. He remembered what it was like, that lump in your throat, the way his brain tended to keep him up about every disagreement, every time he should’ve apologized instead of stewing on his anger. 

Javy, instead, choose peace. He watched calmly as Bradley opened the box again, and brought a finger up to trace the gems before deciding against it.

Doesn’t want to smudge it.

There was clearly something on his mind, because the ring had been paid for months ago and the re-sizing and adjustments were included in the price. But there Bradley was, stuck to the shop floor, looking like he was trying to decide between getting sick right there and maybe saving it for the trees outside the shop’s doors.

“What’cha thinkin’ about there, Rooster?” Jake sidled up to Bradley’s side, voice a low murmur, as if trying not to startle the man. 

Regardless, Bradley jumped slightly, jostling the open box and the sound of the box snapping shut echoed harshly around the showroom. Bradley looked like he might’ve decided on getting sick inside. 

“Should I get a second one? What if she doesn’t like this one?” 

Across the room, a sales associate perked up just slightly, clearly looking to score on another guy so nervous he looked like a ghost. Vultures.

“Bradley, my man, we’ve been over this a thousand times. Phoenix got her Pinterest, it’s all a certain style, and it’s definitely the perfect ring.” 

Jake and Bradley had begun to get along, rather begrudgingly at first, then very amicably, after the mission and Jake saved Bradley’s life. Seeing him comfort Bradley was something else though, Javy acknowledged. It was kind of nice to have that tension dissipate from within their team.

“But what if I need another perfect one?” 

“Are you gonna propose to her twice?” Bob had popped up on Bradley’s other side, silent as ever. “Usually there’s a second one for the wedding, but I’m here for a bit of a new tradition.”

At that, Bradley deflated a bit. The box in his hands clicked open, then shut again.

“No, no new tradition.” He murmured, before slipping the box into his pocket.

two days before.

Bradley knew Mav loved him, but he wasn’t sure how much he would after this whole ordeal. They must’ve run over the schedule at least a thousand times, forward and backward, even while flying over their comms. At this point, Bradley was sure he had the entire Dagger Squad reciting the plan in their sleep. He hoped he at least wasn’t, he didn’t need you to be clued into anything. 

“Nothing has moved since the last time you were here. Go home, Bradley.” Mav’s voice carried through the house as Bradley unceremoniously burst through the door. 

He’d started leaving work fifteen minutes early last week, just to double check that everything was in its place, that nothing had broken or spontaneously combusted. It was just enough time for him to stop at Mav’s place on the way home, do his round, and make it home around the same time as usual so as not to rouse suspicion. 

“I’m just–”

“Just checking yeah, get outta my house Bradley and go be with your fiance.” Mav had rounded the corner into his back room, all bathed in sunlight and a picture-perfect reminder of why people loved living in California. 

He was the picture of relaxed domesticity, dish towel over his shoulder, spatula in one hand that he was clearly thinking about hitting Bradley with as he paced the room and ticked things off on his fingers as he murmured to himself. 

“You’re gonna wear a hole in my carpet, and I happen to really like that rug.” Bradley stopped walking but the way his fingers twitched at his sides clued Mav into the way he was clearly still running through the run of show in his mind. 

“She’s not my fiance yet.”

“And she never will be if I murder you for breaking into my house and giving my wife a heart attack.”

“Penny’s not even home at this hour.” 

Mav had never seen Bradley like this. He’d missed graduations and recitals and all the shit you don’t get to see as an estranged god-father, but he’d done enough wondering about what he was like in those moments to have come up with this scenario. Bradley truly was the perfect mix of Goose and Carole–all Goose’s easy romantic energy, ever creative, ever attentive, and just as much of Carole’s eye for detail and desire for things to go right. 

“Bradley.”

Mav watched as the fight eased out of Bradley’s shoulders and his hands relaxed at his sides, “Right. Sorry.”

“Look son, you don’t have to be sorry for wanting this to go right. And you’ve only got a little of sorry to be about starting to drive me insane.” At that, Bradley cracked half a smile and Mav considered that a small success. “You like this at home?”

A sharp laugh echoed around the wood-paneled room, “Oh absolutely not. She’d know in a heartbeat.”

“Well, then you have your answer.” The gears were turning at a million miles an hour as Bradley tried to decipher what he meant. “She knows you in a heartbeat, which means she knows how she feels about you. And we both know what that means for Saturday.”

Bradley nodded, the picture of relaxation and ease all at once. “I’ll see you Saturday.”

one day before.

Bradley was starting to think the gash on his finger was some sort of awful omen, something terrible that had been awaiting to reveal itself until the last moment. He’d arranged flowers for you probably a million times at this point, had even done it blindfolded (only cheating a bit so he didn’t lose a finger) just to amuse you. Now, as he stared at the blood bubbing up from his middle left finger where he’d just stabbed himself with the scissors, the entire thing felt like some sort of cosmic joke.

He’d never doubted that he wanted to marry you, not even when you’d argued or insisted on shoving your ice cold fingers and toes up against him in the dead of night. Not once had he wavered since that initial thought in his brain, and he was even more sure when he went to open that fucking bank account that he’d been diligently adding a sizeable portion of his paycheck to. (What? He wanted to be sure he could afford exactly what you wanted, DeBeers advertising campaign be damned.)

Maybe he just didn’t need the fanfare, maybe he needed to ditch the plans and just hand the rock to you over Chinese takeout and let that be it. 

The only thing keeping him going despite all his nerves, aside from his deep love for you, was the way you’d once leaned against him when the two of you were spending a week away in the mountains. Overlooking something that felt like it was right from a postcard, you’d told him exactly how all the little romantic things he did made you feel. 

“Every time you buy me flowers, I get this little feeling in my chest, like something curling around my heart.” Bradley remembered keeping himself from making a joke, something about heart attacks, trying not to break the moment as the fog hung low over the trees. 

“From the moment you picked me up for our first date and insisted on opening the car door, bringing me flowers, they all make me get that little squirmy feeling that no one’s ever given me before.” You had pressed yourself to his side but not met his eyes, as if your confession was too powerful, too heavy to make when looking at him, “And some of it’s because I’m a sap at heart and you somehow know what I want before I do, but some of it’s just because it’s you Bradley. Always has been, always will be.”

The words said next would keep him going in his darkest moments, kept him together on long deployments, kept him pushing through every moment of doubt in the planning process.

“So if you ever decide to propose to me, even if it’s just you asking me over coffee, just know I’ll get that feeling, just because it’s you.” 

At that, you’d turned to face him, shifting so you could hook your chin over his shoulder where he turned his face to yours. He could see every lash, every spot on your face that he loved to press his lips to when you were too sleepy to protest. You’d graced him with a tiny smile, somehow just a bit melancholy, but all too loving. 

Bradley shook his head, clearing the memory as he scrambled to keep his blood from spattering on the countertop. He was going to have to grit his teeth through the pain of using a liquid bandaid so the pictures weren’t ruined by a regular bandaid. 

You’d compromised on drinks being Friday, so he had the evening to himself. All the time in the world for flowers, for a barbecue at Javy’s (home cooked meal to be picked up that night instead of Saturday morning), and for waiting up for you to text that you were ready to go home. 

the day of.

Bradley thought he’d be blinded by panic, or doubt, now that he was counting down hours and minutes in place of days or weeks. Instead, all he felt was a sense of serenity, almost like he was floating through the motions. 

The day started like every Saturday he’d had since you moved in and he’d been granted a relatively permanent station at Top Gun with Mav and the rest–you pressed up against him, your hair tickling some part of his bare skin, and the type of bone deep satisfaction with life that came with going to bed with a full belly and the love of his life at his side. He stared up at the ceiling fan as it made its lazy rotations and thought about how today was marking the difference between two parts of his life. 

After today, there would always be a time before the proposal, and after. 

The morning was lazy as you insisted you didn’t have a hangover but let Bradley cook you a plate full of turkey bacon, gently scrambled eggs, and a few hashbrowns. He knew you would be fine by afternoon, and after that excited to hang out at the beach before dinner. 

He was sort of counting on it. 

Apparently he’d underestimated your ability to bounce back because the way you draped yourself across his bare back was a little less than innocent as your hands smoothed over his shoulders and down his stomach. He slowed the way he was chewing the last of his hashbrown as you pressed a kiss to the sensitive spot under his ear. 

“Good morning, Bradley,” You crooned lowly.

“Mornin’.” 

His stomach jumped as you ran a nail over one of his nipples, and kissed at his shoulder. Tilting his head to the side to give you more room to work with, he took a slow drink of his water. 

Maybe he wanted you to work for it just a little, what with how badly he’d been stressing these last few weeks. 

And work for it you did. The light drag of your nails just barely there on his stomach and arms had him getting hard faster than he thought was humanly possible. But there was just something about the warmth of your chest at his back, the thinness of some shirt you’d stolen from him doing little to hide the swell of your breasts, that did it for him. Hell, it was really just that it was you that got him going. 

“I missed you last night.” You whined, just a bit, as he finally turned around on the barstool and gathered you into his lap. 

You could definitely feel the way he was hard against the soft give of your thighs, but somehow in that moment, all he wanted was you near. Sensing that somehow the moment had maybe passed, you curled in his lap and stretched your arms around his shoulders, apparently just content to be touching him.

“I missed you too.”

The way your lips met his was almost as natural as breathing, and then the moment wasn’t so innocent anymore. Your lips slotted against his as you kneaded at his arm muscles and part of Bradley was incredibly satisfied that you were enjoying just how much effort he put in at the gym. Sure, he had to be fit for his physical, but how hard he went on his biceps and shoulders was purely for your benefit. 

When the two of you finally stumbled back into the bedroom, Bradley thought he might pass out from how hard he was. Everything about you was amplified somehow. Your skin was softer and the gentle scent of whatever perfume you’d worn last night filled his nose. The give of your hips and thighs was easier and all he wanted was to sink his teeth into you and never let go. You might even let him.

Sprawled underneath him you looked like a goddess, bathed in the rising morning sun, nipples gently peaked as your chest rose and fell. 

“I love you.” 

It was so tender in comparison to the way you sat up and worked a hand inside Bradley’s boxers to grab firmly at his cock. He groaned as you shoved at the little clothing the two of you were wearing and in a moment, your skin was a beautiful contrast to the crisp white of the sheets. 

Bradley made to go down on you but you kept his face in your hands, “Been ready to go since I watched you scramble those eggs.”

He couldn’t hold back the way he barked out a laugh, that one was new. “The way the white and yolk were combined really do it for you?”

You smacked at his chest indignantly as he propped one of your thighs over the crook of his elbow, “Your back and arms look nice when you whisk, you asshole.”

You weren’t so huffy as he slid into you, gentle as ever. Bradley knew he wasn’t the biggest ever, but he also knew he wasn’t anything to scoff at either. He kissed away any discomfort he could see on your features til you rocked your hips up against his insistently.

“Give it to me like you mean it, babe,” Grinning all cheerfully, Bradley cursed under his breath as he felt you bear down on him.

After that, there was little to be said beyond whispers of I love you and the occasional swear word. Sometimes sex between the two of you was raunchy and heated, and other times it rounded out his Saturday mornings in a way that left him sated like nothing else. Sometimes he thought it might be better than flying. 

You came first, digging your nails into his shoulders and breathing his name in repeat. The feeling of you squeezing around him did little to keep him from coming and besides, the way you scraped your nails down his chest and begged him to let go definitely did him in. 

Clean up was quiet kisses and gentle shoves in the direction of the en-suite bathroom, Bradley making sure the water wasn’t too cold for you as you peed. (It was the little things.)

-

Fuck what Bradley had thought earlier about being serene, he thought he was going to crawl out of his skin. Holding your hand as the two of you made your way down the beachfront towards the space behind the Hard Deck, you were chattering on about some coworker’s baby shower and Bradley was focusing way too hard on not absolutely eating shit with the way the sand was shifting under his feet. 

In the distance, he could see the candles and the picnic blanket like a homing beacon. He couldn’t see Mav or Javy or anyone else, but he knew they were all hiding somewhere, ready to burst from the shadows in excitement. Harvard was also brandishing a camera even though Bradley couldn’t see any hint that he was around–turns out he was a more-than-amatuer photographer and had volunteered to capture the moment. 

“Bradley, what’s all this?” Your voice reached a winded sort of pitch as the two of you finally reached the set up.

It was perfect, and part of Bradley finally exhaled. The picnic blanket from your fourth date, the little tea candles doting the beach, and the bouquet of flowers resting at the corner of the blanket, right within Bradley’s reach.

Gently dropping your hand, Bradley picked up the flowers and pressed them into your hands. By now, you’d clearly caught on that something was happening because your eyes were wide and slightly teary, and there was a ghost of a wobble in your lower lip. 

Tan suit be damned, Bradley dropped to one knee and pulled out the velvet box that had been burning a hole in his pocket since before the two of you had gone out to dinner. (The dinner reservation had actually been real, to his credit.)

“Oh my god,” you whispered, bringing a hand to your mouth in a way that betrayed the way your hands were shaking. 

Bradley inhaled deeply, before popping open the lid of the box and letting his eyes flick down to where the ring was sitting, nestled right where it was supposed to be.

As if unable to stop yourself, you opened your mouth and blurted, “If you’re about to ask me what I think you are, the answer is yes. A thousand times yes.” 

Blinking up at you, Bradley didn’t move a muscle as you kept going, “Oh my god wait you probably have a whole speech, I’m so sorry, I’ll shut up now.”

Distantly, Bradley heard a shutter clicking but neither of you broke eye contact as his face broke into a huge smile. He kept going according to his plan, the unspoken understanding passing between the two of you that you’d never live that down.

He said your first name like a prayer, before launching into the speech he’d rehearsed for months now, “I have loved you since I met you. I love every part of you–your laugh, the way you’re passionate about your work, the way you love everyone around you with such intensity. I love you when we argue, I love you when we’re together and apart. You consume my every waking thought, and grace me with your presence when I dream. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

“I want to wake up next to you for the rest of my life. I want to bicker about how we go through junk mail, the right way to parallel park, and what show we’re going to watch on Thursdays for however long you’ll let me. I want you by my side for the good, the bad, in sickness, and in health.” He said your name again, before asking the question he already knew the answer to, “Will you marry me?”

“Yes, oh my god yes.” 

Miraculously, Bradley slipped the ring on your finger without incident, then gathered you up into his arms and pressed your lips together. His cheeks were wet with your tears. 

“I love you so much, Bradley Bradshaw, you are my everything,” You choked out when he set you down unable to stop yourself from sticking your hand out in front of you and crying harder when you saw the ring of your dreams adorning your hand. 

“I can’t believe you said yes before I asked,” He breathed before pulling you into him to kiss you fiercely one more time.

-

“She said yes before I even opened my mouth,” Bradley chuckled as you giggled by his side, hands never leaving the new ring on your finger.

“That’s not nearly as bad as you were for the last three months,” Javy crowed, and the crowd was in uproar as Bradley attempted to defend himself. 

Above all the noise and the lighthearted teasing, Bradley knew one thing–he was happy. And you had said yes.

----

tagging: @sebsxphia @roosterbruiser @bradshawburner @gretagerwigsmuse @sometimesanalice @joaquinwhorres @roosterbruiser @roosterforme @bradshawsbitch @seresinsweetie @notroosterbradshaw @kmc1989 @peachystenbrough @rhettabbotts @theharddeck @wkndwlff @waklman @blue-aconite @thedroneranger @bibitches-r-us @sunlightmurdock @laracrofted @jupitercomet - tagging ppl either by request or whom i feel like are luv <r bradley. pls lmk if you'd like to be added/removed

[creedslove]

DESERVE IT - PART EIGHT

Javier Peña x f!reader

Summary: Javi is sick, bruised and beaten by Los Pepes and asked you to stay with him. You end up giving in and you have a heartfelt conversation, but is he being honest or is just the fever talking?

Warnings: fluff and a lot of fluff, smut but I'm not gonna tell you what it is so there won't be any spoilers, cheating (sorry not sorry Manu)

A/N: the amount of horny I felt for this man was unholy. I hope you guys enjoy it as much as I did writing it ❤️

• PART ONE

• PART TWO

• PART THREE

• PART FOUR

• PART FIVE

• PART SIX

• PART SEVEN

4k words

"Stay. Spend the night with me, just to sleep and nothing more, I need you here, mi amor"

You stared down at him, his pleading eyes watching you in so much expectation as you still hadn't given him an answer.

You could spend the night with Javier, he was sick, he was hurt, nothing would happen between the two of you. You had already sat on his lap and you had definitely crossed a line you shouldn't have but it was done.

Now, you know you shouldn't spend the night with him. You had a boyfriend who was home now, sleeping comfortably, probably went to bed a little disappointed he didn't get to have a second round with you, but nonetheless your boyfriend.

It was wrong, and to you that was cheating. But if it was so bad why didn't you care at all? You should care, you should feel guilty about doing those things with Javier, even if it wasn't physical, it was emotional, a kind of proximity you shouldn't have with him.

And yet, when you thought of Manu, you felt nothing. At all.

You sighed to yourself and sat on the edge of Javier's bed "you're already naked under the blankets, sleeping here is an awful idea, Javi"

He chuckled and nodded "I won't do anything you don't want me to, princesa"

And that was exactly the problem, you wanted Javier to do so many things to you. The filthier, the kinkier the better.

You felt embarrassed at your own thoughts and he could tell you were battling yourself trying to figure out what to do. He didn't want to pressure you, to insist too much, but he hoped you'd give in and join him. Even if nothing happened between the two of you, he wanted you close. He wanted to sleep while having you tangled around his body. He wanted to wake up with your messy hair all over his pillow, with your back pressed against his chest and well, Javi would be lying if he didn't want your ass pressed against his crotch as well. But just your presence was enough for him, he was already thankful you took care of him, cleaned up his wounds with no judgment. He knew it would hurt badly in the morning when he would wake up to you, gone to your home and then back to your boyfriend and he would go back to not having you, but before morning came, he wanted to enjoy the opportunity he was given. He wished he weren't in so much pain, that way he would be able to show you how much he cared for you. He would be able to get up, to cook you something, to wrap a blanket around your body, to massage your back. Fuck, he would braid your hair if you wanted him to, because he wanted to find a way to show you her cared about you. He wanted you to see you weren't just a body to him - a gorgeous one in that matter, but he still didn't know how.

He couldn't hide his smile as you lifted the blanket just enough to join him under it. You felt some awkwardness at first but it quickly dissipated as Javi placed his hand on your side, showing you it was alright to come closer.

You were afraid of hurting him more as the bruise in his ribs looked pretty bad, but Javi didn't hesitate to have you next to him.

You slowly placed your head on his chest, closing your eyes for a couple of seconds as you adjusted your breathing to the rhythm of his heartbeat.

His ran ran through your soft hair, smiling down at you "falling asleep already?" He asked in a low voice and you chuckled, shaking your head.

"No, I was just getting comfortable, Javi…" you told him looking up at him. You couldn't help but wonder the amount of women that got into the same position you were, and yet, you still felt special. As if he was reading your mind, he kissed your forehead.

"I'm happy you're sleeping here, I don't get to sleep with people very often" you frowned and he laughed softly "you know what I mean, I don't spend the night with women… unless they are mine" he said nuzzling your hair and pecking your forehead again.

Fuck, your stupid butterflies were awake and making a turmoil in your stomach.

You hid your face in the crook of his neck and kissed his skin gently, sighing at how comfortable it felt and then stared at him again.

"What about your ex fiancee? Lorraine, right?"

"Gee, you ain't letting that go, right?" He saw you shaking your head and nodded

"Well, Lorraine was my highschool sweetheart… she was gorgeous, blue eyes, silky blonde hair and it knocked me down on my feet" he laughed softly and smirked at your frown, he could see the hint of jealousy in your expression, but his hand squeezed your side softly. "And we started dating… I really liked her, I didn't love her, but I liked her, cared about her and well, I guess I just went with the flow… everyone talked about how beautiful of a couple we were and how gorgeous our kids would be… and that suffocated me. At the same time I didn't want that, I didn't find a way to tell her. Only later, I understood I was being a coward. Then, on our wedding day, I did go to church, I saw her, she was gorgeous, but I couldn't do that to her. She wanted a family, a good husband, kids and this is something I could never give her… so I took the easiest way out and hurt her like a motherfucker" he stared into your eyes, wanting to read your expression, but you offered him nothing, you wanted to hear the rest of the story "and Lorraine hated me, she was right of course, but she made sure to show the whole town how much she hated me, and no one can blame her, right? Well, my pa got really embarrassed about what I'd done and well, eventually I left town and ended up here"

You took in his words, you'd stirred the curious pot inside of you and now you had all the time in the world to be like that

"So, do you regret leaving her? You didn't want kids?" You asked him, your hand resting on his belly as you faced him, eager to learn more about this personal side of him.

"I regret leaving Lorraine the way I did, she deserved to be treated respectfully, I should've been a man and broken up with her in a conversation between the two of us, and not the way I ditched her. But I didn't want to be a husband and I didn't want to be a dad, I mean, can you imagine me coming home like I did earlier tonight and scaring the shit out of the kids because daddy got beaten up by some cartel sicarios?" He scoffed and shook his head.

You nodded and cupped his cheek gently, you felt his hot skin under your touch and smiled softly

"I know that was just the fever talking, but you wouldn't run away from me? If I were your bride, I mean?" You asked finding amusing to picture the scene. Javier laughed softly

"I sure wouldn't. I promise you with my heart, I would never let you go, cariño… then after the ceremony we could head to my pa's ranch and settle there. No more cops, cartels or death. Just us taking care of the ranch… until the kids come along, first our little boy, he's gonna be tough like his daddy and then our beautiful little princesita, gorgeous like her mommy, and you will be the happiest woman on earth, Mrs.Peña" he winked and watched as your jaw dropped.

You knew he was joking, or even if he thought he was being serious, it was just the fever cooking up his brain. You laughed softly, a shade of pink spreading across your cheek as you looked at him.

"I know you don't mean it, but it sounds pretty good to me… what about our jobs?" You knew it was just a joke but you wanted to hear more of it, it wouldn't do any more harm to you than everything that Javier had already done. He wouldn't simply become a decent man in the blink of an eye and you would live happily ever after. And yet, it was nice to daydream about that.

"Well, we could both quit DEA, with your talent and experience you could find a job in the city hall or some big company and I'll take care of the ranch" he winked and watched as your burst out laughing.

He smiled at your reaction and his hand traveled to your back, stroking it softly

"You know what's the funniest part?" You asked "you say all this as if you had already planned it… as if it was going to happen" you shook your head in amusement and saw Javi leaning closer

"Who says it won't? Maybe I have good intentions with you, maybe I want to become a better man for you, maybe after I met you I realized how bad I want to settle down, how much I need a normal job and how good it would be to become a husband, maybe a dad in the future… who says you aren't responsible for that?"

Your smile died and you looked down, raising your body from his and sitting in bed.

"It's not funny, Javier" you said "it may be funny to you, but it's not funny to me"

"Who says it's funny? I'm not joking, I am being honest… I want you to be my wife some day Y/N '' he confessed "I know it's too late now, you have a boyfriend and he will always be a better man than me. I swear I would have made it up to you already if I knew how to do it, I hurt you too many times, sometimes it was on purpose so you would keep your distance, not only because I didn't want you to fall for me, but also because I couldn't risk having you around after I got involved with Los Pepes" Javi's watched you closely, admiring your beauty and still not quite believing you were so close "and sometimes I hurt you by accident, because I'm a dumb fuck who can't do things right"

And like that Javier melted you like butter, turning you into a puddle of softness for him.

He was sweet talking to you but you didn't care at that point, sometimes illusions are better than reality and though you didn't believe a word he said, you wanted to believe because you wanted them to be true.

You relaxed instantly and placed your head back on his chest, you searched for a better position for your legs and accidentally brushed your knee against his cock.

"Careful cariño, it's hard enough to keep myself in check without you touching me" he smirked and saw the embarrassment on your face, cupping it gently "it's okay, don't be shy, just relax and get to sleep" he assured you. Javi's hands ran up and down your back and so far he had done a pretty good job at pretending you weren't lying on top of him with a painfully thin nightgown while he was naked. He sighed at the thought of you leaving in the morning and going back to your boyfriend, to the life you had successfully managed to keep him away from. He knew tonight was a one time thing and even if he didn't get to have you, he would enjoy every single second of your presence.

"Manu is really lucky… I hope he knows that" Javi let out which made your heart tighten with guilt for betraying your boyfriend like that and also the pain those words carried. You knew you were about to hurt one of them, but you didn't know who it would be.

"Don't talk about him now, Javi… it feels weird" you asked, watching his face and taking your hand to his forehead, he wasn't as warm as before and you felt glad to see his fever was finally breaking. Your gaze wouldn't stop analyzing his features and your eyes landed on his perfect lips. They were so kissable, you didn't remember meeting a man with such kissable lips before, the way he wetted them with his tongue from time to time was such a small action but somehow it always set your core on fire. You didn't know how to explain, but those small details were the ones that often got you so hooked on him. It just made him irresistible and you couldn't fight that any longer.

You leaned towards him, your breath was shaky with anxiety and anticipation but you didn't stop yourself, instead, you closed your eyes and pecked his lips.

Javi was taken aback by your action, he figured if something were to happen between the two of you, he would initiate it, but instead, there it was, you kissing him.

He thought maybe it was a fever dream, but when he felt your body pressed against his, he saw it was indeed reality.

His ribs ached like never in his life, but he didn't care. He embraced you and returned the kiss, deeply, his tongue finding yours in an urgent kiss.

Javier's hands traveled through your whole body, feeling you up and lifting your gown. You broke the kiss and bit your lips, he stopped and cupped your cheek.

"We don't have to do that if you don't want to" he reminded you but only earned another kiss in return. You didn't want to stop, you never wanted to stop, it was wrong, risky and dumb and you wanted all of it.

Javi's hands ran their way up to your breasts, they traced a path on your sides, going through your ribs and squeezing your tits like he fantasized many times.

His fingers pulled the cloth down, the straps sliding down your shoulders as the view of your beautiful, inviting breasts was revealed to him.

He watched them fall free, as your perky nipples looked so tempting to him.

You felt his mouth on your skin, soft kisses at first but the way his lips wrapped around one nipple and he began sucking on it, while his hand played with the other, was enough to make you moan.

And that was loud.

You didn't care. Just that stimulation alone was better than anything your boyfriend made you feel all the times you slept with him, and now you were one of Javier's girls, you were in his bed, you were his whore for the night and you would be lying to yourself if you said you didn't love it, at least in the heat of the moment, you would have the whole morning to regret it, but now, his mouth on you was driving you insane.

You looked down at him and stroked his hair, loving how eagerly he was sucking on your tits.

His hand found its way down your waist, going down onto your core, though your inconvenient panties were still in the way.

He caressed you over it and earned more whimpers for you. He loved how you sounded.

"Fuck Javi, don't tease me please" you begged him, at the same time he found your wetness, pulling your panties to the side and sliding one finger through your folds. He gathered your juices and spread them over your hard needy clit.

You looked at him and bit your lips, moving your hips at the same pace his finger taunted you. Two of them, ghosting at your entrance and finally making their way inside of you. Your inner walls clenched around his thick fingers and you moved your hips faster at the same time Javi fingered you.

You whimpered and called his name, gripping his hair and pressing his head against your chest.

"Oh fuck Javi, I need you" you whimpered and moved closer but you felt him stop everything the moment he growled in pain.

You looked scared at him not understanding what was going on.

"What happened?" You asked concerned and saw him grip his ribcage, where the dark wound was so visible.

"Oh shit" you got off him and saw him panting "are you okay Javi? We don't have to do it, I'm sorry" you said feeling guilty knowing you'd pressured the wound with your knee again.

He chuckled, though you could see he winced in pain "sorry cariño, can't bend you over and fuck you tonight" he said with sad eyes but gripped your waist once more, a devilish smirk apprearing in those sinful lips as he licked them softly and eyed your tits again.

"Come on princesa, I can still make you feel good, don't worry about me, tonight's just about you" he took your hand, kissing your hand and helping you straddle his neck.

"Just relax for me, mi amor, don't think about anything else, just sit on my face and enjoy yourself" he coached you, biting your inner thigh just enough to make you squeal and laugh "fuck you Javi" you whimpered "you're right, chiquitita, fuck me" he winked softly and licked your slit over your soaked panties.

"Now, I think you're wearing too much, aren't ya? We want you to be my sweet little puta tonight, right?" You nodded obediently and gasped the moment Javier tore your panties aside.

They were thin and he didn't want to wait any longer, so it was the easiest way to get your pussy free for him.

And what a gorgeous pussy.

He helped you lower yourself down his face, the way your folds opened and your clit twitched for him was enough to make his cock throb, but he reminded himself it was all about you that night.

He could tell you were still a little hesitant, so he forced your hips down until he was covered by your cunt.

Javi began slowly, his tongue slid up and down your folds, the amount of wetness was already enough to make a mess on his chin, but he loved it and wanted to drown in your juices.

His tongue teased your hard clit, wetting it and feeling it twitch for him, before going as deep as it could down into your pussy hole. His hands squeezed your ass, parting your cheeks as he pulled you forward, showing you it was time to move your hips. You obeyed him, feeling more confident each time you moved your hips and you grabbed the headboard, using it to sustain your weight as you moved faster.

"Oh fuck Javi, just like that, please don't stop" you whimpered as you rubbed your clit against his beautiful nose, you've always loved his side profile and now you finally knew what it was capable of doing to your poor, abused clit as he used his mouth to tongue fuck you.

He pulled you forward some more, his mouth now having free access to your ass, where he licked your sensitive tight hole, feeling it gape softly against his tongue at the same time you moved viciously against him.

You didn't even think of how Javier was going to breathe, but you wouldn't last it very long. Just a couple of strokes more shot you to your orgasms.

You gripped your tits as you felt how weak your legs got, taking a look at the mirror he had by the bed, you saw the mess Javier put you in.

You called his name in pleasure and felt all your holes clench in an intense way they never seemed to have done it before.

You could literally feel your juices dripping onto his face, you wondered if you'd squirted, but it didn't feel that way.

You finally managed to get off him, Javi's face was definitely a mess. He was glistening with your wetness and yet he licked his lips as if he had tasted the finest cuisine.

He smirked at you, caressing your thighs "fuck mariposa, you came hard for me" he praised you "fucking love this cunt, fucking love your taste" I fucking love you, Javier thought, but didn't dare say.

"Next time you'll squirt for me, I'll make you fucking rain for me" he slapped your ass and it made your lower belly warm again with need…

Next time… there would be a next time with Javi.

Eventually, he helped you come down from your bliss and snuggle him. You kissed his neck up and down, loving to feel his thick neck, the heat of his skin. You were feeling so satisfied, so happy. Even if you'd just done something terribly wrong, you thought it was unfair it felt so good, so right.

Your hand went for his cock, it was rock hard, tenting the blanket and no matter if he took your hand away and placed a kiss on it, insisting it should be all about you, however, the way his cock twitched at your touch, made you so eager to do it more.

"Please Javi, I really want to, I won't hurt you" you told him, being so careful to stay away from his bruise and rubbed your thumb over his glistening tip. You spread his pre cum all over his length and moved your hand up and down.

The grunt that left his throat was something that sent shivers down your spine, it was so primal, so erotic, so beautiful. Your teeth scraped his skin, biting and kissing all over his neck and throat, you didn't care if it left some bruises, in fact, you wanted to, because if it was a one time thing, you'd remember it every time you shot a glance at him and saw the marks spread all over his skin.

He bucked his hips towards your hand, a sharp pain hit him like cold water, but he could barely pay attention to it as you fastened your pace.

You wanted to return him all the wonderful bliss he made you feel, you kissed his lips again, never getting enough of it, Javi was definitely a good kisser, but again, he was good at everything so it was difficult to decide which of his talents were your favorite.

You sank under the blankets and wrapped your lips around his tip, jerking him off and feeling his balls quiver under your touch, you knew he wasn't going to last long and you wanted all of him, just like he had all of you.

Javi couldn't hold it any longer. His big hand was buried in your hair, in a tight grip as he tried standing still as much as possible, maybe he had one broken rib or two after all, but his mind went blank when he finally came.

His load poured hot and thick in your mouth and you swallowed every of it, until the last drop.

He panted, catching his breath while he wrapped his arms tight around your body. The bed was big, but neither of you wanted to let go of each other. You relaxed completely at that moment, absolutely calm, bliss and love ran through your veins and your mind. Nothing and no one existed in the world besides you and Javi.

You were the only thing that mattered to him, and he was the only thing you cared about.

It was only after he made sure you were deeply asleep, he kissed the top of your head and sighed, still holding you tight.

"Te quiero, cariño" he admitted to the silence of the room, feeling for the first time he meant those words and that he believed in himself enough to be the man you deserved it.

_____

A/N: listen besties, I'm sick, I need comfort and I know cheating is bad and wrong but my sick body and I needed, craved, begged for this chapter to happen, so here it is! I hope you guys enjoyed it because I loved every word, and I am willing to make Javier Peña a decent man, good husband and father of two for reader because they deserve to be happy 😭😭😭 PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU GUYS THINK OF THE CHAPTER

[grogusmum]

IRL

Part 2 : of festivals and food

JAVI X F!PLUS SIZE!READER

WORD COUNT: 2200ish

SUMMARY: Set before the events of The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent. Javi and Reader are friends online, and after a year of DMing, they decide to meet. (The only change is that Javi and Gabriela are just friends)

WARNINGS: Reader has insecurities about her size and appearance, Lucas continues to be a fatphobic jerk, and that's about it in this chapter. Worries about food and eating. Javi is adorable, be warned.

Part 1

Javi watches you closely after the encounter with Lucas. He got the feeling your translation was very basic, and on the surface, it might not seem rude. When you pull on an entirely unnecessary cardigan, he knows you know it was at your expense.

“Just in case the air conditioning is - um, you know too cold, or whatever,” you mumble.

He thinks you are just beautiful and not in spite of your size. Your ample curves and softness were just… all he can think about was running his hands up and down your plush arms.

Javi opens the car door for you when you reach the carport and comes around to the driver’s side.

Dropping into his seat, he fills the void-

“So along those lines, this is a 1955 Porsche 356 Pre-A Speedster, Nick-”

“Oh right Nick had one until he sold it because of his 'IRS problems',” releieved to have something else to talk about, you grab onto what feels like a lifeline, a conversation far from what you are thinking about, then your eyes widen.

“Wait-”

Javi smiles and nods animatedly, as you point just as emphatically at the car with your mouth hanging open.

“Is this his?!”

“I got it on auction! I was only too happy to help Nick with his financial difficulties.”

At the restaurant, the Materdi seats you and Javi in a ridiculously romantic alcove with an open window overlooking the beach. You carefully slide onto the semi-circle bench, and Javi slips in after you. There are faerie lights strung above you and a low candle in stained glass mosaic holder on the intimate table.

The server brings water and gives you the chef’s specials. When he returns for your order you do your best to order in Spanish.

Of course Javi knows he doesn’t know how you eat normally, but when you spoke online, you expressed a love of trying new things and experimenting with cooking, though you admitted you failed spectacularly on many occasions. But here you are in Spain for the first time and you order a salad. A side salad and some prawns.

“How would it be if I ordered for the both of us? Javi tries, “that way, you can try a just little of everything, if, you know, you are not very hungry. I would hate for you to miss out on the tapas Roberto’s is so famous for.”

He watches you nibble self-consciously at first, though Roberto’s tapas won the day. Soon, you are making yummy noises, and Javi can’t get enough of them.

“Have you tried this one?” Javi asks, getting a fork full of Patatas Bravas and guiding it toward your mouth. Your little smile just before opening your mouth gives Javi butterflies low in his stomach. Your lips close around it, followed by your eyes as you savor it. Then you give the cutest whine.

“Is that potato?”

“Mhmm,” Javi smiles, “with garlic, hot sauce, and- ”

“Smoked paprika!” You finish together.

“Oh it’s all so good, thank you Javi.”

“For what?”

“Not letting me just have a stupid salad and steamed shrimp.”

After dinner, Javi takes you for a walk along the beach. Wondering if he can take your hand again, when you try to stifle a yawn, the time difference is getting to you.

“To bed!” he declares, seizing the opportunity to take your hand under the guise of directing you toward his palatial home. “We have a big day at the festival.”

“I’m not really ready to say good night, Javi.” You give his hand a squeeze, “But you're probably right, I’d be mortified if I fell asleep during one of the movies.”

“Well, we will head back to the house slowly.”

But you find yourself in front of your bedroom door far too soon. Before you could overthink it, you give him a kiss on the cheek and a shy goodnight and disappear into your room. Javi leans on the door, his hand going slowly to his cheek. He’s brought back to reality and chuckles to himself until he realizes what or rather who pulled him out of his reverie.

“Cousin, you have a beautiful woman for an assistant, with an incredible body! How have you never-”

“Lucas, stop, will you? Gabriela and I are just friends.”

“And you prefer the heifer?”

All he wants to do is clock Lucas right across his smug and arrogant face more than he has ever wanted to before - and Lucas has a natural ability to pull this reaction from Javi- often. But that will only make things worse. He knows he needs to stand up to his cousin, for many things, but it’s frankly dangerous to do so, so he brushes past and enters his bedroom, just relieved that between the closed door and the rapid Spanish. You probably did not hear what was said.

Bzzzzt bzzzt

You look at your phone

JAVI: Good night. :)

YOU: lol Good night Javi

YOU: sweet dreams

JAVI: I have no doubt. ;)

You stare at the last text. With confused astonishment, your face heats up. But, maybe he’s joking or…

YOU: cheeky

YOU: see you in the morning

JAVI: See you.

Javi looks at his screen, not sure what to say next or if he should say anything next. After a few moments just staring at it, he puts his phone in the charging dock and his hand goes back to the place you kissed it, it was just a little kiss, but he could still feel your soft lips there. He undresses and slides between his cool, crisp sheets and clicks off the light. Laying in bed awake, he listens to the waves crashing on the beach below. Javi thinks of you listening to them, too. He’s glad he chose to put you in a guest room on the same side of the hall. His mind goes over the day, wandering to your arms again, then your hips… how he would explore you if you were to allow it. His imaginings switch over to dreams of you in his bed, tangled in his sheets, breathing heavily as he feasts on you.

You wake to the sounds of seabirds, making you smile. It makes you want to wrap yourself in the incredible sheets and snuggle down into the soft pillows, but you fully remember where you are and what today is, and you roll off the bed, with a little skip as you hop in the shower. You and Javi are spending an entire day at the film festival, you’ll get to nerd out together over favorite writers, actors, directors, and the films they’ve made before anyone else has seen them. Even though you’ve never gone to a fancy festival with film creators or anything you feel that maybe you will feel more in your element with Javi. Thinking less about what he thinks about you now that he’s seen you and just be the person he befriended because of your shared interests.

After showering and putting on the sleeveless summer dress, a light shrug of a sweater, and sandals you had picked out for the event. You put on a little lip stain, leaving your eyes make-up free (who knows how much crying you may do. It looks like there may be a tearjerker or two on the schedule). You look in the mirror a beat more, and give a sigh. Swinging your bag over your shoulder, you go to meet Javi for breakfast.

Following the delicious smell of coffee to the dining room, you find the table is ladened with a beautiful spread of fruit, toast with tomato and olive oil or jam and butter, churros, empanadas, juices, and the smell of fresh coffee, all making your stomach rumble. But it’s Javi that makes your mouth water, he is dressed simply in a white linen button-down shirt and a blue blazer, his hair a little more tamed brushed back away from his face, but still curling around his ears. How is it that the orange of yesterday's shirt looks so amazing and now the light blue too? His brows go up when he sees you, his mouth opening just a bit. Then he breaks into his wide warm smile distracting you from the desire to run your fingers through his hair, for a moment anyway.

“¡Buenos días, mi sol!” good morning, sunshine

“¡Buenos días, Javi!”

Javi brings over a carafe of coffee to the table and pulls out a chair for you. You smile and shake your head, murmuring a thank you as you sit.

“We can have omelets made or…”

“Javi, all of this looks amazing.”

You both tuck in and chat about the schedule, what you are looking forward to, and the things you don't want to miss. Finding yourselves mostly in alignment.

“Do you,” you fall quiet, biting your lip, “Do you think I’m dressed okay, I wasn't sure how dressy-”

“You look incredible!” Javi says instantly. Then he waves his hand dismissively, “You know celebrities are going to do what they do, but for the rest of us? Perfecto!”

You look down at the patterned dress and smile, as Javi adds quietly, “Plus I like sunflowers.”

After both a boat and car ride you arrive in Barcelona-Saint Jordi, you get your passes and people watch. But it seems as though Javi is elsewhere.

"Javi? Is, um,” you worry your bottom lip, “Is everything okay?”

With a sigh, Javi looks at you next to him on a small bench, then looks down.

“I am sorry for my cousin’s behavior. I am so embarrassed. He is the literal worst."

Your laugh turns to a little cough of discomfort-

“I- well, thank you Javi, I appreciate that. But I’m used to it. It, well…”

“That does not make me feel better. You should not be used to such poor treatment. I should have said something”

“Well,” you swallow, ”thank you Jav-”

“I want you to be used to hearing how beautiful you are.” Javi’s words come out in a rush, then his eyes widen slightly at his own daring. Finally, he gives you a sidelong look to assess the damage.

At this you laugh like it's joke and a little absurd, giving his arm a little hug.

“You are the sweetest.”

Javi looks at you again, wondering if you think he's just being a supportive friend. Your tone makes him think so, and it leaves him at war with himself. He's not sure how you feel. Part of him is relieved in a way, and part of him desprately wants you to know. He wants to be courageous, to take the plunge! But maybe now isn't the time. While he's thinking about courage and plunges, you start to pull at his sleeve. When he looks at you, you give a little nod with your eyes going to the right. Javi looks, and there was Randell Cobb. Javi’s eyes go comically wide, making you giggle, and he starts flipping through his program.

“I did not even know he was still acting, “Javi hisses. “He was in-”

“Raising Arizona, I know,” you say excitedly.

“Of course you do,” he squeezes your knee, which is bare since the skirt of your dress is slightly hiked from sitting. It sends a shot of warmth up your thigh. “I mean he’s done other things but that was by far the best…”

“Is he in one of the films? He must be, right?”

Javi dives back to his program, and you keep watching everyone arrive.

After the opening remarks and the first film, you head to lunch and just walk around taking everything in. Javi has an almost permanent blush from the amount of people wondering what movie he's in, if he is an actor or model.

“It is very complimentary, of course… but all I want to do is tell them, ‘no I am a screenplay writer, read my script!!! Please!’”

"Well, you look like you belong here, no doubt. Handsome, tan, beautifully tailored clothes…"

Javi tugs you into an alcove, warm hands running up and down your arms.

"You belong here. You are a wonderful writer, and fantastic film and character analyst. Your breakdowns are one point!"

"I am a chubby (at best) woman, in a fifty dollar dress and a haircut that cost about the same, and I was splurging…"

"You got this lovely dress for fifty dollars? Wow."

You purse a tight smile and then laugh.

"Yes you can get one at TJMaxx, at a strip mall near you!"

A pair of glamorous willowy actors pass your little hiding place.

"You could fit two of these actresses in one of them."

"I like the one who is filling it right now," Javi says shyly, "and how she is filling it."

His hands traverse your hips.

Javi feels the soft plush curve of them, and his sigh carries a small, pleased hmm with it.

"Is this alright?" He whispers.

Your brain's throwing up .exe errors.

Your breathless "yeah" is almost a gasp. Javi is touching you, and liking what he feels through the gauzy fabric.

"We've got two more movies and then we go back to the hotel… but um-"

You mouths crash together. You both do your level best to be quiet, as Javi crowds you into the corner of the alcove behind a palm of some kind.

Part 3

💚THANK YOU FOR READING💚REBLOGS AND COMMENTS ARE MUCH APPRECIATED💚

If you care to read more Javi G or any of my stories, you can find my masterlist here, and if you would like to be tagged for any of my fics, you can find my handy dandy taglist form here.

[tieronecrush]

Hello! Love your work! Can I get a Javier Pena story where this song is the inspo: https://m.soundcloud.com/user-265940464-259651895/i-miss-u ? Basically Y/N is upset because she thinks Javi is cheating on her because he’s being distant but he’s actually just really stressed out? Can there be lots of fluff :) thank you btw!

thank you so much for your lovely compliment and for sending in this request!!! javi p is my husband so i loveeee love love writing for him!! hope this lives up to what you imagined!!!

cold hands

javier peña x f!reader

rating: M

word count: 2.3k

summary: your boyfriend javi has been distant for the past few weeks; canceling dates, staying late at work, leaving early in the morning, and….lacking intimacy. you can't help but wonder if something is going on, or someone.

warnings: insecurity, distant relationship, thoughts about infidelity, past infidelity, established relationship, pet names, it's javi so he's obviously going to allude to sexy times, very poor highschool level spanish please educate me

“Hey, baby! You leaving the embassy now?” You ran across your kitchen to pick up the landline on the second ring, abandoning the dinner cooking on the stove in hopes that it was your boyfriend. When his deep voice on the other end confirmed it, a smile crossed your face and was evident in the excitement in your tone.

A slow sigh comes from the other end, your heart immediately sinking in your chest. You knew what was about to come next. It wasn’t the first time this has happened in the past few weeks. It wasn’t even the first time it has happened this week.

“I’m sorry, cielto. I can’t make it tonight, Messina has Murphy and me pursuing a lead that has to happen tonight…”

These phone calls with Javi have become routine at this point. Always when he’s supposed to come and spend the night or is supposed to pick you up to come to his place; he’s canceled dates and has been leaving early in the mornings to go to work when you two do get to spend the night with each other.

Always something along the lines of “Messina ordered us”, “This has to happen tonight”, or “They need us to go to Medellín”. There was one time two weeks ago when all three of those reasons were used in the same sentence.

“It’s alright, Javi. See you tomorrow night, maybe?”

“I will come by right after I get off work tomorrow to pick you up and bring you over to my place. Lo prometo, mi amor. Estaré ahí para ti. (I promise, my love. I will be there for you).”

That is when you can’t take it anymore. The promise breaks your heart because you know he can’t keep it, that he probably won’t keep it. Tears fall down your cheeks as you bite your lip to stay quiet, all of your hard work ruined when you sniffle without thinking about it.

Javi’s heard the noise and knows that you must be crying, the image of you alone and upset breaking his heart. He shifts to turn to lean against his desk, prepared to stand there and comfort you until you feel better.

Except, the next second, Murphy is standing right next to him with an impatient look on his face. He’s tapping his foot and rushing him along with his hands, gesturing to his watch and then to the door.

Javi’s chest constricts as he listens to your soft sniffles crack over the line, another sigh falling from his lips.

That second sigh sounds much more frustrated. He must be annoyed that you’re this upset over him canceling, probably wondering why you can’t understand that this is his job. He can’t just say no and head out for the night, it’s not a regular nine-to-five.

As you open your mouth to apologize to him and deescalate any annoyance from him, his voice muffles in a whisper over the phone.

“I’m sorry, cielto. I gotta go. I promise I’ll make it up to you.”

“Okay —” is all you can get out before the line cuts dead and the dial tone sounds. You hang the phone on the wall again, freely letting out your cries now that you’re alone again.

It wasn’t always like this. Javi has been an attentive partner since you met him; at first, the two of you casually hooked up, a boot call here or there. But eventually, you or he would stay the night which evolved into making breakfast together before work, and then became the two of you spending nights together simply hanging out with nothing else happening. Finally, after a few months of that, Javi insisted and asked, multiple times, to take you on a “real date, with dinner and drinks or the movies or whatever” (his words). You’d quickly agreed after his ramble, and since that night he asked you for a date, the two of you have been together for just under a year. It’d be closer to a year and a half if you count those months spent hooking up before.

If you had been asked two months ago if the two of you were happy, you would say yes without hesitation. These days, you weren’t so sure that Javi was entirely in it anymore.

He’s been distant, the phone calls and cancellations are major evidence that something is going on. But even when the two of you are together, he falls asleep without so much as a kiss for you, sits on the other end of the couch staring into space while you watch TV, has even jumped away from you touching his shoulder when you stood next to him in your kitchen.

The behavior is all too familiar. You can’t help but connect the dots as you did with your ex — the one you were with for a few years before Javi. He had cheated on you. Avoided you for months by canceling last minute or coming up with excuses about work or family stuff. Didn’t have sex with you, kiss you, or even hold your hand when you were together. 

Javi has given you absolutely no reason for you not to trust him. Sure, you’d heard all about his previous reputation from Steve and even from Javi himself, but as far as you know, ever since the two of you had been hooking up, he hasn’t been with anyone else. A devoted, doting boyfriend. Until he became distant.

Insecurity started to fester in the space he created between the two of you. Your past influences your brain to start mulling over if this distance is to make a break up with you easier, or if maybe he’s found someone else, maybe he’s already with that someone else.

The thought seems ludicrous to part of you, but that tiny sliver of doubt is the loudest tonight.

You haven’t talked to him about how these past few weeks have been strange and cold. The thought of saying something, of confronting him, and making it all worse terrifies you. If he isn’t doing anything wrong, if he’s just going through something, you definitely don’t want to give him a reason to break up with you or to think that you don’t trust him. 

The way that he whispered to you over the phone before hanging up sticks out in your mind, and it jumps to the conclusion that he must be around someone that he has to keep a secret from, to keep you a secret from.

It’s irrational, but in your current state, you can’t bring yourself out.

Instead, dinner is chucked in the trash, and the rest of your night is spent cycling between sad, broken tears, angry stewing, and insecure spiraling. Eventually, you exhaust yourself with the constant changes of emotions, falling asleep alone.

You eventually fall asleep and wake up to a hand gently shaking your shoulder. Javi stands over you next to your bed dressed in his short-sleeve button-up and jeans that you saw him get dressed in the previous morning.

“Morning, cielito.”

Half awake, the sight of him coming home in yesterday’s clothes makes tears well in your eyes, and his hand suddenly feels cold against your skin. The only reason you think of him standing there in a day-old outfit is that he must have spent the night with someone else.

His brow furrows with concern as he sees your faint tears falling, his hand moving up to pet your hair, the motion nearly comforting you to the point where you want to forget everything that’s happened and take what he’ll give you, even if there might be someone else.

“Hey, what’s wrong? What’s got you so sad, cariño? Did something happen last night?”

You sniffle and shake your head, swiping your tears away and sitting up in bed quickly.

“Nothing, it’s nothing. Must’ve been a bad dream.”

Javi sits next to you on the edge of the bed, hand moving to your thigh and circling his thumb on it through the faded quilt covering you.

“Cielito, please tell me. We both know that you don’t sleep as peacefully as you were when you have a nightmare. I want to help you, please tell me.”

You pull the covers further over you, covering your mouth and muffling out, “I don’t wanna…Just gonna make things worse…”

Javi looks at you with a faint smile and a chuckle, shaking his head. 

“As adorable as you look, mi amor, I can’t hear you like that,” he reaches over and gently pulls the quilt from your hands, laying it down again. He takes one of your hands that have fallen to your lap, intertwining your fingers, “Can you say that again for me? Please?”

His softness is making more tears well, your eyes trained on your hands as you let out a shaky exhale, voice meek. 

“Are you…Do you still wanna be with me?”

Your gaze flicks up to Javi’s face and his thumb stops brushing against your hand. Thick brows knit together, confusion and hurt mixing in his wide eyes.

He opens his mouth to speak once and then twice, finally holding your hand tighter and matching your volume.

“Of course, I do, cariño. Why would you think I don’t want that? Have I done something to make you feel like that?”

“It’s just — You’ve been so distant the past few weeks. Canceling dates, or telling me you can’t come over, or staying late and leaving early for work. I don’t want you to be upset, but it, um, it's made me feel like maybe you wanna break up or maybe…you’ve found someone else. It’s the same thing that my ex did, and I know you’re not him but my brain just can’t shut up about what it all makes me feel or-or think about.”

“Someone else? Mi amor, you are all I want. I love you. Solo seras tu por el resto de mi vida (It will only be you for the rest of my life),” he peels the covers back from your legs and stands, nudging you over to sit on the bed. His forearm muscles flex as he pulls you across his lap, arms circling around your waist and hand running fingertips up and down your spine methodically.

“There’s been shit after shit piling up at work and Murphy’s been on my ass to stay late and come in early to try to get one step ahead of these sicarios. And then yesterday we got a lead from one of our informants that turned out to be a dead end. I’ve just been stressed, I guess. And not handling it well. I'm sorry…It’s not an excuse for neglecting you, but believe me when I say, all I think about is you. There could never be anyone else ‘cause I can’t shut up about you — you can ask Steve if you don’t believe me, but if we aren’t talking about work, I make one mention of you and he rolls his eyes.”

The thought pulls a subtle smile to your face, hand reaching up to wipe your falling tears. Javi gets there before you, his featherlight touch swiping the moisture away from your cheeks.

“You’ve made me soft, cielito. Lost my reputation as big, bad Agent Peña. Now everyone around the office just says your name and I respond a lot quicker.”

That breaks you, making you laugh genuinely and shake your head. A bright grin on your face pulls your cheeks up and glistens the salty water in your eyes, “You’re definitely lying, but it’s a cute story so I will let it slide.”

“I swear to god, I’m not bluffing. Put me in a polygraph, I’ll pass with flying colors.”

“Oh no, I believe the part about you responding faster to my name and being soft. I don’t believe that anyone at work ever thought of you as ‘big, bad Agent Peña’.” 

Your smile slides into an impish grin, Javi’s mouth dropping open and eyes widening in offense. It doesn’t last for long, a smile tugging the corners of his mouth up as he listens to you laugh at his expense. Affection floods his eyes and he looks at you tenderly, leaning in to press a sweet but supple kiss to your lips. His wide smile is still evident on his face when he pulls away, his sincere tone resonating in your chest.

“I missed you, cielto. I miss you every damn day when I go to work and have to come home alone…” his eyes flash with an idea, a definitive request following, “Move in with me. Solves the problem of you needing a new place and I can come home to my beautiful girlfriend every night. What do you say, mi amor?”

“I say, you better be a good roommate.” 

Javier wiggles his eyebrows as he leans for a kiss, words coated in his signature charm, “I definitely will be. Gonna be the best you ever had, in more ways than one. Don’t think our neighbors are gonna like us, though. Voy a tenerte gritando mi nombre todas las noches (I’m going to have you screaming my name every night).”

The phrase takes a second to translate in your head, mouth falling open in a gasp and a playful smack hitting his shoulder.

“Don’t make the neighbors hate me!”

A smug grin crosses his face as he moves to lay you down on the bed, crawling over you between your spread legs.“I think you’ll be saying something much different after the first night you’re living with me, mi amor. Estarás rogando por más (You’ll be begging for more).”

Your eyes start to roll and Javi presses his lips to yours in a slow, passionate kiss. He lifts his head away from you, adoration in his eyes.

"Te amo, mi cielito. Seré tuyo para siempre si me tienes (I love you, my heaven. I'll be yours forever if you'll have me)."

tagging some peeps from my other javi fic!

taglist: @swiftispunk @pedrit0-pascalit0 @lil-stark @joelsversion @mrsvedder12 @starsandsaints07 @wild-fauxed @rubyshouse @notes-from-my-journal @mi-place @killervirgosworld @paytonispunk @jakecockley @hydrangaces @jupitercorgi @nic0lodean @creedslove @westeros-needs-me @ikigailereve @the-casual-cat @marysucks-blog @midnightswithdearkatytspb @luamarieta @kaletastrophes @nasanatmfers @storyarcscribe @asirenbyanyothername @frustratedpanda @dieterbravo @theelishad @pascalislove @bigbutchenergee @starkovli @scrambledslut @atinylittlepain @beskarandblasters @johnwatsn @thetriumphantpanda

[yourmomsawh0r3]

crossroads chapter 10: storm

javier pena x pregnant wife female reader

The sky was a murky gray as news of Hurricane William spread through the town. The storm was set to make landfall as a Category 3 hurricane, and the state had declared a state of emergency. Y/N, who had never experienced a hurricane before, felt a sense of dread as she watched the news. Her hand instinctively went to her growing belly, a protective gesture for the life inside her.

Javier, always the rock in times of uncertainty, was outside putting the finishing touches on their storm shutters. He had lived through hurricanes before and knew exactly what needed to be done. With a calm demeanor, he came inside to hand Y/N a list of supplies.

“Lots of water, batteries, non-perishables, deli meat, bread, coloring books to keep Elle occupied, and snacks,” Javier recited as Y/N read over the list.

“Got it,” Y/N nodded, trying to keep her voice steady. Internally, she was panicking, but she didn't want to show it. Not with Elle watching, her curious eyes wide with a mix of excitement and confusion about the coming storm.

The grocery store was a madhouse. Shelves were rapidly emptying, and lines snaked through every aisle. Y/N spent over four and a half hours navigating the crowded store, her anxiety mounting with each passing minute. She finally managed to get everything on Javier’s list and headed home, the car packed with supplies.

As she pulled into the driveway, she saw Javier laying sandbags in front of the garage door and the front door. She got out of the car and approached him, her brow furrowed in concern.

“Is this really all necessary?” she asked, trying to keep her voice light.

Javier straightened up, wiping sweat from his forehead. “Better safe than sorry, my love. We need to be prepared.”

Y/N nodded, though the tight knot in her stomach didn’t ease. She carried the bags inside and began to unpack, keeping up with their normal routine. She started making dinner, the news blaring in the living room with constant updates about the hurricane.

Javier came inside, his strong presence a comfort amidst the chaos. He walked up behind her as she cooked, wrapping his arms around her and kissing the back of her head. “It’s going to be okay, my love,” he murmured.

Dinner was a quiet affair. Elle hummed to herself obliviously while eating her food, her innocence a stark contrast to the tension in the air. The three of them talked about their day, trying to keep things as normal as possible for her sake.

After dinner, Y/N got Elle into the bath and then put her to bed, reading her a story until she fell asleep. Y/N and Javier both took showers, the warm water a brief respite from the day’s stress. During the shower, Javier noticed how tense Y/N was. He massaged her shoulders, his touch gentle and reassuring.

“I’m scared, Javi,” Y/N finally admitted, her voice trembling.

“I know, my love. Me too,” Javier said softly, pulling her close under the warm spray of the shower. “But we’re prepared. We’ll get through this together.”

After the shower, Javier filled the bathtubs with water while Y/N went around the house, closing the blinds and locking the doors. They were doing everything they could to prepare for the storm in the upcoming hours. Finally, they settled on the couch together, holding each other and watching the news.

The news anchor spoke with a somber tone, “God speed, everyone. We will keep you updated as long as we can.” As if on cue, the power went out, plunging the house into darkness for a moment before the generator kicked on, its steady hum a welcome sound.

“I’m so glad we have that generator,” Y/N whispered, her hand gripping Javier’s tightly.

“Me too,” Javier agreed. “Let’s check on Elle.”

The steady hum of the generator filled the house as Y/N peeked into Elle's room. The soft nightlight bathed the room in a warm glow, casting gentle shadows on the walls. Elle was nestled under her blankets, her favorite stuffed animal clutched in her tiny hands, breathing evenly in her sleep. Y/N let out a quiet sigh of relief and gently closed the door.

She turned to find Javier standing in the hallway, his strong silhouette outlined by the dim emergency lighting. He held out a hand to her, his eyes reflecting a mixture of determination and tenderness.

"She's sleeping soundly," Y/N whispered, slipping her hand into his.

"Good," Javier murmured, pulling her close and wrapping an arm around her shoulders. "Let's go sit down."

They made their way back to the living room, where the flickering television screen continued to display the latest updates on Hurricane William. The rain had started to pick up, tapping rhythmically against the windows and adding a layer of tension to the already stressful situation. Javier pulled Y/N onto the couch, settling her beside him and wrapping a protective arm around her.

"It's going to be okay," he repeated, his voice a soothing balm to her frayed nerves. "We're prepared, and we'll get through this together."

Y/N leaned her head against his shoulder, closing her eyes for a moment as she absorbed the comfort of his presence. "I know," she said softly. "It's just... this is all so new to me. I want to make sure Elle and the baby are safe."

Javier gently squeezed her hand. "I understand. I'm here, and we'll face this together."

They continued to watch the news, the anchor giving updates on the storm's progress. The wind outside grew stronger, howling through the trees and rattling the windows. Suddenly, there was a loud boom from outside, shaking the house.

Y/N's heart leaped into her throat. "What was that?"

Javier was already on his feet, grabbing a flashlight. "Stay here, I'll check it out."

But Y/N was right behind him, grabbing her own flashlight. "I'm not staying here alone."

Together, they braved the 115 mph winds, stepping out into the darkness with their flashlights. The entire street was in a blackout, the roaring sounds of generators filling the air. As they made their way to the front yard, their flashlights revealed the massive oak tree that had stood proudly in their yard. It had snapped in half, barely missing their house.

Javier let out a low whistle. "That was close."

Y/N stared at the fallen tree, her heart pounding. "It could have hit the house..."

"But it didn't," Javier said firmly, his hand on her back. "We're okay."

A loud boom of thunder rumbled through the sky, making Y/N jump. "Let's get back inside."

They hurried back into the house, the storm raging around them. Once inside, they locked the doors and headed to bed, hoping the worst would pass quickly. Despite their exhaustion, neither of them could sleep. The wind howled relentlessly, shaking the house and keeping them on edge.

Y/N woke up first, the first light of dawn peeking through the curtains. She checked on Elle, who was still sound asleep, then headed into the kitchen with her bedhead and made a pot of coffee. The familiar smell was enough to wake Javier, who joined her in the kitchen, looking just as tired.

"Morning," he greeted, pouring himself a cup of coffee.

"Morning," Y/N replied, leaning against the counter. "I barely slept."

"Me neither," Javier admitted, sipping his coffee. "Let's go see the damage."

They stepped outside, the morning light revealing the extent of the hurricane's destruction. The neighborhood was a mess, with fallen trees, debris scattered everywhere, and some homes damaged by the storm.

Elle, without making a sound, appeared in the doorway, her bedhead just like her mother's. She rubbed her eyes, clutching her blankie in hand. "Daddy, look at the tree!" she exclaimed, amazed as she ran towards the fallen oak.

"Not so fast, squirt," Javier called, quickly scooping her up. "We have to be careful. Don't want you to get hurt."

Elle looked at the tree in awe from the safety of her father's arms. "It's so big!"

"Yeah, it is," Javier said, kissing the top of her head. "But it's okay. We're safe."

Y/N joined them, wrapping an arm around Javier's waist as they surveyed the damage. "We'll get through this," she said softly, looking up at him.

Javier nodded, holding his family close. "Yes, we will. Together."

After a quick breakfast, Javier and Elle set to work picking up the leaves and broken tree limbs from the yard. Y/N insisted on helping, though Javier made her promise not to do any heavy lifting. She agreed, taking on the lighter tasks and trying to keep busy.

As they worked, Elle tried to lighten the mood. “Look at my muscles!” she yelled, flexing her little arms and grinning from ear to ear.

Javier chuckled, giving her an approving nod. “Very impressive, squirt. You’re getting stronger every day.”

Y/N laughed, feeling a warmth spread through her despite the chaos around them. “You’ve got some serious competition, Javi.”

“Seems like it,” Javier said, his eyes twinkling with amusement. He turned to Elle, who was beaming with pride. “Just remember, no heavy lifting for you either. We all need to be careful.”

Elle nodded seriously. “Okay, Daddy. I’ll be careful.”

After some time, Y/N found herself getting out of breath. She sat on the steps of the porch, watching Javier and Elle continue to clean up the yard. She took a deep breath, feeling the cool morning air fill her lungs.

“You’re doing great, guys!” Y/N called out, her voice filled with encouragement. “Javi, you’ve got some serious competition with Elle here. Look at those muscles!”

Elle giggled, flexing her arms again. “I’m strong, Mommy!”

“That you are, sweetheart,” Y/N replied, smiling. “And Javier, you’re not too bad yourself. I might have to enter you both into a strongman competition.”

Javier laughed, shaking his head. “We make a pretty good team, don’t we?”

“The best,” Y/N agreed, her heart swelling with love as she watched them work together. “Keep it up, my strong heroes!”

Y/N’s playful cheering and lighthearted jokes kept the mood bright as they continued their cleanup. She felt a sense of peace watching her family, knowing they could get through anything as long as they were together.

As the last of the debris was cleared away, Javier and Elle joined Y/N on the steps. Elle climbed onto her lap, snuggling close as Javier wrapped an arm around her shoulders.

“See? We got through it,” Javier said softly, his voice filled with pride and love.

“Yes, we did,” Y/N replied, kissing the top of Elle’s head. “And we did it together.”

They sat there for a moment, enjoying the calm after the storm. Despite the damage and the challenges, they knew they had each other, and that was all that mattered.

[jolapeno]

I am DESPERATELY waiting for tomorrow’s chapter [I love your Frankie] 😝 but just wondered what you are reading right now?

is it okay that I am eagerly excited to show you all it, especially as we have a special guest 👀 and I—

yeah I’m gonna shut up. let you know what you came here for.

in terms of what I’m reading (I’m just going to include the series — all one shots you can see in the fic recs):

• stay in bed (joel miller) by @psychedelic-ink — I am in LOVE with this series and more people need to be reading and come talk to me about how amazing it is.

• the checklist (joel miller) + take the weight off his shoulders (javi p) by @thetriumphantpanda — both of these are amazing. the checklist is blowing my mind and take the weight off (I know things and it’s good)

• paranoid heart (javi p) by @goodwithcheese — my heart, this pair are amazing and it’s so spicy, and I love megan’s writing so much and so thankful we met.

• headshots (marcus p) by @secretelephanttattoo — this is such a cute and wonderful story and marcus is so dreamy in this! a must read!

• delta palms tropical resort (frankie) by @linzels-blog — I discovered this on AO3 first, binged and harassed the author the next day hahah. I want to visit.

• table for two (frankie) by @hellishjoel — line cook frankie really does it for me, and it’s the best balance of smut and angst.

• delta landscaping (multi) by @rhoorl — if you’re looking for an AU where the TF boys start a business and a neighbourhood chat is started, read this! pls.

• into the beat of the night (frankie) by @perotovar — this is such a unique premise, and I am so excited to see how it all unfolds

notable mentions: señorita by @lavendertales (on hiatus) + your summer dream season two by @swiftispunk (it’s not out but this is a notable mention section)

I am so sorry if I miss anyone, I realise half my links are actually broken 😭

[wardenparker]

Redbox Romance

Javi Gutierrez x plus size female reader Co-written with @absurdthirst​

Rating: Explicit Word Count: 11.9k Warnings: Food/alcohol consumption, cursing, some splashes of self-consciousness. Javi is an amazing kisser (no I do not take criticism), fingering, oral sex (f receiving), hair pulling, vaginal sex, protected sex (wrap it before you tap it), blink-and-you’ll-miss-it begging/praise. Summary: Bumping into a hot guy in line to rent a Redbox movie after work has never sounded like a better idea than when that guy is Javi G. Notes: Happy Spooktober everyone! We simply couldn’t do this big round of spooky season stories without including a movie night with Javi  🎃🧡🎬

Since he has had his entire world crumble, his perfectly controlled world shifted - Javi has realized how few friends he actually has. There is Nick of course, but he cannot call Nick over to watch a horror movie marathon. Not when he is trying to repair the damage he had done to his relationship with his ex-wife and daughter. Javi was sure that soon that they would reconcile, and Nick would be happier - something that his friend would be very proud of. The concept of going to the store is daunting but Javi has fallen in love with the Redbox location down the road from him at the local grocery store. He wants to buy junk food. All the things that are so bad for him, yet so delicious. Maybe even making cute treats - but his cooking skills are lacking - and watch movie after movie that are designed to scare and thrill him. Sighing, he grabs his keys and decides that he will do it alone, like most things he does now.

******

The line at this particular Redbox machine is always long. It’s in the front lobby of the grocery store right next to your work, though, and it has the best selection of horror movies of any machine in the city, so you wait. There’s only four people ahead of you so you tell yourself it won’t be that bad - fiddling in the pockets of your scrubs to pull out any scraps of paper from the day and toss them into the nearby trash can. Everybody else always has plans of Friday night, but you’re spending it curled up with some horror movies, and the frozen pizza and pint of ice cream that you’re going to pick out once you get inside the store. Maybe even some candy to sprinkle on your ice cream, because the patients you dealt with today sucked.

Three people ahead of him. Javi shuffles his feet slightly and looks around, wishing that he had someone to talk to, to share with. Gabriella hadn’t worked out— it wasn’t her fault. They just found they weren’t compatible like they had imagined. He’d tried dating but half the women he had talked to had flat out disbelieved his tale of how he ended up in the States. He sighs slightly and hums to himself, wondering if he could find a friends group online to be social with.

It was trying to sneak a peek of what the people in front of you were renting that did you in - losing your balance slightly from carrying your heavy tote bag in your shoulder and having the bag slip off and smack the man in front of you directly in the ass. Only to be startled by it and drop your bag, spilling things everywhere. If it were possible to actually melt like the Wicked Witch, you would be doing it right now – right now as you scramble to pick up your belongings, including the two large books that were making it so heavy in the first place. “Oh god, I’m so sorry!” You groan, hoping he isn’t too angry by the accidental accosting he’s just gotten. “I’m just…I’m clumsy. I’m really sorry.”

Javi turns in surprise, watching the purse spill – the only glance of the woman who is dropping down to her knees is fleeting but he thinks she might be lovely. Immediately, he bends down to help. “It’s okay.” He promises, hearing the mortification and distress in her voice. “I too am clumsy.” He chuckles, reaching for a pouch and scattered pens and assorted junk women always seem to carry.

“I didn’t mean t—” You look up, realizing that the man has bent down to help you, and completely deflate. He’s fucking gorgeous, because of course he is. This is LA. Sometimes you feel like the only token big girl in the entire city. It’s just models and actors and ridiculously attractive musicians as far as the eye can see. He’s probably famous, you think with a shake of your head. “I’m sorry. My bag slipped off my shoulder.”

He gives you a smile and nods. “It happens.” He looks down at the books in your hand. “Especially with such things.” He hands you the items he had collected and his hand cups your elbow as both of you start to straighten up. “Are you a student or do you carry books around always?”

“It’s research.” The explanation is immediate, but you cringe at yourself as soon as it comes out of your mouth. Just another pathetic Hollywood wannabe with a day job. That’s what your boss had said. “So, uh…I guess I always carry books.” You sweep the copy of Harold Schechter’s Hell’s Princess and the thick notebook back into your bag quickly.

“Research?” He looks back at the line as it shuffles forward and moves up before he turns back to you. “That I understand. I research a lot of things myself.”

“You do?” Unsure why he’s even still talking to you, you straighten up again and hoist your bag back into your shoulder, trying to smooth out your wrinkled scrubs and look presentable. He’s really…fuck he’s incredibly good looking. Tall and tan with wavy hair and big brown eyes and pouty lips that you just— don’t stare, don’t stare…

“Yes!” His eyes light up happily and he glances around. “I can only learn so much through movies and everything is different. I have to research everything.”

“What are you…researching? Or watching?” It’s like someone flipped a switch in him and turned him into a human puppy, excited to share and play and talk with whoever is around. And you’re more than happy to listen.

“I want to write a horror movie.” Javi confesses, knowing that most would find him ridiculous - even with the success of his collaboration with Nick. “I want to write the perfect thriller or slasher.”

“I’m writing a horror movie!” It’s probably a very weird thing to hear exclaimed in a supermarket anywhere but LA, but right now you’re enjoying the coincidence too much to care.

Javi’s eyes widen happily and he grins. “Really? What is it about? Tell me what your inspiration is.” It’s amazing to run into someone else that is writing even though it’s common in L.A.

“Have you ever heard of Belle Gunness?” Pulling Hell’s Princess from your bag again, you hold it out for him to flip through if he wants to. It’s probably unlikely that this sweet, incredibly handsome man is into true crime, but he asked, so you’re going to share. “She was a serial killer in Indiana the 19th century who lured countless men to her farm and murdered them. They say that the farmhouse was haunted for decades before she got there but I think her crimes started far before she arrived.” It’s not something most people would get excited about. You know that. But you have never been able to resist the oddities of history. “The crazy thing is that she was never caught, so we’ll never really know exactly how all these men and her children died. It’s just an absolutely fascinating character study.”

“Wow.” His eyes are dramatically wide as he takes the book and he starts thumbing through it. “That would be an interesting movie.” He is into it. “There are so few where a woman is the antagonist.”

“Gruesome, I know.” You laugh nervously, realizing that it isn’t exactly standard conversation for a complete stranger. “But like you said, there are so few female antagonists and her story is just that much more unbelievable because it’s true.”

“That would be awesome. Would you frame it as a haunting? Or someone continuing the killing spree?” He asks, curious about how you would tell the story. He's desperate to continue the conversation, and it's not just because you are interested in horror movies and are writing. You're pretty. He noticed that from the moment you looked up into his eyes, it captured him and he can't help but admire the soft features of your face and body.

“I almost feel like the haunting was sort of…fuel on the fire, if that makes sense. Negative influence powering someone who already had malicious intent. But I’m not sure how to frame that without it coming across as hokey, so I’m sort of blocked at the moment.” Shaking your head a little, you offer the incredibly handsome man a small smile and shrug before introducing yourself. “I probably should have started there. First name before favourite serial killer seems like better manners.”

Javi smiles, repeating your name and rolling his tongue over it. It's beautiful and fitting for such a charming woman. He takes your hand and gives you a small bow over your clasped hands. Maybe a little ostentatious for the line at a Redbox kiosk, but he likes the way your eyes flutter. "I am Javi." He introduces him. "Javi Gutierrez."

“It’s very nice to meet you.” The name rings a bell but you can’t quite place it, making you even more certain that you just stumbled onto some minor celebrity at the grocery store and are just too out of the loop to realize it. “So…what is your script about? Do you have ideas?”

"I have toyed with many ideas, but stick to none." He shakes his head at himself ruefully. "It is why I wish to rent some favorites. Acquire inspiration."

“Some of your favourites are here?” Motioning to the Redbox behind him alerts both of you to move up in line - Javi is now next up to the box.

He nods. “I have misplaced my copy of The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari when I moved, and this box is said to have one.” It was why he had chosen this Redbox to go to tonight.

“That—” You tilt your head at him and smile at the coincidence, thinking how horribly disappointed you would have been to realize that the man in front of you had just rented the only copy of the movie you explicitly came to rent. “That’s why I’m here, too.”

"Oh." He knows there is only one copy of the movie, the box said that there was only one left. He debates giving it to you, but he selfishly wants to watch it again. "There is perhaps— if it’s not too forward ? Why do we not share the rental?" He asks. "You can join me and we can enjoy it together?" His tone is hopeful, suddenly believing this to be the best idea he has ever imagined.

Typically, this would be the moment where the red flag waves in your mind and you think about safety. You think about every abduction scenario in every true crime story you’ve ever read or heard. This doesn’t feel like that though, and while you know that’s the lamest excuse anyone has ever had for ignoring a normally dicey situation — when was the last time you made a new friend? An extremely handsome one, at that? You can definitely dignify this to yourself and still have a good time. “I was planning on getting pizza and curling up on my couch tonight,” you admit, feeling warmth in your cheeks and a little bit of nerves like you’re fifteen and getting asked to dance by the guy you like. “So why don’t I have something delivered for us? We could…it could be fun.” And that way if you end up dead by the end of the night, someone will have seen you at his place. There. Problem solved.

It's on the tip of his tongue to protest, to insist that he would be a good host and provide the food, when he realizes why you might want to have some part of planning tonight. Instead of arguing, he nods happily, throwing a look over his shoulder to make sure that the person in front of him wasn't done yet and then back at you. "That would be acceptable, if—" He jerks his head towards the grocery store, "you allow me to purchase the snacks and desserts that we can indulge in to go along with the movies?"

It’s such an innocent request - sweet, ironically - and you can feel the broad, smitten smile spread over your face. “I think we might need more than one movie,” you suggest with a soft laugh, seeing him light up with excitement.

"Exactly!" Javi exclaims, nearly bouncing on his toes and turning around to see that the man had finished his transaction and it's his turn at the kiosk. "Shall we pick out the makings of a movie marathon of horror?" He asks, motioning you to join him as he lifts the sunscreen.

“You’re not…a Nick Cage fan, are you?” Just because he’s in your top three doesn’t mean he’s everyone’s cup of tea, but the man makes a hell of a horror movie. “Mandy is an absolute masterpiece, if this machine has a copy left.”

"We don't need to rent it." Javi looks at you bashfully, almost admitting that he is friends with Nick, but you would never believe that. "I own all of Nick's movies and those were with me so they did not get lost."

“Seriously?” Your eyebrows wing up in surprise, but you won’t pretend to be anything less than excited. Bonding over a favourite actor is definitely the foundation for a friendship - or more. “Does that mean you like Color Out of Space, too? Because I swear I can never find anyone to watch it with me and it’s so damn good.”

"Completely underrated. " Javi rolls his eyes and shakes his head. "Nick was so in the zone. He said that he had really delved deep, wanting to harness the untapped potential." He grins. "He also smoked a lot of weed during production."

“Where did you find an interview with him? He never does press.” Waiting until the movie pops out of the machine and ends up in Javi’s pocket, you turn together to go into the grocery store. “I mean, I totally believe it. I’d believe if he did a hell of a lot more than just smoke pot making that movie.”

Javi bites his lip, not wanting to seem like he is bragging. Especially since he had given you that little factoid. "It was just pot." He hums in amusement. "But, uh, he told me." He admits, not wanting to make it into some big deal.

“You’ve met him?” The way your eyes widen is nearly comical considering where you live and work. It isn’t so unbelievable to just…run into a celebrity on a trip to the corner store.

"Yeah." Javi nods and gives a small shrug. "We – uh, we worked together on a project last year."

“Oh shit.” You shove your hands in the pockets of your scrubs as you walk beside him, feeling borderline mortified. You’re here fangirling and blabbering on about your little amateur project and he’s a real professional. “That—that’s awesome.”

"It was." He smiles at the thought of the last conversation the two of them. "I bet that if you were to pitch your movie idea to him, he would be interested." He says. "Nick loves the nuance of a good horror story."

"I wouldn't even know where to start." The shrug you give him is honest at least, as you pick up a basket to walk around with. "Medical receptionist by day, amateur writer by night. Emphasis on the amateur."

"I was an amateur until last year." Javi doesn't look down on you for that, grinning over at you before he steers you to the candy aisle. "We must get all the snacks we can possibly crave."

"How do you feel about sour candy?" You're practically already reaching for the bag of Sour Patch Xtreme as you ask, always loving that hit of tart sourness with your sweet ever since you were a kid. If you're going to do this - you're going to do it right.

"I have never had those, but I do love a sour punch straw." He nods, knowing that he will buy whatever you want to snack on during the movies. "Are they similar?"

"They have a pretty similar level of sour." The bag of sour sweets is added to the basket, and the fruity gummy candies give way to chocolate as the two of you walk further down the aisle.

"How do you feel about Reese’s Pieces?" He asks as he holds up a box of the candy. "I love chocolate and peanut butter and these are addictive!"

"Chocolate and peanut butter is the closest mortals get to divinity," you joke, nodding emphatically. "Better get two boxes."

"Two boxes it is." He happily dumps two boxes into the basket and grabs a shareable bag of peanut butter cups and holds them up with a grin. "Double the deliciousness."

"The next question is the most important." Strolling a little further down the aisle, a plethora of popcorn options are laid out in front of the two of you just waiting to make you salivate. "How do you like your popcorn?"

"There is only one answer." He declares with wide, serious eyes. "Buttered."

"Oh, thank god." Smirking at him, you break out into a giggle at the extreme seriousness of his expression. "I was going to have to come up with an excuse to get out of this if you picked up a bag of Skinny Pop." Not that the snack doesn't have its merits - but it has no place in a movie marathon.

"What is 'Skinny Pop'?" He asks, sneering slightly at the mere thought of something that sounds disgusting.

"No butter, no salt," you shrug, grabbing a box of movie theater style extra butter popcorn off the shelf. "No flavour, basically. And definitely no fun."

"So that will not be at our movie night." He decides, shaking his head in disbelief at how someone could enjoy that. "Tonight is about thrill, horror and indulgences."

"Drinks?" Indulgences sounds very good, but you won't let your mind get too carried away. Not when he hasn't indicated this is anything more than a spontaneous new friendship.

“We must.” Javi glances over at you. “I have wine and some sodas, but we can pick out other things.”

"Far be it from me to turn down wine and soda." The whole thing is spur of the moment and a little giddy, and you're sort of feeling like questioning it would be looking a gift horse in the mouth. Why not just go with the flow and enjoy it?

“Are we decided on pizza for our meal?” He asks, giving you a grin of excitement as he sees the plans falling into place almost naturally.

"Seems like the most appropriate, doesn't it?" Nothing in LA is ever quiet, and other customers bustle around the two of you as you linger in the aisle looking over the abundance of snacks available to you. "Pizza is the ultimate comfort and indulgence all at once."

He tilts his head and nods, agreeing completely. “Although you cannot have a comfortable night in your work clothes.” He tells you. “So you must go change into your most comfortable outfit.”

"Oh! Um..." Looking down at yourself, you realize you had completely forgotten that you were in your work clothes at all. "I guess...if you want to give me your address, I can drive over after I change? I just finished work...but I guess that's obvious."

He nods, knowing that it would make you feel more comfortable to be able to come and go as you please and to know where you were going. “Absolutely.” He pulls out his phone to show you his address since it would be easier for you to text yourself from it.

He lives in a very ritzy neighborhood; you notice that right away. It's one of those communities that you hear about movie stars living in, but you say nothing about how very different your situation is from his. It doesn't matter. Not for new friends having a movie night. Instead you just text his address to yourself from his phone and hand it back with a smile. "There. Now you have my number, too."

“Okay.” He brightens as he realizes this and paints a serious look on his face. “How do you feel about ice cream?”

"If we end up in a food coma, it will be totally worth it." You nod with authority, as if accepting a secret mission of some kind.

“Completely worth it.” He hums as the two of you walk towards the ice cream sections. “Are you a vanilla and toppings kind of girl or something specific?”

"I normally get a pint with stuff mixed in, or coffee ice cream with caramel syrup. Those are my two directions." Most girls would demure, or go straight for chocolate, but there's no need for that here. You've both been pretty in line with your preferences so far, so you're curious to see if he'll feel the same way about ice cream.

“Coffee ice cream?” He hums happily and nods. “Only if we add cookies to it as well.”

"That sounds amazing." It's practically a groan from your lips and you're nodding again immediately.

“Are you a chocolate chip kind of girl or Oreos?” He smirks, happy he could make your favorite indulgence a little sweeter. “Or both? Both is also a good option.”

"I mean, I think we have to try both." He's so fucking handsome when he lights up like that, it's distracting and makes your chest tighten just a tiny bit in the best way possible. "For science."

He would be completely solemn as he grabs the cookies from conveniently place display and places them in the basket along with a bottle of caramel and one of chocolate sauces. “For science.” He agrees, enjoying this shopping trip so much more than his normal ones,

"Do we need anything else?" At this point you're going to have enough junk food for a full day's worth of movies and you only have the night planned, but it's fun to just - as he said, indulge.

“I don’t think so.” Javi watches as you put the ice cream in the basket and grins. “Maybe some medicine for when our bellies ache.”

"I'll be very glad to have tomorrow off work." It elicits a laugh from you, flustering under the beaming sunshine of that grin of his.

“Fantastic!” The two of you make your way up to the front and Javi takes the basket from you, keeping his word that he will buy the snacks. “We will get scared and scream and eat ice cream!”

******

It's a little over an hour later when you pull up to the house halfway up the hill, its typical southern California architecture blending into the upscale neighborhood and palm trees lining the property to give it that picturesque attitude of tropical luxury. The convertible that you saw him pull out of the grocery store parking lot in is parked under the port beside the house and you pull your own little sedan up behind it before checking your reflection one more time in your rearview mirror. While you were home changing you let your roommate know your plans for the evening, gave her the address you were going to and Javi's full name and phone number all out of an abundance of safety. Now it's just you in your favourite jeans and sweatshirt wondering if you haven't made some kind of massive mistake. Are you remembering him as so much better than he really was? Were you imagining the little bit of light behind his eyes when he awkwardly offered you a brief hug before you parted in the parking lot? God you hope not. But the only way to find out is to go up to his door and ring that bell.

Javi's nervously checking everything when the doorbell rings. He'd flown back home and started getting ready for you to come over for the horror movie marathon. Wishing he had an assistant here to make things perfect like he used to have, he had been determined to give you the same kind of experience you would have gotten if he was back on the family compound in Majorca. Candy displayed in easy to reach dishes, he had decided that the popcorn was better popped when you got here, a bucket moved into the living room with ice and sodas available. and he'd doubled checked that the bathroom you could possibly use was clean - it had been a bitch learning how to clean one of those properly. (He had a completely new appreciation for putting the seat down now.) Throw pillows and blankets that the decorator had insisted on where arranged so that the two of you can sprawl out and get comfortable but he wishes he had a dedicated movie room again. Maybe the next house he buys although he knows he most likely won't.

As he walks to the door, he wonders if he's too casual, or not casual enough, shaking his head at himself because this wasn't a date but he was just as on edge as if it was one. Opening the door, he greets you with a smile. "You came."

“You sound surprised.” And it both relaxes and surprises you in your own right. Does he not know how magnetic he is? “I, uh…I almost stopped to pick up pizza on the way over, but we never discussed toppings.”

It might be pathetic the way that his shoulders relax, and he lets out a metaphorical breath he had been holding but he was surprised. "You might have changed your mind." He tries to play it off casually. "I am a strange man to you, and it could be seen as odd that I invited you over."

“My roommate knows where I am.” You tell him honestly, stepping inside when he shuffles aside to let you in. “Besides, people have the wrong idea about things that are odd. Odd makes life more interesting.”

He chuckles and closes the door, stepping beside you and smiling. "So now we can discuss those toppings and we can wait for the pizza before we start the movies? Allow for less distractions and get to know each other?"

“Lead the way.” His house is beautiful, well decorated and airy with high ceilings and fresh paint - but the tidied stacks of things here and there give the impression of what your mother would have called artistic messiness. As though at any moment the whole place might be consumed by a new obsession and the stacks of things created by his current obsession will tumble. Which is…sort of like your place, honestly.

He leads you through to the living room, the door and windows open to the back deck and a luxurious view of the hills beyond the sparkling glass. Sky gorgeous and bright hues of orange and pinks before the sun sets. "This is okay?" He asks, gesturing to the setup of the food and drinks he's amassed so far. He's even thrown things in that he's had on hand and the ice cream is still in the freezer but the bowls and scoop are set out on the kitchen island just steps away in the open living of the back of the house.

“Our very own private screening.” The living room sofa is big enough for three full grown adults to sprawl out on and the tv takes up most of the facing wall. Throw blankets and pillows dot the space carefully and a full stack of movies sit on the coffee table next to the one you had rented together. “It’s…” your face cracks into a grin as you pull out your phone to open your delivery app. “It’s perfect. Way more than okay.”

He's relieved, grinning as if you had just showered him with compliments. "Good." He motions for you to sit down, choose whatever spot makes you most comfortable. That is what he wants, for you to be comfortable.

“So what is Javi’s perfect pizza combination?” Dropping down on his couch is easy – every inch of it is plush and inviting and you pull your socked feet up under you for maximum comfort.

“What is yours?” The debate over pineapple on pizza here is endlessly fascinating to him and he wonders if you will bring it up.

“My favourite pizza is a little unorthodox.” Opening the list of specialty pies in the restaurant’s menu, you offer him your phone to let him read: barbecue sauce, pulled pork, red onion, sweet corn, and the dreaded debated topping, pineapple. “It’s totally okay if that doesn’t sound good to you,” you tell him, knowing that he might be one of the many people totally grossed out by pineapple on pizza.

His brow shoots up and he smirks. “I am willing to try this pizza.” He agrees. “I was wondering if you were a pineapple person or no.”

“I don’t like it with normal pizza sauce but it’s so good with all this barbecue stuff.” It only takes a few keystrokes to get dinner ordered, and you tuck your phone away again with a smile. “Next time we’ll get your favourite. Doesn’t matter what it is, I’ll try it.”

“I am simple.” He gives you an apologetic shrug. “Salami, peppers when I wish to have heartburn.”

“Simple and delicious.” For the life of you, you aren’t sure why you seem so sure that there will be a second time. Tonight could be awful and awkward and you might avoid that Redbox for the rest of your life just to make sure you never run into him again — but somehow you are just positive that that won’t be the case.

“Would you like a drink? A snack while we wait?” He scrubs his palms against the lounging pants he had change into and gives a small chuckle. “I guess I underdressed for tonight.” He had gone a little too casual since you are in jeans.

“I don’t think it’s possible to underdress to sit on the couch and watch a movie.” You assure him. The truth is that you hadn’t tossed on the pair of yoga pants that you usually lounge around the apartment in because you’re a bit self-conscious about showing of your - admittedly round - figure. When it’s just you and your also plus sized roommate at home, you don’t care. “You said comfy, so these are my comfiest jeans. That’s all.”

“Okay.” He doesn’t quite believe that but he won’t push the subject. “Either way, you are beautiful and I am lucky you joined me tonight.”

“I—” Beautiful? You can feel the pleased and slightly embarrassed warmth creeping up your chest and neck and you have to clear your throat a tiny bit. “Thank you. I-I’m lucky you invited me.”

“I have been wanting to have someone to watch horror movies with and fate placed you right in my path. And it’s very nice it is someone like you.” He grins and motions to the collection of movies. “This is what we have to choose from tonight.”

“I think we have to watch The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari, don’t we?” Not that that will bother either of you. After all, it was your individual plan for the night.

"Of course. That should be first." He declares as he set the rented DVD on the coffee table apart from the other movies. "What else would you like to watch? I am open to all of them."

"You have an amazing collection." The stack of movies includes anything remotely spooky that Nick Cage has ever made, plus some classic slashers, groundbreaking pieces like The Exorcist and both versions of Suspiria, and more obscure choices like Let's Scare Jessica to Death. "Oh, I looove Suspiria." It's been ages since you've seen the original - streaming services tending to carry the remake these days. "Dario Argento is an absolute genius."

"I agree completely." Javi grins, quickly adding it to the must watch side. "Let us choose one more - just in case." He doesn't not want you to stay past the time you are comfortable, but it has been a long time since he has indulged in a night of nothing but movies.

"What's your favourite slasher?" Something classic, something artistic, and something gory. That's the key to a horror trio, in your opinion.

"I have a guilty pleasure movie." Javi admits, rummaging in the pile of movies and pulling one that he had deliberately put at the bottom of the pile. "2006's Stay Alive is an underrated movie, although it is not a traditional slasher, so I do not think it counts."

"I've actually never seen it." You offer him an encouraging smile because you can tell he's a little embarrassed to like it, and put it in the to be watched stack. "Don't tell me anything about it. I want to be surprised."

His grin lights up his face and nods eagerly. "My lips are sealed." He promises happily.

"Fantastic." The candy and some drinks have been spread around the room, but you had spotted the box of popcorn in the kitchen on your way through the house. "The pizza will probably take an hour or so." You shrug. Both of you know how busy a Friday night in LA is for a pizza place and how bad traffic can be for a delivery driver. "How does a popcorn appetizer and a drink sound while we get the first movie started?"

"Do you want wine, or I do have some whiskey if you prefer?" He asks, motioning over to the very sophisticated bar that is in the corner of the room. "It does not have to be just sodas."

"Actually..." His place is clean, you feel comfortable, and most importantly your Spidey sense isn't tingling or sending you red flags, so you smile and offer him a little nod. "Wine sounds great."

He nods and quickly walks around the bar to open the wine fridge that is behind it. "I have a Cava from my own family vineyard if you like sparkling wine?" He offers, holding up a bottle. "It is one of my favorite years."

"Your family has its own vineyard?" Your eyebrows wing up in surprise. "That's...killer."

"It is in Spain." He gives you a small shrug as if it is not a big deal. "Majorca."

"Which is even cooler." He downplays it as though he isn't proud, but he would not have even mentioned the vintage if some part of him didn't want you to know. It's the getting to know you phase of things and that's always entertaining. "The coolest thing my family ever owned was a camper."

"There is nothing wrong with a camper." He argues. "You can take it with you and have adventures."

"Well sure," you shrug, watching him carelessly pop the cork from the bottle like he's done it once a week since he was old enough to lift one. "But it would be a lot cooler to take the camper to a vineyard and camp out in the valley."

"Or maybe a tent." He hums. "One of those that are large and have a house set up in them. With the large bed and fairy lights strung overhead while you drink around a fire in vineyard?"

"That sounds absolutely dreamy." Glamping, your mom would call it, turning up her nose at it even while she used every inch of the kitchenette in the camper just like she was making dinner at home. "Like the perfect weekend getaway. Camping and drinking and snuggles. I love it."

"Have you ever done that?" He asks, wondering if you have a boyfriend suddenly. He doesn't think so, surely you would have said something, but he has to ask.

"Weekend camping getaway?" He picks two glasses up from the top of the bar and carries everything over to the sofa while you shake your head. "No...I don't think I've been camping with anyone but my family ever. And it's been years since we did that together."

"You should." He shakes his head and thinks that it is an utter shame that you do not get to indulge in something you obviously love. "I have heard camping in the desert is lovely."

"It's dangerous to do alone." It's not like you've run into a lot of guys who share all of your indoor, nerdy hobbies and love camping as much as you do. It's a unique combination, and you don't really care for the idea of risking your safety by going alone.

“That is something that I have not tried yet, but I want to.” Javi was sheltered a lot and since he had come to the US, he wanted to do things that were unavailable to him before.

"You should." The glass he hands to you to bubbling and cheery and inviting, making the look of wistful longing on his face even more pronounced. "Sleeping under the stars and cooking over a campfire? It's fun." And romantic, but you hesitate to point that out at the moment.

"I will have to find someone to knows how to do it." He wants to ask if you would show him, but that is entirely presumptuous for a movie night between people getting know each other. "Show me the ropes as you say."

"I hope you find just the right person." This would be so much easier if you had any idea whether or not he was flirting...

He bites his lip, slightly disappointed that you did not offer but he cannot make you like him. Instead of moping, he taps the rim of his own wine glass to yours. "To making new friends and movie marathons."

"And being extremely clumsy in line at the Redbox." You have to laugh at yourself, seeing as how it ended up with such a fun night for both of you. The part of you that is normally shakingly self-conscious is a little quieter with him. You're just a little nervous instead of downright anxious, which is the way that meeting new people normally makes you feel. And that is a very big deal to you.

"It was my pleasure to be accosted by your purse." He teases, sending you a small wink before he takes a sip of his wine. "It is not every day a gorgeous creature such as yourself runs into me." He tells you. "My very own rom-com meet cute."

If you hadn't just swallowed a sip of the delicious wine, you might be wearing it, completely floored by the compliment and wondering if it is possible for cheeks to become the temperature of lava instantly. "Believe me," you murmur, sure that you look as flustered as you feel. "The pleasure is all mine."

Javi wants to impress you, feeling very delighted in the way your eyes slide away shyly, like you were flustered. "Would you like to see my collection?" He asks you suddenly. "I have a lot of film memorabilia."

“Sure!” You have a few favourite recreated props and other pieces of your own. Enough to know that the pieces a person collects says a lot about them as a person. “Sounds like fun.”

Javi grins and motions you deeper into the house. "I had a better set up in Spain, but this is what I decided to bring with me when I— when I moved." He wants to go back and get more, but he has been nervous to, opening the door to the second bedroom and flipping on the light so you can step inside.

“Oh wow…” Stepping inside the room makes your eyes widen and your jaw slacken slightly, just taking in the sheer amount of actual real movie props on display in the large re-purposed bedroom. The built-in shelves are chock full of specifically Nick Cage-related items and you go from shocked to ear-to-ear grinning in an instant. “Oh, so you’re a Nick Cage fan,” you tease lightly, even though you immediately go over to inspect the chainsaw sitting on a table against the far wall. “Is this the actual prop chainsaw from Mandy??”

"Yes." Javi grins, catching the pure delight in your voice. "He was impressed with the collection too." He admits. "Although I still need to get my golden guns back from him."

“The golden guns?” When you whirl back around to look at him you’re in awe again. “How did you possibly get ahold of this stuff, Javi? You must be like the single most successful auction bidder of all time.”

He gives another shrug and looks around the room again, unsure of how to answer that. "I guess that anything is possible with enough money." He says finally before he looks back at you. "It is how I met Nick. I paid for him to come to my birthday two years ago."

“I—wow…” Of course you’ve heard of things like that, but never actually met anyone who did it. That kind of thing takes an insane amount of money. And usually an ego - the kind of person who believes they should get to possess the world just because they can buy it. Javi is definitely not like that. He’s sweet, and unassuming, and kind of seems like he didn’t want to even admit it at first. Maybe so you wouldn’t think less of him? “And then you worked together after that?” You can’t help the way your curious eyes roam around the room, zeroing in on the encased copy of the Declaration of Independence from National Treasure with the cipher encoded on the back. It’s cheesy, but you love those movies so much.

"I asked him if he would write a script with me." He admits, looking around proudly. "I think we will take home the Oscar this next year."

"Wait—" You're starting to feel like your head is spinning a little as the eerie feeling being sure that he must be famous somehow slides into place. The puzzle pieces that click in your head nearly make you squeak out loud when you look up at him again. "The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent? That was your script?"

He tips his shoulders up again, self-conscious again and he wonders if you hated the movie. "Guilty." He admits, rushing over to a shelf and pulling out his working script. His and Nick's notes are scrawled through it and he holds it out to you, proud of his name emblazoned on the front.

"You don't understand..." Your fingertips barely touch the pages, like you're afraid it might burn you or release some kind of booby trap. "I love this movie. Like I went to see it five times in theaters and I took notes on the characterization because I thought it was so good. It's phenomenal, Javi." The way your chest tightens, realizing that this man in front of you is the genius behind one of your favourite new films, is fangirling and excitement and definitely a dose of attraction like you've never felt before. "You're an incredibly talented writer, and I—I'm sure any horror movie you write is going to blow the genre right out of the water."

He can't help but blush, flustering as he looks down at the script that he had pour his soul into. "T-thank you." He murmurs softly, touched that you would say such a kind thing to him. Even after reading the reviews, he still didn't believe the success of the film, but he gives all the credit for it to Nick and his brilliant performance.

"Seriously." The way he shies away is endearing, almost blustering. "If you don't win an Oscar, I'll protest the damn Academy myself."

He gives a small laugh, relaxing at your vehement claim and nods. "I might take you up on that if it comes to it."

"Cross my heart," you promise, warming at the smile that spreads across his face.

When the doorbell rings, Javi is disappointed to leave the room in order to go to the front door to collect dinner. Pouting slightly when you insist that you pay, he at least pulls out his wallet to tip the driver, something that he had learned was very important here in the states.

The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari is only an hour long, the 1920 black and white classic being a perfect way to start the night as you both dig into the barbecue pizza and continue to savor the delicious cava that his family's vineyard produces. Things are a little more relaxed between you now, as you've started to get to know each other, and you feel like you're starting to get a clearer version of who this sweet, incredibly talented, and fairly nerdy man really is.

He is drawn to you. You are witty, incredibly knowledgeable and gorgeous. He feels himself starting to develop a crush on you, even as the movie plays and the two of you snack on the treats he had purchased. Enjoying the way that you laugh with your entire being and he wants to make sure that you continue to do that. Your eyes sparkle when you do and your smile is mesmerizing.

By the time Caligari is over and Suspiria is popped into the DVD player, you're pleasantly buzzing from the wine and pull one of the throw blankets off the back of the couch to drape over you as you start to crave that feeling of comfy-coziness that always comes with movie night. It lays over both you and Javi easily, almost putting you in a little cocoon together. He has inched closer to you, drawn to the spicy, floral scent of your perfume and needing the warmth of another body close by as he shivers slightly. His eyes move from the movie over to you and he bites his lip.

It’s a slightly sexier film, although that wasn’t at all why you recommended it, and you wonder if it has anything to do with the way Javi has shifted slightly beside you on the couch. Somehow, over the last hour or more, you’ve inched closer to each other And while you aren’t complaining in the least, it is definitely making you feel like there’s some kind of fire igniting in the place where your arms and sides are pressing lightly against each other. It’s intoxicating in a way that is completely different from the wine and far more distracting - a trick of your mind or wishful thinking making you sure you’ve caught him looking at you more than a few times tonight.

His breath catches slightly and can't deny that there is a sense of eroticism to this that has him thinking about other erotic things that nothing to do with the movie and everything to do with woman sitting beside him.

“Do you—um—” You swear you heard him gasp but you’re not sure why, and you glance over at Javi about halfway through the movie. “Are you enjoying it?”

"I am." Javi murmurs, leaning in more and inching just a little closer to you. "Are you? Anything to do to make it better?"

He’s barely a breath away when he leans in again, and you feel like you might catch on fire if he gets any closer - though you’re too fuzzy from the nearness to know if that’s a bad thing or not. “I mean…” You crack a grin, feeling your heart in your throat. “Did you have something in mind?”

"That is a...question." Javi nearly gulps as he wonders if you are waiting for him to make a move. "One that has several answers." He admits with a small grin.

It would only take the smallest movement to close the space between you, and your eyes flicker to his lips before you can stop yourself. "I—I think I'm very interested in those answers..."

There is his answer. Javi nods to himself, making up his mind as he stares at you softly. "You are?" He smirks slightly and reaches up to cup your cheek. When you nod, he leans in to kiss you in a burst of confidence.

When the moment of hesitation passes, it seems like you both internally toss up your hands. His arms are around you, you're pressing into his space, and the thread of tension that has finally snapped has both of you sighing into the kiss and letting it linger between you. His lips are soft and warm, drawing you in just as assuredly as his arms are around your body.

Javi groans against your lips, shuffling forward and needs to be closer to you. Wishing that he was lying next to you but that can be remedied, the tv and movie completely forgotten.

The only thought left in your head at this point is him - your hands finding purchase in his shirt before one slides up to the back of his neck and eventually ends up in his hair. Your kiss passed any version of innocent about thirty seconds ago and you don't give a single damn, especially not when you feel like tongue drag delicately along the seam of your lips and you open up to let him in without hesitation.

He moans as you let him in. Nothing mattering but the way you taste. He shuffles, pushing off the couch with his lips still locked to yours and moving so that he can climb onto the cushions beside you, his arms wrapping around your soft shoulders and pulling you to his chest. It all seems to happen in slow motion despite how eagerly you’re both grasp for each other. But within moments you’re laying side by side on the overly deep couch cushions, tangled up in each other’s arms with the entire rest of the world forgotten.

Javi slides his hand down your thick side, reaching for the cushion of your thigh and pulls it up, draping it over his hip so he can slide closer. Groaning when he feels the heat that is wonderfully trapped by your core radiating out while he slowly explores your mouth.

It really is the last thing you expected to happen tonight. Nothing could have been farther from your mind when you accepted his invitation. But now that you’re here it feels like it was meant to be. The tented front of his soft lounge pants hides nothing, letting you feel the heat and hardness of his excitement grinding into your core worth every roll of his hips. It’s stunning, and you moan into his kiss eagerly as you scramble to pull him impossibly closer.

He shudders when you drag him closer, happily going wherever you wanted him. A scream sounds from the tv but all he can think about is how you taste, breaking away from your lips so he can kiss down your heated skin.

“Javi—” As soon as he moves down your neck his name is dripping from your lips, a nearly ecstatic moan as you can practically feel him hardening between your legs.

“Beautiful.” He whispers against your skin. His teeth scrap over your pulse and he soothes it with his tongue. Sliding his hand up and down your thick thigh lovingly, he reaches back and slides his hand into the pocket of your jeans and grabs a large handful of your ass. “So fucking sexy.”

You whimper at that, drinking in his praise and rolling your hips up to meet his. “Want you so fucking bad,” you admit breathlessly, so wrapped up in him that you feel overwhelmed and elated all at once.

“You do?” Javi pulls back and gives you an almost surprised look. Half afraid that he had been caught up in the moment or that he was pushing too hard. “What do you want?”

“You.” Admittedly, you’re surprised that he’s surprised, but you’ve got enough self-esteem issues to not question it. “A-as much as you’re comfortable with.” Really, you have to laugh a little, but only a little. “I mean…I’m not opposed to sex in the first date…even if we didn’t really plan for it to be a date.”

“I wanted it to be.” He admits with a shy grin. “But I did not wish to make you uncomfortable.”

“I wanted it to be.” Reaching up, you brush an errant curl out of his eyes. “But I didn’t think you were interested in me that way.”

“I am not blind.” He grunts, pouting at you and leaning in to kiss you again. “You are a very beautiful woman and I want to take you to bed.”

“Please.” You are in no way above begging, especially when a man this handsome is praising you and wanting you. It makes you want to give it back tenfold.

It is hard to pull himself away, but he does it knowing that he is going to be able to be much closer soon. Standing up and holding out his hand for you, wanting to help you off the sofa. “We will be more comfortable in a bed.”

He’s stronger than he looks. You notice that immediately when he helps you off the sofa with ease, and pulls you directly into him for another kiss that leaves you breathless. “Lead the way,” you murmur when you’re forced to come up for air.

He’s nervous as he guides you down the hall, past the memorabilia room towards the master bedroom of the house. It’s been a long time since he had been with someone besides Gabriella and he wasn’t sure if that was in his favor.

Maybe you recognize that he's nervous because you've felt that way so many times before, or maybe you recognize it because you're also feeling it in this exact moment. Either way, when you reach for his hand just inside the doorway of his bedroom, you offer him a soft smile of assurance. "I'm nervous too. Don't worry about it."

“You should not be worried.” Javi frowns slightly. “You are gorgeous. Men must hit on you all the time.”

"Never." When you laugh it isn't exactly self-deprecating, just matter-of-fact. "I think you're the first man I've been alone with in...nearly a year?" You shrug, lacing your fingers through his in that same steady, supportive way. "You, though? Gorgeous, sweet, funny, and clever? I don't know how you're possibly single." And then you smirk at him, and wink, teasing to hopefully lighten the mood. Because he's too genuine of a man for you to believe he would lie about something big like that. "You are single, right?"

“Very much single.” He promises, although he would like that to change. “I have been used to people caring about me because of my name, my money.” He admits with a small shrug. “The last woman I was with could not handle wanting to put aside those things.”

"Then she wasn't good enough for you." There's a certainty in your voice - a surety - that you genuinely believe what you're saying. Money and fame aren't things you give a shit about, which makes you something of a unicorn in LA. "But all the better for me. Since I'm the one with you now."

He gives you a grin and a small wink. “That depends on how I perform.” He reminds you with a chuckle.

"If you fuck as well as you kiss, I don't think we have anything to worry about." Even if he fucks half as well as he kisses, you'll be in heaven. The man makes kissing seem like the most passionate indulgence on earth and you're pretty much living for it.

There is a slight ruddiness to his cheeks but he doesn’t shy away. Instead he reaches for your hips and pulls you closer. “There is only one way to find out.” He murmurs softly.

From there it's almost a blur getting to the bed, clothes being tossed aside as hands and lips caress every inch of skin as it is exposed. A flurry of grasping hands and needy kisses until the backs of your legs hit against his bedframe and you both go tumbling backward onto his mattress.

“Oh fuck.” Your softness is exquisite, and Javi pushes you into his bed as he clambers on top of you.

Somehow you knew his bed would be soft and luxurious, and the solid weight of him on top of you has you pressed into the mattress so he seems to fully surround you. Your knees part to make room for him in the cradle of your thighs, and every inch of you is on fire with wanting him. There are no barriers left - not a stitch of clothing - and you swear it might be the first time ever that you haven't immediately wanted to hide from sight when you were first bare for a new partner. Something about him just makes you feel safe, in a way you can't say you've ever felt before.

“You are so beautiful.” Javi gushes, his cock hard and leaking against your pillowy hip and he cannot help but rock himself into your skin, luxuriating in the warmth. “Gorgeous, a goddess to be worshiped.”

"We have all the time in the world." As badly as your body might be screaming to cut to the chase, aching for him to be inside you, the time to explore is something you won't take for granted. Maybe it will never happen again. Maybe this is just a one-time thing. If it is, you want as many beautiful memories of him as you can possibly get.

“I want to make you feel good.” He shuffles back to his knees, drinking in the sight of your body spread out for him and he cannot stop stroking your thighs. “What do you want, preciosa?”

Even just a few inches back he's out of your reach, and the impulse to reach for him - to wrap your fingers around his length and find out exactly what kind of pressure he likes with a fist around his cock - melts away to wondering if he's offering to do that. You lick your lips unconsciously, biting the lower one a second later as his large hands knead your thighs gently. "Would you..." You would never make him, but he did ask what you wanted. "Taste me?"

Javi groans in relief, happy that you have voiced your desire and nods eagerly. “Yes.” He practically pants as he leans in and presses his lips to yours. “I want to see how you respond to my fingers, to my tongue. Reenact Blue Valentine?”

It takes you a second to roll through your vague memory of the movie to figure out what scene he's talking about, but when you arrive at it, a smirk forms on your lips. "Do you like to have your hair pulled?"

He bites his lip and flashes you a slightly guilty look. “I don’t know.” He admits. “None of— no one has done that while I—” he breaks off the rest of the comment in embarrassment.

"Would you like to find out?" You won't push him to do anything that he doesn't want to, but you want to give him a chance to experience something new if he wants. And if you remember that scene in Blue Valentine correctly, there was a whole lot of hair pulling.

“Yes.” He doesn’t even hide how badly he wants to find out how it would feel. “Only if you want to though.”

"I definitely do." With gorgeous thick waves of hair like he has, you doubt you would have been able to resist.

You’ve given him permission, now all he has to do is move. Javi can’t until he leans back down again, stealing one last kiss before he starts to blaze a trail of kisses over your skin to his goal. Your head drops back onto the duvet the second you feel his breath on your core, his name a whimper from the back of your throat as you arch your back off the bed to try to get him to move closer to where you want him most.

There is a deliciousness to the way that you squirm towards him. It makes him feel greedy in ways he didn’t know he could. He starts slow, kissing the entrancing flesh over your womb and then both of your generous hips. In no way concerned with the rolls and folds he sees. Actually eager to explore.

Aware enough of yourself and your body to let your legs open wide for him. Leaning up on your elbows lets you watch the flex in his shoulders and the intense concentration on the parts of his face you can actually see when he isn't burying himself in your pussy. It's completely divine, drawing vocal moans and whimpers and gasps from your throat and making you so glad you talked it through so you don't have to hesitate for even a second before threading your fingers through the thick mass of hair on his head and giving a small but definitive tug with your nails scratching along his scalp.

The sensation of you pulling on his hair goes straight to his cock and he cannot help the loud moan that he sounds directly into your pussy. His hands sliding under your hips and wrapping around them before he dives deeper.

"Fuck!" It's like you found an Encouragement Button, and you repeat the action to see if you'll get as eager a reaction the second time. When he moans into you again you keen, loving the way the vibrations roll through your body and make you shiver.

He loves how vocal you are. Every sound you make is pushing him to make you give him more. Turning nearly craven for the praises that tumble from your lips and the sharp tugs on his hair. That he takes his time is both torturous and a virtue. Every stroke of his tongue is bringing you closer to your peak but not quickly - it's like he took your remark about having all the time in the world extremely literally. He is exploring every inch of you from the inside out, devouring you systematically, and you hope he never stops.

Javi slowly learns your body, his hands sliding up and down your thighs, caressing them as he licks into you. Taking brief pauses so he can kiss your inner thighs, right where they rub together before plunging back into your cunt like a favored dessert. Sweeter than all the candy still laying in his living room; he groans into you again.

The rambling, whimpering, begging mess you have become would probably make you a prime candidate for homemade porn but you can’t find a single ounce of restraint in yourself anymore. One hand flexes and pulls in Javi’s hair, tugging a little tighter as that familiar twisting in your belly starts to take over. Your legs tremble a little with the intensity of it, tensing at his ears and telling him you’re close before you can even gasp out the words.

You are so reactive to his tongue. Javi groans and doubles down on how eagerly he licks into you. Begging you to cum with every flick of his tongue. When you crest that peak you’re practically sobbing, your free hand tangled in the duvet and the one in his hair pulling tight the way you - and he - have learned that he likes. It makes you incredibly glad that you’re doing this at his place and not yours. Your roommate would be pounding on the wall and telling you to keep your ’oh gods’ to yourself. But when your thighs squeeze his ears just that much tighter and your back completely leaves the bed, that flood of cum makes you cry his name as loud as you please, and you don’t give a damn who hears it.

He can’t help but grind into the bed, needing the friction to relieve the aching want that is nearly at its breaking point. Unable to do anything but push you through your high, he moans into you as you soak his chin with the deliciously tangy flood of your cum.

“Holy fuck.” You can’t help giggling a little when you get your breath back, looking down at Javi and soothing your hand through his hair gently.

He grins, like a student receiving praise from a teacher or a man getting lavish praises from a lover, soaking it up and nuzzling into your touch. “You taste amazing.” He murmurs, ducking his head again to take another lazy lick.

"I'm glad you think so." That extra little shot of attention to your core makes you shiver. "You ready for more, querido?" The endearment slips from your lips easily when you look down at him, wondering who could possibly let this incredible man slip through their fingers and how grateful you are that they did.

“If you are.” He is aching to slide inside you, but if you are tired from your orgasm or have changed your mind, he will not protest. “What do you want?”

“You.” This time when you say it, it’s practically a moan. “Want you inside me, Javi, please.”

Javi nods, shuffling up to his knees and leaning over you so that he can reach for the nightstand. It’s been some time, but he wouldn’t be so irresponsible as to not have protection.

There's small amounts of shifting - pulling the duvet back and finding the comfortable nest of pillows at the top of his bed, wrapping up in each other for languid kisses, and finally resettling with Javi nestled between your thighs. Neither of you has the mind left for teasing, needing to feel how well you fit together.

The condom on, Javi braces his weight to one side - his right. Taking himself in hand, he strokes himself gently and groans when he presses up against your wet entrance. “Are you sure?” He looks earnestly into your eyes, elated that you are in his bed, but giving you one last chance to change your mind before he slides inside you.

"Absolutely." Your smile is as soft as your hands are when you cup his cheeks, thumbs dragging along the stubble on his jaw when you reach up to kiss him again. It's the surest you've been about anything in a long time, and that is surprisingly more reassuring than anything else.

He goes slow. His body suspended over yours, he fills you one slow inch at the time. In no rush as he stretches you out, his lips part against yours and a low moan is breathed into you as your walls grip him tight.

The moment of pause you both need to adjust to each other is only a pause. By your next breath you're shifting beneath him, raising your leg up to hitch high on his hip and let him sink a little deeper. Both of you groan deeply, messy and eager kisses interrupted only when he starts to move inside you.

Once he starts to move, he can think of nothing but the way you feel. Your walls pulsing around him and the soft cushion of your thighs and hips as he rocks into you. Panting out your name as he bottoms out again and again.

The rhythm takes over, hips rolling and breath mingling together slowly at first. The slow doesn't last long though, as both of you feel that same shuddering need for closeness that soon enough you have both hands above your head to brace yourself against hitting your head on his headboard as his pace ramps up to demanding. It's perfect. Both of your legs are wrapped around his waist as he pounds into your dripping cunt, tits bouncing with every thrust and encouraging praise falling from your lips in an endless ramble.

All Javi can do is grit his teeth, hissing between them at how tight you get. How obscene it sounds as his hips slap against your thighs and ass and your entire body takes the force of his increasingly hard thrusts. “Fuck.”

"So fucking good," you can feel yourself on the edge again, though the shaking in your thighs is as much from the way he's fucking you as it does with your impending orgasm. "Goddamn, baby, I'm gonna cum, fuck."

“Good.” Javi groans, your words just making him work that much harder. Sweat rolling down his face but he doesn’t pay it any attention, to lost in the way your walls are fluttering around him. “Cum baby, cum.”

It’s so easy to give in. To surrender to how fucking perfect he feels pounding you into mattress. You tense up under him, keening in pleasure and letting his name be the sound that falls from your lips as you fully come apart for him again. The only thing that could have been better would be if he had cum at the same time, but as you clench around him and draw him even deeper into your cunt you can feel how erratic his thrusts become.

He pants, a small whine the only sound he makes, his brow furrowed as he follows you into bliss. Gasping out your name as he stops thrusting, grinding deep into you as he can possibly get and pours himself into the condom in sheer relief.

“Fuck.” That small giggle touches your lips again, making you grin broadly against Javi’s shoulder as he holds himself over you. Just a little coaxing from you encourages him to let go and lay on top of you while he catches his breath, letting you ghost kisses across his face and shoulders and comb his hair from his face in the meantime.

He chuckles slightly, turning his head so he can press his lips to yours. He had anticipated renting a movie, coming home, and watching it by himself while he wished that he had someone beside him. Instead, he had literally run into you and was now more relaxed than he has probably ever been. “If this is how we act with horror movies, how will we be with romance?”

You grin at him, beaming in the afterglow of something so unexpected and beautiful. “There’s only one way to find out.”

His own grin matches your and he leans in to nuzzle your cheeks. “We can move the movie marathon into the bedroom and in the morning - I’ll treat you a brunch. If you want to spend the night and fall asleep watching movies with me.” He adds hopefully.

“Hmmm,” you pretend to think, leaving a kiss on the tip of his nose. “I think I’d like that a whole lot.”

“Good.” Javi flushes from both the kiss and the supreme corniness of his coming comment. “We can cuddle for safety.” He teases with a grin. “Have I mentioned I get scared very easy?”

"Don't worry." You tell him, when you finally stop giggling. "I'll protect you."

Javi grins and rolls off of you, pulling you with him so that you are sprawled on top of him, completely unconcerned with your weight. Actually enjoying the way you feel, grounding him and helping him feel like all of this is really real. “My heroine.”

______

Master Tags: @pixiedurango @chattychell @winter-fox-queen @lady-himbo @artsymaddie @princess76179 @paintballkid711 @missminkylove @pedrosbrat​ @ew-erin @sarahjkl82-blog @sharkbait77 @justanotherblonde23 @lv7867 @recklesswit @mylittlesenaar @f0rever15elf @gallowsjoker @steeevienicks @athalien @sherala007 @skvatnavle @thatpinkshirt @jaime1110 @girlimjusttryingtoreadfanfics @goodgriefitsawildworld @greeneyedblondie44 @katheriner1999 @littlemousedroid @churchill356 @ajathegreats-blog @hardc0rehaylz @beardsanddetectives @kirsteng42 @ladykatakuri @adancedivasmom      

My Masterlist!

[beefrobeefcal]

Beefro, I'm on my period rn. Tell me why the only thing I can think about is having a beefy pedro boy to cuddle. One who would rub my lower tummy with big warm hands to help with the cramps, and his belly would press into my lower back and we could just watch rom coms and Star Wars movies. It's giving Frankie vibes, but I also can't stop thinking about retired agent Jack Daniels and that southern drawl.

Oh Redy! I’m too riding the crimson tide…

Who would be the best chubby!P-boy for this job?

Let's find out...

We're-all-in-this-together regards,

Beefro 👌🥩💜

Chubby!Frankie - 9/10

Of course, our resident military snugglepuss would be ready to take orders. Need supplies? Text him a picture of what tampon/pad combo you want. Don’t feel like cooking? He already knows he’s in for a few days of take out and he’s not complaining. Want comfort? Already has plans to cuddle on the couch and his big body is JUST RIGHT for warm snuggles. Frankie is ready to take on your period and has a strategy for every variable and Is the ideal candidate for the job.

Chubby!Dieter - 7/10

While he may lack in empathy, he has the drugs you need to quell your pain. Uppers, downers, side-to-siders - he's got the gambit and he'll partake what ever you choose. He's also got every take out restaurant on speed dial and a private chef. It's not for everyone and some of his remedies might be questionable, but his heart is in the right place... that and he's a human heating pad.

Chubby!Joel - 7/10

He's done this before - had multiple female partners, had the teenage daughter. Periods are just a part of life and Joel has seen his fair share of blood before (periods or not). Unphased, he's be your matter-of-fact pillar to lean on and offer advise (unsolicited and otherwise). While you love the support, the know-it-all attitude he carries might get on your nerves, but he's quick to apologize and remain supportive in any way he can... while also telling you what to do as he gives you one hell of a backrub.

Chubby!Peña - 6/10

Probably the most uncomfortable with any talk about your 'monthly', he would be supportive albeit a bit clueless. He'd probably get either Connie or one of the other girls in the office to pick up supplies and he'd nervously look at you like a beaten puppy as you sit doubled over on the couch in pain. He'd eventually find a system to help, but it would take a lot of guidance. Perk? You'd get to watch him stress eat over the whole situation.

Chubby!Dave - 3/10

100% out of his wheel house. This is a woman's issue and Dave is not a woman, therefore it's not his issue. Tell him what you need, but don't expect support beyond a pat on the head and a kiss. He might give you a good pain killer if he's feeling sympathetic. You're better to keep your period stuff to yourself, according to Dave. He does get a mark deducted for being terrible at sharing his snack hoard with you.

Dark!Frankie - 0/10

As much as he'd like to think he's great at everything, this is an area that requires empathy. Unfortunately for you, unless the solution to your monthly woes is fucking him or cooking for him, BigFish is out of ideas. He doesn't want to see you in pain though, and he'll tell you that... less to offer comfort and more like an order for you to get in line... The only way it could be worse is if you had to deal with PORP.

Honorable Mentions:

Benny Miller: We'd all be so lucky to have a Benny. We see how he is with Honey (when his good intentions come out wrong.) Chubby!Jack Daniels: Not yet part of the Bistro, but maybe soon? I think you're right, Redy - this old, fat cowboy would be heaven sent. Chubby!Javi G: If he was a Cannon P-Boy, he'd clock a 58/10 on the scale. Homeboy's love language is MADE for dealing withy your period.

[skyland2703]

Head Up Seven Up Tag

Rules: post the last seven lines you wrote! Then tag others

@ajgrey9647 THANKU for the tag :3

From a oneshot I’m working on~ title tbd

“Pleaaaase?” She made puppy dog eyes at him, and watched him cringe.

“Amelia, no. Do you remember what happened last time we suggested books for each other?”

“We read them, and we enjoyed them?” Amelia suggested, helpfully, and watched Javi roll his eyes.

“I enjoyed it. Then you spoiled it,” he said, emphasising on every word, as he tossed the vegetables around in the pan mercilessly.

“Awww baby, you’re still mad at that?” Amelia’s arms wrapped around his waist, digging into the pockets of his apron, as she probably stood on her toes to match his height, and place her chin on his shoulder, so she could ‘seductively’ whisper sweet nothings into his ears.

Javi just huffed in response.

She realised the overly sweet tactic wasn’t going to work, so she let him go, and stumbled over to the granite slab, sitting on top of it, feet dangling in mid air. She was used to this position, Javi cooking, her sitting.

Tagging: looping back to @ajgrey9647 @augment-techs @lordkingsmith @regaliasonata @azurezfiction @estel-eruantien @fiction-fun @ineedsomesleeptoday and anyone who wants to join!!

[fhatbhabiee]

wip wednesday idek what day it is

tagged by: @nerdieforpedro 💕

seeing as writers block is fucking ya girl in the ass w/o any lube i'll just tell y'all what i'm trying to cook up-

another DBF!Javi (you'll never believe who readers dad is)

part 3 of Punto De Perder

dad!Jack Daniels

a Javi G request

line cook!Dieter

not gonna tag anyone seeing as half my tumblr dash has been nothing but wips so if you wanna share- feel free to

[littlemisspascal]

Formula 101 - Prologue Part 3: November

Summary: The first weekend of November begins with Eggsy cooking in your apartment’s kitchen.

Pairing: eventual Javi/Fem!Reader "Oddball" (OFC)

Word Count: 10,000+ (I think??? this is my longest single chapter ever??? 😮)

Rating: T

Warnings: Social Media Fic, Formula One AU ft. multiple Pedro Pascal Cinematic Universe characters, Switching POVs, Worldbuilding, Headlines inspired by true events but edited for this plot, Usernames were created for fun and if they do exist irl there's no affiliation, Slowest of Slow Burn, Language, Alcohol

Author Note: Massive thank you to everybody who gave this fic a chance! The support is beyond appreciated 💗💗💗

A03 Link | Series Masterlist

The first weekend of November begins with Eggsy cooking in your apartment’s kitchen.

You blink at him, slowly shutting the front door behind you. This happens sometimes, the boys showing up at your place and letting themselves in with the spare keys Past-You was stupid enough to give them. Truthfully, you don’t mind their presence, it’s just normally you get some kind of semi-polite head’s up text instead of making the spontaneous discovery when you return home from your afternoon gym session drenched in sweat. 

“Nice of you to drop in, Eggsy,” you say. Then you sniff the air, eyes widening with alarm even as your mouth waters. “Oh my God, you made chicken tacos.”

“And avocado salad,” he replies, without looking up from the cutting board where he’s diligently chopping perfectly marinated chicken thighs into smaller pieces.

You start toeing off your sneakers, brow creasing. “When did you get here?”

“About an hour or so ago. Caught a red-eye flight then took a cab.”

Oh shit, you think, wrestling your backpack off your shoulders. A red-eye flight and a cooking session? This is more serious than you thought.

Everybody’s got their own eccentric trait or two. Little quirks that set them apart from the rest of the world. The thing with Eggsy is he becomes a Michelin star chef when he’s stressed out about something. And that ‘something’ could be small like he can’t remember if he told his beloved pug JB he loved him before leaving for a race, or it could be major like he was papped joining in a drunken pub fight and possibly jeopardized his whole career. It’s all or nothing with Eggsy, and since he’s known to get snappish when confronted with questions, there’s not much you can do until he decides to reveal his current crisis besides eat his delicious food and try not to let the increasing speed of your heartbeat induce a panic attack.

“So,” you begin in-between bites of chicken-and-avocado goodness, forcing yourself to actually chew and savor the tacos instead of scarfing them down like an animal. “I’m pretty sure Diana tried to kill me today.”

Across the small circular kitchen table you found at a local thrift store, Eggsy snorts with amusement. “You say that like you haven’t accused her of murder a dozen times before.”

“She threw a dumbbell at my head.”

“You probably deserved it.”

You’re tempted to throw an avocado chunk at him, but it’s too good to sacrifice and instead you settle for silently glaring at him.

His answering smile is a mere shade of his usual mischievous grin, and he looks back down at his plate, poking at the contents with a fork. 

Leaning forward, you fix your expression into one of casual nonchalance, not letting any of your bubbling concern leak through in the lines around your eyes or mouth. “You sticking around for the whole weekend with me or—?”

He looks at you then, the first noticeable flicker of nervousness on his face. “Shit, I forgot to ask if you were free, didn’t I?”

“Well, yeah, but,” you’re quick to hold up a calming hand before he does anything stupid like run out the door, “it’s cool, Eggsy. We can hang out tomorrow after training. Or you could totally come along—I’m sure Diana would love another victim to bully around.”

“Thanks,” he says, scratching at his jawline and going back to avoiding direct eye contact. “I’ve got a few calls to make tomorrow though, so…” A small shrug of his shoulders. “Plus, I think Charlie might feel a little betrayed if I went to another trainer. He’s the jealous type.”

You chuckle as you reach for your water bottle, imagining the older Brit stomping his foot like a toddler who’s been forced to share his favorite toy. 

“Statesman asked me to join their team next season.”

You promptly spit out your drink, eliciting a disgusted complaint from across the table, and manage to ask in-between pained wheezes, “What?”

“Van Chance also asked if I’d be their reserve driver.”

“Eggsy,” you gape at him, brain struggling to catch up with the back-to-back bombshells.

He buries his face into his hands. “I know.”

“What the fuck.”

“I know,” he’s on the verge of whining now, peeking at you through the gaps of his fingers.

You start to smile, only for it to falter when you realize how positively unexcited he looks at the amazing news. Like he’s two seconds away from crawling under the table and curling into the fetal position.

“Is this…” You tilt your head, hesitantly asking, “Is this not good news?”

Eggsy lowers his hands, leveling you with an incredulous look. “This is the greatest fucking news of my whole life.”

“Then why the hell are you stress cooking in my kitchen?”

“It’s not stress cooking.” Eggsy shakes his head, scoffing just a little too loudly. “I just cobbled this together with stuff from your fridge, it’s no big deal—”

“Eggsy,” you interrupt, voice calm but firm. “I know for a fact the contents of my fridge did not contain six chicken thighs or corn tortillas or avocados when I left for the gym this morning. Face it, buddy, you stress shopped and then you stress cooked.”

There’s a second where it looks like his stubbornness is going to prevail, but it’s extinguished in the next beat, shoulders slumping with defeat. “Aw fuck.”

Aw fuck indeed.

Considering drivers aren’t supposed to talk to each other about these kind of deals—something something confidentiality is key blah blah legal jargon—it says a lot about Eggsy’s nervousness that he's come all this way to speak with you. It says a lot about your friendship, too.

Propping your chin on your hand, you softly ask, “Wanna tell me what’s going on?”

Eggsy lets out an explosive sigh, leaning back in his seat like a puppet whose strings have been cut. “I just don’t think I’m Formula One material,” he admits finally.

“What? Of course you are!” you exclaim.

“I’m not like all those guys,” he argues. “I haven’t won a Formula championship.”

“Neither have I.”

“Yeah, but you’re—” he waves a hand, vaguely gesturing.

It takes a second for understanding to sink in, and when it does you immediately bristle, temper flaring. “A woman? Are you seriously suggesting I only got into F1 because of my–”

“What? No! No,” Eggsy denies vehemently, eyes widening, reaching out a hand to grip onto your wrist, a reassuring touch. “That’s not what I was saying at all, I swear. I meant that you’re you, Oddball. It doesn’t matter if you’ve won a championship or not ‘cause you’re twice as much of a badass as any of them.”

You take hold of his hand, squeezing it tightly. “Damn right I am,” you agree, trying to get him to laugh or at least crack a smile. “And you need to give yourself more credit. You deserve a seat in F1 just as much as the others do. It wasn’t some random fluke two teams reached out with contracts.”

His mouth twists, unconvinced. “But what if it was though? What if the only reason they reached out is because of the 1% chance I’ll beat Ben in the final round and when I don’t do that they dump me on the fucking curb?”

“Then they’re absolute dicks.”

Eggsy’s frown deepens. “I’m being serious, Odds.”

“So am I,” you say. “If they can’t see your talent then fuck ‘em. It’s as simple as that.”

He stares at you for a moment, the little pinch between his eyebrows indicating he’s thinking about your words, turning them round in his head. 

“Also if you’re not there, then it’s just going to be me and Ben and you know we’ll drive each other mad.”

At last Eggsy smiles, rolling his eyes. “There it is. The real reason you want me to join. It was never about my talent as a driver, it was about my talent as a babysitter.”

You pinch your index finger and thumb together. “Only just a little bit.”

He playfully cuffs your jaw with the bumps of his knuckles. “Thanks, Odds,” he murmurs. 

“Of course. That’s what friends are for, right?”

The Brit nods, only for his nose to suddenly scrunch up like he’s smelled something rotten.

“What?”

“No offense,” he begins, slowly leaning away, “but a shower would really benefit you right now.”

This time you don’t hesitate throwing an avocado chunk directly at his dumb face.

 _________________________________________________

HoloNet

November 2022 Latest News

Statesman confirms Eggsy for 2023 WWS - 45 minutes ago

Statesman has announced British driver Gary 'Eggsy' Unwin will drive for the team alongside Jack 'Whiskey' Daniels in 2023...

All F1 seats filled: Eggsy Unwin signs for Statesman Formula1Daily - 3 hours ago

Statesman team principal Jefferson Champagne said: "Eggsy has had a mighty impressive F2 season. We look forward to him joining us."

Future Statesman driver Eggsy Unwin's focus is on the F2 championship BBB - 5 hours ago

Eggsy says the recent announcement of his future F1 career is not going to distract him from the goal of beating Ben Miller at the upcoming final round of F2...

 _________________________________________________

PODCAST EPISODE

Javi Gutierrez Interview 2022

Off Track & Up Close with Sean Knox

Episode Description: This week I sat down and talked with Javi Gutierrez! Only 25 years old, Javi has learned several valuable lessons about life and racing throughout his career in F1. We started our chat reflecting on his rookie debut in 2018 with Crane (4:50), what he wishes he’d known before entering F1 (7:00), his strict training regimen (10:06), how he deals with the stress and pressure of the sport (16:34), and what insight he gained during his second season of F1 after he joined Black Gold (24:12). 

In the second half, Javi discusses his transfer from Black Gold to Triple Frontier (28:44), finding out Dave York was given his previously promised seat with Black Gold (32:58), the opportunity to join Vulpecula (35:19) and teaming up with rookie Oddball next season (38:30), his goals he hopes to accomplish as an F1 driver (40:40), and his advice for any young drivers out there who want to start racing (49:11). 

~

Sean Knox: You’ve signed with Vulpecula for next season. Congratulations! Always great news worth celebrating when a driver secures a seat. I gotta ask though, since it’s going to be your fourth team in your career, is it a good thing or a bad thing to flip flop around like that? 

Javi Gutierrez: It wasn’t something I expected to happen by any means. Most drivers will agree when I say you need at least two seasons to get fully used to a team—their strategies, their technology, the design of their cars. With Crane I only got one year, and essentially that’s what I’ve also had with Triple Frontier since it felt almost like I had to hit the ground running when I joined them during last year’s midseason. I had my personal best results the two and a half seasons I was with Black Gold because I had the time to become familiar with their dynamics. So, no, I don’t think it’s a particularly good thing, flip flopping around as you said, but I’m also extremely grateful for the opportunity to keep racing and improve my skills.

Knox: It must be such a relief then, having signed a two-year deal with Vulpecula from the start. 

Gutierrez: Immense relief, yes. I’m looking forward to it.

Knox: Maybe even snag your first podium with them?

Gutierrez: Fingers crossed.

~

Knox: For the first time in your career in F1, you’re going to be the #1 driver on a team. How does it feel, having that extra bit of responsibility being the leader? Do you feel ready for the role?

Gutierrez: I thought I would feel nervous, but strangely enough I actually feel pretty confident about it all. I’ve learned a lot over the years, especially how important it is to trust yourself, your instincts. I know what Vulpecula expects from me, and I believe I can get them the good results they want. 

Knox: Love the confidence, man. Love the positivity energy.

Gutierrez: It can be hard to cling to that. Frankie says I’m–what’s the word? Broody sometimes after a bad race. I can neither confirm or deny that. But when everything feels like it’s falling apart, it’s true even the smallest bit of positivity helps.

~

Knox: You have a good history of getting along with your teammates which can be a rarity in Formula One for some. First you were paired with Garin, then Indelicato, and now Morales. What about your future teammate Oddball? How well do you know her?

Gutierrez: We haven’t actually met yet. With how different and busy our current schedules are, there just hasn’t been a moment yet where our paths crossed beyond seeing glimpses of each other during the race weekends.

Knox: A couple weeks ago a video came out on social media of you waving at her after she hilariously called out Ben Miller in the middle of the paddock. That was–I’m assuming from what you just said–one of your first interactions with her?

Gutierrez: Yeah, it was. Frankie and Ben were getting to know each other, so when I saw her it just seemed like the right thing to do in the moment. 

Knox: You think your streak of amicable partnerships will continue with her or…?

Gutierrez: We’ll be spending a lot of time together these next few months preparing for next season, so I hope we’ll get along. I heard she’s a fan of Nicolas Cage which means we’ve already got one thing in common besides racing.

Knox: It’s like I always say, the best friendships in life are forged over a bowl of popcorn while watching Nick Cage do his thing. In fact, I’m calling it now: this time next year when we chat again, you two are gonna be joined at the hip. 

 _________________________________________________

Trending

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Marcus Moreno

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There’s something magical about New York City during a race weekend. A buzz in the air you feel even beneath multiple layers of clothing warding off the frigid air. You like the skyscrapers and the bright lights, the eclectic masses of people everywhere you look, that there’s always something to do no matter the hour. Even if that ‘something’ this time around happens to be a party in the penthouse of some mega social media influencer you couldn’t pick out of a lineup to save your life.

“Krystal Kris,” Benny reminds you for the umpteenth time during the elevator ride. He uses the mirror on the cabin wall to check his appearance, running a hand through his hair to muss it up in a way you’ve heard him describe as ‘ruggedly debauched’. He notices your unsubtle eye roll. “All the teams have been invited to celebrate. Eggsy and Ricky texted they’re already there. I know you can’t drink yet, Miss Underaged Minor, but just try to have fun, alright?”

It shouldn’t be appealing to your inner introvert, living it up in some random girl’s home surrounded by a bunch of people you don’t know all that well, but it actually sounds kind of fun. Maybe it’s that NYC magic.

“I’ll give it a shot,” you say, a grin curling at the corner of your mouth.

“Awesome,” Ben says, looking as satisfied as a fat house cat.

The elevator opens directly into Krystal’s entry area and her penthouse is every bit as glamorous and extravagant as you imagined, decorated with an abundance of string lights and balloons. Somewhere a karaoke machine must be set up because you can hear the caterwauling notes of somebody attempting to sing a Queen song over the miscellaneous sounds of laughter and chatter from the seventy or so guests scattered about. Just about everybody seems to have a drink in their hand, some already halfway to three sheets to the wind.

You wade into the crowd, snippets of conversation and the smell of alcohol passing you by, overwhelming your senses. The happy, carefree atmosphere starts to sink into your bones, fills you up with excitement, makes everything seem twice as thrilling. You find yourself smiling for no real reason, and it grows when you see Eggsy lounging on the living room couch with Ricky, the latter talking animatedly with his hands even though he’s holding a drink, just one wild gesture away from sloshing its contents all over the floor.

Making a beeline for them, Ricky’s face lights up when he catches sight of you.

“You’re here!” Ricky crows with delight, cheeks a little flushed. He immediately scooches over against the arm of the couch, making just enough room for you to settle in-between him and Eggsy.

“We’re so glad,” Eggsy grumbles, twisting his body to find another comfortable position.

“Ben dragged me,” you reply, nodding towards where your friend is mixing some drinks together at the open bar. “Probably for the best. Somebody’s got to get his drunk ass back to the hotel later.”

Ricky takes a sip from his cup. “Krystal’s the perfect host. Stocked the bar with every kind of drink you could ask for.”

You perk up. “Even—”

“Yes, even non-alcoholic, good old-fashioned lemonade,” he interrupts with a knowing smirk.

Your night just improved tenfold. 

“Speaking of Krystal, where is she?” you ask, gaze drifting around the room, as if a spotlight will single her out. Most girls in the nearby vicinity are unfamiliar to you, probably models or other influencers hoping for a fun time and a chance to flirt with the drivers. Sure, there’s something inherently attractive about men in fast cars, but you also know firsthand just how profoundly stupid a lot of them can be when they’re not driving.

“Around,” Eggsy answers unhelpfully, proving your point exactly. You give him a flat look and he shrugs. “She’s literally bouncing all over the joint, documenting everything on her phone to impress her followers.”

“So be careful about pineapple faces then, got it.”

Pineapple face is, essentially, a resting bitch face except it’s 99% of the time made intentionally when you think somebody is annoying, stupid, or a combination of both. It also coincidentally happens to look like the same face you make when eating sour foods like pineapples, hence the moniker.

Ben appears in front of the couch then, carefully carrying two drinks at once. “Who’s doing a pineapple face?” 

“Your mom,” you say reflexively, reaching out to take the bottle of lemonade from his grip. Seriously, these boys know you so well you might as well live in each other’s pockets. He lets you take it with minimum fuss, only a mere disapproving tsk of his tongue for the lame comeback. 

You down almost half your drink in one sip, the burst of sourness pleasurably electrifying your tastebuds. You’ll never get tired of the lemony taste, bringing memories of childhood summertime afternoons to the forefront of your mind. Back to those calmer, simpler days without any responsibilities except your chores.

For the most part, you four spend the evening hanging out around the living room couch joking and sharing stories with each other. Ricky ropes Omar Assarian into the conversation at one point, who then in turn calls over Gio Bravo, but he only sticks around long enough to playfully knock Ricky’s hat off his head before disappearing back into the crowd. You remain seated comfortably on the middle cushion, manipulating Eggsy and Ben with your best puppy dog eyes to keep the lemonade supply flowing.

“Let’s play a game,” Ricky decides abruptly just as you check your phone screen, stunned to find you’ve been here almost two hours and the party’s still going strong.

“What do you have in mind?” Omar asks, looking half-tempted to play, half-tempted to make up an excuse to leave.

“Two truths and a lie,” is the decisive response, no room for counter suggestions. “If we guess the lie right, the person drinks. If we get it wrong, we drink.”

“Ah, what the hell, I’ll go first,” Ben says with a long-suffering sigh like it’s so hard being the center of attention. His brow scrunches up, thinking of what to say. “If I wasn’t racing cars, I’d want to be a professional boxer,” he starts with, and you know it’s true because he drunkenly confessed it the night of his birthday a few months ago and then proceeded to punch a hole in the wall of his brother’s house as if to prove himself. Good times, good times. “My favorite movie is Fast & Furious,” also true, “and I had all A’s before I dropped out of school.”

And that’s total—

“Bullshit,” Omar declares without hesitation, reading your mind.

“Mate,” Eggsy says through guffaws, “you texted me last week asking if psychology was a real word. No way in hell did you get high marks in school.”

Ben grumbles something that goes unheard, probably cursing the group’s existence, and takes a drink of his beer.

“I’ll go,” Ricky raises his hand eagerly. He starts listing off on his fingers, “I love donuts. I’ve never had a speeding ticket. And I write poems.”

“Everybody gets a speeding ticket,” Ben says. “Even Oddball, and she’s a goody two shoes.”

You stick your tongue out at him. You’d been rushing home to watch the finale of your favorite show, but did the police officer who pulled you over care about that? Nope. He gave you the longest thirty-minute lecture of your life on the dangers of speeding while he wrote you a ticket for going 40 on a 30 dusty back road. By the time you finally got home you’d missed the entire episode. Lesson learned the hard way.

“You tweet about poetry all the time,” Eggsy says. “And donuts are impossible to hate, so I’m going with the speeding ticket is the lie, too.”

Ricky smiles, that cherubic little grin of his where his eyes seem to sparkle, but something about it seems off. You rack your brain, trying to think of a memory of Ricky eating anything for breakfast other than yogurt, eggs, or oatmeal. He’s always been the strictest about his diet within your little group, rarely allowing himself even the smallest pieces of candy for a treat after a win. This night out is most likely the only one he’s allowed himself to indulge in this whole race season.

“You’re a donut hater,” you announce, pointing at him shamelessly.

Ricky throws his hands in the air, drink thankfully sitting safely on the table or else you’d have been showered in alcohol. “How? How did you guess that right?”

Ben gapes at him, as if he’s suddenly become a total stranger to him. “You’ve never got a ticket? For real, man?”

“Are you sure you’re a F1 driver?” Omar asks, just as equally incredulous.

Ricky attempts to weakly defend his spotless record against the rowdier boys, but their taunting persists, drowning him out. You decide to intervene when it looks like Ricky’s on the verge of sulking so hard he becomes one with the couch. Definitely a sight not worth the risk of Krystal filming, even if the other drivers find it hysterical.

“I had a pet womp rat as a kid,” you say, raising your voice to be heard over them fooling around. A couple of extra people in the room swivel their heads to look at you along with your friends and you feel the back of your neck prickle with heat. “I, um, my favorite show as a kid was Puzo the Tardigrade. And The Princess Bride is my favorite book.”

And it should be impossible, with all the lights and people and especially the karaoke shrieking, but you hear a voice from behind you utter an amused, “Inconceivable,” that has you immediately twisting around to see. You can’t help the reaction, anytime you hear someone quoting your favorite story, it’s like the words are a taser against your skin, lighting up every nerve ending all at once. 

Javi Gutierrez is standing behind the couch, carrying four beers fresh from the bar with large hands your eyes can’t help but notice, his fingers wrapped around the bottles’ necks. His eyes widen when he realizes you’ve heard him, shoulders twitching like he’s suddenly got a spotlight beaming down on him. 

Your mouth opens, to say what you’re not entirely sure. Hi would probably be the best place to start, or offering another Princess Bride quote might put him at ease enough to officially join the game. Or maybe—

“What the fuck is a tardigrade?”

Or maybe Ben fucking Miller has to ruin the moment.

“A water bear,” Ricky, the nerd, says just as you face forwards again.

“...A water bear?” Omar echoes, eyebrows arched so high they nearly disappear into his buzzed haircut.

“Yeah, you know,” Ricky flaps an unhelpful hand, “a moss piglet.”

Eggsy chokes on his drink, spraying Long Island iced tea all over your jeans, prompting you to screech and slap at his arm while he laughs himself to tears. Meanwhile Ben and Omar remain totally in the dark about tardigrades, staring at Ricky for a second time like he’s from another planet.

You’ll look behind the couch again later when the truth’s come out—no pet womp rats for you, just loth cats and the occasional frog—but Javi’s long gone. 

 _________________________________________________

 _________________________________________________

“You actually look like you’re having fun in this one,” Gabriela teases, holding her phone in front of Javi’s face, showing off a photo of him, Frankie and some other drivers at Krystal Kris’ party. He’s pointing at something out of view, eyes screwed shut as he laughs hysterically, and his memories of the night are a little fuzzy around the edges but he thinks the photo was taken when Dieter Bravo drunkenly collided face-first with a wall.

He hums noncommittally. “Looks can be deceiving.”

Gabriela rolls her eyes at his stubborn reluctance to admit okay, maybe the party wasn’t as horrible as he thought it was going to be. The drinks were good, the company decent. He doesn’t think he’ll ever be able to hear Queen again without cringing at the memory of Nico Loro’s horrid efforts to impersonate Freddie Mercury though.

His PR agent is quiet for a bit, scrolling through Instagram’s slew of tagged photos and videos from last night. Then her movements abruptly pause, eyebrows twitching with the barest hint of surprise, so subtle Javi would have missed it entirely if he wasn’t looking at her face. He moves closer, tilting his head for a better look at what’s caught her attention.

It’s a short clip of him and Oddball—specifically, their little Princess Bride moment where she’d turned around on the couch and they’d engaged in a brief staring contest with each other. He remembers how she’d looked at him, with surprise and then recognition. He remembers she seemed like she wanted to say something, but couldn’t make up her mind. He remembers she was drinking lemonade.

The video is barely ten seconds long, not much to linger on in his opinion, but then he notices the view count has almost surpassed 500k and his eyes threaten to fall out of his head. 

Gabriela is still staring, expression inscrutable, and just when Javi thinks she’s going to watch it a million more times, all she says is, “You didn’t tell me Oddball was there.”

He leans back on his heels to better study her face, unsure from her tone what she’s feeling. “Yeah, I only saw her that little bit,” he answers. “She was hanging out with her friends, playing some kind of game.”

Gabriela finally continues scrolling, manicured finger tapping at the screen. Something about her silence makes his chest tighten, hair on the back of his neck prickling with unease. Surely she isn’t mad at him, right? No, he tries to assure himself. He’s seen her furious before, and when she’s angry the whole country knows about it, hearing her long-winded ranting from miles away. 

Something else is wrong here.

“Javi,” Gabriela starts, biting her lip, noticeably strange in the way she struggles to make eye contact. “You know I don’t like interfering in your personal life and it’s, uh, not exactly against the rules if you two were to—actually, I’m not sure if there even are rules since it’s not common yet, having a woman on a team. The FIA are always a step behind the current times,” she makes a face at that, “but it’s probably better for you, and Oddball, too, I imagine, since it’s her rookie season, that you and her don’t, um…”

She trails off, just looking at him, waiting expectantly, and Javi merely blinks back.

“That we don’t…what?”

Gabriela exhales a heavy sigh, glances away, seems to gather her wits, and when she looks back she’s back to her usual cool and collected PR manager self. “Don’t do anything stupid, alright, Javi? I like my job to be uncomplicated.”

 _________________________________________________

Speed Beasts Magazine

United States' Top Motorsport Weekly November 14 2022 Issue

In This Issue:

4. Badillo and Ballard join Formula E 6. Dornish Grand Prix speculations 9. A chat with Outer Rim Sports' Axe Woves 10. A chat with Statesman CEO Jefferson Champagne 14. Fan opinions on next season's circuits 15. Eggsy joins F1 22. Ahsoka Tano's advice for 2023's rookies 25. Formula 2 in 2023: who will be the next champion? 30. Be kind rewind: 1999 highlights and controversies 34. Why Van Chance is in desperate need of a win next season 40. Kingsgrave's new motorsport museum 45. What to watch this week 52. How well do you know F1 driver trivia? Test yourself!

 _________________________________________________

The alarm clock on your nightstand displays 11:50pm and no matter how much you toss and turn, your mind won’t shut off. 

Let it be noted, when you reach for your phone, giving up on sleep, you don’t intend to search for your future teammate on Instagram. It just kind of, sort of happens. One second you’re looking at your home feed, specifically of a picture of Ben hanging out at Triple Frontier headquarters, and the next your fingers are typing Javi’s name in the search bar. There he is at the top of the list with an official blue checkmark: javigutierrez53. 

He has a larger follower count than you, which, of course he does, because he’s been an official F1 driver for almost five years now, professional and—your eyes linger on his profile picture, dressed in his racing suit, curls sweaty and disheveled with one single strand dangling rebelliously over his forehead. Good lord, he really is like a piece of art come to life. How the hell is he real? It’s unfair, that’s what it is. Completely and totally unfair, because you’re going be photographed next to that man and while everybody’s oohing and awing over him (rightfully so), you’ll be standing there beside him looking like—like a—

Whatever is on the spectrum between a potato and a naked mole rat. That’s what you’ll be. Oh yeah, and make sure to add breasts to that mental image because lord knows that's the main thing people are gonna be looking at. Female driver, the press keeps calling you, like they’re gonna get in trouble for leaving the descriptive out. It’s accurate, sure, but is it really necessary to single you out from the rest of the grid just because you’re a woman? Once you’re in the car, you’re a driver, it should be as simple and indifferent as that. But alas, that’s not how the world works.

Who cares about your skills and accomplishments when there’s far more interesting details to gossip about like the clothes you wear and your dating history. 

Jokes on them ‘cause you’ve never even had a single boyfriend for them to analyze. Ha ha ha. Really, it’s so fucking hysterical being alone all the time. 

You shove those disparaging thoughts aside for another sleepless night, looking at some more of Javi’s photos with his family, with his PR manager, of him enjoying time off at home in Mallorca. Javi driving a speedboat. Javi cliffjumping. Javi showing off his collection of movie memorabilia (which, on second glance, appear to all be Nicolas Cage memorabilia and hell if your future teammate didn’t just gain another gold star in the how is he real column). 

Everybody keeps saying next season will be interesting—Vivian, the press, your friends, even your parents. And only now is it starting to sink in that Javi isn’t some famous person to read about and gawk at anymore. He’s your teammate. Your. Teammate. Somebody you’re going to be spending 99% of your time with these upcoming months, on and off the track, practically all day every day. Which means you’ve got to pull yourself together. Less ogling. More looking respectfully.

And, according to your sleep-deprived brain, step one of your new resolution is to quit stalking his profile and press the follow button. Because there’s nothing weird at all about following someone at—you look at the clock, immediately cringe—1 in the morning. 

That’s just…great. 

You throw your phone back on the bedside table with a groan. If your brain was awake before, it’s a live wire now, thoughts somersaulting and ricocheting. You wind up burying your face into your pillow, wondering how long it will take to smother your jittery mind into unconsciousness.

~

Within thirty minutes you’re a drooling and snoring mess of limbs starfishing on the mattress.

~

In the morning, you wake up to your blaring alarm and a notification from Instagram. You blink at it groggily, slow to understand what the small font is telling you, only to then sit up so fast you’re dizzy and seeing black spots when it finally registers. 

Javi followed you back.

And he liked your most recent post of Diana holding you in a headlock after you dared show up to the gym two minutes late, captioned: Anyone know where I can find a new trainer? This one has no chill. Even adding his own comment: if you like running for miles and being sprayed with a water gun, I’ll gladly give you @/carlos_scipio’s #. Just find me in the paddock and lmk 😉

A stupidly big grin spreads across your face and something inside of you, deep in the pit of your stomach, uncoils just a little bit. Next season is going to be interesting and challenging and scary, no doubt, but you’re starting to think it’s going to be pretty great too.

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Outer Rim Sports

F1 2023 entry list: Rookie numbers revealed By: Axe Woves / November 15 2022

The official 2023 F1 entry list was published last night by the FIA confirming the race numbers for the three rookies making their debut next season.

Vulpecula’s Oddball will be keeping her F2 number #13, Triple Frontier’s Ben Miller will race with #94, and Statesman’s Eggsy Unwin has chosen #98. 

All three numbers have been previously used by other drivers in F1 history over the decades. #13 last belonged to Gregor New, while David Portillo raced with #94, and Hal Packard used #98.

Here is the complete entry list:

Sunspear: 76 Marcus Moreno, 52 Nico Loro

Aurelac: 28 Ezra Green, 7 Ricky Hauk

Nevarro: 66 Din Djarin, 99 Cobb Vanth

Statesman: 34 Jack ‘Whisky’ Daniels, 98 Gary ‘Eggsy’ Unwin

Crane: 45 Pero Tovar, 19 William Garin

Vulpecula: 53 Javi Gutierrez, 13 Oddball

De Excelente Auto: 2 Javier Peña, 83 Steve Murphy

Black Gold: 40 Dave York, 35 Omar Assarian

Triple Frontier: 12 Frankie Morales, 94 Ben Miller

Van Chance: 42 Dieter Bravo, 41 Gio Bravo

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Wonder World Sports Football | Tennis | Golf | Olympics | US Sports | Motorsport

Formula One: Ricky Hauk, Oddball, Ben Miller, and more rising stars to watch

By Steve Trevor, WWS Wednesday November 16 2022

(Picture Gallery 1 of 6: The 2022 Formula One season is coming to an end. Once again, Marcus Moreno takes the lead over the rest of the grid. But in 2023, a collection of young drivers has the potential to shake things up…)

(WWS) — Next season will see the return of several well-established drivers on the grid, but 2023 also has the potential to be especially memorable due to the abundance of fledgling up-and-comers eager to make household names for themselves.

Including a young woman set to make history as the third female driver in F1 history, F2’s predicted 2022 champion, and Aurelac’s youngest driver in over a decade, here’s a closer look at some drivers I believe will have a tremendous impact on the sport.

Ben Miller - “My whole life changed with one text message”

Age: 21 Team: Triple Frontier 

(Photo : Ben Miller in mid-conversation with a Triple Frontier mechanic in the paddock garage, gesturing towards future teammate Frankie Morales’ car. Caption: Miller is the current lead for the F2 championship.)

“It hasn’t really sunk in yet that next season I’ll be on the grid with some of the fastest drivers on earth,” Ben Miller said after the announcement was made he’d been drafted for Triple Frontier next season.

Miller, one of three rookies joining in 2023, has quite an impressive record despite only being 21-years-old. Like most F1 drivers, he began his career by racing go-karts before going on to win the F4 championship in 2017. 

In the literal days following his victory, he drew interest from several team leaders in the motorsport community, but Santiago Garcia stood out from the rest by sending a text message asking for a meeting which would ultimately alter the course of Miller’s career.

“My whole life changed with one text message,” Miller told Speed Beasts Magazine. “It just seemed like a no-brainer to accept Santi’s deal.”

Miller, only 16 at the time, was offered a spot in Triple Frontier’s young driver program. With their training, he went on to place second in the F3 championship as a mere rookie and has so far come out on top over his competition in Formula 2 as well. 

“Triple Frontier has really helped my skills develop over the years. Being an official F1 driver for them is exactly what I want to be,” Miller told BBB following Triple Frontier’s announcement in October.

Ricky Hauk - “Whatever happens, happens”

Age: 21 Team: Aurelac

(Photo : Ricky Hauk smiles during the Romanian GP press conference. Caption: Hauk had an impressive debut season this year and currently ranks 12th.)

Aurelac, usually preferring experienced drivers on their team, has promoted 21-year-old Ricky Hauk to join Ezra Green in 2023. “One of the best days of my life,” Hauk said in a Twitter post.

The decision for Hauk to replace Pero Tovar is remarkable due to the fact he is the youngest driver to join the team since Fahr Sater in 2007. Aurelac CEO Damon McCall has stated Hauk’s impressive rookie season with DEA led to the surprising choice being made. Hauk finished fifth in the Chinese GP which was only his third race and has since earned 33 total points.

Hauk’s journey to F1 hasn’t been without personal struggles. He has spoken openly about being a victim of childhood abuse from his late father, as well as his experiences with verbal bullying from classmates during his high school years.

When asked about the pressure of joining Aurelac, the young driver didn’t seem overly concerned.

“There’s always going to be pressure in this sport,” he said in an interview with Formula1Daily. “I’ll just keep giving it my best shot behind the wheel and God will take care of the rest. Whatever happens, happens.”

Oddball - “I hope to be an inspiration for young girls everywhere”

Age: 20 Team: Vulpecula

(Picture : Oddball on podium holding a second place trophy at the British Formula 2 round. Caption: Oddball will be the youngest driver on the grid next season.)

READ: The young woman set to make Formula 1 history

Oddball will be making the jump from reserve driver into an official F1 seat for Vulpecula next March at the Australian Grand Prix. She will also be the only female competing on the grid and the third woman overall in the sport’s long history.

Vivian Etten, Vulpecula’s chief executive, has high hopes the young driver will help the team become a force to be reckoned with on the grid again. Expectations are high for Oddball to succeed alongside her future teammate Javi Gutierrez.

Oddball has competed in seven different junior motorsport categories and won first place championship in four. “I hope to be an inspiration for young girls everywhere,” she told reporters. “And to prove just as much as Ahsoka and Anita did that women have a place here in F1.”

(Picture Gallery 1 of 35: Marcus Moreno celebrates his tenth win of the season as the victor of the Florida GP over Din Djarin and Pero Tovar.)

Gary “Eggsy” Unwin - “I never back down from a challenge”

Age: 22 Team: Statesman

Eggsy Unwin is another rookie driver expected to have a big impact in 2023. “He’s finer than frog fur,” Jefferson Champagne has said of his new Statesman driver. “We believe he’s championship-material, bet on it.”

The 22-year-old will be Jack ‘Whiskey’ Daniels’ partner, an accomplished veteran of the sport who Champagne has said he still “expects big results” from next season. 

READ: Unwin’s “mind blown” to be drafted by Statesman

Unwin caught Champagne’s attention when he made headlines for usurping Oddball in the F2 ranking last month and claiming second place which is the highest a Kingsman driver has ever been in standings. He initially considered a deal being Van Chance’s reserve driver before Statesman approached him with an official contract to join their team.

“I’ve dreamed of driving in Formula 1 since I was little,” Unwin told BBB. “I’m absolutely over the f–ing moon to join Statesman in 2023.”

As one of the oldest teams in F1, Statesman has a prestigious reputation for producing top-notch drivers time and time again. Unwin is looking forward to the training sessions and, if all goes right on track, podium finishes.

“I never back down from a challenge,” he said. “And with how competitive this sport is, I’m going to look forward to a new challenge every race.”

Omar Assarian – “I’m only going to get better from here”

Age: 23 Team: Black Gold

Crowd-favorite Omar Assarian has been driving in F1 for two seasons now, making his debut with Vulpecula last year before joining Black Gold where he felt his “skills will be better appreciated.” And given his strong results this year (currently fifth in driver standings), fans and critics agree Black Gold looks to be a better fit for the young driver.

The 23-year-old will partner with returning F1 legend Dave York next season. York’s decision to come out of retirement resulted in a ripple effect heavily impacting the grid. Willem Ballard, Black Gold’s current number two driver, will be pushed out of the sport entirely after failing to secure a new seat, while Javi Gutierrez, who was initially promised Ballard’s seat by Black Gold’s CEO Maxwell Lord in the aftermath of his temporary transfer to Triple Frontier, has signed a new contract with Vulpecula for 2023.

“They know exactly what I need when I need it. When to offer advice and when to challenge me,” Assarian said to reporters after joining Black Gold.

Assarian’s debut season with Vulpecula was a rocky one due to multiple incidents of car trouble throughout the year. Although he did manage a third place podium finish at the 2020 Scottish GP, he ultimately came in eleventh in the driver standings. 

“I’m only going to get better from here,” he told WWS at the recent Texas GP in October. “Next year, the other teams better watch out.”

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FIA Thursday Press Conference November 17, 2022

Transcript of audio recording, ft. Pietro ALVAREZ (Vulpecula), Marcus MORENO (Sunspear), Oddball (2023 Vulpecula Driver), Ben MILLER (2023 Triple Frontier Driver)

Q: (Ginger Ale - Formula1Daily)

Pietro, how does it feel going into this weekend knowing it’s your final Grand Prix?

Pietro ALVAREZ: Right now I’m treating it as any other race. I’m looking forward to being out on the track, hopefully finishing high. Dorne is always a special time. If you ask me again on Sunday, the mood will definitely be different. It’s just not something I’m allowing myself to think too hard about at the moment.

Q: (Ginger Ale - Formula1Daily)

Are there any special memories during your years in F1 which stand out in particular?

PA: I’m fortunate to have the number of victories that I do, but more than those I’m going to look back on the people I’ve met and worked beside and shared my life with. I’ve been a part of this sport for almost twenty years, that’s a lot of time spent with some of the most talented and knowledgeable people on earth. I think they are what I’ll remember and miss the most.

Q: (Axe Woves - Outer Rim Sports)

Oddball, you’ve been busy preparing for your debut with Vulpecula next season and part of that preparation process has been working closely with Pietro. Will you be sad to see him leave? What has he taught you about the sport?

Oddball: Pietro has become a good friend and mentor so it will be sad no longer seeing him around the garage and HQ anymore. He’s taught me a lot about F1 and life as well. If I listed everything we’d be here for hours, but something in particular he told me that I wholeheartedly agree with is to make sure I’m enjoying myself. Yes, this sport is a tough job, and yes, it requires a heck of a lot of hard work, but at the end of the day it’s still possible to have fun. When the joy is gone, that’s when you know it’s time to move on.

Q: (Carolina Álvarez - El Tiempo)

Thank you, Oddball. Ben, of course it’s exciting news you’ll be racing for Triple Frontier next season, but first comes the Formula 2 championship. You’re in the lead by a large margin, but are you feeling any nerves at all?

Ben MILLER: Feeling any nerves? Definitely. Doesn’t matter how good the results are, I’ll always feel them. I’d be worried if I didn’t have them, to be honest. Anything can happen during a race. I’d love to win the title, but we’ll just have to wait and see how it goes.

Q: (Steve Trevor - Wonder World Sports)

Marcus, on the subject of Pietro’s last Grand Prix, will you miss competing against him?

Marcus MORENO: Of course. The whole sport will miss seeing him out there. He’s an absolute legend.

Q: (Steve Trevor - Wonder World Sports)

I’ll ask you both, Marcus and Pietro, since you’ve raced against him in the past, what are your thoughts on Dave York’s return to the sport?

MM: I think it’s great news, honestly. He’s extremely talented, and it’ll be exciting to see him on the track again. It’s a wonderful opportunity for him, not many drivers have the strength to get back into the pressure and grind of it all after leaving, so I hope it works out for the best.

Q: Pietro?

PA: Like Marcus said, York is an extremely talented driver. If his car’s performance is good and his skills are sharp, he’ll be an exciting one to watch next season. 

Q: (Carolina Álvarez - El Tiempo)

Pietro, what would you say are the chances of you returning out of retirement in a few years? Do you think it’s likely you’ll follow York’s footsteps?

PA: I haven’t even had one day of actual retirement yet, so it’s difficult to say one way or the other. I love Formula 1, always will. If I get bored in a few years or my family gets sick of me being around all the time…maybe I’ll make an attempt to come back. That’s all I can say. Maybe.

Q: (Carol Cobb - Speed Beasts Magazine)

Oddball, redirecting to your future with Vulpecula, could you talk about your plans for next season? Do you think it will be a smoother one than this year’s?

Oddball: Optimistically, I’m hoping so. Realistically though, it’s tough to say until I’ve actually driven the car. Everyone at Vulpecula is working hard to improve next season’s results, but progress is a marathon not a sprint. It might take a few races, maybe even a year or two, but my plan, and the team’s as well, is to just keep making positive steps and earning points until we’re back on top once more.

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Pietro catches up with you in the Vulpecula hospitality in-between media sessions, his third cup of coffee in his hand. “That was your first F1 press conference, wasn’t it, Oddball?” he wonders, taking a seat across from you. He smiles a little, just a faint crinkling of his eyes. “You did good.”

“Really?” You nearly drop your phone, text message to your mother temporarily forgotten. Pietro’s one of the most successful racers in the last decade. He’s not as grumpy as Tovar, but after this long in the sport few things surprise him anymore. Even fewer things earn his praise. “Thank you.”

He chuckles slightly like you’ve said something amusing, raising his drink to take a sip. The cup is engraved with his initials, a present given to him by Cobb Vanth last year during the F1 Secret Santa gift exchange. Almost every time you’ve been around the man, that cup hasn’t been far from his reach.

“I’ve never lied to you, Oddball.”

“I didn’t think you had,” you say slowly, frowning.

Another sip. Pietro crosses his legs at the ankles, leaning back in his seat without seemingly a care in the world. Meanwhile your shoulder blades are sharp, tense points beneath your shirt, waiting for him to continue.

“Everything you’ve asked me about cars and my career, how to find a balance between life and work, I haven’t sugar-coated my answers because I remember being a rookie,” Pietro explains, words smooth as velvet on his accented tongue. “However, for as much as I have to tell you, for as many tips as I can offer…we both know our paths will always be unique from each other.”

You bite the inside of your cheek. There are a dozen different meanings which can be applied to his words, but one stands out above the rest, floating in the air of the room, pressing uncomfortably against your skin. He’s a driver and you’re a female driver.

“People won’t ever let you forget you’re different, Oddball. They didn’t let Anita or Ahsoka forget either, even after all their triumphs. Talk, talk, talk is all these critics do all day long. And you know what I say to that?”

A deliberate pause follows.

“Encourage them.”

“Is…” Your brow furrows, a bitter taste on the back of your tongue. “Is that supposed to inspire me or something?”

He looks at you, dark eyes piercing. “Give them something to talk about, Oddball. Enjoy the process of making a name for yourself in this sport. Of making ripples in the pond. I came into F1 too late to race Anita, but I shared the grid with Ahsoka. I saw the spark in her eyes. Her determination. I thought she was one of a kind. That nobody else had even a smidge of her talent. And then I met you.” He points a finger at you, certainty brimming in his gaze. “Call it driver’s intuition, or perhaps the ramblings of an old man who’s hit a barrier one time too many, but I think you’re just the driver F1 needs to shake things up for the better. Those critics and other drivers won’t know what hit them next season.”

There’s an embarrassing stinging sensation behind your eyes, a sudden lump lodged in your throat making it hard to swallow. You attempt a smile, wobbly at the corners. “Thanks. That–that means a lot, especially coming from you.”

“It needed to be said,” Pietro replies, standing up and giving your shoulder a pat before heading for the stairs. And it’s the simple, blunt way he says it that makes you understand why he’s so well-respected in the racing community. Why the hole left behind in the wake of his retirement will be impossible to fill.

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Busy Bee Blog (BBB) - Vlog Post #63 Friday November 18 2022

Summary: Join me, Frankie Morales and Javi Gutierrez at the Dornish GP as we play a game of Mr & Mr.

The camera pans over the interior of the Triple Frontier hospitality before settling on a smiling Bee Castle. Behind her, Frankie and Javi sit back-to-back in chairs, heads turned to listen to her introduction. “Hello! Your Queen Bee is back again for another vlog and this time I convinced the Triple Frontier drivers, Frankie and Javi, to join me for a little game of Mr & Mr.” She turns to look at them. “Are you ready for some fun, boys?”

“With you? Always,” Frankie answers with a wink. 

Javi rolls his eyes, muttering something that sounds suspiciously like ‘Get a room’ but the microphone on his shirt fails to catch it.

Bee’s cheeks redden, but she remains composed and professional. “This is the final race of the season. It’s also your final race as teammates before Javi leaves for Vulpecula. So I’m going to ask you some questions about each other and we’re going to find out how well you’ve gotten to know one another during your time together. Remember, we’re looking for matching answers.”

The camera zooms in on the paddles in Frankie and Javi’s hands. Pictures of their faces have been glued to either side for the game. Javi holds his paddle up, mimicking the expression of his photo by sticking his tongue out.

“Let’s do it,” Frankie says, twirling his paddle between his fingers. “I’m looking forward to the win.”

“Yeah, because you know so much about my life,” Javi scoffs.

“Shots fired,” Bee smirks at the camera. “And on that note, let’s begin. We’ll start with an easy one. Who has the most laps?”

They both seem to think about it, but end up agreeing it’s Frankie.

“Correct. Great start so far.” Bee nods. “Everybody knows about your mutual love for snow cones. Who has the best taste when choosing a flavor?”

Javi and Frankie immediately hold up their paddles with their own faces displayed. Bee makes a buzzing sound at the mismatched response, prompting Frankie to twist his head to look at his teammate’s paddle, eyes widening with surprise.

“Are you serious? You pick the absolute worst flavors.”

“And you always pick lavender bubblegum,” Javi counters, reaching backwards to swat at the other man’s arm. “How is that having better taste?”

“Because it’s always good!”

“Agree to disagree.” 

“Guess we’ll have to take our favorite reporter with us next time so she can see for herself if I’m right.” Frankie shoots Bee a flirtatious grin, prompting another blush to appear while her camerawoman laughs quietly as she films the two.

Bee looks down at her cue cards, asking, “Who is a better driver off the track?”

Javi chuckles, holding up his picture without hesitation. “No doubt about it.”

“He picked himself, didn’t he?” Frankie asks, aiming for disgruntled but missing by a mile, barely fighting back a smile.

“Because it’s true!” Javi crows, waving his paddle in the air enthusiastically.

“Who would win in a fight?” Bee wonders, hiding her grin behind her cards.

They take a second to think about it, flipping their paddles back and forth indecisively. 

“Here’s the thing,” Javi begins, humor creeping into his voice. “I can throw a punch as well as the next guy, but I also know Frankie used to get into a lot of fights when he was younger in McDonald’s parking lots, so…”

“First of all,” Frankie manages to say through his chuckling, pointing a finger, “it was Wendy’s not McDonald’s. And second, man, you couldn’t even kill a fly the other day, what the hell makes you think you could ever take me in a fight?”

Javi slowly turns his paddle around, displaying Frankie’s image. “He makes a good point.”

The camera manages to catch Frankie’s quiet snort before he hides his face behind his paddle.

Bee’s stare lingers on him a second longer than necessary, expression soft, before she reads aloud the next question. “Who’s more likely to fall asleep in a team meeting?”

“Oh, Javi, for sure. 100%,” Frankie answers, paddle lifted before Bee’s even finished speaking.

She laughs. “Does Vulpecula know about this problem?”

“No, because it’s not a problem. It only happened one time,” Javi complains. He aims an irritated look directly at the camera. “ Once , and he’ll never let me forget it!”

“Alright, final question,” Bee says, schooling her smiling expression into one of exaggerated seriousness. The two men mimic her, eyebrows drawn low and lips pursed. “Who…is a bigger fan of BBB?”

Frankie’s out of his seat in the next blink, wrapping Bee in his arms and swinging her around in a hug with her feet off the floor. “Me!” he exclaims over the sound of her giggling.

In the background, Javi tosses his paddle in the air, pretending to be upset at the loss.

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Ben holds the Dornish Grand Prix trophy up over his head, tears streaming down cheeks, smile stretched so wide across his face there’s no other word for his expression other than absolutely ecstatic. After all his hard work and training and sacrifices, he's officially the 2022 Formula 2 Champion. 

You stand at his side on the second-place podium, wearing a matching grin and proudly holding up your own trophy. It doesn’t matter you didn’t win the champion title. This—this feeling of breathless jubilation, of shaky knees and the thunderous applause of the crowd—it’s more than enough. (Although, you gotta admit, reclaiming your second place in the standings does make this occasion all the more sweeter.)

Somewhere down there amongst the sea of spectators and the familiar faces of your fellow F2 drivers and members of your team, you know Eggsy’s cheering his head off for you and Ben. He didn’t podium, crossing the finish line fourth, but the amount of points puts him third in the standings and you can’t imagine the season ending any other way than with you and your boys on top. 

God, it’s crazy the year’s almost over. Even crazier how much has happened these last few months.

2022 will end with the three of you conquering F2. 2023 will begin with the three of you ready to do it all over again on the grid of F1. New tracks, new challenges, new responsibilities. Facing off against the best of the best, each one chasing after the same ultimate dream.

Ben slings his arm around your shoulders, crushing you against his side so tight it’s like he’s trying to make you one entity. You lean into him, the top of your head beneath his jaw, and a single thought drifts through your mind right before you’re blinded by a ripple of camera flashes: I can’t wait.

[agentmarcuspike]

✍🏻 ⚠️ last line wip game ⚠️ ✍🏻

(thanks for tagging me @hier--soir !!)

here’s the last entire paragraph i’ve written for my marcus/javi/reader wip and i’m literally stuck, don’t know where to go from here, so enjoy

wanna see what y’all’ve got cooking @swiftispunk @joelsversion @yeyinde @tieronecrush @whataperfectwasteoftime ❣️ (no pressure !!)

[ray-green-wicked4good]

If Snowpiercer had a pumpkin carving competition, who would judge it, and who would carve what in their pumpkins and who would win?

First of all--I love this! Second of all--I argued with myself for wayyy too long over whether or not Melanie would participate given it would tie up so many resources for a seemingly arbitrary purpose (one cup of cooked pumpkin contains 3 grams of fiber, 2 grams of protein, as well as adequate amounts if vitamin C and E, riboflavin, copper, potassium, zinc, iron, and magnesium--it is a vital part of a healthy Snowpiercer diet. Carving into the pumpkins makes them rot faster, Ben, and exposes the fleshy interior to dirt and insects etc, etc. Why don't they understand that it just isn't practical?) but THEN I decided, you know what? Melanie gets overruled. When Layton takes over, he decides to hold a train-wide pumpkin carving contest to boost morale and promises to give the winners all-you-can-eat passes to the Halloween feast (and first dibs on the pumpkin pie). And Till of course sides with him. Josie appreciates the opportunity for the Tailies. Ruth has never liked pumpkin on principal and Roche just thinks it will be a fun activity to do with his family. Jinju has already lost so much sleep over Layton's slipshod approach to resource management that she falls asleep during the meeting and doesn't vote. Everyone is surprised that Audrey sides with Melanie, voting against the contest, but her big gripe is that she feels Big Alice should be invited to participate too. And once Layton agrees to this stipulation, well--there's just no stopping that pumpkin carving train.

Coordinating with Wilford is...difficult. He insists on being included in the judging panel. Which Layton disputes. And round and round we go.

Eventually, an unbiased(ish) panel is selected--Miss Gillies, Kevin, and Winnie.

The entries are...varied:

- Ruth still doesn't like pumpkins. She refuses to cut into it to scoop out the insides. So she gets some silver edible glitter and sprays it all over her pumpkin. And sticks some teal bows on it.

(Winnie thinks it's pretty. Kevin sneers at the four-in-hand knots she used for her bows.)

- The Headwoods go all out. Mrs. Dr. Headwood carves a traditional looking face on their orange pumpkin. Mr. Dr. Headwood takes a scalpel to a smaller white pumpkin, and carves intricate lines all over to make it look like a brain. Together, they saw the top off the orange pumpkin and place the brain inside.

(Both Kevin and Winnie are creeped out by this. Miss Gillies is impressed.)

- Ben cuts himself twice trying to get the top off of his pumpkin. Melanie grumbles that he's useless with a knife as she bandages him up--then she kisses him and helps him carve a crude looking wave and palm tree.

(Miss Gillies says it looks great. Kevin says it looks like a caved in mess. Winnie asks if it's upside down)

- Roche and Anne carve a half a heart into two pumpkins so that when put side by side the shape is completed. Carly carves a ghost.

(Miss Gillies and Winnie both awww over them. Kevin gags.)

- Everyone on Big Alice has been instructed to carve the Wilford logo onto their pumpkins. But Emilia teams up with Murray to try to carve the continent of Australia. Murray accidentally makes a bad cut and so they have to try again on the back side. It is discernable, but when they put the candle in, it looks awful.

(Kevin turns up his nose. Miss Gillies says good effort. Winnie asks what Australia is and listens with wide eyes as both Murray and Emilia talk fondly about their old home)

- Javi carves a goofy skull into his pumpkin, and then paints around the eyes and nose like a Day of the Dead mask. He uses pink and red and white and purple. It looks very festive. He also gives it glasses.

(Everyone loves it. Even Kevin doesn't turn up his nose.)

- Another surprising entry is Tristan. He carves the face of the Cheshire cat from Alice in Wonderland. The smile is exquisite. The teeth perfectly aligned. With the candle inside, it glows warmly.

(Miss Gillies and Winnie are both very impressed. Kevin notes on his sheet that he suspects Tristan of cheating)

- Annie presents the judges with a perfectly untouched pumpkin. "You don't think I'm gonna make more of a mess for myself to clean up do you?" All of the janitors shake their heads to show their supports.

(The judges move on.)

- Layton is equally unprepared for the judges when they arrive. He has drawn lines on his pumpkin with a sharpie to look like a basketball.

(Kevin makes sarcastic comments about not being surprised. Winnie once again has no idea what it is)

- Josie, however, wows the judges with the intricate web she has carved into her pumpkin. She has even drawn little spiders on several of the pumpkin seeds and has them scattered around the base.

(Kevin's only comment is that he hates spiders. Miss Gillies instinctively launches into a lecture on the life cycle of spiders for Winnie, but Winnie says she remembers all about spiders because of Charlotte's Web. Josie gives her one of the pumpkin seed spiders to keep, which Winnie carries proudly and calls 'Little Lot')

- Boki's entry is a bit on the--abstract side. He and Cherry and the other breachmen drew several 'W's on their pumpkins and then lined them all up in a row. Then they smashed them with mallets.

(Both Miss Gillies and Kevin mostly stare at the breachmen's bare arms. Winnie tells Boki he'd better clean up before the janitors see. They'll be really upset.)

- Jinju's entry is creative. She has taken the bits of pumpkins she cut out and stuck them to the sides and top of her pumpkin to serve as the flippers and head of a sea turtle. The work on the shell has caved in some places, but the overall effect is impressive.

(Kevin thinks it's 'saying too much' but both Miss Gillies and Winnie tell Jinju it's great)

- Pike's pumpkin is...both scary and not. His hand cramped halfway through carving the big twisted moth, so he gave up, and drew the left half with Layton's sharpie. He got the eyes carved out, but drew a triangle for the nose. Then he stuck two forks into the top just for the heck of it.

- Likewise, Z-Wreck and Strong Boy have tried to go the traditional route, but didn't quite meet the brief. Strong Boy's pumpkin has a single eye suspiciously fist shaped. And Z-wreck's nose is way off center--and there are still a lot of stringy insides ruining the candle effects.

(Even Miss Gillies admits it's a little sloppy. But Winnie gives Strong Boy a hug and says she loves it, which makes him smile)

- Till panicked and doesn't know what to carve. She tries making a scary face with pointy teeth, but miscalculated and accidentally shaves off all the triangles for teeth. She had intended to make cat eyes, but can't get the slits right. She would have just left it, but Audrey helps her smooth out the mouth into a toothless smile, and reshape the eyes into hearts. She doesn't even seem to mind that Till got pumpkin guts all over her dress.

(The judges think it's adorable. Kevin is bored and comments on the messy workstation)

- Audrey's own pumpkins are...eclectic. A few have been sequined within an inch of their lives and wrapped in boas. Another has been given a pirate's eye patch and hollowed out and filled with rum. And still another has an intricately carved ballerina--but she is missing a head.

(The judging reviews are mixed)

- Osweiller's carved a wolf into his pumpkin. But when he tried to cut the moon around it as well for effect, he accidentally took out the wolf's head he'd worked so hard on.

(Kevin laughs.)

- LJ's entry is...disturbing. She was inspired by Osweiller's accident and carves a large hole in the face of her pumpkin. She then soaks the cut bits of pumpkin in green dye and wires them together to model into an arm. She shapes the hole some more to look more like a mouth and gives it lipstick. Then she places the arm inside her pumpkin, so it would reaching through the mouth. She glues on two of her father's spare eyeballs and tosses a wig on top. She calls it, 'Ding Ding the Bitch is Dead'.

(Kevin stared at it for a long time, looking pale. Miss Gillies covered Winnie's eyes and moved her along.)

- Miles had chosen a misshapen pumpkin for his jack-o-lantern. His initial cuts are along the bottom, to yank out the seeds and guts. Then he lays his pumpkin on its side and carefully blocks out three sections for his train. It's simple geometry--circles and squares. It turns out pretty good.

(Miss Gillies is very proud of him. Winnie says his choo-choo is perfect. Kevin says it's simplistic and doesn't have enough detail. Josie trips him on his way out. And Melanie trips him again in the hallway. Stupid Kevin.)

- Alex almost doesn't even enter. Wilford had been watching her, dropping subtle reminders that the Wilford logo was elegant and stable and probably the safest bet. And there had been plenty of other crewmembers who knew about her penchant for drawing who had asked for her help. So she had put it off. She made excuses. She didnt have the right tools. Halloween is dumb anyway. It wasn't until a conversation between the engines, when Melanie asked gently if she remembered how they used to carve together and roast the seeds later, that Alex finally made up her mind. She let Melanie carve a star into the top around the stem, and watched her scoop out the insides. She wordlessly hands her mother her drawing. Then she carves. It is very simple. But effective. A bumblebee. Despite herself, she has fun. She gives her bee buck teeth. The stinger is tricky. She let's Melanie try to carve the antennas. She cuts too close and one pops off. Alex laughs.

(Kevin asks what the heck it's supposed to be. Miss Gillies says it's...unique. She thinks she can see the their vision. Wilford scowls.)

**The judges argue deliberate for a long time. It is finally decided they'll name several winners--the scariest they agree is LJ's, the most creative goes to the Headwoods, the cutest/funniest is a tie between Tristan and the Roches and Javi, and the best overall goes to Josie. (Kevin insists the award for dumbest goes to Layton. Wilford is at least happy about that.)**