#pov you’re my boss when i can’t work five days a week doing school AND another job on top of this one: but what if you did

[wibble-wobbegong]

5 seconds from body slammjng my boss. no i wont leave the 500 dollar festival i requested time off for months in advance to work for two and a half hours. no your $25 dollar bribe doesn’t change anything. why am i working a six hour shift on the only day of the week i Dont work. im gonna kill you

[sunny-flower-girl-01]

Ohana- A Hawaii Five-0 Fanfic Chapter Four

This chapter is super long, so I apologize in advance lol. I’m hoping to still have the next chapter up next week, but I won’t has as much free time to write at work like normally do. Please enjoy and let me know what you think!

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

FRIDAY NIGHT STEVE MCGARRETT’S HOME STEVE’S POV: 

“See, Gracie? You have to wait 4 minutes before you flip it, or it doesn’t get cooked on both sides.” I said, flipping one of the burgers over. She nodded that she understood, her arms wrapped around my neck to hold on since I had her up on my hip so she could see the grill better. We were just waiting on Thea and Nora to arrive, so I went ahead and started the food and asked Grace to be my helper. 

Mindy, Kono, and Max were in the kitchen getting the rest of the food together. Danny walked up behind me, nudging me in the shoulder and holding his arms out for Grace. She grinned and jumped into her dad’s arms. “Are you teaching my daughter the incorrect way to grill a burger?” 

I rolled my eyes. “Yes, Daniel.” I said sarcastically. I flipped another burger and glanced back at Danny’s girlfriend that he brought with him today, Kari. “So, how is Kari doing?”  She was nice, blonde, and a paralegal. She seemed to get on with all of us just fine, minus Grace. Which, in my mind, was more important than her being friendly with us. It was very obvious that Grace wasn’t a fan of the woman. She had stuck with me for the whole hour that she’d been here already and had already asked me 4 times when Nora was going to come. Kari didn’t seem to be that big of a fan of Grace either. She gave Grace an indifferent smile when she became the center of attention, and with our group, that was quite a lot. We all loved that little girl. Overall, I wasn’t too impressed with her and was sure Danny and I were going to talk about it tonight when everyone went home. 

Danny shrugged. “She’s fine. She’s enjoying getting to know you guys.” I saw Grace roll her eyes and push away from her dad to be let down. I knew bringing up Kari around Grace like that probably wasn’t the best idea. Danny set her down and she immediately made her way back up to the house. Thankfully, he didn’t see her eye roll. 

“I’m going to wait for Auntie Thea.” She said. 

Before I had a chance to say it, Danny took a step closer to me. “Grace doesn’t like Kari.” He said quietly. 

I tried my best to hold back a laugh. “I could have told you that, buddy.” 

Danny sighed and smoothed his hair down. “God, I don’t know what I’m going to do. I mean, Kari is nice but Grace means more to me. She knew I had a kid and she just isn’t that interested in getting to know her.” He glanced over at the table I had set up across the yard where Kari was sitting with Malia, Chin, Adam, and Charlie. I felt bad for Danny. He had always told me that dating with a kid was difficult, but I had never seen him really struggle with it. It made me think about what it would be like with two kids. I tried to think about it but really the only person I wanted to be with was already having my kids. Since I found out that Thea was pregnant and we were spending some time together and we were talking more, I’ve really come to like and care about her than just the mother of my unborn children. And Nora has become really special to me like Grace has. I did invite her because the team wanted to meet her, but I also wanted her to get to know them like I know them. If I was gonna try and pursue this with her, I wanted all my ohana to get along. 

“Danno! Uncle Steve! Nora is here! Look! We’re matching!” Grace and Nora came running out of the house hand in hand. They were both wearing the same romper outfit over their bathing suits, but Nora was wearing navy and Grace was in army green. 

Danny and I both smiled at the two girls. “My two favorite girls, wearing my two favorite colors!” I said, scooping them both up into my arms causing them to giggle loudly. I looked up to see Thea walking out the back door with Mindy and Kono who were carrying bowls of food out. I smiled at her. She had on a blue and white polka dot dress. She smiled over at me, her eyebrows raising slightly when she saw me holding up both girls. I couldn’t help but grin at her. I loved watching her smile and seeing the dimples on her cheeks. 

‘God, she looks amazing’ 

“Can we go play in the sand?” Nora asked, staring over at the beach. I remembered Thea telling me she loved the water. I set both girls down and handed the spatula to Danny to finish manning the grill. 

“We’re about to eat so I’ll tell you what,” I said, looking at them. “After we eat, I’ll take you both out into the water. That way Danno doesn’t have to get his hair wet.” The girls giggled when Danny smacked me in the arm. 

“Hey, it takes a lot of product to make it look this good.” He claimed. 

Thea, Mindy and Kono walked to us. Nora quickly started to tell her mom about how we were going to go swimming after we eat. Thea smiled at the little girl who was practically bouncing. “That sounds great baby.” 

Mindy and Kono set their bowls down on the table that was set up for the food. “Alright that’s all of it boss. Let us know when to come make our plates.” Kono nodded. Mindy made her way back to the table with Nora while Kono linked arms with Thea and led her over to the group over at the table. I remembered Thea telling me that she and Kono went to high school together. It comforted me a little bit that not everyone here was a complete stranger to her. 

I watched them walk to the table and Kono started to introduce her to everyone. She had a smile on her face the whole time and took a seat right next to Malia. My family felt complete watching everyone sit and have fun together. 

I must have been staring for a bit because when I looked at Danny after he obnoxiously cleared his throat, he had the burgers on a plate and was setting them on the food table. “Stare some more, I don’t think she noticed.” 

“Shut up.” 

“Seriously. Maybe it’s time to thaw your heart and tell her you want to be with her.” Danny said, grabbing two paper plates. He handed me one. “Alright Super Seal. It’s time for your Dad Training.” 

“My what?”

“Your Dad Training.” He said. “You’re about to have not just one but two babies you’re responsible for. On top of that you’re practically in love with a woman who has a 7-year-old.” 

“Hey-” 

“So, do what I do and make Nora’s plate for Thea. The girls are going to eat at the table up on the lanai.” He gestured for me to copy him. 

“This is ridiculous.” I sighed but started to make the plate like he was. “I’m going to assume you know what Nora likes to eat.” 

He nodded. “She’ll basically eat everything but she’s allergic to onions. So, don’t put her food anywhere near onions.” He filled up the plate with a burger, plain with ketchup, mac and cheese, salad, beans, and the fruit salad. I did the same, quickly avoiding the small plate of onions that was set out for people to put on their burgers. I glanced up at Danny. 

“Should these even be out?” I didn’t want to risk her eating them and something happening. I think Danny noticed my small moment of panic and placed his hand on my shoulder. 

“No, idiot, she’s not going to go into anaphylactic shock by looking at them. She just can’t eat them or anything they’ve contaminated. She’s good about avoiding them or telling people she can’t eat them. Thea and Rachel both did give me a big speech about it the first time I had her over for a sleepover with Grace though. She always has an epi-pen when she isn’t with Thea- so get that nervous look off your face, it’s fine.” He handed me one of the plastic forks and turned to look over at the table. “Gracie, Nora! Come on time to eat, guys!” 

The crowd was laughing as they made their way over to the food table. Danny and I went and set the girls plates on the smaller table closer to the house. Grace has pretty much claimed it as her table anytime she is over. There were marks all over it from craft projects she had done on it. “Grace, go show Nora where the juice boxes are. When we get done and clean up, we can go for a swim, okay?” I said to her and watched them run off into the house. 

Danny rushed off to go make his plate with Kari as Thea walked up behind me. “Her burger doesn’t have onions on it does it?” She asked. She had that same nervous look on her face I’m sure I had a few moments ago. 

“No no, Danny told me she’s allergic. I just put ketchup on it.” I said softly. 

She looked a little shocked but smiled softly at me. “Thank you for making her plate.” 

‘Damn that smile will be the death of me’ 

I put my arm around her shoulders casually. “Let’s go eat before our friends eat all the food.” 

She laughed and nodded. We made our plates and sat next to each other at the large table. I noticed she constantly had a hand on her stomach, almost like she was nervous. Kono quickly pulled her into the conversation she was having with Malia and Charlie. 

“Thea used to surf with us in high school. She could have totally been pro if she wanted.” Kono said. 

Thea laughed. “Yeah, I don’t think so. I was good, but nowhere pro level.” 

Mindy shrugged. “I don’t know, T. You definitely could have taken on Kalakaua.” She teased, causing Kono to throw the cap of her Longboard at her. I leaned back and watched the girls interact. Danny was having a semi-private with Kari. I couldn’t hear them, but I could tell from the look on his face he was upset, and Kari didn’t have a care in the world. I gave him a look, asking if he was alright. He just rolled his eyes and shook his head. He and Grace have that eye roll down pat. By the time we had both turned back to the group, the topic had changed. 

“Oh, trust me, Danny has several things to say about Steve’s crazy behavior.” Chin laughed as he drank his beer. 

“Crazy how?” Thea asked, turning to look at me and then over at Danny. I looked at Danny, silently asking him not to tell her anything but he ignored me. 

“Oh, this crazy bastard got me shot our first day working together.” Danny said extremely calmly. 

“You what!” Thea exclaimed, her eyes wide looking at me.

“Hey, I apologized! It was just an arm graze.” I said, putting my hands up to defend myself. “You were fine, you even punched me in the face.” 

“Yeah that was after you put me in an arm lock!” 

“Danny it was over a year ago, get over it.” 

“I-” I cut Danny off by changing the subject. 

“Anyway, anything else to talk about that doesn’t revolve around me?” I said, whacking Danny in the arm. 

Malia spoke up. “So, do you guys know what you’re having yet?” 

Thea and I both shook our heads. “No, we might find out in 3 weeks. Our last appointment the doctor said if they’re in the right position we should be able to tell.” Thea said while she stroked her stomach. 

“Are you planning on having a gender reveal?” Kono asked. I gave a confused look. 

“A what?” 

“It’s where the expecting parents invite friends and loved ones to find out the gender of the baby, or in your case, babies, after the ultrasound. Typically, the parents don’t know either. It usually involves a mild, but colorful powder explosive or a pink or blue cake.” Max piped up from the end of the table. 

“Jesus, why’d you have to say explosive?” Danny shook his head. 

Thea looked at me and then Kono. “Uh, we haven’t really thought about it.” 

“Do you want to do something like that?” I asked her. 

She nodded. “I think it’d be fun, if you’re up for doing it.” 

“Oh, he’s always ready to blow something up.” Danny chimed in. I rolled my eyes and told him to shut it. “Rachel and I did a cake for Grace’s gender reveal. White icing and a strawberry cake since it was a girl.” 

“Maybe we could make two smaller cakes. One for baby A and one for baby B.” Mindy smiled. 

“My aunt makes cakes for gender reveal parties all the time at her bakery, I’m sure she could do two for you.” Kono said. Thea just looked at me with a smile on her face. 

“What do you think?” She asked me. I had never done anything like this, or even heard of anyone doing it. 

I shrugged, leaning back in my seat. “It sounds like it could be fun. If you want to do something, we can.” I smiled at her. She turned to Mindy. 

“Alright but you have to plan it.” She laughed. The conversation moved on while we continued to eat. Max went into a long explanation about his fossil collection before Danny interrupted him. Despite my trying to keep the conversation off the “dangerous” things I do for work, the team ended up telling more stories about me. I was nervous she was gonna get scared off by some of them. We did have a long conversation about my line of work and what it entails. I wasn’t gonna be home the same time every single night, I was going to be in danger, and I could get called in at any moment. She told me that she understood and as long as I was making an effort to be there, that was good enough for her. I had gotten a better understanding of her childhood out of that conversation too. Her and Nora’s father was almost never around, and their mom was checked out. I had gotten a bit more information from Mindy about her background. Thea basically had Nora from the moment she was born. Her mom was incapable of raising her and Thea didn’t trust her to raise another baby. Her mother gladly handed her off to Thea. I lost my mother at a young age, but to know she was physically here and not involved would have killed me, I couldn’t even imagine that. 

After everyone was finished eating, the table was cleaned up and the food was put away. Everyone went on with their activities. Max, Charlie, and Chin were sitting and drinking longboards. Malia, Kari, and Kono were gathered around the fire pit that Danny had started up even though it wasn’t dark yet. I had gotten Grace and Nora ready to go in the water. Danny was standing about knee deep in, refusing to join us any farther than that. Mindy and Thea were sitting in the sand. They had both shed their clothes to sit in their bathing suits. It took everything in me to keep my eyes off of Thea and focus on the two 7-year old’s demanding my attention. I swam around in the water with the girls for a while, enjoying the intense game of Marco Polo they started and teasing Danny about not wanting to come join us.

Later after it got dark, everyone was gathered around the bonfire. I guess I wore the girls out because Grace was asleep in Danny’s lap and Nora was asleep, curled up at my side. I had my arm over her to keep her from slipping off the bench we were sitting on. Thea was on my other side, my arm over the back of the bench behind her. It felt nice having them both this close to me. 

“Jeez Steve, you really wore them out.” Danny said, looking down at his daughter. 

Thea shrugged. “It’ll make bedtime easier for Rachel, that’s for sure.” She said, yawning herself. Both their phones pinged at the same time. “Speaking of, I guess she’s here.” Danny got up, still cradling a sleeping Grace in his arms. He walked up the house. Kari followed behind him. Thea stood up and looked like she was about to take Nora from me. I shook my head and stopped her. 

“I can carry her for you.” I said. I stood up and gently placed the sleeping girl on my chest, her head resting on my shoulder. Her arms came up and wrapped around my neck. 

“Are you sure?” She asked, looking a little nervous. I wanted her to know that I wasn’t scared of kids, and that I didn’t care that she already had a kid. Again, I was thinking about the comments that Danny had made about dating with a kid. 

I nodded. “Yeah, I got her. You don’t need to be carrying her anyway.” 

We walked out to the front of the house. Danny was putting Grace in the backseat. Kari and Rachel looked like they were having a stare down. Thea sighed. 

“Here we go.” I heard her mumble before looking at me. “There’s already a booster seat in the back for her, if you’ll put her in, I’ll buckle her up.” 

“I can do it.” I said, but quickly realized how demanding that probably sounded to her. “I mean, if it’s okay with you, so you don’t have to bend down-” 

“It’s fine, Steve.” She put a hand on my arm and smiled gently at me. “I just don’t want you to feel like you have to.” Her eyes glanced down at her hand. 

I took my hand that was on Nora’s back and put it on hers, squeezing gently. “Look, Thea, I don’t care to help out. With Nora or anything you need, okay?” 

She squeezed back and nodded; her eyes looked like they were watering up but she turned away before I could really see. She went over to Rachel while I carefully placed Nora in her booster seat. Danny stayed bent down in the car to show me how to maneuver the seatbelt. I was shocked at how easy it was. 

“Oh, don’t go thinking you’re a pro just yet, booster seats are easy. Just wait until you’re trying to put a squirming baby in a car seat with multiple straps and buckles.” He said, kissing Grace’s head and closing her door. 

“You’re really helping calm my nerves about this Danny.” 

“It’s what I do best.” 

Thea’s POV:

I went up to Rachel and gave her a hug. I knew she and Stan were going to talk about a divorce tonight, that’s why Grace was with Danny this afternoon. I wasn’t sure if she exactly told Danny what her plans were though. 

“I told him.” She whispered. I could tell she had been crying recently. “I told him and here I am having a staring contest with Danny’s girlfriend.” She rubbed her eyes with the sleeves of her sweater. 

I rubbed her arms soothingly. “It’s gonna be okay.” I tried to comfort her. “We can talk more about it tomorrow after the apartment showing.” Rachel and I were finally going to look at some new apartments and condos for me and Nora. She nodded, sniffling as she gave me a hug. I pulled back to look at her. “Are you gonna be okay with the girls tonight? I don’t care to take them if you need to be alone tonight.” 

She shook her. “No, I’ll be fine. I think some time with them might be what I need. Stan packed a bag and left after we argued, so he won’t be home.” 

I walked to the car to kiss Nora bye even though she was still asleep. 

“Are you okay?” Danny asked her. He probably saw how upset she was. I glanced over at Kari then looked at Steve. It was obvious he picked up on the anger radiating off of the blonde woman. 

“I’m fine Daniel. I’ll call you next week.” She said shortly and got in her car. The four of us stood and watched her drive off. Kari stormed off to her car, Danny quickly following her. We could hear the argument starting so we headed back to the backyard. 

“I’m gonna say bye to everyone and head home.” I told him. “Rachel and I are going to look at apartments tomorrow.” 

“You’re moving?” He asked, holding the back gate open for me. 

“Yeah, my apartment is only two bedrooms and the stairs up to it are starting to kill me.” I laughed. He looked at me like he wanted to say something. “What?” 

“Oh, nothing. Just let me know if you need any help.” He said, giving me a smile. “I know you’re not incapable of doing things yourself and I’m sorry if I’ve made it seem that way. I just want to be able to help.” 

I stopped walking and put my hand on his arm to stop him. “I know, and I really appreciate it. Just going to appointments with me and helping me with the doctors’ bills has helped more than you know. I promise I’m not over doing it.” I told him seriously. “Also quit listening to Danny about how scary pregnancy is.” I laughed. Steve laughed too, shaking his head. 

“Yeah, Danny has been giving me advice.” He chuckled. 

“Yeah, that Dad Training advice might come in handy though.” I giggled and walked towards the group. Everyone looked like they were getting ready to go. I heard Steve groan behind me. 

“Oh, God. You heard that!” 

After saying goodbye to everyone and giving a round of hugs, Steve walked me out to my car. 

“Thank you for inviting us tonight.” I said. 

He grinned at me. “I’m glad you had a good time. You and Nora are welcome here any time. I know she absolutely loved the beach, just like you said.” 

I laughed. “Oh, yes, she’s my water baby for sure.” I got in my car and Steve closed my door for me. “Let me know when you get home, okay?” I nodded and waved as I pulled out and headed toward my apartment. 

After my 10-minute drive, I parked and went to check the mail before slowly climbing the stairs to the apartment. I looked through the mail as I closed and locked my door. A large yellow envelope caught my eye. I set all my things down on the bar in the kitchen and opened it. 

Peter Kenwood, Plaintiff

Theodora Kenwood, Defendant 

Petition for Change of Custody

My breath caught in my throat. I reached for my phone and my first thought was to call Mindy. ‘No, she’s going home with Charlie tonight.’ My next thought was to call Rachel. ‘She has the girls, I can’t push this on her too’ I braced myself on the bar and sat down, dialing the number on my phone. 

“Hey, did you make it home?” Steve asked me after he answered. I was silent, trying not to let my tears fall. As soon as I opened my mouth to speak, they fell anyway. 

“Can you come over?” My voice broke. 

I heard some shuffling on the other end. “Thea, what’s wrong?” He asked, concerned. 

“I-I just really need you.” 

[sweetingly]

A Blessing

A Billy Hargrove Imagine

———

Y/N’s POV:

My eyes flutter open, the sunlight partially blinding my eye sight within seconds. Letting a yawn escape from my mouth I stretch my arms out, completely forgetting about the body next to me. Seeing as my hand literally slapped their face, my boyfriend groaning in annoyance.

“Oops sorry, bubs.” I apologize,“You should probably go ahead and get up- it’s,” I glance at the clock. “Eleven-thirty. Meaning, you have an hour until your shift starts.”

Billy groans again when I mention work, his arm wrapping around my body tugging me closer.

“My eyes are still closed.” He finally speaks, his voice husky from just waking up. “Meaning, I don’t want to go to work.”

I let out a tired laugh, “Well you’re talking, so you’re not asleep if that’s what you’re getting at. Come on, wake up!” I try getting out of his grip, but he holds me a tighter not enough to squeeze me to death though.

Managing to get out of his grip, I slide away from him to see his eyes were actually open. He then lies his head on my bare chest, making me shake my head at his stubbornness.

“You are so stubborn when it comes to waking up.” I tease, running a rand through his curls.

“No,” He positions himself to face me by propping up on one of his arms. “I’m only stubborn when I have to leave you.”

I blush at his statement, a grin appearing on my face. “You’re sweet and cheesy at the same time, but I appearciate it still.”

“I know.” He replies with a smile too, leaning down to place a kiss on my lips.

The supposedly quick peck soon turns into a something more in a instant. Considering the fact that his arms placed themselves on both sides of me and his body was hovering over mine, careful enough not squish me.

“Bubs-“

“Shh.” Billy cuts me off before placing his lips back on to mine.

I didn’t want him to be late for work, but at the same time I didn’t want this to end. The kiss became heated quicker than I insisted and he couldn’t possibly leave me all hot and bothered. His lips then move to my neck as he leaves butterfly kisses, sucking on the certain spot that he knew was my biggest weakness. However, just as I were about to let a moan escape- things ended as soon as I heard a loud scream at my bedroom door.

We break apart, Billy falling on top to cover my naked body even though we had the sheets on. We then make eye contact with my brother Dustin, who looked traumatized by what was in front of him.

“What the fuck! Dustin, we’ve talked about knocking- get out!” I yell, Billy placing his head in the crook of my neck.

“Y/N, you said you’d be ready by now!” He shouts through the door once he slams it shout. “We’re all waiting in the family room.”

Billy looks up at me, a laugh falling from him when he sees how embarrassed I looked.

I run my hands over my face in annoyance, “I’m sorry. I swear my mom never taught him how to knock and he’s in middle school.”

“Don’t worry about it, baby girl.” He says rolling over to get off me.

“I know, but I still feel bad. I’m taking him and the gang to the pool for a couple hours then dropping them off at the mall. Once you get off though, you can come over so I can make it to you?” I suggest, my fingers rubbing on his chest and creating invisible patterns.

“How about I take you out for a change, then we can come back here?” He asks.

I grin, “I like the sound of that.” I lean down to kiss him real quick, but once I pull away I notice that his expression faltered. “Everything okay?”

“Y/N, I don’t know how to say this, but I lov-“

“Assface, come on and stop making babies in there!” Dustin’s voice sounds from outside my room and I groan since he interrupted once again.

“I’d be careful because I’m you’re ride for the day, dumb ass!” I threaten and I hear him run back to the living room. “My apologies, what were you gonna say?” I focus my attention back in Billy.

He sends me a soft smile, “Nothing important, we should probably go ahead and get dressed. Can’t have Dustin breaking down the door with the gang.”

We let out laughs, getting up from my bed. I let Billy go into my bathroom first since he was already late for his shift. As I sat on my bed, I couldn’t help but wonder what he was going to say earlier. Even though he said it wasn’t important, I felt that it somewhat was, especially with the expression he sent me afterwards.

———

The sun beams down on the pool as myself and other families relax there, most of the kids or teens in the water. I lie comfortably on one of the beach chairs in the corner next to a group of middle schoolers. My sunglasses covering my eyes to keep the sun from giving me a headache.

Dustin, Will, Mike, Lucas, Eleven, and Max all were in the water creating some type of game between one another. I didn’t mind coming along with them on their hangouts, but for today I just wanted to be alone and relax.

“Excuse me ma’am, but I’m gonna have to ask you to put on some clothes. My boss complained saying it’s a little inappropriate for the children’s eyes.” A person says, blocking the sunlight from me.

“Well you can tell your boss to fuck off.” I simply say, when I recognize the voice after a couple seconds. “Shouldn’t you be saving people’s lives Billy?” My shades are still on with my eyes closed.

I hear him fake gasp, “How on earth did you know it was me?”

“Mmm I’m pretty sure I can recognize your voice, especially if we’ve been dating for awhile.” I playfully sass, lifting my glasses to look at him. “You on break right now?”

“Yes, only for ten minutes this time though,” He says, sitting down in the empty space I made for him. “I meant what I said earlier by the way.”

My eyebrows furrow, “Is it really inappropriate for these children or are you just telling me that because you can’t control your hormones?” His eyes widen when I mention the last part, knowing I had caught him. “That’s what I thought, bubs.”

“Hey, you can’t point all the fingers at me.” He states, and I send him a puzzled look. “I could feel you staring at me every five minutes.” I can only see part of his eyes since his sunglasses were on the bridge of his nose as winked at me.

“Fine, I guess we were both caught.” I roll my eyes behind my glasses, sitting up up all the way. “I’m not the only one though, I saw Mrs. Wheeler and her ladies staring too.”

Billy chuckles, his tongue swiping across his bottom lip. “I know, I chose to ignore them though because I’m dating either of them.”

My cheeks turn a bright red, “You know what I appreciate about you?”

“What?” Billy asks,

“The fact that you get attention from all these girls or even older women, but you don’t give them satisfactory of giving it back.“ I explain and he smiles.

“Yeah because I know you would leave my ass within seconds if I were to do that and I can’t risk losing you.” He admits and my stomach immediately fills with butterflies.

Instead of responding, I press my lips to his. The kiss didn’t involve tongue or anything, but I made sure to make it linger for at least a few seconds.

“I could say same for you,” I tell him, our lips ghosting over each other’s.

Billy places his hand on my thigh, pulling back from my face some. “I’ve really been meaning to tell you something for the past few weeks now.” He says, his tone becoming serious and I nod for him to continue. “Y/N Y\LN, I lov-“

“Y/N! We’re going to get changed then we’ll be ready.” Max shouts from the pool.

I sigh as we were interrupted for the fiftieth time today. “Alright, I’ll be ready once you guys are done.” I turn to Billy, sending him a sympathetic smile. “I’m sorry, bubs. I need to go get changed too, my mom wanted me to stay at the mall with them.”

He nods understanding, “Okay, I’ll pick you up at eight, yeah?”

“Yes, sounds perfect.” I give him a kiss on the cheek. “I’ll see you at eight,”

“See you at eight, baby girl.”

———

I tuck in the front half of my shirt into a pair of my mom jeans that I currently wore, along with a pair of slip on vans. Billy would be picking me up any minute and I wanted to make sure everything about me was perfect. Not that he cared because he always called me beautiful even if I’m dressed in a oversized shirt with knee high socks and my hair all over the place.

Walking over to my bed I grab my lanyard that held my money and whatever else I needed. I then turn off my lamp and head out my room to go into the living room until Billy arrived.

“Y/N, look pretty.” Eleven says once I appear in the room where her and the others were watching movies. Her face holding no emotion, but I knew she meant it. “Yeah, I agree!” Max jumps in with a smile.

“Well thank you, girlies.” I grin, grabbing my house key and putting it into my lanyard.

“Mom said you guys better not do the shimmy-sham!” Dustin shouts, Lucas and them laughing but a few “ew’s” could be heard.

I playfully roll my eyes at my brother’s childish behavior. “Dustin shut up.”

As soon as I say that the doorbells rings, and I race over to the door before anyone could get it.

Swinging it open I find Billy who was dresses nicely, his curls falling perfectly at his shoulders. He smiles as he steps inside, wrapping me into his arms for a hug.

My arms snake around his neck and I give him a peck on the cheek, “You look handsome, as always.”

“And you look beautiful, as always.” He repeats and I can’t help, but blush as usual.

I hear someone make a gagging sound behind me, which I know it came from one of the boys. “I’ll be back in a little while guys, don’t stay up too late.” I tell them before we leave the house.

“Where exactly are we going?” I ask as he opens the door for me to his Camaro. “I’m not telling you, just sit tight until then.” He says, and I make a whining noise causing him to laugh.

After we get buckled in he pulls out of the driveway and began driving down the rode. The radio played music on low volume, the song Jessie’s Girl could be heard. My eyes watch outside of the window as we sped past trees and building, soon the area became just a wooded area.

About ten minutes later, Billy parks the car and turns it off, unbuckling his selt belt. Getting out the car along with him I notice we’re in a area I’ve never been too.

“Let me lead the way,” He takes my hand, guiding me through some trees. We walk hand in hand, him helping over few logs so I wouldn’t trip and possibly break a bone. After five minutes of walking we finally stopped in a empty grassy area and in the middle was a picnic table with a basket on top.

My eyes become watery and Billy lightly chuckles when sees my expression. “Oh baby girl don’t cry,” He gives my hand a reassuring squeeze.

“I’m sorry, it’s just it reminds me of our first date. I can’t believe you did this.” I say as I give him a warming hug.

“Anything for you, of course.” He winks. “Lets eat, shall we?” And I happily nod, the both of us walking to the table and getting situated across from one another.

We begin eating, talking, and teasing each other on stupid random things, time passing with an ease. Without even realizing it we had most likely been out there for possibly more than an hour, but we didn’t mind- we were trying our best to enjoy each other presence.

“Hey Y/N,” Billy reaches across the table to grab my hands, his thumbs gently rubbing over my knuckles. “I’ve been trying to say this all day and I feel like now is the perfect time- with no interruptions.” He says, the both of us laugh thinking about the events from earlier today. “Anyway, we’ve been dating for more than six months and I can’t help, but think about how they have been the best damn months of my life. When I first moved here I wanted to get the first ticket back to California because I despised this place a lot. That was until you walked up to me on my first day at Hawkins High and introduced yourself. I knew right then and there that I had to make you mine. However, I’m just gonna get to the point now...I love you Y/N Y/LN, and I want you to know that I’m gonna promise to love you forever no matter what the future has planned for us.”

By now, I had tears streaming down my face and sniffles were falling from me. Billy lets go of my hands, rushing over to my side and grabbing ahold of my hands again.

“I also want you to have this,” He said, pulling out a black box and opening it reveal a shiny silver ring. “I’m not proposing, but like I said, I do promise to love you forever no mattter what.” I watch as he slides the piece of jewelry onto my finger and without letting him speak anymore, I kiss him.

“I love you too, Billy Hargrove.” I whisper when we pull apart, his hands whipping the tears on cheeks. When the words leave my mouth, a tears happens to slide down his left cheek as he let out a breathy laugh.

“I’m so glad to finally get that off my chest and I’m also glad you feel the same way. I was afraid you wouldn’t.” He sniffs, and I wipe his tears away too.

My heart falters at his last statement, and I fix my position on the bench in order to hug him. Billy was never the best with showing his emotions and that was only because of how shitty his life had been.

“I was afraid you wouldn’t fell the same too if I said it first, if I must admit.” I tell him.

He looks at me, still sniffing a little. “Who would’ve thought someone like you would ever fall in love with a douchebag like me?”

“Everyone around us thinks it’s crazy, but for me- for us, it’s a blessing if I’m honest.” I say, causing him to show his pearly whites. “And you’re not a douchebag.” I add.

“It is indeed.” He agrees, his hands sliding down to my hips. “Especially for me, you’re the highlight of my days.

I giggle at his cheesiness, my fingers playing the hair at the nape of his neck. “You’re a badass, but you’re super nerdy when it comes to pickup lines.”

“Oh you love it, just like you love me.” He teases as he begins to pepper sweet kisses on my neck. “How about we take this back to the car?” He seductively whispers as soon as a moan escaped from me.

“I like the sound of that...” I mutter and pull away to stand up, our hands grasping onto each other’s as we begin to walk away. “Oh wait the basket!” I stop our tracks, pointing at the woven object on the table.

Billy’s eyebrows furrow as he held onto my hand still, “We’re about to go make love in the my car and you’re worried about a basket?” He teases.

“You’ve got a point- I’ll race ya!” I shout and let go of his hand before I rushed off into the same direction we came from earlier.

My legs didn’t get my very far, especially since Billy ran up behind me and picked me up bridal style. We break into fits of laughter as he continues to carry me through the wooden area.

“God I love you so much,” I say when our laughter dies down.

“I love you so much too,” He replies. “Just wait until we get to the car, then I’m really gonna show how much I love you.”

A smirk appears on my face, “Well you better hurry before I change my mind.” Once that was said he began to pick up his speed, and it also in that moment where I realized I wouldn’t trade having him as my boyfriend for the world.

———

Sorry for the cheesy ending but next imagine will be on my other baby boy Steve Harrington!! <3

[luci-in-trenchcoats]

The Girl Next Door (Part 7) - Hunter’s Garage

Summary: Dean brings Jack to his first day of work and has a chat with his buddies about his new girlfriend...

The Girl Next Door Masterlist

Pairing: Neighbor/Mechanic!Dean x baker!reader

Word Count: 3,400ish

Warnings: language

A/N: Parts of this series are told from two different POV’s. Dean’s POV are written from limited third person. Reader’s POV are second person (like a typical reader insert). Enjoy!…

Dean’s POV

“Later, Eileen. Sam’s extra rascally today so I’d keep an eye on him,” teased Dean on the way out of the house the next morning.

“Oh but that just makes it more fun,” she said, laughing when she heard Sam shout for her inside. “Have a good day at work, Dean.”

“You too,” said Dean, hopping down the front steps. He glanced over, catching Jack sitting on Y/N’s front porch, looking over. “Well get over here. We got work.”

Jack was across the yard like that, sliding into the passenger seat of Baby quickly. Dean turned on a quiet rock station and backed out, heading for town.

“So, how’d last night go?” asked Dean. “At your sister’s.”

“Good,” said Jack, staring out the window. “I’m sorry for being rude the other morning.”

“S’all good,” said Dean. “You feeling any better?”

“In a way. Just…”

“Just…” said Dean.

“Y/N’s expecting a lot from me. I don’t want to screw it up,” he said.

“Jack, buddy. Your sister wants you to be happy again, trust me. She doesn’t want to stress you out. She wants to help. A job gives you some responsibility and independence and the whole curfew thing, I think that’s more so she knows you’re home safe at the end of the day,” said Dean.

“I’m not...I don’t want to hurt myself. I can’t believe I ever thought that way in the first place,” he said. “She’s the one that made me realize the mistake I was making.”

“Well it sounds like life was a bit rough for ya. You ever get feeling like that again though, talk to your sister. She ain’t around, come find me or Sammy or one of the guys from the shop once you get to know ‘em,” said Dean.

“You don’t even know me. Why would you even care?” asked Jack.

“I care about your sister. Probably more than I should for how short a time we’ve known each other. But your sister cares about our family too so we pay that back. She doesn’t have a lot out there so that means taking care of you is pretty important to me. You get that?” said Dean.

“You like her so you want me to be okay,” said Jack.

“Yeah but, I get what it’s like to have asshole parents, even if ours fixed their shit. It’s hard being the big brother.”

“You’ve never tried to off yourself,” he said.

“No. I haven’t. But I understand what it is to feel low, feel you’re less than other people. You’re not, Jack. Try, for your sister, and for me. She’s not trying to babysit you or control you. She wants you to be okay, that’s it.”

“You must really like her, huh?” said Jack, cracking a smile.

“Shut up,” said Dean, smiling in return. “Let’s go survive your first shift. You’ll have to get a ride in days I’m not working but-”

“That’s fine. I’ll manage,” said Jack. “Promise.”

“Pst,” said Dean, waving over Benny from where he was talking to Cas at the front desk. “How’s the new kid doing?”

“Kid barely knows what a steering wheel is,” deadpanned Benny.

“Come on, dude,” groaned Dean.

“I’m not gonna cut him loose. He’s a bit green is all. He’s your girl’s brother? As long as he shows up to work and learns, he’s more than welcome,” said Benny. “Unlike our suit wearing friends.”

“Really,” said Cas. “I work in a doctor’s office, Benjamin.”

“Oh. Benjamin,” said Dean with a smirk. Benny whacked him in the back of the head, leaning back against the counter. “Ass.”

“Aren’t you like, supposed to be helping people sort out their shit?” asked Benny. “I mean, we know you’re a lazy ass but golf don’t start this early in the day, hm?”

“You’re a little shit, Benny,” said Cas with a big smile.

“Love you too, kitten,” said Benny.

“We need a boys night,” said Cas. “Been a few weeks.”

“More like a month. Last one we had was before Sam had his accident, wasn’t it?” said Benny.

“I kind of got a date on Saturday,” said Dean. “At that music festival.”

“Oh, what a refined gentleman we have,” said Benny.

“I bet he bought supreme nachos, not just the basic kind,” said Cas.

“Fancy,” teased Benny.

“I really like Y/N, assholes, and I basically have zero time to actually be a good boyfriend and take her out and-”

“Dude. We’re fucking with you. Go hang with your girlfriend. We’ve only known you for like our whole lives,” said Cas. “We can handle a boys night without Dean Winchester.”

“Hey, you know what? Why don’t we have boys night at Sam’s place on Friday? Invite your girlfriend over and the new kid. We’ll keep it tamer than normal but we can keep an eye on ‘im, you know?” said Benny.

“Tamer than normal? We ain’t visiting Cas at college anymore,” teased Dean.

“I still do not remember what happened spring break my senior year,” said Cas.

“We do,” said Dean with a laugh. “If Sammy’s good with it then sure. Couple rules though.”

“Eh, we know Avy’s around. We’ll behave,” said Benny.

“No, I know. I mean...like no messing with Sam like normal, like taking his beanie off or something,” said Dean.

“Hey, we’re all for mentally scarring little Sam, been doing it since we were kids. We ain’t going to actually be cruel though. We like the pup.”

“Pup that turned out to be bigger than all three of us,” said Cas.

“Yeah, why you so short, Winchester?” asked Benny.

“Shut your face hole,” said Dean with a laugh. He saw Jack walk over a bit nervously, swallowing before he came to a stop. “What’s up, Jack?”

“I uh, I finished changing the oil,” said Jack. “What should I do now?”

Benny looked over to the wall and up at the clock.

“Take your break,” said Benny.

“But I’m only part time. I shouldn’t-”

“When boss man tells you to take a break, you take a break,” said Dean. “Besides, I got a buddy of ours I want you to meet. Jack, this horrifically ugly human being over here is Castiel. We call him Cas.”

“Sometimes I really wish I wasn’t your friend,” said Cas, turning and giving Jack a smile. “I’m sure you’ve learned the joys of working in a garage with a bunch of brutes already.”

“Oh, they’re great,” said Jack.

“Cas is just jealous cause he has to do office bullshit all day,” said Benny.

“And I get to work with three very attractive women,” said Cas. “Including my girlfriend.”

“Dammit,” muttered Benny.

“S’okay. You’ll get him next time,” said Dean, nodding Benny away. “Give us a minute?”

“Mhm,” hummed Benny, going to check out Jack’s work. Jack looked back and forth between Dean and Cas, Dean breaking out into a laugh.

“Relax, Jack. Cas works in the same office as the therapist that worked with my parents. Cas is the junior partner there. He deals more with younger folks or kids most of the time,” said Dean.

“Oh,” said Jack.

“Dean explained a little bit of your situation to me, Jack, without giving specifics. We spoke last night and after talking it over with my senior partners, I think maybe you and I should work together,” said Cas.

“Okay,” said Jack.

“Do you want to work with me, Jack?” asked Cas. “It’s important to find someone you feel comfortable with. We can go take a walk around the block and if you don’t think we’re a fit, that’s perfectly okay and I’ll help you find somebody that is, alright?”

“Why are you helping me?” asked Jack.

“Dean and I and Benny...we’re shits to each other because we’re best friends. We help each other. I almost dropped out of school when those two bozos drove for five hours in the middle of the night and stayed in my dorm and talked me out of it. It’s not easy to find people that care about you, Jack. It’s not. But they’re out there, sometimes right in front of your face and you just don’t know it yet. If you need help, I want to help,” said Cas. “That night is why I changed majors and went into therapy instead. I like helping people. If you’ll let me that is.”

“Do you think I’m nuts?” he asked.

“No. I think very few people are ‘nuts’ Jack. Those people, it’s very easy to see that there is something off and I believe it’s because they are missing something in them. It’s not their fault, it’s how they were born. But most of us, all of us, we all have issues and fear. You strike me as someone that needs a bit of love and compassion again is all. Certainly not nuts,” said Cas.

“But…” said Jack. Cas lifted his chin.

“I don’t care what other doctors said. Understand? We’ll start from scratch. Let’s go take that walk, alright?” he said. Jack nodded, following Cas outside the garage.

“Thank you,” mouthed Dean, Cas giving him a smile back.

“Cas gonna take care of the kid?” asked Benny when he wandered back over.

“Yeah. He’ll probably end up mayor or something now,” teased Dean. “How’d he do on the oil?”

“Pretty good. A little slow but better than I expected for a first time,” he said. “I think he used to work with his hands. They’re rougher than I was thinking they’d be.”

“I’m not sure what he used to do. He’s a little older than Y/N and it doesn’t sound like he went to college. I know he didn’t follow their parents plan for him so who knows,” said Dean.

“Speaking of your little gal,” said Benny, nodding across the street, Y/N carrying two pink boxes into a store. “She ain’t from around here, right?”

“No. We didn’t go to school with her. Probably wouldn’t have had a shot back then,” said Dean.

“What are you talking about? You dated pretty much every girl in school.”

“Exactly,” said Dean.

“When’s the last time you had a girlfriend Deano? Like a real one?” asked Benny.

“Lisa,” said Dean.

“So forever ago,” said Benny.

“I’ve been on plenty of dates since,” said Dean.

“You scared of this new girl, huh,” said Benny.

“The one’s I really liked...Cassie found problems with me. Jo did. Lisa did. Y/N will too I’m sure,” said Dean.

“Yeah, I’m sure she’ll hate the fact you’re helping out her brother so much. That’s a real asshole move,” said Benny, rolling his eyes.

“We’ve gone out by ourselves once. Once. Somebody’s going to the hospital every other day around here and she’ll find out I’m an idiot soon enough,” said Dean. Benny was quiet, wiping off the counter. “Benny…don’t. I’m shooting the shit is all.”

“You’ve been this way since we were kids. I never understood it,” said Benny. “You’re the smartest guy I know.”

“Sammy’s the smartest guy you know,” said Dean.

“Hey. I’m trying to compliment you here,” said Benny. Dean rolled his eyes, moving to go back to work when Benny tsked him. “If it makes you feel any better, your girl is fixing her ponytail in the window across the street and keeps glancing over here. Oh, now she’s taking it down, putting it up again...hm, now she’s just put a hat from her back pocket on. Looks like one of yours. Oh, she threw her head back, she’s pointing at her shirt. Looks like something pink on that white shirt of hers. Must be a stain.”

“Hey, Mr. DVD commentary. Your point?” said Dean.

“My point is Y/N’s fixing herself up and walking over here in a white little tee and short shorts and I should really start talking to my neighbors if you’re anything to go by,” teased Benny.

“Shut up,” said Dean, rolling his eyes, spinning around just in time to give her a smile.

Reader’s POV

“Hi, Dean,” you said, trying to keep your arm over the splotch of pink food dye on your shirt.

“Well hi, beautiful,” he said. Benny pretended to gag and walked away, Dean taking a deep breath. “Excuse the neanderthal.”

“Oh, I already like your friends,” you said, looking around. “I was making a delivery, wanted to see how Jack’s first day was going.”

“Good. He’s getting the hang of everything. He’ll do fine,” said Dean.

“Awesome. Thank you for getting him in here. I think getting him feeling normal and in a regular routine will be good for him,” you said. “Thank Benny for me too.”

“Ain’t no problem, cher,” said Benny, your face in a wince.

“It’s a garage. Voices tend to carry,” said Dean, stepping outside with you. “I really should get back to work. Been talking more than working today it seems.”

“Oh, sorry. I-”

“Still ain’t a problem, cher. Slow this morning anyways,” said Benny.

“Thank you, Benjamin,” said Dean, chuckling as he pulled you around the corner of the building. “Sorry. Yeah, Jack’s okay.”

“You too?” you asked. “You seem a little...stressed.”

“I worry about stuff,” said Dean.

“I’ve noticed,” you teased. “I actually did have a reason to stop by though. I hit a pothole this morning and my back wheel is making a weird noise now.”

“Weird nose huh. Those are my favorite,” he said. “Pull her in. We’ll take a look if you got time.”

“Sure thing.”

“Looks like you got a flat is all. Slow leak which is why you ain’t driving on the rim yet,” said Benny. “We can pop on a new one like that.”

“How much that gonna cost me?” you asked.

“Well small business to small business, maybe we can negotiate some kind of deal?” asked Benny.

“I’m listening,” you said, Benny smirking as Dean went to go look for a tire in the back.

“A box of your pastries every Friday morning through the summer, until September starts up. Jack can bring ‘em in,” he said. “Deal?”

“You realize you’re losing money, right?” you said.

“Yeah but we get fresh pastries every Friday. Plus you get the family discount,” he said. “So we got a deal?”

“Deal,” you said, shaking his hand.

“Hey, Jack,” called Benny. You looked behind you, Jack saying something to a man in a suit on the sidewalk before he took off. “You ever change a tire before?”

“No,” said Jack.

“Well you can learn on your sister’s car,” said Benny. “Dean’ll show ya.”

While Dean rolled out a tire, Jack explained who Cas was and that he had a timeslot from two to three o’clock everyday that would work perfect for him. He seemed excited but you didn’t want to make a big deal out of it. You were just happy he was willing to talk to someone.

Fifteen minutes later, you had a new tire on and Dean was patting Jack on the back for a job well done.

“Thanks. I gotta run home and do some more baking. I’ll see you guys later,” you said.

You were halfway home when you took a slight detour, hoping you had enough space in the back for it.

“Y/N, I’m home,” said Jack, walking into the kitchen about two hours later. “I brought home some carrots for you as requested.”

“Thank you. I wanted to make up a carrot cake tomorrow. That’s still your favorite, right?” you asked.

“Yeah,” he said, sitting down at the counter. “You’re very good at this. Baking, I mean.”

“Honestly, I started doing it because I couldn’t sit around sad anymore. We used to love doing it with grandma I remember,” you said.

“She’s the one that told me I didn’t have to be a doctor if I didn’t want to be,” he said.

“Grandma was awesome,” you said with a laugh. “I still got some of her recipes I’ve wanted to try but you know me and her handwriting.”

“You have the worst handwriting in the world. Totally had that part of being a doctor down,” he teased. “I can try to interpret for you if you want.”

“Yes please,” you said, grabbing a bag of frosting. “Hey, you want to help me decorate some of these? Good destressor.”

“I’m not any good. I don’t want to mess ‘em up,” he said.

“You won’t,” you said, handing him a bag. “Come here.”

He stood and walked around the counter, watching you show him how to hold it and squeeze the tip. He was pretty sloppy and you could see him getting anxious, shoulders stiffening up.

“You know when I was in med school, I accidentally gave the wrong dosage of medicine to a patient. I almost killed him,” you said. You felt his stare but you kept on working on your own cookies. “I was terrified to treat a patient again. But I did.”

“How?” he asked.

“My dorky big brother called me one night, he was venting about mom and dad. Apparently they called him a failure, again, which was a shitty thing of them I thought but he told me that it didn’t matter that he screwed up because he would just try again. I never told him but that really meant a lot to me,” you said, finishing up your sheet. You set down your frosting and grabbed one of his cookies, taking a bite out of it. “S’good.”

“Can I help out with the bakery in the afternoons after therapy? I don’t want to be paid. I’d like to...learn to destress,” he said.

“Yeah. I’d like the company,” you said. “Would you mind grabbing me a new bag of flour? I forgot it in the back of my car. In the garage.”

Jack thankfully didn’t pick up on the fact your car was parked in the driveway and headed outside, returning back through the door twenty seconds later with a cock of his head.

“Really?” he said. “A bike?”

“Well my car won’t always be available and exercise is good for you. Until you get your own wheels, you got a way to get into town at least if I’m not around,” you said.

“How much that cost ya?” he asked.

“Call it last year’s birthday present,” you said. “Wear your helmet too.”

“Seriously,” he said.

“I don’t know, maybe go talk to our neighbor with brain trauma, get his opinion on it,” you said.

“I missed you being a little shit,” he said with a smile.

“I missed you too. Go take it for a spin around the block, doofus,” you said.

“Yeah, yeah,” he said, stopping halfway out the door. “Hey, can I cook dinner tonight? Like, I get to pick?”

“As long as it’s not revolting, sure,” you said. “Oh and as long as you’re living here, you’re doing your share of the chores, got it? So you’re making dinner at least three times a week, deal?”

“Mhm,” he hummed, stepping outside. “I’ll be back in a little while.”

“Have fun, Jack.”

A/N: Read Part 8 here!

[evak-fic-rec-turtleanon]

Evak Fics - Co-Workers

A list for coworkers/colleagues. Includes fics where they are not exactly colleagues or coworkers but related to them working together in a way.  

No Flirting in the Science Lab by smilexdarling (728 words) - Isak and Even fall in love at school, but this time, they're the teachers.

sweet creature by Skamtrash (1k words) - Along the lines of "We’re both baristas and sometimes I have trouble reaching for things and I show up to work one day to find a personalized stool with hearts and my name on it i hATE YOU but also thanks"

Pumpkin King by i_once_wrote_a_dream (1.7k words) - Isak grins, and taps the crown. “You’re the dumbest king I’ve ever met.” They work on a pumpkin patch.

White Elephant by HazyCosmicJive (1.8k words) - Vilde turns the office Secret Santa into a White Elephant Secret Santa.

stuck on you (what did i do?) by itjustkindahappened (1.8k words) - a teacher AU with zero teaching and a lot of crushing.

settle down by allyasavedtheday: Chapter 21 Model Au (2.5k words) - Isak was not prepared for a partner at this photoshoot. Chapter 35 Model Au Part 2 (1.9k words) - Prompt fill for where they’re doing like a couples photoshoot or something with Mikael and now they can’t stop kissing each other and everyone’s too endeared to be frustrated with them

in sickness and in health by wyoheartsmusic (2k words) - Emma is crushing on her teacher until she finds out he's very much in love with his husband. So this is in Emma's pov.

love doctor by princevaltersen (2.3k words) - “Looking through Tinder and rating guys in the paediatric unit is definitely something that you shouldn’t be doing at work.” Doctor au.

Email from Somewhere by wyoheartsmusic (2.4k words) - Isak gets an email from no one. He asks Even for help.

Did you hear oxygen and magnesium got together? OMg by sugarbeat24 (2.5k words) - Isak and Even are chemistry partners. Fluff and chemistry jokes ensue. They are not co-workers but this is cute.

Colleagues? - SKAM Fic Week Day 5 by glbertblythes (2.6k words) - Isak and Even have been work colleagues for three years - a couple for two - and they like to call the office their "second home" for multiple reasons.

It Only Takes a Taste (When You Know It's Good) by shakespeareandsunshine (2.8k words) - It would be bad enough if it was just some mystery coworker stealing meals from the office fridge. Then Isak could hate their anonymous ass in peace. But no, Isak has a very good idea who the culprit is. And seeing the villain in the breakroom every day, smiling at Isak like he has nothing to apologize for was testing Isak's very limited patience. And also probably his self-control, although for an entirely different reason.

I Don't Date Cops by jinglebin (2.9k words) - Isak gets a new colleague and he's instantly smitten. Until said collegue tells him he doesn't date cops. b99 au

just a little bit out of my limit by theyellowcurtains (3k words) - Isak is pissed about where he got placed for work experience, that is until he meets his fine ass supervisor.

Pictures of You by MacksDramaticShenanigans (3.2k words) - The au where Even is a photographer and Isak is his infuriatingly gorgeous model

Can't We Be Sweethearts? by HazyCosmicJive (3.3k words) - in which Isak and Even work at a summer carnival together

EVEN by LiliMane (3.5k words) - A friends with benefits or kinda of an enemies with benefits type of situation. 'Whatever. People come and go. Sometimes they don't come at all. Sometimes they only send you money. And the ones that come don't stay too long. But that's how it is and there's nothing I can do about it. Not that I want to do anything about it.'

Adrian and Markus by ufologies (3.9k words) - Isak and Even go undercover on a case that unexpectedly ends up bringing them closer together.

i bet my life on you by janesargnt (4.8k words) - “Ok, so it’s settled then,” said Elias, getting to his feet. “If Bech Nӕsheim loses, he has to give Valtersen his car. If Valtersen loses, he has to go on a date in said car.” B99 au.

from my lips my sin is purged by slvtherxn (4.8k words) - After Even's last relationship with his coworker ended quite messily, his boss has forbidden him from dating any more of her employees. It takes him ten seconds alone with his new trainee before he decides to date him in secret.

Fuck Tha Police by MacksDramaticShenanigans (5.2k words) - “This,” Eskild said, spinning the photograph around so everyone could see it, “is a picture of the latest piece of vandalism from our favorite little street punk.” he finished with a heavy sigh. They are both cops. 

Thank You for Flying Norwegian Air! by orphan_account (5.4k words) - Isak and Even are both flight attendants who definitely don't have feelings for each other.

Don't worry, I've got you by everything_else (5.7k words) - Isak gets a job at a coffee shop.

18 Secret Santa Horror Stories That'll Turn Anyone Into A Grinch by GayaIsANerd (6.1k words) - Some secret Santa, some unfortunate google results, a whole lot of complaining and a heart full of gratitude. They work for a website that is like a Norwegian Buzzfeed but different.

i tried to be strong but i lost it (i knew it was wrong, i’m beyond it) by orphan_account (6.3k words) - Even has a thing for his intern, Isak has a thing for his boss, they're both a bit clueless and their friends just want them to get their shit together.

Crying Over Spilt Milk by MacksDramaticShenanigans (8.4k words) - The boys get their hands on Isak’s resume; Isak gets his hands on Even. Coffee shop.

my heart held a ledger by cynical_optimist, strangetowns (8.6k words) - A hitmen AU, wherein Isak and Even hate their jobs but love each other. This 'verse is now on permanent hiatus but it can still be enjoyed as a standalone oneshot.

Unclassified by bri_ness (9.7k words) - "Separate fiction from fact, romances from tragedies, the stories you want to experience from the ones you’d rather ignore." Isak and Even flirt in a library while having some deep thoughts about cataloging.

Merry Kiss My Ass (under the mistletoe) by TheGirlNoOneKnows5 (9.8k words) - Working in retail during the holiday season is a nightmare. Especially when Isak has to work right alongside his just friend and not at all crush, Even. Among freaky customers, secret santa presents and constant reminders of his one night of passion with Even, Isak doesnt know if he'll make it to the new year. If only he could figure out who was behind all the random mistletoes he keeps finding...

Is This What You Wanted? by cuteandtwisted (9.9k words) - Isak is filthy rich and Even is a hardworking male model who just got signed to his father's agency. Even gets an awful offer from Isak: one night with him in exchange for money, and begins to despise him. Little does he know that everything he thinks he knows about Isak is wrong.

sweeter than wine, softer than a summer's night by dewdrops (12k words) - Isak and Even work at an amusement park.

Valtersen's Anatomy by evak1isak (12k words) - Isak Valtersen, a nurse intern, happens to fall in love with one of the new interns, Even Bech Næsheim, from the mental health team.

when your heart is bleeding, i'm coming to get you by cosetties (13k words) - Isak doesn't exactly expect his hookup from last week to be the love advice columnist at the school newspaper he's working at. He also doesn't expect to fall even harder for him than he already has, which is a shame, really, since Even's crushing on someone else.

Ground Me by Bellakitse (13k words) - In which despite his father helping with rent, Isak still needs money and therefore a job. Isak gets a job at a cafe and meets a barista who's beauty blows Isak away.

i broke the world for us by cuteandtwisted (16k words) - Isak is 'heartless', young, busy, addicted to work, and incapable of committing. And Even is a repairman who fixes things around the office, who sees right through his smokescreen, and who might end up 'fixing' Isak's cold heart.

turn my blue heart to red by allyasavedtheday (16k words) - “Did I scare you?” Even asks teasingly, waggling his eyebrows as he leans casually against the counter beside Isak. “Never,” Isak scoffs, sending a fierce scowl in Jonas’ direction when he catches him smirking at them both. Jonas is under the ridiculous impression he and Even have a crush on each other which is not true. Doctor au.

I Just Want You For My Own by Twinklylightseverywhere (19k words) - Even loves the holidays, really. He loves spending time with his friends and family, drinking hot chocolate by the fire, exchanging gifts, the like. You know what he doesn’t love about Christmas time? Working in a fucking Post Office.

Taste by MermaidsandMermen (SophiaSoames) (21k words) - Isak Valtersen doesn't do feelings. He doesn't do relationships. He's a good boss, and he knows his shit. Then that asshat Naesheim swans in like he owns the bloody place and Isak's carefully managed world starts to fall apart. He's impulsive and stupid and childish and probably the last person in the world who should be allowed to run the Food and Beverage department at the Radisson Blu, however many brilliant ideas he has and seems to manage to miraculously pull off. It's a match made in hell. Enemies to lovers.

Dear Friend by bri_ness (26k words) - Isak and Even work together in a failing video store, and they cannot stand each other. Isak and Even both signed up for the Love Letters dating service, and they’re both falling for their anonymous pen pal.

is it gravity, or are we falling in love? by mels (28k words) - Isak works at a coffee shop. There's two things he loves about the morning shift: 1, how beautiful the city is when it's sleeping and 2, avoiding the hot guy who he happens to have a crush on. Until one faithful day, he has no choice but to work with his crush.

A Fucking Bet by Crazyheart (32k words) - Isak and Even are just friends. They make a bet and decide to fuck only five times and then go back to being friends again. Isak hopes that he might be able to fuck his crush out of his system, once and for all. Who knows what Even’s motives are. They work at KB

We Don't Need to Whisper by staylucky (34k words) - Isak Valtersen is a new teacher at Bekkulaget with an embarrassing crush on the Head of Upper Juniors, Even Bech Naesheim. His mentor, Christoffer, is constantly winding him up and Isak's beginning to doubt if teaching is for him.

(WIP) Magic Eight Ball by folerdetdufoler (35k words) - Last update Dec 2019. His cubicle is in the bullpen, but at the edge, across from the offices along one wall. When the Chief makes his announcements Isak stands near the middle, leaning against someone else’s cube, reading emails on his phone instead of paying attention. This time, though, the Chief is introducing some new hires to the office: a sports editor, a city editor, and a marketing head. When Isak looks up to finally acknowledge the new team members, he gets a good look at the guy who is going to make his life a living hell.

Blind by evak1isak (44k words) - Isak has sex in a dark room with a random stranger, but he only hears his voice. He hears that voice again: it's his new boss', one of Norway's richest men.

(WIP) Medically Speaking by Ms_Tassimo (44k words) - Last update Aug 2019. Working as a hospital porter was not how Even Bech Næsheim saw his life ending up. But here he was; mopping up sick after a stupid mistake. However, the hot doctor with the nice smell? That just about makes up for it. Too bad Dr Valtersen seems like a bit of an asshole with a hell of a chip on his shoulder.

I'll Be Coming Home, Wait For Me by dahlstrom (47k words) - The diner AU. Even and Yousef open a 1950s American-style restaurant together - Even is the creative genius in the kitchen, Yousef keeps the trains running on time, and Isak, Chris B, and Magnus are all along for the ride. Falling in love over food while Elvis serenades from the jukebox. Welcome to the Throwback Diner.

such a beautiful mess by skambition (48k words) - Isak works at Kaffebrenneriet to save up some money for a trip with his friends. Normally, working there is chill. Until Isak starts to work together with Even, an arrogant hipster with horrible taste in music, that keeps using the phrase 'sex hair' and is not only judgemental and stupid, but also so hot that Isak sometimes can't breathe around him.

On call by MinilocIsland (49k words) - Isak knows what he's meant to do in life - surgery. And he can't wait to show everyone that he's good at it. That is, if he'll ever get a goddamn chance. Not getting hindered by ridiculous, charming guys whose main advantage in the operating room simply is the length of their legs. Or - a hospital AU, with both Isak and Even as intern physicians.

Around the Corner (My Very Personal Christmas Shopper) by Crazyheart (51k words) - Isak (22) works in a record shop for Jonas. Isak’s best colleague and friend is Eva, who works in the shop, too. Isak is still in the closet. He says things as he thinks, though. Doesn't like snowglobes. Even (24) comes and asks for a job. The two get off on the wrong foot, although Isak finds Even irritatingly attractive. Additionally, Isak has just gotten a personal Christmas gift shopper.

Masquerade by Sabeley (53k words) - Isak and Even were best friends before one botched mission tore them apart. When they are assigned to go undercover as newlyweds at an oceanside resort where couples are going missing, can they put their differences aside for long enough to solve the case? And can they fix what’s broken between them before it’s too late?

(WIP) and it falls just where it needs to be by mmxii (53k words) - Last update Aug 2018. An au where isak works at a campsite and there’s suddenly a new guy joining their team. featuring a completely chill isak, a suspiciously quiet cat, and a three-year-old asking way too many difficult questions.

Caught in the Crossfire by CrochetingWords (65k words) - AU where Isak and Sana are partners working for the Oslo police department. Even used to work for the Oslo PD and is now Oslo's most well known private detective assisting the department in cases while also blogging about them. Isak is not impressed when he shows up on one of his crime scenes, because what other reason is there to publicly blog about your cases than being fame hungry.

(WIP) a careful hypothesis of the heart by StMisery (87k words) - 12/13 chapters posted. Isak and Even don't start out on the best of terms. Isak had been waiting nearly a year for the position of researcher to open up again. If he got it, he'd be working his dream job within one of the best biotechnology companies in the world. He applied for the position, heart in his throat, only to be passed over for the new recruit. When he discovered the new hire was also the son of the CEO, well, that was an unforgivable offense.

You Don't Even Know Me! by cuteandtwisted (101k words) - The one in which Isak and Even are interns who got off the wrong foot and don't like each other at all (except that they do).

[takeiteasypeasybaby]

Save Me: Chapter 39 - Try

~Hey guys! Chapter 39 is out now! We’re almost up to 40 chapters of Save Me!! I can't believe it, it feels like just yesterday that I started this blog :) I hope everyone is doing well and enjoys this chapter~

Both Molly and Negan are learning to trust outsiders again. While Negan tries and struggles to open up to anyone who isn't Molly, Molly is trying to put the past behind her and find a new reason to carry on, which come in the form of new arrivals at Hilltop.

I reached Hilltop with a renewed sense of clarity regarding Negan.

I think it took me until now to realise that the past, while hard to swallow, is the past for a reason and it doesn't mean that he is the same person as he was back then.

Seeing the Sanctuary in ruin was what I needed to realise that what happened to me there is completely behind me and the man responsible is long since dead.

I think now I can finally learn to forgive him for his past crimes, after all we have all done things to survive and protect those we love.

I don't expect anyone else to forgive and certainly not forget, but perhaps just simply acknowledge that there is more to him than his past actions.

When I rocked up to the gates, my mind turned back to the attention of Tara's new people she had brought to us.

She had radioed me and told me that she found them in the woods just outside of Oceanside and thought that they would be of use at Hilltop.

'Mol!' Tara yelled happily as she waved while she ran into my arms.

'Agh! I've missed you so damn much!' I said squeezing her tightly and burying my face into the crook of her neck.

'So...who are they?' I said as she pulled away.

'Well, there are five of them. There were six, but he died en route' she said softly.

I just nodded, looking in the direction of the group she had just described who were standing around outside the house.

I exhaled, 'alright, let's get this shit done' I said enthusiastically, smiling at my sister who led me to meet them.

'Hi, I'm Molly. I am co-leader here at Hilltop' I said warmly as I shook hands with all of them.

There was one guy and the rest were women.

All extremely capable looking.

'I'm Yumiko!' a kind looking woman said smiling while she adjusted her bow on her shoulders.

A woman with sharp features glared at her when she did that, I guessed that she was the leader of this group.

'What's your name?' I asked softly to the leader.

'Magna' she said hastily.

I just nodded with a slight smile.

'I'm Luke, lovely to meet you by the way!' a large set man with soft features and kind eyes said as he shook my hand for the second time.

I just smiled and chuckled at his awkwardness.

'Great to meet you' I replied as I shook his hand.

Next, were the final two women who seemed to remain silent and very much bonded together which I could tell by their close proximity to each other.

'My name's Kelly, this is my sister Connie. She's deaf, but I can sign to her and translate' she said smiling.

I smiled and nodded to Kelly.

I then looked to Connie and signed to her 'It's wonderful to meet you Connie, I hope you will like it here'.

They all looked at me in wonder and Connie's smile seemed to widen at this.

'I learned to sign when I was at school. My cousin was deaf' I said verbally and with sign so that everyone could listen.

I wanted them to trust in me and I hoped I had done just that.

'We usually like to ask a couple questions to new citizens of the Hilltop community. Would that be okay?' I said, again also signing.

They all nodded, Magna was hesitant at first.

'Great, what were your occupations before?' I asked while Tara wrote down their answers.

'Gas station attendant' Magna said looking down.

'Lawyer' Yumiko answered while making direct eye contact.

'Music teacher' Luke said enthusiastically.

Kelly used ASL to ask Connie who replied that she was a Journalist and that Kelly was in High School.

I nodded to Tara, impressed by each of them.

'Who are you now?' I asked seriously.

'Survivors' Luke answered sternly.

'Good' I responded, 'well then, welcome to Hilltop' I added.

'So...whatcha think?' Tara asked me as she linked her arm through mine as we walked through the fields after the interview.

'I like them, they seem like genuinely nice people' I answered.

'I am a bit worried about Magna' Tara said nervously.

'She seems hesitant to be here' she added.

'You said they lost somebody before you brought them here right? No wonder she's unwilling to trust right away, I mean you wouldn't' I said reassuringly.

'You're right...as always' Tara said rolling her eyes.

I just chuckled as I said 'yep'.

We suddenly spun around to look towards the gates when a loud exhaust noise sounded from that direction.

It was a motorbike.

Daryl came driving through and parked up outside the gate.

'It's Daryl' I said tapping Tara on the arm for her to follow me as I ran down to see him.

'Hey!' I shouted as I came closer.

'Hey, just came to some equipment for Eugene's new radio thing' he said barely looking at me as he marched towards the house.

'That was odd' Tara said as we watched him leave.

'Yeah, that was weird. Fuck he must be mad at me' I said in realisation.

'It could be me?' Tara asked.

I just shook my head and chuckled saying 'he's never mad at you'.

I told Tara that I would meet her later but first I needed to talk to Daryl.

I followed him up to the house where he was placing down the equipment.

'Daryl...can we talk?' I asked anxiously as I peered around the door frame.

'I dunno, can we?' he answered with annoyance running through his voice.

I looked down, yep he was definitely mad at me.

'Why are you so pissed at me? I thought we worked everything out when we searched for Rick all those past months' I said furrowing my brows in confusion.

He sighed and stood up.

He pointed at me and said 'you're a real piece of work you know that' as he walked past me.

I opened my mouth in disbelief.

'What? what are you talking about?' I asked in confusion.

'You know what. Negan' he said as he carried on placing stuff on various surfaces.

'What about Negan?' I said looking away from his gaze.

'You two best buddies now? that all square?' he asked sternly.

'It's complicated' I answered so softly that he barely heard me.

He scoffed at this, 'the guy is an asshole and you're acting like he's hot shit' he answered.

'I believe that he can change, I believe he has changed, so does Michonne by the way and I don't see you attacking her for this. Why me, huh?' I said gaining more confidence as I walked slowly towards him with every word.

'You can do better' he grunted as he walked out of the room.

My eyes widened as the realisation of the meaning of his words hit me.

Negan's POV//

'You are here, aware of yourself' Gabe said softly as he tried to perform some meditation shit to get me to relax.

I had my eyes closed as I sat on the floor of my cell, Gabe on the other side.

'Just let it go' he added.

'Don't judge the distraction, accept it' he said, his voice muffled by the sound of children laughing and playing outside.

'Scaredy cat, scaredy cat!' the children chanted outside my cell window.

'Consider it, then release it' he continued.

This wasn't fucking relaxing at all. I scrunched up my face in frustration.

'Just let it wash over you' he went on.

'You know what, screw it. Mind never empties anyway, generally I go straight to that place which would blush the collar right off of you' I said as I opened my eyes and sighed.

'Although, now that you and Rosita are a thing, maybe I'm wrong...I mean, hot damn!' I said smirking and bouncing the ball off the concrete wall.

'I wanna understand why you do this. You clearly want help, I can see you trying' Gabe said softly.

I scoffed.

'Yeah, maybe we cooked it up, chewed it up and shat it out already. Maybe this is all we get' I said deflecting his statement.

'You don't feel like you're getting any benefit to our sessions?' he asked with a smile which screamed of annoyance.

'Well, I am reminded that another week has passed, but other than that...' I said continuing bouncing the ball.

Gabe sighed, frustrated with my response.

'Ah, don't take it personally Gabe, I know I'm never gettin' outta here. I do appreciate you coming down here and helping me when that was touch-and-go for me. But, now I got everything I need. This little window right here is just like a damn TV and I loved the shit outta TV when that was a thing!' I said enthusiastically.

'Acceptance is an important first step, but a life needs to have meaning-' Gabe started to say before I cut him off.

'Funny thing about this window right here, people stand out there and they talk. It's like they don't remember that I'm here, and that, well that is when I get the really good shit. You know just the other day, Rosita was out there chattin' up a storm. She said some things that you would find very interesting' I teased.

'I don't need you to tell me how Rosita feels about me' he said smiling falsely.

'Now who said she was talking' about you' I said smiling and catching the ball in my hands.

'We'll try this again next week' Gabe said tiredly.

'It's your world boss' I answered.

Judith's POV//

I sat on the stairs in my PJ's as mom locked the doors for the night.

'Judith Grimes!' she said sternly as she saw that I was holding my dad's gun in my hand.

'You said dad would've wanted me to have it, to protect myself and the people I love' I replied questioningly.

'He would've, but I'm the one whose supposed to be protecting you' mom replied softly.

'Is that why you don't want the new people here, because I think dad would've thought differently' I said.

Mom smiled as she said 'he would've and he would be so proud of you, your brother too'.  

'Then why won't you help them?' I asked.

'You'll understand someday' she replied.

I hated when she said that.

I got up, walked down the stairs and said sadly 'I know you talk to him sometimes, to Carl too'.

I set down my favourite figurine on the step, which mom said looked like my dad.

He wore a sheriff's hat and pointed a gun.

'I'm starting to forget their voices. I'm not trying to, but they keep fading away' I said as I started to cry.

'I hope you can still hear them' I said sadly before I ran back up the stairs to my room.

Somehow Negan now felt more like my dad...

[gianna1014]

Hidden Truth

Hidden Truth

Hazel’s life has been a mess since her father’s business went bankrupt. They were living a worrie-less life before it happened. But it get worse when her father diagnosed with cancer. They were running out of money. Her father needs medical treatment and she has nothing in her bank account. She discovered too that they don’t have enough money even to pay for their bills.

She has nothing but to sell their ancestral house in Batangas. Then she met Vincent Del Tierra. The ruggedly handsome but lethal looking businessman. He’s rich. A billionaire. And even if she wasn’t willing to sell their last property, she don’t have any other choices. The father’s health was her priority.

Vincent Del Tierra desires Hazel. The first time he saw her, he knew then what he really wants. And he needs her more than having her in his bed.

He will provide her money, her mansion and everything.. if she will be willing to give him a.. child.

Hazel thought he was crazy. But everytime she was looking in his eyes.. there’s something she can’t barely explain.

Will she give in for money? Or will she strip the hidden desires.. along with the truth.. then what is the truth?

***

Chapter 1

Hazel’s POV

I slowly closed the door of my father’s room. He just fell asleep and I don’t want him to be disturbed again. It’s been a long night and he was complaining about his medicines.

I walked out from the hallway. I thought of going to the kitchen and get something to drink but I decided to go to the veranda and stay there for a while before I go to my room.

The cold breeze welcome my exhausted body. I went up here just after I visited my father’s office. I had seen all the unopened letters, documents and other files. I bit my lower lip and suppressed my tears.

What am I going to do now? Who am I going to ask for a help?

I liquidated all our other assets just to fill in our employees last salaries. I paid for the remaining debts and all I have now is our old house and some paper bills in my wallet. My bank account stripped to zero. I’ve decided too to close it down for good rather than having penalties because I can’t maintain the required balance.

I gasped silently. I was a teacher. A Pre-school teacher. I don’t earn that much and I bet if my salary can support my father’s expensive medication. I can’t even afford to hire a private nurse to take care of him when I go to work. Thank, God, I have Nanny Caridad with me. And she waves nothing but to help me, us. She has been working with the family before I was born. She’s almost a family.

But my problem didn’t end just like that. I have to support my father’s health. He was the only family that I have. My mother died when I was a little. She has found dead in the pool. The police said she probably drown. Probably—that’s all I could remember when I asked my father about her.

Relatives? Oh, damn. They were gone since the day my father declared bankruptcy. Even all business partners had gone with the wind. Just like that. That fast.

“Hazel,”

I still startled when I heard Nanny Caridad spoke. I cleared my throat and turned at her. I gave her a weary smile. That’s all I could afford to do.

She walked a few strides at me, “Why are you still awake? You should be in you room in this hour,” she concernly said at me.

I heaved out deep sigh. I blinked my tears back so she can’t see that my status still keep bothering me. “I..can’t sleep, Nanny..” I managed to answer.

She sighed. She’s in her mid fifties and stayed unmarried. I loved her like the way I loved my mother. Because of her, I never felt lonely even growing up without a mother by my side. My father was busy with our business but Nanny Caridad took cared of me.

“I know what’s bothering you, Hazel. You can’t hide it from me.” she said.

I faintedly smiled and stared at the dark night. “Nanny..I’m thinking of..selling this house..” I abruptly felt the pinch of pain right in my chest. There are a bunch of memories with me in this old house. And it's hard to decide and let it go.

She looked at me with surprised eyes. “But..Hazel—“

I shook my head. “I-I have nothing anymore, Nanny. I have to take care of Dad. My savings can’t support us. I can’t even afford to maintain this house, the bills and everything!”

She stared at me. I can feel how bad our situation were.

“If only I can help you..” she sadly uttered.

I held his hands. “You’re already a big help to us, Nanny. You know I can’t pay you anymore but you still chose to be with us and earn nothing. I couldn’t ask for more. If we don’t have you right now..I can’t imagine what will happen to me..”

She squeezed my hand. “The Lord is with us, Hazel. Don’t be discouraged..” she softly said to me.

I didn’t say anything rather than nodding. Yes. I prayed and asked. I know He was challenging me and I won’t give up. It’s just.. this earthly problems are so damn hard to swallow.

***

Tomorrow morning, I volunteered to go to the grocery and buy important goods for us. I have to buy my father’s medicines too.

While looking for the cheaper price of rice, I felt the unknown heat at my back. I turned around but only sees people who’s having their own business too.

I shrugged my shoulders and continued.

I pushed my cart and looked for another cheaper price of meat. I chose the small size of whole chicken. I budgeted my money for one week and it should not exceeded five to six hundred pesos.

When I finished, I lined up to the cashier and waited.

In my mind, I counted how much will it cost so I can save up more for my father’s medicines. I scanned my cart. I sighed and took out the loaf bread. “There you go..” I murmured.

When it was my turned, my bill went up to 565.25php. I smirked and paid the cashier. If I added the bread, the life span of my wallet will shorten.

I carried with the two large plastic bags. I walked to my old jeep and opened the passenger’s door and hop in the grocery bags. I just stop on track when someone called my name, “Yes..?” I turned around. I saw a man smiling at me.

Confusion marred in between my eyesbrows. Well, he was wearing a white longsleeves tucked in his black pants. He probably in his mid thirties or so.

“Do I know you?” I asked.

“You don’t. But my boss knows you and he wants to talk to you.”

I looked around hoping to find other people or bystanders. But I saw nothing. Even the guards. “I’m sorry. But.. I think—“

“You’re Hazel Villanueva, right?” he asked formally.

My lips parted a little. Should I confirm it or not? And I choose the latter. “I’m sorry.” I turned around.

“My boss has a proposal to you, Miss Villanueva..” he added when I opened the driver’s door.

“I’m not interested!” I almost shouted.

“Please see him first. He’s been following you in the grocery..”

I stopped on my track again. I knew it! I was right. There was someone staring at me!

I don’t want to assume but.. “Are.. you a stalker?”

He smirked. “I’m not. Maybe you can ask my boss.. he’s waiting for you in his car..” he cursory nodded the direction where the car was parked.

But I stay stilled. Did he think I will follow him?

I shook my head. “No. I won’t do that. I don’t know you.” I abruptly hop in the jeep and started the engines with my shaking hands. Who are these people?

The man walked at my side and knock on my window. He was urging me to open it.

But I didn’t. The engines finally started and drive the jeep as fast as I could to leave that man. Or men..

[mortaljin]

Two Shadows of a Broken Promise | Chapter One

Word Count: 3.9k Warnings: Mentions of violence, weapons, death, drugs, and other gang related things || Warnings will be added as necessary. Genre: Angst and Romance. Potential for future smut || Mafia!Au | Friends-to-Lovers!Au | Enemies-to-Lovers!Au Pairing: Kim Taehyung x Fem!Reader || Side pairings will be added as necessary.

Summary: The crevices that shadows cling to between—and in the corners of—buildings are not something that you fear. Neither you nor Kim Taehyung had any fear of the dangers lurking in the night. Still, you promised to walk away. But five years is a long time to remain aware of a broken promise to a man who could very well be in the shadows himself. 

Masterlist | Prologue | One |

© VISUAL SHOCK

Your POV

Even though the deep, burgundy curtains—that covered every window—made the room look like it was no later than dawn, the light shining around the edges proved otherwise.

Polished, manicured nails drilled into the keyboard of a laptop that was barely illuminated; the soft sound of a whirl coming from the underside of the device said that it was time to give it a good dusting.

note to self, you typed on the laptop’s note function, give hoseok laptop for checks and repairs

The obnoxious yellow color of the “sticky notes” application made your heavy head feel even worse. You scoffed, glancing at the clock to find there was over an hour before it was acceptable to take another round of painkillers. So, instead, you changed the note color to a softer purple and reopened the document that you were working on—before your mind took another detour.

Displayed on the screen in front of you was a list of schedules. It contained all the times, locations, and persons of every transactions that were set to occur in the next seventy-two hours. It contained your schedule along with the schedules of all those in the near vicinity.

The Jades were new: a small group of novices that only knew how to use their mouths, not their fists. This group only dabbles in dealing—usually drugs, rarely weapons.

The Umbra were fucking annoying, to say the least. You seethed momentarily as you highlighted their slots on the list. Crooks. All of them, you thought.

None of the other names on the list gave much need for concern. The Marks, even the slimy Fangs, were all to be easily consolidated in the next 72 hours. None required much man power to takeout.

The tasks at hand seemed easy, save for the a little question mark with only one slot filled in.

A soft, aggravated sigh left your mouth when you realized you were required to interact with other people today. No amount of hiding in your office would prevent your duties from being fulfilled. Your chair swiveled to the side as you reached over to press a button under your desk. It took a moment of struggling to find it but once you found that button, and a lovely voice filled your ears, you felt the slightest rush of relief come over you.

Slightest.

“I need you in my office in ten minutes. Please bring ramen.”

The chuckle, and what was no doubt a potentially sarcastic remark, on the other line was cut off by white noise as your finger left the button. You laid your head against your desk and closed your eyes for a few seconds…

*BZZZ*

With eyes shooting open at the sound of the office door unlocking, your hand flew to the handgun under your desk. Rapid reflexes had the gun aimed at the person walking through the threshold before the door fully opened.

“Top Ramen, seriousl—fuck!” The black-haired man’s chiding was cut off by the near heart attack he received from your paranoia.

You lowered your gun and switched the safety back on, “what the fuck, Jin?”

He lowered his hand from his chest and straightened himself up. “I could ask you the same thing, you demon.”

Jin placed a steaming cup of microwaved ramen in front of you, forcing you to cringe when you remembered the task you set out for him.

“I forgot I asked you to come up,” you murmured under your breath.

“That was ten minutes ago,” he said, point blank.

“I fell asleep, okay? I’m just—” There was a little bit of poison in your rhetorical question and although Jin didn’t even flinch, the guilt hit you nonetheless.

Sighing, you beckoned him over to you. It took him little to no effort to pull you from the chair enough to slide under you and bring you into his lap. You couldn’t avoid the breathing in the scent of his aftershave and cologne.

“Talk to me, baby girl. What’s going on?”

The corners of your lips perked upwards, and you sighed into his shoulder for a moment.

“Can’t sleep,” you mumbled into the soft fabric of his shirt. “I don’t know why, but I can’t sleep lately,” you said as you lifted your head.

“You haven’t held any meetings lately,” Jin inquired, “do you want me to get the resident doctor?”

You shook your head in reply, and managed to turn the desk chair back towards the computer. “No, it’s okay.”

You stood up and straightened yourself up to let Jin know that the snuggling was over. When you could practically feel him rolling his eyes behind you, you tapped your nails along your desk to get his attention.

“There are a few things on the agenda in the next 72 hours that I want to address, Seokjin.”

He hummed in response.

He leaned in closer to you, and it was hard to concentrate with his warm breath sending shivers down your spine.

“Firstly, the Umbra are a big fucking problem. Their boss was caught in the middle of some sex and abuse scandals.”

“Right. Them and that politician—oh what’s his name?” Jin paused for moment, trying to remember the biggest news in the city right now. “Whatever. They were involved with some trafficking chains.”

You nodded, eyes darting back to the list. “I want you to send people to figure out which members were involved and also, wipe them the fuck out. Get that slimy politician too, if you can.

“Besides them, no one else is a problem right now. If we can get the Jades under our control, we may benefit; they’re good at negotiating for a group that only deals drugs.”

“Do you want me to—”

A task dawned on you, causing you to interrupt Jin. “Wait. Put that at the bottom of the list of to-dos. They’re not a threat right now.”

“Right.”

“I want these guys,” you jabbed a solitary finger against the line that held the Fangs, “to be consolidated. A few of them are trying to branch out and make their own deals, but under our name. They either lump themselves back together, or break off from me. And if they do the latter—”  

“We take them out.”

You smiled, proud that he follows directions so well—even when unspoken.

“As far as the Marks go, I just want them gone. They’re annoying and too stupid to stay out of trouble, I want them gone from the Golden Rose name. Let them know soon that we will not be offering extended services any longer.”

“Will they still receive the protection of the Golden Rose on Four Seasons grounds?”

You thought for a second on the circumstances. If you excommunicate the Marks from your business, then they will likely retaliate. But if they retaliate on Four Seasons grounds, the grounds of the city’s peace zones, then they forfeit as much as their life.

“Why not. If they fuck up its on them.”

He hummed in obedience, “is there anything else I can do for you, your highness?”

“Don’t mock me, Kim Seokjin.”

“Ah,” he cried as he feigned a blow to his heart, “you wound me with your lack of faith in me. I was merely using the correct honorifics.”

Holding back a giggle, you gave him the most serious glare you could give. But failed. “You’re the worst second in command the mafia has ever seen.”

You expected another dramatic act of betrayal, but your laughter died down as he moved from your side to spin your chair facing him. The sound coming from the palms of his hands landing roughly against the edge of your desk found their way into your ears.

His gaze ran up your neck, slowly, taking in every inch of you from the top of your breasts to your lips.

“You weren’t calling me the worst last night when we were tangled in your sheets.” The warmth of his breath near your ear travelled to your core, and you almost buckled under his dominance.

“Ah-ahh,” you moaned as he nipped at your earlobe. His lips traveled along your cheek until they captured yours in a heated kiss.

You entertained him for a moment before pulling away.

“We have w-work to do, Jin.”

He whined but pulled away, leaving you flustered and almost out of breath.

“You’re no fun when you act like a boss.”

“Jin, I am the boss. May I remind you that this is my empire?”

He rolled his eyes, and waved you off, “yeah, yeah. I’ll call the teams together and tell them what we’re doing in the next few days. Will I see you this evening?”

You opened your mouth to speak when a ping came from your computer. Swirling around, you read a notification that had a long time coming.

Event coming up in one week: Meet with Kim Taehyung.

You choked down a grimace and moved your eyes to the left to read over your list one last time.

“I’ll let you know, Jin.”

He stood there for a moment, waiting to see if there was anything else for you to say.

“Also, I need some intel sent to the north side of the city. I’m sure you’ve heard the rumors of that new mastermind running around up there.”

Jin left the office tight lipped and obedient.

Your ramen had chilled, almost too much to be good anymore. But, you were hungry and you scarfed it down nonetheless. Between bites, you continued thinking about meeting with Taehyung. Many months had gone by without so much as a thought about the lanky teenager that was too good for the world, and even more months had passed since you last saw him.

It had been a year after graduating high school that you told Kim Taehyung you were going to college. In all reality you were on your way to building a mafia empire. Still, when it became harder and harder to see your friend, the excuse was at least believable.

What a joke, Y/N.

You couldn’t keep your promise to walk away from this life, but you could keep your promise to meet up with him at your old spot.

Sighing, you penned in an unmovable opening in your schedule for a week from today.

Taehyung’s POV

The air seemed to grow cold as Taehyung walked down the metal steps leading towards the bottom of the warehouse. An echo bounced off the walls with each click of the black, polished heels as he reached the next step. He placed both hands on the railing and leaned forward as he stopped on the landing; a handful of rings made his presence known as they collided with the bars.

There was a brief lapse in the hum of chatter below when the multitude of people looked up to him. He scanned his eyes across the floor of the warehouse, observing his men as they unpackaged, checked, tested, and repackaged.

This warehouse contained his pride and joy—prides and joys. ­In this hidden building, all of his creations could come to life. For four years he was hidden away in different hotel rooms—tinkering, toying, testing—under the allowance of an old colleague. For four years he learned, he dealed, and he stepped up.

Until finally, for the past year he has begun to make a name for himself. Drugs were dealt, and guns were created and sold to all parts of the country. Sure, there were probably more ethical means to achieving his goal, but the shadows were the life he knew best.

His prideful smirk fell from his face as he decided to make the rounds and inspect this batch of minion’s handiwork.

As he turned to continue down the stairs to the floor of the warehouse, Kim Taehyung’s phone pinged with the sound of a notification. The phone’s bright, white screen illuminated his worn face against the dimmer, yellow light of the warehouse. It caused him to shut his eyes and recoil a little before he had the opportunity to turn the brightness down.

The experience made him look around at his surroundings and make a mental note:

Maybe we can afford to keep this place a little brighter.

Looking at his phone again, he saw a reminder in his calendar waiting for confirmation.

Meet with Y/N L/N in: One week.

The reminder made him smile, and almost prompted him to reminisce. But, he knew that he had much to do today. He pressed the ‘remind me later’ button and shoved the phone back in his pocket.

He glanced up in time to see his warehouse supervisor, and second-in-command, rushing up the stairs to meet him.

“Ah, good evening sir,” the man huffed, face full of concern.

Taehyung patted him on the shoulder and guided him back down the stairs. “It’s good to see you, I haven’t been down here in a while, have I?” He gestured with his hand to the different lines, “lets walk while we talk, I want to inspect the progress. After you, Jimin.”

The men made their way down the stairs and started for the far end of the warehouse towards a production line. This warehouse is barren of machinery, and instead is made of a large multitude of workers with nothing but their tools and their tables.

“The men have successfully finished creating the first batch of those hybrid guns you blueprinted for us. Many were surprised at how easily it was to make, yet how powerful your idea came to be.”

Taehyung only smirked at Jimin’s compliment, “who would have known those two years in engineering would have rendered me capable of weapon building.”

They continued down the line of tables, overhearing many men bantering and laughing as they assembled the different pieces. Taehyung smiled to himself to know that the people under him aren’t as miserable as he used to be.

When the pair reached the last table of assembly, Taehyung noticed a lone man and an overflow of pieces spread around him. With a closer glance, it dawned on him that it was the newest recruit, a kid barely out of high school. Jimin gave a low scoff, before leaving his bosses side to promptly scold the man.

“Of all the days for you to fucking fall behind, you had to pull this shit the day that the boss arrived? You little—”

Taehyung had heard enough, and stepped between Jimin and the amateur. “Jimin, that’s quite enough.”

“Sorry boss, but I don’t think this kid is worth a damn. He needs to be taught a lesson for not rising up to the standards.”

Kim Taehyung does not like to have to repeat himself, and Jimin’s rebuttal of his boss’s intervention hit a nerve somewhere. It was not hard to tower over a man like Jimin, whose small stature made him a great reconnaissance leader, and neither was it hard to impose authority over him.

“Need I remind you, Park, that I was once a kid too. And now I am your boss. Think of that the next time you want to bully a kid for falling behind. He could one day be the boss of his own mafia, one that could crush you. Get out of here and send Jungkook my way.”

Jimin was clearly not pleased to be sent away in front of not only a young member, but a new one as well. Out of fear of bigger repercussions, Jimin turned on his heal and walked up the stairs towards Jungkook surveillance cave.

“I’m sorry for his harsh words.” Taheyung spoke directly to the young man was Jimin had walked out of sight. “I don’t know what came over him.”

“N-no, I’m the one who should be sorry, s-sir.”

Taehyung hummed, choosing to ignore the young man’s tremble as a result of his proximity. Instead, he observed the table’s appalling mess. There was only one gun assembled, and poorly done at that.

“Can I ask why you are the only person left? With your entire days’ worth of work left on the table?”

He gulped, glancing an eye at his progress, or lack thereof. “I’ve never seen a gun before, sir. And I… no one else bothered to help me and I had a hard time of reading the blueprints and I—”

The boy’s rambling was cut off by his boss’s stern hand being raised to prompt his silence.

“Why are you here? Forgive me for not remembering, but why did seek us out?”

His shoulders slumped forward a little, and he hung his head. Shaking it a little, he murmured his sentence but only a few words could be made out: “mom,” and “sick,” and “money.”

Taehyung nodded, but didn’t let the hurt in his heart at the boy’s words make him soften. He simply picked up the blueprint off the table, and the poorly assembled model, and brought to the empty table behind him.

“One of the first things about assembling based on a blueprint is knowing what the blueprint means,” he began to explain to the boy.

Once he did this, he took the gun apart and laid the pieces out. Taehyung told the boy to get all the pieces for another, and those too were brought to the table. Taking the twenty minutes out of his evening to teach the kid how to build the gun was nothing if it meant he could make the profit off it.

That’s what he told himself, anyway: that he was teaching the kid to make the profit off the cheap labor, not because he didn’t want the kid to get in with the actual wrong crowd.

He watched the kid dissemble and reassemble the gun multiple times before he approved.

“Do what you can for the next hour and a half, and then get outta here. I’ll have someone finish the rest.”

The kid stammered out a ‘thank you’ and all but somersaulted back in place.

Taehyung made the assumption that the rest of the workers would be fine, Jimin can supervise otherwise. So, instead of finishing his rounds, he too made his way to Jungkook’s cave.

His phone dinged again, this time because of a message from Jungkook himself:

Boss, you might want to come here for a second.

Once he was right outside the door, he received a second:

Not an emergency, but probably important.

Taehyung knocked briefly before making his way into the room. Monitors on every wall, and wires lining the floor, welcomed him into Jungkook’s area. It was clean, it was organized, but quite frankly Taehyung knew nothing about what went on.

He was a businessman and Jungkook was the security guard—that has way more training in killing people than expected. But he did his job, cleaned up when necessary, and kept to himself. Taehyung knew little about Jungkook, only enough to trust him and to have his loyalty.

“Hey boss, I need you to come look at this. A camera picked up some guy snooping around the entrance.”

“Of course, there was someone around the entrance,” Taehyung replied with a sigh, “the warehouse front is a convenience store for crying out loud.”

Jungkook just shook his head and pressed some buttons; the video zoomed in a bit.

“No, this guy looked right into the camera—see here!—no one should know it’s there. What if its—”

“Kook,” Taehyung warned, “Are you sure you’re not being paranoid?”

He sighed, relenting. “Perhaps, but I’m going to look into the matter regardless. Rumor has it that the Golden Rose have caught wind of your little business.”

The last thing Taehyung needed was an invitation to the Golden Rose.

The only thing that Taehyung could do in response is pinch the bridge of his nose. He let go after a brief moment to rewatch the surveillance cameras. The man in the video looked nothing more than a tourist, with the gaudy shirt and hat. But his face looked worn, too worn for a man that young. The look in his eyes when the man looked into the camera hit Taehyung somewhere, and the tourist get-up only grew more suspicious.

“Go ahead and keep an eye out for ‘em. It’s not uncommon for people to send their recons out in streetwear.”

Jungkook nodded at the order, pressing a few more buttons in response to it. “If someone seems suspicious, I’ll have someone tail them until they get where they’re going. They’ll keep quiet if they found anything about us.”

“No blood, not yet. Find another way; either scare them or bribe them. But I don’t want to be a part of another war.”

“Roger that.”

As Taehyung walked away, his head was swimming with convoluted thoughts. Something about his evening felt terribly off after speaking with Jungkook, and he couldn’t get the man on the surveillance out of his head.

I don’t have time to deal with this, this week. He groaned at the thought of cleaning up his trail in a week; cleaning up his trail before it was time to see you.

“If only she knew,” he whispered under his breath as he took the stairs to the left to lead him to the car that was waiting for him. Taehyung scoffed at himself and decided to start planning how to hide all this from you.

Once he left the warehouse—which had only seemed to grow dimmer, dustier, and duller. There wasn’t much for him to do for the rest of the evening, so he decided to make a phone call.

He listened to the phone ring—once, twice—as he climbed into the sleek black car. Immediately the divider between the front and the back went up, and he had the privacy of silence to himself.

“Hello? Yes, Miss Moon, there is a list of things for you to take care of. Yes, go ahead—” He paused for her to reach a writing tool, given that it was after her office hours. The shuffling of what was likely her purse could be heard in the background. “Okay? Firstly, I need you to block off the entire day exactly a week from now. What do you mean I have a meeting that morning?”

He sighed, aggravated at the inconvenience. “Fine, but nothing after that meeting is over, got it? Next, I need you to have brighter lights for the warehouse ordered. No, don’t install them just yet. It’s too dim in there, and I don’t think we need the cover of darkness right now.

“Finally, I need you to include an extra payment in this month’s billing statements. Yes, the new kid. Take it out of mine, I can survive without the valet for a month. Oh, and also?”

Taehyung paused; the car rounded a corner towards one of his residences in the city.

“I’m feeling a bit restless, do send someone up to entertain me this evening.”

With that, the line clicked off and his driver stopped at the foot of a sky-high, classy building.

[ohmytheon]

The Definition of a Hero (FMA x BNHA, 6)

Notes: Ah yes, I had a lot of fun with this chapter. We get to see the full scene of Class 1-A’s first class with Mustang, but from his POV. It’s time for Bakugou to get schooled. Mustang is here to teach and he doesn’t do it with pats on the back. Edward also unfortunately gets the brunt of it as well. Time to listen, you little shits. (This is why I could never be a teacher.)

The Definition of a Hero educator: a person who provides instruction or education; a teacher

Four nights after the entrance exams, Roy found himself restless and decided to go on a patrol with Riza. Normally he did them alone, but his mind had been running a mile a minute and so he’d asked if he could join her. It wasn’t all that unusual for the public to see the Flame Alchemist and Hawk’s Eye working together, so no one at the agency even blinked when he stepped out with her.

It had been a month since they’d done so and he’d missed her calming effect while on duty. He had been so busy after accepting the teaching position that it had slid to the back burner. With school officially starting in three weeks, he knew that their time together like this would be limited even more and he wanted to squeeze in as many opportunities as he could.

Yes, it sounded a bit desperate, but he didn’t care and she didn’t point it out, even if she had noticed his slight change in behavior. He was utterly grateful for that. His pride could handle a lot these days, but Riza pointing out any cracks in his armor was not one of them.

The streetlamps were turning on, glowing orbs in the night, as the sun settled behind the buildings. This was Roy’s favorite time of day -- where night struggled with day and slowly but surely overcame it. There was a certain feel about it, lulling most people into a strange sense of calmness. Even most villains or mere criminals, he found, waited until night fully hung over them to do their business, as if the dark might hide them and those few minutes where light clung to the sky would expose them and get them captured.

For just a few minutes, Roy could close his eyes, breathe, and pretend.

As much as he wanted to though, his mind was still very much focused on what he’d witnessed during the entrance exams. It had been very enlightening. Seeing all those different quirks in action had shaken up something in him and the students… Hell, they were going to be a handful. It’d be like dealing with all his sidekicks at once, but without any of the training, just the confidence of their quirk and the desire to be a hero.

“You should have seen him,” Roy was saying, gloved hands shoved in his pockets as they walked side-by-side. “He was spectacular. A little shit, to be sure, but powerful. No rescue points and still took the number one spot?” Roy shook his head. Bakugou had been wild, looking like he was on a rampage, and despite trying not to, it had reminded him of himself when his temper had gotten the better of him. “He’s going to crash and burn hard when he gets knocked down a peg or two.”

Riza smiled faintly. “Like you did during our first combat simulation?”

“Ugh,” Roy groaned, “don’t remind me of that.”

Bad enough Riza and Aizawa had been paired up against him while Roy had been stuck with some kid whose quirk had clearly been inferior to his own. He’d gone off the rails to get the job done on his own and it had been an absolute disaster. All his ferocious power meant absolutely nothing the second Aizawa locked eyes on him. He’d been so stunned at his quirk getting cancelled -- all of it -- that he’d froze up and the other boy had landed a solid punch to his face.

Roy could have destroyed the building they were in with a single snap of his fingers and yet he’d gotten a black eye just from being stared at. He’d never been so humiliated in his life. He had almost blown it up in retaliation.

“Some kids, especially ones born with stronger than normal quirks, need to be brought back down to earth,” Riza told him. “If they can’t connect with humanity on some level, they won’t make a good hero.”

“Oh, I’m going to do just that,” Roy replied confidently. “I’m just fairly certain he’s going to come down to earth with all the delicacy of a fiery asteroid.”

Some landed harder than others. Roy knew that for a fact. His crash had blown up everything around him. He did not want that to happen to anyone else, not even a random kid with a hair-trigger temper. It had been easy to see how confident the kid was, blinding to the point way past arrogant, and those kinds of people fell hardest. Roy knew that there would be no easing that landing -- and that he shouldn’t try in the first place. Guiding the pieces back together into a functional, unwavering hero was the hard part.

Pride was not easy to mold. Gods knew how any of his teachers, especially Nezu and Riza’s father, had been able to handle him.

“Any other kids show promise?” Riza asked, just a hint of hesitation in her voice.

“Shoto didn’t take the exam,” Roy told her, knowing what she was truly asking. “I asked Nezu afterwards. He was accepted in on recommendation.”

Riza nodded her head. “Of course.”

Roy chuffed. “I bet Endeavor was pleased with himself. Strong enough to skip the exam entirely. He got in solely on recommendation too.”

A soft look fell over Riza’s face, which was strange since they were talking about Endeavor. Normally, talk about the number two hero brought out a side of anger that she hid from everyone else. “I just hope Shoto was happy about it.” Of course she would be focused on the boy and not his father. Roy would do the same once classes started. It was only fair. He was curious if the kid would follow his dad’s agenda or create his own path.

“There were a few other standouts though,” Roy continued, steering them away from the ugly subject. “One boy, Edward Elric -- he must have some sort of metal manipulation quirk -- made mincemeat out of the bots with just a touch of his hand. It was like they turned to liquid and formed into whatever was in his head.” He thought back to the robots-turned-statues. “Probably would make a great artist if he had a creative bone in his body.”

Riza gave him a look, a faint smile on her face. “You’re enjoying this.”

He shrugged his shoulders, but did grin back at her. “In a strange way, yeah, I am.” He looked up to the dark sky. “It’s different. The kids… I don’t know how good of a teacher I’m going to be. I still don’t know what Nezu expects of me. All I can do is hope for the best.” Roy made a face. “In addition to hero training, he’s also making me teach regular classes as well. History. He must think he’s terribly clever.”

Even though he clearly wasn’t pleased with it, Riza laughed. “That’s part of his quirk, isn’t it?”

Before Roy could respond or say any potentially derogatory remarks about his future boss and past mentor, there was a buzz in both their ears, signalling them that they were getting a call from someone in their agency. Both came to a halt on the sidewalk and listened as Havoc, one of the sidekicks working under Roy, piped up, “Hey, sorry to disturb you two lovebirds!”

Neither one of them said anything in response to that, but they glanced at each other and Roy rolled his eyes.

“Yes, Havoc?”

“We’ve got a situation about five blocks from where you’re at,” Havoc continued without missing a beat, listing off an address. “I’m here with Catalina -- yes, I’m calling them now, another agency isn’t going to -- sorry that was her -- anyways we’d take care of this ourselves but there were hostages involved by the time we got here and--”

“We’re on our way,” Riza interrupted him.

“Righto. We’ll fill you in when you get here. This could take a while.”

Roy scoffed. Not on his watch. The line went dead and he caught Riza’s eye as a smirk took over his face. “Now this is what I needed tonight.”

“A hostage situation is nothing to get pleased about,” Riza pointed out.

“Oh it’s not that,” Roy replied cheekily as he made sure his gloves were on tight. It was the fight. He almost felt bad for whoever was causing all this ruckus because he was going to make that person burn. The problem with people that had fire-related quirks was that they had to get it out of their system. It hadn’t always been that way for him, but the second it had changed, he’d felt it in himself. That timer, always ready to go off, if he didn’t do something to move it back a little more.

*

Roy should have expected that teaching would be like this. After finding out about the stunt that Aizawa had pulled with Class 1-A (threatening to expel one of them right off the bat for failing to meet his and therefore U.A.’s expectations, how like him), he’d started to go through the teachers’ records just a few days shortly before All Might, the two of them intersecting their research at the end. He wasn’t quite sure why the number one hero was interested in who was teaching, especially the first years, but then Roy was snooping as well, so he couldn’t outright question him without looking suspicious.

That wasn’t the same for All Might, who had asked Roy was he was looking up on the teachers.

Roy had smiled pleasantly. “Just figuring out how I’ll stack against my fellow teachers.” It had seemed like an almost admirable statement, like he was admitting that he was nervous about joining the staff since he’d never taught before. All Might had thought so at least, telling him how commendable and diligent he was being. Ah, it was always a fun time lying straight to a superior’s face. Not.

Oh well. He didn’t want to admit that he was seeing what his old classmates had turned into. Already it was obvious that Roy had gone to school with three of the other teachers at U.A. They were too familiar with him and Kayama had already said a few things. Luckily he knew they would be close-lipped about just what school had been like. Heroes weren’t known for opening up about their darkest secrets and that was certainly one of them, binding them together for life with an uncomfortable string.

Still, meeting the kids for the first time proved somewhat nerve-wracking. They were all fifteen and Roy knew exactly what he’d been like at that age. He’d been awful. His quirk had been too strong for his age and his mind too sharp. He’d thought himself terribly clever and above everyone. If he had to deal with someone like himself, he might actually lose his cool, but then, no one could possibly be as bad as he had been and was now.

As he walked across the field towards the group of students gathered sporadically in the spot the sign on the classroom door had told them, Roy wasn’t so certain. Class 1-A was always problematic. It was filled with the best, but the best came at a price.

“Sorry for being late,” Roy said, lifting a gloved hand out of his pocket to wave at them. It felt good to have them back on. The second he’d stepped out of the building, he’d slipped them on and relief had washed over him. Not that he needed them to do damage, but this kind was easier to control. His real quirk did little more than hurt as far as he’d used it. “School was never my thing.”

“You’re our other new teacher?” That was Teyna Iida, who, as far as Roy had seen so far, was intensely earnest in every single way. He looked and sounded suspicious, which was amusing. Roy knew that he didn’t look like much in his civilian clothes. He probably looked more like a businessman than a pro hero. He didn’t need a fancy costume to be flashy though. That was where he and Aizawa agreed at least.

Ah, so most of them hadn’t recognized him yet. That was good. “Do I not look it?”

There was a slight unease in the crowd of students as they looked at one another, trying to figure out what they were supposed to say or how to react to his attitude. Aizawa had put them on edge. Only two people had given reactions that made Roy think that they knew him.

Katsuki Bakugou was one of them. His sharp red eyes had widened a little and his normally tense jaw had gone slightly slack; in a flash, as if realizing what he was doing, he wiped them away and replaced it with a knowing smirk. He looked pleased, like he was happy with this outcome. Even better. If Bakugou was a fan of the Flame Alchemist, it would make it easier for Roy to be able to push him past his limits.

Shoto Todoroki was the other one. Roy had spotted him first in the crowd as he’d walked up to them. The boy had been standing slightly apart from everyone else, as if he didn’t really belong in the group but had been thrown in with them anyways. And he probably didn’t. Knowing Endeavor, the man had more than likely put Todoroki through the kind of intense training that most kids didn’t get until their second year at U.A. The second Todoroki spotted him, the kid had frozen on the spot, as if struck by his own quirk.

The green-haired kid with the ridiculously strong quirk that punched back, Izuku Midoriya, eyed him with some sort of suspicion, his lips moving as he muttered under his breath as he thought aloud to himself. It looked like he was piecing things together. Might as well give him a hand. Now all Roy needed was a volunteer.

“If school isn’t your thing, then why are you teaching us?” Edward Elric demanded with his arms folded across his chest in that stereotypical moody teenager way.

There it was. Nice of him to volunteer, no matter how unsuspecting he was.

Roy snapped his fingers rather casually, and (what he considered) a miniscule ball of fire exploded a few inches from Edward’s feet, sending the kid flailing backwards. It was such a comical scene that Roy couldn’t help but laugh. Had the fire actually touched the boy’s shoes, it might melted or burned some of the rubber, but Roy was careful. It wasn’t like he was going to hurt the kids. They’d have to get better before he started trying to scare them. The fire wasn’t even a blip on the radar of his true power, but then he rarely even used that when fighting villains. Only Riza knew that he was truly holding back. Going one hundred percent -- or plus ultra -- was too dangerous.

Nonetheless, the little fire was enough to get everyone’s attention though. Anyone that had had doubts before were now gawking where the fire had suddenly appeared and then back at him.

“Y-you’re the Flame Alchemist!” Midoriya exclaimed, sounding nearly overwhelmed with excitement. A visible thrill went through the students as they all began to talk at once. Roy did not think Midoriya’s eyes could get any bigger and he stood ramrod straight. A few meters to his left, Bakugou planted his hands on his hips and outright sneered at his classmate, like Midoriya was nothing more than a bug under his boot. Hm, Bakugou might be rougher around the edges than Roy had anticipated.

Roy shrugged his shoulders. “Mustang is fine at school.” Outside of it, of course, was another matter.

He could do this, he realized. Sure, he’d taken the job and he’d told Nezu and Riza that he could handle it, but a part of him in the back of his mind had wondered if maybe this was a mistake. That it would end up being another one of his failures. But seeing these kids now and the enthusiasm that they brought to the table, Roy found himself ready to return it tenfold. They’d be better than he had ever dreamed to be. They’d be good. They’d be heroes.

It wasn’t going to be easy though and certainly not always fun. It never was.

“Lesson number one and two,” Roy told them in a voice that commandeered their attention and forced them to go silent. “As a hero, you’re going to end up doing a lot of things you might not necessarily like in order to do what’s best.” He could attest to that. He wasn’t a teacher, but he would be now. “And always be on your guard. That was nothing. Villains won’t be kind and so therefore neither will I. If you want a pat on the back, you can go to All Might, but in my class, I expect you to fight back or suffer the consequences and they will be quite unpleasant.”

That caused a ruckus again. Some of the kids began to pump themselves up, most notably Bakugou and Midoriya in their own separate ways. Edward was scowling at him, furious that he’d been used as an example, so he would probably spend at least the rest of the class fighting with Roy on some level. Todoroki’s eyes were still locked on the spot where the fire had appeared, which was a curious reaction. He knew that the boy’s quirk allowed him to create both fire and ice, but he seemed almost...uneasy now.

“Aizawa informed me of your physical tests using your quirks,” Roy said, clasping his hands began his back. “Some of you came up with some seriously impressive results by pushing your quirks to the limit.” He shot a smile at one of girls with impossibly pink cheeks. “Infinity on the ball throw? You put those boys to shame.”

He hadn’t thought that Ochako Uraraka’s cheeks could get any pinker, but they did and he had to fight the urge to laugh again. A few of the other girls pat her on the back or ribbed her teasingly. Teenagers were so easy to mess with that it almost wasn’t fun. Almost.

“It’s important that you all learn the limits of your quirk and continuously push past that limit to strengthen them,” Roy continued. He noted the anticipation building up in the students, how eager they were all to let loose. It was hard to do outside of school. There were always rules or laws and some quirks were too strong to be used at full power without purpose. “But we’re not going to do that today. You’ll be doing something different.”

The reaction was like deflating a balloon and letting it fly wildly in the air until it died. The students looked at one another in confusion and disappointment. Bakugou looked as close to being crushed as his moody face would let him while Todoroki appeared steady and cool, but Roy thought he saw some relief in the latter’s mismatched eyes.

“Like what?” a startlingly pink girl, Mina Ashido, piped up.

“Shut up and he might tell us,” Bakugou snapped.

Roy acted as if neither one of them had spoken. “You will have plenty of time to practice using your quirks at mass capacity in combat, but that’s not the most difficult thing to do. In a fight, you’ll expect the need to go all out in order to get the job done.” He shook his head. “That’s not the case. The smallest, precise attack can change the course of a fight and those I can guarantee you are much harder than you think. A large attack does not require nearly as much concentration or even accuracy.”

“They also cause more collateral damage,” Midoriya put in with a kind of intense thoughtfulness.

“That’s right,” Roy agreed, “and as heroes, it’s a part of our duty to keep that to a minimum.”

Not all heroes considered that. Some forgot it in the heat of battle. Their quirks were so strong that it was only natural that things broke around them. It had taken a few months for Roy’s childhood apartment complex to be rebuilt after a hero had unintentionally caused it to collapse in on itself. It had taken only a few minutes for it to come crashing down. He hadn’t even received a slap on the wrist for it; instead he’d been given interviews and gratitudes for his work in taking down a villain.

No one interviewing that hero had asked about the young couple that had died in the collapse. They had just been collateral damage that was swept under the rug, left to be forgotten. Roy hadn’t though, even if his memories of his parents were foggy at best now. Time and someone rooting around in his head had taken them from him.

“The right attack, no matter how small, can be effective and damaging if precise.” Roy pulled out a baseball from an equipment bag and tossed it in his hand. “Anyone want to give it a go?” None of them wanted to step up first, concerned about looking foolish. “No one?”

Bakugou stepped up, his feet scuffing the grass. “Whatever. I’ll do it. This will be cake.”

“Excellent.” Just as Roy had suspected, the boy who Aizawa had used as an example moved to do it again. Bakugou would not want to be seen as afraid and he didn’t think he’d look foolish. Poor kid. Without warning, Roy turned and tossed the ball over to Uraraka, who caught it clumsily in surprise. “Why don’t you do the honors?” That seemed to irritate Bakugou even more. He rolled his eyes, but pulled his hands out of his pockets, flexing his fingers. “She’s going to throw the ball as hard as she can with her quirk and I want you to use as much power as you deem necessary to destroy it when you think it’s as far as you can reach it.”

All he got was a wave of Bakugou’s hand and a “tch” in response, his back already turned. Roy nodded to Uraraka, who hesitated for a second and then let loose. The ball soared high in the air with no intention of coming back down and Bakugou, essentially, exploded.

The explosion that Bakugou let loose was a lot like standing next to someone that triggered a landmine. It was way too powerful, forcing some of the kids to jump back in shock. The whole field seemed to glow with fire and the ground actually shook. Only Roy and Todoroki had held their ground, both of them too used to fire to flinch away from it. Even Bakugou seemed exhilarated, as if seeing what he was truly capable of for the first time. Nothing but some ash that fell to the ground remained of the ball.

“Wow! That was awesome!”

“You almost hit me, you ass!”

Bakugou threw them a lazy smirk. “Move out of the way next time then.”

“Very impressive,” Roy admitted. Definitely like him at that age. Bakugou was all power, but he had no direction for it yet beyond becoming a hero. If he could figure out a way to direct those explosives instead of just letting them fire off, he would really be able to do some damage. Roy tossed another ball to Uraraka, who looked a little dazed from the blast. “Again. But this time much smaller. I’m talking an explosion no bigger than the ball.”

The confidence didn’t waver from Bakugou’s face. “Yeah, yeah, throw it already.”

Uraraka glanced at Roy, who nodded his head, and she threw the second ball. Once more, Bakugou waited until he thought it was as far as his quirk would go before letting off a more contained explosion, so that it shot out like a beam of light instead of one big explosion.

And was off by at least three meters.

In a matter of seconds, Bakugou went from total confidence to rage, using his quirk to launch himself off the ground towards the ball and setting off a spatter of explosions in the air like fireworks until nothing remained. He was red in the face and panting by the time he dropped back down, glaring at the sky like it had offended him somehow before turning that molten lava focus on Uraraka, whose protests of “I didn’t do anything different!” went unheard by him.

“Not so easy, is it?” Roy said smugly. He had known it wouldn’t work. As of right now, Bakugou’s range with his quirk was highly limited. To hit a target far away, he had to use a much larger explosion and it lacked some serious control. The ground was scorched where his fire had hit. Hopefully the groundskeeper wouldn’t be too mad.

Bakugou turned on him. “My quirk--” But then he snapped his mouth shut. Someone with as much pride as him would never admit out loud to any sort of weakness, especially with their quirk.

The fact was that Bakugou’s quirk, however powerful it was (and it truly was dripping with potential), was not meant for such precise activity. It was partly why Roy had decided on working on it first. It had been his problem. He could blow a building up, but he had struggled using it against people without hurting them. Some quirks were meant for destruction; all quirks, if nurtured right, were meant for saving. Roy was certain of it.

This time, Roy tossed a baseball to Bakugou, who snatched it out of the air one-handed and held it like he wanted  to squeeze it flat. “As hard as you can, if you will, like with Aizawa.”

Bakugou stretched his arm, swinging it back and then in a circle, before launching the ball in the air like it was a rocket. Roy waited, yawned, and then looked back to the sky before snapping his fingers. He could have simply timed the fire to explode around the ball, but he wanted something a little more eye-catching than that. A thin line of fire, no larger than yarn, zipped through the air like lightning until it connected with the ball and exploded like the end of a bottle rocket. It wasn’t explosively loud or terrifying like Bakugou's had been. Burnt leather, stuffing, and ash rained down on them, but it was still possible to tell what it had been before by looking at the pieces.

Everyone gawked in astonishment. To them, it looked as easy to Roy as breathing.

“That,” Roy told them, “is precision. If I can do that, just think what I can do in close quarters and combat.”

Edward glowered and grumbled under his breath, “Smug bastard.”

Next to him, Midoriya was much more enthusiastic. “Oh! Like your fight with that villain in May of last year! His healing quirk was so strong that his skin was fire resistant and he’d broken into a chemical plant. Obviously your fire quirk would have reacted negatively to the chemicals he’d stolen. But you were able to take him down by, um, well--” His brain had finally caught up with his mouth as he recalled the events like it had been yesterday. Not one of Roy’s kinder takedowns or finer moments, but it had been necessary. No one else could get near the villain without the threat of him releasing the gas or one of them breaking the containers. Riza hadn’t been around for that one.

“Oy, don’t skip the best part,” Bakugou drawled in a sharp tone, as if demanding that Midoriya get it right. Like he was telling Midoriya to suck it up and tell the damn truth. “He burned the villain’s eyes and mouth with pinpoint accuracy and nothing else. The villain’s skin was fire resistant, but not underneath, so the Flame Alchemist burned him from the inside out, allowing him no time to heal.”

The class dissolved into a frenzy of whispers and Roy let them. It was clear that not everyone had known about it and he knew that it would shape their view of him. He could cut the talking quick or he could let them work things out on their own. The latter was the better choice. They’d talk about it regardless. If they still felt comfortable to do it while he was right in front of him, he was in the clear.

“That’s really scary…” one of the girls whispered.

“He’s crazy strong!” another replied.

“Isn’t he kind of dangerous to be a teacher?” a boy asked quietly.

“That doesn’t...sound like what a hero would do...but if there wasn’t another option…”

“Like he said earlier, sometimes you’ve gotta do things you don’t like in order to do what’s best.”

They had tried to keep that fight under wraps because of the brutality it had took to take the villain down, but there had been too many witnesses. Roy still believed one of the other heroes on the scene had leaked the info first, but no one had copped to anything, not even when Riza questioned them. Some of the others that didn’t like him might lie to his face, but usually not hers. It had done little to damage his reputation as a hero, considering the severity and desperation of the situation, but he knew some people looked at him differently.

The villain had survived the attack and he had healed as well -- eventually.

Roy had never killed anyone, but he had come closer far more times than he liked to admit. It appeared as if a few of these kids were read up on those times. Midoriya seemed nervous, Bakugou thrilled, Edward disdainful, and Todoroki…. Nothing. He was a blank page.

“Are you all done yet?” Roy sighed.

The class jumped to a start. “Yes, sir!”

“Pair up in two’s. Let’s see if any of you are good at close combat.” Roy thought a few of them were probably leagues ahead of others, so he hoped they’d pair up accordingly. “And remember, only small uses of your quirk. If I see anything big or near maximum, you’ll regret having a quirk.”

Well, this was going to be fun.

[favficarchives]

Tactile Engineer (One-shot)

Pairing: Pietro Maximoff x Reader Summary: Tony Stark calls in his favorite tactile engineer to help pull together some wardrobes for the new team members. Wanda is simple enough, but Pietro’s enhancements give the reader a run for her money. Genre: Fluff Warnings: None Word count: 3,316

[Masterlist]

A/N: This was inspired by a gifset I saw ages ago and can’t find anywhere for some reason. It was all about the different parts of Edna Mode’s (from The Incredibles) job beyond “fashion designer,” and it really resonated with me. If I ever find that gifset again, I’ll link to it.

Was there anything worse than being woken up 30 minutes before your alarm by the shrill ringtone of your sometimes-boss?

Probably. But at this point, you really didn’t care to think too much on it.

“This is Y/N,” you answered, trying desperately to disguise the grogginess in your voice.

“Morning, sunshine!” The annoyingly chipper Tony Stark responded. “How are you on this lovely day?”

You groaned, shifting to sit up in your bed. “Tired, overworked, and underpaid. And yourself?”

“Well-rested, living large, and extremely wealthy.”

“You suck.”

You pulled the phone away from your ear as boisterous laughter rang through the phone. It wasn’t like Mr. Stark to be so… perky. Something big must be going on. Which meant you were more than likely to redefine the very word “overworked”.

“What do you need, Mr. Stark?”

“We got two new team members,” he explained, bringing down his tone to suit your own, “They’re going to need some special uniforms, and you know I only go to the best.”

You smirked. “So what the hell are you doing calling me?”

“Haha.”

You’re smirk turned into an easy smile. “When do you need me in?”

“The kids are –“

“Kids?”

“Sorry, ‘young adults,’ are still pretty jet-lagged, so they won’t be up for a few more hours.”

“So why the hell am I up?”

“Because I love you?”

You refused to dignify that with a response, glaring at your phone and ending the call. With an aggravated groan, you crawl out of bed and wander over the bathroom, shooting a text to your actual boss before hopping in the shower.

“This is Y/N L/N,” you heard Natasha say. “She’s our designer and will get you two suited up in no time.”

Maybe it was your early morning wake up call, maybe it was your boss’s unnecessarily snarky response this morning, or maybe it was being reminded once again how underappreciated you were, but her comment really rubbed you the wrong way.

You were not a designer, you were a tactile engineer. Designing is simply part of that.

You did not belong to them. You didn’t belong to anyone.

You wouldn’t have anyone suited up “in no time.” You would take you time and do it right.

“Y/N,” Natasha called, causing you to turn in your desk chair, “This is Wanda and Pietro Maximoff.”

You greeted them with a tired smile and a nod. Wanda nodded back. Pietro studied you silently.

“I’ve read through both of your files,” You said, rising from your seat and walking towards them. “Wanda, you should be pretty simple. You won’t need much more than the average agent, just fitted and suited to your personal tastes.

“Pietro,” You announced playfully, looking the speedster dead the eye. “You are my white whale. You need a wide of outfits designed for aerodynamicy, as well as comfort. We’ll also need to create a variety of friction-proof fabrics. We will either succeed, or we will kill each other.”

The Sokovian man smirked and raised a thick, dark eyebrow. “Sounds like fun.”

“Sounds like hell,” You corrected. “Wanda, you’re first.”

You’d been working at Avenger’s Tower for over two weeks. Your boss at the luxury boutique was on the brink of firing you last week – until, of course, a generous donation came from the ever-fabulous Anthony Edward Stark.

Wanda’s uniforms had been simple enough. All you needed were her measurements, aesthetic preferences, and texture preferences. Your sketchbook was full of basic work out essentials, battle suits, artic climate suits, tropical climate suits, basic espionage attire, formal espionage attire, and so on. You began creating the outfits – usually a stressful time for you, as a person can only handle so many busted sewing machines and needles to the finger before snapping – as a way to relax. Because, by God, Pietro’s suits were killing you.

You gave him an assignment at the beginning of last week. You wanted him to run through two pairs of shoes and his current workout clothes so you could determine the patterns of the friction damage.

The patterns on the clothes were what you expected, so there was no shock there. After that, though, came the shoes.

Once you got the wear patterns down, you took him out to get different shoes from different brands to test the integrity of the various inserts, soles, and treads. It was hellish for Pietro, who was running his heart out day after day, and it was hellish for you, being crouched over your desk for hours on end analyzing wear patterns and trying to figure out how the hell to create a material that could withstand his fucking running.

Just the thought of another full day working on this damn project had you exhausted. You took a deep breath as you approached your office, emotionally preparing for the hell that awaited you on the other side of the door.

You opened the door and immediately set your bag on the corner of your desk. Your eyes began searching for the pile of notes you’d taken yesterday, only to be immediately drawn to the bouquet of flowers that stood in a delicate glass vase in the center of the desk.

Weary (because who would be giving you flowers, and who would send them to the Avenger’s Tower?), you approached the bouquet and searched for a note. Tucked away among the petals and leaves was a little white card.

Flowers must smell better than old shoes, right?

-Pietro

You barked out a laugh, soon dissolving into giggles. The very cute, very funny man that you were sure was going to hate by the end of your time working with him had gotten you flowers. You never got flowers, and certainly not from a client. ‘Thank yous’, sure, but never anything beyond that.

You wandered out of your office and down the Avenger’s living room, your smile never leaving your face. You found Pietro munching on a bowl of cereal and sitting around the television with Steve and Sam. A small part of you wanted to go up to him and thank him with a kiss a cheek. However, you reminded yourself that there was no reason to think that his unbelievably sweet gesture was based in anything more than appreciate, and a kiss would cross that line.

So, you kept your distance, staying in your spot by the hallway.

“Pietro,” you called out, hesitantly toying with the small card in your hands. You promptly cast your gaze downward when his eyes met yours.

“Thank you,” you said, “For the flowers.”

Ignoring the rising heat in your cheeks, you risked a quick glance up. Pietro smiled back at you, his own cheeks dusted pink. The simple thought that you had a similar effect on him as he did on you sent your heart rate soaring.

You held his gaze for a few more moment before the beating in your chest became too strong to stand. Trying (and failing) to bite back your dopey smile, you left the room and returned to your now much livelier office.

Pietro POV

You’re smile knocked him out. Metaphorically speaking.

Unfortunately, though, Pietro was still very much conscious for Steve and mostly Sam’s incessant teasing that commenced immediately after you left.

“Seriously man, flowers? That’s old school,” Sam said with an approving look.

“No school like the old the school,” Steve mumbled through a mouthful of his cream cheese bagel.

“What’s your next move?” Sam asked eagerly, his breakfast forgotten on the coffee table as Pietro’s pseudo-love life became the focus of his attention.

Pietro’s face grew hot at the unwanted attention. “Nothing,” he muttered, rising from where he sat and walking towards the kitchenette.

“Nothing?” Sam and Steve responded incredulously.

“It was just a way to thank her,” he said quietly as he rinsed his cereal bowl in the sink. “She’s been working hard, and I wanted her to know that I appreciate it.”

He didn’t want to admit that your smile and blush gave him hope that maybe he didn’t have to convince himself of that excuse. Maybe you felt the same way.

Maybe.

“Flowers do not say ‘thank you,’” Sam told him with a smile. “A gift card says ‘thank you.’ Flowers say ‘I’ll still buy you dinner, but only if you I get to join you.’”

Pietro rolled his eyes, still facing away from the living room to avoid the other men seeing him blush. He wanted to believe them, to believe his own memories when he thinks about your sweet, shy smile for the fifteenth time in five minutes, but he couldn’t take that risk. He couldn’t believe that someone like you – someone so strong, so sure, so capable, so beautiful – could feel that way about him.

He grew up a poor orphan. He is living as a mutated freak. And he seemed to be making your life hell.

He couldn’t believe that you felt anything but contempt for him.

“She feels the same way you do, kid,” Steve said as he approached the sink, the smile evident in his tone. “But don’t believe us. You’ll figure it out.”

Patting the younger man’s shoulder, Steve left the living area, a still-grinning Sam in tow. Pietro was grateful for the silence, spending several more minutes standing over the sink, thinking through every interaction the two of you had over the past two weeks, and falling in the love with the memory of your smile.

It had been a month and half, and you were still spending your days at the Avenger’s Tower. At this point, Tony half-joked about hiring you on full time.

“It’d be nice to have you in-house,” he said one night – or way too early morning, technically – as the two of you bonded over coffee and another sleepless night. “You could spend more time on your research and developing different fabrics and stuff, and we could have someone on staff who actually know exactly what they’re doing instead of kinda what they’re doing.”

You smirked. “I thought you only hire the best?”

He smirked back. “That’s why I want to hire you.”

The thought made you smile. Working with (or for) the Avengers had some obvious disadvantages – ridiculous hours, potentially hostile work environment, getting a top spot on the shit list of every big bad guy in the world – but it may have been better than what you currently doing. After all, working as a “team member” at an exclusive boutique didn’t even offer you much in the way of design work, much less tactile engineering. And you didn’t even get dental coverage.

Still, you tried to rein in your excitement at the possibility of moving on to bigger and better things.  Tony had mentioned his desire to hire you on full-time exactly once in the past six weeks, then never spoke of it again. And in your experience, that usually means someone isn’t interested.

As disappointing as it was, you couldn’t let it get you down. You had a job to do, and a white whale to conquer.

You had some of the test fabrics for Pietro’s suits ready to go. Now, you just needed to make the actual suit.

You called him in today to take his measurements, and the poor guy couldn’t stop blushing. Part of you wanted to giggle at how endearing it was, but another part reminded you how couldn’t stop blushing for a week after he gave you those flowers and he was kind enough to bite his tongue.

You measured his neck first, then his chest, shoulders, and back. You tried to ignore his intoxicating scent, but you made a mental note to be on the lookout for any candle or wax melt that mimicked it because damn.

The arm measurements went off without a hitch (another damn for those biceps). The waist measurement, in particular, had your face heating up; you couldn’t help but notice how incredibly… firm his abdomen was. You could probably count his abs with a light brush of your fingers, if you were so inclined…

‘But that would be unprofessional,’ you remind yourself, your blush deepening.

After you pulled yourself away from him and wrote down the measurement on your notepad, you lowered yourself to your knees and announced the next measurement: hips.

You wish you’d missed how wide his eyes got at the announcement. Maybe if you had, you could have pretended that everything was going to be just fine. As you wrapped your arms around his lower half, however, bringing your face uncomfortably and far too comfortably close to his... ahem… nether regions, you realized there was never going to be a way to pretend this was going to be just fine.

But damn, his ass was fine enough to make up for it.

‘Stop it!’ you scolded yourself. ‘He is a client and you are a professional. It’s just a sizing. Behave.’

Besides, he didn’t want you anyway. At least, not that you think.

The flowers got you excited, maybe a little too excited, but nothing else came from it. You thought maybe all of the blushing and smiles shared between the two of you (not to mention the Cheshire Cat grins on several of the other Avengers when they saw you two together) meant that you weren’t alone in your feelings. But, just like Tony had mentioned hiring you and then forgot about it, Pietro seems to have forgotten about whatever spark you felt.

Unless, of course, Pietro Jr.’s stirring is any indication.

You glance up at him in amusement as you pull away and move to do his outseam, biting back a grin at the poor man’s tortured expression. He looked absolutely mortified, but you couldn’t be happier. He definitely felt something, and that gave you hope.

You completed the outseam, ankle, calf, knee, and thigh (again: damn) measurements without issue. Pietro tensed considerably when the inseam measurement came about, but made it through.

As you wrote down the information and went through your checklist, a tag-team assault of delight and dread hit you full-force. Delight because of how amazingly embarrassed Pietro was going to be – the poor man – and dread because of how amazingly embarrassed you were about to be.

The crotch measurement.

That’s the one they never show on TV.

You took a deep breath, trying to calm your pounding heart. Ignoring the heat in your cheeks and thrill in your veins, you looked back up at Pietro. He seemed to finally be relaxing. You almost felt bad for ruining it.

Almost.

“Pietro,” you began softly, choking back a laugh, “there’s one more measurement I still need to take.”

He looked down at you a cocked an eyebrow.

You looked up at him, muffling your sheepish laughter as best you could.

“The crotch measurement,” you whisper through your mortified smile.

In an instant, Pietro was on the other side of your office. With his back flush against the wall and eyes wider than saucers, he looked like some poor bunny that just came face-to-face with a fox.

“Pietro,” you began softly, “I have to do it.”

He shook his head vigorously.

“Yes I d-“

“No you don’t.” He said immediately.

“I do if you want pants,” you told him with a wide smile.

“Who needs pants?”

You choked out a laugh.

“You do,” you told him, a smile still plastered on you face.

“Can’t I take it myself?” He whined.

Slowly, your sympathy for him began to break through the humorous awkwardness of the situation.

You shook your head lightly. “You don’t know how, and I’m the only one who knows what I have in mind for your pants and how they should fit.”

Pietro groaned in agony, his head falling in despair.

“I’m sorry,” you said lightly, a sympathetic smile replacing your earlier grin. “Please come back to the platform.”

Pietro groaned again, but did as you asked, looking every bit like a man who was walking to the gallows.

“So how much longer do you think this will take?” Pietro asked, glancing over your shoulder as you cleaned up your sketches and finished up your notes.

You paused, considering his question.

“Well,” you began, “It’ll take a few hours to make each outfit for you to test. From there we’ll work with different fabric combinations and work through any immediate complaints or concerns you might have. All in all, a few days to a few weeks, depending on our luck.”

“Days?” He asked in shock. “So I don’t have much time then?”

You halted your movements.

“Much time?” You asked. “Much time for what?”

He blushed again for the umpteenth time that day, and your heart was going wild. You didn’t want to get excited again and set yourself up for disappoint, but there was no way he’d be blushing this much if he didn’t feel something, right?

“I wanted to…uh,” he began, looking down and running a hand through his wavy hair. “I want to see if… if maybe you would… like to… go see a movie sometime… with me.”

You swear you might actually hurt yourself with how big you’re smiling.

“Well I don’t know, Pietro,” you teased. “That depends on the movie.”

A playful smile quickly replaced his bashful blush. He leaned over your chair, bracing a hand on the back of it and hovering over you.

“And what movie would appease you, Y/N?”

You chuckled and rose from your chair.

“Oh, I guess any movie will do,” you sighed dramatically, turning to face him. “As long as you’re there.”

He chuckled, approaching methodically and closing the distance between the two of you. You reveled in the closeness, and in the almost predatory look in his eyes. Just as he was about to say something, you cut in.

“It can’t be until after I’m done with this project, though,” you told him in all seriousness, placing a hand on his chest to keep some distance between you. “Technically, you’re a client, and the idea of dating clients weirds me out.”

Pietro nodded in understanding.

“That’s fair,” he said, smirking. “We’ll wait until you are back at the boutique. I guess we’ll just have to hope luck is on our side.”

You smiled and rolled your eyes, ready to tell him that luck was never on the side of a perfectionist, when Tony burst through the door.

“Y/N!”

He stopped.

“Maximoff?” He asked with a shit eating grin.

You wanted to die.

“What do you want Tony?” You asked.

His grin turned to you. Yup, you definitely wanted to die.

“I want your signature on these employment contracts,” He said simply, waving around the papers in his hands.

You shot him a confused look as you walked over and took the papers from his hand. “I already signed all of the NDAs and stuff for contract workers?”

“I don’t want you to be a contract worker,” he said simply. “I want you to work for us full-time. I told you this.”

You shook your head in disbelief.

“Tony, I already have a job-“

“No you don’t.”

“I don’t?”

“They fired you.”

“They what?!”

“FRIDAY didn’t give you the message?”

You groaned and collapsed in your chair.

“I told her to,” Tony said. “They called your cell last week. I picked up. They were really snotty about it. Not good people.”

“No, they’re not,” you said. “They fired me over the phone?”

“Yup.”

“Through someone else?”

“Yup.”

“Dickheads.”

“Yup.”

You snorted out a laugh, briefly glancing at the employment contracts in your hand. Well, fuck it, why not?

You turned to Pietro.

“How about we just go out this Friday?” you asked. “I don’t think I’ll be going back to the boutique anytime soon.”

He smiled, walking to where you sat in your chair and placing a chaste kiss on your cheek.

“That works just fine for me.”

[sunny-flower-girl-01]

Ohana- A Hawaii Five-0 Fanfic  Chapter Two

Enjoy! Please let me know what you guys think!

I am switching up the POV in this chapter and will probably continue like this. If you have a specific POV you'd like to hear from the characters, let me know.

~~~~~~~~~~~

At the Palace-

"You what!" Danny screeched as they exited the elevator. After they figured out that their "suspect" was going to be no help, they headed back to the office. Thank God everyone else was out of the office at the moment. The last thing Steve wanted to deal with is everyone else finding out about this before he had a chance to process it himself. He had spit it out to Danny on their elevator ride up to the office.

A baby. Steve was gonna have a baby. Well, Thea was going to have a baby. Steve's baby. He sighed and walked straight into his office, ignoring Danny as he continued to ask him to repeat what he just said.

"I'm sorry, you got who, what? You got a girl pregnant?" Danny followed him into the office quickly. Steve sighed again and sank down into his chair, head in my hands.

"What am I gonna do, Danny? I barely know this girl. We hooked up once when we met at the bar at Side Streets! Hell, I never even told her my name! She called me out of the blue yesterday and told me she had to see me in person. That it was urgent. It took me a minute to even realize who she was." He ranted, leaning back into the chair and stared up at the ceiling. Danny, for once, was silent. He looked like he was thinking which was never a good thing. After a moment he finally spoke up.

"What's her name?"

"Thea Kenwood. Why?" Steve asked. Without saying a word, he got up and left Steve sitting in the office alone. "Where are you going?" He called after him. Not a minute later he was back and tossed a file down on the desk. "What is this?"

He sat down in the chair in front of the desk again. "Theodora, also known as Thea, Kenwood. I knew she looked familiar when I saw her at Kamekona's. Grace is best friends with her sister, Nora. She's going to a sleepover there this weekend so I thought I'd look into who was going to have my kid overnight." He said, leaning back in his chair. He pointed to the file on the desk. "That, is a complete background check on the woman you've impregnated."

Steve stared at the file. Everything he wanted to suddenly know about this women was sitting right on his desk. He would know just about her entire life if he looked into it. Normally, Steve would have immediately done his own research about this woman. But something told him he shouldn't do it. He needed to respect her privacy more than that.

Ignoring his own thoughts, Steve looked up at Danny. "Did you read it?"

Danny nodded. "Yeah. Are you?"

Steve pulled the file over to him, staring at it for a moment. He looked up at Danny and shook his head. "Anything important I need to know?"

Danny leaned back and shrugged. "28. A counselor and board member down at the Hawaiian Youth Center. She has custody of her little sister Nora, the one that's best friends with Grace. Nothing really stands out. Just a hard working girl trying to raise a 7 year old. "

Steve nodded, rubbing his hand over his face while he swiveled slightly in his car. Steve spoke softly. "I'm gonna be a dad." He looked at Danny with glossy eyes. His eyes widened then snapped shut. "Oh god, I'm gonna be a dad!" Steve dropped his head onto his desk. Danny laughed and threw his head back.

"Oh boy, Super Seal having his first freak out. I love it." Danny chuckled, throwing his hands up.

Steve rolled his eyes. "Shut up."

After Danny's laughter dies down, they sit in silence for several minutes.

"She gave me an out." Steve said softly. Danny's head shot up.

"You didn't take it did you?"

Steve shook his head. "No! No, I... He pulled the ultrasound out of his pocket and looked at it for a moment before handing it to Danny. "A small part of me wanted to, but she gave that to me. How can I not be a part of my own child's life? I can't just go on with my life everyday knowing that my kids out there and I wasn't a part of their life!" Steve ranted, talking with his hands like his partner does.

Danny looked up from the ultrasound. He was remembering how he felt seeing Grace for the first time on the monitor that day in the doctors office. "Wait, are you mad she gave you an out?"

Steve sighed as he leaned back and rubbed his eyes. "No. I mean, I don't know. How could she possibly think that I wouldn't be there? That's my child too."

Danny shook his head. "No, Steve. I'm sure she didn't mean it like that. I mean you said so yourself. You barely know the girl. That means she barely knows you too. How the hell was she supposed to know you wouldn't just say, 'Oh that really sucks for you but I don't want anything to do with you or the baby.'" He put the ultrasound back on the desk. "That freak out you just had a moment ago, I'm sure she's been having a similar one. She had nothing to tell her that you wouldn't just leave her and that kid out to dry." Danny sighed, leaning back to cross his legs. "Look, I know finding out you're gonna be a father is scary. I was terrified when Rachel and I found out we were gonna have Grace. Hell, she's seven years old and I'm still scared every day. But hey," Danny stood and reached across the desk to pull Steve to his feet and into a bro-hug. "You're not gonna be alone. You know we got your back no matter what."

Steve smiled and returned Danny's hug. "Thanks Danno."

Danny pulled away in time for Steve to see the eye roll at the nickname. "And whether she knows it or not, we've got Theas back. So anything you guys need, just let us know. Speaking of, are you gonna tell the cousins today or wait a bit?"

"I think I'm going to wait a bit. I at least want to have another chat with Thea and let this all sink in some more." Steve said. He pulled out the other piece of paper that Thea gave him with the ultrasound. "She has an appointment today that she invited me to. She said if I couldn't make it it wasn't a big deal. Id like to try and make it, but by the looks of this case I wont be able to." He sighed. He really wanted to be able to be there. He just hoped that Thea wouldn't like his not being there as a sign that he didn't want to be involved. That was a conversation that he was going to have to have with her. His job was dangerous and demanding.

"What time is the appointment? They usually aren't that long so I don't see why you couldn't go." Danny asked him.

Steve glanced at the slip of paper. "11. Its just 9:30. I don't know if Ill be able to make it. But I told her I would call her later even if I wasn't able to show up."

Danny shook his head, following Steve towards the office door after they saw Chin and Kono walk into the offices. "I swear, I'm going to get you to that appointment. Trust me, they're more important than you think."

"Hey boss, we think we have a new lead on our suspect." Chin said, going to work on the tech table to pull up some surveillance footage.

"Alright, what do we have?"

The doctors office-

Thea sighed, plopping the magazine down on the table in front of her chair in the waiting room. The wait was going on 30 minutes and the seated were extremely uncomfortable, even for non-pregnant women, Thea imagined. Finding a better doctors office was on her list of things to do today before she had to pick Nora up from school. Mindy was supposed to meet her after this for lunch so she could get her recommendations, but also so she could finally tell her who the father was. This was a conversation Thea was dying to have with her best friend.

She was also going to have to have a conversation with Rachel. Through the girls, the women have gotten pretty close. Rachel offered to help out with Nora whenever Thea needed help. Rachel told her that she remembered how exhausting it was to still work while pregnant and she couldn't imagine having to go through this alone, regardless of the father's help with the baby or not. She told Thea that everyone needs a support system and to not hesitate to call if she needed anything or just wanted to talk to someone who has been there.

Thea was thankful to have a wonderful support group. Between Mindy, Rachel, all her friends at work, and now from the sounds of it, Steve. She was finally starting to feel better about this pregnancy.

Thea smiled to herself and leaned back in the waiting room chair. Right as she was starting to get comfortable, her name was called. She made small talk with the nurse as they walked back to the exam room.

"So I hear were at 12 weeks already!" The nurse said excitingly. "Will the father be joining us today?" It was a routine question, her nurse last week had asked her the same thing.

"No, he's stuck at work. Its just me today." Thea said, smiling friendly at the nurse. It felt nice to be able to say that and actually mean it this time. She had used the same excuse on her visit a few weeks ago. She really hadn't expected Steve to come today but felt like she owed it to him to have the option.

"Aw, okay. Well, well make sure we get some good pictures of the little one for him to see." The nurse smiled and let Thea into the exam room. "Okay, if you'll just change into the top laid out on the table, then lay down, I will be right back to get started."

Thea nodded and waited for the nurse to leave before quickly changing into the paper like shirt. She groaned at how sensitive her boobs were rubbing against the thin fabric. She had already turned to wearing sports bras on most days since regular wired bras just weren't comfortable anymore. And she didn't see it getting any better for the rest of her pregnancy.

She hopped up on the table, trying her best not to mess up the paper that was laid across it. She leaned back and closed her eyes so she could try and get comfortable.

'Goddamn, the chairs and tables are made of bricks.' She thought to herself.

There was a knock on the door that startled her a little. "Uh, come in." Her eyes widened slightly when she saw Steve poke his head in the door.

"Is it okay that I come in?" He asked, opening the door up a little more to walk in.

Thea smiled softly at him. She hadn't expected him to show up today. "Yeah of course. I just didn't think you were going to be able to make it." She watched him walk in and close the door behind him. He walked over to the exam table and glanced down at her small bump that was much better to see in the top she was wearing now than the one she had on this morning.

"Yeah, I didn't think I was going to either. I have to get back to work after this, but I really wanted to be here so Danny and I made a pit stop." He said.

Before Thea could respond to him, there was another knock at the door and the nurse came into the room.

"Alrighty lets- Oh! Hello! You must be the father?" She smiled at Steve, a bit flirtier than Thea liked. She had no claim to Steve, so she didn't know why the nurse grinning at Steve like that irked her so much. They were going to be co-parents, that's it.

Steve politely smiled at the woman. "Uhm, yeah. Yeah I'm the father." He said, looking down at Thea, who was still looking at the nurse with a slight indifference. As a cop and SEAL, Steve picked up on it quickly, but Nurse Amanda, as the woman just introduced herself, didn't seem to notice the sudden change.

"Alrighty then, well, lets get started and see how your little one is doing." She pulled the monitor over to her. "Lift your shirt up to your chest," She motioned to Thea. "And I'm going to put some gel on. Fair warning its a little cold.

Thea pulled her shirt up to right under her boobs. She glanced up at Steve who was looking like a nervous wreck. Thea couldn't help but laugh a little bit.

"What?" Steve asked, his eyes meeting hers for the first time since he walked into the exam room. His green eyes met her amused ones.

"A Navy SEAL and a cop, and you look like you're about to faint." She giggled.

"I prefer the term, pass out, and no I'm not. I'm fine. Its just.." He trailed off, looking at the wand Nurse Amanda had in her hand. She pressed it to Theas abdomen gently and spread the blue gel around.

Thea took Steve's hand and squeezed it gently. This was her second ultrasound but she remembered how scared and nervous she was. "I know." She smiled softly. They both looked over at the nurse to see her turning the monitor around for them to see.

"Looks like the babies are doing great!" She exclaimed.

Theas head snapped away from the monitor and to the nurse. "The what?" Her eyes were wide. She was having one baby, not two.

"The babies. You're having twins!" She looked at the shocked faces of Steve and Thea. "Did you not know?"

"Does this look like the face of someone who knows she's having twins?!" Thea said loudly, causing Steve to snap out of the shock he was in. This morning he found out that he was about to be a father of a child. And now two. Theas hand was still in his, squeezing harder and harder.

"I'm not having twins. My last ultrasound showed ONE baby. ONE." She said.

The nurse moved the monitor over more so they could see. "One baby was probably well hidden behind the other, or was just not able to be seen on the screen. Lets see," She hit a few buttons on the screen then the sound of two rapid heartbeats came through the speakers. "There. There's the heart beats."

Thea opened her mouth to say something but nothing came out. Her eyes began to water up. Steve pulled one of the chairs over to sit next to her. His eyes never left the screen where he saw the two babies that Amanda had pointed out. He wrapped his other hand around his and Theas joined hands and lifted it to his lips, squeezing them gently. Thea squeezed back, looking over at him. She tried to hide the smile she had on her face but she couldn't.

"Twins would explain the all day morning sickness and the fainting spell you said you had earlier in your pregnancy. I'll take a couple pictures for you, then the doctor will be in."

Steve pulled their hands away. "Fainting spell?" He questioned Thea.

Thea used her other hand to wipe the few tears she had. "Uh, yeah. I was on my way up to my apartment one day with Mindy and I fainted outside my door. I thought it was just the heat and the long sleeved shirt I was wearing plus with how sick I had been feeling. After that Mindy kept asking if I was pregnant. A few days later I took a few tests. She looked at Steve. He had a look on his face, a worried look. It was only one time, I'm on my vitamins now and I'm careful about the heat." She gave his hand another squeeze.

Amanda said they would have the pictures for them at sign out and excused herself from the room.

Steve and Thea sat in silence, both thinking about what just happened.

~~~~~~~~~

After typing in this POV I'm not too sure how I like it, but I wanted to get this chapter out in time. I might come back and retype it later.

Please let me know what you guys think!! I really appreciate the feedback!

[fragrantae]

Dilemma

AN: I honestly don’t know how I feel about this chapter. I might re do it in the future, or merge the next chapter to become one with this. We’ll see~ On a side note, there are French dialogues in this chapter, and if I misused a phrase or something I wrote didn’t really make sense, please don’t be afraid to tell me **Translations are at the end of the chapter

please like, comment/dm/reblog your opinions and feedback for this story! It would mean so much to me :))

pairing: jiminxreader word count: 2.2k

-Third Person-

“What do you mean, ‘he got away’?” Yoongi questioned, venom dripping in his voice. “Her safety is in my hands. I’m not entitled to capture a criminal!”

The other end was silent. Then, the phone was ripped off of the messenger and an autocratic voice took its place. “Listen here, Min. You’re the fourth richest businessman on the globe. You joined this committee last year to become the first. Her safety means nothing to the world. And consequently, nothing to you.

“But if we take the chance to let all twenty of them go, the economic balance in the world will tip. You will see markets plummet. The cost of water and comestibles will rise. Order in conduct will shatter. With great resources Apple Inc. could influence the American government to cut off trades with Southeast Asia, followed by Australia, South Korea, Canada, and the European union to name a few. Millions of people thrown out had they a substantial wage to live by. I won’t stand to see the world crumble. I was never raised to.” Yoongi could remember clearly the days in his past, when he would roam the streets, knocking on doors for leftovers or a roof to crash under. “She will be under my watch the entire time. Find someone else to deal with McCann. You’ve got over five hundred agents on speed dial; pick any but me!”

The growl in his voice was daring, but his superior only cackled. “If that’s how you see it then you’ll get dragged down with her. Put your job before your little feelings and your life will be a blessing. But let me tell you this: you are in a position of power. People would beg on their chins to live the life you do. You’re a selfish man, I see. You think you can change the world and rid it of its faults. That not how the world works!” His breathing quickened just as his anger had risen.

The chief was right and Yoongi couldn’t accept that. The infatuation swelling in his heart blocked the sense of reasoning he once let consume him. He’d care about anyone but himself. At heart he was a saint yet he was never content.

Jimin.

The best thing that ever happened in his life. They loved each other dearly, supported each other through any circumstance. Jimin was his everything. Yet he was far too oblivious to see the pain he had caused Jimin by segmenting his love. Jimin would wait every ticking second for a call, message, notification – anything! – while he was on tour outside of the country. Even when they were in physical reach, he would still feel as though Yoongi’s thoughts wandered elsewhere. It broke his heart.

“I’ll get back to work, boss,” he grumbled, sneering the last syllable as he pulled his phone away from his ear to hang up.

But the voice spoke again before he did.

“I expected better from you, Min,” a low chuckle could be heard, “you aren’t one to get so tangled in your business affairs.”

Yoongi was enraged. He didn’t want to hear whatever the chief had to say. The snickering voice sickened him.

A long pause filled the room, the absence of speech only thickened the tension between the two men. “You aren’t such a faithful man yourself. Do you really think you could have her wrapped nicely around your fingers forever? After all, you still can’t even keep up with Park.”

The line went dead, leaving a restless Yoongi in the stillness of his study.

~ ~

Meanwhile, strolling by a frozen duck pond were Ashley and Jimin. Being immensed in their small talk, Ashley grew fonder of Jimin’s presence. Jimin, on the other hand, could easily see his scheme fall into place.

-Ashley’s POV-

“Are you new around here?”

I asked as the laughter died down. Five minutes had passed and Jimin already had me in a fit of giggles. He told me of the days in his youth, how his friends would constantly tease him for his height, or how he was once a miserable cabbage in a school play. I told him of the things I liked: music, food, hobbies – of the sort. I never thought I’d enjoy the company of a stranger. Perhaps it was the fact I’d spend any moment I had away from work in the solitary comforts of my own home, or how I was never a social butterfly at any common event (if I even attended, at least). Jimin. He was a cool guy, to say the least: laidback, with an easy going aura radiating off of him.

Jimin answered with a shrug insouciantly, “I’ve been traveling a lot for the past five years. I come to visit often to meet some relatives.”

“Oh,” I said. I didn’t understand the emotion I felt. I’ve only met him today, but I’m already wishing to see him again. In the circumstance I was pulled into, I doubted the possibility of Suga allowing me to go out with my ‘friend’ whenever I wished to. I looked up at him as we continued to walk about aimlessly, and I couldn’t help but make distinctions of his profile. The way the soft light twinkled in his eyes, his sultry voice, those plump lips…

“I’ve seen you before…” Before I could catch myself, my eyes widened in realisation. “You’re an international cynosure!”

“A what?”

“Oh- I- I mean a celebrity. You sing, dance and act. People admire you. I’m a fan myself.” I slapped myself (internally) for the use of such complex vocabulary. Don’t ruin this moment with your big mouth, dumbass. I laughed nervously and cleared my throat, hoping not to come off as a psychotic fangirls.

“That’s cute,” he chimed, running the side of his finger down my cheeks, the obvious warmth (from both his touch and the weather) creeping up my neck. “But today, and for the rest of the week, I’m just Park Jimin: your average passer-by.” He put on the cheesiest smile in the world making me melt on the inside.

Just pretend. I repeated those two words to myself and decided not to ponder on the subject of his fame. “I respect that, it’s cool.” Somehow, my feet managed to lead us to a little French bistro a few blocks away from the park. A convenient sub-conscious decision at that, considering I had finished my hot chocolate. Ring, ring. We reached the building. The bell above the door rang cheerfully as we entered the little shop, looking around for a place to sit. The room was mostly empty with a few tables occupied by journalists and amateurs. A warm ambience was prominent throughout, creating a calm atmosphere for people to chat about. We sat in a booth which snuggled nicely in a far, dim corner.

In her skimpy French maid costume, the waitress approached us with two menus. I took in her presentation, a little disturbed to see such a sight at this hour. She looked to be in her mid-thirties. Her hair was pulled far too tightly into a ponytail, the baby hairs around her face sprung out desperately. Her face looked horrendous: her parched lips were poorly concealed by a layer of red lipstick, blue and yellow smothered across her eyelids in a patchy gradient, and her contour made her look like a piece even Picasso could not have painted. She looked like she was awoken by the agitating tone of her ringtone – as though her boss had threatened to fire her if she didn’t come out to work on this cold, snowy day. Making her way to the table in a lackadaisical manner, with her grumpy ‘morning-voice’, she sighed, “What a wonderful day. Please take a look at today’s special.”

She dropped the menus onto the table abruptly, making me jump slightly at the sound. I surveyed the meals hesitantly, my peripheral vision focused on the waitress in case she decided to bite my hand off or something. Everything was a little pricey to my taste, but alas, it was me who brought us here. I decided I’d order a little dessert. My mouth opened to relay my request, but no sooner had I spoken when I was cut off by none other than the man in front of me.

“Je voudrais une part de gâteau au chocolat.”

The words fluently flowed off his lips, him smiling sweetly to the hag. Having several colleagues who had the French dictionary on the tip of their tongue meant I never really required to learn the language. The one time it would be relevant and I hadn’t a clue what he just said. In contrast, the waitress looked down at him in amusement, flattered by his words. Jimin showed no sign or intended interest in her. His fingertips reached for my hand and drew little circles on the backside.

“Voudriez-vous autre chose?” Her mood was perking up, so did her smile. The sentence ended with a light giggle, but to me, all I heard was a hag’s cackle.

Still, Jimin took no notice of her flirting, and casually replied, “Deux thés à la pêche.” A little green critter was growing within me, and I knew I had no reason to feel such a way. How envious I was. The sound of the French syllables flowing in one ear and out the other. To think he would stay to mock me.

The grin on her face was slowly undone as she proceeded to take our orders. She huffed a sigh, “Et pour la dame?” and dropped her jaded gaze on me. All jealousy was seeped out of me and surprise overtook me. What on earth did she just ask me? Had she said what she had in English, I would have beaten her on the pretty beige tiles.

But not like this. No. She was staring into my soul with her hooded eyelids. ‘Please don’t look at me like that!’ I inwardly wailed, thoughts of my past French teacher scolding me flashing in my mind. Intertwining our fingers, however, was Jimin, catching me off guard in the moment, my nervous expression beyond his acknowledgement. In the awkward intensity of the situation, I pulled my hand back in, but sneaky Jimin had other ideas.

“Des macarons.” His fingers curled themselves inward bringing my hand closer to him. I never realised how small the table was until, with little to no effort, my knuckles brushed against the fabric of his black fleece. He turned to face me, tilting his head to the side like a dog, a smug grin plastered on his lips.

“Good choice,” was all she said, before taking our menus and stepping away from our booth. She gave me a quick once-over, narrowing her eyes. Current self-esteem: all time zero. I was probably a tomato head at this point, and all I could think of doing was burying my face deeper into the scarf I wore. One side of her lips pulled up quickly before falling again, and when her back turned to me, she leaned down beside Jimin, making it blatantly obvious how she whispered into his ear. “Elle est magnifique.”

A small huff of a laugh left his lips, and he looked down at our hands. Finally, she left.

Not a moment later, our drinks arrived, a different waitress this time; same outfit, The silence was broken by the clinking sound of our cups being placed on our table. “Do you take just any girl you see on the streets out for coffee?”

He sipped his tea, “Only the ones who I take interest in.” He flickered his eyes to meet mine, his lips still kissed the rim of his glass. “And it seems that I

My cheeks flushed after hearing those words from Park Jimin himself. But I shook myself back to reality. “You were pretty flirty with her.”

“You must really be a lonely person.” He crossed his arms, leaning back in his seat. He folded his arms in a way which said, ‘I can’t believe this.’

I opened my mouth to retort but he beat me to it.

“You probably haven’t seen the sun enough to know the difference between being polite and flirting. She looked like she needed a pick-me-up, and I’m pretty sure what I did brightened her day, at least just a tiny bit.”

“By flirting with her?”

“By ordering our food,” he said, as if it was an obvious answer. “Gosh, you’re such a cutie when you’re jealous. I’m here because something about you caught my eye.” He sat back up and tapped the bridge of my nose lightly, my eyes focusing on his finger as he did it so slowly. “I picked up a few words and phrases while I was on my European tour, no biggie. Look – the food has arrived.” The same waitress who took our order placed two plates on our table: one with a slice of black forest, another with half a dozen macarons (pink, blue, and white). “Mercí,” he accepted the dishes from her kindly.

The plates were placed, one before me, and the other Jimin. She took a good look at the both of us, a weak smile broke on her face, “Bon appetit, lovers.” It was at that moment I sensed there could have been more to her than how she presented herself.

A little part of me believed it wasn’t fate which lead me to simply stumble upon him - what were the odds of that. And that she wasn’t the only person whom I needed a better understanding of.

~~

**French dialogue translations

“Je voudrais une part de gâteau au chocolat.” - I would like a slice of chocolate cake.

“Voudriez-vous autre chose?“ - Would you like anything else?

“Deux thés à la pêche.” -Two peach teas.

“Et pour la dame?” -And for the lady?

“Des macarons.” -Some macarons.

“Elle est magnifique.” -She’s beautiful.

“Mercí,” -Thank you,

“Bon appetit,” -Enjoy your meal,

[seriouslyhooked]

Souvenirs (A CS AU) Part 5/14

A Modern CS AU where Emma has grown up in Maine her whole life and runs a store with Ruby and MM. Killian Jones is the new guy in town, who just bought the local bar. Only Emma and Killian have met before and now she can’t help but wonder if their past has influenced his plans for the future. Includes tons of fluff and a happily ever after. Rated M.

Part One Here, Part Two Here, Part Three Here, Part Four Here

A/N: Hey all! The first part of this chapter is from Killian’s POV and the second is from Emma’s. It’s so incredibly fluffy and when I first wrote it I truly thought I had out done myself on the fluff scale. BUT I am also introducing a new character who will be helping Emma and the others at Three Fates. So strap in for a bonanza of cute, and cuddly. We all deserve it in a world that is less than perfect, so just treat your self.

Even if he tried, there was no way that Killian Jones could keep the smile off of his face. It had been a few weeks since his first arriving in Storybrooke, and he couldn’t have dreamed that it would turn out this well. Hell, part of him had been worried that he’d come here and Emma wouldn’t even remember him, or that yes she’d already have found someone else, but he’d known, deep in his soul that he had to try. He couldn’t take another day living with the what-if, he needed to know if the two of them had truly been everything he’d felt during their one night five years ago.

Now he knew for certain that they were so much more than that. Emma was talented and determined, hard working and honest, but she was also kind and beautiful and incredibly easy to love. It had taken all of thirty seconds in her presence to be entirely sure he’d made the right decision. The way the flush had crept over her cheeks, and her eyes had widened when she’d first seen him. Her emerald gaze had been torn between surprise, frustration, and yearning and yet she’d been the brave one, saying yes from the start and giving him a chance after all this time. Killian was in awe of her and absolutely determined to never ever let her down again.

“Hey boss, what are we thinking for the countertops? High polish or a more natural sanding?”

Killian looked up from his desk in the back office of his newly acquired bar to find Graham Huntsman, his head contractor on this job and the lighthouse. Killian liked Graham and could tell that beyond his work ethic and clear skill in his field, he was a good man, an honorable man. It made working with him easy, which wasn’t always a given in his line of work.

“Do you have an opinion, Graham?” The man looked surprised at having been asked for his thoughts, but he nodded.

“Yeah, actually. I was thinking the more natural look might be better. Ruby showed me some of the pictures of what this place used to look like back in the day, and while the style would need revamping less polish would probably better work for the overall ambiance you’re trying to achieve.”

Though Killian and Graham nearly always stayed on the business when conversing, Killian noted that this was the third time today alone that Graham had managed to bring Ruby up into the conversation. Clearly there was a level of caring there, and he had to wonder how far it went past friendship.

“Sounds good, Graham.”

“Also, Sherriff Nolan is here for you.”

Killian stood up at that, eager to see his new friend. Over the past few weeks, Killian’s opinion of David had only improved, and it was nice to have someone besides Emma who made the town of Storybrooke seem more welcoming. He had never been the kind of man to have a swarm of friends, but he had left a life back in London, and between missing the presence of his brothers, and few best mates there, it was nice to know there were good people in the little town in Maine too.

“Ah Dave, what brings you here?” David smirked at that as he walked in before replying.

“I’m here on a mission actually. I’m supposed to invite you and Emma to a dinner party at my house this weekend. Mary Margaret has insisted that you be there.” Killian raised an eyebrow at that. He’d come to find that Mary Margaret was ever the planner, but surely David must know that he could have little to say about it without Emma’s thoughts.

“Mary Margaret works with Emma, but decided it would be best for you to invite me?” David shook his head.

“No I volunteered for the job, because I’m aware that you sprung for that ultimate cable package and Liverpool is playing Thursday night.” Killian laughed.

“So you were looking for one invite in exchange for another.”

“Well fair is fair.”

“Alright mate, sounds good to me. Hey can I ask you something?” David nodded. “Are Huntsman and Ruby together?”

“Yes and no. Yes, because it’s clear as day they’re both pining away for each other. No, because they’re both too chicken shit to do anything about it.” Hearing David swear signaled a growing frustration that Killian had to marvel at. It took a lot to bother the sheriff.

“Tell me how you really feel.” David raised his hands in surrender.

“Sorry, sorry, its just Mary Margaret is constantly talking about it. At least before you were here she had Emma to worry about too. Now almost all of our conversation is divided between an undying joy about you and Emma and utter despair that Ruby and Graham can’t get their shit together.”

Killian mulled this over. A few weeks ago, he never would have thought to get involved. It wasn’t his business whether Graham and Ruby confessed their feelings to each other, but as someone in the grips of love, who knew that taking that first step had a far better pay off than sitting around wondering what could be, Killian knew he should try and help. That didn’t mean he had to do it alone.

“So getting them together would ease the burden of your necessary emotional support?”

“Undoubtedly.”

“Splendid. Let’s get that done then. Hey, Graham!”

Killian called and David just stared at him, his eyes growing wider as if Killian had three heads or had gone completely mental. Maybe he had, but Killian couldn’t fend off a sneaking suspicion that it would be more than Mary Margaret excited at the prospect of Ruby finding love. Emma too would rather like it, and there was nothing Killian wanted more than to provide Emma with anything and everything she wanted.

“You called?” Killian smiled, trying to ease the awkward blow of what was to come.

“Enough is enough, Huntsman. It’s time to pick yourself up and go tell the girl how you feel.” Graham crossed his arms against his chest and took a step back.

“Excuse me? I don’t know what you’re talking -,” Killian raised a hand.

“Look mate, take it from someone who knows, there comes a time when waiting is no longer an option. You care for Ruby.” It was a statement, not one that Killian needed answered, but one that Graham nodded to in the end. “And she cares for you, but if you don’t make your move someone else will and you may very well face a day when the girl you want is no longer the girl you can have.”

“Ruby and I are friends though. I don’t want to jeopardize that. I don’t want to risk losing her.” It was strange, seeing this mostly quiet man have a moment of insecurity, but Killian could relate. Love was a tricky thing that way.

“Care to step in, Dave?” Killian could hand off the imparting of Ruby’s feelings to his new friend. Hell, he shouldn’t be doing all the work here.

“Look, Graham. I’ve known you and Ruby a long time, and she loves you. You’re both like two puppies circling each other and have been a long ass time. And you’ve lost a lot of people a lot of money who thought one of the two of you would get it together and do something about it before now.”

Killian nearly choked on the water he was drinking at David’s blunt words. Well, that was certainly one way to try and convince the man to take the plunge.

“Okay.” Graham looked between David and Killian now resigned to the need for action, but then the man smiled and Killian knew they were in trouble. “But I’m gonna need some help.”

“We’re in,” David offered without any sort of reassurance and so it was. The three of them were off to see if Graham might be able to win the girl and secure Emma and Mary Margaret’s happiness in the process.

………………………

“I have to hand it to you, Mary Margaret, you were right, having help for the store has made this so much more manageable.”

Emma and Mary Margaret were enjoying a five-minute coffee break as the store’s new assistant, Tiana, helped a customer at the jewelry counter. Within days, Tiana had picked up the vibe of not only Three Fates, but of the friends who ran it. She stood at the case dressed in the put-together but casual attire that was unspoken but prevalent at the store, with wide brown eyes, long black hair pulled back in a tight bun and a faint blush of excitement kissing her darker complexion.

It had taken less than a day for Tiana to answer the ad Mary Margaret strategically put up at the local art college for help in the store, and from everything Emma could tell she was perfect for the job. Studying design herself, and always ready with an easy smile, Tiana had the personality and intuition needed to really make a difference in the store, and with her here, Emma could focus more on meeting the demands of her impending summer line launch than if she had to be monitoring the retail end too.

What had really sold Emma on Tiana though were her ambition and her drive. The girl was a force of nature if her resume was any indication. She was involved in a number of clubs and activities while maintaining top grades at school where she was on scholarship, and attending classes full-time. Despite the already harrowing schedule, Tiana signed on to work twenty hours a week here, and somehow, even though it seemed crazy, Emma knew that she was more than able to keep all those commitments. They were very lucky to have found her, though, and would enjoy her help until she no doubt found her own path to success.

“I just love her. You know, she showed me how to get the stain out of the office rug yesterday? I think she might be magic.”

Emma laughed at that. Worming one’s way into Mary Margaret’s good graces was easy, but her friend did not throw around the ‘m’ word lightly. Tiana must have truly been a special kind of person. Or Mary Margaret had just been desperate to get that stain out. Emma figured both of those statements were likely true.

“Hey, have any of you heard from Graham today?” Ruby asked as she approached from the back office. Emma and Mary Margaret both shook their heads that they had not. “I texted him about lunch, but he didn’t respond.”

That was odd considering that the two friends met up nearly every day to do so. Emma had always found it strange that her best friend, so clearly taken with Graham for so long, had never acted with her usual confidence and boldness. Anytime Emma or Mary Margaret brought up making the first move to Graham Ruby’s reply was always the same – ‘he doesn’t feel that way about me.’ Emma knew that to be blatantly false, all it took was sixty seconds in their company to know they were both head over heels, but Emma could only do so much to try and convince her friend.

Just then, something caught Emma’s eye outside and she looked past her friends through the glass windows of the store. There were people walking in the middle of the street, blocking traffic down the way, and a crowd was gathering. That was weird and very notable not the norm for a given weekday.

“What the hell?” Emma’s words caused Mary Margaret and Ruby to look too, just as Granny came running into the store.

“Do you know about this?” the older woman huffed out her breath as she had clearly raced over here.

“Know about what?” Ruby asked. Her grandmother smiled, a wide toothy grin and clasped her hands together with a look of pure delight.

“It’s time, honey.” Ruby was still confused.

“Time for what?” Granny looked to Mary Margaret and Emma.

“He’s finally done it.” Neither woman needed more context, because everyone knew that the whole town was waiting on Graham to make a move with Ruby. That was the only thing that could get everyone so frenzied, and Granny Lucas so excited.

“Really?! Oh Ruby, let’s go see.” Mary Margaret was brimming with anticipation and started playing with Ruby’s long flowing hair to have it looking the best it could.

“Does someone want to tell me what the hell is going on here?!” Ruby was nearing panic at this point, so confused as to everyone’s reactions. Emma steadied her by placing a hand on her friend’s arm.

“There’s a reason Graham didn’t respond, Ruby.” The mention of Graham brought the same rush of emotions coursing over Ruby’s face and Emma smiled at her friend, who now looked torn between hope and fear.  “Be brave. It’ll be great, I promise.”

“Tiana, we will be right back!” Mary Margaret hollered over her shoulder as they all headed outside.

“Pay attention to every detail, I want the whole story!” Emma laughed at Tiana’s rushed words since the girl usually spoke slower with that charming Southern lilt of hers straight from New Orleans. There was no denying their newest employee was intuitive, and Emma had a feeling they’d be talking about today for a long time to come.

As soon as they stepped outside, Emma was surprised to hear no words from the crowd. Everyone was quiet, which made the music more apparent. String instruments were playing a song that she recognized, but it took a moment to realize that it was ‘All You Need is Love’ by the Beatles.

“They’re playing her song.”

Mary Margaret was already tearing up, and the friends hadn’t even made it through the crowd to see things yet. As soon as they did though, Emma was stunned. Before them was a huge, intricate chalk mural. With a variety of colors, but most prominently red, and a beautiful design of hard lines that still seemed soft enough to make them beautiful. Graham had made a message reading, ‘I love you Ruby’ the full length of the street. Yet the strangest thing to Emma, was that right there, at the front of the line, standing beside David and keeping the crowd at bay was Killian, looking at her with a happy grin.

“What are you doing here?” Emma asked as he came over and wrapped his arms around her. She let herself relax into his embrace, her back against his chest, but she still needed answers.

“Helping with this.” He handed Ruby a note that she took gingerly in her hand. Wordlessly, Ruby pushed through the crowd once again and into the library.

“So he does all this just to have her meet him in the book stacks?” Emma asked. Killian shook his head.

“What’s above the books, Swan?” Emma realized that the clock tower was there, and that the typically boarded up wooden windows had been replaced with a tinted glass.

“The perfect view.” Killian kissed the top of her head.

“Aye, love.”

“You two did this. You told him to go for it?” Emma asked surprised, as realization hit.

“It was Killian’s idea,” David confirmed as he held a weepy Mary Margaret.

“Mary Margaret, it’s okay. This is a good thing.” Emma was teasing, but she couldn’t help herself.

“Are you kidding me? This is easily one of my favorite days ever!”

“But what are we all waiting for, still?” Emma asked, confused as to what they could possibly be hoping for.

“Wait for it…” Killian said and then it happened, the clock’s white backing suddenly had red light shining through it causing the word ‘yes’ to appear in red over the handles and numbers. The whole crowd cheered, Ruby had told him that she loved him too, and the town was celebrating!

“He went so big on this,” Emma noted, glad that her own dates were never this public. Killian laughed at her evident confliction over being happy for Ruby and hating the idea.

“You have to take queues from the woman in question, love. Ruby likes a show from what I can tell.”

“That’s for sure. I bet she loved this.”

With that, Ruby and Graham exited the library to another round of whooping cheers and, as expected, Ruby was eating it up, going so far as to pull Graham in for a big display of a kiss before yelling at everyone to get back to their lives and give them a bit of privacy. The town listened, Emma and Killian included, as they walked back hand-in-hand to Three Fates.

“What you did for them was really wonderful, Killian.”

His hand came up and cupped Emma’s cheek, his thumb running over her bottom lip lightly. She could feel that same current of connection, like somehow the world was brighter and better for him being here and holding her like this. Emma never wanted that feeling to go away, and she knew as long as Killian was here that it wouldn’t.

“You make me happier than I ever thought possible, Emma. I just wanted to help Graham get that same sort of happiness for himself and Ruby.”

When he was so sweet and sincere and lovely, Emma had no choice but to pull him closer for a scorching kiss. She wished she could run off with him, find someplace private and hidden away from the world and show him how much she loved him – because she did, she really really did. But that would have to wait. Instead, Emma pulled back and smiled at him.

“You make me happy too.”

His responding expression set her heart fluttering as he kissed her hand and departed, off to go about his business, leaving Emma fully aware that the rest of the day would be spent thinking of him and just how lucky she was that he’d found her.

Post-Note: This chapter will hence-forth be known as the Ruby/Graham fluff parade. It came to me in a moment of need, when I couldn’t handle the angst of another show I was watching and I wanted to escape to a land of TLK and cuteness overload. I hope you guys enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it. I was also so excited to introduce Tiana to this story. She’s someone we haven’t seen on OUAT to date, but I love her movie and everything her character stands for. I think she would fit in really well with the strong women of Storybrooke and I am adamantly awaiting a day when she gets her due. Anyways, thanks for reading!

[luci-in-trenchcoats]

The Girl Next Door (Part 4) - Alright

Summary: Dean helps Sam through a hard morning and the reader bumps into Dean at work...

The Girl Next Door Masterlist

Pairing: Neighbor/Mechanic!Dean x baker!reader

Word Count: 3,100ish

Warnings: language

A/N: Parts of this series are told from two different POV’s. Dean’s POV are written from limited third person. Reader’s POV are second person (like a typical reader insert). Enjoy!…

Dean’s POV

“Pancakes?” asked Dean when Avy trudged into the kitchen the next morning, taking a seat at the table besides a grumpy Sam. She groaned and threw her head down on the table, Sam almost smiling at her. “Avy, what’s wrong, sweetie?”

“I don’t wanna go to day camp,” she grumbled. “I want to stay home with daddy.”

“Well you were very excited to go not that long ago. West is gonna be there and Jenna and…” trailed off Dean, looking to Sam for help.

“A lot of your friends from school will be there. You’ll get to play games and sports. It’ll be way more fun than daycare was last year, I promise,” he said.

“Do I have to go everyday?” she asked.

“Not everyday,” said Sam, tucking her hair behind her ear, smiling at the messy braid she’d tried to do herself. “Once I’m a little better, you can stay home with me and we can play.”

“Fine,” she grumbled. Dean didn’t say anything more as he made up breakfast, Sam redoing Avy’s hair for her. Dean got Avy out the door after only one more protest and into the car of another parent who was taking the kids to camp that day.

“Hey, grumples,” said Dean as he walked back into the kitchen. Sam nearly glared at him, Dean raising an eyebrow. “Want to go get dressed?”

“I can do it myself,” said Sam. He stood up on his own and headed upstairs, Dean on his tail. Sam nearly slammed the bedroom door in his face, Dean catching it and stepping inside. “Leave me alone.”

“Hey. You had a little set back. That’s it. Stop being so pissed this morning. You know Avy can tell and it puts her in a bad mood too,” said Dean. Sam shoved him back against the door, leering down at his brother. Dean stayed relaxed though, Sam sighing as he shut his eyes. He shoved against Dean again but grabbed his shoulders this time.

“I’ve been dizzy since I got up this morning,” said Sam quietly, leaning his head against Dean. “Like really dizzy.”

“Okay. Can I sit you down on the bed?” asked Dean softly.

“Yeah,” said Sam. Dean arranged himself so he would catch Sam if it came to that and then walked him over to the mattress. He sat Sam back against the headboard and shoved a few pillows around him so he wouldn’t go anywhere. He left to get some water from the bathroom, returning to find Sam with his knees pulled into his chest and his chin resting on top of them.

“Here,” said Dean, getting out the medicine from the bottle in his nightstand, pouring two into his hand and handing them out to Sam. He popped them in his mouth and took the water Dean offered, returning to his position as Dean sat down on the edge of the bed.

“I didn’t take the medicine when I got up cause it makes me so freaking tired and I just want it all to go away but it won’t. It might never go away,” said Sam, a shaky breath escaping him.

“Sammy,” said Dean, peeling off one of Sam’s beanies he’d taken to wearing 24/7. Sam turned away, Dean getting a full view of the healing stitches on top of his head. “If I could trade places with you, I would. I’d do it in a heartbeat, I would.”

Sam looked back at him, about to speak when Dean lifted his chin.

“Hey. I’m your big brother. That’s my job, to take care of you,” said Dean with a smile. “Just let it out.”

“Let what out?” said Sam.

“Just cry and scream and shout however you to and get it out of your system. Stop with the brave face, alright? You did the same thing with Jess. You shoved it down until you popped and still you dove headfirst into work when you came out of it. Well you ain’t doing that this time. So let it out,” said Dean.

“I’m terrified,” said Sam with a smile, rubbing his eyes with the back of his hand. “Of dying. Of leaving Avy alone with two dead parents at only six years old. I don’t think I’ll ever practice law again. I’m scared to drive a car ever again. I can’t even take a shower by myself...I’m scared of everything, De.”

“Well that’s okay,” said Dean.

“No it’s not,” said Sam, staring at his brother.

“Every time in life you’ve been scared, what do I say to you?” asked Dean.

“It’ll be alright,” he mumbled.

“How’s that worked out so far?” asked Dean.

“This is different.”

“Okay. It’s different. It’s still going to be alright,” said Dean, gently leaning forward and running a finger near Sam’s stitches. “You shouldn’t be alive. You had a chunk of metal in your head. It was literally sticking out of you, Sammy. You shouldn’t even be able to be walking and talking. But guess what? You are. You’re strong Sammy. I know you’re tired of being exhausted and dizzy and feeling helpless. You’ve had a hard few weeks. I know. But I also know how strong you are and that you’ll get through it. So when you get tired, you tell me and I will help you. Okay?”

Sam nodded, Dean pulling his beanie back on his head.

“Take a nap. I’m not working tomorrow so we’ll do something fun, get you out of the house,” said Dean. “Maybe even invite Eileen?”

“Shut up,” smiled Sam.

“You want to stay in your pajamas or let the hot nurse change you later?” teased Dean.

“You’re unbearable,” said Sam, rolling his eyes. “Give me something clean. I can change myself.”

“Alright, alright,” said Dean, going to Sam’s closet and coming back with a pair of loose shorts and a simple white v neck. Dean turned away while Sam dressed on the bed, surprisingly quickly too. When he finished, Dean went to the bathroom and grabbed a wet washcloth, wiping off Sam’s face. “Now you ain’t so stinky for the cute girl.”

“Go to work, loser,” said Sam, laying back on the bed.

“You think of something fun for us to do tomorrow, deal?” asked Dean.

“Okay, De,” mumbled Sam, burrowing his face in his pillow. It didn’t take long for Sam to fall asleep with the medicine in his system, Eileen at the door ten minutes later. Dean gave her the rundown on what had happened the night before but she didn’t seem too overly concerned which eased a few of his worries.

He was halfway out the front door when he glanced over to Y/N’s porch. She was curled up on the seat with a cup of coffee in her hand and her laptop out, furiously typing away with one hand. There was a tuft of hair sticking up in the back but Dean didn’t want to interrupt her. She looked lost in her own little world over there.

And then he proceeded to trip down the last step and nearly do a face plant on the front path. She must have heard because she popped her head up, Dean quickly on his feet and flashing her a thumbs up.

“All good!” he said. She shook her head and smiled, a soft and goofy little smile, as she turned back to her computer. Dean felt his face heat up when he had his back to her and headed over to Baby, climbing inside with a smile of his own.

Reader’s POV

“Okay, 1209 Main…” you said, doing your last drop off just before noon. It looked like a garage, not the typical customer for your kind of business but the cake and platter of cookies was for a retirement party and you figured they wanted to make it special for the guy. You rang the phone number on the order, a sweet southern voice picking up.

“Hunter’s garage. How may I help you today?” he said.

“Hi, may I speak to a Benny Lafitte?” you asked.

“Speaking, cher,” he said with a chuckle.

“Hi Mr. Lafitte. This is Y/N from Sinful Sweets. I have your order right out front,” you said.

“Oh, thank you. One of the other boys has got boss man out of the shop so you can bring it right on in,” he said.

“Sure thing,” you said as you hung up. You grabbed the two pink boxes, not a huge cake by any means, probably only five or six guys worked there if you had to guess. You walked in through the open double garage doors, heading over to the front desk where a man was walking out from an office.

“Well thank you very much, darling,” he said, taking the boxes from you and setting them on the counter. “We’ve heard wonderful things about your bakery business.”

“Oh. Well that’s very flattering of you to say,” you said with a smile.

“Deano says your chocolate chips are to die for,” he said.

“Deano? Dean Winchester?” you asked, spotting a tuft of brown hair walk around from the front of a car.

“Hey!” he said with a big smile, coming over to lean against the counter. He had grease on his face and hands, Benny eyeing him up and down. “I didn’t know you delivered your own stuff too.”

“Normally I don’t. My summer hire for delivery has the day off,” you said.

“Coconut cream. I bet this cake is going to be amazing,” said Dean to Benny.

“You’re hopeless, brother,” said Benny, rolling his eyes and slapping Dean on the back. “Come on. I ain’t paying you to flirt with pretty girls.”

“You ain’t my boss yet,” smirked Dean.

“As of five tonight I am. Five minutes. I only got you a few hours a week and you’re officially the second best mechanic we have at five tonight so-”

“Oh, I don’t want to get Dean in trouble,” you said, Dean rolling his eyes at Benny.

“I’m just messing with him, cher. Deano and I go back to what, fifth grade? New kid in town. Deano has a habit of taking the new kids in under his wing,” said Benny.

“I do not,” said Dean.

“Uh, first it was Cas in what, first grade? Me in fifth, then Garth in ninth-”

“Sounds like he’s got a point, Dean,” you teased.

“Well sounds like you’re the newest new kid around,” said Benny, flashing Dean a wink. “You’re welcome.”

“Go put up some streamers that Bobby’s going to hate, doofus,” said Dean.

“I’m sure I’ll see you around, Ms. Sinful Sweets,” said Benny, smiling as he walked away with the boxes. Dean sighed and shook his head, rubbing the back of his neck with his hand.

“Sorry about him. You know how guys can be,” he said.

“I like him,” you said, Dean chuckling. “So your boss is retiring?”

“Mhm. Bobby. He’s actually Sammy and mine’s uncle. My Aunt Ellen finally convinced him to retire. The whole thing with Sam a few weeks ago...they want to get out there and do stuff before it’s too late, you know? Benny’s normally his backfill anyways. He’ll do a good job,” he said.

“I’m surprised you’re not the new boss,” you said.

“I was offered first but I can’t really commit the time with Sam and everything right now,” he said.

“Well, I think that’s very sweet of you. Maybe once Sam’s feeling better you and Benny could co-run the place,” you said.

“Maybe,” he said with a shrug. “I don’t think I’m boss material. You run a business. You know how hard it is.”

“I got faith you could,” you said.

“That makes one of us,” he said with a smile.

“Sam doing any better this morning?” you asked, Dean scratching his cheek, getting a splotch of grease on himself.

“Yeah. He’s okay. He’s got this handled. He’s just a bit impatient,” he said, looking over your head. He pursed his lips and put his hands in his pockets, staring down at his feet. “Actually this morning was a bit rough. Medically he’s fine. He got pretty scared though. I really fucking hate seeing him like that. I’m going to get him out of the house tomorrow. I think that’ll be good for him.”

“That sounds like a good idea. He was always go go go it seemed,” you said. You rubbed his arm, Dean glancing down at where you were touching. “You okay too?”

“Yeah. Thanks, Y/N,” he said, a small grin crossing his face. “We still on for Saturday?”

“Well I did have a date with this ridiculously hot guy but he had to cancel on me so I suppose I can hang out with you,” you said, tilting your head up at him.

“Same thing happened to me! Darn hot people,” he said, smirking at you. You bit your bottom lip, giggling to yourself when he wiped more grease across cheek. “Something on my face?”

“Just a little. I’ll see you later,” you said.

“Later, sweetheart.”

“Hello?” you said as you answered your phone a few hours later.

“Hey, Y/N. This is Sam, Winchester. I got your number from Dean if that’s okay,” he said.

“Yeah, that’s cool. What’s up, Sam?” you asked. “Need something?”

“I just...wanted to say thanks. Last night. I know you took care of me, all of us. Especially Avy. I appreciate that,” he said.

“You Winchesters are all the same, I swear,” you said as you laughed. “It’s fine Sam. As long as you’re healthy, I’m good.”

“I got a favor to ask if that’s okay,” he said.

“Shoot,” you said, hopping up on your counter.

“Eileen has to run to her other patient for the day and it looks like Dean’s hung up at our Uncle’s retirement party,” he said, taking a deep breath.

“Want to come hang out?” you asked.

“Thank you for not making me ask,” he said quietly.

“Ask what?” you teased. “Have Eileen drop you off. I got some new frosting flavors you can try out for me while you’re here.”

“Red velvet and orange creamsicle are a go. Blackberry needs some work,” you said, jotting it down while Sam was licking his lips clean. “You got a super taste like Dean?”

“No. I think that only applies to him and pie but he’ll never turn down a free dessert,” said Sam. He looked around your kitchen, tilting his head at the pile of work papers you had shoved at one end of the table. “Y/N. Can I ask how long you’ve been in business?”

“About a year, a little less,” you said. “Since I moved in here.”

“Eileen says you guys used to live about an hour away?” he asked. “In Kansas City?”

“Yeah,” you said. “We were roommates back in school. She tell you I drop out too?”

Sam didn’t say anything. You smiled, writing a note to pick up some more blackberries.

“S’okay. I’m sure she has,” you said.

“I figured you realized you didn’t want to do that the rest of your life, be a doctor I mean,” he said.

“I never particularly wanted to be one but I’d probably still be in it if...we had a bad pile up one night. It was too much for me. I decided I wanted to do what I wanted to with my life,” you said. “Stop doing what I thought I was supposed to.”

“Hence the bakery?” he asked.

“Yeah. I always loved it. I love the baking side. The business side not so much but I don’t mind being small,” you said. “Self-employment ain’t that bad. Never got to ask the boss for time off either.”

“Well, I’m sort of unemployed at the moment if you ever want me to help out,” said Sam. “In exchange for your babysitting services that is.”

“I thought Avy went to camp during the day?” you asked.

“I meant me,” he said, cheeks pink for a moment.

“We’re just hanging out. I think you should rest though, Sam. You look tired,” you said. “Take a nap for a few minutes.”

“Dean said some stuff to me this morning. I don’t think I want to go back to being a lawyer,” he said. You lifted your chin, Sam looking around. “I worked too much. I want to spend more time with my girl, have a life again. You know?”

“I get that,” you said, Sam’s eyes going back to the stack of papers. “Sam. I don’t need a business partner. This is more to give me something to do than anything else. I don’t want to grow into some huge business either. I want to stay a mom and pop shop.”

“Alright,” he said, staring at you with big eyes and a little pout.

“I’ll think about it, okay?” you said, Sam smiling to himself. “How do you not get everything you want with a face like that?”

“Dean keeps yelling at me to stop giving him puppy dog eyes. It’s one of his weaknesses,” he said.

“I’m sure it is. So what interests you so much about the baking business?” you asked.

“Nothing. But you could use some organizational help, give you more time to focus on the baking side,” he said.

“Sam, you’d never in a million years come close to making what you do as a lawyer,” you said.

“I got a nest egg. I’m not worried about money. I worry about different stuff nowadays,” he said, rubbing his palm.

“How about once you are cleared to return to work, we revisit this conversation but until then, you are always free to come over during the work day if you get bored, hm?” you said.

“Deal.”

A/N: Read Part 5 here!