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queenshelby · 4 months

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ONE SHOT: HIS LITTLE GIRL

PART TwO OF THE DARK & SEXY SERIES

NOTE: This is a series of one shots and mini series for Cillian Murphy & Tommy Shelby in which he acts totally off-canon. Most of these shots are very dark in nature and you should read their individual warnings. All of these shots are requests from readers. Co-written with @darkshelbyfiction! ALL CHARACTERS ARE OVER 18. MINORS DNI.

PAIRING: CILLIAN MURPHY X VIRGIN READER

WARNING: DUB-CON, LOSS OF VIRGINITY, FORCED BREEDING (SOMEWHAT), DDLG-STYLE STORY, HUGE AGE GAP

It was Friday Evening, a few weeks after your 18th birthday and, as usual, you were out with friends when you ended up in some trouble.

You were sitting at the bar, nursing a drink when a group of guys started harassing you. They kept commenting on how pretty you looked and wouldn't leave you alone.

You knew you couldn't handle them, so you did what you always do when you needed help and your father was away for work. You called your father's friend, Cillian who had been dealing with your misbehavior and troublesome nature for quite some time after your parents had divorced.

He was an attractive man, in his mid-forties, with slightly greying hair and piercing blue eyes; he possessed a dominating and intimidating aura that seemed to command respect and when you saw him enter the bar, you were relieved.

"Cillian! Thank God you're here! I was being harassed by these creeps," you said, your voice cracking slightly as you tried to maintain composure while still trembling from fear as he walked in.

His eyes scanned the crowd, locking onto the group of men huddled together near the bar entrance.

"Y/N, let's get out of here," he said firmly, taking your hand and leading you away from the commotion. You felt a surge of relief, grateful that he had arrived just in time.

As you walked through the crowded bar, you could feel the stares of the other patrons on the back of your neck. You glanced sideways at Cillian, admiring his confident posture and the way he held his head high, as if daring anyone to challenge him. The mere thought of having someone take care of you sent a warm feeling coursing through your veins.

"What the fuck are you doing in a place like this anyway?" Cillian asked as he led you outside into the cool night air. "I mean, it's not like you've ever been much for restraint, but really now, Y/N?"

You didn't respond right away, instead opting to focus on breathing in the fresh breeze wafting over the cityscape. But then, you offered a sheepish smile and replied, "Well, I decided to try something new, and here we are."

Cillian snorted in response before offering to take you to his place since it was late and there wasn't any sense in letting you walk home alone, let alone allow you to stay in the empty house by yourself.

"Okay, but can you not tell dad about this?" you asked hesitantly, looking up at Cillian.

"Sure, I will promise to keep quiet if you promise me to behave yourself the next time you go out and do not go to shady places like these," he replied gruffly, flashing a lopsided grin at you. His car was parked a few blocks away and the walk was a welcome change from the crowded bar. You chatted idly as you made your way to the vehicle, the tension from earlier beginning to dissipate.

Once inside the car, Cillian drove smoothly toward his apartment, and you couldn't help but admire the strength emanating from him despite his calm demeanor.

When you arrived at Cillian's place, he unlocked the door quietly, leading you upstairs to his living room with a protective hand on your lower back. You could feel his gaze lingering on you as he fumbled around in the dim light trying to find the switch for the lights.

Finally, the room lit up, revealing the tasteful decor and cozy furniture and, since he had only just moved into this new apartment, you took some time to assess your surroundings.

This place was a stark contrast to your father's modest abode - it was bigger, brighter, and filled with modern art pieces that hung on the walls. There was even a balcony overlooking the city, which would make for an amazing spot to watch the sunrise on lazy mornings. You realized that this was the first time you actually saw Cillian's home and it made you feel a bit awkward. However, you soon found your bearings and started making small talk with him as you waited for him to gather some blankets and pillows for you to sleep on the couch.

"Now tell me, how is school going for you?" Cillian asked casually, knowing that you were just about to sit your final exams, breaking the silence between you both as he took a seat next to you on the couch and handed you a glass of water.

"Oh, same old stuff, you know, studying, taking tests," you replied nonchalantly, shrugging off the question.

"And that boyfriend of yours? How is he doing?" he continued, a hint of worry creeping into his tone after he had met this young man a few weeks ago.

"We broke up last week," you admitted, feeling a pang of sadness. "It turned out that he was cheating on me all along."

Cillian placed a comforting hand on your shoulder, squeezing lightly.

"It's just. I never...I mean, I should have seen it coming," you mused aloud, swirling the ice around in your glass of water.

"Listen Y/N, you are a good girl. There will be others, others who are much more deserving of you," Cillian murmured softly, his thumb caressing your cheek gently, sending shivers down your spine. "But until then, don't rush things; it isn't healthy. Take some time for yourself, figure out what you want in life, and go for it."

"I guess you're right, Cillian," you sighed wistfully, staring blankly at the floor in front of you.

"I know I am right. I am always right," he mused, running a finger along your arm. You flinched at first, startled by the unexpected touch, but gradually relaxed under his gentle guidance. "Like I said, you are a smart girl, Y/N, so don't waste your youth on boys who don't deserve you," he went on to say before leaning closer.

You could smell the faint scent of soap and shampoo on his skin, a mixture of spice and cleanliness that made you feel strangely comfortable.

His fingers grazed your arm gently, sending a lightning bolt of excitement racing through your body. You wanted to pull away and yet, something strange compelled you to stay put.

"Thanks, Cillian," you managed to squeak out, your heart pounding loudly enough to drown out everything else.

"You are welcome," he responded smoothly, reaching over to brush a stray lock of hair behind your ear. His fingers lingered against your cheek, and his scent enveloped you, leaving traces of warmth in your wake.

A soft sigh escaped your lips as you allowed yourself to lean into him, resting your head on his shoulder while his fingers traced undefined patterns over your skin.

His fingers eventually followed a trail from your neck down to your breasts, and as they reached your chest, he paused.

"You are beautiful, you know that right?" he whispered into your ear, his breath tickling your neck.

"I guess, yes," you muttered, your heart hammering wildly beneath your ribs as Cillian's fingers moved downward.

"Good," Cillian said and you could feel the heat rising within you, intensifying every sensation and emotion. His touch was almost too much to bear, yet it was also irresistible. You swallowed hard, unable to look away, captivated by the sensations coursing through your body.

"Let me ask you, Y/N, has your boyfriend ever touched you up here?" asked Cillian, his fingers tracing circles over your clothed breasts and your eyes widened, and you gulped nervously. "Yes, sometimes he has," you mumbled, biting your lip to suppress a moan.

"How about down there? Has he touched your special place?" Cillian's fingers danced provocatively, inching closer to your groin.

Your heart raced, palms sweating, as you shook your head in disbelief. You'd never imagined this kind of situation with Cillian, but his presence was intoxicating, overwhelming your senses.

"No, no one has," you finally mustered.

"Really?" Cillian's tone grew huskier, his fingers now brushing against your inner thigh.

"I bet you're wet though, aren't you?" he asked you, smirking wickedly.

"No, I don't think so," you whimpered, but your voice lacked conviction as his fingers slid upwards, dangerously close to your panties.

"Come on, Y/N, admit it. I know you are aroused right now," Cillian coaxed, his voice low and seductive. "I have seen how you have been looking at me for years and now that you are old enough...," he then went on to say before trailing off and your face burned hot with embarrassment, but Cillian's fingers were relentless, dancing dangerously close to your panties.

"Cillian, we shouldn't," you protested weakly, but your heart raced and your breath quickened, betraying any attempt at resistance.

"Why not? Don't you want to be a good girl for me?" Cillian purred, his fingers teasing the edge of your panties.

"I do, but..." you trailed off, struggling to form coherent sentences.

"But what?" he prodded, his fingers slipping underneath the waistband of your panties. "Are you afraid of getting caught? Or maybe you think that you are still too young to have sex?" Cillian teased, his fingers expertly navigating through your underwear, his movements slow and deliberate.

"No, but I am nervous," you admitted, your voice barely audible. The anticipation building within you was overwhelming, and you desperately wanted to feel his breath on your skin.

"Nervous about what?" Cillian taunted, his fingertips pressing lightly against your clitoris beneath your underwear.

"I am nervous about having sex. I am worried that it will hurt when you put your, you know....in there..." you murmured, causing Cillian to chuckle.

"That's the thing, Y/N. The first time might be a little uncomfortable, but once you're used to it, it feels incredible. And trust me, I'll be gentle if you let me be your first," he assured you, his fingers now running over your wet slit, beneath your panties.

"I promise," he added, dipping one finger inside. You gasped softly, unprepared for the sudden intrusion.

"That feels weird," you gasped, gritting your teeth and clutching onto his arm for support.

"Because it's new," Cillian reassured you, his finger withdrawing briefly before sliding back in. "Try to relax, and breathe with me."

You nodded, closing your eyes and focusing on his voice, his rhythmic breathing. Slowly, you began to loosen up, allowing your muscles to unwind.

With each gentle thrust, you could feel his finger exploring deeper, discovering hidden depths within you.

You moaned softly, your hips undulating involuntarily, your breath becoming ragged.

Suddenly, he withdrew his finger, leaving you panting and wanting more.

"You are very wet now, Y/N," he murmured, his voice deepening even further as he pulled your panties down and slipped a digit back inside your folds. "And your pussy is so swollen, so ready for me. Please let me have sex with you," he begged you and your eyes shot open wide, and you gasped at the realization of what was about to happen if you said "yes"... You could feel your pulse throbbing in your veins, and your cheeks burning bright red.

"Come on Y/N. Let me put my cock inside that this little hole of yours. I promise it won't hurt for long," Cillian said, his voice dripping with lust. You glanced around nervously, aware that your heart was pounding uncontrollably and your breathing was heavy.

"You want to be my good girl, don't you?" Cillian whispered softly, his fingertip circling your nipple, creating a jolt of pleasure through your entire body.

"Okay, but you need to wear a condom," you interjected, swallowing nervously.

"Of course," Cillian reassured you before reaching into his pocket and pulling out a small foil packet.

You watched intently as he undid his pants, pulled them down and then carefully removed the condom, rolling it onto his erect cock with practiced ease. Your heart hammered in your chest and your own juices pooled between your thighs at the sight of his engorged member.

"So beautiful. Now spread your legs for me, baby," Cillian instructed, his voice thick with desire. You did as you were told, your hands shaking with anticipation. Cillian knelt between your spread legs, his erection hovering just inches from your wet, eager pussy.

"Just like this, huh?" he asked, rubbing the tip of his cock against your soaked opening. You whimpered, unable to contain your nervousness.

His cock looked huge in comparison to your small opening and the idea of having it inside you frightened you, but also excited you beyond belief.

"Relax, alright?" Cillian murmured softly, placing a supportive hand on your hip. "You might bleed a little, but it's completely normal. Trust me, it's nothing to worry about." His voice carried a soothing quality, and your heart rate gradually slowed down.

"Now, lift off the couch a little so that I can watch my cock go in," Cillian declared assertively, the intensity in his voice raising goosebumps across your arms.

You gulped, shifting uncomfortably on the couch.

"Do you want me to lie back?" you ventured, feeling exposed yet curious after you adjusted your position.

"No, I want you to stay exactly where you are," Cillian insisted, his hand gripping your knee firmly.

"Okay," you murmured and Cillian sensed your apprehension and gave you a sly glance.

"Relax, Y/N. We are going to do this right," he assured you, his eyes locked on you. "It is going to be fun, okay? Just trust me."

You gave a weak nod, your heartbeat echoing in your ears, and a thin film of perspiration formed on your forehead. Cillian leaned in, his breath hot on your skin as he whispered, "Ready?"

"Yeah," you managed to croak back, your voice hoarse from anxiety.

You shifted restlessly on the couch, your heart pounding in your chest like a jackhammer. Cillian's firm grip on your knee grounded you, and gradually, you began to settle into the moment.

"Don't worry, I'll go slow," Cillian whispered, his voice rich and husky as he pressed the head of his cock against your wet entrance. You inhaled, steadying yourself, bracing for the pain.

"Breathe with me, Y/N," Cillian coaxed, his breath hot on your skin. "Take a deep breath and push out your pelvis."

You complied, your eyes squeezed shut as you focused on relaxing your muscles. Cillian eased forward, and with a slight pop, his cock breached your tight barrier.

"Ow!" you cried out, instinctively tightening against the intrusion.

"It's okay, Y/N," Cillian murmured encouragingly, stroking your upper thigh. "Just relax and remember to breathe."

You took a deep breath, exhaling slowly as you forced yourself to relax. Cillian maintained a steady pressure, guiding his cock deeper into your slick, tight channel. Your heart hammered against your ribcage, threatening to burst free at any moment.

"Almost there," Cillian whispered, his voice sounding far away.

You grunted softly, feeling the stretch and burn intensify.

Cillian continued to guide his cock deeper, his pace steady and measured. The discomfort was overwhelming, but you focused on taking measured breaths, reminding yourself that this was part of the process.

"Alright, Y/N, we're halfway there," Cillian murmured, his voice low and soothing. "You're doing great."

"Is it supposed to hurt like this?" you whimpered, squirming uncomfortably.

"It is supposed to hurt a little," Cillian answered honestly before adding, "but it won't last forever. Just breathe and stay still for me. You will get used to the feeling soon," he reassured you and you took several deep breaths, willing yourself to relax. There was some blood on the cushion beneath you, but you pushed the image aside and focused on the task at hand.

Eventually, you felt him bottom out inside you, his cock filling you up completely with a sensation you hadn't experienced before.

Your heart pounded furiously, and your breathing became ragged.

"You're so damn tight, it feels so fucking good," Cillian groaned, his voice strained and husky and, despite his efforts, his cock twitched inside you, growing harder.

"Please," you managed to whisper, unsure whether you were agreeing to continue or begging him to stop. You could feel your insides quivering, an unfamiliar sensation spreading throughout your body. It was pleasurable at last and this, mixed with the pain, confused you.

Cillian's grip on your knee tightened slightly, steadying himself as he prepared to begin moving. He took a deep breath, holding it for a moment before releasing it slowly.

"Okay, Y/N, I'm going to start moving now," he warned, his voice husky and low. "Just relax and tell me if it hurts too much."

You managed a weak nod, squeezing your eyes shut and bracing yourself for the inevitable pain. Cillian began to move, his cock sliding back and forth inside you with agonizing slowness.

Each stroke sent waves of pleasure-pain coursing through your body, making you moan softly. You could feel his warm breath on your neck, and your heart pounded relentlessly in your chest. he growled in your ear, his voice low and gravelly.

"Oh, sweetheart, you're wound tighter than a spring. I can feel you clenching around me, fighting the urge to come undone."

You squirmed uneasily, your heart pounding like a war drum in your chest. "Cillian, please," you whimpered, your voice cracking like a gunshot. "Please, I can't," you moaned but he silenced you with a kiss, his tongue plunging into your mouth, tasting of salt and sin. His cock pulsed inside you, relentless as an iron fist.

It seemed to fill you up more fully with each passing second, and the exquisite torment it inflicted upon your tender flesh drove you to distraction.

"Feel it, Y/N?" Cillian whispered, his voice husky and low. "My cock is stretching you to your limits and it feels so good. You are so tight and so warm," he groaned and you could only nod in agreement, your breaths ragged and desperate. Cillian's cock surged inside you, thrusting deeper and harder with each passing moment.

Each movement sent delicious spasms through your body, making you moan helplessly. You could feel yourself unraveling around him, losing control of your inhibitions.

"Oh, God, Cillian," you whimpered, your voice cracking with desperation. "You feel so good inside me."

Cillian's eyes gleamed with triumph, his cock swelling larger and thicker. An insatiable hunger ignited within you, driving you to claw at his shoulders and squeeze his ass tightly.

"That's a good girl," Cillian rasped, his cock pulsing intensely within you. "Taking my cock like a champ."

You could feel the walls of your pussy clenching around his invading shaft, contracting rhythmically like a vise. Each contraction brought another wave of ecstasy, as you surrendered yourself to the blissful agony consuming you.

"Oh, fuck," Cillian groaned, his cock flexing powerfully within you. "So goddamn tight," he gasped before pulling out of you abruptly. "How about you turn around for me now and get on to your hands and knees," he ordered.

You hesitated for a moment, your heart pounding against your chest like a madman. But somehow, you trusted him. After all, he was Cillian Murphy—the man you've fantasized about for what felt like a lifetime. With a trembling hand, you slowly rotated your body until you were facing the opposite direction. You bent over, your hands supporting your weight on the couch cushions.

"Perfect," he praised. "Stay like that."

You heard him shuffling around behind you but did not pay much attention to what he was doing as, unbeknownst to you, he pulled the condom off his shaft and discarded it on the floor, wanting to fuck you bare.

He then grabbed your hips roughly and pulled you back against him. His bare shaft entered you, feeling warmer and smoother than before.

It slid effortlessly into your welcoming pussy, the sensation of his flesh against yours setting fire to your nerves.

"Something feels different," you gasped, confused, but Cillian silenced you.

"Shh," Cillian hushed you, his warm breath fanning your ear. "Everything's fine," he said before he thrust into you again, his cock sliding deeply within you with a hungry growl. The sensation of his naked cock penetrating you felt amazing for him and you, but you still did not know why it felt different then before and put it down to the change in positioning.

For Cillian, this act was raw, primal, and absolutely thrilling. The thought of having his cum inside you thrilled him even more, claiming you as his.

"God, Y/N," he gasped, his breath hot on your neck.

"Your pussy feels so fucking good," he groaned and you bit your lip, trying to stifle a moan.

"Cillian," you whimpered, your voice hoarse with desire, still unaware that he was now fucking you raw. His bare cock was inside you now just as he was getting ready to cum and you knew nothing about it.

"I am close baby. So fucking close," Cillian muttered while slamming into you. Each thrust filled you with an intoxicating mix of pleasure and pain that left you breathless.

"Oh, God, Cillian," you moaned, your voice cracking with desperation.

You could feel the walls of your pussy clenching around his invading shaft, contracting rhythmically like a vice and, soon enough, you could not take it anymore and came undone.

You orgasmed, spasming around his cock, milking him and forcing you both to shout out in euphoria.

You felt your inner walls tighten around him, and Cillian's cock swelled, spurting hot cum deep inside you. His seed mixing with your wetness, marking you as his.

"Fuck," he groaned, his seed bursting forth, painting your insides white. You gasped in shock, your body tensing up as his semen spilled into you.

You felt the warm sticky substance trickling down your inner thighs but did not think anything of it, ignoring it in post-orgasmic bliss.

Then, after a few more thrusts, Cillian pulled out of you and collapsed beside you on the couch and, immediately, you sat up, your gaze landing on the spot where both of you had been lying.

You didn't notice it initially, but now, you couldn't help but stare at that spot while Cillian reached for a box of tissues and, without words, handing you a wad of paper towels.

"What for?" you asked, puzzled as and he gestured to your pussy, leaking his cum.

You stared at your own pussy before registering what had taken place. He had ejaculated inside you. The thought made you blush profusely but you didn't say anything.

You clean up the mess with the tissue, wiping up the remnants of his release before tossing it in the trashcan.

"Your pussy looks so good, leaking my cum," Cillian says, admiring your visibly flushed face and damp hair.

"Why did you do that?" you ask, knowing full well that he intentionally removed the condom.

"I wanted to claim you," Cillian replies, his voice deep and resonant. "I needed to show you that you belong to me; that we are meant to be together," he told you while caressing your cheek gently with his thumb. "And now you are mine," he added confidently before forcefully kissing you again, his lips crushing yours hungrily till your body weakened under his passion.

#cillian murphy #cillian murphy smut #cillian murphy x reader #cillian murphy imagine #cillian murphy x y/n #cillian murphy x you #cillian fanfic #cillian murphy fanfiction #cillian murphy fanfic

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7ndipity · 21 days

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Mornings/Evenings With Jimin

Jimin x Reader

Summary: just some headcanons and a lil blurb about morning/evening moments w Jimin

Warnings, lil suggestive, not proofread

A/N: Thanks to my lovely Star anon who requested this! It's a lil random, but I hope you'll still like it!

Masterlist

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Mornings with Jimin tend to actually start more in the afternoon, due to his slanted sleep schedule, but they’re still cozy nonetheless.

He’s very slow to wake, burying his face in your back or neck as he clings to sleep for just a little longer.

“Five more minutes.” “You said that fifteen minutes ago.” “I mean it this time.”

Once you get up, he usually follows suit, albeit reluctantly.

He’s basically your shadow for the first little bit, trailing after you to the kitchen to help make breakfast(though he mostly just clings to you and steals part of your coffee)

Most days, when things are more rushed and you’re both just trying to get out the door on time, he makes a point to stop for a few seconds, pulling you to follow suit if he has to, meeting your eyes for a moment before giving you a sweet kiss.

It’s a little thing, but sometimes those ten seconds are the only moments you get to have together during the day, and so he makes sure to never miss them.

Evenings are much slower and quieter, again partly due to how late his schedules tend to be.

A lot of nights, you’re already in bed by the time he gets home, and so he quietly runs through his evening routine before slipping under the covers with you.

On the nights when you’re both still awake and able to spend more time together make him so happy, even if it’s just getting ready for bed together. He loves those quiet little moments with you.

Sleepily brushing your teeth together, him leaning against you when he feels extra tired.

He’s said before that it takes him a while to fall asleep, so I see him really enjoying just laying in bed talking about the day's events with you. Words just flow a lot easier when he’s buried in the pillows with you.

Tbh, his bed is one of his favorite places. He loves any excuse for you to just lay together, talking about anything and everything, without having to worry about work or schedules, just you and him being your most true, relaxed selves.

At the end of the day, nothing else matters to him, so long as he gets to fall asleep next to you.

Jimin nuzzled in close to you as he climbed into bed as quietly as possible, his hands creeping along your curves.

It was well past midnight, the room dimly lit by the bedside lamp you’d left on before falling asleep.

“Y/n.” He whispered, his breath brushing over the exposed skin of your neck, raising goosebumps.

“Chim, quit it, ‘m tired.” You mumbled sleepily, trying feebly to shake his hands off.

“I’m not trying to start anything, Angel, ” He promised, pressing a soft kiss to your shoulder. “I just need my goodnight kiss before I go to sleep.”

If your eyes had been open, you might have rolled them at him. You played along though, rolling over so he could reach your lips more easily, feeling his arms instantly wrap around you tightly.

He quickly connected his mouth to yours, swallowing your quiet squeak of surprise at his intensity, his lips moving slowly but firmly against yours.

You shivered as he slipped one hand beneath the fabric of your pajama top, the cool contrast of his fingers causing goosebumps to raise on your warm skin, the other coming to cradle the back of your head, drawing you closer.

All too soon, he pulled away, staring down at you with dark eyes.

“Better?” You asked, slightly breathless.

“Mmh, thank you.” He hummed, pecking your lips a few more times.

You were acutely aware of his hands still on you, his fingers digging into your side, causing you to squirm slightly beneath him, earning a questioning look from him.

“I thought you said you were tired?” He asked, giving you a knowing smirk.

“Things change.” You replied, pulling him back down to you.

He chuckled against your lips, kissing you for another long moment, before pulling back again.

“It’s late, you need sleep.” He said softly, shifting the two of you to rest more comfortably, pulling you to rest against his chest.

“Tease.” You grumbled, furthering his amusement.

“Love you too.”

Taglist: @sopebubbles-replies @btsw1fe @this-must-be-my-tardis @whitefoxgirl @bethanysnow @coffeedepressionsoup @main-bangtansmauyeondan @feminympho @a-gayish-unicorn @dfqcsqueen @mother2monsters @comingupwithacoolnameishard

#jimin scenarios #jimin headcanons #jimin blurb #jimin fluff #jimin x y/n #jimin x reader #bts x reader #bts x y/n #bts headcanons #bts blurbs #bts requests #bts scenarios #bts reaction #bts reactions #bts fluff #7ndipity #⭐anon

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an-otterly-adorable-being · 8 months

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Asmodeus x Fizzaroli x Publicist!Reader Poly Headcanons

Hehe I made more stuff, because I'm feeling good today! Hope y'all enjoy! Also feel free to start sending requests in again!

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• There's a lot of rumors going around that the Prince of Lust himself has been all cozy with one of the Lust Ring's top performers, so it was only natural that you would end up getting a job to "make things right."

• Afterall, you were one of the best PR people in Lust, why wouldn't you get the job.

• Maybe that's a bit egotistical, but there's a reason for it.

• You can spin stories better than most demons, even covering up a handful of true stories.

• You've worked for Leviathan, a number of Goetias, and even the Morningstars.

• Being hired by Ozzie and Fizz was a lot more work than you expected, though.

• Not only did you find out that they were together romantically, meaning that you'd need to keep the secret as hidden as possible, which was difficult when they decided to be sweet "behind closed doors."

• Dealing with the servants who had found out was a blast.

• (That was sarcasm, btw.)

• On top of that, you also began to develop a whole range of feelings for the both of them as you became a part of their lives.

• Turns out those feelings were somewhat reciprocated.

• After a few months, the three of you came up with the best plan you could.

• A lot of the controversy was directed more at Ozzie, as he was the one big on carnal desire over romance.

• Fizz was not as big of a deal.

• So, you and Fizzarolli began to "date."

• There was definitely some push back, but it was a decent success.

• A couple of public dates, love letters, and pictures taken by paparazzi(you, actually) later, and things were relatively calm.

• It wasn't a permanent solution, though, so you set to work on a separate project...

• Making the Lust Ring cool with Ozzie and Fizz's "non-existent" relationship.

• It did take a while.

• Scratch that, it took way too long.

• Turns out most people in Lust were actually okay with it, it was the press and other rings that were the problem.

• The other rings of Hell would take far too long to deal with, so you set your eyes on the newspapers.

• Lots of papers in Lust are actually sponsored by either Greed or Envy.

• Greed goes where the money goes, so theoretically, if the tabloids and rumors weren't as profitable, they may drop those stories.

• That left you with Envy, which had always been a pain for you.

• While Greed takes the actual newspapers, Envy picks up the cheesy tabloids. It's less about making a profit and more about making people feel terrible, especially when it's something the writers and bosses don't have.

• Luckily, you still had some good will with Leviathan, and so you doubled down on getting the stories stopped.

• You still were working with Asmodeus and Fizz, and even though you weren't in a real relationship, Fizz was getting worried about you overworking yourself.

• They both were, actually.

• You were dead set on this going, though, so they couldn't talk you out of it.

• They took the next best thing, though, forcing you to stay at their very luxurious penthouse.

• You even slept in their bed. If you wanted to, that is.

• You probably would've picked up on the fact they were trying to romance you, but alas, you were too focused.

• It took a long few months of persuasion, company scandals, bribes, and an unhealthy amount of blackmail, you got most of Lust on board, at the very least.

• And when you told them, they were thrilled!

• You organized a little interview with a local news channel (the host owed you, after all) and they finally came out as a couple.

• When you were asked about, you were expecting Ozzie and Fizz to tell the truth about your fake relationship.

• But they said you... could be a part of it for real?

• Yeah, they asked you out on TV, and you accepted.

• Even if the pressure from the show wasn't there, you would've said yes anyways.

• Your final task for them was getting an article in a paper out, talking about how beautiful Fizz and Ozzie's relationship was.

• And now that the job is finally done, you can cuddle up to your new boyfriends without a care in the world.

#headcanon #helluva boss headcanon #helluva boss x reader #fizzaroli x reader #asmodeus x reader #asmodeus x fizzarolli #polyamory

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v3nusstardust · 4 months

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🤍”Somethin’ stupid”🤍

Pairing : BF!Niki Nishimura x DEPRESSEDreader! (Real) 🎀

Genre : fluff <3 sad af tho idfk what the genre is

WARNINGS : mentions of self harm, depression, anxiety

A/N : SRRY I usually post like once a week and I forgot to this week I think… Idrk I literally have a fucking concussion rn💀 happened bcs lowkey thought I was in a music video and did cartwheels in my room at 3 am and smacked the shit out of my head and then hit my head on the floor and woke up seeing Gojo Satoru shakin ass 💀😜 anyway enjoy yawl😳

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In the car with your boyfriend Niki, heading to the movie theater, the atmosphere was perfect –soft music, and a feeling that made life worthwhile. It had been a month since you’d seen him. These small moments you had with Niki made your life worth living. Most of the time he was busy or away for his idol duties and you’d miss him so badly. You would wonder if him being away for so long would end up with you both breaking up or you both falling out of love. The thought always made you feel nauseous and overwhelmed. Your overthinking would get the best of you sometimes, and you would result to self harm. Niki had no idea though and you never planned on telling him.

"Y/n, you might want to ditch the hoodie; it's getting pretty warm in here. You're sweating," your boyfriend chuckled, casting a glance your way. "No kidding, it's hot as hell." You sighed wiping your forehead with your sleeve. As you started to pull down the zipper your hoodie, the memories of your scars made you hesitate. “Actually I’m fine. I can handle it.” You reassured Niki. “Huh? Don’t risk a heat stroke, take it off,” he insisted, concern etching his face. “No I’m literally gonna be fine trust me.” You countered, zipping your hoodie back up quickly. “Y/n. It’s the middle of summer and you’re wearing a hoodie darling. You might wanna take it off.” Niki suggested, a puzzled look was painted on his face. “I’m gonna be alright trust me.” You gave Niki a sweet smile, trying to look unsuspicious. “Whatever you say Y/n.” Your boyfriend sighed.

You and Niki finally arrived at the movie theater. You checked in, got tickets, got snacks and headed to your movie. The air-conditioned theater promised relief from the summer heat, but your hoodie remained a steadfast companion.

Inside the cool, dimly lit theater, you found your seats, the contrast between the chilly air and your hoodie creating a cozy bubble. The movie previews flickered on the screen, and the scent of buttered popcorn filled the air.

Niki leaned over and whispered, "Are you sure you won't overheat in there?..”

“It’s cool in here Niki! I’m fine.” You softly giggled. The movie began, and you got so into it that the hoodie wasn't on your mind anymore. The plot grabbed your attention, and the cozy warmth just blended into the background.

Midway through the movie, Niki gently reached for your hand, intertwining his fingers with yours. Your initial reaction was surprise; you were aware of Niki's habit for tracing his fingers along your palms and wrists. Softly pushing his hand away, you met his gaze. He looked absolutely ethereal in the dim theater lighting.

"Do you not want to hold hands?" Niki whispered, pouting with a hint of sadness.

"I do, just... not right now," you replied. Niki's worried expression prompted him to ask, "Is there something wrong?"

You hesitated before responding, "No, no, I just... don't worry about it."

Your words, though intended to reassure, unintentionally stabbed at Niki's heart. His love for you was profound, and while he knew he could be clingy, he never imagined it could "annoy you." The worry in his eyes lingered as the movie played on.

You both went back to the apartment after the movie. The car ride was quiet because you pretended to be asleep, avoiding a talk about why you didn't hold hands. Niki spent the entire ride overthinking what he might have done wrong.

“Niki. I’m gonna go take a shower.” You said, walking off to your room to get your clothes. “Oh okay. I’ll make you some tea for when you get out.” He replied.

When you stepped in the shower, the warm water stung your fresh cuts. You held your wrists and winced in pain, small tears ran down your cheeks. Staring at your wrists, you wondered how you could be so stupid. You regret doing it , because now Niki might see them. The thought made you softly cry. Thank God the shower water was loud enough to cover up your soft muttering and sighs.

After your shower, you returned to the kitchen. Niki was busy cooking dinner and brewing tea for both of you, a delightful surprise that warmed your heart. Soft music played from his speaker next to the stove.

Curious, you asked, "What are you making?" Sitting at the table, he chuckled and replied, "Pasta, I’m trying out new things." The song changed to your favorite, "Somethin’ Stupid” by Frank Sinatra. Excitedly, you exclaimed, "Niki, you added my favorite song to your playlist!"

With a smile, he admitted, "I really like this song. Isn't it your favorite?" You giggled, "Duh! I play it all the time in your car." Niki turned off the stove and approached you. "Is the food ready?" you inquired. "Not yet, but how about we dance?" he suggested, extending his hand with a gentle smile, eyes filled with admiration.

In the soft glow of the dim kitchen light, you and Niki began to slow dance. The soothing melody of the song filled the air as he held you close. The ambiance was warm, and the subtle scent of dinner in the making lingered.

Niki led with gentle grace, swaying to the music with you in a tranquil dance. The rhythmic steps mirrored the easy connection between you two, the worries of the day fading away in the embrace of the moment. His hand rested on the small of your back, fingers delicately entwined with yours. As you swayed together, his other hand found its place on your waist, the closeness allowing you to feel the comforting warmth of his touch. The subtle aroma of the cooking dinner heightened the sensory experience.

Niki's gaze, brimming with stars and admiration, locked onto yours as he gently took your hand in his. However, reality snapped you back, and a sudden fear of him discovering your self infliction made you pull away. You pulled your hand away from his gently. Niki stopped dancing with you, his eyes locked onto yours with concern. "I'm sorry for asking, but why don't you want me to hold your hand?" he inquired.

A tremor ran through you, fear intensifying. Taking a deep breath, you hesitated before admitting, "I... I just," struggling to find the right words. The fear of Niki discovering your scars weighed heavy on your mind.

After a moment, you decided to face it. "Actually, you know what? Hold hands with me," you said, mustering a smile and intertwining your fingers with his. It was a fleeting decision, hoping that the dance would end before he’d notice. He brought a gentle kiss to your forehead. “Your hair smells good.” He nestled his nose into your hair. The song made the moment vulnerable. You found yourself forgetting about all your worries once again. He brought his lips to your wrist, you didn’t even catch it either. You were too busy humming the melody of the song into his chest. Niki pressed his lips to your wrist. He quickly pulled back and examined if, squinting his eyes. You suddenly realized what he was doing. You pulled away from his arms and held your wrist. His face looked indescribable. Worried, sad, confused all at the same time. The song had stopped already, and the room fell silent. "Y/n," Niki uttered softly, his voice carrying a mixture of concern and care. Before he could say more, your lips began to quiver, and tears welled up in your lashes. A gentle cascade of tears spilled from your eyes.

Niki, swift in his response, hurried over and enveloped you in a warm embrace. His chin rested on your head, and his hand traced soothing circles on your back. Anxiety gripped you like a constricting fog, the weight on your chest almost suffocating. Tears stained Niki's once-white shirt, but he paid it no mind.

"It's okay. I'm not upset," he reassured, planting a tender kiss on the top of your head. "My poor, beautiful girl. When did you do that?" he asked, lifting your chin to meet his gaze. Your hyperventilating made it challenging to speak, rendering you silent in the vulnerability of the moment.

Your hyperventilation began to subside, allowing you to regain some composure. "I..was just.. overthinking," you finally managed to admit, your voice still shaky.

Niki's expression softened, a mixture of empathy and a determination to be there for you. “Was it because of me?” he whispered, his thumb brushing away a tear that lingered on your cheek.

You hesitated, the weight of your emotions pressing against your chest. "Yes?... no," you stumbled over your words, struggling to articulate the whirlwind within. "I just miss you so much when you're gone for so long. I feel so lonely again. You're... you're my only light, and the only one in my life who actually makes me happy. I can't stand it when you're away."

Niki's gaze held a depth of understanding as he gently cradled your face. "Y/n, I didn't realize. I'm here for you, always. I’ll bring you with me next time, and the next one after that. I promise my love,” he reassured. His words soothed the ache within your heart. “I’ll be back,” Niki gently pulled his body away from yours. “I’m gonna go get bandages from the bathroom. Sit down,” he kissed your cheek before leaving the room.

When Niki returned, you couldn't help but chuckle at the state of his shirt, soaked with tear and snot stains – undeniably gross. Standing in front of you, he gently took hold of both your injured wrists, his eyes carrying a mix of hurt and pain. Soft elastic bandages in hand, he began to wrap your wrists with a delicate touch.

As he worked, you noticed a subtle glisten in his eyes. His fingers traced along the palms of your wrists, a silent acknowledgment of shared pain. You looked up at him with teary eyes and saw the vulnerability in his gaze.

"Promise me you'll never do this again," he pleaded, his voice cracking with emotion. Small tears escaped his eyes, tracing down his cheeks. Overwhelmed, you apologized, "I... I'm sorry. I promise. I'm so sorry."You rose from your chair, embracing Niki tightly, the shared pain and promise binding you together in that moment. “I love you so much darling you have no idea. To know that you’ve been hurting yourself like this.. it kills me.” He whispered softly. “I love you too, Niki.” You placed a soft kiss to his chin.

"Do you wanna finish making dinner, and then we can cuddle after?" you proposed.

As Niki's sniffles gradually subsided, a tender smile graced his face, the corners of his eyes still dampened. Niki's smile widened as he looked down at you. "Of course," he agreed, his head tilting slightly. In that gentle tilt, he closed the distance, leaning in for a long, reassuring kiss.

Together, you continued with the meal, the kitchen filled with the comforting aroma of food and music. You showed Niki more songs you liked and he added them to y’all’s new slow dancing playlist.

As you placed the finishing touches on the meal, Niki slid his arms around you, pulling you into a warm embrace. "Smells amazing in here, thank you for helping me darling.”

The conversation during dinner went smoothly. You both talked about stories of the past and dreams for the future. Niki's eyes, still holding a glimmer of tenderness, locked onto yours, reinforcing the unspoken understanding that this moment, amidst shared laughter and a table filled with love, was truly special.

Cuddling on the couch, the outside world faded away, leaving room for the intimacy of shared comfort. “You’re so pretty y/n” Niki admired your facial features. The smell of his fresh Basil and mandarin cologne brought you comfort. You threw your leg over his and snuggled closer onto him. He could feel your soft breaths on his neck. Niki peppered kisses on your temples. He was humming a gentle tune to one of your favorite songs. The moment made you realize how lucky you were to be with someone like him.

A/n : erm I literally fell asleep writing this w my hard ass fit on and makeup bruh my skin is breaking out hella someone come kill me. Srry for the amount of mistakes btw I did not read over it 🤓🤓 I raw dogged this it might be shitty Also I hope y’all liek:3 i put my whole venussy into this. Xoxo💋💋

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bettyfrommars · 11 months

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I'm on Fire//biker!older!Eddie x fem!Reader//90's au

Part 12: For Whom the Phone Rings

WARNINGS PLS READ: 18+ONLY, MATURE THEMES, violence, unprotected p in v, oral (f receiving), creampie, jealousy, threat of violence, homophobic slurs, threat of sexual violation (does not actually happen), threat to someone's family, foul language, derogatory slurs in general, mention of a gun, financial struggle, bribes, mention of blood, ANGST, biker MC, mention of violent past, hurt and comfort. WC: 8.2k

Summary: You and Eddie take another leap in your relationship and get cozy together, while Steve rolls into high gear with the MC, biting off a bit more than he can chew. Robin takes matters into her own hands to protect Oliver, and past relationships come back to haunt. Playlist

Series Masterlist

A/N: I rarely go into these chapters knowing what will happen, and this story in particular definitely has a mind of its own now. That being said, you won't ever read about the act of sexual violation in these or any of the main characters getting killed or detrimentally hurt, because I just can't stomach writing about it. This part is definitely angsty, but I hope you enjoy ❤️

pls NO MINORS beyond this point

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For Whom the Phone Rings

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You decided that making it through the rest of the dinner with John would be too painful knowing that Eddie was in love with you and he was out there on his motorcycle waiting like some Cool Rider dream out of Grease 2. Knowing that you were also in love with him and all of the endorphins that went along with that feeling made your body tingle. You didn’t want to let go of his hand; you wanted to just walk right out with him. Yet, the business side of you didn’t want to lose John as a contact, or Richard Gere for that matter. No need to burn unnecessary bridges.

You went back to the table and gave John a reluctant, sad smile, and told him the phone call was an emergency and you had to run. He got to his feet and insisted on driving you, but you assured him that your boyfriend was coming to pick you up. You realized in that moment that’d you’d never referred to Eddie as your boyfriend out loud before, and it felt really fucking good.

Eddie was straddling his motorcycle and smoking a cigarette when he caught sight of you coming out the front door, and you both grinned like idiots at each other.

“That was quick,” he swung his leg off, taking hold of your hand so he could yank you toward him faster, cause he couldn’t wait to get his lips on you again. He pulled his leather jacket out of one of the saddlebags and opened it up for you to put on. “It’s cold out on the road, baby.”

And so you let the heavy jacket with all of it’s zippers and buckles envelope you, smelling his cologne and a hint of nicotine in the leather. You of course hadn’t brought the helmet he bought for you, so you wore his again, buckling it under your chin as he revved the bike, throwing one of the body guards a dirty look for keeping his eyes on you for too long.

The only problem was your dress. Eddie anticipated the slit that went all the way up to your hip when you mounted behind him and the material fell back, exposing your entire leg. He instantly swung his arm back to block the view of your limb from the other dudes present, palming your knee. “Scoot in as tight as you can, baby,” he said to you above the growl of the engine, his wrist working at the throttle. During the ride home, his hand kept returning to the same spot, and you rubbed his chest with your hands, pinning your cheek to his shoulder, liking the way the ends of his hair flew back and tickled your nose.

Back at the garage, neither one of you could keep your hands off of each other after Eddie parked the bike. He actually tossed the helmet skidding to the pavement when you handed it to him because he didn’t want to miss a moment of being able to cup your ass and pull your mouth to his.

“God, I love you,” Eddie breathed, parting ways only to get the key out and unlock the door, and then you both stumbled in, laughing as you playfully bit his arm. You shrugged out of his jacket and he threw that over his head to the bottom of the stairs, just as your fingers hooked into his back belt loops and you stomped up the old wood stairs behind him.

This was one of those moments you knew you would cherish for the rest of your life. Even as it was happening, your body was registering it as one of your favorite memories. This new love with Eddie, this intense urgency to get somewhere to worship each other in peace.

He tugged you inside his apartment, pushed you back against the door, and held your hands above your head, kissing you as he braced you there. Tongues were quicker to touch than lips, and then his forehead pressed to yours; adrenaline surging.

Eddie’s hands released yours and slid down to feel you, pulling your breast free from the front of your dress so that his thumb could graze your nipple. His other hand found your bare leg beneath the slit of the dress and dipped down between your legs.

“Shit, baby,” he hissed, fingering your arousal as his cock flexed in his jeans.

“See what you do to me?” You slid your hands around the back of his neck, fingers into his hair, and picked your chin up to find his mouth again.

His knuckle dragged along your damp underwear, and you had your hand down his jeans now, palming him through his boxers. Your pussy throbbed as you got a hold of the bare skin of his length, tip leaking for you.

“Get me out of this dress,” you begged against his mouth, knowing that you couldn’t reach the zipper in the back by yourself.

“I hate this fucking dress,” Eddie added, blocking you against the door, slipping your underwear aside, dipping his finger into your pie, making your breath catch. “I hate that he bought it for you.”

You pushed away from him only to try and pull the dress up over your head, but the material was too stiff, and you were only able to wiggle the lower part of your ass out.

“Stop right there, baby,” Eddie mumbled. He came up behind you to pull your thong aside and press his cock up along the warm wet silk of your slit. ��Fuckkk,” he groaned, cupping the front of your throat and pulling you back.

You shivered as his tip got close to entering you; the need pulsed at your core, and you whimpered as his tongue found your ear, flicking around the outside. With his cock stiff and lifted enough to ride between your legs without assistance, both of his hands pushed the front of your dress down, cupping your breasts, pinching and twisting the nipples, making you drop your head back with a gasp. You were only wearing the dress around your mid-section now, knees weak, sighs hot and heavy.

“Are you my girl?” He grumbled it, and then blew air on your neck where his saliva was, making you shiver.

“Mhmmm,” you responded. His pelvis was bouncing off your ass as he worked his length along your dripping slit.

“Tell me,” he demanded. “Tell me who you belong to.”

You reached a hand up to grab his head, ass pressing back against his thrusts, pussy clenching. “You, baby, only you,” It was urgent; the hole between your legs begging to be fed and filled by this man, and this man only.

Eddie reached down to finger your core with his big hand, cock kicking up at the mess he found there soaking through. “I love you so fucking much. You’re killing me.”

He ducked back to try and find the zipper, but it stuck at the top. In a moment of passionate fury, he took hold of the material with both hands and ripped the back open with a grunt. The threads spit open at a jagged angle, exposing the soft skin of your back, and then he just kept pulling, yanking the material away. “Fuck this dress,” he hissed as it met the ground in pieces.

He ripped your underwear off with a single yank, the sensation of breaking material hot against your hip, and you yelped at the surprise, but then he had you on the bed, pulling his shirt up over his head to expose the wash of tattoos, and pushing his jeans and boxers down. The length of his cock bounced up, showing the thick vein underneath, the upper shaft still glistening with your juices.

He crawled on the mattress after you and you urged him closer, sealing his mouth to yours, brushing his hair out of his face. “I need it so bad right now baby, please,” you mewed, a desperate whine in the back of your throat. You felt the head of his cock knocking at the swollen folds above your entrance, and you spread your legs wide; dripping and begging.

“I need it too, baby,” he breathed, pressing his forehead to yours. “So fucking bad.”

You looked down to watch him hold his huge cock at the base so he could run the tip along your slit; preparing it for duty. “Tell me if it’s...too much?” He whispered it just before he kissed you again. You were sure it would just melt right in.

But then he buried the tip and your body stiffened, a tiny squeak escaping your throat. Eddie’s hand clamped onto your hip as his lips parted and his eyebrows cinched together. “Fuck, you’re so tight baby,” and he rose up a bit to look down at the way he disappeared inside of you, working the tip back and forth, taking his time. “This is all mine, yeah? No one else.”

“No one else, baby,” you gasped grabbing his neck, meeting his eyes. He searched your face, flexing his hips to sink in another inch. He had one hand braced on the bed while the other cupped your jaw, and then his thumb sank into your mouth and you sucked it.

Eddie glanced down again at your beautiful body open for him, and decided he couldn’t wait another second to own you, and buried himself the rest of the way in, cursing, feeling like he might cum right then and there. You cried out, exposing your throat for him to paint with his tongue.

He sat back on his knees briefly to thrust in hard a few times, base deep, needing to know he was deeper than anyone had ever been inside you before. Needing to look at what he did to you; the way you unraveled for him.

But then his eyes snapped to yours, needing something else.

You could see the ask in his soft dark orbs as he braced his hands at your hips, locking his length inside of you for a few breaths as the gravity of emotions vibrated in the air.

“I love you,” you told him. And then the dam broke and you said it over and over and over, and he dropped his body close, bucking his hips, his own affirmations of love flowing with each breath. You clung to his shoulders and wrapped your legs as he stretched you out, digging heels in, needing him to be as close as two humans could possibly be.

The intensity of the experience mounted a quick release and soon Eddie’s face was right above you, taking your chin to turn your face. “Look at me,” he said. “Don’t look away, okay?”

His pace quickened, forehead tightening, and a warmth started to spill through your body like liquid sunlight until all you could do was search his eyes and babble, “fucfuckfuckIloveyou...fuck.”

Eddie slowed for a moment. “I’m gonna cum so hard inside you, baby. Do you want that?”

“Yes baby please,” you whined. “Fuck, please, all of it.”

And then he was down close to you again, slamming into you with purpose, one hand on your throat, headboard banging the wall. Your eyes locked and then you were cumming, hard, seeing white, velvet tugs rippling at your core.

Eddie felt your walls clench like a heart beat around his cock and watched your eyelids flutter, sending his release into action, the bark of an exhale in his chest.

You were riding the wave of your orgasm when you felt him tremble, his hips stuttering, pupils blown. The feel of his warm seed pumping extended the ripple affect, and you both clung to each other with aching breaths as Eddie dropped his head to find your mouth.

You palmed his cheek as he finished, eye clamping shut for the first time to take in all that had just happened. He brushed his lips on your palm, your eyelids, your cheeks, all while buried inside you; nurturing a desire in his belly to curl up and live there forever.

His jeans and boots on, denim pooled at his ankles, too ripe with eagerness earlier to even consider the seconds it would take to remove them. It was a while before he pulled out of you, and the tender way he brushed his lips across your face and neck had your ears ringing, skin buzzing. It wasn’t fair that you would automatically think the worst in a situation such as this, but you were afraid of how much you loved this man. Already considering the rejection or the thing that would inevitably go wrong, and how bad it would break you. How you might never recover from this one.

He officially had your heart and he could do whatever he wanted with it. There was no longer a decision to be made or pros and cons to consider: you were completely, utterly gone.

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“I hope you rot in hell you greedy cunt!” Steve said as he slammed the phone down on the receiver with a clang.

Robin rushed into the kitchen from the living room, eyes wide, hoping that Steve’s outburst hadn’t woken Oliver from his nap. They both froze for a few seconds, ears perked to listen for the sound of his tiny footfalls or a door opening.

“I hope that wasn’t your mother,” Robin chided, throwing the dishtowel in her hand over the side of the sink.

“Think bigger cunt,” he said in a much lower voice, throwing on his leather Coffin Kings cut. “They’re staying at that seedy motel over on Chestnut.”

Robin bristled, knowing it has been Tina, Oliver’s biological mom. She crossed her arms. “Do we need to get a lawyer?”

“With what money, Rob?” He braced his hands on the back of one of the dining table chairs, facing her, rolling his neck.

Robin was taking on more shifts at the hotel and Steve at his two jobs, but it felt like they could never dig out of the hole they were in lately.

Steve took a deep breath and straightened, rolling his shoulders. “Don’t worry, okay? I got some things lined up. We’ll have enough to make that pickled whore and her dog-faced pimp go away for a bit. Hopefully they overdose and fucking die---”

“Steve.”

“What? I hope they die. I’m not afraid to say it.” He snatched his sunglasses off the table and slid them over his eyes. “I won’t be back till late. I got a thing with the Kings, and then I’m at the Hammer tonight.”

He said it all over his shoulder as he was crossing the distance to the door and opening it.

“Wait,” Robin called after him. “What thing with the Kings?” He’d promised her numerous times that he wasn’t doing anything illegal or detrimental to his health for Oliver’s sake, but the Coffin Kings weren’t ones to just meet up for a casual cheese and wine picnic in the park.

He stepped outside into the early afternoon sunlight and shut the door behind him. “It’s nothing,” he told her through the open window. “Kiss my boy for me when he wakes up.”

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Earlier that morning, around 4am, you were tucked close to Eddie as he spooned you, the fingers of one hand intertwined with yours, his warm breath on the back of your neck. His cum sticky between your legs. You were out of the habit of sharing a bed with someone, and so your sleep was a bit restless, but every time you snapped awake and remembered where you were---a warmth came over you, and you nuzzled against him, kissing his hand.

Eddie, on the other hand, was sleeping like a bear. Knowing you were safe in his arms was like a sedative for him. He stirred briefly a few times only to squeeze your hand or kiss your shoulder, but for the most part, you listened as his heavy breathing turned into a rattling snore in the back of his throat, and it made you smile.

You jumped when the phone rang loud and shrill, and Eddie’s head popped off the pillow with a grunt, his eyes closed.

“Whoever it is, they are dead fucking meat,” he mumbled out of the side of his mouth after dropping his cheek back to the pillow.

You moved as if you were about to get out of his way so he could reach the phone that was on your side of the bed, but Eddie’s arm held fast, locking you in place. “Let the machine get it, baby,” he whispered, tongue clicking in his dry mouth, already halfway back to dreamland.

It was so cute to think about how he ran out and bought an answering machine because you asked him to. You knew he hated them, and it was something he’d done just for you, so that he would never miss a message if you called.

It rang three times before you heard beep and the machine click on, and then there came a woman’s voice you didn’t recognize:

“Um, hey Eddie baby, long time no talk…”

Behind you, Eddie stiffened. Your eyes blew wide open.

“...I can’t believe you finally stepped into the modern age and got an answering machine. Maybe people do change, I know I have,” there was a shuffling and the sound of ice clinking in a glass. “I’ve really been missing you lately and thinking about that time we went to Sturgis and we missed Steppenwolf because we were too busy fucking in the back of the…”

Eddie started to crawl over you, ready to yank the phone cord out of the wall, but you put your hand up to stop him, and he paused there, one hand braced on either side of you, hair hanging down. “This is nothing, baby, she’s--” he whispered, but then the message continued.

“...and then on the way home ate burgers in the park. Fuck, those were good times. I know you never sleep, so I figured you’d hear this message and pick up, but maybe you don’t want to talk to me anymore? I can’t say I’d blame you. Anyway, I’m coming to town this weekend for a wedding and I’d love to see you if you want to see me. I’m staying at Chrissy’s moms house, I think you still have the number.”

Eddie fell back on the bed, gnawing on his bottom lip, one hand on your thigh, waiting for the nightmare to end so that he could explain to you that it was all ancient history. He hadn’t been with Melanie in almost 5 years, and he hadn’t from heard her for at least 2, and he didn’t want to hear from her, not ever again. If he had to guess, he’d bet that she’d dumped another one of her boyfriends and was looking for comfort; the likes of which he had none to give. God, why was this happening to him? Why now of all the times in the fucking world for her to call?

He wanted to pick that answering machine up and break it in half with his bare hands.

Meanwhile, you were trying to push down the discomfort rising in your throat. This was clearly someone from Eddie’s past, someone he hadn’t spoken to in a while, but you couldn’t help the jealousy that tightened your flesh over your bones and made your tongue push against the back of your teeth.

“Anyway, maybe if you’re up for it, we can get a drink at the Hideout for old time’s sake? Well, now I feel stupid talking to this thing. Call me, okay? Same number as before. Oh, and this is Melanie by the way, remember me? The one you were supposed to grow old with?” Melanie took a moment to giggle to herself before she finished. “Okay, miss you lots. Bye bye.”

The phone clicked on her end and the message beeped again to announced that it was finally over. You and Eddie lay in the loud silence for a few seconds, and then Eddie swallowed hard.

“Let me explain? I haven’t talked to her in---”

But you cut him off, rolling over on your other side to face him, nudging his arm to open up so you could slide into his armpit and put your head on his chest, your leg stretching over his, hand palming his bicep, thumb grazing his nipple.

“We can talk about it later,” you hushed.

He pulled you close, kissing the top of your head, “she means nothing to me, baby,” he reiterated, and then it wasn’t long before you heard the purr of his snores again. His arm went lax and slipped down to the bed with a flop.

But you, you were wide awake. Blinking ever so often with the rhythm of the red light on the machine cast on the ceiling, announcing that there was a new message.

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In the dark corner of an abandoned warehouse in the industrial district, Steve’s fist cracked into the jaw of a guy tied to a chair with duct tape over his mouth. This was not the first punch, and his knuckles were raw. The guy in the chair was a snitch who’d tried to run, but Steve and a few of the others caught up with him. He had a shaved head covered in tattoos, his eye was now swollen, and nose broken, so he was struggling to breathe through the snot and the blood.

Steve stepped back, kicking his chin up, signaling to two of the Hell’s Belles that were there. “Take his Kutte,” he told them.

One of the two women slipped a knife of of the sheath at her hip and twirled it in the air before slicing the leather of his cut off at the arm hole so that they wouldn’t have to untie his hands. They cut and yanked on both sides until the material opened up and The guy screamed inside the duct tape, drool dripping down his chin from a tiny gap in the tape.

Steve’s tattooed hand was seeping watery blood from one knuckle as he pinched a cigarette between thumb and forefinger and took a drag. “You know, Jerry Dog wants your head. He told me to bring it to him in a bag with a pretty bow on it.”

The guy had stopped trying to battle the restraints, but he glared at Steve with hard, dark eyes, shouting something that only came out as muffled noise. Two of the Coffin Kings were standing at Steve’s back, legs braced wide, hands resting on the hilts of weapons at their sides. Steve turned on his heel, following the Hell’s Belle with the torn leather vest out of the damp building and into the sunlight. She had shoulder length, orange hair with one side completely shaved, and she went by the name Ratchet.

Ratchet made sure to put the cut in the saddle bag on the back of her bike and tighten the buckle closed before she turned around to address Steve again. “I thought you and War Machine were taking a step back from the life? That’s the rumor, anyway.”

War Machine was Eddie’s nickname, and had been ever since they were young and he was always getting into fights with kids who tried to pick on him or others. Steve had been known as Taz around the MC, in honor of the Tasmanian Devil, because if he was in a mood, he’d fight anyone--even if the odds were stacked against him. The gold tooth he had was to replace one of his incisors due to the original one getting knocked out when he was 21 by a guy with metal rings on. Steve’d spit the tooth out at the time and started laughing, blood dripping down his chin like a mad man. He never though things through like Eddie did. Back in their school days, Wayne would come around the corner to the principals office with that tired look on his face as he removed his hat, and there’d be Steve and Eddie; bloody noses and swollen lips. They were both never far from each other, and neither one let the other go into battle alone.

But Eddie hadn’t gone by War Machine in years; he’d grown to hate it, actually. The things he’d done in the name of the MC as War Machine were some of the things he hated most about himself.

“I got a son now, ya know,” Steve sucked hard on his smoke, cheeks caving in, and then he exhaled to the side. “And Eddie’s just, a good guy I guess. Just cause you grown up in the life doesn’t mean you’re made for it.”

Tiger Lily—the other female biker with Ratchet--and the two Kings with Steve were also wandering around, having a smoke break and taking a piss, while they let the guy inside sweat, wondering if these were his final moments.

Ratchet tucked the long side of her hair behind her ear, her nickname tattooed in cursive on the side of her throat. “How’s Robin?”

Steve hadn’t seen Ratch in a while, but it was standard procedure for her to ask after his best friend. The two had a thing many years ago, but Ratch was a dog at the time and went sniffing too many other butts for Robin’s liking. Fucking things up with Buckley was still one of her biggest regrets.

“We’ve got our share of the shit pie,” Steve assured. “But we’re making it work. I couldn’t do it without her.” He tapped his heel on the toe of his boot and flicked his cigarette. “I’ve got a gig lined up with some rich bitch. Easy bag, some lame body guard gig. It should get our heads out of water, at least.”

“Who’s it for?” Ratchet squinted, exhaling smoke out her nose, down the piercing in the middle of her bottom lip.

“I don’t really know,” Steve shrugged. “She seems to have a lot of money to throw around, that’s all I give a fuck about.”

“Careful, bro,” Ratchet held the two fingers up holding her cigarette, chipped black polish on her fingernails. “There’s a wealthy cougar in town who likes to hire MC’s as body guards and she’s been pitting different clubs against each other. Three of Lucifer’s Own got the piss beat out of them the other weekend trying to defend her fortress. Put Donnie in intensive care.”

Steve’s mind flicked to the night Eddie was stabbed, and the way Eddie wouldn’t tell him who did it because he knew Steve would go off the rails.

“Like I said,” Steve rolled his neck, crushing the end of this cig into the mud with the toe of his boot. “I don’t care what the drama is, long as she pays.”

Ratchet respected this, offering a twitch of her brow.

“Let’s get this over with,” Steve motioned to the rest as he opened the aluminum door to head back into the building. “I got shit to do.”

The guy in the chair was struggling to breathe through some miracle opening in his inflamed and bleeding nostrils. His broad chest heaved, nearly popping open the buttons on his black and blue flannel, gasping for air, cheeks puffing out, his bald head slick with sweat.

Steve took position in front of him again. The whole cutting his head off thing was a bluff. Jerry Dog had never requested such a thing. The other two Kings, Rooster and Emmett, would toss him in the back of the utility van and dump him down at the train yard and wait for further instructions.

The guy in the chair barked something at Steve through the tape, eyes narrowing, but it only came out as a strangled mumble.

“You trying to say something to me, Inky?” Steve cocked his head, referring to the man’s nickname.

Steve reached across to rip the tape off in one quick swipe, taking some of Inky’s mustache with it. The guy wheezed, bending his head to take a few deep inhales through his mouth, coughing a few times at the greedy pulls of air his body was taking.

“I got good news, man,” Steve’s tone was sarcastic as he rested his hands on his hips. “You get to keep your head. For now.”

Inky spit. He’d clearly intended the projected saliva to land on Steve, but it hit the ground next to his boot instead. Steve looked down at the spit, and then back up at Inky. “To think I thought you’d be grateful?”

“Fuck you, Taz,” Inky sneered at Steve, his voice full of vitriol. “I never did like you. Jerry Dog is gonna let me walk, and then you know what I’m gonna do? I’m gonna come to your house and fuck the gay right outta that dyke roommate of yours, and I’m gonna make your kid watch.”

If Steve ever had a voice of reason that spoke to him in his head, it wasn’t about to change the impact those words had on him. There would be no more talking, no more negotiation, and no one in that room would dare to try and stop him, even if they wanted to, as he started pummeling his fist over and over into Inky’s face. At one point, Inky lost consciousness, jaw broken and slack, and the chair fell sideways, landing his head to the cement with a thunk. Steve followed, dropping on top of him, seeing red, unable to stop his fist from working, smashing, breaking.

When the other four were finally able to pull Steve off, it was too late for Inky.

---------

“Who is this Melanie bitch?” Katie came to visit you that night during your shift at the Velvet Hammer because you felt like you needed a pep talk. You’d just come up next to the bar where she was having her whiskey sour, and the ask was loud enough for Shanna, the longtime bartender and manager to hear.

Shanna had on a platinum blonde wig shaped in a 1920’s bob cut, a row of 6 tiny hoops curving up one ear, and a long, red upside down cross dangling from the other. She squinted at Katie while she squeezed fresh orange juice to make a screwdriver, and then her eyes shifted to you. “Melanie. You mean Melanie Drake? Your old man’s ex?”

You knew Eddie had a past, and you were glad for the most part. He was in his early thirties, for godsake, and if he hadn’t at least tried to commit to someone before you, it could easily be seen as a red flag. And it didn’t matter how much in love you knew you both were, or how devoted he clearly was to you—there was something unsettling about the girlfriend before you coming to town. Not just any girlfriend or one night stand, but someone he’d clearly had deep feelings for. Not only was she coming to town, but she explicitly wanted to see your boyfriend.

“Yeah,” you moved your jaw and absently straightened the little black pocket apron around your waist. “She left a really flirty message early this morning on his machine while we were in bed together.”

“Nooooo,” Katie blanched, making a yuck face. “What did you do? What did you say? What did HE say?”

Shanna passed the screwdriver and two pints of beer over to Jackie who loaded them on her tray. The dancer in the back was giving a wild show to the tune of Unsung by Helmet, sliding down the pole slowly, both legs spread wide, dropping to the floor in the splits with a head bang.

Shanna was clearly invested in the story now too, waiting with baited breath for you to answer Katie’s questions. “We just...went back to sleep. I told him we could talk about it in the morning. But then we woke up late and he had to rush out.”

Shanna and Katie exchanged a look.

“He loves me, we are good, I trust him,” you moved the four tequila shots and limes to your tray as Shanna passed them to you, and you couldn’t tell if you were trying to convince yourself or them.

“Of course he loves you, but is he planning to meet up with her, though?” Katie asked, taking the two tiny red straws out of her drink. “Cause, I don’t like that idea. Feels wrong. Sends her an encouraging message.”

You didn’t have a chance to answer before Shanna spoke up. “Melanie won’t show her face in here if she knows what’s good for her,” she paused only to rim a margarita glass with salt. You and Katie both directed your attention to hear the rest. “Years ago, she was hired on as one of the dancers for a couple months. Found out she was stealing from the other girls and giving blowjobs to customers in the bathroom.”

You blinked a few times, not liking the fact that she’d also had a job there. Katie lifted her glass to her lips but paused there, giving you a side eye.

Shanna raised an eyebro, smoky eye makeup rimming eyes that were so brown they were almost black. “And that was when she was still supposedly with your old man. I’m not even sure if he ever found out about it. Probably would’ve killed someone if he had.”

The news of Eddie being blatantly disrespected and cheated on like that didn’t sit well with you, either, and you realized that you knew nothing about this woman, how long they’d been together, and why it ended. You had to run your tray of drinks over to a table, and Katie ordered another whiskey sour while she waited.

You checked on other tables, and then on your way back to Katie at the bar, you saw Steve come in. He was an hour late, but he’d already called to let Shanna know, and one look at him told you why he was late.

While normally Steve had a charming, cheerful disposition, tonight his jaw was set at a hard angle, his eyes cold and weary. He was favoring his right hand, holding hit against his stomach. It was wrapped up, but poorly, as if he’d done it himself in a rush, red/orange seeping through at the knuckles. Normally, Steve would saunter over to see what the girls were gossiping about at the bar, and be eager to give his two cents. But, that night, he found his stool, and prepared to do nothing above the bare minimum required for his job. He lit a cigarette and checked ID’s, but made no move to add any banter to his interactions.

And no one bothered him or asked any questions because they were all realizing, perhaps for the first time, how scary he was once all of the casual, jovial exterior was removed.

----------

The rain was drizzling that night as Robin sat in her car facing the seedy motel on Chestnut, planning her words. She dropped off Oliver with Wayne for the night, and when they got there, Wayne already had cartoons on and some pigs-in-a-blanket in the oven; his face lighting up in a way they all thought the cancer had long ago removed.

Behind the wheel, facing room 11, here were two manila envelopes in her lap: one was full of cash and the other contained official government paperwork. She had a private savings account she’d been trickling money into for years. Even then, it only had about six grand in it. She pawned some of the gold jewelry her grandmother passed down to her, and a few other keepsakes she’d been saving to pass down to Oliver, and the final product was the best offer Tina would ever get from them. They were usually able to buy her off for a year or so with a grand or two, so ten grand should make her eyes sparkle long enough to sign away her rights to Ollie.

Steve and Katie had no idea what she was up to. Steve would’ve tried to stop her. He would’ve showed up and caused a scene, and his temper would get the best of him. Robin was calm. The only endgame that mattered to her was keeping Oliver safe and in her arms, and she didn’t care how broke she was or how low she had to grovel to make that happen.

She could see them through the window between the break in the curtains. Tina with her curly black hair, long and wild, wearing a tight, red spandex dress, and then her fiance Louis, shirtless, wiry muscles littered with prison ink. They appeared to be in the middle of an argument, but that was nothing new; they both thrived on chaos.

Robin also had a gun.

She strapped her bag across her body and reached in to palm the cool steel of Steve’s protection piece he usually kept in a safe in the closet. There was always the chance that Tina and Louis would try to jump her and take the money without following through on the paperwork, but she wasn’t going to let that happen; her plan was solid.

This bullshit would end tonight.

---------

It was so early in the morning when Steve’s bike rumbled around the corner to Astrid’s house that it was still dark. He dismounted right next to the dilapidated picket fence with the chipped white paint, and looked up to see that she was already on the porch in her nightgown, arms wrapped in a shawl, waiting for him. He hadn’t called to tell her he was on his way, in fact, it had been a last second decision as he idled at a stop light on his way home after work.

Steve needed comfort, and for some reason, Astrid always knew how to give it without him needing to ask.

“How’s your hand?” She asked across the lawn, even though he’d taken the bandage off and, from that distance, in the dark, there’s no way she could’ve known it was swollen and fleshly with raw patches.

He didn’t answer, he just came through the gate and made his way at a tired pace toward her, clomping up each step in his heavy boots, wallet chain jangling.

“Let me see,” she said, holding out her hand, palm up, for him to oblige. She hissed at the damage, and when she tapped his middle finger, he winced. “Honey, we need to get this cleaned and bandaged properly. It might even need a splint. Come inside. I put a beer in the freezer.” She always moved a beer from the refrigerator to the freezer when she had a hunch he was on his way so that it would be extra cold for him. She also had leftovers heating in the oven because it was typical of him to forget to eat.

Once inside the house, while he followed her through the candlelit living room to the kitchen, Steve caught her elbow and spun her around. Astrid’s eyes sought his, trying to anticipate his needs, but then what she found there was exhaustion, both emotional and physical, and a palpable sense of dread. Of fear that life would always take and never give. That time would continue to accomplish nothing but to wear us down and break our hearts.

He bowed his head, and then he dropped to his knees, arms wrapping around her legs, cheek pressing into her thigh, a sob hitching in his chest. He loved the fullness of her stomach and hips, the way his fingers sank in. She used both hands to comfort him, one stroking his cheek that was already damp, while the other combed through his thick head of hair, gently tucking strands behind his ear, tracing down the back of his neck.

She lowered to her shins and met him on the hardwood floor, scooping his head against her bosom while his shoulders jerked and the tears rolled. She was the only person Steve let himself cry in front of. Maybe only once or twice it had happened around Robin, and he always left the room to pull himself together. His father had drilled it hard into his head that crying was a weakness and it made you less of a man. It turned you into a sissy boy or a faggot, as if that were the worst thing, and set you up to be bullied and teased for days to follow. Better to yell, better to hit things, and make other people afraid so that they could be just as sad as you.

Wordlessly, they held each other there for a long while, as Steve choked on sobs and Astrid kissed the top of his head over and over, content to stay like that for hours if that was what he needed. After a bit, there were tears streaming down her cheeks as well.

"You're safe with me," she hushed.

-----

Eddie extended you an open offer to stay with him whenever you wanted, he even casually mentioned that he planned to have another spare key made so that you could come in and make yourself at home even if he wasn’t there.

Giving someone a key to your place was no small step in a relationship, and your heart swelled at the sincerity of the gesture.

But, you decided to go back to your place after your shift at the Hammer. You were tired, needed a shower, and some time to yourself. Plus, your cat Charlie had a lot of questions about where you were the night before.

Just as you were getting home, Katie was headed back out, her pajama bottoms still on. Apparently, she’d received a call from Robin that spooked her a bit, and made her want to go and check on her girlfriend, even though she had to be up early for work. She was in such a hurry, you didn’t have time to ask any questions, but you hoped that Robin was okay.

After washing your face and getting into something more comfortable, you were just about to sit on the couch to let television numb your brain for a bit when the doorbell rang.

Eddie’s head was bowed when you opened the door, one knee cocked out to the side, thumb hooked in his belt loop while the other fingers fanned out on his thigh.

“It’s a little late to be visited by a Bible salesman, isn’t it?” You teased.

Eddie met your eyes and leaned forward to brace his forearm on the door jam, white tee straining against his muscles just under the cut of his Coffin Kings leather. Not for the first time, you noticed the War Machine insignia on the front and realized you kept forgetting to ask him about it.

“I waited up,” he mumbled. “I hoped you’d come over tonight.”

“Work was exhausting, and I needed to feed my cat,” you explained. “But I’m glad to see you. Come in?”

Eddie couldn’t get what had happened that morning out of his mind, and the last thing he wanted to do was give Melanie any more of his precious air, but he also didn’t want you to think he had any residual feelings for her.

The living room was dark, but for a soft light from the kitchen and glow of the TV, when you tilted your chin up to meet his lips with yours. You didn’t stay there to kiss him, though---you didn’t linger with hungry sighs like you were prone to do—you just spun on your heel to head back around the couch.

Eddie let the screen door shut behind him as he grabbed your waist with both hands. “Hey now, don’t run away from me,” he came up behind so that your body was flush with his. His mouth came down to graze your ear, “tell me you fucking missed me.”

“Of course I missed you,” you tried to shrug away from him, albeit playfully, but he was too strong; you were completely locked in place. “I always miss you.”

He released you only so you could turn to face him again, reaching up to cup your hands behind his neck, fingers dipping into the downy hair behind his ears. The kiss that came next was the kind that sent emergency bells off in your loins; tongues twirling each other, tight groans on the exhale.

You pulled back to meet his eyes before you were completely incapacitated again. “Please tell me you’re not planning on meeting up with your ex this weekend?”

“Hell no,” he responded quickly, a tightness in his brow as if it were ludicrous for you to even ask. “Believe me baby, if I never see her face again, it will be too soon.”

“What are we even doing?” You asked, throwing your hands out to the side as you stepped back to rest your hip on the back of the couch. “I mean, look at us. We’ve barely known each other for two months and everything that possibly could go wrong has. It’s just one stressful situation after the next. I’m exhausted, Eddie, and I’m sure you are too.”

Eddie brought his chin back and crossed one arm over to hold his bicep. “Are you breaking up with me? Is that what this is?”

“No,” you coughed a laugh. Surely he didn’t think he could get rid of you that easily. “Believe me, I couldn’t stop being in love with you at this point even if I wanted to.”

A smile twitched on Eddie’s lips, and he came close, straddling your hips between his legs, taking your face in both of his hands. He kissed the tip of your nose, the look in his eye was tender but serious. “She never had my heart like you do. I’ve never felt this way about anyone, ever. I’d kill or die for you, baby.”

Clothes started to come off right there at the couch, but then you remembered that Katie might not stay at Robin’s and could be home any moment, and so you moved the party to your bedroom with Eddie’s belt undone and your shirt bunched up around your neck.

Eddie was on his knees with his head between your legs in a flash, flicking his tongue right where you needed it, making you fist his hair and bite your lip as you watched.

After the first orgasm, you were on your side while Eddie held your leg up and sunk his cock in over and over, hips clapping at your wetness. You turned your head to take his mouth while he stretched you out again and again, making you whimper, and your wrist flexed at your swollen nub, another release mounting.

“Oh godohgodohgod,” you whined. Eddie’s cock slipped out briefly, and when he thrust it back in, you began to see stars.

You looked up at him as your body rocked from the impact, “no one has ever been so deep, baby,” you promised, and the admission brought Eddie to the edge, twisting you to piston his hips faster.

He barked a groan of pleasure as he emptied himself inside of you, holding one of your legs up by the crook of his arm, and your walls clenched around him, producing a mingling of cum on his shaft.

Still inside of you, Eddie grabbed your chin so that your blown pupils could meet his. “I’ve never loved anyone like I love you,” he said, sealing the words in your mouth with a kiss, hoping to bury them deep in your heart.

-------

Hundreds of miles away, a phone next to a full ashtray and a tumbler of whiskey was ringing.

Before the second ring, a guy with a military insignia tattooed on his forearm picked up.

“Yo,” the voice on the other end greeted. “This Craig?”

“Yeah, dumbass, who else would it be?” Craig answered gruffly.

The other guy cleared his throat. “It’s Gopher. Hey, listen, that chick you’ve been trying to track down? I had my guy look her up at the database over at the station. She ain’t in no Oregon, man. She’s in some podunk town in fucking Indiana.”

Craig sat down on the bed next to the gun he was cleaning, eyes hooded, blonde hair in a buzz cut. “You sure it’s the right girl? My girl?”

“No doubt about it man. She just had her license renewed.”

Craig pulled a notepad and pen out of the top drawer. “You got an address for me?”

“She’s got a roommate. Katie Clayton I think her name was.”

“Fuck, of course,” Craig worked his jaw, excitement edging in his veins. All this time he’d been nosing around in the pacific northwest while you were only a state away, right under his nose.

He should've known you’d never want to be too far away from him. A love like the two of you shared never died.

Part 13

Thank you for reading! xoxoxoxo

-------

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loki-cees-all · 6 months

Note

For the celebration, what would Loki do if he realized your birthday was coming up but you were sad about getting older? Or being alone on that day?

The Distraction {Avengers!Loki x Avengers!Reader}

Cee's Loki Fic Masterlist / Cee and K's Glorious Birthday Bash Celebration Prompt List / AO3 Link

Pairing : (hints of) Avengers!Loki x Avengers!Reader

Summary : Another year, another birthday. All you want to do is not think about it too much, so Loki comes up with a helpful distraction.

W/c : 1.5k words

Content/Warnings : Fluff, a smidgeon of angst, Loki & reader friendship, hints that it could be something more

Author's Note : Apologies this took so long, @queen-paladin. Hope you enjoy it! <3

⊱ ── ༓ ── ⋅•⋅⊰ ── ⋅ ∙ ∘ ☽ ༓ ☾ ∘ ∙ ⋅ ── ⊱⋅•⋅ ── ༓ ── ⊰

“So, what are your plans for this evening?”

Bruce’s question had caught you off guard. Zoning out a while ago, you were only brought back to the reality of the Avengers conference room once you felt everyone’s gaze upon you. The meeting hadn’t started yet, and apparently the conversation had shifted to the subject of your birthday during the wait, much to your own chagrin.

“Climbing a mountain? Wrangling a wild lion? Threesome? Stop me when I’m getting warm,” Tony offered without looking up from his cell phone; even while not paying attention, he still needed to make the most entertaining guess possible.

Clint laughed as he twirled a pen between his fingers. “Angling for an invite?”

“Well, surely she’ll be reflecting on her triumphs and accomplishments over the past year. Isn’t that what mortals do on their birthdays?” Thor mumbled through a mouthful of several donuts. His question was a genuine one, and so was his smile; and he meant no harm, but it still made you shift uncomfortably in your seat.

“Only if Lady Gaga is the third,” Tony replied to Clint with a smirk. The conversation was already spiraling wildly out of control, and your throat was starting to dry up.

“Leave her be,” Natasha interrupted, sensing your discomfort from across the table. “You guys aren’t cool enough to hear about her birthday plans anyway…”

As you brought the coffee cup to your lips, Natasha shot you a wink, and you were grateful for the save. Truthfully, you hated your birthday and therefore had nothing on the agenda…other than your definitely exciting plans of catching some much-needed shut-eye and trying not to think too much about anything.

“Whatever her plans are, she’s definitely earned it. And we all wish you the happiest of birthdays,” Steve smiled reassuringly before clearing his throat to begin the meeting.

As he went on and on about intel reports and reminders about the importance of collateral damage mitigation, one pair of eyes continued to linger on you - soft, thoughtful, curious. He hadn’t said much during the previous conversation, but then again, he never did.

Instead, Loki preferred to study and listen, to learn whatever he could in the silence of everything left unsaid. And once the meeting finally adjourned, you silently retreated to your private quarters, eager for the silence where no one would expect you to say anything.

The evening snow had cocooned the city in a blanket of chilled warmth, cozy and elegant and quiet. There were no sirens and emergencies that night; it was so cold outside that even villains and criminals couldn’t be bothered to stir up trouble.

Snuggled up tight in your bed inside Stark Tower with your phone on silent mode, you drifted in and out of consciousness - thinking about everything that had passed you by, dreaming about what you’d never be able to accomplish. You had made it to the Avengers Team, an impressive feat to be sure, but how long would that last?

Would you ever feel like you’d made it in a building surrounded by Gods and geniuses, miracles and champions? Would you ever find love? Did Avengers ever get a happy ending? Probably not…

The knuckles of a careful hand tapped on your door, rousing you from your thoughts. It was late - almost midnight, minutes away from not having to think about your birthday for another year.

Begrudgingly, you extracted yourself from the warm blankets and trudged to the door of your private quarters. The air was frigid and sharp, and you shivered as you brushed the hair out of your eyes and looked through the peephole.

Loki waited on the other side of the door, standing tall and regal, yet casual and sincere, all at the same time. And despite the late hour, or maybe even because of it, he looked even more beautiful than usual.

You had no idea why he was here; you hadn’t spent much time with him outside the confines of missions, but you always wished that was different. When he did speak up, he was clever and funny, and he seemed to be at least somewhat amused by you too. But he preferred seclusion, and so did you.

Swallowing hard, you scrambled to smooth out your wrinkled pajamas and comb your fingers through your messy hair, trying to appear at least somewhat put together as you pulled open the door.

“Apologies for the late intrusion, but…could I have a moment of your time?” he greeted, smiling an infuriating combination of charm and consideration.

You nodded and tried to ignore the butterflies in your belly as you stepped aside to let him in. “Yeah, of course. Sorry, I just got back from the, um…”

Loki followed you inside, his hands placed casually in his pockets as he looked curiously around your room. But his gaze returned to you as your voice trailed off, waiting patiently for you to continue.

“From the, um…place with the…” you trailed off again, trying to come up with an interesting thing you had done that night. Loki arched an eyebrow and an amused smile crept across his face as he watched you try to come up with a believable lie.

Sighing heavily and resigning to admit the truth, you collapsed down on the couch. “I didn’t go anywhere tonight. I really hate my birthday.”

Loki chuckled and sat down carefully next to you. “Yes, I’d gathered as much. It seems like birthdays are a mixed bag for humans…”

“Yeah, they really are…” you replied quietly, staring at your fingers as they pressed and fidgeted with one another. “Is it the same way with Asgardian birthdays?”

Loki shifted on the couch to lean back and cross his legs. “Well, we don’t really have a concept of birthdays where I’m from. After the first thousand or so, I’d imagine that they’d probably become incredibly…tedious,” he answered thoughtfully.

“Yeah, that makes sense…”

Silence descended upon you both, and you realized it was the first time you’d ever been alone with him. He smelled like an ancient forest and the spices of a distant land. It was comforting, and suddenly you couldn’t remember why you’d never invited him over before.

“So what is it about your special day that’s left you so melancholy?”

You laughed and shook your head as you leaned back too, staring up at the ceiling overhead. “You’re the God of Lies, and from what I’ve gathered, a quick study on humanity. So why don’t you tell me?”

“Well, from my thorough interrogations of other humans…” Loki smiled teasingly before letting out a deep breath. “I’d wager it has to do with the passage of time. The reminder of your own mortality. The pressures that society places on you to have the best day ever. When in reality, it’s just…another day one needs to make it through.”

You turned to look at him, and he met your gaze. His green eyes were beautiful, sparkling even in the low light of your quarters. “Mmm. You really are a quick study…”

“Well, I do what I can…” Loki hummed in response. His lips parted as if he wanted to say something else, and your breath hitched; but instead, he turned his head to look out the window.

Returning your attention to your hands, you tried not to think about what he was going to say, or what it meant that he was here. That you were alone together. That he was…trying to comfort you, in his own way.

“It’s a pity to waste all that…” he murmured absentmindedly as he pulled the curtains aside.

The snow was starting to pile up outside, and the sky was filled with fluttering sheets of crisp white, effortlessly dimming the lights of the city and making you feel like you two were the only ones left in the world. “Shall we go and have what you humans call a snowball fight?”

You laughed incredulously. “The God of Mischief wants to spend the last few minutes of my birthday having a snowball fight?”

Loki turned back to you with a playful grin on his face. It was intoxicating and delightful. “Why not? You seem like you could use a distraction. And what is mischief if not a distraction?”

You couldn’t help but smile, the biggest one you’d had all day. Loki returned your smile in earnest as he stood up, ready to go. He held his hand out for you to take it, and you couldn’t believe the blessing he was offering.

“Okay - but no magic. I am just a weak mortal, and it is still technically my birthday…” you teased, accepting his helping hand.

Loki laughed with a warm smile. “Agreed, I won’t use any magic. Wouldn’t want to humiliate you on your birthday, now would I?”

You really didn’t care whether you won or lost the upcoming fight. All that mattered was that you had a distraction - and Loki was the perfect one.

⊱ ── ༓ ── ⋅•⋅⊰ ── ⋅ ∙ ∘ ☽ ༓ ☾ ∘ ∙ ⋅ ── ⊱⋅•⋅ ── ༓ ── ⊰

Click here to be added to my Loki fic tag list! 💚

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todorokies · 9 months

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megumi reminds me so much of autumn . . . the leaves turning frail and crunchy, the outdoor air carrying a cold breeze that shakes wind chimes, the days fall short whereas the nights stills longer, warm maroon coloured sweaters, vanilla and apple scents follows in bakeries and candle shops . . .

this time of year cast a lovely veil over megumi’s life which temporarily reliefs him of his duties as a sorcerer. he chooses his spare time wisely and doesn’t take it for granted, since you occupy most of his thoughts its only warranted he spends his lazy saturdays with you by his side.

the first saturday of october, you both visit a secondhand book store after grabbing tea at a cozy cafe. megumi buys a agatha christie novel, the murder at the vicarage, you on the other hand buy a r.l stine goosebumps book. he sighs with a soft smile of his face, “typical…” he mutters to himself.

the second saturday of october, you, yuji, and nobara somehow grouped megumi into playing with an ouija board. after countless attempts of asking questions to the actual thin air, the planchette moves to the ‘yes’ side of the board after you and nobara jokingly asked: ‘does someone haunt the dorm room in the male east wing?’ the room was soon filled with screams of terror . . . needless to say you spent the night in your boyfriend’s dorm cuddled up in his arms.

the third saturday of october consists of going into tokyo for a street festival. traditional snacks, candy apples, cinnamon rolls and the smell of caramel wafts throughout the street. going hand in hand manoeuvring through the large crowd while looking at the cool vendors and displays and occasionally saying, “look 'gumi let's check this one out!”

with the fourth and final saturday of october, you currently reside in the commoner kitchen sitting on top of the counter watching megumi use halloween-themed cookie cutters on pre-made dough. the plan for tonight was to stay in and watch hocus pocus, after some time you break the comfortable silence, "so... since when do you like halloween?" a small smirk plays on his lips "who said i didn't?"

“you don’t seem like the type, you know?” you take a neatly rolled up piece of cookie dough off the baking sheet to prop it in your mouth, “if i didn’t know you well enough i’d probably think your favourite holiday was something boring like new year’s.” he snickers at your claim but covers it up with a fake dry cough not wanting to give you that full satisfaction.

he ends up choosing to ignore your comment, “there’s a lot of things to do around the fall time that entertains me. that’s all.” you teasingly wiggle your eyebrows clearly fascinated by this new discovery. “did you ever dress up for halloween?”

“gojo used to dress me and tsumiki up all the time when we were little. one year we went as oompa loompas and he dressed as willy wonka.” his eyebrow slightly twitches in annoyance by the faint memory.

you hold in your laughter mainly to protect megumi’s ego and make a mental note to ask gojo for proof with pictures later. “i’m glad you wanna spend this month with me it seems like it means a lot to you.” you blurt out suddenly while fondly smiling at him as you softly trace over his chuckles with your finger.

his breath gets stuck in his throat and he can practically feel the blush climbing from his neck up to his face. you always seem to do this to him; make him awestruck and flustered like an idiot with a freshly new crush. but in hindsight, he doesn’t think the puppy love phase will ever end, at least not for him, you still make his stomach flip and tumble after many months together.

contrary to popular belief, megumi believes that the month of love doesn’t take place in february, but in the month of october. where the orange, yellow, and red is a far more appealing set of colours than pink and white.

reblogs & feedback is extremely appreciated !! <3 a/n: in honor of it being september

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sherewrytes · 6 days

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ℂ𝕆𝕄𝔼 ℂ𝕃𝕆𝕊𝔼

Gym Bro Satoru x Tom boy black reader

Synopsis: You met Satoru at your apartment complex's gym

It was a typical evening at the apartment complex's gym. You had decided to squeeze in a quick workout before dinner, hoping to burn off some stress from the day. As you approached the treadmill, you noticed someone already on it, running at a steady pace.

"Hey there," a voice greeted you, pulling your attention away from your thoughts.

You looked over to see a guy with a friendly smile, his white hair swept to the side and laced with sweat. He had a calm, inviting presence about him.

"Hey," you replied, offering a small smile in return as you stepped onto the treadmill beside him.

Satoru was eyeing you up next to him thinking "Damn, who's that?" he thought, his gaze lingering on your figure. Your confidence exuded as you warmed up on the treadmill next to him.

The way your black tank top hugged your curves, and your loc'd hair was pulled back into a ponytail and dyed red and the ends. It was like you were the only person in the room, and everything else faded into the background.

As you both continued your workouts, you found yourselves falling into an easy conversation. Satoru talked about his job as a freelance software engineer, and you shared stories from your own work as a graphic designer/ creative director.

Despite your different backgrounds, you found common ground in your love for fitness and shared interests.

Time flew by as you ran side by side, exchanging laughs and smiles. Before you knew it, your workouts were over, but the conversation continued as you cooled down.

"So, same time tomorrow?" Satoru asked, a hopeful glint in his eyes.

You grinned. "Definitely. It's nice to have a gym buddy."

The next day, you met Satoru at the gym again, and the day after that, and the day after that. Before long, your daily gym sessions became the highlight of your routine.

Outside the gym, your friendship blossomed. You grabbed post-workout smoothies together, went on evening jogs around the neighborhood, and even teamed up for the occasional Brazilian Ju Jitsu class.

Satoru found himself being more attracted to you the more time you guys spent together outside of the gym.

One day, as you were finishing up a particularly grueling workout, (one that Satoru crafted for you to get a more toned back and waist) Satoru looked over at you with a grin.

"Hey Ma, my friends are coming over to my apartment tonight wanna come over and hang with us."

"Sure, I'd love to," you replied, flashing him a smile. "I could use a break from all this sweating."

Satoru laughed, his eyes lighting up with amusement. "Great! It'll be fun, I promise."

Later that evening, you found yourself standing outside Satoru's apartment, nervously adjusting your casual fit. You took a deep breath before knocking on the door.

The door swung open, revealing Satoru with a wide grin on his face. "Hey, you made it!" You eyed Satoru up and down. He was wearing a black fitted vest with a gold chain and matching bracelet paired with grey sweatpants. He looked good you thought. Satoru caught you checking him out and smirked. He opened the door wider for you to walk in the apartment.

Satoru really loved your lil fit, he knew from you both always texting and talking that you were a bit insecure about your more tom boy side, but he always assured you that you looked damn good. You stepped inside, greeted by the cozy atmosphere of Satoru's apartment. Shoko, Geto, and Nanami were already there, lounging on the couch and chatting animatedly.

"Hey guys, this is y/n," Satoru introduced you, gesturing towards you. "She's my gym buddy."

"Nice to meet you," Shoko said with a smile, while Nanami nodded in greeting. Geto being the messy best friend of Satoru's piped up and said "Oh she's the baddie you won't stop yappin' about." Satoru's eyes cut to you then Geto.

You felt a blush creeping onto your cheeks at Geto's comment, but Satoru's reaction made your heart skip a beat. His eyes flickered to you, a mixture of surprise and amusement dancing in them.

Gojo hid his face a lil then said "Geto wtf man forreal. but yah that's y/n" he said, his tone teasing. "She's the one who's been kicking my butt at the gym."

You rolled your eyes playfully. "Please, you're the one who's been pushing me to lift heavier weights."

Shoko chuckled, shaking her head. "Well, it's nice to finally meet the infamous gym buddy. Satoru hasn't stopped talking about you."

Satoru's cheeks tinted pink at Shoko's words, and you couldn't help but smile at the sight. It was clear that his friends meant a lot to him, and you felt honored to be a part of this moment.

Geto nudged Satoru with an elbow, a mischievous twinkle in his eye. "Looks like you've got yourself a crush, bro."

Satoru's blush deepened, and he shot Geto a mock glare. "Shut up, man," he said with an amused tone, while he playfully shoved Geto.

Nanami, ever the voice of reason, simply nodded in agreement. "You two seem to get along well. It's nice to see."

The rest of the evening flew by in a blur of laughter and conversation. You found yourself fitting in seamlessly with Satoru's friends, sharing stories and inside jokes as if you'd known each other for years.

As the night came to a close, Satoru walked you to your door, a soft smile playing on his lips.

"Thanks for coming, i know the invite as kinda last minute" he said, his voice warm with sincerity.

You grinned up at him. "Thanks for inviting me. I had a great time."

Satoru hesitated for a moment before leaning in to give you a quick hug, his arms wrapping around you in a gentle embrace.

You felt a flutter in your stomach at the contact, a rush of warmth spreading through you. You felt his body pressed against yours, the light scent of cologne and Geto's cigarette smoke on his shirt.

"Let's do this again sometime," he said, pulling back to look at you with a smile.

You nodded, your heart racing with excitement. "Definitely."

As you walked inside your apartment, the memory of Satoru's hug lingered in your mind, sending shivers down your spine. The air felt charged with anticipation, and you couldn't shake the feeling of wanting more.

Thanks for reading. Wrote this in one go. lemme know if you want this to be explored more

#jjk satoru #gojou satoru x reader #gojo satoru #jjk x black reader #jjk x y/n #jjk x reader #gojo x black reader #gojo x reader #jjk gojo #gojo fanfic #gojo fluff #gojo x black fem reader #gojo x y/n #gojo x black y/n

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strangersmunsons · 11 months

Text

down on skid row

you’ve been seeing Eddie for a while. he likes taking you to the movies.

Contains: Eddie x Reader, meet-cute in the breakfast aisle, Eddie’s got a penchant for drive-in movie dates & convenience store munchies. No use of y/n, no description of reader’s appearance. Leans fem!reader, but can be read as GN, I think. (If not, just lmk and I'll change the tags!) Warnings: mentions of food and eating. Word Count: 2k so i have a few longer WIPs that i’ve been working on for months that are still not finished (@ people who can pump out like 10k-word fics on a weekly basis…how do you guys do this) so i thought i’d post something short & sweet in the meantime. i know it’s only june, but i’m craving a cozy fall night with my fictional bf, okay?

It’s the middle of October. Dry leaves scuttle across the pavement in the breeze, dancing over your feet as you walk past the shops lining the Hawkins main drag, the setting sun washing everything in golden autumn light. Window fronts are decked out with pumpkins and twinkling orange bulbs, paper cutouts of bats and smiling cartoon ghosts. Even though you’re running late, you can’t help but slow your pace, stopping to admire the establishments that are particularly dedicated to celebrating the upcoming holiday.

Your shift working at the public library just ended after an impossibly slow day. Two librarians and three assistants were on the clock, which was certainly more than enough to handle the grand total of seven people that came in, but Marissa was a stickler for attendance. She refused to cut any of the employees loose, no matter how many pointed comments your gum-snapping coworker made about the lack of visitors.

It was hard to be too annoyed about it, though. It was peaceful in the quiet. Being surrounded by tall wooden shelves full of books with that lovely, earthy perfume, was very soothing to you.

There had also been a brief but enjoyable interlude from Dustin Henderson who, out of all of Eddie’s younger friends, was by far your favorite. He was looking for test-prep books in anticipation of the AP exams he’d be taking in the spring, but spent most of his time talking your ear off about the Dungeons and Dragons one-shot he was planning under Eddie’s tutelage. He said goodbye to you with a wave and the sunniest smile you’ve ever seen, and you continued to find it very hard to believe Eddie’s insistence that ‘Henderson is such a little shit,’ a declaration usually accompanied by a hmmph! and a dramatic eye roll.

You’re pretty sure he’s Eddie’s favorite, too.

Eddie. Just thinking of him made your lips curl up in an involuntary smile. You bring your hand to your face, trying to hide your giddy look from the passersby.

It’s been about four months since you met during a chance encounter at Bradley’s Big Buy.

You had been struggling to reach a box of Cinnamon Toast Crunch on the top shelf in the cereal aisle, even going so far as to do a little jump in your effort to reach it, but your fingertips just barely brushed against the cardboard. With a huff, you stood on the very tips of your toes, and stretched your arms as far as they could go, but your digits simply wiggled uselessly in the air, not reaching anything further than the cool metal ledge.

“Need a hand with that?”

You turned to face your savior, grateful albeit a little sheepish upon realizing that someone had bore witness to your utter desperation for sugar-coated rectangles. You became about ten times more flustered when you found yourself staring into the most outrageously pretty brown eyes you’ve ever seen.

“I’m more of a Honeycomb guy myself, to be honest,” he said as he planted one foot on a low, empty shelf to give himself a boost. He grabbed the elusive box with ease and placed it in your cart.

After procuring your breakfast for you, Eddie tagged along for the rest of your shopping trip. He chatted you up through produce, past the bakery, and by the time you made it to the freezer aisle, well – you dug around in your purse for a pen and, at his request, scrawled your number on his forearm, right below a cluster of scratchy bat tattoos.

A week later he took you to a movie, but not to The Hawk in the townsquare or the Starcourt Cinema like you expected. No, Eddie kept it old-school. He drove a little ways past the busy part of town, past the Hess Farm, to the empty field where the local drive-in theater was located. You were pleasantly surprised; drive-ins seemed to be falling a bit out of vogue lately, and you could hardly remember the last time you’d been.

You saw a Beetlejuice and Poltergeist III double-feature, and over the course of two films, Eddie spilled an entire bag of popcorn on the ground mere seconds after buying it; nearly choked to death on a single Raisinet; and on his way back from the restroom, got lost in the sea of cars for a grand total of eight minutes.

You’ve never been so immediately attracted to someone. He was so funny, and so sweet, and so entirely himself. It was the best date you’ve ever been on.

Since then, the drive-in has sort of become your thing.

You check your watch; it’s nearly seven. The sun is sinking more rapidly now, and the shadows are growing longer. You bundle your jacket around you a little tighter against the twilight breeze, and pick up the pace.

Eventually you stumble through your front door, tossing your purse on the entry table, and rush to your bedroom to change into something more comfortable and date-appropriate. Itchy blouse and sensible slacks begone. You dress in the outfit you picked out last night, and quickly give yourself a once-over, touching up your hair and face just the way you like it. A final spritz of your favorite perfume, and you feel as fresh and pretty as can be.

There’s a rapid knock at the front door.

Perfect timing.

“It’s open!”

Moments later, Eddie appears, lingering in your bedroom doorway, looking perfect. He’s wearing a black pullover sweater that you bought for him, lightwash jeans – an unusual choice for him – and his favorite sneakers. The corners of his full, pink lips tug upwards in a smile as he watches you adjust an earring at your vanity. “Hey, sweetheart.”

“Hi, Teddy.”

He appears behind you in the mirror and wraps his arms around your waist. “I missed you today.” He pecks your cheek lightly, and moves lower, so he can nose at the skin of your neck, inhaling your sweet smell. With a contented sigh, he straightens back up, and meets your gaze in the reflected glass. “You almost ready?”

“Yes.” You beam at him. “I missed you too.”

“Well,” he says, relinquishing his hold to just one arm, so he can pull you with him as he heads out of the room, “if that’s the case, then let’s not waste any more time.”

What Eddie lacks in game, he makes up for in chivalry. He escorts you all the way to the passenger side of his van, opens the door for you and helps you climb in. He doesn’t let go of your hand until you’re settled back in your seat.

You relax into the soft blue cushion while Eddie rotates through radio stations, nose wrinkled in distaste as he skips past each pop and new wave song that he hears. Finally settling on an old Van Halen tune, he rests his now-free hand on your leg, rubbing little circles into your thigh with his thumb. He casts you a hopeful sideways glance.

“I know the movie’s starting soon, but do you think we have time to stop at 7-Eleven?”

You know exactly where his head is at. “We always have time to stop at 7-Eleven.”

Eddie juggles an armload of snacks behind you at the Slurpee Machine.

“What flavor do you want, bub?”

“Umm, cherry, please. Wait. Coke. I don’t know. Hold on.” He pauses. “Coke or cherry…cherry or coke…coke or cherry…,” he trails off, voice fading to a whisper as he mulls over this incredibly important decision.

“I’ve got a coke already,” you tell him kindly. “Why don’t you get cherry, and then I promise you can have as much of mine as you want.”

He lets out a sigh of relief so huge you’d think you just solved a life or death dilemma for him. “Thank you, sweetheart. Truly, I don’t know what I did before you came along.” You wave him off, pretending like his affectionate teasing doesn’t set your heart aflutter.

“So I was thinking –” he shifts the horde of crinkling bags around before he can lose any, “maybe Cheetos? Because I think we got the pretzels last time. Or we can get the salt and vinegar chips, if you want.”

“Cheetos sound good to me. But I think I want to get something sweet, too.” You look down at the two Slurpees clutched in your hands, frowning slightly. “You know, that isn’t the big cup of sugar ice I just made for myself.”

Eddie laughs loudly. “You can have whatever you want,” he promises.

There’s a large, hand-painted sign at the entrance to the parking lot, embossed with bright orange letters and sitting slightly askew on its stake.

HAWKINS DRIVE-IN THEATER SPECIAL OCTOBER SALE Discount Horror Films Weekly, All Tickets Half-Price Happy Halloween!

Luckily, the film has yet to start when Eddie pulls into a parking space in the middle of the lot. He jumps out of his seat, excitement building, and opens up the van’s back doors, revealing a large pile of soft, worn blankets, and several pillows from Eddie’s place that you’ve come to know very well.

You help him unfurl all the bedding and spread them out in layers over the interior, orienting the pillows on top so the trunk becomes one big, cozy, makeshift bed. The pile of junk food sits off to the side.

The blankets smell like Eddie. They’re all clean and soapy-smelling, with a hint of tobacco and spice from the drugstore cologne he wears. You slip your jacket off despite the cool temperature, and drape the remaining blanket over both yours and Eddie’s shoulders, bundling the two of you up against chilly fall night. He slips an arm around you, pulling you close into his side.

“Warm enough?” he asks.

“Mm-hmm,” you nod, cuddling into his shoulder.

He rests his cheek on the top of your head. “It’s getting cold out. This’ll probably be our last night here for a while. I’ll have to start taking you to”– he gulps loudly –“Starcourt Cinema. God help us!”

Eddie’s dramatics are nothing new to you, but you can’t help giggling anyway. “Don’t lie. I know you secretly love it there.”

“You know no such thing.”

You actually do know such a thing. He likes the music store and riding the escalator and Hot Dog on a Stick. But you digress.

The two of you lapse into a comfortable silence. It’s fully dark now, and the moon is glowing luminously against the inky sky. The wind picks up, and the thick line of trees behind the giant silver screen begin to rustle with the force of it. It’s a gorgeous night, and Eddie is warm next to you. You think you could do this with him forever.

Not one to stay quiet, it’s not long before Eddie pipes up again. “You know, I’m glad you’re not opposed to gas station snacks, because I still can’t show my face at the concession stand.”

“Oh, Teddy, people drop things all the time. No one cared.”

“Says you.” Maybe you can’t see it, but you can certainly hear the pout in his voice.

A rush of affection floods your chest. You push back a sheaf of thick curls, and press an indulgent little kiss to the pale skin below his ear.

A loud drumroll suddenly bursts from the speakers, snapping you both out of your reverie. The screen has become alight with a starry night sky. The gray logo of the production company hovers in the center, and is quickly replaced with the green text of the opening credits, accompanied by a musical fanfare.

“On the twenty-third day of the month of September, in an early year of a decade not too long before our own…”

Eddie shifts his body with you in tow so you’re both reclining comfortably against the pillows. “I love this one,” you whisper. “I know it’s not scary like Texas Chainsaw or whatever, but I’m glad they decided to show it.”

“Yeah, I saw the flier at Melvald’s and thought of you. I thought you’d enjoy seeing it like this.”

“Thank you for thinking of me.”

“I never stop.”

thank you for reading bbs! xoxo

#eddie munson #eddie munson fanfiction #eddie munson fanfic #eddie munson imagine #eddie munson oneshot #eddie munson fluff #eddie munson x reader #eddie munson x you #eddie munson x y/n #eddie munson x female reader #eddie munson x gender neutral reader #eddie munson x fem!reader #eddie munson x gn!reader #stranger things fanfiction #stranger things eddie

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pasta-in-the-pudding · 11 months

Note

Hii!!! Can you do Jeff and Toby reacting to Y/N having an autistic related meltdown?

Male or gender neutral reader pls :]

I'm not autistic, nor have I ever witnessed an autistic meltdown, so I hope I did ok!

Also, apologies Jeff has more, but only because of the information about the "cool down room"

Thank you so much for requesting!!

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

Jeff

There are a number of creeos in the mansion, all with different disabilities, mental illnesses/disorders, etc

That being said, there are usually plenty of fidget toys, nice things for you to touch and feel with that aren't the worst textures in the world, and I also like to think that after a while, Slender had a "cool down" room put into the mansion

Said cool down room is a dark, quiet room for anyone to go when feeling overstimulated, feeling anxious, or just needs a break

It has plenty of cozy resting spots, pillows, a huge pillar designed to look like a lava lamp and you even have the option to play soft music if you would like

There is usually only 1 or 2 people in the room, so it's never too crowded

And tonight was one of those nights where you just needed to be in a quiet space

It was one of the mansions monthly get togethers, where everyone came into the dining room and feasted upon lots of delicious food

There was something there for everyone, and at first, you were really enjoying yourself!

But after you finished your food and had talked to a few of your friends, you kind of just mingled to yourself

And as time passed, you began to get more and more overwhelmed

There were so many people, and too many noises and the amount of smells wanted to make you puke

Eventually it began to feel like your clothes were too tight and you couldn't breathe

You began to stim as discretely as you could (whether it be quietly vocally stimming, or trying to slowly physically stim is up to you!)

You were certain that if anyone talked to you, you would end up either crying or snapping at them

Jeff noticed, and pulled you aside "hey, you ok? You look a little nervous"

You shook your head and tried to stop the tears from falling

"Is it ok if I touch your hand?" He asks

You nod

He holds your hand and begins to lead you to the cool down room

Once there he sits down on a bean bag and pats the spot next to him for you to do the same

You sit and stare at the floor, trying to calm yourself down

"Do you want me to leave you alone?" Jeff says in a hushed tone

You shake your head and continue staring at the floor

He gets a blanket and wraps you in it, holding you close to him and sheilding your eyes from the outside world

His cool skin is nice on your warm eyes

Jeff is an asshole, but you were thankful he cared about you enough to do this

Toby

Like previously mentioned, there is a "cool down room" in the mansion (go read the first few bullets of Jeff's part if you would like more info)

It is one of your favorite rooms, so you find yourself in there quite often

Toby, also being on the autism spectrum, also stays in there from time to time

You've helped him through numerous meltdowns and panic attacks, and he is eternally greatful for you

So when he wondered into the room to you with a very frantic look on your face and constantly fidgeting, stimming, covering your ears, etc (up to you and your personal experiences!) he knew what was happening

Normally he doesn't like to be bothered when he's in this state, so he decides to ask you a few questions

"Are you ok?" "Do you want me to stay?" "Do you need me to do anything for you?"

After you answer all of these questions, he is either sitting next to you, trying to comfort you or he is sitting on the other end of the room comforting you from afar

If he is next to you, he is holding you in his arms, quietly rocking back and forth with you

If he is opposite to you, he is offering you water, snacks, and stim toys

Either way, you end up getting through it (as tough as it was) and thanking him for staying

He of course, is quick to tell you that you can always come hang out with him if you ever need or want to

You end up spending the rest of the day together, foraging in the woods, eating weird foods or just staying in the cool down room

You wrap up in nice blankets and falling asleep

Its just so cozy in there, you can't help it!

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spookychick78 · 7 months

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Halloween Night W/ The Slashers 🎃🔪

Happy Halloween and to all a good fright🎃🔪

Jason Voorhees:

Wholesome to the max. He'd get all the blankets out, make sure the decorations were all lit and cozy up with you to watch your favorite scary movie(s). If you're into the scarier ones, be prepared for him to be hiding his face in the crook of your neck (he's sensitive). If you're spending Halloween in his neck of the woods, a campfire is definitely on the schedule. Did I mention he makes the best s'mores?

With your head on his shoulder and the soft sound of embers crackling in the orange glow of the fire he'd just finished building, you let out a contented sigh. The autumn air blew chilly and cold around you, but between the warmth of flames and his body, you were perfectly tranquil. The couple of pumpkins you'd carved earlier that day had a pleasant glow of their own in their spot beside you both. Jason leant forward, gently so he wouldn't disrupt the comfort of you perched on him and stuck a marshmallow into the fire. You started to giggle, because it didn't take long for it to burst into flames and he responded by shaking the stick.

"Planning on burning the camp down?" You teased as you listened to his breath whistle through the holes of his mask in an attempt to blow it out.

Finally, he managed to extinguish it and pulled it back for the two of you to inspect. It was crispy, burnt and blackened, his shoulders slumped as he twirled the stick around to study it. You lifted your head and tentatively tapped it. Once you'd decided it was cool enough to touch, you plucked it from the end of the stick and reached for some Graham crackers.

"Don't worry," you said with a grin as you took note of his befuddlement, "I prefer them well done anyways."

You smushed it between the two pieces and took a quick bite, all the while very aware of his admiring gaze. You were always so kind, something he wasn't used to in the slightest and in his opinion, that kept him warmer than the fire in front of you. He let you finish chewing, intent on letting you finish the entirety of it, but he simply couldn't wait any longer to scoop you up. As he did so, you dropped the little sandwich and let out a startled yelp, which soon turned to giggles. You couldn't see it, but he was beaming at the sound underneath his mask.

"But the fire-" you started, but he'd already pushed the door to your cabin open and set you down with a finger over your mouth to shush you.

You grinned as he bent down and lifted the edge of his mask up to replace the finger over your lips with his own. His arms snaked around your waist and he lifted you up again, pressed closer to him this time. It would fine, you thought to yourself as he carried you over to the bed, it would burn out eventually. Being wrapped up in him kept you warmer than any fire could anyhow.

Ghostface(reader's choice):

Halloween with him is definitely interesting. He's not letting you get out of any tricks, that's for sure.

You paced back and forth between the four walls of your bedroom, occasionally allowing a glance out the window to the dimly lit street. Where was he? You thought to yourself. He was always late, without fail and you'd have been lying if you said it didn't get to you sometimes. Finally, you plopped down and let your gaze linger on the pumpkin that sat on your desk, uncarved. You promised him you'd wait for him to start it, but it was nearly nine and Halloween was coming to a close. You thought it was a fair punishment for being kept wondering for so long, so you placed it on the ground and grabbed the tools from your drawer. Before you'd even had a chance to cut into the top, your phone rang. For most, the words 'unknown caller' would have been an easy ignore, but you knew better. You pressed the button and before you could speak-

“Ever heard the term ‘patience is a virtue’?”

You rolled your eyes, "You're late."

"Fashionably," he replied coolly, "you love the mystery, don't lie."

"I'd love to not be alone on Halloween," you said flatly as you rested the phone between your ear and shoulder to start on the pumpkin with irritated force.

"Who said you were alone?"

Just then, you heard the door creak behind you. You let the phone drop to the floor and turned to peer into the shadows. You didn't remember turning off all the lights, but the hallway behind the door was pitch black, save the barely visible pale face observing you in silence. Once he'd decided you'd discovered him, he stepped forward, his black robe dragging on the floor behind him. You couldn't stop a smirk from pulling at your lips as you watched him tilt his head at you, his mask almost made it seem he was mocking you.

He lifted the voice modulator to the front of his mouth, momentarily distracting from the glint of the knife at his side, "Trick? Or treat?"

You still held a knife of your own and you didn't hesitate to play with it as you responded with a playful gleam in your eyes, "How 'bout both?"

He chuckled before he dropped the modulator and used his free hand to reach down and grab your jaw, "In that case, I apologize for keeping you waiting."

Freddy Kruger:

Better call it an early night, cause he doesn't like to be kept waiting either. He's in that dreamworld tapping his foot with his arms crossed, hoping you'll pass out in costume.

"Late night?" You heard his voice echo as you searched for him in the darkness.

"Early actually, you're just impatient," you replied with a smirk as you turned the corner, expecting to find him there.

Of course, it was empty. He was never where you expected him to be. You paused and your head whipped around when you heard those claws of his scraping metal. The echo was deceiving, it refused to give away his location. Silence followed and you lifted a foot to continue your search.

"Bored would be more accurate," you heard his voice echo again, but the next words he spoke were right in your ear, "but not anymore."

As soon as you turned, he rushed forward to push you against the metal railing. Your briefly startled and somewhat terrified expression made him chuckle smugly as he brought his claws up to drag them along your costume. It was tight, not too much coverage, which was exactly what he was hoping for.

He clicked his tongue before he looked back up at you, "Modesty isn't really your thing, is it?"

"Don't tell me you expected a nun," you said, with a quick glance at his blades, which he brought to your bare throat.

"Oh," he growled in response to your quick wit, "you're lucky I like you."

"Am I?"

Your breathy whisper hovered between the two of you as the cool metal glided across your skin. Though it was dark, you caught a smile on his face as he listened to your quickened breath. He'd never cut you, not too deep at least, but he quite enjoyed keeping you in frightened anticipation. He found his way to the bottom of your chin and lifted it with the sharp end.

"Maybe," he said in that gravely tone that made your knees weak, "though I'm sure being trapped here would be considered pretty unlucky for most."

"Trapped?" You said quickly, but he cut the word short by pressing a needy kiss to your lips.

He pushed you harder against the rail, forcing a little whimper from your mouth and smiled against you. He pulled back just enough to speak, but made sure you could feel each syllable against your lips.

"You expect me to let you leave in this?"

"Not at all," you whispered back, "I didn't expect to leave in anything."

His smile returned, "Smart girl."

Last, but certainly not least, our resident spooky boy; Michael Myers:

He's practically the king of Halloween and assuming your on his good side, your night is sure to be filled with excitement. Michael goes all out. Anything traditional, you're doing it. Pumpkins, costumes, horror movies (his, of course) and candy. Lots of candy. But, we all know he's more tricks than treats, you gotta earn those and what better way to do that than a chase?

Edit: I was gonna get allllll of the above in this, but when I start writing for Michael it always ends up being more romantic than intended. Because, well, obvious reasons.

It was late by the time you pulled up to the old, seemingly abandoned white house on Lampkin Lane. You always made sure to give him enough time to finish his yearly rounds before you got him all to yourself. It was chilly, the wind was high and the sound of leaves crunching under your shoes sent excitement stirring in your stomach. His home was the essence of Halloween, you thought to yourself. The entire street, for that matter, was the same. The street lamps were always dim, keeping the place shadowed and the trees swayed at its side to make it appear as though it was breathing. Aesthetically pleasing was an understatement, the Myers' house was simply the spirit of all things eerie, picture perfect. It made it all the more inviting to know who was waiting inside. You could almost feel him in the cool breeze that whipped past you as you approached the front door. Michael always knew you were there long before you discovered him, he was well aware of your presence. You turned the handle and let the door swing open on its own to reveal the haunting aura of the front room you were dying to step into. Slowly, but surely, you entered with your eyes focused on the staircase. He was usually up there, gazing out the window at this point, but you knew he'd heard you, wherever he was. He'd come when he was ready. You let your hand rest on the wooden railing and silently admired the rotting walls with a soft smile on your face. It had become a tradition, this strange cat and mouse game you played with him, one you loved more than any other. It started just a few years before. At first, you were unsettled as anyone would be to find the man with the blank, expressionless white mask lurking in the shadows to study your every move. Michael was fascinated by you and he wasn't at all subtle about it. Studying soon turned to short, minimal interactions. He would leave gifts, much like a cat, on your porch. Then your kitchen, living room and finally, your bedroom. After the fear of him ending your life had dissipated, you found yourself looking for him, hoping he'd show up. You'd left a pumpkin out one year with a note attached to it. Nothing too crazy, you simply wanted to wish him a happy Halloween, but later than night you were walking down the street, down this street. You saw a pumpkin resting on the porch of the 'spook house', the Myers house and it too had a piece of paper stuck to it. You were alone, you'd long since bid your friends a goodnight, it was the perfect opportunity to delve deeper into your mysterious admirer. You approached it, quickly plucking the paper from its place and read the sloppily scribbled words with an intrigued grin.

'Come in'

It was him, it had to be. On the back of the paper was your own handwriting. He'd taken the bait, or maybe it was you that had. That was the first time you'd set foot in this home you'd come to adore and adore it you did. Each crack in the floorboards, the cobwebs that hung atop the grimy windows, the old, tattered linens that draped over the forgotten furniture were cherished, you'd made sure of that. It was comforting, you'd never quite put your finger on why, but perhaps it was Michael that made it so. You'd put two and two together over time that your admirer was indeed the boy who'd made headlines when you were a child. Michael Myers was the one who had so kindly invited you into his strange, little world and promised you safety. He wouldn't kill you, he just wanted a closer look. So you waited, much like you were now and eventually, he came home to join you in the shadows.

You were ripped from your memories by the sound of the front door slamming shut behind you. The moment you turned, he was there and his hand didn't hesitate to find your neck, it's favorite resting place. His grip was tight, but never painful and it never failed to ignite a flame somewhere deep within you that no one else had ever seemed capable of doing. Only him. Only he could make you grin the way you were now, with unbridled excitement that you barely bothered to hide. He'd been watching you all day, always just out of your line of sight. The only indication that he was there was the strange connection you'd formed. You felt him, always. The chase was different with you, it was deeper.

"It's good to see you too," you teased, earning his signature head tilt.

His grip loosened and he placed his hand on your cheek. His skin was cool, chilling even, but the goosebumps it raised on the rest of your body made you hum with pleasure. His touch was subtle, his thumb barely moved to brush your skin, but that slight movement said a thousand words. He was glad to see you too, more than you knew. Sometimes he was fearful you wouldn't come to him, that one day you'd wake up and realize you'd be better off leaving him to nightmares, as the rest of Haddonfield had, but you didn't treat him like a bad dream. You didn't treat him like a monster and you didn't leave him wondering. You always came home. It was something Michael needed, something he wouldn't admit even to himself. After the bloodshed, after the violence, it was the comfort of your arms he sought. This was the chase he loved the most, the uncertainty of whether or not you'd be there after he took his eyes off of you and finally, the reality that you were with a smile painted on your face just for him. You were his favorite treat.

"Happy Halloween, Michael."

#halloween #slasher #slasher fandom #horror #horror fiction #slasher fanfiction #horror fan #horror fanfiction #slasher x reader #michael myers #og michael myers #jason voorhees #freddy krueger #ghostface #slasher fucker #slasher oneshot #slasherfic #horror writing #slasher simp

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nijisanji-brain-rot-fics · 3 months

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i didn't sign up for this!

IKE EVELAND - DAY 3

“Hey, welcome in!” Ike called out as he heard the bells above the cafe door ring. You walked in, shivering with a beige scarf wrapped around your neck, your puffy white jacket covered with snow as you shrugged it off before getting inside. It was nice, being in a warm and cozy small local cafe. You knew almost everyone who worked there, from how frequently you go there, even during rainstorms. You saw your favourite employee (though you always swear you don’t have favourites). Ike always had a somewhat special place in your heart; he was a novelist with a part time job at the cafe, and you were an illustrator. His books were always fun to read, as he showed you a few drafts, but he’s never published one.

“Ike, hey! Could I get-“ You started but Ike already interrupted you.

“The usual? Your iced coffee with three shots of espresso, two pumps of vanilla, chocolate syrup with caramel drizzle and whipped cream? [a/n: stop ok idk any drinks]” He recited, as you had always requested before. It was an extremely random combination, but you always seemed to love it.

“You remembered?- Oh, well, obviously, I always order it,” You said, chuckling, “Yeah, that’s what I’ll get.” He laughed a bit, then nodded. He made the coffee and gave it to you, as you handed him money.

“Have you finished another illustration, (Name)?” Ike asked curiously, leaning on the counter towards you.

“I don’t have anyone who commissioned me yet.” You told Ike, sipping the hot coffee with a sigh of content.

“Maybe you could illustrate the cover for… my book?” He asked hesitantly, fiddling with the golden chain on his glasses. You looked at him, dumbfounded. Ike finally published a book?

“You… got a book published?” You asked him, your excitement climbing. You’ve always wanted him to finally have a book on the shelves, mainly because his writing style was so unique and his books had always piqued your interest.

“It just got through editing. I still need to illustrate a cover for it, then I can publish it.” Ike said in a meek tone, clearing his throat.

“Congratulations!! I would love to illustrate for you! Okay, okay, so!-“ You started off at the mouth with excitement before Ike inevitably stopped you with laughter.

“Okay, okay, calm down (name)!” He laughed, pushing up his glasses, “First of all, are you free anytime this weekend? Maybe we could meet up, y’know, discuss a few things? Or… how does it work for you?” He tilted his head slightly as he looked at you, a shy smile creeping up his flushed cheeks; he was very flustered about your excitement towards something that seemed so mundane for him.

“Yep, yep, I could clear Saturday if that’s cool with you!-“

“Woah, woah, if you have something important for Saturday, we can meet some other time, I don’t wanna like- Take up so much of your time.” Ike said sheepishly, leaning forward as you suggested having to clear a day just for him.

“Huh? Oh, no, don’t worry! It’s nothing important. Just a date that I don’t really want to go to.” You waved it off, chuckling quietly.

“A… date, huh?” Maybe I could take her out on a date… Ike thought as he got embarrassed at the thought. He’s been pining for you for a while, ever since he started to become your friend, “Uh, sure then… If Saturday’s alright, I can do that.”

That Saturday, he ended up meeting with her on Saturday at the cafe again, but just when he wasn’t on shift.

“So what’s your plan for the cover?” You asked, taking your drawing tablet out as he sat beside you after ordering two coffees.

“Uhm… I made a sketch already of what I wanted, I was just thinking that you could just render it?” He asked, taking out a page with a very rough but still talented drawing of his desired cover.

“Sure! It’s a very nice drawing, by the way.” You giggled when he blushed bashfully, shaking his head at your comment while you scanned his drawing to keep most of his originality in the cover while still fixing a few rough patches and such.

“So, uhm… Why did you not want to go on that date?” Ike asked awkwardly as you started to render his sketch on your drawing iPad, since he insisted you stay for lunch.

“Oh, I didn’t really like the person. Honestly just accepted the date to get over talking with them.” You shrugged, looking up for a moment at Ike while you took a sip of coffee, “Why do you ask?”

“Ah, nothing, just curious… Say, if I asked you on a date, would you accept?” Ike asked meekly, turning away from your face.

“Hm, well, sure.” You shrugged, the words not connecting in your mind while you drew, mainly focused on his art. Your response made him become bright red and very flustered.

“Oh- Ah, then… Would… you go on a date with me?” He stumbled through the words, looking down into his cup as he asked, expecting rejection.

“Huh? Oh, uh… Sure.” You replied, looking at him with a surprised expression though you sort of expected it at this point. You’d never tell him how obvious he was though.

#nijisanji x reader #ike eveland #ike eveland x reader #nijisanji en

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lizdonnelly · 5 months

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Appearances

Pairing: Elizabeth Donnelly x f!reader, suggestions of Alex Cabot x Olivia Benson Warnings: Smut, language Summary: "We do not see people as they are, but as they appear to us." Takes place after the events of 3x21 ‘Denial'

---

Alex Cabot would admit to being many things, but a pushover was not one of them. The ADA crossed her arms and adjusted herself on the bench within the cell, adamant that back talking to Lena Petrovsky would be worth the ass chewing that would surely ensue when the news reached the Bureau Chief that her subordinate was being held in contempt. Adjusting her watch, Alex realized it was already well past six. She bit the inside of her cheek at the thought of Liz receiving the phone call during dinner. While the woman was typically volatile enough as it was, any interruptions Alex had spurred on after hours lately had inspired an especially caustic response. A few rumors were circulating around the DA's office, and to their credit, they tracked with the reputation that preceded Liz.

"Elizabeth Donnelly? They're promoting that radical feminist?" Arthur Branch had scoffed over a glass of whiskey at the annual holiday benefit when he had asked Alex who had the honor of being her new boss. "She had everyone's balls in an iron vice back in the 70's until she let a perp escape out the bathroom window. Ruined her reputation, but didn't fix that attitude."

Alex feigned a smile in acknowledgement, tracing her thumb along the edge of her champagne flute. She couldn't lie, her family ties and pedigree had certainly helped carry her through the conservative boy's club that the DA's office had been, but she liked to believe she knew enough of the script to ease through on her own accord. If it worked at Harvard, how could it be any different at Manhattan SVU?

"You know, it's always been an open secret that she bats for the other team," Arthur derided. "Explains a lot, don't you think?" Alex's blood cooled.

"Here's what I don't understand..." Ripped back to reality at sound of the harsh, staccato voice that echoed down the hall, Alex braced herself. She straightened her back out and smoothed her brow. Time to test her resolve. "Yes, ma'am. That's correct, she's just down that way. Check the second cell on the right."

--- Liz turned to you before she headed down the hallway, voice softening. "Stay here while I go give her a reality check," she said. "It shouldn't take long." You nodded, leaning against the guard's desk. You adjusted your grip on the takeout bag that you had asked the restaurant for as soon as Liz received the call. Although your shift at Mercy General's ER had been fatiguing, the idea of a cozy dinner with your girlfriend had carried you through the workday. With drama stirring up again on Liz's end, it had been about a week since you'd last been able to have a proper night out with her. Despite your understanding of the responsibility that came with her career, an all too familiar feeling had begun clawing its way through you. "You cold over there all by your lonesome, miss?"

Startled, you turned around. Two guards stood behind the desk, and one winked.

"Sweetheart?" Liz stood in the doorway of her bedroom. You paused your motions, eyes widening as you looked up at her.

"You must be cold all alone like that," she said faintly, slowly walking closer. "Run out of patience waiting for me to get back?"

It was true. Although you had only started formally dating her for a few months at the time, you both fell quicker and harder than you thought you could. You felt a wave of shame at succumbing to the ache that had gnawed at you, broke you. She had been pulled into a particularly demanding case, and hadn't been able to follow through on a date night in over two weeks. Liz had suggested you spend the night, promising she'd be home before midnight to make reparations for lost time, but you had made the mistake of watching her get dressed for her court appearance earlier that day. It was stupid, really, to get caught up in the thought of it like some hormonal teenager. A woman as put together as she was surely wouldn't take well to finding out that you could cave so easily.

But her hands were smoothing up the bare skin along your back now, pulling you off your spot straddling the pillow and flush against her suit. She pressed a kiss to your temple.

"Here, darling," came her voice in your ear. She patted her thigh. Hesitantly, you shifted up into place and began to grind against it, burying your face into the crook of her neck. Your cheeks burned.

"Come on, it's alright. You can make a mess."

The guard pulled the zipper down on his jacket.

"I've dealt with worse," you managed, not sure whether the words were really meant for him or as a reminder to yourself. You tugged at the corner of your coat and looked over at the men. Something about the way they were eyeing you now began to unnerve you. Your heartbeat quickened. You tried your best to tuck your hospital ID badge into your pocket before they could get a good look at it. "Is that so? Snow's supposed to get real bad tonight," the guard continued, swapping glances with his coworker and grinning. He stepped forward towards you. "You know what they say's the best way to keep warm?" The man waggled his eyebrows, both of them now chuckling. "With my foot up your ass," came Liz's voice as she rounded the corner. She pulled you under her arm, leading you towards the exit. She cast a look over her shoulder that you weren't able to catch, but the sound of the guards' boots squeaking out of the room said it all. ---

Running a hand through her hair, Alex made her way through the station, thankful for the dim lighting now that her eyes burned with fatigue. Lewin had succeeded in making peace with Petrovsky, although it took hours for the news to reach the ADA. Fortunately, Olivia had the patience of a saint. The detective had been more than willing to meet up with her for a late night dinner once Alex was able to drop a few things off at her desk. The thought of nursing a warm bowl of soup almost made up for the fact that her shirt was beginning to stick to her skin. Her mind wandered to the idea of sitting across from those wide, chocolate puppy dog eyes that always held such an earnest fire in them. Something began to stir within Alex, but she shook it off, digging her nails into her arms. Olivia was a talented detective. Her empathy and ability to make people feel heard was what made victims able to open up to her. It was just a skill that also happened to benefit her coworkers, nothing more.

As the ADA turned the corner, she paused.

The door to Liz's office was open. One of the lamps had been turned on inside, and a hazy glow filtered out across the darkened hallway. The Bureau Chief was standing in the doorway, hands grasping at the hips of a woman in a pair of scrubs. Everything in Alex stilled as she saw the woman lean up and run a hand through Liz's short, swept back hair. There was a warmth that radiated in her boss' eyes that she had trouble believing could exist there. The woman whispered something to Liz, and whatever had been said caused Liz to pull her forward into a bruising kiss.

Alex hid back behind the corner, unsure of how to process catching Liz Donnelly slide her tongue down another woman's throat. Waiting for the sound of the door to close, Alex pushed herself flat against the wall. Much to her dread, footsteps began to head towards her. Her adrenaline spiked.

Knowing there was no way to call the elevator in time, the ADA dipped into an open conference room nearby, hoping the clicking of her heels wouldn't give her away. Not long after, Liz rounded the corner, briefcase in hand. She furrowed her brow and looked around. Alex held her breath, knowing that she'd burn the remainder of her nine lives at the DA's office if the woman found out what she'd seen.

Fortunately, Liz slipped into the women's restroom.

Alex's phone buzzed within her pocket. "Where are you? Donnelly still giving you trouble?"

Alex paused before typing her response. "Got sidetracked, sorry. Be there soon."

--- At Liz's insistence, you settled into one of the leather chairs in her office and left the takeout bag on the table for you both to dig into once she returned. Looking around, you took in the sight of all the awards and fancy, framed pieces of paper hanging along the walls with signatures of names that meant nothing to you but surely held some sort of high regard in the legal world.

Melinda had warned you that Liz didn't have the most gracious demeanor. She said the prosecutor was about as cold as they come, aside from those that ended up on her table. However, that didn't stop her from urging you to confront your feelings for the woman in the same breath. It had been over a year of tiptoeing around the subject before you both ended up confessing feelings over drinks. Somehow, it all felt much more real getting to finally see the office that soaked up so much of her time.

Sucking in your bottom lip, you tasted her on you again.

Your eyes landed on her desk. Heat began to pool in the bottom of your stomach at the thought of her gazing over at you from behind it. Cautiously, you got up and walked over. You ran your fingers along the edge of the wood, chuckling at both how much of a statement piece it was and how impersonal Liz kept it. Apart from the heavy, gold nameplate, there wasn't much across it that would make it clear who worked there. For all the years you devoted to medical school, you certainly didn't have anything with as much pomp and circumstance with your name on it. Accidentally pushing a drawer open in the process, you came face to face with something unexpected. Tucked halfway underneath a few blank memo pads in the drawer was a newspaper clipping. In it, you smiled widely at the camera, accepting an award on behalf of the trauma unit at Mercy General. The article had been published over two years ago. "Feeling nosy, eh?"

You jumped at the sound of Liz's voice from across the room. Strangely, she had changed into a pair of suit pants. She set her briefcase to the side, and you heard her lock the door. "Where'd you get this?" "Judging by the looks of it, the newspaper, sweetheart."

You rolled your eyes and giggled.

"They teach you those skills in law school?" It was her turn to laugh now.

She made her way across the dimly lit room to wrap herself around your back. You felt her press a kiss to the back of your neck. "I picked up the paper at the cafe by my home one morning, and wouldn't you know it, there was the name of the adorable woman in scrubs I kept seeing order her croissants there," she said, smiling into your skin. "It made up for all the shitty coffee I dealt with to get a chance to see her."

"That was a few months before Melinda introduced us at the gala," you said. "I don't remember ever seeing you there, and I could never forget the night we first met." She pressed up against your back. You felt the bulge in her pants and bit your lip. The impromptu outfit change suddenly made sense. "I like to keep some things to myself," she whispered. She shifted, positioning the outline of the strap to nudge the space between your legs. "Other things, not so much."

You gasped, eyes fluttering shut. "Here? Are you sure?" "Bend over, sweetheart." "What if someone-" Liz nipped at your earlobe, and the words died in your throat. "Hush," she whispered, patting her desk. Mind swimming and desire taking over, you leaned over the edge of her desk. You moaned at the feeling of her hands sliding up the back of your thighs. Suddenly, you felt her loop her fingers into your waistband, easing your pants and underwear off. You let your forehead hit the surface of the desk at the feeling of the cool air hitting your ass. "I've thought about this all too often," Liz whispered. She kept her voice low, but it only further added to your arousal. "You're even more gorgeous like this than I imagined." You gasped at the feeling of her swiping two fingers along your pussy, not sure of how long you'd be able to hold out like this. Liz chucked. "How long have you been wet like this for me?" "I told you earlier," you panted, thinking of the kiss you had shared in her doorway. "Y-you look so good tonight." Liz rewarded you by stroking her fingers around your entrance. You whined at her touch, hips bucking up towards her. She used her free hand to tug her pants open. "Oh god, Lizzie... please," you choked as she began running the toy through your folds.

At the sound of the nickname only you were allowed to call her, and only in the privacy of the heated moments you shared, she withdrew her fingers and eased the length of her strap inside you.

You gripped the edge of the desk as she began thrusting at a steady pace, her hands settling along your thighs to deepen her movements. The sound of your panting, the smacking of your ass against her, and the occasional restrained moans she fought back filled the air around you.

From along the bookshelf at the other side of the room, you caught a glimpse of yourself across the reflective surface of one of the awards she displayed, Liz mounted over you. Following your glance, the prosecutor snickered, leaning down to pull you into a kiss. "Do you like seeing me on top of you like this, darling?" she said, dragging her teeth across the soft spot exposed along your neck. You bit back a wail. "I can't...I'm going to..." you felt the waves of pleasure threatening to spread across your body. You fought to still them as much as you could, but the way she was pushing up against that spot deep inside you threatened to drive you mad. Your moans became less coherent, and you reached back to grab at her frantically. "Go ahead," she panted, her voice now strained. "Cum on my cock, sweetheart, you can do it." Your mind went fizzy, and the floodgates finally burst. Liz fucked you through your orgasm, hands soothing you up your shirt and all across your back. Not long after, you felt her grind up against you, finally collapsing. "Fuck!" she cried out, a little louder than she probably would have liked.

But what did it really matter? Who would be still around at this time of night?

--- "What did she hit you with this time?" Olivia asked, walking alongside the ADA as they both headed towards the elevators. Alex hit the button and shook her head. "That I need to stay in my own lane if I want to keep this job." Olivia rewarded her with a grin. Alex felt something in her stomach flip. "So not that bad this time. That's something," the detective said. The doors opened, and the pair walked in. Alex watched as Olivia thumbed the button for the ground floor. It was nearly two in the morning, yet the detective still had a lightness in her step. The prosecutor's eyes furtively scanned the woman as the elevator began its descent. She paused, noticing Olivia had a bit of a cowlick at the back of her pixie cut. Without thinking, Alex reached out and ran her fingers through the back of Olivia's hair, smoothing it out. Olivia hummed in response. The elevator halted. The doors opened, and Alex froze. She locked eyes with none other than Liz Donnelly, who stood behind the woman the ADA had seen her with earlier. Several strands of the short, blonde locks that Liz kept so neatly maintained were now plastered to her forehead with sweat. Her suit jacket hung around the arms of the woman she was with. Alex saw the Bureau Chief's eyes dart over to the hand the ADA still had threaded in Olivia's hair. The two lawyers met each other's gaze again. Unaware of the telepathic recognition of mutually assured destruction that was unfolding around her, the woman tugged Liz into the elevator with her. Alex removed her hand from Olivia's hair and found anything to look at but her boss. "Do you have any plans for the night?" the woman piped up, trying to make small talk with Alex and Olivia. "Staying in my lane," Alex said.

#elizabeth donnelly #elizabeth donnelly x reader #svu

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cinnaamela · 1 year

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Hey Hey Bl1ss! I have a request in mind if you'd like to hear it.!

RE4 Leon taking reader on a boat ride in the middle of the river, thinking it would be a romantic date, tossing each other into the river and having fun, ending up in a steamy session in the boat after having their fun 😏

OMFG YESS!!!

This is gonna sound weird but like what if this actually happened… I can’t stop think abt it omg!

— Lakeside Romance

Pairings: R4r Leon x Fem! Reader

— (Boyfriend & Girlfriend) or (Husband & Wife)

Summary: Leon taking the reader out on a romantic yacht date (more of a honeymoon) and end up in a steamy session (Basically what the request said)

Cw: Fluff to Smut, honeymoon/romantic date w leon, soft leon and him just being the best ever, kissing, dom! Leon x sub! Reader dynamic, p in v, unprotected sex, slight praise, cream pie, and just fucking on a yacht with leon. PLEASE LMK IF I MISSED ANYTHING AND NOT PROOF READ!

Character count: 10.5k

Today was the day, the day you spend time with Leon.

It was a sunny morning on a easy afternoon you and Leon had just got off work, starting to pack backs for a couple days just to get a breather once in a while. Leon had planned the perfect date for you on his yacht and taking you to the middle of the river for a romantic evening together.

The sun was setting, and the sky was painted with shades of pink and orange. As they arrived at the yacht, Leon helped you aboard and showed you all around. The boat was equipped with two cozy bedrooms, a big kitchen, and two bathrooms. Having brought some food and drinks for the two of you to enjoy while cruising down the river.

Everything was going as planned until Leon suggested to jump into the water and cool off due to how hot it was. You were a little hesitant at first, but Leon convinced you pretty well, and jumped into the refreshing water. Splashing around, laughing and enjoying each other's company. He playfully tossed you into the water, and you reacted by doing the same to him. The fun both of you were having would be described as the best time of your life, so much fun that you guys didn't even notice the sun had set, and it was getting dark.

Climbing back onto the yacht, as wet clothes clung to your bodies, and not being able to deny the tension between the both likes of you. Heading towards into the bedroom, but things quickly escalated into a heated argument after you’d stripped yourself off from your wet clothes in front of him. You knew that he wanted something, had heard it from his tone when you suggested that you could just take care of it yourself.

Of course that was one thing that would never happen. You weren’t exactly an amateur with what you did, nor were you one of those women who didn’t know their own business. In fact, there were quite a few occasions where your relationship with him was so much different than that of most people around.

His hands roamed roughly all over you as he tried to find some way of relieving himself of the lustful desire that consumed him. He wanted this, you knew that for sure. But he was trying to act like he wasn’t, and it seemed that nothing you said ever made a difference with him. It always came to this, you knew. The need.

The frustration. And yet, you couldn’t help it.

His touch on you made your skin tingle, and if it weren’t for how angry he was at you for ruining such good mood, you might have kissed him or done anything else that he asked of you to satisfy his needs. As it was, you just stood by as he got what he desired, letting out little moans, and whimpers as he pleasured you. And eventually, he stopped, breathing hard, his face flushed red.

Leon still held you tightly to his chest until finally he broke away, heading out into the lounge to get dressed. A small smile played across your lips as you watched him disappear behind the closed door of the bedroom. Your body shook slightly, and you took another deep breath. It was going to be alright. Things were bound to turn around soon enough. After all, you were in the right here.

All you’d really taken advantage of was the fact that he thought you were a virgin. That wouldn’t last forever though, would it?

No, no, there was plenty more time for you to do this with him. It wasn’t like you had to wait forever for something like that anyway. You would have plenty more opportunities. And after this, things would be alright again, once the two of you worked your relationship through. There was no reason to rush into it. You had lots of time left now. Plenty of opportunities to take full advantage of his sexual needs.

You sat down onto the bed, your legs dangling down onto the mattress below. Your body was igniting in a flame where you needed him the most, and it wasn’t long before you heard the click of the lock as he turned it off. He came walking slowly into the room, taking in the sight before him as he approached the side of the bed where you lay, still clothed in the soaked fabric of the dress. Taking a seat beside you, his hand brushed yours gently, his thumb stroking your wrist while his other rested comfortably on your thigh.

Smiling softly up at you, he leaned forward, pressing his forehead against yours. Then Leon pressed closer to you, kissing you on the mouth. His tongue entered your mouth, exploring your mouth hungrily, as he moved his hand lower between your legs, his thumb finding its spot within moments. You gasped lightly, unable to stop the moan that slipped past your lips at his ministrations. He chuckled, his fingers brushing across your panties before he pulled them down completely, leaving you naked as he moved to unzip his pants.

Leon looked down at you again with a smirk, “This is gonna take some getting used to, huh? Now let me show you how much of a gentleman I am. We’ll emd with this as finishing our date tonight, yeah?” You nodded eagerly in response to his words. You were desperate for his attention. So eager that you didn’t even notice the look of disgust that crossed his features as he stared at you. You were too busy focusing on the pleasure that he was giving you.

You were too focused on the feeling of his fingers inside you, pushing deeper and deeper, making you feel like you were about to explode. You needed more. Needed him closer, needed everything that he was, right there next to you, in front of you… “Ahah… I think you like it here…” He muttered as he felt the knot begin to tighten and contract, his fingers dancing in between your folds as you writhed beneath him in need and moaning continuously.

He chuckled softly again. His eyes were hooded and filled with lust as he lowered his head, pressing kisses down your throat, your chest, down further along your stomach. He trailed his tongue along the top of your underwear as he continued downward, moving lower and lower still as you squirmed underneath him.

You whimpered quietly, your entire body tensing as the orgasm began to roll through your nerves. Soon, you were shaking, panting harshly as tears welled up in your eyes. Everything felt incredible. Like nothing you had ever experienced before. He reached out, removing his jeans, sliding them slowly down his hips, until they landed with a light thud against the floor.

Leon stood there for a moment longer, looking down at you as you shivered beneath him, biting his lip seductively. He grinned as he bent down, kissing you passionately, his tongue licking your bottom lip, his teeth grazing your upper one. “Don’t worry. This ain’t over just yet~” With that he picked you up, carrying you over to the bed, tossing you down onto the fluffy sheets without warning.

He quickly followed, pinning you to the bed as his hand removed your underwear all the way off of ypu throwing it onto the floor , running along your inner thigh before stopping to trace circles against the center of your sex. You arched your back, moaning into his ear as your hands clenched at the sheets. He is now in control of everything around him, and the inability to get what it mattered the most, you. His lack of restraint, and his refusal to let go. That’s why he hadn’t been able to sleep for the past couple nights he had work.

The desire had gotten the best of him, and you could only imagine what his body must have felt like, how hot he had felt as he touched your sensitive flesh. You were ready to be ridden as often as you wished. Your body begged to be taken. Wanted it badly. And it made sense that you were so needy after spending months with him. You were his. You belonged to him. And he was going to make sure that you knew it.

Leon pushed himself up, hovering above you, his eyes darkening as he gazed down at you. He smiled, leaning down to kiss you deeply, his tongue slipping into your mouth as he ran his hands down your sides, resting them on your hips and pulling you upwards. Reaching for his cock as he pulled away, he started to thrust downwards, his erect cock pushing in deeper, then being pulling it out and pressing his face into your neck as his hips moved faster, rutting hard and fast into you.

You wrapped your arm behind his neck, tugging his head towards you as you moaned loudly, wanting him closer and closer to completion. You needed the feeling he brought to your life, your body throbbed with need and you could barely hold on any longer. You wanted release.

Your body shook uncontrollably. Waves of pleasure rocked through your body as he buried himself deeper inside of you, his movements becoming harder and rougher with each thrust. He gripped your ass, keeping you pressed tightly against him as he continued to ram his cock into you. Your nails dug into his shoulders as he did this, drawing blood with each stroke of your nails across his skin, sending sharp, jolts of ecstasy throughout his body as he drove himself into you, almost to the point of breaking apart with each thrust.

Nearing each of your climaxes, he could feel it in the tightening of your pussy around him and in the way his thighs trembled as he pounded into you hard. His diamond blue eyes were staring intently at your flushed face. “Shit~ I’m so close…” He groaned , gripping your cheeks with both hands, his thumb running along your bottom lip as he spoke. “Are you close my sweetgirl?” You responded with a quick nod, your arms wrapping around his shoulders tightly, holding on tightly to him, begging him “Don’t stop….please don’t s-stop.” But he couldn’t help himself anymore. He had to have you now. The noises of skin slapping filled the room, although it was nothing to worry about since it's just the two of you.

“Come for me, baby.. Come for me!” he whispered with a low groan, while his face buried deep into your neck as his hips pistoned forward, his muscles flexing powerfully. You cried out, intense pleasure taking over your nerves causing you to shake violently, It was so strong, so intense that it caused his cock to jerk inside of you, shooting his load straight inside your tight walls, spilling his cum deep inside you.

His grip loosened around your waist as his body collapsing next to you, his breathing heavy as he panted into your neck. Leon pulled away from you then, his head resting upon your shoulder, his fingers tracing patterns across your back. You looked up at him, smiling lovingly at him as your heart raced. You were absolutely breathless from the experience. You could hardly believe that you hadn't had any prior experiences to compare to this with.

Then suddenly you remembered something. He kissed you, the first time in forever since you kissed him…

Was that when that night changed? Was that when he realized?

Had the passion and want for you been enough to break through whatever was standing in his way?

It seemed so. It had broken down the wall you'd spent a good portion of the last six weeks putting together, and you wondered if there could possibly be more. He wouldn't tell you though. He was content having you like this - with your breasts exposed, your nipples hardened by his kisses, and a look of complete bliss written all over your face eyes rolled back and everything. He would never allow himself to ruin such perfect girl.

He loved you too much.

And he would keep loving you forever.

You sighed contently, nuzzling your head against his shoulder, snuggling into his side, your hand stroking his hair. “I love you” you whispered, your heart racing as you felt him shift against you, his weight shifting on top of you. “I love you too, baby. So damn much” he chuckled against your neck, pressing another soft kiss against your skin before rolling away from you, laying down beside you as he wrapped an arm around your torso. He pressed kisses to the tops of your heads, whispering “goodnight love.” to both of you before closing his eyes.

A/N: I may have went a little overboard get it, but anyways hope you like it and this took me a awful while to complete. Thank you for requesting! <3

#resident evil #leon kennedy x fem! reader #leon kennedy x reader #bl1ss posts #leon kennedy #Requests to Bl1ss #leon scott kennedy x reader #leon kennedy smut #resident evil 🚔#resident evil smut #resident evil fluff

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trensu · 8 months

Text

the last chapter of hawkins halfway house is up!! thanks to everyone who read it and commented!! here it is on ao3 if you prefer. enjoy!

Steve pulled into a long driveway hesitantly, driving past the large tree with the rickety basketball hoop attached. He wasn’t entirely certain this was the Munsons’ house. He’d had a hell of a time finding it, firstly. He'd driven in circles for a while there. He’d nearly given up finding it, but every time he thought of quitting, something spurred him on instead. Secondly, he couldn’t quite remember what it looked like. However, as soon as his eyes landed on this odd looking house, something in him pushed him to go, go, get closer.

He must’ve given in to that push because one moment he was in the driveway and the next he was at the front door. He didn’t even have the pie he baked with him. He should have turned back to the car and grabbed it, but he was so close. He lifted his hand to knock, to get inside, when the door was yanked open with more force than Steve thought was necessary.

“Huh. I wasn’t sure it would work,” Eddie Munson said. “But here you are. Yay.”

It was the least enthusiastic yay Steve had ever heard.

“Uh, hi?” Steve greeted bemusedly. “Did I get the day wrong? You said two days.”

“Yeah, yeah,” Eddie said flippantly. “Get in here before I change my mind.”

Steve was jerked indoors unceremoniously, Eddie’s cool hand wrapped around his wrist.

“It’s your lucky day,” Eddie continued, again not sounding particularly happy about it. “I have been outvoted by the adults, the children, and House.”

“Um.” Steve almost tripped as he was dragged through the foyer. He hadn’t decided if he wanted Eddie’s hand off him or not. On the one hand, the guy was unfairly pretty. On the other, Steve may as well have been leashed to a hurricane.

“The only one on my side was Mike. And yeah, okay, ghouls are by nature sulky but damn, that kid takes it to a whole other level. If he was agreeing with me, I did something wrong somewhere.”

Steve was a pretty fit guy with a great sense of balance, but he was struggling to keep up. Eddie powered through the house, completely disregarding Steve’s stumbling steps. Steve barely caught sight of the empty dining room and living room entry as Eddie took him to the hallway deeper in the house.

“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” Steve said. “And, christ, dude, let me go. I’m not a toddler! I can walk on my own.”

“No,” Eddie said. “I let you go, you’ll get lost, and everyone will think I did it on purpose. I’m tired of everyone being mad at me because of you.”

“Me? What did I do? We only met two days ago,” Steve protested.

Eddie let out the loudest, most aggrieved sigh Steve had ever heard in his life. Steve scowled. He wanted to say more but his attention snagged on the hallway they stormed through. It had a faded green rug right down the middle over an old but well cared for wooden floor. A window let in a patch of sunlight at the end of the hall giving it a warm, cozy atmosphere. All in all, a very normal hallway one could find in any other house.

Except their steps did not bring them any closer to the end of the hall. There were two standard bedroom doors on the left and three on the right, except no, actually, it had two large filigreed doors on the right and one sliding glass door leading outside on the left. But that didn’t make sense, that wasn’t an exterior wall which was why it didn’t have a sliding glass door, it had something that looked like a castle drawbridge, what. While Steve gaped at the doors, Eddie took two left turns but Steve couldn’t understand how because they were still in the same hallway.

“H-How–the doors–changing–?”

“They’re not changing. They’re doors. We’re walking past them,” Eddie said as if speaking to a toddler. Steve at this point felt as lost as one so he supposed it fit. “Oh, but watch out for the Random Room. The door to that does appear and disappear wherever it wants. Mostly harmless, but if it’s yellow, do not go in it. Don’t open it. You think this hall is confusing? HA. In fact, to be safe, don’t even touch it if it’s yellow.”

Steve felt queasy. Eddie noticed and slowed to a stop.

“If you throw up on the rug, I’m kicking you out. House hates it when the rug gets wet. Last time that happened, House withheld hot showers for two weeks.”

Steve whimpered as a wave of vertigo hit him. It left him almost cross-eyed.

“Hey. Steve? Hey!”

The grip on his wrist loosened and traveled to his elbow. Steve unconsciously returned the grip. Eddie’s other hand grabbed the opposite shoulder. How unfair that Steve couldn’t appreciate such a gorgeous man touching him. A migraine bloomed behind his eyes and knocked him off balance.

“Ahhh, fuck.” Steve heard Eddie say.

“Swear jar,” Steve managed to mumble before everything went black. The last thing he was aware of was Eddie’s hands slowing and gentling his fall.

–

Steve gradually came around to the sound of familiar voices. He kept his eyes closed and his head as still as possible. The migraine had not disappeared completely and he did not want to trigger it to full force again.

“I can’t believe you didn’t blindfold him, you ass,” Jeff said irritably.

“I didn’t think I had to! You know, since House is soooo enamored with him,” Eddie responded, equally waspish. “Besides, didn’t you give him a tour? Twice?”

“Yeah, of the areas safe for the public.”

“Oh.”

In the ensuing silence, Steve attempted to orient himself. He was laid out on something with rough fabric but plenty of give. A couch, maybe? A variety of spices perfumed the air in a particularly pleasant way. It brought up memories of cozy moments, of comfort; nothing specific, but so good that it melted some of the tension that always came along with his migraines. The migraine ebbed farther away the more he relaxed.

“I really didn’t think it was going to be a problem.”

“Hm.”

“What, it’s my fault House doesn’t know how to handle a crush? Have you seen this guy? He’s, like, stupidly handsome, the bastard. With the hair and that smile and–if anything, this is his fault! Why’s he going around seducing House, huh? Do you see what he’s wearing? That shirt makes his shoulders look so–ugh. I feel bad for House now, it had no chance.”

“I don’t think House is the one with the problem,” Jeff said mildly. Steve heard some soft footsteps. The cushions near his feet dipped under new weight. “Steve, how’s your head?”

“He’s awake?” Eddie yelped.

Steve ignored him and cautiously cracked open an eye. Jeff sat in the small space Steve had left near his feet. He grimaced. Steve’s shoes were still on; he hated having shoes on the furniture. Steve struggled into a seated position, ignored the dull throb that inspired, and tried to regain his senses.

“Not great,” Steve croaked. Jeff scooted closer to him, eyeing him critically. Steve didn’t want any fussing, so he added, “But I’ve been worse.”

“Any nausea? Dizziness?” Jeff asked.

“No, not right now. Not anymore.”

“That’s good! Do you remember how you got here?” Jeff had a really nice smile, Steve couldn’t help but notice.

“Not really? I don’t even know where here is,” Steve replied, looking around the room.

It was small. It had a single window, opened and overlooking the wooded area behind the house. Underneath it was a metal sink with a deep basin. There were cabinets lining the wall and a small wooden table, probably to make up for the limited counter space. Eddie sat there on an old wooden chair. There seemed to be a very faint dusting of–glitter? something that put off a dim glow–across his cheeks. He had tugged strands of his hair to cover the lower half of his face, but his captivating eyes were in full view so Steve could see the glare aimed at him. Steve frowned at him in return, resisting the childish urge to stick his tongue out at him.

“Hm,” Jeff said, getting Steve’s attention again. “Can you tell me what you do remember?”

“I came over today because Wayne and Eddie invited me. He dragged me into the house like some caveman,” Steve said, throwing a haughty glance at Eddie, whose glower did not waver. “It made me dizzy and I guess I passed out in the hall. I don’t know how I got in this room.”

“This is my workroom,” Jeff said. “Eddy and I brought you here.”

Steve nodded slowly. There was no accompanying throb of pain in his head. Steve sighed with relief. Taking the lack of pain as encouragement, he got to his feet.

“Thanks, that was really nice of you, Jeff,” Steve said pointedly. “Could you please tell Wayne I’ll have to take a raincheck.”

“What?” Jeff asked worriedly.

“I’m not going to be good company if that migraine comes back today. I’m going home,” Steve said matter of factly.

“NO!” Eddie and Jeff shouted simultaneously. Eddie had leapt out of the chair and Jeff had gone so far as to reach for Steve’s arm. Steve tensed.

“Uh, I mean,” Jeff started placatingly. “There’s something I can try that should help with that, I think.”

“I got ibuprofen at home, I’m good,” Steve said firmly, dodging around where Jeff sat to go for the door. Before he could get to it, Eddie rushed over and planted himself in front of it.

“You can’t leave,” Eddie said.

“Please move,” Steve said, taking a step closer to Eddie.

“You can’t leave,” Eddie repeated.

“Yes, I can,” Steve said. This time Eddie stepped closer.

“But you won’t.” His beautiful brown eyes bore into Steve. “Because you know something’s not right here. Something’s been off with you for a while now, right?”

Steve’s jaw clenched. Eddie was correct on both counts. Something weird happened when Eddie took him into the house. More than that, things have felt weird in his daily life for months, ever since he and Robin met Jeff at that bar that disappeared off the face of the planet as far as he could tell. There were hazy spots in his memory; he remembered some things but everything felt shifted to the left, obscuring certain details and distracting with other details.

“You’re going to stay because you have questions,” Eddie said and, in Steve’s opinion, nobody’s voice should sound so smooth and enticing, much less someone with eyes like Eddie’s. It wasn’t fair. “And we’re the only ones who can answer them.”

For the sake of his pride, Steve continued the standoff for a few beats longer. Then he loosened his shoulders in a careless shrug. He went back to the couch where he seated himself comfortably, not sparing Eddie a glance.

“I’ve changed my mind, Jeff,” Steve said, putting as much social charm in his voice as possible. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Eddie scowl again and he tried not to smirk. “I’ll stay a while longer.”

“Great!” Jeff said. “Eddy’s right. We do have some answers, but things will be easier to explain if you let me try out this remedy on you first. It’s gonna be a bit…different, but the good news is that talking helps it work. What do you think?”

“Is it going to hurt?” Steve asked warily.

“No, it’s totally painless. Do you want to try?”

Steve’s life had been weird for months and he was tired of not knowing why.

“Yeah, let’s do it.”

“Awesome! This wouldn’t have worked if you hadn’t consented,” Jeff said. Steve braced himself. Then Jeff pulled out an egg.

“What’s that?” Steve asked, like an idiot.

“An egg,” Jeff replied with a teasing smile.

“Yeah, but why?”

“No clue. I’d ask it, but eggs aren’t known for being chatty about existentialism,” Jeff said. Steve blinked as the words sank in, then laughed in surprise.

“Not what I meant,” Steve said between giggles. Jeff grinned at him.

“I know, but you seemed tense. I thought I’d lighten the mood,” Jeff said. “Did it work?”

“Quit flirting, Jefftopher,” Eddie cut in sourly. He had plopped himself back on the wooden chair, watching the proceedings and fiddling with his many rings.

“Maybe the man who caused the problem should shut up and let the man who’s fixing it do what he wants,” Jeff sniped back.

Eddie’s scowl weakened into a contrite expression. There was a moment of tense silence that reminded Steve uncomfortably of the silence that permeated his childhood home after every argument his parents had. Steve also didn’t know how to respond to the casual acknowledgment of men flirting together. Steve cleared his throat.

“So, uh, what’s the egg for?” he asked.

“To fix a problem,” Jeff said pointedly at Eddie. He returned his attention to Steve. “This is something my bisabuela taught me. I’m going to take this egg and kind of…rub it over you. It’s usually a remedy for kids, but it works on adults, too.”

“You rub eggs on kids?” Steve asked, baffled.

Eddie snorted. Steve stifled the flicker of pride at making a gorgeous guy laugh because so far Eddie’s been very unpleasant and Steve should have higher standards. He didn’t but, according to Robin, he should. Jeff shot a quick glare to Eddie before explaining.

“I know it sounds weird, but I’m gonna ask you to trust me here,” Jeff said.

Steve nodded because why not. This definitely was not the strangest thing to have happened today. Steve had the feeling this was not the strangest thing to have happened to him in the past few months, either, though he couldn’t remember anything weirder.

“According to my bisabuela,” Jeff explained, “this is used to cure mal de ojo.”

“What’s that?”

“It translates to evil eye. It’s kind of like a curse.”

“I’ve been cursed? How?” Steve asked, jerking out of Jeff’s reach. “Are you a witch?”

“I’m not a witch,” Jeff said in a tone that said he’s had to explain this before. “I’m…witchy.”

“What’s the difference?” Steve asked impatiently. Jeff sighed. Yeah, Steve thought, Jeff’s definitely had to explain this before.

“I’m the first in my family to have…magical inclinations, for many, many generations. In that time, any knowledge we had was lost since there was no one to teach it to, you know? The only one who could teach me anything was my great grandmother and she only married into the family.

“Anyway, bisa was a curandera. She taught me some of her folk medicine, including this one, but I don’t think of myself as a curandero because my magic doesn’t respond to a lot of her teachings. Honestly, most of my magic is instinctual. So, I’m not a curandero and I’m not a witch. I’m witchy,” Jeff finished.

“Okay,” Steve said as if he understood. Jeff was going on about magic like that wasn’t completely crazy, but things were already so weird and Robin had read a book about different folk medicine around the world. He retained nothing Robin had told him about it, of course, but he knew folk medicine actually existed, unlike magic. “So what’s the egg supposed to do?”

“Like I said, it’s supposed to be used for mal de ojo but when you get down to it, mal de ojo, or any curse, is all about negative energy. Your thing wasn’t caused by mal de ojo, but it did carry ill intent.”

Eddie huffed at this but didn’t make any comment.

“The egg draws out negative energies. Technically, it’s supposed to be done as a whole-body sort of thing, but again, your situation is different so I’m tweaking it to fit. I’m going to pass the egg over your head, neck, shoulders, and chest. Is that okay?” Jeff asked.

Steve nodded after a brief moment of consideration. It wouldn’t hurt him, he figured, and he had nothing to lose if it didn’t work.

“Okay, let’s start,” Jeff said. He took the egg and started at the crown of Steve’s head. He trailed it down the side of his face. “While I do this, why don’t you tell me about something good that happened in your life recently.”

And so, Steve, who wasn’t a chatty person by nature, started telling Jeff and, by extension, Eddie about his car getting fixed by an older fellow two days ago. It was an unexpected act of kindness and the stranger was sweet enough to invite him in for lemonade. Steve glanced at Eddie to see his reaction to Steve’s retelling. If Steve wasn’t mistaken, he’d say Eddie’s perpetual glower had lightened.

While Steve spoke, Jeff placed the egg against the crown of his head again, and trailed it down the center of his face. He repeated this to the other side of his face. Then he started on his neck with the same upward and downward movement.

“You made a good impression on Wayne,” Jeff said. A little wick of pride lit up in Steve’s chest. Wayne seemed like a tough guy to impress.

“He’s usually a good judge of character,” Eddie admitted begrudgingly.

Jeff moved the egg from Steve’s neck down to his shoulders. Then he dragged it over Steve’s chest, particularly over his heart. He pulled the egg away from Steve.

“Okay, let's see how this worked,” Jeff muttered more to himself than to Steve.

Jeff took the egg over to the sink where a glass of water Steve hadn’t noticed earlier waited. He quickly mixed some salt into the glass and then cracked the egg open. The egg white and yolk plopped easily into the glass. It looked like any other egg, in Steve’s opinion, but apparently Jeff didn’t like what he saw.

“Eddy, how many times did you sing to him again?” Jeff asked.

“Um,” Eddie scrunched his face in thought, “Both times you had him over. Once when House moved. Well, twice now after the car thing. And that time with Dustin. So…five times?”

“Wait, you sang to me?” Steve asked incredulously.

“Sure did, babe,” Eddie shot him a sharp smile. Maybe literally. Something was going on with his teeth but Steve couldn’t make his eyes bring it into focus to really tell.

“Okay, we’ll do this four more times, I guess.”

Jeff dumped the glass’s contents down the garbage disposal, rinsed it thoroughly and prepared it. He grabbed another egg and settled himself next to Steve again.

“Tell me about somewhere that made you happy.”

“I used to swim a lot,” Steve said after a moment’s thought. He let the movement of the egg soothe him. “I loved being in the pool, but the lake was my favorite place.”

Steve caught movement from the corner of his eye. Eddie had leaned forward, resting his elbows on the tabletop. He watched Steve with deep, dark eyes.

“What lake did you go to?” Eddie asked.

“Lake Michigan. My parents had a vacation home somewhere along its coast. I don’t know if you’ve ever seen it in person but it’s big. Huge. It shocked me every time I saw it. Being underwater there is like nothing else; it makes you feel small, but like in a good way? I don’t know but I loved it,” Steve reminisced. “I haven’t gone since, huh. High school, I think? I still dream about it sometimes.”

Jeff finished with the egg and took it to the sink. Eddie finally looked away from Steve. He fiddled with his rings instead.

“It’s a good lake. It has good water.”

Eddie said it like it was dragged out of him but even that didn’t mask the fondness in the words. It was a strange comment. Steve didn’t know how to respond to it, but Eddie didn’t seem to expect a response. Jeff finished at the sink and grabbed another egg.

“Alright, third one. Let me think of another question,” Jeff said.

“What exactly is the point of these questions?” Steve asked him. “I mean, I don’t feel any different yet so what are we doing?”

“You have a lot of bad energy built up,” Jeff said. “It’s going to take a few more tries to draw it all out, but the questions help it along by drawing in positive energy to replace the bad stuff. You have to be patient.”

“I guess that makes sense,” Steve said. As much sense as anything else that was happening, anyway.

“Got it! Tell me about something you’re good at. What do you do that you take pride in?” Jeff was already sliding the egg down Steve’s face.

“...how honest do I have to be with these questions?”

“As much as possible. Lies invite negative energy,” Jeff said. “Though I’ll tell you right now, I do not want to hear about any sex stuff.”

Steve choked on his own spit. Eddie cackled.

“It’s not that!” Steve insisted. “It’s just…kinda dumb.”

“If it’s something that makes you feel good about yourself, it can’t be dumb,” Jeff said kindly.

“...it’s hair,” Steve mumbled.

“Hair?”

“I have good hair. I like it,” Steve said, unembarrassed. “That’s not weird.”

“It isn’t,” Jeff agreed. The egg was at Steve’s neck now.

“It’s not just that, though,” Steve continued. “I taught myself the best ways to take care of my hair, but also how to take care of other types of hair. And I know how to style hair in different ways, and different types of braids. I liked braiding my exes’ hair a lot.”

Jeff finished circling the egg over Steve’s heart. He motioned at Steve to keep talking while he took the egg to the sink for a check and disposal.

“I haven’t had the chance to do that much since I took a break from dating, but then El wanted to show me how to do it and–oh! El!” Steve sat up straighter as a hazy memory became a little clearer.

Eddie had tensed all over the minute Steve mentioned the little girl.

“What about El?” Eddie asked protectively. Steve shook his head.

“She lives here,” Steve said, carefully examining his memory. “And…she has curly hair? She showed me her braiding skills. She’s a sweet kid.”

“Yes she is,” Jeff agreed easily. “Fourth egg, here we go. Tell me about someone you love.”

“Robin,” Steve answered immediately.

“Ah, the girlfriend,” Eddie said with a smirk. “Please tell us more about her, some of us are dying for more details.”

“She’s not my girlfriend,” Steve corrected. “She’s my best friend. We’re soulmates but, like, platonic. With a capital P, Robin likes to say.”

Steve knew he was grinning like a dope but he didn’t care. He wasn’t going to hide how much he loved Robin from anyone. It had lost him more than one girlfriend, and he was more than okay with that. Jeff ran the egg along his shoulders. He smiled at Steve’s enthusiasm but Eddie wore an odd expression, like he was trying to puzzle him out.

“You don’t get it,” Steve surmised.

“No, I do,” Eddie said.

“Your Robin is our Chrissy,” Jeff said, finished with the fourth egg.

“Oh,” Steve said, surprised. “People don’t usually believe me. They think it’s weird, but it isn’t. Robin knows me better than anyone else. I’d do anything to make sure she’s safe and happy and I know she’d do the same for me. Like, she doesn’t really like having pets around, right? But after I had to give up Dust–”

Steve stopped.

“Dustin is a cat, isn’t he?” Steve asked weakly.

“Sometimes,” Eddie replied, carefully examining Steve’s reaction.

“But not always,” Steve said.

“No, not always.”

Steve let that confirmation settle in his mind as it helped clarify the question about El’s curly hair as well. A boy who turned into a cat and a girl with magic hair. And someone witchy was rubbing eggs on him. He suspected his car hadn’t needed any fixing the other day, either. Weird. Everything was so weird but…it felt right.

He thought about the first time he stepped onto a boat as a kid. Everything had tilted and swayed with the movement of the water. It felt so strange. It had knocked him off his feet once or twice but after a while, Steve had learned to keep balance while it bobbed in the water, and it was just like walking on land. It didn’t feel wrong at all.

“That egg was looking pretty good compared to the rest. This last one should do it,” Jeff said brightly. “Tell me about a good dream or a goal. Something that motivates you.”

“I’m not sure my dream is going to bring on the positive energy,” Steve smiled crookedly. “I’ve been having pretty bad luck with it.”

“How so?” Jeff asked. He’d finished the head and neck quicker than before, Steve noticed. The swipe on his shoulders felt almost perfunctory. He wondered if that was a good sign.

“I keep getting rejected,” Steve admitted. “Nobody wants to let some guy adopt a kid, apparently.”

“That’s your motivating dream? To have children?” Jeff questioned. He circled the egg over Steve’s heart.

“Well, yeah. I told you about it that time at the bar, remember? And you told me–” Steve paused.

Jeff extracted the egg.

“What did I say, Steve?” Jeff asked as he calmly went to the sink one last time with an egg.

“You said you could help me,” Steve said thoughtfully. “How? With a witchy thing? No. No, you said you knew children who needed homes. Is…is that what this place is?”

Jeff inspected the last egg. He looked satisfied with what he saw. He disposed of the egg.

“My part’s done,” Jeff said. “The negative energy has been removed. It’s not going to hurt you any longer, but it doesn’t exactly undo what’s been done. Eddy’s abilities are…well, Eddy is–”

“A freak,” Eddie said cheerfully.

“He’s unique,” Jeff corrected.

“Thank you, Jeffua, you’re so sweet,” Eddie batted his lashes at Jeff. Steve felt a completely irrational spark of jealousy that he fervently tamped down. He had focus. There was a chance here, an opportunity, and he had to grab it with both hands.

“Look, I answered everything you asked me and you said you’d answer my questions, so answer me,” Steve cut in. “Is this place–could I really adopt–?”

“Undecided,” Eddie said coldly. Steve flinched.

“Eddy, c’mon man,” Jeff sighed tiredly. “You owe him information, at least.”

It was Eddie’s turn to sigh though his was more put upon.

“Fine! But we’re taking this to the dining room. We still have an insane amount of lemonade to get rid of and the chairs are comfier. Steve, how do you feel about blindfolds?”

It turned out his opinion on blindfolds didn’t matter because they had to blindfold him either way.

–

To Steve’s disappointment, Jeff chose not to accompany them though he gave Eddie a stern reminder to behave. Steve sat himself in the same chair he used in his prior visit while Eddie busied himself with the fridge and cabinets.

“If you’re going to be here, you might as well be helpful and get rid of some of this lemonade for us,” Eddie said, placing an entire pitcher of lemonade in front of him along with a cup.

Eddie grabbed his own pitcher and glass combo, and seated himself across Steve. Steve wondered if the pitchers were part of a set. They both were textured like ice, but they had different shaped spouts and Eddie’s was round whereas Steve’s was rectangular. Eddie poured himself some lemonade and chugged it quickly to pour a second one.

Steve reached out to get himself some lemonade because he was a bit dehydrated, too. His fingertips brushed the handle for a split second before he yanked his hand back with a pained yelp. It burned.

Eddie leapt to his feet and anxiously pulled the pitcher away from Steve. He took Steve’s hand in his own, frantically turning it every which way and prodding.

“Shit! Shit, that was an accident! I forgot! House, I forgot, I didn’t do it on purpose!” Eddie said loudly while leaning closer to inspect Steve’s fingertips.

“What was that?” Steve asked incredulously. “It burned me!”

“No frostbite,” Eddie said, relieved, and not actually answering Steve’s question. “Jesus H. Christ, you nearly gave me a heart attack.”

He looked up at Steve through his lashes with what Steve could have sworn was a small pout.

“You’re trying to get me in trouble, aren’t you?”

Steve became very aware of how close Eddie had gotten, and how his ringed hands were cradling his own fingers. Steve really could drown in those dark eyes. He heard Robin’s voice in the back of his mind yelling at him about Standards. He forcibly reminded himself that this man has been nothing but rude to him from the very start.

“No,” Steve replied, tugging his hand back. “Is your pitcher cursed?”

“No,” Eddie said, getting up and retrieving a pot holder. He handed it to Steve. “It’s not cursed. Will learned a new trick but he forgot some people can’t withstand sub zero ice. Use the potholder and you’ll be fine.”

Steve did so. He sipped at his lemonade as Eddie settled across from him again. He pursed his lips at the tartness of the drink. Eddie didn’t speak. He fiddled with his rings, brow furrowed.

“Okay, let’s do this,” Eddie said after the quiet got to be too much. “You have questions. Hit me with ‘em.”

“Why didn’t the pitcher burn you?” Steve asked. Eddie had grabbed both pitchers barehanded without so much as a flinch. Eddie raised an eyebrow at him.

“Really? That’s your first question?”

Steve’s eyes narrowed.

“Is there a limit?”

A smirk spread across Eddie’s full lips. He leaned forward and opened his mouth to reply. Before he could, however, the cabinet door closest to Eddie opened and slammed shut loudly, making both Eddie and Steve jump in their seats. Eddie slumped back in his chair sulkily.

“No,” Eddie said grudgingly. “I’m built for cold temperatures. That’s why the pitcher didn’t affect me. Next question.”

“You…sang to me and it messed with my head,” Steve said haltingly. He could only vaguely remember the song. He had the outline of it, but not the substance. He knew it was beautiful. “What are you?”

“A siren. Next.”

“Like, fish people?” Steve asked.

If Steve had known better, he’d have brought Robin with him to this place. She was the one that read about weird stuff all the time. Currently he’s working off of only vague recollections from some of Robin’s many, many ramblings.

Eddie splutters indignantly.

“I am not a fish! Sirens aren’t fish! We’re powerful creatures born of the sea,” Eddie said, outraged.

“Like fish,” Steve said, keeping his expression blank.

“We’re magical beings! Fish aren’t magic,” Eddie said. “Sirens are the ocean’s spirit made flesh, the voice of the sea, we are not…oh, you did that on purpose, you bastard.”

Steve smirked at Eddie who flopped back in his chair. He tried to hide it, but Steve caught the hint of a grin on Eddie’s face before he vanished it in a sulk.

“Only a little bit,” Steve reassured him. “I really don’t know much about…magic stuff.”

“I’m not sure if that makes things better or worse,” Eddie mused.

“It hasn’t helped me much so far. So your siren music hypnotizes people?”

“Technically, siren song is a lure. It’s how, historically, sirens made sailors crash their ships on rocks and whatever. Mine doesn’t work exactly the same way.”

“Why does–”

“That’s none of your business.”

Eddie shut down the question immediately. Eddie’s expression had gotten stony and the glare had returned. Steve considered pushing. He had been promised information after all. However, Eddie wasn’t really what he wanted to know more about; or, more accurately, learning more about Eddie wasn’t a priority at this time. Steve looked away to glance about the dining room instead. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Eddie relax minutely.

“What is this place?” Steve asked instead. “Has it always been here? I’ve been in Hawkins for years and I’ve never seen it before.”

“It’s been around for about a decade. This is Hawkins Halfway House for Homeless Horrors,” Eddie said. There was a curl of amusement in his reply. Eddie must have been the one to name it, and was quite pleased with himself about it. It was annoyingly endearing.

“That’s a mouthful, but it doesn’t really mean anything to me,” Steve said in the most unimpressed tone he could just to ruffle Eddie’s feathers. Scales? Whatever. He succeeded either way, but Eddie kept his tone even when he responded.

“It’s a bit of a misnomer,” Eddie admitted. “It’s more of a community center than anything else. The magical community is mostly made up of people humans consider to be monsters or creatures or other horrible things. It makes surviving difficult.”

“Oh,” Steve breathed as the implications sunk in. “That’s why you’re so, uh, you know, with me.” Steve makes a helpless gesture.

“Humans in the know generally want to kill us, so yeah, that’s why I’m so ‘you know’ with you,” Eddie replied sarcastically. “So we made this place. Me, Jeff, and Chrissy, with Uncle Wayne’s help. We offer daycare services, shelter and food to Horrors who are struggling or displaced.

“Uncle Wayne and Jeff teach them how to better blend in with humans if that’s an option; how to navigate the bureaucracies and day-to-day of the human world, that sort of thing. Me and Chrissy help rehome the Horrors who can’t or don’t want to assimilate to the human world.”

“That’s amazing,” Steve said with genuine awe. At Eddie’s look of surprise, he insisted. “No, like, it’s so cool that you help people like that. There was a time when my parents first cut me off that me and Robin struggled. We could barely afford a place to live, so a lot of the time we had to go without food. I didn’t think we were going to make it until we found out about a food bank in one of the surrounding towns. It was almost an hour’s drive away but it was the only way we survived. I don’t know what would’ve happened to us if we didn’t have that, so the fact that you set something like that up is amazing.”

Eddie tugged his hair over the lower half of his face, obscuring a strange faint glow that suffused his cheeks. It made his eyes look bigger and darker. It took Steve’s breath away. Eddie shrugged awkwardly.

“Yeah, well,” Eddie mumbled. “It was mostly Uncle Wayne. If he hadn’t won House off a baba yaga in a card game, we wouldn’t have been able to do any of that.”

“A baba yaga?”

“Irrelevant,” Eddie waved off the question. “House is ours now and it helps protect everyone in it.”

“It’s alive then?” Steve eyed the dining room cautiously.

“Eh, depends on your definition of alive. It’s got some personality, at least, even if it’s brainless,” Eddie said the last part louder than the rest.

Eddie squawked as the chair he sat on was jolted backwards and landed on the ground with a loud, insulted, slam. Steve stood up in alarm, but Eddie simply rolled over with a groan.

“You prefer birdbrain instead, House?” Eddie said. Eddie yelped as the chair aggressively righted itself, narrowly missing Eddie’s foot. “I’m kidding, I’m kidding!”

“Are you okay?”

“Yeah, it’s fine. House and I have a playful, only slightly injury-prone, rapport,” Eddie said. “Drink more lemonade. There’s still an entirely full pitcher in the fridge besides these two.”

“It’s kind of sour,” Steve admitted, sipping reluctantly at the cup. Eddie smoothly exchanged pitchers with Steve. He poured himself a cup from it and chugged it. He jumped when Eddie slammed the empty cup down on the table with a grimace. Eddie poured another cup but let that one sit.

“Must be Mike’s. He’s a moody little punk,” Eddie snorted. “No sweetness in him at all.”

“Hm, like you then.”

“Oh, I’m plenty sweet when I want to be, sugar,” Eddie responded with a wink. The words caught up with Eddie and his face twisted into something like a wince. He pulled into himself, looking away and fiddling with his rings again.

“Is Mike one of the kids that live here?” Steve asked to get them back to the task at hand.

“Nah, he and Will have adult siblings they live with. They come to play with the other kids when Nancy and Jonathan can bring them over. It doesn’t happen too often so the kids go kind of crazy when it does. Hence the endless lemonade.”

“That’s kind of cute,” Steve said with a smile. “Wayne said each kid made their own pitcher, so if Will and Mike don’t live here that makes it…five kids? Pretty sure there were seven pitchers on the table last time I was here. I’ve met Dustin and El. Lucas, too, though I don’t remember that encounter too well. Who are the other two?”

“Max and Erica,” Eddie said. “They were with Lucas that day, too.”

“I don’t remember them at all,” Steve admitted.

“Probably for the best. They’re the most skittish around humans,” Eddie shrugged.

“Oh. Does that mean I won’t be able to meet them any time soon?”

“Hell no,” Eddie snorted. “That’d be a recipe for disaster.”

“But I can meet with some of the other kids, can’t I? Jeff said I might be able to foster and–”

“Steve.”

“What?”

“I don’t know who you are,” Eddie said. Steve blinked.

“I’m Steve? Harrington?”

“No, just–who are you? Uncle Wayne and Jeff think you can be trusted. House likes you. But you should’ve never been able to find us at all.”

“Well, Jeff gave me his card at the bar,” Steve said, but Eddie shook his head.

“No, you don’t get it. You shouldn’t have been able to see the bar for Jeff to find you to begin with. Gareth’s bar is within magical boundaries. Humans don’t even register it exists unless they already know it’s there, which they’d only know if someone within the community told them. I asked around, and nobody knows you. Nobody’s spoken to you.

“Jeff looked you over and you have not a drop of magic in you. Yet you bypassed one of the central protections our community has in place. I don’t know who you are and I'm supposed to give you one of my little Horrors? Why should I? Your own human agencies don’t think you’re fit for kids.”

“They won’t even let me try,” Steve snapped. “Look, maybe I won’t be the best father, God knows mine was shitty enough, but these agencies aren’t denying me because of that. They’re denying me because I’m an unmarried man.”

“Then get married and make your own kids,” Eddie said callously.

“No, that’s not the point!”

“You’re making your own life harder, why do you even bother?”

“Because I want a real family!” Steve’s words were almost a shout.

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Real families love each other,” Steve said. “Marriage doesn’t mean there's any love there. My parents were married for decades and they hated each other. I was an only child, their only child, and you know what? I don’t think they ever told me they loved me. Not one single time. I don’t think anyone loved me until I met Robin. Robin was the first person I ever felt was my family, and I’m so, so grateful to have her in my life.

“I won’t pretend to know what it’s like to grow up a monster in a secret magic world, but I know how it feels like to grow up alone and unwanted. I would never, never, let my kid think for a single moment I didn’t love them or want them in my life,” Steve said. “And I refuse to get stuck in a loveless marriage that’ll only make them miserable.”

Steve grabbed at his cup and took a sip in an attempt to collect himself. It was sweeter than the other lemonade had been, Steve was relieved to find. Eddie wore a thoughtful expression. He tapped his fingers on the table for a few beats, then leaned forward to catch Steve’s eyes with his own serious gaze.

“There’s something you need to understand about my little Horrors,” Eddie said grimly. “They live here with me because they have nothing left. They have no one else. You wouldn’t just be fostering a monster child, you’d be taking in a child who has already experienced more loss than most human adults. They’re going to have needs specific to what they are and what they’ve experienced. Do you understand?”

“I hear what you’re saying,” Steve responded with equal gravity. “I don’t know their needs or circumstances, but I want to learn. Give me a chance to learn, Eddie. Please, at least let me try.”

They held eye contact for a small eternity. The flickering hope in Steve’s heart roared to life when Eddie gave a single sharp, wordless nod.

“We’ll take it slow, but okay,” Eddie said, “you can try.”

–

“Steve, relax, you got this,” Robin said, watching Steve pace back and forth in their living room.

“What if he hates me?” Steve said, knowing he sounded irrational.

“Dustin already met you, remember? He’s one of the ones that wanted you to stick around.”

“Yeah, and then I forgot about him!” Steve said.

“But he knows that wasn’t your fault! It’ll be fine, you worrywart.”

Eddie hadn’t been pleased when Steve told him that Robin would have to be looped into the whole ‘magic exists’ secret, but Steve had been adamant. It helped that Jeff and Chrissy asked him how successful he’d be if he had to hide stuff from them. Eddie relented at that point.

“Now get outta here before you make yourself late, dingus,” Robin said, smacking his arm.

Steve made it to Hawkins Halfway House so quickly he suspected House may have made an unplanned move. Hopefully Eddie wouldn’t notice, otherwise he’d be scowly the whole visit. He did his best not to run up to the door and was mostly successful. Jeff opened the door after one sharp knock.

“Hey Steve,” Jeff greeted with a smile. “They’re waiting in the living room for you.”

Steve made his way to the living room. There, Dustin sat at the coffee table doodling something in a notebook. His tongue poked out in concentration, completely caught up in whatever it was he was doing. Eddie lay sprawled on the couch flipping idly through some car magazine. He glanced up at Steve briefly before returning his attention to the magazine.

“Pretend I’m not here, Steve-o,” Eddie said.

Dustin finally noticed Steve and shot to his feet with a wide grin. He rushed over to Steve. Dustin stuck his arm out for a handshake. Steve took his hand and shook it firmly, to Dustin’s delight.

“Hi, I’m Dustin. I’m a shapeshifter and I’m almost ten years old,” Dustin said in a very rehearsed way. Eddie faked a cough. “Oh, yeah! Thanks for taking care of me when I got stuck in my cat shape in town. I promise I wasn’t perving on Robin in the bathroom that time.”

Steve heard Eddie’s horrified whisper of ‘oh my god.’ He looked from Dustin’s earnest expression to where Eddie was fully hiding under the magazine. Steve burst into laughter. Dustin joined in without hesitation.

“Hi, Dustin,” Steve replied when he caught his breath. “I’m Steve. Eddie said we could hang out and get to know each other a bit today.”

“Heck yeah! I’ve got a ton of questions,” Dustin said enthusiastically. He grabbed Steve’s hand and tugged unrelentingly. “Come here, come here.”

The two of them settled on the floor at the coffee table. Steve leaned against the couch a little in hopes that it would make rising to his feet later a less stiff, achy experience. Dustin took up his notebook and pencil again. Steve caught a glimpse of scratchy writing before Dustin pulled it close to write.

“First question,” Dustin announced. Steve braced himself for any number of awkward, personal, getting-to-know-you questions. “Can you really shed your skin? Like a lizard?”

“Uhh,” Steve said. He ignored the snorting, barely concealed giggle coming from behind him. “Well, um, I guess kind of…not really?”

Dustin eyed him suspiciously.

“I’ll mark that as a maybe,” he scribbled in his notebook studiously. “Next question! Is it true humans have extra teeth to make them smarter when they grow up? How does that work? Is there brains in the teeth?”

Steve muddled his way through a rough explanation of wisdom teeth as Eddie continued to snicker behind him. Dustin looked unimpressed by the eventual answer but that was fine. Eddie was warming up to him and Steve was already willing to do just about anything for this curious little kid. He was finally on his way to becoming a father.

eventually i'll probably write more in this 'verse, but right now i'm just glad to have finished the premise of the 'verse lol. thanks again to all who read along!

#trensu tells stories #hawkins halfway house for homeless horrors #steddie #buckingham #steve harrington #eddie munson #jeff stranger things #dustin henderson #stranger things

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