#thanks to my brain never shutting up and ava..

[bloodsalted]

// i adulted and took care of more surgery paperwork. now i'm here to avoid the outside. oh hi!

[janeyseymour]

The Other Woman

I'M BAAAAAAACK. With this short little one shot thanks to @jeridandridge and her big brain ideas that she let me steal

Summary: you have another woman that melissa has the unfortunate pleasure of meeting. Jealousy ensues.

WC: ~2.8k

It’s been about three years since you’ve started at Abbott Elementary, and honestly? It’s been challenging. Challenging, but rewarding. You’ve found a work family that you actually want to be a part of. But you’re also in a tougher area in Philadelphia, and on top of all of that, you’ve been working on your masters in reading since landing the job as the third grade teacher who took the load off of none other than Melissa Schemmenti.

You feel like you’ve been up to your eyeballs in work, both for your students and for yourself. But now, hopefully that you have your masters degree, that work load will lighten significantly.

The other thing that’s been quite challenging? Masking the feelings that you have for a certain redhead. She always gave off that she was hardheaded, stubborn, and difficult in most situations, but you’ve seen that she has a softer side. You’ve seen the way that she loves her students and former students like her own, how she makes sure that both Jacob and Janine are eating something that has actual nutritional value, her softer side for Barbara Howard, even the simple gestures of bringing Mr. Johnson takeout menus to places she thinks he’ll enjoy. And she’s been incredibly nice to you from the start- something that you’ve learned is entirely out of character for her. She claims it’s because you helped lighten her load, but the truth of it is that she quite likes you- enjoys you even.

Melissa Schemmenti, second grade teacher at Abbott Elementary school, would never have the same feelings that you do- at least that’s what you think. So, after about a year of harboring these emotions, you decide that you have to simply get over yourself and the feelings that you hold. You throw yourself into your work and your classes. During the last semester of classes that you took, you ended up finding a sweet girl who works as a teacher at a school in the suburbs. She helps you to repress the love that you have for the redhead while you’re with her, but as soon as you walk into Abbott again… it’s like Emily doesn’t exist.

It’s not like things with Emily are official either. Yes, she’s met Jacob and Janine at a happy hour once or twice, but aside from that, you would say you’re casually dating her. She would say the same, which is nice. There’s low commitment, minimal effort, outstanding sex.

“So, we’re thinking us going down to Oscars after work on Friday,” Jacob mentions casually at lunch on Tuesday. “You in?”

He knows you’re going to say yes. You love Oscars, and you almost never turn down a good time with two of your coworkers. “You know I’m there. Us four?” You gesture to yourself, Jacob, Janine, and Gregory.

Janine glances to her partner in crime before cutting in. “Us four, Mel, Barb, Mr. J, and Ava?”

“Oh,” you chuckle. “So this isn’t happy hour- this is getting hammered.”

“We just thought it might be nice to go out and have a few beers to celebrate you getting your masters,” Jacob shrugs with a blush creeping into his cheeks.

And so, after the school day is done and your door is shut for the weekend, you make your way into the lobby of the school where the rest of your little work family is. You all shove your things into your cars and lock them before you begin the short walk down to your favorite dive bar.

“Oh, I invited Emily by the way,” Jacob says offhandedly as your group travels.

“Who?” Melissa’s rough voice asks.

Your brow raises. “You did?”

“I thought you might like to have your girlfriend there,” he tells you.

The second grade teacher’s face hardens. “You have a girlfriend?”

“No,” you state quickly, shooting your friend a glare. “Emily is just this girl I’ve been seeing casually. It’s not- she’s not my girlfriend.”

“You sure about that?” Janine asks.

“Yeah,” Melissa huffs. “You sure about that?”

You close your eyes and take a deep breath. “Yeah, Lis. I’m pretty sure. It’s drinks maybe once a week, and then it’s just sex. Isn’t that what you were doing with the Captain?”

Green eyes stare at you as she quirks her lips, raises a brow, and folds her arms over her chest. She essentially stays that way for the rest of the walk down to Oscars, making for some uncomfortable tension between the group.

That tension is quickly gone when Ava orders a round of drinks for you all. After that little spat that you had with your favorite redhead (ironically, not the woman that ends up in your bed almost every weekend), you realize that your goal is to get absolutely hammered today. Little do you know, that Melissa also feels that way now. After downing the drink that Ava treated you all to on the company card, the second grade teacher drags her best friend to the bar.

“Girl, what’s got you so angry?” Barbara asks as Melissa takes another shot. “You were fine when we left the school.”

“I-” The redhead pauses to wipe the little amount of alcohol from her lip with her sleeve. “I didn’t know that Y/N had a girl. I was gonna ask her out tonight, but now that plan’s a load of shit, and I’m pissed I didn’t make a move sooner.”

“You heard her,” Barb shrugs. “It’s casual. You still could.”

Green eyes are rolled. “No fuckin’ way.”

“Then you need to try to keep this temper of yours under control, the jealousy too,” the kindergarten teacher chides. “We’re here to celebrate Y/N and her getting her masters.”

Melissa huffs before making her way back over to where you are- already taking your second shot of the day. But then your eyes lock with hers, and you hate how much it turns you on when she’s pissed off. As much as you love seeing her angry, you don’t want to be the one who’s making her feel this way.

“I’m sorry I was a bitch earlier,” you lean in, wrap an arm around her waist, and whisper into her ear. “I didn’t think you’d care if I was talking to someone.”

“I thought-” Whatever Melissa is going to say never gets uttered because Emily walks in, and Jacob and Janine both cheer and giggle. You’ve never moved your hand away from someone so quickly, and you hate that you have to in the first place. Your arm being around that waist felt so right.

“Hey!” Emily makes her way over to you, wraps an arm around your waist, and kisses your cheek.

“Hey,” you smile awkwardly as you return the sentiment. “Uh, let me introduce you to the rest of the group. You obviously know Jake, Greg, and Janine.”

She waves at them.

“This is Barbara, Ava, Mr. J, and…” you sigh softly when you see that the redhead has gone stone faced again. “Melissa.”

Emily smiles at everyone. “It’s great to be with youse, celebrating Y/N gettin’ her masters. I wish I liked my coworkers as much as y’all seem to get along.”

“I’m sure you’ll get there,” you tell her softly. “It took me some time to find my group.”

Emily is handed a drink, and you find that it’s quite nice that she already knows some of your friends- this way, she isn’t attached to your hip. You’re able to play darts with Jacob and Gregory, get in some gossip with Janine, challenge Ava and Mr. Johnson to a chugging competition, and chat with Barbara while your date mingles with your friends. It doesn’t go unnoticed that while you’re conversing with Barbara, Melissa stays silent. 

“I’m heading to the bathroom, and then ordering another drink,” the kindergarten teacher tells you as she begins to shimmy her way out of the booth. “Would either of you like anything?”

“Whiskey, neat,” the redhead grumbles.

“Angry balls,” you request.

Barb’s eyes go wide. “What?”

“Shot of fireball mixed with an orchard,” you explain. “Thank you.”

As soon as Barbara is out of earshot, you scoot in closer to the redhead. “So, you gonna tell me why you’re all pissy?”

Melissa scoffs. “I’m not being pissy.”

“Yeah you are,” you call the redhead out. “No smiles, arms crossed, brows furrowed. Quiet, for once in your life.”

“So maybe I’m a little pissed,” the redhead admits quietly, although she does uncross her arms, and one finds its way around your waist, pulling you in just slightly closer. Liquid courage.

“And why would that be?” you question. “It’s just the gang.”

“And that girl,” Melissa mutters under her breath, but you’re close enough that you can hear it.

“Emily?” you ask. At her nod, you roll your eyes. “At this point, I’m pretty sure Jake and Janine like her more than they like me. And like I told you earlier, it’s honestly just sex. I don’t want anything else with her, and she knows it.”

“Then why’s she here?”

“Because Jacob is convinced we’re goin’ t’fall in love or some shit,” you chuckle. “You know him.”

“An idiot,” the redhead sighs.

“He’s got a good heart though,” you quip. “Just like you. I like you more when you’re nice, you know.”

Your colleague turns to face you slightly, and you swear there’s a blush creeping into her cheeks. “Oh?”

“Yeah,” you smirk, as you reach behind her and tuck the hairs that have threatened to fall in her face behind her ear. “It makes me sad when you’re all pissed.”

Jacob’s eyes follow where Emily is looking- at the two of you, cozied up together in the booth.

“You good, Em?” the social studies teacher asks.

The woman turns to face him with a sad smile. “They like each other, don’t they?” It’s not asked in an angry way, or even in a hurt way. It’s more of a statement phrased as a question. 

Jacob sighs quietly. “I- That’s a question for Y/N.”

Emily just purses her lips in thought before throwing the dart in the direction of the dart board.

When Barbara returns to the booth, it’s apparent to her that the two of you had reconciled. It almost seems to her that her best friend had admitted the feelings she has for you. Of course, she doesn’t voice that. Instead, she just joins the conversation with a smile, happy that things seem to be back to normal.

It’s a long while later that you’re all more than a little drunk, and the Abbott clan decides to call it a night. You thank your friends for coming out to celebrate with you, giving them all hugs as they depart from the bar. The only one that you give a quick kiss on the cheek to is Melissa- an act that does not get past your date.

And then it’s just you and Emily on the sidewalk.

“Did you want to go somewhere else?” you ask. “Or maybe just back to my place?”

“Maybe we could skip the next bar and just head to a diner? I could use some food, and I think we need to talk,” Emily tells you quietly, although her voice feels much louder now that you’re out of the dive bar atmosphere.

“Y-yeah,” you nod along, scratching the back of your neck. 

It’s not long before you’re in a small little diner eating burgers and thanking the waitress for her service. And then Emily sighs.

“Is- is everything okay?” you ask, suddenly nervous.

“Yeah,” she smiles, although it doesn’t reach her sparkling eyes like it usually does. When you look a little harder, you can’t help but note that her eyes aren’t even sparkling the way they usually do when she’s with you. “I just-” Emily bites her lip nervously before letting the words tumble out of her mouth. “I don’t want to be in the way.”

“You don’t want to be in the way of what?” you furrow your brow.

“You,” Emily whispers. “Y/N, I care about you, and I want what’s best for you. Unfortunately, that’s not me.”

“What?” you ask softly. “Em, what are you-”

“I’m not mad at you,” the woman across from you promises. “But you have feelings for Melissa. Stronger feelings than you have for me.”

“I- I-” you stammer out with wide eyes. She’s right, but you don’t know how to say it.

“And that’s okay,” Emily smiles. “She likes you too. Anyone with eyes can see it, and I don’t want to be in your way of finding true love and happiness.”

“W- What?” you continue to flounder. “I- I-”

“It’s okay,” Emily assures you, yet again. “I saw the way that the two of you were flirting. The way she brightens up and comes alive when you’re near her. Your- your eyes sparkle when you look at her. I want you to be happy.”

“Em,” you breathe out. “I- I’m sorry.”

“You don’t have anything to be sorry for,” the woman promises. “You can’t help feelings, and we had a good run. I would still like to be friends- and I had a great time out with your coworkers tonight… well aside from Melissa.”

“She-”

“Once I knew why she hated me, I couldn’t help but understand,” Emily shrugs.

You take a bite of your burger. “How are you always so understanding of everything?”

“We’re teachers, aren’t we?” your date teases.

Despite the fact that the two of you essentially broke up at the diner, the rest of your meal is cordial, and you even gossip about how Gregory and Janine absolutely are going to end up married at some point. 

And then you’re seeing Emily off in an uber for the night before walking back to your own apartment for the night.

You take off your makeup and change into a pair of sweat shorts and an Abbott hoodie before settling on the couch with a beer and really taking in what Emily had said to you. She knows that you have feelings for Melissa. She also seems to be convinced that your redheaded coworker has feelings for you. 

Your eyes glance at the clock. It really isn’t all that late.

Before you know what you’re doing, you dial Melissa’s number.

“Hello?” the redhead’s gruff voice crackles through the speaker.

“Lis?”

“You dialed me, you know it’s me, hun,” Melissa quips.

You can’t help the giggle that bubbles up out of you. “I know it’s a long shot, but would you want to come over?”

“Emily isn’t there?”

“No,” you roll your eyes. “She and I- I think you and I need to talk, and I want to do it before I lose my nerve.”

You can hear the redhead pull herself off her couch. “Fine. But you owe me money for the Uber I’m going to take.”

“Deal.”

Your colleague shows to your house about twenty minutes later, and you can’t help the smile that finds its way to your face when you take her in. She’s just in a pair of leggings and a tank top, her hair tied up messily, but God does she look beautiful as ever.

“No just sex tonight?” Melissa smirks.

You shake your head. “Not tonight.”

“Well that-”

“Not ever again, if this goes well,” you tell her as you invite her into your apartment.

Sculpted eyebrows furrow. “What does that mean?” she asks as she settles on the couch.

You take the opportunity to sit next to her and pull her in closely. “Em and I- we… uh, talked.”

“Okay?”

“I- I don’t really know how to say this, so,” you trail off as you cup her cheek with your hand and pull her in for a soft kiss. Her lips are frozen against yours for a second before she fully comprehends what’s happening. She kisses you back before pulling away.

“Y/N, I don’t want to play-”

“Emily and I broke things off,” you tell her. “After we left the bar.”

“And why the hell would you do that?”

“Because,” you smile as you look into her eyes. You can see that she’s hoping you say it’s for her. “Because I have feelings for you, not her.”

“What?” she asks, despite her wish for you to admit that to her. It clearly shocks her.

“After everyone left, we went to get burgers, and… she told me it’s clear that there’s something between the two of us. I’m tired of trying to hide my feelings for you, Lis.”

That’s all Melissa needs to hear before she pulls you in again. 

@schemmentis @thesapphictimelady @marvel210 @itisdoctortoyousir @morgana-larkin @doesthatsuggestanythingtoyou @sweetcheeksschemmenti @megamultifandomtrashposts @lemz378 @http-sam @melissaschemmentisbranzino @imaginesmultifandoms @sexysapphicshopowner @lilfartbox1 @maybe-a-humanbean @imlike-so-gaydude @a-queen-and-her-throne @notinmyvocab @melanielaufeyson @dvrkhcld @cosmichymns @sasheemo @m1lflov3rrr @ricejucie @temilyrights @emilynissangtr @squinnchy @dopenightmaretyphoon @emeraldoceansstuff @shinyfaerielights  @blkmxrvel @marvelwomenrule @sarahjohannson @casualfoxwitch @babytakeittothehead @schemmentits

[sunsetmaidenwrites]

Hi! In Your Eyes? 👀 (I have been down the Ava x Bucky rabbit hole before)

Hi! Thanks so much for asking me about this one. This is a rarepair that really captures my interest. I wrote a one shot for them not too long ago and have been wanting to write more. (I have a bit of an Ava Starr-agenda. She's made a few cameos in recent stories, too. I find her very fascinating!)

This one is a movie au based on an indie flick by the same name. It has a twin flames concept, with Bucky and Ava being strangers who can sense what the other one is feeling. Somewhat aware of this from an early age and not really understanding it, they've managed to shut the bond down and shut the other out.

But as they get older, both find themselves desperately lonely and at a crossroads needing a connection. Ava is trapped in a loveless marriage to a controlling man; Bucky can't seem to escape his troubled past. Feeling vulnerable, frustrated, and lost, their mental connection sparks back to life and they begin communicating with one another through their shared bond.

Here is a snippet (language warning):

After that visit, he’d gone back to his cell, huddled down on the hard lumpy cot that was his home for the foreseeable future and he’d sobbed. Deep, silent, shaking shudders. Surrounded by the moans and howls and cursing of his fellow inmates, the smell of piss, sweat and broken dreams hovering heavy in the air as he mourned every way he’d gone wrong. Every mistake he could never fix because every path set before him had always led exactly here.

If he didn’t die in this hell hole, it would be another. Alone and miserable, getting what Fate determined from the start he had coming. His hands clenched into fists, and he wished he could hit something…probably himself. He deserved it after the disappointment he’d seen in Steve’s eyes.

I’m sorry, his soul screamed, but who was he apologizing to? Steve? Becca? His Ma for turning out too much like his ol’ man? Or maybe…maybe there was someone else. Some distant aching memory he’d pushed and hidden away, never completely relinquishing though he’d refused to give it a name for fear it made him a madman. Carefully, in the depths of his misery and recrimination, he unfurled one hand, letting it rest listlessly by his side as he waited. He could do it. Just once, though it’d been years. He just had to concentrate, open his mind, pull the cord on his tightly shuttered heart and let the phantom light in. Gulping down breath, spit, and guilt, he opened his eyes and peeked into the void. There was nothing there. Just the peeling, cold unforgiving gray of the ceiling. No other pictures for his mind to cling and sift through, probably because he’d forgotten how to dream so long ago. But there was something…just beyond him. Out of reach. An itch. A tingle. A certainty that he wasn’t as alone as he insisted. I did it for you. His mind screamed, his fingertips twitching in desperate beckoning. Just once. One more time. One last time. And I’ll shut you out. I’ll never ask again. He swallowed hard, tears leaking from his eyes. He was 18 years old, and he’d already fucked up every chance at a decent life. Please. Then by some miracle he’d never understand—surely the imaginings of a fucked-up brain—he felt it. The flutter of fingertips, grazing the length of his own. Warm, safe, and capable as they traveled up the length of his fingertips, before flattening so they were hand to hand. His real palm and an invisible shadow palm that existed only in his mind but felt more fucking real than anything else he’d experienced. He felt the sliding sensation as fingers sank into the crevices of his and squeezed. Held on.

Bucky closed his eyes once more, the silent sobs abating as he sank into the serenity of the moment. A simple touch. Surely all in his head. But it didn’t let go. And neither did Bucky.

[cartierbin]

Hello can author-nim i really like your stories can i request a story for dilf-seungmin. Thank uuu🤧❤️

tysm baby.

『 pairing — seungmin x reader

genre — smut + dilf!seungmin fucking the hell out of his daughter’s best friend against the fridge

word count — 1.323k 』

smut under the cut !

“daddy! I need help please”. the two year old shouts from the bathroom, watching his feet dangle in front of him. It was a good thing the bathroom was right beside seungmin’s bedroom, he could always hear the smaller boy at 3am struggling for potty help like he was now. the father rolls over and rubs his face trying to wake himself up and gather enough energy to get out of bed. “I’m coming theo”. he groggily answers, wanting to just lay back down.

he enters the bathroom to see his son with his arms already raised up for his father to help him— which seungmin did and was glad that he barely made a mess this time. he washes his hands and carries him off to his room, tucking him in once more. “go back to sleep okay? you have school tomorrow”. Theo pouts a little at his father’s swift movements. he began to whine once seungmin reached the door. “daddy can I have kisses?”. he questions with a raised intonation and with the cutest pouty face that seungmin couldn’t say no to. he smiles at his adorable son nonetheless. giving him forehead and cheek kisses was just like giving them to himself, theo was a miniature version of him after all. “Is that better?”, he questions and the toddler nods his head yes before hiding under his blankets. seungmin touches the doorknob. “sleep tight theo. daddy loves you”, he giggles with the same laugh that made seungmin’s heart warm every time. “I love you too daddy”.

on his way to his bedroom seungmin forgot that he dismissed his normal routine of checking up on his daughter. mostly because she normally got annoyed with him when he did that since she was now a college student so she always ranted about how she needed her privacy. but seungmin couldn’t help himself. he wanted to make sure his baby was alright even throughout the night so he checked anyways. when he softly opened the door his heart dropped to the pit of his stomach at the sight. he forgot Ava invited one of her friends over tonight, one whom was currently touching herself underneath the blankets in the bed beside ava’s.

you didn’t even hear the door creak open, you were much too immersed in the explicit audios you were listening to, imagining it was ava’s dad who was touching you. you couldn’t help yourself it was late and Ava had gone to sleep and you were feeling hornier than usual these past couple of days. you’ve always had the biggest crush on mr. Kim and you wished things could go further than just a simple greeting between you two. your small whining noises crept from under the blankets and you hadn’t realized you mistakenly moaned his name before turning over for better angles. you met his shocked gaze while he was at the door. your heart began to pound dangerously fast as he started to quickly shut the door behind himself.

once he started walking down the hallway he tried his best to believe that he didn’t just see what he saw. he tried his to erase it from memory. he didn’t want to see you that way, you were his daughter’s best friend.

“mr. kim”.

he stopped in his tracks at the sound of you calling him from down the hallway. he swiftly turns around to explain himself. “listen you don’t have to worry I didn’t see anything and I’m not telling ava about any of this”. he meant what he said, he wouldn’t know what to do if his daughter found out about it. she’d probably freak the hell out. but seungmin was already freaking out with the way you approached him, your silk bed shorts riding up your thick thighs each time you took a step. unnecessary sinful thoughts flooded his head once he saw your body for what it truly was. you traced your fingers over his chest, nervous as hell but not regretting what you were about to ask of him. “mr.kim I want you to fuck me”. his breath caught in his throat at the question. he opened his mouth to speak but you were already loosening the buttons on your bed shirt and seungmin would be lying through his teeth if he said he didn’t want this. he instead clutched your wrist to prevent you from continuing. “stop it. I need you to go to bed”. you inched your face near his, grabbing his hand and shoving it directly inside your bed shorts. seungmin kept the same blank expression but when his finger tips felt your wet folds my god, was he crumbling. you pouted a little, trying to use your seductive skills the best way you knew how. “please. I’m too wet to go to sleep like this”.

“you need to—“. he couldn’t finish his sentence when you sunk his fingers deeper inside yourself and bit your lips. by now the bulge in his pajama pants was prominent. you reached the goal you wanted to reach. you made him hard. “please”. you begged again, sensing that he was already on the verge of giving in. blood rushed to his cock when he felt the way your slick coated his fingers. he was horny and now he refused to let this opportunity pass without sticking his dick inside you. he clutched the collar of your shirt and drew you closer with his eyes shading dark. he didn’t smile or anything, just a cold serious look that made you tremble under his height. “if I fuck you you better not tell ava. do you understand me?”. every cell in your brain rushed at the thought of him manhandling you the way you wanted. you quickly nod your head yes. “I understand I won’t tell please. just please”. he released you, chewing on the inside of his cheek before he sized you up with his eyes. he slid his hand behind the elastic of your shorts. “take these shits off”.

you followed instructions and kicked the fabric down your ankles. he grabbed you by your thighs and hoisted your body against his wrapping your naked legs around his waist. his wet lips pressed kisses on your neck and your cheeks flush an embarrassed red at how delicate they were. he walks just a few short steps before pushing your body against the cold fridge. your eyes hazed across the dark kitchen, not being able to be believe that it was mr.Kim who was finally kissing on you and touching you like this. that it was him who was slipping his fingers under your shirt just to play with your nipples. it was him who pulled his own pants down just to stick his hardened length inside your awaiting hole. your body froze in utter shock and your eyes grew as wide as saucers. he enjoyed it. It’s what he loved the most about sex, seeing the gaping mouths of those who couldn’t believe his cock was big enough to fill them until they couldn’t be filled anymore. your body immediately grew weak and his fingers began digging into the flesh of your thighs. his eyes were foreboding and bleak as they overcasted your smaller frame. his jaw clenched and his face was so close you could practically count his every pore. as soon as he started thrusting into you, you yelped, the number of his pores not even being a concern of yours anymore.

your mouth watered at how hard he made you clench around him, each time he snapped into you your body slammed against the refrigerator door. just by the way you whined underneath him he could tell how sensitive you were. he could tell that you thought this is what you wanted. he wrapped your hair around his knuckles and pinned his hand against the steel sheet metal behind you. you were entrapped under the heat of his gaze, it was either you forced yourself to look into his eyes or try to glance up pathetically at the ceiling. either way you felt intimidated, gaspy pleads never left your tongue. he raises your thighs higher around his waist and licks his lips. “you thought your little pussy could take my cock didn’t you?”.

your mouth remained agape and you exhaled perilously trying to say his name. each time you got out the first letter you choked up, unable to say more before he dick hit another spot of yours. he smirks at the mess he made of you. the stuttering, gasping, moaning ruin that you were. your clammy hands clutched his shirt while your eyes rolled to the back of your head in disbelief that something could feel so fucking good. “look at the way your pussy is creaming down my cock. Is it everything you thought it would be?”. he drops his hand down to cuff it around your ass while he hastens his pace a bit, sending a cereal box flying down the sides of the fridge. you nodded your head and continued trying to register all the sensations he made you feel. you’ve never pulsated so hard in your life. he flattens his tongue and grazes it up your chin until it was down your throat. he tongue kisses you roughly with disregard for how much saliva was dribbling down your bottom lip and his own. you moaned his name so loud and raunchy into the cavern of his mouth that he slapped the meat of your thighs hard and with a painful sting that made you want to rub it right after.

“you shut your fucking mouth. ava knows the sound of your voice when you call me that”. you make a gurgled noise as the fridge began vigorously shaking, sending another cereal box flying down the other side. he could tell just by dry sob in your eyes that you didn’t quite know what to do or say. you looked so cute he couldn’t help sucking your tongue again, all while you tried to suck his back without suffocating. he drunk every single one of your moans with fervor. you could feel the explosion of heat coiling in your belly once he pulled away with the thread of salvia that connected your mouth to his. “call me daddy”. your eyes swallowed him whole with unbridled lust and your mouth was parted desperate for air. your back arches further towards him. you looked so hopeless, like you could burst any second and the sight made seungmin’s dick swell inside you. you throbbed tortuously around his length, your hands finding purchase bunching up the fabric on his back.

. “gonna c-cum please—please you’re fucking me so hard daddy”. maybe it was the way your breasts jiggled when he was fucking you or the fact that your voice was so tiny when you moaned. either way, both made seungmin want to splatter his seed along your pussy walls. you could hear the bottles and glasses rattle inside the fridge as he fucked you until you were drooling down the sides of your lips. he gripped your ass harder when he was close, his ministrations becoming much sloppier as your own cum drizzled down his length. the tight wet feeling made his bones shudder. he figured since he fucked you that hard he might as well be respectful and dart his cum elsewhere which he did, directly onto the front of the fridge below you both. even then he continued his slow strokes, sending the rest of the cereal boxes slamming down on the counter beside it. your body went limp as soon as you came for the second time and you were grateful for his strength holding you against the surface. his chest heaved and he seized the collar of your shirt with his hand once more,

“if you tell ava I promise your pussy will never feel my cock again”

[parkerslatte]

Years Passed [Chapter Two]

Spencer Reid x Fem!Reader

Word Count: 2k

Part Summary: Spencer and Emily question Y/N about her missing neighbour. 

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***

CHAPTER TWO: RECOGNITION

Many different emotions were flowing through Y/N as she stared up at the man she thought she would never see again. From the looks of it, he recognised her too but like Y/N, he didn’t say anything. It had been thirteen years since she had last seen Spencer and she had never even heard from him since she walked out of their shared apartment. There were times when Y/N wondered if he still worked for the FBI - now she had her answer. 

“I’m SSA Emily Prentiss and this is Doctor Spencer Reid.” The woman introduced as they both presented their badges. 

Of course Y/N knew who Spencer was but she wasn’t going to say anything about it. It was clear that they were here for an important reason, that reason being unknown at this moment in time. 

“Would we be able to come in and ask you a few questions?” Emily asked.

“About what?” Y/N questioned, still shielding her apartment behind her door. She didn’t exactly want two FBI agents to come into her house especially when Harper was just in her bedroom. 

“We need to ask you some questions about your neighbour Ava Pierce?” Emily said.

“Ava?” Y/N questioned, “Why do you need to talk to me about Ava?”

“She has recently gone missing and you were the last person she contacted.” Spencer spoke up for the first time. 

Y/N’s eyes widened slightly, “Of course come in, whatever questions you have I’ll try my best to answer.”

Y/N opened her door wider and allowed Spencer and Emily to walk in. As they stepped in, Y/N took note of Spencer’s eyes scanning around her apartment. His eyes lingered on her painting and photographs a little too long at times. Y/N led them over to the couch and they sat down while Y/N sat in the armchair opposite. 

“So what do you need to ask me?” Y/N questioned.

“How did you know Ava?” Emily asked.

“Well we’re friends, I moved back here six months ago and she helped me settle in. Anything I needed help with I could go to her and it’s the same with me.” Y/N explained.

“Why did she contact you at six in the morning?” Emily questioned.

“Well she needed a house sitter as she was going to be away for a few days. She forgot to ask anyone else so she phoned me.”

“Do you know why she was going away?” Spencer asked.

Y/N shook her head, “No, she never said, all she said was that she would be gone for a few days if I worried about her.”

“Did anything seem off with Ava? Did she sound panicked?”

Y/N thought back to her phone call with Ava.

Y/N hummed along to the music playing at a quiet volume to not disturb Harper. Currently Y/N was packing Harper's lunch for school like she did everyday. As Y/N zipped up the lunch bag, her phone started to ring. Without looking at who was calling, Y/N picked it up. 

“Hello?”

“Y/N?” Ava’s voice came through the phone.

“Ava? It's odd that you’re calling me at this time, I’m surprised you’re not asleep.” Y/N joked.

Ava let out a breathy laugh from the other end of the phone, “Yeah I’m shocked with myself too, but I need to ask you a big favour.”

“What is it?”

“Could you house sit for me for a few days? I realised that I forgot to ask anyone else.” Ava said.

“Of course I will,” Y/N said, “Are you going anywhere?”

“I don’t know.” Ava said quietly.

“You don’t know?” Y/N questioned.

“Yeah,” Ava said quickly, “My friends are planning a long weekend away for me but I don’t know where we’re going.”

“Well have fun won’t you?” Y/N said.

“I will,” Ava said, “Bye Y/N.”

“Bye Ava, make sure you-”

The phone was cut off before Y/N could finish speaking. 

“Now that I think about it, she did sound off,” Y/N said, “She said she didn’t know where she was going and that her friends were taking her away on a long weekend. She didn’t sound too excited about it though, she sounded nervous and scared.”

“She must’ve been with the person who took her,” Emily said, “If she called you then her captor must’ve not wanted you to draw suspicions as to where she went.”

“Wait,” Y/N said, breathing in deeply, “She was with the person who took her when she phoned me. I could’ve done something-”

“Mummy! Are we going to the park now?” Harper said, coming into the room.

Y/N put a smile on her face for Harper’s sake as she walked over to her. 

“Yes we will but can you do something for me?” Y/N asked and Harper nodded, “Could you take my phone and ring Melanie and tell her that we’ll be a little late. I just have to finish talking to these people and then we’ll go.”

Harper turned around and noticed the two people sitting on the couch. Immediately she shrunk into Y/N’s side, “Who are you?”

“Harper, these two people work for the FBI, they help catch bad guys,” Y/N answered, not wanting to go into detail about their job.

Y/N noticed that Spencer gave Harper a small smile so as not to seem threatening. Harper stepped away from Y/N and gave Spencer a small smile back. 

“Now can you go to your room and call Melanie like I asked?” Y/N questioned, pressing a small kiss to the side of Harper’s head. 

“Yes mum.” Harper said before taking Y/N’s phone and heading back into her room. 

“Sorry about that.” Y/N apologised

“There’s no need to apologise,” Emily said, “And there is no reason to blame yourself for this. You couldn’t have known that Ava was with her abductor.”

Y/N sighed, “I know but it doesn’t stop me from feeling any less guilty.”

Spencer and Emily shared a look before they both stood up from Y/N’s couch, “Thank you for answering our questions Ms. L/N. You’ve been a big help.” Y/N only nodded slightly. “We’ll show ourselves out.”

Y/N stood up  from her seat and turned to face out of the window. She couldn’t believe that Ava was taken and she was with her abductor when she called her. Y/N couldn’t help but feel guilty about it, she knew that there was nothing she could have done but the guilt still resided within her. 

“Are you okay?” Spencer questioned. 

Y/N nearly jumped out of her skin, turning around to face Spencer with her hand on her heart, “Spencer! You nearly scared the life out of me.”

“Sorry.” He apologised sincerely. 

“I thought you were seeing yourself out?” Y/N questioned.

“I was but I wanted to check up on you.” Spencer stated. 

Y/N couldn’t help but let a small smile appear on her lips, “Ever the selfless person Spencer Reid.”

“So you do remember me?” Spencer said, a grin forming on his face.

“How could I ever forget you Dr, Reid?” Y/N said. 

“It’s good to see you,” Spencer commented, “You look good.”

Y/N noticed a tinge of red spread across his face after he gave her the compliment, “Thank you Spencer, you look good too. What has it been, like thirteen years?”

“Thirteen years, four months and fifteen days.” Spencer answered. 

“Wow, okay, that’s very specific.” Y/N said. 

Spencer cleared his throat, “Are you okay?”

Y/N sighed, “I will be, I just hope you catch this bastard who took Ava.”

“We will,” Spencer said and rummaged through his bag. He pulled out a piece of paper with a number written on it and handed it to Y/N, “Call if you remember anything else that could help us with the investigation.”

Y/N took the slip of paper and looked down at it, “This is your number?” Spencer nodded. 

Looking down at the number written on the slip of paper, Y/N couldn’t help but let her heart swell slightly. It was the same phone number he had thirteen years ago. It was as if Y/N’s mouth worked separately from her brain as she spoke her next words.

“Would you mind if I use it for something other than this investigation? What if I wanted to catch up with an old friend?” As soon as the question left Y/N’s mouth, she wanted to retract it immediately.

“Then I will eagerly be awaiting your call.” Spencer said, trying to repress a small smile. 

“Mummy!” Harper yelled from her room. 

“I think I should go and see to Harper,” Y/N said, “You can see yourself out right?”

“Oh yeah, I can.” Spencer said.

“I’ll see you soon Spencer.” 

***

When Y/N and Harper met up with Melanie and Toby at the park, Melanie could tell that something was wrong with Y/N immediately. As soon as Harper and Toby ran to the park to play, Melanie turned to Y/N.

“Right, so what’s up with you?” Melanie questioned.

Y/N was taken back by the question, “What? There’s nothing up with me.”

“Then why do you look so distant?” Melanie questioned, “And why did Harper call me saying that there were two BFI people in your house. I definitely know that she meant FBI.”

Y/N sighed, “My neighbour Ava, well she’s gone missing and the FBI came to question me about it,” Y/N explained, “I was the last person she contacted and she was with her abductor when she called me.”

“Oh, Y/N I’m sorry.” Melanie said, sympathy flooding her eyes. 

“I guess there wasn’t much I could have done but I can’t help but think there was, y’know?” Y/N said and Melanie nodded her head, “I just hope that they find her.”

“They will, that’s what the FBI do.” Melanie said. 

Y/N nodded, “Yeah a team of FBI agents that my ex-boyfriend is a part of.”

Melanie’s eyes went wide, “What? Why did you never tell me that you had an ex-boyfriend who worked for the FBI?”

“It never came up in conversation,” Y/N commented, “He was one of the agents who showed up at my house.”

“No way!” Melanie said, “Did he say anything?”

“Not at first,” Y/N said, “He stuck around after they were done questioning me and we had a conversation, he gave me his number in case that there was anything else I remembered that could help them with the investigation...and I might’ve accidentally asked him if I could use the number if I ever wanted to hand out with him.”

“You didn’t…” Melanie said.

“I did,” Y/N sighed, “I don’t know why I did it. I just haven’t seen him in thirteen years and I guess it was nice to see him again.”

“Was it nice to see him again or nice to look at him again?” Melanie questioned, a smirk growing on her face. 

Y/N felt her face heat up, “Shut up,” She nudged her friend, “It was nice to see him.”

“Mm-hm, I believe you…” Melanie trailed off. 

“I really don’t know why I did it,” Y/N said, “Considering that I don’t know if he has a family of his own and what the time of year is… it was stupid of me to ask him.”

Melanie placed a hand on Y/N’s shoulder, “Y/N, you didn’t ask him to marry you, you only asked him if he wanted to hang out as friends and catch up, that’s perfectly normal for two people who haven’t seen each other in years,” Melanie said, “And for the time of year, you can choose if you feel up to going out with him, remember you don’t have to if you don’t feel up to it.”

Y/N only nodded before turning to face the park where Harper and Toby were playing on the swings - or attempting to. 

“Mummy - come and help me please!” Harper called out. 

Y/N chuckled to herself before turning to Melanie, “If I’m going to get sand in my shoes, so are you, come on.”

PERMANENT SPENCER REID TAGLIST

@spenxerslut @averyhotchner @drayshadow @moviequeen51 @spencer-reid-am-i-right @ssavanessa22 @amurderofcrowsinatrenchcoat @mbjackie @jklemps @reformedmoneyshovel @nomajdetective @jesuisbenny @jooniehomie @spencerreid-187 @onyourfingertips @uhuhuh @rubyhi208-42 @archer561 @c0rpsecore @sweetandsunny @zoeygraygubler @algonsa @jswessie187 @shemarmooresfedora @kaz-2y567 @alfonsais @aikrus @nani-2305 @death-becomes-her @sarejane @isabelle-558 @measure-in-pain @the-nerd-gang @manuosorioh @luredwithpretzels @ceeellewrites @totallyclearwitch @jekkles @this-is-doctor-and-its-calm @sarahpaulsonlov3r @periwinklemax @kuolonsyoja @heartmira @hoodpankow @parahmur @happymangospot @beepbooptoop @ilovespencerreidmarryme @spencesoulmate25 @bloodyxheaven @malindacath

SERIES TAGLIST

​@its-9pm @nani-2305 @reidsfish @mochionly @spencerswildestdreams1 @magnetas @matthewscumslut @madsgraygubler @bakugouswh0r3 @rexit-mo @shinshankai

- strike through could not be tagged -

- add yourself to my taglist above or message me -

[yunhoez]

Swell

♄ pairings: suna x reader (in their 20s)

♄ genre: romance, angst, bestfriends to lovers (if u keep one eye open)

♄ warnings: cussing, smoking, suna & atsumu aren't volleyball players okay (don't yell at me), sfw for now

♄ wc: 2.4k

♄ a/n: okay so this is based on a script I wrote (it’s gonna be a film soon hehe), but considering I have to keep it short I wanted to continue it on as a fic! thank you to @chifuyuzu, @arumiee, @psmugglerr, and Mal♡ for encouraging me to do this and reading it <3 I hope y’all enjoy!

♄ songs - Swell by Lunar Vacation, I Don't Know You by The Marias

_______________________________________________

The low humming of the car and soft music coming from the radio sends you into a trance as you look out at the familiar streets of your hometown. Your head pressed against the seat feels heavy with the thought of being back in the place you ran away from. Your gaze trails to the two in the front seat, the streetlights hitting them enough for you to make out their features you’ve seemed to forget. Ava hums to the song on the radio lightly, tapping her fingers on the steering wheel. Atsumu’s eyes are fixed on the road before he turns toward Ava and rubs her back slightly. She shoots him a small smile before returning her gaze to the road. The aching feeling in your heart swells, making your stomach churn.

“It’s weird.” You say, breaking the peaceful silence that once graced the car.

“Hm?” Ava hums, looking at you through the rearview mirror.

“Nothing ever seems to change here.” You state, staring back out at the window with a blank expression, catching a glimpse of the houses you’d pass on the way to school.

Ava shakes her head, although you tried to mask your emotions, she could tell that you were irritated. Atsumu laughs looking out of the passenger seat window, noticing the park he used to practice volleyball at.

“It really hasn’t been that long since we’ve been here, Y/N.”

“I know, but you’d think things would at least feel different.” You throw your head back in frustration, letting out a loud sigh. Ava laughs, turning her blinker on before she begins to turn into yet another familiar street.

“I don’t know, I like that things are the same here. It feels like home, ya know? Knowing that there will always be a place that feels familiar is kinda comforting.”

Your gaze settles onto Ava with a mischievous grin. You scoot into the middle seat, leaning in between your two friends. Atsumu looks over at you and giggles, looking up at Ava to stare at her with you. Ava takes her eyes off the road for a second to see you two, she rolls her eyes.

“What?” She deadpans.

“That was the cheesiest shit I’ve ever heard you say.” Your laugh fills the car, making Atsumu join in and eliciting a small huff from Ava.

“Shut up! Is it so bad I actually like my hometown?”

“Yes.” Both you and Atsumu state at the same time, further irritating Ava as she swerves slightly making the both of you slide in your seats.

“Crazy how I can just drop you two off on the side of the road and leave.”

“Not like we don’t know the way around here.” Atsumu says, poking at Ava’s cheek.

“Looks like you’re walking to the studio then.” Ava stops the car in the middle of the road, Atsumu looks at her with a puzzled look. She leans over to open his car door, you stare at the two in amusement waiting to see what happens.

“Babe, it’s another 10 miles!” Atsumu exclaims, shutting the door.

“Atsumu, just shut up or walk before these cars come.” You state, looking behind you and see the car lights coming from a small distance.

“Why do I have to shut up when this one started it?”

“Huh?! What did I do?”

Ava rolls her eyes, picking at her nail polish as the two of you bicker over nothing. She puts the car in drive and slams on the breaks causing the two of you to fall over.

“What the hell, Ava?” You ask from the middle of the driver and passenger seat. “I could’ve died?” Ava stifles a laugh before putting the car in park. She looks at Atsumu pouting in his seat, rubbing his forehead and refusing to make eye contact with her. Ava lets out a loud laugh, wiping at the corner of her eyes. You giggle to yourself as you lift yourself up, moving towards the right side of the car to take your seat. You notice Ava placing a kiss on Atsumu’s forehead and the fond touches the two share. A small smile appears on your face seeing them interact, their love radiating off of them like the sun on a hot day. It felt so nice to be around them, but the heat in your heart was beginning to sting. Was it jealousy? No. Anger? No. Longing… Maybe.

“Geez, ya nearly gave me a concussion!”

“Serves you right.”

Ava puts the car in drive, cruising along the dimly lighted streets. Atsumu continues to mutter to himself about how his head hurts.

“I felt my brain rattle.”

“Crazy because there’s nothing in there.”

They continue talking as you look out the window, blocking out their conversation with your own thoughts. Why did I come back here? Surely, I could’ve made up some excuse and made it up to them another time. I don’t think I’m ready to see-

“Anyways, Y/N, do ya really hate it here that much?” Atsumu breaks your train of thought.

“S’not that I hate it.” You mutter, head resting on your hand. “It’s just a weird feeling coming back to a place that doesn’t change. Like everything’s frozen in time… it freaks me out.” Scarlett peaks at you through the rearview mirror, once again, observing your facial expression. Always the mysterious one, aren’t ya? She thought.

“If you ask me, I think it’s nice having a place that doesn’t change. Somewhere you know you can be comfortable and find some sort of peace.” You stare at her for a second, before returning your gaze to the window.

“I guess you’re right.”

“Wow, you’re actually agreeing with me for once?”

“I mean I’m not opposed to the idea of it, I just don’t like getting too comfortable…”

“Fair enough.” Ava sighs, glancing over at Atsumu who nods knowingly at her as he puts his window down. Your window begins to roll down causing you to look at Ava in confusion. “Fresh air will do ya good.”

You rest your arms on the car window, slightly leaning your head onto them as you peek out of the window. The cool autumn breeze tickles your face, as you soak in the darkness of the night. It was a new moon, the only light coming from the sky was the twinkling stars and planets. You look up to the sky and catch a glimpse of a shooting star. It’s been a while since I’ve seen one of those. You thought. I wonder if he still does this.

“Nice being able to see the stars, ain’t it?” Atsumu says, half way out of the car window.

“Yeah…” You smile, a giggle leaving your mouth as he sways in the wind dramatically. “One break from Ava and you’ll fly out!”

“Oi, don’t give her any ideas!”

Ava laughs, turning into the corner store you all used to visit everyday. Atsumu sits back into his seat, handing Ava a wad of cash from his wallet.

“Any requests?”

“Starbursts, make sure ya get the one with all the reds!”

“Alright, Y/N?”

“Oh! And one of those fancy lookin’ waters! Ya know, with the cool designs and shit?” Atsumu interrupts. Ava sends him a teasing glare and he smirks. She turns towards you, your attention fixed on the store that seemed to remain the same. The beige building had the same lettering and advertisements as it did when you were in high school. The railings had a fresh coat of paint on them, but still looked scuffed from all the times you and your friends would sit on them. It was just how you left it. How annoying.

“Oi, Y/N! Getcha’ head out of the clouds, Ava’s askin’ ya something”

“Sorry, what’s up?”

“You want anything?”

“I’m okay, thanks.”

“Twizzlers? Got it.”

Ava exits the car and runs into the shop. Atsumu lifts off his seat slightly, digging into his pockets and pulling out a pack of Seven Stars cigarettes. He plucks one out and lights it, puffing the smoke out of the window. The scent envelops her, giving her a sense of both warmth and pain from the memories it holds.

“Thought you quit.”

“I did. This is for nostalgic reasons.” He smiles, inhaling the smoke and releasing it out of the window in a swift movement.

“Right, you and Rin…” You trail off mid sentence. Atsumu looks up at you through the rearview mirror, just as Ava did, and takes another drag.

“Mhm, this was our go to place for a while.” His eyes flicker from you to the inside of the store. He relaxes back into his seat, looking over at Ava with the biggest grin on his face. She’s looking intensely at two bottles of water and making small talk with the cashier. You smile to yourself, pulling your knees to your chest as you remember the times you all used to meet up here and spend hours talking about nothing.

“When was the last time you two spoke?”

“I can’t remember.”

Atsumu nods, knowing the answer. He flicks the bud of the cigarette out of the window, turning slightly to see you staring at the ground. He flicks your forehead softly, earning a yelp from you. He laughs.

“He’s still here, ya know?”

You look up from the ground, but stay silent for a few moments before he speaks up again.

“He never wanted to leave.”

“Sounds like him.” You let go of your legs, opening the car door and stepping out. You stretch a bit before shutting the door behind you. “You think he’ll be at the show?”

“I don’t think he’d miss getting the chance to see you again.”

You let out an annoyed sigh, walking up to the door and exchanging a couple words with Ava before she exits. The cashier greets you just how he did when you were sixteen and the layout of the store is the same as it was 4 years ago. Nothing’s changed here… so why do I feel so out of place?

“What did you do?” Ava sighs, rummaging through the bag of snacks she just bought.

“Huh? I didn’t do anything!” Atsumu exclaims, hands held up in surrender as if he’s been caught doing something he shouldn’t have.

“Sure, you didn’t. I’m assuming you mentioned Rintarou.”

“Hm? Rintarou? I don’t even know who that is.”

Ava scoffs, throwing the bag of Starbursts at him. He turns to her in shock, dramatically falling into his seat and gripping at the spot the candy hit him. She giggles, taking a bite out of a twizzler and lifting her leg onto her seat.

“What is she getting anyways?” Atsumu mutters, obnoxiously chewing on his candy.

“Lollipops.” Ava shrugs.

_____________________________________________

The smell of cinnamon and the bright lights of the studio overwhelm your senses in the most pleasant way possible. People you’ve never seen before walk past you, admiring the works of art your best friend, Rei, has displayed. Quiet chatter is heard over the music playing from a record player in the corner, occasionally Atsumu’s loud voice is heard saying “Yeah! Rei’s my best friend, she did all of this, ya know? I was her inspiration for most.” You giggle to yourself, hearing a small “Ow” when Ava elbows him in the rib. You observe the people around you, keeping an eye out for a certain brown haired boy. He’s not here. Your thought is interrupted by Rei’s sweet voice and a small shot glass held in front of your face.

“You look like you need this.” Rei giggles. You laugh lightly, grabbing the glass and clinking it with Rei’s before downing it with her.

“Strawberry?”

“Just like old times.” She smiles. You give her an annoyed look, causing her to roll her eyes and sling her arm over your shoulders. “Shut up, you know it’s our tradition.”

They part for a second then hook their arms together as they walk around the studio, Rei pointing out her favorite pieces and explaining them to you as you admire how ecstatic she is. The two of you stop at the last few pieces of her exhibit, the wall filled with pictures she’s taken over the years.

“I’m so proud of you.” You state, leaning your head onto her shoulder.

“Being vulnerable counts for something, doesn’t it?” She smiles, patting your head lightly.

Rei looks over at the entrance of the studio and waves to a couple people. You lift your head up and let go of her arm, as she smiles at you.

“I’ll be back!” She exclaims, running over and greeting them as she takes them on a tour of her art studio.

You debate whether to roam around the studio or stick to this exhibit, when something catches your eye. You stand closer to the photos, noticing how they date back to 2015. A couple photos in the timeline up to the present catch your eye. Ava, Atsumu, Rei, You, and Suna were in nearly every single one of them. You feel tears prick your eyes at how simple those times were, annoyed at the feeling of nostalgia seeping into your mind.

“Well this fucking sucks.” You whisper to yourself.

“I know, I look terrible in that picture.” A familiar voice states. A tall, lanky man stands beside you. His messy brown hair framing his face perfectly, as he gazes at the photos. You glance at him slightly, realizing who it is and avert your gaze back to the photos. “Seriously, who let me wear that?” He asks, looking over towards you and stifling a laugh at your reaction.

You turn your face to the other side, hoping he hasn’t recognized you. How could he? It’s been what? 3 years? I’ve changed my hair since then, there’s no possible way he’ll know it’s me. Suna lets out a laugh, making your heart ache. You turn to where he was standing and he wasn’t there. You furrow your brows and sigh with relief, but a hint of disappointment. You return your attention to the photos, only to be met with Suna’s chest. You hold your breath and remain still, as he bends down to meet your gaze. His golden eyes peering at you with a mischievous grin on his face, one that you remember all too well.

“Long time no see, angel.”

[skatehepburn]

okay so prompt: ava making deborah come has become a ritual - either a pre-show hype-up or a post-show come (hehehe) down, whichever you prefer (or both!!).

Apologies for making you wait literal months for this!

(NSFW after the cut, or read on AO3)

The first time the new show works, really works, is a Wednesday night in Raleigh. The night before the theater had hosted a burlesque revue, and the green room is littered with feathers from cheap boas, as if a flock of birds had had an unfortunate run-in with the ceiling fan.

(Ava remembers the feathers, stuck to her knees and flying into her mouth, years later.)

“God, it’s better than sex,” Deborah exhales, floating off the wing of the stage.

“Really?” Ava crosses her arms and raises an eyebrow, more to get a rise out of Deborah than to disagree.

“Well, you’re not a performer, miss ‘i’m too intellectual to actually make people laugh,’ you wouldn’t get it.”

“Still,” Ava shrugs, “I think maybe you just don’t like sex. Which, like, live your best life, love to all the asexuals out there, but I highly doubt a good show is better than good sex.”

Deborah smirks.

“Well, maybe we need to get you on-stage, then.”

Ava refuses to back down, meeting Deborah’s gaze as a challenge.

“Or maybe we need to get you laid by someone who knows what they’re doing.”

“Is that an offer, Daniels?”

Ava has never been one to consider the consequences of her actions, especially where Deborah Vance is concerned. She leans closer, until her lips are ghosting over Deborah’s ear, their bodies close enough she’s sure Deborah can feel her heart hammering out of her chest.

“Yeah, it is actually. You gonna take me up on it?”

_

Deborah’s already wet by the time Ava has her out of her pants and perched on the couch (which probably already has bodily fluids on it, but Ava’s not about to let that ruin this moment).

“Are you sure that a good set isn’t just like, literally sex to your brain? Because you are rarin’ and ready to go. Talk about a praise kink,” Ava mutters between kissing Deborah’s thighs.

“Would you shut up and prove your point already?” Deborah twists a hand in Ava’s hair (thank god she didn’t shave her head during her most recent grief meltdown, good looking out, universe) and tugs firmly to punctuate her ask.

When Deborah comes, she muffles her cry and squeezes Ava’s head with her legs so hard that Ava hears her own blood rushing in her ears. It’s quick and hard, and truly, Ava does her best work in a California King, but it’s far from her worst effort.

“So?” Ava asks, grabbing a leftover makeup wipe from the vanity and wiping off her chin and hands.

Deborah flushes, but her voice remains steady, deadpan as ever.

“I would need more evidence to make an official judgment.”

_

“I’m just saying, I think I could make a better case if we could bring toys into the picture.”

Deborah looks at her sidelong from the mirror, where she’s carefully reapplying mascara. It’s been a month since Raleigh, and Ava has used her gargantuan hands to the best of her ability in green rooms up and down the east coast, but dammit she wants to win this thing.

(It’s just competitiveness, the need to make Deborah come in as many ways, as many times as possible. If she gets herself off after in the privacy of her own hotel room, well, that’s just a pavlovian response. If she gets herself off thinking about Deborah on the nights they don’t have shows… listen, Ava quit therapy for a reason. Too much introspection is actually bad for a person, she’s pretty sure.)

“Is this where you tell me you actually travel with them at all times and all I have to do is meet you at your hotel room in twenty minutes and you’ll quote-unquote ‘blow my back out?’”

“I was actually going to suggest we go shopping together—” Deborah throws a high heel at her — “Fine, I’ll run out and grab some stuff myself.”

(Deborah’s a hard no on anal beads and nipple clamps, but the rabbit vibrator and strap-on meet her approval.)

“Funny, I always thought I’d be the one wearing the harness,” she muses, while idly stroking the pink silicone cock (that’s currently attached to Ava. She’s not having any feelings about this, not at all).

“You’ve always thought?” Ava snorts.

“Oh, I’m sorry, did you think I had just decided to let you fuck me on a whim, with zero consideration? How could I not think about it, with your giant hands and insistence on telling me you need ‘penetrative sex with a dick to come’.”

“Well, listen, I’m a bisexual vers, feel free to be the one packin’ if that makes your heart sing.”

“Ugh, I’m too tired for that tonight,” Deborah sighs, and it’s a little too domestic, that unspoken promise of ‘but some other night, when I’m not tired…’ that Ava reaches for a distraction.

“Strap-on blow job, then?”

“Well, what’s the point of that?”

Ava’s never gotten out of a harness and onto her knees so quickly in her life.

“Deborah, surely you of all people understand that the brain is a woman’s biggest sexual organ.” She slides the harness up Deborah’s legs, caressing the sensitive skin of her inner thigh for good measure. “And given your propensity for full-body sequins, I’d think you’d appreciate the effect of a good visual.”

Deborah scoffs, but her breath hitches when Ava grips the base of the cock and presses it against her. Ava kisses the strap-on, swirling her tongue around the tip and holding eye contact with Deborah, who looks like she’s fighting the urge to both look away and buck her hips into Ava’s mouth.

In the end, option 2 wins, and Ava’s unfortunate years of half-heartedly blowing aspiring actors after disappointing dates of them talking about themselves for two hours have all led to this glorious moment, Deborah shuddering against her as Ava takes the entire goddamn dildo in her mouth.

“Fuck, I hate when you’re right,” Deborah groans, as Ava slides the strap-on down her legs.

“Wanna go for round 2?” Ava offers, cupping Deborah’s breast in a manner best-described as ‘tender.’

But Deborah is already asleep (she wasn’t lying about being exhausted), so Ava curls up next to her, allowing herself a catnap before sneaking back to her own room.

_

It all goes to hell in Provincetown, of all places.

The act has actually been doing really well in more mainstream cities, from Appalachia to the Rockies, but Deborah absolutely eats shit in front of the gays.

(Maybe it’s because they’d all memorized the old act, and they didn’t know where to laugh anymore? The new stuff is certainly less… campy.)

She’s furious when she comes off stage, ignoring Ava and heading straight for the car. Ava’s not about to pay for her own fucking uber, so she hops in the backseat before the driver can pull away.

She doesn’t push her luck with talking, not until they’re back at the hotel and Deborah attempts to slam the door of her room in Ava’s face.

“Nah, I don’t think so. Whatever happened tonight’s not on me, don’t be an asshole.”

“You’re lucky your feet are as big as your fucking hands,” Deborah spits, eyeing Ava’s Dunk High wedged between the door and its frame.

“I was gonna offer to use my giant hands to take your mind off of that shitshow, but if you’re gonna be mean about it, I can watch shitty porn on pay per view in my room and make Marcus deal with the bill later,” Ava glares.

“Please, your pity fucks are bad enough when the show goes well.”

“That’s what you think they are?” Ava laughs incredulously. “Pity fucks?”

“It’s fine, Ava, you and ever other queer from here to Miami thinks I’m a washed-up old hag. I’ve accepted it.”

“Sorry— What. Are. You. Talking. About?”

Deborah’s pacing now, and Ava’s pretty sure she hasn’t had the chance to get hammered between the gig and now, given they’ve hardly been out of each others’ sight, but uh, if she started slurring her words Ava wouldn’t be surprised.

“Christ, Ava, you keep all your clothes on, you don’t kiss me, and you’re gone before I’m through with the fucking aftershocks. Do I need to give you a raise for the extra service?”

“Okay, first of all, I refuse to be insulted by your insinuation that I’m acting like a sex worker, because that’s labor that’s worthy of respect, but whatever story you’re telling yourself about is like, way off base.”

“Oh, is it, like, really?” Deborah mocks.

“Oh my god, could you not be a bitch for a literal second and let me explain myself?”

Deborah frowns but holds her tongue.

“Jesus, this is embarrassing—”

“— oh really, you’re the one who’s embarrassed right now?”

“— I just, I’ve kind of been in love with you forever, and I saw an opening and went for it. Which, yeah, was kind of creepy of me in retrospect, but until tonight you seemed like you were having a fine time with our arrangement.”

“I—” Deborah pauses, her brain catching up with her ears. “In love with me?”

“I said I was embarrassed, okay!”

“Not helping with my self-esteem here, Ava.”

“No, not because it’s embarrassing to— look, it’s a hopeless crush, okay? I’ll grow out of it. But yeah, maybe we should stop the whole hooking up thing, it’s not really helping me get over anything.”

Ava turns to go, so she doesn’t make this night worse by crying in front of Deborah.

Deborah grabs her by the wrist.

“I don’t think so.”

“Is this really how I get fired, after everything?”

“Can you be quiet?”

“What? Why?”

“Damien’s down the hall and unlike you, I don’t have any data on what you sound like when you come. So tell me: can you be quiet?”

For once in her life, Ava shuts the fuck up.

_

Deborah is determined to make up for lost time, and by the early hours of the morning, Ava’s come four times in three different ways (Deborah was not kidding about using that strap-on) and her (entirely naked) body is covered in a dozen bite marks and hickeys.

“You know,” Ava muses, wincing at the weak light coming in through the blinds, “maybe the crowd didn’t connect with you because they felt like you were inauthentic.”

“Isn’t the whole point of the new show fucking authenticity?” Deborah grumbles, pulling the sheets tighter around them.

“Yeah,” Ava yawns, “but queers can smell pent-up gay sexual frustration a mile away. You should open tonight with a joke about fucking women. It’ll kill.”

“When in P-town, et cetera?”

“You were all up in my P-town last night, knowwhatimsayin?” Ava drawls, half-asleep again already.

“Never again if you keep calling it that.”

“Don’t punish yourself to spite me, babe.”

_

Ava’s joke suggestion does, in fact, kill, and night two is probably the best show of the run. Even from backstage, watching Deborah is mesmerizing, and Ava swears she doesn’t blink for the entirety of the set.

“You’re right,” Ava agrees, once Deborah returns for good from her third standing ovation.

“I’m always right, what about this time?”

“That was totally better than sex. Like, transcendently good.”

Deborah raises her eyebrows.

“Sounds like you’ve got your work cut out for you then. If you’re lucky maybe you’ll end the debate with a tie.”

“If I’m lucky? If you’re lucky, more like.”

“Oh, I was going to offer to let you sit on my face in celebration, but if you don’t want to—”

“Well I wouldn’t want to put you out.”

“You’re the one who puts out.”

“You can’t slut shame me when you’re the one I’m fucking, Deb.”

“I’ll do whatever I damn well please.”

What damn well pleases her is Ava, so she can’t really complain.

(In the end, they never settle the bet, but the data collection is extensive.)

[getawayaccount]

tell me all the ways (3 or 4?)

Part 2 is coming (it's Nat & Will talking it out), idk if it's going to include Will and Connor talking yet, tho. You know the drill, my brain does its thing, I just write as much as I can.

Connor looked at Ava and couldn’t bring himself to experience any regrets. He understood what Will meant when he said some relationships were just too complicated. He, too, had seen what ‘simple’ and ‘easy’ looked like. Sam and him, for example. They weren’t in love but, it was still one of his healthiest relationships to this date. And mostly, he had wondered a few nights ago as he fell asleep next to Will. He had remembered what it was like to be with someone who didn’t play games and simply cared. Without any walls nor any ulterior motive. And despite the day he had had, losing a patient and her baby, he had also experienced peace and comfort, knowing Will was right there and wasn’t judging him. Neither for what he had done nor for the way he had felt afterward.

“Of course you are going to take it,” Ava said.

She meant the Mayo Clinic offers.

“I don’t know about that,” Connor said sincerely.

And she clearly did not expect that particular answer.

“Wha - You can’t be serious?”

Connor merely shrugged. He knew what she thought. He could tell she was annoyed and perhaps, a little hopeful. He could never be sure with her and that was exactly why he had no regrets regarding the new direction he was taking:

“It has been brought to my attention I may have something good going on here in Chicago,” he said.

Ava opened her mouth, her expression calculating, but she was interrupted by someone coming through the door behind them:

“Hey,” Will said. “Sorry, I’m late.”

He almost looked like he had been running and knowing him, Connor guessed Will had most certainly changed and gone through the hospital in a hurry when he had realized he would be waiting outside.

“Doctor Bekker,” Will added.

“Doctor Halstead,” she answered.

However, Ava looked unsure as her gaze traveled from Connor to Will and back. And Connor could only imagine why. Perhaps he should have been more direct when he made his previous statement.

“Is this okay or should I change?” Will asked, unaware of the other twos’ drama.

“It’s fine, Will,” Connor said, visibly amused.

The other man was wearing dark pants and a green shirt underneath his winter coat, which he hadn’t bother to close before heading out.

“Yeah well sorry for not being sure you and I have the same idea of grabbing a bite,” Will shot back.

However, there was no bite to his words and he was smiling. Hell, Connor would have gone as far as to say he looked happy.

“We could always get straight to dessert if -” Connor joked.

“Hell no,” Will protested. “I’m making you work for this.”

“Oh, of that, I have no doubts.”

“Shut up.”

“You first.”

“This is a terrible idea,” Will said.

Also, it was very clear to everyone listening his exasperation was fake.

“Considering it is your idea, I thought it was implicit,” Connor answered.

“Gentlemen,” Ava interrupted as Will was about to answer. They both turned towards her: “I wish you both a good evening. Congratulations again, Doctor Rhodes. For everything.”

Connor could tell she was disappointed. By how the surgery had gone. By her own work. By Connor, for refusing an offer at such a prestigious establishment as the Mayo Clinic. And, probably, because she thought this game between them would have another outcome.

“Thank you, Ava,” he concluded as his car was brought on.

“Have a good evening,” Will pipped in as innocent as ever.

She held her hand up as a wordless goodbye, a weak smile stretching her lips, as both men got into the Porsche. And Connor really hope they could somehow find a way to be friends.

[dream-a-little-bigger-x]

An Unforgettable Halloween | Luke Patterson

Requested by anon:  hiiiii! can i do a jatp luke x reader imagine where it’s halloween and reader runs into Luke and they spend the whole day making Luke forget he’s dead? thanks! <3 love your writing by the way

A/N: Thank you for this request, anon! I really enjoyed writing it! I hope you like it!! Idk why I always need to have the reader and Luke/Charlie singing together, but here ya go anyway. The song used is Favorite Place by All Time Low. :) 

Pairing: Luke x fem!reader

Warnings: fluff

Words: 4,447

Halloween. It’s never been my favorite holiday. My poor, feeble heart can’t handle all the scares and creepy stuff. And besides, it’s over commercialized, in my opinion. Capitalism just needed another reason to exploit a holiday. My best friend, Ava,  tells me I hate the holiday because it reminds me of two years ago when a Halloween party traumatized me for the rest of my life. “Just because Brent made that day terrible, doesn’t mean the day will forever be terrible, Y/N,” she’d always say. Though that might be true, I still like to believe that’s not the only reason why I  hate the holiday. “Just come with me to the party tonight, and you’ll see it’s not as bad as you think it is!” We’re on FaceTime while I’m doing homework and she’s trying to figure out what to wear to the annual Halloween party at Charlotte the popular girl’s house. Another reason to hate the holiday. Charlotte Parks is the typical popular girl trope in this story. Pretty, popular with the guys, a cheerleader. The cliché. “I don’t think I’m gonna do that, Av,” I say whilst tucking my pencil behind my ear and staring down the phone in front of me, balancing against my backpack on the end of my bed. “You know Charlotte and I don’t mix well together.” That’s true. Charlotte has always despised me, God knows why. For some reason unknown to me, she always has to find a way to ruin my life. “Her house is so big, you won’t even see her!” Ava reasons from her walk-in closet before walking back onto the screen, another dress in her hand. This one is a black bodycon number with a white collar at the top and fringes at the sleeves. “How about this one?” “That’s very Wednesday Adams!” I exclaim with a wide smile on my face, to which I receive a very impressed nod from my best friend. “You know Bobbi’s coming tonight, Av. Can’t cancel on her!” Roberta’s my cousin of 13, and she’s one of my best friends, no matter how lame that sounds. We’ve always been pretty good pals, since we’re the only girls in the family. We kind of had to stick together against the testosterone of our other cousins. She’s not actually coming tonight, but I needed a good excuse to get out of this party. “Take her with you!” she yells both excited and kind of desperate at the same  time. “Ooh! How about I wear my pleather pants with, like, a black body and cat ears?!” She disappears into the wardrobe again. “She’s 13, Av! I’m not going to take her to a high school party!” I yell back whilst shaking my head in disappointment. “Wear whatever you want, Ava. I’m sure you’ll look amazing.” She appears into the picture again, her pleather pants halfway her butt and her bra on show. “Hey, is that my bra?!” I recognize that black lace with the gold detailing down the bust anywhere and I’ve lost that bra three weeks ago. “What? No! This is mine!” she says, but I can tell she’s lying. “You are unbelievable, Av!” I shake my head, grinning at my best friend. “I’m gonna have to go though. Send me a snap of  your outfit once you’ve chosen!” She nods her head in response, walking up closer to her phone, which she had balanced somewhere on her drawers. “I really can’t convince you to come?” Her expression has suddenly turned serious. She really is bummed I don’t want to come out, but I don’t care. I can’t care. This is for my own good. At least then, I don’t have to see Charlotte. Or Brent. “I’m really sorry, Ava.... Maybe next year, yeah?” She sighs mournfully before nodding her head. “Have fun, okay? And be careful!” A smile appears on her face again. “I will, babes. Have fun with Bobbi!” She offers me a wave, which I return before yelling ‘bye’ and pressing the red button on my phone screen. Lying to my best friend is not my favorite thing to do, but she wouldn’t shut up when she found out what I’m actually gonna be doing. With a sharp exhale, I crawl off my bed and head downstairs where my parents are getting ready for their little get-together with their friends. Dad’s dressed in a pin-stripe suit, a fake mustache stuck on his upper lip and his hair gelled back tightly whilst mom’s wearing a black dress with a deeply cut V-neck and a large slit down the side. Gomez and Morticia Addams. Very spooky. “Don’t you two look dashing,” I compliment, watching them from the middle of the stairs, sitting down. Mom shoots me a kind smile as she fixes her slick hair. “What are you gonna do tonight, sweetie?” Dad asks, tightening his tie. “Probably gonna go get some food and watch some movies,” I shrug, placing my head in my hand, my elbow resting on my knee. “You know, the use.” Dad exhales sharply, smiling sympathetically. “Don’t give me that look, dad.” “I’m sorry, sweets. But I just wish you would act like a seventeen-year-old instead of an eighty  year old.” I scoff at his statement. We had this discussion last year too. Both of them know what happened and why it’s so hard for me to enjoy this day. But they still give me shit for it. “I’m gonna have plenty of fun by myself. Even more so than if I did go to the stupid party,” I reason with him. He raises his hands in defeat before turning to his wife. “Just make sure the kids get their candies, yeah?” mom says instead, climbing a couple of stairs to press a kiss to my head. “I love you,” she whispers and heads down again. “Love you too. Have fun, guys.” Dad comes up to kiss me too before heading to the door with mom. With his hand on the doorknob, he looks back at me. “You know we only want you to be happy, right?” he says. I nod my head, offering him a smile. “I love you, sweets.” He walks out and shuts the door behind him, leaving me alone in the empty house. I sigh deeply before heading down and grabbing my Vans. Once they’re on my feet, I grab my wallet and exit the house. The cool October air hits my sweater-clad arms, sending a chill down my spine. As my feet tread down the pavement, my mind wanders to this day two years ago. Around this time, everything seemed normal. I was happy and excited to get to the Charlotte Parks Halloween extravaganza with my boyfriend Brent. We’d picked out a great couples’ costume. He was a wolf, and I was dressed as Red Riding Hood. I’d even taken the liberty to go all out with makeup and put a slash near my eye as though I’d been attacked by the wolf. Ava was a fan of that costume, more than Brent was. But when we neared the end of the night, everything crumbled down into shreds of sadness and anger. The residue of that anger wells up again until it’s knocked out of me when I bump into someone, making me stumble backwards. I would’ve fallen on my ass if it wasn’t for the hands capturing my arms to keep me from doing so. “I am so sorry, I--” I stop in my tracks as I look up into the gorgeous green eyes that belong to the attractive brunette that saved me from landing on the cold pavement. “A-are you okay?” he asks, letting go of me. “I--wait…” He furrows his eyebrows in confusion. “You can see me? And you can touch me?” That’s the weirdest question I’d ever gotten. My eyebrows knit together now too, trying to figure out what’s happening and why this boy is so confused about our entire interaction. “Uhm, yeah? Isn’t that what you’re supposed to do with people?” “No. I mean -- yeah, but I’m not a person, technically,” he replies in a mumble. He cautiously looks up at me again. “I’m a ghost, actually.” I let the words sizzle through my brain until it decides to send me into a fit of laughter. “Right, yeah, it’s Halloween. Ghosts. I get it. Good one,” I say between laughs, patting the boy’s shoulder, which only sends him to more confusion. To be fair, he doesn’t feel like a normal person. His arms don’t feel like they’re made of flesh and blood, but rather something light and airy. He gapes at me with this inquisitive look on his face, which calms down the laughter abruptly. “You’re not really a ghost, are you?” I ask, just to be certain. “I am, actually…” he mutters and jams his hands into the pockets of his black jeans. “Me and my bandmates died in 1995 and this girl, Julie, brought us back as ghosts… She’s the only one who could see us… Until now,” he looks up at me with hope and confusion written all over his face. “But she can’t touch us… Are you sure you’re not dead either?” I snort at his last question. “Kinda wish I was today,” I blurt out. My eyes widen after the words left my mouth. “That sounds way too dark…” I chuckle, and the boy does too, but I think it’s more out of awkwardness than finding it funny. “Are you okay?” he asks. At first, I think about answering it superficially, but there’s this look on his face that makes me want to spill all the beans. He, too, seems lonely and distraught on this Halloween night. “I’m not actually,” I glance down at my feet, finding his feet are clad in the same shoes. I then let my eyes glide from his shoes all the way up to his face. He’s urging me to continue by tilting his head a little, shooting me a questioning glance. “Halloween isn’t my favorite holiday…” I clarify. The boy nods his head understandingly. “That explains the lack of costume,” he says, which makes me glance down at my doodled-on mom jeans and oversized sweater before chuckling. “You don’t do the dressing up either? Or is that not something ghosts do?” I query, pointing at his ensemble. He’s wearing black jeans with a shirt and long-lined jean jacket. “I mean, it’s not like anyone would see,” he jokingly says, which lets a giggle escape from my mouth. His smile widens upon hearing this ridiculous sound coming from me. “Where were you going so determinedly before I smashed into you?” he asks after a few beats of silence. “Oh, I was getting some food from the place on the end of our street. They got pretty decent sushi, and since I’m home alone tonight, I thought, why the heck not treat myself, right?” I curse at myself for sharing this much with a complete stranger, who is a ghost, nonetheless, but the chuckle that reaches my ears comforts me a little. “No parties to go to? Back in my day, Halloween parties were always the best.” I feel the smile on my face fade away at the reminder of the Halloween party I’m not attending tonight. “Yeah, no… I haven’t gone to any Halloween party in two years… Like I said, Halloween isn’t my favorite holiday.” He offers me a sympathetic smile. A silence then falls over us as we stand in the middle of the street, looking at each other, debating what to say. “So… I’m gonna go and get my sushi. Uhm… Sorry for bumping into you,” I apologize and lift a foot to start walking away, but his voice stops me. “Would you mind if I tagged along?” he asks, which renders me surprised. “I don’t eat, so you don’t have to buy me sushi, but I think I could use some company tonight… If you don’t mind, of course.” His eyes are filled with hope, and some sort of desire to hang out with someone other than those bandmates he was talking about. “Uhm, no… Yeah, sure. You can tag along. It might be a nice change from that lonely Halloween I always have,” I chuckle, and he does too. “I’m Y/N, by the way,” I say as he turns and falls into step with me. “Luke,” he introduces himself with a smile. “Why don’t you go to Halloween parties, Y/N?” I inhale sharply at this question. I was hoping he wouldn’t ask too much about it. But I guess I can never get out of that question anymore. Halloween is a big holiday around here. “Two years ago, I went to one with my boyfriend. It’s the party where I found out he was cheating on me with the one girl who always had it out for me.” It rolls off my lips with ease. Normally, I’d choke or start bawling my eyes out. But Luke’s aura is so calming and reassuring that I can’t help but feel okay telling the story. “I haven’t been able to go back since, much to my best friend’s dismay.” I roll my eyes amusedly thinking about Ava and her desperate attempts to get me to go each year. “That sucks, I’m sorry,” he says as we enter the sushi place. “You better grab your phone now if you wanna talk to me. People tend to give weird looks at people talking to themselves.” I get my phone from my back pocket and pretend to dial a number before pressing it to my ear, glancing up at Luke with a smile on my face. “Hey, how you doing?” I say into the phone, which makes Luke giggle. “Just know that your ex-boyfriend’s stupid for ever cheating on you,” he tells me before looking down at his feet. “I would never wanna hurt someone as pretty as you.”  I can feel a blush creeping its way onto my cheeks, but decide to conceal it by jokingly saying, “Aw, you think I’m pretty.” He rolls his eyes, an amused smile on his face. “Next!” the guy from the sushi place yells. “Oh, hold on,” I say into my phone before placing it on the counter and facing the employer. “Uhm, the Halloween surprise box, please,” I order politely. The man nods curtly before getting into action. I grab my phone again and press it to my ear to continue talking to Luke while we make our way to a couple of chairs and tables set up for waiting customers. I let my eyes wander around the room. It’s decorated to the max with spiders in spiderwebs, pumpkins, skeletons, ghosts,... The lot. Then, my eyes fall onto Luke. He’s glancing around the place, letting his eyes wander until they find their way back to me. A shimmer appears in them when he finds me already looking at him. “So, you said you were in a band?” I ask, pretending to talk to the person on the other side of the line. “Oh, yeah! Me and three of my best friends were in this band called Sunset Curve. Three of us died on the night we were supposed to play the Orpheum,” he explains, and my eyes nearly bulge out of their sockets upon hearing the name of the venue. “The Orpheum?! You’re kidding, right?” He shakes his head, smirking. “You would’ve been legends.” The words come out in a whisper, hoping it wouldn’t upset him too much. “Yea, we would’ve been,” he sighs, then suddenly perks up again like an excited puppy, “But the girl I told you about, Julie? She can make us visible whenever we play with her! We’re now a band with her called Julie and The Phantoms!” I giggle at his endearing enthusiasm. “We would’ve had a gig at this really cool party in the Bel Air, but Julie got sick and had to cancel.” My eyes widen upon the words ‘party’ and ‘Bel Air’. Charlotte Parks lives in Bel Air. “That would be the party I’m not going to tonight,” I tell him, chuckling. “So, we would’ve met tonight either way.” He adds with a cheeky smile, “Some would say it’s fate.”  I shake my head at him, but can’t help the smile on my face either. I want to add something to debunk his theory, but my name is called out by the sushi guy. I get up and take the box of sushi from him, shooting him a quick thank you before leaving the joint with Luke in tow. “Where do you wanna go?” he asks, bouncing up and down. “Oh, I was planning on watching some movies at home, but if you have a better idea to spend tonight? Anything is better than going to that Halloween party.” He purses his lips in ponder, his eyes darting up to the night sky. “Ooh! There’s this park I like to hang out at sometimes?” I raise my eyebrows at his suggestion, popping a piece of sushi in my mouth. I’m way too hungry to wait until we sit down to eat. “You haunt children’s playgrounds?” I ask after having swallowed the seafood. His eyebrows knit together at this as he narrows his eyes at me. “I don’t haunt children’s playgrounds. I hang out at them,” he corrects me. “You’re a ghost, sweetie. That’s haunting.” “It’s not!” he shouts. “It is so!” I laugh loudly, throwing my head back. “You’re lucky the kids are all trick or treating tonight, so we can go there. Might be a little more secluded for me to talk freely to you without worrying people will think I’m crazy.” He nods his head agreeingly. Once at the park, we take a seat in the grass. I have my legs crossed whilst Luke’s are spread out, his hands supporting the rest of his body behind him. “So, what do you do in life, Y/N? You know, besides avoiding parties,” he asks with a little smile plastered on his face. I look at him for a moment, chewing my sushi. This gives me the time to really look at him. He has really great bone structure. Sharp jawline, chiseled cheekbones, fine nose, deep-set, dreamy eyes. “Eating sushi,” I reply jokingly after I’d swallowed the piece of deliciousness. Luke lets out a laugh too. “I’m still in school, so I’m spending most of my time studying. And I like to think I’m a pretty decent writer.” He stares at me, giving me his undivided attention with the cutest smile plastered on his face. “What do you write?” he asks curiously as I pop another sushi in my mouth. I lift my hand to my mouth, and reply, “Poems,” before continuing to chew quickly. “Kinda like songs, then?” I shrug my shoulders. “They could be, but I don’t play any  instrument, so I haven’t tried,” I reply and place the half-eaten box of sushi to the side, pulling my legs up to my chest and wrapping my arms around them. “Do you write your own music?” He nods his head. “I wrote most of the songs in our band and now, I write with Julie for the new band,” he answers. As I’m thinking how much I’d like to hear him and his band play, he cuts those thoughts in two by asking, “Can I see your work?” I open my mouth, then close it. Then open again. I must look like a goldfish breathing. “I’ve never really shown anyone my work…” I trail off, debating whether or not I should show him. “Besides, my notebook is at home.” Luke suddenly gets up from the grass and reaches out his hand for me to take. I hesitate. Am  I really going to take a complete stranger, a ghost, to my house to show my poetry, only to find out he hates it because it’s nothing like his songwriting? The answer is yes. I place my hand in his and let him pull me to my feet. Without letting go of my hand, he grabs the box of sushi and then guides me out of the park and lets me lead us towards my house. “Wait here,” I tell him as we’re in the foyer. He simply jams his hands into his pockets and nods his head curtly. I run up the stairs, taking them two at a time, and then go to grab my notebook from my room, quickly storming back downstairs where Luke’s still waiting. I make my way to the living room and sit down on the couch. The boy cautiously trails behind me, and only comes to sit down after I pat the spot beside me. “It’s not that great, but… You know, it’s fun to do and a great outlet for anything I may be feeling.” I hand him the notebook and let him flip through all the pages. He stops on a few, reading it a little more thoroughly. It’s building some suspense in me. What if he doesn’t even like them? What if he, a songwriter, hates them? “Ah! This one!” he exclaims, and suddenly, with a whoosh, there’s an acoustic guitar on his lap. “One of the perks of being a musician spirit,” he tells me with a grin before strumming the instrument a little. He abruptly stops, looks at the page in my notebook again, and then softly tickles the strings. A beautiful melody pours out of the instrument before his melodic voice joins in too with the words I wrote. “I saw your face in the fire again I touched the flames and burned down everything I hear the sirens west of 8th now” He looks at me with a questioning glance as if asking for encouragement of some sorts. I offer him a smile, unsure of anything else I could be doing right now. His voice has rendered me silent. I think I could listen to him sing for hours.  “Wonder if you're hearin' them too And I know you don't belong  Know you don't belong to anyone” He focuses on the instrument again, making sure he’s still playing the right chords.  “No you can't be tamed love Maybe I was wrong  Maybe I was wrong for this But you feel like the perfect escape now Just like the sun on my face” His voice grows a little stronger, almost sounding raspier and more like a growl as he looks up again. I always thought it’d be cliché to melt when an attractive boy sings to me, but it’s actually happening to me right now.  “So can we close the space between us now It's the distance we don't need  Yeah, you're everything I love about The things I hate in me  So come on, come on, come over now and Fix me with your grace 'Cause I'm not too far and you're my favorite place” “You sing this last part,” he tells me, pushing the notebook towards me before going back to playing his guitar.  “I can’t sing, Luke,” I tell him, slightly panicking.  “Sure you can. I’ll sing along, don’t worry,” he offers me a reassuring smile before putting more power behind his strumming while also leaning closer toward me to read the words.  “So come on, come on, come over now and Fix me with your grace 'Cause I'm not too far and you're my favorite place” He now quits playing, placing his hands flat on the strings, and for a while we just stare at each other in disbelief. Disbelief about the song we just made together. Disbelief about how beautiful a voice he has. Disbelief about how attractive he is.  I cough, breaking the eye contact, “That’s a great song, Luke… You can have it if you want,” I offer with a smile to try and hide the blush from heating up my cheeks.  “No, Y/N, I couldn’t. That’s yours. Those are your words. Your words made this a great song.”  “They’re just words without a melody,” I mutter, folding the edges of the paper nervously.  “A song is quite boring without words though, isn’t it?”  For some reason, I’m starting to think all of this could be a metaphor for us. Him being the melody and me being the words. I would be a plain and simple poem without him, and his life -- though I doubt it -- would be boring without me.  “It would still be a song though,” I add, looking up at him again. One corner of his mouth curls up into a smirk, which makes me think he caught onto that metaphor I was thinking about. He suddenly grabs my hand and laces our fingers together. Before I can even register what’s happening, the front door suddenly opens, revealing a distraught-looking Ava. I let go of Luke’s hand and get up to help my best friend.  “What’s wrong?” I ask her as she stumbles inside. I grab her just in time before she can hurt herself. She looks up at me, her makeup run out all the way to her chin and blood trickling down her nose, though I’m not sure if it’s real blood or part of her cat costume.  “I punched Brent in the face and Charlotte punched me back,” she get out through sobs and hiccups. My eyes dart over to Luke, who’s watching this from the sofa. I almost forgot she can’t even see him. He offers me a small smile.  “Why?” I ask and guide her to the couch. She nearly sits down on top of Luke, but I’m quick enough to guide her next to him while he vanishes. He pops back behind the couch, looking down at the drunk girl lying down on the sofa.  “Because he was boasting about how he even managed to wrap the prude around his finger two years ago and got her to anything he wanted,” I swallow, remember those times people called me a prude because I covered up unlike girls like Charlotte who wore short skirts and plunging necklines. “I really don’t get what you saw in him, Y/N,” she mumbles while cuddling up to the pillow and letting her eyes flutter shut. “I hope you find someone that looks at you like I look at pizza.” I giggle at her drunken words before looking up at Luke to find him already looking at me. Kind of the same way Ava looks at pizza. A smile then finds its way to my face. Maybe Halloween isn’t as bad as I always thought it was. 

Taglist: @hannahhistorian92 @marinettepotterandplagg @thequirkybookaholic @bookdealer5 @tenaciousperfectionunknown @hemmingsness @iainttakingshitfromnobody @ifilwtmfc @angryknightstatesmantrash @kiss-themoongoodbye @rudysbay @thedarkqueenofavalon @caitsymichelle13 @calamitykaty @parkeret @lukeys-giggle @gingerxarmy @lovesanimals @lolychu @perfectlywrongformend3s @luckylouiebug @camiladelrio98 @myfriendscallmebeans

[page-doctor-bekker]

21 - Medtober Day 2: Terminal (lymphoblastic!au)

(A/N) platonic rhekker <3

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Summary: Ava celebrates her 21st birthday in the hospital after her liver transplant, and discusses death with Connor.

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“Ava?”

“Hhrrmm?”

“Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you! Happy birthday, happy birthday, happy birthday to you~”

“Thanks, Con,” Ava mumbled, hoarse from the breathing tube and stirring, “Big 21!” She cheered weakly, “Did the surgery go okay?”

“Yup,” Connor confirmed, “Brand new liver for you, my friend. I obviously couldn’t perform the procedure so Dr. Latham did it.”

“I never want to go through liver failure again,” Ava moaned, laughing a little, “It felt like I was drunk but I was like, ‘wait a minute, my 21st birthday isn’t for another few days… What the hell?’ and then I passed out and came to the hospital.”

“It was a good thing you came when you did,” Connor confirmed, “You could have died, Ava.”

“I know,” She mumbled.

They were silent.

“Oh, I brought you this,” He pulled a pretty little bakery box out of his bag, and opened it for her, “You’re not technically supposed to have this, but I think you can have a little.”

“Aww,” She whined happily, “Thank you~” She paused for a moment, “And I’m still dying, I think I can eat whatever the fuck I want.”

Connor rolled his eyes, and handed the cupcake to her, “Just have a bite, your stomach might be upset from the anesthesia. You can have the rest tomorrow. Uh…” He rummaged through his bag, “Here,” He handed her a fork.

She took a bite of the cupcake with her hands, ignoring the fork and getting frosting all over her nasal cannula and NG tube. Connor burst out laughing while he used a napkin to clean off her tubes, and her face.

She set the cupcake back in the box, and Connor taped the box shut, “I’ll put it in the staff fridge, just let me know when you’re feeling up to it.”

“I thought you weren’t allowed to put patient food in the fridge…?”

“I can make an exception.”

“Oh yeah, you can make an exception for this but not for my éclair? You bastard.”

They fell quiet, just sitting there together.

“Are you afraid?”

Ava looked at Connor, puzzled.

“Of what?”

“Dying.”

Ava was quiet. She chewed on her lip, and pulled her blanket up further, “Are you?”

“Of course, but I’m not even close to dying.”

“You don’t know that.”

Connor nodded thoughtfully, “I’ve never even been close to it. What does it even feel like?”

“It’s terrible. It’s like, even if you’re actively being saved, your body knows something is very, very wrong. Your brain knows that you’re almost done, but you can hardly think about dying, you can only think about living. I was forced to think about it so much, but then when it was actually happening, all I could think about was how much I want to live.”

Connor sat back in his chair, “I didn’t know what was going on until you were already in surgery.”

“I told them not to tell you.”

“What?” He laughed nervously, “Why?”

“I didn’t think I could see you say goodbye and still be strong enough to fight.”

“This is why Dr. Latham thought we were dating,” Connor laughed loud, a bellowing, comforting laugh.

“Until I told him how much of a fucking lesbian I am after anesthesia that one time,” Ava giggled, joining Connor’s amusement.

“I’m glad you didn’t die, but next time you think you might be close, I need to see you,” He confessed, “You can’t just fucking leave and not tell me.”

“You’re like a protective older brother, it’s stupid,” Ava rolls her eyes fondly, “You’re stupid.”

“Tell that to the M.D after my name, bitch,” He joked back, and even after the joke was over, he kept smiling fondly at her, “What were you even thinking about? What do you even think about when you’re actively dying?”

Ava was quiet, thinking. After a minute at least, she finally spoke, “I thought about… Once I realized, like, ‘Oh shit, I’m dying,’ I thought about the afterlife.”

“I thought you weren’t religious?”

“I’m not,” She clarified, “But I think even non-religious people think about the afterlife when they’re dying,” She mused, “I think everyone wants to know.”

“I think you’re right.”

“I thought about leaving,” She said, “I thought about going home. The doctors thought about airlifting me to a hospital in South Africa, closer to my parents, and letting me die in peace, and after they brought that up, all I could think about was my mom,” She choked up, “All I could think about was how much…” She sniffled, “How much I wanted to be held by my mom.”

Connor grabbed Ava’s hand, and squeezed.

“And then when they found me a new liver, I almost said no, I almost just wanted to go home,” She smiled, “I wanted to go home and see my parents. I was so ready to just be done. Doctor uh... Hm, ginger in the ED?"

"Dr. Halstead?" Connor suggested, a glint of... Something, in his eyes. Fondness, perhaps. Intrigue, maybe.

"Yeah, Dr. Halstead, he's the one who met me at the ambulance bay. He wouldn't let me give up. He brought Dr. Charles in when I even considered giving up."

"That's Dr. Halstead for you," Connor laughed, "Giving up is not an option around him."

"I could tell."

“A lot of transplant patients almost say no, it’s funny," Connor tapped his foot thoughtfully, "And I can never understand why."

“The one thing that can give you a second chance at life, but you’ve been through so much hell that you can’t imagine saying ‘Yeah, I want to live’ because that would mean you’d have to keep living through this hell.”

Connor nodded, “The road doesn’t get any easier once you say yes, either.”

Ava nodded, “I’ve said yes so many times now, and it’s never worked out.”

“I know,” Connor sympathized, “Maybe it’ll work out this time!”

“That’s what they all say,” She itched her face, “Pain medication makes me so itchy,” She groaned, “Kind of wishing liver failure had killed me.”

“Oh don’t say that. I’ll get you some Benadryl.”

[optimistic-dinosaur-nacho]

Impress Me

Jake Jensen x Single Mom!Reader

Warnings: Language, Porn Mentions (Use of MILF) Summary: All you wanted was to go to your daughter’s soccer game and an couple of assholes took their damn time to get rid of their abnormally large hummer. The driver happened to be a bit attractive and end up your way again.

Nothing like a nice Jake Jensen fic for all you beautiful people out there! 

This is a true story that happened yesterday, the guy parked like an asshole with a large hummer and to tell you, our town is not a big place so there is no point on driving a large vehicle to show off chicks. It ain’t cool.

Unless you’re Jake Jensen and/or Chris Evans

You were rushing around the house, searching every room for the item that had been missing since. Your daughter, Ava, couldn’t stop asking for it. It was important for her game. “Mom, have you found them yet?” She shouts from the living room. You groan at her last and final shout as you lifted yourself up from looking under the bed.

“No, Ava!” You sighed, “You sure you didn’t leave them at grandma’s house?” Your sister comes in and she already had your daughter’s duffel bag. “The game doesn’t start in another hour. You can stop at the sports shop and get new cleats.”

You groan and turn to see your daughter and sister. “Okay. Sweetheart, I’m gonna grab you new ones, okay?”

Ava pouts, “But I loved those shoes.”

You roll your eyes, “Ava, just this one time, okay? After this, we can call grandma. Do you remember what size you got?” Your sister looks at you strangely while your daughter crosses her arms, “As a mom, shouldn’t you know that?”

You nod awkwardly and turned, “Yeah, um, Liz, can you take her there? I’ll meet you guys there.” Your sister nods and reaches for your daughter, “Come on, Ava. Let’s go.” Your daughter follows your sister out and you let out a sigh. Taking another look in every room, searching every crevice and no sign of your daughters shoes.

And they were neon yellow shoes, you could’ve saw them anywhere with the bright highlight. 

With that said, you took your keys and hopped in the car. Luckily the sports shop was not that far from the field where your daughter would be playing at. Your sister kept you updated that Ava’s shoes weren’t in her car or the bag. You knew they had to be at your mom’s house.

Maybe at your ex-husband’s house. Shit. Not long ago, you filed the papers. It was nothing involved with your daughter. You both started to fade apart. He wasn’t rude or a penniless guy. There was something you both knew it wasn’t gonna keep up.

Especially for Ava, you both shut down for some reason.

After that, you had custody for Ava but she always visited her father 5 times a month. Soccer was coming from her dad. He taught her everything and he signed her up for soccer. He still supported her. You liked him for that.

He came to games if he could. His work always got to him, but he always made plans for Ava. You just never saw yourself having a future with him no more. But for Ava. Of course.

You pulled into the parking lot just in front of the store, seeing people go in and out of it as you rummaged in your bag for your card and you lifted your sunglasses on top of your head.

You stepped out and rushed in, asking the worker where the soccer shoes were, he happily took you over. Shin guards, soccer balls, jersey’s, you found the cleats just on the end. You almost bump into a couple of men in the aisle. One of them let out a ‘woah’.

“Sorry,” You say kindly, the man grins, “You’re good, ma’am.” The three other men, one wore a cowboy hat, one with a grey beard but looked intimidating and a taller man who look twice as much. A woman happened to be with them as well. 

“Pooch,” The beard man says as you raced down the hall, the man turns, “What?” The two men shook their heads at the guy. “Have you guys seen Jensen?” You ignore their conversation and searched the right size of shoes. You spot the ones that looked like your daughter’s.

You reached up and take them in hand, immediately running back to the cashier. You reached for your phone and see a text from your sister. They’re already stretching on the field. You groan and did all your swiping and pin code. Not taking your receipt, you ran out the door.

Coming to a stop once you met the front of your car, you groan. 

A hummer parked next to yours. “How am I-?” You throw your arms up and sighed. You hear someone come by and they head to the hummer. “Excuse me,” You ask, the man turns and jerks his chin up. “Yeah?”

You point, “Is this your hummer?”

The man turns to the large car and nods, “Yeah?” You point toward your car, this time, “I can’t get in my car. Can you park somewhere else?” The man walks up to meet your side and see the problem. He then points, “I’m in the line, so I don’t think it’s a problem. Just squeeze through. You look small enough to do it.”

You gawk at him, “Excuse me?”

The man holds his hands up, “Sorry. Just hop in your passenger seat and slide in-”

“Just move the damn hummer!” You say, the man laughs and reached for his chest. “I have friends inside, can you just wait for a couple minutes. They’ll be out in a second.”

“I’m in a rush! My daughter has a game!”

He nods, “I can see that. I can go grab my friends and I’ll move the hummer.” You would’ve kicked the front of his car, pull the crowbar that hadn’t been used for a situation like this from your trunk and go psycho. All you could do was throw your arm up, “Fine. Asshole.” You walk to your passenger side and threw your purse in the back.

You start to lean in till you lifted your head up to look at him again, “You know, this town doesn’t feel impressed by your huge ass vehicle. It just makes you more of an asshole.”

The man puts his hands on his hips and quirks a grin, “I wasn’t trying to impress anyone. But I’m glad you kept me informed about it.” You hopped in the passenger seat and would’ve been in the most awkward situation when the man watched you slide your ass into the driver’s seat. 

You sighed heavily, turning on your car and stared at the man. You look down to the center console and saw your drink. Your eyes lifted up to him.

You rolled your window down and grabbed your cup. “Hey, asshole!” You called out, the man and held the cup out. “How’s this to impress you?” The man’s face drops when you open the lid.

“No, wait-!” You dump the drink over the side of his hummer and you threw the cup on the floor of your car and pulled out. The man reaches for his head and drops them to look at you. You didn’t look back. But hell, did it feel good. Never in your life ever stood up like that for an asshole. But why the heck did he look good? 

He groans to see the liquid drip down the side of the hummer as his friends come out.

“Hey, Jensen, you ready-? Woah, what happened here?” Pooch asks, seeing the spill on the door. Roque sighs, “Who’d you piss off this time?” He asks, Jensen shook his head and opens the door. “Just shut up, we’re gonna be late for my niece’s game.”

The group look at each other and gave questioned looks before jumping in.

“Mom!” Ava calls, you rush over to her and sat her down. “Here, let me help,” You got down on your knee and began to slip on her new shoes, tying them and making sure they were a perfect fit. You thanked God they did. Ava grins, “Thanks, mama.”

You grin and nod, “You’re welcome. Now, go have fun.” Ava smiles, jumping onto her feet to head on the field with her team. Her pink jersey with the number 5, you loved seeing her in her jersey. She sometimes wore it around the house and knew how passion for soccer. 

You always saw your ex-husband in her.

Somewhere in the bleachers, someone was bursting out in laughter before slapping the man’s shoulder beside them. “You pissed off a woman for not moving the hummer? You really are a dick-”

“Hey, some people should be able to use that rock in their head that they call a brain,” Jensen says, glaring at Pooch. Cougar leans over, “Roque’s right, though. You really made a dick move.”

Jensen shakes his head, turning to the field to see his niece out in her pink jersey with the Petunias. He sees another girl run for the group and playfully tackles his neice making him grin. His eyes seemed to follow where the girl had ran from, seeing a familiar woman on the sideline. 

“Shit,” He grits.

Pooch turns, “What’s up, now?” Jensen leans back a bit and inhales, “She’s here.” All three men, Pooch, Roque and Cougar look around. “Oh, shit! Where? Is she cute? Hot?” Pooch asks.

Cougar used his binoculars and spots her. “Hey, she’s the girl Pooch was flirting with.” Pooch glares, “What? I was not! Give me that!” He snatches the binoculars and looks down. “Oh yeah...” He says, seeing you walk up to the bleachers. 

“That’s her?” Pooch asks, staring at Jensen who shook his head. “What a coincidence that her daughter is friend’s with my niece.” Roque pats Jensen’s back like a proud man, “A mom? Is she single?” Jensen grimaces at him. Pooch cackles, “Ah-ha! This man got himself a MILF-!”

“Can you guys shut up? We’re at a kids game!” Jensen shouts, the parents around the group glare at them, causing all of them to shut up for a second. Jensen leans back to the boys, “I don’t know if she’s single. What I do know is that you all are thinking the wrong thing.”

Roque chuckles, “You turned red the second you saw her-”

“You know, I’m gonna move down,” Jensen began to stand up and move while Roque grabs him before he could. “Ah-ah. No, you aren’t. You’re watching her,” He says, Jake shakes his head. “I’m not watching her. What do you think I am, a freak?”

“Be sure to wave,” Roque waves over to you and Jensen turns to see your face look over and he immediately leans back. “Roque, dammit!” He grits. Luckily you don’t notice Roque waving as you turned away and spoke to your sister. Pooch purrs, “Ooh. She’s got a friend.”

“Guys, can you cut that out. The game is about to start.”

You sigh in relief and watched your daughter run to the sideline with her group. Your sister turns to you, “What’s up with you?” You turn to her and furrowed your brows. “What?”

She grins, “Look, your daughter’s out there and that Hummer asshole is not gonna bother you anymore. Just let it go.” You shook your head and saw that the game began to start. With that, you quietly watched the game and cheered when the Petunias made a goal.

.

Halfway through the game, the Petunias were in the lead. Ava was on a roll and you were proud of her. The other team looked defeated but the kids were all tired. You were sure Ava was tired as well.

You watched as Ava took the ball from the other team causing you to jump up. “Yes!” You shout, “Go baby!” You watched as the other girl beside her runs to her side.

Roque touched Jensen’s shoulder and pointed, “Look.” Jensen turns to you on your feet, cheering. Jensen looked out to the field and saw what had to be your kid. She had the ball, but then he noticed his niece run up and collides with your daughter. “Oh!” His boys all say loudly as the two girls fall on the field.

Jensen stands up, “I gotta-Hey!” Your sister stands up as you rush down the bleachers to your daughter on the ground. The coach blows her whistle. “Ava! Hey, are you okay?” You asked, your daughter nods while you look to the other girl.

Number 21. 

“Hey, sweetie, you alright?” You hear clamoring behind you, a man runs up to what may be his kid. “Hey, you alright?” He asks, he lifts up his head to see you. Your sister runs up, “Excuse me? Your daughter needs to watch where she runs-” You stammer toward your sister yelling. Jensen furrows his brows, “She was trying to help! The field is slippery, I saw her slip.”

“Liz-”

“Well, tell your daughter to watch her footing,” Your sister grabs your daughter’s shoulder and guides her to the bench. “She’s my niece, actually,” Jensen adds. You watched him as he nods once, “Hi. Nice to see you again.” You turn away and followed your sister to have Ava sit down for the rest of the game.

Jensen checked on his niece and made it back to his friends, Clay was laughing. “Wow, that was a scene to watch.” Pooch cackles, “Her sister was feisty. What’d she say?” He asks. Jensen sits down and looks over to you and your daughter. 

Going back to watch the game. Luckily the Petunias had won and Ava was feeling a bit better after she hit her head pretty hard. With enough water, you took your daughter’s gear and packed it up. 

You settled Ava in the back of your car, “Wait, mom,” She says, stopping you from closing the door. You nod, “What’s wrong?”

“I forgot my bottle at the bench,” She says. You look over to the field, seeing a couple of people leaving and packing up. You gave her a nod, “I’ll go look for it. The air is on so you can stay cool. I’ll be back.” Ava nods as you closed the door and made your way back to the field.

Everyone seemed to be gone and emptied the field for you to be able to search for a bright blue bottle.

You checked the bench where you last sat, you peer up on the bleachers to see water bottles, other things but not your daughter’s water bottle. You sighed till someone spoke up.

“I’m assuming you’re looking for this,” A familiar voice said, you turn to see the hot blonde guy you dumped your whole drink on his hummer. He grins, eyes squinting from the sun shining in his face. “Your daughter is number 5, I saw her little name on the bottom of the bottle with her number. I thought I’d have to chase you or meet you at another game.”

You take the bottle into your hand and grinned slightly, “Thank you.”

He shoves his hands in his pockets and you held the bottle tight in your hands. He nods, “Not trying to impress you with my charms, this is just being nice for you. You seem kind of out of it today.”

“Yeah, I-...” You shake your head, “I’m sorry I dumped my drink over your car. I was just stressed from the past week and-” 

He lifts his hand up, “It’s all right. I understand. I know a thing or two about chasing soccer gear for family.”

You grinned, “She’s your niece?” Jake turns to his niece down the field with his buds all cheering for her, he nods. “Yeah, my sister is on a business trip. I know how passionate my niece is with soccer. Your daughter is one tough player. She took the hit like no other. I’d see them cry after.”

You smiled, “Yeah, well, she gets it from her father.” Jensen didn’t notice a man with you during the game. Was he the type to not make it? So much for making a move by Roque’s advice to apologize and ask you out.

“Didn’t make it?” He asked.

You peer up at him in question. He lowers his head, “Sorry.” You look down at your daughter’s bottle and sighed. “He only sees her 5 times a month.” Jensen glances up to you again. “Makes it to a couple games and he spends time with her on the field to practice,” You say.

Jensen nods and turns to see his friends were gone. He turns back to you and grins, “Can I take you back to your car?” You didn’t know this side of this guy. And hell, you felt even more bad on how this guy was nice but can be such an asshole sometimes.

He was like no other.

You agreed and walked back to the lot with him, “The name’s Jensen, by the way. Jake Jensen,” He says, you look over, “My friends call me by my last but you don’t have to.”

You pull the corner of your lip and nodded, “I’ll decide on it.” Jake smiles at you and the two of you look forward to see the same hummer beside your car. Just like last time. Jensen curses under his breath. Roque opens the driver door and peaks out.  “Aye, Jensen, what took you so long?” He asks, a huge grin forming on his lips. Jake turns to you to see the silent glare as he nods, “I’ll move the hummer this time.” You grin.

“You better.”

You watch as he rushes over to the front seat, pushing Roque into the back. He rolls his window down and pulls out, giving you the chance to hop in your car. With a small grin, you opened your car door. Jensen grins, “You know, if you really wanted to impress me, you find the day to go out!” He says.

You lightly laugh and shook your head. “I’ll see you at the next game, Hummer boy.” Jensen rolls the window back up with a smile as you hopped in your car. Your daughter completely confused.

“Who was that?” You turned on your car with a small smile, “A new friend.” Ava leans back in her seat and looks out the window, nodding. “I like him.” You hear from her, causing you to look in the rear view mirror to see her eyes look out the window. You then pull out.

“You asked out a single mom?” Pooch asks, he pats Jensen’s shoulder, “Way to go, man!”

“Hummer boy? Looks like someone’s got a nickname,” Roque laughs making everyone in the car laugh. Jensen shakes his head, “It was a joke, now shut up, I’m driving.” Through the rest of the day, his buds teased him, pushed him around like he was the young guy in the group. 

Here comes the comments for part 2

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[nieladasdenani]

Thank you, @tv-taught-me-how-to-flail for the prompt:

I could go for some warrior nun angst if you’re up for it (preferably one with a happy ending though) something like it’s the finale battle and Ava tricks the nuns and locks them in a cell cuz she doesn’t want any members of her new found family to get die in the battle, and she says her last goodbyes 😢 Would love of there was some avatrice thrown in there too 😉 

So, I’m going to try. I’m not sure if I can write angst, though. I’m also not sure Ava would deliberately plan to lock them and leave them to self-sacrifice. It would be an impulse by fear on the moment. I hope it meets your expectations. You can read it on AO3 if you rather.

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

This is wrong. Nothing is going as Ava thought it would be going. She has been training so hard since the Vatican, she shouldn’t be feeling so defeated already, she shouldn’t be defeated, period. Of course, she wasn’t expecting it to be easy, but this feels like losing. This feels like failing. Like she failed. All she can think about is that she failed and her family is going to die because of it.

She can see Mary, badass Mary, running out of ammo. Sweet Camila panting, scared. Scary Lilith roaring and lashing out. Perfect Beatrice dividing her attention between her own fights and covering Ava’s back. Because she’s frozen in place, Ava is. She promised she was going to be the last Warrior Nun, and she’s going to keep this promise. She’s keeping this promise without letting any of her sisters died. So, she straightens up, looks around. They’ve been cornered inside a sort of closed plaza, surrounded by four walls and the only entrance has been blocked with debris. Adriel is on the other side, Ava sent him flying with a potent burst of the Halo when she saw he had Lilith by the neck.

He told Ava all about how he was going to kill her sisters one by one in front of her. “Starting with the hellhound”, he had said. He’s been whispering about it in her dreams, too. For weeks. Weeks of her waking with screams and panic attacks. Weeks of them talking about those dreams and planing accordingly. And yet, it’s all wrong. But she’s going to fix this. She will not let him kill them. She’s on borrowed time, anyway.

The horde of possessed is almost completely contained, now. But Ava thinks it’s enough to have her sisters occupied while she goes and finishes this. She levitates and uses enough of the Halo to slow the advance of the enemies. She knows she can’t stop them for long, just a moment to tell her final goodbye. They’re all looking at her now, confused, a mixture of frowns that range from bewildered to outraged.

“Ava?” It’s Beatrice, of course. “What’s going on?”

“I... I love you guys. I never thought, even in my wildest dreams, that I would live such an adventure or have a family. And you gave me this.”

“What the fuck are you talking about” Mary’s never been good at feeling out of the loop.

“I promised I was going to be the last Warrior Nun. And I’m going to finish this.”

“Ava, no”

"I’m not gonna let him kill you!”

“Why are you like this? Get your skinny ass down here, so we can contain the possessed and go send your daddy back to hell” Ava scrunches her face at Mary.

“Ew! He’s not my daddy!”

“Are you sure? Because you’re kind of making want to kill you right now”

“Would you both stop? Ava, please. You are not going to go by yourself. That was not the plan.” Beatrice is starting to look pissed.

“That's actually the exact opposite of the plan” Camila says, huffing a little.

“The most important part of the plan is where neither of you die!”

“The most important part of the plan is: trust your team”, ok now she’s officially angry then. But Ava softens.

“I trust my team. But I love my family more.”

“You said you promised to be the last. That doesn’t have to mean you die.”

“Hey, maybe I can beat him by myself.”

“You can, but there’s no need to risk it when you can have back-up. You do not need to do this alone, Ava.”

“He promised he would make me watch him kill you. I won’t allow it, Beatrice!”

“And I promised you that you’d never be alone again!”

Ava can feel her hold on the possessed weakening. So she has to end this. She can feel tears starting to run down her cheeks. She looks at them, one by one.

“I love you.” And she phases through the wall leaving behind a symphony of yells and curses. She takes a moment to compose herself, before going in search for Adriel. 

She finds him lying in the ground. If she took a moment she’d see he looks like he can’t even stand up. But she’s blinded by fear. And he can sense this.

“Well, did you finally decide to be a worthy Warrior, then, child?”

“Shut up. I decided I’m going to send you back to hell!” And he has the audacity of laughing.

“Please. We both know how this is going to end. I’m going to rip my Halo from your back, and I’m going to claim my rightful place as master of the world, while you lie there dying slowly and alone.”

“Big talk for a dude who’s not even standing.”

“I could kill you without the use of my limbs!”

“Like the Black Knight?” And he looks so confused, it would be funny. “Monty Python? Oh, wait. You could not know about it... Wait! Was it a real event?”

“Silence! You’ve overstayed your welcome, Warrior Nun. It’s my time now!” In a flash he’s in her space. Her reflex is to swipe her sword at him, which is a testament of the long training sessions with Lilith, and Beatrice and Mary and Camila. They spar for a while. But she’s starting to get worried that her sisters are going to burst out at any moment. And that’s the only opening Adriel needs.

He sweeps her off her feet, and she lays hard on the ground, face first, so he has the chance to press a knee on her back. She’s expecting him to reach a hand, like he did on his tomb, but he’s fumbling for something. And then she feels the cut and heat of divinium on her skin. She barely can avoid screaming.

“It’s over child. Thank you for following my instructions so well. You thought you were helping them? You thought this would spare them? Did you think at all?” She is screaming now, and crying, because it hurts, and she’s alone.

There’s a thunk and thump, and then a very distinctive snort followed by a:

“She never thinks.” And Ava may be delirious because that sounds like Lilith.

“Ava!” And that sounds like Beatrice. And the hand helping her turn and cupping her cheek feels like Beatrice, too. “Ava?” But she doesn’t want to open her eyes, because it will be devastating to realize she’s dying alone on the ground.

“The wound is a little deep, and she’s bleeding a lot. But I can patch it temporarily while we finish here and get to safety.” Her brain is conjuring images of Camila at her back.

Then she’s been lifted of the ground, and now she frowns because, sure, she has a very vivid imagination, product of twelve years of emotional abuse while paralyzed in a bed, but never this vivid. And never as violent as actually feeling someone smack her hard on the back of the head. 

“Ow!”

“You stupid, stupid girl. If you think this is all the repercussion you’re going to get for being the dumbest Warrior Nun ever, you’re even more stupid than I’ve just stated.”

“Mary, I don’t believe it’s the time for this.” Even in her dreams Beatrice comes to her defense.

“And I don’t believe hitting her in the head will help make her less stupid.” Ok, so now Ava opens her eyes, because that was definitely Lilith adding insults to the growing pile.

“What?...”

“Oh hey, stupid! Are you done being a drama queen?”

“Mary...” Beatrice sounds tired when she sighs the gunslinger’s name. Then she’s cupping Ava’s face: “Ava? Can you look at me, please?” Of course she does, she always wants to look at Beatrice. “I think she needs a second to recover.”

“Whats’... How...?”

“Did you really think we were going to let you run off like a self-sacrificing martyr?” And wow, ok, Camila has a bite.

“You also forgot I can open portals.” Oh, that’s right. Lilith can open portals, she’s also been training and exploring her new powers. It’s actually one of the ways they’ve bonded a lot.

“But, we were overrun by the possessed”

“Yes, Ava. The plan shifted. But we still had it under control. And if you have stopped to listen to us for a second you would have realized that we were containing the threat of the possessed to then be able to face Adriel together properly.”

“Oh.” Yes, Beatrice is definitely angry at her.

“Yes, oh. Now quit the drama and finish the dude.” There’s what Ava could only describe as an evil laugh coming from Adriel who’s still on the ground, panting.

“You think you children can defeat me? Areala, who was an actual Warrior could only hide me away on a tomb.”

“You said that like she sent you on a cruise, dumbass.” It’s Mary.

“I said that as someone who can escape again, fool.”

“We know we can kill you.” Beatrice.

“And we know we can’t contain you here.” Camila.

“We also know who’s eager to get their hands on you.” Lilith, who then turns to Ava: “Ready?” And yeah. She’s ready to send this demon back to hell. Literally.

“Yeah. Ready” Ava picks her sword with a pained grimace. And before she can take the couple of steps that separate her from Adriel, she feels a strong, delicate hand on her shoulder, so she turns to Beatrice.

“Remember, spend as much Halo energy as possible without depleting it completely. We want it’s signal to be muted, but not enough to put you at risk.” She nods, and proceeds to lift her sword over her head to strike.

“What do you think you’re doing? You can’t kill me!”

“Like they said, we know. But we can hurt you before we gift you away.”

She summons as much as the Halo power as she dares before striking him down. His pained screams fill the open space around them, but she keeps the sword in him until she starts to feel weak. Then she stops, and stumbles back into strong arms that hold her up. That’s when Lilith comes forward and looks at him like he’s a bug she just crushed under her boot and is disgusted to have to clean it up. She lifts her claws, and he flinches, it’s so satisfying to see. But she doesn’t strike as he expects, she opens a huge portal and after a couple of seconds of nothing, they hear a deafening roar, the thunderous approach until the imposing form of the Tarask appears through the portal.

Adriel chokes out a whimpering “No” catching the full attention of the monster, who promptly drags him through the closing portal. Lilith sags into the calm that follows, but Mary is there, ready to assist her.

“All right. You freaks good to go?”

“Mary, I don’t appreciate you calling them that” Breatice is truly a saint.

“Oh, but they love it. Right, Satan?”

“Fuck off.”

“Lilith, language!” But Camila sounds suspiciously like holding back a smile. They bicker the whole way to the van. Beatrice half carrying Ava, and Mary supporting Lilith, leaving Camila to load their weapons inside and start the vehicle.

Mary deposites Lilith in the passenger seat. while she herself takes the cargo section for herself stating that “I’m too old for this shit. Need to stretch my legs.” Leaving Ava and Beatrice in the back seat.

Ava is exhausted and she’s ready to let the darkness take her for a while. But Beatrice is caressing her face and speaking... Oh, right, she should listen.

“Ava? Are you listening?”

“Yeah”

“I know you’re tired, but I need to do quick check, all right?”

“Yeah”

“Good. Tell me what hurts.”

“Everything”

“Right. Tell me what hurts the most, then”

“Uh, my back? My head, too. My face... because I’m so cute.”

There’s a collection of groans from the front and the back, but Beatrice is smiling down at her, and that’s really all that matter.

“We’ll be back home in about two hours, so you can have some rest. But I want you to be properly tended to in the infermary when we arrive. Understood?”

“Yes, ma’am!” But the ma’am morphs into a yawn and it looses all the cool, filtry effect she was going for.

“Please, don’t ever do that again.” Beatrice whispers and suddenly the air is heavy inside the van.

“I’m sorry. I just... He had Lilith, right how he said he would. I...”

“You allowed him get inside your head.” Lilith interrupts. “Which was what he wanted. He knew that was his best shot at getting the Halo.”

“That’s why you talked to us about them and we worked on it, remember?” Oh, good. At least Camila is back at being sweet.

“So, we need to work on your panic attacks and traumas, kid. Get ready for that.” And Ava actually whines at Mary’s words, because that doesn’t sound like fun.

“Not right away, though. First we heal and rest.” God, she loves Beatrice.

“And kid?” She didn’t realize she closed her eyes, until Mary calls out to her. So she opens them and twist her neck a little to look at her pearing from the back. “We love you, too. You know that right? You’re our family, too.”

Aw man, she’s all emotional again. She just wanted to be a badass like the rest of them. She feels Beatrice nod, and turns to see Lilith doing the same from the front seat. Camila is smiling at her through the rearview mirror: “It’s true, Ava.” Camila has such a pretty smile. But Beatrice has the prettiest smile. Beatrice has the prettiest everything.

“Rest now.” Beatrice says as she bends to place a tender kiss to Ava’s forehead. But then whispers in her ear: “I think you have the prettiest everything, too.” And she has the sexiest smirk painted on her lips, so Ava can’t seem to be able to respond. Just a flicker of a thought right before exhaustion claims her:

Wait, did I say that out loud?

[shinymooncolor]

Sweater weather chat #12 part 2

Hi all!!! 

As promised - here’s part two to chat #12!

First of all - massive thanks to @lumosinlove for giving us this world! 

Also thanks to @frombeauxbatons for giving me ideas, support and just generally letting me vent and rant <3 

the amazing @paulian03 cleverly came up with Sirius giving the boys the nickname O’Knutzy in the story and that features both in this chat and the next. :) 

link to part 1 here :) 

So, 

Sirius is hiding in a closet. Remus is sarcastic. Kris is worried. So much love for single dad Kris <3. Dumo wants to call PETA. Blizzard doesn't judge. Olli has opinions. Olli is the best. Timmy is offended. Alice is a boss. Finn has ideas. They involve glitter and rainbows. Mental health awareness is important! Natalie is precious. We establish that consent is EVERYTHING! 

Sweater weather chat #12 part 2

--

Tuesday 2.54 pm 

Sirius <3: re!!!!!! Help. I’m in the green closet. 

Remus ❤️: I’m not gonna make a joke. But. It’s right there. Which green closet? I lost you around the beds. Thought you were behind me. How’re you sneaking away so quietly? 

Sirius <3: someone put it on Twitter. That I’m here. These ladies followed me. Hat to throw my hat down on the floor as a way to distract them. Never seeing that again 😭 

Remus ❤️: sneaky....... you could just sign their bras and get on with your life.

Sirius <3: really? Sarcasm. I was being hunted by cougars re. It’s scary. Help me.

Remus ❤️: alright. Send me a pic. 

Sirius <3: *pic* 

Remus ❤️: I sent you to get a lamp. You ended up on the first floor somehow? In the kids section. And no we’re not buying that massive shark. 

Sirius <3: it’s for Ava. 🥺

Remus ❤️: really? 

Sirius <3: she told me Jackie is her favorite (I assume Jackie is Nado?) and I need to be the favorite. Logan already beat me with the Dumais’ kids. I need to win somewhere. 

Remus ❤️: and bribing her is the way?

Sirius <3: of course it is. How else? Can’t dazzle her with my hockey or money or fame. Need some real firepower and a big shark is a winner. 

Remus ❤️: I’m here now. Which closet are you in? 

——

Tuesday 4.31 pm

Nadotheman: guess who’s trending on twitter for hooking up in Ikea.

Blizzard: my first guess is always you? But as you’re texting you’re either oddly proud or it’s not you. Kuny? 

RussianGod: not me 

Timmyforrealz: @blizzard you’re not even thinking about me? Could totally have been me. Nado not the only one who’s got crazy girl skills. 

Ollibear: skills? Buddy you’ve had a three month drought. 

Timmyforrealz: DONT listen to Olli. He’s a baby. He’s still a little virgin. 

Ollibear: first of all. There’s nothing wrong with not being into sex. Asexuality is a valid thing. Also I’m not a Virgin. I just prefer a partner who either has no idea who I am or likes me for me. 

Ollibear: also, the three of you are easy @russiangod @nadotheman @timmyforrealz. You literally sell out for a pat on the ass and a wink. I could get with either of you with very little effort. 

Nadotheman: oi! I’m not easy. I have an acquired taste. 

Talkiewalkie: acquired taste = anything human with a pulse and the ability to consent. Literally. I’ve watched you pick up. 

RussianGod: as long as consent. What’s big deal? They say yes it’s ok. 

Prongstar: I JUST SAW THE PIC WTF?????

Prongstar: also, Olli? That’s the spirit. 

LeWilliam: cap?!!???? 

Logantremblayzzz: whattttt 

Talkiewalkie: HAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHA WELL YOU CERTAINLY CAME OUT THE CLOSET..... LITERALLY

CarbO’Hara: damn!!! I was gonna say that 

Newt-leo: I said it first. You just type like a madman.

Krisvolley: is that the shark you dropped off for Ava? 

DumoDad: better call peta. Poor shark. 

Siriusly: it’s not whAt it looks like. Someone tweeted I was in there and the cougars descended upon me. I had to hide. Someone actually ripped my shirt and Remus was gone to look at pillows. I had to hide. It was scary. 

Blizzard: so you didn’t do a quickie in Ikea with a plushie shark watching? 

Siriusly: no. We didn’t, also, sirius had to put his shirt back on in a Hurry. Someone did rip it (re here) 

Blizzard: I’m not judging. Whatever makes your skates fly cap. Never had Re as an exhibitionist tho . 

Siriusly: he’s not. We didn’t do anything. Some lady ripped my shirt and I hid in the closet while the nice Ikea girl distracted them with some sort of family offer I think or free ice cream whatever. But they’d actually ripped my shirt. Re helped me put it back on... you guys are idiots. 

Logantremblayzzz: heheheh whatever you say. 

Krisvolley: so you didn’t do nasty things to or near the shark my daughter is now refusing to give up? She’s named it fluffy. I’m worried. She said it’s just smiling? Should I be worried? 

Siriusly: ew no of course not. Promise. 

Nadotheman: sure. Also I see what you’re doing cap. I’m favorite. Back off.😫

Siriusly: no idea what you mean. JACKIE 

Blizzard: Jackie? That’s cute. How’re you today Jackie? 😘

Nadotheman: shut up kasey. Or I’m gonna spank youuuu 

Krisvolley: you guys do realize she’s literally calling whoever gives in to her whims and tantrums her favorite right? Also I’m her dad. I’ll always be her number 1! ❤️

Nadotheman: awww we know. Best single dad!!! 

Siriusly: we’re not trying to steal her kris! You’re doing amazing! 

Ollibear: yeah man she’s so lucky she’s got you!!! 

Blizzard: we love you kris 💖💖💖

—-

Wednesday 1.33

Alice: alright. Ikea confirmed that there was a situation involving fans and we were able to mostly control the narrative. You have to prepare for some chirps and a few memes. 

Sirius: what’s a meme? 

Alice: I swear to god sometimes you’re a grandpa stuck in a young man’s body. Ask the rookies. 

Sirius: you’re really mean. 

Alice: I’m also really good at my job. So suck it up captain. You’re a hockey god. I’m a PR god. We work together and magic happens.

Sirius: I’d think that was flirting but I’ve seen you make heart eyes at frank. So. We’re good right? I swear I won’t roll my eyes for the next, like, three interviews 

Alice: you better not love. And yes, frank is rather into me, isn’t he? Time I put him out of his misery, I think. 

Sirius: good luck! (To frank) 

Alice: I’ll tell him 😜

—- 

Finn: hey Alice!! 

Alice: O’Hara, how can I help? 

Finn: I just had an idea ok? 

Alice: I hope it’s better than take your dog to work day. 

Finn: that was a great idea. Not my fault that skates and jersey are easily confused for chew toys. 

Finn: but I thought we could do a charity skate or something? (Need your brain here) so all Star was a massive success so maybe we could do like a charity thing soon and get money for like lgbt+ mental health awareness right? Like. Cap is of course new to this but I can speak up, my brother is happy to support too and I bet the team would too! We could invite young people on the ice and do like a you can play thing? I know it’s not pride but like. We could wear rainbows and glitttee and????  I really wanna support cap!! 

Alice: I like your enthusiasm and the idea. Give me a few days with my team and we can work on something? I also believe congratulations are in order? For your and your boys? 

Alice: also. you typed about 100 “like” in there. I’m worried about the state of the American school system. You're a Harvard graduate.... 

Finn: I love you! I’m terrified of you but I also love you and thanks. I want to get us jerseys saying O’Knutzy? That’s cute right. 

Alice: it’s easy to make happen but Finn, maybe sit down with your boys and heather first ok? Maybe cap too. Coming out is a lot and I want to make sure you’re okay with the consequences. There’s a lot of bigoted people out there and it breaks my heart I can’t protect you better than I do! 

Finn; hey we know you’ve got our back! 

Alice: I’ll see what I can do. Is the team ok with this? 

Finn: yeah most of them I’ve asked and the rest will follow I’m sure. 😀

Alice: you’re a good kid! I’ll do my best! 

Finn: 😘😘😘

Alice: I’d say that’s inappropriate but I know you mean well! 

——

Finn: NAT!!! She said she’ll look into it! 

Nat: I love you finn and we’re gonna make this event explode in a shower of glitter, love and rainbows. 

Finn: 💖🏳️‍🌈💖🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈

Nat: 😘 also sent you some stuff on email about poly. 

Finn: wait? You and kasey???

Nat: No but I’m a musician baby, me being in a het relationship is the weird thing in our community 😜

Finn: maybe I hang with the wrong crowds. 

Nat: hopeless hockey boys ❤️

Finn: you’re dating one. 

Nat: I know. And I ship your poly arrangement harder than fangirls on tumblr. If anyone says anything tell me and I’ll relieve them of their knee caps

Finn: I get why you and kasey works. His threats are also oddly specific. He made the Boston rat cry when he detailed his imminent death via goalie pads. It was eerie. 

Nat: that’s my man 😍

Finn: weirdos. I’ll let you know when Alice is back ❤️

Nat: 😜🏳️‍🌈💖🙏🏻🌍😇

[girlboss-molina]

Be Who You Are (No Compromise)

A Julie and the Phantoms Modern Royalty AU

Chapter 2: A Tale of Punches and Pancakes

AO3 Link

Words: 9389

-----

Alex POV

...

The jet ride was nice from a glance, but insufferable for Alex. His wish to leave his anxieties in Tambor? Yeah, he knew that was bullshit. As the miles passed, his stomach bubbled and knotted more and more until he had no room for the small wrapped chocolates in the dish at the back of the plane. The fluffy clouds seemed to taunt him with their serenity, making him feel out of place with his disgust, anxiety, and anger. 

Why, why, did he have to be put in an arranged goddamn marriage when he was nineteen? The gods hated him, for sure. 

He was back to considering options in his fake-your-death-to-get-out-of-it plan when Luke finally broke the silence.

“Dude, you okay?”

“Have a guess.” The sarcasm in his voice was tangible. 

“Yes?”

“Have another guess.” Alex barely smiled at Luke’s laugh. “I just… I hate this. Julie’s awesome, dude, she’s one of my best friends. But I don’t want to marry her.”

“I feel you,” Luke responded. “I really, really want to get you out of it.”

“Thanks.” Alex went back to staring at the clouds.

…

As the plane touched down, the rumbling shook up the nerves in Alex’s stomach, and he had to shut his eyes and focus on his breathing and the feeling of Luke’s hand on his. He did his best not to crease his vest as he leaned over, holding on tight. 

When he felt the motion in his ears stop, he carefully opened his eyes, relieved when he wasn’t nauseous. Of course, he couldn’t get rid of the anxiety. 

They’d landed in the runway behind the Dahlia palace, and thankfully, the small amount of vision he had out his plane window only showed the back of the palace and, on the other side, the tall, forested mountains in which he and Julie had run around in many times when they were younger. The scene was calming, and settled his nerves. 

As the doors opened, sending a crisp blast of cold Dahlian air in his face, the familiar smell of petrichor and honey reminded him of when he and Julie would run for hours, climbing trees as high as they could, despite Ray’s constant warnings and pleas for them to be careful. How simple it would be, really, to run out the plane door and across the runway until he was back, surrounded by the branches. It would be a nightmare, of course; he barely knew how to make a fire, which was definitely a skill he would need if he were to survive on his own in the cool Dahlian climate. Surely he could figure it out, though. It couldn’t be that hard. And the motivation of not having to act straight for the rest of his life would certainly help. He wondered just how fast he could run-

He was jolted back to reality by Luke excitedly hitting his shoulder. 

“Your highness, as your Royal Best Dude™ I am legally required to get you up and moving so that you don’t start spiraling. Plus, I’m hungry.” Alex rolled his eyes and laughed despite himself. 

He wasn’t going through this alone.  

…

He should’ve expected the cameras, really. But the bright flashes startled him as soon as he stepped out of the plane, and he had to quickly struggle to compose himself. He gave small smiles and respectful waves, walking across the long runway to the limousine waiting for him. He would be making a round past the palace gates before formally entering the palace from the front. So he climbed into the lush leather seats, with Erik and Luke right behind him, and sat down, squeezing his hands into fists and then running his fingertips over the indents from his nails. 

He leaned forward, his elbows resting on his knees, hands clasped together as he tapped his foot. He wouldn’t admit it, but the feeling of Luke’s and Erik’s hands on his shoulders helped. A lot. Tension melted away from him, and while he was still nervous, he somehow managed to stand and steadily walk out of the limo, a smile breaking out on his face as he saw Julie. 

Alex wasn’t sure why he was surprised at how beautiful Julie was, there really was no paralleling her beauty. And yet, his heart swelled with pride at seeing her elegant violet dress, embroidered with dahlias. 

“Alex, why the hell do you walk so fast?” asked Luke, breathing heavily and trying to keep up. 

“I’m gay. Next question.” 

“That’s fair.” 

As he ran to Julie, Alex was so caught up in the euphoria of seeing his friend in person that, for a moment, he lived in a world where the paparazzi wasn’t a thing. But he didn’t care. Julie saw him and ran through the gardens, a huge grin visible from hundreds of feet away. She ran to him, her gown flowing in the breeze, and as soon as they were within a few feet of each other, Julie jumped and Alex let out an “oof” as he caught her in a hug, spinning around and laughing.

“It’s so good to see you!” she exclaimed, and Alex nodded.

“Yeah, you too! Even though we, you know, FaceTimed last night.”

“Eh, details. Besides, the press wants a happy reunion.”

“Fair.”

“How was the plane ride?” 

“Amazing,” Alex said. “Nothing better than being on the edge of a panic attack while you’re thousands of feet in the air.”

“I’ll fight your anxiety,” Julie decided. “Tell it to meet me behind the Denny’s tonight.” Alex snorted. 

“I’d rather you didn’t punch my brain. I kinda need it.”

“Do you?” Alex gasped in mock offense.

“Okay, rudeness aside, I think this is the part where we walk around the garden and pretend we don’t know there are photojournalists hiding behind the bushes.” Julie nodded and took his arm.

As they strolled around the gardens, the aroma of flowers settled some of Alex’s nerves. He never turned around to make sure Luke was there, but he somehow knew. It was the Royal Best Dude™ telepathy, probably. And Erik was probably bringing his suitcase up to wherever he would be staying. So, Alex did his best to relax and hang out with his friend.

“Ava’s going to be ascending soon,” he noted. “She’s pumped. Though I’m not sure how good of an idea it is to let a twenty-three year old run a country.” Julie laughed.

“I’m happy for her! And I’m sure she’ll be fine. She knows how to party, for sure, but she’s also responsible. I’m sure you have nothing to worry about.”

“Yeah, I’ll let my anxiety know.” Julie burst out laughing, and Alex soon followed. 

“Her Royal Majesty, Queen Ava Mercer of Tambor,” Julie said. “It has a nice ring to it.” Alex nodded. 

“Yeah. I’m excited for her, too. All jokes aside, I think she’ll make a great queen.”

“Definitely.”

A few moments passed, including Julie gently picking a rose from the garden, one with a pale pink coloring, and sticking it behind Alex’s ear. When it wouldn’t stay, she scrunched her nose and carefully tucked it into the breast pocket of his vest. 

“You look absolutely dashing, your highness,” she said with a fake, posh accent. Alex giggled and rolled his eyes. 

“You’re a dork.”

“I know.” 

…

His room was really something. 

After he and Julie had finished their walk around the gardens, they’d given each other cordial bows (of course tied with a friendly wink, because they were just Like That), and Erik had shown him up to his quarters. Luke followed, and Alex noticed his cheeks were considerably red. 

It was chillier in Dahlia than it was in Tambor, though, and Luke had never been Plus, a breeze had flown in during the last ten minutes of their walk, on which Luke was shadowing. He was probably flushed from the cold air. 

He was down the hall from Julie’s room, in one of the guest rooms he’d used when playing hide-and-seek with Julie when they were kids. But it had been completely refurbished, since he would be staying there for a few months.

The soft carpet was a creamy tan, and the large, full-length mirrors let in sunlight that cast gentle shadows from the posters on the giant bed, which was adorned with blue sheets and pillows, with gold and pink accents. The dark, forest green walls gave the room a soothing effect, and the twinkling fairy lights were like fireflies in a meadow. A crystal chandelier hung in the middle of the ceiling, glittering with diamonds and gold. A mahogany record player sat on a media table, along with wireless chargers for his phone and laptop, next to the sliding door that led to a huge bathroom. The tiles were light tan and grey, peppered with flecks of quartz that shimmered in the light. A giant tub sat near a tinted window, as well as a vanity with a majestic painted mirror. The shower could’ve fit his entire bed.

Even though he wasn’t keen on marrying Julie, he wouldn’t dislike his stay here. 

“Dude,” Luke whispered. “Your room is awesome.” 

“I know, right? Definitely nicer than my room in Tambor.” 

As Alex went to his giant suitcase full of neatly folded clothes, beginning to tuck them into drawers and onto hangers, Luke helped out. 

“So,” Alex began, breaking the silence. “How are you liking Dahlia so far?”

“It’s great! Kinda cold, but I’ll get used to it. And… Julie seems really nice.”

Alex definitely didn’t miss Luke’s blush when he mentioned the princess, and his lips raised into a smirk.

“Yeah, she is. You should get to know her at dinner tonight.” Luke cleared his throat.

“Uh, yeah. Definitely.”

“You good?”

“Totally,” he insisted, though his voice rose an octave and Alex couldn’t suppress his laugh. 

“Sure.”

…

The dinner was incredible. Platters of roast beef sat next to giant bowls of mashed potatoes, and the bread appetizers were soft and delicious. And, even though he was legally allowed to have alcohol based on Dahlian laws, he thought better of it, instead filling his glass with water. He noticed that Julie did the same. 

“Not a fan of wine?” he asked. 

“Nah, not really. It always gives me a stomachache.” 

“Same.”

Alex went back to his food, before noticing a man around his age eyeing him. He had dark hair and was dressed in a red vest and dark grey shirt. He seemed quite kind, if the small smile on his face had any say.

“That’s your brother, Reggie, right? I think I’ve only met him once.”

Julie followed Alex’s gaze. “Oh yeah! You would get along great, I think.”

“Cool.”

…

Before dessert was brought up, everyone in the grand hall got to mingle for about twenty minutes and let their food settle. Alex let Julie introduce him to Reggie, with whom he immediately hit it off. 

“No way, you play the drums?” Reggie asked. “I’ve always wanted to learn, but I’m no good.”

“Yeah, I do! You said you play bass?”

“Yep!”

“That’s awesome, dude.”

Their conversation lasted a bit longer, and Alex felt confident that he and Reggie would be good friends, especially because of his lighthearted demeanor, and their bro-hug before Alex was pulled away to talk to another nobleman. 

He was bounced around like a ping-pong ball, being chatted up by guest after guest. Soon, though, he needed some air, so he searched to room for King Ray.

“Your majesty?” he asked, jogging over. Ray turned to him and gave a warm smile, shaking his hand.

“Hello, Alex. You can call me Ray. Are you alright?”

“Yeah, thanks. I was just wondering if I could sneak out the back for a moment? I need some air.” Ray laughed.

“Of course, son. I told them to give you some space,” he noted, guestering to the nobles, “but I doubt they were able to contain their excitement.” Alex nodded, grateful for Ray’s chill vibes. “Try to be back in ten minutes?”

“Of course.”

Ray nodded and patted his shoulder, and Alex stepped through the back door of the grand hall, grateful when he didn’t see anyone. He took a deep breath, fiddling with the hem of his vest. 

A voice caught his ear. 

“-yeah, don’t worry, Alyssa. The mousse is in the refrigerator-” 

Alex whirled around, searching for whoever had spoken, but before he could…

WHAM. 

A cold rush of air blew from behind him as a door opened, and someone ran into him.

Hard.

Alex stumbled forward, trying to catch himself but to no avail. His momentum swung him forward, leaving him on the ground. 

“Whoa!” he started, looking at the person who’d ran him over, and…

Oh fuck, he thought. He’s hot. 

“Agh, sorry, I really need to watch where I’m-” the man cut off, his cheeks flushing. “Oh my god, I’m so sorry, your highness.” He scrambled into a bow, and Alex blushed. 

“No, you’re good, bro.” 

Alex got a good look at him, and felt his cheeks flush. He had long, silky brown hair that fell over his shoulders in waves, and smooth brown skin that had darkened in a blush. His dark eyes were kind and playful, adorned with long eyelashes. 

Alex inhaled slowly, trying to ignore the rising gay panic. 

“Are you okay?” the man asked. 

“I’m fine, yeah. Thanks. Just trying to clear my head. Until you, you know, tried to crack it open.” To Alex’s surprise, the man giggled, and holy fuck, if he wasn’t already adorable, that would’ve been the tipping point. Creases folded at the corners of his eyes, and his perfect smile turned lopsided as he laughed. 

“I did pancake you, huh?” Alex tried to laugh, and the man cleared his throat. “Sorry. Oh, uh, I’m Willie. It’s nice to meet you.”

Alex reached for his hand. “Alex,” he greeted, still hoping his face wasn’t as red as it felt. 

“Well, I’d better make sure we’re clear to bring up dessert. But I’ll see you around, your royal pancakeness,” Willie said with a grin, spinning on his heel and going back to the kitchens. Alex nodded, even though he was already gone. 

-----

Julie POV

...

As soon as Alex’s plane touched down, Julie couldn’t hide her excitement. She rushed through her photos, and as soon as she could see him, she took off running, a huge grin on her face. The silky fabric of her dress flapped against her shins, and she sprinted even faster, ignoring the goosebumps on her arms. 

As soon as she reached him, she jumped into the hug, laughing as he spun her around. They might have FaceTimed the day before, but it just wasn’t the same as seeing him in person. He was one of her best friends, and the fact that they hadn’t seen each other in so long was frankly biphobic. 

But as she spun around, finally opening her eyes, Julie caught sight of Alex’s guard. She’d never formally met him, and she’d always thought he was cute, but wow. 

He had deep hazel eyes and pale skin, cheeks flushed from the cold, his wavy brown hair neatly styled, with a touch of personal flair. His chiseled jawline cast a shadow on his neck, and his biceps were visible through his dark jacket. Julie tried to look away and focus on her friend, because now was the literal worst time to develop a crush on someone she barely knew. 

Not that she had a crush on him, or anything. 

Julie forced those thoughts out of her head, and scolded her stupid heart for fluttering when she caught his gaze. She turned back to Alex, laughing when he insinuated that photojournalists would be hiding behind the bushes. 

“Ava’s going to be ascending soon,” Alex told her. “She’s pumped. Though I’m not sure how good of an idea it is to let a twenty-three year old run a country.” Julie laughed, silently agreeing.

“I’m happy for her! And I’m sure she’ll be fine. She knows how to party, for sure, but she’s also responsible. I’m sure you have nothing to worry about.”

“Yeah, I’ll let my anxiety know.” Julie burst out laughing, soon followed by Alex.

“Her Royal Majesty, Queen Ava Mercer of Tambor,” she said, letting the words flow off her tongue. “It has a nice ring to it.” 

“Yeah. I’m excited for her, too. All jokes aside, I think she’ll make a great queen.”

“Definitely.” There wasn’t a doubt in her voice, either. 

Julie had met Ava when she was eight. Ava had been thirteen, and was the coolest thirteen-year-old ever, in little Julie’s opinion. She vaguely remembered hanging out in her room with her, and thinking she was just the coolest ever. Then again, she was an eight year old. To an eight year old, all thirteen-year-olds are cool (or gross, but we don’t talk about that).

Julie walked with Alex, chatting about random things, including plans to get out of the arranged marriage, each more complicated than the next. Julie couldn’t stop herself from laughing when Alex brought up his temptation to just run into the woods with no supplies or survival skills, and just be a gay forest cryptid. She was quite fond of it, to be honest. 

Unfortunately, they didn’t have any plans that didn’t involve either faking their deaths, or something treasonous, neither of which would be good. At least, not in anyone else’s opinions. 

…

After Alex went up to his room, Julie did the same, and immediately flopped on her bed, finally allowing herself to process her thoughts about, well, everything.

God, she wanted out of this marriage. She knew Alex did as well. They’d talked about it endlessly over FaceTime, texting, and just now, in person. But neither of them could come up with an actual plan or a good enough reason to halt it. Because, you know, the people actually getting married never get a say. 

Plus, it did not help that Alex’s guard, who she’d learned was named Luke, was really cute. She furrowed her brow. She’d never even had a real conversation with the guy. Not that it mattered, of course. She remembered when she was fifteen and had already decided that Nick Danforth-Evans was a sweetheart, even though she’d only had one real conversation with him. 

But this felt different somehow. She couldn’t help but feel like Luke was actually really nice. She just got those vibes from him. She cursed her stupid heart for making her feel things. No, Molina. There’s no such thing as liking a cute guard. 

It didn’t work. 

She stared at her ceiling, watching flecks of dust float around the air, and jumped when Flynn and Carrie walked into her room without knocking. It wasn’t like she actually expected them to knock, but she’d zoned out and the sudden sound took her by surprise. 

“I know that look,” Flynn said matter-of-factly. “What’s the crisis about?”

“What isn’t it about?”

“Uh uh, don’t try to deflect by answering my question with another question,” Flynn scolded, and Carrie bit back a laugh. 

“I just…” she searched for an excuse. “I love that Alex is here, but I don’t want to marry him,” she said, remembering that the best lies were based on the truth. “And he’s gay, so I know for a fact he doesn’t want to marry me. Plus, you know. We’ve expressed that multiple times. And I know there’s really nothing I can do about it, because it’s all arranged, and bitching about it does nothing to help, but honestly? I’m just feeling bitchy.” 

“As you should,” Carrie agreed, to Julie’s surprise. “If anyone deserves to be a little bitchy, it’s you. I mean, come on. You’re a teenage girl who never actually got a normal life because you’re frickin’ Princess Julie Molina, heiress to the throne of Dahlia. And you’re stuck in an arranged marriage with one of your best friends, and neither of you want it, but you can’t actually change it. I’d be bitchy too.”

“Thank you for summing that up,” Julie deadpanned. “But… it helps. Thanks.”

“That’s what I’m here for.”

“She’s right, Jules,” Flynn agreed. “Be the bitchy bisexual you deserve to be.” That elicited a laugh, and Julie couldn’t help but leave the smile resting on her face. 

“Alright,” she decided. “We have self-defense in half an hour, so we should get ready.” Flynn nodded and pulled Julie off of her bed, leading her to the giant walk-in closet, searching the hundreds of options, but steering clear from the gowns. 

Flynn and Carrie must’ve known she needed cheering up, because they sarcastically suggested the biggest, poofiest gowns Julie owned, tied with a tight shawl and the wobbliest heels imaginable. Julie laughed despite herself, especially since she could barely walk in the shoes they’d picked. She was also taller than six feet, which was a plus, but she would pick stability over height any day, especially when she was going to practice kicking people’s asses. 

Eventually, she settled on flexible black leggings with a purple stripe going down the outside of each leg, and a simple white tunic that starkly contrasted her dark skin. It was fitted but she could move easily in it, stretching into a backbend to make sure. 

She sighed and allowed Flynn and Carrie to take either arm and lead her downstairs to the training arena. 

…

The training arena was a huge room, the floors completely covered in mats, aside from the giant gymnastic trampolines at the far corner and the running track that traversed the perimeter. On the far side opposite the trampolines were sets of weights and treadmills, as well as other equipment like bars and benches. Punching bags were hung sporadically around the martial arts area, which was also used for tumbling and floor routines. 

Lady Athena gave a smile as they walked in, soon followed by Reggie and Mira. Lady Athena was a tall, muscular woman with silky black hair that was always in a high ponytail. Her bronze skin glittered with sweat, and her two-piece athleisure outfit left her chiseled abs on display. 

“Alright,” she said, clapping her hands. “Reggie, since you’re bigger, you’re with me. You four, pair up and practice your hand-to-hand skills. Remember the blocks we learned last week.” Julie nodded and paired with Flynn, immediately getting into position.

“Head’s up,” she warned with a smirk, before lunging with a punch that would’ve hit Flynn square in the chest if not for her catlike reflexes. She knocked Julie’s hand out of the way, and Julie had to twist to avoid Flynn’s counterattack, letting herself lean backwards. But when she almost fell, she used it to her advantage, hopping backwards onto one hand and spinning, tripping Flynn by kicking her feet out from under her. Before Flynn could recover, Julie pounced over her, grabbing her shirt collar and pulling her fist back, ready to attack. She didn’t follow through, obviously, but she knew she had good form. 

“Well done, your highness,” praised Lady Athena. Julie blushed.

“Thanks.”

“Whatever,” Flynn grumbled, and Julie laughed. “Rematch?”

“You’re on.”

…

Julie had defeated Flynn four times to two, and was feeling very confident. It must’ve helped, exercising, because her worries about Alex and Luke were far away as she battled Carrie and then Mira. Or, they were until a certain brunette guard walked in the room in a sleeveless shirt and shorts that showed off his muscles. 

She shouldn’t have let herself get distracted, though, because in her haze, Mira managed to throw her off balance and win their round. 

“Hah! That’s two each!” She outstretched her hand, which Julie gratefully accepted, pulling her up. 

“Good job,” she said, still distracted but keeping her eyes far away from Luke. 

“Hi, is this the self-defense lesson?” Luke asked, and Julie could no longer ignore him. 

“It is,” Lady Athena confirmed. “You’re Prince Alexander’s guard, correct?”

“And certified Royal Best Dude™,” he added with a grin that was so adorable it made Julie flush. By some miracle, nobody noticed. 

“Alright, why don’t you train with Reggie? He can show you what we’re working on. I need to go make sure nobody’s going to throw out their back at the weights.” With that, Lady Athena stalked off, her ponytail swaying behind her. 

Luke walked over to Reggie, and Julie did her best not to stare as Reggie guided Luke, and they began sparring. Luke was surprisingly agile, but he was too enthusiastic, reaching for every possible blow, not realizing where he left himself vulnerable. But his puppy eyes when Reggie defeated him were too cute. 

Julie cleared her throat and turned away. 

“Tiebreaker?” Mira nodded, and they went to sparring. Julie ducked and dodged every hit of Mira’s, even getting in a few herself, but she was thrown off when she heard Luke laugh, a musical, joyful sound, and Mira took advantage of her momentary slip, finally beating her. 

“Yes!” Mira jumped and pumped her fist, then helped Julie up. 

“Nice job!” Julie grinned with the words, high-fiving Mira. 

“Alright, break time.”

Julie walked to the edge of the wall where she’d left her water bottle and towel, almost choking on her water when she heard Luke’s voice behind her. 

“Your highness?” he asked shyly. “I don’t believe we’ve formally met.” Julie smiled and outstretched her hand, shaking Luke’s. “I’m Alex’s guard, Luke.”

“Hi! You can call me Julie,” she said with a smile, hoping her cheeks weren’t as red as they felt. “Nice to meet you.”

“Yeah, you too! Oh, by the way, great job during your fights. I saw your takedown on the other girl, the one with the braids.”

“Oh, that’s Flynn.”

“Cool. But yeah, I saw your fight, and that was really impressive. I doubt I could spin on one hand like you did.” 

Well.

If Julie hadn’t been blushing before, she certainly was now. At least Luke’s cheeks were only red because of the intense workouts. 

“It took me forever to get that move right,” she admitted. “I only just got it down, if I’m being honest. I still slip up sometimes, too.”

“Could’ve fooled me,” he complimented. And oh, his smile really was a beautiful thing. 

“Alright, break time’s over,” called Lady Athena. “No more flirting.” Julie’s stomach dropped, and she inhaled, a denial already on her tongue, before she realized that her coach was looking at Flynn and Carrie, who were chatting animatedly, both blushing. 

She practiced a bit more with Carrie, doing her best to ignore the boy next to her. When the class finally ended, she hurriedly thanked Lady Athena before rushing up to shower.

Letting the hot water wash over her, she pondered how the hell Luke had wiggled his way into her heart so quickly within one conversation. 

Was she being brainwashed into liking a guy she barely knew?

Was this some elaborate trick that whatever higher being existed had orchestrated as a ploy to get her out of the arranged marriage?

… And more importantly, would it work? 

The thought made her laugh. Not that she didn’t slightly believe this was all some sort of elaborate trick to get her to commit treason and fall in love with someone she wasn’t supposed to, but it was funny nonetheless.

…

After she’d done her best to set the record for hottest, soapiest shower possible, Julie wrapped herself in a towel, massaging peach lotion into her skin, the scent matching her shampoo. As she rubbed it into her hands, she imagined what it would feel like holding Luke’s hand, before quickly banishing the thought away to the depths of simpy hell.

This was worse than she thought. 

She changed into her evening gown for the dinner, allowing Mira to lace up the back. It was all navy blue, a long strapless dress that reached her ankles, with a see-through tulle layer over top that went up to a sleeveless halter neckline, leaving the rest of the tulle layer to flow down neatly over the rest of the silky dress, which tightened at the waist. Tiny diamonds had been sewn into the tulle at her waist, high in concentration before gently tapering off the lower in the skirt they went.

“Okay,” Carrie said, walking in with Flynn beside her. “I think I speak for everyone when I say, damn. That dress is fine.” Flynn nodded enthusiastically. 

“I know, right?” Mira said excitedly. “I actually helped tailor this one! It was one of my favorites to make.”

“And for a good reason,” Julie agreed. “Mira, you’ve outdone yourself.”

“Not quite,” she said, turning Julie towards the vanity. “I’m thinking we do something simple but elegant for your hair?”

“I vote for that,” Flynn interjected. 

“Sure!”

Mira set to work, combing through Julie’s hair with her fingers. Julie closed her eyes. She’d always loved the feeling of people playing with her hair, and as Mira wove her dark locks into two thick braids that soon joined together, letting the rest of her hair poof at the base of her neck, Julie was transported back to her mother’s room when she was five. She remembered the feeling of her mother braiding her hair like it was yesterday, the gentle tugs and nimble fingers on her scalp. It wasn’t the same with Mira, of course, but it was refreshing and comforting at the same time. 

“Hey, Jules?” Flynn called from her closet.

“Mm?”

“Mind if I steal that asymmetrical dress for tonight? The jade one,” she clarified. 

“Feel free!”

The dress in mind was a slim-fitting jade green dress that reached her knees, but the hem was cut asymmetrically, leaving one side longer than the other. It had golden ribbon-like threads spun around it with no particular rhyme or reason, and a built-in sash made of pale, spring green tulle roses. The thin straps showed off her shoulders, and when Flynn walked out with it on, Julie noticed Carrie blush.

“Dude, you look awesome,” Julie complimented. Flynn twirled, letting the light play off of the shimmery fabric.

“Thanks!”

Mira finished doing Julie’s hair, and held up a mirror for her to see. Julie admired the thick, smooth braids that gently rejoined at the base of her neck, letting the rest of her dark curls loose in an elegant fashion.

“It’s amazing, Mira! Thank you so much.”

“Of course! And thank you for letting me do it,” she said with a giggle. “Your hair is so fun to style.” Julie blushed. 

…

The dinner was rather uneventful, thankfully. Julie wasn’t sure if she would’ve had the energy to constantly be answering questions. Instead, though, she got to introduce people to each other, and relax and eat, and try to keep her eyes away from a certain hazel-eyed guard.

She was grateful for the relatively simple task.

-----

Luke POV

...

Luke had heard about the self-defense classes in the training arena, and he was itching to get moving, so he changed into workout clothes and headed down there. 

The spiral staircase was wide and glittered with colored glass, the silver banisters gleaming in the light. He trailed his hand down it as he made his way down.

When he reached the training arena, he closed the door behind him and went to set down his water bottle and towel- but not before noticing Julie.

At the self-defense class.

Thankfully, she didn’t see him. He hung back for a moment, watching as she sparred with another girl with long braids. The way she moved was incredible, like water flowing in a current, unpredictable and smooth. Of course, if anyone asked, he was most certainly not admiring it. He could silently appreciate her skills, though.

As she dodged hit after hit, throwing her own blocks and blows, it looked like the girl with braids had gotten the better of her, but as Julie leaned backwards, she hopped and - holy fuck - caught herself on one hand, spinning around in the air like some sort of ethereal breakdancer, and knocking the other girl’s feet out from under her, before pouncing, grabbing her shirt collar, and pulling back her fist, before freezing and laughing. 

Whoa. 

So not only was she a wicked beauty, Luke realized, she was a human wrecking ball, too. 

He cleared his throat, tearing his eyes away from the beautiful badass in front of him, tuning out Lady Athena’s praise in favor of clearing his head before approaching to join. Not that it worked. He couldn’t keep his eyes off of Julie. The other three girls (and the guy, if he was being honest) were all stunningly fit and agile, but there was something about Julie that enchanted him. The way she was always smiling even in the middle of a training fight, how, even when she was defeated, she brushed it off with a laugh, how she was light on her feet like a cat as she dodged and spun, how she was needlessly extravagant with her self-defense and yet somehow always made it work. Maybe that’s just what princesses were like; even when defending themselves against possible attackers, they had to be as beautiful as ever. 

Of course, right now, Luke knew she didn’t look how she normally would, in her silky gowns and expertly styled hair. Now, she wore matching athletic clothes and had her hair pulled back into a ponytail, with some strands coming out in a sweaty frizz. And yet, that somehow just made her even more breathtaking. Even when she was sweaty and working out, she managed to look like an angel.

An angel who could easily kick his ass, he remembered as she pulled the upside-down-one-handed-breakdancer move again, this time on a redheaded girl he didn’t recognize. 

Before he could stop himself, he approached Lady Athena. 

“Hi, is this the self-defense lesson?” He asked the woman.  

“It is,” Lady Athena confirmed, and he nodded.. “You’re Prince Alexander’s guard, correct?”

“And certified Royal Best Dude™,” he added with a grin. He would never let go of that title.

“Alright, why don’t you train with Reggie? He can show you what we’re working on. I need to go make sure nobody’s going to throw out their back at the weights.” Luke nodded again as Lady Athena walked away.

He walked over to Reggie, shaking his hand.

“Hey, I’m Luke,” he introduced with a smile. Reggie shot one back.

“Reggie!”

“Nice to meet you! So, do we just… fight? I’m not sure how this is run here compared to in Tambor.” Reggie laughed. 

“Yeah, pretty much. You good at hand-to-hand?”

“I’m not bad,” he admitted. “But I’m no expert.” He couldn’t help looking at Julie. “Is she always that much of a badass?” Reggie followed his eyes to Julie. 

“Pretty much,” he said with a laugh, and Luke dearly hoped he wasn’t blushing.

“Good to know. In that case, if I introduce myself to her, how scared should I be?” He asked it with a smile and a joking tone, but he was actually a bit nervous. But, you know, just because he now knew that she could kick his ass seven ways to Sunday.

No other reason.

“Oh, don’t worry!” Reggie assured him. “She’s actually really nice. I’ve known her since she was eight,” he explained. Luke nodded, grateful for the reassurance.

“Alrighty then,” he said, hopping into a fighting stance. “Let’s get cracking.” 

…

By “let’s get cracking,” he was hoping he wouldn’t be cracking his ego, but he was sorely mistaken. Reggie didn’t seem like it, but he was really strong, and really good at fighting. Luke was more agile than him, and strength-wise he could compare, but the Dahlian style of fighting was so different from the Tamborian style. They were similar in many ways, of course; they had the same moves and strategies. But the ways they moved were so different, the ways they executed their moves had an uncanny grace and deadliness.

He did his best, reaching for every blow he could, trying to get the upper hand. And, to his credit, he won a few rounds. But he accidentally left himself vulnerable most of the time, leaving perfect opportunities for his opponent to strike, because Of Course He Did. 

When they called for a break, Luke wiped his forehead with a towel, grabbing a drink of water. Then, he swallowed the lump in his throat and approached Julie.

“Your highness?” he asked shyly. “I don’t believe we’ve formally met.” Luke tried not to blush when she smiled and shook his hand. “I’m Alex’s guard, Luke.”

“Hi! You can call me Julie,” she said with a gorgeous grin, and Luke knew he was a goner. “Nice to meet you.”

“Yeah, you too! Oh, by the way, great job during your fights. I saw your takedown on the other girl, the one with the braids.” The words were out of his mouth before he could stop them, and he mentally kicked himself. Not smooth, Patterson. What if she thought he was creepy? 

Thankfully, though, she smiled.

“Oh, that’s Flynn!”

“Cool,” he said, relieved. Nice and smooth, Patterson. “But yeah, I saw your fight, and that was really impressive. I doubt I could spin on one hand like you did.” He reached up and scratched the back of his neck nervously, and he couldn’t help but feel accomplished when Julie’s cheeks flushed. Of course, his were probably just as red, but hopefully he could blame it on the workout.

“It took me forever to get that move right,” she admitted. “I only just got it down, if I’m being honest. I still slip up sometimes, too.”

“Could’ve fooled me,” he complimented with a smile. And it wasn’t a lie, either. 

“Alright, break time’s over,” called Lady Athena. “No more flirting.” Luke cleared his throat, getting ready to insist that he wasn’t flirting, before he realized that Lady Athen was looking at Flynn and another redheaded girl, who were chatting animatedly, both blushing. He sighed in relief. 

As he went back to sparring with Reggie, zoned out but fighting just as well as he was before, maybe even better, he pondered Julie’s abilities. How did she manage to be so beautiful, so graceful, and yet so kind and badass? It shouldn’t have been possible for any one human to do that all, much less a teenage girl who was already juggling the responsibilities of being a princess. 

Julie was, Luke realized, even more incredible than he’d ever thought possible.

…

All throughout the dinner, he was trying not to stare at Julie. Her dress was absolutely gorgeous, and the way she flitted around the room like a butterfly was absolutely ethereal. Tie that with the diamonds sewn into her navy blue dress that looked like fading stars and twinkled in the light, and she looked like she was wrapped in starlight. He knew it was appropriate for that star of a woman, but still, he thought it should’ve been illegal for anyone to have that effect on him. 

His cheeks were red, and he stared at his plate, inhaling the scent of roast beef and mashed potatoes, along with the aroma of warm bread from his appetizer. 

Even with the cool air of Dahlia and his thin shirt and suit vest, he was still sweating. He was absolutely gone for a girl he’d only had one conversation with, a girl he’d only known for a maximum of five hours. 

A girl who his best friend was being forced to marry. 

That was the worst part of all of this. His best friend, who would never be in love with Julie no matter how good of friends they were, had to marry her because of goddamn international relations, and there was nothing he could do about it. And, a selfish part of him thought, it means you never had a chance. He shoved the thoughts out of his head, hating the lingering ache they left in his heart. 

Not that he would’ve ever had a chance anyway. She was a beautiful, badass princess, and he was just a guard she didn’t even know. 

-----

Reggie POV

...

As soon as the plane landed on the runway behind the palace, Reggie smiled at Julie, letting go of her hand as she readied herself.

He understood her worry. No matter how close you are with someone, being set to marry them - especially when you didn’t want to - was daunting. Of course, he’d never been through the same thing, but he was always an empathetic person, and he could practically feel his own sister’s worry and ache.

He saw Prince Alexander walking to the gardens, and smiled when Julie broke into a grin, running to him. He twirled rose petals between his fingers, letting out a small laugh when she jumped into Alex’s arms. He didn’t want to seem like a helicopter brother, though, so he went back inside, leaving Jules with Prince Alexander. 

When he stepped inside, he nearly ran into Ray.

“Whoa, sorry!” Ray laughed. 

“You’re perfectly fine, mijo. Everything okay?” Reggie sighed.

“I’m just worried for Julie. I’ve never really gotten to know Prince Alexander, and-”

“I’ll stop you there,” Ray said. “Believe me, I know what you mean, and if I could stop it without huge consequences, I would. But Alex isn’t someone you need to worry about. That boy is one of the sweetest, kindest people I’ve ever met,” he assured him. “And while I know neither of them want to get married, I know that they’re both mature, and good friends.”

“Thanks,” Reggie sighed. “I just wish I could get her out of it, you know? I mean, that’s my little sister.”

“I understand,” the king agreed. “But unfortunately, there isn’t anything to be done other than let Alex settle in.” Reggie nodded glumly. “Hey, wasn’t there a progression you wanted to show me? On your bass?” Ray clarified. Reggie immediately lit up. 

“Yeah! Julie and I have been working on a song called Icarus, and she’s got a killer piano melody worked out. I went off of some of her chords and found a super cool progression on my bass that adds a really nice line underneath hers, and it sounds-” he did the chef’s kiss thing with his hand- “divine.”

“Alright, well now I’ve gotta see it!” Reggie’s grin lit up even more and he ran to his room, followed by Ray, who was jogging behind him. 

Reggie’s room was huge, the walls painted dark blue. He’d always found the color soothing. He snatched his red and white bass guitar from its stand, spinning on his heel as he ducked under the strap, letting it settle by his waist. 

When Ray met him there, Reggie grinned, plucking the strings animatedly until he remembered the notes. He didn’t bother grabbing his phone to try and find them from wherever he’d written them down in the endless scrolling of his notes app. Soon, though, his chaotic ADHD brain remembered, and he began excitedly plucking specific notes in a rhythmic pattern, his fingers stretching to reach each fret as he hopped from the E string to A, then G back to E and D. He smiled even brighter when he saw Ray grinning and tapping his foot to the beat.

“So, it kinda just goes like that, until we get to the chorus. Then, I come in with a little…” he slid his finger down the string, letting the note slide down before he hopped back into the rhythm, the same notes as before, but ordered differently, giving a new feel to the music. 

He hopped around, spinning as he played his bass, humming the lyrics under his breath.

“That sounds super cool, mijo!” Ray exclaimed, one eyebrow furrowed, as was custom for him whenever he was excited. Reggie hopped up and down happily, fixing the cuff of one of his sleeves. 

“Thanks! Julie and I are gonna try to record it. I’m trying to learn how to play the drums, to add a steady beat, but I can’t seem to figure it out.”

“I’m sure you’ll get it soon.” Reggie beamed. “I’m so sorry, mijo, I have to go. I’d love to hear more later or tomorrow, though!”

“Okay,” Reggie said. “Bye!” He continued playing marking down cool progressions he found, and just hopping around to get out his wiggles. 

…

At the self-defense class, he sparred with Lady Athena. Sometimes he would spar with Julie or Flynn, but even though she was no doubt better at fighting, he was also bigger, and she was paired with Flynn. 

Lady Athena was amazing at fighting, and Reggie got his ass kicked most of the time, but he was able to win a couple rounds, which he was quite proud of. Lady Athena complimented his form, and he had no doubt that he would be gathering serotonin from that compliment for weeks. Even then, though, he got plenty from seeing his badass little sister master her insane breakdance-style move, with which she completely demolished Flynn in a few seconds. His chest swelled with pride when she won.

Soon, though, a man named Luke entered the studio, and Reggie definitely didn’t miss Julie’s blush when she looked at him. She might’ve been supposed to marry Alex, but it wasn’t like either of them wanted it. Plus, he was always down for a little treason, especially if it was with Julie. 

Lady Athena paired Luke with Reggie, perfect timing for her to go check on some of the other people in the arena. 

“Hey, I’m Luke,” the man introduced with a smile. Reggie gave his trademark grin.

“Reggie!” He outstretched his hand, and Luke shook it. 

“Nice to meet you! So, do we just… fight?” Luke asked. “I’m not sure how this is run here compared to in Tambor.” Reggie laughed. He’d never sparred with anyone from Tambor before, so this would be fun.

“Yeah, pretty much.” He ran a hand through his hair. “You good at hand-to-hand?”

“I’m not bad, but I’m no expert.” Reggie followed his gaze as it shifted over to Julie. “Is she always that much of a badass?” He asked, clearly in awe.

“Pretty much,” Reggie replied with a laugh, grinning at Luke’s blush.

Simp.

“Good to know. In that case, if I introduce myself to her, how scared should I be?” Luke was fiddling with the hem of his shirt by that point. 

“Oh, don’t worry!” Reggie assured him. “She’s actually really nice. I’ve known her since she was eight,” he explained.

“Alrighty then,” he said, hopping into a fighting stance. “Let’s get cracking.” Reggie grinned and reciprocated, taking the first strike. 

The first thing he learned was that Luke was very opportunistic in his fighting style. He went for nearly every possible blow, even if it meant leaving himself vulnerable. Reggie, of course, took advantage of this. He had to make sure his new friend (and sister’s possible future treasonous boyfriend) knew he could protect people. 

Luke pouted, and Reggie couldn’t help but admit that he had adorable puppy eyes. 

He helped him up, laughing. A few more sparring rounds passed, and Luke turned out to be quite adaptable. He found ways to get past Reggie’s blocks, and even put some up himself. Soon, they were evenly matched, and Reggie was impressed. Although, he soon found that he could get in another blow by telling a horrible joke, then striking when Luke laughed.

He thought it was pretty genius.

…

The dinner was rather uneventful. He did, however, get to meet Prince Alexander, which he was very happy about - even more so now that he was confident in Ray’s assurance that he was a good person. They’d chatted about politics and whatnot, before both admitting that they were bored. Somehow, the conversation strayed to music.

“No way, you play the drums?” Reggie asked excitedly. “I’ve always wanted to learn, but I’m no good.”

“Yeah, I do! You said you play bass?”

“Yep!” He beamed, making a mental note to ask if he wanted to see, sometime later.

“That’s awesome, dude.”

“Thanks!” 

They talked for a little while longer, before Alex was pulled away to talk to some other Dahlian nobleman whose name Reggie kept forgetting. Plus, Alex seemed tired; unsurprising, given the long day he must’ve had. 

Reggie eventually settled down and ran through his thoughts.

He knew he couldn’t protect Julie, not like he wanted to. Plus, she didn’t need protecting, he’d come to realize after Luke’s “badass” comment at the training arena. Julie Molina wasn’t just a badass in self-defense, she was also a badass in every other sense of the word. She was a teenage girl, the heiress to the Dahlian throne, juggling her academic lessons and royal lessons, along with making time for her friends, free time, and she managed to (usually) get enough sleep. She was a complete badass who didn’t need protecting. 

She needed support, instead. That was something Reggie could do. He could be by her side every step of the way, no matter how hard it got. He was her brother, and he loved her more than life itself, loved every crooked smile, every curl of hair, every eye roll after one of his famously bad jokes. She didn’t deserve any of this, but by God, he’d do his best to make it bearable for her. 

-----

Willie POV

...

After lunch, the burn on Willie’s hand had calmed. Rather than the angry red mark it was earlier, it had shrunk into an annoyed red streak. Still a nuisance, but he didn’t really care.

As Willie whipped the mousse, his mind strayed to Prince Alexander. 

What was he like? Was he as cute in person as he was in photos? Probably, Willie decided. Photos never fully captured someone’s beauty unless they knew what they were looking for, and that was always more of an emotion. Photojournalists aimed for lighting and composition. There were always emotion in the photos, yes, but they never actually got to see the people in the photo. 

He wondered if he would get to meet him. Would it go well? Would he like the bread he’d so carefully baked? Would he enjoy the mousse cake he was whipping up right now? All of these questions whirled around in Willie’s brain as he whipped the mousse, letting it become airy and fluffy. Sprinkles of cocoa powder dusted the counter next to his mixing bowl, but it was fine. It would all get wiped up later. 

He grabbed a tub of fine cinnamon, sprinkling in a pinch for a little bit of kick. It was barely noticeable, but it gave the mousse an extra depth that it normally would’ve lacked. He’d never told anyone his secret, despite prying from Lilian. 

Sprinkling in a tiny bit more to account for the large batch, his thoughts wandered again.

How was Princess Julie dealing with all of this? Willie had never had a real conversation with her, but she seemed to be very well put-together. She managed everything so well, at least from the outside. Though he knew better than anyone that, no matter how organized someone may seem, there’s always a storm underneath. 

Willie finished up, putting plastic wrap over the mousse and sticking it in the giant refrigerator, before taking off his apron, washing his hands, and heading for the door.

“Willie?” Called Alyssa from behind him. He turned around, walking backwards. 

“Yeah? I’m just going on break.”

“Did you finish making the mousse?”

“Yeah, don’t worry, Alyssa,” he said, walking out the door. The mousse is in the refrigerator-” 

WHAM. 

Willie let out a slight “oof” as he ran into the person in the hallway.

He stumbled, catching himself before he fell, though not as gracefully as he would’ve liked. He’d fared better than the other person, though. 

“Whoa!” The man said.

“Agh, sorry, I really need to watch where I’m-” Willie cut himself off, his cheeks flushing as he realized he’d just ran into Prince Alexander.

Well, so much for making a good impression.

“Oh my god, I’m so sorry, your highness.” He scrambled into a bow, and blushed. 

“No, you’re good, bro.” Willie was taken aback by the casual response, but he wasn’t complaining. 

Willie finally got a good look at him, and wasn’t at all surprised when he found that he was even more stunning in person.Of course, it made it a whole lot harder to hide his gay panic.

He had blonde hair that was expertly styled, and a crisp, blue suit vest with minimalistic gold embroidery that brought out flecks of blue in his eyes and highlights in his hair. His muscles were defined and visible through the sleeves of his white dress shirt, and even when he was frazzled after just having been knocked over, he still looked as handsome as ever.

“Are you okay?” Willie asked, concerned. 

“I’m fine, yeah. Thanks. Just trying to clear my head. Until you, you know, tried to crack it open.” Willie couldn’t help himself from laughing, and dearly hoped it wasn’t the wrong move. But the prince had a small smile on his face and pink dusting his cheeks, so he had a feeling it was okay.

“I did pancake you, huh?” He tried to laugh, and Willie nervously cleared his throat. “Sorry. Oh, uh, I’m Willie. It’s nice to meet you.”

Willie outstretched his hand, delighted when the other man shook it. “Alex,” he greeted, still blushing a little bit, which could be chalked up to the embarrassment of being plowed over. Willie was worried things would get awkward soon, so he searched for an excuse, hating that he had to leave.

“Well, I’d better make sure we’re clear to bring up dessert,” he said. “But I’ll see you around, your royal pancakeness,” Willie added with a grin, spinning on his heel and going back to the kitchens, hoping Alex hadn’t noticed his internal gay panic.

…

“Well, that was a quick break,” Alyssa pointed out.

“Yeah, I guess it was,” Willie agreed, not fully listening. 

He’d fucking pancaked the prince. Prince Alexander Mercer of Tambor. And Willie, despite his constant hoping for a good impression, ran him over because he wasn’t even watching where he was going. 

How the hell was he such a mess? And even more, how would he ever be accepted by literal royalty who was way too cute to even exist? 

Willie shook his head, letting his hair fall over his shoulders, ignoring the feeling of Alyssa’s eyes on him as he walked into the giant refrigerated room, grabbing the huge bowl of chocolate mousse and scooping it into a piping bag, grabbing some of the chilled cakes.

His hands were steady and meticulous as he gently piped the mousse onto the cakes, making a thick layer on top of each, then lifting into a swirl that peaked in the center, adorning each cake with a bit of wafer and chocolate. He set each one on a tray, waiting for Alyssa to pick it up. Plating was her specialty, because according to Lilian, any time Willie did plating, it ended up “chaotic” and “messy” and “unorthodox.” Personally, he thought it was cool. But, not everyone could have taste, he supposed. 

…

Later that night, as he wandered into his small room in the chefs’ quarters, laying down on the soft bed, his mind wandered to Alex. Despite constantly being on the news, he was a mystery, an enigma, a puzzle Willie had the urge to solve. What were his interests? His desires? His hopes, his dreams? 

Of course, he would never be able to act on his feelings about the prince, how adorably awkward he was, how gorgeous he was in any outfit, no matter the style, how even in one simple conversation, Willie had become so enamoured that he wanted to know everything about him. Not in a creepy way, of course, but in the way one wishes to know someone they’ve just met, who intrigues them to no end. 

That night, his dreams were haunted by a familiar face, a shy smile, and a piercing set of bluish eyes.

[lvllns]

wip wednesday!!

@impossible-rat-babies tagged me, thank u so much owen 🥺🥺

i think....everyone has been tagged? idk man, my brain is shut down for the week. if you wanna do this, ur tagged now!!

this is.....some EXTREMELY rough mason and sparrow talking The Incident and i’m not.......sure how i feel about it but that’s what first drafts are for lmao

—

“Okay,” Mason says as he snaps the book he’s been reading shut, “you’re clearly distracted.”

Sparrow blinks. “What? No, it’s—”

“You haven’t turned a page in five minutes.”

Shit. “Sometimes I wish you were less observant,” Sparrow says with a sigh. Mason chuckles quietly. “Why are you here?”

The air in the apartment goes thick with tension.

“Do you want me to go?” And oh, he sounds so unsure and hesitant that their heart seizes in their chest. “I can—”

“No, no I don’t want that at all,” they whisper, fingers running over the cap of their pen. “Things have just been, uh, strained is all and I’m...whatever...for you to come here, it must be bad.”

Mason growls and rubs his hands over his face before pushing his fingers through his hair. “Someone has to keep an eye on you.”

“That’s the weakest fucking excuse.” Their voice is sharp, sharper than it’s ever been, and they watch as he sits up straighter. “You don’t show up at my apartment banging on the door looking like...like you haven’t slept in two weeks just because someone needs to keep an eye on me.” Sparrow scoffs and stands from the sofa. “It was Felix’s night anyway.”

“What the fuck do you want me to say, songbird?” He won’t look at them. He just frowns and stares at the book in his lap, thumb tapping on the cover.

This is too much. Sparrow sags, shoulders bowing under some invisible weight, and they pinch the bridge of their nose. “You could start by answering my question.” He looks up at them, confused. “Why are you here?”

Mason hesitates, eyes not moving from his lap, and then, “I don’t know,” he says so softly Sparrow almost misses it.

They sigh. “Mason—“

“All I know,” he continues, cutting them off like he doesn’t realize he’s doing it, “is that Ava wouldn’t shut up about the bounty and it...I…” He shakes his head. Turns and looks over at them, eyes sharp. “I shouldn’t have said what I said at the bakery.”

“It’s fine,” Sparrow says immediately. They wave their hand to dismiss it, kick it back under the rug where it belongs.

He scoffs and rolls his eyes. “Nah, if I’m gonna be honest then so are you.” Fuck. “It’s been bothering you,” he says tentatively.

They blow out a breath before pressing their palms against their forehead. “Yeah, yeah it has.” There’s a moment where they consider sitting back down but there’s an itch under their skin now so they stay away. Getting too close, touching him or...or...or something might lead to the both of them shutting down and trying to avoid this. Sparrow shifts their weight from foot to foot instead, arms wrapping around their body. “Why did you say it?”

“I panicked,” he says with a wince. They watch him, the subtle shifts in his body. The way his shoulders tense, hands curling into fists over and over as he frowns. “I don’t do...this.” He gestures between them, eyes locked on his lap. “I’ve never wanted to do...this.” Mason is grimacing by the end of that sentence, face twisted up like he’s just sucked on a lemon.

“So you thought the best thing to do...would be to say that?” Sparrow cocks their head to the side.

“Bird, we’ve kissed, what, twice?” He looks up at them now and there is a softness about him they’ve never seen so blatantly. Their breath catches in their throat, hand reaching up to rest against their sternum. “Both times I...I…” Mason scoffs. Crosses his arms over his chest and pulls back.

“Nobody’s ever kissed you like that,” Sparrow whispers.

He blinks, eyes widening and mouth dropping open before he snaps it shut with a click. “Yeah...yeah.”

[impossible-rat-babies]

our reflections 

wayhaven chronicles | nb!detective x mason | 3.1k words | hurt/comfort | cw: blood & violence | mostly under the cut!

read on ao3

--

Feet stumbling over each other, Pollux’s shoulder slams into the door and he curses loudly. Pain radiates down his arm and into his ribs, scattering across his shoulder blades and ending at the headache welling across his scalp. Breath catching, pain making his diaphragm stutter but he knows this well. Pause, close his eyes, lean against the door, and take a few deep breaths to ease the tightness.

He licks his lips, freshly wet with new blood sliding from his nostrils and he winces; he hopes it isn’t broken, goddamn it. He doesn’t fancy a trip to Doctor Turner this late and end up scolded like he’s fifteen again and got into yet another fight after school. Or worse, getting carted off to the Agency so he can get scolded like he’s just a child who can’t take care of himself. Not to mention everyone would hover and Rebecca would throw a fit over what happened and he’s not at all in the right mind to deal with her right now.

He yanks his keys out of the door lock despite the pain spiking through his hands and wrists and he dumps them on his little console table. He flexes his hands, clenching them into fists and relaxing them. His usual joints pop and crackle, but none of his fingers feel broken or dislocated. The scabs across his knuckles flex and crack, new blood seeping through along with fresh pain to batter against his senses.

He gently kicks the door shut and leans against the table, closing his eyes once more. The pain is still fresh in his shoulders and down across his ribs and he reaches under his cardigan and he feels across his torso. Pressing against the bones and there’s no sharpness, just the familiar ache of bruises. Not cracked thankfully. Still, it hurts like hell and he sucks in a sharp breath that burns his nose. He wipes away the hot fresh blood on his sleeve, looking down at the dark streak staining the fabric.

There’s blood that isn’t his own splattered across his shirt, staining under his nails, in the cracks of his callouses. Thought it would be worse, all things considered. 

Sure, he’d gotten the wind knocked out of him, but he’s been through worse and still come back swinging. There’ll be new dents in his car come the morning and maybe some blood to wash off when he clambers out of bed, but that’s for tomorrow Pollux to worry about. Today Pollux would be more than happy to sleep for the next week and a half and ignore everything else outside of his apartment. 

Maybe he will.

He wrangles himself out of his cardigan, shaking his arm from the offending sleeve and it lands on the floor in a heap that he kicks to the side. Works his shoes off too, abandoning them, shuffling past the tiny entryway and into his living room. Groping blindly through the dark for his bedroom door, he wishes he’d left a lamp on.

“Pollux?”

A voice in the dark and he turns sharply, panic seizing his chest, eyes searching through the dark. His hands clench into tight fists that break the fresh scabs, heart racing in his chest.

“Hey sweetheart, it’s just me...”

Soothing—familiarity in that deep voice, recognition in his scrambled brain. A sharp sudden light from a lamp clicking on and Pollux winces, holding up his hand to block it.

“Fucking hell,” he peers out from behind the bright light and Mason is standing there, the butt of a cigarette hanging from his lips. “Should’ve said something sooner, you asshole...” He huffs, voice hoarse and he clears his throat. There’s the taste of blood on the back of his tongue and he swallows.

“Don’t blame me. I just got down from the roof when you hobbled in.”

Mason snips and Pollux snorts despite the pain. In the dim yellow light he spots the balcony door still open, curtains fluttering in the dull breeze. Of course he used the fire escape instead of the normal people stairs up to the roof.

“Wait, you were hiding around my apartment building?” Pollux asks, rattling his brain for whomever is supposed to be on watch with him tonight and he could’ve sworn they were past this shit. At least Pollux thought since he’d been extraordinarily clear with Ava how he felt on the matter. Quite loud about it too if his memory served right.

Pleas on deaf ears he supposes.

“Better question,” Mason counters, making his way through his living room and closer to him. “You look like utter shit.”

If Pollux didn’t know better, he’d say there’s a biting edge of concern to his tone, grey eyes flickering in the dull light reflected off the wall.

“Thanks asshole. Flattery will get you everywhere.” Pollux bites back, lips curling back.

“Why?”

First instinct catches Pollux, lying before he can think not to.

“It’s nothing—“ he quickly shuts his mouth, biting his tongue.

That doesn’t work anymore—not with Mason, not with any of them. They all read him like a book, know his littlest tells for his lies and Pollux hates it--that hate sitting in his stomach, frustration in his curled fists. He’s invested what little dignity the years haven’t stripped from him in his lies and even still, unit bravo spare him no expense.

“I handled it, it’s not as bad as it looks. I’m fine...” Pollux looks away, finding a nice dark corner to stare into. Saying it’s fine is just another way to lie, but he’s past semantics.

“What happened, Pollux?” Mason presses and Pollux shrugs through the pain, crossing his arms over his chest, burying his bruised and bloodied hands in his armpits.

“There’s nothing to say! Nothing happened, I’m fine.”

“Bullshit, what happened, Pollux?”

Pollux licks the backside of his teeth, frustration building like nervous energy in his legs and hands, the little voice in the back of his mind growing louder. Mason steps closer and Pollux pulls back against the wall, pulling his arms in tighter.

(Take one more step, just one more)

“Trappers, okay?” Pollux admits. “They jumped me in the parking lot of the station near my car. Three of four of them--didn’t get a good look.”

The dark corner is his friend, keeping his eyes off of Mason but he still hears the sharp intake of his breath, feels his eyes on him.

(Stop looking at me like that)

“Pollux, you--” Mason cuts himself off, growling low in the back of his throat. “You didn’t think to call us? To call me?”

“No, sorry I was more concerned about getting out of there than sticking around for a stupid phone call.” Pollux spits back, meeting Mason’s glare with one of his own.

“Were you going to call when you got back here? What were you gonna go do?”

“What did it look like I was doing, asshole? I was gonna go to my bathroom and make sure my nose isn’t fucking broken!”

Mason pinches the bridge of his nose and Pollux holds his meager ground, hands stuffed in his armpits clenching down hard.

“And after that?”

“Jesus christ, I was gonna go to sleep! Or I dunno, eat a bowl of cereal and smoke a fucking cigarette!” Pollux spits, grinding his teeth. “I don’t need to tell you all every bit of my life! I can take care of this myself! I don’t need help all the time, I’m not just some stupid human who needs his hand held and told ‘oh boohoo are you okay honey’ whenever things go wrong!”

Pollux mocks, more words bubbling up in his throat but they get clogged on his tongue, too many to say. Maybe they’re excuses, or lies and he wants to say them—wants to take the worst of them and smash them together into the worst he can think of and then shove it in Mason’s face. Make him take a step back, or maybe leave because he can never just ask. He’s asked too many times, begged people over the phone and no one ever listens--like screaming through a glass window.

Talk is cheap and hands say more than their fair share.

“....fucking hopeless.” Mason grumbles to himself and Pollux bunches his fingers tightly in his shirt.

“If you’re gonna talk then shit say it to my face, Mason.” Pollux spits his name and he knows he’s playing chicken with a speeding car—sooner or later he’s going to get hit. 

Mason turns on him, anger drawing his lips into a snarl and frustration tensing his shoulders,

(take one more step, I swear to god) 

“I said...” He starts slow, meeting his grey eyes and there’s a vicious storm in that grey, “you’re fuckin’ hopeless, Pollux.”

“Good.”

Pollux grinds out, voice low. There’s a hundred meanings in that four letter word, all of them stuffed in the five feet between them and Pollux is daring Mason to ask, eyes measuring. Like stepping out into traffic and watching for the inevitable crash in slow motion, breath stalled in aching lungs and his pounding head. 

Expectations falling flat when Mason just breathes hard, fixing him with a stare that says too much.

Speaking has a nasty habit of making things feel too real and Pollux already feels too real right now. His shirt is scratchy against his arms, sweat dried on the back of his neck and he wants to scratch, to rip and pull at his cuticles. Needs to grab his hair and yank, yank, yank—

Tackled from behind, slammed into his car.  Pinned to the door, arms yanked behind his back. Handful of his hair, slamming his head against the bonnet of the car. Once, twice—

kick back hard against the knee, only way out. Bones breaking under his foot, feeling the knee bow back and further back still.

Good.

Trapper screamed, an ear splitting scream. A punch hitting his cheek, head reeling and he hits the hood. World spinning, vomit rising in his mouth, grabbing the Trapper’s shirt. Slam his head into the hood of the car. Once, twice, three times quick with all his strength, metal buckling and crumbling, blood splattering. Trapper falls limp to the ground in a way that can’t be faked.

Blows and blocks stuttering in his head, the fighting caught between too slow and too fast, frames stuttering by.

Turn just in time to avoid the flash of something in another hand, something shining in the orange street light.

Can’t get stabbed, just need to grab the knife. Blinking, blinking, blinking and blinking again.

(grab the knife)

Overhead light swinging wildly, shadows and light making the bars of the cage dance against the walls. Tackled to the ground, foul smelling water soaking in his clothes, wetting his shaved head. Snarling, nails drawing bloodied lines across the face, fingers scrambling for the eyes. Get the eyes, the softest part. Grab and yank, dig his fingers into the supple and squishy—get the eyes, get the eyes--

(Grab the knife, grab the knife, grab the knife, grab)

“Pollux?”

He nearly jumps out of skin, quickly looking up at Mason and he blinks once, and once more.  Mason’s looking at him over his shoulder, phone is pressed to his ear. He wears worry convincingly enough.

“We need to get you back to the agency to take care of this...”

Pollux frantically shakes his head, staring down at the ground as it spins.

“I told you I’m not going. I can take care of it.” He argues, his tongue like a heavy dead fish between his lips, flopping in the sun.

He’s too raw for this right now, the living room too dark, the singular light tearing into his head like a migraine. And the memories too close. He smells the dried blood already caked to the inside of his nose, legs jittery and he needs to go. The living room is both too tight and too much space.

“It’s not asking, it’s Ava ordering.“

“No. Tell Ava to go shove her orders up her fucking ass, I’m not going whether she likes it or not.” He’s trembling, heart racing in his ears.“Whether you like it or not.” 

Pollux looks up at him and Mason’s eyes narrow. Phone still in his hand, call still going and Pollux barely hears Ava demanding to know what’s going on. 

Tough shit, she’ll have to wait.

Mason looks away first and Pollux takes the chance, ducking inside his bedroom, slamming the door behind him. Mason’s voice muffled through the door and he picks his way to the bathroom. Slams that door shut too, hoping that it makes even Ava wince through the phone. 

He flips the bathroom light on, wincing as his headache spikes, the dull off white light coloring his tiles a soothing beige. There’s no shadows here, but still he yanks open the shower curtain to make sure before he digs for the first aid kit under the sink.

He doesn’t know if Mason sticks around as he gets to work, stripping off his clothes. They’re splattered and soaked with blood, the fabric stiff and smelling sharp of iron and he heaps them in the bathtub to deal with later.

The standing mirror is both a blessing and a curse, his nakedness painted clearly in the harsh light. His ribs are already turning sickly pale and tinged with purple, the first signs of the rioting of bruising come the morning. There’s other spots littered across his body, a nice purple tinge from the base of his skull to his shoulder blades.

He sinks to the bathroom rug, the tile still leeching the heat of his narrow body away. He takes in the worst of the damage painting his face, examining the curves and plains decorated with bloodied contusions and more sickly grey skin.

There’s a brief flash to countless other bathrooms, some with off green buzzing lights and dirty concrete floors smelling of gasoline and urine. Others with a kaleidoscope of colors and bass thumping so loud it shook the mirrors; all only a distant thrumming, too busy caught up feeling like he was in nothing but a warm bathtub.

He blinks and it’s gone. Sighing out of the corner of his mouth, he fishes his crumpled cigarette carton from out of his pants, shaking one out.

--

It’s a long while before he opens the bathroom door, busted lip stitched up, contusions covered with bandages and butterfly closures clinging to his cheekbone. The pain is dull, water still clinging to the glass and pain medication discarded on the tile counter.

It’s not dark with the blinds open, the moon nearly full and casting long lines that tinge the bedroom with navy blue.

Miraculously, Mason’s there.

Sitting in his laundry chair, hands clasped between his legs, grey eyes traveling up to find his eyes. Ava must’ve told him to stay, or Pollux vainly thinks he wanted to stay.

He takes careful steps through his bedroom until he’s standing in front of him, Mason’s gaze following him the full way--examining. 

There’s a storm raging in his eyes, lips pulled to a thin line and hands clasped tight. It’s not easy to pin point the lines and looks of distress in Mason’s face, but Pollux has poked enough buttons time and time again to know where his face creases.

“Mason?” Pollux murmurs, his name almost a jumble of letters and he creeps closer. Close enough that Mason tentatively reaches out--hesitating for a breath--before he relents and gently pulls him in. Arms wrapping around Pollux’s waist, face pressing against his bare stomach.

Pollux curls his fingers into Mason’s hair, running his fingers across his scalp in long steady soothing motions. He’s quiet as he clings, fingers smoothing down the vertebra of his spine, fingertips skipping over each bone. Pollux leans against him, resting his head in his hair, taking in the heady scent of freshly smoked cigarettes and warm incense. 

(What home smells like, Pollux can’t help but think.)

“I’m sorry...” Pollux mumbles and the silence carries on, Mason unsurprisingly quiet.

He’s got every right to be angry at him, to be frustrated because Pollux knows he does this every time. Like how a cowering dog backed into a corner only knows how to bite the hand that reaches out.

He only knows the push, not the pull--the biting. Tending his broken skin alone and his broken mind in garish bathroom lights or with doctors staring him down from across coffee tables littered with magazines.

He should know better by now, but it always easier said than done. Hands held out in help curl to fists or flatten to slaps far too easily. The words are the worst, spitting and angry and it’s easier to say the worst of others first. Poke at their pain so they don’t uncover his.

Pollux is just catching the shoe before it drops.

“Just...don’t. Not again sweetheart, please.” Mason speaks, pulling his face away and he stares up at Pollux. Face drawn tight and Pollux brushes a stray hair from off of Mason’s cheek, fingers gliding down to his jawline and Mason’s fingers find his, cupping his hand. Turning his palm to press a kiss there. More following, finding his wrist, looping scars reminding him of zip ties and metal chairs and he smothers those thoughts, finding Mason’s grey eyes to get lost in instead.

“I’ll try.” Pollux whispers and that’s all he has to offer, but Mason takes it with a soft nod. 

He takes all he has to offer, all he’s willing to give and never asking for more. Taking the steps along with him, waiting for him to find his words, a piecemeal affection assembled in the broken paths along the way--a puzzle with all the edges sanded off, but still trying to put it all back together.

“Are you going to stay?” Pollux asks, voice no louder than a murmur, cupping Mason’s face in both of his hands, thumb stroking the corner of his lip, the stubble he finds there.

“Yeah...I’m staying.” He whispers back. 

It all goes unsaid, arms gingerly wrapping around Pollux, picking him up as he stands. Still unsaid as they both climb into bed, Pollux’s fingers finding the hem of Mason’s shirt and he coaxes it off, lips meeting for just a moment. A taste of words unspoken in the millimeters between them, in the negative spaces as Mason wraps his arms around him, skin against skin.

Pollux’s hand finds his, spreading his fingers out in a fan, moonlight setting Mason’s freckles to glow and Pollux’s scars to narrow lines like shooting stars painted across knuckles. The birth of the universe written from palm to palm and Mason closes his fingers around his, drawing him back in. Pulling him back to earth, back to his apartment, back to his bed. Back to words unspoken and grey eyes meet, still thick with apologies and Mason closes his opened lips with a kiss.