#not to tell her business like that but yeah smart woman and yes ofc she ended it lol

[thinkpink212]

Marriage is and should always be viewed as entering a business partnership. Loved doesn’t require paper, but if it’s beneficial for the both of you? Do it. Otherwise, the title is not a guarantee for anything, like how I see people treat it, I fear <3

[rayofsunas]

pretending you’re not his s/o. [1]

A/n: happy Thursday!! whew, the week is almost over thank goodness. I hope you’re all doing well and thank you for being patient while I knock out these requests <333 Scaramouche’s is long for obvious reasons (I simp) ALSO thank you for 800 followers, I hit that milestone yesterday ahagdwcsh omg I’m growing so much wtf. thank you all :) <33 

Summary: the boys having to pretend their s/o is their secretary, maid, friend, etc. (someone other than their s/o)

Parings: Childe/Reader, Venti/Reader, Kaeya/Reader, Diluc/Reader, Albedo/Reader, Aether/Reader, Xiao/Reader, Chongyun/Reader, Xingqiu/Reader, Scaramouche/Reader, Razor/Reader, Bennett/Reader, Zhongli (fem and gn mixed)

Warnings: violence tbh (in Scara’s especially chile), swearing, crack, angst?, fluff

Word count: 1.7k

Requested by bestie @mintydump​ 

Refuses (tells people you’re his s/o and compromises the mission)

Childe: for some odd reason, he was sent out by the Tsaritsa to retrieve a man who was impersonating one of the eleven harbingers and you were to go along. she said men were much more willing to follow along, if there was a beautiful woman promising affection, etc. the only problem was, to win over the impersonator, you had to pretend to be Childe’s co-worker. he hated this idea, and the minute he left, he reassured you he would not call you his partner unless it was romantically. so hell yeah, he’ll compromise the mission and will return without the impersonator. he does not care, you’re not his co-worker. he’ll just be like, “sorry, next time send me alone.”

Venti: jean why... ofc you'd be great company duh, but why did you need to be his babysitter on this expedition?!? sure, Venti may look like a child, but this was stupid! he’s loose-lipped anyways, so he’ll accidentally let it slip to whoever that you’re not his babysitter and that you’re his s/o. he’ll be like, “oops.” with the biggest shit-eating grin. he doesn’t care though, you’re not his babysitter grrr. 

Razor: he also accidentally lets it slip you’re his s/o. hunters were after him and his friends, you included (you’re human, he considers you family though, therefore wolf) and he just yells, “don’t touch my mate, GRRR” before ya know, ending them lmao. it never crossed his mind that maybe it wasn’t in his/your best interest to say what you were to him. other hunters could be nearby listening and then target you at a later date. but, tbh he will worry about that another day. as long as you’re safe now, he’ll always be there to protect you. 

Refuses (he doesn’t refuse the mission, but he refuses calling you someone other than his s/o/he won’t say if you’re his s/o or not.) 

Kaeya: he definitely won’t be calling you anything other than his s/o but he also won’t offer this mission to anyone else. he’s more than capable and he can do this without you having to be in danger too. if someone asks who you are, he’ll just cooly respond with, “none of your business.” and move on. he’ll use that whenever someone asks who you are. even if someone gets a little pushy, he won’t use anything to clue them of your relationship.

Xingqiu: he was supposed to borrow steal a book from someone. he needed it for personal purposes lol; it would be great for his collection. and from his understanding, the person who has it wasn’t using it. though you were confused on why he needed to break into somewhere to retrieve it. you just happened to be with him when he broke in, he says it was an accident that you were there, but tbh it’s all part of the thrill and his mischievousness. despite Chongyun warning him that he shouldn’t have brought you, he still did. and when the person who owns the book whips out a sword and then asks why you were brought along if you seemed timid and unreluctant to steal, Xingqiu’s response is, “well she’s my girlfriend! duh.” cue deadpan. legit no hesitation.

Scaramouche: this mission is happening no matter what. the Tsaritsa’s life is on the line; highly trained assassins from all over Teyvat were sent into Snezhnayan territory to kill her. she could protect herself, but Scaramouche was feeling feverish for battle; he was one of the more unhinged and dangerous harbingers, she entrusted this task upon him. he never turned down a mission. plus, it’s your fault you’re even here. why are you here again!? he left you home in Inazuma days ago. also... who the hell was looking after your daughter if not you...?? when you caught up with him once he was well away from Liyue Harbor’s docks (so he couldn’t force you to get back onto the ship, smart) you told him you weren’t some housewife and you missed the thrill of adventure, so you snuck on the ship too. he wasn’t sure how you got on in the first place without alerting The Kanjobugyo (you’ve snuck out before, so he’s told them not to let you leave, though he assumed you used your former title of a Fatui to gain clearance) let’s just say he’s not happy you’re here, but he’s not turning back now, he’s determined to end this. in the end, he kills all the assassins (ofc). on your way back to Liyue Harbor, arguing about why you’re here (you’re losing), another assassin comes out of the shadows; intent on killing the both of you. he’d managed to grab the end of your hair in his fist and was going to slit your throat. Scaramouche will say, “don’t touch my wife, you insolent scum.” he doesn’t have a problem telling those who have a death wish of your intimate relationship, because they’ll die in the end anyway; therefore to him, it’d be like they never knew. 

Zhongli: not many people know you’re his s/o anyways, so if he has something to do, especially dangerous you’re not coming along. he’ll make sure of that. on missions or something, he refuses to call you anything other than his s/o, but if he can’t/wants to keep it private he’ll call you by your name. if you’re facing off against someone, he’ll be like, “y/n, please watch out, I’ll handle this.” he never wants to put you in danger, and tbh even someone threatening who knows your name is a risk, but if they ever found out that you were not only his s/o but the s/o of an Archon? yeah, you’d be on a hit list just like him. 

Accepts (he will do this and won’t ask any questions)

Diluc: sorry y’all, but once this is discussed in full and you agree, he’s going to accept it. this mission is important. it’s not often people travel into Inazuma, so he was very lucky his wine is sold there and that he has a popular, well-known name. shipments of his wine weren’t making it into the borders and he was to find the culprit behind it; someone was stealing obviously. you were to go along with a few other soldiers and when jean told him it would be safer to call you his maid and not his fiancé, he agreed. you wouldn’t be a target that way. if anyone wonders why he took his maid, he’ll just say, “she’s to travel everywhere with me.” don’t worry, after the missions over he’ll reassure you he doesn’t think of you as his maid, definitely not. he’ll apologize profusely. “please don’t think of yourself that way, you’re not my maid, I adore you very much, sweetheart.”

Xiao: he already doesn’t go around calling you his wife or telling just anyone, only the Archons know and the fallen Yaksha once knew (you’re one of the female Yaksha) so being talked into this wasn’t a big deal at all. before, he didn’t run around Liyue telling people about your relationship because you both enjoyed the privacy. but now, having to call you his fellow Yaksha who’s been working alongside him for centuries, kinda feels like he’s ignoring or not acknowledging you. sure, you do hold the same titles (Yaksha) and yes you’ve known eachother for centuries, but really, you’ve been together for centuries. if you’re not bothered, then he doesn’t mind. but if you are? he’s very apologetic and will repay you in some way. “you’re not a weakling, you have no reason to worry.” he needs to do this task, he’ll never turn away from the people and if you have to be known as your Yaksha title to him and others, so be it. 

Chongyun: it’s not that he doesn’t want to call you his s/o. it’s just he’s a quiet guy and never has told anyone about your relationship; only Xingqiu knows. so he has no problem introducing you as his friend to absolute strangers, especially if you’re okay with it. if you’re not and tell him, he’ll be sure to never call you a friend again. he’s really looking out for your safety, people can be two-faced as he’s learned from Xingqiu’s fantasy books. he wants to protect and keep you safe, and if you need to be addressed as his friends a few times then that’s how it’s going to go. 

Accepts (he’ll accept but he has so many questions on why and hates it)

Albedo: he will accept if there’s a logical reason. for example, if you absolutely need to come because you’re his assistant or something and can offer your expertise, he will accept. but if you have no need? you’re not coming, please stay home. the whole time, he hates this. yes, you’re his assistant irl, but you’re his s/o, not just an assistant. it makes him sick that he has to call you that tbh, even if it’s your occupation. but it’s necessary for a lot of reasons you two have already discussed. after the mission is complete, he’s never going to stop apologizing. “love, please do not take what I said to heart, you’re not just an assistant.”

Aether: he has to be talked into this a lot. once kaeya and jean tell him the seriousness and importance of seeing his sister again, especially after all they’ve discovered about her, he’ll agree. no matter how much he hates calling you his travel partner, he has to. his sister has turned to the dark side for whatever reason and this meeting already is risky enough. if she finds out you’re his girlfriend, who knows how she’ll react; she’s very unpredictable now, a little unhinged even. but it does hurt to have to call you that, let’s be real. he never wants to say or hear that ever again.

Bennett: he knows he’s quite unfortunate, so you going with him on expeditions is just stupid and you could face something awful due to his bad luck. you go either way though, what a good s/o :) he almost slips a few times, especially facing off against a few lowlife Fatui. but then you remind him of the dangers of doing that and you’re immediately just a friend/member of Benny's Adventure Team. pls, he hates this so much, like why can’t he call you what you are?!? he’s constantly like, “well why can’t I just say you’re my s/o already? they won’t harm you as long as I’m here!” ?!?!?!? HE JUST DID?!?!?!?!

2.25.21, rayofsunas 

[crashdevlin]

Leftoverture 3- Carry On

Author’s Note: Don’t get me wrong, I loved the finale, but I was thinking about how much I miss Dean and I couldn’t stop thinking about ways I could have him back so…I’m going canon divergent while being as close to canon as possible. ‘Cause that’s how Cassie do. This is where Leftoverture officially crosses over with Crash Into Me!

Summary: Sam tries to convince Dean to talk to his widow, but it takes a visit from an old friend to get him to do the right thing.

Pairing: Dean x OFC

Word count: 3755

Story Warnings: angst, Post-barn scene sads, mentions of major character deaths (Dean and AU!Sam), mentions of depression, memory fuckery,

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Hey, get off the phone. Who are you texting?” Dean asked, looking over at Sam’s thumbs tapping out a message.

“I’m...just letting some people know that you’re back, okay? What?” Sam defended, pulling his phone out of Dean’s reach as his brother tried to grab it.

“She better not be part of that group text, Sam. I will kick your lanky ass.”

“Dean, come on.”

“She has mourned me! She’s probably just starting to get okay and you want me to break that? Not to mention the kid. How are we supposed to explain to her that I’m just suddenly not dead anymore?” Dean pulled over onto the shoulder and glared at Sam until he rolled his eyes and sighed, hitting the X to take his sister-in-law’s number away from the list that included Bobby 2.0, Jody, Donna, Charlie 2.0, and Garth. “Thank you.”

“It’s only been a month. You think she’s starting to get over you already?” Sam finished tapping out his text as Dean pulled back onto the interstate.

“I think I’m a threat to her life as long as I’m in her life, man. I mean, that’s why it took us so long to get together in the first place, because I knew that me being a hunter was gonna put her in the ground and it was just lucky for all of us that it put me in the ground before her.”

“Don’t say th-”

“It’s better for her to think I’m still dead!” Dean exploded. “If she knows I’m alive, she’ll come back to the bunker and she’s gonna end up dead and that’ll be on me! Okay, it’s better if she thinks I’m dead and we keep it that way!”

“So, I guess you’ve made up your mind on this one?” Sam asked.

“Yes!” Dean nodded, somehow still keeping his eyes on the road. “You know what, yes, I’ve made up my mind. Because she deserves to live a life that I’m not ruining. She never wanted the job to encroach on her life, or Rebel’s, okay? Fuck, if I ended up getting that little girl hurt, I could nev--and you know she only agreed to marry me in the first place because Chuck was gonna kill us all anyway and he’s not a problem anymore and what happened to my ring when I bit it? You didn’t burn it with me, did you, because that was a really good silver ring and if you melted it with me, I’m gonna be pissed.”

Sam shook his head in disappointment. “Your wife was wearing it on her thumb last time I saw it.”

Dean sighed and licked his lips. “It’s better this way, Sam. I know you don’t see it, but it’s better.”

“Right. You, uh, you remember when you guys were ‘just friends’ and she started dating that asshole that didn’t know what ‘no’ meant?” Dean’s jaw clenched tight at the memory. “You remember how pissed off you got that she was dating someone, let alone a Dom dickbag like him, and how you spent the entire weekend trying to get dirt on him to use to get her to dump him?”

"He was tryin' to put things in her while she was drunk! He deserved a bullet through the skull for that shit and he's lucky she wouldn't let me go talk to him."

"Yeah, I know. He was a piece of shit, but you didn't know that when we got there. You just didn’t like him because he was dating her."

"I'm a good judge of character and she is not. She dates douchebags. She always has. I mean, look at her cheating son-of-a-bitch ex-husband. If she's dating them, they're douchebags."

Sam rolled his eyes, obviously catching Dean’s self-deprecating undertone in that sentence. "Okay, but you're just gonna let her date someone else? You're gonna let her find some other douchebag to date that you won't be able to save her from?"

"I didn't save her from Mike or Drew. She was already half out the door on both of them before I interceded with either. And I know what you're doing and it's not gonna work." Dean pointed his finger in Sam’s face. "You're not gonna get me all jealous so I go find her because I'm afraid of her getting over me and moving on. I want her to move on. I want her to have a good life. That's the whole point here, man."

"Dean, she's not going to move on. She's gonna be devastated the rest of her life because you aren't-"

"So, we should make it worse by putting her through it twice?!" Dean snapped. "We should make her have to watch me burn another time, right? We should make her clear her shit out of the Bunker in a few years too? We should make her live with the hope that one day I'll manage to make it home again? We should put her heart back together just to shatter it into pieces again when I die permanently? Fuck you, Sam. I can't do it to her. I just...no."

Sam took a deep breath and shook his head sadly. "Fine."

"It's better this way. It's just better."

"Sure. It’s better.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

There was something cleansing about a simple werewolf hunt. Sam was being a little overbearing, but Dean understood why. Sam didn’t want to see him die anymore than he wanted to die again. There were only two wolves and they went down easy. It was a textbook hunt...just like the vampire cult should have been.

Sam shook away memories of the night in the barn and followed an energized Dean out to the Impala. It wouldn’t happen again. Not anytime soon. Dean was around to stay. Sam would make sure of it.

“So, hit the motel, pizza and beer, head back to the bunker in the morning. Did you report my death to the fire department because I’m still wanting that job and I’ll have to think of one hell of an excuse if you told them I died.” Dean shrugged, continuing before Sam could respond. “I’m gonna need to come up with an excuse either way, but an excuse for a month of radio silence is easier than an excuse for comin’ out of the Lazarus Pit, ya know?”

“I...didn’t say anything to them, Dean. It was really low on my list of priorities to tell the Lebanon Volunteer Fire Department that Dean Campbell was dead.”

“Awesome. I’ll figure out what to tell them. For now...pizza.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“No, I know, it was a crazy situation, but I honestly think getting lost in the Yukon without a cell phone was probably the best thing that could have happened to me." Dean laughed into the phone as he walked into the library. "Yeah, exactly. Never gonna take a warm, dry bed for granted again. Well, thank you so much for understanding, Captain. I'm excited to get training. That's gonna be...yeah, I'm gonna be there. Thanks again."

Dean smiled as he tucked his phone into his pocket. "He bought it. Thanks for putting those fake Canadian news pieces up. Appreciate it."

"Okay, but what if someone else searches your fake name, Dean?"

Dean rolled his eyes. "You think she's Googling me?" He stepped forward and looked down at Sam sitting at the library table. "She Googles me and she'll find a story about a man named Dean Campbell getting lost in the Yukon and surviving on moose and wolverine and melted snow. No pic, no identifying words. She'll look at it, say 'It is a miracle this guy survived' and then she'll move on to the next search result, okay? I don't understand why you're all up in my business about this but-"

"You don't miss them?" Sam asked, pushing his hair out of his face and leaning forward.

Dean bit his lip and shook his head. "No, I do not."

Sam stood and looked down into his brother's eyes. "Well, I do."

"Well, they're staying gone." Dean patted his brother's shoulder and walked toward the hall. "Good talk."

He sat on the edge of his bed and ran his hand down his face. Of course he missed her. Of course he missed the little girl he treated as his own daughter...or...the other Dean treated like a daughter. It was just too difficult. Explaining to his wife was one thing, an easy thing. She’d come back in a heartbeat and it would all be fine between them. She wouldn’t care that he wasn’t exactly the same in body, that he had different scars and a slightly different pattern of freckles or that his hair wasn’t quite right even after trying to make it work for four damn days.

She fell for him because of how he treated her, how safe she felt with him, how he made her feel. All of that was in the memories. How he felt about her was in the memories, too. He loved her in a way he'd never been able to let himself love anyone else. She was so much different than any other woman he'd considered making a life with because she was like all the best parts of them all mixed together. She was smart like Cassie Robinson, badass like Jo Harvelle, understanding of the Life without being part of it...with a kid, just like Lisa. He remembered that...and he knew that he'd never find another woman like her.

That was okay. He didn't really want another one: another woman, partner, wife. He couldn’t see himself opening up like that to someone other than his short little badass. And Sam was right that he didn't really want her with someone else, either...but she deserved it. She deserved to get over him and move on to greener pastures. So he had to stay away. For her good, he had to stay dead.

For the good of the little girl, too. If he just came back from the dead, it would completely fuck that little girl's understanding of life and death. It would fuck her up for life.

Dean sighed, picking up his phone and kissing his lock screen; the picture they took on the beach for their honeymoon. He held the phone over his heart for a minute and lied back, staring at the ceiling until sleep took him.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Dean smiled as he sat in a folding chair on the side of a soccer field, watching a short blonde girl dribble a ball between her feet on the green grass. "She's gettin' good," he commented to himself.

"She missed tryouts this year," a familiar voice said. Dean gasped a little as he turned in his seat to look at the angel in the beige trenchcoat. "They moved back to Florida too late for her to be placed on a team."

"Cas? Are you--is this--this is a dream."

"Yes. But...my presence is not." Castiel smiled as Dean stood and wrapped him in a hug. "Jack saved me from the Cosmic Entity from the Empty. We've been improving Heaven."

Dean pulled back and sniffled as he slapped a hand on Cas' shoulder. "Man, where have you been, then? We've missed you."

"Angels stay in Heaven now. Jack and I thought it was best to keep our interference to a minimum." Cas chuckled. "I'm not technically supposed to be here now."

Dean licked his lips. "Well, then...what's with the, uh, Freddy Krueger you're pulling?"

"Dean requested it. He knows what's been happening on Earth, that you've taken on his memories and essentially become him, and he knows that you are avoiding Cassie."

Dean scoffed and stepped back from the angel. "I'm sure he's got an opinion on all this."

"He does. He has a strong opinion on what you're doing and what you should be doing." Castiel stepped closer. "He told me to tell you to get your head out of your ass. He said that, if you have his memories, you're in love with her too and you need to go to her. He knows you couldn’t live with losing her forever...so don't lose her."

"Cas, she's better off without me."

"Is she?" the angel challenged. "Because she’s Dean Winchester’s widow. Doesn't that put a target on her back?"

Dean pressed his lips together in a thin line and looked away. She could handle it...right? "She's got protections...and we taught her to fight. She's gonna be fine."

"Dean told me to tell you that if you don't get in his car and drive to Florida, he's going to 'rip your pansy lungs out'," Cas said, doing air quotes. Dean scoffed. "He was very adamant that you go to her."

"Fine. But it's gonna hurt her. I'm gonna hurt her." Dean was absolutely serious but Cas just smiled and shook his head a little. "Hey, uh, Cas? Before you go...I'm...I'm not gonna get to see you again, right? So, don't you think we should talk about-"

"I think that would be a bit redundant." Castiel’s smile brightened, crinkles forming at the corners of his eyes. "Dean and I have spoken at length about my sacrifice and the words spoken before Billie and I were taken to the Empty."

"And?"

"And Dean Winchester’s Heaven is full of people who love and cherish him...who see him for the hero he is. He never believes he's going to hurt any of them. You should learn from his example."

"DEAN! Look!" Dean looked behind him to see the girl kick the soccer ball at the goal. He couldn’t help the smile that crossed his face.

"Great job, Youngblood!" he shouted before turning back around. The angel was gone.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Dean smiled tightly at Sam as he walked into the kitchen the next morning. “So, uh...I’m gonna take a few days...drive down to Florida.”

Sam’s eyes lit up. “Really?”

Dean nodded. “Yeah...Castiel came to me in a dream last night. Said the original me is up there in Heaven and he’s very unhappy with my choice.”

“Really?” Sam was obviously amused.

“Yeah. I don’t know if it was really him or not. Maybe it was just my brain kickin’ me in the ass but...I’m gonna go get ‘em back.”

“Thank you. I was hoping you’d come to your senses.”

“Yeah, yeah, anyway...I’ll be back in a couple days. I’ve got training on Monday so...it’ll be a short trip. Maybe she’ll come back, maybe she won’t but…” He shrugged. “Don’t know ‘til I go talk to her.”

“Good luck, man.”

Dean nodded before heading to the garage. He had plenty of time to get nervous as he drove toward his in-laws’ house in North Florida. A month wasn’t too long. She’d gone longer without him in the past, but...he was alive back then. She knew he’d be back eventually.

He parked the Impala down the street. He wanted to see her before he talked to her. He needed to see how she was working through his death...if she even needed him. Dead Dean told him to go, but if she was moving on, he’d just get back in the car.

She was on the porch when he arrived, coming around the neighbor’s house to hide in the shadows around the side of her parent’s house. “It’s still hard. I don’t think it’s ever not gonna be hard. I still keep wanting to hear that damn Impala coming down the road. But even if I did hear it...I know it’d be Sam.” Dean bit his bottom lip. She was still mourning him. “I don’t know, Manda, but Erik has been a godsend.” His eyebrows went up. Who the fuck is Erik? Did she move on already? “He’s the only reason I get out of bed most mornings. He’s been helping a lot with Aria, driving her to school in the morning and making breakfast. Oh, he makes the best pancakes.” She gave a small chuckle. “Not that I need pancakes. I’ve put on, like, fifteen pounds since he died. Yeah, that is a lot. Erik doesn’t think so either...and Dean wouldn’t care...but I care”

Dean watched her shrug before shaking her head. “I don’t know. He seems nice but...my parents didn’t even know Dean and I got married, so of course Erik doesn’t know. He doesn’t understand...but he’s helping anyway.” She sighed and hummed a little into the air, staring up at the moon. “It’s still just really hard.”

Dean watched as she finished her phone call to her best friend and kept looking up into the night sky. He had to force himself to step around the side of the house and toward her. “Who’s Erik?” he asked. It was the only thing he could think to ask. Green eyes behind thick, dark glasses went wide as she turned to look at him.

“Dean?” she squeaked.

“Mostly,” he whispered as she threw her phone to skim across the grass and launched herself at him. He closed his eyes as she wrapped her arms around him, overwhelmed by the feel of her warmth against him. “Come on, Crash, I taught you better than this. Where’s your silver and holy water, baby?”

“Inside,” she sobbed out into his chest. “But I know you’re you. I can feel it.”

He pressed his lips to her hair and took a step back, leaning down a bit to look directly into her eyes. “I am me, but I’m also...I’m also not. Can we...can we take a walk?”

“Of course!” she agreed, sniffling and wiping at her eyes under her glasses.

They started to walk out of the yard onto the street. “Okay, but before I get into my whole thing...who the fuck is Erik?”

“Oh, he’s a maintenance guy, works with my dad. When I moved to the Bunker, Erik rented my room.”

Dean nodded, his lips pursed. “So, he’s your parents’ tenant and you’re letting him take your daughter to school?”

“My parents trust him...I trust him.” She stuck her hands in her pockets and shrugged. “He’s a nice guy...and he’s a writer, too. He was shocked by the number of notebooks I have. He used to do all of his writing on his computer, but he’s started writing in notebooks since I showed him the versatility of handwriting a story. He said it was like going back to simpler times.”

“Okay. I guess...so, he’s just…”

“He’s just a guy that lives at the house.” She looked over at him as he jammed his hands in his jacket pockets. “So, how are you back? Sam burned you. You shouldn’t be back.”

“You remember when Chuck was destroying the other universes and the other versions of me and Sam showed up? They were fleeing their world.”

“I remember. Sam wouldn’t take his hair down.”

“Right, well...um…” He cleared his throat. “Couple weeks ago, Man-bun Sam died in South America. Werewolves...and Dean couldn’t take it and he did a full wipe of his memories so that he wouldn’t have to remember and Sam went to Rowena to get her to fix it. Her version of fixing it was to give him, give me, your husband’s memories.”

“So, you’re-” She stopped in the middle of the street and turned to look at him. “You’re not my Dean?”

“Of course I am. I’ve got all of his memories. I’ve got all of his love.” He rubbed at the back of his neck. “Slightly different body...and a different soul. Your Dean is in Heaven. But I’m just like him. I’m exactly like him, Crash.”

She swallowed and searched his face for a few moments before she looked away. “The day we met...why was I crying?”

She was quizzing him, testing his memories, seeing how much like her husband he really was. “Mike left you,” he said quietly. “It wasn’t the first time...or the last. Rebel was about...two years old and you were tryin’ to hold yourself together. We shared some beer and talked about the monster Sam and I put down...and you gave me your number.”

“You, uh, you had a tattoo that I designed...it burned so you don’t have it now, but what-”

“I’ll get the rune again,” he interrupted. “So you can astral to me again.”

“Oh, it is you,” she whispered.

“It is me.” He wrapped her in a hug again and she grabbed at his jacket to hold him to her. “I don’t know how to go about this, though. How are we gonna explain to the kid that-”

“I-I don’t know.” She pulled back and shook her head. “I don’t know if she even caught on to the fact that you were dead...all I said was ‘gone’. I just said you were gone.”

That might make it easier. “Is she back at the house?”

“No. She’s with her father. It’s just Erik and my parents at the house right now.”

“Do your parents know I died? I’m just trying to determine if we can go in or if I’m sleeping in the car tonight.” He smiled at her as she sighed and looked away.

“I told them you broke up with me.”

“So, can I come inside?”

“You’ll have to sleep on the couch...unless you wanna sleep on the floor in Aria’s room. I’ve been sleeping with her on her loft bed since Erik has my old room and bed and all that.”

He smiled and headed toward the house, her hand in his. “She still have that big pile of stuffed animals under the loft?” She nodded and he smirked. “Then I’ll sleep in her zoo.”

She led him into the house and started up the stairs. They were halfway up the stairs when the door to the room that used to be hers opened. “Cass?” a voice asked. Dean stopped in his tracks.

“Didn’t mean to wake you, Erik.”

“It’s okay. I was just worried when you didn’t come back in. Are you-” Shadows fell over Dean and Crash as a figure stepped to the top of the stairs. “Oh, shit.”

Dean’s eyes narrowed as he stepped around his wife and up a few stairs. “What the hell are you doin’ here?” he demanded.

“You’re dead,” the blue-eyed man squeaked.

“About as dead as you’re about to be, Chuck.”

~~~~

The Kitchen Sink - @emoryhemsworth @flamencodiva @wasabiwitteks @rainbowkisses31 @rissbennett @mariekoukie6661 @officiallyunofficialperson @dolphincliffs @mrs-meghan-winchester @gayspacenerd @foxyjwls007 @ilovefanfic86 @marvelfansworld @f-yeahfandoms @wonderlandfandomkingdom @hhiggs @sev3nruby @hobby27 @paintballkid711 @divadinag @thewhiterabbit42 @fantasymyth-1 @queenoftheunderdark @cosicas-cuquis @superfanficnatural @letsby @supernatural-bellawinchester @onethirstyunicorn @swinchester27 @chalicia @screechingartisancashbailiff @death-unbecomes-you @dayasvalkyrie @paryl @wereallbrokenangels @the-american-witch @that-one-gay-girl @tatted-trina6 @sunshineandwings86 @lunarmoon8 @wheezyeds @vicmc624 @couldabeenamermaid @vulgar-library

[obeydontstray]

I Want More (A Maxwell Lord X OFC rp)

0(A Maxwell Lord (Pedro Pascal - Patty Jenkins universe) rp between myself and my girlfriend @historianwithaheart ) Can be found under the same name on AO3)

Maxwell sat at his desk, getting his first breather of the day. He looked around for his son. Being the first month of summer, Alistair was spending time at the office with him, but the kid was not in his office where he left him. Max hit the button on his desk and spoke. "Hey Britney, did Alistair leave me any messages of where he was going? Did you see him?"

“No sir I thought he was with you.” In Melony’s office she sat typing away. The little black haired boy munched on his carrots and drank the soda she had gotten for him. She didn’t know who this little boy belonged to but he had stolen her heart. “Like the new Mario Alister?” She asked him. He smiled.

“My daddy is so busy most of the time so it’s nice to come hang out.”

It wasn't uncommon for Alistair to take walks around the offices. Max always made sure he had a piece of money so he could buy anything he wanted from the cafeteria, vending machines, or gift shop downstairs. But he wasn't usually gone this long. It had been....an hour? Maxwell began to get nervous.

“Sorry I couldn’t get you McDonald’s this time but I figure that you shouldn’t be eating junk every time we visit.” She felt her heart ache when he smiled at her. “I get bored so it’s nice to come sit with you.” Alistair smiled. “Well I think I’m gonna have my Lunch break soon if you want a player two?” He nodded.

Maxwell walked through the office hurriedly, asking random people if they had seen the small boy with black hair and dark eyes.

“Did you tell your daddy where you were going?” She asked typing on her desk top. Ali stair nodded. “Left a note.” She smiled at him. “Good boy.”

Someone stopped Max. "I saw a kid go that way, down the hall." He thanked the person and began opening doors.

“Hey kid, have some water okay? Only one soda!” She handed him a water bottle. She sighed. One week late for the meeting. Wonderful.

The door flung open and a head appeared. One with dark blonde hair, handsome features, and dark eyes. "Alistair!" He said, stepping in the door and reaching out his arms.

“Hey daddy!” Melony nearly choked on her drink. “Well Mr. Lord you’re only a week and three hours late to our meeting.” She stood.

He hugged Alistair and quickly stood, straightening out his clothes with his hands and suddenly turning on the biggest smile. "I'm sorry, you are?" God she was beautiful! She had shoulder length blonde hair and the biggest, bluest eyes he had ever seen. Her ruby red lips were perfectly shaped.

“You new head of financials Mr. Lord.” Ali stair smiled. “She’s my friend!” Alistair said. “Look she brought me stuff to play with.”

Maxwell scanned the room. A few scattered toys, food wrappers still out, and a a Nintendo. "So this is where you have been disappearing to."

“She’s nice, and she bought me a Nintendo and she was gonna play with me on her lunch break.” Alistair said. “ if your daddy says you can we can still do that.” Melony smiled. “Melony Morningstar, Head of your financial division. We were supposed to have a meeting one week and three hours ago.”

Maxwell sighed and rubbed the bridge of his nose. "Shit, yeah you're right. Sorry, things have been so busy."

Alistair went and hugged around Melony’s thigh. She pet his hair. “Well unfortunately for you my schedule is full up until next Wednesday at two. We’re diversifying your portfolio Mr. Lord.”

"My, you are a busy busy woman. Could we meet now?"

“Well I have a very important meeting coming up, with a top partner.” She winked at Alistair and he smiled. “Can I have another soda?” He asked drinking the Mountain Dew.

"How many have you had?" Maxwell asked. "Your mom's gonna kill me for letting you drink too many."

“He’s only had one! I let him have one when he visits.” Melony said. Alistair leaned against her shoulder. “Mommy doesn’t let me have anything, she’s too busy with her new boyfriend.”

Maxwell frowned. "That's okay, you'll always get attention from me." He promised. "If it's okay with Mrs. Morningstar, you can have another."

“Miss.” Melony corrected. “I’m a Miss and I think you’ve had enough. Don't want to send you home to Daddy and have you bouncing off the walls.”

"How considerate." Max smiled warmly. "Miss Morningstar is right. How about some water, or juice?"

“I gave him water a few minutes ago.” She blushed. “Well I guess you better go little buddy. I think the jig is up.” She ruffled his hair. “If you want you can take the NES system home. That’s up to your daddy. I..I can’t make that decision.”

He nodded. "If she doesn't mind your visits, that's fine. You can keep it here and I'll get you one for your room at home too."

“Alright little man you should probably head to lunch with your pops.” She smiled at the boy. “As for you Mr. Lord, seems you're as irresponsible with your child as you are your money. I’d like to know why you just couldn’t make our meeting a week ago.”

"I'm not irresponsible!" He said, a little flash defiance in his voice before he ran a hand through his perfectly coiffed hair. "He usually makes quick trips to the gift shop or cafeteria and back up. I didn't expect him to start touring people's offices. And I apologize, my only free time lately has been in the late afternoon. No business like show business, ya know."

“Mmm. No worries, little man and I keep each other company!” She smiled. “Oh yes far too busy. Then I guess it will have to be a business dinner then. Tonight at 6 your choice though perhaps a nice place to sit outside. The office is stifling.”

His eyebrow raised and a lopsided smile shown on his face. "Really? Tonight huh? How does Thai sound?"

“Fantastic. It’s my favorite. I’ll see you at six.” She penciled in her planner. “You best be there Mr. Lord, I am your new head of finances you hired me for a reason. And it wasn’t because I’m pretty, because you weren’t even there to look at me.”

"And I regret that deeply." He said, giving her a very obvious look over. "I'll meet you there." He said, laying his hand on Alistair's shoulder. "Come on baby, let's go."

She waved at Alistair. She sat down and smiled to herself. She had just strong armed the most powerful man in this company. Not taking his his excuses. Alistair walks with Max. “You’re not mad at me daddy, she’s really nice and she plays video games with me sometimes. She says that if you were smart you’d start investing in Nintendo.”

He grinned. "Well I'll have to think on that. No buddy, I'm not mad at you. She's a very nice lady."

“Are you gonna date her?” Alistair asked. “She’s pretty, really pretty almost prettier than Momma.”

"No no, this is just a business meeting." He assured him, even if he had different things in mind. "She is really pretty, isn't she?"

“She looks like that Disney princess, Aurora.” Alistair said. “She sings pretty too.” He said. “Can I still hang out with her?”

"Sure thing buddy." He said, ruffling the boy's dark hair. "When did you hear her sing?"

“Well one day when you were super busy, and I got bored I went exploring and I got really lost, and she found me. I was crying a lot because I was scared. She picked me up and she sang a song to me to help me stop crying because I was scared.” Alistair told him.

He lay his hand on his son's shoulder and bent down to his level before pulling him in for a hug. "I'm so sorry you were lost and scared. I'll thank her tonight for caring for you."

“It’s okay, I know you didn’t mean it to happen.” Alistair hugged him. “Just be nice to her okay?” Soon five o'clock came and Melony went home to change into a sweet little blue floral patterned summer dress. Cuban stockings, blue pumps. She did up her hair and spritzed her perfume. She picked up the phone as she put on her pink lipstick.

Maxwell looked himself over in the mirror. He wore a sunset yellow blazer with white slacks and a pastel orange shirt. His white loafers were shined and he pushed up his sleeves to his elbows. His hair was perfectly coiffed and he was cleanly shaven. He picked up his Polo cologne and sprayed it on. "Daddy, if it's not a date then why are you dressing up?" Alistair asked. "Dress for success, buddy. When you're a business man, you have to always look your best. This is a meeting, it's just outside the office so I'm dressing different." The phone rung and caught his attention. He lifted a finger at Alistair. "Hold that thought."

“Good evening Mr. Lord, Raquel said this was your home number. I’m honored.” Melony laughed.

"And who said you could call me at home?" He said in a flirty tone. "What do I owe the pleasure?"

“Well Mr. Lord by proxy of not specifying which Thai restaurant in DC you have hence forth invited me to call you at home.” She spoke. She heard the flirtatious tone in his voice. She felt a zap of desire run down her spine. Oh Melony, don’t you know any better. She thought to herself.

“Precisely. I’ll see you there soon.” She smiled over the receiver. “Oh and come prepared to work Mr. Lord. I’m not one of your office floosies.”

He smiled broadly and chuckled. "Work for what?"

“Honestly you think you’re so charming. Work work. Like portfolios and the future of your company, I’m sure you enjoy being able to spoil your little conquests. In order to keep doing that my darling Mr. Lord you need to be wise about the market.”

He grinned even harder. "I could have you fired for speaking to me like that, you know." He tested.

“Then I guess you wouldn't have a company much longer Mr. Lord. I will see you in a bit. Tell my little buddy that next time he wants to come play he brings me a snack okay?” She smiled.

"Okay I will. See you soon." He hung up and Alistair looked up at him with a worried look. "You would fire her?" "No! No!" He assured his son. How could he explain himself without telling him he was flirting? "I was testing her! It's hard to explain, you'll understand when you're older. But she passed. And she said when you go see her again you can bring the snacks."

Alistair smiled. “Okay!” He happily went to to go get ready for the babysitter. Melony was sitting at a table overlooking the river into a forest. She checked her watch, her legs crossed as she skimmed through a book and sipped a beer.

"Daddy, can I dress up next time I go see her?" Alistair asked. "Sure buddy." Soon Max had dropped off his son and strolled into the restaurant looking for her.

She sat there. Looking much different from before, more soft and feminine. She checked her watch again, when she heard whispers. Ah he's here. She thought to herself.

Women stared at him as he walked past, a handsome grin on his face and he shot random women flirty winks. His bright gold watch and rings flashed in the low light of the restaurant. "Miss Morningstar, nice to see you again." He greeted before took off his jacket and draped it on the back of his chair before he sat down.

“It nice to finally capture your attention for a moment or two.” She smiled at him. It was a flirtatious smile. She couldn’t help it.

"I'm a man in demand." He said with a wink.

She rolled her eyes. “Indeed.” She grabbed her brief case. “Okay so you started in oil but how long before that goes dry, you need to diversify.”

"Alistair said you told him I should invest in Nintendo." He chuckled. "What about that little computer company? Apple is it?"

“I think that’s a solid bet, personal gaming systems, personal computers, making it individual is going to be big.” She continued. “Your oil company is a great start, it really is, and your other investments are doing well but we need to be able to have more than one leg to stand on, what are the big draws? Entertainment, technology and of course oil and trade.” She handed him a large book. See.”

He flipped through the books pages quickly. "Hmmmm, I see." His lips were pressed together in a goofy shape, making him look as if he was only half considering the things he was looking at.

She looked at him, she knew that look. He's only half considering it. She bit her lip and let her anger simmer. “Sir, I’m trying to be diplomatic but do you think I’m a joke? I’ve spent hours doing the job you’ve hired me to do, and then you can’t be bothered to see me at our planned meeting and then you come here and half ass your considerations.”

"What? I'm thinking!" He said, his warm brown eyes flicking upwards and locking with hers.

“If you say so.” She sipped her beer. “I apologize, this is important to me.”

He nodded and looked her in the eyes again. "And it shows, I apologize if I'm not demonstrating my interest. I'm just a little distracted, but here, let me take another look."

She sighed. “It is kind of late and if I’m being honest Mr. Lord. I’m tired.” She spoke. “At least I have you thinking.”

He nodded. "Yes it is late. I'm sorry we got off to a rocky start, but I really enjoyed your company tonight." He said with an earnest face.

“Well I guess at the very least you can continue to enjoy my company. I wouldn’t protest.” She said to him sipping a beer. I mean our first meeting was supposed to be just a get to know your employee type deal, but your company took a big chance on me and I..I just don’t want to fail.”

"I'm really glad whoever made the decision did. I uh-I'm not as involved in the hiring process as I should be. But I would like to get to know you more. And if it's okay, can I borrow this book? I'll review it in the morning with fresh eyes and a clear mind."

“Don’t you eat breakfast with your son?” She asked him. “And what we’re you distracted by.” She handed him the book.

"I do. I'll look it over again after I get to work." He looked up at her again. "Who wouldn't be distracted by someone like you."

She scoffed. “Honestly, Mr. Lord, I hate to sound pretentious but, again, I’m not one of your office floosies.” She looked at him. God, his eyes were so sincere. “But I have a feeling you know that.” She handed him his beer.

He nodded and took his beer before taking a sip. "I know you're not like them. I don't pay attention to them. But you..."

“But what about me Mr. Lord?” She smiled at him. She moved a strand of hair behind her ear.

"You're authoritative and commanding and just...beautiful. You fill up the whole room with your presence."

She felt her face betray her emotions flushing pink. Clearly not the rouge one her cheeks. “Mr. Lord, I..”

"And my son told me what you did for him when he was lost and alone. And that, I'll forever be grateful to you for."

She was really blushing now. “Oh it’s nothing, anyone would have done that. I honestly thought maybe he was like a receptionists son, or something I didn’t know he was yours, but I...I can’t stand to hear a child cry. Especially...a sweet little boy like that.”

Maxwell's eyes moved to his empty plate. "I never thought of him getting lost like that and getting scared. I trusted him to just go to one of two places and back. I never thought of him getting lost. It broke my heart when he told me what that was like. But, he told me he thinks you are like Princess Aurora."

“Mr. Lord, if I could be so bold.” She said to him and took his hand. “He never blamed you, and he loves you dearly.” She said to him. “I just heard him cry and I just wanted to help. But you’re a good father.”

He nodded. "I try. I only get him on weekends right now and I try to set aside time to be with him, just one on one, but it's so hard to make time in the business."

“He sees you try. I’m sure.” She realized that she was holding his hand and blushed. “I..I’m sorry.” She pulled her hand away and chugged her beer.

“This is inappropriate and I’m sorry. I should go.” She went to stand.

He reached out and lay his hand on hers. "No, no please. Don't leave. We're just getting to know each other."

She felt her heart leap up into her throat. The story playing out in her bright blue eyes. The felt it, the attention, but her mind raced. What would he do with her when he was done. He could see it, she was sure. She sat back down. “I guess then maybe I should tell you more.” She didn’t take her hand away.

"Yes, tell me everything." He said, curling his fingers so that his hand wrapped around hers.

She felt her breath hitch. Her mind racing. “I...I..” she stammered. This seemed like a hazy dream. This man, the man who ran the most successful company right now, and her. Little old her. She wasn’t worth his time. “My name is Melony, I’m twenty eight, I have masters degree in finances and law. I...I like nature, and art and archaeology. I..I’m single. Have been for a while. Because being woman, having feelings gets you no where in this big business world. I’m witty and intelligent. Some men call me frigid or a bitch but I call it getting by.”

"You don't not seem those bad things to me. And I'm Maxwell Lord as you know. I'm divorced. You know Alistair. I'm 35. We have similar tastes."

“And I’m being incredibly stupid right now. Letting you know these things about me. Letting my guard down.” She confessed. “I should have Just kept it business.” She felt the room grow hotter. “This is how a woman gets a reputation.”

"How? Just by talking to me?" He asked, confusion sparking on his face.

“By letting my guard down around you.” She said to him. “Maxwell Lord, the infamous business man, being seen with his head of finances, a young woman.” She searched his face. “I guess one of my poor traits is I’m obsessed with my image.”

He raised his eyebrows and shrugged. "We can keep our meetings strictly business and in office, Miss Morningstar."

“I suppose, but you’re still holding my hand Mr. Lord.” She breathed out.

He drew back his hand slowly. "Well, I guess I should let you go. I'll see you at work Monday afternoon to give you a decision." He said as he stood and grabbed the book.

“Mr. Lord.” She reached out for him. “Don’t.” She looked at him. “I, am just scared. I haven’t, I haven’t let myself be vulnerable in a while. You astound me. Have since I first saw you on tv, have since I applied to work for you. Your company gave me the opportunity to do more than fall into the darkness that was waiting to take me. You’ve set the annals of my heart alive with flames once again. Forgive me if I am a guarded woman.”

He looked down at her with the softest expression before he sat down again. "Really? You'd use such beautiful words for me?"

“Perhaps you need a little beauty and honesty in your life.” She replied.

He reached out and took her hand once again and his thumb smoothed across her knuckles. "Maybe you could be the sunlight in my life, then."

“Mr. Lord, I...I don’t know about all of that, but I think perhaps maybe for a little while we could make each other realize that the sun still shines.” She paused. Not knowing what to do next.

"Call me Max, please." He looked at his watch. "It's getting late, I shouldn't keep you. The babysitter will be ready to go home soon, it's after Alistair's bedtime."

“What if...I want to be kept. Max.” She looked up at him and stood. “Maybe it’s the beer or maybe it’s just your touch, and maybe it’s just my personality but I feel brave.”

"I'd love to stay but I have to be home by midnight. Unless..."

She stood and moved closer to him she took his hand and placed her lips on his in a slow sensual kiss. But her shaking body betrayed her confidence.

He moved to hold her cheeks gently in both hands and kissed her again. "Then come home with me."

“You don’t have to ask twice.” She replied. Thank god they were at a secluded table.

"Come with me, let's take a taxi."

[dadolorian]

A Second Chance - Part 1 Whiskey x F!Reader

A/N: I had an idea for a slow burn with Whiskey i couldn’t shake. Reader is Agent Schorle ,a short, curvy female employee at Statesman (Not a field agent). She works in the ‘PR’ department and is good friends with Tequila. This is a mix between canon and Fanon Whiskey, set after Golden Circle so it rewrites canon and he’s not a secret bad guy, living past the events of the movie. But he is still a womanizer while he is single. Like with most my x reader fics its more OFC than a traditional reader but i change it up so it can be read as a reader fic, meaning the reader is more of a character. This chapter is just their introduction/first impressions.  Also! I AM NOT American, so if i get any shit about America wrong, IDGAF. Credits: No Beta reader. HMU if you wanna be one for this series

Title: A Second Chance Fandom: Kingsman; the Golden Circle. Ship: Agent Jack ‘Whiskey’ Daniels/Reader Warning:  Bit of womanizing behavior from Whiskey (Surprise surprise), it’s not rejected by the reader character so its consensual. Nothing else for this chapter. Heads up before you get invested, not in this chapter but there will be triggering stuff as part of the plot in later chapters, and there will be kids in later chapters too, just in case either of those things aren’t your cup of tea. No use of Y/N in this chapter. There are two narrative perspectives in this story, 3rd person Whiskey perspective and 2nd person Reader perspective. Promise not to flip between them too often. Word count: - 2K Master List - coming soon Request status AO3 Link - coming soon Next part - coming soon

The first thing Jack Daniels noticed was not the way her pencil skirt hugged her ass, or the way her blouse struggled to contain her breasts, as much as his colleagues would later claim. He was well aware of his reputation as a womanizer and didn't exactly blame them for that immediate assumption, it was what most people noticed first about her anyway, why would Jack Daniels, the womanizing Cowboy be any different? No, the thing he noticed first was her laugh. It was so warm, angelic, he was entranced hopelessly from the first moment he first heard it in the Statesman hallway. He would give his damn hat to hear that sound grace his ears again.

He had gravitated over to her immediately, joining in on the little conversation she was having with Tequila. He tried to be subtle, he really did, waltzing up to the two of them with his best, charming smile, checking her out as he did so and nodding a greeting at his colleague. She was short, and curvy, her attire was office professional, meaning she probably wasn't a field agent, tidy, small heels showing her shapely curves of her legs, and soft, professional curls hung loosely, framing her round face. She was gorgeous. “Hey there Tequila,” he smiled, before nodding in her direction. “You gonna introduce me to your pretty lil friend here?” She blushed slightly, he noticed, as she pushed some of her neat hair behind her ear, she had a small shy smile on her face too, ‘cute as a button’ he thought. “Ahhh come on Whiskey, leave her alone,” Tequila groaned dramatically, making her giggle. Jack couldn’t help his smile growing at the sound. “Now now Boy,” he chuckled, patting Tequila's shoulder. “You can’t be hiding this pretty little thing from me and not expect her to catch my eye,” he added, shooting her a playful wink. She hugged the files she was carrying closer to her chest, blushing more and avoided his eye contact. Jack might have assumed she was uncomfortable if that smile wasn’t still playing on her lips. “She’s off limits, Whiskey,” Tequila sighed. “I think she can make her own mind up about that,” Whiskey grinned, elbowing the younger agent. “She’s a big girl. Now come on, show some manners and introduce me.” She giggled again and Tequila groaned, pissed off that already Whiskey’s stupid southern charm was working already. “Whiskey,” he sighed, already expecting the ungodly amount of flirting that was about to rain down upon his friend. “This is Schorle. One of our ‘behind the scenes’ agents.’PR’ department.” Jack flashed her a crooked smile as Tequila continued, motioning to the senior agent. “Schorle, this is Whiskey. I’ve told you ‘bout him before.” “Oh, have you now?” Jack chuckled, he put his hands on his hips and faced her more directly. “All good things I hope?” he asked her. She gave him another shy smile and Jack felt his heart soar. “I am well aware of you Agent Whiskey, and not just from Tequila here,” she said, now his heart felt like it had skipped a beat. Her voice was as angelic as her laugh! “Again, I hope it's all good things,” he laughed.  “Most the time, yes,” she hummed playfully. “My main job is hiding Statesman true existence from the public eye.” She flashed him a more coy smile and his grin grew. “Which means i tend to hear about certain escapades, such as a cable car sledding down a mountain.” Jack rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly, laughing nervously. “You certainly don't make my job easy sometimes, Agent,” she teased. Jack's expression was one of pleasant surprise, she wasn’t as shy as she appeared. Tequila laughed, pleased his friend was at least able to bite back at the other man. “She’s still off limits old man,” the younger agent muttered to him. “I am not that much older than you,” Jack retorted, making her giggle some more. “And as i rightfully pointed out earlier, she can make up her own mind about me i am sure.” Tequila was about to bite back but she interrupted whatever thought he was about to say. “He’s right on that Tequila. I can make up my own mind,” she said, giving Jack another smile. “And right now my mind is telling me i need to get back to work.” She gave Jack a nod and Tequila a friendly wave as she turned on her heels and went back to wherever her office was. Whiskey let out a long whistle when she was out of earshot, admiring her ass as her hips swayed. His staring was interrupted by Tequila wacking him in the chest with the back of his hand. “Hey! I’m only looking!” he pouted. “She didn’t seem to have a problem with me.” “Dang it Whiskey she's my friend!” Tequila groaned. “Just leave her alone, she don’t need none of that. “ “She’s not married,and I know she ain’t your girl,” Jack remarked. “She’s still my friend Whiskey,” the younger agent sighed. “I don’t want her gettin’ hurt.” Jack frowned at him. “Hey now that’s not fair,” he said sternly. “I know I have a reputation an all but you’re acting like I plan on breaking her heart.” “She’s one of the nicest people I ever met, she doesn’t deserve to be your current flavor of the month,” Tequila defended. “Now I take personal offence to that Tequila,” Jack countered. “I would like to think myself a gentleman and my intentions are purely honorable.” “The way you were staring at her ass tells me otherwise,” Tequila mumbled. “C’mon Whiskey, you don’t even know her. She’s just another pretty piece of ass to you and we both know it.” Whiskey gave him a disappointed look. Slightly upset his friend would think so lowly of him, but he had to admit his reputation did nothing to counter it. “It’s really bothering you isn’t it?” he asked, sighing when Tequila nodded. “Fine, look, I won’t chase her. If it means that much to you,” he sighed in defeat. He was still enamored with her, but if hooking up with her bothered Tequila so much he wouldn’t in good conscience be able to do so. “That a promise?” Tequila asked, holding his hand out for Jack to shake and seal the deal. “Yeah,” he sighed, taking the offered hand. “She must mean a lot to you,” he added, only getting another nod in return from the younger man as they shook hands. 

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You first noticed Whiskey long, long before the two of you ever actually met in person. You hadn’t been joking about dealing with the results of his missions, constantly having to kill stories in the press or send out false reports to police and media so that Statesman’s business remained out of the public eye. Your ‘PR’ department was often quite busy, constantly searching social media to kill any evidence that might have been captured by the public. It was a 24 hour job, one you were in charge of now.

Years ago, when you were a new hire, just one of the lackeys, your first assignment was to comb through social media to kill any evidence of Whiskey’s latest mission. You hadn’t slept for two days during that time, surviving on caffeine and an ambition to make a good impression at your new job. You could vaguely remember complaining to one of your co-workers about the agent who had gone in guns (and Lasso) blazing without considering the fact that smart phones were now a thing and that the target was a very public figure. That was the first time you heard of him, as your more experienced co-worker gushed over his skills as an agent while you sat and seethed at the ungodly amount of work he had caused you on your first assignment.

You could look back on that memory fondly now, and since then your opinion of him had changed as you heard more and more about him. He was a skilled agent, had a strong sense of justice and always got the job done. Sure, his methods were sometimes a little unorthodox and he was often quick to jump into the fray, but there was no denying his skill. He was a senior agent for a reason after all. And of course, you had heard about his reputation, no woman in the office hadn’t. He would flirt with any pretty thing that caught his eye. You used to think that your co-workers that fell for his charm were foolish for falling for it, given his well known reputation among Statesman, but that was before you met him in person. You had seen him in passing before, from afar, or glimpses of him in the social media posts you killed, he was handsome, sure, but it was a whole different level when you met him face to face. You thought you were safe from his charm, believed you were smart enough not to fall for it should it happen to come your way, but you also doubted you would ever be on the receiving end of it. You had been in the same room as him plenty of times in the past and he had never paid any attention to you, and not to mention you didn’t exactly fit his usual type. You were short, plump, nothing like the field agents he was used to working with, women who were physically fit enough to work alongside him and fight. Not to say you thought you were completely unattractive, sure it sometimes bothered you that your blouse could barely contain your breasts and that your stomach and thighs were a little too soft for your liking, but you weren’t blind. You could see the not so subtle looks as you walked past, the way people would try to discreetly check out your ass as you walked. It was a confidence booster for sure. It just never occurred to you before that you would be Whiskeys type. So the day the two of you met officially, you couldn’t help the blushes, he was attractive, and paying attention to you, perhaps it wasn’t so hard to see why women fell for his charm even with his reputation. You were just like every other woman he flirted with, but when he spoke to you it made you feel special. You supposed that was the appeal, why it was so easy for him. It wasn’t until you had excused yourself from his company and were able to calm down that you began to chide yourself for falling for his charm. You reminded yourself of his reputation, as handsome and charming as he was you didn’t want to be just another roll in the hay for him.

You sighed as you made your way into your office. Now the head of Statesman’s ‘PR’ department you were officially considered an ‘agent’, the perks in which included your own private office. You dropped your files off before making your way inside, ready to get back to work, trying to ignore the way Whiskey's attention had made your heart flutter and pretend you weren’t looking forward  to seeing him again.

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[oddsnendsfanfics]

Unraveling at the Seams Pt 13

Genre: Fan Fiction Pairing: Alex Høgh Andersen/OFC, Henry Cavill/OFC Warnings: Language, Sexual Innuendo, Possible NSFW Rating: M Length: Multi Disclaimer: a strict work of fiction, I own nothing except the original characters and the plot line. In no way am I affiliated to any of it.  

A/N: Again, Tumblr has been a dick about tagging people. Apologies. 

thank you @flowers-in-your-hayr​ for the header :D

Catch Up Here

After Alex left, Nell had been the last person in the condo, until Marco had come back yesterday. Alex had gone through the place a few times making sure it was tidy, not too much dust had settled, and they had fresh groceries. A bottle of Jameson tucked into the supplies for dinner, Alex was set whenever Nell showed up.

Showering and changing his clothes twice, he had worked himself up over this more than the first time he'd gone out with her. That night he'd changed four times, couldn't decide what to do with his mess of hair, and nearly vomited twice before Marco shoved him out the door and told him to fucking relax. Tonight was a strong contender for a repeat.

Pacing, rearranging the cushions on the couch, and nervously drumming his fingers on the counter top Alex checked the clock on the wall for what felt like the millionth time in – only twenty minutes? Fuck this was excruciating.

“Calm the fuck down, dude.” Marco grumbled from the kitchen counter. Alex wanted to make pizza, too bad he was absolutely useless making dough. Swooping in to save the day, Marco kneaded the dough, before dropping in in the bowl to rise.

“I can't.”

“Why? It's not like this is the first date or some shit. Fuck, dude, you've seen her naked.” Snorting, Marco's eyes glinted with mischief. “You've also saw her ex naked. By now I assumed you'd have a handle on this.”

Death glaring at his roommate, Alex snorted. “I thought we agreed to never talk about that, again.”

“You may have agreed to that, I did not. Honestly, there are worse things. So what, you saw another guy's dick.”

“Can you not?”

“Think of it this way, you've second hand fucked Superman.” Laughing at his own joke, Marco snorted. He would never grow tired of this. Ever.

“Why are we friends? Why? I would never do this to you.” Alex pointed his finger at Marco, making an emphasis. Lies. All lies. If the tables were turned, he would be all over tormenting Marco about it.  “Jeg hader dig.”

“Det er ikke nogen stor sag,” Marco shrugged and wiped his hands on a dish towel. “She was practically living here before you went home.”

Rolling his eyes, Alex sighed, “Alright, fine.” conceding with his hands held in the air.

Cleaning up his work space, Marco watched Alex. Worked up, over nothing, Alex stood in the shared living space. Scratching his head and sighing heavily for what felt like the hundredth time in a handful of seconds. Wiping the counter down, Marco tried to be the supportive friend.

“You're going to have dinner, you're welcome by the way, and then what? Watch a movie? Make out? Discuss world politics? How bad can this be?”

“I'm breaking it off with her.”

“Oh.” The word formed on Marco's lips. His eyes wide in surprise. “Wait, are you sure?”

Any answer would have been accepted, except that. Marco eyed Alex curiously. Was he sure about this? Alex had worked his ass off  trying to impress this woman, he was going to let her go just like that?

“Yes.” Alex nodded, his eyes downcast. “It's not the right time, besides she really isn't that into it.”

“Then why not try to work it out?” Marco leaned against the center counter.

There were more ways around this than simply breaking it off. Alex Høgh Andersen didn't give up easily, so what gave?

“There's no sense. She isn't into it, she isn't into it. I jumped the gun and I guess what I wanted isn't as great as what I got. Dude, can't you see it? She still fucking loves him.” Alex groaned, his hands sliding down the sides of his face.

Fuck. He had been foolish. He should have left well enough alone and not even bothered.

“They have a kid together, of course she's going to love him.” What did Alex expect?  Marco felt that was pretty standard, especially if two people had a child together and were amicable.

“It's more than that,” Alex shrugged, he had made up his mind. He wanted out, while things were still clean. He would not be the reason holding somebody back. “I think he loves her, too. I am not being the guy who gets in the way of that.”

Scratching the bit of light stubble on his chin, Marco sniffed and pursed his lips - all things he did in thought, Alex waited for his friend to give him a pile of useless wisdom.

Alex had made up his mind, while visiting home. It wasn't a decision that he had come up with over night. The choice had taken time, one small step led to another, landing him here. Nell's feelings to Henry weren't the only deciding factor in this, though they had greatly helped.

“Is that what you're going to tell her? You're breaking up, because you don't want to stand in her way of fucking her ex -” Marco paused. “Is he her ex husband? No?”

“No, they were never married. She turned him down when he asked.”

“Poor Superman.” Marco shrugged it off. Returning to his original questions, “what are you going to tell her? She's going to want an answer.”

“Hadn't really thought about it.” Frowning, Alex knew Marco was right. Nell would want an answer.

Rolling his eyes and shaking his head, Marco groaned. “You're shit at this. Do you need me to stay and hold your hand?”

“No, you can leave.” In no way did he need Marco there to hold his hand. “Are you and Gee still going for drinks?” he tried to change the subject.

“Yeah, though now I may see if Henry wants to come. Ask him whether or not he loves his ex. Hold off on breaking up, you may not need to.”

“Fuck you.”

“You're really not my type, I don't like blue eyes.” Marco laughed throwing the dish towel at Alex. “Seriously, think of what you're going to tell her. Make it good. Make it sincere. And if you need to cry about it, you know where your room is.”

“You are truly an asshole.” Alex threw the towel back.

Catching the flying dish towel, Marco smiled and laughed. “At least I have enough balls to try and keep what I want.”

“Really? This is how you choose to be supportive?”

“You're my best friend, I love you man, but you're in over your head and not thinking clearly. Do whatever you want, but remember that you don't have to come to an end all be all. She may have feelings for the father of her child, but what are the chances she's going to act on it? What are the chances he will act on it?”

When did Marco suddenly get so damn smart?

“Besides, from what our friend Google tells us, Superman has a girlfriend and he isn't the cheating kind.”

“You Googled him?”

“You didn't?”

“No. Why would I do that?”

“Uh, because you're dating, I used the term loosely, the mother of his child. It's good to know your opponent. He seems like a chill guy, but you may not have to worry about him wanting to throw her over his shoulder and...”

“I am going to stop you there.” Alex held up a finger, to indicate this was the end of that sentence. “When are you leaving to meet Gee?”

Glancing at the clock, Marco shrugged. “Another hour.”

“Good, then why don't you go shower. Jerk off. Do your hair. Whatever it is you need to do before going out. Nell will be here in a few minutes.”

“Sure, sure, get rid of me.” Marco held up his hands, retreating from the kitchen. “But talk to her, before you break it all off and blow this to hell.”

Biting his bottom lip, Alex winced, biting down a little too hard on the flesh. Running his tongue over the small bite mark, he took a moment to let Marco's findings sink in. Perhaps he should have asked Marco where, exactly, he had found these claims.

Was it Alex's business what Henry did?

If he looked, it was only because he cared for Nell. Alex wanted what was best for her, even if he did plan to break it off. She was a fantastic person, a huge heart, and didn't deserve to be embarrassed by him asking her about her ex's relationships.

Alex would sweep it under the rug, surely Nell would be privy to that type of information. Not knowing Henry well, Alex did know that Ivan was a high priority, by way of that so was Nell.

Fucking Marco getting into his head.

Almost time for Nell, checking the clock again, Alex did one last sweep to make sure the condo was tidy. Dinner was prepped, all they had to do was assemble the pizzas and bake. Dough was happily resting, waiting until they were ready to use it. Hawaiian pizza wasn't Alex's first choice, though it apparently paired well with Jameson. He'd even remembered to get anchovies, again not his first choice, though Nell swore by them on any pizza.

The things you did when you wanted to impress a woman.

All day and last night, Nell had spent a portion of time intermittently wondering what Alex wanted. He didn't sound like his usual happy to see her, puppy dog like self. His mood placid. A hint of melancholy in his tone as he'd spoke.  Conceivably she could be over reacting. She'd been tired when he'd called, she could have easily taken it in a way it wasn't meant to be.

No, there was an off feeling.

She'd felt it then and as she made her way to his place.

A knot in her gut tightened, growing closer to the condo. Alex was out of sorts and here she was, going into this with an intention of leaving unattached. Was she a horrible person, by not wanting to continue seeing him, all because she was moving?

In her head she reran every situation that she had deemed possible. Alex would possibly be upset, which she would reassure him it was all on her. Nothing to do with him, cliche, but honest.

What if he wanted to break it off with her? That one she liked. Getting a way out with no hard feelings, because they both wanted the same thing.

Then there was the part where they would have to work together, for a short while, before she moved. How awkward would that be? Did she drag this on, leading him to a dead end, allowing him to think things were fine between them only to break it off last minute?

Nell hated herself for all of these situations.

If he tried to talk her out of it, then she would have to be firm. No amount of reconsidering saw her leaving Dublin attached, especially not to Alex.

Mustering the courage, she rang the buzzer, the door unlocked and she was inside. A pause by the elevator, to collect herself. Walking in there with this cloud hanging over head would ruin the evening entirely. Touching up her lipstick and taking a calming breath, she stepped into the elevator and pressed the button. A forced smile on her face, walking down the short hall way to the door Nell told herself she was ready for whatever laid on the other side.

Inside Alex jumped when the buzzer had gone off. Closing his eyes, taking a deep breath, he did what he could to relax. Nell was at the front door at what felt like rocket speed. Lingering in the open door, Alex watched down the hall, catching sight of her. She looked relaxed – more than could be said for him.

“Hey.” He greeted her, a quick kiss on the cheek, allowing her to walk in ahead of him. “Glad you could make it.”

“Of course,” Nell returned the quick peck to the cheek. Wiping her lipstick off of his cheek, she smiled. “I'm sorry that I didn't get the first few calls, my damn phone was dead and I didn't think to charge it before I left.”

“No, no don't worry. It's all good,” Alex brushed it off, taking her bag and setting it on the stand beside the door. “Come on, sit. We have dinner to make and things to catch up on.”

The once cozy and welcoming space began to feel – frigid? No. Chaotic? No. Forced. Yes.

At the counter, Nell took a seat on one of the sleek bar stools. Alex had his back turned, busying himself with gathering all the things they would need to finish making their dinner. First things first, a drink. On the rocks for him and neat for Nell. Sliding her the glass of whiskey, he smiled and held up his glass.

“To coming together.” He shrugged, “and to Marco, because without him we wouldn't have dinner.”

“Coming together and to Marco.” Nell giggled softly, allowing Alex to nudge his glass against hers. Would it be rude to down this in one gulp?

“Did I hear my name?” Marco shouted from down the hall. Peeking around the corner, the black towel secured around his hips. Hair wet and trailing down his back, he skittered barefoot across the tile flooring to the kitchen. Holding his towel, just in case.

“I was telling her if she gets food poisoning, you made the dough.” Alex smirked, giving Marco a glass of the whiskey. It's what he was looking for, any how.

“Ah, well, I promise you will not die from my pizza dough.” Marco smirked, lifting his glass, “I will not promise that you won't get hooked though. Nell, this is the best, the very best pizza dough you will ever have. It's my mother's own recipe.”

“I will take your word for it.” Nell laughed, adverting her eyes, when Marco took the seat beside her, his towel perhaps not covering everything he wanted it to when he sat. “Have you been back long?”

“Nah, I got here yesterday.” Marco shook his head, the ends of his wet hair dripping on the floor. “How's your break been going? Do anything fun?”

Mid drink, Nell shook her head. Placing her nearly empty glass on the counter top, she answered. “I've got some work caught up around the house. Most of my downtime has been hanging out with Ivan and Henry. Nothing special.”

“Ah,” Marco gave Alex a look.

“So, uh, have you decided on that um.” Alex paused, taking a drink. Thinking better of his actions. “Sorry, it's not my business.”

“Oh, you mean the job?” Nell picked up on the tension in the question. “I was going to wait until we got settled here, but I've decided to take it.”

“What?”

“Hey! That's wonderful!” Marco raised his glass, along with his voice. “What job?”

“Henry wants to contract my work, for his new project. Possibly more to follow. I don't have all the details, yet.”

So Alex hadn't told Marco? Interesting, considering how those two were together all the time, sharing a brain some days. Nell gently wiggled her glass, Alex dutifully poured her more.

“Well, you're a fucking genius. If anyone can get the job done, it's you.” Marco complimented, gently patting Nell on the back. “So, if you are working with Henry, then Ivan must be thrilled.”

“He's beyond thrilled. He gets to live with his dad, what could be better?”

“You're moving in with Henry?” Alex's brow creased, his dinner forgotten. Dough spread on the pan, the production halting there.

“No, but Ivan is.”

“Huh, everybody wins.” Marco finished his drink, stepping down from the stool. “Henry's girlfriend is cool with his kid moving in? That is a good woman.”

Wide eyed, Alex wanted to strangle Marco. No, no why would he do this?

“Henry doesn't have a girlfriend,” Nell laughed, draining her glass and licking her lips. “He hasn't for two years.”

“I saw online, it said,” Marco scrambled to find his iPad. Sitting on the coffee table in the middle of the open living room.

“You shouldn't believe everything online.” Following Marco with her eyes, Nell was taking great amusement in this. Marco scrolled along, trying to find where he'd seen the photo.

“But it says,” Marco pointed to the screen, handing Alex the iPad to confirm what they were seeing, “right here. It's none of my business, but there is a photo.”

“Is it a photo of him with a woman in a red coat with black pants? All you can see is the back of her head?” Nell sighed, rubbing her hand over her forehead. “Look at the woman, take a close look. See anything you recognize?”

“Uh.” Alex squinted at the photo, trying to make sense of what Marco had just done.

This was a can of worms which he wished they could close and walk away from. Why was his best friend such a moron? Was this Marco's way of trying to suss out Nell's feelings?

“It was me.” Nell glanced at the photo  Alex handed over.  “And when you find the one about the weekend rendezvous, during the Durrell last year,” Nell smirked, “remember the lemur story?”  

“Lemur?” Marco scratched his chin.

“Never mind,” Alex shook his head at his roommate.

“So, he doesn't have a girlfriend?”

“No.” Nell laughed at the look on Marco's face. Confusion and embarrassment all wrapped into one adorable, chubby cheeked package. “So, Ivan moving in is not a problem. The woman in the photo, is fine with it. It was her idea.” she winked.

“Okay, well. Now I feel foolish. Apologies.” Marco took his iPad, bowing out of this conversation. Patting Alex on the shoulder, as he went. His friend may want to worry about those feelings, after all.  “You two crazy kids have a good night. I need to get dressed, Gee is going to be waiting.”

Smooth exit.

At the counter, his cheeks red, and his courage waning, Alex didn't know what to do next. Busying his hands making dinner, he felt like a fool. A deer in the headlights, waiting for the truck to pound over him, leaving him a mess in the road.

Shifting on her stool, Nell sat quietly tracing the rim of her glass with her finger tip. The glitter on the tips of her light gray nails catching the light with the movement, sparkling at Alex like tiny a tiny mocking jury. A quick shout broke the silence, along with a door thudding close, gave way to Marco marking his exit. Neither person in the kitchen moved, outside of their previous task.

A stark contrast to how things had been prior to Alex's departure.

He'd liked the way Nell would stand along side of him, her fingers threading in his hair, while he tired to do a task. Or the way she would lean against him, watching him cook. Her head on his back, resting comfortably while they laughed and chatted. Alex frowned, spreading cheese on the pizza, he should have kept his agitation in check.

“How are your parents and sister?” Nell broke the silence, tapping her fingers on the counter top.

“They're well. Busy. It was nice to see them.” Alex masked his emotions, forcing a smile. In the pit of his stomach, he knew that Nell knew, something was off. “I was sad they called me to come back early, but that's work.”

“Hmm,” Nell hummed. “But you'll get to see them, soon.”

“I suppose.” Alex nodded, pausing to make the next selection of toppings. “Ham or onion next?”

“Whatever you want, I'm not fussy.” Nell forced her own smile. “I see you got anchovies. Brave of you, to try.”

“I'll try any food once,”

“That's the spirit. You know, yesterday, Ivan almost made me gag. I've never met anybody who eats wasabi like my kid.” She feigned a gagging motion. “My kid's taste buds are broken.”

“Did you ask him why? Oh god, I couldn't imagine that.” Alex laughed at the thought of Ivan shoveling in the green paste.

“He said he likes it.”

“You can't get him to eat cake, but he eats wasabi.” Alex laughed at Nell's facial expressions. Cake was one of the most disgusting textures, according to Nell. A muffin was fine, so long as it wasn't fluffy and crumbly like a cake. One trait to tick in the Nell box, Ivan was the same way. Clearly not getting Henry's indulgence.

“We're currently trying to sort out who his real parents are,” the joke made Alex smile. “Seriously, I don't know why. I guess we all have weird things we like.”

“Weird, yes.” Alex agreed. Putting the thin sliced ham on top of the onions, pizzas were almost ready for the oven. “I don't have words for you guys and your food preferences.” Pulling open the oven door, Alex retrieved a pan from the counter. In went the first part of dinner. Wiping his hands on a towel, he stood opposite of Nell. Another drink of whiskey, he licked his lips. “So, did you spend a lot of time with Ivan and Henry?”

Nell sipped her drink, eyes narrowing. Was that a hint of jealousy she detected? No, surely Alex wouldn't be that petty.

“I spent a bit of time with them, yeah. Yesterday we did some museums and had dinner.” She clarified. “Last week Henry let Ivan have a sleepover. He got to meet Christina.”

Wide eyed, Alex snorted. The woman was infamous.

“And?”

“Jordan has competition. But, I think she'd forget about him, if she saw Henry with his full beard. That thing is a life of it's own.” Nell snorted in laughter.

Rubbing his cheeks, Alex went along with it. A devilish smirk crossing his smooth features. “I think beards are overrated, who needs a face rug, when you have a jaw like this.” He tilted his head for maximum effect.

“You've got a point there,” Nell winked. “Some guys do fine without the help of a beard.”

If they were in a romantic comedy, this would be the scene here the pizza would be forgotten. Favouring other activities over eating. Since this wasn't a romance dictated by screenwriters, things didn't a drastic turn and dinner made it out of the oven on time. Amid small chatter and no real conversation. The quiet was deafening and welcoming. Less spoken the better.

Despite having Marco do the hard part, Alex was proud oh himself for being able to assemble and cook such a glorious master piece. Hot, cheesy, and the right amount of salty and sweet. It was perfect. Alex would have made a joke about how he too was hot, cheesy, salty and sweet – wisely he went against the idea.

“Dinner is served.” He proudly announced, setting two plates on the counter, the pizza in the middle.

“Compliments to the chef, and his dough maker.” Nell smiled for the first time in nearly half an hour.

Cold wasn't her intentions.

Alex hadn't been all that chatty himself, despite having come up with a great deal of the conversation.

The end was nigh.

Dramatic. A touch.

“This is good,” Nell complimented.

The shift in the room once Marco had left wasn't unnoticed. A few brief moments of warmth and they were back to being strangers. Talking out of politeness and necessity.

“It's really good.” Alex nodded in agreement. What he wouldn't give to rewind this evening. To rewind the last few months.

“So, when do you go back to shoot?”

“Uh, two days.” Alex wiped the cheese and sauce that had dropped on his chin. “Are you back with us?”

Nell shook her head, trying to avoid wearing the dripping sauce. “Celine and Rayna will be. I won't be back for a few days.”

“Going to be different being the big shot, huh?”

“I guess.” Nell shrugged, picking a piece of ham from the edge of her crust to savour. Making a joke, “Not sure how much power Henry will let me wield.”

“I'm sure you'll do great.”

“Thank you, I hope so.” Sighing, Nell gently pushed a stray piece of onion around her plate. “I mean, I don't think I would be agreeing if I didn't think I could do some justice.”

“Are you going to miss Ireland?”

“I will, Ivan definitely will.” There was no need to reexplain that that moving with Henry would be good for him; Alex got that the first time around.

"Hypothetically, after you leave where do we go?" Alex sat with his elbows resting on the counter top.

He hated this part. This was the part where two people attempted to decide fate. Did you engage in a long distance relationship? Did you give up now? Maybe they would decide to keep it casual. Seeing each other when they could until one day they realized they were never meant to be.

"Do we continue or was this a fun while it lasted?"

"Would you hate me if I say that I think it's best if we didn't follow through?" She thought it would be cut and dry. End it and move on. Reaching for a napkin, she tugged at the corners.

"I would never hate you." Alex rubbed his chin in thought.

Clasping her hand in her lap, Nell sat straight, her gaze passing Alex but never landing on him. Inhaling deeply, she slowly let the air out of her lungs. This had to be done. Rip the bandage off fast, though it would sting the hurt would be brief.

“Alex, you're lovely.”

"I understand, I get it. You don't have to bother giving me an excuse."

"And what excuse is that?" Nell huffed.

Alex sighed, staring at the half eaten pizza on his plate as if it would give him some sort of wisdom. He was foolish to let it go this far. Anyone could look at them and see it. Playing with the cigarette package on the counter, he traced his fingers along the dimpled lettering.

"Henry. It's obvious the two of you have something."

"Ivan, we have Ivan."

"Right and I think, despite what you tell me, you love him. I think you always have."

“Bold of you to assume such things.”

“Is it?”

“He's my son's father. Yes, there are some feelings.  We're still friends and he is an important part of my life. Yes, there have been times when I lost all judgment and we've had sex. Only twice, but it happened.” Why was she telling him all of this? None of this was his business. “If somebody can't accept that Henry is around, then that is not my problem. What else do you want me to say?”

“No, it's fine. I get it. I'm not exactly committed and this is only casual. Right? Just a bit of fun, while it lasted.”

@shannygoatgruff​ @funmadnessandbadassvikings​ @kawennote09​ @smutgoblin​  @nickysurfer28​ @igetcarriedawaywithyou​ @lif3snotouttogetyou​@akamaiden​ @angelaiswriting​ @peaceisadirtyword​ @titty-teetee​ @thoughtsmeander2tumblingblindly​ @ilvebeenabad​ @naaladareia​ @tephi101​ @sdcyumyum​ @unacceptabletatertots​ @imgoldielikehawn​  @smolasianwinterbean​  @capitanostella​  @bloodyivar​   @normanallthewayforever​   @blackcoffeeandgreenteaforme​  @imyourliquor-youremypoison​ @nikky-the-writer​   @seremedyxiii​ @laketaj24​  @deleteidentity​ @tornupandbored​  @hoeghfabulous​  @ateliefloresdaprimavera​ @mydarlingwhim​   @kenzieam​   @captstefanbrandt​ @jar-of-love​ @angelswannawearmyredshooz​ @manuugxlvis​   @lostinmythoughs​  @ivars-snowflake​   @lisinfleur​  @nothingeverdies​ @fumblingthroughchaos​ @pebblesz892​  @nelson-and-murdock​   @bluearchersstuff​  @itsspecial-itsnotforeveryone​  @ivarlothbroks​ @badassbaker​ @cris101071​ @fucktrucks​ @ohjules​  @angelic-kisses13​ @marthasantos95​  @hows-my-hair​ @omgshuddupmeg​ @moviegirl50​ @havenoffandoms​ @gearhead66​ @happydaysandersen​ @rekdreams-fandom​ @lovemylife2618  @mrsadrianraines​ @supernaturalvikingwhore​ @heavenly1927​ @zoe-rachel-crisp​ @blogandreea11 @shileen91​ @geekandbooknerd​ @mzliterarydreamer​ @youbloodymadgenius​ @ainatirb-j​ @carlya65​ @sawendel​ @sinflowersugar​ @magic-and-the-macabre​ @artemiseamoon​ @vicmackeybullshxt​ @flowerthug​ @henchry​  @littlefreya​ @mitzwinchester​ @lostinthoughtsandfeelings​ @h-e-a-v-y-l-e-a-t-h-e-r​ @dogshemp​  @mytbel0st​ @peakygroupie​ @magdelen69​ @s-ravenall​  @viking-raider​ @sciapod​ @intototaloblivion​ @hcfavoritegal​ @didiintheblog​ @daniig95​ @badwolf-in-the-impala​ @mariahill2001​ @charlieferret​ @michelle-1185​ @henryfanfics101​ @agniavateira​ @oqueequesentes-borboletas​ @mis-lil-red​ @anndreaae​ @dearlybelovedluke​ @p3nny4urth0ught5​ @tinychemicals​ @mary-ann84​ @townmoondaltwistle​ @buckysgoldenheart​ @thethirstyarchive​ @meowpurrbooks​  @hell1129-blog​ @onceiwasanun​ @vikingsbifrost​ @comboboo​ @onlyhenrys​ @obsessedwithcavill​ @hnryycvll​ @lebguardians​​ @newfanhasenteredthechat​​ @leilabeaux​

- if you want to be added? removed, please let me know

[marvel-redemption-omega]

Of Outlaws and Family

Chapter One: New Beginnings

A/N: So I have RDR2 beat to 85% completion (the compendium isn’t finished but the story section is) and I CRIED when my precious Cowboy died! I had high honor and helped John so there was that at least I suppose... This has eight parts so uhh be prepared for this. It’s a helluva ride. It follows the story in the game for the most part, I changed some missions and added in a few for my own personal reasons (OFC x Arthur) so yeah... Don’t worry, there’s gonna be a happy ending! I promise. I have a lot of the story already planned it’s just a matter of getting the next chapters cranked out. Also Hosea and Dutch are a thing in my eyes... Dutch never corrected nor denied Hosea when he said “the curious couple and their unruly son” soooo I took it and ran. 

I am from the south and I drop ‘d’s, ‘g’s and do a buncha (<- example) other stuff when talking irl so I’ve added that into the story and tried to keep the same type of dialect (is that the word I’m tryna think of?) as they have in the game with accents. I also am trying (and editing) the Irish accents I have for Sean and Molly! If you think anything can/should be changed, please lemme (<- another example) know! Or if you can’t figure out a word/phrase I’ll help or have it in parenthesis if I know some people might have a hard time getting the accent if they’re trying to speak it aloud to hear it for themselves (my friend does this occasionally).

Warnings: Cursing, typical gang violence (shoot outs/shoot ups/gangs,bushwhacking. etc), mentions of death/dead gang members

Please enjoy! Hearts and repubs are appreciated!

My work is not to be posted elsewhere; I will post it to my AO3 and dA if I so choose.

Word Count: 3,246

“Faster, Girl, faster! Go! We gotta get home before them!”

“You think you can outrun us? You owe us, Little Lady!”

“Get her!”

“Don’t let her get away!”

“Fancy, let’s go! Hyah!” She urges her horse on and leans forward, stirrups tied high on the sides of the saddle. The brown mustang tosses her head and breaks from her gallop to a flat out bolt. “Atta girl, c’mon.” The trees and rolling land all blurs as she and Fancy run along the road, she barely registers the white blip of a horse at the four way cross.

“Whoah!”

“Sorry, Mister! Can’t talk! Gotta run!” She turns slightly in her saddle to call the apology over her shoulder as her mare continues to carry her back home. The small band of people, behind the man she narrowly missed, watch her in curiosity.

“There she is!”

“Don’t lose sight of her again!”

“Try and cut her off before she gets over that hill!”

A group of seven men, each on their own horse, fly by as well, sparring not even a glance their way. The owner of the white stallion is stunned for a moment before he calms his horse and turns around.

“Bill, Micah, go after her and help with those damned O’Driscolls. We’ll continue on to get settled. Once we’re good, if they’re not back yet, we’ll go search for them. Come on,” he instructs and watches as aforementioned duo break off and tail the lady’s assailants.

“Dutch, why did you send them? You know how he acted with Mrs. Adler. Was it really wise to send both of them unsupervised?”

“Arthur, are you doubting me? We’re almost there and it shouldn’t take too awful long to set everything up so we won’t be too far behind them,” Dutch turns his horse back and clicks his tongue as they continue on.

“Looks like that was the last one, Ma. Want me to go start the bonfire?”

“Yes please, James. Take Fancy out to the paddock on your way. I left her hitched to the porch,” she answers and leans her gun against the wall. “I’ll get the horses that didn’t spook and start dragging these guys around back.” The boy runs out the back door and she can hear murmurs to her horse and the soft nickers in a sort of reply as he does as told. She sighs and opens her front door.

“Hello, Ma’am, we just wanted to make sure you were okay.”

“Seems like we didn’t need to come help.”

Two men push their way inside as she darts back towards her table, picking up a rope lying on it. She lassos one of them and yanks him to the floor, hog tying him as a shotgun clicks as it’s cocked. The other man holds his hands up at the boy who is aiming the gun at him, startling back a few steps.

“Bill! Don’t just stand there! Do something! Untie me!” the hog tied man grumbles as he rolls onto his shoulder to look at his friend.

“And end up shot or like you? No thanks, Micah. I’ll stay here,” he snips and glances down. She uses the moment of interruption to her advantage and lassos Bill too, dragging him closer before hog tying him as well.

“James, hun, go start that fire. We might have more than I thought,” she orders and takes the gun from him as he passes. He shoots a glare over his shoulder to the strange men and dashes out the back door.

Dutch and Arthur look at the house where Bill and Micah’s horses are grazing. Arthur gives him a pointed look, which Dutch sighs at. They climb down from their horses and lead them to the porch and try to quietly walk up, checking around them for any traps or followers. The door is slightly ajar and a women’s voice, the same from earlier, filters out.

“You two have some nerve. Now tell me, what does Colm want now? I done told him I ain’t joining his stupid gang and I won’t warm his bed. If you think that I’ll do it for either of you then you’ve got another thing coming and not even half a mind between the two of you!”

“Well, Darlin’, you might be right about that. There’s not half a brain betweenst those two, but I do take offense that too you think we’re with that dirty, yellow bellied scum, Colm O’Driscoll.”

“Who the hell are you?” A shotgun is pointed at the two newcomers, and Arthur’s lips twitch up as his and Dutch’s hands go up.

“Dutch Van der Linde and this here is Arthur Morgan. I sent Bill and Micah here to help you with those fools, after you nearly trampled me,” Dutch smoothly states, walking forward as he speaks. She backs up to the other side of the table and raises her brow.

“Ma! Ma! There’s two mo-” James freezes at the back door, eyes wide as all attention focuses on him. “They’re already here. What do you want with my Ma?! She ain’t got no money! She don’t want no dirty O’Driscoll!” He shouts and moves so he’s beside his mother, eyes narrowed.

“That’s a tough little boy you have there, Ma’am. What’s his name? And yours?” Dutch stands just on the other side of the table, hands still up, no move made to untie his men, nor is there anyone else in the house, and he hasn’t reached for his pistols either.

“James. His name is James. And I’m Scarlet. Scarlet O’Hara,” Scarlet lowers the shotgun and places it on the table. “So if you’re not with Colm, why are you here? My…” she hesitates and glances at James,” his father isn’t in trouble is he? He’s not part of a gang.”

Arthur and Dutch share a look, glance at the grumbling duo on the floor, and back to Scarlet. They shake their heads and James wraps his arms around his mother’s waist, head resting on her stomach. She wraps her arm around his shoulders and leans down to press a kiss to his mop of dark brown hair.

“Considering we don’t know his father, by name or otherwise? No, we aren’t here about him. When I realized you we’re running from O’Driscolls, I figured you might need help. So I sent these two men to try and help you; though from the looks of your yard and what you’ve done to poor Bill and Micah, well, you didn’t need our help.” Dutch has a way with words, Scarlett will admit that. He’s charismatic and charming, easy on the eyes too. She likes him.

“Well, Mr. Van der Linde, care to help me drag the bodies out back to the pit? We burn any ones that manage to get too close,” she offers and hands James a knife, motioning to the men on the floor. “Cut ‘em loose, but don’t cut them or yourself, James.” The boy nods and cuts the rope on their wrists and backs up to Scarlet, leaving them to cut the rope on their ankles. He sets the knife on the table.

“Damn woman put these too tight to slip out of,” Micah mutters under his breath as he slices through the rope on his legs. He gets to his feet and helps Bill up as well.

“I think we can help with that. Any chance of more O’Driscolls coming this way?” Arthur leads the group out the front door, glancing at Scarlet over his shoulder.

“Maybe. I planned on burning down the house and headed out tonight. I have a wagon down yonder with our stuff and a horse. I was gonna saddle up Fancy and Shamrock and sneak there with James,” she admits and ducks her head a little in embarrassment. Dutch studies her for a moment as they gather the dead men and move them to the backyard.

“I have an idea. You’re free to say no of course, but we could always use more people. We could help give protection to not only you, but to your boy too. James seems like a smart kid, we’ve got another boy just a little younger than him. I’m sure Jack would love to have someone his age to play and hang out with.”

Ooooh, curse this man’s charisma. He’s bound to know I’ll do anything for my boy. Curse him, Scarlet thinks, hesitating in kicking her guy into the small, dug out pit. James helps roll the guy down then busies himself with the O’Driscolls horses, leading them to the pasture as he talks to calm them. There’s kindling starting to catch the logs and clothed bodies of the dead already in the pit.

“I always said I’d never run with a gang, though I fear as I don’t have much other choice. Not now anyway. They won’t stop coming after me and it’s not like I can hide here forever. They’ll find me eventually. I can’t have that. They can’t find out about James,” she confirms, voice filled with conviction. She nods to herself and turns to face the four men. “Dutch Van der Linde, you have yourself a new member. Just tell me all I need to know.”

They finish up the litter of bodies as Dutch and Arthur list the rules of the gang and all it entails, or what they feel they can share around James, with some protest from Micah, then all head back inside. Scarlet ushers them to sit around her table as she fixes them lunch, sending James to feed and water the horses when he’s done with his plate, which he obliges without protest. She keeps busy by cleaning the dishes and packing them as the men talk amongst themselves.

When James comes back inside, having fed and watered the small groups’s horses too, Dutch suggests they head out. He volunteers Arthur to stay behind and drive the wagon when she decides to leave and join them. Scarlet thanks them and sends them on their way with a promise to not be too long with the last of the packing.

It doesn’t take too awful long to get three full double-saddlebags put on the horses. James is sent to lead all the horses to the fence and hitch them to posts in preparation of saddling. Arthur offers to help James and Scarlet nods in thanks as the males head out the back.

Once the trio of horses are saddled, Scarlet ties Shamrock’s reins to Fancy’s saddle horn so he doesn’t spook when she lights the house. She helps her son get into Fancy’s saddle and rubs the brown mustang’s nose, up the white blaze between her eyes.

“Stay, Girl. I’ll be right back. Calm,” she coos to the horse and steps away. Arthur is waiting in his saddle, Fancy’s reins in hand to keep her calm, though Scarlet is positive she won’t spook and tells him as such.

It takes less than two minutes for her to grab her hidden cash and light the bedroom on fire. She leaves the door open as she walks down the front porch and towards the five horses, two being ones from the O’Driscoll members. She climbs into the saddle and Arthur hands her the reins, James sitting in front of her.

“Let’s go get your wagon and then head out. I think we can make quick work of the trip,” he suggests and James tilts his head up to look at his mom.

“Can I ride by myself please?”

Scarlet bites her cheek and hesitates a moment before nodding and slipping from behind him. She unties Shamrock’s reins and tosses them over his head and neck before hopping to his back and adjusting in the barely used saddle. He startles a little but settles down once Scarlet gives his neck a pat and reassures him it’s only her.

“Alright. I’ll lead you to the wagon, and then we can tie those extra horses to the back side of it so they can’t run off. I can ride your horse or lead him back if I ride Fancy. James can ride in the back of the wagon. Shamrock will follow wherever his momma, Fancy, goes,” she plans, though she’s talking mostly to herself until the end, and walks Shamrock to the hitching post to take the reigns of the O’Driscoll horses. They toss their heads and nicker softly as she ties the reins to the horn, leaving plenty of slack so her legs don’t get caught. “That should do it.”

“Lead the way,” Arthur gestures for her to lead and watches as James clicks his tongue and Fancy prances up behind Shamrock. He follows behind the boy and mother, smile on his lips.

“You know, I gotta admit, that was some fine handling of gang members. You sure you’ve never ran with someone before?”

Arthur’s question startles Scarlet slightly and Shamrock spooks, prancing to the left and pulling the two tied horses with him. She rubs his neck and soothes him before straightening in the saddle and kicking him slightly. James lets the reins rest on the horn, hands rubbing Fancy down as he sings her praises.

“No. My brothers are part of one, or were. I’m not sure anymore, haven’t heard from them in awhile. My parents weren’t too happy bout it but they were grown and both could handle their own with the best of them. Last I heard from them, I think they was in Blackwater. But that were years ago. Long before I were even pregnant with James,” her eyes stay trained on Shamrock, blinking back the withheld tears.

The thoroughbred-mustang cross tosses his head and neighs at her discomfort, slowing from a gallop to a trot despite her order to sped up. He pulls enough so the reins are from her hands and he turns to look at her, nickering softly. Fancy speeds up to trot as close as she can beside them, gently nipping at Scarlet’s boot.

“Mama?” James inquires, concern and fear in his quivering voice. She slouches in the saddle, hand going slack on the reins. She leans forward and whispers something to Shamrock before sitting back, looking at her son with a sad smile.

“Just miss my brothers, your uncles….that’s all, James. I wish you coulda met them. I wish I knew what’s happened to them or at least where they are,” she admits and reaches into her shoulder bag. She drops one sugar cube into her right hand and leans forward to feed it to her stud. She holds her palm out for Fancy who happily eats it, then turns to each horse tied to Shamrock, coaxing them softly to take the sugar. She holds her hand out to Arthur who hesitates a moment. “It’s just a sugar cube, ain’t gonna poison your horse. I’d be stupid too,” she chuckles as he accepts the horse treat. His horse tosses his head as he pats his neck.

“Well, I guess you’re right. Can’t be too careful though,” he huffs a small laugh as he rubs his horse’s neck as it nickers happily.

“Mm. That’s the wagon, just ahead,” she nods to a wagon stashed between several trees and bushes. Arthur moves his horse to her other side to get a better look at where she’s pointing. It hadn’t been a far ride, and there’s a horse already tied to the front, pawing at the ground in wait.

“How did you get to own three horses? If you don’t mind me asking,” Arthur asks as they slow to a walk until they reach the tied wagon. Scarlet shrugs as she slips easily from the saddle and leads Shamrock to the back to tie him to one of the trees and undo the other horses.

“My mom. Fancy was hers. Well, technically my grandmother’s but when she couldn’t take care of them my mother offered to take them and well, when I was ready to leave she said I could have Fancy since she don’t ride no more. Said it would be good for her to be with someone she trusts and who would actually ride her and take care of her. She’s pretty old, thirty five or six I think,” she admits and kisses Shamrock’s nose when he puts his face in hers.

“Shamrock was born a few years after I was, so he’s roughly my age. Maybe five years younger. That,” Scarlet points to the horse on the wagon, “asshole is Shasta. He is a moody jerk who I sometimes have to fight just to put up for the night. I got him in a race. Before I were pregnant with James, I would race Fancy. Bets for money or horses were traded, depending on my opponent.

“So I beat the guy who owned him. I felt bad though cause Shasta was young then, only two at the time. His owner, a real rich prick, hit him in the face with the butt of his pistol. So I lassoed the guy off Shasta and hogtied him. Fancy just let me do my thing since she’s seen almost everything, my old girl.

“Shasta spooked so I tossed the guy on Fancy and caught Shasta, lassoing him and calming him. When I climbed into that man’s saddle, I swear he didn’t even have him broke, just listening out of fear. He immediately started bucking and kicking like crazy. I wore him down and tied him to Fancy so I could rid him of the horrid saddle. It was too big for his back! I beat the guy up a bit and yelled at him about his abuse of the poor horse and made him swear to be better. Then I looted the saddlebags and the guy for all he had on him and dropped him and his saddle on the side of the trail we were on after cutting his wrists free. I rode with Shasta tied to Fancy back to my old place and have had him since,” she recalls, chuckling at the memories of that day.

“Sounds like you like gettin into trouble, or at the very least, causin it. Should I ask Dutch to rethink this invitation? We don’t need any more trouble,” Arthur jests, climbing off his horse to help unsaddle the O’Driscoll horses.

“Nah. I’m not gonna be the cause of it. I usually just wind up pulled into it. We can change Shasta with these two so they can’t break away and run off on us. I’ll ride him and my two will follow. Unless you’d feel comfortable tying him to the back,” she rambles as she helps James into the back of the wagon before moving to help Arthur with the saddles.

“Two horses work better than one. I think I’ll let you handle unhooking Shasta though. Sounds like he’s a right brute when he wants to be,” he hefts a saddle and puts it in the remaining room in the wagon, ruffling James’ hair in passing. James sticks his tongue out at the man before clambering closer to the seat and waiting for them.

“Aha, yeah. You’re right. He’s a brute alright,” she chides and rounds the front of the wagon after adding the second saddle on top of the other one. “Go ahead and slip their bits out and I’ll settle Shasta, get him dressed in Fancy’s saddle.”

[crazy-little-cool-cat]

Gold Digger - Chapter 5 | Gwilym Lee x OFC

A/N: I am an idiot.

Warnings: The usual!

Word Count: ~2K

The Playlist (Updates Regularly)

Chapter List:  Prologue, Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 4

"You've known this for how long?!" Gwilym was flabbergasted. Dumbfounded. Absolutely livid with all of his friends and his cousin. 

He invited Lizzie over for movie night with Ben and Annie, and it was all but ruined. Lizzie sat next to him on the sofa, shrinking into herself, wishing she'd stayed home. She told Shelly she felt like this will be a bad idea, but Shelly insisted. Lizzie started believing that she shouldn't listen to Shelly, ever again.

"A while." Ben shrugged and sipped his beer, bouncing his knee. 

"I tried to tell you..." Annie placed her hand on Ben's knee to still it. "You kept shutting me up every time." 

"I can't believe she didn't say anything!" Gwilym fumed. "Do you think -" "Mate, don't go there," Ben warned. 

"-They had an affair?" Gwilym ignored Ben. "Oh, my God. She cheated on me."  

"First of all, fuck you!" Annie hissed. "She would never do that. Jamie? Yes. He definitely cheated on... Uh... What's-her-face. Yes." 

"Lovely." Gwilym snarled. 

"But Clara would never even dream of doing that to you. She loves you." 

Ben's eyes darted over to Lizzie, who sat in complete silence. He could see her face fall in defeat at Annie's words, and he pinched Annie's side as a way of telling her off for hurting the poor girl. Annie quickly realized what she had said and felt mortified. 

"She doesn't love me." Gwilym shot back. "She loved me a long time ago." "Not that long..." Lizzie mumbled.

"Who else knows?" Gwilym was so caught up with himself, he didn't even hear Lizzie's soft voice. "Rami? Lucy? Joe?" 

"Well, the entire world knows." Annie sighed. "You were just so in denial..."  

"I can't believe this." Gwilym rested his elbows on his knees and planted his face in his hands. "Fucking Jamie." 

"Aye." Ben nodded solemnly. "But it's out now." 

"I was just there a couple-a-days ago!" Gwilym ranted. "And she said nothing!" 

"You were there?" Annie echoed. "There - where?" 

"Clara's." Gwilym clarified.

The room fell silent. 

"Why?" Ben was the first to speak. 

"She needed me." Gwil shrugged with a scoff. "I can't believe her."

"She needed you?" Annie asked. "What for?" 

"Doesn't matter." Gwil frowned. "Every time she texts or calls, I'm there for her, and she didn't have the decency to tell me about this." 

"I think I'm gonna go," Lizzie said after clearing her throat.

Gwil seemed to suddenly remember that Lizzie was there. His face flushed. 

"No, stay!" He held onto her wrist as she stood up. 

She looked down at him and smiled awkwardly. "It's getting late, I'm working tomorrow..." 

"I'll give you a lift!" Ben offered. 

"What? No, I can take the tube -"

"Nonsense." Ben waved her off and stood up. "I have to go pick up more beer, anyways. Come on."

____________________________________________________________

"You are an arse!" Annie seemed almost feral. "That poor girl!" 

Gwilym just shook his head in shock. Things had not gone as he had planned. Gwilym planned a fun, double-date (but without actually calling it that) with a woman he fancied and his best mate and his cousin. What he ended up with was a ferocious cousin, and his girl left, almost in tears, because he couldn't stop obsessing over his ex. 

"I know. I know." Gwilym felt deflated. "I don't know why I couldn't stop talking about Clara. God, I'm so cross with her!" 

"You're still going strong, I see." Annie rolled her eyes. "Gwilym, get over it. Clara moved on!" 

"No, you don't understand," Gwilym said. "I'm fine with the fact she moved on. What I'm not okay with is that -"

"It's Jamie she moved on to?" 

"If you let me finish a sentence." Gwil had a warning tone to his voice. "What I'm not okay with is that she didn't tell me." 

"Why would she?" Annie asked. "She's got you at her beck and call and Jamie to keep her bed warm at night. Perfect combination." 

"So, you knew!" Gwilym was stunned. 

"I knew she asked you to come over a few times after breaking up," Annie confirmed. "I had no idea you were there just a couple of days ago." 

"God, and she had just gotten back from that holiday!" 

"Gwil -"

"I fucking saw her tan!" 

"Gwilym -" 

"God, I'm so utterly stupid!"

"Yes." Annie nodded furiously. "And you have some pretty big damage control to do."

_____________________________________________________________

"So..." Ben drummed with his hands on the steering wheel. "That was awkward."  

"It's whatever," Lizzie said with a shaky voice and cleared her throat. "I'm just glad I got to hang out with you lot." 

"Aw, that's sweet." Ben turned and smiled at her. "Gwil isn't usually this dense, you know." 

"I know. Gwil was caught off guard." Lizzie bit the inside of her cheek. "T'was fine while it lasted." 

"Movie night or your friendship with Gwil?" Ben asked. 

"Yes." Lizzie sighed.

"Which one?" Ben looked perplexed. 

"Both?" _____________________________________________________________

Gwilym felt relieved when Ben walked through the door carrying bags full of beer. He sat on the sofa looking like a chided child, with Annie in front of him, towering over him and looking like smoke will come out of her ears if he uttered one more word. 

"Look, mate," Ben sat on the sofa next to him, "I get that you're upset, but this was just..." 

"Rude." Annie finished his sentence. 

"I know." Gwil rubbed at his bearded cheeks. "God, I'm an arse." 

"Yeah." Annie nodded. 

"We were just as shocked when we found out, you know," Ben revealed. Gwil turned to look at him. "Annie found some racy pictures on Clara's phone, and they weren't Clara's..." 

"Oh, God." Gwilym felt the color drain from his face. Jamie sent nudes to Clara. His Clara. "That horny bastard -" 

"Didn't do anything wrong." Annie interrupted him. "You were broken up. Although your texts with her begged to differ." 

"How do you know about the texts?" Gwilym exhaled in shock. "Did she show them to you?" 

"I was looking right over her shoulder on one of your sessions." Annie shrugged. "It doesn't matter. What matters is, she was just being Clara. Jamie was just being Jamie."

"What, so it's alright?" Gwilym scoffed. "Are you bloody joking?"  

"No, it's not alright. It's just... what it is."

"You fancy Lizzie, don't you?" Ben chimed in. 

"Uh, duh." Gwilym rolled his eyes. "You know that I do." 

"Then you shouldn't give a bloody shit about what Clara's doing. Or who." Ben shrugged. "And I don't want to be that bloke, but I think you've utterly shat on your chances with Lizzie with your little hissy fit earlier. She did not seem alright on the ride back to hers.”

____________________________________________________________

"You're usually so much smarter, man." Joe sounded disappointed with Gwilym as he finished telling him the story of the night's events. "I mean, I freaked out when I first found out about Clara and Jamie, too, but not to this extent." 

"I know." 

"Are you sure you're over her, buddy?" Joe asked just before a car horn went off next to him. "Like, really over her?" 

"Yes!" Gwilym almost groaned. "I'm sure! First Annie, then Ben, now you?" 

"Look, we have every reason to wonder!" Joe retorted. "You're acting like a scorned lover!" 

"I am not!" 

"Yes, you are," Joe said. "And I'm afraid Lizzie picked up on it. She ain't stupid, you know." 

"I know."

"You better hope and cross all your fingers and toes that she still wants to have you around after that scene you pulled on her," Joe remarked. "You really are Annie's cousin, aren't you?" 

"Oh, shove it," Gwilym chuckled. "I'm nowhere near as dramatic as her." 

"No, but you did manage to create a shitstorm." Joe countered. "Anyways, I gotta run, man. Fix this. I believe in you!" 

"Thanks, mate," Gwilym sighed. "Keep those fingers crossed for me!"

He hung up the call and opened up WhatsApp, clicking on his chat with Lizzie. It was time to make some repairs to what he hoped wasn't an utterly destroyed friendship.

'Sorry for being a knob.'

Gwilym stared at the text for a full hour after sending it and not getting any reply. He completely ignored Lizzie's existence, he had a massive fit over his ex while Lizzie was there, and he acted like an absolute fool. The fact that Lizzie hadn't replied at all made him pace around the apartment restlessly. It was near 2AM when Ben and Annie left. He figured Lizzie was probably sleeping by now - but he needed her to text back and make sure everything is alright. He waited for hours. Lizzie's reply came at 5AM. 

'Thanks.'

Sleep-deprived and nervous, Gwilym felt like his insides shattered. A one-word text was very unusual for Lizzie, especially when she wasn't actively teaching at the moment. She had just woken up. She never sent him one-worded texts no matter how knackered she was. He knew he messed up, big time. 

'Seriously. I was such a prick. I'm so sorry.'

'She's your ex. I get it.' 

Gwilym frowned as he looked down at the screen and tried to comprise a coherent sentence. 

'Point is, she's my ex. I shouldn't have reacted that way.'

'You have history.'

'That, we do. I'm still incredibly sorry. You have no idea.'

He hoped for a reply but knew Lizzie was busy preparing for the day and decided not to push his luck. Plugging his phone in its' charger, he sat down on his bed with a grunt. He placed the phone on the nightstand and laid back, falling into a fitful sleep. 

___________________________________________________________

Gwilym couldn't sleep for long. As he parked the car at the school Lizzie taught in, he ran over things he's planned to say over and over. How sorry he was. How he didn't mean to ignore her. How he valued their friendship but would love it if it were more than just a friendship. 

How utterly beautiful he thinks she is, and her laughter is melodic, and she's so smart and kind. How regretful he is for obsessing over Clara, and putting her in that situation, to begin with. How over Clara he is, or how silly it was in the first place when he's got a great girl right in front of him.

He moved on autopilot, smoothing down the front of his navy blue sweater as he marched into the building and headed for the administration office to ask for directions to Lizzie's classroom. He took five selfies and one "Happy Birthday!" video from the secretaries and other faculty that still hung around and went out on his way down the hallways. With every corner turned, he heard his heartbeat louder and louder in his chest. He felt like it might explode by the time he spotted Lizzie at her desk and knocked on the doorframe to Lizzie's classroom.

"Gwilym?" Lizzie blinked at the figure standing in the doorway to her classroom. "What on earth?" 

"Figured I might as well apologize in person." Gwilym shrugged and peeked inside the classroom. The school day was over; the kids all gone. "Is it alright if I...?" 

"Sure." Lizzie stood up from her desk and walked over to him. They met halfway and smiled at each other, sheepishly. "Welcome to my realm." 

"It looks very nice!" Gwilym complimented her as he looked around at the decorations and different learning stations around the room. His eyes seemed to shine as he took in his surroundings. He could feel his heart fill up with warmth and awe, peeking into Lizzie's world like that. "Bet the kids love it!" 

"They seem to." Lizzie smiled proudly. "What are you doing here?" 

"I felt so horrid after last night." He said and sat on the edge of Lizzie's desk, crossing his arms. "I totally forgot you were there, and I just flipped out on Ben and Annie and..." 

"Yeah."

"It wasn't even about Clara, to be honest." Gwilym rolled up his sleeves. "It was just..." 

"Your ex is moving on, and it's difficult." Lizzie sighed. "I get it, really. I do."

"Not at all. Clara can move on as many times as she'd like, frankly. I was just caught off-guard that they all knew. Before I did, that is." Gwilym explained. "I'm just... I never wanted to be the last to know something that involves me." 

"Does it involve you, though?" Lizzie quipped. 

"Sorry?" Gwilym leaned back in surprise at Lizzie's bluntness. 

"It doesn't involve you at all, I reckon," Lizzie noted. "It involves Clara, yes, but not you. You're broken up." 

"I know we are." Gwilym nodded. "I'm quite thankful because if we hadn't broken up, I'd never meet you." 

"I don't understand why you'd react so passionately to something that has nothing to do with you and..." Lizzie continued, disregarding Gwilym's last comment. 

She was silenced by Gwilym pulling on her wrist to bring her closer to him, then crashing his lips onto hers. Lizzie pushed him back and stepped away, her wrist still in his hand. They stared each other down, panting. 

________________________________________________________

TAGLIST: @ramibaby-deactivated20191128 @filmslutt @lose-you-to-find-me @sonic-volcano  @nosferatyou @rogertaylorin1976 @mrhoemazzello

[glorious-spoon]

Nothing Fancy, Nothing Much

Title: Nothing Fancy, Nothing Much Link: On AO3 Fandom: Agent Carter Pairing: Rose/OFC, Rose/Michael Warnings: None Other tags: Character Study, Wistful Summary:  Rose Roberts takes a job in L.A., and eventually finds her feet and her place in the world.

Written as part of the Fandom Supporting Migrants fic exchange for @musiclmaiden who donated to RAICES.

*

What with one thing and another, Rose has been in LA for more than a month before she actually makes it out to the beach. Surprisingly, she doesn’t actually mind that much, even though the beach was half the reason she decided to take the job when Agent--well, Chief, now--Sousa offered back in July.

Okay, more like a third of the reason. She really does like Chief Sousa, and it was becoming increasingly obvious that whatever Peggy managed to pull off back in New York, the options for a gal like her were...well. Limited.

Besides, LA is like a dream. Scorching hot, sure, but it’s a dry heat, and the shop down the street from her new apartment sells these adorable little parasols to keep her from breaking out too badly in freckles. She’s been able to relax her wardrobe a bit, she’s stocked up on bathing suits, and even Chief Sousa has taken to wearing a string of increasingly outrageous Hawaiian shirts, although she’s pretty sure that pretty blonde he’s been stepping out with has something to do with that.

Hard luck on Peggy, but that’s just how the cookie crumbles sometimes.

Anyway, it’s mid-September before she makes it out to Will Rogers Beach. In New York, it would be getting too cold for swimming this time of year, but here in California it’s just as scorchingly hot as ever, and by the time she gets her towel and umbrella and picnic lunch arranged on the white sand, she’s all over sweat and ready for a dip.

Despite the heat, the ocean is still icy; she’s not quite sure what she was expecting. She shrieks, splashes, and topples over on her fanny, and someone laughs nearby, a small warm hand reaching down to help her up before she can be too put out about it, and she looks up to see warm brown eyes sparkling in a pretty sun-browned face, blonde curls pulled behind a bright red bandanna.

“You all right?” the woman asks, white teeth flashing bright.

“Fine,” Rose says faintly. She feels a little faint, and she’s pretty sure it’s not the heat or the tumble she just took.

And that’s how she meets Doris.

*

Here’s the thing. Rose has always had an eye for a good-looking fella. She always figured that after the war was over she’s find a man, settle down, raise a family.

That was before she joined up with the WAC as a switchboard operator and… well. Got her horizons expanded just a touch by a string of pretty hard-edged gals in uniform.

Of course, none of those affairs were ever going to last, but it was good to have a little bit of fun in a miserable situation, especially since none of that sort of fun was going to end up with her in a family way. Just about everybody got up to some kind of nonsense over on the front. Half the men, too, although of course she wasn’t meant to know anything about that.

The point is, she never expected any of it to follow her back home, but with Doris… well. One afternoon of splashing in the shallows and sharing the large picnic lunch Rose packed under her umbrella turned into two, and then three, and then before she knows it they’re meeting for shopping trips down in Studio City, and lunch dates that ramble into dinner dates without anyone paying attention, and by the time two weeks later when Doris leans across the towel they’re sharing on the empty beach at dawn and kissed her on the mouth, Rose already knows she’s done for.

It can’t last. She knows it can’t. But Doris is here, and she’s beautiful, and Rose didn’t survive the war without learning how to hang onto any good thing she can get with both hands for as long as she can.

She knows it’ll hurt when it ends, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth having while it lasts.

*

She’s right. It hurts.

It’s not even a fight that does it, which might have been easier. Doris’s mother back in La Crosse gets sick, and Doris goes home to take care of her. She even offers for Rose to come with her, but Rose has the SSR, and she knows, she knows that if she gives that up she’ll end up resenting Doris until she poisons everything between them and is left with nothing.

Doesn’t make it hurt any less, but she kisses Doris before dropping her off at the train station, and smiles through her tears when Doris turns to wave with one white-gloved hand, her polka-dot skirt swirling around her legs, and she knows she’s made the right choice.

It’s just going to sting for a while, but Rose is a big girl and she’s lived through worse. She knows how to move on.

*

She never means to tell anyone, after. She doesn’t really date much--or, well, she does, she goes out dancing for a night, lets the other agents and scientists and the occasional civilian buy her a drink and spend a few minutes spinning her across the dance floor to Duke Ellington, but it’s never any more than that. She’s learned her lesson, she thinks. Spinsterhood is starting to look mighty fine.

And then Michael happens.

He’s the last thing she ever expected. None of them, even Peggy, were expecting him to be alive, so that’s a shock, and then he’s tall and blond and handsome and...gentle in a way that Peggy isn’t. Rose figures it has to be an act. She’s read his service files, after all. She knows what he’s done. What he’s capable of. She’s watched Peggy slap him across the face in the middle of the SSR bullpen and tell him that she never wants to see him again.

She’s sure as hell not expecting him to ask her out to dinner a few weeks later when he stops by the office. She’s definitely not expecting to say yes.

Rose Edith Roberts is not known for making smart decisions when it comes to her personal life, though, so she doesn’t exactly know why she’s surprised at herself.

He’s charming at dinner and over cocktails later. He doesn’t ask her to dance, which is probably to be expected. He doesn’t use a crutch like Chief Sousa, but he’s still got a stiff leg, a limp that he hides well enough that she’s not even sure anyone else notices it.

“You can go,” he says, smiling, and nods his chin at the dance floor. “Honestly. I don’t mind. I’m just not one for dancing these days.”

Rose gives him a long look, then lies cheerfully, “Yeah, well, me neither. You wanna buy me another gin and tonic and finish that story about the faked briefcase instead? You didn’t really jam some stiff into army clothes and dump him for the Krauts to find, did you?”

“You know, that’s really supposed to be top-secret,” Michael says, but he’s smiling.

Rose shrugs. “I have clearance. If you don’t want to tell me, though, you can just buy me another drink.”

“What about both?” Michael asks, and the way he’s smiling leaves her no choice but to smile back.

*

So, yeah. Michael Carter. Didn’t see that one coming.

She doesn’t let him kiss her that first night, or the next date when he takes her out to the boardwalk and buys her a cotton candy like they’re a couple of school-kids enjoying their summer break instead of a rather battered pair of spies. Former spies, in Michael’s case.

He doesn’t mention Peggy, and she doesn’t bring it up. Peggy herself has been tight-lipped about the whole business, which isn’t unusual for her, and Rose has a pretty good nose for figuring out when to push and when to leave it alone. This is a time to leave it alone.

But Michael is charming, and when he helps her into a cab later and asks if she’d like to take a picnic to the beach sometime later in the week, she barely even hesitates before she says yes.

She’s been over Doris for a while now, but something about picnics at the beach just always get to her. But she looks at Michael, his blond hair gleaming under the street lamps, his soft blue eyes and the curl of his smile, and she thinks, yeah. Yeah, she can do this.

“Sure thing,” she says. “Maybe I can teach you how to surf.”

“Oh, I don’t think you’ll have much luck with that,” Michael says, but he’s smiling. As the cab pulls away onto the street, she leans out the window to wave, and then to watch the shape of him grow smaller as they pull away until the cab turns a corner toward her apartment and he’s gone.

*

She takes him out to Will Rogers Beach that weekend. It hasn’t changed much in the year since she’s been there. Still choked with tourists, the white sand shifting beneath her bare feet as she slips her sandals off. Michael offers her his arm and she takes it, but she doesn’t let him take the picnic basket. He doesn’t protest, which is a point in his favor.

It’s not until they’re sprawled out on the red and white checkered blanket, their picnic lunch demolished between them, passing a bottle of wine back and forth like a pair of teenagers, that Rose leans back on her elbows and looks over at him, at his bare feet buried in the sand and his sunglasses tilted on his nose and the pink beginnings of a burn across his shoulders, his blonde hair disarranged by the salt breeze, and thinks— oh.

She never really has noticed the fall, has she? Not until it’s too late.

Michael glances over at her, quizzical. “Have I got something on my face?”

“No,” Rose says. Michael is still looking at her, the beginnings of a smile starting to curve his mouth, and it seems like the easiest thing in the world to lean across the blanket and kiss him.

It’s just a kiss, nothing special. Just a sweet first kiss, entirely proper because they’re out in public. There’s no reason for her heart to flutter like it does when they pull apart, when Michael cups her cheek and smiles at her, when he says, “I’m so glad you did that. I don’t think I would have had the courage.”

“Aren’t you some kind of war hero?” Rose asks, grinning.

“Hardly a hero.” Shadows flicker in his eyes, then vanish as if they were never there at all. She doesn’t ask. She’s got a good idea at their causes, and she was in the same war as him. She knows how it is.

And anyway, they’re both here now, on this warm beach full of tourists with the ocean spread out before them and Michael’s hand still warm on her cheek. He’s close enough that she can smell his cologne, see the faint crinkles in the corners of his eyes, and there’s really nowhere else in the world she’d rather be right now.

“Thank you,” he says, “for coming out with me.”

“Thank you for asking,” Rose murmurs, and closes her eyes when he kisses her again. It’s another soft, sweet one, but there’s a hint of promise there now that makes her flush. When they break apart, she says, “I haven’t been here in so long. Not since—”

She breaks off. She’s not ashamed of everything that happened with Doris, but it’s not exactly the kind of thing you bring up on a third date. Even if she gets the feeling that Michael might actually understand. He has that look about him.

“Not since what?” he asks softly.

Finally, she opens her eyes. He’s so close, and his blue eyes are so pretty, his expression gentle.

You can trust him, she thinks suddenly. You can tell him.

So she does.

[thehobbitse]

Fanfic: Obsessions (Jake Peralta X OFC)

Author’s note: Hi, this is like my first fic EVER, plus english is not my natural language, so if you see any misspellings please warn me (and be kind lol).

This story happens in the last episode of the season 2, here Amy never dumped Teddy and the ofc goes on the case in her place. Also Holt doesn’t leave the precinct.

Words: 3.466 more or less

Sinopse: A new detective arrived at the 99th precinct, Megan Moretti fought hard for this job. At first she doesn’t like Detective Peralta, so Holt puts her in a case with him to see if she get along.

Prologue

It's been two months since I became a detective of NYPD and transfered to the 99th precinct in Brooklyn. It wasn't my first option, but it turned out to be not that bad, I liked my coworkers and the cases were interesting. My boss Captain Raymond Holt was a really serious guy, but he always wanted our best and other detectives told me he really improved the work on the precinct. Gina Lanetti was Captain's Holt secretary, she usually did cruel coments about everyone and was really sarcastic, people's opinion about her would vary but everyone agreed that she was a inteligent, smart woman. Sargent Jeffords worked hard to garantee his baby girls a good life (and also because he is a good professional), he is really afectionate and helped me a lot when I first entered as a detective. My coleagues were kinda.... unic, Diaz is the tough girl, her friends know little about her personal life even though sometimes she ends up telling somethings, she is truly a great cop and you can count on her. Santiago is a perfectionist, sometimes is really hard to stand her method, but it benefits the precinct, also she always tries to support you. Boyle is a hard worker, his fondness can be taken as clumsyness sometimes, but he just likes people and can be astute when you're not expecting it. There is Hitchcock and Scully and.... I... I don't really know why do they still work there. Sargent Jeffords told me they are in the precinct since the 80's. And finally Jake Peralta, the childish, immature and annoying detective, Santiago told me he won a bet last year and got more arrests over the year than her, and she ended up in a date with him. I still don't know how she survived it and more: I don't know HOW he managed to arrest so many people. 

He was always joking and talking loud and.... well I couldn't understand why people, liked him. Boyle mentioned that he had a thing for Amy and I laughed my lungs out (which Boyle didn't like because he shipped it so hard). Amy was a smart, responsible woman who had a serious relationship with a cop from another precinct. And Jake was the guy who rarely talked serious (at least with me!) and eated gummies for lunch. 

Well let me tell you something, I entered the NYPD when I was still finishing college, I worked hard to be one of the most youngest detectives, I sacrificed friendships and dates for this. It was serious. So when I knew a 30something was playing around in his chair, throwing things on people and still got the most arrests in a year, it really got me annoyed. I worked hard to get here and Jake seemed to be blessed with some gift. I knew he was a good detective, it just seemed unfair. Anyway, I really liked my new job.

Chapter 1- How Long

 The day at the precinct started with Scully screaming because the vending machine needed to be replaced, it was funny to see that everyone was attached to it, I felt the urge to laugh, but as I was new and it seemed almost serious, so I thought better not to. That was until the the maintenance man droped the machine and it’s glass shattered. Obviously Jake had to scream “FREE CANDYYY” and everyone went for it. I decided to stay away and head to the meeting room. See, I don’t interact easily, it’s not that I don’t want to, I’ve never been good at it. When it all calmed down, they started to enter the room and sit and wait for Captain Holt, I watched as Peralta arrenged the presentation.

As soon as Holt has arrived, Jake introduced us to Michael Augustin, the ‘most prolific thief’, then he continued “My CI says tonight Augustine will hand off the laptop to a buyer from China, aka the "Land of Dragons” I rolled my eyes with the joke, Captain Raymond made sure he didn’t put that in his report and he replied with another joke “Okay, the country of dragons”. I was full of his childish manners in serious situations and said:

“Can we please go on with that?” I urged and sudenlly repented for doing so because the whole squad went quiet and looked at me. Gina said an almost inaudible ‘oooh’, Jake’s expression was like ‘wtf’. I tried my best to retrive it ”Uh... because I really need to...” it was when our Captain interrupted me.

“I want you and Moretti on his tail until he makes the drop and then arrest him and the buyer.” WHAT? I couldn’t believe he made me go on a ‘mission’ with Peralta... it seemed like he did it on purpose.

“Sounds good, although I could probaly just take Boyle, I know... Megan is busy and-“ I couldn’t contradict that (but I must admit it surprised me he didn’t want to go on this case with me) untill Captain Holt interrupted again:

“Peralta and Moretti will tail Augustin, Boyle and Diaz will join then in the surveillance van. Unless you have a problem with that.” And of course we didn’t have a problem with that. Nobody would dare to contradict the captain’s orders.

        Later in my desk, I was going through files to see if I could find anything that could help me in this case. I liked so much that my desk was right next to Rosa’s, no small talk, she is a great silent partner and I think she liked that too because I wouldn’t bother her. I was so accustomed to not having to talk and so into my work that I startled when Rosa addressed me:

“Hey. Are you okay with going after that guy tonight?” Well.. she was being nice. It was my first task this big since I arrived the precinct

“Oh yeah, I’m really excited, it will be nice to work with you and Boyle”

“Great.” And this was Rosa, straight to the point, but deep down she cared.

I was about to go back to my work when Gina called from her desk and told me captain Holt wanted to talk to me, I think she shouldn’t have done that because most people in the place gave me that look ‘girl, you’re screwed’. I took a deep breath and got up from my chair, with luck he would just want to know how I was doing with the work.

 Entering his office, I felt my anxiety rising and my palms sweating.

“It came to my knowledge that you do not get along with Detective Peralta, and for the best of the team I want you to work with him to settle this. That’s why I put you in this case with him” I wasn’t expecting for this, I knew Jake was like his prodigy or something like that, and it’s not that I hated him, it’s just that he annoys me with his stupid jokes.

“I didn’t know it was so apparent, sir. I’m sorry, I’ll try to see things from his side... it’s just that he is so childish and yet can be a great detective and I fought so much for this place..” as I explained mysef he raised his hand in a sign to let him talk.

“You know as a black man who is also gay, I fought a lot to be here” Ouch. Now thinking about what he’s been through my complainings seemed really little “When I first came in he did not want to wear ties, in the end he understood that it was na uniform. He grew a lot as a person and as a cop”.

“Yes, of course sir, I’m really embarrassed with this story. I’ll do my best.”

“You can go, and please tell Gina that I want to talk to her and Sargent Jeffords” It wasn’t that bad, if someone like Raymond Holt can like Jake perhaps I could like him too.

  At 6pm we were all in the car, around 6:20pm we stopped in front of a fancy restaurant, Augustin entered with his girlfriend. We saw him with the laptop and Jake suggested us to go inside undercover.

“Wait, we can’t go inside dressed like this” I said as I took of my jaquet and let my hair loose. I searched for a lip balm with a bit of color to apply, I stopped when I saw Rosa and Jake looking at me like I was weird “What? I always bring it so my lips won’t get dry”.

“Well me too, the Boyles have a condition that makes our lips go dry like the Sahara” said Charles while taking a lip moisturizer from his pocket.

 “UUGH” me, Rosa and Jake said in unison.

Thereafter, Jake put Scully’s blazer and it kinda looked cute, I mean funny.

As soon as we stteped into the restaurant, we saw Michael and his girlfriend, we asked for a table for two but the waitress said everything was booked out. It was when an Idea came to me. I said to mylself ‘Okay, we’re doing this’ and:

“Oh no, that’s horrible! Tonight is a really important night for us” Jake looked at me not knowing what to do, so I just grabed his arm and gave a squeeze and continued “Johnny and I just got engaged and this is where our first date was”. He appeared to understand and moved on.

“Yeah it would mean so much to Dora and me. I would have made a reservation but I didn’t know if she was gonna say yes” wow he was good!

“I Love how nervous you were you little goose” he was really good at it because it never crossed my mind that after that he would kiss my cheek.

I mean it was just a kiss in the cheek, but it’s been so long since I ever did something like that I felt goosebumps in my skin. It was silly and I was startlet. I really hoped that he didn’t notice my clumsiness. The woman in the balcony fell for it and said she would find us a table.

She told us to wait in a corner, Jake put his hand around my waist and I felt that my heart skipped a bit .While we waited, the atmosphere got heavyer, I tried to look to the other side to see if I could find Michael and his girl. Turned out we found them. Because our table was right next to their’s. I was praying to the gods that they would not pull conversation but it did not happen.

“You’re the couple that just got engaged!” Augustin’s girlfriend said cheerfully. They bought us champagne and kept asking us stuff like where did we met, what was the ring etc. We made it alive until Augustin said he wanted to say ‘hi’ to the chef. Jake thought he was going to make the drop but it turned out he just really wanted to say ‘’hi’. We had to think fast before Michael saw us there.

That’s when Jake holded my face and kissed me.

My head was like ‘BIIITCH WHAT THE FUUUCK???’ a rush of feelings passed throught my brain. Okay it was a simple Kiss. No tongue involved. And it worked because Augustin passed us by laughing.

 I separated quickly and said “Are you crazy?”

“Sorry, but it worked out fine” my face softened, ‘ok it was just work after all’.

“Right. Let’s get back to the case” I said and moved to the exit in a hurry.

In the car, Jake told Rosa and Charles what happened (except the Kiss part because Boyle would never let it go) and everything went silent until the car we were following stopped in an empty and poorly lit street. We saw Augustin get out of the car and drop the package.

“You and Rosa follow Augustine” said Jake to Charles “We’re gonna stay with the package”.

 And so they did, we kept waiting for the buyer’s arrival under a tree where it was dark so no one could see us.

“Why do you hate me?” asked Jake out of sudden. If I had something in my mouth I would have spilled it out. I hated this kind of situations because I suck at pulling feelings out.

 “I don’t hate you”

“Then why you don’t ever laugh at my jokes and always avoids me? You seemed very uncomfortable when Holt put you is this case” Okay, why did he cared about that?

 “Alright... at first I thought that you were really childish and annoying and I didn’t think it was fair for you to be such a great detective, but... you’re a good person. I’m sorry” I tried my best to explain myself. In fact when I said it out loud I realised that there was no reason for me to be so bothered with him. He always treated me nice and did his job.

“Ha, you said I’m a great detective” he uttered with a smile, I knew he wasn’t upset with me after that. In fact, when did his smile get so cute? “Hey, there is the buyer....he is looking at us”.

Again I remembered when Black Widow said that people feel uncomfortable with public displays of affection and kissed Jake. I must admit that I was starting to enjoy it. Shit, what was I thinking? It must have been the thrill of the entire context. Anyway, my move worked out because the guy grabbed the package and started to walk away. I saw that and soon reached for my gun and yelled “NYPD, FREEZE”

Jake completed me and said “You’re under arrest! This is a work event!”

 Shit. The reason why I disliked Peralta before may have been because I have a slight crush on him. I realised that as we got into the precinct and I watched his face as we arrested the buyer, I paid attention to his hands (I have a hand kink okay?) and his mouth and though about what they could do, I imagined what would he look like in the nude. Oh crap, I shouldn’t be thinking about this. I didn’t have this type of feelings in a long time because I choose to abandon social life to focus on my career. And  because my romantic relationships were all doomed to ruin. My subconscious probably opted for closing up, and it worked for a while.

Around 9:30pm I was at the living room when Jake showed up for me to sign the report. As I did he tried to break the ice with some awkward jokes.

“It’s okay, we’re professionals” I said to calm him down. I’m pretty sure he would have prefered to go on this case with Amy. Actually she entered the room in that moment and I swear I saw Jake’s eyes light up, his face softened and I knew he still liked her, I don’t know why I felt a bit of disappointment.

“Guys can you come here, I have something I need to tell everybody” she was super excited and I wondered what it was. We headed outside the living room, everyone was there except Rosa, I saw Charles in the other side of the room and I went to talk to him.

“Hey, where is Rosa?” I poked him in the arm.

“She is celebrating her bday with Marcus” he told me cheerfuly, I supposed Marcus was her boyfriend. I couldn’t ask because Amy went to talk.

“I have an annoucement to make... after dating for seven months, Teddy proposed” she made a pause even thought we all knew she said Yes, nobody would announce a broke up to everyone “I said Yes!”

The hole precinct celebrated, the good thing about being and introvert is that you can see things that other people don’t, while everyone was congratulating Amy, I saw Jake’s face from the other side of the circle of people around the bride. He certainly was caugh by surprise, he looked like he was still processing the information. I remember liking someone and not being corresponded (high school was hard). He noticed I was looking and I gave him a conforting smile, wich he replied.

Then I went to Amy to congrats her, Jake was the last one, but I shall say that he was a good liar, he smiled like he wasn’t hurt and even made jokes about it.

“We’ll go to the bar to celebrate, drinks on us” told Amy, everyone was so happy for them two.

  At the bar I felt bad. Bad because I usually didn’t go out, I didn’t drink and didn’t know how to Interact with sober people, but drunk people was a hole new level. I was sitting in some table away from the party, my glass half empty with the same drink from hours ago when Jake came to where I was. I made a nodd inviting him to sit and so he did. Really close to me.

“Why aren’t you there?” I could tell he was drunk. Really drunk, his voice was inebriated when he spoke

“I don’t know” I responded, he put his glass down onto the table and lowered himself towards it. I didn’t know what to do, so I just put my hand reluctantly on his back and we stayed like that for a moment.

“Everything is going to change now” He affirmed after an instant of silence. Poor man.

“C’mon, I’ll take you home, you let me drive your car?” I asked and he nodded, I had the feeling that in his state he would’ve said yes to anything I asked. I had a driver licence, but choose to use the bus or the subway instead of owning a car.

We made an excuse, although people started to leave anyway because it was late, I asked Boyle where Jake’s apartment was since it’s resident was too drunk and I didn’t want to take the risk. The ride was too quiet and I noticed Jake sleeping in the passanger’s seat. ‘Poor baby’ I though, after years of shutting down to crushes and dates I couldn’t deny it anymore, it hurt to want something I couldn’t have. But I was sure his situation was worst than mine.

I stopped in the parking lot of his building and pushed his arms to woke him up. Turned out he woke up kinda scared untill he realised where he was. I asked the number of his ap and escorted him there.

I was leaving when he called my name

“Megan, stay” I froze as he spoke this words and turned back to him. He looked me in the eyes and I didn’t know what to do. The last thing I knew it’s that he crushed his lips on mine, and this kiss wasn’t like the others, it was intense, it was needy, and it was good, his tongue played with mine. It was my first kiss in ages, I could taste the alcohol in his mouth and it was the only time I liked it. He turned me around so my back was against the door of his ap, his hands on my waist pushing me closer to his body. I felt my stomach twirl and my hole body heat.

We heard steps comming and we separeted our mouths, I instantly felt the loss of it, he searched for the keys in his pockets and opened the door, pulling me inside and then closing it quickly. I droped my bag on the floor. Soon his mouth was on mine again, my arms reached up, my left hand tugged on his hair, he started to trail kisses down to my neck stoping to suck on it, I moaned as the sensations long forgotten rushed through my body again.

His right hand pushed my hair, to give him better access to my collarbone as he made a trace of kisses across my sensitive skin. I could feel my center growing hot and wet, my hips rubbed against his and his now increasing erection. His other hand went down to clutch my butt.

I couldn’t believe what was happening, in fact I started to think about it. We were coworkers, he was drunk and in love with someone else. I didn't want to be just a body for him to outlet his frustration. Not that I needed his true love, but after several delusions, I preferred to avoid this situations. I shoved my hands against his chest

“Jake, stop” he looked deeply into my eyes and I saw his confusion in the street light coming in through the window “I...we can’t” I separeted our bodies, grabbed my bag and left his apartment as fast as I could.

 Author’s note: So I want to make a sequel, but it may depend on the feedback of this one shot. Thank you xx

[boogiewrites]

Choking On Sapphires 54

Title & Song: Whole Wide World

Characters: Alfie Solomons x Genevieve (OFC)

Word Count:  7400+

Summary: Alfie hunts down Genevieve to tell her how he feels. Instead of finding her on his first attempt, he’s met with a furious Claire who sets him straight. They both look for each other out on the town. Alfie finds her in a way so dramatic it makes Genevieve, our resident drama queen, proud.

Warnings/Tags: Language. Fluff. Romance. Close calls. Will they, won’t they. Go get your girl. 

**Chapter song is Whole Wide World by Wreckless Eric.*

Positive feedback is MUCH appreciated! Reblogs, likes, asks and comments feed me to write more! Let me know if you’d like tagged in my work.

My Masterlist. (Includes Parts 1-53)

His fingers kept gripping and regripping the top of his cane, he stared out the window, a menacing glare on his face as the stone of the city started to fade and the hills of the countryside started to replace it. His mind was going over a million different things that he could say to you. Where to begin? Where to end? Should he just wing it? Should he be light or heavy handed with you? So many questions, none were focused on long enough to get any real answers from himself as each thought led to another question, leaving his eyes wild and unsure as he reaches the driveway of your home. The men at the front had let him in, that was a good sign he thought.

He takes a deep breath, getting out of the car with a grunt, the cold seeming icier in the country to his achy bones. He steadies his breathing with the visible air his nervous heaves leaves in puffs as he walks up to your large wooden and wrought iron door.

He hears the door unlock before he gets to it, he sees Claire's pale and severe face meet his with clear hesitation.

"Alfie?" she says with clear confusion as her eyes narrow.

"'Ello Claire." he says with a heavy breath.

"What are you doing here?" she says, her tone giving him a warning. He felt more nervous than he had about how welcome he would be here.

"May I come in? It's fucking freezing out here." he says with a scrunch of his nose.

She looks him over, and nods, holding the door open for him and shutting it after. She stares him down, mouth in a straight line as she says nothing.

"Is Genevieve home?" he asks with a hopeful quirk of his brow.

"No." she says indifferently.

"Ah. Would you be so kind as to tell me where she's gone?"

"Out." she says flatly, arms still crossed over her chest and tone steady.

"And where might out be?"

"Why do you want to know?"

"Because I need to talk to her."

"Why?"

He pauses for a moment, trying to figure out how to approach this.

"Why now? Why at all? And you can't call like a normal person?" her head moves with attitude.

"I felt suddenly compelled to speak with her so I left and came straight here." he says defensively, brow furrowed with more sadness than anger.

"From where?"

"What with the fuckin' questions Claire?" he says in a higher pitch voice.

"I think after how you've acted the past months I get to ask however many fucking questions I want Solomons." her tone is harsh, her eyes narrowing at him.

He knows she's right. He was getting too excitable. "I left from work."

"So it's work you need to speak to her about?"

"No."

"Then what?"

"I'd...I'd rather say it to her."

"I think you can say it to me because I want to know what mess you'll be leaving me with to have to fucking clean up again."

"I didn't mean-"

"I don't know what you meant to do Alfie. But you've not been here. I have. I've had to deal with how much you hurt her. You do know you devastated her when you left right?"

"I..." he wants to defend himself but there's no point. "Yes." he admits, his shoulders slumping.

"Then why the fuck would I tell you where she is? So you can go and hurt her some more?" her voice is fierce and protective over you. "She builds up the courage to put herself back to together, and face you at that meeting and what do you do? You accuse of her being used by someone, you don't apologize and you don't mention the evil you've done?" her arms are out at her sides in anger. "She's very mad at you over that, I'll have you know. And rightfully so! What man acts like that to someone he cares about?"she leans towards him, and he flinches as the rage beams out of her eyes at him and he knew he deserved every bit of it.

"I don't want to hurt her anymore, that's why I'm here. I need to talk to her."

"So you're just going to swoop in out of nowhere and confess your undying love and devotion? Just like that?"

He stutters and his face shows his uncertainty to her forwardness and grand accusations.

"You have no idea the damage you'd done to her do you? You're so fucking thick you have no comprehension of the amount of work she's had to do to get over you leaving.  I can't even say it helped her get over you though, because she's not." she doesn’t sound happy to admit the fact.

"She's not?" his eyes light up with hope and her hard exterior falters only slightly.

"No." she shakes her head and sighs. "She's not." she puts her hands on her hips. "She's well miffed but the poor thing still cares about you despite my opinion on the matter. To say you burst the little love bubble you two had been floating about in would be an understatement."

"Then I must speak with her."

"She's very delicate Alfie...and I swear to God if you hurt her again I'll kill you myself." she almost growls.

"And I'd let you. Because I fuckin' deserve it, yeah? I know that. I've spent the last months hatin’ myself because I knew what I was doin' and I thought I was savin' her by separating myself because I didn't think I was worthy of her."

He sees the thought move around behind her eyes, considering if she believes him or not. "That's why you stopped sleeping with her?"

"Yes! I had this, in hindsight, ridiculous rule of not being with Jewish women. But she turned out to be exactly fuckin' that, yeah? So I ran scared because of my own principles. I see now I was wrong. I can't..." he pauses and takes a deep breath. "I can't believe I'm telling you this..." he rubs the bridge of his nose and closes his eyes for a moment. "I can't be without her Claire. I fuckin' tried, right?"

He can tell his words were what she needed to hear.

"So please... tell me where she is?" his eyes are wide and honest and she's touched by his transparency.

"What are you going to do, huh? You going to propose? Tell her you love her and always have and always will?" she rolled her eyes and lets out a frustrated sigh.

"Well I..." he lets out a stutter of frustration.

"Well dont." she says with a less angry voice. "You'd built her up to believe in such romance in real life but after you left she felt so stupid and lost that if you came at her with that, I love you, marry me, heavy shite you'd overwhelm her." she sighs and frowns.

"I wasn't goinna start with that...no..." he gives a grin and small huff of a laugh.

She cracks a smile. "Just...be gentle. You need to build her back up. Be sweet, be kind, be easy with her. You can't handle a woman like Genevieve roughly. You can't whip her back and forth between heavy emotions and expect her to react in your favor. You can't ignore her for months, then tell her she's acting daft and then tell her you want to be with her." she says with raised brows, taking a step towards him, a finger pointing aggressively at him. "And don't you dare fucking hurt her again!" she barks at him and he knows she means it. "You come back into her life and you fucking stay. You got that? I'll be damned if I'm dealing with a heartbroken Gen again."

"That's the plan. I really do mean that. I shouldn't have left. I plan on starting with an apology."

"That's a good place to start."

"You said she was....heartbroken. She really was?" his voice is softer and full of concern.

Claire purses her lips and glares without true anger behind her eyes. "I had been told you were a smart man Solomons."

He huffs out a laugh at the statement. He felt such the contrary.

"You really think she took care of you and slept in your bed without the thought of sex because she thought you were just friends?" she tilts her head at him, her tone obvious. "Genevieve isn't the best with expressing romantic feelings. Perhaps because she hasn't had them to the extent she does for you before."

He feels elated and guilty but hopeful and he holds it close. "So... will you tell me where she's at?" his mouth hangs open, eyes resembling a puppy's.

She lets out a heavy sigh, looking him up and down as if she's still considering it.  "Okay. Fine" she says with a small smile. ----------

With a newfound sense of self and hope, something it seemed like he'd not felt in years now, he heads back towards town. You could be at two possible places he'd been told. You had an appearance to speak at a gala for an art school and you planned to stop by a fundraising event for one of the charities you'd been working with. You'd been so busy since he left but Claire said doing the new work had seemed to be the only that that made you happy anymore but he was looking forward to changing that.

He tries the art school first, as your appearance had a time frame. He tries to not looked rushed and wild-eyed like he feels, using his broad shoulders and intimidating silhouette to make his way through the crowds. Suddenly every dark-haired woman would be you, his heart thumped away at every glance of them, the possibility of his eyes meeting yours with every turn of their heads. ----- You felt an odd rumbling of nerves within you before you were scheduled to speak. You didn't mind talking to groups of people, getting paid to show up and talk about something you loved was an absolute dream. Your fingers twisted the pendant around your neck, rubbing the Star of David had become a worry stone to you of sorts. It helped you center, remember who you were and how you were doing these things to become the person you wanted to be. But tonight, looking in the mirror of the small room set aside for speakers it was reminding you of Alfie. He would've been such a good mind to have gone over your speech with, he had been so good with words.

That was up until he stopped speaking them to you. You could'nt shake how he'd looked at you, spoken so positively about you to a room full of people, putting himself out there as a full supporter of you. You would've loved it if he could've been with you tonight. You could have invited him but... you didn't know where you stood honestly. His eyes seemed to admit he'd wanted to talk to you all those long, lonely nights. But why he hadn't still confused you. Your face flushes hot with his insinuation that you were letting a man get the better of you and use you. That still made you angry whenever you'd think about it. You longed for the days when all his words had been sweet, when he'd told you you could do anything and you start to feel foolish that you'd ever truly believed him. Perhaps the man you'd been duped by had been him.

"Miss Durand. You're up next." the sharp voice of the curator of the museum the event was being held in breaks you out of your distracting thoughts. You gather yourself and fluff your hair and dress, adjust your chest, center your necklace and move chin high out of the door. ---

"She finished speaking about half an hour ago." a woman with a name tag tells him when he inquires about you. "Lovely speech. Lovely woman as well, a transcription of her speech will be available in the next week to come with the newsletter. Shame you missed her, she's a very passionate speaker." she says with a polite smile.

"It is. Is she still here? Or have you seen her?"

"I have not seen her but she did head back into the museum after her speech."

"Ah. Thank you, luv." he says with a nod and a determined face as he heads into the wandering halls of the museum. ---- The crowd was mostly in the front of the museum where the food and the speakers were so you were left alone thankfully, moving around the impressionist's halls. You let out heavy sighs, your arms crossed as you let the sadness that resides in you show on your face and you're alone in a room of Monet's. You stand in front of the massive paintings of water and flowers and sky. You hope you could paint things to make people feel things in such a way one day, draw this melancholy and a strange calm from people like the beautiful blurred but poignant paintings did for you. You wonder if one day maybe you could have a room full of your paintings on display. Your own little self-indulgent gallery of the things you'd created. They were a lot darker than the Monet subjects but that didn't mean no one could relate to them. But you were very protective over your paintings, maybe one day when you didn't feel so fragile you'd look into it.

You look to your watch, seeing as you'd been standing and daydreaming about a soft and pastel colored world where things didn't hurt so much for too long. ------ "Where would you go?" he mutters to himself, looking at the directional signs. "French? French. Yeah." he nods and heads toward to direction of the French Impressionists exhibit. ---- You stand in the lobby, being thanked and praised for a few moments as you try to get out of the building. You have your cheeks and hands kissed, murmuring thank you's and absolutely to requests to do it again or speak at other locations.

A tall black wide-brimmed hat catches your attention in the crowd, your breath catching and ignoring the doting around you as your eyes grow large, an ice cold tingle down your spine at the thought of him. You stand still, ignoring the words being spoken to you but as the owner of the hat turns you see it's not Alfie. The tingle remains despite seeing it wasn't his usual style of hat. ------- He stands in the empty room of impressionists paintings, he mutters to himself, disgruntled and his face contorting in thought. "Genny...if you aren't in France... where the fuck are you, luv?" he whispers out loud to the large painting of a lily pond. He takes out his pocket watch, seeing he'd been wandering for too long, the night growing too old. Perhaps you'd moved on already. This is where you'd be if you were here. He felt it like the intuition you had, he knew he was close. He returns the watch to his pocket and carries on. ----- You stand outside, your fur coat shielding you from the cold as you wait for your car. You pull the collar up to hide your face, hoping to be able to make a clean getaway. As you see your car pulling up you get a strange little feeling in your stomach. Like butterflies.  You turn back to look behind you, you felt like someone was watching you, your eyes scanning the far away heads of people as they move in the yellow light of the lobby.

"Miss." Joseph says, pulling open your car door.

"Thank you." you say softly, a half smile and a nod as you get into your car. You keep your eyes on the doorways until the people are too small to recognize. It wouldn't surprise you that you're feeling strange. Speaking in public, all the attention and the strange ending with the meeting with Alfie, you had a lot swimming around your head. With most odd feelings you get from time to time, it could be nothing, or it could be absolutely everything. ------- You arrive at the fundraiser and your mood lightens. You feel more comfortable at the Jewish events, people there aren't as clingy and full of an obnoxious and disingenuous amount of praise and you prefer it that way.

You make your way around the room full of things for the silent auction. You decide to place a few bets, a painted vase, a large decorative mezuzah, and a large fur blanket. You sign your name with a sigh to the list for the blanket, your sad little heartbroken self bubbles up from the back of your mind. You wouldn't have to have more blankets if Alfie was still around. You remember the last night you'd spent in bed with him, your face resting on his chest and falling asleep to his heartbeat. You groan out loud, looking around at the other items in the room, you wish there was a listing for a large, handsome Jewish bloke to put a bet on.

In a funny way, you get your wish, but you should've been more specific because this man gave off an annoying air of arrogance as soon as his strong cologne hit your nostrils.

"Perhaps you should have put up a date with you for auction. They would've certainly hit their goal." he says with a trying too hard to be charming smile.

You look up at him, rapidly blinking and making split-second judgments. This was a hard no, pass. You say nothing and hope he either realizes you're not interested or see how inappropriate the statement had been.

"You're Genevie Durand, yes?" he asks with a bow of his head. You look him up and down, giving him nothing but an indifferent stare. "I'm Abe." he holds out his hand, you show your polite tolerance and let him kiss your hand.

"I am Genevieve yes."

"You were scheduled to speak at the museum downtown tonight were you not?"

"I was."

"I saw you in the paper for your award. Beautiful work." he says with a shake of his head.

Thanks. It was the guy I was fucking at the time is what you'd like to say in response.

"I sent you a letter of congratulations for your achievement." he says as if it meant something to you.

"I received so many letters after that article was published, I wouldn't be able to recall." you say with pursed lips. The downside to having to communicate with men outside of your life of crime was you couldn't really call them a cunt and tell them to fuck off.

"Ah. No surprise at all. A woman of your achievements being on the market in a rare gem indeed." he thought he was flattering. On the market? Like a fucking ham or a goose? How this man was single was such a mystery. "I did not see your education listed in the article and by word of mouth I could not find any information about you, where was it you went to school?" he inquires.

"The University of London and then Oxford." you say matter of factly, looking behind him in the crowd.

"Impressive for a woman in this age."

"And you?" you ask with false interest.

"Cambridge, madam." The one school to still let women in, wonderful. "Oxford didn't let many women in, it must be a testament to your great mind that they let you."

That they let you, like education shouldn't be something available to any who wanted it. "Yes, that's why I helped the scholarship programs in London. So those who want to go, can."

"It's a lovely idea. A well-trained mind is such a highly sought after trait in a spouse."

Woah, okay there lad, slow it down, you don't know me. "I find emotional intelligence to be of higher importance." you say back with an unimpressed tone.

"Emotional intelligence?"

"Yes. Being able to understand and empathize. Manners, read social cues, expressing your emotions clearly." you say with your back still straight, and eyes only ghosting over his in a clear show of

"Ah. It's been my experience that most women have found greater comfort in knowing their spouse's achievements are documented and can give them secure lives with their pursuits of knowledge."

"Well..." you sigh. "I'm not every woman you've met am I?" you say with a shrug, a pat to his shoulder and you walk away. You'd played nice long enough, you missed pulling knives out on people.

You find a group of single girls, you infiltrate and they ask much more interesting questions, you sip wine and chat and enjoy yourself separately from the rouge stalking man that tries to catch your attention and pull you from the group.

You turn another away, stating you found the conversation plenty stimulating enough where you were currently when one of them starts to speak again. "I heard Alfie Solomons is here tonight." a dark-haired girl whispers with a wrinkled nose as she giggles into her wine glass. "He never comes to these things." she shakes her head.

Oh fuck. You try to hide the flush in your face as you take another drink.

"Isn't he on the board with you for the blindness charity?" a blue-eyed girl inquires.

"He is." you nod too fast to be keeping your cool.

"What's he like? I've heard so many stories about him." she says with a chuckle.

"Oh he's... you know." you shrug. "Rather polite for the line of work he's in." you spit out quickly with a smile.

"I wonder what it'd be like to be with a gangster. I bet he has so much money." she rolls her eyes in pleasure at the thought.

"Yes, but what he does isn't exactly... Kosher?" one giggles.

"But have you seen the jewelry on the man? Can you imagine what he'd buy his wife?" she adds with raised brows.

You instinctively reach up to hold the pendant he'd bought you between your fingers. "Have any of you seen him here tonight? Or is it just rumor?" you ask.

"I saw him talking to the head of the board earlier." she says dismissively.

"Never kissed a man with a beard before. He looks so unkempt but it sort've adds to the dangerous bit doesn't it?" one laughs and rubs her face.

"Excuse me, ladies." you say politely with a nod and they continue, an outbreak of giggles as you walk back into the crowd. Was him being near what that funny little flock of butterflies in your belly had been trying to tell you? Would you even have that sort of connection with him anymore? ----------------- He enters the building and the murmurs start immediately. As soon as he's spotted he's greeted with loud and enthusiastic welcomes from old rich men who love his money. He never attends these sorts of things, just donates money to various causes. They've never seemed to mind his lack of social appearances, as long as his money kept coming in no one really bothered him or asked much about the rest of his life or how he came into his money. He's polite but short with the varying degrees of welcome as they keep pulling him and his attention away from his purpose for being here tonight.

He sees a group of younger girls around a painting, he figures women, artists, perhaps they'd know if you were here.

"Good evening, pardon me for intruding," he says and clears his throat as they all turn casually and disinterested until they lay eyes on him and realize who he is. "Might I bother any of you to ask if you've seen Miss Genevieve Durand here tonight?" he says gruffly, ignoring the up and down they were giving him.

"I've heard she's here." one nods. "I'd love to talk to her, I haven't seen her myself."

"She did this painting, you know." the tallest says, motioning with her glass of wine to the painting they were surrounding. "She's so refreshing, don't you think?" she asks with a tilt of her head. He recognized the scene, it was the view from your studio window. A landscape in unnatural colors, blurry as if it was looked at through a veil of tears.

"Are you a fan of hers?" one asks, a smirk on her face.

"I am a fan of hers, yes." he states without hesitation and they all grin.

"Oh." they say with knowing smiles.

"Have you seen her?"

"No but another painting of hers is up for auction if you're interested." she shrugs.

"Thank you very much, girls." he says with a polite nod and tight smile as he heads off into the room with all the items.

He stalks around, eyes to the papers as he sees your name listed and he lets out a sigh of relief. Alright, at least he was on the right track. ------- You make the mistake of asking a grouping of older women if they've seen him. They had not, but they certainly seemed interested in you meeting their sons after they found out who you were. You expertly decline and say you're preoccupied at the moment and apologize and leave.

Your eyes continuously scan the crowds as you chew away at some hors-d'oeuvres by the buffet table. You stand with your hip jutted out, chewing your thumbnail in thought as a young girl approaches you.

"You're Geneveive Durand, yes?" she asks sheepishly and politely.

"Yes, love, I am." you say sweetly.

"I'm a big fan of your work, Miss." she says with a big smile.

"Oh thank you so very much." you say with a nod.

"I would love to ask you a hundred annoying questions but I'm afraid someone has been looking for you." she says with a coy smile.

"Excuse you?" you ask with confusion.

"Alfie Solomons," she says with a  nod. "My friends and I were standing around one of your paintings and he asked us if we'd seen you. He seemed distracted so I thought I might do you both a favor and let you know."

"Thank you, sweetheart. I've been looking for him as well." you say with a sigh of relief. "Do you know where he's done."

"I'm afraid I don't but it wasn't that long ago that he asked."

"What's your name?" you ask, putting your hand on her arm.

"It's uh..." she's caught off guard by the attention. "Sarah Weizman, Miss." she says with wide eyes.

"You get in contact with my girl Claire, and I would love to answer all those questions of yours. Just call me up and tell her your name." you say with a charming smile that she returns in full. "You've helped me out Sarah, I owe you." you say with a smirk as you walk away. ----- You both stand tall, eyes searching, hearing that the other was looking for the other from people as you move through crowds in hallways, ballrooms, upstairs and down. You're covered in a thin veil of sweat as you keep circling, missing each other by paces and you both grow weary the longer it goes on.

"He must've gone." you whisper as you stand at the top of the stairs with a worried look on your face. You've been looking for over an hour, easily and you'd worn yourself out.

"Where are you Genny for fuck's sake. I know you're here." he grumbles to himself, opening up doors upstairs to offices.

You jog outside, pushing open the door and the icy air hitting the sweat on your skin and making you shiver. You trot down the stairs to the street, eyes searching every second. You stand between street lights and have a smoke. Something you didn't do often, but your stress level for the occasion seems to warrant it.

"Are you ready to go Miss?" Josephs' voice surprises you and you jump at the sound. He lets out a chuckle. "Didn't mean to frigthen you." he smiles.

"I'm just a bit on edge, sorry Joseph. Alfie is here and I've heard whispers he's looking for me and I can't find him bloody anywhere." you say with a whine.

"Ah. Are we still friendly with Mr. Solomons?" he asks.

"I suppose we are." you say with a shrug.

He takes his pocket watch out and looks at it. "It is awfully late, Miss. He was never one to stay out at these sorts of things long. Perhaps he's retired for the evening?" he says supportively with a shrug. "Maybe he's left a message at home?" he suggests

You let out a cloud of smoke with a groan. Maybe he was right. You'd spent over an hour just looking for him and you'd been here almost three. Alfie hated these sorts of things, he wouldn't stay unless he had to and you weren't sure what he wanted you for or how important it was. Joseph had a point, there would probably be a message if he needed you. You feel a sinking in your gut. Why were you so damned excited to see him anyway?  You couldn't help it though. You had it bad for the man and as much as you hated to admit it you knew it to be true. It had grown to be a simple fact and less a source of pain and anguish that it had been. It was just something you lived with, like a poorly placed mole one might not want. Couldn't do anything about it, so just live with it and carry on. A mild annoyance that would come to the front of your mind when you'd let it.

"You've got a very early morning tomorrow as well. Best not forget that." he says in a fatherly tone.

"You're right. I'll be up before the sun tomorrow." you roll your eyes, stomping out your cigarette and heading towards the car. "Won't be worth a damn to anyone if I haven't slept." you frown. You worry the whole ride home, trying not to bite your nails and you pick at the hem on your coat instead.

When you get home Claire is already asleep along with the rest of the house and you quickly follow suit. You had a full day of traveling tomorrow and lots to look forward to besides him. ---- He's panting and red in the face as he pushes through the large doors to the outside. His feet carry him heavy and defeated down the large stone steps into the dark and cold night.

"No luck?" Ishmael asks, propped against the side of the car.

"Never any fuckin' luck." he grumbles as he slams the car door behind him.

"Might I suggest we go to her home again in the early morning? Not give her a chance to disappear on you?"

"Ya read my fuckin' mind, mate." he says with an annoyed look on his face but a glimmer of hope in his eyes.

He does precisely that. He's up before the sun, giving himself a good scrubbing and putting on the oil you'd given him for his face and beard that he'd secretly taken with him when he'd gone. It'd reminded him far too much of you to use the past weeks but now with reconciliation in sight he could use it and be reminded of you without the pain.

The maid even commented on how he seemed to be much perkier this morning and he agreed. Taking only tea and a biscuit and heading out on his way.

He's primed to knock on the door and Claire answers. "Oh hello Alfie." she yawns, robe pulled to.

"I wanted to come early to speak with her before she had a chance to run. I couldn't catch her last night." he says, starting to take off his coat.

"Well I have a bit of bad news." she says with a frown.

"Oh fuck's sake, what now." his shoulders slump and his face looks exhausted.

"She's not here." she says flatly.

"She... not come home or?" he shrugs.

"She left before dawn. Told me she was off to France." she says with a flopping of her arms.

"France?" he responds with high brows.

"Wouldn't tell me why. Had her trunks and she was off as soon as she told me." she shakes her head.

"You're fucking kidding."

"I wish I was." she says rubbing her face.

"When'd she leave? You know which boat she's taking?" he asks, already moving towards to door. She's actually touched by his persistence.

"I don't. I wish I could be more helpful."

"Eh." he grunts and shrugs. "You tried." he huffs out as he's out the door already.

"Alfie! ALFIE!" he hears before he gets back in his car. Aggie is running as fast as she can towards him.

"What is it luv?" he asks, eyes wide.

"She's gone to Paris." she pants out.

"Calm down there Agatha, now." he says with a smile, hands on her shoulders.

"She's going for a wedding. Claire absolutely hates the girl so she didn't tell her where she was going." she huffs and catches her breath. "I don't know which boat she's taking or when it departs but I'll be damned if I'm going to not tell you something to help you find her. It's been hellish at times without you here." she says with wide eyes. "She misses you so much." she says with sad eyes.

"And I've missed her more." he says with a charming smile that makes her heart race.

"Are you finally going to make this old woman's dreams come true?" she says with a chuckle.

"If she'll let me yes." he grins.  She surprisingly hugs him and he lets out a loud laugh. "Oh Agatha, ya nutter." he booms as he hugs her back.

"I've been waiting for thirty years for this, call me what you want!" she laughs, pulling away and wiping a tear from her eye. "GO! Go on and make the two of us the happiest women in Britain today!" she exclaims and pushes him in the car.

"Yes ma'am." he says with a grin, shutting the door and watching her clutch her chest with relief as he drives off to the docks. ----- He uses his name and throws money around haphazardly to get through the lines and get information on the boats departing. There is one to France and he buys a ticket and prays for the first time since before the war that he can get there in time. ------ You're leaning on the railing, looking at the happy people waving goodbye next to you. You smile at the beaming faces, the lovely words being shouted back and forth between families and lovers as the boat breaks away from land. You sigh and smile lazily, happy to be on your way to Paris.

You see a large dark figure parting the crowd almost violently. Your eyes focus and then they go wide. You'd recognize that shoulder to hat ratio anywhere. He pushes through the crowd, all elbows and shoulders as he gives no mind to those he moves to get the man at the gate. Your mouth hangs open, seeing him pointing and shouting at the man at the boat and shaking tickets in his face. You can tell the man is helpless in the situation but you know you can save him the trouble.

"ALFIE!" you scream as loudly as you can. You get strange looks from the people around you but there's no one else in your mind or your eyes at this moment. His eyes go wild and his head darts around, looking for the source of your voice. You wave your hands and shout again.

He finds you on the upper deck, smile bright and absolutely beaming at him and he melts. "GENNY I-" he shakes his head holding the tickets. "I WAS TOO LATE! I'M SORRY!" he screams back, his voice carrying easier than yours.

"IT'S OKAY!" you nod animatedly. "I'LL PHONE YOU FROM PARIS!" you scream back, blowing him a kiss in your excitement, being entirely charmed by the apologetic look on his face and waving with the same beautiful smile that captivated him. You had asked him to show you action, and this was certainly that.

He hadn't expected the kiss but he'll be damned if he's not going to leave you with a fond memory in place to start killing off all the bad he'd left you with. He catches it and puts it to his lips and he sees you lean over the railing and laughing loudly at him. He blows you one back and you catch it with both hands and hold it to your chest with a broad smile. Still so sweet and kind even after what he'd done to you. He might not think he deserves it, but he'll be damned if he's not going to take advantage of what must be the biggest celestial mistake that he happened to be the benefactor of. You stand and sigh and smile at each other long after you're out of each other's sight. It was as if the connection between the two of you was back and it was stretching across the water, soon to be connected again through telephone wires. ----- You take the phone out onto the balcony of your apartment in Paris. You're so nervous your hands shake as you pick up and ask for Alfie Solomons, London. Your heart races as you wait for a response.

He hadn't moved from beside the phone in the lounge since he'd got back. He had no intentions of missing your call. If he had to do much as get up to go to the loo he had someone there waiting. Luckily for him, the calls comes while he's sat by the fire.

He almost drops the phone in his anticipation, Cyril giving him a judgemental look from his spot in front of the fire. "'Ello?" his deep voice travels through the receiver and hits your ears and you close your eyes and smile.

"Hello Alfie." you practically coo, voice breathy and sweet.

You hear a heavy exhale, "Genevieve, luv." he says, pausing at the sound of your voice again. "Did you make it to Paris alright?" he asks, rising from his seat.

"I did. Thanks for asking." he can hear the smile in your voice. "Sorry you had to waste money on that ticket." you let out a chuckle.

"Nothing's ever a waste if I get to see you." he says smoothly and you blush, your heart flutters and your brain wants to side it's excitement but it was hard not to get carried away.

"I stayed at the fundraiser and tried to find you, you know."

"Ah. Yes." he nods, pulling back the curtain and looking out his window. "Seems it wasn't in the cards for us to meet that night, was it."

"Seems that way. But as you know I'm a fan of the dramatic and it doesn't get much more dramatic than you taking out a crowd of pedestrians to find me as my ship departed." you let out a giggle, your thumb in your mouth as you look up at the sky. You'd asked him for actions and he had certainly given them to you.

"You must've rubbed off on me, luv." he laughs. "Aggie told me you were there for a wedding. What hotel you stayin' at?"

"I am and I'm actually at my apartment." you say looking out over the street.

"You've got an apartment in Paris, do ya?" he smirks, of course you did.

"I do. It's lovely. You should come with me and see it sometime." you sigh out before you even realize what you're saying.

"I'd love nothing more." he returns the soft tone. "You have one of those fancy ones I bet. Balcony and big tall windows?"

"Good to see you still know me." you hugg out a laugh. "I'm out on the balcony now. It's cold but it's lovely out tonight." you say quietly.

"I'd love to be there with you Gen." his voice also dropping to a hushed whisper. "You lookin' at the moon, pet?" he asks.

"I am." your eyes stare up at her in her stark and bright majesty.

"So am I. Would you be so kind as to do me a favor?"

"Of course. What is it?"

"Look up at her for me, would you? We'll pretend we're both there while we're lookin' at the same moon."

You hold the railing and your knees knock together. And you thought romance was dead. "I am. You're here, making fun of the drivers down below."

"You'd be right, the French can't bloody drive." he laughs and you do as well.

You both let out heavy sighs. "It'd be warmer if you were here. But I can pretend." you say softly.

"Genevieve...." you hear his breath catch. "I've missed you so much."

Your eyes well up with tears and you swallow hard. Happy tears that felt like a baptism for you, an end to your sadness. "I've missed you too." you sniffle and feel the tears sting with cold as they fall down your round smiling face. "Alfie love." you lilt out.

You saying his name made his heart swell to the point of bursting. "Yes, darling?" he asks, eyes watery and staring up at the same moon you were.

"Why..." he hears you exhale. "Why did it take you so long to come to me?" he can hear the hurt in your voice, and he shuts his eyes and takes a deep breath.

"I'm afraid there is no good reason," he says with a huff of a laugh, you can tell he's being honest but you still find it mildly confusing. "And no reason at all now," he adds, scratching his chin. "I'll be having some people over for Shabbat. I'd love if you could come. I would like to explain myself to you if you'll give me the chance." his voice is so soft it's like you can feel it like velvet across your cheeks as it hits your ears and sends warm tingles down your body.

"I'd love to. Is it formal or casual?"

"You can wear anything you want. It's not formal, but I know that never stops you from looking a vision, does it?" he hears a giggle from you. "I just want you here with me, sweetheart."

"Then that's exactly where I'll be." he can feel the warm smile through the phone, his chest aching with happiness, having a reason to keep beating again. "I've got to go for now... but I'll see you soon Alfie." you whisper.

"Good night, my sweet." he coos.

"I'll keep looking at the moon until I see you again." he hears a chuckle. "Goodnight."

The line disconnects. He places it back in the stand and lets out a loud sigh that goes onto turn into a groan as his head falls back against the couch. Cyril becomes curious about the noise and lays his head on Alfie's thigh.

"Look's like you're going to get to met my Genny after all." he says with a smile, the dogs tail thumping against the floor as he scratches his ears with both hands. "You're gonna love her. I know I do." he gives a big smooch to the pup's head before he calls him to follow him to the kitchen to receive a treat for no reason except Alfie wanted him as happy as he was. -- "Lilly my love, what's wrong?" Altar says, his voice full of concern as his big hands set the small cups on the table. He stomps towards you, his long arms outstretched to hold you close.

"For once... absolutely nothing." you say with a happy choked out sob.

"Sweetheart, my princess, what is it?" he rubs your back, you feel like a child, wrapping your arms around him, his big beard rough against your face.

"It was Alfie on the phone." you say with a coy smile.

"Ahhh." he says, pulling you away and putting his hands on your shoulders.

"And?" he says with a smile.

"He was terribly romantic." you look at him with a dopey smile. "We set a time to meet when I return."

"Ah! The best news!" he cheers, clasping his hands together. "Well then fuck having tea! Let's go celebrate!" he laughs and you return the expression as he drags you by the wrist from the window.

Pt. 55 Wild Horses (NSFW)

@fangirlfreakingout @jaegeeeeer @cosettewinchester @lookuptheskyisfalling-blog @brianaisasongbird @cry5t4l-w4rri0r @iliveonchocolateandnetflix @jess2464 @hardygal69 @thegarrisonpublichouse @a-flock-of-angry-pigeons @pootle @negansdirtygirl22 @musingsby-night @wtf-is-wrong-with-this @shine-dont-shadow @inkinterrupted @vale0413 @lafayettes-baguettes-1 @sxlomons @aphnxrising @emerald-bijou @elaenom @give-jack-a-lightsaber  @anrm1 @ultrablackwidower

[rosebennett28]

Can't catch a break - Part 3

Pairings: Bucky x OFC Josephine Buchater

Summary: Josephine has to spend more time with the man she despises and tries to make the most out of it. (Angst)

A/N: The song I had in mind and that's mentioned is Rihannas Pour it up (RL Grime Remix).

After her outburst she ran away and decided to never come back. That was of course until Steve had found her in a motel the same night and quite literally forced her to come back with him, telling her she was his family and that he was taking her home.

What they would never tell the team was that Steve had found her having a seizure. Which was the only reason she agreed to coming back with him. She needed the medication Bruce had made for her.

It was three in the morning when they arrived at the tower. Steve brought Josephine to the medical ward and alerted Bruce.

Rounding the corner she could see someone laying in one of the beds. She stopped dead in her tracks until Steve gripped her upper arm and told her she had to take responsibility for her actions.

Luckily for her Bruce came out of the adjacent room with a vial of her medication and told her to be more careful in taking it.

Nodding she took the vial and turned to leave when Steve spoke up.

"I think you have some unfinished business to take care of.", he tilted his head to the side in the direction of the man lying in the bed.

Steve gave her a look that told her she shouldn't even try to mess with him. "I'll be close by.", he told her and motioned for Bruce to come with him and left her alone with Bucky who was now very much awake.

When she took a closer look at him she could see that he had stitches done on his eyebrow and lip with the rest of his face covered in horrid bruises.

Well fucking deserved.

Looking down to her feet she could feel herself being encircled by guilt. She didn't understand why. After all he had done exactly the same to her in another life, only that she had no one to take care of her injuries.

She must have been absent for quite a while because it was Bucky who sat up and softly said: "You know you don't have to do this, you can go. I won't tell Steve."

To that she simply scoffed which didn't surprise him. At this point he was sure she would hate him no matter what he did. Still he looked at her in confusion waiting for her response.

"That doesn't make you a good person.", she challenged coldly, crossing her arms.

"I know. Nothing will ever make up for what I did. Especially to you.", he added the last part softly, unsure of how she was going to react.

She dropped her arms to the sides and turned her head harshly to look at him.

"Do you even remember me?", she asked now much calmer to his surprise.

"At first I didn't recognize you. You looked so different when I first met you. But the eyes. They never change.", he explained to Josephine who was now standing closer to him in a less defensive pose.

"How could you do this to me?", she asked just as slowly, much more quietly.

His shoulders slumped forward and he inhaled deeply before he answered. "I ask myself everyday."

Bucky stood up and slowly walked up to her. She hated how he made her feel so small. It reminded her of a life she wanted to forget.

"I know you will never trust me or believe me, but it was Hydra. They made me do those things. I would never have done this to you by choice.", he pleaded.

"Well, don't think you're special. They did the same to me. And no one will ever trust us because of it."

"Josephine, I would do anything to undo what has been done-". She hated the way he said her name.

"But you can't. You can't go back to not break every single one of my ribs and choke me until I black out. You can't go back to the day you decided to leave on your own and leave me with Rumlow. You left me in that cell to rot because you are a selfish piece of shit and no apology in the world will give me back my life.", she spat at him with tears of anger in her eyes, her hands clenched in fists at her sides.

"I will do anything to protect you now-", he started but she could not and would not let him finish.

"Don't think you can just walk in here and think you can make a difference. I can get by my own. Always have. We don't need you. I don't need you."

He took a step closer much to her dismay.

"No, don't you dare.", she backed off and out of the room. Walking by Steve without granting him a look she told him she was going to go to sleep.

After the incidences Josephine tried to stay out of his way and avoid any further arguments, but it was hard for her. Bucky always looked at her in a way that she herself defined as pity and it drove her insane. Still she tried dodging him. It was a successfull mission of hers until she was called into the conference room the team held the briefings for missions in.

Tony and Steve were there, waiting for her. As she entered the room she noticed Bucky was following her into the room.

"What is this about?", she said crossing her arms in suspicion.

"Joe take a seat.", Tony said rolling his eyes.

"I will, when you tell me what the fuck this is about."

"As you know the team leaves today for two seperate big missions. And you were supposed to leave for yours tomorrow. But there was a change of plan and Natasha won't be able to go with you.", Steve started.

"Good, I will do just as good without her then.", Josephine interposed.

"No... you won't. This mission is more dangerous than you realize. You can't go by yourself. And the only person that is free and coincidentally knows the layout of the Hydra area as good as you is our metal friend.", Tony carried on Steves thought in a parental tone.

Josephine turned around to face Bucky who looked severely uncomfortable and said: "Okay."

Bucky raised his eyebrows so quickly she thought they might fall off.

"If you're part of the team the least you can do is do your part isn't it?", she stated.

Both of them were briefed and split to pack their bags. A mediocrely inconspicuous car was already parked outside the tower for them to drive to the low-profile shabby hotel Josephine knew too well.

In the morning she exited the tower without looking for Bucky who was surprisingly early and already waiting for her downstairs.

Bucky wasn't surprised to see her displeased with him so early on already.

"Just because you're early doesn't mean you get to drive. Got that?", she said opening the trunk and placing her duffel in it, leaving it open for him.

With a simple yes Bucky took a seat next to her, putting on his seatbelt, to which she looked at him with a ridiculing look. Bucky shrugged, dropping the subject.

Jospehine turned on the radio, not being able to stand the silence.

She deliberately turned the music up so loud that she knew it would annoy him. Bucky didn't really understand this part of the future. The music wasn't focused on lyrics but rather bass and electronic elements.

So he was astonished to say the least as she switched to an oldies channel, singing along to Paul Ankas Put your head on my shoulder from start to finish.

She had been driving for three hours when she pulled up to a gas station. She left to go to the bathroom without saying a word and came back without getting in the car.

"I'm getting some coffee.", she stated and added "You want some?" after a moment of pondering.

"Yeah, sure, thanks.", Bucky answered gratefully.

She came back a few minutes later positioning herself behind the steering wheel again as dawn broke. Bucky was smart enough not to ask her if he should go from here.

Another couple of hours later they arrived at the motel. To her relief Tony had booked two rooms for once.

With a simple nod they parted ways once more.

An hour later Bucky knocked at Josephines door to ask her for the tablet that contained the briefing he wanted to go over again. She had said to come in but when he opened the door he was met with the sight of her back, only wearing black underwear she was shuffling in her bag and pulled out a black garment that she slipped on.

When she turned around she noticed that Bucky was quite obviously staring at her.

"Take a picture it'll last longer.", she said turning to the vanity to put on lipstick.

"Where are you going?", he blankly asked.

"Well, Daddy I'm a big girl now so it's none of your business, now is it?.", she stated sarcastically.

"You're going to compromise the mission."

"No, I'm not. So if you'll excuse me.", she said and tried moving past him. She didn't expect that Bucky would grap her arm, trying to stop her.

"I'll go with you."

"The hell you are.", she spat at him breaking away from his grasp.

"How do you want to stop me?", he challenged her.

Rolling her eyes she demanded that he at least changed his clothes, telling him that he looked like the love child of a hobo and the salvation army.

When Bucky had changed she drove the both of them to the nearest club.

Entering Bucky didn't dare to look at the women, making Josephine chuckle. The hall was dark except for a few red lights flagging the path. The beat was throbbing in his ears, it was so loud that even he could barely hear Josephine.

"Welcome to the 21st Century, James.", she cheered.

"They are not decent.", he said peering down at the floor.

"They are payed for that.", Josephine said leading Bucky to the bar.

She ordered two shots of vodka. Holding up one of the miniscule glasses she waited for Bucky to follow her lead. After they chugged the drinks she ordered two glasses of whiskey.

Wordlessly she took a seat in front of a pole. Bucky reluctantly took a seat right when the song changed.

Money on my mind

Money on my Mind

All I see is signs

All I see is dollar signs

As the woman in front of them starting dancing it wasn't her that Bucky watched it was Josephine.

"So are you... into women?"

"You don't have to be into women to appreciate the female beauty.", she pointed out sipping on her drink.

Quickly she pulled out a bill from her decollete and made a come-hither motion while she smirked deviously at the dancer. Josephine whispered in her ear as she looked at Bucky.

While the dancer positioned herself over Buckys lap she tucked the bill in her panties. Winking at Bucky who looked rather appalled she left whilst downing the rest of her drink.

[tobastianstardy-blog]

Gangster Blues

Part 2

So I’ve noticed I tend to rush certain things and events so maybe I’ll do some flashbacks in future chapters, but we shall see. This one is a short one, but I hope you enjoy this chapter as it starts to pick up just a bit. This will be an Alfie x ofc fic but who can resist some Tommy? 

 word count: 2907

WARNINGS: Violence, blood, domestic abuse. 18+ for possible future sexual references.

                Once the ship arrived, Giana set off in search to purchase a car, as it was a long way to Camden town. She scanned her small list of relatives and seen one that resided in, Birmingham. Now the distance was nearly the same, just in the opposite direction. She figured she'd go out of her way now before she got nice and settled into her new home, in Camden. 

        When she arrived in Birmingham, she wasn't too shocked at the wild things she had seen, like people screwing in the streets and drunkards throwing blows at each other. Sure, it was different from Brooklyn, but it not by much anyway. Her aunt, Allison had warmed up to her quite fast. Giana's mother, Emily, had told Allison all about her, and that she may have to keep a close eye on her.

"Your uncle Harry will be home from work soon, deary. He can't wait to meet you." she smiled sweetly before handing Giana a cup of piping hot tea. "And what does uncle Harry do exactly?" Giana blew into her cup trying to cool it down. "Well sweety, I s'pose I got no reason to lie to you. Uncle Harry works for the Peaky Blinders." "Peaky Blinders?" she raised a brow up to her yellow headed aunt. "It's a gang here, the Shelby's, yeah, much like the gang you had in America." she nudged Giana gently. "How would you know about that, Aunt Allison?" Giana stared harshly. "Oh, baby. Your mother and I may 'ave not seen each other in many, many, years, but we still write each other." Allison placed a comforting hand on Giana's shoulder. "But enough gangster talk, you're suppose to be on vacation. Forget about work and just 'ave a good time, my darling." Giana nodded with a smirk.

        "Aunt Allison?" she sipped her tea. "Yes, baby?" "I hope I'm not poking my nose where it doesn't belong, but I was told you had a daughter, around my age? Where is she now?" "Oh, yes, of course. My Winnie. She hasn't lived here in several years now...we had a bit of a falling out. Last I heard she was working at some club down on Bleaker st." "What kind of club?" "You know, I'd imagine not very different from the clubs down in New York. Women dancing around half naked serving up 'foot juice' and what not." she scoffed. "Sounds...interesting. Bleaker st you say?" Allison crossed her arms and sighed heavily. "Be careful out there alright. Remember you ain't got no men here to 'ave your back if you get ya self into trouble." "Mind you, Aunt Allison but I never NEEDED men to protect me." Giana winked playfully.

        The club was in a seemingly worn down building with dirty dark glass windows. Giana wiggled out of her long black coat and placed it on the rack near the entrance revealing the dark green dress, beaded with black sequins that fit nicely around her curvy body. She swayed her fleshy bottom as she walked towards the bar, nearly snapping the necks of the men trying to get a good look at her as she passed them by. "How about a drink, handsome?" she winked at the man behind the bar slipping some money into his hand. Without any hesitation he poured a clear liquid in a glass and handed it to her. "What's a pretty dame like yourself doing in such a place like this?" he leaned over, his eyes never leaving her ample cherry red lips. "I'm looking for someone. Perhaps you can help me out?" she batted her long thick lashes at him. "I'm looking for a 'Winnie Evans'." "Ah, Winnie of course. She's over in that corner talking to the Shelby's." he pointed to a dimly lit booth surrounded by men and loose women. "Thank you, kindly." She chugged the rest of her drink and slipped him some more money for his help. 

        As she got closer to the booth not only could she see a pair of eyes, blue as ocean staring her down she could feel them on her. The group of people surrounding the table parted like the red sea as she made her way to him. "I'm sorry to bother sir, but you see, I'm looking for my cousin. 'Winnie' would be her name." she spoke directly to the man that couldn't to take his eyes off of her. He was dressed rather nice with short black hair and his face, his face, carved by the hand of God himself.  A woman sitting on the lap of the man next him shot her head up very quickly, "Why, I'm Winnie." she looked Giana up and down. "Cousin, you say?" her British accent was as thick as molasses. "Yes, on your mother's side. I'm Giana R-" "OH! Yes! I've heard of you before." she kissed the man she was sitting on and stood to her feet. "It's nice to finally meet you!" she held her hand out for a shake. "Arthur, this is my cousin, from America I was telling you about." she turned to the older fellow in the booth. "American, ay?" the man with ocean blue eyes spoke up. "Winnie, why don't you introduce us properly?" he added while lighting up a cigarette. "Of course, my apologies." Winnie glanced down to her feet and back up with a fresh bright smile. "This is my cousin, Giana Russo." Winnie placed her arm loosely around Giana's back. "This is Arthur, and  Tommy Shelby."

"Pleasure to meet you." Giana slipped off her black gloves and shook their hands. "Oh, the pleasure is mine, darling." Tommy exhaled his smoke with a hint of lust in his eyes. "Russo, is it? You Italian?" Tommy tilted his head running his eyes up and down her body imagining what she looked like underneath. "Half. My father Italian and my mother, British." she licked her lips to tease him. "Please, won't you sit down and join us." Tommy gestured for her to sit next to him, and there it was. That familiar spark of a light bulb going off in Giana's head again.

        Giana almost immediately "moved into" Winnie's place. She had decided to stick around Birmingham a little while longer despite having purchased a home down in Camden Town, which probably was covered in dust by now. She wanted to see how her cards played out with Tommy. It's been a few weeks since she had started seeing Tommy, and it was no secret to anyone to know how Tommy was completely and utterly sprung on Giana. He would spoil her with with gifts and shower her with affection. The first time they fucked she swore he cried a little afterwards or maybe that was her massive ego imagining it, but the longer she stuck around the more bored she became. She got to know the Shelby's better and how they ran things. They were smart men who ran their business well, but every now and then they got sloppy, and too emotional. She knew she couldn't possibly take charge like she had with Emilio, especially after meeting Aunt Pol. That woman was just was smart and clever as Giana and knew she'd never be able to pull one over on her. 

        It's not that Giana didn't like Tommy, she did. I mean he was a Shelby and Shelby's are the big bad talk of the town, and she loved herself an actual good gangster, but he started to become soft because of her. Not only around his brothers but even in bed, and it was a huge turn off. She needed some spice in her life. She had an itch she needed to scratch. An itch for danger, blood, and some rough sex. She has so much anger and hurt built up inside if she doesn't somehow release it she's worried she might do something stupid just to get her jollies.

        The night she broke it off with Tommy was smoother than expected. Least, what smooth meant to her anyway. Tommy had some pride left in him after all, he told her that she meant nothing to him and would have no trouble replacing her. Something about how he could have any girl he wanted, yeah, any girl except for her she thought. She knew he was hurting, that's why he lashed out at her so bad. She wasn't mad at him for the things he said, that she understood. It almost changed her mind leaving him, seeing him all riled up like that. He always did look the cutest when he was mad.

         Before she left for Camden Town she sat at the table to have lunch with Winnie. "You know, Tommy's pretty broken up over the whole thing." Winnie poked at her food not looking at Giana. "He'll get over it, I'm sure. We'd only been together for 6 weeks. Can't be that bad." "I s'pose so...but I think he really loved you." Winnie's eyes finally lifted to meet Giana's. "Love?" Giana laughed wildly. "What on earth is so funny about that, Gia? You mean to tell me you don't believe in love?" Giana calmed herself down and took a sip of her water. "No, Winnie, I don't. I mean I loved my father but that was an entirely a different kind of love. To me, love is of least importance, even if I did believe in such a thing." Winnie's eyes grew wide, "Oh is that so? Well then, tell me. What is considered most important to you?" 

"Family and family business." Giana spoke with such certainty. Winnie rolled her eyes and dropped the subject. She knew Giana came from a family of mobsters, but had no idea who Giana really was and did out in New York. "Ya know sooner or later love is gonna knock you on your ass so hard you ain't gonna know it hit ya." Winnie teased. "Oh, Winnie. You're such a silly girl, now promise you'll write to me and visit me from time to time?" Giana squeezed Winnie's hand lovingly.  "I pinky promise you, G." 

        Once Giana got settled into her new home, she called another relative on her list, her uncle on her mother's side and invited him over for dinner. James Adley is his name, an older man in his early 50's with white hair and spotty loose skin. He was a widow like her but surely he hadn't murdered his spouse in cold blood like she had. She took his coat and hung it in closet near the door. "My, oh my! Aren't you the most beautiful thing I ever did see." he leaned in for a hug. "Lovely place you have here. Must cost a lot of money, I bet." he handed her a box wrapped with some paper tied with a bow made of yarn. "Why thank you, please have a seat." she said as she walked him to the kitchen.

        "I don't know if I should warn you or not, but this side of town is mostly ran by Jews...the Jews and Italians are at a war right now. I just thought I'd say something... you being half Italian that comes from a mob family." he stammered. "Oh, pish posh. Whatever they have going on is there business not any of my own. I'm not afraid of anyone." she huffed. "I beg your pardon, I didn't mean to offend you, darling." Sorrow spread across his wrinkly face as he took a seat at the table. "And offend me you did not. I'd say it was humor, if anything." she placed a plate of meat and veggies before him.  "You know, you remind me a lot of your father when he was your age. You look like him too, but with your mothers big beautiful eyes." she smiled taking her seat at the table and began to pick at her food.

        "Well now, tell me about yourself Uncle James. What do you here in this boring 'ole town?" she scrunched her face as she took a sip of her cheap wine that was made from spoiled grape juice. He just laughed and pointed at the gift she had set down on the counter behind her. Giana opened the box to find a bottle filled with brown liquid. She squealed at the sight and popped off the cork, taking a big wiff. Her eyes nearly watered at the potency but it delighted her to finally have some good higher quality alcohol again. She had drank up the last strong stuff she had. 

        "Is this your way of telling me that this is what you do? Or do you just know where to get it?" she glowed pouring the sweet nectar into new glasses for the both of them. He scratched the back of head not answering her. "Have you gone deaf? I asked you a question." her once sweet face hardened into stone. Sure she may have been taking a "break" from gang life, but a true gangster never really takes a break. She really needed to remind herself this is who she really is, and she was tired of playing nice. 

"I- I- I-" he stuttered a little bit shaken up by her sudden change of attitude. "Speak! DAMN IT" she slammed her hands on the table. "I just work at a bakery, okay.?" Giana smiled and relaxed. "Well why didn't you just say so?" she knew that was probably code for a distillery, but she knew he couldn't say so directly, if whomever he was working for was smart there had to have been some strict rules.

"Do you think it would be appropriate for me to stop by then?" she took a sip. "Bloody hell this is strong." she added. "Oh, Gia, baby, I don't think that it would." "Aw, come on. No one here knows who I am, right? It's not like anyone could pin point my exact ethnicity just by looking at me either." He shrugged and nodded in agreement. "Now, tell me what's it take to snag a bottle or two there? Secret code word or something?" "It's not that, its just that you're new in town. Might seem suspicious or something."

"Eh, you're just being paranoid. I'll manage." "Please, Giana. How about I umm...how about I buy some for you and deliver you the goods myself?" she began to feel pity for the old man and agreed to his proposition. 

        Little did he know, Giana did what she pleased and she was not about to wait on her uncle. The next day she wandered the streets in a rather risque and expensive navy blue dress that clung to her best assets in search of this particular bakery. She had already been to a couple with no luck. It wasn't til she was on her way back home when she noticed this a rather well blended in bakery at the end of the street. 

        On her way in, the bell above the door rang and a young Jewish boy appeared with a rather dumbfounded look on his face. "Afternoon, Ma'am'." he smiled nervously. "How do you do? I was walking by when I caught a wiff of the most delectable inciting smell of fresh bread. I was hoping I could purchase some?" "Yeah, of course. White or brown?" he stammered not really sure if it was actually the bread she was talking about. "Hmmm...how about white?" 

The young boy wrapped up a loaf of bread and placed it on the counter before her. "There you are, Ma'am." Giana picked up the bread feeling it's weight she was sure it was only the bread he had actually given her. "I'm sorry but I not quite sure you understood. I asked for WHITE BREAD." she pushed the loaf back towards him. He gulped as a drop sweat dripped down his forehead. "I don't know what you mean, Ma'am. That there IS white bread." she took out a stack of cash and placed it next to the bread. Before she could get another word in she heard a shout coming towards them from the back room and a sound of a cane tapping harshly on the ground. "OLLIE! What the fuck is taking you, boy?!" 

        The man who appeared stared at Giana much longer than he should have before noticing the stack of cash on the counter. "What seems to be the problem, Ma'am?" he walked over pushing the boy out of his way. "I just want some white bread is all." she stood up straight flipping her long curly locks over her shoulder with a smoldering look in her eyes and a smirk on her puffy lips. She studied the older fellow before her. His skin was a little dry, his wild beard was in dire need of attention, but his eyes...there was something about his eyes. Something alluring and familiar. She could get lost looking in those blue gray orbs of his. "Right, pet. Well, I think my boy, Ollie, here gave you what you asked for." She sighed and dug into her purse once more, slammin more money on the counter. The man scratched at the bush growing on his face as he contemplated the whole situation. "Right then.The name is Alfie, Alfie Solomons. Now please, won't you join me in me office?"

[stevieang]

Love Among the Little Chairs  Chapter 1/?

Summary: A/U: Lia Accorsi is a preschool teacher of children with special needs, who loves what she does and loves who she is - a plus+plus size woman.  Her best friend and secret crush, the kindergarten teacher next door, is James Buchanan Barnes.  Little does she know, he’s crushing just as hard (maybe harder) on her and admires her as a teacher, cares for her as a person, and thinks everything about her is beautiful.  Will they figure out how to find each other?

Word Count: 2090

Pairing: James “Bucky” Barnes/OFC

Warnings: For this first time around, swooning, swearing, light fluff.

A/N: My first Tumblr post!  I hope you like it, and you’re kind whether you do or don’t.  Enjoy and I look forward to hearing your thoughts!

“Just another morning with little chairs and the little people that occupy them.” Lia whispered as she walked through the toy castles,  box forts, doll houses, and river rafts created by her students.  Each creator had asked her, no, begged her, to leave their structures set up on the rug so they could play with them the next day.  

She was hesitant, but when her teaching assistant and the Occupational Therapist who worked with her also started begging, she caved.  She knew that for her students, these were more than just playthings, they were testaments to new steps on their developmental ladder.

Lia’s first love had always been to fight for the underdog.  To stand up for kids and people that weren’t considered “enough” to make the cut - smart enough, able enough, thin enough, pretty enough, rich enough.  She had always been one of them, and she chose to make her career being one of their strongest allies and loudest cheerleaders.  Fuck everyone else who didn’t believe in them - she did.  

After graduating with a double master’s in special education and communication disorders, Lia set out in the world.  She grew up in a middle-class blue collar family where hard work was required and self-sufficiency was essential for success.  She was thankful that her life wasn’t a “Her family treated her terribly because she was different, and therefore she had less-than-no self-esteem” story.  Her family treated her with love and respect, and helped her grow into a cautiously confident woman who knew what she wanted.  

Sure, the world was full of assholes with their bullying side comments, rude stares and guffaws, and really hurtful jokes.  Lia knew that her world was better if it was smaller - she started slow when meeting new people, and once they were firmly in her confidence, showed them the full-on sarcastic beauty of her personality, and by then she had a friend and ally for life.   She was always going to have to watch out for the public humiliation fat girls got, but after she figured out a good mix of healthy lifestyle habits she felt “right” in her body.  She vowed to try her best to ban negative self-talk and was successful, most of the time.

Lia knew today was going to be busy.  All the kids had therapy which she helped to run which left her no time to write the 2 ed plans that were due before the end of the day.   All her students had moderate-to-severe special needs, ranging from physical disabilities that required walkers or wheelchairs, sensory impairments that made her an expert in finding and fixing glasses and hearing aids, and cognitive and learning challenges that made the world harder to understand and navigate.  

She loved every single one of them as if they were her own.  She’d been blessed to be able to interview and hire an amazing team of support professionals that made her and her students’ lives better (and much more interesting) every day.  There was a reason her classroom was used as a model within the district, and this team was it.

She snapped pictures of the rug-bound creations to send home and hang in the classroom later.  “You are always taking pictures, lady.”  Lia looked up and smiled at Madeleine, her lead OT.  Her grad student Madison (who also happened to be her daughter) walked in immediately after, bringing coffee and goodies that made Lia’s mouth water.  

As they all took a moment to sit and sip, they were joined in quick succession by the team physical therapist (PT), nurse, and 2 teaching assistants.  The adults *almost* outnumbered the kids, but each person was essential to her classroom’s success.  One look at the clock had them quickly preparing for the day and heading out to meet the students.  

The day was just about as busy as she predicted, with quite a few laughs (more than tears, so that’s always good).  She had no time for her paperwork, so she ran to the corner sub shop to grab dinner and coffee before settling in for a long night in her classroom.  

“Hello Ms. Lia”

She startled and giggled as Luke, the night custodian, came in for his rounds.

“I’ve been telling you for 5 years that after the kids leave, please call me Lia.”

“...and I’ve been telling you for 5 years that ain’t gonna happen.  You’re a teacher.  My ma would slap me if she heard me call a teacher by their first name.”

She sighed, impressed with his civility but a bit frustrated with her lack of progress with his stubbornness.

“How were the kids today? They sure were happy when they showed me their mudpies.”

Lia grinned.  “Sorry about the mess.  We tried to clean up as much as possible, but a few of the boys got away from us.”

“Don’t you ever apologize for those kids.  I’ve told you before, my son’s like them, and he is our gift from God.  Wouldn’t change a single thing about him.”

“Well, Mr. Luke, you are our gift.  Thank you for all you do for us - day in and day out.”  He quietly completed his work and bid Lia goodnight on his way next door as she returned her eyes to her computer screen.  She didn’t even turn her head when the door opened soon after.

“I knew you’d be back - you forgot to tell me you’d lock up after me.”  

“Sorry, what?”

Lia shrieked as the unexpected voice broke through her single-minded focus.  She turned, ready to defend herself with the prized ceramic mug her class made her for Christmas.

“Whoa!  It’s me, don’t shoot!”  The teacher from next door had his hands up, barely covering the big smile on his face.

“Jesus, James!  You couldn’t give a girl a warning!  Something? I don’t know - a knock maybe?”

His chuckle made her forget her irritation.  “Sorry, I just wanted to know if you wanted anything - I was going out to grab dinner.”  She and James often worked late.  Not only did they have neighboring classrooms, his class was the next step for many of her students.  They had first worked together on some administrative special education committee that had eventually netted some grant money for new technology and consultant time, and had gotten along very well since.

“No thanks, I knew this was gonna be a late one so I ran out right after the kids left.  How come you’re here?  Well, other than there aren’t nearly enough hours in a day.”

“Yeah, something like that.  Three ed plans to write, and we’re doing an experiment tomorrow that I want to make sure is completely set up before I leave.  Maddie and Madison helped me with it and the kids are super excited.”  Lia smiled at him.  He was a wonderful teacher and better, she trusted him with the kids he inherited from her.  

“That sounds awesome.  I’d love to hear about it, but if I don’t finish this stuff, I’ll never get home.  I’d like to catch my Thursday show live for once, instead of watching it on demand two weeks later.”  She snorted to herself, knowing how unlikely that was.  “Thanks so much for thinking of me, James.  That was very kind.”

They laughed together at the words they used with the kids all day long to foster empathy.  “You’re welcome.  Let me know when you’re leaving.  I’ll walk you home or grab a cab with you.”

Lia had already shifted her attention back to her work, giving him a half-hearted “sure, thanks” as she tried to regain her momentum and cross at least one thing off her list.  James gently closed the classroom door, and almost bumped into Luke as he made his way out.

“She take you up on dinner this time?” The older man’s eyes were smiling as he went about his routine.

“No, not tonight.  She’s busy.”

“That woman is always busy.  Busy isn’t a reason for you to take ‘no’ for an answer.”

“Well, it’s the answer I got tonight, Luke.  I’m gonna run and get dinner, do you want anything?”  As he caught Luke shaking his head, he walked down the steps into the comfortably cool night air, unable to shake a feeling that he couldn’t quite name.   After he got settled back into work, the text alert sounded.  Lia and he often texted room-to-room because they knew their plans would be completely derailed if they talked face-to-face.

Lia A: Thanks for the offer of dinner, that was nice.  Maybe another time?

JBB: Of course.  The school year is far from over, I’m sure we’ll have other opportunities.

Lia A: You ain’t kidding.  Alright, I’m out for the night.  My brain has officially shut down and no more work can be completed that won’t have to be redone later.  Have a good night.

JBB: WAIT

James ran out of his classroom and let out an exasperated sigh as  he saw Lia’s darkened room.  She’d done this before - texted him as she walked out the door, not letting him walk her home, and he wondered why.  They respected each other, helped each other, even leaned on each other during the inevitably sucky times,  but it seemed like every time he even hinted at something outside the work arena, she kindly but firmly declined.  He grabbed his phone.

JBB: Why did you do that?  I told you I would’ve walked with you.

Lia A: I know, but I peeked in and you looked like you were in a groove.  I didn’t want to interrupt that.  Plus it’s not far and I always carry my pepper spray and whistle.  I’ll be fine.

JBB: Did anyone ever tell you you’re stubborn?

Lia A: Mr. B, I am offended.

Lia A: Sigh. Yes.  In fact, it’s usually you.

JBB: Can you just let me know you arrived home safely, then?

Lia A: You got it.  Thanks.

James quickly packed up his messenger bag, took one last look at the room, and snapped a picture to send to Maddie and Madison, telling them how psyched he was to see what tomorrow brought.  He bid Luke goodnight, and headed home, cheered by the text alert that told him Lia was safely home.  

As Lia puttered in her little apartment, she thought, as usual, about her students.  Oh, who the hell was she kidding, she was also thinking about James.  He was so kind, so sweet, so helpful, so…smolderingly sexy.  She had been successfully immunizing herself against James’ more alluring attributes for as long as she’d known him.  

She knew he was a truly good person - heck, it was rare enough to find male special educators at the elementary level, but to find one as good as he was at his job?  It was like catnip - she found it incredibly hard to resist.  It didn’t matter - he wasn’t offering anything that she had to resist.   A while back, he told her about a girlfriend back home, or something like that, which had slammed shut the gateway to any hope of him reciprocating her feelings.  

Knowing this, she still needed to recite her mantra: “He’s just a friend.  You’re friends and co-workers.  He has a girlfriend.”  The mantra didn’t help a lot, particularly when he texted her at unexpected times - sometimes they were goofy, sometimes serious, but always sweet.  It was nice to know someone was looking out for you when you lived alone.

JBB: Did you catch your show in time?

Lia A: Sigh. No.  looks like I’m 0 for 5 this season.  S’alright.  More to binge watch this weekend.

Lia A: Thanks for checking in - good luck on the lesson tomorrow.  Can’t wait to hear how great it goes!

JBB: Welcome and thank you.  I’ll send you some pictures. Night.

Lia finished doing all the stuff that would let her sleep as late as possible the next morning and climbed into bed.  She laughed as she tagged her team in an Instagram post and sighed when she saw how soon the alarm would be going off.

James finished packing all the stuff he needed to hit the gym before work and smiled as he saw Lia’s Instagram post.  She had all her materials packed up and her clothes and lunch ready to go.  The caption turned the smile into something more, “The irresistible life of a preschool teacher.  You know you want it.”

“You have no idea,” as he plugged in his phone and let those thoughts lull him to sleep.

Chapter 2  

@star-spangled-man-with-a-plan @suz-123

[bob-giovanni]

Title: I’ll Cover You - Part 11

Characters: Simon X OFC

Summary: Simon finally introduces Emily to his daughter. Emily is ready to go all the way.

Warnings: Cursing, Fluff, Smut

Notes: I have major writer’s block when it comes to my other story. So I figured rather then delay writing any further I can just keep writing for this story until I get back on track with my other story. Enjoy!

Emily was laying on her couch watching TV. It was Friday night and Simon had his daughter this week so they hadn’t made any plans. So when her phone rang and she saw it was Simon, she quirked an eyebrow. She answered with a smile. “Hey, baby.” Simon laughed softly. “Hello, sweetheart. How are you?” “I’m good. I’m just hanging out. How are you? Having fun with Amara?” “Yeah, of course. Listen, um…Amara has a soccer game tomorrow night and I was wondering if you wanted to come?” Emily sat up and she felt a few tears sting at her eyes. “You want me to meet your daughter?” She asked softly. “Yes, I do. I talked to Amara about it and she seems excited to meet you.” Emily bit her lip and smiled brightly. “Ok, yes, of course, I would love to meet her.” “Good! That’s great. So I’ll pick you up tomorrow around 6? We’re gonna get ice cream after the game and then take Amara to her friend’s house for a sleepover.” “Ok, that sounds wonderful. I can’t wait.” Simon smiled. “I’ll see you tomorrow, beautiful. Goodnight.” “Goodnight, handsome.”

Emily hung up and flopped back down on the couch, a huge grin on her face. The momentary happiness was quickly replaced by panic. What if Amara hated her? What if they didn’t get along? There was no way Simon would choose her over his daughter. Oh no, did she just agree to the demise of her relationship with Simon? Emily quickly texted Amanda.

Emily: Hey, can you get coffee tomorrow morning?

Amanda: Yeah, sure. What time?

Emily: 10AM? Greene Street Cafe?

Amanda: Sounds good. See you there!

The next morning Emily arrived at the coffee shop a few minutes early. She sat a table near the window and bounced her knee up and down. She kept waking up during the night and thinking of all the ways that meeting Simon’s daughter could go wrong. She was so lost in her thoughts that she didn’t notice Amanda walk up to her table. “Hey girl.” Emily gasped and jumped. “Jesus Christ. Sorry, I didn’t see you there.” Amanda laughed as she sat across from her friend. “Are you ok?” Emily shook her head. “No, I’m freaking the fuck out.” Amanda furrowed her eyebrows. “Why? What’s up?” Just then the waitress came over and took their orders. Once she walked away Emily leaned forward. “I’m going to meet Simon’s daughter tonight.” “Oh my god, that’s great! Right?” Emily sighed deeply. “I don’t know. I thought it was. But now I can’t stop thinking about how everything could go terribly wrong. What if Amara hates me?”

Amanda laughed softly. “Why would she hate you?” Emily shrugged. “I mean, I get what she’s going through. Her parents are divorced, they’re both moving on. It’s hard to watch that happen. I tried to sabotage all of my parent’s relationships after they divorced because I wanted them to get back together so badly.” Amanda sighed softly and reached over, placing her hand over Emily’s. “Listen, I know that most of this freaking out is because you like Simon so much and you don’t wanna lose him. I can only imagine how scary that feeling is. But you’re great. And if you just show up and be yourself this girl is gonna see just how great you are.” Emily sighed and nodded. “Ok, I’ll try.” Amanda smiled and grabbed her coffee as the waitress set their cups down. “That’s more like it.” The two friends sat in the coffee shop for a while and just talked which really helped Emily take her mind off of things. When she left to head home, she felt much more relaxed and calm.

She still had quite some time before Simon was going to be picking her up so Emily decided to take a nap, eat some lunch, and then take a nice long bubble bath. When she was done in the bath she had just over an hour before Simon would be picking her up. She decided to take Amanda’s advice about just being herself to heart. She pulled her hair back into a ponytail and decided against wearing any makeup. She was just going to soccer game after all. She pulled on a pair of black skinny jeans, a white t-shirt, and a purple cardigan. She slipped on a pair of sneakers and gave herself a quick look in the mirror. Emily checked her phone for the time. She still had some time so she went downstairs and sat on the couch in silence taking deep breaths to calm herself down. At 6PM exactly Simon texted Emily to let her know he was out front.

Emily grabbed her purse and headed outside and climbed into Simon’s car. She looked in the backseat and furrowed her eyebrows. “Where’s Amara?” She asked. “I dropped her off at the field for warm ups. But don’t worry. We’ll have time before the game to say hello.” Emily smiled and took a deep breath as she reached over and placed her hand on Simon’s knee. Simon looked over at her quickly as he started towards the field. “Are you nervous?” He asked. Emily laughed softly and shook her head. “What? No. Why…would I be nervous?” Simon grinned. “Oh my god, you are! You’re totally nervous!” “Well of course I’m nervous, Simon. She’s your daughter. If she doesn’t like me…how would we ever get past that?” Simon took Emily’s hand in his own and kissed it. “Don’t you worry about that. Amara is a smart young woman and she is going to love you almost as much as I do.”

Emily looked over at Simon. Did he just say that he loves her? Simon didn’t seem to realize what he said so Emily decided to let it go for right now. Simon pulled into a spot across from the field and held Emily’s hand as they made their way towards the bleachers. They stopped near the edge of the field. “Wait here.” Simon said before walking over to a group of girls standing in a circle. Simon approached one of the girls. She had long chestnut colored hair that was in a braid and she had hazel eyes and a light olive skin complexion. And she definitely had her father’s nose. Simon wrapped his arm around her shoulder and walked back towards Emily. She seemed tall for her age. She and Emily were almost the same height. Emily’s heart felt like it was going to pound out of her chest.

She smiled brightly as they approached. Simon smiled and rubbed Amara’s shoulder. “Amara, this is daddy’s friend, uh…girlfriend, Emily. Emily, this my baby girl, Amara.” He said as he leaned down to kiss the top of her head. Amara rolled her eyes and scoffed. “C’mon, dad.” She said softly. Emily smiled and waved. “Hi, Amara. It’s so nice to meet you. Your dad has told me so much about you.” Amara simply nodded. She seemed a little shy. Simon gave her a little nudge. “It’s nice to meet you too.” She responded and looked up at her father. “I have to get back to warm ups.” Simon nodded. “Alright. Go show ‘em who’s boss.” Amara ran back towards her group of friends. Simon walked over to Emily and wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her close. “See, that wasn’t so bad, was it?” He asked. Emily wrapped her arms around Simon’s torso. “No it wasn’t.” She leaned up on her toes and pressed a kiss to Simon’s cheek. “Thank you.” Simon smiled and walked with Emily to the bleachers to find a seat.

Emily didn’t really know anything about soccer so she just followed Simon’s lead and cheered when he did. Even though she didn’t know what was going on, Emily was having a nice time. About halfway through the game though, she noticed that there was a woman at the end of the bleachers that kept looking over at her and Simon. Emily chewed her bottom lip before leaning over a bit. “Si, who is that woman to our right in the blue hoodie? She keeps staring at us.” Simon looked over and saw the woman, who shook her head when she made eye contact with Simon. Simon groaned. “That’s Sherry’s friend, Janet. Right after Sherry and I separated she hit on me, asked me out. When I turned her down she started going around telling everyone that the divorce was my fault. That if I had been around more Sherry wouldn’t have ‘found it necessary’ to cheat on me.�� Simon said and shook his head. Emily glared at the other woman and linked her arm with Simon’s, scooting closer to him. “She is definitely gonna tell Sherry everything she saw tonight.” Simon said, sounding annoyed.

Emily shrugged. “So what?” Simon sighed. “I didn’t tell Sherry about you. I definitely didn’t tell her that I was introducing you to Amara because quite frankly I don’t think my personal life is any of her business. But she’ll use it as an excuse to start a fight.” Emily rested her head on Simon’s shoulder. “It’ll be ok. I’ll protect you.” Simon laughed softly. “Oh will you now?” Emily grinned and nodded before leaning in to press a soft kiss to Simon’s lips. Simon smiled and kissed Emily’s forehead before turning back to the game. Amara scored the game winning goal for her team, causing Simon to jump up and throw his arms in the air. After celebrating with her teammates, Amara ran over to Simon and he picked her up and spun her around. “That’s my girl!” Emily stood and walked over to them. “That was amazing, Amara! Congratulations!” Amara smiled as she wiped some sweat from her forehead. “Thanks.” She said before running over to grab her bag. “Alright, ladies. Let’s head out and get some ice cream.” Simon said as he wrapped his arm around Amara’s shoulders and took Emily’s hand in his own.

Once they were all in the car, Simon headed towards the ice cream shop which was only a few minutes away. Emily listened as Simon and Amara talked about the game. When they arrived at the shop, Amara climbed out first and hurried inside, causing Simon to laugh a bit. “She loves getting ice cream after her games.” Emily smiled. “I don’t blame her. Ice cream is delicious.” Simon smiled. “You doing ok? You feel nervous still?” Emily shrugged. “A bit, but not as much as I did at first.” “Good.” Simon held the door open for Emily. Amara had already grabbed her and Simon’s usual table. “Alright, darlin’, what’ll ya have tonight?” He asked Amara. “Cookies and cream in a cone. A big one!” She said with a grin. Simon laughed and nodded. “Sounds delicious. And for you, my dear?” Emily thought for a second. “Mint chocolate chip, also in a cone, also a big one.” Simon grinned and stood. “Alright. You two stay here and I’ll get us our stuff.”

Emily took a deep breath and smiled over at Amara. “So that was a really great game. How long have you been playing soccer for?” She asked. Amara shrugged a bit. “Since I was 6.” Emily nodded. “Do you play any other sports?” “I played softball last year but I wasn’t doing good in school so my dad told me I could only play one this year.” Emily nodded. “Getting good grades is important. But it stinks that you had to choose. I used to play softball. I tried out for the soccer team but I wasn’t any good.” Amara looked over at Emily. “You played softball?” She asked. Emily smiled and nodded. “Yeah, a long time ago. Maybe we could go to a batting cage or something sometime if you wanted.” Amara smiled a bit and nodded. “Yeah, ok.” Simon returned to the table, handing Emily and Amara their cones. “What did you two talk about while I was gone?” “Daddy, did you know that Emily used to play softball too?” Simon quirked an eyebrow and looked over at Emily. “No, I didn’t. Is that true?” Emily laughed and nodded. “It is.” “She said she’d take me to a batting cage.” “If that’s ok with you of course.” Emily said. Simon smiled and nodded. “Yeah, definitely. That sounds fun.”

The three of them ate their ice creams and joked around a bit. Emily found herself feeling silly for being nervous at all. She was have a great time. Once they finished up Amara looked over at Simon. “Dad, I have to get to Lauren’s house for the sleepover.” Simon nodded. “Alright, bug. You have everything in your backpack right?” She nodded and stood. Simon gathered their trash and threw everything away before heading out to the car. Simon drove Amara to her friend’s house and double parked outside. “I’ll be right back.” Simon grabbed Amara’s backpack and walked her up to the front door. When Simon returned he leaned over and kissed Emily sweetly. “You did amazing.” Emily smiled brightly. “Really?” Simon nodded and drove toward’s his house. “You did. I know you were nervous but you held it together and didn’t embarrass me in front of my daughter.” He said with a wink. Emily laughed and gently slapped his shoulder. “Asshole.” Simon laughed and pulled into his driveway.

They walked into the house and Simon pulled Emily close, wrapping his arms around her waist. He leaned down and kissed her deeply. He pulled back after a moment and smiled. “Mm, I wanted to do that all night.” Emily smirked and leaned up to kiss Simon once more. “Me too.” She said and bit her lip. “Can I ask you about something you said earlier?” Emily asked softly. Simon nodded. “Of course. You can ask me anything.” “When we were driving to the field you said that Amara would love me almost as much as you do. Do…I mean, was that you’re way of saying you love me?” Simon was clearly surprised by the question. He honestly didn’t realize that he’d said that. He and Emily had been dating for close to 5 months. Was it too early to say that? Did he actually feel that way? “Wow, um, I’m gonna be honest I didn’t realize I said that. But I also have to admit that I have been feeling a way about you.” Emily smirked. “A way? I guess I’ve been feeling a way about you too.” Simon smiled. “Yeah?” Emily nodded. “Yeah.” She said before leaning in to kiss Simon sweetly.

“Take me upstairs?” Emily asked and looked up at Simon. He scooped her up in his arms, causing her to giggle. “It’d be my honor.” Once they reached Simon’s bedroom, he placed her on the bed before hovering over top of her. Emily wrapped her arms around him and leaned up to kiss him deeply. She moaned against his lips as Simon ground his hips down against hers. Emily panted softly and licked her lips. “Simon, I want you. I’m ready.” Simon pulled back a bit. “Are you sure?” He asked softly. Emily nodded and ran her hand down Simon’s chest. “I’m positive. I’ve been thinking about it a lot lately and I just know it’s the right time.” Simon nodded and leaned down to kiss Emily before sliding off the bed. Emily sat up and watched as Simon pulled off his shirt. Emily kneeled on the edge of the bed and placed soft kisses along Simon’s bare chest. Simon sighed softly and slid his hands down Emily’s sides. She quickly pulled off her sweater before Simon lifted her shirt over her head.

Emily thought that she would be nervous about taking this step. But she felt completely calm. It was the final sign she needed to know that this was the right thing, that she was really ready. She leaned in to kiss Simon once more as she reached down to undo his pants. Simon kicked his pants off and worked on removing Emily’s jeans. Simon made quick work of Emily’s bra and leaned down to lick and suck her nipples. Emily whimpered and arched into Simon’s touch. Emily reached down and slipped her hand into Simon’s underwear and wrapped her hand around his hardening member. Simon groaned and bucked his hips into Emily’s hand. Simon pushed Emily down onto her back and slipped her panties off. He parted her legs and kissed along her inner thighs. He knew that this would be a more pleasurable experience for Emily the more turned on she was. And what he was doing appeared to be working. As he leaned down and licked over her swollen clit, Simon looked up at Emily and smirked. “Fuck, you’re so wet, baby.” The more they fooled around, the more Simon discovered about Emily, like that she enjoyed some dirty talk.

Emily bit her lip and arched her hips. “Fuck, baby.” Simon sucked lightly on her sensitive bud and swirled his tongue around it, causing Emily to moan and thread her fingers in Simon’s hair. “Fuck…I’m not gonna last long if you keep doing that.” Simon pulled back and nipped at Emily’s thighs before leaning up and kiss her deeply. Simon pushed his underwear off and climbed onto the bed. “Do you have a condom?” Emily asked softly. Simon reached into his nightstand and pulled one out of the drawer. “Now, this is your night, baby doll. We’ll do whatever you want. But I think it might be best if you’re on top. This way you’ll have full control.” Emily bit her lip and nodded. “Ok, I trust you.” Simon tore the condom package open and rolled it down over his member before laying on his back. Emily straddled his waist and rocked her hips a bit. Simon moaned and put his hands on Emily’s hips. “You ready, sweetheart?” Emily bit her bottom lip and nodded. “I’m ready.”

Emily wrapped her hand around Simon’s member and slowly started to lower herself down. She whimpered softly and squeezed her eyes shut. Simon soothingly ran his hands over Emily’s sides. “It’s ok, baby. Take your time. There’s no rush.” After giving herself a couple of minutes to relax, Emily started to lower herself more, taking more of Simon’s cock inside her. Once he was completely inside her, Emily took a few breaths to help herself relax. Simon ran his hands up Emily’s stomach and over her breasts. “You alright, baby doll?” Emily nodded and put her hands over Simon’s. “Yeah, yeah, I’m good. I just need a minute.” “Take all the time you need.” Simon slowly sat up so he could kiss Emily passionately, hoping to help her relax. After a minute Emily wrapped her arms around Simon’s neck and started to slowly rock her hips. Emily rested her forehead against Simon’s shoulder and moaned. “Oh god, Simon, baby, you feel so good.”

Simon ran his hands up Emily’s back and kissed along her neck. “Fuck, Em, so do you. So fucking tight.” As Emily started to relax even more she started to move her hips faster. “Simon…oh.” Emily gasped when Simon’s member brushed against her spot. Simon slid his hands down over Emily’s ass and thrust up into her a bit. Emily groaned and dug her nails into Simon’s shoulders. “Fuck, babe, do that again.” Simon thrust up into Emily once more and reached down to use his thumb to circle her clit. Emily felt her thighs start to tremble. “Fuck, I’m getting close.” Simon kissed Emily deeply, slipping his tongue past her lips. Emily rocked her hips a few more times before clenching around Simon’s dick, her orgasm washing over her as she moaned Simon’s name loudly. Simon thrust twice more before he came as well.

Emily panted softly against Simon’s lips as she came down from her high. She kissed Simon deeply and smiled. “Thank you.” Simon kissed Emily. “For what?” He asked. “For being patient. For letting me take my time.” “You don’t have to thank me for that. I was doing the right thing because I care about you.” Emily smiled and kissed Simon once more before slowly lifting her hips. She winced a bit as Simon’s member slipped out of her. He took off the condom and tossed it in the trash can before grabbing a few tissues to clean himself up. The pair laid in bed and cuddled, laying in silence for a few minutes before Emily looked up at Simon. “Si?” “Yeah?” Emily chewed her bottom lip. “I love you.” Simon grinned and pressed a kiss to Emily’s forehead. “I love you too.” Simon held Emily close as they lazily made out for a while before finally falling asleep. Emily was so glad she took this step with Simon. She knew it was the right time and knowing how Simon felt about her made everything so much more special.

Tags: @faith-lynn9 @collette04 @simons-savior86 @simons-thirst-squad @negans-castle 

[maisietheyellowlab]

Lost pup storytime!

I went out for a walk with Maisie about 2 hours ago, and not even 5 minutes passed before I saw a dog running across the street off leash without an owner in sight. He was a bit shorter than Maisie, light built, medium lenght, dark liver coated with dropped ears, kind of like a smaller hunting dog mix, pretty cute. Apparently he liked Maisie, so he ran back to say hi, and in the meantime a woman with a pack of kids (literally five 5-7 yr olds) comes running and tries to get his picture, bc she called the local shelter and they asked for pics apparently. Ofc when the kids swarm in after her the pup takes off. 

It was already getting dark and I could still see the pup, so Maisie and I followed him. He was actually pretty fast, but we found him sniffing a bush just in front of an apartment building just a block away. Thank GOD or whatever there is, I’m not religious, that I had my long line in the bag, so I tied him with Maisie’s short leash and put Maisie on the long line. So yaaaay pup no longer in danger! 

I walked back to the park, bc it’s obv safer than the street, and I was thinking maybe that woman who already contacted the shelter would still be there. I didn’t see her in the park, so I started looking for the phone number of the shelter myself, no one was picking up and I didn’t know who to call anymore, then she showed up with the number of a guy that apparently usually picks up lost dogs and takes them to the vet. 

Ok so then I called that guy, but it turned out he was 45min away but he told me to take the pup to the vet so they could read his chip and contact the owners. So I took Maisie home (we live like a minute away from the park) and picked up a harness for the lost pup, so I could drive him to the vet, but I wasn’t sure if they were working so I called there. Apparently we have this new law that forbids vets to read the chip and contact the owners, dute to *protection of personal information* and you actuall have to call the emergency number and then they give you the number of your local shelter, THEN you call the shelter and if the owners called in looking for their dog, you get their number there, ridiculous, like who cares abt personal information when their dog is lost???? So I called all those numbers, luckily owners have been looking for him and I got their number. The guy that picked up at the shelter also told me this dog escapes to the park every now and then bc he apparently has a dog buddy there. But the dog lives like 3km away at least, it’s not like he lives by the park like us, uhh (which would also be dangerous but you get what I mean). Also, the owners never bother to get him an ID tag so people always have to go thru this whole phone calling process to even get to his owner’s number..

I try calling but the owner’s not picking up. Literally called 6 times before the dude called back .I was about to go to the pet store with the pup so he could get a tag, since I already had their number, but then he finally called. He sounded suuuper spaced out and so relaxed, like I would be mid panic attack if Maisie was lost for SURE. He was already a minute away from my apt, so I just told him to meet at a spot in the park. So finally he picks the pup up and he goes “ooh thank you! He just goes for a walk sometimes heheh”, and I tell him I’d be scared as hell if my dog escaped especially since the street by the park gets pretty busy in the afternoon and bc it’s so cold out during the nights now, and he’s just like “eeh we’re kind of used to it, he’s always fine in the end.” YES bc of people like me who feel sorry for the lil guy and call 6 different numbers and bother to follow him around and take him to a safe place, NOT bc he’s street smart and just knows how to walk himself oh my GOD. I just told him to really watch him bc it’s dangerous and to get him and ID tag so ppl can call them directly when he escapes, bc of course he will w this kind of owners. He was nice, but just super ignorant. 

Ok and the best part, we’re saying goodbye and the guy gives me a CD of his wife’s choir as a thank you gift. I got to experience the “HERE LISTEN TO MY (WIFE’S) FIRE MIXTAPE” meme in actual real life. I was so confused when he put a CD in my hand hahah. 

 Also Maisie was very cooperative and nice when I was walking her and the lost boy together, very proud of her! She also looked really disappointed when I came back inside w/o him. So yeah that’s what I was doing this afternoon.