#please help me my joints are hunting each other for sport

[buglover77]

Hello chronic pain havers just letting you know any time I think “I am so sick” a man with a surfboard appears behind me and goes “YEAHHH, sick as HELL duuuuude!!!!” If you take your meds he might appear to you too

[ohwereusingourmadeupnames]

It Takes Me All the Way

Pairing: Peter Parker/Tony Stark Rating: Explicit (E) Notes: This is my fic for my @starkerfestivals summer BINGO “flower shop au” square. The following idea hit me in the head a couple of days ago & I couldn’t let it go until the whole thing was written. Here’s my bingo card  - if you see something on there you might want written, shoot me a message!!! Word Count: 11.5K  Warnings: There’s a tiny bit of smut in here, but it’s me writing, so when is that not the case?

Summary:

'For the next half an hour, Peter learned about flower language and the subtle way to artfully layer flowers so the colors blended meaningfully together. Peter didn’t retain too much about the flowers themselves – they were beautiful and coordinated perfectly, but Tony out shone them all. He was obviously in his element; the simple way the information fell from his mouth spoke of years of study and tons of hands-on knowledge. Not only was the man smart, he had an eye for style and created little living masterpieces without much thought.

By the time Peter worked up the courage to make any sort of move, they were at the register, seconds away from a complete transaction. He was in too deep to let the spark between them go another time. Steeling himself for whatever might come, Peter took a deep breath and leapt. “Hey, before I go – would you like to go out with me sometime?"'

Or: the one where Tony's a florist and Peter kind of digs that.

Read on AO3 here.

---- 

After taking home the third, consecutive NCA Championship title, Peter craved a tame summer. Unlike the rest of his teammates, he had no dreams of furthering his cheerleading career by becoming a coach; while everyone else flocked to the NCA cheer champ coaching positions, Peter tried his hardest to create some distance between himself and the sport.

Of course, that was easier said than done when his very best friend was also a teammate. Since the day MJ pulled him off the gymnastics mat and thrust him not so gently into the world of cheer in seventh grade, Peter never looked back – not to gymnastics or the people he left behind. He didn’t naturally fit in with anyone, but with MJ by his side and an incredible amount of athleticism, high school passed by in a whirlwind of football games, competitions, and a rich education Peter clung to. Being smart was a way out of the conservative little town that would never accept the truth of who Peter truly was.

When Purdue became an option for the both of them, Peter immediately understood moving to Indiana was the next step in life’s adventure. It wasn’t the big city that he always imagined he’d escape to, but Peter couldn’t argue with a full ride academic scholarship and a spot earned on the cheer team. As a male with tumbling experience and a shocking amount of strength for his size, Peter didn’t have to wonder about his spot on the team – he’d been leading teams to competition wins for years. Stepping out of the narrow-minded world of Springfield, Missouri was the only thing that mattered; the ability to do what he wanted without worrying about where the money came from to do it – that was just a delightful bonus.

Despite the challenges of college athletics and a philosophy major, Peter managed to keep his close friendship with MJ. They’d been a stunting pair for ages and their similarities made it easy to not only be around each other but stay tight knit in their connection. Going through so many of the trials of growing up together, Peter didn’t know what life would be like without her. After coming out and receiving nothing but a hug and a shy “me too”, their bond was cemented – made permanent in a way that something shared tied one person to another.

Their undying friendship and ridiculous commitment to each other was how he found himself balls deep in wedding planning, instead of relaxing in the peace and quiet of his one-bedroom apartment, playing video games and reading all the books he didn’t get to crunch out during the busy school year. MJ didn’t even bother asking him to be her ‘man’ of honor – after popping the question to Darcy, she simply sent him a list of things to do and dove right in.

Between bachelorette parties, bridal showers, and the seemingly impossible hunt for the best bridesmaid’s dresses, Peter hadn’t spent more than a couple days of the break on his own. Though he loved the fuck out of MJ and her soon-to-be wife, he couldn’t wait for the wedding to come and go. A little peace and alone time was exactly what he needed.

Finally, after a week of long nights and last-minute errands, the big day was upon them. The beautiful ranch venue radiated with a rich sunshine, basking the place in a lucky sort of golden glow. Since he didn’t have to spend his entire morning trapped in a makeup chair, Peter got to enjoy the beautiful weather firsthand as he contributed to the set up and decorating. Aside from helping MJ get into the admittedly cool pant suit she planned to wear, Peter’s time was his own until an hour before the ceremony.

Grinning at the thought, Peter pulled out one of the reception hall chairs and sat down heavily. He relaxed into the comfortable wood, reaching up to run a hand through his formidable curls. They were sans gel at the moment; his fingers sailed through the silky strands with ease.

Peter wasn’t aware he closed his eyes until a loud clatter had them blinking open in surprise. Swiftly turning towards the noise, Peter stopped in his tracks at the sight in front of him.

A big gray vase was the source of the noise, there was no doubt about that the second Peter spotted it. What completely took his breath away, or maybe who, was the man holding said vase. Peter saw tanned arms that were toned to perfection right off the bat. It was obvious at first glance that the owner of those limbs worked outside with his hands frequently. The lithe muscles and glorious golden skin tone spoke more of manual work than physical exercise. With his eyes travelling up firm forearms and the swell of a built bicep, Peter noticed the man’s hair next. Tamed by a plain white dad hat, an abundance of unruly curls flipped under the edges of the brim and sides. Peter imagined a flowing head of dark brunette hair he could easily slip his fingers into the depths of.

As if the man knew Peter was staring, he turned towards Peter’s table, an intrigued look on his face. A face that, after taking in the rest of the stranger’s glorious beauty, didn’t seem fair. Well-kept facial hair outlined perfect lips pulled into a knowing smirk. Rich, honey-golden eyes were just visible under the brim of the man’s sweat-stained hat. They seemed to pierce Peter right in the chest, like their unblinking nature dug under his skin and saw everything he tried so desperately to hide. The feeling was unnerving yet so exhilarating all the same. Though he felt so very exposed, Peter wanted nothing more than to narrow the space and get to know the handsome stranger.

Luckily, his chance came a couple hours later.

To stop himself from shamelessly flirting, Peter hightailed it out of the reception hall the second he could, using a check up on MJ as a guise for his obvious escape. Most of his friends were exactly where he left them at the start of the morning – it was a marvel that anything got done when they all got together. After braving the makeup talk and putting out a few emotional fires, Peter’s reprieve came in the form of a man of honor errand.

With MJ’s credit card in hand, Peter made his way to the front of the building where the florist was waiting. He’d been so glad to get out of the bridal suite that he didn’t stop to think about the stranger and the beautiful floral arrangement that’d been in his hand or to make the connection between the two. For the second time that day, Peter tripped over himself when the man came into view. Now that an actual need to speak to him was in sight, Peter didn’t know if he could make his mouth work to take the chance.

Recognition was clear on the florist’s face – though they didn’t know one another, it was hard to forget the very long, very obvious stare Peter was caught in. Those utterly kissable lips were upturned, the pinch around the man’s eyes from the grin making him all the more attractive. Rolling his eyes at the thought (like he needed to be any more attractive), Peter tried to school his features and return the smile with one of his own.

“Hi! I’m Peter, MJ’s man of honor. She sent me to square up the bill for the flowers,” Peter said in greeting. As the space between them narrowed down, Peter nervously reached out, his free hand suddenly taking up the space between them.

A surprisingly soft hand slipped into his a moment later – the touch was firm and efficient, only lingering a second longer than usually appropriate. “Nice to meet you, Peter. Please let MJ know that I really enjoyed the challenge of the flower choices. Geraniums are hard to come by this late in the season.”

Pulling away, despite the desperate want to have the man’s hands all over him, Peter nodded in understanding – most of both MJ and Darcy’s choices were high maintenance and unique. The planning of every step along the way had been an absolute bear. “That’s MJ for you,” Peter agreed with a light chuckle. “We’ve been scrambling around the last week or so trying to get all the details right.”

There was a shared moment of silence where the two simply smiled at each other. The florist seemed just as lost as Peter, the joint look of discomfort and wonder more telling than any words ever could be. For Peter, each second that passed was a small gift he gluttonously got to unwrap until the magic was broken.

“It’s her big day, she should have what she wants,” Tony finally replied, the words and a red blush breaking the silence. “I like the unique stuff, anyway – keeps the job interesting.”

Without missing a beat, a paper invoice was thrust in his direction. “I took out the delivery fee from the total since I was in the area already.”

After that, it didn’t take more than a couple of minutes to complete the transaction – the florist worked swiftly, his fingers nimble and knowledgeable in every movement he made as he swiped MJ’s card and handed it quickly back to Peter. The brush of their fingers in the exchange seemed purposeful, though – especially with the smirk and red blush that followed.

Caught up in how brilliant the look was, Peter didn’t realize there was nothing keeping him there until the shuffling of feet brought the reality of the situation back with a vengeance. As much as he wanted to stay and chat, or ask for a number, or even a name, Peter knew the time wasn’t right. He already felt so caught up – actually having access to his preoccupation wouldn’t be good for his focus. It was MJ’s day; he owed it to her to keep his shit together and make every second of it the very best.

Looking up, Peter shot the other man a large grin before lifting a hand, pointing his thumb over his shoulder. “I better get back,” Peter started awkwardly, “but thank you – for helping make MJ’s day so beautiful.”

With a nod, the florist pocketed his phone and took off towards the parking lot. Peter watched him walk away just long enough to catch the glance over work-firm shoulders. Hazel and brown met for a moment before Peter forced himself to walk away – a large part of him wanted to sprint across the black top to stop the gorgeous man from leaving. Something in the pit of his chest was pulsing with life; the feeling was so foreign that Peter pushed it down and quickly ran in the opposite direction, instead.

Peter got back to the bridal suite in a wonky haze – so much so that he didn’t even realize he walked through the door until MJ’s voice broke through his rampaging thoughts. “Did you get everything squared away with Tony?”

Turning towards her, Peter tilted his head, a crease in his brow appearing in his confusion. “Tony?” Peter questioned as he made his way over to the big table in the center of the room to deposit both the invoice and MJ’s credit card.  

“Tony – the florist. I sent you to pay the bill. Please tell me you didn’t get lost along the way.” MJ shot him a knowing look, her hazel eyes blazing with affection. “He was a great help these last couple of months – matching all the colors would’ve been impossible without him.”

His brain halted for a second, the organ doing nothing but processing the fact that his handsome stranger now had a name. Recalling the beautiful face, Peter figured the name Tony fit the man pretty perfectly. With that knowledge, it was quickly becoming obvious that his focus was already shot – Tony with toned arms and a delectably deep voice already took up space there, just waiting to distract Peter at the worst possible time.

Like that moment, where MJ was staring at him with growing concern, waiting for a simple yes or no to her easily answerable question. Peter shot her an embarrassed grin when he got himself back under control. Sheepishly, he reached up to run a hand through his hair. “All is well. He told me to tell you he enjoyed the challenge. Oh, and he nixed the delivery fee – said he was already in the area.” He tried to sound cool as he spoke, to not give his interest away. Yet he knew almost immediately he wasn’t successful – Peter heard his own excitement as the words bounced around in his ears.

“So it’s like that,” MJ said, looking at him much more critically now.

“Like what?” Peter shot back, refusing to look her directly in the eye. She already caught the scent – the second he gave her the satisfaction of seeing the truth in his eyes, Peter would never hear the end of it. Regardless of the very important fact that Peter, despite wanting to more than ever, didn’t even pursue the obvious and very mutual interest.

Instead of pushing, MJ surprisingly let a knowing smile overtake her face.

“I see you Peter Parker.”

Luckily, the hustle and bustle of pre-wedding preparations and nerves that were inescapable, swept the subject right off the table a moment later. Peter happily helped MJ make her finishing touches in preparation for finally meeting her wife at the end of the aisle. Getting so swept up in it all, Peter allowed himself to forget the hazel eyed man for the rest of the evening. MJ and Darcy looked so happy – it was hard to see passed anything other than their beaming smiles and the bright future waiting for them.

----

The next few weeks passed by in a flash. Peter finally got some time to himself and reveled in it, taking advantage of every second of solitary freedom he could purge himself on before his final season began. Movies, books, and his favorite video games were the only thing Peter allowed himself to think about (and Tony, so many of his thoughts were about the gorgeous florist). He even went as far as to bar MJ and Darcy from the apartment when they got back from their honeymoon – it was the least they could do after running him ragged with errands and things over the previous few months. The last thing he wanted to deal with was the bombardment of newly wed grossness; it’d been some time since Peter felt the luscious caress of love against his heart and soul – and jealousy just didn’t look good on him.

When his self-imposed isolation came to an end, Peter begrudgingly got back into a suitable routine. Though cheer practice was different without MJ there, Peter easily sunk back into the drills and full body workouts that came after an entire summer off on their own. Hayley, their coach extraordinaire, pushed them hard in the beginning – it was the best way to filter out those who wouldn’t make it when the season really got started and competition prep took over all of their lives.

Once his muscles got used to the severe beating he took on a daily basis, Peter was more than ready for the year to start. Football games and the atmosphere that came with being a Boiler were a lot of fun; and with his decreased workload as a fifth-year senior, Peter planned to enjoy the easy-going nature of spirit and poms and comradery before the teeth came out and everyone’s battle armor settled into place. When competition season started, the team’s overall atmosphere and driving motivations changed.

Of course, just when Peter thought things were going just the way they should, karma came around to prove him wrong. After a long practice the week before the semester started, one of their flyers fell from a stunt, completely unaware of her contact with the ground’s effect until someone on the other side of the mat screamed. The sight, when Peter allowed himself to look, turned his stomach – he’d never seen a dislocated hip in person before and hoped to never do so again.

After the trauma of having the paramedics all over their turf, the team was given a couple of days off to recuperate. Peter and the rest of the squad planned to take advantage of the freedom by visiting Macy, who ended up having to have emergency surgery to save both her leg and her life. Though he knew a bouquet of flowers wouldn’t change the fact that she would never be able to cheer ever again, Peter figured it was a nice touch and planned to have one made before heading to the hospital.

Googling the closest florist, Peter was surprised to find a shop so near to campus. Many of the businesses surrounding Purdue were food joints or bars that were guaranteed to get a lot of steady business during the semester and over the summer. He wondered, just for a moment, how such a random store managed to survive the college population.

It took one look at the place to understand why the shop fit exactly where it was. Instead of the old lady feel he assumed he’d find, Peter stepped in front of a large windowed building with intricate flower arrangements filling the visible shelves. On the far side of the door was a mural of the Purdue P surrounded by all types of flora. The word Stark’s was camouflaged within the swarm of vines and greenery throughout the painting. It was well done and in the perfect, eye-catching spot.

A small bell over the door rang as Peter walked through it – at least one of the cliches in his mind was accurate. Grinning at the thought, Peter let his legs carry him further into the store, his head on a swivel to look at all the beautiful foliage placed strategically from one wall to the other. Though he knew nothing of plants, Peter understood the art of drawing attention – he participated in a sport that perfected it. From the placement to the intrigue, whoever owned the shop knew exactly what to do to draw a person in.

Peter stopped his exploration when a recognizable voice echoed throughout the space – “I’ll be right with you.” Upon hearing the timber and depth that haunted Peter every night since MJ’s wedding, he almost turned around and walked right back out of the store. He wasn’t equipped for the gorgeous man and his distracting smile and eyes and shapely ass.

Before he could make his feet move or even think, Tony and his inarguable gorgeousness walked in through the back door. His hands were covered in dirty gloves, a newly potted plant in the crook of his elbow. A denim apron covered a plain white t-shirt and black jeans that peaked out the bottom. At the sight of him, Peter had to force himself to keep his mouth closed and the pace of his heart under control – much like the last time he enjoyed the view, Peter wanted to bound across the distance and intimately get to know the other man.

Met with a smile when their eyes locked, Peter reminded himself to remain calm and smile back, to actually act like a human person with thoughts and the ability to actually articulate them. He came in here for a reason, walking out of the store with anything but the arrangement he wanted to bring to the hospital was unacceptable.

Tony, upon recognizing him, took the first step towards intelligible conversation.

“Peter, right? It’s nice to see you in here! How’d the wedding go?”

Blushing at the familiarity, Peter dipped his head and took a deep breath, hoping to collect himself enough to actually reply back. “Hi, yes. Peter. It’s nice to see you, too. I was surprised to see a flower shop in the middle of college central, but your place seems to fit in really nicely. No wonder MJ was pulled in,” Peter said in reply, getting the words out all at once to make sure they all saw the light of day. “The wedding was beautiful. Both brides are blissfully happy, and your floral arrangements were the topic of several conversations I had that night. You do good work, Tony.”

Peter’s heart stopped when Tony tilted his head back into a laugh a moment later. How did someone look so sexy doing something so base? No matter what happened, Peter knew he’d never understand such a thing. To cover up his reaction, Peter added his own laugh to the mix – the sounds harmonious in the empty shop.

“Yeah, I’m sure my flowers were a hot topic of conversation, especially with those beautiful women in the room. Thanks for the kind words, though,” Tony mumbled through a laugh. As he spoke, Tony reached up to brush an errant curl from his forehead – without the hat, the hair on Tony’s head looked unruly and all over the place, untamed and absolutely beautiful. The move left the smallest remnant of dirt on his skin, the black flecks of soil like little calling cards with Peter’s name on them. His fingers itched to reach up and brush them away. Tony’s next words shook him of the thought – “What brings you in today?”

“One of my teammates fell and injured herself pretty severely. We, as a team, decided to rub in the fact that she’ll never join us on the mat again by visiting her now that she’s out of the ICU. I figured some pretty flowers might soften the blow,” Peter explained, coloring at the blunt honesty that trickled from his mouth.

Tony looked intrigued, the other man completely unfazed by Peter’s word choice and candid nature. “Must be a dangerous sport if you guys are nursing career ending injuries.” He signaled for Peter to follow him with a swift flick of his hand.

“I’ve seen some pretty intense injuries in my long cheerleading career, for sure. People flying through the air, and all that. I wouldn’t call the sport in general dangerous, per say – I’d say the expectations we have to meet are what’s dangerous. The look, the difficulty of the stunts we make our bodies do – it’s demanding,” Peter remarked, following a couple steps behind Tony as they walked.

“Sounds misogynistic as hell.”

Laughing at the truth of Tony’s statement, Peter nodded enthusiastically. His heart felt warm from the idea of the random stranger in front of him understanding his struggles better than May and Ben ever could. Tony didn’t know him, and yet Peter couldn’t remember ever feeling so seen. “Oh, it is. The beauty standards are unbelievable and if you’re a male in the cheer world, forget it – you’re fodder for mockery and intense judgement. I fit the stereotype and even I can’t catch a break.”

“What’s the stereotype?” Tony asked with a soft tilt of his head and curiousness in his eyes.

They stopped suddenly then – the space between them was narrowed down to a couple of feet with an abundance of plants surrounding them on both sides. If he took a step or two forward, Peter wouldn’t have too much trouble reaching out and touching Tony’s beautifully tanned skin like he so desperately wanted to. It took too much effort to stop himself from doing exactly that. How exhausting.

Without waiting another beat or giving himself another moment to eye kissable lips, Peter uttered the answer with subtle breathlessness – “Gay. Flaming homosexual is usually what people attribute to the men of the cheer world.”

Color travelled up Tony’s cheeks, his lips quirking ever so slightly. He took his time answering, the man obviously thinking through his reply before blurting whatever he had to say into the universe. “Huh. That’s interesting, considering football players don’t go a play without touching each other on the ass.” Tony stopped for a second, making sure to catch Peter’s eye. “Do you like it?”

“I love it,” Peter answered immediately, the words coming out of his mouth without thought. “Its been my life since 7th grade.”

“I guess that’s all that matters, then,” Tony replied softly, a small, familiar smile on his lips. “Now back to your friend – what’s her favorite color?”

For the next half an hour, Peter learned about flower language and the subtle way to artfully layer flowers so the colors blended meaningfully together. Peter didn’t retain too much about the flowers themselves – they were beautiful and coordinated perfectly, but Tony out shone them all. He was obviously in his element; the simple way the information fell from his mouth spoke of years of study and tons of hands-on knowledge. Not only was the man smart, he had an eye for style and created little living masterpieces without much thought.

By the time Peter worked up the courage to make any sort of move, they were at the register, seconds away from a complete transaction. He was in too deep to let the spark between them go another time. Steeling himself for whatever might come, Peter took a deep breath and leapt. “Hey, before I go – would you like to go out with me sometime? I have a chef friend that makes killer steak frites.”

For what it was worth, the look of surprise that crossed over Tony’s face was brief. It made Peter’s breath catch in anticipation – for the first time in their short acquaintance, Peter felt uncertain. The feeling quickly passed, however; Tony’s face split into a beaming smile, the earlier surprise so easily replaced with seemingly genuine happiness.

“Yeah, I’d love to. I close up shop around 6 – are you free tonight?” Tony’s cheeks were stained with a rapidly darkening, gorgeous blush, hazel eyes shining.

Peter couldn’t remember what the next ten minutes entailed, let alone that evening – yet, whatever it was, he’d happily reschedule. There wasn’t a single thing that would stop him from saying yes to whatever Tony suggested. “I am. How about I meet you out front at 6:30? I’ll call Tasha and grab us a table for 7.”

Tony nodded, reaching across the counter towards Peter’s phone. “That sounds good. I’ll give you my number in case something changes. I’ve got a greenhouse out back and tend to forget myself. I sometimes lose track of time.”

Completely taken by every new thing he learned about Tony, Peter opened the phone and pushed it in Tony’s direction without hesitation. He didn’t expect the older man to be so forward – then again, Peter wasn’t all that surprised, either; Tony owned, operated, and supplied a successful business – he had to know what he was doing to some extent.

Watching with a delirious sort of haze, Peter followed as Tony’s fingers enter his number, then hit the green button to call himself. A phone on the back counter buzzed a couple of times before Tony ended the call and slid Peter’s phone back to him. “See you later, Peter. Tell your friend I wish her a speedy recovery.”

Numb hands grabbed the arrangement off the counter – Peter raised it towards Tony in a mock solute. “Until tonight, then.” Peter muttered the words excitedly. “Bye, Tony.”

He forced himself to keep his head down in hopes of actually making it out of the store. Peter wanted to turn around and look goofily at Tony – now that he knew his feelings were reciprocated, there was nothing stopping his desire from slipping out. Since the wedding, Peter forced the thought of strong arms and bright eyes from his head, just to be haunted by Tony’s beauty when he closed his eyes and let sleep take hold. His subconscious wasn’t on board with suppressing his urges – the fact that karma played a role made the rightness he felt even more valid.

Tony wanted him too.

His visit with Macy and the team was an immediate drag to his mood – the mix of emotions of the people surrounding their friend attempting to express sympathy was exhausting. Every person in the room feared Macy’s position in the bed. Some handled the anxiety better than others. The one bright spot of the visit, of course, was Tony’s arrangement. MJ immediately recognized the man’s work and winked at him knowingly. Peter didn’t stop a grin from slipping across his face; in their silent means of communication, the look was answer enough.

MJ corned him in the parking lot everyone dispersed to an appropriate amount of time later. When the room started to get too cloying, Peter made his excuses, prompting everyone to follow suit. There was only so much sad he could take – especially when a potential light in his dark tunnel shone so bright, waiting for him just hours away. They stopped at the trunk of Peter’s car, MJ leaning against the bumper like always. “Peter, spill. I haven’t seen that goofy look on your face since high school. Did something happen with Tony?”

Snorting at MJ’s impeccable awareness, Peter shifted until he could wrap his arm around her. He leaned his head against the side of MJ’s, closing his eyes. “Your florist is the best-looking man I’ve ever laid eyes on. I maturely held myself back at the wedding to be there with you in the moment and those karma points I banked were good to me today. I walked into Stark’s for some flowers for Macy and couldn’t bear to walk out without a chance to see him again.” Peter turned his head until he could press a kiss to her forehead. “We’re going out tonight.”

“I’m happy for you,” MJ said, her thin arms wrapping around him. “When I first met him, I thought you two might like each other. He’s older, a little weird, smart as hell – just your type.”

“I guess there’s a reason why you’re my best friend,” Peter quipped. “Seriously, though. Thank you – you always point me in the right direction. I really like him.”

MJ pulled back just enough to tap her forefinger against Peter’s nose – the move their sign of affection for years now. “Go get your man, Pete.”

----

To stop himself from pacing up and down the hall of his apartment, Peter went to the fitness center on campus – a hard workout with the weights was exactly what his body needed. Sweating and listening to a couple of playlists took Peter away from his thoughts of dinner later and into a mindset that let him just exist. It didn’t hurt that the pump in his arms looked amazing by the time he packed up and called it a day.

Timing it perfectly, Peter left himself an hour to get back to his apartment, shower, and decide on an outfit that didn’t shout desperate, but expressed his implicit interest, too. Not living too far from campus made it easy to fret about his clothes after a lengthy shower that took every ounce of Peter’s willpower to not masturbate anxiously. He wasn’t sure he’d be able to face the star of his fantasies head on after beating off to the thought of Tony’s tanned skin and gorgeous smile.

After a few restless passes through every piece in his closet, Peter took a large step back, attempting to clear his head. From what he already learned of the older man, Peter knew Tony looked flawless in anything – his style was basic, but the casual nature in which it was worn made the look stylish, anyway. Tasha’s restaurant wasn’t the fanciest place in the world and the pressing feeling of being comfortable in Tony’s presence made an outfit pop into Peter’s head after a couple of long breaths that helped to calm him down.

Peter slipped into his favorite dark wash jeans, smiling all the while – it seemed silly, the anxiety he danced with less than five minutes ago. He’d felt nothing but ease and excitement around Tony, getting himself prepared for a date with the man wasn’t as life and death as he let himself believe. Stressing over something that felt simple in every other way was a new feeling – Peter carried an abundance of confidence with him everywhere. The change made Peter believe whatever might happen with Tony was different and so much better than any other romantic dalliance he’d ever taken part in.

The outfit was finished with a couple small sprays of his favorite cologne – Peter only broke out the fancy stuff for special occasions. With a tug to his rolled shirt sleeve and the slightest adjustment of his collar, Peter took a deep breath and wandered across the room to stop in front of his mirror. His straight legged jeans were clasped at the waist with a black leather belt that cut Peter’s figure dramatically. Both muscular and trim, Peter went out of his way to make sure each attribute was highlighted appropriately. A white and blue stripped short sleeve button up wrapped around Peter’s firm biceps and tucked neatly into his waistband to highlight the narrowness of his hips.

Aside from the rogue curls Peter couldn’t tame, he felt good about the way he looked – the outfit and the confidence it made him feel would be a hit. Tony seemed to like the upfront and honest way he presented himself, there wasn’t any reason to change that now. Allowing himself one last look, Peter turned away from the mirror and made his last-minute preparations – he pocketed his wallet and keys and grabbed a jacket off the coat hook on his way out of the door.

It took less than five minutes to get to Tony’s shop – without the daily traffic on the road, the drive was easy. Pocketing that fact for another time, Peter climbed out of the car excitedly; for the first time in a while, Peter felt ready to date. Tony presented intrigue and want and a curiosity that Peter hoped to cling to for as long as possible. The simple fact that Peter already felt that way spoke volumes.

A door shutting brought Peter’s attention to the sidewalk in front of him. He expected to find Tony turned around to lock the front door of the shop, yet the older man was closing a door on the side of the building instead. Even more interested now, Peter started to head in that direction.

“I live in a huge loft above the shop,” Tony said with a knowing tone, answering Peter’s unspoken question without any sort of hesitation. “When I first bought the building, a storefront wasn’t what I initially had in mind. After I opened up the shop, it made the most sense.” Tony continued to speak as he closed the distance between them.

A soft pair of lips were pressed lightly against Peter’s cheek before he could think, let alone reply. Peter felt his cheeks and neck light up with a heated flush, his body temperature skyrocketing. Tony’s next words only added to the feeling – “You look amazing, Peter.”

Swallowing his awkwardness, Peter smiled in Tony’s direction, finally taking the man in front of him fully. Tony’s legs were encased in charcoal grey jeans that were rolled twice at the cuff. The edges sat nicely against a pair of black and white vans. The tanned arms Peter hadn’t been able to stop thinking about were on display – Tony’s short sleeve button up was perfectly tight against a trim chest and firm shoulders. Other than the stubble Peter figured Tony always had, the man’s cheeks were smooth – highlighting how gorgeous the florist truly was. It didn’t hurt that their fashion senses were similar, either; Peter wondered for a moment where Tony got the floral shirt currently driving him crazy.

“You’re stunning,” Peter eventually managed to say, his breathy words finally breaking his minutes long silence. “You’ve looked great in every way I’ve seen you – covered in dirt, sweaty and working, dressed to impress – it’s kind of not fair, Tony.” Peter let the truth of what he just said sit transparently on his face. They were passed the point of coyness and subtlety; Peter wanted Tony to know he was wanted, even though they hadn’t known each other long.

His bluntness seemed to do the trick – Tony grinned widely in his direction, avoiding direct eye contact with Peter in obvious hope of getting himself back under control. “Charmer,” Tony muttered, stepping a little closer to Peter to emphasis his point.

After opening the passenger side door like the gentleman he was, Peter settled behind the wheel and onto the main road. Tasha was a former teammate, a senior his freshman year, that escaped to Paris – only to make her way back to Indiana and use the knowledge she gained in one of the cooking capitals of the world. Over the years, Silver became a regular place for Peter and the team to spend their classier nights. The food was amazing, and Tasha’s unique style made the minimalism the restaurant was known for interesting and thought provoking. When he called to make the reservation, Tasha cooed in Peter’s ear while saving his favorite table for 7.

They made easy small talk during the drive over – Peter described the pre-season workouts he’d been trucking through while Tony regaled him with a story of his last customer of the day who tried to steal roses by stuffing them down her shirt. As he listened and absorbed, Peter realized Tony was funny and full to the brim of wit – he laughed freely, the sound so joyful, Peter couldn’t help but join in. They were still chatting as the hostess led them to their table and set large menus before them.

Their drink orders were taken almost immediately – the serving staff was familiar with Peter and must’ve been tipped off before they got there. A bottle of red wine was set on the table before either of them could delve back into their previous conversation. Peter poured them each a glass, then pointed at the menu – “Did anything catch your eye?”

“I thought I’d go with the steak frites. Out of all the dishes on this extensive menu, that one immediately came to your mind. Seems like as good a reason as any to give them a try,” Tony reasoned, lifting the wine to his lips as he spoke. “What about you?”

Peter’s cheeks were already starting to hurt from the giddy smile he couldn’t help – talking and joking and simply being with Tony felt so natural. He didn’t have to think to reply casually to whatever they were talking about. “I get them every time I’m here. When Tasha first opened this place, she’d just lay dishes on the table when we sat down. I stopped being her menu taster when she introduced me to the steak frites. I haven’t had anything else here since,” Peter admitted, his cheeks flaming once again.

“You’re one of those people, huh?” Tony shot back, grinning all the while.

“One of those people?”

Tony grinned a little wider, his eyes shining with affectionate enjoyment. Before he replied, the older man slipped his hand across the table, taking Peter’s fingers lightly. “Yeah, one of those people. Someone that gets the same dish at every Chinese or Italian place they go to, no matter the options.” His thumb trailed over the back of Peter’s hand. “You like what you like.”

Feeling a little called out, Peter ducked his head to stop anymore redness from overtaking his skin – he probably resembled a tomato already. It was crazy – to feel so happy being teased. “Okay, yeah – I’m one of those people. I’ll try that one dish anywhere, though.”

They traded a few barbs back and forth until they ordered, and their dishes were sat down in front of them. Without the threat of interruptions in the near future, Peter felt ready to broach some of the more personal topics – for the first time on a date, Peter genuinely wanted to listen and find out more about the person across from him.

“So, tell me more about yourself – who is Tony Stark when not covered in dirt or up to his elbows in beautiful flowers?” Peter cut into his steak as he spoke, hoping the relaxed way he asked the question would take a little tension off Tony’s obligation to answer. The last thing he wanted to do was make their time together feel like an interrogation.

Tony didn’t seem to mind, though – he looked up with a tilt of his head. “What do you want to know? I’m shockingly not covered in dirt a lot of my time throughout the day.”

“How did your love for flowers start? Did you study horticulture in college?” Peter decided to ask.

Smiling lightly, Tony shifted in his seat, preparing himself for story time. “I studied Botany and Plant Pathology, actually. I have a doctorate in Plant Genetics and Soil and Water Sciences. During my plant genetics studies, I did some time abroad that took me to every continent – seeing the wide range of flora that exists in this world was the first time I ever thought about making plants and flowers a daily part of my life to the extent they are now.” Tony stopped to meaningfully catch Peter’s eyes.

“I used to be a professor at Purdue – when the restrictions of the lab became too much, I ditched the academic world and opened up the shop. I’ve been elbows deep in beautiful flowers ever since.” Tony winked in his direction, repeating his words jokingly back to him. “What about you? You cheer and charm unsuspecting old men, I know that. What else do you get up to?”

“You’re the only unsuspecting older guy I want to be charming, don’t you worry,” Peter reassured Tony with a soft chuckle. “When I’m not sweeping you off your feet, I study Philosophy and play a stupid amount of video games. Cheer and all that comes with it takes up a lot of my time, though. Most of my college life has revolved around football games and competitions.”

“Sweeping me off my feet – jeez, Pete,” Tony mumbled. His cheeks were red and the smile he wore spoke of happiness and enjoyment. “I took a couple of Philosophy classes during my undergrad days. What do you plan to do with an entire degree with it?”

A laugh slipped from Peter’s mouth at Tony’s question – though many people asked him that very same thing, no one presented it quite like Tony did. “You’d be surprised by what you can do with a Philosophy degree,” Peter retorted. “I want to be a bioethicist. My minor is Public Health – when I put my cheer shoes away for good, I hope to get a master’s in Bioethics and finally get into the realm I want to be in.”

Tony tilted his head then, his eyes roaming over Peter curiously. “What made you want to get into that? I’m sure there aren’t a lot of young bucks walking into higher education with their sights set on changing the medical world like that.”

Sucking in a long breath, Peter let the question sit on the air for a moment. He swirled the last of his wine in the glass before drinking it. “My parents were in a car accident a couple of days before my 10th birthday. My dad passed away immediately, but my mom – she hung on for an extra couple of days. There was a lot of internal bleeding that they were worried about. In all that worry, they didn’t wait for scan results or blood work to come back before they attempted a new, exploratory surgery. She didn’t make it back out of the operating room.”

Peter paused for a moment, catching his breath. “I was old enough to know someone fucked up and when I looked into it later, I decided I never wanted to let someone feel like I did in a crisis like that. There’s got to be someone who reviews the evidence and makes the ethically just decision to save someone’s life. Why shouldn’t it be me?”

For a second, Peter thought he went a little bit too far – there was a tense moment of silence that felt heavy after revealing something so personal. Peter bit into his bottom lip, not letting himself look up to see whatever reaction existed on Tony’s face. Then, a soft touch brushed across the back of Peter’s hand, Tony’s calloused fingers wrapping around his own. A brief squeeze had Peter looking up, his breath catching at the awe that met him. “I’m sorry to hear about your parents, Pete. Mine aren’t around anymore, either. It’s kind of cliché to say that you saw the deeper meaning of something so tragic, but it’s true. You’re using your pain to make the world better. That’s good shit,” Tony said, his voice hinting at a note of finality – like nothing would change his mind of the thought.

His certainty made Peter feel light, the weight of his emotional burden finally lifting from him after so many years. What a difference it made, to be so easily understood.  

That light and airy feeling followed Peter throughout the rest of the evening – he smiled widely as Tony talked about his greenhouse while they shared a small chocolate tart between them. For all that his physical attraction was worth, Peter was genuinely surprised to realize that he felt a personal connection to the florist, too. They led different lives but shared enough similarities to make the time spent together more than worth it. Peter liked Tony and from the looks and subtle touches Tony bestowed upon him all evening, Peter figured Tony might like him, too.

Tony proved that thought to be true when they pulled up in front of his place – “Do you want to come up? I had a really nice time tonight and don’t want it to end.” Tony’s words were said through a saucy smile, his intention more than clear in the look in his eyes.

Peter didn’t hesitate to give his answer – leaning forward, he gripped the side of Tony’s cheeks, using his hold as leverage to pull Tony a little closer. They met in the middle, their lips pressing together softly.

----

Things progressed pretty quickly from there. Tony led Peter up a small flight of stairs into an open room. As expected, plants and flowers were scattered around the place, covering all of the flat surfaces with adequate enough sunlight. A comfortable looking couch and kitchen table took up one corner of the room while a large, king-sized bed took up the rest of the free space of the room. There wasn’t much clutter and all of the things that Tony had, he more than likely used. It was simple and perfect, much like the person who resided there.

Tony didn’t let Peter take in the room for too long – before he could walk around and snoop, Tony’s arms were around Peter’s hips, pulling him close. Peter eagerly met Tony in the middle, their lips sealing together in the delicious slide of tongue and teeth and wet, panted breath. As the kisses deepened and their bodies moved closer to each other, Peter started to impatiently thumb at Tony’s buttons, his palms and fingers running over every inch of bare skin he revealed to the cold air. Tony followed suit; his movements much more impatient than Peter’s were. By the time they made it over to the bed, Tony was pulling down Peter’s pants and boxer briefs. He gladly joined Tony in nakedness before climbing onto the inviting mattress.

“Holy shit, this is comfortable,” Peter babbled absentmindedly, his limbs stretching as far as they could go.

“It’s the one thing I refuse to compromise on. I want to be comfortable when I partake in all the activities a bed is good for,” Tony replied as he climbed onto the bed and fit himself between Peter’s legs. “You’ll be even more impressed in the morning,”

For a while after that, there weren’t any words exchanged. Peter kept his mouth busy by pressing kisses into Tony’s neck and upper chest – Tony’s cologne was prominent, pulling Peter in the more he breathed the delicious smell in. Tony let Peter riddle his skin with marks and spit while he ran his hands all over Peter’s skin. Their hips were lined up and with every thrust Peter made up, Tony rolled his hips down until their cocks brushed delightfully. They were both so caught up in each other that nothing but touching and experiencing actually mattered.

It’d been so long for Peter that he found himself coming to a breathless crescendo fast. After a few minutes of passively letting Peter kiss him, Tony took control of things – his hips set the tempo and his hands and lips laid down the distraction. So overwhelmed from it all, Peter wasn’t aware of how close he was until his orgasm slammed into him out of nowhere. “Oh fuck, Tony! I’m – I’m going to come,” Peter panted out, his body thrumming with life and want and a desire he couldn’t hold back.

“Oh, Tony!” Peter practically screamed a moment later – Tony dirtily rolled his hips to toss him deliciously over the edge.

Panted breath filled the room as Peter rode the high of his orgasm. Tony placed tiny, teasing kisses against any part of Peter’s skin he could reach. Reaching down, Peter gripped the sides of Tony’s face until they were looking at each other – Tony met his eyes with a self-satisfied smirk. “How good is your turnaround time?”

Laughing, Peter leaned forward to give Tony a kiss. His cock was already starting to fill out again – having Tony so close set his body on fire. “Ten minutes at the max,” Peter mumbled after a moment of cataloging his heavy limbs and the desire that was rampaging through them.

“Good. Then you’ll have plenty of time to prep me before you fuck me.”

Lost in the words for a moment, Peter was immobile until Tony tapped his side with a cold lube bottle to get his attention. “You want me to fuck you?” Peter dumbly asked, his mind still trying to catch up.

“Yeah, Pete. I want to feel you inside of me. Your body is trim and fit – I can only imagine how good you’re going to fuck me,” Tony admitted without shame. He moved out of the splay of Peter’s thighs, climbing to his hands and knees, instead.

Not wanting to lose his chance, Peter launched himself into action. He ran his hands over the planes of Tony’s sides and back, tracing the small scars and tiny moles scattered across pale skin. His fingers were eager to categorize and map, but his impatience was too great. Tony pressed back into him, as if he too was starting to feel anxious for what was coming next.

Uncapping the lube, Peter drizzled a good amount onto two of his fingers, pausing just long enough to warm the slick to body temperature. When he felt ready, Peter pressed the tips of both his fingers to Tony’s eagerly waiting hole, tracing and circling the muscle to spread the lube and relax the man he was touching. Little by little, his first finger slipped in without much resistance. Tony bared down against him and let the digit slip all the way in until the webbing of Peter’s finger stopped him.

Now that the warm heat was wrapped around him, Peter wanted to take his time, letting Tony get used to the feeling while he explored and reached. Tony’s entire body jolted forward when Peter finally found that delicate nub.

“Shit – do that again!” Tony shouted; his voice laced with a breathy moan.

Unable to do anything but give into what they both wanted, Peter continued his ministrations, teasing Tony with one, two, and then three fingers. He scissored and pressed against the edge of Tony’s rim, loosening the muscle as he went. When he pressed inside, Peter caressed Tony’s insides, just barely pressing against his prostate until Tony was humping back with exaggerated impatience.

“I’m good, Pete. I’m good. Please, I want you,” Tony pleaded as he reached back and felt around for whatever lenght of Peter’s skin he could reach.

Completely hard once again, Peter was more than ready to feel Tony wrapped around him – after an easy orgasm already, Peter knew he’d be able to make their coupling worth it. Opening the tube of lube again, Peter drizzled more of it directly onto the length of his cock, and then a bit more around Tony’s rim. He stroked himself a couple of times, then shifted until the head of his cock could drag through the lube coating Tony’s skin.

He teased them both for a moment, tracing Tony’s rim with the wet head of his cock to ramp up that initial moment of anticipation. Peter kept up his antics until his own body couldn’t take it any longer – every part of him craved the warm embrace of Tony’s hole. With that thought in mind, Peter used one of his hands to grip Tony’s hip, using his hold to pull the other man back against him as he thrust forward. Breaching the muscle felt like coming home – he threw his head back with a rough groan; maybe he wouldn’t last as long as he initially thought.

“Tony, Tony, Tony – you feel fucking amazing,” Peter panted through clenched teeth, his body fighting hard against the need to thrust forward and take, take, take.

Tony reached back to grab at Peter’s hand on his hip to tangle their fingers together, instead. They shared a few breaths while Tony got used to the stretch of Peter within him, the mere connection between them radiating a different sort of heat while they waited.

Finally, Peter felt Tony relax around him enough for his hips to draw back and press forward without much effort. He kept his thrusts slow to start; his cock was throbbing from the realization that it was Tony below him – picking up the pace was a sure-fire way to end things a lot quicker than either of them wanted. When Tony started to thrust back against him, however, Peter lost more and more of his control. His hips snapped forward, their skin slapping together to make a loud sound that echoed around the room. With every thrust in, Tony moved with him – the tip of Peter’s cock was poised to press perfectly against Tony’s prostate every time.

Between the sounds dripping from Tony’s mouth and the delightful squeeze around his length, Peter was a few thrusts away from slipping over the edge once more. He tried to shift so he could wrap his fingers around Tony’s cock to get him there too, but he was met with a long stare over Tony’s shoulder – dark hazel eyes were on fire, pushing him to thrust harder and forget everything else. Tony’s body was taut, obviously strung out and seconds away from breaking apart. Finally understanding, Peter straightened out his chest, gripped Tony’s hips in both hands, and let himself go.

In the end, it was hard to decide who tumbled over the edge first. Tony shouted Peter’s name and tightened impossibly tight around him. The extra stimulus was the perfect thing to bring the heat in Peter’s belly to an overflowing boiling point. He tucked his head into the sweaty length of Tony’s neck and groaned, Tony’s name and fuck and unintelligible noises added to the symphony their joining created around the room.

Managing to just barely turn Tony as his body collapsed, Peter hit the mattress hard – his cock slipped out of the blissful heat, dragging a long groan from the depth of Peter’s chest. Being inside of Tony already felt like home; both his body and his heart were convinced. Wrapping his arm around Tony’s hip to compensate, Peter snuggled into the man’s sweaty back, keeping their bodies close.

“I – Tony. That was…” Peter started to mutter, his brain still not back online like the rest of him. Tony looked over his shoulder, affection and appreciation alive in the hazel of his eyes. They shared a heated stare as Tony pulled Peter’s hand more firmly across his chest – they didn’t need words in that moment, merely touching and existing in the same orbit was more than enough.

----

After that first passionate night, Peter spent almost all of his free time with Tony. With the shop being so close to campus, it was easy to lean on Tony’s close proximity and the joyful happiness Peter felt whenever they were together. The natural way their lives just sort of combined with each other proved how right they were for each other. Where others were wrapped up in the time Peter spent away from them, Tony enjoyed the fact that they led separate lives. Peter got to keep cheerleading and Tony at the same time without the two battling against each other. He didn’t know it before Tony came into his life, but that level of acceptance was everything Peter needed from another person to both excel and feel happiness.

Before Peter knew it, four months were behind them – though it hadn’t been that long, most of Peter’s things took up space in Tony’s apartment and every thought Peter had revolved around the life he was trying to create with the older man. He even took the time to learn more about Tony’s body of work – they spent many of their afternoons together in the backyard with Tony working the greenhouse while Peter practiced tumbling or simply watched his boyfriend in his element. Peter couldn’t recall another person making him feel so dumbfounded playing in the dirt the way Tony did – it wouldn’t matter what the man did, either; Peter would find something to be amazed about.

It was Tony that drew him in; his personality, thoughts, and the eager way he gave back to Peter spoke to a part of himself that he never knew existed.

Which was how he found himself nervously awaiting Tony’s arrival at the Purdue football stadium – aside from MJ and Darcy, Tony’s appearance at the football game would be the first time any of his friends met the older man. The fall, much like Peter, was a busy time of the year for Tony. Between weddings, showers, and parties, Tony’s weekends were filled to the brim. The homecoming game was the first game that the home schedule actually lined up with Tony’s off day. He couldn’t wait for Tony to watch him do the thing he loved in the uniform he felt proud to wear. Selfishly, he wanted to see that same sort of pride radiating from the person he’d fallen in love with.

The forty minutes they were trapped in the locker room before the game started felt like torture – his phone vibrated against his thigh a couple of minutes after they headed in from warm-ups. Tony was navigating the stadium’s security to get to the sideline spot Peter secured for him. When they walked back onto the field, Tony would be there eagerly waiting for him.

Finally, the performance lights flickered, and they were ushered to their usual entrance. The large black and gold flag he carried in his hands was lighter than usual – his excitement pumped through him, the dopamine of happiness causing a rush of energy. As the announcer pumped up the crowd, Peter caught the eyes of his teammates around him, sharing the hype he felt.

Running across the thick white lines never felt better – by the time he crossed center field, Peter caught sight of Tony in the corner. His boyfriend was clapping loudly, the honey-hazel of his eyes glued to Peter’s every move. The familiar feeling that Tony’s love created in him spread through Peter’s chest, showing itself off as a giant, beaming smile.

They didn’t get much of a chance to talk throughout the first half of the game – Peter’s stunt group was responsible for the spirit stuff for the first and second quarter. Instead, Peter sent Tony messages with his eyes, showing off his skills and tumbling talents whenever he could. It was almost better that way – Tony got to experience Peter in his element without any pressure to respond. The crowd going wild around them only added to the experience. For once, Peter got to put on the show.

When Peter got to wander off after the half-time performance, he was wrapped up in a bear-hug the second Tony could get his arms around him. Peter was covered in sweat and glitter and the annoying little turf beads that always stuck to his skin, but Tony didn’t seem to care. The older man picked him up, spinning him around excitedly. “Pete, you’re so talented. I about shit my pants when you back flipped for so long down the field, but damn – the skill you possess,” Tony gushed, tucking his face into Peter’s neck to calm himself down.

Not wanting to lose the upbeat energy, Peter cupped Tony’s cheeks in both of his hands. Tony leaned into the touch, tilting his head back to look at him. “I’m so happy you’re here,” Peter started, leaning forward to steal a quick kiss. “I’ve been on point all day because of you. I can feel you watching me – I want to be good for you.” The last words were whispered in his ear, the impact of them hitting Peter hard across his lower back as Tony wrapped him up and pulled him close.

“You’re the only thing I see,” Tony mumbled back, his tone all the sudden low and gravelly.

After leaning in to give Tony a heated kiss, Peter forced himself to pull back – he stepped out of Tony’s embrace completely. If he stayed there any longer, he wouldn’t make it back to the locker room at all. Smirking in Tony’s direction, Peter thrust his thumb over his shoulder. “I’ve got to go, or I’ll never leave. See you after?”

“I’ll meet you out front,” Tony said with a nod, his anxious hands reaching out to squeeze Peter’s hand once more. “Keep kicking ass, Pete.”

His role during the third and fourth quarter was a lot more passive than the first half of the game. Since the Boilers were up more than two touchdowns, a lot of the crowd left after the first few minutes of the third quarter – that meant the younger stunters and less experienced tumblers got to have some time on the field. To stop himself from straying over towards Tony, Peter put all of his effort into helping his littles. It didn’t work nearly as well as he figured it might, but he got through the rest of the game with minimal distraction.

Hayley’s speech was inspirational and moving like usual – they were done with football home games for the season and their success was obvious and highlighted in her moving words. The next couple of months of the season were the calm before the storm and they were all looking forward to the small break basketball games posed for them. Competition season started after the holidays and no rest would be spared. Though he always appreciated her words, Peter wished for them to quickly come to an end.

Before he even finished the thought, Hayley was circling them up, calling out the cheer that they all echoed back. As he shifted to move out of the circle, a firm grip stopped him. “I believe this is for you,” Hayley said, handing over a classic red rose.

“Hayley, who’s this from?” Peter asked, trying his best to tamper down the hope that maybe Tony was the stupidly romantic culprit.

With a knowing smile, Hayley shrugged her shoulders nonchalantly, “He said you’d know.”

Pulling the rose to his chest, Peter ducked his nose to sniff at the crisp petals. It was de-thorned and freshly cut – Tony’s markers were all over the beautiful gesture. His cheeks were already sore from all the beaming he’d been doing all night, the face splitting smile only made it worse. Despite that, Peter wore it throughout his post-game routine and out the door where he ran directly into MJ.

“MJ! What are you doing here?” Peter threw his arms around her then, careful not to crush the flower still in his hand.

Thin arms returned the hug – MJ brought him tightly to her chest with a hard squeeze. It’d been a few weeks since they’d seen each other. Seeing her standing there, Peter realized it’d been too long.

“I couldn’t miss homecoming. I am an alumna after all,” MJ replied, her wide eyes never leaving him. Watching her closely, Peter felt a gasp leave his lips when she brought another classic red rose up, running the flower under her nose. “This needed delivering, too.”

Peter gripped the rose lightly, tucking it against the other one in his hand. Each of the petals were perfect and from the small lessons he got from Tony whenever they handled the clipped flowers, Peter knew what the giving of classic red roses meant. It only seemed right that Tony clued him in that way.

“Don’t fuck this up, Peter. I really like him, too,” MJ remarked as she moved in to press a soft kiss on his cheek. He kept her close for a moment, simply soaking in her presence. “He’s waiting for you out front. Go get your man, Pete.”

A soft laugh left his lips, MJ said that to him when she first learned about his date with Tony. It wasn’t lost on him how full circle everything felt. The rightness of being with Tony existed in every aspect of his life – each little sign made the delirious heat in his chest burn that much brighter.

Giving MJ one more squeeze, Peter broke away to quickly make his way towards the front of the stadium where Tony was waiting for him. He wasn’t sure what he did to deserve such a sweet display of affection – Tony knew Peter appreciated the simple day to day life they were slowly creating with each other. At the same time, Peter’s heart was hammering in his chest at the thought that Tony deemed him worthy of such a gesture.

Peter found Tony leaning up against one of the large pillars just outside the exit doors. In the darkness, the honey color of his eye shone like melted pools of gold. Narrowing the distance between them became the only thing on Peter’s mind, he picked up his pace and practically threw himself in Tony’s arms.

The sigh along the length his neck made Peter tuck in a little tighter against Tony, his heart pounding with affection. He pulled back before the roses in his hand could get squished in the intensity of their embrace. Peter brought the flowers to his nose, keeping Tony’s eye as he did. “They’re beautiful, aren’t they?” Peter sing-songed, grinning at the flush that spread over Tony’s cheeks with every word.

Tony nodded at him, tilting his head with a mischievous look of his own. “It looks like you’re missing one, though,” Tony remarked. The long stem in his hand was darker than the others, symbolizing love yet to be realized. Their fingers brushed as Peter took it, his brow quirked in intrigue.

“I love you, Pete. I’ve known since you walked through the door of my shop that you were special. Every second with you has made my life just a little bit better. I know it hasn’t been that long, but I’m mad about you. Over the fucking moon.” Tony walked into his space then, his hands cupping Peter’s cheeks.

Surging forward, Peter caught Tony’s lips in a passionate kiss, their noses bumping in the process. They sipped from each other’s mouths until the need to breath became pressing. Instead of pulling away, Peter leaned his forehead against Tony’s, closing his eyes to revel in the contentment that wrapped around them both. After a couple of shared breaths, Peter blinked to catch Tony’s eye. “I love you too, Tony,” Peter whispered back.

With a wide grin, Tony leaned in again, mumbling “I know” against Peter’s lips.

[agustdomain]

sorry I’m a bad boy

unrequested drabble about the bad boy back in town, aiming to keep his promises to his girl. Is it too late?

Warnings: Language, Suggestive content

Pairing: Changbin x Reader

“You know who’s looking for you, right?” 

Your friend was fresh with youth, it seemed. That, or ignorance. All day, everyone you came across in this nosy ass town buzzed about you like bees, the same name filling your ears. You didn’t expect your best friend to be just another bee attracted to the honey. 

“Yes, I know. Yes, he’s back in town. Yes, he’s looking for me. No, I don’t care.” That was a lie, but you needed to put on a brave face. You hadn’t seen Changbin in six months; the least you could do is pretend you didn’t care.

Rosé gave you that famous look of hers, the one that told you she knew exactly how afraid and lost you were feeling. “Seems like you’ve heard that way too much today.”

“I have.”

“Why don’t we get out of here then?”

And that’s how, instead of going to your 4:30 class, you skipped it to grab a burger and fries with your favorite person on Earth. You know it was only a matter of time before Rosé stopped being generous by filling the silence. Her fidgeting was her tell: she was dying to know where your mind was at. 

How were you supposed to feel when the boy you were in love with your entire life reappeared after months of being M.I.A.?

His stupid promises filtered into your head as you drowned one fry in ketchup, dunking it over and over as each sentence rolled through your head. 

I’ll come back for you. 

I’ll always love you. 

I’m always going to be bad for you, don’t forget that. 

I might be leaving, but I’ll never leave you. 

You can trust me. 

I won’t ever change. I promise that. 

Sorry I’m a bad boy. 

You scoffed aloud, your attention finding the fry that had long been broken in half. How symbolic.  

“Do you think… he knows about you and Jisung?”

You gave her an unamused look. “What’s to know? I don’t like Jisung like that.”

Rosé bit into her burger and chewed slowly before saying, “Yeah, but you know Jisung is going around telling everyone you’re his girlfriend.”

You knocked your head back and groaned. “I told him to stop doing that shit! I’m not going to date him.”

“Yeah, well, he’s delusional. Has been since we were kids.” Rosé really looked worried about you, and because of that you couldn’t look at her. She added, “Chances are, he’s heard about it.”

“Of course he has. In this shithole of a town, gossip travels fast,” You felt bad for calling your home that, but you were in a bad mood and it doesn’t mix well with the familiarity of a small town. 

Rosé looked thoughtful again as she sipped from her soda before her eyes grew wide, “Oh my gosh. This isn’t good. They hate each other.”

“I know.”

“Once Changbin hears, he’s going to go apeshit. And when Jisung hears he’s back, he already knows he lost you to him. It’s a lose lose.”

“Why would he care? He’s the one that left me in the first place.”

You ignored her disapproving look, wanting to wallow in your despair. She never let you have your moments, though.

“You know that’s not true. The two of you were absolutely in love. He would travel the galaxy for you. You said it yourself, the only way he was going to escape bad influences is if he left.”

“But…” It bubbled over then, and you hated it. You thought you had escaped it, had managed to chase it away. It had only settled and waited until it was time to erupt. “But he said he wouldn’t leave me. He said he was leaving, but vowed to keep in contact with me. He said it would be like he never left. Tell me why I haven’t gotten one phone call, one text. Nothing. I mean nothing to him.

“He commanded my heart with the flick of his wrist. I was played by him, and I should’ve known better!” By now, you were yelling, your face red and the burger joint silent, likely eavesdropping to spread your outburst across town. “Changbin is nothing but a walking cliché. A stupid bad boy who had nothing better to do than go around seeing how many hearts he could break. Worthless promises, nothing but worthless words from his mouth. Am I supposed to jump for joy now that he’s back? Please, I’d rather date Jisung than face his bullshit again.”

Rosé stared for a moment, her mind working to figure out how to make things right. She couldn’t, but you loved her for trying. Slapping money down on the table, she grabbed your wrist. “I was wrong. Your favorite meal isn’t enough to cure this despair. Let’s go.”

Tugging you out of the burger place, complaints fell past your lips, not really paying attention to your surroundings. Coming to an abrupt stop in front of you, you slammed into her. 

“Hey! What’s your problem-” Stepping around her, the reason became as vivid as the figure in front of you. Sleek black Impala parked, the same one you had spent way too many nights in doing way too many unspeakable things. Leaning up against its trunk, the boy with all the promises he couldn’t keep, his eyes shining as he looked at you. 

Was his hair darker, or was your memory poisoned? Were his eyes warmer? His clothing was just as dark as you remembered, though he looked a lot more filled out. 

He was perfect. Still, he managed to wring your insides tight, making it hard to breathe. If possible, it hurt even more seeing him now than it did when you had to watch his back as he walked away from you the last time. 

“Y/N.”

“Let’s go, Rosé,” You thought you were in control. Quickly, you realized you weren’t.

“I’m sorry, Y/N.” Your heart dropped as you saw the apologetic look on your best friend’s face, “He convinced me to bring you here. I think it’ll be good to talk to him. I’ll be inside.”

The betrayal that twisted your heart stung your eyes. Really, you knew it was because you couldn’t handle being around him again. All these months, you ached to smell his scent, his body wash and him. You wanted to smell that stupid air freshener in his car, hear that stupid CD he replayed over and over. You wanted him. 

Now that he was here, you wanted everything but. 

You closed your eyes as the streetlights shut on, his heavy footsteps nearing until they stopped in front of you. Was your mind playing a trick on you or was his actual scent reaching your nose? The tears spilling from your closed eyes were embarrassing, so you squeezed your eyes tighter. Clenched fist, aching heart, crickets crying for their mates, you wished deeply this wasn’t happening. 

It was too soon for you to realize all you wanted was to fall into his arms.

“Oh Y/N,” No. He wasn’t allowed to be in pain. Who gave him the right to waltz back in and out whenever he wanted?

You flinched when his fingers brushed a tear away. Peeking to see his hurt expression, you turned away. “What do you want, Changbin? Come to laugh in my face?”

His face scrunched up from the corner of your eye. “No. That’s bullshit and you know it. You know why I’m here.”

“Why?” You faced him, courage slowly but surely building as your eyes trailed to meet his. His courage faded as he stepped back, resolve crumbling as he had to stare the outcome of his actions in the face. “You think I’m just going to accept you back with open arms? You think I’m going to come running when everyone tells me you’re back? Jumping for joy?”

He was frowning but you continued, needing to or else you would implode. 

“If you’re so big and bad, why are you here? Why aren’t you sporting some brand new girlfriend to rub in my face? I’m sure there was plenty, considering you never reached out to me. How’s that for a cliché? The bad boy makes promises he can’t keep. Well, news flash. I’m not the stupid girl who falls for your lies again.”

“Y/N…”

“And I don’t want to hear any insincere apology that I know you’re waiting to say. You expected me to wait for you. You expected me to hang onto your every word, hang onto this fantasy that you loved me. I’m better than that. I’m better than this.”

“Y/N, would you listen to me?”

“No. You don’t deserve that.”

“Oh, I don’t?”

“There’s nothing you could say that would make this right. So you don’t.”

“How would you know that?” His eyes were narrowed now, annoyed. How dare he.

“Because I do.”

“Stellar answer. Wouldn’t expect anything else from the Hotheaded queen herself.”

Inhaling heavily, you searched your mind for anything to say. Instead, you couldn’t help but swear at yourself as your eyes lingered on his face. He was still as stunning as he was in the past. You were such a fool. And he? A snake. 

“What do you want from me, Changbin?”

At the sound of his name, you caught how he had an intake of breath. You ignored the pang in your chest. Your eyes trailed down. He was still wearing the silver car-wheel necklace you had given him a year ago. You wanted to rip it off. 

“I want to hear your voice.”

You laughed. He ignored you.

“I want to hear every single detail of your days. I want to know what shows you’ve been watching, what music you’ve been listening to, if you continued on using that detergent you decided to try out. Are you still using the same body spray? How’s Galaxy? She was a kitten the last time I saw her. Bet she’s still causing havoc.” 

Was it a trick of the streetlight or were his eyes glistening?

He stepped closer, you looking down at him from the edge of the pavement. He was in the road, blocking a parking spot but that was the least of his concerns as he stared up at you. Laughing forcibly, you held your breath as his fingers cautiously skimmed the back of your hand. You let him.  

“I want to lie next to you again, watch the expressions you make when you sleep. I want you to wake me up in the middle of the night and pepper my face with kisses when you have a bad dream, and hug me from behind when you know I had one myself. I want to hear your laugh. I want to make your coffee, even though I always mess it up. How many times have you watched Good Will Hunting without me? I know I always complained, but I loved it just as much as you did.”

He was inches away from you now, and you uncontrollably drew closer. He was magnetic, glowing like the angel he was. A few lies from his mouth and he was an angel again. Were they lies? You didn’t know, but you could feel yourself slipping. 

“I told you I was coming back for you. I never left, not really, not when the best part of me is still here. I can’t change who I am, and how I needed to get away to become better. I need to be a better man for you. I did what I had to. I’m sorry for not reaching out to you. I know I can’t make it up to you in a day. I’m bad, always have been. But I did what I had to in order to keep from running back. Trust me, I would have the second I heard your voice.”

How were you supposed to be mad at him when he was speaking to you in that tone, when his fingers were on your skin, when his presence was surrounding you? 

“Y/N,” he sang your name now. That’s how it always sounded, since the moment he introduced himself and stole your heart. You remember when you were fifteen, the first time he really caught your attention in school. How his flirty smile always felt a little different than the others. He really had you since the moment you met.

“Changbin.” Even you were giving in. You couldn’t help it, not when he was this close. This close in six months. 

He waited, hands comfortably on your waist and head tipped up as he looked at you. Your hands found their way to his shoulders, brushing them off before fiddling with his collar. Your fingers skimmed across his neck, and you watched as his lips parted, a look you knew all too well washing over his eyes. 

Heavy lidded, he waited. 

Hands gripping your waist, he waited. 

Your fingers were massaging the back of his neck, thrilled at the same effect you had on him. The heat was closing in, the light fading away as you were washed away by the ocean you were drawn to since you were a girl. 

Just as your lips grazed his, blinding headlights and a car horn startled you out of his grip as you jumped back. Changbin was less affected, annoyed as he looked over his shoulder at the car trying to pull into the spot he currently occupied. You pulled him up onto the sidewalk, but not before noticing the look building on his face as he waited for the driver to get out of his car. He was pissed. 

And you? You were scared. 

You recognized the car all too well. 

“Y/N! I’ve been looking all over for you! I was going to take you home after class!” Jisung was all smiles, but you didn’t miss the lingering look on Changbin. 

“Hey Park. It’s pretty fucking obvious what happened,” Changbin barely waited for Jisung to finish. 

The smile disappeared so fast from the happy boy, it was unsettling. “Was I talking to you?”

“No, but I figured I would do you a favor and spare you the embarrassment. You always manage to make a fool out of yourself.”

Jisung slammed his car door shut. You began sweating, the danger on their faces spurring you into action as you stepped between them. That didn’t break their staredown. 

“I don’t appreciate your attitude. Given the fact that you ran away from home like a little bitch, I wouldn’t go around acting like a tough guy.”

Changbin laughed stepping closer. Placing your hand on his chest, you pressed firmly and waited for him to look at you. His anger disappeared as he regarded you, a lingering sadness swimming in his face. You needed to do something. 

Turning to Jisung, you said, “Jisung, please. Go.”

He frowned. “Are you serious?”

“Don’t make this harder.”

His voice cracked, the pain seeping through. “You’re really going to choose him? After leaving you? Breaking your heart? You’re still going to choose him over me?”

You didn’t know what to say. You wished you could take away his pain. Before you could say anything else, he was in his car and went as quickly as he came. You were in Changbin’s previous place now, facing the parking lot and wondering where your place was in this town. All you had been was a shell of your past self these last few months, and it was all because of Changbin. Is that who you were? Just Changbin’s girl?

No. You were more than that. 

This time, when his hands found yours, you pulled away. You ignored his pain as best you could as you shook your head. “I can’t just forget what you did. You destroyed what we were when you vowed you wouldn’t. You know how hard it was for me to trust you. You used that against me, made me fall in love with you, just so you could shoot me in the heart.”

“I-”

“No. No, Changbin. You’re not who I thought you were. And I’m not the Y/N I once was. And I won’t put myself through that again. I will always love you, but I love myself more. So let me breathe.”

He took a step back, the defenses you had spent years breaking down building up right before your eyes. If you had known how easy it was to keep from loving him, you wonder if you would have gone back in time and stopped anything from happening. 

Figuring it was done, you turned away and headed for the entrance to the burger joint. Just as you reached the door, his words stopped you in your tracks. 

“I wasn’t lying when I told you I would be back for you. And when I knew I had to be a better man for you the next time I saw you. I’ll respect your wishes. But I will prove to you that I will love you right for the rest of my life. I will always be yours, Y/N.”

You only looked at him one last time before going inside. When you sat across from Rosé and got the courage to look out the window, that Impala you knew all too well was gone. 

And as the sensation of his lips lingered on your own, you answered your own thoughts. 

No, you would never go back in time and erase everything you had with him. No matter the outcome, he will always be the boy that taught you how to love. 

Coming back for you, huh? 

You’ll believe that when you see it.

[anothercouch]

A Pair of Wings - Chapter 4

Angelmont is a dazzling kingdom for aspiring angel hunters and sorcerers alike. Though, when Logan finally sees the dark truth of this beautiful place, he’s casted out and labeled the local lunatic of the kingdom. He saw no logic in angel hunting and its cruel practices. Now he’s determined to prove them wrong, but after nearly ten years wasting away in a forest and losing hope, he’s on the brink of throwing his invention away. That is, until a curious angel falls from the sky right in front of him.

Word Count: 1.8k

Previous, Next, Masterpost

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The sound of thunder rang inside Logan’s cabin as he placed the box of fish inside a small cool hole in the floor. Quietly, he placed the covering back then looked over to the angel who he laid in his bed. They were too big to properly fit, their hind legs and claws hanging out of the bed, but they seemed comfortable for the most part. From what he could tell, they looked to be about six feet tall, a bit on the smaller side for an adult angel. They had beautiful dark purple fur that covered their entire hind legs as well as their arms up to their elbows. Their claw-like hands had a bit of black padding similar to a dog’s and the same was on their feet. The ears on their head were elf-like, matching with the same purple fur on their arms and legs. Though, the one thing that captured his eyes the most was the beautiful wing that laid on top of their body. The feathers were a dark purple just like the fur but there was a small lighter streak of pinkish purple at the bottom of their wing. It looked soft to the touch and the feathers seemed to shine, even with only the candlelight.

The wind started to pick up and the rain sounded like it could smash through the windows if it wanted to. Logan sighed as he walked to his long window and closed the shutters, now only the fireplace and a few candles lighting up the place. A warmth contrasted the small amount of wind that passed through the cracks of the door and the windows. Another strike of lightning cracked through the sky, he being able to hear it from quite a few miles away. Even with the presence of the angel, the mood was calm, the rain soon turning into just white noise. He sighed as he grabbed a chair from his desk and pulled it over close to the bed. Quietly, he sat down as he continued to study the angel before him. For one, something about them seemed so familiar, but he couldn’t put his finger on it.

Suddenly, an idea came to Logan’s mind. He gently grabbed his notebook and pen from his desk. Another bang of thunder rang through his ears. The angel looked sound asleep, despite the loud noise. A smile formed on his face as he looked more closely at their wing and started to sketch it out onto the paper. Perhaps studying their wing could help him improve his design. Plus, this was the closest he had ever been to an actual living angel. Sure, he had seen dead one’s from the angel hunters who left their bodies, but only at a distance. They had always taken their wings anyway, so he could never study them properly. There also always seemed to be other angels flying around and he did not want to risk getting attacked. Getting attacked meant going back to Angelmont, and he was certainly not welcomed there.

Logan sat next to the angel, quietly sketching out the wing stretched out on their body. It wasn’t terribly difficult to sketch out though an arm was in the way. He scribbled down some notes on where their joints were and how it bended. He also took note of how the feathers were angled, but soon he found something in particular. A small scar stood out amongst the purple feathers around its midsection. It looked very old and seemed to be completely healed. The angel didn’t seem to mind its presence as they stretched their right wing. Surely, if it was a recent wound, their wing would be folded up to not strain it, but it didn’t seem to be the case.

Logan sighed as he finished sketching the angel’s wing out. He studied his work briefly then looked back at the wing, making sure there were no mistakes in his sketch. Once he fixed the one or two errors he saw, he closed his notebook and smiled. Quietly, he took his chair back to his desk and sat down. He placed the notebook to the side and looked at his blueprints. It took him a full year to perfect his design, and with his new sketch, he could make sure his wings would work. Gently, he opened his notebook to the sketch, comparing it with his own design. From nearly a decade of study, it looked almost the same as his blueprints, though there were a few tweaks he wanted to fix. He soon picked up some leather and a knife, cutting into it, continuing to work on his wings.

✰✰✰✰✰

The crackle of a fire filled Virgil’s ears as he started to wake up from his deep sleep. There was an unfamiliar warmth that seemed to linger in the room he was in. It almost felt cozy in a sense. His back was greeted with the softness of cloth and hay as he tried to sit up. As soon as he opened his eyes, terror filled his heart. Where was he? Why was he here? His eyes widened as he started to breathe heavily, trying to calm himself down. It felt like his world was spinning until a voice cut through the fog in his mind.

“You’re awake,” the stranger said simply.

Virgil turned to his left, his heart sinking. The human he’d been watching had captured him.

“Would you like some supper?” the human asked. Next to them was a small fire and above were fish cooking on a stick. For a moment, he looked around the room, thinking. This was his chance to finally meet a human! Though, there was still a lingering fear that weighed his heart. What if they planned to harm him? Or even torture him to no end? Quickly, he mentally shook the thoughts out of his head. If this human truly wanted to kill him, he would’ve been dead as soon as he hit the ground. Finally, he looked back at the human.

“Y-Yes… please…” he said, some weariness in his voice.

The human smiled as they carefully grabbed a fish off the fire and jabbed it with another stick, handing it to Virgil. He sniffed it then took a bite of the cooked flesh. It wasn’t much different from when he’d occasionally cook any meat, but it was nice that the human even offered him any food at all.

“My name’s Logan Clarke,” the human said.

“Virgil Smith,” he replied.

Virgil watched as the human ate their fish, question now stirring about them in his head. With some of his initial fear gone, he wasn’t as scared in their presence, but of course, still kept his guard up, just in case. He was anxious like that, after all. Quietly, he adjusted himself on the hay-filled cloth he sat on, stretching his wing and the remaining stub of muscle that used to be his left wing.

The room was mostly silent as they both ate, the occasional crackle from the fire only stirring. Virgil took note at how Logan seemed to glance at him, most likely due to his missing wing. A flaw like such would certainly get stares, and he was no exception. Plenty of angels had either given him pity or mocked him, both he hated. He wasn’t sure just how he survived all those years without being able to fly. Hell, he had even thought of cutting off his other wing. The thing was as useless as himself.

“So…” Virgil started, “why didn’t you kill me back there?”

“There wouldn’t be much use killing you,” Logan said was he took another bite of his fish, “It’s illogical killing sentient beings for sport.”

“So you’re not an angel hunter? Why’d you bring me here then?” he sneered.

There was a quietness in the room, but the tension that had filled the room started to disappear. Virgil saw as Logan’s eyes widened, just for a split second. A hint of fear shined through until they went back to their dull state.

“It was about to rain, and I didn’t want any angel hunters to find you,” Logan said, “You seemed fairly knocked out as well.”

Virgil huffed as he now finished his fish, leaving the bones behind. He watched as Logan finished their fish, but he noticed how they’d look at them. Their eyes were filled with curiosity, most likely because of his missing wing. To be honest, it was much better than getting a look of disgust or pity. It almost comforted him in a way, not being seen as some abnormality. Then again, Logan was just as much of an interest to him as well. In a way, the impossible presented itself to him. He’d always thought of humans as monsters, yet here was one who’d given him shelter and food.

Logan threw the fish bones into the fire then extended his arm to take Virgil’s. Soon, Virgil gave the bones to him when a sharp pain stung at his wrist. He winced, looking down at his right wrist that was bandaged. “I must’ve scraped myself pretty bad on the way down,” he thought. As he looked up, he saw as Logan approached him, and instinctively backed up.

“Wait—” Logan approached closer— “I can help with that.”

There was a tense look in Virgil’s eyes, watching the human’s every movement. He was shaken by how close they were now. His mind screamed at him to just get out of the cabin, but he fought the urge. With a bit of hesitation, he offered his scrapped wrist and let Logan touch it. Suddenly, his wrist started to glow a dark blue, immediately easing the pain. He watched as Logan closed their eyes, concentrating their energy on his wrist. The blue energy soon traveled down their body, wincing a bit, then down into the earth, it now disappearing. He was stunned at how much of his pain was gone.

“That spell should work for a while,” Logan said, now backing up from Virgil.

“I… I didn’t know humans could use magic,” Virgil said. He’d always seen Roman and Remus healing injured angels, but he never thought humans could do the same.

“We have much to learn from each other then,” Logan said with a warm tone to their voice. Virgil caught them again looking at his wingless side and he hid the small muscle that was left of it behind his back. He wondered what in the world could that human be plotting in their mind.

“Maybe we could meet again?” Logan asked.

“I’ll think about it,” Virgil said as he walked over to the door and went out. A small smile formed on his face as he disappeared into the night and back into the mountains.

[therainroguefanfiction]

⁂ Give It All Away (Ryo Shishido)

Genre: Family, Friendship, Fluff ☁

Word Count: 4,709 ☁

Pairing: Reader x Shishido ☁

World: Prince of Tennis ☁

Author’s Note: Soo this may or may not be hella OOC for Atobe, but meh. Wrote it a while back and wanted to post it anyway c:

━━━━━━༻🌧️༺━━━━━━

“Did you hear? That bitch from Seigaku is dating Shishido-sama!”

“What? No way!”

“There’s no way Shishido-sama would date a whore like them!”

“Of course not! They probably started the rumor themself, just to get attention!”

Shishido and Choutarou walked through the halls of Hyotei, listening to the comments made by the fangirls of Hyotei’s tennis team. Each and every comment made the two boys’ blood boil as they shook their heads in disapproval. The rumor of Shishido dating the Y/N from Seigaku wasn’t true… exactly. Still, they had no right to talk about you like that. You were actually a good friend of the two boys and, most importantly, also the Hyotei king’s sibling.

Though, none of the fangirls knew that little tidbit. They didn’t know much of anything about the Hyotei tennis team, other than the fact that they were hot, rich boys who played a sport.

The two boys were currently heading down to the tennis courts where after school practice was being held. They were actually kind of afraid of Atobe’s reaction to the rumor and the comments the girls were making about his sibling. Even worse, Shishido was afraid that Atobe would find out that it was he who started that rumor, in an attempt to get his fangirls off of him.

He shuddered as he remembered the incident.

Two days earlier…

“Shishido-sama!” A brown-haired fangirl called out, latching onto his arm and hugging it tightly between her large breasts. “You’re not seeing anyone are you?”

“Of course he isn’t!” Another brown-haired girl appeared, latching onto his other arm and rubbing against it. “He will be dating me, though!”

“In your dreams!” A blonde girl appeared, wrapping her arms around his neck and pulling herself up so that her large chest was in his face. “Shi-sama is all mine!”

“No, he’s mine!” A purple-haired girl grabbed onto his back, wrapping her legs around his waist and snuggling her face up against his ear.

“Mine!” A pink-haired girl grabbed onto his face, trying to pull him into a kiss.

Shishido’s face was tinted a light pink as he protested and struggled to break free from the squealing girls. “Please let go!”

“No way!”

“You’re all ours!”

“Kiss me, Shishido-sama!”

“Marry me, Shi-sama!”

“Give me a child, Shishido-senpai!”

‘What in the hell is wrong with these girls?! In middle school and thinking of marriage and kids!?’ he thought, frantically trying to push them off. “I said, let me go!”

“We’ll only let you go if you give us a good reason!” One of the girls cooed in his ear and the others nodded in agreement.

He racked his brain, trying to think of a good reason to tell them. A thought came into his head which he knew he’d regret, but what choice did he have given the current situation? He’d rather regret this white lie later, rather than get taken over by these insane girls.

“Actually, I have a partner.” As soon as the words left his lips, all of the girls froze, their bodies tensing. He gulped as they moved away slowly.

“Who?”

“It doesn’t matter who,” he argued.

“It does!”

“If you don’t tell us, we won’t believe you!”

He bit his lip hard enough to draw blood and spoke the only name he could think of at the time. “Y/N,” He knew you were going to murder him for this, but he’d much rather be murdered by you than be stuck with those crazies.

“…what!?” All the girls chorused.

“That whore!?”

“Aren’t they from Seigaku? How could you!”

He growled, pushing past the girls. How could they even say things like that? They didn’t even know you! They’ve never even met you, for kami’s sake.

━━━━━━༻🌧️༺━━━━━━

Shishido and Choutarou reached the tennis courts to find everything running as normal as ever. The two boys exchanged glances before looking over at Atobe who sat off to the side under an umbrella, drinking some orange liquid out of his sparkling glass. He didn’t look angry or upset at all. In fact, he looked somewhat content.

Had he really not heard the rumors? Or did he not care about the things they said about his sibling? Sure, he often acted like he could care less about you, but they all knew deep down he loved and cared deeply for you. Was this all just an act?

The two boys joined practice, having a doubles match against Hiyoshi and Gakuto. Everything ran smoothly to the end. Everyone was sweating as they put away their tennis equipment and prepared to head home. The only ones left on the court were the regulars since they stayed later than everyone else.

A group of fangirls were waiting just outside the courts and rushed in as soon as they saw that practice was over.

“Shishido-sama!” They whined, running up to the brunette.

Shishido growled lowly as the girls approached him.

“You have to break up with that bitch!”

“They’re not good enough for you!”

“They’re nothing but a whore, Shishido-sama!”

“What’s this about?” Atobe asked as he walked over to the group, running a hand through his purple hair.

Shishido gulped, knowing how pissed off Atobe could get if he found out who they were talking about. Choutarou must have been thinking the same thing since he grabbed onto Shishido’s arm, looking very nervous.

“Atobe-sama!” one of the girls cried, moving to stand in front of him, “You have to talk sense into Shishido-sama!”

“He’s dating a whore from Seigaku!” Another girl added.

“From Seigaku?” Yuushi asked. Pretty much the entire team had gathered around to see what the girls were making such a fuss about.

The girl nodded, “The whore isn’t good enough for Shi-sama!”

“Who is it?” Atobe asked, curiously.

“Some bitch named Y/N,” one of the girls responded with venom laced words, flipping her blonde hair.

Atobe’s face hardened instantly as a tension filled the air. No one from the Hyotei team dared to move. Hell, they weren’t even breathing! Atobe took a deep breath and closed his eyes, walking away from the group and leaving the courts.

“Atobe-sama!” One of the girls called, moving to stand in front of him and blocking his path. “You have to do something about the whore!”

“Move out of my way you dumb bitch!” Atobe snapped, pushing past the girl and leaving the school. He was pissed and the whole team knew it.

Yuushi and Gakuto managed to make the girls leave and everyone turned their eyes to Shishido who squirmed lightly under their intense gaze.

“I think you should start explaining,” Yuushi said, pushing his glasses up.

Shishido sighed deeply, “I was surrounded by fangirls. They were literally all over me.”

“Fangirls are always all over us.” Gakuto pointed out with a scoff.

“Yeah, but these girls were asking me to bear their child and marry them!” He responded, causing all of the guys backed up, horrified at the thought. “I said the first thing that came to mind, that I had a partner. They wouldn’t believe me unless I told them who it was. Y/N was the first person to pop into my head so I said their name. I knew Y/N would probably kill me, but… it seemed like the better option.”

“It’s hard to say which Atobe is pissed off about more,” Yuushi sighed. “It could be the fact that the ‘whore’ they were referring to was his sibling or perhaps the fact that he believes they’re dating you.”

“It’s definitely both,” Hiyoshi added.

“It seems more likely that way,” Yuushi grabbed his things. “I’ll have a talk with Atobe. Shishido, Choutarou. Find Y/N and explain everything. They should be ready for the onslaught of fangirls at the very least.”

The two boys nodded, grabbing their things and heading off toward Seishun Gakuen while Yuushi left for the Atobe manor in hopes of calming down the angry king. The others decided it’d be best to head home and wait for the phone call from one of the three boys.

━━━━━━༻🌧️༺━━━━━━

“Y/N!” Eiji grinned, jumping onto your back and hugging you tightly, “Can I come with you?”

You chuckled, grabbing onto his legs so he didn’t fall. “Sure, Eiji.”

You, Fuji, Momo, Ryoma, and, now, Eiji were heading down to the burger joint to get some food after practice concluded.

“Man, I’m so starved!” Momo whined from the front of the group as he rubbed his stomach.

You scoffed from beside Fuji, “You just ate thirty minutes ago.”

“So? I’m a growing boy!”

“Nice excuse, hippo.”

“What’d you call me!?” he cried out, turning around and getting into your face.

“You heard me! You’re as fat as a hippo, with that big stomach of yours!” you cried back, fighting against your smirk. You loved getting under his skin.

Ryoma sighed in annoyance as he entered the building. Fuji just grinned following behind him. Eiji was chuckling as he jumped down from your back and followed them. The two of you blinked, looked around, and made a dash for the door, trying to squeeze in together. Ryoma had gotten a booth, while Fuji and Eiji ordered the food – they were paying too, apparently, not that you were complaining!

Momo sat next to Ryoma and you sat across from them. When the two boys came back with trays piled with food, Fuji sat next to you while Eiji was next to Momo.

“Hey, Y/N?” Fuji inquired, “My sister wanted to know if you were staying with us again tonight.”

You nodded, taking a sip of the large soda he got for the two of you to share, “Of course. You don’t expect me to go home, do you?”

He chuckled, “I suppose not.”

Shusuke Fuji was your all-time best friend, your other half. He literally knew everything about you and, with that being said, he also knew how much you hated going home. He knew that you came from a rather rich family, but also that you’ve never been into that kind of life. So, you started doing odd jobs to make your own money instead of expecting handouts from your parents like your brother does.

Now, you may be wondering what these odd jobs are, right? Well, things like getting a cat out of a tree, helping to deliver messages to people, and bounty hunting. Yes, bounty hunting is dangerous but it’s also very thrilling, and it pays quite a bit, too, depending on what kind of criminal you’re going after.

You also do private jobs.

For example, when parents want their runaway kids found, they’ll hire you to find them and bring them back. It’s tiring and you can usually only work at night, but it’s worth it in the end. At least it is in your opinion.

Shusuke and his sister sat down with you one night and you explained everything to her before asking if you could stay with them. Though at this point in time, it goes farther than just staying – you practically live there now. His sister, mother, and little brother say that they look at you like family and you feel the same about them.

“Do we have practice tomorrow, Fuji-senpai?” Momo asked through a mouthful of food.

“Try swallowing first, baka!” you told him, throwing a fry at his forehead.

He scowled, rubbing the spot you had hit, smudging a bit of grease across his skin.

“I don’t believe so. Then again, I remember Oishi saying something about us all getting together to do something.” Fuji answered.

All of you groaned, remembering the last time you had all gotten together.

“What’s next?” Momo groaned.

“Well, we’ve been bowling, we played billiards, and we had a volleyball tournament.” Eiji listed, counting on his fingers as he named each one.

“What comes next?” Ryoma asked.

“Basketball?” you suggested.

“Soccer?” Momo wondered.

“American football?” Ryoma asked.

“Ping pong?” Eiji added.

“Badminton?”

“Golf?”

“Baseball?”

“Boxing?”

“Poker?”

“Rich man poor man?”

“Guys!” Fuji laughed, “You can name all the ones you want. Doesn’t mean a thing.”

“He’s right,” Ryoma muttered.

“He’s always right.” you scoffed.

An, from Fudomine, appeared at the end of the table with Kamio at her side. She looked serious and a bit nervous. “Can we talk with you, Y/N? Privately.”

You raised an eyebrow in question before sliding out of the booth. As soon as you were next to them, Kamio grabbed your arm and pulled you outside where Tetsu and Shinji were waiting.

“What’s… going on, guys?” you inquired, looking between the four Fudomine students.

“Is it true?” An questioned.

“Is what true?”

“You’re dating Shishido?” Tetsu clarified. “From Hyotei?”

“Shishido?” your brow shot up in surprise, “No. I’m not dating anyone.”

The three boys exchanged glances before staring at An.

“There’s a rumor going around that you’re dating him.” An explained.

“And the Hyotei girls have been furious about it. They’re all talking about ways to get back at you.” Tetsu sighed.

“Fangirls can be very annoying,” Shinji mumbled, quietly. “Most girls are, but fangirls are much worse. They’re louder, as well.”

The four of us tuned out the mumbling boy as he fell into his own world.

Kamio was about to speak when someone called your name. Looking over, you found Shishido and Choutarou coming your way, both looking a bit nervous. Kamio glared at them, while An and Tetsu looked doubtful. Shinji didn’t even notice.

“Can we talk?” Shishido asked, stuffing his hands in his pockets and refusing to meet your eyes.

“It’s important,” Choutarou added, resting his hand on your shoulder lightly and pushing you away from the group. You walked between the two boys in silence until stopping at a cafe, taking a seat at one of the small round tables outside.

“Have you, uh, heard any rumors lately?” Choutarou asked, his voice laced with nervousness.

“Actually, Kamio and the others were just telling me an interesting one where I’m dating Ryo,” you answered, looking at the brunette who still refused to meet your gaze.

Choutarou frowned, chewing on his bottom lip.

“I’m really sorry,” Shishido muttered, rubbing the back of his neck. “It was the first thing that came to my mind,”

“I figured,” You chuckled, making them both look at you in confusion. “Shishido wouldn’t do something like that unless there was a reason behind it. If I had to guess, I’d say he used that as a way of escaping his fangirls.”

“Y-Yeah.” Ryo blinked dumbly, “So~… you’re not mad?”

“Not really. The fan girls’ll probably work my nerves, but it’s nothing I can’t handle.”

Shishido jumped up and grabbed your wrist, pulling you up and into a tight hug. “Thank you, Y/N!”

You chuckled, hugging him back before pulling away to flick his forehead, “That’s what friends are for.”

“Umm, there’s still a problem,” Choutarou sent him a look, avoiding your questioning gaze.

“Another problem?”

“Err, well…” Shishido rubbed the back of his neck nervously, “About Atobe…”

“See, a group of fangirls caught us after practice.” Choutarou started, “They were begging Atobe to talk sense into Shishido-san because he was dating a… someone from Seigaku. Atobe asked who it was and they said your name.”

“He got pretty pissed off.” Shishido muttered, “We’re not sure if he’s pissed about you dating me or pissed about the things they called you.”

“Who cares~” you scoffed, causing both boys to look at you in surprise. “He hasn’t cared before, so why start now?”

Both boys exchanged glances.

“You really should make up with him.” Choutarou sighed deeply.

“Why should I?” you stuffed your hands in the pockets of your jacket. “What has he ever done for me?”

“If that’s the case, then why did he get so mad?” Choutarou questioned.

“Simple answer, Chou. He didn’t want anyone to know I’m his sibling.”

The two looked at you in confusion, waiting for you to continue.

“Yeah, I bet he didn’t tell you that, huh. Yuushi found out by accident. Naturally, it’d spread to the rest of you. He didn’t want anyone to know because I’m the quote-unquote disgrace of the family. I’m the one always causing trouble and disappointing my parents because I don’t act rich like my blood dictates. Just because I’m not an arrogant snob like Keigo, I’m not good enough to be in the family.”

“Did… Did he really..?” Choutarou was having trouble forming words.

You nodded, “He said I wasn’t worthy of being the ‘great-Atobe-sama’s-sibling’.”

Shishido growled, his fists clenching at his side. “What kind of brother says that shit?”

“Keigo Atobe, apparently.” you muttered in response, “I don’t really care though. I never acknowledged him as my brother, either. No one knows except Fuji and Tez.”

“Tez?” Both boys questioned.

You laughed, “Tezuka. He hates me calling him that, but it’s cute. He’s Seigaku’s own Pez dispenser!”

Choutarou covered his mouth when he started to giggle.

“Why hasn’t he killed you yet?” Shishido murmured, eyeing you suspiciously.

“He’s tried, with that glare of his. I usually just hide behind Fuji.”

“Tch,”

Grinning, you threw an arm around his shoulder. “I’m just good like that,”

Choutarou was still laughing and, with a little bit of difficulty, you threw your other arm around his shoulder, “Damn you for being so tall!”

“It’s your fault for being so short!” he teased.

You gasped in mock horror, leaning closer to Shishido as you pointed your finger at the brunette, “I’m the same height as Shi!”

“He’s short, too!” Choutarou laughed harder when both of you glared at him.

“I’m not short! You’re just too tall!” Shishido argued, “And don’t call me Shi!”

“Don’t be such a baby,” you teased him with a grin, kissing his cheek.

He scoffed and looked away, but not before you and Choutarou noticed the small tinge of pink on his cheeks. You exchanged a look with the grey-haired boy but said nothing.

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Keigo glared at the ceiling as he lay on the bed. It had been a long while since he had been this pissed off, but, he just couldn’t help it. He wasn’t even sure why he was so angry.

‘I shouldn’t care this much about them. Y/N left this family two years ago!’ He groaned, sitting up and placing his face in his hands. “Then why do I care so much about this?”

“Because you love them,”

Looking up, he saw Yuushi standing in the doorway.

“Don’t be ridiculous!” Keigo ran a hand through his hair and let out a sigh of frustration, “As far as I’m concerned, they’re no longer a part of this family!”

“Who are you trying to convince Atobe?” he inquired, walking into the room and shutting the door behind him. “Everyone else? Or yourself?”

It took a moment, but the words sunk in. Was he really just trying to fool himself into thinking that he didn’t care about Y/N? Was he really trying to convince himself that he hated his sibling?

“Would you like to know the truth of the matter?” Yuushi asked, taking a seat at his desk and readjusting his glasses.

“The truth?”

Yuushi nodded as he leaned back in the chair, crossing his legs, “I asked Shishido to explain after you left. Apparently, he was cornered by screaming fangirls and -”

“So what,” he interrupted with a growl, “We’re always surrounded by screaming fangirls.”

“Yes, well. Shishido was surrounded by girls who wanted to marry him, have his child, and possibly lock him in their basement. There were quite a few, from my understanding.” Yuushi paused to see if Atobe would say anything.

Getting no response, he continued.

“He said the first thing to come to mind; he had a partner. They refused to believe him unless he told them who it was. Y/N was the first person he thought of which, really, is no surprise. He knew they’d go along with it because they’re friends. He also knew that they’d probably kill him in the long run but, he said that he’d rather be killed by a friend rather than by some crazed girls.”

Atobe made a grunting noise, covering his face again.

“Why did you get so pissed off, Atobe?” Yuushi implored, “Because those girls were calling Y/N all of those things? Because you thought they were dating Shishido? Or because they didn’t tell you that they were dating Shishido?”

What Yuushi said got him thinking. Yes, he was definitely upset because they were saying such things about you, even though they knew nothing about you. But could it really be something else with it? Did he really reject the idea of the two of you being together? Or was it just the thought that you didn’t bother to tell him that irked him so much?

He ran a hand through his hair and let out a sigh of frustration.

“Maybe you should talk to them, Atobe,” Yuushi suggested.

“Like they’d want to do that,” he scoffed. “I’ve pushed her into hating me.”

Yuushi stood up and opened the door, leaving him with a small bit of advice before closing the door behind him. “It’s never too late.”

His words echoed in Keigo’s mind throughout the night. He tossed and turned, and no matter how hard he tried, he just couldn’t get to sleep that night.

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“Is it true? Huh, huh? Is it, is it?”

You laughed at the hyper-active redhead as he bounced up and down beside you, a cat-like grin etched across his face. You were currently at after school tennis practice with the rest of Seigaku. Most weren’t practicing though, far too busy asking you about yesterday and if you were really dating Shishido.

“Yes, it’s true. In a sense, anyway.”

Fuji, who was standing at your side, just smiled knowingly. Of course, he had managed to figure out that it wasn’t a real relationship, but he also seemed to be under the impression that you have deep feelings for Ryo that not even you have come to realize, seeing as you agreed to it without hesitation. You keep telling him he’s imagining things, but you know how it is trying to talk Fuji out of something. He’s far too stubborn – not like you have room to talk about being stubborn.

“Why didn’t you tell us!?” Eiji whined, grabbing onto your arm and shaking it.

“I wasn’t sure how you’d react,” you told him, patting his back lightly. Is it bad that you can come up with lies right off the bat, without much thought? Probably, but in your defense, Fuji can do the same.

“You should have known we’d be fine with it!” Momo said, slapping you on the back, harder than he had to.

Ryoma nodded, “As long as he doesn’t do anything stupid, Y/N-senpai, we have no problem with Shishido.”

Someone cleared their throat behind you and the group turned around to see Tezuka standing there, arms folded, with an annoyed look on his face. “Is there a good reason why none of you are practicing?”

You all tried to utter out some excuse before taking off before he could punish you all.

━━━━━━༻🌧️༺━━━━━━

When practice ended, you grabbed your bag and me and left the school with Fuji close behind. You didn’t expect to see Shishido and Choutarou standing in front of the school waiting for you, but it was a pleasant surprise.

“What’re you guys doing here?” You wondered, looking between the two boys.

“We didn’t have practice today, so we figured we’d come and hang out with you,” Choutarou answered with a smile.

“No practice?” Fuji asked, “I thought Hyotei had practice every day after school.”

“It was canceled,” Choutarou told him as the four of you began walking down the street.

“Atobe didn’t show up today, either,” Shishido muttered from beside you, his shoulder bumping yours. “I think he’s still mad.”

“He’ll get over it,” you grabbed his hand, lacing your fingers with his own.

“You’re right,” he smiled, pressing a soft kiss to the back of your hand.

“You know, the two of you act like a real couple.” Fuji pointed out as he nudged you lightly in the ribs.

You shot him a glare, which only caused him to grin wider.

“Now that you mention it, you’re right.” Choutarou hummed, cupping his chin. “They do act like a real couple.”

You glanced at Shishido who was looking away, a small hint of pink visible on his cheeks.

Choutarou chuckled, “No shame, guys.”

You felt Shishido’s grip tighten on your hand as he stopped walking, making you come to a stop as well. “You two go on ahead. I want to talk to Y/N for a minute.”

The two boys exchanged glances before smiling and taking off, knowing looks on their faces. Once they turned the corner and were out of sight, Shishido tugged on your hand to make you turn around to look at him.

“Something wrong?” you asked, tilting his head to the side.

“Actually, I’ve been thinking…” he sounded kind of nervous and tense.

“That’s never good.” you joked, trying to lighten the mood.

He smiled as he playfully glared at you, “Not funny.”

“Really? Because I found it to be quite funny~”

“Anyway, I was hoping I could ask you something.” he turned serious again as he looked into your eyes.

It made you nervous having him look at you like that. “What is it, Shi?”

“I want to try a real relationship with you,” he said after a few minutes of silence.

“A… real relationship?” you asked, shocked at what he was asking.

He nodded, stepping closer. “I guess I… I’ve always had feelings for you since I first met you. And… pretending to be your boyfriend just made them grow. I want to try out a real relationship. I want to know if it could work between me and you.”

You smiled, grabbing his tie and pulling him into a soft kiss. He was shocked at first and it took him a few minutes to respond. When he got over his shock, he pulled you closer, deepening the kiss before slowly pulling away.

“I’d love to be your girlfriend, Ryo,” you smiled.

He grinned, pecking your lips before pulling you into a tight bear hug.

Clapping echoed throughout the empty street. When you turned around in surprise, there was Atobe with a small smile grazing his lips.

“Atobe!” Shishido exclaimed in surprise, his body tensing up.

“If you don’t mind, I’d like to speak to my sibling for a moment,” Atobe said, softly.

Shishido glanced at you, unsure, and you nodded your head. He hesitated for a few seconds before kissing your cheek before walking away.

You stared at the purple-haired boy suspiciously as he stepped closer.

“I wanted to apologize. I haven’t exactly been the best brother.” His voice was low, his eyes sincere. “I also wanted to say that I won’t interfere with your relationship. Shishido’s a good guy and I know he’ll take care of you.”

“Keigo,” you said softly, not believing that the mighty king of Hyotei was actually apologizing for something. It was a truly rare occasion.

He smiled, holding his arms out to you. You returned his smile, walking up and wrapping your arms around his waist. It had been so long since you last smelled his cologne or felt the warmth of your brother.

“What changed your mind?” you spoke softly, scared that if you spoke too loud, it would break whatever illusion you were under.

“A good friend of mine told me that it was never too late. That’s all I needed, I suppose.” He answered, slowly pulling away. “Now, go and be with your boyfriend.”

“Thank you, Keigo.” You gave him one last smile before walking off. When you turned the corner, however, there stood Shishido, Choutarou, and Fuji – looking sheepish, concerned, and smug respectively.

“Should have known,” you chuckled as Shishido wrapped his arms around you.

“They couldn’t resist,” he murmured before pulling you into another kiss.

A chorus of awws came from the two boys as they grinned in satisfaction, giving each other a high five. Both of them had been right, after all, not that you would ever admit that to them.

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[tastingmellow]

Honey

A/N: My next two fics will be Trevante and Erik! I’m so happy you guys are enjoying these fics 😭🥰

Pairing: Mob!Steve x Mob Boss!Black!Reader

Summary: Mob Business doesn’t pay unless you’re doing it with your Honey

Warnings: Language. N-Word. Steve does NOT use it. Angst. Reader is black, periodt.

Word Count: I’m too lazy to find out. But this muthafucka long, I can tell you that.

______________________

“Do I look like I give a fuck? You deliberately went against my orders for fucking what? To get your dick wet?” You spoke angrily as you unbuttoned your black suit jacket. Pant suits were your go to for business, they were practical and the tailored material always made you look beyond powerful. You stood beside Steve while he sat in a leather, brown chair at the end of the large Mahogany table.

Your associates and friends sat at the table as you stared angrily at the pale white man staring back at you, seeming unnerved. You threw your jacket over the back of Steve’s chair, placing the guns that were tucked in the waistband of your pants on the table. “Y/N, it was not that serious. The deal was done and she was all over me. Why not give myself a little reward?” Doogan, the man who currently had you fuming, spoke.

You nodded and walked around the table, grabbing a file from Sam’s hand as you walked past him. Your heels clacked against the waxed hard wood floors as you opened the file. “Deal was done?” You nodded, as if you agreed before slapping the open file down in front of him, your manicured red nail pointing at a name. “The deal was done? Then where the fuck...is Marie Hardy? Tell me where she is because I don’t see her in front of me, Doogan. And she’s not in The Block. So where. Is. She?”

You pulled away and walked behind him, patting his shoulders roughly as he swallowed thickly. You looked up at your husband, his blue eyes meeting yours as he played with wedding ring that sat on his finger. “You see her, Stevie?” You asked sweetly, a smile on your face. “I don’t, Honey.” You nodded thoughtfully and turned to his right hand man. “You see her, Buck? Does anyone here see her?”

Bucky and the rest of the table shook their head and you pouted. “She’s not here. So...that means what, Doogan?” You spoke in his ear as he shivered from fear. “You’re taking too long to answer me.” You held out your hand and your right hand, Maria Hill, handed you a gun. You straightened your back and pressed the cool metal to his head while turning his head. “Wait, wait! I’m sorry, I wasn’t thinking!”

You stared at him as his nose ran and tears fled down his cheeks. “Please, Y/N, please! I can get her right now, just don’t kill me!” You sighed and took the gun from his head, walking back to stand beside Steve. “Because you have kids I won’t kill you. They’re the sweetest babies and I don’t want them growing up without a father. You have 12 hours to pack up your family and move out of my city or Clint and Thor will hunt you down and murder your kids and wife while you watch.”

You dropped the gun on the table with a loud thud and slid your hands in your pocket. Doogan sputtered mumbling about the bitch you’ve been looking for for a month. You held your hand up and hushed, “We’ll get Marie. You just get out my office and get the fuck out my city.” The pale, green eyed man quickly rose up and scurried out.

You sigh softly and look up as Wanda clears her throat. “Where should we start our search now?” She spoke and you rested a hand on Steve’s shoulder. He grabbed your hand and softly kissed each of your fingers and you chuckled. “Well, she ran from Red Skull, stupid fucking name. So, there’s only one other place she could be.”

_________________________

“Doll.” Steve spoke as you pushed your freshly sewed in 40 in tracks over your shoulder. You eyed him as you unbuttoned your shirt. Steve licked his lips and groaned softly while standing up and making his way over to you. He gently grabbed your waist with one hand while the other hand rested on your ass, fingers spread out to rest over the full area.

“Yes, Stevie.” You looked up at him and he chuckled. “Tell me, why not just kill Doogan.” He spoke, his lips meeting your neck as your hands rested on his biceps. You giggled softly and Steve pulled you closer. “I’m in a good mood today.” You replies and Steve hummed against your skin, nipping at your collar bone.

“Is that so?” He countered and you nodded. “Why’s that?” He inquired while you wrapped your arms around his neck. “Because even though Doogan fucked up she doesn’t have anymore places to run and I’ve been waiting to torture that bitch and that fuck ass boy, Brock.”

You pulled away from him and continued stripping from your clothes as Steve watched you, arms crossed and a smirk on his lips. “You know, people wouldn’t expect that much danger to be in all that cuteness.”

You chuckled and batted your eyelashes innocently. “I have no idea what you’re talking about, I’m as sweet as honey.” You winked and patted his chest as you threw the last of your clothes into your hamper. “Now, come on, handsome. I wanna fuck to get my adrenaline going.” You spoke bluntly as you grabbed his hand and led him to your joint bathroom. Steve growled before picking you up from behind, a squeal leaving your lips as he carried you into the bathroom, leaving kisses all over your skin.

———————————————

You leaned over the balcony, your eyes observing the crowd of sweaty, dancing bodies of all shapes, sizes, and colors. A small smile graced your lips before you downed the rest of your martini, humming at the burn in your throat. You turned around and sat the empty glass on the table beside you before looking up as Natasha and Wanda made their way in. “She’s here.”

You nodded and looked back at Steve who looked at you. You smiled before walking over to him, setting yourself in his lap. He hummed in approval, his nose grazing the length of your neck. “Go get her for me, ladies.” You spoke, an almost evil grin on your face as they smirked and walked away, heels clacking on the floor.

You hummed as Steve’s hands traveled up your thigh. “You look great in red.” He spoke, admiring how you looked in the silk, spaghetti strapped dress. You crossed your legs, nails gently raking against the skin of his cheek while he worked on giving you a hickey. You softly moaned, leaning your head back before the sound of heavy boots and heels filled your ears.

You pulled away from Steve and the both of you stood up, you standing in front of him while his hands rested in his pockets, a smirk a gracing both of your lips. Natasha and Wanda walked in, the arch of them standing off to the side. Finally, Marie walked in, smug as ever with men standing behind her. They dispersed around the room while your men stood unmoving and stern, eyes blank as they watched the room.

Marie went to sit down on of the black leather couches before she was snatched up by Wanda. “Fuck, I can’t even sit down?” Marie exclaimed and you held your hand up to Wanda, nodding for her to let the woman sit down. Marie huffed, scowling at Wanda who rolled her eyes and went back to lean against the railing.

“Are the buffs with no brains really necessary?” Steve spoke up and Marie rolled her eyes, crossing her legs. “Last time I left Y/N...sorry, Honey, last time I left Honey she was looking to have my head on a platter so I—“

“Sucked up Rumlow for bullshit protection that could be taken out within seconds? Shows how much your pussy is worth.” You spoke coldly and snickers sounded through the room as Marie frowned “Unlike you, I didn’t fuck my way to the top and marry the richest white man I could find.”

“2 things. 1. You’re not at the top if you still owe people stacks upon stacks of money. 2. I didn’t fuck to get here but I can guarantee if I had fucked to be here i would’ve been at the top of the food chain years ago. It’s that good.” You replied, walking to stand in front of her. Steve remained still as Bucky, Thor, Clint, and Sam reached for the guns on their hips as did Wanda, Natasha, Maria and Sharon.

You sat in the chair across from her, arms resting on the back of the couch as you crossed your legs. “You know why you’re here, Marie. Stop bullshitting me and give me my fucking money so you can jack off the next nigga for $20.” You spoke, amused as you saw the anger rising up the dark skinned woman’s face. You smiled softly, almost innocently as Steve walked behind you.

“Hand over Rumlow while you’re at it.” The tall blonde spoke up and leaned over you, sporting the same smile. “Fuck you.” Marie spat at Steve and you held up a finger before pointing it at yourself. “That’s my job, and I’m damn good at it, sweetie.” You winked as Marie shot up, your men raising their guns and pointing them at her. Her men pointed guns at yours and here you were, standing off.

You slowly stood up and walked closer to her, eyes cold. “You keep fucking playing with me, Marie.” You shook your head and sighed. “Kill then for me.” You spoke calmly, never breaking eye contact with Marie as shots rang out and the sound of fighting and scuffling were heard behind you, causing the crowd below you to scream and scurry out of the club, fumbling over each other.

You paused as the room’s noise slowly died down. You waited, as one last thud was heard. You blinked, still patiently waiting on confirmation that your team was okay.

“We’re good, Honey.” You heard Sharon speak and you smiled again. “Great. Now, Marie. Where’s my money?” You spoke, taking a step closer and she stepped back. “Honey, I—“ you shook your head, wagging your finger. “No, no. Where the fuck is my money?”

Marie paused fear overtaking her before she lunges at you, successfully taking you down with a loud thud. Natasha moves to help you but Steve held out his arm, stopping. “She can handle herself.” He said with a knowing smirk on his face. He’d seen you take down a man twice your size on your first date. So, a woman that was about your height and build? Easy.

You grunted and slammed your elbow into her back, knocking the wind out of her briefly. She quickly regained her composure, standing up to send a punch to your face. You ducked and jabbed her in the stomach, causing her to clutch her stomach before quickly sitting up on unsteady feet. She went to lunge at you again but you grabbed her arm and stepped on her exposed toes with your heels.

You kicked her right knee in, followed by the left one, causing her to collapse, yelping in pain. You sent your knee into her face, a loud, bone chilling crunch sounded out as she fell back, face bloody from her broken nose. You huffed, dusting yourself off before gesturing to her body. “Get her ass up and take her to The Block. I’m not done with her.”

Bucky leaned over, picking up the unconscious woman and throwing her over his shoulder while the rest of the team followed him out. You poured yourself a quick whiskey before grabbing your purse and following them, feeling Steve wrap an arm around your shoulder. “Sweet as Honey, Huh?”

You laughed and shrugged, looking up at him as you strutted out of the room, “That’s me, Baby.”

——————————

It had been three days since that night and still Marie hadn’t spoken a word about Brock’s location. Your team almost beat the living shit out of her and yet still not a word. You stood in front of her, examining the bruises on her face as Natasha wiped some of the blood off her knuckles. You refused to let a man hit a woman regardless of the circumstance so your female associates handled your female enemies and your male associates handled your male enemies.

“She refuses to say anything about Brock.” Maria spoke and you remained silent. Steve stood beside you, waiting for your response. Everyone assumed he was the boss since he handled most of the business but nothing was confirmed without you. You sealed every deal, every murder, everything. You ran it all. “What do you want to do, Honey?”

You sighed and rolled up your sleeves and pushed your hair over your shoulder. “Leave us. And can you call Gina? I need my hair done this week.” You hugged as your eyes rested on Marie. Your associates filed out as did Steve but not before kissing your cheek and patting your butt.

Once the door closed you grabbed the extra chair that usually sat in the corner and pulled it to sit in front of the woman, legs spread and hands resting on your thighs. Marie looked at you, eyes swollen, lip busted and nose darker than the rest of her skin. She winced as she adjusted herself. “What happened to you...” she spoke and you shrugged.

“Nothing happened to me that wasn’t supposed to.” You replied and she scoffed twisting her wrists and hissing at the slight burn on her wrists. “I miss my little sister...” she murmured and you laughed loudly, leaning your head back as you sat up, leaning your elbows on your knees.

“Fuck you, Marie. You don’t get to say shit like that to me when you left me. You left me then you came back and I welcomed you with open arms, ready to have my sister. And then you left again, this time with my money, tried to take my husband, and spitting on my name. How fucking dare you sit here and bullshit me? You don’t miss me. You never even cared.” You spoke, voice cracking from bringing up those tough memories again. You scoffed as you saw a tear roll down her cheek.

“Mom and Dad wouldn’t want this. They would want us to stick together and...and love each—“ she was cut off by a punch to the face. She groaned and you stood up, wiping away the few stray tears that slipped out. “Shut the fuck up. You don’t get to speak on them when you never even visited them! And it fucking shows because you’re talking like they’re dead. They aren’t, Marie! They’re in fucking Turks and Caicos smiling and having a fulfilling life. I sent them there! You’d know if you were around!”

You looked at your older sister who hung her head. You purses your lips before licking them, sniffling softly. “I wanted a big sister and you left me, stole from me, now you want to pull this bullshit with me.” You leaned down and came eye to eye with her. “So, fuck you. Fuck your excuses, fuck your tears, and fuck your fake ass pleas. Where. The. Fuck. Is. Brock?”

Marie winced, shaking slightly before sighing. “He...he hides out in the abandoned warehouse on third. He’s gonna be there on Thursday at six.” You nodded and began walking away before stopping as Marie called out to you. Natasha and Wanda made their way in the room as you stood still. “Y/N, please don’t leave me...” she spoke, you could imagine the tears on her face.

You looked over your shoulder and scowled. “My name’s Honey. Handle her.” You spoke and walked out as Marie yelled after you. Her cries fell upon deaf ears as you walked out. Steve stood in front of you, grabbing your face. “Honey...” he spoke and you blinked, looking up at him as he stroked your cheeks.

You sniffles, bottom lip trembling as you clutched his shirt. “My own sister...Steve, my sister. She betrayed me...”, tears streamed down your cheeks as you laid your head on his chest. You sobbed into his chest and advised the rest of your team to leave with a slight nod to the door. They all left with sympathetic looks.

Steve tightened his hold on you and cried harder, your screams mimicking your sisters as your knees gave out causing you to collapse. Steve’s heart ached as he tried to hold back tears of his own. He slid to the ground with you, rocking and holding as he rubbed your back, letting you cry. “It’s okay, I’ve got you, baby.”

————————

You sat on a large mahogany desk as laughing sounded outside of the door before you. Your hand rested on thighs as you watched the door swing open, revealing Brock, a smile on his face and you became agitated. Brock turned around, eyes landing on you as smiled at him. Your team stood off to the sides where Rumlow couldn’t see them.

“Brock, surprised to see me?” You hopped off the table and Brock took a step back to yell to his henchmen standing outside. He was cut off by a soft click as you held a white and gold glock out, aiming for his head. “I wouldn’t do that if I were you.”

——————-

To Be Continued

A/N: Yeeeeeah, cliff hanger mf! This bitch was loooomg as shit and I needed to break it up so part two coming soon! Make sure to like, reblog, and comment! It really makes my day! Also, if you would like to be added to my tag lists, Erik/Trevante, Steve/Bucky , or permanent then let me know! ☺️

@uzumaki-rebellion @lilulo-12 @ishipwhateverthefuckiwantto@you-know-me-and-where-i-be @chaneajoyyy @toniilaney

[the--blackdahlia]

Shot in the Dark (Tommy x Nikki)

Title: Shot in the Dark

Prompt: Hospital

Summary: Vince left Tommy during guy’s night, so Tommy decided to walk home.

Warning: Shooting, blood, language

For @classicrockbingo​

“Vince and I are going out for guys night,” Tommy told Nikki as he made him his omelet. “We haven’t been hanging out as much we used to and I thought it could be fun.”

“Oh, yeah, that sounds fun,” Nikki smiled and kissed his cheek. “Thanks for breakfast. You’re cooking is amazing.”

“You can thank my mom for that,” Tommy smiled happily at Nikki. “I think we’re gonna go out to someplace on the strip. Not 100 percent yet.”

“Just don’t come back with your dick smelling like a burrito,” Nikki teased.

“Hey! That was your idea! I just went along with it,” Tommy shook his head. Nikki just gave him a smile before eating the food Tommy had made him.

They went about their day as normal, heading out to band practice where they met up with Vince and Mick. They played around for awhile, before Tommy and Vince decided to just ride together over to the strip.

“I’ll be home late,” Tommy told Nikki before giving him a kiss. “Don’t wait up too late.”

“You know me and my insomnia. I’ll probably be awake well after you come home,” Nikki smiled. “Love you babe.”

“Love you too,” Tommy kissed him again.

“Okay you two, that’s enough of that,” Vince laughed. “Let’s go. The beers not gonna drink itself!” Tommy smiled and kissed Nikki one more time before heading out with Vince, leaving Nikki and Mick to head back to their homes.

****

“Dude, check her out,” Tommy told Vince as they ate chicken wings and drank beer. A girl at the bar had been checking out the frontman all night, and Vince knew it.

“I know right? She’s pretty smokin’,” Vince smirked. “Might have to take her home.”

“Yeah? And leave me stranded here?” Tommy laughed.

“I’ll give you money for a cab?” Vince suggested. Tommy waved him off.

“I’m just teasing you man. Go nuts. Or, should I so, go nut?” He winked at Vince. Vince flipped him off before heading over to the girl. A few minutes later, Vince was leaving, giving Tommy a thumbs up.

It was close to midnight by then, and Tommy settled his tab and left the bar. He hadn’t drank that much, and the air was nice, so he decided to just walk. He looked up at the dark sky. The lights from LA made it hard to see any stars, but it made him think back to a night when him and Nikki went on a moonlight hike, how much fun it had been just the two of them, no one else.

“Hey man, you got some cash?” A guy asked him. By the twitch in the man’s movements, Tommy could tell that he was coming from off of whatever he was using.

“No, sorry,” Tommy went to walk past. He saw a glint in the street light as the man grabbed his arm and pointed a gun at him.

“I meant to say, give me your cash,” The man growled.

“I don’t have any,” Tommy told him, pulling his arm which caused the man to stumble. When he stumbled, he hit the trigger, causing the gun to off and the bullet to hit right in Tommy’s abdomen.

“Shit!” The guy yelled. “Oh fuck!” Tommy’s hands went to the wound and he pressed against it, blood coating his fingers. He stumbled back against the wall and slid down. The guy looked at the gun in his hand. “Help! He’s been shot!” He yelled. “Sorry.” He ran off, leaving Tommy sitting against the wall. Thankfully, someone heard the call and came over to find Tommy covered in his own blood, trying to hold it in.

“Holy shit, isn’t that Tommy Lee?” A girl asked as her boyfriend called 911.

“Fuck, I think it is,” The guy replied and relayed the information to the operator. Tommy tried to stay awake, to talk to the girl like she was begging him to, but soon, unconsciousness overtook him and he drifted off.

****

Nikki woke up the next morning to sun coming through the window. He honestly wasn’t sure when he had actually fallen asleep. All he knew was that he had actually slept, which is something that didn’t happen often, and Tommy’s side of the bed was empty. He slowly came to his senses and got out of bed, stretching and letting all his joints pop. He went about his morning ritual before heading down the stairs to the kitchen. The dogs were there, fast asleep, but there was no Tommy to be seen.

But, Nikki wouldn’t put it past Vince and Tommy to be too shitfaced to drive home, so they decided to sleep in the car. They had done it before, and Nikki was sure that was what happened this time.

“I’ll give him a bit before I go hunt down his hungover ass,” Nikki told the dogs when they realized Nikki was awake and came running. There was a little something in the back of his mind though, that kept saying just go look for him.

But an hour had gone by and Nikki hadn’t heard from neither Tommy nor Vince, and that little something in the back of his mind was growing, starting to bring out his worry.

“Okay, I’m going,” Nikki decided, slipping on his skeleton shoes and grabbing his keys. He headed over to the strip and looked around, trying to spot Vince’s car. He figured they had probably went to eat at the Rainbow, since that was their favorite place to eat at anyway. He made his way over and saw cop cars and a roped off scene.

“What’s going on?” Nikki asked one of the waitresses who was standing there, watching.

“There was a shooting early  this morning,” She told him. “Cops came and got our security footage and all that.”

“Do you know who was involved?” Nikki asked.

“No. I haven’t been here very long. I do the brunch shift,”She explained. Nikki looked over to see Vince’s car pulling up and a long legged girl getting out of the passenger seat. Nikki made his way over to the flashy sports car. Vince got out.

“Nikki? What are you doing here?” Vince asked. He waved at the girl he had just dropped off as she got in her car and drove away.

“Tommy didn’t come home last night. I thought you two binged too hard and he was sleeping it off in your car,” Nikki told him. “But that sure as hell wasn’t him.”

“I left him here last night to take her home,” Vince told him. “He told me he’d get a cab or something.”

“Wait, so when you left, this hadn’t happened?” Nikki asked him, motioning to the crime scene behind them.

“No. What is it?” Vince asked.

“There was a shooting…” Nikki and Vince looked at each other before Nikki was scrambling for his cell phone, not even thinking of trying to call Tommy. But Tommy’s phone went straight to voicemail. So, he dialed the next number he could think of.

“Athena? It’s Nikki, have you heard from Tommy?” He leaned against Vince’s car.

“Um, actually, no, but I know where he is,” Athena told him. “I’m at Cedar-Sinai. Nikki, you need to get here.”

“Oh my god, Athena, was he…” Nikki started.

“I don’t want to talk about it over the phone,” The younger woman told him. “Please just come here. Go to emergency room entrance. I’ll meet you out there.”

“I’ll be there in a few,” Nikki told him. “I’m on my way.” He hung up the phone and looked over at Vince.

“Nikki?” Vince asked.

“You left him alone, and Athena’s at the hospital with him,” Nikki growled before marching off to his car, leaving Vince standing there, alone on the Sunset Strip.

****

Nikki never thought he was going to find a parking spot. He almost considered just paying to the valet at this point, but a big SUV pulled out and Nikki was able to take the spot before he was jogging up to the door. Tommy always teased him about jogging.

‘It keeps you healthy, but at what cost?’

He made his way through the emergency room doors and was immediately greeted by Athena, who nodded to a nurse who let them through a set of double doors to another waiting room.

“Athena, what’s going on?” Nikki asked, noticing her blotchy face and red eyes.

“Tommy, he...he was shot,” Athena whispered, almost like if she kept it quiet, it wouldn’t be real. “I talked to the police just a bit ago. The looks of it, he was shot during a mugging by some tweaker.” Athena started to cry again and Nikki pulled her to him, letting her cry into his chest.

“I-it’s going to be okay,” Nikki told her as he hugged her. “Tommy’s going to be okay, right?”

“Y-yeah,�� Athena pulled back and wiped her eyes. “Why was he out on the strip alone last night?”

“He wasn’t,” Nikki told him. “Or, at least, he wasn’t supposed to be. Him and Vince were supposed to be having a guys night.”

“Let me guess, Vince found a hot chick?” Athena asked as they took seats finally.

“Hot to him maybe,” Nikki sighed. “I thought I was first on his in case of emergency list.”

“You are, but they tried you and you didn’t answer,” Athena told him. Nikki pulled out his phone and looked.

Sure enough, he had missed calls from a California number that he assumed was probably the hospital. He groaned and held his head in his hands. If he had heard his phone, or bothered to check it before now, he could’ve been here much sooner. Not that it would do any good, because it was just a waiting game now.

****

“The bullet missed all major arteries,” The doctor told Nikki and Athena much later. “It did slightly nick his spleen, and we are going to watch that closely. He is currently resting in the ICU, and will probably be out for a few days.”

“Is there a risk for infection?” Nikki asked. He wanted to know everything, so he knew how to take care of Tommy when he could finally go home.

“With any kind of injury, there is always a risk of infection,” The doctor told him. “But if you follow all the procedures that we’ll give come discharge, infection won’t even get near him.”

“When can we see him?” Athena asked this time.

“You both can see him right now, because we only allow two visitors at a time, and only one of you can stay overnight with him,” The doctor explained. They both nodded and followed him to the ICU, where Tommy was in a small room by himself. “There will be a lot of tubes and sensors and such. Be careful if you touch him, okay?”

“We will. Thank you for saving him,” Nikki told the doctor, who smiled and nodded before leaving. Athena and Nikki headed into Tommy’s small room and took in the sight in front of them.

Tommy, laying there on the bed with his eyes closed. He normally had color to his skin, but right now, he was the palest that Nikki had ever seen him, and that was including the time they got food poisoning from eating questionable food from a gas station somewhere out east. He had a blood transfusion, and monitors and suddenly Nikki found himself with large tears falling down his face and Athena leading him over to a chair to sit down.

“Oh my god,” Nikki whispered. Athena rubbed his back as she looked over at her big brother. It was hard for her to see Tommy like this, but it had to be even worse on Nikki. He loved Tommy, it was obvious, even if neither Nikki nor Tommy had been able to see it at first. They had been through so much, and honestly, at this point, Athena saw them more as husbands and less like boyfriends.

“He’s going to be okay,” Athena assured him. Nikki just nodded and looked up at Tommy.

Nikki thought time was moving slow, but before he knew it, Athena was getting ready to leave, promising to be back the next morning and to let Vince and Mick know what was going on.

“That asshole doesn’t care,” Nikki growled. “He left him to be in this position.”

“Nikki, he didn’t know that there was a junkie out there with a gun,” Athena told him. “If he did, he wouldn’t have left Tommy there by himself.”

“I don’t care,” Nikki turned his attention back to Tommy, who hadn’t moved an inch since they came in.

“Okay, well, I’ll see you tomorrow,” She quietly left the room, leaving Nikki sitting right by Tommy’s bed. There was a small TV in the room, but Nikki didn’t feel like turning it on right now.

“I should’ve called you when you didn’t come home,” Nikki whispered. “I should’ve been looking for you. Fuck, Tommy, I’m so sorry.” He let his eyes scan across Tommy’s face, hoping for any sign of movement, but not seeing any. “Please don’t leave me. We’ve been through so much already. And I don’t know if I can handle losing you.” He held one of Tommy’s hands in his and started the waiting game.

****

Athena came back the next day with food for Nikki. He took it and ate, knowing that if he didn’t, his stomach would not let him forget it. They made small talk, but soon, there was a nurse standing at the door.

“Mr. Sixx?” She said softly. Nikki looked up at her. “There’s a gentleman out in the waiting room that says he’s a friend of yours and Mr. Lee’s. He said his name is Mick?” Nikki looked at Tommy.

“Go on,” Athena told him. “I’ll come get you if anything changes.” Nikki sighed and headed out to the waiting room, where Mick was sitting in a chair, waiting.

“These things are not good on my back,” Mick joked when he saw Nikki. “Damn, you don’t look like you’ve slept.”

“I haven’t,” Nikki sighed. “Afraid of what happens if I do go asleep.”

“How bad is it?” 

“I, uh, I don’t really know…” Nikki admitted, sitting by Mick. “The doctor said that he’s going to be fine, but he hasn’t woke up…” He ran a hand down his face. “This is all Vince’s fault.”

“What? How?” Mick asked.

“He left Tommy on their guys night. He drove him and left him. So Tommy decided to walk instead of getting a cab and he got shot,” Nikki shook his head. “It’s all his fault.”

“Did Vince know that Tommy was going to get shot?” Mick asked. “Because no matter how much they get pissed at each other, I know that Vince would never want to see anything like this happen to the kid. We’re all on good terms for the first time in, like, ten years, and I don’t think Vince would do anything to ruin that.”

“I guess,” Nikki sighed. “I just don’t understand why he left him.”

“Vince and Tommy share a brain cell sometimes. They don’t think things through,” Mick explained. “And if it was over a girl, Vince has two brains and only enough blood to power one at a time.” Nikki laughed a little.

“That’s the most accurate description I’ve heard,” Nikki smiled. “I needed that.”

“Vince wanted to come see you, but I guess his assumption was correct that he thought you were pretty pissed at him. So I told him I’d give him updates and let him know when Tommy was awake and all that shit.”

“Tell him to just give me a day or two, or maybe he should wait until Tommy wakes up. He can only have two visitors at a time anyway…”

“Yeah, that’s what I thought,” Mick stood up and groaned. “I’ll see you later Sixx. Call if anything changes.”

“I will,” Nikki stood up and hugged the guitarist before heading back to Tommy’s room.

****

On day three, Nikki was forced to shower. The male nurses took pity on him and let him use their locker room so he didn’t have to go home. Athena had brought him clothes that she had grabbed from a store not too far away from the hospital. She was the designated errand runner, and she was fine with it. It gave her something to do, because she honestly couldn’t stand there and watch Tommy sleep for a minute longer.

“They found the guy who shot him,” Athena told Nikki when he got out of the shower. “Picked him up for dealing and he admitted to the whole thing before they even could compare his picture to the one on the camera.”

“Good. Fucker.” Nikki spat.

“Heroin,” She told him. “That’s what he was dealing.”

“It’s an evil drug. Trust me, I know,” Nikki turned his attention back to Tommy, using any amount of energy he could to will Tommy awake.

****

Nikki had nightmares when he slept. Dreams that Tommy didn’t survive and he left Nikki behind. So he didn’t want to sleep, but after so many hours awake, he had to.

Except for the last time he fell asleep, he was awoken by Tommy’s hand twitching in his. Nikki’s eyes snapped open and he watched as Tommy’s eyes fluttered open for the first time in days. He knew that he wouldn’t stay awake long, but fuck, he was waking up.

“Come back to me baby,” Nikki ran his fingers through Tommy’s hair. Tommy’s eyes finally opened and he gave Nikki a small smile before falling back asleep.

And honestly, that was good enough for Nikki.

****

It was a couple days later Tommy was moved from the ICU and could have more visitors. Of course, Mick was there, but Vince stayed out in the hallway, not sure if he should come in or not. The whole time Tommy had been in the hospital, Vince had been kicking himself. It was bad enough with Razzle, but if he had caused Tommy’s death…

“Get that blond fucker in here,” Tommy said with a bit of a laugh. He was staying awake longer each day, and Nikki was so damn happy for that. Mick dragged Vince in. “Hey Vinnie.”

“Uh, hey,” Vince waved a little. “Glad to see you’re okay…”

“I got the good shit,” Tommy smiled. “Of course I’m okay.”

“And as annoying as ever,” Mick teased, making Tommy stick his tongue out at the guitarist. Tommy looked over at Vince, who was still standing in the corner.

“Hey Nik, could you and Mick go grab us some drinks from the cafeteria?” Tommy asked, looking over at the bassist. Nikki looked towards Vince and nodded.

“Come on MIck, I could use the extra hands,” Nikki stood and lead the guitarist out of the room, leaving Vince and Tommy alone.

“Tommy, I’m sorry,” Vince said after a couple seconds of silence. “I…”

“Vince, stop,” Tommy told him. “You didn’t know it was going to happen, I didn’t know it was going to happen.”

“It was supposed to be our guys night. I shouldn’t have left you,” Vince took a seat by Tommy’s bed. “I just...I wish I could go back in time and stop myself from leaving. Then we wouldn’t even be here right now.”

“Vince, please stop blaming yourself,” Tommy told him. “I’m alive. Isn’t that the important thing?”

“Yeah,” Vince nodded. “I’m still sorry.”

“You buy me some wings to make up for it, okay?” Tommy smiled. Mick and Nikki came back a moment later with the drinks to find Vince and Tommy arguing about some sports scores.

“Well, I see you two are back on good terms,” Nikki teased.

“Weren’t ever on bad terms,” Tommy smirked at his boyfriend.

“I think the 90’s would say something different,” Mick shook his head with a laugh. The band hung out in Tommy’s room until Vince and Mick finally made their exit, leaving Nikki and Tommy there together.

“Hey babe,” Tommy whispered after a little bit. Nikki looked over at him.

“Yeah?”

“I’m not leaving you, I hope you know that.”

Nikki smiled softly and picked up Tommy’s hand, kissing the back of it.

“I won’t let you anyway,” He told him, to which Tommy just laughed, before settling in for some rest.

With Nikki right there, watching out over him.

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[wftc141]

Equestria's Hired Help-Chapter 2: Fancy's Job

On the next day, a lot of customers are in the bar as it is opened and Blitz and Sunset are already on their shifts working. The two works as bartenders but Blitz is also the bouncer to keep order in the bar. Mostly gangs, mercenaries or any type of criminals come to the bar but must follow Blitz and Sunset's rules meaning no fights or killing, no drugs and no intercourse.

The two also take care of drunks as they do not let them walk out to their cars and drive off drunk which most bars get shut down for allowing drunks to drive unconstipated. The money from jobs that Blitz and Sunset do is for the bar as their second job and disguise from cops.

Mostly mercenary jobs can be illegal if they're tied with criminal activity including gang affiliations. The bar used to belong a colt who worked for many years and was friends with Sunset and Blitz as there is a picture frame of him between the two. He is an earth pony with blue eyes and used to wear a white shirt and a bowler hat. Unfortunately due to an illness, he passed away leaving the bar alone which Sunset and Blitz take over to honor their friend.

After Blitz grabbed his tip from his customer, Blitz noticed a colt with a large blue hood over his head a few feet away snorting a small ounce of cocaine on the table And also the fact his body odor was as intense as horrible body spray. Blitz left his station and approached the colt behind.

"Hey, no drugs allowed here." He said, tapping his shoulder.

The colt turned around and noticed Blitz waiting for him. He only replied with a snort.

"What are you, a fucking cop?"

"No, I'm the owner of this bar," Blitz answered. "House rules. You wanna do that shit, do it outside."

The colt stood up and went up on Blitz's face. He could see his white stained nostrils nearing his eyes. "And what the fuck you gonna do if I refuse?"

He heard a slam from aside and turned around. Sunset glared at the colt, holding a sawn off shotgun on the counter.

"Like my friend said. This is our bar and you follow our rules," Sunset clarified. "No drugs. Got that?"

The colt glared at both of them for a brief moment before letting out a grunt.

"Fine."

Eventually, the colt left the bar, not before giving them the bird on his way out. Both of them brushed it off. Shortly, Sunset's phone rang. She took out her phone and stared at the ID. It only said "Unknown Caller ID"

"Hey Blitz. Cover for me?" Sunset asked.

He nodded. Sunset headed off to the backroom and closed the door shut, answering the caller.

"Hello?" Sunset asked.

"Is this Miss Shimmer?" Someone with a really deep voice asked. It sounded like it was altered by some sort of device.

"Who's asking?"

"A client."

"What do you want?"

"We need you and your lion employee in Canterlot for a job. There's an earth pony who stole something that has classified documents of our company and threatens to expose us and we would like it back...and if possible you may capture the thief to us alive. More Information will be sent to your phone. Have this done and the 1,000 dollars will be delivered, in cash. Good day and good hunting."

After the call hang up, Sunset checked her messages and found several of them with images of an apartment in Canterlot and a photo of the target who was a colt pegasus with black fur and green eyes with baggy eyes and stained lips. After reading all of the information that was given, it was time for another job for her and Blitz to do for a unknown client.

In the city of Manehattan, Starlight is walking through the police department and made her way to her office desk in a depressive mood. There were a few glares by other officers because of her past but she got used to it from time. Starlight unpacked and had her desk setup since yesterday night. Sunburst made his way to her with two cups of steaming coffee and held out a cup to her which grabbed her attention.

"You okay?" Sunburst asked.

"Yeah...so so." Starlight answered as she took the coffee from Sunburst.

"How'd it go with the family?"

"Well, the daughter said there was a shootout and she managed to get away from them without looking back."

"And you had a hard time believing that."

Starlight nodded as she does find it hard to believe by the way of the description of the crime scene there was no way Diamond Tiara would escape on foot and fly over to Ponyville to her parents.

"She's obviously hiding something." She said.

"Maybe this is a vigilante thing." Sunburst guessed, taking a gulp of coffee.

"I know a vigilante and she doesn't murder people. That's the true definition of vigilantism. The family obviously hired somepony to get their daughter back."

"Jeez Starlight, you would be detective of the month if you keep that up."

"Would be an honor. Fact is, they may not hand it to me because of that criminal record they made since I was part of an evil militia."

"It's not really a record if you're not arrested or charged. You were the one who exposed them."

"True that."

"Still, if they did hire somepony to get their daughter back...would that still count as a crime?"

Starlight then gives Sunburst a look that shouted 'seriously'.

"Sun...three Griffons are dead."

"Three gangbangers are dead." Sunburst added, holding up three fingers. "Don't get me wrong, I would bring justice but you gotta face the fact that they had it coming when they were kidnapping little girls for their sickening trafficking business and they were gonna do the same to Diamond and Silver. Silver's already dead and that must've made the Rich Family lose faith in the police, just like every other pony in this damned town."

Starlight then starts to stare at something which is a small picture frame of her smiling with a familiar mare which is a alicorn with violet eyes and dressed as a royalty. The frame caught her attention as she's worried about her friend who has been missing for a few years along with her five friends.

"How long has it been since they've been missing?" Starlight muttered.

"What's that?"

Starlight came back to real life as she noticed Sunburst was looking at her in a confused look as he heard her muttered out loud.

"Oh, nothing. Just talking to myself."

The next day, Sunset and Blitz took an hour drive to Canterlot first thing in the morning in a not-so clean but functional white Audi sedan. They arrived via the gate border of Manehattan. First impressions: neat, expensive, snooty and awashed with pampered ponies.

"So who this guy we're after again?" Blitz asked, taking a sip from a soda can.

"Some freelance journalist named Jackpot Bronco," Sunset answered. "Apparently he stole a thumb drive from our client. Must be some sort of executive company."

"Coulda just sent one of their own to do it."

"They could've but ponies nowadays don't like to get their hands dirty and besides, the pay is good."

"Point taken. By the way, you mind if we stayed in Canterlot for a little while after this?"

Sunset glanced at Blitz before looking back on the road.

"Uh, sure? Why though?" Sunset asked.

"Well...You do fancy a good meal, right?" He said as he placed the empty can in the compartment. "Cause word has it that this place got the best ones. Like the five-star kinds. Something you don't see in Manehattan."

Sunset felt a bit concerned about eating with a lion in front of the ponies.

"Well, I mean sure but...aren't you a bit worried about how other ponies would feel-"

"Ugh, please. Like I said, I dealt with that shit since I first set foot on Equestria. Been called a dirty immigrant, monster and pretty much anything between a communist or a warmonger. Griffons got the same treatment as well."

"But you do know two lions came to Equestria and blew up two popular places full of innocent ponies ten years back, right? None of them would ever forgive what they've done."

"Everypony judges us over what a bunch of terrorists do. They don't take the word from the minors. Some of the lions were part of a joint operation against terrorist cells a few years back."

"But this isn't the past anymore. They don't shape anything for the future."

Eventually, Blitz sighed. "Well, if you say so, we can just go home and I'll make the dinner as usual."

"Yep. I'm way better off eating your nice food than listen to rich assholes call you a commie."

Sunset still feel a bit bad how Blitz has been usually treated. In Blitz's hometown, Panthera-Leo, his country was far worse than Equestria as there has been wars between governments and gangsters and corruptions within governments. Panthera-Leo also had terrorism as there were Lion who likes to go out on a sport hunt by killing anyone they see as prey.

A few minutes later, they arrived at the pinpointed building. The two got out of their car and headed inside. After a stack of stairs, they got to the top floor and found the door.

"Room's here right?"

She replied with a nod. The two stacked up next to the door with each of their Glock pistols drawn out. Sunset lifted up three fingers, counting down to one and clenched her fist. Blitz kicks down the door and then the two storms into the room where it is very messy with files on the floor along with empty beer cans. The two also confronted the colt who was in a middle of snorting cocaine until he stopped, startled when Sunset and Blitz stormed into his apartment room.

"Show me your hands." Sunset ordered.

"Who the fuck are you guys?"

"Doesn't matter, you stole something of an important person and he wants it back..." Blitz said.

As he continued on, the colt then starts to feel something wrong as he couldn't control his shaking nor his breathing. He also grabs his chest as something was about to explode. Blitz and Sunset look at each in confusion and then looks back at Bronco.

"Are you okay?" Blitz asked.

Bronco then gives out his last breath and collapsed backwards to the floor. Blitz and Sunset exchanged glances, confused. Blitz then went over to the body and checked for a pulse.

"Well shit," Blitz said as he let go of his neck. "He just OD'd on us."

"Kinda feel bad for the poor guy now." Sunset said.

Sunset then looks around and noticed a thumb drive on the table next to Bronco's desktop computer. She walks over to the computer and picks it up along with the flash drive attached to it.

"Well...I guess this is what our client wanted." Said Sunset.

"You sure that's the one?" Blitz asked.

"Same description from the photo they sent me."

"Then looks like our job here is done."

"What about him?" Sunset asked.

Blitz then starts to look around and then finds a wall telephone. He walks to it and starts dialing and waits for a response.

"333, what is your emergency?"

"Please! I need an ambulance!" Blitz cried in a feigned panic tone. "My friend just had a heart attack in his apartment, Room 237! Please send help!"

Blitz then hung up and then turns to Sunset, smugly.

"Problem solved."

Sunset then tilt her head to the side as she thinks that was a good plan and she and Blitz starts to walk off leaving the dead colt alone in the room with the door closed.

Later, Blitz and Sunset are now in an empty parking garage as they wait for their client to give them their flashdrive and receive their payment. Finally on time, two black SUVs and a Lincoln limousine drove up and parked in front of Blitz and Sunset. Coming out of the cars were colts in assorted suits and designer shades, making a first impression of hired bodyguards. All of a sudden, they aimed their guns at Blitz and Sunset which the two step away with their hands slightly up.

"Woah, what the fuck is this?" Blitz demanded.

"Now, now everyone. No need to draw your guns out."

The voice sounded like it came from the limousine. The door opened and a middle aged unicorn with light azure eyes, well combed hair with a mustache came out. He wore what a typical pony would wear in Canterlot - a grey suit with a purple bow tie, a white pinstripe shirt under a black vest and one eye glasses. Sunset is very surprised as she knows who she is.

"Mr Fancy Pants?"

"Who?" Blitz questioned as he turned to Sunset.

"He's a CEO executive slash celeb."

"That's right." The rich pony said. "And I believe I owe you two an apology. My team are simply misguided when it comes to which pony or lion is a hostile."

Fancy Pants then tilts his head as he was searching for someone or pony else as there was something missing.

"Mr Bronco?" Fancy Pants asked.

"He overdosed." Sunset answered.

He sighed, expecting a sight of his fearful look on his face. "That's a shame but no matter. Do you have the thumb drive?"

Sunset slowly reached into her pockets and took out the thumb drive. One of the guards went up to her and snatched it off Sunset. She watched as the guard handed the thumb drive to Fancy Pants.

"Thank you very much for retrieving this." Fancy Pants said, observing the drive with interest. "I've already transferred the money to your account as promised. I do hope we can work together again in the future and with your skills. There's alway room for a place in my business."

"Thank you Mr Fancy Pants but we're better off working alone."

He nodded. "Understandable. Also one more thing before we wrap it up...you wouldn't happen to have peeked what's inside the drive, correct?"

By the look on Fancy Pant's glare(although his eyes didn't actually flare up), Sunset was prepared to make a shield spell as she was having a bad vibe but was not going to be needed as she answered Fancy Pants truthfully.

"No. We've hardly even checked it out."

Fancy Pants continued to stare at Blitz and Sunset. Blitz has a bad feeling as he has his pistol tucked behind his pants and ready to draw if anything goes down. Few seconds later, everything eased up.

"Good," Fancy Pants said, smiling. "You both have a good night now."

Fancy Pants and his guards gets into their vehicles and drove off leaving Blitz and Sunset alone.

"Fancy Pants?" Blitz scoffed. "Seriously, what kind of a dumb name is that?"

"How should I know? I'm not the one who gave them weird names." Sunset replied.

"Whatever. You wanna get something to eat?"

"Sure and I think I know a place. Hopefully they don't mind Lions like they don't mind Griffons."

Blitz and Sunset gets into their car and ignited the engine. From a distance, somepony held a pair of binoculars, focused on the car driving out of the parking garage. He held his gaze on the car and looked away once it disappeared.

Back in Manehattan Police Department, Starlight is sitting in her office continuing to stare down at her picture frame of her friend who is missing along with five other friends while rapidly tapping her fingers on the surface. She still wish her friends are found and ok. Her day dreaming stopped when Sunburst started to walk to her direction with a folder in his hand.

"Hey, got some news from the CSI," Sunburst said as he came up to Starlight. "They managed to pick up DNA of the murderer of the last Cut-Throat Talon gangster. Get this...he's a lion."

Starlight looks at Sunburst with a surprised look.

"A lion?" Starlight asked as she takes a look of the information in the folder and was surprised that it a match for a lion. "Holy shit...what do we know about him?"

"Not much but this could be the same lion that was involved with a few incidents across Manehattan but none of them still have a clue on who he is."

"This is gonna scare the city."

"This is gonna scare all of Equestria."

Sunburst and Starlight starts to wonder who this lion is and why he's Equestria...hopefully it's not another terrorist attack that Equestria had by lions from Panthera-Leo.

[kathydsalters31]

Picking the Right Dog Breed for My Family

I’m thrilled to include one more canine to our family members in 2021! I’ve been meticulously picking the ideal pet breed for us (over analyzing, for certain).

I’m composing this to:

Show exactly how crucial it is to carefully pick any kind of canine or young puppy

Refine my option (writing helps me do so)

Document my life with canines

Selecting the appropriate pet dog type for us

In the last 3 months, I have actually spoken by email or phone with 9 different breeders, 3 sanctuaries and 1 rescue group.

I’ve completed their sets of questions, asked a number of my own concerns, evaluated the pros & & cons of each option, followed them on Instagram and emailed previous puppy purchasers.

Talking with every one has actually been a favorable experience.

After whole lots and also great deals of reasoning, I determined I desire a field-bred Labrador from an excellent breeder.

< img src ="https://www.thatmutt.com/web/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Black-Labrador.jpg"alt ="choosing the ideal canine type"class= "wp-image-43959 lazy"size=" 559 "height=" 393 "data-srcset=

“https://www.thatmutt.com/web/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Black-Labrador.jpg 650w, https://www.thatmutt.com/web/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Black-Labrador-300×211.jpg 300w”data-sizes=”(

max-width: 559px)

100vw, 559px” > I really appreciate dealing with dog breeders who love and sustain their breed

and also concentrate on: temperament health as well as the dogs’

abilities to flourish doing their work. I expect a whole lot from my canines. I press them physically as we train for path marathons. We work hard in agility. And since I reside in Montana(vs. San Diego), I plan to educate my canines for searching. I am delighted regarding every one of these training

experiences. My heart is complete when I’m dealing with my canines. I enjoy discovering along with them as well as viewing what they can do.< span id=" The_right_dog_breed_is_different_for_everyone"

> The best dog type is various for everyone

Selecting the ideal pet dog type has actually been really hard for me. I’ll just reach have many dogs in my life; I intend to select them sensibly.

To be honest, I’m concerned I’ll be burnt out with a Lab. They’re just so average and everybody has one– completely factor, they’re great canines!

On the plus side, Labs are normally calmer as well as much easier to educate than a weimaraner, my present canine. (Although “tranquil” is all loved one. What’s “tranquil” for me may be “active” for somebody else!)

Recognizing what I want in a dog

Here’s what I’m trying to find in my “best” dog. Of course there is no such point as this imaginary best pet dog.

Long distance trail running friend. 3-4 miles most days and also 10+ miles on some weekends. (when age proper)

Friendly with pets, strangers, felines and children.

Able to educate for dexterity for fun as well as light competitors.

Has an “off button” in your house while I’m working, presuming I’ve done my component to supply workout & & training

. Tranquility at breweries, patio areas and throughout travel (with training).

Sticks close when hiking & & running chain (with training).

Able to educate for searching as a leisure activity as well as perhaps quest examinations.

And … it’s not all about ME. I likewise need to ensure that I’m providing the best house for whatever type of pet I choose.

I do feel I can offer an excellent house for any of the sporting types

. So … why not an additional weimaraner? You might wonder, why is she interested in a Lab vs. a higher-energy athlete like another

weimaraner? It’s a challenging choice for me. Yet what it comes down to is I like my high-energy endurance athlete, Remy. Yet I do not necessarily need TWO extremely high-energy pets right now. (Perhaps at some point!) I absolutely have vizslas, German shorthairs and Brittanys on my brain … but perhaps for the future.

Plus, Labs are sports as well The Lab breeder I’m collaborating with types canines for searching. She tells me every one of her canines are really sports and will make great running companions, equalize to 10 miles.

These Labs are tranquil in your house however have an intense functioning drive around birds as well as weapons. They are plainly strong as well as fast in the area, very healthy and also muscle. I will certainly not have a fat Lab, I assure you that!

Still, I’m not encouraged I will be able to take a Lab on 10-mile runs. I truly hope so, yet it depends upon the canine. In any case, I’ll still have Remy for long-distance operating.

Other advantages of the Labrador dog breed

Labs are (normally) very easy to educate. I watch Labs as sports canines who do not always need continuous “busyness” like my weim.

I really feel Labs are a good type for my first actual weapon canine as well as hunting friend. I am very delighted to begin training a retriever for hunting.

My weimaraner Remy has potential to be a searching pet dog as well, and I have actually simply started to work with him via our regional NAVHDA team. I am additionally interested in training a searching pet from the actual start. It is a brand-new experience for me.

Choosing the appropriate canine type for winter Labs

have a thick coat to shield them from Montana’s long, rough winters months. The only months we did not have snow in 2019 were July and also August!

A Lab’s layer additionally protects her from the summer season heat. We live at 5,000 feet altitude, so the sun can be intense here also. For this reason, and also due to all the running I do, we are going with a yellow Lab vs. chocolate or black.

And also Labs are much from excellent!

A pure-blooded Labrador retriever can be several things … reduced power and also mild … excessively delighted over playthings or sticks.

They’re strong and often tend to jump on individuals, pull hard on the leash, go crashing after a round. My Lab mix Ace knocked me level on my back one time pursuing a sphere. He didn’t even observe he hit me! (I sobbed.)

Labs dropped a lot (like, A LOT) as well as are vulnerable to joint problems. They’re slow-moving to mature mentally as well as young laboratories are however labeled “active” by many individuals. This tag is accurate.

Some Labs are just as nuts as a vizsla or a weim.

Every dog is an individual. I discussed this HERE. Good dog breeders and genes can only do so a lot.

As pet dog proprietors, it’s up to us to do the best we can with training, socialization, exercise, locating the most effective vet. Feeding

healthy and balanced food. Making clever options on spaying & neutering. As well as of course, making the effort to choose the appropriate dog or young puppy for

our existing situation. We’re fortunate to have so many alternatives. I’m delighted for our next puppy. I can not wait to satisfy her! It will certainly probably more than a year prior to our puppy is also birthed. Good dog breeders commonly have waiting listings of a number of months and even a year. I’ll maintain you published when all is verified. Remy will certainly be so excited to have another pet around. He definitely LOVES various other canines, as well as he shared our house so well with his sister Raven back in January. While wonderful Raven was not the ideal pet for us, she assisted show me exactly how excellent Remy is with a buddy. As well as just how every one of my time invested training him(hours and also hrs)really has paid off. Believe it or not, Remy will in fact be a great good example! (Now that’s a scary idea! Haha.)I

can not wait for 2021! If you’re eager, please share concerning the choice production(or lack thereof)

when you picked your pet. Allow me understand in

the remarks! Thanks! Lindsay(and Remy) Lindsay Stordahl is the founder of

That Mutt. She covers dog training as well as habits, healthy and balanced raw food for animals and keeping up canines. Associated messages:

source http://www.luckydogsolutions.com/choosing-the-right-dog-breed-for-my-family/

from Lucky Dog Solutions https://luckydogsolutions.blogspot.com/2020/06/picking-right-dog-breed-for-my-family.html

[barryswamsleyaz]

Picking the Right Dog Breed for My Family

I’m thrilled to include one more canine to our family members in 2021! I’ve been meticulously picking the ideal pet breed for us (over analyzing, for certain).

I’m composing this to:

Show exactly how crucial it is to carefully pick any kind of canine or young puppy

Refine my option (writing helps me do so)

Document my life with canines

Selecting the appropriate pet dog type for us

In the last 3 months, I have actually spoken by email or phone with 9 different breeders, 3 sanctuaries and 1 rescue group.

I’ve completed their sets of questions, asked a number of my own concerns, evaluated the pros & & cons of each option, followed them on Instagram and emailed previous puppy purchasers.

Talking with every one has actually been a favorable experience.

After whole lots and also great deals of reasoning, I determined I desire a field-bred Labrador from an excellent breeder.

< img src =“https://www.thatmutt.com/web/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Black-Labrador.jpg"alt ="choosing the ideal canine type"class= "wp-image-43959 lazy"size=” 559 “height=” 393 “data-srcset=

“https://www.thatmutt.com/web/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Black-Labrador.jpg 650w, https://www.thatmutt.com/web/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Black-Labrador-300×211.jpg 300w”data-sizes=”(

max-width: 559px)

100vw, 559px” > I really appreciate dealing with dog breeders who love and sustain their breed

and also concentrate on: temperament health as well as the dogs’

abilities to flourish doing their work. I expect a whole lot from my canines. I press them physically as we train for path marathons. We work hard in agility. And since I reside in Montana(vs. San Diego), I plan to educate my canines for searching. I am delighted regarding every one of these training

experiences. My heart is complete when I’m dealing with my canines. I enjoy discovering along with them as well as viewing what they can do.< span id=” The_right_dog_breed_is_different_for_everyone"

> The best dog type is various for everyone

Selecting the ideal pet dog type has actually been really hard for me. I’ll just reach have many dogs in my life; I intend to select them sensibly.

To be honest, I’m concerned I’ll be burnt out with a Lab. They’re just so average and everybody has one– completely factor, they’re great canines!

On the plus side, Labs are normally calmer as well as much easier to educate than a weimaraner, my present canine. (Although “tranquil” is all loved one. What’s “tranquil” for me may be “active” for somebody else!)

Recognizing what I want in a dog

Here’s what I’m trying to find in my “best” dog. Of course there is no such point as this imaginary best pet dog.

Long distance trail running friend. 3-4 miles most days and also 10+ miles on some weekends. (when age proper)

Friendly with pets, strangers, felines and children.

Able to educate for dexterity for fun as well as light competitors.

Has an “off button” in your house while I’m working, presuming I’ve done my component to supply workout & & training

. Tranquility at breweries, patio areas and throughout travel (with training).

Sticks close when hiking & & running chain (with training).

Able to educate for searching as a leisure activity as well as perhaps quest examinations.

And … it’s not all about ME. I likewise need to ensure that I’m providing the best house for whatever type of pet I choose.

I do feel I can offer an excellent house for any of the sporting types

. So … why not an additional weimaraner? You might wonder, why is she interested in a Lab vs. a higher-energy athlete like another

weimaraner? It’s a challenging choice for me. Yet what it comes down to is I like my high-energy endurance athlete, Remy. Yet I do not necessarily need TWO extremely high-energy pets right now. (Perhaps at some point!) I absolutely have vizslas, German shorthairs and Brittanys on my brain … but perhaps for the future.

Plus, Labs are sports as well The Lab breeder I’m collaborating with types canines for searching. She tells me every one of her canines are really sports and will make great running companions, equalize to 10 miles.

These Labs are tranquil in your house however have an intense functioning drive around birds as well as weapons. They are plainly strong as well as fast in the area, very healthy and also muscle. I will certainly not have a fat Lab, I assure you that!

Still, I’m not encouraged I will be able to take a Lab on 10-mile runs. I truly hope so, yet it depends upon the canine. In any case, I’ll still have Remy for long-distance operating.

Other advantages of the Labrador dog breed

Labs are (normally) very easy to educate. I watch Labs as sports canines who do not always need continuous “busyness” like my weim.

I really feel Labs are a good type for my first actual weapon canine as well as hunting friend. I am very delighted to begin training a retriever for hunting.

My weimaraner Remy has potential to be a searching pet dog as well, and I have actually simply started to work with him via our regional NAVHDA team. I am additionally interested in training a searching pet from the actual start. It is a brand-new experience for me.

Choosing the appropriate canine type for winter Labs

have a thick coat to shield them from Montana’s long, rough winters months. The only months we did not have snow in 2019 were July and also August!

A Lab’s layer additionally protects her from the summer season heat. We live at 5,000 feet altitude, so the sun can be intense here also. For this reason, and also due to all the running I do, we are going with a yellow Lab vs. chocolate or black.

And also Labs are much from excellent!

A pure-blooded Labrador retriever can be several things … reduced power and also mild … excessively delighted over playthings or sticks.

They’re strong and often tend to jump on individuals, pull hard on the leash, go crashing after a round. My Lab mix Ace knocked me level on my back one time pursuing a sphere. He didn’t even observe he hit me! (I sobbed.)

Labs dropped a lot (like, A LOT) as well as are vulnerable to joint problems. They’re slow-moving to mature mentally as well as young laboratories are however labeled “active” by many individuals. This tag is accurate.

Some Labs are just as nuts as a vizsla or a weim.

Every dog is an individual. I discussed this HERE. Good dog breeders and genes can only do so a lot.

As pet dog proprietors, it’s up to us to do the best we can with training, socialization, exercise, locating the most effective vet. Feeding healthy and balanced food. Making clever options on spaying & neutering. As well as of course, making the effort to choose the appropriate dog or young puppy for

our existing situation. We’re fortunate to have so many alternatives. I’m delighted for our next puppy. I can not wait to satisfy her! It will certainly probably more than a year prior to our puppy is also birthed. Good dog breeders commonly have waiting listings of a number of months and even a year. I’ll maintain you published when all is verified. Remy will certainly be so excited to have another pet around. He definitely LOVES various other canines, as well as he shared our house so well with his sister Raven back in January. While wonderful Raven was not the ideal pet for us, she assisted show me exactly how excellent Remy is with a buddy. As well as just how every one of my time invested training him(hours and also hrs)really has paid off. Believe it or not, Remy will in fact be a great good example! (Now that’s a scary idea! Haha.)I

can not wait for 2021! If you’re eager, please share concerning the choice production(or lack thereof)

when you picked your pet. Allow me understand in

the remarks! Thanks! Lindsay(and Remy) Lindsay Stordahl is the founder of

That Mutt. She covers dog training as well as habits, healthy and balanced raw food for animals and keeping up canines. Associated messages:

from Lucky Dog Solutions http://www.luckydogsolutions.com/choosing-the-right-dog-breed-for-my-family/ from Lucky Dog Solutions https://luckydogsolutions.tumblr.com/post/622404152048418816

[fyrborn]

pls talk to us about the dragons and their different personalities.

anonymous ❖ here’s the worst tldr list, but this is more in depth sorta

me: i’ll get to writing the bios tomorrowme @ me: stop lying 

          &&. in all seriousness, i will get to them, but school is starting soon. smh prop you should have gotten your shit together with this blog. anyway, don’t be like me and make a multidragon blog and expect yourself to write in depth bios lmao

         to make this clear since all dragons share this: they’re PRIDEFUL and INTELLIGENT. i know i joke about the best way to not getting yourself eaten is by calling them pretty, but it kinda is in a sense. after all, when you look at a dragon, you see a monster and beast, things along those lines. you don’t exactly see the beauty in serrated, sword long teeth that’s got charred flesh stuck in between or the smoldering ruins they leave behind. it doesn’t bother them if you call them otherwise, but it would hold their curiosity to judge you in seeing if you’re sincere or at least give you time to look for an exit ( viserion tends to be very vain and balerion likes to puff out his chest ). after all, winning their favor would be in your best interest when encountering them.

         they are intelligent creatures and they do understand human speech. they know what you’re saying regardless of whatever shit you’re trying to call them in a cheery tone. it’s like in hp when draco called buckbeak an ugly brute. talk shit, get hit buddy. meraxes is the most forgiving, just saying, but even she has her limits. they are in tune with their rider’s feelings through their bond and it’s one that is magical and more. it’s why the dragons can be called without any verbal message or command. the dragons communicate through a variety of sounds too, which ( aside from body language ) communicates what they’re trying to get at. i’m going off my own hc that the dragons do share their own experiences with one another. they can show each other images, sounds, scents, touch, and feelings depending on how close they are. this could eventually be something their riders might experience if they’re close enough. again it’s their own jurisdiction on whether they want to share or not. sometimes if the bond is really strong there’s no hiding it. 

         also to make this clear, just because you’re their RIDER does not necessarily save you from possibly getting injured or snapped at. they’re WILD no matter how long they’ve had a rider for. there is no TAMING of a dragon ( dany got snapped at y’know ) and once a dragon sets their mind to doing something, they’ll do it regardless of being told no. along with that note, the dragon chooses the rider, not the other way around.

                                        and now we get into what y’all really want.

balerion: is founded on this need to survive as he was one of the five dragons that was brought over from the doom. i’m not saying they didn’t feed him or anything, he can hunt on his own quite well, but i’m sure he most likely fought the other fledglings for food. and as he grew, he became more outwardly aggressive in dominating and suppressing the other dragons. most likely if these dragons didn’t die from natural causes, balerion would have killed them himself when they started to toe the line with him. honestly, i wouldn’t be surprised if he wasn’t partial to cannibalism. with how much he ate and having all the free skies to fly, he grew into what massive size and fire power he was known for. pretty much this is the part that makes me laugh too when jaime??? in the show was saying drogon was full grown. drogon is like a fourth of his size. he wouldn’t make an impact if they collided in the air and balerion would eat him alive. aren’t ya glad he’s dead?

         i’m trying really hard to remember what word fits him, but it’s not arrogance. he knows what he’s capable of and he has the right to act as he does. balerion has an air of superiority ( it doesn’t help that he does look down at you from his snout ), but it’s a very imposing and tangible type of atmosphere when you meet him. he wants your respect. he won’t ask for it. he DEMANDS it. which raises the question that i made early on my dash, about how anyone could have possibly controlled balerion. anyway, balerion does not go out of his way to be cruel. none of the dragons do actually, they kill for a reason and not for sport ( chasing is fun though ). he can be quite sweet ( surprise!!!! ) to those he trusts. no, he won’t roll over and wag his tail like a puppy ( they’re more feline like when it comes to body language anyway ), but he will make the softest sounds and nudge you as gentle as possible for a scratch ( not that you can really do much at his age ). 

                           here’s a sample that i wrote for some meme on my other blog:

 the skies are his to rule and he fills it with dragon song. from deep within his stomach, presses out through chest and vibrates through throat, it comes in ROAR meant to signify his presence. how any creature, small or large ( all insignificant ), can not make note of his presence was surely foolish. for even the BLIND can see his strength, let it roll over them and know how immense of a beast he was. for even the DEAF can hear what mighty beast he was, feel the way the EARTH quivers underneath wing stroke. even the SILENT can utter gasping screams when BLACK FIRE scorches land and all its inhabitants. they should all know and see just WHO it is that truly bears the CROWN.

                WHY RULE SEVEN KINGDOMS WHEN THE SKY ENCOMPASSES ALL?

  crimson gaze settles upon silver scales that GLEAM in sunlight. and dragon song once more makes itself heard, though not of his own and balerion only eyes the CHALLENGER with disinterest. such a fledgling ( by his standards ) can screech in defiance and utter his PETTY challenges all he wishes. it would not matter. HE WILL CRUSH THIS ONE’S SKULL BETWEEN HIS TEETH. maegor be willing ( or unwilling ), he will know what is BEST for them both and let him tear this silver one apart.

                                                             FOOLISH THING 

  he has lived a HUNDRED YEARS AND MORE. he has seen and faced battles FAR GREATER than this child of blood and fire has ever seen much less been in. dark shadow is cast and falls below the city ( human nest ). how such fragile creatures take to hiding, so unlike the human child that sits upon his black scales and holds onto scarlet tinged horns and spines. a whisper from maegor, a language that HE KNOWS SINCE HATCHING is given. kessa īlon zālagon zirȳ, balerion? he need not ask such a thing. the dragon will show what FIRES BURN within his chest.

                                          DO YOU THINK YOU CAN DEFEAT ME? 

  how can such a SMALL DRAGON hope to compare to such a beast like him? great jaws part and reveal curved teeth, CRUELthings that have CLEAVED armored men in half and feasted upon their horses like human children eating sweets. he calls then, to this QUICKSILVER dragon. wingstrokes carrying him far and he is met with open aggression. clawed feet latch onto his, but by far, he DWARFS this little sky lord. one can not simply DEFEAT A KING like he.

                                                    A CENTURY TOO YOUNG 

    teeth SINK through scales with such ease and reminds him of humans in their worthless metal armor. and it is just like them that he will end THIS IMPUDENT LORD’S LIFE. nostrils flare as he breathes in, feels VOLCANIC HEAT rise up from his chest and PITCH BLACK FLAMES spew from the depths of his throat and rush to burn at joint where bone connects wing to body. there is a cry of PAIN AND AGONY, but that only fuels such eagerness for the kill. a sharp jerk of his head, power given by thick neck muscle, and he makes QUICK WORK of this dragon. jaws slacken for just a second before snapping back shut. with one final SNAP, the wing tears free.

vhagar: vhagar and meraxes were born after balerion, both of who are female. they are close to one another not just because of how close they were hatching, but also being girls essentially ( they got each other’s back like visenya and rhaenys!!! ). she is very forward in what she wants and how she wants it. there are no warnings with vhagar, save with visenya of course, but generally it’s best to tread very lightly with her. she’s the embodiment of i’ll take it with fire and blood and would die fighting. vhagar is very into proving to everyone she’s capable of handling herself. while she’s not a tactician of any sort, vhagar does use the field to her advantage and not to mention her size. more or less that first started with picking fights with balerion when she was old enough. she is not scared of balerion whatsoever and often would get the upper hand of things despite being slightly smaller. she’s a quick thinker and ferocious when it comes to fighting ( more like sore loser lbr ). vhagar sadly does have a short temper, so often enough she will kinda explode when things that have been annoying her build up, but as quick as it starts, it’s also quick to go away. 

         she is pretty smug though. you know that scene in httyd where toothless kinda laughs at the other dragon he spat fire at? yeah that’s vhagar when she beat balerion. i hc that there were two major fights between the both of them, which could have ended up with either of them dead. in both cases, vhagar had the upper hand and she used the environment to her advantage. the first time was in dragonstone and vhagar nearly drowned balerion if it wasn’t for meraxes knocking her off. the second time was in king’s landing within the dragonpit because of some spacial pressure. they’re used to open skies and being able to fly freely, not being kept in one place completely. it’s a good thing they kept the fight short or the city would have all burned. 

meraxes: is the most forgiving of dragons. or rather, the most TOLERANT of them. by all means, she’s not docile. please don’t think that. she surely is the most patient and willing to wait ( to think before she leaps! ) to see what happens. she’s inquisitive by nature and finds herself rather content with lazing in the sun. though it’s not to say she’s not as ferocious as the other two in the skies. by all means, meraxes is no push over. she just has an extremely high patience, especially when it comes to balerion and vhagar. only when it’s a life and death situation will she intervene in their fights. otherwise she lets them go at it until they go into a stalemate. meraxes certainly does have a more motherly nature and often enough does coddle rhaenys should she see her upset. to a certain extent, she does find human children amusing and might allow a few curious ( and brave! ) to try and climb on her, but she’ll shake them off or push them away when she’s had enough.

        ( i gotta think about her more because she’s not as developed as i hoped aside from #she protec and #she attac)

drogon: he shares a lot of aspects with balerion ( death reincarnate! ), but because of how he was raised ( since i write balerion already hatched and wasn’t bonded at first to aenys ), he’s very tied to daenerys. in a sense he DOES want to be his mother’s son. he adores her and will do what he can to make her happy and content, but it’s also with this love that brings him such CONFLICT. you’ll see this especially when he becomes bigger than a small dog. he wants to be FREE to do what he wants without having to come back to dany and he kinda wants to come to her on his own terms. i mean ever since they were young, they mostly stayed within their mother’s view. and now they’re large enough to go somewhere without people trying to catch them in a sense.

        drogon wants to be the first. first ( lmao ) and foremost is to SURVIVE. after all, there were people trying to separate him and his brothers from their mother and there is nothing more powerful than fear to be your guide LMAO. essentially he doesn’t want to be in that position again. he wants to be able to be the one who protects himself, his siblings, but also his mother and that is a huge driving force ( also generally what gets him to rush right on back ).  and there, again, is this WILDERNESS that even dany can not tame no matter how much she can try. the best way, thankfully so, is through compromise. i think the fact that drogon had snapped at her the first time was shocking to her. drogon has always been gentle with her and to have this happen is eye opening. but aside from that!!! he does push his weight around. with his siblings, he makes it very clear that he is the one in charge. not to say that neither of them won’t challenge him from time to time. though this was mostly when they were younger and around the same size, though drogon still having a little more growth on him.

        he is a very stubborn dragon and he likes making it known that you should not test him, no exceptions even with dany ( ie snappity snap ). and as he grows larger and older, drogon definitely does find his own way in things. and honestly??? going into a fight with dany on his back is also kinda fun for him in a sense because hello prey drive, but also charred horse is pretty nice. viserion and rhaegal already ate humans so??? it’s not like he can miss out!!!

viserion: call him the PRETTIEST dragon you’ve ever seen and he’ll wait for you to compliment him more. viserion is VAIN and he likes to be praised ( fastest way to his heart ). the one thing he noticed right off the bat when he became more aware of his surroundings is that he is the color of the metal objects that people so covet, which only adds to his ridiculous ego. now i’m not saying that he’s going to stare off into a mirror all the time, but he takes a lot of time and pride in his appearance. however, i wouldn’t go as far as to count him out when it comes to a fight. just because there’s some blood being splattered or there’s some mud involved, doesn’t mean anything. being vain also means he’ll defend his name and reputation through his own force and means. so he does at times get into fights with drogon and rhaegal, but it stops once he’s makes his point ( or when drogon makes his point lmao ). hence why he grows more and more aggressive when he’s older.

        he is a very CONSERVATIVE dragon ( no politics \ o / ) and by that I mean he only does things when he deems his energy and time is worth it. this applies to moving too. big cats, for example, they only use enough energy to leap from one platform to the edge of another platform. no more and no less. viserion is like that and he is a very graceful flier because of it. though this does make him appear to be the LAZIEST dragon as he’s often seen basking in the sun while rhaegal might be off doing spiral dives for fun. speaking of his brother though, both he and rhaegal are the closest with each other because of the time they spent with each other when they were chained up, but also because of the fact they get along really well??? they work very well when it comes to hunting together and it’s really coordinated ( think ambushing when they were younger ). but!!! viserion is PROTECTIVE of rhaegal and keeps an eye on him and like siblings, they’ll back each other up. they do nest together and they don’t often stay away for too long from each other. it’s more so for reassurance than it is because they’re dependent on one another. 

                                                            he hates the cold. 

rhaegal: the smallest and by far is not coddled. in fact he would actually get angry if you do things for him ( not that he doesn’t appreciate the sentiment ) because he likes to EARN things. he is a hard worker and it’s so much more SATISFYING to him if he does. he doesn’t have an inferiority complex, but he does turn everything into a COMPETITION. he shares traits with vhagar in the sense that he wants to prove himself. hence why once he sees drogon do something, rhaegal is the one who will surely follow since he wants to also beat viserion to the punch. he is TENACIOUS in anything he tries to do and if he doesn’t get it right the first time. drogon might have been the first to fish in the seas while they were traveling on boat, but rhaegal would have been the second to dive right in. you’ll find him rather brave and bold. when he was younger he wouldn’t hesitate to fight back larger and stronger opponents and i wouldn’t put it past him to make a go at horses when he was on the ground or even dorthraki riders when they’re close by. and as he grew, it’s not surprising when he becomes the most TROUBLESOME of dragons when it came to having to find his way with wow growth spurt lmao and finding how to fly properly. all wings and kinda lanky before filing out. tbh, rhaegal isn’t the most graceful of dragons to fly since he relies a lot on speed so his movements can be sharp when there are turns and he likes to test the limits of his capabilities ( honestly imagine nearly crashing if it wasn’t for viserion or drogon to cushion/ help him pull back ). 

        surprisingly, he’s also the most SOCIAL of all dragons and CURIOUS of them. which makes him a bit more easier to handle in comparison to his brothers when he was younger. so it was alright for dany to essentially hand him off to someone else close to her to hold ( like jorah or missandei ). it’s why he’s rather SOFT when it comes to those close to dany and will often take it to kinda check in on them ( he’s got a good heart!!! ). though it might come unwelcomed when he scares the heck out of you. rhaegal, as i mentioned above, is very close with viserion. even before they were chained beneath the pyrimids, they grew to rely on one another more than they did drogon. rhaegal has been one to sleep next to viserion and at times will share food ( if he’s generous ). though they do have their fair share of fights for the meal. and i gotta write a sad dragon now smh.