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simschallengesfor3and4 · 2 months

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Castaway Challenge for sims 4

You were on a plane which crashed and now you are stranded alone. What will you do?

Intro: Hello for this challenge you will need island living (for now) as I have made the island you need for the challenge there and with that pack. My gallery id is: NichoDB

Here you can find the island I have made for Sulani for the challenge, I will be making another one base game friendly in case you don’t have island living. This is somewhat a legacy challenge as you will need to survive on the island for 10 gen (generations)

starting out with cas:

1 sim any age from teen to adult

Any traits really, may randomize if you want to.

The rules for the island and first gen:

get sim onto island, made it easy there is a ladder leading in so no need for cheats.

Pick 2 garden beds, and one tree bed from the basement.

Pick 1, either chickens, bee’s or goats and sheeps may only pick up to 3 in all of goats and sheeps (2 hens and 1 roster, 3 goats and 3 sheeps are in the household inventory) You can trade them for meat, indgredents and simoliens they will leave the bag at the egde of the lot wich you can drag in.

Pick 1 bed of choice, from the basement may change the color of the bed.

Pick one storage chest with 1 suitcase, may change color also from the basement.

Pick 2 hobbies: there is a small gathering of hobbies, knitting, painting, handiwork and such. You may only pick 2. These will be important choices, as they will have consequences.

Pick 6 book's from the lilttle bookcase thing. You may buy book’s, but you may only pick 6 in all.

Pick 1 grill or the cooler.

Pick the toilet if you don’t have, jungle adventure for the pee bushes on the island.

Pick 1 trashcan.

Pick laundry if you want.

Lot traits Off grind must be on, if you have cottage living so must Simple Living, and great soil must be on too, may pick any other traits and challenges for the lot.

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Now put all plant’s, and the 2 ladders in the family inventory and delete everything in the basement. Now the 1 gen starts, rules:

Skills will determine what you can and cannot do. So if you want a hut/house you’ll need handiness skill, the higher the more you can make/buy. Gardening will determine how many plant’s you may have and how much from the harvest you may keep. If you have nifty kitting,the knitting skill will allow you new clothes and outfits. Painting will allow you to change color on objects you make/buy, so the higher skill the more color you get else it’s the wood/brown colors neutral colors, on the objects.

Handiness unlocks 1-3(Small decorations, and big objects that look broken or not put together right) 4-6 (Walls max 10x10, windows, doors,stairs no more than 4 steps and railings/fences) 7-8 (All hobbies and other objects, toilets, beds, kitchen stuff all objects are now unlocked but not the best quality so must look like it could be handmade) 9-10 (May build as big as you want and as much as you want no limit, and can buy any object, if you have eco lifestyle you may buy solar panels and water catcher, get some power going) Of course anything the woodworking table allows you to build as you level up you can build but the levels allow you to buy stuff from build and buy mode.

Gardening unlocks 1-3(May only have the plants you chose so 9 plants, may only keep 3 off each plant harvest so does a plant give you 5 or 10 then you have to sell until you only have 3) 4-6(May plant 3 extra crops, may keep everything) 7-8(May make a small farm no more than 6 garden plots from cottage living or you can use the garden beds) 9-10 (May have as many plants or farms as you want and can evolve plants now)

Knitting unlocks 1-3(May have any small piece of clothing hat’s, socks, gloves, underwear, bra’s) 4-6(Rug’s can now be bought too, any shirt any length, skirt’s and shorts) 7-8(All kids clothes and down, so toddler and infants, may buy sleeping bags) 9-10(shoes are now unlocked) Of course as before anything you can knit as you level up are you allowed to make.

Painting unlocks 1-3(beige, brown, white are unlocked) 4-6(Yellow, red and blue colors are unlocked and so are simple patterns) 7-8(Purple, orange and green are now unlocked) 9-10(All colors any pattern you like)

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The last rules for gen one

Gen one may first get a partner when they have a small hut/house. You may make this sim or take one that is already generated from mange households, they must be single.

May have as many kids as you like, just remember only one is going to be the heir.

You may not have any pets in gen one sorry

NO LEAVING LOT ONCE ON IT

Money cheats are allowed

CC is allowed and so are mods

The rules are guidelines the point is to have fun, is a rule making it less fun remove it

Gen 2:

Whatever gen 1 left is what you have, to survive with

You may get a pet, but no leaving lot for it

NO LEAVING THE LOT

May get a partner/get married when they are young adults. You may make a younger sim, the partner is basically someone new who stranded on the island (use the basement to get them onto island by placing the ladders back in, and removing them after they are on the island)

Money cheats are allowed

CC is allowed and so are mods

The rules are guidelines the point is to have fun, is a rule making it less fun remove it

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Skill rules:

The rules are the same somewhat

Handiness unlocks 1-3(Small decorations, and big objects that look broken or not put together right, can NOT fix any objects that break, leave it broken or delete said item) 4-6 (Walls max 10x10, windows, doors,stairs no more than 4 steps and railings/fences) 7-8 (All hobbies and other objects, toilets, beds, kitchen stuff all objects are now unlocked but not the best quality so must look like it could be handmade, can now fix all broken objects) 9-10 (May build as big as you want and as much as you want no limit, and can buy any object, if you have eco lifestyle you may buy solar panels and water catcher, get some power going) Of course anything the woodworking table allows you to build as you level up you can build but the levels allow you to buy stuff from build and buy mode.

Gardening unlocks 1-3(May only have the plants you on the island so what gen 1 left, may only keep 3 off each plant harvest so does a plant give you 5 or 10 then you have to sell until you only have 3) 4-6(May plant 3 extra crops, may keep everything) 7-8(May make a small farm no more than 6 garden plots from cottage living or you can use the garden beds) 9-10 (May have as many plants or farms as you want and can evolve plants now)

Knitting unlocks 1-3(May have any small piece of clothing hat’s, socks, gloves, underwear, bra’s, may not make new outfits) 4-6(Rug’s can now be bought too, any shirt any length, skirt’s and shorts) 7-8(All kids clothes and down, so toddler and infants, may buy sleeping bags, new outfits can be made no shoes) 9-10(shoes are now unlocked,outfits with shoes are now unlocked) Of course as before anything you can knit as you level up are you allowed to make.

Painting unlocks 1-3(beige, brown, white are unlocked, may not change color on items, unless it’s to beige, brown or white) 4-6(Yellow, red and blue colors are unlocked and so are simple patterns) 7-8(Purple, orange and green are now unlocked) 9-10(All colors any pattern you like)

Gen 3:

Whatever gen 1 and 2 left is what you have, to survive with

You may get a pet, but no leaving lot for it

NO LEAVING LOT

Money cheats are allowed

CC is allowed and so are mods

The rules are guidelines the point is to have fun, is a rule making it less fun remove it

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Skill rules:

The rules are the same as gen 2

Gen 4:

Whatever the last gen’s left is what you have, to survive with

You may get a pet, but no leaving lot for it

NO LEAVING THE LOT

May pick 4 plants from the family inventory or 1 tree, so a tree box or plant box

Money cheats are allowed

CC is allowed and so are mods

The rules are guidelines the point is to have fun, is a rule making it less fun remove it

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Skill rules:

The rules are the same as gen 2

Gen 5:

Whatever the last gen’s left is what you have, to survive with

You may get a pet, but no leaving lot for it

NO LEAVING THE LOT

Money cheats are allowed

CC is allowed and so are mods

The rules are guidelines the point is to have fun, is a rule making it less fun remove it

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Skill rules:

The rules are the same as gen 2

Gen 6:

Whatever the last gen’s left is what you have, to survive with

You may get a pet, but no leaving lot for it

NO LEAVING THE LOT

May pick 4 plants and a tree or 2 trees

Money cheats are allowed

CC is allowed and so are mods

The rules are guidelines the point is to have fun, is a rule making it less fun remove it

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Skill rules:

The rules are the same as gen 2

Gen 7:

Whatever the last gen’s left is what you have, to survive with

You may get a pet, but no leaving lot for it

NO LEAVING THE LOT

May pick 4 plants or a tree

Money cheats are allowed

CC is allowed and so are mods

The rules are guidelines the point is to have fun, is a rule making it less fun remove it

___________________________________________________________________________

Skill rules:

The rules are the same as gen 2

Gen 8:

Whatever the last gen’s left is what you have, to survive with

You may get a pet, but no leaving lot for it

NO LEAVING THE LOT

May pick 8 plants and 1 tree or 2 tree and 4 plants (if possible)

Money cheats are allowed

CC is allowed and so are mods

The rules are guidelines the point is to have fun, is a rule making it less fun remove it

___________________________________________________________________________

Skill rules:

The rules are the same as gen 2

Gen 9:

Whatever the last gen’s left is what you have, to survive with

You may get a pet, but no leaving lot for it

NO LEAVING THE LOT

All plants left are now yours

Money cheats are allowed

CC is allowed and so are mods

The rules are guidelines the point is to have fun, is a rule making it less fun remove it

___________________________________________________________________________

Skill rules:

The rules are the same as gen 2

Gen 10:

Whatever the last gen’s left is what you have, to survive with

You may get a pet, but no leaving lot for it

NO LEAVING THE LOT

Money cheats are allowed

CC is allowed and so are mods

The rules are guidelines the point is to have fun, is a rule making it less fun remove it

___________________________________________________________________________

Skill rules:

The rules are the same as gen 2

#sims 4 challenge

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ckret2 · 10 months

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are you going to put your mystery shack on the gallery when you finish it? and did you use a lot of cc for it?

(for anyone who missed it, we're talking about this Sims 4 build.)

Eventually, yeah! Though I'm not quite finished with it yet. There's a few more things I wanna fix up first. I'll put them under a cut since it's a long list lol.

But the build actually uses zero CC! I actually started building the shack as a way to pass the time on patch days so that I could have a CC-free project to work on whenever I'm wait for all my mods to get updated lmfao. Even the paintings of Bill aren't flagged as CC. (I used in-game objects to create a big architectural structure that looks like Bill, maxed Ford's painting skill, and sent him to go paint the scenery.)

Incidentally, if you want to have a couple of Authentic No-CC In-Game Bill Cipher Paintings, I HAVE put those up on the gallery:

Sorry the preview image sucks. I do not control how the gallery puts up preview images.

(I thiiiiiink I've also put up a couple of yes-CC Bill Cipher paintings that nevertheless still work in-game without you have it to download anything? They look like the actual tapestry in Mabelcorn. But you've gotta turn on the "allow CC" flag when searching the gallery to see them.)

Some of the objects were placed using the TOOL mod—for instance, that RoM rug I stuck on the wall to serve as the Portal—but objects placed with TOOL will stay put even if you don't have TOOL, so you won't need it to download the shack and use it as-is and it won't be flagged as CC when it's uploaded to the gallery.

And the things I still need to fix, off the top of my head:

I'm gonna replace the bookcases in Ford's study with the new bookcases from the book nook kit, so that the books on the shelves will look a bit more diverse.

In the show, there's a spiral staircase to nowhere in Ford's study. I'm gonna put a ladder in that spot and connect it to an extra bathroom. For the size of this build, it's got way too few bathrooms.

And on that note: outhouse. The shack needs its outhouse.

I've gotta rearrange the position of Stan's bedroom and the attic window seat. When I originally put the window seat in the build, I was going off Headhunters where it seemed to be on one end of the house; but from later episodes it seems more accurate to put the window seat on the side of the house (as the window under the roof hangout spot).

I found some better screenshots of the main bathroom, so I've gotta fix it up—put the toilet in the correct spot, add its second mirror, etc.

I need to finalize the route to the roof hangout spot. The show has the characters climb on the roof to get to it, which just isn't an option in the sims; so trying to find a route up that still looks kinda canon-accurate has been giving me trouble for the whole build.

I wanna shuffle around the position of the basement rooms a little bit so that the elevator entrance doesn't feel quite so cramped.

Now that we got some brand new functional backpacks and lunchboxes in game, I wanna drop them in the attic for Dipper and Mabel to use.

I might change the gift shop up a bit. Right now I've got all the "for sale" souvenirs on a big wooden display cabinet, and it looks very nice; buuut it's not canon accurate, it's supposed to be a glass display case. And I AM trying to be canon accurate. Even if the wooden display cabinet looks nicer.

I'm not quite sure if uploading a fishbowl full of fish to the library will keep the fish in that bowl, but just in case it does, I wanna have Mabel go catch a lobster and put it in the fish tank (to parallel the lobster she gets in The Hand That Rocks The Mabel). Too bad there's no axolotls in TS4.

Similarly, I'm not quite sure if items stolen by kleptomaniac sims retain those "stolen item" flags when uploaded to the gallery; but just in case they do, I wanna make a Gleeful household just so that Stan can steal their sad clown painting to hang in the living room lmfao.

Now that we can paint ceilings, I've gotta paint ALL THE CEILINGS!

I got like six packs/kits just to use a few extra items in the Mystery Shack build lmfao, so I've gotta go through all those items with a fine-tooth comb to see if they can replace any items I currently have.

I've been putting off placing a lot of columns/corbels/rafters until the end, since while I was still shifting around the rooms they just got in the way. Now's the time to finish that.

I think I'm gonna redo how I handle the door to the cellar, TOOL mod willing, to make it more accurate and less wonky-looking.

I've been playing in the house a little bit to test it, so I've gotta do some housecleaning before we're ready to upload to the gallery: wash the dishes, mop up the mess Mabel made in the floor room, pick up the seed packets the gnomes tossed all over the place...

When I first made the shack, I actually started with somebody else's build I found on the gallery, and then went "wait this is inaccurate as hell and kind of sucks, all the rooms look wrong and the layout is VERY wrong," and I basically bulldozed it piece by piece to remake it myself. But because I started with someone else's build, it still retains an "originally made by this other guy" flag when I save the lot. This annoys me. So I've gotta find a way to get rid of that flag before uploading to the gallery.

#the sims 4 #gravity falls

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victorluvsalice · 1 year

Photo

Hello, and welcome to this two-part building update from the Chill Save, entitled “Valicer Haunted Farmhouse Makeover!” Yes, after realizing the gang had some cash, I decided to take a playsession or two and make some upgrades to their farmhouse, and these are the results! Took me a while to get everything the way I wanted (and to get the game to behave itself -- lights kept turning off every time I tried to place things on the wall in the barn first time I tried this), and I’m probably still gonna shuffle some stuff around as time goes on, but right now, it’s looking pretty good, I think. :) This post focuses on the downstairs and the grounds, so let me take you through the changes --

-->Well, first off, I’m sure you’ve noticed all the pet obstacle course stuff tucked into the corner there. ;) Yup, one of my intended goals with this family was to get them some pets (a cat and a dog specifically), so I figured while I was making the house nicer that I could put in all the pet stuff. Downstairs, we have the obstacle course in the front yard; a litter box, natural branch scratching post, outdoor toy bin, and cat teaser on the front porch; a more traditional scratching post and an indoor toy bin (with toys) in the first floor main hall; and automatic pet feeders in the kitchen, complete with mats. :) The pets have not been acquired yet, but you’ll meet our candidates next update.

-->Another major addition -- rugs! I kept meaning to put them down, so I made sure to slap them in now. The downstairs landing has a nice big slightly-worn rug for Sims to cosy their feet on, and the creative study has a rug for everything you can do in there (Alice always had her painter’s tarp rug, but I added a Selvadorada rug under the chess table as that’s where Victor and Alice’s Selvadoradan honeymoon pictures hang, a Granite Falls rug under Smiler’s guitar as that’s where all THOSE vacation photos are, and a standard blue rug under Victor’s piano just because). There are even more rugs upstairs, I assure you!

-->Other decorative changes include moving the egg collection from the last couple of Egg Days to a shelf (from the “Cottage Garden Stuff” fan pack by @plumbobteasociety) that could fit all of them and putting them in a different spot; swapping out one of the MySims statues on the fireplace mantle in the living room -- Alice’s new Elmira Clamp one looked like it belonged near the bookcases, so I put the Hoppy one upstairs in Smiler’s room; updated the “house” shelf Alice’s Simmie from the Festival of Snow sits in so it stands out a bit more; and adding some new pictures and the aprons to the kitchen, along with some pet treats. . .which involved me actually making the whole kitchen one tile longer so I could put in another counter to fit them. XD I suppose I could get rid of the microwave, they don’t really use it, but. . .eh. XD Oh, and I put the special “gives you money” trash bin in the kitchen -- dunno how often it’ll be used, but hey, a few extra simoleons just from cleaning up never hurt!

-->I also made over all the bathrooms! The downstairs bathroom now has a nicer toilet (from Tiny Living, if I recall correctly), plus a better pedestal sink and one of Alice’s most recent paintings on the wall for color. (No, I don’t know WHY the downstairs bathroom is The Beige Bathroom, it just happened.)

-->Outside, I FINALLY got a system I like going for the greenhouse! We have a couple of cute wheelbarrow decorations out front by the door (both official and CC); the flower-arranging bench, the juice fizzer, and a grill for making herbal potions along one wall; and then the plants themselves. From back to front, we have the “orchard” (most of the regular trees Victor is growing); the “unusual plants and mushrooms” line of planters (magical plants, Granite Falls plants, mushrooms, the Tree of Emotions, and the Plasma tree); a line of flowers (either end), veggies, and fruits, with the beehive in the middle; two planters where things overlapped (like fruits with veggies, or flowers with herbs); and the final row of earth where Victor will EVENTUALLY plant the oversized crops. It WILL happen. (Once everything else reverts from “dirt pile” state -- to be fair, I’m not too pissed, as the plasma fruit tree wasn’t actually producing fruit, so this gives it a chance to reset, and they’ve got plenty of other produce and flowers right at the moment.)

-->And over at the barn, I made a little fenced-in area for the chickens, since I didn’t want them running all over and sundry (I WOULD have used the Werewolves picket-style fence, but for some reason that doesn’t have a matching GATE, so StrangerVille picket it is); put the insect collection on the back wall (missing one certain insect that instead is being kept in the house as a “pet”); moved the robot bench and the fabricator to the wall with the woodworking bench and the candle-making bench; and threw in a cauldron for Victor so he can do some alchemy stuff! Plus some of the Tetris-inspired shelving from Cepzid’s “Arcade Room Stuff” fan-pack to show off Smiler’s frog collection. Mostly because I wanted to keep only the cheap frogs in their inventory for plasma-pack-breeding purposes. :P

Okay, so that’s ground-level pretty well covered -- how about the upstairs?

#sims 4 #the lazy save #builds #makeovers #valicer house #this took way longer than it should have because I kept fussing over that damn greenhouse #unsure how I should group things #unsure where stuff should go #fortunately Alice picking up those extra goodies for Victor last episode meant I could have a special 'mushrooms' planter #and then I found a tulip randomly growing by the barn and used that to round out a flower planter #and it finally came together #just ignore the floating ceiling lamps please #they were the ONLY ones that properly lit up the space at night #but yeah overall I'm pretty happy with this #I'm glad I finally remembered to put in rugs!#it actually got to be pretty fun deciding what should go where #I like this house and all the colorful stuff I've put in it #really makes it feel like THEIRS you know?#queued

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theravencawsatmidnight · 3 years

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Mine

Pt 2

Bokuto is the muscle of a mafia, he takes care of all the dirty work. Hes an Alpha but with no Omega, that is until you run face first into him during his break. His scent makes you dumb and drunk . And thats just what hes looking for.

Tags. @kittifer @galagcica

Want to see more of this? Let me know!

Everything was getting farther and farther away. The faster the car went the quicker everything you knew , loved, was out of sight. He got you in the car so easily its almost laughable. All it took was a little whisper in your ear and a “wanna come live with me Omega?”. And just like that you left your old life behind.

Bokuto was ecstatic, finally his own little Omega to do whatever he wanted. And you were so perfect. Completely in love with his scent it made you drunk and dumb. Just what he wanted. Bokuto placed his hand on your thigh enjoying the little whimper it got out of you. You grabbed his rough heavy hand lifting it to your face to rub his lovely scent all over your face. His scars and cuts scratching up your pretty cheeks.

Perfect perfect perfect.

You did not need college, Bokuto would buy you everything you needed. Family? Lets make our own. Friends? Kurro and Tsukki have Omega mates. He could not stop grinning, he was so eager to show you to his boss, he would need to set up a room for you in the Mafia house full of his scent and his things so you could start nesting and thinking about puppies. Puppies puppies puppies….

“Alpha…” your head hit the seat and your eyes rolled to where Bokuto was, dropping his hand.

“Mmm Omega?” his fingers danced all around your lap till he found the top and slipped a couple fingers in.

“How.. how far..”

“Other side of the city my love. Not far. Promise.”

It was far.. The college was on the other end of the city, you had never been to this side before. Slowly your eyes wandered from Bokuto to the windshield to the window, everything was different. The buildings were a lot fancier and nicer than what you were used to. Lots of strong looking men walking around with Omegas attached to their arms in fancy coats.

Bokuto pulled into a gated driveway tapping a button on his mirror to open up the garage and gave you a smirk.

“Ready to see your new home? My pretty?”

When you got out Bokuto was already out, and eating his sweets from before walking into the garage. In a flash you rushed over grabbing his arm following him in. all the cars were sleek and looked to be very fancy, Audis and Mercedes it looked like.

Bokuto opened the door letting you go in first and you were met with a smell of cigars and booze, you heard laughter and what sounded like poker and Blackjack along with yelling and glass shattering.

Bokuto rubbed your lower back pushing your forward gently. “All the way down this hall Pretty” he instructed you.

Each door you passed down this long hallway was open, and each one had some sort of faded light in it that shined on the floor just about reaching the hallway.

The first room had two women in it watching tv, it was a purple lit room with a lot of fancy things in it, snacks, refreshments all sat on this pretty serving table next to the sofa. They looked over watching you pass then went back to the tv.

The second room was dimly lit and had two men in it, both tall and appeared to be smoking, one had blond curly hair and the other had long black hair. They both smirked when they saw Bokuto and you.

The third room was dimly lit a nice blue and had two big beds in it along with expensive looking clothes and huge closets.

The fourth room had its door closed and the one next to it was empty with just a bed in it.

The last room was lit regularly and inside looked to be an office. A man was sitting and smoking a cigar while looking over papers, a shiny gun was sitting next to his right side shining in the light. The room was full of bookcases and a pretty dark rug sat under the desk along with two sleek black chairs facing the desk.

“Boss, i got one, my own Omega. Finally”

The man looked up placing his cigar down to see you, he had one a white button up with dress pants, shiny shoes and suspenders and white gloves. He smiled looking you up and down as he got up, adjusting his gold cufflinks on his sleeves.

“She looks lovely Bokuto-San, where did you find her?” he asked circling his desk to lightly grip your chin turning it every which way to get a good look at you.

This mans scent was stronger than Bokutos and his presence was just as big as Bokutos, it made you tingle all over and immediately submit to him, you lowered your head bowing and he laughed patting your head.

“Bumped into me while i was having a break” he petted your back and you clung to him humping slightly. “Been drunk off me since. Think its my scent, i like her Akaashi , can i keep her?”

Akaashi chuckled to himself leaning back on his desk to take in his happy muscle man. “Thats fine, ill have my men get that room all ready, but for now i need you to go back out and take care of … things. Leave her with Yuki and KiI for now, im sure Kurro and Tsukki wont mind,”

Bokuto picked you up squeezing you and giving you kisses all over your chest. “My own Omega, finally. Your never never leaving here again”

You were so in love you had not heard him, but.. Why would you want to leave anyway?

#bokuto x reader #kotaro bokuto #Alpha Bokuto

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linnamonrolls0 · 2 years

Text

The Thing About Illicit Affairs... : Chapter 8

Lin-Manuel Miranda x Reader

Summary:

“And you know damn well, for you I would ruin myself, a million little times…”

When you pictured moving to New York City, an apartment in Washington Heights was a far cry from your Gossip Girl dreams. That was, until the guy next door flashed you a smile that could light up the entire city and your world turned upside down…

Mature / Warnings: cheating ofc, and some NSFW fantasies lol / 3265 words

Chapter 8: Dead Girl Walking

It was, as I imagined it would be, a raging fire. Lin was everything I wanted and more, and I’m not ready to let him leave just yet. We stay snuggled in a mess of cushions and blankets on my way-too-large sofa; his arms around me, my head on his chest, in a peaceful comfortable silence. I can feel his heartbeat as it slowly steadies, and it almost lulls me off to sleep…

“I better get back,” Lin murmurs into my hair, breaking me out of that trance as he runs his fingers through my long locks.

“Noooo… Why?” I complain, “Stay a little longer.” I push myself up a little to playfully nip at the skin on his collarbone.

I feel his chest lightly vibrate beneath me as he laughs, “Really, I should go. I told her I was helping you with your bookcases, but we’ve been here all day… Not that I mind, obviously.” He leans down and gently kisses me, and I smile against his lips until he moves to get up. I reluctantly let him go.

He’s right, anyway. Being alone with him had affected me far too much and as a result, I wanted to leap on him the moment he stepped through the door in that goddamn grey-flecked turtleneck, but now I remember that the purpose of him being here really was those Ikea bookcases, which now lay forgotten in a partially assembled stack on the rug. “Shit, Lin, we still need to finish building those!”

I flop back down onto the couch, watching him pull his jeans and t-shirt back on. He casually suggests, “Okay, so I’ll come back. If she asks, we can say we broke them. That’ll be a fun story if anyone heard you screaming.” He strolls past me, reclaiming his socks from the other side of the room. “How’d these even get here?”

I grab a throw pillow off the couch and playfully toss it at him. “Fuck off.”

“I’m kidding, no-one’s home yet.” Lin catches the cushion and throws it right back at me, “But, that just means I’ll get to spend more time with you. That can’t be a bad thing,” he finishes with that heart-melting smile. He takes a step towards me, momentarily distracting me with a quick peck as he reaches over to pick up his sweater. I snatch it out of his hands.

“Nuh-uh. You don’t get this back.” I sit upright and pull the turtleneck in question over my head. It’s a little too big on me, but it smells wonderfully like him and now that I know that, I refuse to return it. I still can’t comprehend how he could make such a boring item of clothing seem sexy, it’s just unfair.

He looks down at me, and though his smile is sweeter than the coffee he favours, his expressive eyes do little to hide the blaze of desire he clearly still has. We must’ve done something right. “By all means,” he whispers in my ear in a low voice that makes me wish I could have him again, right then and there, “It looks fucking adorable on you, querida. Just hope someone doesn’t catch my walk of shame across the hall.” He follows that with a whisper of something in Spanish, and though my knowledge of the language is far too basic to comprehend it, it gets me and I can feel the heat rising to my cheeks from his tone alone.

“What’s that mean?” I murmur, gazing up at him, bewildered.

“If I told you, you’d be doing a lot more than just blushing…” Silencing me with one last kiss, taking my breath away, and then he’s gone, leaving me dazed and wondering.

I let myself fall back onto the mess of cushions, wrapping myself up in the blanket on the sofa. He seems to have left a scent on everything, and I let it surround me, wanting the moment to last longer even if he’s not here anymore. Even just thinking about him is enough to have me melting all over again. I could, and I very well would.

—————

After the events of the day, the rest of that night felt almost anticlimactic - in truth, I’d spent far too much time replaying it in my head. That’s what I find myself doing yet again the following morning as I lay in bed, following my usual routine of listening to Lin singing through the bedroom wall with a silly smile on my face. Today he’s playing around on a more upbeat peppy track and it already sounds like pure joy; I waste no time in texting him to tell him exactly that.

09:12AM - Me: Moooorning 🥰 Someone’s in a good mood today… fyi I like the new song 🎶

09:13AM - Lin: Gmornin sunshine ☀️ all thanks to you :)

I smile as I hear him playing the piano again. I consider calling him, but I’m interrupted by the ringing of my phone; Gina calls to say she has big news to share, demanding that Anya and I immediately take the subway to Midtown to meet her. And maybe a positive distraction is exactly what I need.

—————

Reluctant but concerned, that’s how we find ourselves seated at a table at the Drama Book Shop. I had no idea the place even still existed, but it’s honestly stunning - and here we are, seated around a table with cups of coffee as Gina narrates the story of her latest slew of auditions.

“So anyway, long story short, after a shit ton of auditions, I finally have a job!” Gina exclaims.

“Oh my god, congratulations!” I say excitedly.

“That’s awesome, Gina! Where?” Anya asks.

“You are looking at the newest addition to the cast of… wait for it…” Gina does a little drumroll on the table, attracting the attention of few strangers around us, “Hamilton!”

“What?!” Anya and I react simultaneously.

“Well, I’m actually a swing, but just you waiiiiit,” she clarifies, obviously in tune. “But I’m so excited! And Jon’s play is finally getting produced, so we’re both booked and busy!” she continues proudly, snapping her fingers.

But while we congratulate her and share in our friend’s joy, it’s very short-lived. Because life, in its own cruel way, plays another joke on me when I spot Lin strolling in through the door. I feel my heart plummet to my stomach. He’s wrapped up in a heavy winter coat and annoyingly wearing the Slytherin scarf he never returned to me (not that I mind); ever the friendly charmer, he begins chatting to one of the bookstore clerks stood by the door, but as his gaze sweeps the surroundings and falls upon me, he’s immediately distracted.

Trying to remain nonchalant, I silently gesture towards my friends with a subtle nod and a warning look in my eyes, begging him not to acknowledge us. He responds with a wink in my direction, and I breathe a sigh of relief until Gina whirls around; she follows my line of vision and spots him too. She waves excitedly; he waves back with a sweet smile. And of course, he walks over to our table, still beaming.

“Hey, what’s up?” Lin greets us casually, stopping to stand behind my chair. I feel his hand come to rest on my shoulder in a seemingly innocent, oddly natural gesture; I’m almost hyperaware of his touch, which says a million things without saying anything at all.

Anya and Gina respond enthusiastically, obviously still a little starstruck. Little do they know… “Fancy meeting you here…” I say slowly, oddly tense from the contact. This is too public; too dangerous.

“What do you mean? He owns this place!” Gina giggles. I look between him and her in disbelief - I had no idea. You really can’t make this shit up.

“She’s right, I kinda do,” Lin says with a light chuckle, gently squeezing my shoulder. “So what brings you here?”

“This drama queen,” I state matter-of-factly, tilting my head in Gina’s direction, “Sorry to disappoint, but I’m still not stalking you.”

“Ah, damn. Someday, neighbour,” he sighs, playing along with my mean demeanour. “In that case, I’ll leave you ladies to it. Just let me know if you need anything, ‘kay?” I nod, briefly brushing my hand over his before he swiftly bids us farewell and disappears behind a door behind the counter.

“Okay,” Anya almost whisper-screams across the table, “What the fuck was that?!”

“What?” I ask, feigning innocence. I can feel my cheeks turning red from the impending confrontation, but I dare not admit it just yet…

“There’s something you’re not telling us. You were trying way too hard to seem nonchalant around Lin, and you’re not fooling anyone. The way he looks at you, that hand on your shoulder, and now you’re all flustered ‘cause I’m pulling you up on it… You’re either fucking him, or you’re both thinking about it,” she accuses bluntly, “So which is it, neighbour?”

My eyes widen, first at her level of insight, then at her straightforward means of interrogation. But she’s onto us, and I wonder what good it’ll do to lie my way out of this; I might need to rip off this bandaid sooner rather than later. That considered, making them swear not to breathe a word to anyone at all, I fearfully confess my sins to my best friends, every detail from the very beginning all the way up until the present.

“I’m sorry, you did what?!” Gina shrieks, attracting the unnecessary attention of almost every other patron in the store. She looks around at them and drops her volume to a stage whisper. “Please tell me you know that’s wrong, and no explanation in the world can justify it,” she continues, borderline threatening, “He’s off limits!”

“I know, he should be.” I sigh, “But something about him just makes me forget and I like that. He’s a dream.”

“And hence proven, men are trash. Even the ones that seem nice!” Anya deadpans.

“Lin is not trash!” I defend.

“I’m pretty sure his wife and children would beg to differ, sweetheart!” she admonishes, “Seriously, what are you onto with this?” Trust this girl to tell it like it is.

“Honestly? I have no idea where this is going or where it’ll end. I don’t even really know what I want. For now, it’s just… him.”

“Damn. I won’t condone any of this, but… Was he that good?” Gina asks, “Although that is weird ‘cause he’s technically kinda my boss now. Huh.”

“So good.” I groan, making my friends laugh, “No-one’s ever made me feel the way he did… I don’t know how it’s possible to be gentle and rough at the same time, but he’s literally perfect.” A sappy smile spreads on my lips; just thinking about him has me messed up again.

“Well, you’ve got it bad. Ugh, don’t tell me that’s his…” Anya says.

I realize I’ve absentmindedly been toying with the sleeves of my - well, his - turtleneck I’m wearing again, but this clearly isn’t lost on my best friend. In my defence, it is cold, and the outside world had no business seeing the state of my neck right now, so it made sense. “Yeah, I stole his sweater,” I shrug.

“Girl, what even…” She shakes her head in disbelief, laughing at me. I don’t take it to heart; I’m laughing at myself too. “Wait, what happens if someone finds out? I mean, your secret’s safe with us, but hypothetically…”

Hypothetically, if anyone else were to find out, that would ruin everything - more so for him in a literal sense, but devastatingly so for my helpless heart. I fear to imagine the thought. Talk about being in too deep already.

“We don’t really have a plan, as of now we’re just like, going with it…”

“That doesn’t sound smart,” Anya quips.

“Wait, how long have you been seeing him anyway?” Gina questions.

“Not long enough to have that conversation,” I confess, “I don’t know, we’ve had a sort of thing since the first time we met, but we’ve only just been, like, pining until recently. Isn’t it too soon?”

“Look, I’m hardly an expert on affairs, but isn’t that something you should cover before sleeping with him?”

“It’s only happened once…”

“And how likely is it to happen again?”

“I don’t know. Maybe we just needed to fuck each other out of our systems or something,” I suggest with a shrug.

Gina rolls her eyes. “Whatever helps you sleep at night…”

“Or, rather, whoever doesn’t,” Anya says.

“Funny.”

“I know I am! Speaking of which, Max was asking me to convince you to give him another chance… again,” she adds, sounding a little too nonchalant.

I almost choke on a sip of coffee - that caught me off guard. In all this time, I had hardly even thought about Max… “And what did you say?”

“I told him I’d try, but now I’m not going to complicate your moral dilemma even more.”

“Thank you,” I say sincerely, “He’s okay, though, right?”

Anya shrugs, looking wistfully into the distance. “He’s fine. Not exactly sober, but he’s working again and he’s alive, so I’ll take that…”

I want to say something sympathetic, but my phone suddenly buzzes on the table. Lin’s name flashes on the screen, and I bite my tongue. What is he playing at? “Sorry, guys, mind if I take this?”

“Yeah, go talk to your lover,” Gina teases.

I roll my eyes at her, and run to a quieter corner of the store to answer the call in a whisper, “Hey, Lin?”

“Hey!” a familiar, chirpy female voice resounds through my phone, completely throwing me off, “This is Vanessa; Lin left his phone here and I don’t have your number, so I thought I’d call you. I hope that’s okay?”

I wonder if fate takes me for some kind of a joke. She couldn’t possibly know already, could she? No, she sounds far too perky for this to be a confrontation. But if not, then what does she want?

“Oh, hey! That’s cool, is everything okay?” I ask calmly, although I’m anything but that.

Maybe the guilt and illicitness of this thing is causing me to overthink it all, but my brain starts to spiral. What is he doing, leaving his phone out of his sight, exposed? What if she’s seen our texts and she’s trying to investigate or or or…

“Yeah, thanks for asking! How are you?”

Oh, I’m wonderful. Your husband fucked the living daylights out of me yesterday and I’m still floating on a cloud, but you definitely don’t need to know that.

“Just peachy!” I squeak instead, almost too quickly. If this is going to work, I make a mental note to work on my lying skills.

Thankfully, Vanessa laughs it off and continues, “Listen, I just wanted to thank you for saving Seb that day. Lin told me what happened and we’re so grateful! Anyway, we’re hosting a little pre-Thanksgiving dinner tomorrow and I’d love for you to join us. It’s nothing crazy, just a few friends and family and a lot of food, if you’re free.”

I pause for a moment, almost too terrified to respond until I panic-blurt, “Sure, that sounds awesome! D-did you want me to bring anything?” I stutter.

“No, no, don’t worry! Just show up.”

“Oh… Okay!”

“Great! I’ll text you later!”

I’ve barely caught my breath after Lin, and now I’m looking at the prospect of an entire evening in his apartment in his presence with his wife and children around.

Forgive me, father, for I have sinned - and karma’s a bitch already.

—————

It hasn’t been long enough to justify anything, but I conclude that fucking each other out of our systems was definitely not the answer to whatever I had going on with Lin. I can’t speak for him, but honestly who was I kidding with that idea? If anything, I only want him more now.

This is probably not the wisest thing to be thinking about in the freaking shower before crossing the hallway to honor his wife’s dinner invitation, but alas, I may have hit a new low. How about those showers, hey, he’s probably getting ready too… And now that it’s in my head, I can’t just skip over the mental image of him in the shower on the other side of that wall, and a little daydreaming can’t hurt… Hot water dripping over his delicious tanned skin, steaming up the glass screens and… I can’t help but close my eyes, gripping the shower head as I lean back against the cool tiles to stay upright. Since when am I the sort to get off on fantasizing about a guy I’d been with once? Yet here I am, imagining tugging on his wet hair, his face between my legs and his tongue exactly where I want him to be… I pump my fingers faster, gasping his name, oh if it were him, so close, just a little more, he’s got me like…

And then the lights go out.

“FUCK!”

Suddenly the bathroom is pitch dark and the water turns ice cold. I turn off the shower, practically fuming. Left high and dry, frustrated and freezing, I give up and wrap a towel around myself, stepping out of the shower to investigate this twisted karma-esque omen. Managing to grab my glasses, I tread carefully through my apartment in the near-darkness, stopping to peer out of the window, but it seems the rest of the street isn’t affected. Once I’ve located my phone and switched on the flashlight, I cross the living room to pop my head out of the door to my apartment; the hallway is just as dark. I step towards the stairs, trying to figure out if it’s just our floor. It looks like the whole building is blacked out. So why am I the only one walking around in confusion here?!

As if on cue, I hear a lock click and turn to spot Lin standing in his doorway with a small candle, looking concerned more than anything else. The glow of the candlelight shines against his skin and I can’t help but smile; he’s beautiful. I laugh to myself when I notice his hair is still wet - apparently my wild thoughts weren’t too far removed from reality. Just what I need right now. But I have to come back to earth when he calls out to me, “Are you okay? Thought I heard a scream or something.” He squints to see me in the darkness, “Wait, are you - ah, shit.”

I nod, making sure my towel is secure enough to hold up. “Yup. I was in the shower and the fucking lights just went out…”

Noticing my frustration - though he has no idea he is equally responsible for it - he tries to reassure me, “It’s probably just a power cut. Should be back up soon. But until then,” his gaze trails over me, “Maybe put on something warm, or…”

But I don’t ever get to hear the second option, because as if on cue, we watch as the lights flicker on and hear the heating systems whir back to life.

“See?” Lin says. All I can do is laugh, and so does he, until I turn to head back into my apartment.

I don’t know how exactly this night will go, but it sure as hell won’t be uneventful.

Chapter 7 / Chapter 9

#lin manuel miranda #lin manuel miranda x reader #lin x reader #hamilton #hamiltrash #in the heights #lin manuel miranda fanfic #lin sin #linnamon roll #lmm #im so sorry lin #lmm x reader #illicit affairs #my fic

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flightlessangelwings · 4 years

Text

A Man’s Weakness

Comandante Veracruz x fem!Reader

Word count: 2.6k

Warnings: cursing, mild violence, blood/injury, minor character death, mention of smut, kidnapping, very pissed off Veracruz, Veracruz secretly veracares (thanks @tintinwrites for that lol)

(gif by @thewaythisis)

Veracruz stormed out of the building and grumbled to himself about what an asshole that guy was. He had just met with a new drug lord named Ceferino to discuss trade routes in which Veracruz and his men were supposed to provide protection for. However, Veracruz did not like the deal that Ceferino offered him, and pulled his gun when he felt like he was being shorted on his end of the deal.

The comandante paced in front of the building as he replayed the argument in his head. His gun was pointed right at Ceferino, yet he didn’t flinch. In fact, he deemed it appropriate to threaten him at that moment.

“Every man has a weakness, comandante,” Ceferino chuckled darkly, “And I’ll make it my mission to find yours.”

“Well you’ll be looking for a long time señor, because I do not have one,” Veracruz spat back before he was forcibly removed from the office.

“Hijo de puta!” he shouted as he punched a nearby car and didn’t even care whose it was.

Veracruz shook his hand and didn’t even fully register the pain from all the rage he felt. He paced a few moments more before he decided that after he debriefed his men, he’d go to the one place where he could relieve his stress and tension

You and Veracruz both collapsed into the bed in exhaustion. He showed up at your door with a snarl on his face, and his hands were on you before you could even close the door completely. Hours later, you were both finally spent and you both laid out on your bed completely nude.

Veracruz laid on his back with his eyes closed and you were on your side to face him. You knew from the moment he stepped into your apartment that something was on his mind, but he was too busy slamming into you to ask about it. Now that he was calmer though, you really wanted to know.

Normally you didn’t ask questions about what he did when he wasn’t with you. You knew that he was in the Colombian military and you knew that not all of his business was exactly legal, but beyond that, you were completely in the dark. What you didn’t know was that Veracruz kept it that way on purpose.

You traced your hand along his chest as you worked up your nerve to ask, “Something on your mind?”

He just grunted in response, and surprisingly he slung an arm around you and pulled you close, “Nothing for you to worry about, querida.”

“V, I’d like to think I know you better than that,” you retorted as you looked up at him.

“Do you?” his voice was laced with annoyance as he gripped you tighter. Veracruz let out a sigh before he finally decided to open up just because he needed someone to talk to about it. And he trusted you, “This asshole tried to cut me short of a deal. Thought he could cheat me.”

“His mistake,” you chortled.

He gave you a squeeze; that pleased him, “I’ll figure out a way to deal with him, don’t you worry your pretty head about that.”

You smiled into his skin, “You always do, V.” You left it unsaid that you always worried about him, especially the times that he was gone for weeks at a time. But, he always came back to you, which was a huge relief.

Veracruz kissed the top of your head. He would never admit it but the best part of his week was when he visited you. He tried to convince himself it was just for the sex- which was incredible- but there was a voice in the back of his head that said it was more than just that. You were even allowed to call him by that ridiculous nickname; if anyone else tried to call him “V,” they would get smacked across the face with the barrel of his gun.

The sun set soon after, and Veracruz decided to stay over for a while longer. Usually, he left soon after you two had sex, but tonight he wanted you close to him. He didn’t even realize how late it was until he woke up hours later in the middle of the night. Veracruz looked down at your sleeping figure in his arms, and since you were sound asleep, he let himself smile at you and lightly brushed his fingers across your face.

But, Ceferino’s words echoed in his head and Veracruz thought about what his weakness really was. He frowned, and he realized that he needed to leave. He wouldn’t risk Ceferino tracing his movements back to your place, so the middle of the night was the perfect cover to sneak out.

Carefully, Veracruz slid out of your bed and got dressed. He thought he was quiet enough, but just as he was about to leave your bedroom, he heard your voice call his name.

“It’s 3:30 in the morning,” you grumbled, sleep still apparent in your voice, “Why don’t you just stay?”

“I can’t,” he met your eyes and was quiet for a moment, “Lay low for a while.”

You sat up and pulled the sheets to cover yourself, “Why? What’s going on?”

He hated the fear in your voice, though he would never admit it out loud, “Nothing,” he said curtly, “I’ll be gone for a while. Just…” keep yourself safe.

Veracruz crossed the room and without another word, his lips were on yours in a passionate kiss. You sighed into the kiss as you leaned into his body and wrapped your arms around his shoulders.

He didn’t linger, however, and the comandante abruptly broke the kiss before he turned to walk out of the door. He knew he had to deal with Ceferino sooner rather than later, and he couldn’t afford any distractions. You were enough of a distraction for the moment to dull his rage, and now he needed to focus.

Veracruz met with his men in the morning and worked on a plan to discreetly take out Ceferino. It proved harder than he thought, though, and the drug lord was never without any bodyguards. He tried to corner him a few times over the next few weeks, but every attempt on the man's life failed. Frustrated, the comandante found his way back to your apartment.

But, when he knocked at your door, it was silent on the other side. He growled as he knocked again and called your name. But still, there was no hint of movement from the other side of the door. After he tried again, Veracruz had a bad feeling and decided to break the door down.

He burst through your front door and shouted your name. But his face dropped at the scene that greeted him: your place was a complete mess. Your bookcase was knocked over and your curtains were ripped. Everything that was on your coffee table was now on the floor and the rug was pushed to the wall. Obviously, there was a struggle, and it made the rage build up within Veracruz again.

He shouted at the top of his lungs as he rushed out of the building. Once he was outside, he got one of his men on the phone and shouted orders at them, “Pull all our resources! Find her! Now!”

Veracruz hung up and buried his face in his hands as he shook with anger. He was about to make his way back to men when his phone rang.

“I told you every man has a weakness, Comandante,” Ceferino’s voice taunted him from the other line.

“What the fuck did you do to her, Ceferino?” Veracruz growled into the phone and gripped it so hard it almost broke.

“I have to say, this is a very pretty weakness to have,” he ignored the string of curses and threats from the comandante, “And you kept her well hidden. It took me quite some time to find her.”

“Fuck you, cabrón,” Veracruz spat, “I’m going to fucking kill you. If she’s hurt…”

“You’re going to listen to me, Comandante,” Ceferino cut him off, “You’re going to meet me at the coordinates I’m sending you so we can further discuss our deal. And you’re going to come alone,” he paused, “I hope I can find you more amenable to my agreement this time.”

The comandante let out a heavy breath as he snarled, “She better be alive. And unharmed.”

“I promise your girl is fine. She’s my special guest,” the drug lord looked over at your bound figure. He had you on your side on his bed, your arms tied behind you, your ankles bound together and a gag over your mouth. You glared at him as you tried to struggle, but it was useless.

He didn’t give Veracruz the chance to retort as he hung up right after. He only imagined the look on his face while he sent over the coordinates as promised. Ceferino was currently in a secure location in the middle of the jungle where his people made and packaged the drugs he sold. He sat in his large, more luxurious tent with you tied up on his bed.

Ceferino moved over to sit next to you, “You really are a pretty thing,” he cooed as he brushed your cheek, “As I understand, Veracruz likes to be rough with you. I can see why, you look so delicious like this. I bet he gets off on the fear in your eyes and your stifled screams so no one can hear you. I may have to find that out for myself.”

Your eyes went wide as you tried again to free yourself, but the drug lord held you down, “It’ll be some time before your comandante joins us,” darkness shadowed his features, “But I did promise to leave you unharmed, and I am a man of my word. I can’t free you from your binds though, princessa,” he mocked you with the nickname as he pulled you to sit up, “I can’t have you running free through here, can I?”

Through your tears you glared at him and you used your new leverage to raise your legs and stop down on his foot as hard as you could. Ceferino yelped and slapped you across your face once before he pushed you down onto your back and landed a single punch to your jaw. Your pained cry was stifled by the gag.

You were sure how long you laid there until Veracruz walked into the tent with his gun in his hand. Immediately your eyes were on him and you tensed. You had never seen him like this before, and you could practically feel the anger radiate from him. His eyes narrowed when he noticed the bruise on your jaw and your bloodshot eyes.

“Welcome Comandante Veracruz,” Ceferino spoke in a condensing voice, “How nice of you to join us,” he crossed drew space to stand close to where you laid, “Your girl has been such pleasant company. I can see why you like her,” he caressed your cheek as Veracruz shook with rage, “A pretty gem like her needs to be kept safe. You were smart to hide her.”

You flinched and shook your head away from his hand as Veracruz took the silencer off of his gun, “You agreed to leave her unharmed,” his voice was low and he grit his teeth as he spoke, “She does not look unharmed to me.”

Before Ceferino could react, Veracruz fired right into his chest which knocked him back. He landed on the ground on his back as you screamed into the gag and shut your eyes. He glanced at you briefly to make sure you were ok before he hovered over the drug lord.

He wasn’t dead yet, but his breathing was shallow as he bled out on the ground, “That… was a mistake,” Ceferino coughed as he strained to speak, “My men will kill you.”

“No they won’t,” Veracruz stepped on the wound in his shoulder, which made him cry out in pain, “Because they’re already dead.”

From behind him, the comandante heard you whimper in fear.

“It was a mistake to expose my weakness like this señor. When a man's weakness is exposed, he is more dangerous than ever. Because he now knows how to better defend it,” he pushed harder on the bleeding wound as he threatened the man, “You’re lucky she is here,” Veracruz leaned in closer and growled, “Because your death will be quicker than I would like it to be.”

Veracruz still didn’t want the man to die too quickly for what he did to you, so he moved over to you and untied your ankles and used that rope to bind Ceferino’s hands above his head. He then used his gun and smacked him across his face, which made him drift in and out of consciousness.

That was for her, Veracruz thought.

Satisfied that the man was no longer a threat, the comandante tucked his gun away and rushed over to you to finish releasing you from your binds. You let out a heavy exhale when he tugged the gag off of your mouth and he looked at you for a moment before he pulled you in right against his body.

Veracruz said nothing as he held you close, his arms wrapped securely around your body. You nuzzled into his chest as you hugged him back but you couldn’t help the sobs or the tears that ran down your cheeks.

You and Veracruz stayed like that for a few minutes; neither of you wanted to break away. Soon enough, you were able to calm yourself down as he held you and your tears slowed. It was then that you realized how much he was shaking as he held you tight. And you couldn’t be sure, but you thought you heard a single sob that was not your own.

When Veracruz decided it was time to go, he silently gave your arms a squeeze and started to stand. Slowly, he brought you to your feet and that was when you looked over to Ceferino’s body for the first time.

“Don’t look,” Veracruz spoke for the first time since he freed you.

You met his eyes for a moment before you squeezed his bicep and stepped past him to look at the dying man in the eye. Feeling more bold with Veracruz by your side, you spoke to Ceferino one last time, “You’re wrong. He doesn’t get off on my fear. And he doesn’t like to gag me.”

A fire flashed in Veracruz’s eyes at your words as he placed his arm around your waist, “I’m taking you out of here, cariño.”

Veracruz made sure you averted your eyes from the bodies everywhere as he led you out of the compound. He took you right back to his place and stood guard at the bathroom door while you got yourself cleaned up.

Once you were back out, Veracruz took you back into his arms again and just let you decompress as you say together on the couch. You were both silent since he rescued you from Ceferino.

“V…” you paused for a moment, “You killed all those guys? For me?”

He brought a finger to your chin to get you to look at him, “I’d kill hundreds for you if it meant you were safe.”

You had no words because you knew he spoke the truth. Maybe it should have frightened you, but it didn’t; you were already in deep with the comandante and you knew that his aggression would never point in your direction. Instead, you just took his hand and tightened your grip on it once. He knew what the gesture meant: “thank you.”

Veracruz released your face to let you nuzzle into his chest again as he held you even tighter. He gave you an extra squeeze as a way to say “I’m sorry” and he made you a silent promise that you would never be in danger like that ever again.

Notes: What??? A Veracruz fic with no smut?! I had this idea in my head for a while though and I really wanted to write it, cause who doesn’t love Veracruz killing a motherfucker for you, lol!

Everything taglist: @thirsty-flygirl @ithinkhesgaybutwesavedmufasa

Pedro characters taglist: @tintinwrites @ollypopp @starwarswh0re @emesispo @perropascal @shadow-assassin-blix @huliabitch @randomness501 @absurdthirst @clydesducktape @lackofhonor @phoenixhalliwell @girlwithanewplan @wickedfrsgrl @theravenreads @maryan028 @wonder-jedi @lilangeldevil006 @agingerindenial @synystersilenceinblacknwhite @thewaythisis @yespolkadotkitty @the-wishmonger

#comandante veracruz x reader #comandante veracruz #comandante veracruz imagine #comandante veracruz x you #comandante veracruz x y/n #veracruz x reader #veracruz #burn notice #the fall of sam axe #burn notice the fall of sam axe #pedro pascal characters #pedro pascal character fanfiction

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cali-holland · 4 years

Text

Our Place- Harrison Osterfield One Shot

Pairing: Harrison Osterfield X Reader

Requested by Anonymous: Okay so we got Tom Holland x reader domestic moments. But can we possibly get Harrison Osterfield domestic moments...?????👉👈

Prompt: You and Harrison buy a house together, much to the other boys’ dismay.

Word Count: 5700

Warnings: some sexual jokes/themes, swearing, Harrison lowkey being a bad driver, this is as fluffy as cotton candy

Masterlist Harrison Osterfield Masterlist

*Pic is not mine*

~~~

“I can’t believe you’re actually leaving us.” Tom huffed as he picked up one end of the bed frame.

“We won’t even be that far away.” Harrison laughed, holding up the other end and helping him move it out of the room.

“Sorry, Tom, I’m stealing him.” You smiled innocently as you watched Harrison slowly walk the frame backwards down the staircase.

“I don’t get it. You stay here almost every night.” Tom pointed out to you.

“It was my idea.” Your boyfriend piped up as you opened the door for them.

“Yeah, so don’t blame me.” You added. Harrison blew you a kiss while he passed you, walking the bed frame outside with Tom. You shut the front door behind them and returned to Harrison’s room- well, technically his former room.

You and Harrison had been together for three years, and every moment you spent with him was incredible, he was incredible. For the past several months, you spent a lot of your time at his place. Part of it was that the other boys were far more enjoyable to be around than your actual roommates. So when he realized your apartment lease was expiring soon, he asked you to move in with him. Of course, you said yes, but then he started looking at apartments and even houses, somewhere for you two to call home, the perfect Osterfield-Y/L/N residence. You went out a couple of times to look at some open houses together, but nothing seemed right. Just a week before your lease ended (so last week), Harrison found the perfect house for the two of you and you both managed to sign the lease. Today was the big moving day. You had brought all of the stuff from your apartment already to the new place (since your apartment was already furnished when you got it and couldn’t take a lot of the things), so now it was time to move all of Harrison’s stuff out.

“How’s the dresser coming?” Harry asked, stepping into Harrison’s room to grab the nightstand.

“He’s got so many clothes, it’s unbelievable.” You joked, even though a portion of the clothes in the dresser were yours, as you put the last drawer of his clothes into a box.

“Dresser, ready?” Sam came into the room next and Harry nodded.

“You two got it?” You asked, looking at them skeptically as they picked up the heavy, tall dresser.

“Yeah, definitely.” The curly haired twin reassured you. They barely made it out of the room before pausing.

“Right, so Tom and Haz got the dresser.” Sam said, stepping back into the room.

“I won’t say no to a good gun show.” You laughed.

“What? Were we not good enough?” Harry looked at you in faux offense while his twin jokingly flexed his guns.

“Grab the nightstands.” You instructed before picking up the box of clothes and making your way out of the room with the twins following you. You three met Tuwaine at the bottom of the stairs as he held a box of Harrison’s kitchenware labeled ‘fragile’.

“Look, we can all go together.” Tuwaine let out a laugh. You opened the front door and made your way outside, leading the other three boys on the sidewalk to your new house.

Oh yeah, that perfect house Harrison found? Well, it was literally three houses over, so it made the move easier. You did feel a little bad for the neighbors stuck in between, knowing that the boys would get up to some sort of chaos involving the neighborhood now and not just their house.

“Hey, stranger.” Harrison greeted you at the doorstep of your new home.

“You two get to bring over the dresser.” You informed him and he gave you a short but sweet kiss before he and Tom left for another round of moving furniture.

“How much more stuff does he have?” Sam let out a whine as he and Harry continued following you to the master bedroom, Tuwaine ducking out to the kitchen with his box.

“Well, there’s probably four or five boxes left from his room and then there’s the mattress, bookcase, desk, and TV that we need to get.” You explained, mentally going back to his bedroom. You smiled to yourself as you saw his bed frame (though it didn’t have the mattress there yet) pushed up against the wall, right underneath the window. You were really moving in with Harrison. This was real.

“Then we have to build stuff.” Harry added, putting down the nightstand beside the bed frame. “What time was Paddy supposed to come help?”

“He was supposed to come?” His twin asked with raised eyebrows, setting down the nightstand next to the bed. “I knew he was faking sick.”

“Well, he’s not here, so let’s just keep moving.” You laughed at them, both of them suddenly offended that their younger brother had dipped out on helping today. Honestly, you were just appreciative of the fact that they were all helping; it moved the process along a lot faster than if it was just you and Harrison. “Now, come on, we’ve still got more to bring over.”

A few more trips down and the six of you took a short lunch break in the boys’ kitchen (since you didn’t really have a table or food at your new place). After that, it was time for you all to start building and unpacking things.

“What kind of instructions are these?” Harrison questioned, looking between the paper and the disassembled entertainment center in front of him.

“We don’t need those. It’s just a matching game.” Tom insisted, picking up a couple pieces of wood and trying to see how they fit together. “I was a carpenter, I know how to do this.”

“I don’t think you do.” You shook your head at him as your boyfriend handed you the instructions.

“Y/N, do you want us to set up the table?” Harry asked and you nodded.

“If you don’t mind, that and the chairs. It’d be nice to have somewhere to sit.” You laughed.

“Got it.” He replied, heading to the other room with Tuwaine and Sam to step up the dining table.

“Okay, so I think this goes first.” You started to help Harrison and Tom with the entertainment center, understanding the confusing instructions (for the most part).

“I am Thor, the mighty God of thunder.” Tom did his best Chris Hemsworth impression, swinging the regular hammer in his hands. You and your boyfriend just looked at each other and sighed, maybe giving Tom a weapon was a bad idea. It was definitely a bad idea as he tried to hammer in a nail and hit Harrison’s thumb instead.

“Hey, don’t go for the thumb, dumbass!” He shouted.

“This is going to be a long day.” You laughed.

“Kiss it and make it better?” Harrison held out his red thumb to you. You rolled your eyes at him before planting a kiss to his finger.

By the end of the day, your house was coming together. The living room was set up with a tv, entertainment center, coffee table, couch, and armchair; the kitchen still needed some unpacking to be done, but at least the silverware, plates, bowls, and cups were put away; the dining room had a proper table in it, complete with a few chairs; the spare room, which you had both decided to just make it an office and use it for storage, had the desk in it and a few random boxes; and your bedroom had, well, the bed and a dresser, a couple nightstands, and a bookcase. There were no decorations up yet, but it definitely felt like home now and you couldn’t be happier.

“What time is it?” You groaned, trying to hide your face further in Harrison’s neck the next morning, hoping it’d drown out the bright sun rays streaming into the bedroom.

“Too early.” He whined, eyes still shut tight as his hand caressed your back lightly.

“We need blinds. Add that to the list.” Your voice was muffled by shoulder, but he let out a laugh and you knew he’d heard you. You lifted your head up to look at your boyfriend and he blinked his eyes open to see you, both of you still hazy from sleep.

“Well, at least we know our room gets sunlight.” He laughed and leaned in to give you a kiss. When he pulled away from the kiss, his sleepy blue eyes looking into yours, “What do you want for breakfast?”

“Muffins?” You suggested, thinking a poppyseed muffin sounded pretty good.

“I don’t think we have muffin tins.” He said, furrowing his eyebrows together. “Shit, wait, we don’t have any food here.” You both let out matching groans; yesterday, you’d been so caught up in just moving furniture and essentials in that you forgot about the biggest essential- food. Besides like a few snacks and some cooking things, like flour and spices, your kitchen was empty.

“So, we’re going out for breakfast.” You laughed.

“Better get cleaned up then because I’m hungry.” Harrison let out a loud sigh followed by a yawn as you two got out of bed.

“After breakfast, guess we’re going grocery shopping?” You offered with a laugh, grabbing your phone from the nightstand. You pulled up your notes tab, adding “blinds/curtains” to your list of things to buy. Furnishing a house was decently expensive, and it seemed like a good amount of things neither of you thought of until you needed them.

“Or we could go to the store to get the blinds and whatever else we need, and then go grocery shopping last? So nothing perishes?” He suggested, grabbing a couple towels from the linen cabinet and putting them on the hooks near the shower.

“That’s true.” You nodded, making a mental note of that.

“We need bath rugs.” He stated as he turned on the shower, letting the water warm up. You added it to your list- neither of you had really brought much in the way of bathroom supplies. You felt Harrison wrap his arms around your waist and he started to kiss the sweet spot on your neck gently. You laughed lightly as you felt him begin to leave a hickey.

“Get off me, you leech. I just got rid of that giant one from last week.” You elbowed him a little, feeling him start to suck harder.

“Exactly why I’ve got to leave another one.” He replied, lifting his head off your neck to present you with his work. He smiled like a little kid showing off his painting.

“Time to test out the new shower?” You teased and he hummed in agreement.

“Gotta make sure we didn’t waste our money on this place.” He joked. You set your phone back down on the counter and followed him into the shower to “test” it out.

~~~

“How’s your muffin?” Harrison asked before eating his own muffin while stopped at a red light. Neither of you really wanted to stop and eat breakfast in public, so eating while he was driving to your first store of the day was completely safe, right?

“Delicious.” You smiled, holding it out for him to take a bite. As he did so, the light turned green and he started to go, lightly pushing away your hand while he chewed, crumbs tumbling everywhere. “This poor BMW’s getting so mistreated.”

“I’ll vacuum it out.” He replied through a mouthful of your muffin.

“Damn it, we need a vacuum.” You sighed, grabbing out your phone again to add that to the list.

“That was an amazing muffin.” He smiled once he had finished eating that bite.

“Let me try yours.” He held it out to you, not really looking at his hand nor his muffin as he tried to focus on driving- luckily it was just a straight line. You took a bite out of it before he ate some more himself. You did a quick chef’s kiss, he had a good muffin, too.

By the time you two got to the store, you’d both finished your breakfasts and walked hand-in-hand towards the entrance. Harrison started making a beeline to his favorite shoe store right next to it, but you tugged him back.

“We need home improvement stuff, not shoes.” You teased him.

“But they’ll improve our home.” He insisted with a small whine, even though he knew he didn’t need more shoes. That boy had more pairs of shoes than you did; the shoe rack you two had bought only fit his shoes (so he bought a second one for yours).

You made your way into the store, seeking out the items on your list. Harrison grabbed a cart and pushed it with one hand, his other still holding onto yours, while your free hand held your phone so you could view your list.

“We need a vacuum.” You pointed over to the aisle that had the cleaning supplies and the two of you made your way over there.

“Are we going for the cheapest vacuum? I don’t really know a good vacuum.” Harrison admitted, leaning on the cart as you both eyed the selection in front of you.

“We had this one at my old place. It worked well.” You said, pointing to a grey and purple vacuum.

“I honestly can’t tell you if the boys and I even owned a vacuum. I think we just borrowed from Tom’s mum.” He laughed sheepishly.

“You did because I’ve used it.” You shook your head at him, “So this one?”

“Yeah, easy enough.” He nodded, grabbing the box and setting it in the cart.

“And we need a lamp.” You said, nodding over to the lamps the next aisle over.

“For what?” He asked.

“The living room.” You replied and a look of recognition crossed his face.

“Right. The lighting’s shit in there.” He followed you over to the lamps.

After picking out a lamp that looked like it would go nice enough in your living room, you two went off to the kitchen section. You searched for a muffin tin while he looked for a paper towel holder one aisle over. You smiled happily when you found a pack of a few muffin tins (ya know, in case you feel like making several batches). As you made your way around the corner, you heard Harrison laughing down the other aisle; it almost sounded like he was uncomfortable. You made your way into the aisle and saw that there was another girl down there with him. You refrained from laughing as she was obviously trying to flirt with your poor boyfriend who just wanted to find a paper towel holder.

“Got the muffin tin. Did you get the holder, baby?” You announced your presence, putting the pack of tins in the cart and casually slipping your arm around his waist. Harrison knew exactly what you meant by calling him ‘baby’, the pet name reserved for when you’re jealous or trying to get something out of him.

“Yep, does this work, sweetheart?” He asked, picking up the holder that was in the cart. ‘Sweetheart’ was his pet name, turned codename, for when he was jealous or just trying to match your jealousy’. The other girl slowly left the aisle without another word and he laughed lightly, lowering his voice, “Baby? Were you jealous?”

“Nope. I had to establish my dominance and rescue you from that somehow.” You teased, wrapping your arms around his neck and smiling up at him.

“My hero.” He laughed, leaning down to kiss you. You two continued your journey to find more items from your list. Just as you both were passing by the decor section, something caught your eye.

“This is so cheesy, but really cute.” You pointed out, pulling him over to it. It was one of those large world map shaped cork boards that you could pin a picture to, showing all your different travels together. Considering you two had traveled to several different countries together, it’d be cute to have it.

“Wanna get it?” Harrison asked, picking it up off the shelf as you two inspected it some more.

“Do you think it’d go well in the living room?” You inquired, trying to picture where you could put it.

“Or our room.” He added, setting it in the cart. As you two looked through some more decorations, he said definitively, “Next year, I’m taking you to Paris.”

“I don’t even get a say in where we’ll go?” You teased, looking over at him as he held up an artsy framed photograph of the Eiffel Tower.

“Are you going to say no to Paris? Think of all the croissants we could eat.”

“They’d kick us out because you’d eat all of them.” You laughed, poking him in the stomach before looking at some more wall art.

“We should get a houseplant.” He suggested as he put the Paris picture back.

“I feel like we’d kill it.”

“We definitely would, but at least we can say we tried.”

Over an hour later, you two had basically everything needed for your new home together, including a houseplant that would probably be dead in a week. You’d bought enough stuff that his car was too full to fit any groceries, meaning you had to make a pitstop back home and unload everything- plus Harrison had stopped at his shoe store and bought another pair because “they were on sale!”.

“What playlist are you on?” You asked as you two got settled back in his car, ready to go out to the grocery store after having unloaded all the stuff from your previous trip. You were starting to grow bored of the random playlist he’d left his phone on, a.k.a. the music that was basically your radio for the car ride.

“I don’t know.” Harrison shrugged, taking out his phone and handing it over to you. You took his phone, replacing it with your hand, intertwining your fingers together. As he started to drive, he pressed a kiss to the back of your hand. You laughed as you saw his lock screen- it was a picture of the two of you from over two years ago when you both were bored, taking the ugliest selfies possible. You were cross eyed, sticking your tongue out while squeezing his cheeks together while he made a ridiculous duck face. It was a joke picture, meant for just the two of you, and even if you knew he hadn’t changed it in ages, it still meant a lot to you to see it.

“What are you laughing at?” He asked, looking over at you briefly with a smile.

“Your lock screen.” You answered, unlocking his phone and pulling up Spotify to change playlists.

“I need to change it.”

“Why? It’s cute.” You laughed at the outdated photo as you scrolled through the music selection.

“Because you don’t have me as your lock screen.” He said teasingly.

“Not true!” You protested, even though you both knew your lock screen wasn’t him. It was a photo of Monty, smiling at your camera. Technically, Harrison was in it; it was just his hand though. You didn’t purposefully cut him out of the picture, he was just there to keep his dog still. Besides, before that it was a picture of Harrison getting licked in the face by Monty and that was your lock screen for over a year. In your defense though, your current home screen was a picture of the two of you watching the sunset on a beach in Atlanta that Harry had taken. You were tucked into his lap, your head nestled back on his shoulder and he leaned his head against yours. Your faces were obscured since the photo was taken from behind, but you knew both of you were smiling in pure happiness.

“Let me see it then. The photo of Monty doesn’t count.” Damn, he knew your phone too well.

“You’re driving.” You said, moving your phone away from the center console before he could attempt at grabbing it. You found your favorite playlist, appropriately titled “Music That Makes Me Cringe But Y/N Likes Them- Don’t Play This One, I’m Begging You Sweetheart”, and looked through to find a good song to start it on.

“Don’t even-” Harrison started, knowing that look on your face, knowing you’d gone onto that playlist. You smirked, clicking on a song title, hearing the familiar 80’s techno tune begin. He let out a groan, but, as much as he pretended to hate the playlist, you knew he loved it.

“We’re not strangers to love, you know the rules and so do I, a full commitment that’s what I’m thinking of,” You sang along to the famous Rick Astley song.

“Yeah, a full commitment of living with you now.” He teased.

“C’mon, Haz,” You laughed as the song got to the chorus.

“Never gonna give you up, never gonna let you down, never gonna run around and desert you, never gonna make you cry, never gonna say goodbye, never gonna tell a lie and hurt you,” You both sang along to the cheesy song.

“Can’t believe you rickrolled me.” He shook his head in disbelief.

“You knew it was coming.” You picked up your intertwined hands and kissed the back of his hand.

“You’re not allowed to play that song at our wedding.”

“Oh, we’re getting married now? I don’t see a ring.” You jokingly inspected your left hand.

“I can change that if you want me to.” He laughed, but you knew he was still serious. You two had talked about marriage, but agreed to wait until you were a little older, a little more settled into your careers- that didn’t stop either of you from those jokes.

“You ready for the next song?” You smirked as you looked at the queue.

“If you play-” He started, looking over at you since he was now stopped at a red light.

“Somebody once told me the world is gonna roll me, I ain’t the sharpest tool in the shed,” You sang along passionately to the song as it started, and he playfully rolled his eyes at you.

“This is what I signed up to live with?” He laughed and you pouted.

“You’re acting like you haven’t put up with me for three years.” You teased. His eyes flickered back to the light, making sure it was still red before leaning over the console to kiss you. It was cut short by the car behind you honking, signaling to the two of you that the light was definitely green now. As Harrison continued to drive, you went back to your phone, trying to discreetly change your background to prove that it was him and not just Monty. Really, your lock screen was his fault because he was the one with the insanely cute dog. You had a lot of pictures of your boyfriend (naturally, he was so photogenic) so it was hard to find just one to use- another reason why it easier to just use an adorable photo of Monty.

You came across one specific picture that you loved from Halloween last year when you two dressed up as Brad and Angelina in Mr. and Mrs. Smith. You were in the elevator of some hotel in New York (you weren’t even sure why you were there) and you two were doing the back-to-back serious pose as he took the picture via the floor length mirror. You two were both half drunk so it didn’t come out as impressive as when Brad and Angelina did the pose, but it was still one of your favorites photos. Just as you were fitting it to your background, Harrison spoke up, “You’re changing it, aren’t you?”

“Eyes on the road, mister!” You exclaimed and he just laughed at you.

“Leave it as Monty, I know how much you love that picture of my hand.” He said, stopping at another red light.

“You have very nice hands, but I changed it anyway.” You turned your phone to show him your new lock screen and he nodded approvingly.

“Ah yes, drunk assassins.” He chuckled, shaking his head. “Can you play “My Girl”?”

“I’ll never say no to The Temptations.” You laughed, starting the classic song from his phone. You both danced along to the smooth beat of the song (you more so than him because he was driving still).

“I’ve got sunshine on a cloudy day, when it’s cold outside, I’ve got the month of May, well I guess you’d say, what can make me feel this way?” You both sang the beginning of the song. Harrison leaned over closer to you, doing his best to balance between singing to you and being a good driver.

“My girl, my girl, my girl, talkin’ ‘bout my girl,” He nodded his head along to the beat, pressing a kiss to your hand.

“You cheeseball,” You teased while he kept singing the song. “This one’s our wedding song.”

“Of course it is. Were you questioning that?” He joked. You pulled out your phone, deciding to film him continuing to sing the song.

“I don’t need no money, fortune, or fame,” He sent a look over to the camera as you stifled a laugh, “I’ve got all the riches, baby, one man can claim. I guess you’d say, what can make me feel this way? My girl, my girl, my girl, talkin’ ‘bout my girl,” He blew a kiss at the camera and you stopped the video. You laughed as you saved it, posting it to your Instagram story with the caption: ‘Look at my cheeseball’.

He continued to drive while you checked out your Instagram feed. You laughed to yourself, seeing a fan account’s meme of him and Monty (yes, you followed a few fan accounts because the things they’d say sometimes were hilarious). You liked the post and sent it to Harrison’s Instagram; his phone dinged loudly, cutting off the music momentarily.

“Did you send me something?” He asked as you looked at his phone in your lap.

“I didn’t know you had notifications on.” You laughed, not expecting his phone to alert him, especially of an Instagram dm.

“I only have them on for you.” He admitted, a small blush creeping onto his cheeks. You smiled, reaching over and pinching his cheek lightly.

“Aw, I’ve got you so whipped.”

“What if I got a motorcycle?” Harrison asked, looking at the motorcyclist in front of him.

“I don’t know. I’d say you’re pretty hot without one, but if it’s an excuse to see you in a leather jacket then,” You trailed off, before adding, “Your mum would probably kill you for that though.”

“You’re not wrong.” He laughed in acknowledgment. She definitely would not appreciate it if he got a motorcycle, but you and Harrison both knew he’d never actually buy one. Even though he ate in his car a good amount of time, it was still his baby and he loved it too much to trade it in.

Just as he parked the car in front of the store, you got a text from your own mother, reminding you of your cousin’s baby shower tomorrow- a.k.a. giving you a day to find a gift. You were in perfect luck that there was literally a kids’ clothing store right beside the grocery store.

“I need to get something for my cousin’s baby shower.” You told Harrison before either of you could get out of the car.

“Do I need to go to that?” He asked, eyes wide. He had plans to go golfing tomorrow with Tom- or at least, he’d make those plans if he needed to.

“What? No, it’s kind of girls only.” You shook your head, “Can we go next door really fast before we get groceries? I just need to get a couple onesies or something.”

“Yeah, that’s fine.” The two of you got out of the car and made your way over to the baby store in search of a quick gift. Your cousin was having a boy so you had a decently good idea of what to get. You easily found some simple baby shoes at the front, not putting much thought into it.

“Look at this one! It even has a cape.” Harrison grinned happily, holding up a black onesie that had yellow print on it saying ‘my daddy is Batman’ and showing you the little cape attached to it.

“Haz, we’ve been through this. Her husband’s a Superman fan.” You reminded him. The first time he’d met her husband, the two had a heated discussion about if Superman or Batman was better and you swore your 21 year old (at the time) boyfriend turned into a geeky 12 year old.

“Wel, I’m physically incapable of buying a Superman onesie. I’m getting this.” He insisted, and you looked at him with raised eyebrows. “For our kid.”

“I’d need to be pregnant for that to even be reasonable, and that’s not gonna be for a while.” You laughed at his ridiculousness.

“You’re right. My pullout game’s too strong for that.” He winked and you rolled your eyes at him, hoping none of the other customers in the store heard that. He still held onto the onesie, fully intending on buying it and holding onto it until you two had kids.

“How about this?” You asked, showing him a pack of onesies that had Justice League prints.

“It’s your cousin, you know that, right?” He chuckled with a nod.

“You’re seriously buying that one?” You looked down at the Batman onesie still clutched in his hands.

“Of course. I’m not saying I’m Batman, but you’ve never seen me and Batman in the same room together.” Harrison stated.

“If that helps you sleep at night.” You laughed, grabbing the Justice League onesies and going to the counter. Harrison happily added the Batman onesie to the small pile.

With the baby shower gift all sorted, you two went into the grocery store, shopping up and down the aisles for basically everything- milk, cereal, freezer food, fruits, vegetables, meat, bread. It wasn’t until the two of you were already in line to checkout that you realized you were missing the muffin mix- the most important thing for your mornings.

“I forgot the muffin mix.” You let out a small sigh, stepping back from the cart to go grab it, but Harrison stopped you.

“I got it. You stay here.” He reassured you, pressing a quick kiss to your cheek before leaving off to get some mix. The next customer left and it was your turn to checkout so you loaded up your items onto the conveyor belt.

“This is the fullest cart I’ve seen all day. I’m impressed.” The cashier laughed as he started to scan the items.

“I’ve got a whole kitchen to stock.” You replied with a smile.

“Looks like you’ve got the essentials.” He nodded towards the wine and beer still resting on the belt.

“Of course.” You started to wonder when Harrison would come back with the muffin mix. You couldn’t tell if the cashier was trying to (pathetically) flirt with you or just being extra friendly, but you could’ve sworn he winked at you.

“Three boxes of muffin mix, sweetheart.” Harrison said, rushing up to you and dropping them onto the conveyor belt. Obviously, he’d noticed that wink, and his own little hint of jealousy was kicking in.

“Thanks, baby.” You smiled at him and he not-so-discreetly wrapped an arm around your shoulder and pressed a kiss to your temple. Before you could pull out your wallet to pay, Harrison stopped you.

“I got it, sweetheart.” It took everything in you to not roll your eyes at his behavior, but you enjoyed it. Seeing your boyfriend get protective over you for something that wasn’t that big of a deal was oddly reassuring; you had him so whipped and he had you so whipped.

When the cashier had finished, Harrison paid and the two of you went on your way back out to his car. With the groceries loaded into the trunk, you both got into the car and he started to drive off, his hand slipping into yours on the center console. A Bon Jovi song played from his phone, the same cringey playlist turned on.

An hour later, you two had finally gotten home and packed away the groceries before you lied down on your new couch, completely exhausted from your busy weekend.

“God, no one said moving into a house was this much work.” You groaned and Harrison came to lie down beside you on the couch, his arms around your waist as your hands softly played in his hair that tickled the back of his neck.

“I’m so glad we did this though.” He told you with a genuine smile.

“I’m glad we did, too.” You leaned in and kissed him. You tugged lightly on his hair, and he deepened the kiss, his tongue finding its way to yours. He shifted so you were lying on your back and he kept one hand by your head to keep him up, the other hand slipping under your shirt. His lips trailed down to your collarbone, going to leave another hickey.

“I swear I moved in with a vampire.” You said almost breathlessly and he laughed lightly on your skin.

“What do you say we test out this couch?” He looked down at you with a cheeky grin.

“I’d ask what if someone walks in, but this is our place.”

“Mhm, our place.” He leaned back down to keep kissing you. Before the kiss could go much further, the front door opened and Tom, Harry, and Tuwaine walked in. Harrison didn’t even move from his place on top of you as he shot a glare towards his friends.

“What? We miss you.” Tom pouted as Harry held up a football as a peace offering.

“So much for our place.” You laughed, getting up off the couch with Harrison. You’d definitely need to take that spare key back from Tom.

#harrison osterfield #harrison osterfield x you #harrison osterfield one shot #harrison osterfield imagine #harrison osterfield x reader #haz osterfield #harrison osterfield x y/n #harrison osterfield fluff

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faithbetryin · 4 years

Text

Five Hargreeves X Reader | 2

(from my Wattpad: @FaithBeLovly)

Part 2

Pairing: Five Hargreeves X Reader

Word Count: 2,781

You find yourself sitting in front of the tv, watching the news broadcast of what happened at the cafe yesterday. You try to see if any information was said about the boy who saved you- shoved you, mostly. And he spilled scorching hot coffee all over you, but... all in all, he took a bullet while you were just peachy. You bite your nails a bit in nervousness. Hope was still in your mind that he didn't bleed out or get shot again and die or something. You don't get any information from the news channel and turn it off, tossing the remote on the couch as you walk out the door dawning a yellow rain coat and a pair of doc martens.

You walk along the damp sidewalk, stepping in every puddle you pass by. You grind your teeth with stress as you see the cafe not too far down the street. As you come closer, you notice detectives and caution tape surrounding the scene. You figure that whoever was in that van got away. You walk up to the tape and then start to backtrack away from it as you think about your chances of being questioned by gritty detectives if you stuck around in the open. You go towards the back door where you escaped from and try to open it. It was locked. You step back and remember the boy's school jacket. You remember it having some sort of umbrella on the patch on his shirt. It didn't give you any ideas about who the boy was or how to check on him. You walk away from the scene, pulling your hood over your head as it starts to rain again.

You start to wonder if this was just a small miracle, being saved by someone you'd never get to say thank you to. These kinds of things happened all the time right? It was just a world with everyone living their own lives, doing things without reward or consequence. You found the whole situation brave. No boy her age would have that kind of reaction if they were getting shot at. Maybe you were just lucky. Wouldn't it be some shit if you ended up getting shot the next day anyway? The world's cruel like that. An umbrella picture against stained glass windowed doors catches your attention. You walk backwards until you're in front of a big brick building. It seemed eerie and quiet. You see a bronze plaque on the outside of the building. You walk up the short steps to the door and read it, the distressed words engraved on it reading: The Umbrella Academy. You scrunch your nose, not hearing of such a thing. You wonder what kind of thing they teach here. Maybe making umbrellas, I don't fucking know. You look up at the doors in front of you and decide to knock on it with the brass knock-handles built onto it. You wait there for a few long moments, wondering if this place was abandoned or something. It seemed quiet, and dark. To your surprise the door opens slightly. A small eyeball peeks through the crack, a warm elderly man's voice welcoming you. "Can I help you?" The voice says.

You sit there, feeling dumb for not being prepared with something to say. You ask stupidly, "Uh, yes. I-Is this a school? The Umbrella Academy?"

The voice sighs a little before replying, "I'm afraid it isn't anymore.."

"Oh.. Well do you know anyone who'd wear a uniform from this place or something? Maybe an old student?" The eyes peering out at you get a little bigger. You explain yourself further, "It's just that- I saw someone near here wearing this umbrella symbol on their jacket a-and they got shot trying to save me and I wanted to make sure he was okay." The eyes from within the shadows look down and then back up at you as the voice says through a sigh,

"Five..." The door opens more to reveal a shorter figure- well, a... a fucking monkey. You blink in confusion, but smile a bit to be respectful. He wore a nice formal suit and small little glasses upon his chimpanzee face. He held the door with one chimp hand, the other holding himself up with a wooden cane. He was quite cute actually. Weird, but cute. "I'm so sorry that happened. I'm sure you must be a friend of Five's." You shake your head a little with confusion.

"I'm sorry? Five, you said? Five what?" You were very lost. As per usual. The polite ape in front of you lifts his cane to direct you inside. You reluctantly enter, not even sure what this place is. She wonders if she'll leave looking like a monkey too.

"The young boy in culottes? Tall socks? Well dressed?" He says, starting to wonder if Five might've saved a stranger, which was unusual for him. You nod to him as you walk in, looking around. It was much bigger inside than it appeared from the outside. It had old floors, walls, and set of two staircases leading upstairs somewhere in front of you. The rugs decorating the creaky floor looked antique. You stand in the lobby area, unsure what to do.

"Yeah, that one."

"The name's Five." A voice echoes through the room as the same boy from yesterday was standing across the room with a coffee mug in hand. You were caught off guard. You felt like you were intruding. Your face gets hot with embarrassment. You pick at a loose thread on your jeans as you look at the boy's leg. He had a proper bandage around his leg, the wound appearing fine considering the way he's even standing now. The suited ape closes the door behind you and smiles at the two of you as he waddles away with his cane, leaving us to it. The boy-Five, takes a sip of whatever's in the yellow mug. "You were at the cafe, weren't you? Yeah, the one with a staring problem." You drop your head to look at your shoes as you are ripping at the seams with embarrassment. You take a deep breath of recovery and look back at him, your hands in your pockets to hide the way they were fidgeting. The boy smiles a bit and nods towards the room behind him, motioning that you should follow him. You reluctantly walk over to him and follow him into a large living room/bar area. The wall was decorated with expensive-looking paintings and head mounts of animals. Tall bookcases lined the room. You clear your throat and say nervously as you look around, "Private school much?" Five chuckles into his mug as he takes another sip.

"This isn't a school," he says, clearly enjoying talking to such a lesser knowledgeable individual by the way he smiled widely, his dimples appearing. You make a face. "It's my home." You take a silent breath as you look around with wide eyes. You then shake your head in even more embarrassment as you realize you're intruding his house.

"Sorry- I just thought that-"

"The Umbrella Academy," he says with a smile, lifting his mug as if the name was glorious. You realize it's sarcastic praise as he laughs at it afterwards. "Yeah no, this place was home to a brooding rich man who decided to raise 7 children he didn't have time or sympathy for. Although, we did study and go through lectures everyday growing up here." You try to process that whole story as you look at him.

"S-So you have seven siblings?" You start to wonder what they're like and try to imagine what they look like while examining Five.

"Adopted. And always scattered. Hardly in one place." Well there goes trying to imagine his siblings' appearances in comparison to him.

"Oh," You say, feeling overwhelmed with all this information. You shake your head and turn back to him, remembering what you came here to say to him. "I just came to say thanks..." Five lowers his mug down from his thin raspberry-tinted lips without taking a sip. You wait for his delayed response. He eyes you up and down with that serious furrowed eyebrow expression. He has his head tilted to the side a bit, his Adam's apple exposed along his long neck. His hair fell a bit from its swoosh as he tilted his head.

"Didn't need someone getting shot for my messes." he says, his voice serious yet... gentle and sincere. A silence drifts between the two of you as you hold your arm along your side, looking at his leg. He lowers his head a bit to match the way you kept yours low. He catches your eyes and says, "It's fine. I got it patched up." You nod, taking his reassurance as you start to look a little guilty. He sets his coffee mug down on the bar counter and starts walking past you, turning to look at you. "Come on, I have something you might want."

You look at him with uncertainty before nodding and following behind him. You gain some reassurance as he turned to wait for you to catch up to him at the bottom of the steps. He didn't want to leave you alone behind him. You walk up the staircase side by side, holding onto the railing to give your hand something to focus on.

"Why are you nervous?" He asks very calmly. His voice was consistently cool and collected just like his demeanor. Your eyes dart around the stairs underneath you as you try to think of what to say to that. How did he know I'm nervous? You clear your throat as quietly as you can as you reply shakily,

"A-Anxiety. Kind of my thing I guess..." Five looks at your avoiding face, his brows lowered in a concerned, but understanding way. He keeps walking up the steps.

"Sorry." He says softly. The way his voice left his lips felt like a gentle warm breeze along your ears made you feel warm inside. You shake your head and laugh to diffuse the tension.

"Nothing to be sorry about. It's just something that's wrong with me." As you both reach the top of the steps, he looks at you with his hands in his pockets.

"Not a flaw. A quality." He says, reassuring you once again. You stand there for a moment too long as he walks where he's leading you, leaving you there in your thoughts. You never had anyone say something so honest and constructive like that. You didn't have anyone, really. You realize he's started to walk off and follow behind him quickly. You walk down the hallway past many rooms with closed doors. There were interesting laminated posters with self defense moves printed on them taped along the walls, low to the ground as if they were intended for kids to see. You stand behind Five as he opens his room door. You stand at the doorway respectfully as he walks in and fetches something from his closet. Lots of books and papers decorated the room along with a ridiculous amount of mathematical writing across every inch of the walls. You didn't recognize a single equation.

He comes back to the doorway, holding out a scarf. My scarf. It was clean, the blood stripped from its fabric. You take it from his hands slowly, your hands barely touching as neither of you let go of the scarf. You look up to find Five's eyes of oceans focused on your face, almost as if they've been gazing at you this whole time. His brows weren't tense anymore while his eyes were gentle. You blush hard, lifting the scarf to your face to hide it. He lets go as you lift it and scratches the back of his head as he looks at the scarf instead of you.

"I thought you might want that back," he says, adjusting his tie. You giggle a little from behind the scarf and move it away as you say,

"It's not even mine." The both of you laugh a little as his eyes widen a bit, a smile on his face. You stole that scarf from a Walmart a few weeks ago. You look down again but then back up at him, feeling more comfortable looking directly at someone- at him. "Thank you anyway." He nods and leans against the door frame, his hands in his pockets again. Must be a habit.

"So your name is...?"

"Y/N," you say quickly, just realizing you never introduced yourself back to him. "Sorry, I didn't mean to keep you on the edge of your seat to find out," you say, somewhat playfully flirting with him. His dimples jump out at you as he gives you a toothy grin. He scoffs with a slight chuckle.

"You do know you don't have to keep apologizing for everything." He says, his brows raised as he knows he got you there, proving it to him as you blush.

"Sorry-Agh fuck,"

"You did it again."

"I know, I know-" The both of you laugh, his actual laugh very pleasing to listen to. You shake your head and your smile starts to fade. He takes notice as he's now doing that thing where he lowers his head to your eye level and then lifts back up to encourage you to tell him what's wrong. "What was that...?" You ask, "At the cafe?" His smile quickly fades, his expression now that solemn, brooding look.

"Well, I've got a bit of trouble following me around lately." He scratches the back of his head. "Bunch of commission goons here to kill me." Your face immediately turns into concern and confusion.

"Kill you?! So they're gonna be back?"

"Yep," he sighs, lifting up on his toes and then falling back onto his heels. "And they're probably going to be coming after you now." You give him an even more concerned look.

"Me?? Wh- I don't even know what you're talking about! We gotta call the cops or something-"

"Cops are useless and very insignificant to this particular problem." He says. You shake your head and put your face into the scarf, your anxiety kicking up a notch. It feels like a slimy snake trickling up your throat, building pressure in your body. You try to keep it down and breathe heavily into the scarf. He shifts a little as he realizes what's going on with you, moving closer to you. He pulls your hands and scarf down from your face, looking at you. You feel exposed and vulnerable. He holds your arms and shakes them a bit to get you to pay attention.

"Listen to me," You continue to breathe more frequently, your hands shaking a bit. "No one's gonna kill you. You can stay here, I can protect you-"

"Protect me? I can't-"

"Listen, listen- I can. I can protect you. You just gotta calm down for me, alright?" He looks into your eyes, his grip on your arms becoming a little tighter to let you know he's got you. Your eyes dart back and forth across his face before closing, your head nodding quickly as you struggle to breathe regularly. He then puts his hands behind your ears, holding you gently as he tries to get you to focus.

"Breathe, take a deep breath. Come on, breathe." You nod to him to let him know you're trying as you close your eyes and take deep breaths, the break in between breaths letting your nerves calm down, your breathing becoming normal again. "There," he says, his thumb stroking the side of your face. You open your eyes, looking into his eyes. He was so close to you now, your faces inches away from each other. You feel your body relax, your head resting against his hands. You feel the tension between you both, the moment making your heart beat louder in your chest.

"Five has a girlfriend! And she's real! In the flesh!" a voice shrieks from behind them. Five immediately lets go of you and furrows his brows, his face showing complete agitated rage and annoyance. A lanky man in tight, suggestive hippy clothing watches you from the end of the hall.

"KLAUS, you are INCREDIBLY infuriating!" Five shouts as he warps through a bright blue light, disappearing from in front of you and appearing down the hallway after his brother, Klaus screaming and laughing as he makes a break for it. "I swear, I will kill you, you idiot!" You smile a little, feeling closer to the boy in culottes.

#five hargreeves imagines #five hargreeves #five #five hargreeves x reader #hargreeves #hargreeves x reader #tua x reader #five x reader #the boy #five x you #tua #the umbrella academy #umbrella academy #number5 #umbrella academy x reader #umbrella academy imagines #fanfic #fan fiction

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the-cult-of-russo · 3 years

Text

Push and Pull (Part 15)

Pairing: Matt Murdock x OC

Warnings: cursing, smut

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It was bright and early when Daphne woke up the next morning. She had things to do and no time to waste. The sun was shining through her window, the weather finally starting to get warmer. She put on some leggings with a tank top and then her zip up hoodie over it. She groaned at her hair in the mirror as she dragged her brush through the unruly locks. So many times she considered cutting it so it wasn't so much work, but she knew she'd regret it. Instead, she settled on tossing it up into a high pony and ignoring it. Her trusty backpack was slung around her shoulder and she hopped around as she put her vans on before leaving the apartment.

She squinted slightly at the light once she got out of the building but it didn't deter her. First stop. Coffee. One large latte to go later, she was on her way to see Brett to find out what news he might have. She tossed her now empty cup in the trash can beside the station before she jogged up the steps and inside. She never checked in with the desk, she was a ghost when she was here. That's how it worked. It wasn't such a secret anymore than she was on Brett's payroll which left her to come and go as she pleased, but officially, she was never there. When she walked into the office area, Brett was sitting at his desk just like the day before. He looked like he hadn't even gone home.

"You look like shit," she mused teasingly, putting down the other coffee she'd gotten for him. His eyes lit up at the sight of it and he gave her a tired smile.

"You're an angel," he muttered with a long pull from his drink as she sat down. The coffee at the precinct was the worst and never really did its job.

"Any news yet?" She tried to hide the impatience in her voice but she wasn't sure she succeeded.

"Actually, we do have something. Not quite sure the full details yet though," he murmured. She looked at him expectantly.

"The people we rescued, their fingertips were burnt right off just like the last time. We can't identify most of 'em until they're fully coherent. But they're doing alright. I just can't believe the Chinese were at it again right under our goddamn noses," he fumed, taking another slurp of his coffee.

"I'm not surprised. They probably picked it back up when the heat turned off them again," she sighed. She hoped that once the victims were in a better state they'd be able to get names from them. Some of them might have family that were looking for them.

"Anything from the device?" She asked hopefully

"Yeah, actually. The Chinese requested the meet. They were pretty vague about a lot of shit but they kept saying something about the Italians having a weapon and they wanted to use it. Seemed to be brokering a deal about it. I got no idea what the hell this weapon is, but the Chinese really fucking want it and the Italians already have it. And that makes me nervous as shit," he frowned.

It made her nervous too. What did the Italians have that the Chinese couldn't get for themselves? And why did they want it?

"Well that's unsettling," she huffed with a shake of her head.

"Tell me about it. Good news though, that device you planted must be well hidden. It’s still live and active," he flashed her a grin and she smiled herself as she gave herself a mental pat on the back.

"Do you think it'll be useful?" She inquired.

"No telling yet. I mean mostly it'll be the kitchen staff but it might pick up something. Any other meets we might not be aware of or anyone saying something. Even something small can lead to something big, right?" He smirked, practically quoting her. It made her chuckle.

"At least that's something. If we can figure out what weapon the Italians have we can figure out how bad this all is," she said softly. It made her nervous and she had a feeling things would get messy soon in Hell's Kitchen.

"Here's hoping. There ain't much for you to do with the case right now but I'll let you know when we get any more information. It's just a waiting game now," he replied.

"Ah, my favourite," she smirked sarcastically, causing him to snort. She wasn't known for having patience. She liked answers and she liked them immediately. But in this case, playing the long game would be the only option to getting to the bottom of it all.

She bid her goodbyes to him not long after that before making her way back out into the sunshine. Now it was her next pit stop. A short cab ride later and she was at a very fancy luxurious home. It was more like a mansion and was three stories high. It looked like it was right out of a movie with one of those grand entrances and a water feature out front. She was well out of place as dressed down as she was but she knocked on the door anyway. She wasn't even surprised when a butler answered the door.

"Can I help you, miss?" The older man asked softly. His black and white uniform was crisp and clean and it put her own rumpled clothes to shame.

"I'm here to see Mrs Grimes. I'm Daphne Weaver," she replied awkwardly.

"One moment please," he shut the door and she quirked her brow at how formal all this was. This better pay well. Suddenly the door opened again and he smiled at her.

"This way please. She's been hoping you'd come," he seemed a little friendlier now. Maybe it was because his boss wanted her here so he wasn't all suspicious of what she wanted. Either way, she followed him inside. He led her up the huge ass staircase, the kind that split off at the middle. Everything looked like it cost a million dollars, from the art to all the rare looking things in cabinets. She didn't even feel worthy enough to touch the banister so she kept her hands in her hoodie pocket.

The carpet was lush and a deep purple colour and she found her eyes wandering the hallway they walked down. How many rooms does someone need? No wonder she had staff, upkeep on this place would be a ball ache. They reached a room far down the left and he knocked on the heavy looking mahogany door.

"Enter," a female voice rang out. It was slightly accented but she couldn't place it. Jeeves opened the door and gestured for her to go inside. She glanced around the room curiously as she walked in. It was a living area with a grand fire. Heavy bookcases lined the walls of the room and were filled with what looked to be antique books that Daphne found herself wanting to look at. There was a giant fur rug in front of the fireplace with velvet looking sofas set in front of it.

That's where Mrs Grimes was sitting, looking perfectly in place for where she was. She was wearing a long black dress, heels bigger than anything Daphne could ever walk in. Her greying blonde hair was neatly coiffed and pinned up and she was dripping in diamonds. Jesus.

"Pleasure to meet you Ms Weaver, please sit," she smiled warmly at her, gesturing to the other sofa. Daphne was half worried her vans would dirty the goddamn carpet as she padded over and plonked down. Despite it being completely over the top and not really her taste, she did appreciate however how clean and neat everything was kept. A place like this could easily fall into being cluttered and dusty but it was pristine. She supposed the staff were to thank for that. Mrs Grimes' nails were so long she doubted she could do much cleaning herself. Daphne wasn't sure how she didn't accidentally gauge her own eyes out.

"Would you like something to drink?" She asked politely. Jeeves was still hovering near the door no doubt waiting for his command. She was tempted to say yes to see what kind of beverages the other side drank, but she didn't want to stay long.

"Uh… no thank you. I'm fine," she replied with an awkward smile.

"Very well. Hammond, leave us," she dismissed the man at the door. He gave a dramatic nod before he left and shut the door behind him. She idly wondered if he ever wanted to punch his bosses when they commanded him to do things like that. She'd never be able to hold a job like that down.

"I'm glad you came, I was worried you wouldn't," the older woman started, elegantly crossing one leg over the other.

"A job's a job," Daphne snorted lightly, her hands still stuffed in her pockets lest she touch something and ruin it. Mrs Grimes gave her a tense smile, looking like it was difficult to be polite. Maybe she wasn't used to the lower class being in her home.

"Indeed it is. Will you take the case?" She asked hopefully.

"Yeah, I'll be able to do it. As I tell all my clients, I don't give out time frames. I never know how long it'll take me to find what I need or what roadblocks might come up. I don't appreciate impatience and it doesn't make me work any faster," she said firmly. Establishing boundaries was the first thing she liked to do. It was important. Especially with the wealthy ones as in her experience they tended to be the impatient ones with their self importance.

"Very well. I accept your terms. And please, whatever you find, do tell me," she implored. Daphne nodded, she always did no matter how shitty the information she'd gained was. Mrs Grimes stood, walking somehow with grace and ease in those monster heels as she walked over to a cupboard near the wall. She opened a drawer and came back with some paper.

"Me and my husband used to be very much in love. And I'm afraid now that I'm older he's decided to find other companions. Call me paranoid but I'm sure you understand when to look into a gut feeling," she mused as she walked back over and sat down. Daphne nodded again. Her gut was rarely wrong and it was telling her that Mrs Grimes was right.

"I want confirmation. I want to know who with and how deep it runs. If it's just physical or something more. I want to prepare myself should he try to divorce me and take what I have. I need proof," she stated seriously. Daphne's eyes subconsciously swept across the room and all the fancy things in it.

"I know what you're thinking. And I was the one with money, not him. He makes a decent amount with his job but I was born with money. This house was passed through my family for generations. Everything in it I bought. But over the years I've had my eyes opened to how greedy my husband can be. I cannot trust if we separate that he won't try to take everything from me," she sounded bitter and Daphne wasn't surprised. They definitely sounded like they had issues and once trust was gone in a relationship, everything else had no foundation to stand on. It wouldn't last. She commended the woman for thinking ahead to make sure she was protected if it came down to it. This kind of bullshit was why relationships were too much work.

"I'll find out what I can. I'll be honest, some of my methods aren't quite… legal. But it gets the job done," Daphne muttered. Things like breaking and entering were definitely illegal and then there was hacking if she ever needed to do it, which in this case might prove useful.

"Good," Mrs Grimes smirked at her. She found herself smirking back at her. The rich typically didn't care too much about how she got the information, just that she got it. Mrs Grimes reached down to her Gucci purse, setting it on her lap and she grabbed something out of it. It was her wallet and Daphne was curious what her offer would be. She hadn't spoken to her about price points yet and when it came to her wealthier clients she made a point of waiting to see what their offer would be first. Usually she’d haggle a little just because she could. They'd have the money and they wanted the information.

She watched with a keen eye as Mrs Grimes took a chunk of money out and handed it to her. A quick count told her it was $1000 and it took effort for her eyes to not bulge out as she kept a cool calm facade.

"That's the deposit. You'll get the rest when the work is complete. Another $1000. I may give you more depending on just how much you find out," she drawled. So she wouldn't need to haggle then, this price was insane and way more than what the job would entail, but like fuck she would tell her that. She also appreciated the incentive. She liked a challenge, something to work towards. The more she found out then the more she'd get paid.

"Sounds good to me. I'll get started in the next few days," she replied, keeping her calm demeanour and not acting like she was thinking of what she would spend her money on once she got it all. She carefully stuffed it in her backpack before zipping it back up. She almost jumped when the older woman dinged a bell beside the table and it took all of her willpower not to roll her eyes as the butler walked in.

"Yes, Mrs Grimes?" He enquired politely.

"Please see Ms Weaver out. Have one of our drivers drop her off to wherever she needs to go," she commanded softly. Part of her wanted to protest but the other wanted to pretend she lived the fancy life, even if just for a moment.

They both stood and Mrs Grimes took her hand in one of those fancy people hand shakes that were flimsy and light.

"It was a pleasure, Ms Weaver. I hope to hear from you soon," she smiled.

"Likewise," she replied, not really knowing what to say. No matter how many well off clients she saw she always felt weird and out of place interacting with them. She followed Jeeves out the hall and down the large stairs case. He stopped when he got by the front door and picked up a phone that was attached to the wall. She stood there looking around as the man spoke in hushed tones down the receiver before hanging up and then opening the grand front door.

"Have a lovely day, Ms Weaver," he bowed politely.

"Uh… you too," she murmured as she stepped outside.

The door shut with a clang behind her and she was suddenly on her own outside. It didn't last long though as a large black car pulled up right at the entryway.

"Ms Weaver?" A man called out after rolling the window down. She nodded and walked over. She was getting sick of being called that name. The man hopped out, jogging over to the back of the car and opening the door for her. This really was fancy service. She gave him an uncomfortable smile, not used to this level of service from anyone. It felt wrong almost. But she slipped inside and settled in the ridiculously comfy car seats.

"Where to, Miss?" The man asked once he was situated behind the wheel again.

"Um… Fogwell's gym please," she murmured in response. He punched in something on the phone he was using with the GPS and then he took off. There was a reason she was dressed the way she was after all. She didn't want to think of Matt being a weird asshole the day before. As much as part of her considered not going, she really needed to train and she knew he would be there. She was too stubborn to let Matt's weird PMSing get in the way of her learning to defend herself properly.

The drive was uncomfortably silent and she clutched her backpack on her knees. She wondered what it was like to live this life full time. She was a bitch but she didn't feel right with commanding people to do shit, even if she was paying them. It just felt off to her. Before long, the car pulled up in front of the gym. She almost felt like she should pay him or something, totally not used to this kind of exchange. As she unbuckled her seat belt, the man got out and ran around to her door. He opened it and she slipped out, swinging her bag over her shoulder. She noticed the apprehensive look on his face as he looked at the rundown gym.

"Are you sure, Miss?" He asked quietly, like he was asking her to blink twice if she needed help. She almost snorted but gave him a polite smile. She guessed his boss wasn't used to being around places like this. She appreciated his sentiments all the same though.

"I'm sure," she said softly. He nodded, still looking unhappy about it but there was nothing he could do. With a nod, he was back in the car and taking off by the time she walked through the door.

She was quiet and heard loud grunting and the hits of a punching bag. As she came into view, she saw Matt beating the holy hell out of the bag. His fists were flying, grunts and pants leaving his lips with the flurry of punches. The graceful savagery was what always intrigued her about him. But then typically he'd open his mouth and ruin it. He hadn't seemed to notice her yet once again which honestly was perturbing since anyone could come in here and sneak up on him like that. She walked over to the bench, setting her backpack down with a thud. The grunts and punches stopped instantly and the only sound that echoed in the gym was Matts heavy breathing.

"Didn't think you'd show," he said carelessly.

"I wasn't sure either honestly. But I need to train, even if I do have to put up with your bitch ass," she muttered as she started wrapping her hands. He scoffed as he came over, grabbing his water bottle and drinking a large pull from it. He tossed the bottle down again as he made his way to the ring.

"Alright, come on then," he demanded.

"What? I don't get to warm up first?" She asked skeptically with a raised brow. He snorted coldly and shook his head.

"You wanna know how to defend yourself for real, there is no warming up. When you're out there in a situation like this, you don't get that luxury," he retorted. She rolled her eyes but honestly couldn't argue with sound logic.

Instead, she bit her tongue as she put on the gloves and climbed inside of the ring. Matt cracked his neck and rolled his shoulders as they squared off with one another.

"Let's go," he smirked devilishly. He lunged at her but she moved just in time, twirling around as they practically traded places. They started trading blows, although his were very clearly intended not to hurt her, and she was pleased she got some good jabs in. She didn't slow down or stop this time when he deflected or managed a light shot to her side. She just came back twice as hard. She was proud of herself. Her heart was thumping away from the adrenaline and the exertion of the sparring after a while and she leaned against the ropes as they both caught their breath.

"You did good. You're getting better," he sounded reluctant to give her the praise and she rolled her eyes a little at him.

"I want you to teach me how to get out of the hold from last time," she said firmly. His head turned to her then, his hazel eyes not quite landing directly at her as he narrowed them.

"Daphne, I don't think-" he started, only to be promptly cut off.

"It's fine. I need to learn and I'll get over it. I think I'll be fine this time," she urged. She meant it too. She still had lingering effects of her attack but she was feeling a little better recently. And after her and Matt's partially regrettable night together, she hadn't had a nightmare for the first night since it happened. She knew the sex had helped. Whenever she needed to feel better and clear her head, she would have sex. It's why her sister was so worried it would become a crux for her. Her sex with Matt had done wonders for her stress and anxiety over the whole thing so she felt like now was the perfect time to try to learn it.

He was quiet for a moment before heaving a heavy sigh. He yanked his gloves off and tossed them out of the ring and she followed suit before he changed his mind. Climbing to the floor, she lay on her back and bent her knees just like the last time. As he knelt down between her legs, it was hard not to think of the night they shared together and how similar it was.

"Ready?" He asked reluctantly. She gave him a firm nod he couldn't see but could sense and he brought his hands to her throat. Once again, he applied very little pressure but she lay perfectly still. Her heart wasn't hammering like crazy, she wasn't seeing Keiran hovering over her. She was fine. Matt stayed still as he did his head tilt thing and it took her a moment to realise he was listening to her heartbeat to check if she was okay or not. It was kind of creepy but she let it go.

He talked her through the steps of how to get out of that kind of hold. One at a time he'd tell her what to do and correct her if she got it wrong as they did a slow mo version one part at a time to ensure she knew each step. It was more complicated than the last one but after a few step by step tries she thought she had a good idea on what to do. Now it was time to get out of it for real.

"3, 2 ,1," he counted, preparing her somewhat so she didn't lose her shit like last time. This time he applied some pressure around her throat but it was still practically nothing. She felt his weight bearing down on her and she grabbed his right forearm with her left and then used her right hand to grip his left shoulder in a cross grip. Using her left foot, she pushed off his hip, pivoting her pelvis to the right so he was no longer directly above her. She hooked her right leg high up on his back, right under his armpit and she kept a firm grip on him as her left leg moved to wrap around his shoulder too, locking it onto her other. She grabbed his wrist, the one that was in her grip that was now at her mercy on her chest. She knew if she thrust her pelvis upwards sharply she would break his arm at his elbow.

It had happened so fast but she caught herself before completing the maneuver and felt pleased with herself. She let go of his arm and rolled them over so he was now under her. They were both panting and she laughed lightly, feeling good she actually did it. She was a little sweaty and she looked down at where he lay under her. His brow had a slight sheen to his and his hair was doing that thing where it went every which way. His eyes were wandering as he caught his breath with a grin. She wasn't the only one enjoying their session it seemed.

She felt his hands glide up her thighs that were around him and she'd be a liar if she said it didn't make her tingle. His unseeing eyes were burning into her, pupils blown wide. She went to move off him but he held her in place, only now she was hovering right in front of his face. One of his hands rested on the base of her neck and he pulled her down a little. She stayed still though and resisted as her lips were a breath away from his.

"We're not on the same page, remember?" She teased him, enjoying seeing him this worked up. She squeaked when her back hit the mat when he rolled them over quickly. She hadn't expected it.

"I'm over it," he smirked devilishly at her before his lips collided with hers.

She should have really stopped to think about it. To assess the validity of his words. But sex with Matt was something else and it made her feel amazing. All her stress and worries melted away last time. And although she knew going down that rabbit hole wasn't good with her past of sometimes becoming dependant on sex for her own mental well being, she couldn't really help herself. She blamed Matt for being insufferable and ridiculously attractive. The kiss was rough and demanding and she gave into him, moaning as he pushed himself against her through the thin fabric of their pants. He knelt up, tugging at his vest and lifting it over his head. Something dawned on her then.

"We're gonna do this here? What if someone walks in?" She snorted amused. She wasn’t one to shy away from sex in weird places but she didn't want some old dude walking in and getting a free show. He tossed his vest on the floor as he chuckled, jumping to his feet and climbing out the ring. She sat up, watching him curiously as he went and locked the door from the inside. She couldn't take her eyes off him as he prowled back to her though. The predatory grace he held, the way his sculpted body moved. In her needy and horny haze she found herself impatient for him to return and she felt like he was taking his time to tease her if his smirk was anything to go by. She pulled her shirt off and then her bra, tossing them in a heap beside them as Matt toed off his shoes.

He knelt back down then, his hands curling her ankles and yanking them lightly. Her back hit the mat with a light thud and she looked up at him shocked before laughing. With a wicked grin, he pulled her leggings and panties off together but painfully slow and her desire was increasing with every second he made her wait for it. She wouldn't beg though. She sat back up, tugging at his shorts and he bent down, kissing her roughly as she yanked them down with his boxers. She fisted him tightly and he moaned into her mouth, causing her to smirk into the kiss. Letting go, she pulled the shorts and boxers all the way off him before pushing him onto his back.

It was his turn to look mildly shocked and she climbed on top of him, her slick heat trapping his cock against his belly. His eyes were darting around her face and she leant forward, catching his lower lip with her teeth. He let out a long groan, arching up at her as she tugged it before letting it go with a pop. She sat up, pushing up on her knees before she gripped him and lined herself up. Without a word she sank down onto him and the pair moaned in relief. It was instant for her, that feeling of him filling her up like that. Knowing her release would come soon. She rested her hands on his firm chest for leverage as she started moving her hips. His hands felt like they were all over her body at once. Not soft or sweet, but firm and demanding and he took in every detail of her body.

The gym was filled with moans and gasps as she rode him hard, her anger at his behaviour and the thrill of fighting with him fuelling her pleasure. She almost found it ironic that they were fucking in a boxing ring with how often they fought. He pulled her down roughly, lips smashing against hers as he ravaged her mouth. She felt that euphoric feeling getting closer, her whole body tingling in anticipation. She got faster and harder, chasing the release she was after like her life depended on it.

"Don't stop," Matt groaned against her lips, one hand gripping the back of her neck while the other was on her ass, fingers digging into her flesh. She had no plan on stopping though. Not when she was this close. She kept up the pace and then she moaned loudly, her body tensing lightly as she clamped down around him.

He let out the hottest fucking noise she’d ever heard a human make and it only heightened her own pleasure as she rode the waves of her orgasm. He was clinging onto her tightly, rutting up into her as he panted and then groaned, spilling himself inside of her. He relaxed instantly. Hands falling to his sides. She sat there on top of him as she tried to catch her breath. Her cheeks were flushed and her hair had started falling out of her ponytail. She was thoroughly fucked and in the best way. That beautiful feeling was coursing through her veins as she let the hormones and endorphins flow though her.

She climbed off him carefully before standing up and stretching.

"I'm gonna hit the shower," she hummed sounding blissful as she scooped up her clothes. She walked completely naked to the showers and got herself cleaned up and presentable. She didn't regret it, it was amazing and she felt good now. And from the sounds he made, he enjoyed himself too. She just hoped he meant it when he said they were on the same page.

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

Matt stood in his own shower in the men’s changing rooms as he let the cold water pelt him. His brain was a fried mess and he leaned against the cool tiles as he tried to just think clearly. He wasn't sure why he'd done it again, not after last time. He couldn’t really say what had bothered him about the fact she left last time. He'd gotten out of the shower and went to his room and she was just gone. No words, no note, nothing. He knew it had been purely physical, they could barely tolerate each other. He wasn't stupid enough to think too deeply into it. Yet it left him feeling strangely hollow when she’d just left him like that.

And then when he had turned up to work, Foggy had been acting weird. After some pressure he'd told Matt about his conversation with Daphne. Matt was pretty sure he hadn't gotten the whole story from him but the gist of her saying it was just sex was clear. And he'd told Foggy she was right. It was a one time thing because of all their pent up anger and the adrenaline from the night they'd had. He told his best friend to stop thinking about it. Yet he hadn't been able to do the same. He'd ended up texting her using Foggy's phone to see if she would be home and then he went to see her. No rhyme or reason or idea why he was going there. All he knew was that it bothered him.

It wasn't like he’d never had casual sex before, although he couldn't say it happened much the last few years. And his inability to understand why he was feeling the way he was led to them fighting again. Because she was right. But he hadn't been able to let it go. So when he left, he told himself it wouldn't happen again. She was trouble and being around her wore him out. It wasn't worth it. So how did he end up here again? Oh that's right, apparently he'd turned into a horny teenager again. A bit of sparring, feeling her body against his and sensing how happy she was in the ring really fucked his hormones over. And now here he was again. Only this time it was his own fault. She’d actually turned him down and he'd been the one to push. He couldn't say he regretted it either. It was the best damn sex he’d ever had and it left him feeling more chilled out than he felt in a long time. He'd keep his mouth shut this time and not act like a teenage girl about it. He dug himself into this hole and now he had to climb his own way out.

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

Daphne towel dried her hair as much as she could and it left it wavy. She scooped it up in a messy bun on top of her head, a few stands framing her face. The euphoric feeling she got after sex was easing but she still felt calm and settled. It was nice, she didn't get to experience it that much anymore. She really didn't want to have to face Matt, not knowing if he'd throw a tantrum like last time. She didn't want him to read into it again or act all weird about it. It really killed the vibe and ruined her good mood. She'd tried to stop it from happening, not wanting to deal with that again, but she hadn't been able to help herself when he'd wanted her so clearly. There was something addictive about it. But now she felt dread settle into her bones as she thought about how he would react.

She took her sweet time getting dried and dressed simply to buy herself some time. But eventually she was done and she had to leave the changing room. As she walked out into the main part of the gym, Matt was sitting on the bench tying his laces.

"Ready?" He asked softly. No awkward questions, no anger in his voice. Maybe he was on the same page now after all. She felt relief sweep through her, allowing her to enjoy the calmness that she'd been left with after their time together.

"Yeah," she replied, grabbing her backpack and putting it over her shoulder.

Matt grabbed his cane where it was leaning against the wall. He was now wearing a hoodie too and he grabbed his glasses out of the pocket as he slid them onto his face. She wondered if he ever got sick of having to act blind. He was blind but not like the average blind person. He didn't really need the stick and she'd seen him 'bumping' into things like he hadn't known they were there before. When they stepped out into the sunshine, she winced and squeezed her eyes shut.

"Jesus christ! I think I've joined the blind club," she grumbled, rubbing her poor eyes. The sun just burnt the shit out of her retinas. He let out a surprised laugh, the door shutting behind them.

"Here," he grinned. She cracked a wary eye open, seeing him holding out his glasses to her, but she didn't take them.

"It's not like I need them,” he teased. It helped. She felt a little better. She slid them onto her face and her eyeballs thanked her immediately. They started walking down the street together and she glanced into a window as they walked by, looking at her reflection. She snorted at herself. Her hair, despite being recently washed and put up, was a wavy mess. Her cheeks were still rosy pink and the glasses looked weird on her face.

"They suit you," he mused playfully. She shoved him lightly, causing him to laugh when an older woman gasped at her actions.

"Assaulting a blind man in public? It's like you want to get arrested," he smirked.

"Yeah well, Foggy will be my lawyer so I'll be good," she quipped back with a grin. Now they were on the same page they seemed to be amicable after venting their frustration on each other.

"You really think my best friend would take your side over mine?" He asked, faking being hurt as he held his hand over his heart. She stopped walking and he did the same as she looked at him.

"I hate to say it but I think he prefers me now. Not that I can blame him. You are a bit of an asshole," she grinned mischievously. He gaped at her before his hand darted out and went to grab the glasses. She squeaked, holding them in place as he tried to steal them from her face.

"You don't deserve my glasses," he snorted.

"Come on! I need my eyes, I'm not like you!" She whined pitifully.

"And what's this?! My two favourite people, getting along nicely? Is the world ending?" A dramatic voice sounded from next to them. Both she and Matt stilled completely in a comical way before they took a step away from each other. Both of them looked caught out as they looked at a very smug Foggy.

"This is great! Better than great! I love this," he beamed like a kid on Christmas. Daphne groaned and glared at him from the glasses still perched on her face.

"Foggy, I swear! You want us to not kill each other when we're in the same room? Don't make a big deal about it when it happens," she huffed.

"It is a big deal. You're both laughing and smiling together. This is huge. It's like a rare solar event or something," he defended.

She resisted the urge to throttle him as Matt rubbed his temples.

"Foggy," Matt warned lightly.

"Okay! I get it, I'm making it weird. This whole thing is new to you both and I'm just making it awkward," he soothed, holding his hands up in surrender.

"There is no 'thing'. We can't just actually have a moment where we get on with each other before you start trying to marry us off again?" She whined.

"Marry us off? What?" Matt asked quickly, his head whipping to his friend. She snorted as Foggy's cheeks went a little pink and he shot her a glare

"Oh, he didn't tell you he's the captain of ship Maphne?" She laughed loudly. She didn't care if Matt knew. It was ridiculous to her and she was getting payback on Foggy for being a little shit.

"Maphne? Do I even wanna know?" Matt asked exasperated. Foggy shot her another look before standing up straighter.

"You know what, Daph, mock me all you want but this is the hill I'm choosing to die on," he pointed at her. Matt still stood there unsure of what they were even talking about. She opened her mouth for another retort that would no doubt embarrass Foggy further and also maybe make Matt uncomfortable which was a bonus, but Foggy beat her to it.

"Anyway! I'm glad I caught you two, I have great news!" He beamed excitedly. She quirked her brows perplexed as he led them to a table outside of the cafe nearby. The three of them sat around it, Matt and Daphne watching their friend expectantly.

"I finally asked Karen on a date!" He practically squealed. A splitting grin graced Daphne's face, unable not to be happy for him. During their many talks, he'd spoken about his feelings for the blonde and Daphne had always told him to go for it.

"Aw, Foggy! You're growing up, I'm so proud!" She cooed, reaching over and pinching his cheek. He was so happy he just let her.

"That's awesome, man. I'm happy for you," Matt smiled sincerely.

"I know, it's great right? I just finally bit the bullet. I just decided I need to stop being such a baby about it," he explained. He had a weird look on his face though, the same one that usually told her something going on.

"What is it?" Both she and Matt asked at the same time, him clearly picking up on Foggy's weirdness in his own way.

Foggy raised a brow at them both being in sync and she made a point to not even look at Matt so Foggy wouldn't go off on his Maphne tirade again.

"Well… I just… I panicked, okay? I set it all up and she knew I wanted to ask her something. But then I'm like, what if she says no? I mean it's just gonna be me and Karen. Alone. On a date," he uttered looking like a deer in the headlights.

"That's kinda the point, Foggy," Matt teased.

"I know it is. And I couldn't back out because she was just watching me, waiting for what I wanted to ask. I honestly felt like I was about to have a heart attack and I may have asked her on a date but told her it was a double date with you guys," he blurted, barely taking a breath as he did.

Daphne blinked at him for a moment as her brain tried to digest his words.

"You did what?" Matt asked incredulously. Foggy made a pitiful noise and she took Matt’s glasses off and set them in the middle of the table, giving Foggy a look.

"A double date? Implying that me and Matt are actually also going to be on a date. Do you see the flaw in that plan?" She asked slowly, like she was talking to a child about why playing with matches was bad.

"I know! Like I said, I panicked and that's just the first thing that came out of my mouth!" Foggy defended with a sigh.

"And Karen actually bought that?" Matt scoffed, gesturing with his hand to him and then Daphne.

"You're kidding right? She's all aboard this ship, she was actually excited about it," Foggy smirked. She kicked him under the table and he groaned. Matt's jaw ticked as he glared in his best friend's direction.

"This isn't a joke, Fogg. All the shit you give me for keeping my secret from her and you're just lying right to her face about this?" Matt frowned.

"That's completely different. Your secret is dangerous. This one isn't. For all she knows it's your first date too and after that it just didn't work out. Besides, it's not like you're not getting it on with each other, would it really be that hard to just pretend to be on one date?" He pleaded, looking from her to Matt.

"Yes," they both answered again.

"Please? I really need this. If I tell her you're not going she might cancel too. You two are like a buffer, help set the scene and put her at ease. I really like her, guys. I don't want to mess things up," he begged.

"Foggy-" Matt started sternly, only to be cut off by Daphne.

"Fine. But you're paying for dinner," she relented.

Foggy smiled the widest grin she'd ever seen on a human and Matt turned to glare at her.

"You've got to be kidding me," he scoffed incredulously.

"What? Didn't you hear him? He's our friend, Matt. Let's just do this for him. Besides, free dinner," she shrugged. Matt looked pissed and honestly it was a reward she hadn't expected. She'd almost forgotten how nice it felt to push his buttons.

"This is ridiculous. You really think she's not gonna notice we can't stand each other once she's sat at a table with us for a while?" Matt glowered. He had a point but they could just try to be civil for Foggy's sake.

"You know what, Matt, I really hate to play this card but you left me no choice. You lied to me for the longest time and now I have to keep your secret. I already have to start a potential relationship with lies for you. Can't you just do this one thing for me? I never ask you for anything," Foggy muttered with a frown.

A sly grin spread on her face at how underhand it was of Foggy. She almost felt like a proud parent as she watched a million emotions pass over Matt's face before defeat was all that was left.

"Fine. But don't say I didn't want you when this all blows up in your face. And you're paying for my dinner too," he huffed. Foggy looked more than pleased with himself.

"Thank you! You guys are awesome. I'll even pay for your drinks if you actually try and act like you like each other and not make it awkward," he shot them both a toothy grin.

"Hey, let me drink as much as I want and I'll make it really look like we're on a date," she smirked devilishly, a wiggle of her eyebrows and Foggy burst out laughing.

"Jesus christ," Matt muttered quietly with a shake of his head.

"Deal," Foggy nodded firmly, "tonight at 8. It's the Mexican place near the firm," he instructed before he stood.

"Alright. I'm heading out, you coming with, Matt?" He asked, shooting his annoyed friend a look.

"Yeah. You go on, I'll catch up in a sec," he bit out. Foggy gave her a look and a smirk before he started walking away.

"Really?" Matt glared at her, swiping his glasses from the table and shoving them onto his face.

"What? Free food and as much booze as we want? Plus doing your best friend a solid? I know you're an asshole, Matt, but I thought you weren't that much of an asshole," she quipped dryly. He clamped his mouth shut, jaw tense as he pursed his lips.

"Fine," he stood up abruptly, gripping his cane before holding it in front of him.

"You're doing this for Foggy. Don't fuck it up for him just because you've got a stick up your ass," she huffed as she stood up too.

He shot her what she presumed was a dirty look behind his glasses before he started walking away, his cane swinging in front of him. His irritation about the situation only made her want to do it more. It was his own fault really for acting like such a bitch about the whole thing. He was asking for her to make it worse for him. She started walking home as a plan formed in her mind. She'd get nice food and decent booze and she'd get to piss Matt off in a setting he had to behave in. She was actually looking forward to it.

As soon as she got home, she called their firm, knowing Karen would be the one to answer.

"Nelson and Murdock, Karen speaking," came the voice down the phone. Daphne trapped the phone to her ear with her shoulder as she tugged off her hoodie and tossed it in the laundry basket.

"Hey Karen, it's Daphne," she said casually.

"Oh! Hi!" She sounded genuinely happy to speak to her and she wondered why she'd never bothered to speak to Karen more since she was so close to Foggy and Matt.

"I know this is weird, we haven't really spoken much. But I wanted to ask a favour since we're going on a double date," she said carefully, flopping onto her sofa.

"Sure, what is it?"

"Don't tell the guys, it's kind of weird for me. It's just… this is mine and Matt's first date too and it's been so long. I was wondering if you'd help me get ready for the date? I wanna look really good. I mean I know he can't really see, but he just somehow knows these things, right?" She grinned, cringing at how hard she was going at this. She felt a tiny bit bad at lying to her but she ignored it.

"Of course! I'd… I'd really love that. I'm nervous too and it'd be good to just have some girl time," Karen said softly.

"Thank you, I really appreciate this. We could go to the restaurant together when we're done," Daphne smiled pleased with herself. After exchanging cell numbers and goodbyes, Daphne sat back on the couch with a smirk. She wanted to turn heads. Not only just to irritate Matt, using her knowledge of him finding her physically attractive against him, but it had been a while since she went out. Usually she did so with a goal in mind, to have sex. And she would turn heads, a lot of them. Tonight was different but it didn't mean her ego wouldn't enjoy being looked at. It certainly would be interesting.

#matt murdock x oc #matt murdock fanfic #matt murdock #daredevil x oc #daredevil fanfiction #daredevil

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before-we-get-started · 3 years

Text

Dream Come True

Colin Shea x O/C Corinne MacAdam

Multi-Chapter Story - Complete

Summary: Colin Shea and his band Rock the Cradle are finally making it big - until something unexpected happens. When he meets a girl that makes him reconsider his player ways, he thinks his life may be coming together, until she blows it apart.

Warning: Bad language, smut, suicidal ideations - no one under 18, please

Disclaimer: This is a pure work of fiction and classified as 18+. Please do not read if you are underage. I do not own the character of Colin Shea; the rest are my original characters. By reading beyond this point, you understand the disclaimers as posted.

Chapter Five

On Monday, she woke up with a new outlook. Today she’d start a new job, something much different than working for the events management company. Serving as personal assistant to a family friend, an heiress and philanthropist, eccentric and a spinster, but a very nice woman. Cori’s mother had reminded her that her new boss, Ms. Robbins, was prone to mood swings (and forgetting things), but that she’d treat her fairly and appreciate her hard work.

On a whim on Sunday, she’d decided to color her hair. She bought a kit and gave herself light blonde highlights, lightening the chestnut brown. She looked as if she’d been out in the sun, as if maybe she had a healthy outdoor lifestyle, not like she’d been holed up feeling sorry for herself for months.

She dressed in a chocolate brown business suit with a cream blouse, a bow tied at the neck. She put on her brown pumps and some with the crème filigreed toe accent and grabbed her purse. For good luck, she put on the pearl drop earrings her parents had gotten her for her 16th birthday. She’d prepped her lunch the night before and grabbed the thermal bag from the frig, along with her travel coffee mug. She had plenty of time to make the T to the Back Bay neighborhood where Ms. Robbins lived.

As she’d finished getting ready, “Walking on Sunshine” by Katrina and the Waves had been playing on the radio. She found herself singing it softly as she left the apartment. “I’m walking on sunshine – yeah!” she sang, a little louder than she planned, as the door to 6A opened. Colin emerged in his boxers. He bent down to pick up a newspaper, then stood up and took a good look at her as she walked by.

“Mornin’ 6C,” he said with that gorgeous smile. His eyes ran over her from head to toe and she could almost feel it.

She smiled back, gazing over her shoulder as she walked by. “Mornin’ 6A. Have a good day.” She kept walking down the stairs, her optimism bubbling up. What a great way to start the day – Colin in his boxers. She smiled to herself, descending the stairs, holding on to the wooden rail. She looked up just long enough to see Colin, arms on the railing, leaning over to watch her.

“You have a good day, too,” he said, lingering as she bounced her way down and out of the building.

Ms. Robbins lived in a huge terracotta brick home on Newton Street. The house had been divided up into condos and she occupied the entire first floor. It was just her and Yaz, her Yorkie (Ms. Robbins was a lifelong Red Sox fan). Cori had been to her home twice before – once as a child for a dinner party, and once a few weeks ago for her job interview. She entered the front door and rang the bell at the door on her left, the entry to Ms. Robbins’ home.

“’S open!”

Cori entered and walked into the main living area, adorned with floral wallpaper in greens and blues. Wood three-quarter round trim stained a honey color trimmed the room and honey colored hardwoods peeked out from a solid blue area rug. There was a Steinway piano, a Victorian couch and chair and a coffee table in the room, along with built-in shelves that held items from around the world, secured during Ms. Robbins’ travels.

“It’s Cori,” she said in a singsong voice. Yaz came streaking into the room, yapping ferociously. She bent down and petted the silky hair around the blue bow tied around a small tuft on his head. He returned the gesture with little licks to her hand.

“Good morning!” Ms. Robbins had cornered the market on brocade dresses. Every time Cori had ever seen her, she was in some type of beautiful brocade. Today’s was a kelly green/ecru paisley that was beautiful against her ivory skin and auburn hair. In her mid-60’s, she was medium height and quite fit, a few lines on her porcelain skin but they weren’t too noticeable with her impeccable makeup. She was holding a number of envelopes as she entered the room.

She hugged Cori and extended her arms, getting a look at her. “Cori, you look absolutely gorgeous. I’m so excited we’ll be working together.”

Cori smiled. “I am too Ms. Robbins. I really appreciate this opportunity.”

“I’m going to keep you busy,” she said. “Now let me show you around so we can get to work.” She led Cori through a formal dining room, complete with a giant ornate wood table and chairs, into a kitchen that had obviously been recently remodeled. Tall white cabinets, a beautiful light gray granite and a white subway tile backsplash, with larger square ceramic tiles and a beautiful mosaic tile providing a pop of color behind the large stainless Bertazzoni range. The kitchen was immaculate – Cori wondered if any food had ever actually been prepared in the room.

“You can put your lunch bag here,” she said, pointing to the giant SubZero frig, “and are you a coffee drinker?”

“Yes Ma’am,” Cori said, shaking her travel mug in front of her.

“Wonderful! I have a coffee station here, there are an assortment of flavors. Lots of creamer in the frig. Help yourself,” she said, waving her arm in front of the high-end coffee maker like it was up for bids on The Price is Right.

She showed Cori the powder room and where she could store her coat and any other items she brought with her. “I want you to feel at home. Help yourself to whatever you find in the kitchen. If you can’t find something, just let me know. Mi casa, su casa,” she said with a smile.

Cori felt a surge of excitement, for the hospitality and for the unknown opportunity that lied ahead.

They made their way to the office, just off the living area with beautiful French doors in the same honey wood. The walls were done in a green wallpaper with wide green velvet stripes. The honey floors carried in and there was a large mahogany desk, built-in bookcases behind it and a high-backed leather office chair.

“This is your workspace now,” Ms. Robbins said. “You’ll find a variety of office supplies in the desk and in the cabinet on the wall. If what you need isn’t here, make a list and – well – I’ll send you out to buy it,” she smiled.

Cori laughed. “Yes ma’am,” she said with a laugh.

“And how about if you call me Amelia. ‘Ma’am’ and ‘Ms. Robbins’ make me feel old.”

“Ok Amelia,” she said. “I love that name.”

“And I love yours. My mother’s name was Corinne. I’m named after my father’s mother. Thank goodness, my mother’s mother was Agatha.” They both laughed.

“I thought we’d operate this way – this new laptop is yours. You can use it here and take it home if you ever need to work after hours. In this book (she opened a leather-bound journal), there are sections. The first will be for your schedule. I’ve written what I’d like you to do this week here,” she said, pointing at a page behind the first tab. “The second section will be for lists. I’ve written this week’s date and a list of items I need you to purchase. The third section will be for your hours. Sign in and out each day, and be sure to include any evening or weekend hours, there will eventually be some. I’ll check it on Fridays, send the hours to my accountant and he’ll transfer money to your account on Monday morning, so pay weekly. Does that work?”

“Yes,” said Cori. “That works perfectly.”

“Great. Whenever you need to go out, Gerald will be available with the car. Let’s take today to get you familiar with the house, the neighborhood and the things I’ll expect you to do. We’ll have lunch on Beacon Hill today because it’s so gorgeous out and tomorrow will be your first actual day with work.”

And so the day progressed, Ms. Robbins doing all the things she promised. After getting familiar with more of the house and where things were stored, they sat in the office and discussed her upcoming calendar and events, and the other tasks she’d expect Cori to accomplish. At 11 a.m. they walked out front where Gerald and the car were waiting. They climbed in the back and Ms. Robbins directed the driver to “run the tour route.” They wove through the streets of the neighborhood and those that bordered. She showed Cori her preferred market, florist, office supply store and other shops. Cori made notes as they went. When they’d finished the tour, the driver stopped in front of a bistro in Beacon Hill with a low brick wall that surrounded a courtyard full of outdoor tables under bright red umbrellas.

“Ms. Robbins, so good to see you. Right this way.” The host showed them to a table tucked away in the back corner of the courtyard. Almost as soon as they were seated, a server set glasses of ice water and iced tea in front of them with a little bowl of lemon wedges. The host handed Cori a menu.

“Will you be having your usual today?” the host asked.

“Yes Phillip. But please give Ms. MacAdam a minute to look.”

“Of course.” The host left the table, passing another server who set a two baskets on the table, one with fresh hot breadsticks in a linen cloth bed and the other little pats of cold butter.

Cori inhaled the smell of the fresh bread, closing her eyes.

“A carb girl, a girl after my own heart,” Ms. Robbins said, pulling out two breadsticks and handing one to Cori.

“Maybe just one,” she said, using her knife to cut off a small wedge of butter and smearing it on the breadstick. She took a bite. “Oh my gosh,” she said softly.

“I know, right?” said Ms. Robbins. “Those breadsticks are my spirit animal.” They both laughed.

Cori chose a salmon salad with a lemon vinaigrette and Ms. Robbins got her usual Salad Niçoise and they chatted away, talking about Beacon Hill, their favorite Boston eateries, Cori’s family, and eventually, Cori’s recent past.

“I saw your mother last year at a benefit and she said you had found your dream job with Spalding Events. Was it not what you had hoped?”

Cori suddenly felt panicked. Ms. Robbins obviously didn’t know what had happened to her, or that she’d been unceremoniously dumped by the love of her life when he banged her best friend the night before their wedding. Just the thought of all of it made her a little dizzy. She took a deep breath. Get it together.

“It was wonderful, but I was in an accident-“

Ms. Robbins gasped quietly and reached for her hand. “Oh dear, are you ok?”

“Yes,” said Cori. “I am now. I actually stepped off the curb and got hit by a cab.”

This time the gasp was much more audible. “My word! Cori! That’s horrifying!”

“It was,” she said softly. “I suffered some serious injuries. The folks at Spalding were kind enough to let me keep working from home once I was able. But I had to do a lot of physical therapy, I moved back in with my parents. Honestly, I just needed a fresh start.” She left out the part about Matthew and Amber.

Ms. Robbins kept her hand on Cori’s, patting it softly. “I’m so glad you’re ok. I can’t imagine what your parents must have gone through as well. Your supervisor spoke very highly of you when I called. She said they’d have you back in a minute.”

“That’s really nice of them,” she said.

“Well, don’t worry. I know events are your specialty. We’ll start out slow but eventually, you’ll be planning my events. I love to entertain and especially to raise money for my foundation. You’ll be able to put that experience to work and for lots of good causes.”

Cori felt a rush of giddiness. Her own events. She loved the sound of that. This was exactly what she needed, what she’d hoped for.

“I can’t wait,” she said with a giggle.

“Good! Now, tell me, if I keep you late or ask you to work on weekends, will I be imposing on a relationship with your significant other? I understand that you have a life.”

The smile ran away from her face. “No, no significant other.”

“Well, then we’ll have more than one goal for our events, won’t we?” she said with a smile.

They finished lunch, which was delicious, and the driver took them back to Newton Street. The rest of the day was spent getting familiar with the office, files she’d need, Ms. Robbins’ rolodex and books from some of her previous events. There were photos and agendas and a list of all the companies used for each event. She recognized lots of them from working at Spalding.

Five o’clock was here before she knew it and she grabbed her bag and headed for the T. She left her lunch bag for tomorrow. The ride home was easy and she ascended the stairs of her apartment building, headed for the sixth floor. On Saturday night during the party, her neighbors said the elevator is almost always out. She was glad it was working when her father helped her move in.

She reached her floor and stared at 6A. She wondered if Colin was home, and if so, what he was doing. Impulsively, she knocked on his door. After a bit, he answered. He was in a Patriots t-shirt and athletic shorts, barefoot, his hair spikey and messy. He looked like maybe he hadn’t been awake for very long.

“Hey! How was your first day?” he said, smiling.

“Really good,” she said. “Very good. Hey, I was thinking, maybe you could come for dinner one night this week. You can tell me about your neighborhood watch program.”

He smiled. “You’ll be a good recruit and I never turn down a free meal. So yes.”

“Great, how about Wednesday at 7?”

“I’ll be there.”

As Cori walked away, she saw a leggy blonde coming off the last step and turning towards Colin’s door. She peered over her shoulder and saw him embrace her, then they shared a long, deep kiss. She noticed his long eyelashes laying on high cheekbones when he closed his eyes for the kiss. Cori felt her knees go weak. She wished for a second she was a leggy blonde.

“You came,” he said. “Nicole, right?”

“Nina,” the blonde corrected him.

“Yeah, Nina. Come on in.” He held the door open for her, placing his hand on the small of her back as she walked in. He looked over at Cori. “Night 6C.”

“Good night,” she replied. The door clicked behind him. Cori unlocked the door and went in, spending the rest of the evening thinking about that kiss. It wouldn’t be as good as the one she got from her mystery man, but she bet it was close.

Tuesday was a normal day, learning and exploring at work, then on Wednesday, she ran to the market after getting off the train to grab a few items. She was in by 5:30, giving her some time to prep dinner. She loved to cook. She wasn’t a chef by any means but she could hold her own. She’d decided to prepare a margherita pasta with shrimp for tonight, with a salad and strawberry shortcakes for dessert. She took a quick shower, put on a little makeup, pulled her hair up in a messy bun after dressing in jeans and an emerald green cold shoulder shirt and jeans and headed for the kitchen. She chopped tomatoes, onions, garlic and basil, seared the shrimp and boiled the pasta. She tossed the romaine salad with some vinaigrette. She set the table, opened a bottle of white wine and put it in an ice bucket, filled two glasses with ice water and as she was setting them on the table, there was a knock at the door.

She glanced in the mirror next to the door – she looked as good as she could, she supposed. She unlocked the door then opened it.

“Hey,” he said. She gasped softly. He was in a cobalt blue button up shirt, black belt, jeans and boots. There was a thin silver chain around his neck, a small silver medallion resting in the valley between his defined pecs. The edge of a tattoo peeked out where the shirt was unbuttoned. His hair was styled. He handed her a small bouquet of fresh flowers. “For you.”

She smiled, a smile that lit up her whole face, and took the flowers. “They’re beautiful. Come in.” She stepped out of the way and he walked the few steps in, making the step down into her living/dining room.

“Wow, it smells amazing in here,” he said, making a show of sniffing the air. “I can’t remember the last time I ate something that wasn’t in cardboard or Styrofoam.”

“I hope you like shrimp – and pasta,” she said.

“That sounds great,” he replied.

She pulled a vase out of the cabinet, added a little water and put the flowers in, setting them in the middle of the table. “Everything is ready,” she said, extending her arm toward the table. He sat down at one of the place settings and picked up the napkin, unfolding it and placing it in his lap.

“So how was day three?” he asked.

She pulled the pan of pasta from the stove and set in on the table. “Really good,” she said.

“Tell me more.”

“I’m a personal assistant for Amelia Robbins. She’s heir to Robbins Manufacturing. She has a house over in Back Bay.”

“Wow, nice neighborhood,” he said, eyeing the pasta she was putting on his plate.

“Very nice. She lives in a huge building full of condos. Her home is the entire first floor. It’s really pretty,” she said.

“So what kind of assistant stuff are you doing?”

“I run errands, do some shopping, manage her calendar. Eventually I’ll be her event planner. She hosts a number of fundraisers for non-profits throughout the year.”

He twisted the pasta around his fork and took a bite, stopping abruptly. He spoke but the words were unintelligible with a mouthful of food.

“What?” she said laughing.

He chewed and swallowed. “I said Holy Shit, this is amazing!” He loaded another fork full and shoveled it in. “Absolutely delicious.”

She was pleased. The evening would suck if the food was bad.

“I’m glad you like it,” she said, taking her own bite. It did taste pretty good.

They talked a little more about her job and then she asked about the band.

“So, what’s the name of your band?”

“Oh, Rock the Cradle – like, Boston is the Cradle of Liberty, and we definitely rock.”

“If I wanted to hear you, where would I go?”

“Finnegan’s, O’Leary’s, Rap’s, local bars,” he said.

“Mm,” she hummed as she finished a bite of pasta. “I’m envious. I always wanted to be in a band. I took piano and played in orchestra in high school. It must be great to take the stage and play your own music.”

He sighed, smiling broadly. “It is,” he said as he put his hand over his chest. “It’s the most incredible feeling. I’m addicted.”

“I’ll bet! And I’m sure you have a pretty incredible stage presence.”

“Well, I don’t mind bragging but yeah, I can wrap an audience up, no problem.”

Cori was impressed. “Just think, when you get that record deal, you’ll already be great at performing live.”

His face dropped then. He looked down at his plate. “We took a break for a while a few months ago. There were some things I had to work through.”

“I’m sorry,” she said. “Did the break help?” She couldn’t help but wonder – guys in bands were often partiers. Did he have a drinking problem? Drugs? He didn’t seem the type, but you never knew what someone else was going through. She stirred the fork around in her plate. “If you guys are that good, I’m sure you’ll get another chance.”

He looked up at her and smiled sheepishly, like a little boy. “It gave me some time to think, and yeah, exactly. I tell the guys that all the time.” He didn’t sound like he believed it.

She smiled, feeling sad for him. He was obviously incredibly disappointed. That sweet smile was gone and she found herself wanting to give him a hug. “Probably get a better record deal next time anyway.”

He smiled. “Exactly. That’s what I told the guys. Everything happens for a reason.” He pulled the fork across his plate, scraping up the last possible bite.

She smiled, happy he liked it so much. “Dessert?” she said sweetly.

His face suddenly shifted and through hooded blue eyes, he smirked and purred, “I never turn down dessert.”

Cori felt the heat flush her cheeks. “Sorry to disappoint you, just strawberry shortcake.”

He laughed. “Ok, I’ll settle for that.”

He picked up the plates from the table and took them to the sink while she pulled the sponge cake, strawberries and whipped cream from the frig. She pulled two ramekins from the cabinet and with a knife, cut circles of cake to fit in the little cups. Colin stood next to her at the counter, peering over her shoulder.

“That looks so good,” he said, reaching over and sticking his finger in the whipped cream. She pulled the bowl away from him.

“Patience,” she laughed. “Go sit.”

He strode to the couch, dropping himself against the throw pillows.

Cori thought about how comfortable all of this was. Dinner together, easy banter, affectionate looks. Everything she thought she’d have by now, with Matthew.

She stared down at her hands and sighed. Colin was sweet and dangerously sexy, but he was just another Matthew. Having a variety of girls was his trademark. Besides, she wasn’t even in the league with the other girls she’d seen at his place.

She shook her head to clear the thought and grabbed two spoons, carrying their desserts to the couch.

Colin admired the sweet treat as she handed it to him. “You’re one incredible cook,” he said, dipping his spoon in and snagging a little of each layer. He hummed as he enjoyed the first bite. “Man, I could get used to this,” he said, smiling at her.

“Well, stay on my good side and I’ll fatten you up.”

He laughed. “Hey, the body is part of the show. But I’ll take my chances.”

They finished and she took their cups. She was so enjoying his company, she spoke before she could think about it. “So, I was thinking, if you want, maybe we could watch a movie or play a game or something.”

Colin glanced at his watch and made a face, then bounced off the couch up the step to the front door and peered through the peephole. “Shit.”

“Everything ok?”

He stepped down from the door. “Can I take a raincheck? I need to get out of here.”

She hoped the disappointment that washed over her didn’t show. “Of course,” she said.

“Great. You’re the best. Thanks – for the best meal I’ve had in a long time.” He reached for her to pull her into a hug and as he touched her arm, they both felt as if lightning shot through them.

Colin jumped back. “Damn, what the hell?”

She wrapped her arms around herself. “I don’t know. The two of us together are dangerous,” she said with a smile.

He grinned and looked a little sad. “I’ve gotta go. Thanks again.” He unlocked the locks on the door and left, pulling it closed behind him.

She was a little dazed, lightheaded even after the moment. She hadn’t noticed any static electricity anywhere else. That was an enormous charge. She stepped up to the door and peered through the peephole. Her heart dropped. Colin’s back was to her and he was wrapped around another leggy blonde. Her arms were wrapped around his neck and her tongue was down his throat. He turned them around, never breaking the kiss, fumbled with the doorknob and opened the door, pulling her inside. The door closed.

She was right. Not even close to being in his league. She stepped down into the kitchen to clean up.

Monday morning’s alarm rang and she trudged through her normal routine. As she unlocked her door to leave, she heard voices in the hallway.

“I can’t. Look, I would if I could but I’ve got something else going on.”

“Colin, you always do this. I want to go on a date. A real date. You know I only want to be with you.” The voice was female.

She slowly opened the door, embarrassed to intrude on their conversation, but she had to go to work. She slowly stepped out, the conversation continuing.

“I appreciate that,” he purred, running his hands down her bare arms. She had raven hair that was pulled into a ponytail, tight yoga pants and a spandex workout top, her curves on display. “But there’s so much going on with the band, I just don’t have the time right now. You know I like you Brittany –“

“Brianna,” she corrected him.

He smiled that megawatt smile. “Yeah, Brianna.” He fidgeted a little as if trying to come up with what to say next.

Cori suddenly felt brave and started around the bannister. “Hey Colin,” she purred, smiling at him. “Tonight’s still date night, right?” She winked at him and kept walking, saying “See you at 7,” as she made her way down the stairs. She could still hear their conversation.

“You’re dating someone else! You said you weren’t!” Brianna was angry.

“No, she was just kidding,” Colin pleaded. “I’m not dating anyone. But my door is always open for you Brianna,” he said in the sexy low voice.

“As if,” she sniffed. “Goodbye Colin.” Cori could hear her stomping down the stairs above her. She stifled a laugh.

The week was going by quickly. Cori had joined her parents for dinner at one of their favorite spots and had just gotten home for the evening.

“I must’ve pissed you off pretty good, eating and running the other night.” Colin had opened his door and stood in the doorframe as she walked past.

“What do you mean?” she said with a smile.

“I mean telling that girl it was date night,” he said. She looked at him and there was a grin where she thought there might be anger.

“Hey, I was just doing you a favor. She left, didn’t she?”

“She sure did,” he laughed. “I’m sorry about the other night. I just wanted to say I’m sorry. That was a shitty thing to do. You took the time to cook for me, I could’ve at least stayed and helped clean up.”

“Not a big deal,” she said, unlocking the door. She smiled at him, a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. This was all they’d ever have, this banter back and forth, neighbors. She knew how big her crush was every time she saw him with another girl. Why was she attracted to guys she couldn’t have?

“You know,” he said, coming around the bannister towards her, “we could pick it up tonight, maybe watch a movie?”

She hesitated before answering. She had the luxury of the day off tomorrow, a three-day weekend. Ms. Robbins was going out of town and told her to take a break. She had turned the alarm off on her phone the moment she got the news, a Friday to sleep in. She took a deep breath and turned to look at him. “Sure.”

“Great!” he said and when she opened the door, she could feel him behind her he was so close. His woody, musky scent filled her nose. She felt something wash over, something she hadn’t felt for such a long time, a longing. She thought about the girls she’d seen wrapped around him, kissing him.

She’d never wished so badly she was someone else before. Would she ever be comfortable in her own skin, and not so desperate for her sexy neighbor?

As he walked past her into the living room, he ran his hand above her waist and once again, a shock went through them both that nearly knocked them off of their feet. Colin stumbled forward, catching himself on the sofa, Cori bracing against the kitchen counter.

“What the hell is up with your apartment?” he asked, rubbing his hand. “You need to have the super check your power. Something is definitely up.”

She caught her breath. “Maybe that’s my built-in ‘hands off’ alarm,” she said with a smile. “Wouldn’t want to get caught in a trap like those other girls and get all disappointed.” She’d tried saying it as a joke but her voice sounded sad.

“Look, I’m always honest with anyone I’m with. I don’t want anything long term. I like girls, I’m like any other guy. I just don’t have the desire to be with anyone for very long. I tried that once and it didn’t work. I’m not making that mistake again.”

“Must’ve gotten your heart broken pretty badly,” she said, trying to hide the sadness from her own failure.

“Against my better judgment I got involved with someone I thought might be the one. I was wrong. We wanted different things. Brought me right back to plan A,’ he said, bending down to look at DVDs on her shelf. “Besides, when the band takes off and we hit the road, the last thing I want is to leave someone behind and not be able to enjoy myself.”

“Well, I’ll give you that. At least you’re honest. And you’re not playing the field while you’ve got a fiancée on the string.” Her voice trailed off and she looked down, pissed at the tears that were burning at her eyes.

He stood up, a concerned look on his face. “Did that happen to you?” he said softly.

“Yes,” she said, barely audible.

“I’m sorry,” he said, really meaning it. “That sucks.”

“It does. And with my best friend, no less.”

“Ouch.”

She looked at him, willing the tears away that were rimming her eyes. “Pretty much almost ended my life, at least it felt like it. All of this, the apartment, the job, it’s just me trying to get a fresh start. It’s like I don’t know where I belong.”

He gave her that adorable half smile. “You seem like a great girl Cori. I’m sure there’s someone out there for you. And if you need someone to get you back in the saddle, I’m always available for a ride,” he smiled.

Her face broke into a smile. “That’s THE worst pick up line EVER!” she laughed and he laughed too.

“Yeah, that was bad even for me,” he said, running his hand through his spikey hair to the back of his neck, letting it linger there. Every move he made turned her on. This was torture.

“Ok,” he said, desperate to change the subject and spinning towards the TV. “I suggest a comedy, nothing too heavy tonight.”

“Agree!” She pulled two bottles of beer from the frig and threw a bag of popcorn into the microwave. When it was done, she joined him and they started the movie. There was no conversation, just laughter. He’d made himself at home on the couch with his feet on the coffee table. She tucked her legs up under her in the chair. She’d made a friend. That was the takeaway. It wasn’t sad, it was happy.

When the movie ended, he cleaned up the beer bottles and popcorn and headed for the door. “This was great, I hope we can do it again.”

“Me too,” she said with a smile.

“Hey, what are you doing Saturday night?”

She wished she had a fabulous night planned, but the truth was it would be her, her jammies, some wine and a good book. “Nothing really,” she said.

“Great! Come down to Rap’s. The band is playing at 8. It’s just down the street.”

“I know it, Rapscallion’s, right?”

“Yeah, it’s going to be a big weekend for us. We’re playing a festival Saturday afternoon and at Rap’s on Saturday night.”

“Wow, that’s awesome. I’m glad you’re back on track.”

“Yeah, it feels good,” he said. “So you’ll be there Saturday?”

She didn’t hesitate. “Yes, I’ll be there.”

He clapped his hands together. “Awesome.” He stepped up to the door, gave her a wave and left.

Cori suddenly felt deflated. The biggest player on the planet just spent the evening with her and didn’t even try to make a move on her. Of course she’d been an idiot and acted uninterested. But she should be uninterested, she’d been down this road before.

Saturday would be fun. She’d get a friend to go with her. Who knows, maybe she’d meet someone more in her league.

#chris evans #chris evans fanfic #chris evans angst #chris evans fanfiction #what's your number #dream come true #colin shea #colin shea fanfic #colin shea fanfiction #colin shea x ofc #colin shea x original fictional character

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aj-draws · 4 years

Text

The Entrance Exam - Ch. 3 of the Wandering Knight

[ Original Ideas || Chapter One | Chapter Two ]

Summary: A Tower of God Fantasy AU with characteristics from the medieval time period.

Ships: Khunbam (with Bam as an aspiring knight and Khun as a witch)

Word Count: 2,723

Warnings: None

---

“Um, Bam..?”

He turned his head towards Khun, who called his name while tucking a strand of hair behind his ear. The man’s arms were folded against his broad chest, a hand reaching out to fiddle with his necklace. He found himself getting lost in the witch’s eyes, taking interest in his pensive gaze and long, fluttering lashes.

Bam continued walking alongside Khun, slowing his pace down to allow the man to gather his thoughts. His breath hitched with anticipation as Khun’s restless fingers came to a stop, hovering over the emerald stone around his neck.

“I’ve actually only been in town for a few days. I was…” Khun’s voice faltered, his bottom lip trembling. He had never seen the man fumble so desperately for a word. “I left my family. I apologize in advance if my house is...disorderly.”

“Oh, I see...Thank you for telling me that.” Bam told him sincerely. He put his hand on his chest as if making a promise. “It must have been difficult. If it helps in any way, I swear that you won’t be getting any judgment from me.”

“Ah.” The sigh Khun let out was one of relief. “That is very kind of you, Bam.”

“No, no, you’re the kindhearted one.” He insisted, nodding eagerly. “It’s rude of me to be invading your home, especially when you’ve been nothing but welcoming. I’m sorry for the trouble.”

Blue eyes caught his. Khun’s soft voice was like a whisper in the wind when he spoke, “Don’t be. I appreciate the company.”

Seconds passed by, stretching into centuries of silence until he broke out into a smile. “We’re almost there.”

“G...Great.” Bam finally said, breaking away from Khun’s intense stare. He rubbed the back of his neck and quickly changed the topic, “So where do you live?”

Khun searched the rows of buildings, recognition settling in when he pointed to a sign in the distance. Bam had to squint to see the outline of what looked like a book.

Khun moved towards the door, swinging it open and motioning for him to enter. He obliged and walked inside. Bam’s jaw dropped, a bewildered look plastered on his face.

The familiar scent of old books made Bam’s chest tremble. He looked past the unpacked boxes scattered about and the cobwebs gathering in the corners, choosing to focus on the library’s beauty instead. The first level had bookcases surrounding all three walls. In the middle of the room, there was a large, fluffy white rug spread out across the dark wooden floors. Six desks with benches converged in the center, lined up for the library’s readers. On the right side, a staircase led to the second floor.

Bam followed behind Khun as he climbed the stairs, showing him the next floor. He walked past the boxes full of extra blankets, going over to the desk standing in front of a window. Stacks of papers covered the surface of the desk along with an inkpot and several quills. Bam eyed the bed next to the wall curiously, lifting his hand to place it over the pillow. Its softness was foreign to his fingers-they had grown quite rough from sleeping on the dirt all the time.

Khun passed by the room’s furnace and set it aflame. He slid his cloak off his shoulders, placing it on a hook. Bam admired the way the man’s movements came as second nature, from the way he nimbly unbuttoned his topmost button to expose his bare collarbone, to how he tugged off his boots and sat down on his bed in one quick motion. The simplicity of a routine was something that Bam missed.

Khun raised his hands to touch the brim of his hat and Bam had the sudden realization that he had never seen him without it. He stared as the hat dropped onto his lap, revealing the crown on the top of his head that spiraled into the depths of his blue locks. Khun’s long fingers combed through his hair, straightening the curls that were out of place. Now that it was more visible, Bam noticed the bangs that swept across his forehead, hanging over his thick eyebrows.

The witch’s touch was light and airy when his fingertip grazed the ribbon tied around the band of his hat. Its fabric was the same color as his cobalt eyes, which glowed brilliantly beneath the light shining down from the window. Although it was filled with a quiet, imminent rage, Khun’s expression grew sorrowful the longer he gazed at the ribbon.

Feeling like he needed some privacy, Bam turned around, the floorboards betraying him by creaking loudly. The noise caught Khun’s attention, who tossed his hat on the desk and looked up at him.

“...Oh, sorry,” he spoke, giving a bashful smile. “You’re so quiet, I forgot you were here for a moment.”

“It’s okay, I was just...you know, I thought…” Bam frantically stumbled over his words, heat climbing up his neck. He stopped talking and decided to bite his bottom lip instead.

Khun stood up and fixed his bed. Glancing over his shoulder to offer it to Bam, he chuckled when he found the man sprawled out on the floor under a blanket that he took from one of the boxes. He questioned whether or not that would be comfortable, only for Bam to reassure him that he’d be fine.

A little too tired to argue, Khun bobbed his head and fished out another blanket from the bottom of a box. When he heard him get up, Bam lifted the sheet over his head and froze. Every exhale came out shaky and he quivered.

There was something that overwhelmed Bam just by being with Khun. He felt incredibly out of place in the world, but he was put at ease by Khun’s presence. Perhaps it was his kindness or soothing personality; whatever it was made his cheeks burn and his heart pound erratically. Although he had little to offer, he told himself that he needed to make it up to Khun somehow.

“Are you alright in there?”

He poked his head out from under the blanket and sat upright, noticing much too late that Khun was down on one knee. When Bam came to a stop inches away from Khun’s face, he recoiled, blinking rapidly.

“Take off your coat, you must be hot.”

Bam gave a slow nod, shrugging off the extra layer. He passed it off to Khun, who laid it beside him. Leaning forward, he lifted his arms over Bam’s head and draped another blanket over his shoulders. His breath stilled at the sight of Khun’s lustrous, teardrop-shaped earrings swaying in front of him. Bam was enchanted by the glittering turquoise jewels, the burst of color standing out against his silvery strands of hair.

He pulled back all too soon and retreated to his side of the room. After hanging Bam’s coat next to his cloak, he collapsed in his bed.

“Khun,” He breathed out his name, the sleepiness making his words come out in a hushed tone. “Thank you for everything. It must have been hard, but I’m glad that you left.”

The man lying down a few feet away swallowed hard and studied the ceiling. It had been lonely, for sure. Khun tilted his head to catch a glimpse of Bam’s shining eyes, which were staring right back at him.

“I don’t know what I would have done without you,” Bam admitted.

“You would have fallen and broken a bone or two. Or...all of them, honestly.”

“Yeah, I suppose I would have.” He replied with a giggle. ”Goodnight, Khun”

“Rest well, Bam.”

---

Khun awoke to the scent of freshly baked bread. As he rubbed his eyes and sat up, he briefly wondered if Shibisu somehow kidnapped him and left him in his bakery.

Shaking away the ridiculous thought away along with his fatigue, he rose and begrudgingly got out of bed. He stumbled to the staircase and almost missed a step when he noticed the changes in the room.

The bookshelves were dusted and the floors swept clean. The boxes were nowhere to be seen and stacks of books were now piled on the desks, ready to be organized. Khun finally reached the bottom of the steps when the door swung open.

Bam entered the room, bringing the morning sun itself with him. “Good morning, Khun! I hope you don’t mind that I tidied up while you were sleeping.” He announced cheerfully. “And look! I got some apples and bread for us to eat.”

Khun was dumbfounded.

Bam interpreted his surprise as dismay. He started to ramble, saying, “Are you upset? I’m sorry that I moved your belongings. I thought you wouldn’t mind. Gosh, I should’ve asked before-”

“Why?”

Bam clutched the paper bag in his arms tighter. “I’m very grateful that you let me stay and I wanted to do something for you.”

“I see.” Khun stared at his pout and added, “I’m not upset at all, by the way.”

He was just...puzzled. Khun recalled the honesty in Bam’s words last night and it confused him as to why he didn’t feel like that was enough. Whenever he did something to please his mother, Khun was honored to be rewarded with praise, or even better, a pat on his head. Other than to satiate his curiosity, Bam had nothing to give him. He had no money or extraordinary talents, but he still found a way to help him. The concept of showing gratitude with actions instead of words astounded him. He couldn’t understand it.

But Khun suddenly felt like he didn’t want to lose to Bam. He doesn’t know what he’s fighting him for either, but all he knows is that he can’t lose.

After going upstairs to put on his cloak and hat, Khun stepped outside. He glanced over his shoulder to say, “Follow me.”

The two went past the town’s quaint cottages to a more open area with fields of golden wheat swaying in the wind. As they walked along cobble paths lined with red roses and yellow tulips, Bam munched on a ripe apple. His gaze roaming the entirety of his surroundings while Khun stared straight ahead, eating his bread quietly.

“I passed by the bakery and Shibisu gave me the bread, by the way.”

“How were you able to get those apples?” Khun inquired tentatively. He was aware that Bam was broke, but as he looked over his soft, non-threatening features, he knew he wouldn’t have the heart to steal.

Bam’s reply was loud and proud, “I helped an old woman carry her bags and she gave me these apples! She was so kind.”

Ah. Now that was something Bam would do.

Khun lectured him about being wary of strangers, but Bam’s bright smile made his threat fall flat. He sighed and left him to keep that unique childlike innocence of his.

When Bam spotted a certain building in the distance, his unbridled excitement was a sight to behold. A gasp slipped from his lips and he resisted the urge to start running.

“Evankhell’s palace. She’s out of town at the moment, so her Royal Advisor took over.” Khun smirked deviously. “We’re going to have a little chat with him.”

“Okay! Well...wait…” Bam trailed off when he remembered what Hatz told him. “But I’m too...normal. I’m not part of a wealthy family and where I came from wasn’t the most...distinguished place.”

Khun gave his shoulder a comforting squeeze. “Don’t worry. Trust me.”

“I do,” said Bam. He placed his hand on Khun’s and patted it gently. “I just don’t want to get my hopes up.”

He flinched at Bam’s sudden, casual touch. The roughness of his fingers was something unexpected, but the warmth in his palm didn’t surprise him at all.

“You won’t,” he promised. “I’ll make it happen.”

His hand slipped away and Khun was quick to pick up his pace. He approached the guards at the entrance, his strides long and bold. Stopping right in front of the two armored men, he cleared his throat.

“My name is Khun Aguero Agnis and, under my family’s name, I hereby request an audience with Lord Hansung Yu.”

“Y-Yes, sir! Right away, sir!” One of them squeaked out, elbowing the other to help him open the doors.

Curious, Bam turned to Khun, who simply pressed a finger to his lips and winked. The guards led them into the bustling palace, weaving through crowds of men with long robes and women carrying piles of clothes or broomsticks.. The kitchen they passed by was overwhelmed with the sounds of clinking plates and scratching silverware.

The palace was busy in a completely different way from the rest of the town. Everyone seemed to be in their own little world, occupied with their respective duties.

Bam reached out to grab a fistful of Khun’s cloak. The man gave him an understanding nod, silently offering his arm. Khun watched as Bam timidly looped his arm around his, inching nearer to him while he walked.

Bam was too nervous to notice, but Khun could hear the gossiping whispers from a mile away. He pretended not to care about their piercing stares pinned on his hat’s blue ribbon or how they did a double-take when they recognized his family’s crest embroidered on it. Khun edged closer to Bam, regaining his regal posture when comforted by his companion’s warmth.

“What brings you to the palace?”

“That is none of your business,” was his snappish remark. Khun shot the two guards an icy glare for good measure, shutting them up.

He rolled his eyes as they stammered out apologies. They shouldn’t have asked the question if they wouldn’t like the response, he thought to himself.

Bam’s grip on his arm tightened, getting his attention.

“You should be nice to them,” he said softly.

The sharp retort on Khun’s tongue died when he got scolded by Bam. He felt an unfamiliar pang in his stomach that he recognized as guilt. It was...strange.

Thankfully, the feeling vanished when they arrived at their destination. The guards grabbed the handles, pushing open the hefty doors to the throne room.

The marble flooring was polished to perfection, the grey tiles glistening under the light of the candelabras. Stained glass windows lined the walls on both sides and tall, thick columns towered above the room. A velvety rug led up to the empty throne, its stone material blackened with something that looked vaguely like ashes.

A smaller seat was positioned to the left of the throne where a person sat, yellow eyes gleaming. The bright red hand fan he carried matched the hairpin stuck in his hair, which was wound up into a high bun. Perched on his armrest was a wine glass filled with a brown liquid. The man wore a wizard’s long dark blue robes with orange sleeves and a golden ribbon tied around his collar.

There were two other chairs on the right. The blonde man was another magic user-Khun could tell from the white cloak and black clothes, as well as the inquisitive aura he gave off. Judging from the glowing staff next to him, Khun knew he was powerful. His calm and collected expression differed greatly from the red-haired man sitting beside him, who leaped to his feet when he noticed his family’s crest.

“A Khun!” The short man shouted. “What is he doing here?”

“I want my friend Bam to be enrolled as a knight here.” Khun went straight to point, eyebrows narrowing. “Actually, I demand it.”

“Of course.”

The sound of a fan snapping shut gathered the attention of everyone in the room. The Royal Advisor of Duchess Evankhell, known as Hansung Yu, stood upright and smiled cheerfully.

“I would never think of refusing a request from someone belonging to one of the Ten Families. Why, look at his hair, he’s the spitting image of his father.” He purred, his smooth voice counteracting the bitterness in his words.

Khun winced at his comment but refused to back down. Before he could answer, Hansung cut him off by stating, “I will allow it.”

“Really?” Bam whispered in disbelief.

“Indeed.” Hansung gave a firm nod, eyes sparkling with mischief. "But first, you’ll have to pass a test.”

#tower of god #kami no tou #tower of god fanfiction #khunbam #khunbam fanfic #tog fantasy au #tower of god fantasy au #the wandering knight #25th bam #khun aguero agnis #hansung yu #quant blitz #lero ro #not ts

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arewelonely · 3 years

Text

hogwarts sixth year, slow dramione (I’ll create a title eventually I assume) (edit: the title is wait for me)

cw: brief mention of vomit

part two

––

It wasn’t like Granger to ignore him. She was always there, really, auburn eyes too dark and knowing for him, perfume or shampoo wafting in the air after she left class first, voice murmuring to her friends and blending in with the chatter as they all emptied out into the hall. So it was essentially impossible to forget about her, and he was always aware that she noticed him–just the little twitch of her shoulders when he spoke up in class, or when their eyes would meet across the Great Hall, before he tore his own away and forced some deep laugh out of his chest.

But it wasn’t like Draco to care this much, he knew this as well. Days used to feel full and crisp with Quidditch and homework and quick glances that could sort out a friend drama with ease (Crabbe needed to step back, Blaise needed his head screwed on right). His pillow at nighttimes would welcome him and his eyes would shut and he was a student here at Hogwarts just as his parents were and he looked forward to some debauchery planned for the upcoming weekend.

He fell asleep now with his wand in his hand. He would stumble back from the library, the faintest lumos lighting his way back to the common room, staring at the portraits on the walls and wishing he could become one of them. He would shut the curtains of his bed and cast a muffliato in case his breath betrayed him and then he’d clutch his wand and stare into the blackness of the night, waiting for sleep. Or he’d wait for something to crawl out of the darkness. Some fucker coming to set him right just like they had his father.

Each night, he went back to bed later and later. It just wasn’t worth it, laying awake in the darkness. It was much better to sit in this chair that he had claimed as his own, in the corner of the library where nobody ever came. He had his books spread out around him, building a moat where he was the castle.

Draco liked when the library got more empty. There was a specific type of silence that was only present in Hogwarts–fires crackling, students’ chatter ever so faint trickling through the hallways. The books putting themselves back on the shelves.

Draco could concentrate less on his Disillusionment Charms when the library was empty, as well. He could write more freely, feel less guilty about what would happen when he reached the end of this… plot. Mission? Assassination.

Fuck.

His grip on his quill tightened. The ink dripped on the parchment and his toes curled. Fuck.

Draco threw the quill down to the table before he broke it, again, and pushed back the chair so it screeched on the wood floor. His ears flared. Yes, good. Something wrong. Something physically wrong other than the curling serpent on his skin and in his dreams.

He breathed out sharply through his nose and clenched his hands around the arms of the chair, feet flexing and head tilting back.

“Hello?”

He jerked forward and grabbed for his wand, recasting the Disillusionment Charm and pinching the bridge of his nose.

“Who’s there?”

It was so quiet in the library that the voice echoed. Draco smothered a sigh.

He did not need this. He needed that cloak his father claimed Potter had, the invisibility one… or was it Voldemort who had mentioned this? It made his stomach turn that he couldn’t remember with whom he had had this conversation. He wished he could vomit to get these worries on the outside of him.

He rolled his eyes so hard they hurt and shook his head to set himself straight. A hand through the hair. Parchment in his bag, hushed spell to return the books to their places. Slowly, silently, getting to his feet.

The voice had sounded familiar, female, steady despite the darkness in the library. Draco had really thought he was the only one here.

He peered around the bookcase that had boxed him into the corner and saw nothing except the rug stretching in front of him and rows upon rows of shelves. He began to inch forward, wondering what was the point of this delicate toe-ball-heel march, but it beat sitting there and beating himself up and it beat going back to his bed and rolling around there.

Oh, Merlin. Draco leaned against the bookcase nearest, praying the dark still covered him. Granger’s curls were lit with the faint flickering from the warm orange fires, her eyes darting in and out of the bookcases. She held her wand in front of her, frowning, standing in front of a desk identical to Draco’s except for its more central location in the library.

Her pile of books rivaled his, of course they did. Draco squinted, but he couldn’t see the titles, just the rolls of parchment with her scrawl all across… arrows connecting ideas and a few things circled with intense marks where Granger had felt particularly strongly. Homework, or something else. Something else, if he knew the Terrible Trio at all.

The stomach twist was back. It was time to go, wouldn’t do very well for Granger to find him because of the sound he would make if he couldn’t hold back his vomit anymore. He briefly considered startling Granger, giving her a small Stun on her heel, perhaps, just to fuck up her night, but Granger had returned to curling up in one of the chairs at the desk. Her chin rested on one of her knees and her arm was wrapped around it, fingers twiddling with the quill. Ah, that’s why she always had ink on her fingertips…

Okay, yes, time to go.

He backed up slowly and walked, toe-to-heel, until he was out of the library.

---

Nott’s elbow nudged into his side, right under his ribs. “Hey, look, someone’s wide awake this morning.”

Draco dropped his spoon into the cereal, gasping as the milk gently splattered. “Fuck, Nott, piss off.”

Theo chuckled and raised his eyebrows. “Nah, look. She’s all hot and bothered for you.”

Draco rubbed his side and groaned, pushing the pain away and following Nott’s chin jut. And there, just a few seats down and opposite from where Draco sat in the Great Hall, was Pansy, smirking when he met her eyes and sliding him a wink before she turned away, earrings twinkling as her hair swished on her back.

He appreciated that about Pansy; she was self-assured enough to not need a response when she flirted. It was enough for her that he saw it, and now that Nott had jolted him awake on this fine morning, Draco could dab the milk off his robes, lower his shoulders, and return to letting his eyes sit at half-mast.

“You gonna ask her?”

He sighed, lowering the napkin. Or, he could converse with his classmates. He allowed himself to reach forward and grab his tea, letting the heat warm his throat, before turning to Crabbe.

“You gonna ask?” Crabbe repeated.

“What?”

Goyle leaned around Crabbe, “Slughorn’s thing.”

Draco raised an eyebrow.

“Slughorn’s party. The Slug Club.”

He snorted. “The Slug Club?”

“Yeah, we got our invitations last night,” Goyle said. “Food, drink, general kiss-assery. Thought you were there when we discussed.”

“Nah, must have been studying,” Draco gulped down the tea. His eyes met Pansy’s again and she quirked up the side of her mouth. He turned back to the boys. “We bring dates to this thing?”

Goyle raised a brow. “I mean, when they present themselves so readily to you…”

Draco let out a chuckle. “Yeah, fair point.” He glanced over to the other tables, smatterings of students clustered, either chatting, reading, or slowly lifting their heads off the table to get some food in the last few minutes before class. “Who’s going to this?”

Crabbe took a bite of his eggs. “All the elites.”

Their eyes met, and Crabbe rolled his. “Us,” he gestured to the table, “and, you know…”

“Potter.”

“Yeah.”

Draco settled his jaw and leaned back in the chair, his space almost instantly invaded by Theo’s elbow on his shoulder. He fought against a flinch and knit his brows together.

“Yes, Nott?”

“Well,” Theo drawled, “I was waiting, but it seems our dear friend Vincent Crabbe left out an important détail.”

Draco snorted when Theo pronounced the word in French. Crabbe slid a glance to Goyle, and the two suddenly seemed antsy.

“The elites now have a crucial caveat to them, eh?”

Crabbe gave a half-hearted shrug. Draco frowned.

“You and I are not invited!” Nott grinned and gave Draco a punch on the shoulder.

Draco hissed again, “oi, geroff me today–” and Theo leaned back in his chair, satisfied with the conversation safely in his control. He continued on with his announcement. “Our fathers are a bit too famous.”

A chill slid up the back of Draco’s neck as the banter halted–yes, his father was too famous. Yes, his house hosted too many well-known people at the moment, yes. This barred him from important events, his father would–

Crabbe lowered his tea to the saucer with a shaky clatter. Goyle cleared his throat. “My father mentioned that this would be a good event to demonstrate our unity.”

The chill had reached Draco’s ears now, and it creeped under his jaw. The words spat themselves out of his mouth–“how can it be unity if we are not all there?”

“Well, Crabbe and I can try–”

Draco pinched the bridge of his nose and the chill blocked off all sound. In the past, his father would have cared about this event. But now, the priority was his assignment, right? Draco had a feeling Lucius could have somehow managed both, a thoroughly consequential assignment and still the utmost proper presence at Hogwarts, but, well, Draco received this assignment all because Lucius had not managed everything, or in fact anything, and his throat tensed as his eyesight blurred back into focus.

Goyle bit into a muffin and chewed with his mouth open, eyes lazily hopping from girl to girl at the Slytherin table. “Hey, Zabini, has anyone asked Daphne yet?”

Blaise leaned over from where he had been chatting with the girls and shook his head. “Ask her yourself, bruv. Take a shot.” He lifted his eyes to meet Draco’s and jerked his head towards the door.

Oh, Merlin. Draco’s eyes narrowed in response. But there remained only a few minutes until the first class and he could use an escape of the boys’ endless chatter, so he gave a sharp nod and shuffled his books under his arms as he retreated from the table.

“Oi, Draco, off to class already?”

“No, Crabbe, just need a piss.”

Crabbe nodded solemnly and Draco rolled his eyes and turned back to the doorway and–

And he wondered, not for the first time, if eye contact had a magical element to it. There always seemed to be something deeper, when you looked into another person’s eyes. With his father, of course, there was the deep gut-wrenching sense of family that always accompanied the gaze–there Aunt Bella goes again, would you like a game of chess after dinner? or Draco, this is important, read your books now before bed. Draco found himself avoiding eye contact with his mother in more recent months–her blue eyes seemed to change with the company present, and he couldn’t bear to see yet again how translucent they became in Voldemort’s presence.

Because Voldemort’s eye contact, it was always accompanied by Legilimency. And the Legilimency came often, and fiercely. Draco truly couldn’t understand it, how Voldemort had so much energy for this skill. He knew Bellatrix used it sparingly–he had been on the receiving end of her skill himself a few times when younger, running around the house with his friends, perhaps tumbling over a family heirloom or two, and always knew to make mischief when the hours got late, for she would be more tired and her probing would simply grip him less intensely.

There were others, though, whose eye contact always pulled Draco in by the gut. Not the acute dissection of Legilimency, but something almost magnetic, where Draco wasn’t even aware he was looking at another person until it had already happened and he had torn his eyes away. Accidental eye contacts during long Pureblood dinners with Nott, where the two of them had overheard something ridiculous and were fighting to keep the chuckles inside, or glimpses of Blaise’s face when the Slytherin common room grew too obnoxiously rowdy and they both knew the time had arrived to retreat to the corner, cast a Quietening Charm, and play several rounds of Wizard’s Chess.

The Hall was crowded, which made this particular eye contact even more unlikely. Draco was truly just following Blaise, eyes lifting to the ceiling to try and let the candles burn some light into them–he was too accustomed to the night, and his eyes felt dry around the edges.

They felt dry all over, in fact, and he was just returning his gaze to the Hall’s exit, which was why Draco was surprised they focused so quickly, but how could they not, when Granger’s dark eyes were suddenly there, across the room, and they pierced into the back of his skull.

He felt her gaze in his throat and clenched his books tighter.

Jerked his chin up and flared his nostrils, exhaling sharply. Sneered out of the corner of his mouth.

He didn’t wait for her to turn back to her breakfast, which was just as well because Blaise’s eyes required quite a bit more thought at the moment. They filled with concern. Draco swallowed and blinked as the annoyance bubbled up.

“Just wanted to check in.” Blaise spoke lowly but his voice still echoed around the old school hallways.

Draco shifted his stance and intensified his snarl. Every single one of the boys this morning. “About what, Zabini?”

Blaise raised his eyebrows. “I know our situations are different–”

“Yes, Blaise, they are.” Draco scoffed. What did Blaise expect him to say? “You were–where were you this summer? Paris? Vienna?”

Blaise broke their eye contact. “Moscow.”

He actually let out a full laugh at that one and settled his shoulders when Blaise stepped back. “Alright, lad, Moscow. You visited Moscow, and I…” Draco raised his eyebrows and fixed Blaise with a look. Zabini was not stupid enough to expect him to blurt it all out in the halls, was he? Draco huffed out of his chest again and continued on. “I hope you had a grand visit, now, eh? And–” the words required effort to speak but they were necessary, weren’t they? “–do enjoy your time at the Slug Club. I must attend to more important matters, now.”

He wanted to drop all his books to the ground and duel Blaise right here. The bastard, thinking he could butt in and… and what, empathize with Draco?

A vein in his neck throbbed as he controlled his walk away from Blaise. An explosive situation would not help right now. Draco pushed down the frustration that had taken over the chill. He listened to the sound of his steps clipping in the hallway. Lucius wouldn’t create an explosion. Cool, chilled interactions. Draco twitched his mouth and headed to his first class. Yes, he could do that.

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thequeenxofhearts · 4 years

Text

I’ll Find You (Jason Todd x Reader)

Dick climbed the stairs to Y/N and Jason’s apartment.

The Joker had escaped from Arkham three days ago, and Batman was trying his best to find the him, but this time he’d hidden himself well. There was something telling Batman that whatever the Joker had planned, it was going to be something awful.

Bruce became concerned as Jason hadn’t been in contact with him since the Joker had escaped. But Alfred assured them both that if something bad had happened to him, the Bat Computer would have picked up Jason’s distress call, but Bruce wasn’t too sure.

Dick knocked on the apartment door, but there was nothing. He knocked again, “Jason, Y/N, open up, it’s Dick.” He said. He knocked again. “Y/N? Jason?” He asked and continued knocking. “Jay? Y/N?”

The door was yanked open and Dick was startled by the sight in front of him. Jason stood in the doorway, his skin was pale, and he had bags under his eyes. His hair was a mess and was clearly unwashed and he looked like he hadn’t been eating. He was stood in his boxers and a red wife-beater shirt, which had a fresh stain on the front.

“Jesus Christ, Jason.” Dick gasped. “What do you want?” Jason asked, Dick wafted a hand in front of his face when he got a whiff of Jason’s breath. “Bruce is concerned that you haven’t been in contact, you know the Joker got out of Arkham?” Dick asked, Jason’s eyes widened, and he yanked Dick into the apartment and slammed the door.

“What the hell, Jason?” Dick asked, he watched Jason quickly lock the door. Dick looked around the apartment, and he took in the state of it. There was paper scattered over the floor, Jason’s ammunition was laid out on the kitchen counter next to a pot of fresh coffee.

“Jason, where’s-”

“She’s gone! He’s fucking taken her!” Jason exclaimed as he stumbled over to the dining table. “What?” Dick asked, “The Joker?” Jason nodded, “He’s got my Y/N!”

Dick stepped towards the dining table and saw that Jason had a map of Gotham City laid over it. He examined the map and saw that Jason and drawn several X’s over certain buildings.

“Jason, tell me what happened.” Dick said, Jason looked up at him and Dick took in his state. “We went to bed on Monday night, I had just gotten back from patrol with Bruce, it was the night the Joker had escaped.” Jason ran a hand through his messy hair. “I woke on Tuesday morning and she wasn’t in bed, her side of the bed was cold.” He choked and for the first time, Dick saw Jason crying.

He took in a shaky breath and continued with his story, “I thought maybe she was in the living room, but she wasn’t. She wasn’t in the bathroom either. I thought she’d left me, but all of her stuff’s still here.” He wiped his eyes, and Dick pulled a chair out and sat next to Jason. “Then I found this in our bedroom.” Jason said, he pulled out a green canister which had yellow writing scribbled on it: HAHAHA

“Did you go and look for her?” Dick asked, Jason’s eyes locked with his brother’s, “Of course I did Dick!” Jason exclaimed, slamming his fist on the table, “I looked everywhere but I couldn’t find her.”

“I went to the old toy factory but there was no sign of either of them there. Then I went to the old movie theatre but there was nothing.” Jason sighed angrily.

“Sshh!” Dick hissed, Jason narrowed his eyes at him, but before he could say anything, he heard a sound. It sounded like scuffling and they both looked to the front door just as a small brown envelope was pushed under.

They both jumped up and ran to the door, Jason quickly unlocked it and yanked it open, but there was nobody there. He looked around the hall and up and down the stairs but there was nobody.

“What the fuck is going on?” Jason asked, Dick had picked up the envelope and opened it, he pulled out a leaflet. “What is it?” Jason asked. “A leaflet for Anne Frank.” Dick said. “What?” Jason asked. “It’s at the old theatre.” Dick said, “Look at the date, April 17th 2009.”

“I remember this.” Dick said, “Bruce took Barbara and I to watch it. You know it’s a true story?” He asked, Jason nodded. “She hid in a secret room with her family during the-”

“What?” Dick asked. “I didn’t think of it!” Jason exclaimed. “I went to the old theatre, but I couldn’t find anything, because he’s hiding her!”

“That’s a bit of a stretch Jason.” Dick commented. “It’s all I’ve got so far.” Jason said, and he ran to his bedroom to change into his Red Hood outfit.

Dick stepped into the bedroom as he was pulling his grey Kevlar over his head and began to pull his boots on, “You can’t stop me Dick!” He shouted. “Jason, there was something else in the envelope.” Dick said, and Jason looked up, “What?” He asked, but his breath caught in his throat when he saw Dick holding a familiar looking necklace.

Y/N woke up when she felt Jason gently brushing her cheeks, “Happy Birthday, my love.” He whispered when she opened her eyes. “What time is it?” She asked tiredly. “Time to wake up.” Jason said gently and pressed his lips to her cheek.

Y/N rolled her head to the side to look at the alarm clock, as she did Jason peppered her neck with kisses. “Jason, it’s 7am!” She exclaimed. “But it’s your Birthday.” He mumbled, lacing their fingers together and pinning her hands above her head.

“Still too early for morning sex!” She giggled; Jason grunted. He removed his lips from her neck and turned to the bedside cabinet. “Is it too early to open this?” He asked. He opened the top draw and pulled out a small box, Y/N sat up and accepted the box from Jason. She opened it and inside was a silver necklace, the pendant was a jewelled Egyptian eye.

“Wow, Jason. It’ beautiful.” Y/N said, smiling widely at Jason. “Do you want me to put it on?” He asked, she nodded, and Jason took the necklace from her and put it around her neck. “I knew it would look perfect on you.” He smiled, she held the pendant in between her fingers. “Some people think that this, the Eye of Horus, is the Egyptian symbol of evil, but many people believe that it is the symbol of protection.” Jason settled himself next to Y/N, he took her hands in his and smiled sweetly.

“I’ll never let anything happen to you.” He smiled, catching her by surprise with a kiss.

Jason took the necklace from Dick; it was stained with blood but otherwise seemed intact.

Y/N flicked the bathroom light off and stumbled back to the bedroom. Jason’s snores filled the apartment and Y/N climbed back into bed and snuggled up against his warm body. She started to drift back to sleep when she heard something in the room. Out the corner of her eye, she watched Jason’s hand slide under the pillow to where he kept the gun. She noticed the window was slowly opening, and smoke filled the room and she blacked out.

Now here she was, curled up in a tiny cold, dark room, held captive by the Joker. She had no idea where he was keeping her. But she knew he wanted information and, but she wasn’t willing to give that up.

She knew that the Joker knew the secret identity of the Red Hood, it was the reason he’d captured her. He had one of his henchmen burn her until she gave up the identities of Batman, Robin, Batgirl and anyone else involved with Batman.

When she didn’t give him the identities, he beat her with a crowbar as a punishment. And then locked her in a tiny cold room.

“Well, it’s been two days and lover boy hasn’t come for you, ha! I’m starting to think he doesn’t really love you.” The Joker laughed and he slammed the door.

Y/N wiped her eyes, the last two days she had experienced the most awful torture, she didn’t think it was possible to experience this much main; her body ached and bled. She was covered in burns; some had begun to blister until they were torn open by the crowbar, which left multiple gashes over her body. She was exhausted.

Red Hood and Nightwing stood on the roof of the old theatre, looking down through the skylight. From there they could see three of the Joker’s henchmen. “Follow me.” Nightwing said and he gracefully jumped through the skylight. Red Hood followed him, they both landed on the stage.

The three henchmen were startled by the sudden interruption from the two vigilantes and were immediately taken out.

“Anne Frank’s secret annex was hidden by a bookcase.” Nightwing said. “Yeah, but that’s not the Joker’s forte.” Red Hood added. “Question is, why were they guarding the stage?” Nightwing asked. He and Red Hood exchanged looks.

“Most theatres usually have a box on stage which leads to under the stage, I can’t remember what it’s called thought.” Nightwing said. “Doesn’t matter what it’s called.” Red Hood said, following Nightwing across the stage. He’d found the way to get under the stage. Nightwing pulled the metal grate off the front and they climbed inside.

“This seems to obvious.” Red Hood said, “He’d hide her really well.”

“He would.” Nightwing said, thinking about the leaflet that Jason had received, he looked around the small space underneath the stage. And something caught his eye. “Here.” He said. The floor wooden, but there was a rug in the middle of the floor.

He went over to it and lifted it up and revealed a trapdoor. He and Red Hood exchanged looks, and Red Hood yanked it up and they saw a set of metal stairs. Red Hood ran down the metal stairs with his gun in his hand, Nightwing followed.

Four henchmen were waiting for them, Nightwing took them out with his escrima sticks and Red Hood threw a few punches before the henchmen could begin to prepare themselves.

“HA HA.” They heard the Joker’s laugh, and they saw him sitting on a wooden chair. “I was wondering when you’d come for her, Jason Todd.” The Joker said.

Red Hood pulled his hood back and removed is domino mask. “Where is she?” He asked, “Why did you take her?”

The Joker laughed, and as he stepped closer to them, Jason saw that his purple blazer was covered in blood splatters. He held his gun up to the Joker. “Jason, don’t kill him.” Nightwing warned.

Jason lowered his gun, and the Joker sniggered. Jason pulled the trigger and the bullet tore through the Joker’s foot. Jason didn’t stop there, he kicked him and punched him to the ground, his fist was covered in blood and as he punched him, he screamed ‘where is she?’

“Jason!” Nightwing dragged him away from the Joker, who was lying on the ground struggling to breath. Jason looked at Nightwing, but there was something behind him that caught his eye.

Jason pushed Nighwing to the side and stumbled towards a metal door which was padlocked. “Y/N!” He shouted, but there was no response. He pulled his gun out, aimed it at the padlock and pulled the trigger twice.

Jason yanked the door open and he dropped to his knees when he saw Y/N slumped against the wall. Her body covered in burns, blisters, gashes and bruises.

“No!” He cried and crawled to her and took her into his arms. He brushed blood stained hair out of her face, “Y/N.” He mumbled as he cradled her in his arms. Nightwing watched the two of them, he put his hand over his mouth. Then he pressed the distress button on the side of his domino mask.

“Y/N.” Jason muttered, tears falling down his cheeks. “Y/N.” He pressed his lips to her forehead and let the tears fall down his cheeks. Then to his relief, he heard a sound escape her lips.

“Jay?” She asked weakly. “Y/N?” He asked, “I’m here, it’s ok.” He said. “Jason.” She muttered, and her eyes slowly fluttered open.

“Jason?” She asked. “I’m here, it’s ok. Dick’s here too.” Jason reassured. “Help’s coming, Y/N.” He reassured her, she nodded slowly. “I’m sorry I let him take you. I’m so sorry.” Jason cried, Y/N lifted her hand up as best she could and placed it against Jason’s cheek. He pressed his hand to hers. “It’s not your fault.” She said weakly. Jason shook his head, Y/N shook hers.

“He used a gas to knock us out. I saw you go for your gun.” She said. Jason took her hand from his cheek and pressed his lips to her blistered knuckles. “I’m sorry.” He said when she winced.

“Nightwing!” A booming voice called. “Down here, Batman!” Nightwing called. Jason heard Batman’s heavy footsteps rushing down the metal stairs and he was quickly at Jason’s side. “You knocked him out?” Batman asked, Jason nodded. “You got here quick.” He commented. “I responded to a distress call.” Batman said, “Are you ok, Y/N?”

Y/N nodded slowly. “Can you move?” Batman asked. “No, I’ll carry her.” Jason said. “Take her to the Batmobile.” Batman said.

The GCPD took the Joker back to Arkham and the henchman to jail.

Alfred, with Barbara’s help, patched up Y/N’s wounds. Jason was relieved that she’d be ok. He sat next to her bedside and waited for her to wake up.

“Jason?” She asked, when she began to stir. “I’m here.” He smiled at her when she opened her eyes.

“Are you ok?” She asked. “Am I ok?” He asked, “I’m fine, you’re the one who was attacked.”

“You’re a mess.” She smiled, Jason chuckled, he still hadn’t washed or had any sleep since her rescue. “I’ve had the worst few days of my life, I never thought I’d see you again.” He said, pressing a kiss to her temple.

“I knew you’d come for me.” She muttered, “You promised.” Jason smiled, “I’ll always come and find you.” He said.

“Can you do me a favour?” She asked. “Yes, anything.” Jason said, brushing her hair. “Can you brush your teeth before you kiss me?” She asked.

Jason laughed, wiping a single tear from his eye, he nodded. “Of course.”

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