#the “about to do some serious fucking” bun style

[bennidraws]

a dog man. times six

(template under cut for those who wanna have fun with this!)

[noctylisse]

I Knew I'd Curse You For The Longest Time

⋆⭒˚｡⋆ In which you curse Suguru Geto for, well, being Suguru Geto.

Suguru Geto x Gn! Reader (not proofread)

Fuck Suguru Geto for having those stupidly attractive bangs.

It’s the way he gently attempts to tuck them behind his ears with one hand as he smoked. Each time he does, they end up falling forward to frame his stupidly attractive face anyway.

You’re looking at him respectfully, you swear. It’s just you and him at this moment, waiting for your classmates, Satoru Gojo and Iori Utahime to meet you outside the closed basketball court.

Normally you wouldn’t want to stand near a smoker, but this man just seemed to draw you in somehow.

Suguru Geto was a charmer, and you simply couldn’t resist. He’s a gentleman, too. He greeted you with a smile when you bumped into each other in the hall, opened the door for you as you both went out the main building, and even asked you if it was alright for him to smoke at that moment. You know it’s all the bare minimum, but you figured he could do literally anything humane and you’d feel your cheeks flush.

You recall those moments when you and your middle school friends would excessively cough around smokers to try and make them feel bad for smoking. But now, you think that if you were to ever do that, it would be to get Suguru Geto to coddle you.

He meets your eyes as he exhales the smoke, and you smile. He does, too.

You don’t know Suguru Geto that well yet, but you yearn to know more about him.

⋆⭒˚｡⋆

Fuck Suguru Geto for having such a sweet voice.

“You okay?” He asks as he gently holds your hand, bringing you toward him. His eyes roam to assess you for possible injuries.

You nod. You feel his thumb press against your pulse.

“I’ve got you, you’re safe.” He says with that addictingly smooth voice of his. He thinks you’re still deeply shaken from what had just happened.

You narrowly dodged a fast attack from one of the curses you were supposed to exorcize, and Geto just so happened to cover you and do the job before any serious damage could be done.

You do admit to be shaken from it, knowing that you would have been totally busted if it weren’t for Geto, but your heart’s quick racing didn’t come from that at all.

It came from the way he spoke to you after that encounter. You never realized how soft his voice was.

It was hypnotizingly sweet. From the way he whispered in your ear, wishing you luck as you entered the abandoned building, to the way he held your hand as he spoke words of comfort, you were sure he could control you with his voice alone.

But right now, you decide to be more level-headed. He was fussing over nothing, after all. Or rather, he was fussing over a quickening pulse that he had no idea was his fault.

You shake your head. “No worries, I’m fine, Geto.” You smile at him. “Thanks for covering for me. I’d be busted without you.”

He smiles back, stands straighter, and suddenly you aren’t so level headed anymore.

“It’s no problem.” He replies, placing a hand on your head to gently ruffle your hair.

As the two of you walk out the abandoned building with the burden of the mission off of your shoulders, you fail to prepare yourself for his voice that just so happened to sound even sweeter when he asked you to call him ‘Suguru’.

–

Fuck Suguru Geto for having the most careful hands.

You sit in front of your vanity with Suguru behind you, gently brushing your hair.

The early rays of sunlight rest on the both of you as you sit in comfortable silence. He snuck into your dorm

to sleep over the night before, and he’s here with you as you get ready for the day.

“You’re really sure about this?” He asks as he gathers some of your hair to twist in his hands.

You smile. “Of course! We’d be matching in a way, Sugu. It would be cute!”

He chuckles. “I suppose I see the vision.”

You had asked him to tie your hair in a half-up half-down bun, to match with his man bun. You liked styling

your hair whenever you had the chance, and Suguru had ended up loving it when you let him do it for you.

It was peaceful, and extremely domestic. You’d give anything to always have moments like these with Suguru. One day, you’d hope to have him style your hair in a home the both of you share.

You can’t help but close your eyes as you feel his hands brush through and work their way around your hair.

Suguru has always made sure to make your hair look flawless. He also ensures that he never hurts you by accidentally tugging on your hair or getting it caught on the accessories he uses on it.

When he was done, he gently rubs your shoulders as you make eye-contact in the vanity mirror.

You turn around to place a gentle kiss on his lips as a sign of thanks. He smiles into it and pulls you closer, a hand on your cheek, and the other around your waist. His touch remains gentle, as if his fingers themselves press kisses to your body.

⋆⭒˚｡⋆

Fuck Suguru Geto for having such pretty, sparkly eyes.

You feel the bed shift as Suguru gets up, trying not to wake you.

You immediately reach out for him in your sleepy state, squinting in the dark.

He sits back down to lay you back down slowly, a hand running through your sleep-tousled hair.

“Sugu..?”

“Just want to take a smoke break, baby. Go back to sleep, ‘kay?” He says softly, caressing your cheek.

The moonlight that managed to pass by the curtains shone on him as you looked up.

He looked beautiful. Unreal, even.

Your eyes move to look at his own, and they shine. His eyes shine like twinkling stars.

You catch a glimpse of him wiping at them before you close your eyes. You assume his eyes are just as drowsy as yours, and that he’d probably teared up after a yawn.

You’re too sleepy to argue, so you let him go.

“Just be back here, Sugu.” You yawn. “I love you.”

“I love you too.” He says, voice cracking.

The sheets rustle as you pull the covers over you, and you fail to hear Suguru sniffle as he gets up and leaves.

⋆⭒˚｡⋆

You wake up alone.

You do not see a trace of Suguru the entire afternoon, either.

Instead, you see Satoru with his back to you, fist clenched and bloody. You spot your teacher looking deeply agitated in front of him. His gaze then moved from Satoru to you, and somehow, he looked even more distraught.

From then, you learn about Suguru’s crimes.

You don’t know how to react. You first think of cursing him, which you do.

Fuck Suguru Geto for…

Not telling you sooner? No, you should have known. You should have done something. Anything.

Fuck Suguru Geto for treading a path I can't follow.

That could be it. But you crumble before you could think of anything else.

[amournoir]

Fluff Prompt | E.M

℘ prompt — #12a, getting a massage {request}

℘ warning — fluff + slight nsfw?

℘ pairing — elijah mikaelson x f!reader

℘ count — 2.6k

It had been yet another long shift and as much as you’d like to pretend you were strong enough to handle it, you couldn’t. Every single day you’d complain about something new which wasn’t like you but you couldn’t help the problems that constantly arose. 

First it had been a new manager which meant a shift in positions and new rules that stemmed from it. Then it had been your licensure test that had been rescheduled for the unforeseeable future. Lastly, it was family. Wasn’t it always family? After months of therapy, your brother finally stood up to your parents – mother especially – and this created a shift in the family dynamic. Not one that you cared for because you were nothing but proud of him, it was about damn time come to think of it. 

So yes today had been a long day and all you wanted was to clock out, grab dinner on the way home, possibly shower, and pass out wherever you landed. Not five minutes after you had swiped your badge, your coworker came running down the hall calling after you. 

“Y/N! Y/N come back!” 

You didn’t even dare turn around. You figured if you ignored the problem or issue that was running toward you, it would just…disappear. Wouldn’t that be nice, you thought to yourself.

She finally stopped, one hand on a knee and the other over her chest as she bent over. In short sputtered words, she gasped “Y/N you-you’re, fuck, needed.” 

“I’m off the clock.” You calmly responded. 

“Well he’s asking for you.” 

You scoffed, “Whatever it is, get someone else to do it.” 

“Y/N L/N, don’t fucking make me run back there.” 

“You know the elevator was right next to you, right?” 

“So help me God–” She closed her eyes and mentally counted whilst you fought back a grin. 

You figured it’d serve you better to just see what he wanted rather than argue back and forth with your colleague who was heaving as though her life depended on it. With one hand on your right hip and your medical tote hanging on the dip of your elbow, you purse your lips and raise one eyebrow. 

“I’m embarrassed for you.” 

“And what’s that supposed to mean?” She quickly retorted. 

“Aren’t you a nurse?” 

“What of it?” 

“You’re winded from running down a hallway.” 

“Tell anyone and I’ll deny it.” 

You smiled, “I wouldn’t need to. Joan saw it too.” 

The lady at the front desk looks up and offers a knowing smile which makes the lines around her eyes more pronounced. Her hair was held up in a military style bun — tight enough to give anyone several migraines for days — you can take the woman out of the military but not the military out of her. With a very subtle nod, she returns back to her paperwork. You start to make your way back to his office when Joan speaks up suddenly. 

“Just like I see you take the elevator to go up one floor.” 

Your mouth made a noise that was half a scoff and a laugh. “So that’s how you get to places fast. Not the ridiculous lie of taking the stairs.” 

“I do take stairs!” 

“Gwen, love. Even if there was a fire, you’d still run to the elevator.” 

“That’s if she doesn’t pass out from the running itself.” Joan chided. 

Gwendolyn, Gwen, rolls her eyes and huffs a breath. “Screw you both.” 

After a 30 minute conversation with your boss, you finally left. Turns out it hadn’t been anything serious, he wanted to give you a heads up about the opening for the director of your unit. You graciously thanked him for it, you hadn’t even considered applying let alone being nominated for it. You didn’t want to make any decisions just yet either so you told him to give you some time to think. 

Currently you were waiting in the parking lot of the restaurant for your mobile order. You had requested that they bring the food to you rather than go inside to retrieve it yourself. You hadn’t even noticed the young man with the huge brown paper bag in hand as he approached your car from behind. You were fully entranced by the video on your phone of a tiny teacup puppy that was yawning. 

The knock on your window scared you enough to jump and accidentally honk your horn. Quickly, you started apologizing to the man as you rolled down the window. He stared at you quizzically and that’s when you realized you had been rolling down the back passenger windows, not the driver’s. Not your day is it? you thought to yourself. 

“I’m so sorry, I’m not normally like this.” Were the first words that poured out of you. 

The young curly haired man smiled politely and shook his head, “Ha, it’s alright. Here’s your food miss.” 

“Thank you so much…?” 

“Kevin miss.” 

“Thank you Kevin.” You reached into the cup holder and handed him a $20 bill. He was about to say something but you raised your hand and stopped him. “Have a good day.” 

“Thank you so much. You as well!” He smiled then pocketed the money and walked back to the restaurant. 

Almost twenty minutes later, you pulled into  your driveway and put the car in park. Gathering your tote, bag of food, and new tumbler mug, you exited your car and walked up the walkway to the front door. Before you could even reach for your keys, the door swung open and there he stood. 

Handsome as always but somehow today he seemed even more, perhaps it was the apron he wore or the rolled sleeves that made his muscles bulge. He took the brown bag from your hands and the tote that rested on your left shoulder. With a single step to the side, he welcomed you in and waited then closed the door behind you. 

You simply smiled then turned around to face him, leaning in to him. He was quick to respond and met you halfway with a soft kiss. The bags were held in his left hand whilst his right one cupped your cheek, gently caressing your skin. With reluctance, you pulled away but your eyes were still closed, a smile etched on your face. 

“You’re so beautiful darling.” He said as his fingers brushed away stray strands from your face. 

“Thank you. I needed that.” 

“The compliment?” 

“The kiss but yes that is always welcomed too.” 

“Look at me.” You did as told and opened your eyes. “You shall have that and more whenever you’d like my dear.” 

You couldn’t come up with a response so you opted to place a quick peck on his lips instead. “Can I steal pecks too?” 

“That’s the only sort of thievery I would entertain.” 

“The only?” 

He smirked, “Among others.” 

After your sweet greeting and short, but playful banter, you both made your way into the kitchen together. He quickly started emptying out the bag and plating your food. You decided to put away your dirty dishes from work and then washed your mug. You finished just in time to watch him put the plates on a tray then slid it into the oven. 

Confused, you asked, “Why are you cooking them?” 

“I prefer if your food wasn’t cold so I plan on leaving it there to warm.” 

“Oh.” You wiped your wet hands and returned the towel back on its rack. “I thought we were eating now.” 

He just smiled and offered his hand for you. “I have other plans for us.” 

“Ohhh.” You couldn’t hide the mischievous smile slowly growing on your face. 

“Not that sort my dear.” He chuckled as he took notice of your slight frown. 

You placed your hand into his and he led you out of the kitchen and down the hallway, towards the direction of the bedroom. “Eli, are you sure it isn’t that?” 

“It could if you wish it to be but not necessarily.” 

Once you were in the bedroom, it took you a moment to notice your nightwear spread out on the bed. You glanced over at your table and your skincare products were lined up in order ready to be used. He let go of your hand and motioned towards the adjoined room. Obediently, you walked across the room and entered the bathroom. You let out a very soft audible gasp at the sight in front of you. 

There was a tray over the tub with several items on it. Your favorite glass of wine, a bowl filled with grapes, a book that you kept saying you’d read but never got around to it, and a small remote. You walked further into the room and headed straight for it, your fingers excited to press it. At first nothing happened but then a soft melody started to play and the lights completely shut off but were replaced with fairy lights that somehow made the room magical. 

You smiled and turned, wanting to return to him but he was already at the doorway looking at you. Instead of words, you headed over and wrapped your arms around him. He didn’t need to hear your lips say a thing because your heart already spoke on your behalf. The calm beating in your chest let him know exactly how you felt. 

With a soft lingering kiss on your forehead, his hands rubbed up and down your back. You never wanted to leave his arms and he could tell so he let you stay in his embrace until you were ready. Ten minutes later, you were undressed and soaking in the huge tub. Your head was leaning against its back, your nostrils filled with the light lavender scent that floated around the pitch black bathroom, the only light was emitted from the fairy lights that blinked every so often and together with the soft music made for a perfect ambience. 

You don’t remember how or when but you had been there for a while, you only noticed when you felt a slight breeze. Opening your eyes, you glanced over at the door and sure enough he was standing there silently watching you. 

“I didn’t hear you come in.” 

“It’s quite alright, I just wanted to make sure you didn’t drown to death,” he said with a smile. On the floor, next to the tub, there was an empty wine glass and a quarter empty bottle. 

You slowly sat up and let out a soft chuckle, “Wouldn't be a bad way to go.” You outstretched your arms and rolled your neck, “I felt absolutely fantastic, thank you.” 

He walked into the room, crouched down to your level, and placed a soft kiss on your forehead. “My pleasure. Now, shower then dress and meet me downstairs for dinner.” 

“Sir yes sir.” 

Half an hour later you had rinsed off the bodily oils, showered to fully cleanse yourself, and were dressed in your silk pajamas. You lowered your head down close to your knees and bunched up your hair then tossed your head back and tied that dark brown mess into a bun. Once everything was neatly put away, you slipped into your house slippers and made your way down the stairs. 

“It smells divine in here!” You exclaimed as you got closer to the kitchen. 

“In here dear.” His voice came from the dining area. 

You turned the corner and saw the spread in front of you. The food you had picked up earlier was plated and so were the drinks minus the alcohol. You happily went to take a seat but he was faster than you, in mere seconds it was pulled out and you were pushed in with a towel on your lap. 

Dinner went swimmingly, few words were exchanged about your individual days then a comfortable silence enveloped the room. An hour later, you both cleaned up together to store away the leftovers and tidy up the dining room and kitchen. 

“All right, I think that’s everything then,” you said as you wiped your hands on the kitchen towel. 

He held up a finger and just then a beeping noise went off. He poured the liquid into two mugs then turned to face you. “Follow me.” 

“You know, you’re quite bossy today.” 

“Am I?” 

“Yes but it’s hot so don’t stop.” You give a sly smile then make a head start back to your shared room. 

He finds you seated on the bench – that’s at the edge of the bed – with your legs crossed and your fingers drumming on the wood. Once he’s inside, he kicks the door closed behind him and you smirk instinctively. 

“You’ve wined me, dined me, and got me in here…” You get off the bench and crawl backwards towards the headboard, “…what’s next?” 

He grins at your implications then says, “Unbutton your shirt and lay face down on the bed.” 

“Ooh I like where this is going.” You do as he says and soon your exposed chest is greeted by the warmth in the room. 

“Don’t turn around.” 

“Just in case you’re wondering, I’m totally okay with spanks.” 

You hear his chuckle then the lights are turned off, silence follows then there’s some ruffling and finally the bed dips. You can’t see a thing, the only light is coming from the moon outside so you have to rely on your ears. You feel his bare legs on either side of you, straddling from behind. 

A bag of some sort unzips then out comes a bottle, maybe two? Shake. Click. Squeeze. Squirt. A coldness drips down the middle of your back and you accidentally jerk forward. His hands are quick to smoothen out the gel which immediately warms up. His fingers find their way up to your shoulders and slowly roll in the valley near your neck. 

Soon after he picks up the intensity and digs his fingers into your lower neck area, a sigh leaves your lips. After a while his hands slide down to your sides, his fingers massage the fat around your hips lovingly. Giving them a pat afterwards. His hips lift up slightly and he pulls your pajama pants down to your knees. 

He leans forward towards your head and whispers in your ear, “Still with me my dear?” 

“Hmm? Yes.” You responded groggily, you had started to fall asleep. 

He slides one hand up from the base of your back to the sides of your breasts and with little to no effort, his hand gets underneath and gently caresses your breasts. He rolls each nipple between his fingertips, pinching harder to garner your attention. You moan softly then very slowly move your hips around. 

His other hand expertly removes your underwear then a quick slap is introduced to your ass. This action jolts you fully awake. He switches to the other side and another slap but this time your hips lift up closer to him. 

“Eli please.” You whined softly. 

“Darling I could’ve sworn you said you wanted spankings.” 

“I do so…more?” 

“Mm no.” You could envision his head shaking. 

“But– it’s too good…” 

“Your ass looked marvelous, it was too tempting not to. Now that’s done, go to bed.” 

“Tomorrow then?” At this point you were grasping at straws. 

“Sweetheart the day I spank you as I ride you from behind, I’ll be sure you’re wide awake.” 

You throbbed at the lewd idea but smiled at the promise. He pulled your pants back up and used his vampiric gifts to clean your back and dress you in his shirt. He kept vamping around the room as he cleaned up the items whilst you got under the covers. After it all, he joined you and without another word, you pulled his body closer to yours. He placed a soft kiss on your forehead as you inhaled his scent that drifted you off to sleep. 

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[ghoul-foolery]

Date Night | Part 1 of 3

Hancock x Nora (F! Sole Survivor)

An expansion on This Fill

Chapter Tags: MDNI, self esteem issues / self-consciousness, mentions of absurd beauty standards, (perceived) one-sided interest, sexual tension, Shaving legs with knives.

[ Part 2 ] [ Part 3 ]

//

“I’m not shaving my legs with your knife.”

“So I will.”

“You’re… actually serious about this.” She looked back toward him, arms crossing.

“You were practically lusting after that dress.” Hancock rose to his feet. “And we agreed. Dress. Dinner. Drinks. Dancing. You, me, fucking date night.” He shrugged out of his coat, tossing it down over the pillows on the bed. “C’mon. Strip.”

//

The dress was stunning.

It was a brilliant emerald green number that hadn’t yet lost its luster to time and radiation. It was covered in shining sequins, sporting an off-the-shoulder neckline and a hip hugging sheath skirt that went down to the knee. Displayed on the mannequin under flickering, dim, showroom lighting, Nora couldn’t help but decide how she would style the dress for an evening out. There was once a perfect pair of black peep toe heels that lived in the back of her closet. They had been stupidly expensive, and worn all of one time. They would be a perfect pairing. The dress was so dramatic with its glittering gem tone that Nora would do a soft, but dramatic shadowy eye look, with some nude gloss. Her hair would be up, to show off her neck, but done in a low hanging bun with fringe, and framing pieces. There was a plain black clutch that she had that–

“Heya, doll, are we ready to go?” Hancock emerged from the shopping aisle directly behind the mannequin. 

There was a lit cigarette dangling from his lips as he adjusted the pack on his shoulders. It was bulging at the seams, but if it was heavy he didn’t show it. Her eyes flickered back to the dress. God, it really was perfect. The robotic staff had done a great job protecting the place, and keeping it clean and organized. Then Hancock and Nora came along.

“Oh, hey, before I forget. I don’t mean to sound fresh, but I mighta found you a bra. What’s yer size again? I’ll give you first dibs.” Hancock flicked ash as he skirted around the mannequin. 

Hancock was a flirty sort with his slanted smiles, and his playful winking. Bra talk was not that. After an accumulation of months traveling together, secrets and privacy were a thing in the past. His asking for her underwear sizes was old hat. It was a courtesy, if anything. It was like her giving him any matches or lighter fluid she found. It was one of those things they did to take care of each other. 

“38C?”

“38-fuckin’-C, sister!” He crowed. He put the cigarette between his lips, then hooked his fingers into the sleeve of the opposing arm. With a move that was all flourish, he pulled a bra from the sleeve of his coat as if he were performing a magic trick. It was a black, lacy thing that was more sexy than it was serviceable but she learned not to complain when she found something that fit properly. It also happened to match a pair of panties she had found.

“You knew it was my size,” Nora accused. She felt giddy. How silly to get so excited over something so simple.

“Yeah, I did,” he said as he tossed her the bra.

She caught it and double-checked the tag. 38C. “God, you’re the best. Thank you.”

Hancock gifted her one of his lazy smiles as he said, “What can I say, I aim to please.” His dark eyes moved to survey the dress. It shimmered in the flickering fluorescent lighting. He whistled low. “Goddamn, are we taking her with us?”

Shifting her pack to dangle from one shoulder, Nora unzipped the central pocket then shoved the bra inside. “What are you gonna do with a mannequin, Mister Mayor?”

“Unspeakable things, fuckin’ obviously. Look at her.” He rolled his eyes, gave her arm a playful swat with the back of his hand. “The dress, babe. The dress.”

“Oh, funny, but no.”

“Why not? It’s your size.”

Nora made a show of rolling her eyes, imitating him, as she said, “It’s absolutely not. Like I can pull that off, anyways.”

“Not only would you look fuckin’ incredible in that thing,” Hancock puffed at his cigarette, and on a smokey exhale added, “But I have 100 caps that says that dress would fit you like a glove.”

The department store had been a special sort of hell; a super condensed reminder of every single superficial flaw the human body could acquire. Things like eye bags, dark circles, laugh lines, wrinkles, cellulite, frizzy hair, body hair. Ads, and signs, and audio announcements called out every imperfection and declared there was a product to fix it — because what were you, if you weren’t perfectly beautiful? Ugly, that’s what. And there was a cream that could fix that.

It was so much worse post-war. 

Before the bombs and the two hundred years in cryo, Nora had the means to afford all of those silly products. She bought the eye cream that fixed dark circles, and the ointments for wrinkles, and the oils, shampoos, conditioners, and sprays to perfect her hair. She used products to reduce sweat, but others to give her skin a dewy glow. Then there were the clip ins to make her hair fuller, better, more voluminous, all the while she had been rubbing herself down with creams to remove the hair that was deemed unsightly and unhygienic. Now, as she looked her absolute wasteland-induced worst, none of it was available, and every single ounce of signage in the department store seemed to mock her. It made her think of how unkempt she must look. Nails chipped and dirty, hair in dire need of tending, the dirt, the new scars… 

“Oh please. Plus, when would I ever wear it? I’d get sniped from a mile out.”

Hancock held the cigarette towards her. Nora took it slowly, pinching it between her fingertips. The second his hands were free, Hancock stepped onto the low platform the mannequin was assembled on.

“So here’s what’s going to happen,” he drawled as he circled around to the back to access the zipper. Nora couldn’t help but notice the way he dragged his hand around the front of the mannequin's waist. It made the dress shimmer. “We are only a couple miles out from Goodneighbor. So we aren’t going back to one of yer little settlements, we are going to mine for the night.” 

The zipper was undone, and then he seemed to realize he needed to dismember the mannequin to get the dress removed. Mottled hands once again found the artificial waist. He gave it a hard twist, severing the torso from the legs. One arm was yanked from the shoulder joint, and then the other. The dress slipped free.

“We are gonna get cleaned up, you are going to put on this dress – because it’s absolutely gonna fit – and we’re gonna have a date night at the fuckin’ Rail.”

Date night was dinner. Like, actually just dinner. Date night began when Hancock very generously stepped in to fend off an unwanted suitor. ‘We still on for our date night, babe?’, paired with a lazy arm around her shoulder, had been all it took for the man to back off. Every dinner they shared together thereafter became ‘date night’.

A can of cram near the fire in the middle of nowhere? Date night. 

Overcooked Brahmin steaks in a ‘liberated’ raider encampment? Date night.

Dress up night at the Third Rail? Date night but make it more public, she supposed.

The mannequin's body was discarded, the dress in his fist as Hancock marched back over to retrieve his cigarette. Their fingers brushed. He took another puff before pinching off the glowing cherry.

“Is that an official mayoral decree?”

“Damn right it is.” He blew smoke away from her, as he always did. “And ya know what else? You’re gonna have a couple of drinks, and we’re gonna dance.”

“Well who am I to argue with that?” The General of the Minutemen, that’s who.

“Please, you love it when I take charge. It gives you a break.” Hancock drawled, then tossed his head. “Now the next decree is to get the fuck outta here.”

And so they got the fuck out of there, as he so decreed. 

Returning to Goodneighbor was a welcome reprieve. Ever since taking the title of General it felt as if Nora had an endless list of to-do’s that spanned the entirety of the Commonwealth. If she wasn’t fussing over one needy settlement, she was fussing over another. The mental load got to be too much sometimes, so when Hancock took charge and made the decisions she was happy to relinquish that control. Goodneighbor was his house, sometimes it felt like it was the one place in all of the Commonwealth that she could let her hair down and relax. 

Hancock pressed the dress into her hand as he said, “Go to the Rexford, order a bath, and go get cleaned up. I’ll pick you up in two hours.”

Nora couldn’t help but laugh, eyes dipping down to the mass of sequins. “Oh, so you’re picking me up, huh?”

“What can I say, I’m a fuckin’ gentleman.” He winked, smiled in that slanted way of his. “Two hours,” he repeated, then departed for the Old State House. 

Getting cleaned up and fancy-date-night ready was a novel experienced right up until it wasn’t. Hot water and privacy were a godsend, after weeks of rushed scrub downs with a canteen as her only clean water source. When it came time to do her hair she longed for a flat iron, something to smooth the wayward cowlicks and waves out, but she managed to make do… and then… everything kind of fell apart from there… 

One insecurity led to the next. 

Her hair wasn’t as neat as she wanted it to be. There was a fresh scar on her chin that was still new enough to be too pink. There wasn’t anything to hide her freckles, or the dark circles, or the fine lines. Her nails were a mess; some long, some chipped, some too short. There were stitches in her arm from a semi-recent gunshot wound. 

Oof, she suddenly wanted to cry. Getting away from the mirror helped, but only for so long. 

For underwear, Nora picked the lacy black bra that Hancock had found, as well as the nearly sheer set of panties she had found. When she stepped into the dress she was almost completely sure that it would be too small, but then it did indeed fit like a glove. Hancock somehow seemed to know her size better than she did. The idea warmed her, pushing her on the verge of a blush even within the privacy of her room. The dress did a great job accentuating her figure. It was made with a sexy, silky textured material that felt cool against her skin…

God she didn’t have shoes for it though. Nothing but clunky boots and long socks. She had no pantyhose to even out the tone of her legs and speaking of her legs… it was her leg hair that nearly sent her over the edge. It was something she hadn’t considered because she was always stuffed into her vault suit, or jeans, but seeing them exposed in the dress was a kick to the gut as it digged up ancient but still bitter memories. 

A touch to her leg, then an immediate withdrawal. A face pinched in disgust.  

It was nothing. Like anyone would care… no one would notice… 200 years post bombing, leg hair had to be a thing… 

Hancock came knocking at her door, after two hours on the dot. He was wearing his same old geddup, but it was noticeably cleaner, the fraying shoulder seam of John Hancock’s coat had been fixed up. As soon as the door opened he gave her a quick once over.

“Didja need some help zipping up?”

Nora, in her vault suit and her boots, replied, “Uh, nope. I’m ready to go.”

Hancock was just about to make a rebuttal when he suddenly paused to study her face. It took a split second, no time at all, for him to ask, “What’s wrong? What happened?”

“Nothing.” God, sometimes she wished he didn’t know her so well. Out of nowhere he just suddenly became a Nora Expert and to be honest it was really not fair. She couldn’t hide something as simple as a bad mood from him. “Are you ready?”

Without a word of warning, Hancock pushed his way into the room. Nora shuffled back, watching as he turned and closed the door. He flipped the lock.

“You can’t tell me that dress didn’t fit,” He murmured as he turned to face her. 

Nora huffed a sigh, “Can we not do this? Let’s just go eat.”

“If something is buggin’ you, it’s buggin’ me,” Hancock rasped, and she knew he meant it. After the first few missteps of their first meeting, Hancock and Nora became thick as thieves. Hancock was her ride or die. If something was pissing him off, she’d make it her business to know about it too. When Nora didn’t immediately answer, he growled, “Did that fuckin’ vault tech asshole say something, ‘cause I’ll fucking kill him.”

She snorted inelegantly, reaching to grab his arm when it looked like he was getting ready to storm the hallway. “No. It’s just… me. I just… I can’t right now. I felt…” like a gremlin, like some kid playing dress up, like a yeti, gross, unattractive, ugly. Thanks, pre-war beauty industry.  “Unhappy with how I looked. Can we leave it at that?”

Hancock took her hand and led her to the bed. As he sat down on the bed, he pulled her down with him. They sat side-by-side. He didn’t let go. Like she would run away if he did. “What’s bothering you specifically?”

“You’re really going to drag this out of me, huh?”

“Yep.” He said easily. “We’re partners, Nor. We work through it, and we fix it. And if someone was talking shit about my girl, I mean it, I’ll kill ‘em.”

‘My girl’. He would call her that occasionally. Just another one of his endearments, right along with sweetheart, and babe.

She lifted a finger. One. “No makeup—“ 

“You’re fuckin’ stunner, and you don’t need it.”

Two. “Wrong shoes—“

“So we go ask Mags. She’s got a few pairs.”

Three. “My hair—“

“Looks great.”

Four. “My leg hair—“

He snorted, “So?”

“So?” Nora echoed, incredulous. “It’s like a foot long. If there was a field of flowers I could run through, I could probably pollinate the whole entire Commonwealth solo.”

Hancock laughed, “So we shave it.”

“Get the hell out of here.” Nora tugged her hand from his as she stood and wandered the length of the room. It was sweet of him to make an attempt to not let her live in her rampant, piteous, thoughts. With her back to him, facing the corner of the room she said, “Can we just go? We can still do dinner, and I’ll have drinks, and we’ll dance…”

“Nora, I do believe that I made an official mayoral decree. If the General of the Minutemen wants to go to war with the Mayor of Goodneighbor, I’ll throw down.” His tone was gently playful. 

If she rolled her eyes any harder they would roll right out of her skull. “Shave it with what?”

“We could probably find a straight razor somewhere, but since we’re in a pinch I gotta knife.”

“I’m not shaving my legs with your knife.”

“So I will.”

“You’re… actually serious about this.” She looked back toward him, arms crossing.

“You were practically lusting after that dress.” Hancock rose to his feet. “And we agreed. Dress. Dinner. Drinks. Dancing. You, me, fucking date night.” He shrugged out of his coat, tossing it down over the pillows on the bed. “C’mon. Strip.”

“Hancock!”

“I can try to do this through the vault suit, but–”

“ Jesus, just turn around.”

He did.

Nora groused, “You’re a menace.” but she immediately worked her way out of her boots and vault suit. Once she was down to just her lacy new underwear, she floundered for a moment. While traveling together they had seen one another in various states of undress, but this was different. This was all different uncharted territory. Nora was half-way to grabbing her bath towel when she decided to slip back into the dress. It was left unzipped for the sake of having a bit of maneuverability. The hem of the skirt could be their stopping point. Ankle to knee, and they would be done.

Nora sucked in a deep breath for the sake of steeling her nerves. She had fought deathclaws, and mirelurks, and this was nothing . “‘Kay.”

Hancock turned, and immediately whistled. 

“Shut up.”

“Fuck me, Nora. Look at you, babe.”

It didn’t sound joking. Didn’t sound fake, or forced. His eyes drifted over her figure slowly, like he was trying to memorize every detail. One of her legs slipped behind the other in a sad moment of self consciousness, trying to hide. Was it too late to back out?

Nora swallowed thickly, “Um, so… how does this work?”

“Lay down. Get comfortable.”

She did as she was told, carefully moving onto the bed. She stretched out, her head resting among the pillows — and his coat — as she settled in. Hancock moved about the room for a few moments. By the time he returned to the bedside, he was bringing soap, a small basin of her used bathwater, and a couple of old terry cloths. The sheathed knife and the cloths were tossed to the bed at her feet. The basin of water and the soap were set on an old wooden chair he dragged next to the bed.

Hancock dedicated the time to checking his knife. The pad of his thumb ran over the short edge of the knife’s blade. It was almost meticulous, the way he steadily worked down the length of it, checking for any nicks or folds in the steel. The sound was grating, metallic. If Nora didn’t know the source it would have set her on edge. Reclined on the bed she was able to watch as he worked. First he dragged his thumb one way, and then the next. When the knife was deemed safe for use, he took a seat at the foot of the bed. 

“This might take a couple tries to figure out the best position,” Hancock said, his voice grating and low. “Just try and keep still for me until I tell you it’s okay to move. This is my first time and I don’t wanna hurt you.”

“‘Kay.” Nora’s voice sounded just a little too airy. She cleared her throat and said with a little bit more sturdiness, “Okay.”

One of Hancock’s rough hands circled her ankle. He was deliberately slow with moving her into place. Her legs parted, the skirt of the dress dipped upward along her thighs. It looked as if he was about to settle her foot into the center of his chest but he decided against it. Settling into a tailor sit, he eventually lowered her leg against his thigh, her ankle near his hip. 

After testing the position’s stability, where he tried to dislodge her leg, where he stooped down low and mocked the motion of shaving her leg, he seemed to approve. He cupped her knee as he drawled, “That feel alright?”

“Sure,” Nora breathed, then peered down at him with a crooked smile. “This weird enough for you yet?”

“Not a fuckin’ chance, doll. We’re doing this.”

One of the rags was watered down in the basin, then worked with the bar of soap until there was a sudsy lather. The cloth was massaged against an area just south of her knee cap. Nora tried to ignore the feeling of wayward drips of water slipping down the length of her exposed thigh, just as well as Hancock ignored the water that wet his pants. He paid it no mind. A warm palm settled against her ankle. 

“Ready?”

“As I’ll ever be.”

“Try to enjoy it,” he rasped, winking. Mottled fingers curled around the base of the knife; the flash of the blade caught her eye. “We’re doing this for you, remember?”

While she had been momentarily invested in closing her eyes, or staring up at the ceiling, she found that she couldn’t quite divert her attention when Hancock’s focus settled on her. This wasn’t some joke to him. He was taking this whole thing seriously. The concentration in his black eyes was steady, and unwavering. His whole posture dipped forward, haunching down as he leaned in so close she could feel him draw in air and hold it. The first pass of the knife was short. The blade scraped over her skin with a gentle metallic hiss of sound. It collected soap, and hair, leaving naked flesh in its wake. The second pass was slower, dragging in a series of shorter movements.

Hancock withdrew, sitting up as he brushed his thumb against her. It had the potential to be borderline ticklish but in her state of exposure it felt more suggestive than not.

The lazy, pleased, smile slipped into place as he said, “I think we’re in business sweetheart.”

The knife was cleaned off, the soapy cloth was worked down the side of her leg. Nora tried to ignore the way his fingers deliberately flexed against the overworked muscles. The rag was set aside, but instead of diving right back into shaving, Hancock dragged flexing fingers over the slippery expanse of her shin. 

“Fuck, Nor. Are you always so tight?”

If her eyes had been closed they would have popped open. She lifted her head from the pillows to blush aggressively at him, she supposed, because that was literally all she did. He winked, and she let her head flop back. 

“You’re a menace, John Hancock.”

“You love it,” he snickered. 

After drying his hands he was hunkering back down close to her soapy shin. The heat of his breath fanned over her, the blade angled just so… 

Hancock’s eyes flickered upward from under the ridges of his brow bones. The way their eyes met over the length of her body had her stomach doing cartwheels. It was such a brief glance, barely even discernable due to the blackness of his eyes, and yet she felt as if she wasn’t getting enough air. 

Breathe, she told herself. It’s Hancock. He’s just doing you a favor. 

An insane, weirdly intimate favor.

Hancock had killed people – shit, he’d killed people for her – with the same knife that he was using to do such meticulous, delicate work.  All the potential in the world to be cruel, and lethal, and yet he was handling her with the utmost care. He was shaving her because she had made a complaint about feeling gross.

A rhythm was established; the drag-drag-drag of the knife was followed by wiping the blade clean. During the drag-drag-drag, he would hold his breath, and once the knife was pulled away he would release a soft exhale over her shin. Before she knew it, Nora had a shaved front leg, from knee to ankle. The wet washcloth was rubbed over her, cleaning away soap residue before it could get too tacky. 

“Not bad, mister mayor,” Nora said as a joke, but her voice sounded heavy.

When the area was rinsed and pat dry, Hancock dragged the back of his knuckles over the expense of freshly shaved skin. The touch was tender, lingering, and damn if it didn’t feel good. He made an upward pass with his palm. Who needed shaved legs on clean sheets, when he was down there caressing her leg like that? He radiated so much heat his touch felt scorching. Rough, uneven textures smoothed over freshly shaved skin. She didn’t bother to contain a pleased sigh. 

“How’s it feel?”

“Really, really good.” Did you need that extra ‘really’, Nora? Come on .

“Wanna keep going?” He rasped, voice low and grating.

“Yeah, if you’re–” he was already shifting around to get positioned. It took a bit of shuffling. He moved inward on the bed to sit between her ankles, while the untouched leg was moved to prop up against his thigh. Nora tugged at the skirt, pushing it down towards her knees to maintain her decency. 

There had been plenty of instances during their time together that brought them physically close. Freak cold snaps, and sudden flurries of snow once had them sharing a sleeping bag as they huddled together to keep warm. There were too many instances to count where they had tended to each other’s wounds, and had seen each other in various states of undress. That was different. All of that had been survival. This sort of intimate closeness felt so infinitely different, and Nora’s body seemed a little too hyper aware of Hancock’s presence. It was the way he gripped her with his free hand, the way his breath would tickle her skin, the way he would take a moment to knead at tired muscles as he soaped her up.

Both of her shins were finished with relative ease. To give Hancock proper access, Nora had to pivot on her hip, offering up more unshaved leg to his blade. When she found herself stretched out on her stomach, her face pressed down into his coat, she couldn’t help but breathe him in. Hancock worked her calf muscle as Nora took in the smell of metallic burning, and rain, and a lingering haze of acrid cigarette smoke. For the first time in this strange predicament, she was unable to watch him. She resigned herself to nuzzling into the coat and closing her eyes.

When the blade kissed the underside of her knee, gracing the tender space with gentle dragging strokes, Nora became deeply aware of the way Hancock’s freehand had taken to grasping her thigh. His thumb began to glide to and fro. It was an idle caress, something that seemed more mindless than deliberate and yet her attention was anchored there.

She was too invested in the movement of his thumb, otherwise she would have perhaps registered what he was doing sooner. Hancock had finished shaving her lower legs and he was pushing the skirt of the dress all the way up to her ass. She had intended for the hem of the dress to be the stopping point and yet he was going further north. When another exhale fanned her thigh, her entire body shivered – and then she flinched to attention. 

He gave a low, decidedly yummy sounding chuckle.

Dear god what was even happening. Yummy? She wasn’t enjoying this like that — another hot breath, his rough hand gripping — yes, actually, perhaps she was. Nora’s mouth watered, she closed her eyes and buried her face in his coat as she felt the rushing heat of embarrassment. 

“Hey, sweetheart, are you okay?” Hancock’s hand suddenly came to rest against her back. She’d forgotten she had left the dress unzipped. More deliciously warm skin-to-skin contact. Why did it seem as if he was everywhere? The smell of him was surrounding her, his breath had been caressing her thigh, hands at her legs, and now at her back.

She should stop this. Hancock was her friend. Nora nuzzled into the coat, thinking to seek comfort but all it did was remind her who was making her body warm. 

“I… yeah.” Dammit, Nora. 

Fingers slipped down over her spine, only lifting away when the material of the dress got in the way. 

“Do you want me to stop?” His voice was pitched so low, almost a whisper.

Yes. We should stop. I appreciate your willingness to do this for me. But  my body is responding inappropriately. You're my friend. It wouldn’t be fair to you if I were to let this continue. Maybe we should reschedule dinner. I’m really sorry.

“No,” she replied, just as soft. 

Bitch?

“Good.” His sandpaper voice took on a bit more gravel as he said, “Roll over for me.”

Hancock gave her the room to roll over to her back, then he was shifting to occupy the space between her legs. He palmed her calf, bending her leg up then pushing out to gain access to her inner thigh. It spread her open, made her skirt ride up, up— she hastened to cover herself, but found the material of the skirt was too taut to be pushed down with her leg pushed outward. Something about just throwing her hand down there and cupping herself felt indecent. 

Nora was on the brink of throwing a pillow between her legs, or maybe his coat, anything to offer a bit of coverage, when she felt his arm thread under the crook of her knee. With his guidance, she allowed his shoulder to cushion the bend. His cheek pressed against the inside of her thigh. When he exhaled, her eyes closed and her lips parted. The soapy cloth worked a lather at her bikini line, rubbing once, twice – oh god, oh god – before retreating.

Cover yourself. Cover yourself right now.  

Lifting her head, she started to yank the material of Hancock’s coat out from under her.

“Don’t move, Nora.”

She peered down at him, and her breath caught. She’d never anticipated seeing Hancock resting between her thighs, gazing at her with such a steady focus. The blade was being lowered to the crease where her thigh met her groin. Starting at the seam of her lacy panties, the knife dragged and scooped outward, his fist angling the knife, and his knuckles brushing inward…

Nora sucked in a breath, “Hancock–”

“I know, doll. I know,” he crooned. Hancock’s voice had more gravel than a quarry. It tickled her skin as he growled again, “Don’t move…”

He touched her sex; a barely there, fleeting touch. A press of rolling knuckles as the knife revisited her bikini line. Teasing in a way that it absolutely shouldn’t be, and not deliberate. Hancock was doing her a favor. He wasn’t consenting to whatever the hell was going on with her. 

“I-I think–” her voice was too airy, her breath suddenly too labored. “I think that’s good? That’s good.”

Nora’s nerves were about to have her shaking right out of her skin, while his countenance was the exact opposite. Black eyes flickered upward, cheek still resting sweetly against the inside of her knee. When the knife was pulled away, he looked lazily relaxed. Nora was suddenly so deeply self conscious of her underwear choice. Was it doing anything to hide the way her body was reacting, or was it giving him a front row seat to see how she was getting warm and slick?

Oh, god, could he see–could he feel–

“Yep, all done!” 

“You sure?” 

Sonnova bitch, did his eyes look back down there?

“Yep!” Nora chirped too quickly as she pushed herself up to her palms. Wuh, this angle was worse. Like he was– like he was going to– “I’m sorry. Thank you so much, for doing that for me, but I… you–” Jesus christ, breathe. “Um, I’ll meet you downstairs in a couple minutes?”

Hancock was withdrawing from her sitting up on his knees in bed. “Yeah, if you’re sure you’re good? I’ll go check with Mags to see if she has any shoes.” He was off of the bed, wiping down his knife as he said, “Eight and a half, right?”

Of course he would know her shoe size. God, her chest felt like it was about to start aching. For all of Hancock’s Hancock-ness, he was so effortlessly sweet sometimes. Always going out of his way to care for her. And she had let him walk right into whatever the hell that was. 

Nora shifted off the bed, finally able to get her skirt properly tugged down. Just as she was fawning over how smooth her legs looked, her unzipped dress gaped out at the chest, and she scrambled to clap the material in place. This was a mess. She was a frazzled, jittery little mess. 

Hancock was back in his coat, letting loose a quiet chuckle as he gestured for her to turn around, “Lemme zip you up, babe.”

“God, I’m so sorry.”

“Not insulting me, none. Trust me.” The dress was zipped with a whisper of sound. “What’d I say, huh? Like a goddamn glove.”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah,” she groused, crossing the room to peer in the mirror. She felt like she looked a little plain in the face, but the dress really did look good. She needed to freshen up, fix her hair, and she would be ready. Slender fingers picked at a couple of wayward bobby pins, pulling them free and putting the ends in her mouth as she started working everything back into place. Getting a little distance between all of his radiating body heat seemed to help soothe her keyed up nerves. She could breathe a little easier, and her thoughts weren’t quite so hectic. She could look at him and not want… 

“See ya down there?” Hancock asked as he opened the door to leave. 

“Give me ten,” she replied, the pins still clamped between her lips. When he started to leave, she pulled the pins from her mouth so she could call out, “Hey Hancock?”

He slowed, looking over his shoulder. 

“Thank you. I mean it. I owe you one.”

He smiled, slow and slanted as he winked. “We’ll see if you’re still thanking me when you wake up tomorrow.”

Dress. Dinner. Drinks. Date night. What was a good D-word for guilt?

The door closed, and Nora’s soul seemed to leave her body. She practically deflated into the ground, her palms pressing to her eyes.

What. A. Mess. 

//

[ Part 2 ] [ Part 3 ]

[anonymousewrites]

Portal to My Heart (Book 2) Chapter Two

Loki x Reader

Chapter Two: Over Time

Summary: As time passes in Asgard, Loki and (Y/N) begin to understand each other more.

            “My Lady?”

            (Y/N) jolted up out of bed in a panic to see two women in simple peach robes. “Who the hell—Why are you in my room?!”

            “I am Ilsa,” said the first, red hair piled up in braids.

            “And I am Karla,” said the second, golden hair in a bun with ringlets framing her face.

            “Lady Frigga has asked us to be your handmaidens during your stay in Asgard,” said Ilsa.

            “Handmaidens?” (Y/N) blinked in confusion. She was too asleep to deal with this.

            “Yes. We’ll help you with what to wear, arrange your hair, prepare your bath, bring you breakfast, whatever you require,” said Karla.

            “…” (Y/N) stared at them. They stared back. “…I don’t need that…I can do it myself.”

            “…My, Lady…may I speak candidly?” said Ilsa.

            I’m about to be insulted, aren’t it? “…Yes.”

            “We’ve seen the outfit you wore when you arrived here. It could be…” Ilsa trailed off as she considered her words carefully. “…improved.”

            Damn. She’s not wrong. “I found the gowns yesterday. I’ll just put one on again today.”

            “My Lady, you are to meet Lady Frigga today,” said Karla. “We all must look our best to see the Queen.”

            They have a point. “I’m not in the business of making other people dote on me. Especially when I can’t pay them,” said (Y/N).

            “We’re paid well by the palace,” said Ilsa.

            “With healthcare?” said (Y/N).

            “Of course,” said Karla.

            Alright, so the justice system is fucked by the labor system isn’t taking advantage of everyone. “…Fine. You can dress me up.”

            Ilsa grinned. “Karla, grab all the hair products stored in the bath. I’ll pull the gowns. We have some work to do.”

            I’ve gotten insulted again. I like these two.

l

            (Y/N) hurried down the stairwell to the room Ilsa and Karla had directed her to. The gown billowed around her as she turned the corner and slowed to a respectable stroll in order to appear casual. Plus, she didn’t want to ruin Ilsa and Karla’s hard work. She wore a long blue gown that was structured and reinforced at the top with cascading skirts that faded to white. (Y/N)’s hair had been washed professionally to remove all the grime of battle (and kidnapping) from it and styled perfectly to frame her face.

            “Lady (Y/N),” said Frigga, smiling from the center of a large, round room with a soft flooring, similar to rubber.

            “Queen Frigga,” said (Y/N). Is that how you address a Queen? Should I bow? No, isn’t it a curtsey? Shit, I have no clue.

            “I see Ilsa and Karla have dedicated themselves to their work,” said Frigga.

            “Yeah, they’ve been nice,” said (Y/N).

            “I’m sure. They were once my own handmaidens,” said Frigga. “However, I could see they enjoy working with different people and different styles, figures, and hair, so I allowed them to move to work with guests.” She smiled. “I knew they’d be perfect for you.”

            “Thank you,” said (Y/N) awkwardly. “Um, Queen Frigga? What do you need with me?”

            “I was being serious when I told my husband you could find help with your abilities here on Asgard,” said Frigga.

            (Y/N) blinked. “Really?”

            “Yes,” said Frigga.

            “Thank you for helping me find someone,” said (Y/N).

            Frigga smiled. “Oh, no, my dear. I am going to teach you.”

            “You?” The word was blurted out before (Y/N) could stop. “Sorry, not to be rude, but you’re the Queen. I didn’t think you would teach me.”

            “Have no fear, Lady (Y/N). I instructed my son Loki. I can deal with a sharp tongue, especially one that doesn’t mean to harm,” said Frigga kindly. “And as for me being the Queen…it is my duty to help people in need. You are in need.” She straightened. “So, tell me, what are your abilities? Not magic, I suppose, but the elements will be close enough for me to understand in such terms.”

            “I’m not entirely sure what my powers are,” admitted (Y/N). “But so far what’s happened is that I’ve rejected mind control, I’ve teleported by creating a portal, and I struck, uh, Loki with energy.”

            Frigga considered. “The mind control is most likely a subconscious reaction, a protection your magic lends you instinctually. Teleportation with portals is related to summoning, so that’s a clear path, and as for the pure energy manipulation, I could use either fire or lightning magic to instruct you, depending on the exact manifestation of your own abilities.”

            (Y/N) stared at her in surprise. Frigga understood and had already created a plan to address (Y/N)’s abilities without speaking down on her for not controlling her powers yet, without suggesting experimentation, and without treating her as strange. It was a nice feeling to be respected.

            “So, if you’ll allow me, I can use my own magic to read into your abilities and draw them out. If I have a better understanding of them, I’ll be able to instruct you with more precision,” said Frigga.

            “You can do that,” said (Y/N).

            Frigga smiled and raised a hand, allowing a pale green magic to swirl in her palm. She held it before (Y/N), and the light flew around them. A sudden blue light manifested, overtaking the pale green. (Y/N) felt a sharp tug in her chest as her abilities were pulled out. The shock caused her magic to break, and the blue energy exploded upwards in a swirl of magic. Frigga stepped back and observed it.

            “Hm. Spatial energy, condensing and expanding,” murmured Frigga before smiling. “I have a few ideas.”

            (Y/N) brightened. “Really?”

            “Yes.” Frigga smiled lightly with a subtle cleverness, and (Y/N) realized Loki got his expressions from her. “Now, let’s get started. You have a ways to go, but I’ll make a sorceress out of you yet.”

l

            “And to what do I owe the pleasure of another visit?” said Loki with a false smirk. “Are you here in concern for my wellbeing once more?”

            (Y/N) scoffed. “I’m not concerned for your wellbeing. I’m just curious about what the hell goes through your head when you decide not to defend yourself and explain that you are mentally ill and need proper treatment instead of just being locked up.”

            “I’m not mentally ill,” lied Loki.

            “Yeah, okay, the God of Lies lying to himself. That tracks,” said (Y/N), rolling her eyes in annoyance.

            Loki couldn’t hold back the amused smile at her rude rambles, entertaining as always. “If you’re calling me a god, does that mean you finally understand my glorious purpose?”

            “Don’t distract me. We’re talking about your mental illness,” said (Y/N).

            “I’m not mentally ill,” repeated Loki.

            “Yes, you are. I would know. I’m fucked in the head, too,” said (Y/N). “I think you should ask your mom about getting some help for that. She seems reasonable. She’d listen to you.”

            “You’ve been speaking to my mo—Frigga?” said Loki.

            “She’s teaching me to use my abilities,” said (Y/N). She smirked. “And I haven’t know her for long, but I know one thing.”

            “Don’t tell me you understand your magic already. You were hopeless when we arrived. I can’t imagine a week or two would change much,” said Loki. “It would take a miracle to change it.”

            “First of all, shut up,” said (Y/N). “Second of all, no, what I know is that any good traits you have are from Frigga, so you have some hope.”

            Loki paused. “I have hope?”

            “Yeah, for not being a completely terrible person,” said (Y/N).

            “My, quite a bit of concern you show,” said Loki.

            “Again, it’s not concern, it’s curiosity for why you decide to be so insufferable, and honestly, you’re more entertaining to me than a lot of the people here,” said (Y/N).

            “Then I suppose it’s not terrible for me to admit you’re fairly entertaining as well,” said Loki.

            “Thank you. Maybe Asgard will keep me on as court jester if I don’t manage to control my abilities,” said (Y/N) brightly.

            Loki couldn’t conceal the chuckle at that. “Then we must hope you manage to control them. I doubt a jester uniform will be flattering.”

            “Wow, does the gown look that good?” said (Y/N) sarcastically, thinking he was teasing again.

            “Why, yes, it does,” said Loki with a smirk.

            (Y/N) blinked at him, and Loki’s grin widened.

            “Oh, great, so you’re annoying even when you’re being nice. Great,” said (Y/N), groaning in frustration, and Loki chuckled. A small smile appeared on (Y/N)’s face at the sound. Okay. So he wasn’t completely terrible when he wasn’t on a murder spree.

l

            Loki paused in his pacing as he heard someone step up to his cell. “Another visit within a week? My, you really must be bored with Asgard if you’re here again.”

            “Again?”

            Loki froze and turned to see Frigga standing within his cell as an illusion.

            Frigga raised an eyebrow and laced her fingers. “If I recall, I haven’t visited you yet.”

            “No, you didn’t, ‘Mother,’ ” said Loki scathingly.

            “I thought you might want some time to yourself to consider the consequences of your actions,” said Frigga. “But I see that you have had visitors. I doubt your father—”

            “He’s not my father,” spat Loki.

            “—He would not visit you as he is quite busy. Thor is traveling the Nine Realms and battling chaos. I have not visited you.” Frigga looked at him in consideration. “So I wonder, who is visiting you?”

            “Why should you care?” said Loki.

            Frigga gazed at him. “You know why.”

            Loki scoffed. “You and (Y/N) should learn to mind your business. Your visits mean nothing.”

            “(Y/N)? She visited you?” said Frigga.

            Loki cursed himself. “…Yes.”

            “Why?” said Frigga. Loki could see the calculating, observant look on her face.

            “Boredom,” said Loki.

            “I hardly think a woman you kidnapped, especially one with as stubborn a heart as (Y/N), would visit you just for boredom,” said Frigga.

            “I don’t try to understand her mind,” said Loki. “Truly, I don’t think she has one.”

            “Oh, we both know she has one. She mentioned you attempted to control it,” said Frigga.

            “…I did,” admitted Loki. He forced himself not to wince at the disappointed look in Frigga’s eyes.

            “I thought I had taught you better than to use magic to harm innocents,” said Frigga.

            “(Y/N) is not innocent,” said Loki.

            “But she was before you pulled her into a fight,” said Frigga. Loki hated how right his mot—Frigga was. “Loki. What did you do?”

            “I did what was necessary for my power,” said Loki. “I tied her to me until I ensured my own power with hers. Then I released her.”

            Frigga paused. He released her. Just as (Y/N) had said, Loki had confirmed it. “You released her?”

            “She wasn’t…necessary anymore,” said Loki, standing confidently.

            Frigga smiled, unconcerned with Loki’s callous tone. Unlike a true monster or cruel ruler, Loki hadn’t just “disposed” of (Y/N) once she wasn’t helpful. Something of her son still stood before her, even if it was lost.

            More interestingly, he and (Y/N) had spoken to each other multiple times.

            And, most interestingly, Frigga didn’t sense true animosity in the way either spoke of the other.

l

            (Y/N) held her hand before her and furrowed her brow. It had been slow going, but she had gotten to summoning small portals (when she focused hard. But, hey, progress). (Y/N) let the small circle of blue light expand.

            “So, I’ve heard you visited Loki.”

            The blue energy exploded into a tiny firework as Frigga’s words completely distracted (Y/N). Her head flipped to the Queen of Asgard. “I, uh, what?”

            Frigga laced her fingers behind her. “Hm. I thought your focus would have steadied.”

            (Y/N) stared at her. Frigga’s casual nature as she caused slight mischief to (Y/N) was extremely reminiscent of Loki. That explained where he got it. “It doesn’t when you drop that you know that on me.”

            “So it’s true?” remarked Frigga.

            Damn. She trapped me. She’s smart. (Y/N) sighed. “Yes.”

            “You visited the man who kidnapped and tortured you,” said Frigga musingly. “Why?” She knew (Y/N) respected directness, so she didn’t have to soften her words.

            (Y/N) considered how to respond. “I think he’s an idiot and definitely deserves so, so many legal repercussions and jailtime for all the shit he did, but I also think just leaving him there doesn’t actually help anything, and Loki isn’t completely insufferable, and from what I’ve gathered, every warrior on Asgard has been involved in an incredible amount of death and destruction, so there could probably be some degree of rehabilitation on this floating rock of a city in my opinion.” She paused after speaking and thought that perhaps she had said too much to the Queen of Asgard about the issues of Asgard.

            Frigga smiled and chuckled lightly. While (Y/N) stared at her and her reaction, she said, “My, you do have heart.”

            “My Lady?” said (Y/N).

            “Summon another portal. We’ll have a less burdensome conversation as you do to make it more natural to bring out your abilities,” said Frigga.

            (Y/N) gazed at her curiously but obeyed. Frigga watched her and smiled.

            They could be good for each other.

l

            The months passed, and as (Y/N) trained with Frigga, her abilities strengthened. At the same time, (Y/N) and Loki spent time together, entertained by each other’s wittiness and banter that they couldn’t get with others.

            “You can’t even create a portal to crawl through?” Loki scoffed. “By the time I was the Asgardian equivalent of a ten-year-old Midgardian child I could expertly shapeshift.”

            “And when you were ten years old, you had your magic for ten years. I’ve had it for less than ten months,” retorted (Y/N). She smiled brightly. “But I’ll make sure to show you by coming in there and punching you as soon as I figure out the portals!”

            Over time, they grew more comfortable and spoke slightly more amicably.

            “If you can’t focus, try channeling emotions,” said Loki.

            “Huh?” (Y/N) looked at him in confusion.

            “Magic responds to intention,” explained Loki. “If focus doesn’t work, using an emotion to light your magic can work until the focus comes more easily.”

            (Y/N) blinked. “That’s the calmest, most helpful thing you’ve ever said to me.”

            Loki scoffed. “It’s simply frustrating to watch you fail over and over. It bores me.”

            “Yeah, sure, whatever you say,” said (Y/N). “I’d say thanks for the advice, but that’ll have to wait until I know it works.”

            Their short discussions grew to ones that lasted long enough that poor Ilsa or Karla (sworn to silence about (Y/N) and Loki’s visits by Frigga) had to brave the dungeon to call (Y/N) for meals or training.

            “M-My Lady.” Karla peered into the dungeon and awkwardly hovered in the entrance. In front of her, (Y/N) sat on the floor in front of Loki’s cell, gown collected around her. Karla swallowed and shuffled a little farther in. “It is time for dinner.”

            “A Lady now?” Loki smirked. “I hardly think they’ve given you any manners.”

            (Y/N) shot him a look. “It’s not like you’re the model gentleman, so don’t think you can criticize me.”

            Karla looked ready to faint at how easily (Y/N) insulted Loki, the prince and criminal of Asgard.

            (Y/N) turned to her and smiled. “Sorry about him. I’m coming.”

            “Very good,” said Karla, backing away hurriedly.

            “I should go. Everyone stares at me when I come in late.” (Y/N) scowled. “I’m not a fan.”

            “Good luck with the nobles,” said Loki with an amused smile. “I’m sure you’ll find them boring and your Midgardian mannerisms will amuse them.”

            “I can hear your sarcasm,” said (Y/N).

            Loki smirked.

l

            Frigga was no fool. In fact, she was the most reasonable and perceptive of her family. And due to that fact, she could see when people changed. Right now, she noticed Loki and (Y/N).

            The Midgardian woman had grown quite a bit during her time in Asgard. Not in anything material or in heart, but Frigga could see her skills in magic increasing. However, Frigga could see more than that. (Y/N) was in a better mood as the days passed, and even though Frigga never saw her interact with many Asgardians, she seemed to feel more at ease as if there was someone she spent time with. It didn’t take Frigga long to discover that (Y/N) and Loki’s visits had continued.

            Which led her to Loki’s changes. He seemed calmer. Yes, he remained bitter and vengeful towards Odin for his imprisonment, but he seemed more at ease, like he had something of interest going on in his time imprisoned. (Y/N) was that someone of interest, and their visits kept Loki relaxed and amused. From what Frigga had gathered of their interactions from Isla and Karla, the Queen had determined that Loki’s sharp tongue lessened when turned towards (Y/N), turning teasing rather than offensive, like when he was young.

            Frigga smiled as she made the connection. Yes. They were good for each other. She didn’t understand how precisely anything resembling friendship could develop between the two, but their time spent together there on Asgard seemed to create a bond between them and some connection lay beneath the surface. However, as a mother, Frigga had certain suspicions of what might become of such a blooming bond.

            Well, some might think the friendship or acquaintance strange, but Frigga was not going to deny (Y/N) and Loki the person they found an understanding with.

l

            (Y/N) held a hand up while tossing an apple through it. She grinned as it reappeared, whole and unbruised, on the table where the other end of the portal was.

            “See how long you can hold it while letting objects move through it,” said Frigga. As (Y/N) continued tossing fruit, Frigga spoke casually. “Have your visits with Loki improved?”

            (Y/N) glanced at her, and the portal glowed fainter for a moment before (Y/N) focused again. “What do you mean?”

            “His mood,” said Frigga. She smiled. “I’d hate to think he was still being coarse with you.”

            “Well, he’s never going to be necessarily nice to me,” said (Y/N). “You know, me being a poor Midgardian and all, but he’s not as insufferable as he was when we first met or even when he first got put in that cell.” They considered and paused in their activity. “So I guess his mood has improved. In a Loki way, though.”

            Frigga hummed and nodded.

l

            “Another visit from the Queen,” said Loki. “What can this poor lost soul do for you now?”

            “I simply came to check on how you’re doing,” said Frigga.

            Loki gave a tight, false smile and laced his fingers behind his back. “I told you before, I have no need for pity.”

            Frigga was tempted to smirk. Her son walked right into her conversational trap. “Very well, then I can just ask (Y/N).” When Loki paused, Frigga smiled. “You two do speak quite a bit.”

            “We do,” acknowledged Loki. “She happens to visit.”

            “Yes, frequently and for long periods of time,” said Frigga. “I’m glad your…relationship has improved.”

            “There is no relationship,” said Loki. “Just toleration. And some mutual entertainment. She’s more amusing than any of the other ‘acquaintances’ in my current home.” He glanced distastefully at the thugs in other cells.

            “Indeed,” remarked Frigga, carefully filing away the information. Time was changing the pair.

            Loki tsked in annoyance. “I don’t need you prying. If you cared, I wouldn’t be here.”

            Unfortunately, Loki’s bitterness towards his family hadn’t changed.

Taglist:

@alexpangender

@technikerin23

@kikster606

@neenieweenie

[harrywavycurly]

Ahhhh can we get the conversations thing with Eddie when we first started dating or like first met??💕

Hiiii babes!! Sure!! This was another fun one😂 so I hope you enjoy!💖

*I just see Eddie being awkward at first and then he gets more comfortable as time goes on*

“Uhh so would you maybe want to go eat with me sometime? Or drink? Or like we could do both? Like Uhm a meal or something.” “Eddie just ask me to dinner don’t make it weird.” “Right. Sorry. Would you like to go to dinner?” “Sure. Let’s go.” “Wait like right now??”

“You can hold my hand Eddie.” “Oh uh okay.” “You’re cute when you’re nervous.” “I must always look cute then because fuck you make me nervous sweetheart.” “I’m adding making dungeon masters nervous to my resume. I think that’s a good quality people look for.” “You’re so annoying.” “Says the one with sweaty hands.”

“Your hair looks nice uh did you do something new to it?” “I put it in a bun.” “It’s a nice bun…” “Thanks Eddie. Want me to show you how to do it? Your hair in long enough.” “Would you? I sometimes put it in like a ponytail or whatever but yeah a bun would be cool.” “Can I braid your hair one day?” “Uhh can we come back to that?”

“You like hot Cheetos?” “Like? No. I love them.” “They are like a torture device in the shape of food.” “If you can’t handle them just say that. They are my comfort food.” “Comfort food?” “Yes. If I’m sad or mad a bag of these bad boys will fix it.” “Okay so I should always have a bag on hand?” “That would be wise.”

“How the fuck do you get around in this thing it’s like driving a fucking boat.” “Hey be nice. This van has been through a lot.” “I can tell. Now where am I going?” “Straight back to being in the passenger seat if you keep talking shit about my ride baby.” “Sorry sorry. She’s a lovely van and she’s doing great.” “That’s better. Now make a left right up here.” “Take a right?” “No I meant lef-” “Eddie this is a dead end what the hell?”

“You made this?” “Yes why do you sound shocked?” “It’s really good.” “Gee thanks baby do I normally make shitty food?” “No you just normally don’t cook.” “It’s Mac and Cheese, a Munson specialty.”

“So uh have you ever like been arrested?” “Like handcuffed?” “Uh yeah.” “No. Jim’s never actually put them on me.” “Jim? As is Jim Hopper? You are on a first name kinda thing with him?” “Yes. I have slight anger issues and have lashed out a few times and he’s been called but it’s nothing serious he loves me.” “Jesus baby…” “Is that like an issue?” “You know I’m like fully a drug dealer right?” “Well yeah but you’ve never been in trouble with Hawkins P.D.” “Im totally fine with you being the badass in this relationship sweetheart.”

“I’m not getting in that canoe baby.” “Why not? It’s totally safe.” “I’ve seen you almost sink to the bottom of this damn lake in that thing so yeah. No. I’m good.” “Fine then enjoy sitting here alone.” “What? You’d leave me here?” “Yes.” “That’s harsh. Fine I’ll get in the damn canoe.”

“So if you’re my boyfriend does that mean I get to wear your vest?” “You want to wear my vest?” “Yes? I’d wear the whole thing but your leather jacket isn’t my style.” “Uh yeah sure baby you can wear it whenever you want.” “Can I add some pins to it?” “If you try to sneak a Madonna pin on my vest I’ll never let you wear it again.” “That’s if you ever get it back.”

[c-themoon]

Orders.

WARNING BEFORE READING!!

I plan to do a series of one shots of Kyle, Stan and even Kenny too. These all will be part of a bigger fanfic I have yet to post here, hopefully it will make sense in the future but for now I think they are okay to read whitout context. Yura is one of my OC's. I will write Style too eventually, maybe even open some requests for other shipps but for now I will only write the one shots that will be a part of my main fanfic. English is not mt first language and It's mt first time writing smut, I'm open to your criticism, just be respectful please.

Warnings: NSFW, Oral Sex, Masturbation, Unprotected Sex Cock Warming.

It was a rainy sunday afternoon. Kyle, Stan and Yura were roomates. They shared an apartament in NY thanks to college and today was an unusual day. Stan was called in his part time job to cover for a co-worker who couldn't attend that specif sunday, Kyle and Yura had to study for their respective tests that were coming and most important, they needed to clean the apartament since sunday was the only day of the week they had to keep the place in order.

So the three of them woke up early in the morning, Stan quickly left for work and Kyle and Yura sat down in the kitchen table and organized a list of chores each one of them would do to get rid of the cleaning as soon as possible so they could study after.

"Okay, so you do the dishes, laundry and take out the trash. I will sweep the house and clean the bathroons, then we both clean our rooms, and when everything else is done we can fold the clothes that were already clean in the dryer, okay?" Kyle said in a calm tone, tapping the table with the tip of his finger while looking at her and waiting for her confirmation.

"Sure, that works for me." She replied with a sweet tone and small smile that always managed to melt his heart a little.

He smirked at her answer and then proceeded to get up. "Okay, let's start then" Kyle offered her his hand and she gladly accepeted it. They quickly started to do their designed tasks and about 2 hours after they were finished.

Yura had a few strings of hair falling of her bun, Kyle was sweating a little and they were certainly tired but the apartament was now nice and clean. She dropped herself in the couch and let out a sigh.

"I can't believe we still have to study after that. God please send help, one of your strongest soldiers is falling apart." She said dramatically, making kyle chuckle as he sat next to her. "C'mon, don't be so dramatic Yura" He rolled his eyes and playfullly patted her head. "Let's eat something first, that will lift you up." he got up and started to walk towards the kitchen. "Come" he said one last time and she slowly got up and obeyed him, walking towards the kitchen.

Some time passed, they ate some leftovers from the day before, cleaned their mess and went to study. Yura was a good student, even if she didn't always got 10's, but Kyle was an overachiever mf. He wanted the best grades and he liked to be the best. So, when they sat down their asses in the table, Kyle's face shifted to a focused and serious expression, he put his earphones in, opened his notebook and started to take notes. Yura did the same but she knew she would't last as many hours as him. After 2 hours of endless pages, articles read and words written, she just thought "I'm fucking done with this, I will have more time during the week". So she turned off her Ipad, closed her notebook filled with notes and got up carefully to not disturb Kyle. "manace to society" she thought to herself seeing his focused frawn. Unfortunatly, she couldn't deny that he was hot. It should be a crime to be this handsome while doing something so silly as studying taxes or whatever he had to study in law major. He was almost too hot like that for his own good, but, knowing him very well, she would't disturb him during his study time since he would be bothered if interrupted. So, when Yura walked by him she just kissed his cheek to say a sort of "goodbye" and went to grab water in the kitchen. As Kyle felt her loving kiss in his cheek he looked at her and removed his earphones "where are you going?"

"I'm done for today, good luck with the rest of your studies!" she waved at him as she filled her previously empty bottle with water.

Kyle was not gonna lie to himself, he enjoyed having her company while studying, just her presence alone made this boring assignment more endurable so he was a little bummed at her soon departure.

"Okay, don't be loud then."

"I won't "sir", don't worry" she jokingly said and went to sit on the couch in the living room. Yura didn't even turned on the tv, she was just scrolling down her twitter.

He smirked at her and let out a slight chuckle. Calling him sir... interesting, he thought.

One hour and a half later, he was feeling confident about his notes so he thinks it's a good time to stop, he didn't want to overdo it anyway. The red haired boy starts to strech his arms and neck and then he lays his eyes on Yura. She was using an oversized t shirt, he could tell it was not hers, it was probably his due to the large size. Kyle was very tall and had nice muscles, he was once part of the basktball team during high school afterall. So, she was wearing that green shirt of his, a tiny shorts that didn't cover shit of her beautiful tighs and the woman was just... there, being casually too beautiful doing absolutely nothing. Earlier she had called him "sir"... and she spent all day obeying everything he said. The chores, lunch, study... and Kyle wasn't blind, he could feel her gaze sometimes during their time together at that table, he knew she was checking him out, and he enjoyed that. All the signs were there... he decided to test something.

“Hey Yura, come over here for a second.” Kyle said in a commanding tone, in hopes of teasing her. The girl, as soon as she heard his voice, turned her head to him with a curious expression. "What?" She asked while getting up and walking towards him.

When she got near she just stood there, waiting for his reply.

“Sit.” Kyle commands once more, grinning.

She was slightly confused about his sudden...requests... but she obeyed him and sat next to him in the other chair at the table next to him.

"Okay, now will you explain why you're being so weird?" She asked him with a slightly frawn forming in her face.

Kyle tried to keep the serious facade but he failed. He starts laughing a bit, covering his mouth with one of his hands.

“Yura, I wanted to try giving you an order to see if you would obey again, since, strangely, you have been a very... obedient girl today..." he said finally being able to stop giggling but he still had a smirk on his face. "And... well.. you did what I told you to do. Again..." He said with that stupid cocky smile of his getting bigger.

As she heard him, her face was gradually getting more flustered. "You're such an idiot, I can't belive you!" She said embarressed at herself for having actually followed his stupid order. Yura gave his shoulder a tiny punch. "I-It's just that you're a very pragmatic person and since we had a lot of things to do I thought you would know how to do things quicker!!" She says trying to justify herself, which of course, wasn't a lie completely. Her cheeks were burning red at this point.

"You seem to have a thing for following orders...", he said with a provocative tone, getting up and standing in front of her. "Don't you?" He proceeds to lean towards her, getting at her level at the chair and bringing her face close to him with his hand that very calmly grabbed her chin.

"And why do you care?" She said looking into his eyes with a defying tone, yet, a needy one. Almost as if she wanted to give in.

"Oh, princess, because I love the ideia that you would obey any order I give you."

Their faces are close, they can almost feel each other's breath. Tension and lust filled the air. Yura was still blushing, but now, she could not deny that she was turned on by his words, by him.

"Then... command me to do something more..." she said with desire coming from her voice a and flirty and slightly nervous tone as she wrapped her arms around his neck.

“I want you to kiss me, yura.” he says calmly while giving her a very slight pull towards him for her to get up while having a sly smirk.

She lets out a quick smile and kisses him. His lips feel so soft. They savor this kiss, feeling each other's tongue's and taste. Kyle hands soon go to her waist, squeezing her with just the amount of force he knew she loved, that made her go weak. Kyle bites her lower lip before they finally pull away from one another, making Yura moan in a lower whisper.

"Shall I order you to do something else?" He asks with a provocative tone yet again. His fingers were now brushing her hair while his eyes were focused on her beautiful flushed face. "I would't mind that..." she says, drunk with the pleasure his touch can give her. He smirked, then leaned over to kiss her once again, a slow, passionate kiss that made her whole body melt and burst into flames. Then, without breaking eye contact he said

“I want you to get on your knees for me”.

A slight smirk formed un yura's lip's. She kissed his neck and gave him a small bite in the area, just to tease him, and then she whispered seductively in his ear "Of course, Kyle..." and then she got on her knees and looked at him with that provocative expression and that smirk filled with lust. Her gaze was a perfect mixture of innocence and lust, revealing just how much she wanted him in the moment, in need of his touch.

He chuckled at the feeling of her lips on his neck. He was already hard. It was difficult for him to control himself and not just fuck her right away. “If you don’t stop giving me that look, I might get a little too carried away.” He then starts caressing her face with his hands. "I will ruin that pretty mouth of yours." She looked at him so eagerly, so needy, so wet. She proceeds to lean her head further into his touch, feeling pleasure and confort in it. His thumb is playing with her lips, getting inside her mouth. She starts using her tongue and feels his thumb. The sight of yura on her knees, sucking his finger while giving him that sinful look... it was driving kyle crazy.

With his free hand he started to lower his sweatpants, reaveling his big bulge in his boxers. "Take it off" he said in a low voice, poiting at his black boxers. Yura obeyed immediatly and slowly started to take off his underwear. When his throbbing dick was entirely out, she gently grabbed with her hands and looked at him, rubbing a little, going up and down.

"Suck it." It was an order, and that made Yura even more aroused. She then proceeded to lick the tip, tasting the pre cum that was already dripping. Slowly, she started to move her mouth, feeling his large hardness deep in her throat, doing movements with her head, going up and down.

Kyle tilted his head back, feeling lost in the pleasure of her lips and mouth. He puts his hand in the back of her head, guiding her movements.

"You're such a good girl aren't you? Taking me so well...ngh..."

She continued using her mouth and hands, sucking as much as she could trying not to choke, her hands were on his thighs, sometimes she would move them to the base of his cock to masturbate it before swallowing it again. Soon Kyle felt his orgasm coming, he shoved his dick down her throat while the most sinful and delicious moans came out of his mouth.

Yura swallowed everything, or at least she tried. Some cum dripped on the area of her boobs. When he was done he softned his grip on her and let her go. She let out a heavy breath and had to clean the corner of her mouth, her eyes were watering a little.

God, that vision was so hot for Kyle.

She looked at him, with those submissive eyes.

"Did I do well?"

He stayed silent, feeling hard yet again, watching her messy hair and flushed face while asking so desesperately for his approval.

"Very well, princess" he helped her get up and cupped her face, caressing her cheek with his thumb.

She smiled and again let her face sunk in his warm hand.

"Should I be rewarded then?" She playfully asked.

He just smiled and kissed her. A slow and sensual kiss.

"Of course, you were such a good girl afterall, weren't you? He picked her up in a quick move and carried her im bridal style to his room to place her in his bed.

"Lift your arms for me, yura" she gladly did and felt her shirt being removed. Her big breasts were now completely exposed. She let out a devious smile and placed her hands inside his shirt, feeling his abs and toned torso. "I want to see you too" Yura said while scratching him slightly with her nails to tease him. The feeling of her nails was so exciting for Kyle, he felt shivers.

"Oh I know" he said and finally removed his shirt, reaveling the muscles beneath it.

She brushed his body with the tip of her nails, smiling provocatively while admiring her boyfriend's physique. He grabbed her hand.

"I didn't say you could touch me yet..." he grinned mischiviously and pinned her in the couch, pressing his torso and hardness against her.

"Oh, so I need permission to do so?" She chuckled a little, bringing his face closer to hers with her hands. "So impatiant now, aren't we?" He moved his hand right in between her thighs, her tiny shorts were long gone at this point, then he shoved one finger inside her, making her bold attitude and expression disappear, being now replaced by a needy response.

"S-stop teasing me like that" she moaned, barely being able to contain her body from the immediate response to his touch. She was soaking wet. "Oh but you seem to be enjoying this a lot princess" he moved his finger deeper in her wet cunt, she was moaning loudly.

"Aaahn... Kyle... please... I want... I need you now..."

"You need what? Be clear with your words" he asked inserting one more finger inside her.

"I need you to fuck me, please..." she begged, her eyes even watering a bit.

Hearing her beg sent his self control to space.

He kissed her once more and started to remove his sweatpants and boxers once again. He shoved his dick inside her wet cunt, making her moan loudly with the sudden penetration.

"Ngh... Kyle..."

"Fuck, you're so good for me..."

He began the moving in an intense pace, making sure she could feel every inche of his hard cock. Due to his size, it was not uncommon for her to feel some kind of pain without some preparation, but gods, that pain was so quickly turned into pleasure with him.

She digged her nails into the skin of his muscular back, how she loved to mark him there. The pain he felt with her scratching was also a turn on for him. Her face and beautiful voice, moaning his name like she belonged to him, that was his heaven. They kissed once more, sharing their taste with each other. He bit her lips with force before breaking the kiss.

Her moanings became more eratic, she was almost there and he could feel her walls tightening around him, her legs were quivering at this point.

They reached the climax almost at the same, feeling numb after and collapsing together in the bed.

"You take me so well every single time, Yura..." he said still inside of her, looking at her eyes and flushed expression. One of his fingers brushed her messy hair off her face gently.

"It's because it's you, Kyle." she said smiling at him and chuckling a bit.

He smiled and kissed her again, her taste was addicting, like a drug.

"Now, will you stay like that forever or?" She said in a playful tone poiting at his dick, still inside her.

"Oh, you seemed to be liking so much" he said in the same sarcastic tone and removed his member off her. That made her moan in response, feeling empty all of sudden.

"Aahn..."

"If you don’t stop moaning like that I don't know if I'll have the strenght to get up this bed princess" he layed down next to her and hugged her waist, bringing her closer to him.

"Shut up!" She said laughing and slapping his chest playfully. "Let's just cuddle a bit"

"I think you're getting too spoiled" he said carressing her hair while she buried her face in his chest, feeling the warmth of his skin.

"And whose fault is that?"

"Mine I suppose." He said laughing with her.

"Were you able to finish your studies earlier?" She asked, lifting her head a little bit to face him. "Yeah, I think I'm good for today, why?"

"Then let's just stay like this, I'm tired, you fucked the shit out of me" she said and snuggled against him.

He laughed out loud this time. "Hahaha, well, next time don't be so eager to follow my orders".

And they stayed cuddling and teasing each other for the rest of the day. Well, until Stan arrived tired of the shift he had to cover, then they decided maybe someone else should he spoiled for the rest of the day.

[quietblueriver]

Tell Me You Don't Know Me

Avatrice Week Day 1: Fake Dating/Undercover

They're in London when it happens. The OCS has sent them to check out a cell of Adriel’s followers apparently still peddling bullshit (and more importantly, maybe demonic possession) to anyone they can convince to spend time with them. The new method is more HBO-doc cult-y, starts with a fucking potluck apparently, before dipping (heh) into the more serious shit. They’re easy enough to find, still handing out honest-to-god flyers at various points across the city. 

Nobody recognizes Ava; it’s been almost a year and these days she’s back to crop tops and sneakers, experimenting with streaks of different colors in her hair. And some strategically planted misinformation from Kristian and Vincent and their sources means that nobody would really know what to look for, anyway. 

As for Beatrice, a few months ago she had asked Ava to come with her to get her hair cut, had gone in with her bun and come out with a clean fade and a very overcome girlfriend. She’s still figuring out her style but has moved almost exclusively to menswear, falling somewhere between hot professor (unsurprising, 10/10) and hot mechanic who has a side gig in a band (more surprising, also 10/10) depending on the day. Ava’s about it. Anyway, nobody is clocking Bea and her hard part as the assassin nun who fucked up a truly impressive number of Adriel’s clowns at various points during his campaign of bullshit. 

The OCS has a stupidly nice safe house where they’re crashing as they pick up intel (Ava’s still not sure what happened in Switzerland, not that she would trade it, but that Church money is real), and they’re headed back there, through Kensington, when Beatrice stops short, causing Ava to stumble. 

“Bea?”

Her eyes are fixed on a group of people stopped on the sidewalk, talking. They’re still some distance away but close enough to be recognizable. Ava knows immediately. 

“Okay, baby, okay, just come with me.” 

She pulls Bea into an alley nearby and steadies her against the wall, runs her hands up her arms, cups her face. 

“Hey, it’s okay. We can wait here or turn around or do whatever you want. I think I saw a coffee shop like 2 minutes back.” 

Bea shakes her head lightly, pulling herself back from wherever she’d gone when she saw her parents. She kisses Ava, pushing out from the wall and straightening her shoulders. 

“Fuck them. I’m not ashamed of myself. I am certainly not ashamed of you. I am happy, no thanks to them, and I will not apologize.” 

Therapy is the shit, Ava thinks, not for the first time. Yasmine came through with a connection, somewhat horrified that the OCS didn’t already have one—a very discreet former member of one of the seemingly endless secret sects of the Church. Doesn’t hurt for Beatrice that Margaret is unapologetically gay as hell. Doesn’t hurt for Ava that Margaret has a bomb therapist partner who also doesn’t bat an eye at shit like demonic possession. 

Ava is so full of pride and love for Beatrice that she might actually burst, has to exert a serious amount of control to keep the halo from lighting up the whole block. She’s bouncing on her toes to divert the energy. 

Also, like, Bea cursing will never not be hot, but Ava keeps a grip on that particular set of feelings for the moment. Later, in their cushy safe house, she can let Bea know exactly how attractive she is and try to make her curse for much more fun reasons. 

“I love you. I’m so proud of you. And also I really am okay if you want to avoid them. I know you’re not ashamed of me, and they don’t deserve you. They’ve never deserved you.” 

Bea kisses her again, tucks a strand of Ava’s hair behind her ear. 

“Honestly, they might not even recognize me. It’s been a long time and I’m now their worst nightmare.” Demonstrating her point, she runs her fingers through her own hair while pulling at the leather jacket she’s wearing and kicking the toe of one of her boots against the ground. “Basically a walking billboard for lesbianism.” 

(Ava had been with her at the thrift store when she found that jacket, had nearly lost her mind when Bea put it on. “Jesus, fuck, Bea, please get that and wear it home so that I can fuck you in it as soon as humanly possible.” Beatrice had reddened but purchased the jacket and put it on before they left the store. Ava was very proud that she didn’t catch them a public indecency charge, pulling them back to their apartment in record time. She had Bea against the door before it had even fully closed, running her hands appreciatively over the leather before dropping to her knees and admiring it, admiring Bea, from a different view.) 

“Incredibly effective billboard. Really overachieving in spreading the homosexual agenda, honestly. I have glared at at least half a dozen women today alone. And don’t get me started on how you lead me into temptation like it’s your fucking job.” 

The smile she gets is fond, fond, fond, and Beatrice kisses her sweetly. 

“I love you. Let’s go home. Does Thai sound okay?”

She grabs Bea’s hand and turns back toward the sidewalk. 

“Perfect.”

Ava notices Bea check her posture (impeccable as always) as they round the corner back onto the sidewalk and she stays close, placing the hand not wrapped in Bea’s on Bea’s forearm and squeezing. 

“I love you. I’m okay. I promise.”

The group is still standing there, half a dozen people talking in a circle outside of one of the ridiculously nice rowhouses that Kensington is full of. And okay Ava already hates these people and will until she dies (and resurrects and dies again, as things apparently go for her) but also how fucking rude are they, taking up the entire sidewalk like that’s an acceptable thing to do. 

She knows the second the first one clocks them, face going from regular stick-up-the-ass to tree-trunk-up-the-ass. She knows Bea sees it, too, because Bea sees everything all the time anyway, and she is on high alert right now. Bea holds her hand tighter and keeps walking. 

By the time they dip into the street to avoid their huddle (rude), they have the attention of the full group, which has gotten quiet and, like homophobic Ood, collectively begun to emit disapproval and disgust. Two of them, the two she had pegged as Bea’s parents, are especially focused on Bea as they pass. 

Ava has imagined kicking Bea’s parents’ asses too many times to count. What’s the actual point of having a magic, empathic, sort-of weapon embedded in her back if she can’t use it to absolutely fucking stomp her girlfriend’s shithead homophobic parents. Even without the halo, Ava could flatten them in a number of fun and creative ways, all poetically thanks to Bea. But she knows this is not about her; it’s about Beatrice, and her job as the person who loves Beatrice more than anything else in the world is to support her while she figures out how she wants to deal with these stupid fuckers. Of course, she does break out the face she reserves for cat-calling men, people who hit on Beatrice while Ava is literally right there, and the worst of Adriel’s goons. She’s only human and they’re fucking lucky she isn’t halo blasting them right out of their way, right out of England entirely. 

She feels eyes on them after they pass but stops herself from glancing back. They make it a block and a half and Ava is ready to ask about Thai food, provide a distraction if Bea wants one, but Bea doesn’t relax. If anything she’s holding herself tighter now. 

“Bea?”

“They’re following us,” she says lowly. “My parents.”

Ava remains quiet, lets Bea set the pace, occasionally rubs Bea’s forearm. After another block, Beatrice steers them down a side street, waiting. A few moments later, the couple round the corner and stop, what Ava thinks is surprise flashing briefly over both of their faces before they settle back into what Ava guesses is neutral for them. They have the expressions of stern Victorian schoolteachers, and not in the hot way. They are perfectly put together—Bea’s mom is in a black dress and black and white tweed blazer, heels high enough to be intimidating but not high enough to be anything other than appropriate. Her dad is in a charcoal suit with a blue silk tie, black capped Oxfords shining. They’re beautiful people, just like Bea. 

“Hello, Mother. Papa.” 

“Beatrice. Hello.”

It’s her dad who’s speaking, and his tone is formal, the fucking psycho, as if he’s not seeing his only daughter for the first time in years, as if he hadn’t been following them. 

“Is there a reason that you were following us?”

Bea is standing steady, tone as even as ever. Ava knows she’s upset, probably nervous, because she can feel Bea’s pinky tap unevenly against Ava’s palm, invisible to everyone but Ava. Also because she knows Bea and this is an objectively weird and fucked up situation and of course she’s going to be upset by it. 

“Beatrice.” It’s her mother this time. “Don’t be dramatic.” It’s dismissive. Ava hates her. “We were merely being discreet. We weren’t sure that you would be able to talk to us. You’re clearly...on an assignment. I wasn’t sure whether your friend was aware of your...position.”

Beatrice looks at her for a moment before saying, surprise slipping just slightly into her response, “I am in London for work, yes, although I’m not working right now.” 

She tilts her head in Ava’s direction at the same time that she steps just slightly in front of her. Ava’s heart breaks—Bea is moving the same way she does when she’s gauging danger, protecting Ava from her parents. Ava is the one making that move most of the time, these days (which they’re both fine with because “it doesn’t hurt my ego to acknowledge reality, darling—you could flatten everything in a three block radius and still be ready for a fight. I know you don’t doubt my skills. I know that it’s about something else.” A waggle of Ava’s eyebrows, a move into Bea’s lap. “Oh, I have no doubts about your skills, Bea, and yes,” softer, closer, “it’s about loving you.”). 

“This is my girlfriend, Ava. Ava, these are my parents.” She hesitates for a moment before adding, “And I’m not quite sure how it’s relevant but yes, Ava knows about my work. We work together.”

Ava’s not totally sure how this shit works but she’s 80% that the fact that Bea didn’t even bother with their names is the fancy rich person equivalent of her spitting at their feet. She’s very proud. The scale of things Ava wants to say to these people runs from “get fucked,” at the most polite end, to a literal punch in the face, at the most honest end. She nods her head slightly and says nothing at all, is now very proud of herself, as well. Frankly, she’s doing an excellent job of being restrained here. 

Bea’s mother takes a step toward them and Ava stops herself from reversing Bea’s move from a moment ago, forces herself to stay still. The woman is looking at Ava like she’s a problem she’s trying to figure out and, oh, Ava knows that face. Ava loves that face. Suddenly she’s seeing Beatrice, puzzling through an issue with the books at the bar or trying to figure out where she went wrong with a recipe, Beatrice unable to find the shirt or the sweater that she wants (Ava stole it; it’s always because Ava stole it). It’s in the crease of her mother’s forehead, the clench of her jaw and the press of her lips, the slight scrunch of her nose. Ava knows, logically, that it makes sense for Bea and her mother to look alike, but she’s still genuinely shocked to find the person she loves so clearly present in the woman in front of her. 

Finally, she seems to come to some conclusion, looking back to Beatrice and saying, “Right. Of course. I must have misunderstood the nature of your assignment.”

Ava loses the thread sometimes but she’s been paying pretty close attention to this whole situation and she has no idea what Bea’s mom is talking about. Beatrice is quiet for a moment.

“My...assignment? I’m sorry, Mother, I’m not sure what you mean.”

Her mother gestures, stabs the air in a very pointed and incredibly controlled way, at Bea’s body, at Ava, at their hands. Ava’s not sure what the fuck that’s supposed to mean. 

“Don’t be obtuse, Beatrice.”

Ava prickles; the halo gives a hum of agreement beneath her skin. Beatrice must sense it because she squeezes her hand.

“I’m not being obtuse, Mum. You’re being obscure. What exactly do you think you know about my work here?”

Her tone has ventured into mild frustration, and Ava wants to clap her hands in appreciation. She does not. Because she’s a grown up. 

Her mother looks around quickly, like she’s trying to be sure there isn’t anyone watching, lowers her voice. “Honestly, Beatrice, I don’t know why you’re making me say it. This obviously isn’t your typical attire and,” she makes a face like she’s smelled something rotten, “you’ve cut your hair. You’re walking around holding hands with...this person. You’ve introduced her as though you’re having some kind of…relationship. Publicly. There’s clearly a purpose for that and,” she waves at Beatrice, “for all of this. We know that the Church has asked you to do some…unorthodox things. I can’t pretend to know why exactly all of this is necessary but clearly,” she looks around again, hisses, “You’re undercover.”  

Ava blinks. I mean she’s not wrong—they’re obviously not telling Adriel’s assholes (much more accurate name than FBC, by the way, and catchier) who they are or who they work for because their work kind of depends on them not figuring it out, but Ava’s pretty sure that’s not what she means. Beatrice is silent, Ava assumes because she’s trying to process.

Taking the silence as confirmation, apparently, her mother continues, “Your father and I weren’t sure that you would be able to speak with us given that you are working and given,” here she appraises Ava again and Ava fights the urge to stick her tongue out, “your company. We thought...getting to know her...might have been part of your work. Apparently, the two of you are,” she gestures at their hands again, “working together in this. I had not guessed.”

“I don’t...Part of my...work? Getting to...getting to know her?”

Ava is only really used to seeing Bea this inarticulate when Ava’s trying super hard to make her that way, but she can’t blame her because, from what Ava can put together, Bea’s mom thinks the Church has sent Bea undercover as a...butch dyke with a pink-haired girlfriend? She thinks Bea is, what? Pretending to eat pussy? For Jesus? For the record, Bea’s definitely not pretending, although Ava would say it’s a religious experience. Also, okay, fine, Ava does sometimes bring Jesus into things but only in the super blasphemous way, thanks very much.   Ava whispers, “What the fuck?” before she can stop herself, clearly loud enough to be heard by Bea’s parents, who sneer almost simultaneously.

Bea’s mother speaks again, confident, in the direction of her husband, “I knew she was not affiliated with the Church.” 

Score one for Ava. She’s honestly delighted that it’s so totally inconceivable that she could be a nun (those never-nun vibes are the vibes she wants to be putting out), but this makes literally no sense. Suddenly she can’t help herself. 

“Hey, I could totally be a nun. You don't know my life. I spend like all my time with nuns. I know so many nuns. Biblically, even!” Well there’s that. Biblically, Ava? Who even says that? Ava looks at Beatrice, who is still facing her parents but whose shoulders have started to rise toward her earlobes. For reasons Ava cannot articulate, she continues. “Well, just one nun. Biblically, I mean. I only know Beatrice biblically.” Nice, Ava. She’s not done, apparently. “Speaking of Beatrice, what, exactly, did you think the Church asked Bea to do? Seduce me? Mission fucking accomplished. Also, if you thought I was a mark, or whatever, why would you follow her? What if you'd blown her cover and ruined all that time she spent being super hot for the Church? Or, what if she had brought me down this street to rail me…for Jesus? Holy shit, I’m gonna shut up now.” 

Bea has finally turned to look at her and is...trying not to laugh. “Good Lord, Ava,” she whispers as she tries to keep it under control. Ava can see the shine in her eyes and the slight twitch of her jaw, her shoulders. Ava winces slightly and gives what she hopes is an appropriately apologetic shrug. Beatrice squeezes Ava’s hand, coughs to cover a laugh and turns back to her parents, who appear to be so horrified that they cannot move. Ava’s very glad she’s not trying to make a good impression on these people because that was a fucking disaster. 

“Right. Well. Clearly there has been some confusion. Mother, I renounced my vows about a year ago. My relationship with Ava is not part of an undercover assignment,” her voice waivers slightly as she tries not to laugh, “and for that matter neither are my clothes or hair. I’m just very, very gay.” She adds, after a moment, “Although you’re right that Ava is not a nun.”

Ava is giggling before she can think to stop herself, and Bea is looking back at her with so much affection that she feels the halo start to hum. She coaxes it back into quiet. Ava turns her attention back to Bea’s parents, who are still standing very still, but now frowning somehow even more deeply than before. 

“Beatrice, surely you aren’t telling us…surely you aren’t saying…with this woman…” her mother starts, voice hard and angry, the word woman spit like venom, which Ava thinks probably has at least something to do with the fact that she just monologued about fucking their daughter in the weirdest way possible. Then there’s the sacrilege. Also, her boobs look amazing in this tank top, which Ava’s guessing doesn’t work in her favor in this particular circumstance. Ava takes it as a compliment.

Also, she’s fascinated, but horror-movie fascinated, at what’s happening right now because these people caught Beatrice with her hand up another girl’s skirt when she was 15 and now they see her holding hands with Ava, looking exactly as wonderfully queer as she is, and they’re more willing to believe that she’s on a secret gay mission for the Church than that she’s actually just, you know, gay? Holy shit, this woman is deluded. Homophobia is fucking wild. 

Before her mother can stutter out anything else, Bea’s father puts his hand on her shoulder and she quiets. Gross. He steps, like, right in front of his wife, pushing her back a step, to stare at Beatrice. Gross-er. 

“It is unfortunate that your time of service in the Church failed to help you get over this...predilection, Beatrice, although it is far from the first time you have failed to meet very reasonable expectations. At least we are not unused to being disappointed by you.”

His tone is dripping with condescension and indifference and this is his daughter, his objectively incredible daughter. Ava can suddenly see six-year-old Bea standing alone in front of this cold, hard man—hair in a knot that leaves her with a headache, uncomfortable in the ballet shoes she already hates, posture perfect in her little leotard and tutu. Ava can see her there, trying so, so hard to be what he wants, and feeling like she’s not enough. She wants to wrap tiny Bea in her arms and take her away. She wants this man to hurt the way he hurt her. It takes every ounce of self-control she has to keep the halo still and silent, to contain the angry, vengeful thing growing in her stomach. 

“It really is a shame,” her mother says, curt, from where she’s now stationed behind him. “We tried very hard to help you, Beatrice, but you always were a stubborn, ungrateful thing.” 

Ava’s self-control is officially running on empty. She considers her options. Ava could kill them very easily but they’re in public. Maybe she’ll borrow Bea’s signature throat punch. Less messy, still effective. Seems like a winner. The halo hums lowly with approval. Before she can move, though, Bea is fully in front of her, unfolding that last little bit of herself until she’s standing there as the soldier she was trained to be. Sister Beatrice may be gone but Bea is still a fucking badass. And Christ she’s hot. (See? Blasphemy only.)

“As it turns out, I don’t actually give a shit what you think. I have a wonderful life. To the extent you were ever my family, you aren’t any longer. My family loves me for who I am, and despite your best efforts, I love myself, too.”

She is confident, her body casually dangerous, her voice steady and unbothered. Ava would like her to be done with this interaction for at least 100 reasons, and she’s proud to say that only like a quarter of those are sex things. Bea turns to Ava, smiles like Ava is the only thing she cares about. “Ready for dinner?” 

Ava’s definitely hungry. (5/10 at best but her focus is absolutely elsewhere.) And, right, so maybe she underestimated, but still it’s only like a third sex things, which is very impressive given her fucking smoke show of a girlfriend. And also Ava can want to push Bea down onto the closest bench and do her very best to positively reinforce all of this confidence and also be so fucking proud and happy and in love that she wants to cry because she can contain multitudes, or whatever. Ava rises on her toes to kiss Bea’s cheek and nods.  

“Just a sec,” she takes a step forward and looks at Bea’s father, meets his eyes. “She is the best person I have ever met, which is saying a lot, because I spend most of my time with people who have given their lives to their faith and helping others. And because,” Ava lets her eyes glow bright with the halo’s energy, a party trick, really, but super effective for scaring people and, she hopes, shaking the smug fuckers in front of her, “I have some experience with the divine.” 

Sure enough, Ava watches as Bea’s father’s eyes grow large, as her mother takes a step back. Bea puts a gentle hand on the small of her back and she turns to smile at her reassuringly, blinks back to normal.

“She saved me, saves me all the time, really. You spent her whole life trying to make her small. You failed. She’s a miracle. And again,” she lets her eyes flash bright quickly, can’t help but smirk when Bea’s dad staggers back, “I know something about those.”

She reaches back for Bea, flips them off with her free hand. “It was in no way nice to meet you. Seriously, one of my least favorite experiences, and I’ve literally died twice and spent a few years fighting demons in a hell dimension, so well done you.” 

She turns fully to Bea and then they’re walking, pressed close together, away from them. 

After a few blocks, Ava turns to look up at Bea. “I hope that wasn’t too much, Bea. Sometimes my mouth gets away from me, not that that’s news to you. Or an excuse! I’m really sorry if I...”

She trails off at the look on Bea’s face, which is...oh. Well, that’s unexpected. Beatrice is looking at Ava like she wants to ruin her. In the very good, very welcome sex way. They’re near a small park and Beatrice tugs her hand until they’re inside, sheltered by hedges and wrought iron, and presses Ava up against a tree. One of her hands presses into her hipbone, thumbing at the hem of her shorts while the other splays possessively over her ribs, pressing into the material of the black tank top Ava wears beneath an olive green bomber she’d stolen from Bea. 

She’s close to Ava, pupils blown, and she whispers, “This okay?”

Ava shifts slightly forward so that she can shrug out of the jacket, anticipating a future annoying limitation, and then places her hand over Bea’s on her rib cage, shifts it lower and back up, underneath the fabric. Bea sucks in a breath. She doesn’t even mention the jacket Ava just let drop to the ground. Beatrice’s jacket. Ava shivers. Disregard for mess is a top 5 indicator that Bea is about to absolutely wreck her. She’s fucking delighted, meets Bea’s eyes and arches her back slightly to press herself further into Bea’s hands. 

“Yes, Bea. Very, very okay.” 

And then Bea’s mouth is on hers, hard and filthy and as possessive as the hand moving torturously slowly toward where she wants it under her shirt. Ava’s knees go weak and Bea moves to press a thigh against her, both hands suddenly firm on her hips and pulling Ava closer, whispering soft affirmations between kisses when she hears Ava moan. She moves her own body to match the rhythm of Ava moving against her thigh. 

Bea breaks away to bite and suck at Ava’s neck, soothes the marks, already disappearing thanks to the halo, with her tongue. Ava is a whimpering mess when Bea makes her way up her neck and to her ear, whispering, voice raspy with want, “Do you know how much your love means to me, Ava?” 

Ava traps Bea’s face between her hands and says, with as much love as she can put into her voice, with the halo glowing hard against the bark of the tree behind her, “I meant what I said, Bea. You’re a miracle. You’re beautiful. I can’t believe I get to love you this way.”

The kiss she gives Beatrice moves them from heated to gentle, and when she pulls back, Bea is still breathing hard but her grip on Ava’s hips is softer, her thigh now still where Ava’s pressed against it. 

“Want to continue this at home?” 

Ava shifts slightly, feels the bark of the tree rough against the exposed skin of her lower back and shoulders. She’s in no way opposed to letting Beatrice do whatever the fuck she wants to her against this tree but they do have a very nice apartment and Ava has some ideas about what she’d like to do for Beatrice that are logistically more difficult here. 

“Yes, please.”

Her stomach growls, and Bea laughs, moves a hand under her tank to press gently against the skin of her belly. 

“Food first. I really do want Thai.” 

She bends down to retrieve her jacket and holds it open for Ava as she pulls herself away from the tree. Ava kisses her cheek in thanks. Bea runs a hand through her hair and straightens her jacket before reaching out for Ava’s hand and pulling them back toward the road. 

“I guess we are technically undercover,” Bea says, as Ava swings their joined hands higher and higher. 

Ava snorts. “Yeah, you’re right. Although pretty sure I’d be much more excited to be doing whatever the fuck your mom thought we were doing. I mean honestly, Bea, what a pervert.” Bea smiles. Ava feels victorious. “It is kind of hot,” Ava continues as they make their way toward the Thai place closest to the flat. She waggles her eyebrows. “Wanna play undercover nuns later, Bea? Ooh, ooh, wait—undercovers nuns! Fucking nailed it.”

Bea rolls her eyes and tucks a strand of hair behind Ava’s ear. 

“How hungry are you? You want to split a green curry and pad thai?”

Ava bumps her shoulder. “Sure. Satay, too. And mango rice.” She skips ahead and looks back at Bea. “Also, don’t think I didn’t notice—that wasn’t a no. I’m going looking for your habit as soon as we’re home. There’s gotta be a spare in the safe house, too, right?” 

“If we’re undercover, why would we need the habits?”

“Backstory, Bea. Backstory.”

“I love you. You’re ridiculous.”

“Still not a no!”

Ava laughs over Beatrice’s groan. 

[a-lady-in-shining-armour]

I am just not having as much fun on this website anymore. I used to enjoy all the really interesting articles and studies that people would share and discuss, but that’s really dropped off. I lot of the normal women on here used to drop some great common sense content about everyday things like the ‘second shift’ and the expectations of being gender conforming etc that once you notice you see it everywhere. Now most radblr bloggers are as terminally online as any bun-gender person and everything is interpreted in bad faith with overly emotional call outs peppered with emotive buzzwords.

I’m so sick of logging on to see such out of touch takes as ‘expecting me to ever be in a public space with a baby is misogyny’ and the sequel ‘criticising abstinence only sex education is homophobic’.

Some of you need a reality check so here it is:

You are not an activist (necessarily obviously that might be your day job) you are a tumblr blogger engaging in social media for entertainment.

Most of you are not wise sages educating young grasshoppers girls about how having a baby might effect their career (no shit Sherlock) or that domestic violence can exist in heterosexual relationships (is it their first day on earth?). This is basic common knowledge especially for women interested in feminism, you really are preaching to the converted on this topic and it’s annoying as hell when you act like we might not have ever thought about it. Most of us are successful adult women, we know at least the basics about the risks of motherhood and marriage (often first hand) and it’s offensive for some random stranger to tell us that they (and only they) have all the right answers to some of the biggest issues in world for women. Basically, we are all peers here and not one of you has any real authority over anyone else.

The decision whether to have a long term relationship with a man and/or have children (and who you do this with) is The most serious and important decision in most woman’s lives. This is so commonly acknowledged that I have talked about it with my Mum, my Grandma, my sister, my friends, and even some work colleagues. It’s the focus of so many fiction and non fiction books, and in my opinion female anxiety about these choices that disproportionately effect women is why the entire romance genre exists! Our teachers had discussions about it in class and I remember wondering if I really wanted children when I grew up as young as 12. Such an important decision is something that is not taken lightly by any woman (feminist or not) and will never be decided on the advice from online strangers. It’s especially galling that some of the most condescending and demanding bloggers on this topic also post things that reveal that they are young and lack life experience. Obviously that doesn’t mean they’re wrong, but it definitely means they have no right to talk down to women old enough to be their mothers that often have firsthand experience with what to them is political theory.

The risks of heterosexual relationships are well known, I mean who the fuck has never heard of domestic violence by adolescence? If a woman interested enough in gender critical or radical feminism to blog about it in her spare time decides to enter an intimate relationship with a man and/or have children with him it won’t be because she’s ignorant about domestic violence or how hard child rearing can be. I trust myself and other women to make hard choices and manage risks in our own lives.

It is entirely possible for individuals to know and understand the same information and still make different choices. Someone disagreeing with you or making different decisions does not necessarily mean that one of you is right and the other one is stupid. That style of black and white thinking is unhelpful and untrue, people’s opinions and decisions depend on the individual circumstances of their life, about which you know next to nothing. It’s beyond time to retire the smug ‘I always know best’ attitude and acknowledge the shades of grey.

[nadja-antipaxos]

Chapter 2: she drives me crazy - december 2012

Previously - Chapter 1 || Masterlist || Next - Chapter 3

Rating: Explicit

Warnings: swearing, alcohol drinking, action-style violence, brief trauma from fight, a kiss, sexual tension

Note: Hope you enjoy it! Thank you. Please leave a comment or some kind of feedback if you'd like.

Word Count: 14,025 (so sorry this one and the next are the longest)

It’s 7:15 am on December 18th, Nicolette takes the final bite of her bagel and turns off the coffee machine. A holographic screen pops up next to her letting her know she has a visitor. A tall man with black aviators, a dark baseball cap, a grey hooded sweatshirt, and a black leather jacket stands with his hands shoved into his jean pockets. He has a blue backpack slung over his shoulder. Captain Steve Rogers looks like the world’s worst 21 Jump Street agent. She groans and puts on a silk robe to cover her nightgown.

“I know Tony’s not dead.” Nicolette presses her hands into the doorframe, blocking Steve’s way in. “So, why are you here?”

“You’re his sister. He wants you to be safe.” Steve didn’t think he’d have to convince her.

“Okay, soo by this logic—the Mandarin killed Tony, but to hurt him even more, he’s going to kill his little sister after he’s dead?”

“It’s a precaution. We talked about this before the Mandarin. Natasha and I work in DC like you, so it makes sense.”

“Then where’s Natasha?”

“She has a mission.”

“And you don’t?”

“Fury agreed you should be kept safe.”

“This is so stupid.”

“Can I come in?”

“Having a hard time protecting me from the hallway?”

“Please?”

“Fine.” She steps back and lets him inside.

He hangs by the door, in a way he thinks is polite, but she finds it annoying.

“Take a seat. Look around. Or don’t.” Nicolette waves her hand and walks away.

Steve sets his backpack on a chair at the kitchen table in her small, but up-to-date kitchen which leads into the living room. There’s no artwork of herself or narcissistic awards like at the Avengers Tower. In fact, except for a few touches like a ceramic, sky blue elephant on the end table, an interesting shelf shaped like a hexagon, and some tulips, it’s very minimalist. There’s a book of French Impressionists on the coffee table next to a steaming mug. All the photos on the mantle are personal, not professional. With the lack of magazine covers, he wonders if she really is a Stark. She doesn’t even have photos of herself on her own. They’re all of her with Tony, Pepper, the same two very beautiful women, or an impossibly tall blond man. He spots the one of her, Tony, and Happy all in sunglasses with their arms folded, pretending to be serious. In another, she’s sticking her tongue out while Tony points to her Harvard diploma.  She clears her throat and Steve puts the picture down on the mantle.

“Here.” She hands him a cup of coffee. ” I don’t know how you take your coffee.”

“Black, so it’s perfect. Thank you.” He looks down at the cup then back up at her.

She has her hair pulled back in a bun and wears a yellow sweater with a black skirt with gold buttons running up the side. She looks incredibly professional while glaring at him.  She throws herself in a chair, so he sits across from her on the couch.

“The famous Captain America gets to play fucking babysitter.” She sighs and picks up her mug from the table.

“You know, women didn’t really talk like that in the ’40s.”

“Maybe not to you. I know for a fact my nana cursed more than I do.” She looks him up and down. “Don’t worry about my mouth, Captain Steve.”

His eyes fall on her lips, now that she said that, and he notices her nude lipstick. He realizes he should say something, but his throat is dry. He swallows hard.

“I’m not interested in deflowering an American icon. Unless I’m too late?”

Her blue eyes sparkle with mischief and his face gets hot. Starks are nosy.

“What the what?”

“I didn’t say anything.”

“Who popped your cherry?”

“No one.”

“I figured there was a line out the door, but I didn’t think you’d actually do it. Was this when you were all ‘Extra Extra! We have to fight the Nazis! It’s our boy, Captain America. C’mon, gals, make him a man!’” Her voice deepens and picks up speed like an old newsreel announcer.

Steve wants to laugh but doesn’t want to give her the satisfaction, so he scoffs.

“The USO tour! Lots of time on the road with  ladies.” Her eyes widen.

He takes a drink of coffee. She rests her chin on her hand and studies him.

“And they had those rocket bras, right? I never got that. Let me poke your eye out with my tits.”

Steve rubs his temples. She is impossible. Why am I always fighting with Starks?

“WWII dude shortage, one super-soldier, and horny ladies equal—” She clicks her tongue and points at him. “—punched V-card.”

This time, Steve can’t hide his laughter, so he just raises his mug over his mouth.

“You’re laughing! I won!”

“Miss Stark, I’m not talking about this.” He can’t look her in eyes but focuses on a spot behind her.

“Please tell me you didn’t pay for it.”

“Oh my god!” Steve nearly spits out his coffee onto her carpet.

“Hey, I love sex workers, but I’m sure women are willing to drop their panties at the sight of you.” She tilts her head back and pretends to swoon. ”Oh, Captain America, show me the meaning of the stars and stripes.”

“How are you worse than Tony?”

“It’s no biggie. My first was my ex, Ben. It’s sex.”

“I didn’t need to know that.” Steve knows he’s all red from how much his cheeks are burning.

“God, you’re such a prude.” She shakes her head. “Lemme guess, you lasted 5 minutes?”

Steve buries his face in his hands.

“Aww, it’s okay, buddy. You’ll get better the more you practice.” She chuckles, enjoying every second of this.

“Where is your bathroom?” He stands up.

“That way. First right.” She points her finger.

She hears the door shut and smirks. That was way too easy. She rushes down the stairs and goes outside. She locks up with her phone—something Tony created when she first moved in. She starts her walk down the street when she hears an exaggerated throat clearing. It’s Steve. He has an “I’m not mad. I’m disappointed” look on his face that makes her roll her eyes. He’s such a pain in the ass.

“Where are you going?”

“A bar mitzvah. What do you think? I’m going to work. It’s my last day before we close for Christmas.”

“Everyone thinks Tony’s dead. If you walk in there like everything’s fine, it might tip off the Mandarin.” He speaks softly in her ear.

“Shit.” She breathes.

Her brow furrows as the gears turn in her head.

“I really just need to drop off some files.” She lifts the USB drive on her keychain.

Steve nods and lets her lead the way to her office. It’s a very quick walk, so he can see why she chose that apartment building. She’s very fast and weaves in and out of the pedestrians which makes it a little annoying to follow her.

Despite the fact it’s barely 8 am, a swarm of reporters is waiting for her at the door. Microphones are shoved in her face.

“Are you going to California?”

“Did Tony say any last words?”

“Are you going to take over Stark Industries with Pepper Potts?”

“How do you feel about your brother’s death?”

Nicolette shrinks back as the lenses snap every frame of her surprised expression. Immediately, Steve puts himself between her and the reporters. She keeps her head down and he guides them inside, shutting the door on the press.

“You okay?” He asks when they get in the elevator.

“Fine.” She hits the button.

“Do reporters usually bother you like that?” He looks over at her.

“Nope. Perks of being the accident child.” She folds her arms across her chest. “I made myself as boring as possible, so no one gives a shit.”

The doors open and she walks through.  Apparently, his disguise actually works because no one approaches him. He just stands a few feet away with broad shoulders rolled back and his hands folded across his expansive chest. Immediately, her supervisor, Colleen rushes over to her. She’s a tall, wisp of a woman with black hair. She moves in like she wants to hug Nicolette, but doesn’t. She’s not that kind of person.

“Oh, Nicolette, I’m so sorry about your brother.”

“Well, uh, he’s not—they’re still investigating.”

“It’s good to be positive.”

“I have the updated discovery and the briefs you needed. I didn’t wanna wait till after New Year’s.”

“What would I do without you? Let’s go to my office.”

“I’ll be right back.” She tells Steve. Colleen looks at her. “Security detail.”

“I see.”

Nicolette comes back and gives Steve a nod.

“I have my cell if you need me, Colleen. Merry Christmas.” Nicolette says before walking out a different door. There are no reporters this time and she breathes a sigh of relief.

Steve stays behind her keeping an eye on everything around him with his heightened senses. No one notices them. The wind picks up and she adjusts the scarf on her neck as they keep walking. Her skin burns pink from the cold. Once inside her building, she goes up to the front desk.

“Hi, Mark. This is...Frank Farmer. Can we get him a guest pass?”

“Sure thing, Miss Stark.”

She leans over the desk and fills out some paperwork then hands it back to the security guard. She hands Steve the pass and he follows her inside the elevator.

“Frank Farmer?”

“You’ve never seen the Bodyguard?”

“No.”

“How did you get in earlier?”

“I work for S.H.I.E.L.D.”

“I work for S.H.I.E.L.D.”  She mimics childishly.

She uses her phone to unlock the door and walks in. She takes off her scarf, coat, and gloves and hangs them on the coat rack. He follows her to the small study off of the living room. There’s a large bookcase covering the wall, a green banker’s lamp, a framed poster of Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, and her Harvard Law diploma on the wall.

“So, what’s the plan here? I’m supposed to go to my friend Jordan’s place in New York.”

“Unfortunately, Miss Stark, you need to stay here.”

“Tony threatens a terrorist and my Christmas gets ruined. You got a shift schedule with the other S.H.I.E.L.D. agents?”

“It’s just me.”

“You and I stuck here? You fucking serious?”

“For your safety. It’s not a punishment.” Steve stares at her, realizing he’s moving closer to her as the argument escalates.

“I’m not a goddamn child or some damsel in distress. I don’t need this.” Nicolette’s all in his space. He knows she’s a foot shorter than him, but she’s very angry.  Her eyes narrow and her jaw clenches. If looks could kill…

“After what happened to Hogan—”

“I gotta make a call. Or you gonna watch me while I do that too?”

“No.”

“Great. Do whatever you want. Watch TV. Stare at 21st-century cars on the balcony. I don’t really care. You can put your shit upstairs in the guest room."

Steve nods and walks out, shutting the door behind him. She’s so frustrating. She’s the most frustrating woman he’s ever met. She’s being a brat because she isn’t getting her way for her safety. Maybe he should’ve gone to Ibiza and let Natasha watch her. He looks at the television and then at the balcony. It would be good to get some fresh air.

Nicolette stares at the door and takes her phone out of her purse. She quickly cancels her flight and pays the late cancellation fee. Unlike Tony, she doesn’t like flying private for every single trip.

Jordan Rosa (8:31 am)

Hey lady. Saw you on the news.

Lucy Anderson (8:31 am)

CALL US NOW!

Dylan Sparrow (8:31 am)

Hope you’re ok <3. Boarding flight. See you soon!

She sighs and dials, putting the phone up to her ear. She’s glad Tony created that secure server, so she doesn’t have to worry about her calls being monitored.

“Hey.” Nicolette throws herself in her chair.

“Hey, babe,” Jordan says in a tone that lets her know she’s smiling.

“Hey, sweetie. Are you okay?” Lucy’s voice is already dripping with sweetness. It’d be annoying if it wasn’t so genuine.

“This day fucking sucks.” Nicolette puts her legs up on her desk.

“I’m sorry they camped out at your office like that.” She can hear the frown in Lucy’s voice.

“Are you going to the airport soon?” Jordan asks.

“No.” Nicolette lowers her voice.” Get this, I’m grounded. Being babysat by an Avenger.”

“Dylan’s gonna whine about this.” Jordan’s voice sounds very similar to something like whining.

“Who’s with you? Natasha? The Hulk? Thor? Bow and arrow guy?” Lucy lists them off so rapidly that her Chicago accent blends some bits together.

“You forgot one. Steve fucking Rogers.”

“So you’re trapped in your apartment with Captain America?”

“Don’t sound so delighted, J. He has such a stick up his ass. It’s the worst.”

“Maybe he’ll feel better once you take that super-soldier dick for a ride.”

“Jesus, Jordan!” Nicolette tips back and falls out of her chair. She lands on her side on the carpet.

The door opens and she sees Steve standing above her, upside down. He’s staring and she’s just staring right back.

“Are you okay, Miss Stark?” He reaches for her, but she swats his hand away.  She stands up on her own and sits back down. Steve really wants to help, but she won’t even let him fix her chair. She’s relentlessly stubborn.

“I’m fine. My friend is an idiot,” she yells into the phone.

“You’re sure?”

“Common hazard of being a shorty. I’m fine.”

He nods and walks out, shutting the door.

“You’re so mean to him, Nikki.” Lucy coos.

“Whatever. He can handle it.” Nicolette rolls her eyes.

“God, that voice. I’m wet already.” Jordan’s practically drooling.

“Stop it. You’re not helping.”

“You don’t think he’s cute, Nic?” Lucy asks.

“He’s basically like an overprotective dad. He gives this stupid look every time I swear. It’s ridiculous.”

“Send me a pic.”

“No.”

“Remember all that Captain America stuff we found in your dad’s office?”

“The poster you stole?”

“Got me through junior year. That and Tyra Banks.”

“Gross. You were getting off to a dead guy.”

“Who is actually very much alive and could fuck you right now.”

“He’s a human being. Not a sex toy.”

“A human sex toy.”

“Seriously, he may look hot, but he’s the most boring man in the universe.”

“Mmm, sexual tension. Merry Christmas to you.”

“Nikki. Jor. I can’t take much more of this.”

“I’m just saying if your plans have changed they should include getting the most patriotic dick in America.”

“I’m hanging up.” Lucy threatens.

“Listen, there should be some condoms leftover in the guest room from when you were in Tokyo in May.”

“Really? When you were house sitting? That’s why you had my sheets sent out?”

“Maybe.”

“Please stay safe. We don’t want anything to happen to you.”

 “And have safe sex.”

“J, I’m gonna kill you. I’ll be fine. Tony’s the only Stark anyone cares about.”

“We love you, Nikki.”

“You too, even though Jordan’s a pervert.”

“I’m your favorite pervert. Love you, lady.”

“Love you. Merry Christmas.”

“Maybe we’ll see you for New Year’s? Dylan’s gonna be so upset if you miss Christmas and New Year’s.”

“Yeah, maybe. Keep your phones on. I’m gonna be bored.”

“Only if you send shirtless pics of your bodyguard.”

“Bye.” Nicolette shakes her head.

Once she’s off the phone, she presses her face into the desk. The wood is cold and she takes a deep breath trying to soothe her pounding head. She was supposed to spend Christmas Eve with her friends and then see Tony on Christmas Day. It’s all gone to shit now. Natasha had told her about the mandated psychological evaluations that they all took. Tony refused his. Nicolette suggested a private therapist and he laughed it off. Then Happy got hurt and he threatened a terrorist with global access to explosives. She hates seeing what could be his last moments on CNN. When he was kidnapped. When he fell out of a wormhole in New York. Now the remnants of the Malibu house floats in the ocean. But he survived. He’s alive. He’s in hiding and she has no idea where, but he’s alive. She sobs until she can’t cry anymore and everything fades away.

“Outta my way!” Nicolette rushed past the different soldiers. “My brother just escaped terrorists, you fuckwits.”

“She’s been under a lot of stress.” Pepper chuckled.

Nicolette practically skidded on the pavement when she stopped in front of Tony. He was considerably thinner with cuts on his face. She swallowed hard as her eyes linger at the blue sling on his arm.  It hurt to look at him.  She wiped her eyes with the back of her hand and he blinked back tears. In true Stark fashion, she cracked a smile.

“Thank God, I am not CEO material.”

“C’mon, another Stark CEO at 21?”

Nicolette shook her head and put her small arms around him.

“You asshole.” Nicolette laughed.

“Your favorite asshole.” He wasn’t sure he was gonna see her again.

“Always.” She rested her head on his shoulder.  

Right away, they got in the car because Tony’s on a mission. She looked back at him from the passenger’s seat.  She watched as Pepper and Tony argued in their usual way. He was really there.

“Can I get a frozen Coke?” She put her chin on top of the headrest.

“See, Pip gets it.” He winked at her.

Steve doesn’t hear anything in the study for a while, so he puts down the book on French impressionists and goes to check on her. She’s asleep with her face on the desk. He wants to move her to a more comfortable spot, but she’s not yelling at him if she’s asleep. He stands awkwardly, debating, and accidentally kicks her door. She lifts her head.

“Light sleeper.” She mumbles. She tries to get to her feet, but her leg is numb. She staggers back urging her leg to move. Steve steadies her before she falls on the floor. God, his hand covers her entire shoulder making him feel like a giant.

“Why don’t you get some rest upstairs?” He suggests.

Maybe it’s because she’s half-awake, but she nods without any snarky comment. When Steve helps her up, he’s reminded of how small she is. It was the first thing he noticed about her back in July. He could lift her and she’d probably weigh nothing. Instead, he puts his hand on the small of her back as she moves up the short staircase.

“There.” She points to the bedroom at the end of the hallway.

He guides her to her room. His touch pulses through her skin because he’s so warm. It’s like he has a constant fever. It’s weird. There’s a big bed with lilac-colored sheets in the center of the room and a large painting of “Monet’s Water Lilies and the Japanese Bridge” hanging above it. He can see the bathroom door in the corner and her closet on the opposite corner. She holds onto his arm as she kicks off her heeled boots. She could be holding onto a statue at this point. Is he made of marble?  Her hand barely covers his elbow, he notices, before she rips back the duvet. She tucks herself in and he thinks she looks like a little doll in a child’s playset. He nods and shuts the door. She must be exhausted because she goes right back to sleep.

“Just say it, Pip.”

“What in the fuck, dude?”

“I can’t do it anymore. I don’t want any more blood on my hands.”

She closed her eyes and took a deep breath.

“You thought that the weapons you made would just magically stay in the hands of our troops? Where have you been? Drunk? Or are you that naive?” Her eyes narrowed.

“You wanna keep killing people as long as it lines our pockets?” Tony tossed up the hand that wasn’t in the sling. He was getting angry with her.

“I wanna sleep at night, Tone. You ever wonder why I won’t work for the family business?” She sighed, exasperated.

“Then why are you mad at me?” His voice got quiet.

“I’m worried about you.” The tears flooded her eyes.

“I’m okay. I’m here.” He leaned forward and touched her hand.

“You’re all I’ve got.” Her lip trembled as she held back tears.

“I’m not going anywhere, Pip.” He squeezed her hand.

Nicolette wakes up and her bedroom is dark. She sits up and sighs. Her hair has fallen out of its bun and her makeup is ruined from all that crying. It’s 5 pm. She slept the day away and she’s still drained. She hears a sound in the hallway and remembers her guest. Great. What an annoying night this is going to be.

Steve hears featherlight footsteps on the stairs. He turns his head and sees Nicolette with long, wet dark hair, a red candy cane sweatshirt that reads “I’m Not Short I’m Just A Tall Elf”, and black leggings. The shirt makes him chuckle and he wonders who got it for her. God, she’s so naturally pretty.  He catches the thought immediately and pushes it out of his mind. It’s just then that it dawns on him that they’re completely alone. He can count the times he’s been alone with a woman on one hand. He remembers vividly running away from the dancers who would break into his hotels on the road. He has the distinct feeling Nicolette wouldn’t break into any room of his even if it was on fire and he was passed out from smoke inhalation.

“Hi.” He clears his throat.

“Hi.” She moves into the kitchen and gets a glass of water. “You want something to drink?”

“No, I’m fine.” He lifts his glass.

“Vodka or water?” She arches an eyebrow.

“Water.” He says flatly.

“Of course.” She sighs and sits down at the opposite end of the couch.

There are quite a few books on her coffee table that she recognizes from her study like the 1818 edition of Frankenstein, Sharp Objects, The Meaning of Freedom and Women, Culture & Politics both by Angela Davis, If Not, Winter: Fragments of Sappho, and Gone Girl.

“Enjoying yourself?” She smirks.

“I didn’t wanna wake you with the television. I hope this was okay.”

Nicolette tilts her head. Of course, it was okay.

“Where are you gonna start?”

“Oh, I finished them all.”

She stares at him.

“I like reading. I finished the Impressionists book you have.” He lifts it off the coffee table.” Then went from there.”

Her lips curl into the tiniest smile at how earnest he is.  He just took 6 weeks of a gender studies course in an afternoon.

“Do you like pizza?”

Nicolette allows Steve to answer the door. She stays in the kitchen per his request and grabs the vodka from the freezer. It could be a bludgeoning vodka or drinking vodka—either way it’s gonna work.

“I was gonna say it’s clear.” Steve looks at her and sets the boxes down on the counter.

“Hey, this could be a weapon.” She untwists the cap and goes about making herself a martini. She grabs two plates and hands one to him grazing her knuckles on his.

“Ladies first.” He raises his eyebrows.

“Vodka first.” She knocks back her drink in a few gulps much to his surprise. She throws some slices on her plate and makes another martini. “You want one?”

“No, I’m fine.”

“Wait!”

She runs over to the fridge and pulls out a beer. She likes it sometimes, but Jordan loves beer. She hands it to him proudly. His large hand nearly swallows hers when he takes it.

“Thanks.” He laughs. He follows her back to the couch but puts a serious room between the two of them. She’s on her second piece when he finishes the entire pizza. No wonder they ordered four.

“Well, shit.” Nicolette leans back against the couch to just watch.

“My metabolism is four times faster than yours.” He feels his cheeks burn.

“That’s fun for you, huh?” She sips her drink.

“I wouldn’t say fun.” He shrugs.

“Fascinating.”

“Are you gonna eat?”

“And miss this?”

Steve gives her a look, so she puts her drink down.

“Fine, fine.” She bites into her piece.

She doesn’t want to make him feel uncomfortable about eating. Being old? Yes. Being boring? Yes. Being embarrassed about sex? Yes. Eating? No. He ends up eating another pizza and she has about three slices. She keeps her comments to herself while flipping through channels.

“You sure I can’t get you anything stronger? I have whiskey.”

“It wouldn’t do any good. I can’t get drunk.”

“Aww, that’s so sad.”

“It’s fine.”

“So even if you wanted to—you can’t. Aww, Captain Steve. I’m gonna drink for you then.”

Nicolette looks so heartbroken it makes him laugh. She can’t help but think what a beautiful smile he has. His teeth are perfect. Is that a dimple? Look at the muscles in his neck. The way his stomach muscles tighten when he laughs ain’t bad either. Shut up, vodka.

“Oh my god!” She squeals.

“What?”

“The Bodyguard is on!”

“Is it good?”

“Not at all. It’s so bad. We have to watch it and we’re gonna make fun of it.”

Steve chuckles at how excited she is. At least now he’ll understand the reference she made earlier. He hasn’t really watched bad movies intentionally, but it’s fun. He lets her set the rhythm of snide comments and finally joins in because the security tactics are ridiculous.

“He jumped at the car and didn’t even get anywhere near it. What was the point of that?”

“Because the movie is stupid!”

“She has an amazing singing voice.”

“Oh yeah, Whitney was one of the best. She died earlier this year.”

“That’s sad.”

The alcohol starts to wear on Nicolette and she feels more tired. She pulls her knees into her chest. She makes it to the end of the movie, but barely.

“No funny stuff, Captain Steve.”

“What funny stuff?”

She pokes her finger in and out of the hole she’s made with her other hand.

“My god.”

“Just saying. I’m not asking you on any dates.”

“That’s fine.”

“And no one is falling in love or getting shot.”

“Good plan.”

“C’mere.”

“Yeah?” Steve just looks at her.

“C’mere. C’mere. C’mere. I wanna tell you a secret.” She keeps waving until he’s sitting next to her. “Nic wouldn’t want you to know this, but she’s actually pretty worried. Tony’s all she’s got.”

Steve looks her over. It’s the first time he’s seen her be serious. Her hair has dried into soft waves and her big blue eyes are glassy from drink. He can see all the different shades of blue in her eyes. Her eyebrows are knitted together with concern. He can feel her breath on his face. She’s so close.

“I’m gonna make sure nothing happens to her.”

“You’re not so bad, Cap’n Crunch.”

Steve chuckles and gathers up the dishes. He cleans and puts everything away. When he comes back to the couch, she’s fast asleep. He grabs the blanket off the top of the couch to cover her. He shuts off the television and moves into one of the chairs before falling asleep.

Nicolette wakes up to the sun shining right through the window. Why is she sleeping on the couch? She looks over to the armchair and sees the sleeping form of Captain Steve Rogers reclining in it. She’s so surprised her heart nearly jumps out of her chest.

“Oh, shit!” She yelps and falls off the arm of the couch onto the floor. She lands on her side and hisses. Right, he’s her bodyguard and she had a lot of martinis. She isn’t hungover—she just forgot. She’s not used to Avengers sleeping in her living room.

“Miss Stark! Are you all right?” Steve asks, looming over her.

“Yep. Just getting to know my carpet choice.” She huffs, blowing the hair out of her face. “Soft. Durable. I made a good pick.”

She presses the heel of her palms into the said carpet and gets to her feet. She bows like she just performed a trick. He shakes his head.

“Wanna get breakfast?” She covers her yawn with her hand.

“You don’t have some robot to bring it to you?” He looks around, waiting for a lady J.A.R.V.I.S.

“Small staff.” She points to herself. “We can get a good spot at Betty’s. C’mon.”

Steve follows her up the stairs. She points to the first door on the right.

“Bathroom. And then the bedroom is next to it. I’ll be right down.”

Steve has a slight variation of his outfit from yesterday—jeans, sweater, and leather jacket. Aside from his input about the uniform with Howard, he’s more into function than fashion. That’s not Nicolette at all. She has on a blue sweater dress, black tights, and grey high-heeled boots that reach her thighs. Not that he’s looking at her thighs. They’re just very tall boots on a small person.

“You ready?” She asks, hands folded across her chest.

Steve nods and walks to the door. He almost grabs her coat for her, but he isn’t sure how she’d react to that. She’s been nicer than yesterday, but it might be a fluke.

On the walk to the restaurant, the different shops and restaurants are playing Christmas music. Steve really hasn’t spent a lot of effort on holidays. He woke up last October and since then, he’s been reckoning with missing out on so much time. It didn’t mean playing popular culture catch up.  Nicolette clearly knows her Christmas music. She does a little jump every time she likes a particular song before she starts to sing along. She seems to know every word and clearly loves music which is very cute. However, it slows them down and he’s not too keen on that. So far, there’s one about wanting someone to come home on Christmas which sounds rather sad, but the music isn’t, another about hula hoops that music be sung by children with squeaky voices, and one where a woman’s clearly seducing Santa for presents.

When they get to the restaurant, it’s not very busy with mostly single patrons and one group of three guys who look extremely hungover hunched over their coffees. Nicolette points to a table. Steve sees one of the men perk up at the sight of her, but either she doesn’t notice or she’s pretending as she slides into her booth. Steve sits down and can hear them talking about her. It’s not respectful in the slightest. They’re unsure which one of them should talk to her.

“Hey, baby,” one finally says.

Nicolette crosses her legs and ignores them, pretending to look at her phone. Okay, she does notice.

The waitress comes over with new table settings. She drops some silverware, so Nicolette hops up to help her.

“Oh, I’ve got it.” She shakes her head.

“I don’t mind.” Nicolette shrugs and hands her the ones that have touched the floor.

The guys don’t even hide the fact they’re checking her out. One even leans over to see if he can get a glance down the front of her dress. Steve clenches his fist and has half a mind to go over there.

“Damn, girl.” The guy grins.

The waitress thanks her and goes to put the dirty silverware away. Nicolette covers her mouth in an exaggerated yawn at the men.

“Not interested.” She sits back down.

“Just one smile. For Christmas.” Their leader pouts.

“Oh.” She flips them off with both hands. “Merry Christmas. Now, shut up and leave me alone.”

“Don’t need to be such a bitch, babe.” He laughs and nudges one of the guys.

Nicolette shakes her head at Steve who is ready to pounce.

“Just ignore them.” She props up her menu to block her vision of them. She looks over the options and it doesn’t take her long to realize she wants pancakes.

The waitress returns and Nicolette orders pancakes with a side of bacon. Steve orders a special that comes with three eggs, bacon, two pieces of toast, and fruit.  Thankfully, the most annoying patrons leave when the waitress stops by with their coffees.

“Thank you for your help earlier, darlin’.” She smiles.

“No worries.” Nicolette returns the smile.

“Your food should be up soon.” She nods and walks away.

“I’m sorry about those guys.” Steve takes a sip from his coffee.

“I wouldn’t be able to do my job if I couldn’t handle a man calling me a bitch.” Nicolette adds sugar in the raw to hers and a splash of milk.

He frowns. He still isn’t comfortable chatting up women, but he can’t fathom being that cruel. She told them flat out she wasn’t interested. How fragile were their egos?

He leans against the wall and sees more families come in. Nicolette notices his stoic expression and presses her much smaller shoulder into the wall. She narrows her eyes and checks out the different patrons.

“She’s very suspicious.” She nods to the toddler in the Cinderella sweater.

Steve raises his eyebrows slightly. He’s getting a little better at telling when she’s actually angry at him and when she’s just being playful. He believes this is the latter.

The waitress drops off their food and Nicolette makes her laugh.  She clearly has no problem talking to anyone. Tony is arrogant and cocksure because he needs adoration to fill some kind of hole. Nicolette doesn’t seem to need anything from anyone. She’s comfortable in her own skin in a way Steve’s never been. He’s a little jealous. Almost like she’s reading his mind, she moves her shoulders to the Christmas song playing above them in her own little world.

“C’mon, nothing?”

“I don’t know this.”

“It’s Stevie Wonder.”

“Is he good?”

“My god.” She puts her hand over her chest and gasps.

Steve sighs and picks up his fork.

They eat in awkward silence with her occasionally humming the song on the radio. When they get the bill, she pulls out her card before he’s able to do anything. She leaves a large cash tip before they walk out. She moves quicker on their walk back.

“You know, I haven’t seen the tree yet. Have you?”

“No.”

“Big touristy attraction’s safe, right?”

“Most likely.”

“We can take my car.”

“Good cause I need my shield.”

“So you can look like a spangly turtle?”

“Not exactly. Tony made something for it—helps it blend in.”

“Aw, I wanted to see it in all its dorky glory.”

She gives him a look and he’s sure—pretty sure—she’s kidding.

They go straight to the garage. Her car is a dark blue Audi sedan with black leather seats. It doesn’t seem to have all the bells and whistles like the cars Tony drives. He sets his shield in the backseat. She drives to President’s Park and finds a parking space. He takes out the shield and straps it to his back. He presses down on the button on the back of the shield and a metal case appears over it. Before Nicolette can comment, the case goes invisible. It definitely blends in now.

“So if you hit that button on accident—”

“It needs a specific amount of pressure before the case comes on.”

“Tony thinks of everything, I guess.” She shrugs and bounds ahead of him with excitement.

The tree is enormous and beautiful with all the intricately placed lights.  She smiles wide just looking at it.

“Christmas is your favorite holiday?”

“And Halloween.”

“Halloween? Isn’t it for kids?”

“There’s adult Halloween. Costumes. Drinks. Dancing.”

“Sounds like trouble.”

“Lots.”

She sings along again to the music playing and spins around. This time it’s a song about snow being like marshmallows. He hasn’t gotten used to this yet. Her voice is beautiful. He just isn’t used to people being so…joyful.

“Can you take a pic of me in front of the tree?” She hands him her phone. “It’s this button.”

Steve nods. She throws her arms around the tree like she’s hugging it which makes him chuckle. In the next one, she puts her hands right over her mouth like she’s in disbelief at how great the tree is. She comes back and looks through the photos.

“These are great, thanks. My ladies wanted to know what I was up to.”

“Your ladies?”

Her thumb swipes through the photos until she lands on one of her laughing with the same two women from the photos at her apartment.

“Jordan and I went to high school together.” She zooms in on the tall brunette with big brown eyes and a permanent smirk “She’s an actress.” Then she enlarges the photo of the petite brunette with stunning porcelain doll features. “Lucy’s a journalist. We met in college. Instant drunk girl in the bathroom bonding. Tony says we’re the Brunette Army.”

“It’s nice you’re all so close.”

She thinks about it for a moment. She could tell him Jordan wanted her to sleep with him.  That’d prove how nice she was. He’d go all red which would be hilarious, but she decides to keep it to herself. She chews her lip. She switches the camera to selfie view.

“C’mon. Take one with me to prove I didn’t blow them off.”

“I don’t know I don’t really—”

“Take photographs? C’mon. I won’t bite. I promise.”

Steve sighs and bends his shoulder towards her. He feels so awkward. He’s never been good at posing.

“Okay, try not to look like this is torture, please.”

He gives her a small close-mouthed smile. She raises her eyebrows and lets her mouth fall open to compensate for his lack of facial expressions. She knows that’s the best she’s gonna get and sends it to Lucy and Jordan.

“Need any more photos?”

“Nah. There’s that downtown market by the National Portrait Gallery. We could check that out?”

“Sure. No more running ahead of me though.”

“Aye, aye, Cap’n.”

She drives to F Street and struggles to find a parking spot. After some circling, she does find one in front of a clothing shop. Steve puts his shield back on and hits the button. He’s ready.

They walk to the holiday market and go in. There are all sorts of booths selling various merchandise, food, and drink. Nicolette gets hot cocoa in a decorative mug with a mountain of whipped cream. She dives right in damning all appearances.

“How do I look?”  Her mouth is covered.

Impossibly cute. Steve snatches a napkin from a booth and wipes the whipped cream off her nose and mouth.

“Aww, I thought that could be my new disguise.”

He raises his eyebrows and she giggles.

“You should work on your resting bitch face.”

“My what?”

She glares at him and he furrows his brow. Why is she mad?

“It’s like your regular face looks mean and bitchy.”

“Doesn’t sound like something I’d be interested in.”

“Not with those puppy dog eyes.”

She moves from booth to booth pleasant to all the vendors and asking questions about the different items they’re selling. She takes a moment to look at the handblown glass ornaments.

“Beautiful, huh?” She lifts a very detailed one with painted Christmas trees and shows it to him. She nudges it closer to him and he realizes this is the most time he’s spent with a woman outside of a mission. He suddenly becomes very aware of his posture and what he should and should not do with his hands.

“Yeah.” He takes it from her. The craftsmanship is gorgeous and it’s much easier to focus on this.

“Oh, look.” She points at the one of Central Park in the snow.  It reminds her of home and Tony. What was he doing right now? Was he safe? Her face falls for a moment before she smiles politely at the vendor and walks on. She clears her throat and suddenly her distraction isn’t working as well as it was earlier. Maybe she should eat something.

She finds a booth with all sorts of snacks and of course, they have Avengers cookies.  Steve hangs back and keeps an eye on things while she peruses the menu. She doesn’t see a Natasha or Clint cookie—only Thor, Hulk, Iron Man, and Captain America. She buys two misshapen shields and skips over to him.

“Isn’t this hilarious?” She shows him proudly.

“Wow. They’ve thought of everything.” He hands the cookie back.

“Oh, no, I got you one.” She grins. She spins around and sings a bit of that Captain America song. She doesn’t remember most of the lyrics, so it’s mostly nonsense sounds, but she knows the high kick. “Take the cookie and I’ll stop.”

“Okay.” He grabs the cookie from her. “How do you even know that?”

“4th of July show when I was 12.”

“That’s my birthday.”

“You’re shitting me!”

“No.”

“That’s hilarious. I know I’m not as good as Rocket Tits or any of the USO dancers.”

“You were fine.”

“The song is so bad.”

“Try hearing it non-stop for months.”

She grimaces and he smiles. She unwraps the cookie and bites into it. It’s lemon.

“Whaddaya think?” She covers her mouth with her hand.

“It’s sweet.” He swallows the large chunk he accidentally chewed off. “Anywhere else you wanna see?”

“Nah, should probably think about lunch cause that cookie did not help. Too much sugar.”

It’s when they’re leaving that Steve gets the strange sense something is off. The hair on the back of his neck stands on end. She glances at him and can see his demeanor has changed. Her eyebrows knit together with concern.

“We’re being watched,” he whispers and takes the shield off his back, but keeps it hidden.

“What?” She nearly stops in her tracks.

“Keep moving. We need to get to your car.” He nudges her back slightly.

Her heartbeat thrums against her ribs as she walks faster. She doesn’t look behind her even though she really wants to. She wants to know what he sees. After the tensest ten-minute walk of her life, they spot her car. And that’s when Steve sees one of them on a rooftop. He presses down on the button and makes his shield visible.

“Get down!”

In one swift motion, he pulls her against his chest covering them with his shield. There’s a deafening boom as her car gets blown to pieces. She can feel the heat from the explosion on her face. A high-pitched whine rings in her ears and she looks up at him, shaking. He pulls down the shield. Terrified bystanders scatter while two men in grey jackets stand perfectly still amidst the chaos. Steve looks at her.

“Run.”

Her heart feels like it’s going to burst through her chest.  She sprints as fast as her legs can carry her into a clothing store past all the screaming people. She whips her head around looking for somewhere to hide. Mannequins lay on the floor along with shirts, pants, and other items of clothing. If she hides in one of the clothing racks then she’d be a sitting duck.

The door opens and she runs behind the cash register. A sharp pain tugs at her scalp as the man tries to lift her by her hair. She digs her thumb into his eye which makes him let go. She grabs the stapler and smashes it into his face.

“You bitch!” He hisses.

On the street, Steve throws his shield knocking the bastard back into a row of cars. He kicks the shield and flips it back onto his arm. The guy staggers to his feet and fires his gun. The bullets bounce off the shield until he’s empty. He swipes at Steve with his fists and Steve kicks him in the chest. His neck lands on the curb with a sickening crack. Panting, Steve looks around. Where is she?

Nicolette wretches a door open and locks it once she’s inside. It doesn’t look very strong, but it’s something.  Her head throbs from where he grabbed her. Think. Think. You can do this.

She sees a ladder against a window and climbs it.  It wobbles under her weight, but she can reach it. She groans and pulls up as hard as she can. It still won’t open.

The doorknob rattles as he tries in vain to get in.

“Come on.” She pleads, trying the window again.

There’s a groan of frustration followed by a thump on the door. Tears are slipping down her face. He keeps kicking the door. She gets down from the ladder and looks for a place to hide. She crouches down behind a stack of boxes. Her body shakes and her hand clamps over her mouth to muffle her sobs. With her other hand, she gropes around her for something—anything she can use to protect herself. She finds a boxcutter.

She can hear the wood breaking and clutches the boxcutter to her chest. He bursts through and she shoves a cart at him before making a break for the back door. She’s almost there when her chest smacks into the carpet. Blood gushes from a cut on her nose. He drags her by the ankle to him. She cries out as pain washes over her— intense, throbbing pain. Her vision doubles and she blinks trying to snap out of it.

“Little lady wasn’t supposed to be this much trouble.” He hoists her up by her shoulders. “Guess Stark will have to weep over the mess.”

She bites down on his hand and he drops her. She snatches the boxcutter off the ground, pushes the blade up, and plunges them deep into his thigh. He yells. She screams and crawls away from him. He flips her onto her back with such force it knocks all the air out of her lungs. The boxcutter is out of his leg and there’s a small knife in his hand. He presses down on her throat with his forearm. She grabs hold of his wrist, but she’s not strong enough. Her legs flail around trying to kick him, but it’s useless. She sobs for her life, but he doesn’t care. The knife gets closer and closer to her chest. I’m going to die.

The door swings open and the shield hits him in the head. Steve tosses the would-be assassin into the ceiling cracking the fluorescent lights. He gets back up. Steve pushes his foot on the boxcutter and sends it further into his thigh. The man jabs his fist into Steve’s nose and they trade blows. He grabs Steve by the throat. She spies the knife on the ground. Immediately, Nicolette stabs the man in the shoulder and he screams, loosening his grip. Steve rips the knife from the wound and drives it into his chest; exactly what he wanted to do to her. It’s over.

“Miss Stark?” Steve can see the blood caked on her hairline as he picks up his shield. There are cuts on her face including one on her nose that’s still dripping blood.

“What happened to the other guy?” Her entire body shakes. She’s not sure if it’s adrenaline or fear.

“He’s dead.”

“Good.”

“He didn’t cut you, did he?”

“No, just knocked me around.”

“Thank you, Miss Stark.”

She stares at him. He’s thanking her?

“For stepping in with the knife. You saved me.”

“Me? Nah, I didn’t—“

“You did.”

Nicolette nods and starts walking out to the street. Steve has half a mind to pick her up and carry her out, but he knows she won’t like that. She fought her attacker tooth and nail without any training. He can’t believe that.

A gorgeous, tall, professional woman with dark hair and blue eyes approaches them once they walk out of the store.

“Miss Stark, I’m Agent Maria Hill. Nick Fury sent me.”

“H-Hi.” Nicolette hates that she’s still shaking.

“I’m guessing he didn’t work alone.” Hill nods her head to the body bag on the ground.

“His partner’s in there, dead.” Steve points to the store.

“Agent Mendez, escort Captain Rogers and Miss Stark back to the Triskelion. They’re gonna need medical attention.”

Steve guides Nicolette to the car as S.H.I.E.L.D. starts damage control. She wonders if they have one of those Men in Black memory guns.

The Triskelion building is massively intimidating that sits on the Potomac River. She always wondered what that building was when she drove past it on the highway. Steve’s large hand takes hers to help her out of the car. She wonders if her skin is freezing or if he is on fire. She doesn’t dwell on it because he lets go as they enter the building and get in an elevator. Her head throbs now that the adrenaline fades away.

A team of medics swarms her the minute the doors open. She whips her head around and sees Steve look back before being lead down another hallway.

It’s a one-half medical exam and one-half interrogation. She doesn’t really like being questioned in a hospital gown, but she doesn’t have a choice especially when they cut her out of her sweater dress. They want to know what happened from her point of view while tending to the cuts on her face and body.

“He was on top of you with a knife? And then Captain Rogers came in?”

“Yes. I thought it was over f-for me.”

“Who killed your attacker?”

“I stabbed him in the shoulder and then Captain Rogers did it.”

“You have a lot of defensive wounds.”

“Fucker blew up my car. I wasn’t gonna make it easy for him.”

“Thankfully, most of your cuts are superficial. You do have a concussion and some bruising on your ribs.”

“Oh.”

“Thor left us a healing elixir and we’ve managed to synthesize it. It would speed up your healing. Would you like to take it?”

“Will it make the pain stop?”

“Yes.”

“I’ll take it.”

The medic hands her a vial of purple liquid. It burns like whiskey and she coughs deeply.  She rubs her chest.

“Get dressed and I’ll meet you outside.” The medic places a bag on the examination table and walks out.

Nicolette takes out a grey zip-up hoodie, a white shirt, and a pair of black sweatpants. She’s surprised there isn’t a S.H.I.E.L.D. logo on any of it. Maybe it’s in the stealth section of the gift shop. She winces through the pain but gets her new clothes on. She doesn’t have any other shoes, so she has to wear her boots. Tony never thought she could run in them and she proved him wrong. She hopes she can see him soon to rub it in his face. She falters realizing this is the first time she hasn’t thought she’d see him again. She takes a deep breath and opens the door.

“Captain Rogers and Director Fury are in here.” The medic walks her down the hallway and leaves.

Nicolette knocks, feeling sheepish. She’s never been in a secret government facility.

“Come in,” calls a voice she doesn’t really know. That has to be Fury. She’s only heard about him from Tony.

A Black man with an eyepatch sits at a table with Steve.

“Nick Fury. You’ve had quite the day, Miss Stark.”

“Yeah. I don’t think I can put ‘nearly murdered’ on my car insurance claim form.”

“Due to the seriousness of all this, we need you to stay at one of our safe houses.”

“I can’t go back to my place?”

“We want to do a sweep and keep an eye on it. Just for a few days.”

“Is the safe house as subtle as this place?”

“We just want to keep you safe, Miss Stark.” Steve finally speaks up.

Nicolette folds her hands together and nods. They’re right.

“What about my clothes? I can’t go back and get those? I need different shoes.”

“Agent Hill’s at your apartment. I’ll make sure she gets you shoes.”

They thought of everything.

“When do we leave?”

It doesn’t take Hill very long to get her a go-bag and pick up Steve’s from her apartment. They’re going to the Blue Ridge Mountains. Steve’s driving which is fine with her. He turns the radio on to some Christmas station hoping it’ll cheer her up. He looks at her and she shakes her head before shutting it off.  She hugs herself and turns her head away. Her vision blurs with tears as she takes in the beautiful mountains, trees, and snow. She’s quiet for the entire two-hour drive and it’s a little eerie considering how lively she usually is.

Steve goes into the house first to make sure they’re really alone; they are. Nicolette stays quiet as they walk into the cabin. It’s very secluded. She walks upstairs and takes an empty bedroom. She wishes she could be in her own bed.

“Can I take a shower?” Her voice is soft.

“I’ll see what our food situation is.” Steve nods.

He lets Fury know they arrived safely after he finds the secure phone. There are some SAT phones and bugs in the place. He promises to turn them back on when they go to bed. Right now, he has a feeling she doesn’t want anyone listening to her while she’s still processing all this. She deserves some rest. He sees the fridge stocked with food for three days. He expected something frozen, but they’re all properly cooked meals in Tupperware. He figures he’ll ask her what she wants.

She turns the shower on and lets the strong water pressure hit her back. There are small bottles of shampoo, body wash, and soap almost like a hotel. Even though they wiped her down, she scrubs viscously at her skin and hair until she’s red all over. She needs all traces gone. She keeps seeing herself on her back with that man over her. She was so defenseless and she hated every second of it. She wants to stay in the shower for the rest of the night, but the water turns cold. She hops out and shuts the shower off. There is a small bottle of lotion in her bag and she inhales the cherry blossom scent deeply.  At least that feels normal. She slips into a sweater, sweatpants, and adds a hoodie. It’s much colder here than back in DC.

There’s a knock on the door. She opens it and sees Steve.

“You didn’t want the main bedroom?” He gestures behind him.

“No. This is fine.” She sighs.

“I’m gonna jump in the shower. Could you look in the fridge? I wasn’t sure what you’d want for dinner.”

“I don’t really care. I mean—whatever’s fine.”

“Okay, well, I’ll be right out. Miss Stark?”

“Yeah?”

“You choose tonight and I’ll pick tomorrow, okay?” He raises his eyebrows.

She stuffs her hands in her pockets and nods. She might as well give herself a tour while he’s showering. There are two bedrooms in between one bathroom. The downstairs consists of a foyer, kitchen, and living room with a fireplace, and a half bathroom. So much for killing time. She goes to the kitchen and looks at the different options. It’s all standard American meals like ham, mashed potatoes, peas and carrots, stuffed chicken breast and roasted potatoes, and chicken pot pie. There’s also lunch meat and cheese. She wonders who makes the food at S.H.I.E.L.D. for these situations. She thought they’d have to cook—not that she’s very good at it. She grabs the ham and finds the plates to heat everything in the microwave. In the pantry, she finds cereal, peanut butter, chips, and hot chocolate packets and finally the napkins she’s looking for. She sets the small table and fills up two water glasses from the tap.  Steve comes down the stairs as she sits down.

“Oh, good, just what I wanted.” He smiles.

Nicolette stabs a carrot with her fork. Steve bows his head and she realizes he’s praying. She tilts her head.

“What?”

“Wouldn’t have pegged you for being religious.”

“Habit at this point. My mom was the committed one.”

“Catholic?”

“Protestant. How about you?”

“Well, Tony thinks he’s god. Raised Lutheran from my nana. Now, agnostic, I guess. I don’t really know.”

“Yeah, not the best dinner conversation.”

“It’s okay—I mean I brought it up.”

Nicolette goes back to eating. Whoever they paid to make it definitely knew how to cook.

“This is good.” She covers her mouth with her hand.

“Much better than anything we had in the ‘40s. It was very bland.”

“Wow, that sucks. I like some spice.”

“You definitely would’ve hated it.”

Nicolette raises her eyebrows. He thought that might make her laugh. She just looks back at her food.

“Did they give you anything to eat at the Triskelion?”

“Wasn’t really hungry after all…that.”

“Yeah, adrenaline’ll do that to you.”

She nods and swirls her mashed potatoes around her fork.

The conversation dries up after that. Maybe he should’ve told her to stay home. Though considering they put a bomb on her car, they would’ve found a way to attack her. He wishes he knew what to say. He actually prefers when she’s intentionally frustrating him as opposed to this silence.

When they finish, she insists on washing the dishes and lets him dry. Her hand shakes and the fork falls on the hardwood floor.

“Shit.” She picks it up and drops it again. She straights up and it falls from her fingers a third time. “Goddamn it.”

“C’mon, let’s sit.” Steve shuts off the water.

“I wanna finish.”

Steve washes the fork and gives it to her with the towel. She dries it and puts it back.

“Now, can we sit?”

“Yeah.”

He guides her to the couch in the living room. Her muscles are all wound up and tight.

“Does this hurt?” His finger taps the spot between her shoulder blades.

“It’s sore.” She sighs. “Shower didn’t help as much as I thought.”

Her fingers rub circles on the spot trying to loosen it up, but she can only do so much. He worries she’ll make it worse with all that reaching and straining.

“Can I?” Steve keeps his hands in his lap.

“Uh, yeah.” Nicolette brushes her hair to the other side of her neck and turns her back to him.

His thumbs press into her shoulders. It feels good. She bites back a sigh not wanting to make it awkward.

“That okay?” Steve doesn’t give out many massages especially to beautiful women. He feels the knot in between her shoulder blades and rubs it with his palm.

“Mhmm.” She breathes in sharply.

It feels so nice her mind goes silent. She can feel the warmth from his hands burning through her hoodie. How is he so warm all the time? She relaxes into his touch completely unaware of how nervous he is or the fact he has no idea what he’s doing. Underneath all these muscles, he’s still the most awkward man on the planet.

“I’m always tense after a fight.” He rubs the back of her neck.

A fight? The tears burn in her eyes and she pulls away.

“Did I do something, Miss Stark?” His brow furrows with concern.

“I’m sorry.” She stifles a sob with her hand.

Steve rubs his hands on his thighs with nervous energy. He isn’t sure what to do here. Obviously, he wants to comfort her, but they don’t really know each other. Should he say something? Should he hug her? Should he leave her alone?

“When Tony started being Iron Man, I was in college. And I was in Tokyo for the Battle of New York. I wasn’t a part of it.”

Steve realizes now that Tony kept her from them for her safety. He wanted her to be spared from all this. He was being a good brother. Tony must really trust him and Natasha to ask them to keep an eye on his beloved little sister. He hasn’t really done a great job considering how traumatized she is right now.  She turns and faces him.

“I was so rude to you. I’m so sorry. I’m so sorry.”

“Miss Stark—“

“I thought everyone was overreacting. It was easier to pretend I was just a rich bitch.”

Steve saw a bit of that in Tony in May. He has the feeling that the Stark household didn’t discuss feelings too much.

“I thought he was gonna kill me. I saw that knife and I couldn’t stop him. I thought it was over.” She sobs.

When she lifts her head and looks at him with those tear-filled blue eyes, he wants to hug her. She shouldn’t be feeling like this. She isn’t fighting anyone or going on a mission. She’s just trying to live her life. It’s not fair.

“Thank you, Captain Rogers. You saved my life.”

“You don’t have to—it’s Steve. And I’m sorry he even got that close, Miss Stark.”

Nicolette wipes her eyes and shakes her head. He didn’t do anything wrong.

“Nicolette. Or Nic or Nikki. Just don’t call me Pip.”

“Who calls you that?”

“Tony. Pip as in Pip Squeak.”

“Well, you are small.”

“How tall were you before all this?”

“5’4’’.”

“Goddamn it, still taller than me.”

Steve laughs. He’s never been so happy to hear someone curse. It only lasts for a moment before the panic sets in. Her body trembles and he takes her hand. It’s so small it practically disappears in his.

“How can I help?”

“Just start talking about something.”

“Like what?”

“Anything. Y-You. Talk about you.”

“You’re not tired of the legend of Captain America?”

She catches the disdain in his voice. She thought he was super into being the All-American hero, but maybe not. She leans back against the couch, wipes her eyes, and looks at him. She puts her hand on her chest to feel her breathing.

“Tony couldn’t fucking stand you cause Howard talked about you all the time. I saw a photo with his stuff.  School taught us that you volunteered for a project and you got all jacked. You crashed a plane and everybody thought you died. To be honest, Captain America wasn’t my favorite part of history. I was way more into the Civil Rights Movement.”

“Sorry I was so boring.”

“Well, dude, America is not that great, lemme tell ya. So learning about the symbol of America was not my thing.”

Steve just nods, not knowing what to say.

“But so far, this Steve Rogers dude ain’t so bad. Um, so where were you born?”

“Brooklyn.”

“Oh, bridge and tunnel guy.”

“Yeah.”

“Were your parents super patriotic?”

“I didn’t know my dad. He died in the Great—I mean World War I. I was raised by my mom. She was an Irish immigrant.”

A  real smile forms on his lips when he talks about his mom. It’s sweet.

“What was her name?”

“Sarah.”

“That’s pretty.”

“She was tough. Had to be. She was a nurse.”

“Okay, pretty rad. Badass single mom in the ’20’s and ’30’s. What did she think of your transformation?”

“She, uh, didn’t see it. She died when I was 18. TB.”

“Oh, I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay. Bucky got me through it.”

“Bucky?”

“James Buchanan Barnes. He was my best friend. Til he died on a mission.”

She frowns.

“Everyone is gone, really. Except Peggy.”

“You mean Director Carter?”

“You know her?”

“I think I met her like three times.”

“I didn’t want her to see me on television and be confused.”

“Oh, Steve.”

He looks at her. His name sounds foreign on her lips. Not wrong, but different.

“Your life sounds really lonely.” She blinks back tears.

Steve doesn’t know what to say. His life is lonely. He just hadn’t heard anyone say it aloud before—other than S.H.I.E.L.D.’s shrink.

She closes her eyes and sees that man.  She feels a wave of panic wash over her. Immediately, Steve puts his hands on her arms grounding her. Her heart is beating so fast.

“Deep breaths like me.”

She copies his breathing until she feels normal and pulls back. Tears slip down her face. She hates crying this much.

“It’s okay. You’re okay. You’re safe.” He tucks her brown hair behind her ear.

Her big blue eyes are dark like sapphires. They were the first thing he noticed about her. They’re still sparkling even with the tears.  Her gaze stays locked on him. His eyes have a little green in them and they’re so bright like the sea in the Caribbean. He’s being so kind. He’s just naturally kind. She gives him a small smile that he returns instantly.

Deep in her stomach, there’s a gravitational pull leading her forward. She leans in at the same time he does. His lips ghost over hers. He can feel his heart pounding in his chest. Her lips are so soft. The floral scent of her lotion fills his nose. It smells so good. Her mouth moves against his with more urgency. She runs her hand down his neck. They break apart only for air before he gives her another chaste kiss. He cups her face and his calloused thumb tickles her skin. They pull apart and suddenly, the spell is broken. She tucks her hair behind her ears.

“I-I’m sorry. That’s so embarrassing.”

“No, I’m sorry. You’re upset and I—“

“You didn’t— My emotions are everywhere and you and the holding and just— you—I’m sorry.”

“We both are. Sorry. I mean. Don’t be embarrassed. It’s okay. It just—”

“Happened.” Nicolette nods and scoots away from him. She still feels the tingle on her lips and covers them with her hand.

“Are you cold? I think I’m gonna start a fire.” He coughs and stands up. Great job, Steve. The first woman you kiss since you got out of the ice and it’s Tony Stark’s sister. The person you’re supposed to be taking care of. Thank God the bugs are turned off. How would you explain that to Fury? He sighs. He’s gonna feel stupid if he apologizes again, so instead, he puts a few logs in the fireplace and strikes a match.

“Yeah, fire sounds good. Not like fire, but like a fire.” She takes a deep breath. Just shut the fucking fuck up, Nic. Tony cannot find out about this. He’s gonna be so mad. This dude is trying to keep you safe and you jump him. Poor guy is so polite he probably didn’t know what hit him. Look, he’s gone through three matches trying to light this goddamn fire. All cause of you. She didn’t mean to just kiss him. She wasn’t Jordan. This wasn’t a big ruse. “Um, they don’t get TV here, right? Wouldn’t be a very safe safe house if Comcast knew where the safe house was,” she rubs her hands together certain she said “safe" way too many times.

“Uh, yeah, but I think there are some movies if you wanna watch something,” Steve clears his throat. The fire finally starts and Nicolette walks over to the entertainment center. She pulls open the drawer. She realizes she doesn’t really know any of these movies. They’re all black and white. She likes some classic films, but she isn’t a film buff.

“C’mon, S.H.I.E.L.D. where’s the holiday spirit?” She goes back to the couch.

“Hey, movies I know.” Steve laughs, surprised. “Do you like these kinds of films?”

“What I’ve seen, yeah.”

“Going to the movies was one of my favorite things to do before the war.”

“I haven’t seen a lot. It’s a Wonderful Life.  The Wizard of Oz. How to Steal a Million. Charade. Rebecca. Butterfield 8.”

“I don’t know a lot of those, but I liked The Wizard of Oz and Rebecca. You might like this one. It’s a comedy. About a woman and a man trying to wrangle a leopard.”

“Hilarious.”

“it is. Wanna give it a try?”

“Sure.”

Steve stares at the television not sure how to do this. Nicolette grabs the remotes from the console on the couch. She turns on the TV and opens the DVD player. Steve slides the disc in.

“Thanks.”

“No problem.”

He takes one end of the couch and she takes the other. They both stare at the screen as the movie starts. Right away, she starts laughing as Cary Grant seeks refuge from the chaos Katharine Hepburn brings upon him and Steve relaxes. By the middle of the film, they no longer have such great distance between them and neither of them notices.

“Where is Baby?” Nicolette hugs her knees to her chest, rocking with nervous energy.

“Don’t worry.” Steve laughs.

“Shut up. I don’t want spoilers.” She nudges him on the shoulder.

“Apologies your majesty.” He puts his hands up.

She rolls her eyes and he smirks. She laughs at all the right moments and he does his best not to watch her watching the film.  When it’s over, he puts the movie away and sits back down on the couch.

“You were right. That was really funny.”

“Glad you liked it. You ready to go to bed?

“I’m not really tired yet.”

He looks over at her knowing she has to be exhausted. Still, she gets up and puts another movie in.

“Katharine Hepburn and Cary Grant again, right?” She shows him the case.

“Yeah. They’re divorced in this one though.” He stands up. “You start it. I’ll be right back.”

She nods and sits back down on the couch. He finds the bugs he shut off earlier and turns them back on along with the outdoor cameras. Everything is locked and secure. When he comes back, she’s wrapped in a blanket covered from her neck down to her feet.

“Found these in the closet. I left one for you.”

“Oh, I’m fine.”

“You’re hot—you run hot?” She licks her lips and turns back to the TV. You are such an idiot, she thought.

“Yeah, serum stuff.” He acts like the slip-up didn’t happen.

“You don’t overheat?

“Not really, no.”

“I’m always cold.”

“Yeah cause you’re all skin and bones.” He remembers he could never get warm before the serum.

She rolls her eyes and looks at the screen.

“Aw, it’s George Bailey.”

“Who?”

“That guy he’s in It’s a Wonderful Life.”

“Oh, you mean Jimmy Stewart.”

“Okay, nerd.” Her foot nudges his thigh playfully which makes Steve laugh.

“I haven’t seen that one.”

“It must’ve come out when you were pulling a Snow White.”

He chuckles. That joke he got.

By the middle of the movie, she’s asleep. More accurately, her head rests inches away from his shoulder on the back of the couch.

“Miss Stark—Nicolette.” He corrects himself. “You’re asleep. We should go upstairs.”

She pushes her face further into the couch. Does she have to be so cute?

“‘M okay here.”

“Won’t it be more comfortable in bed?”

She shakes her head a little too quickly. That’s why she wanted to stay up. She’s scared. He just nods and she moves to another end of the couch. He shuts off the television and grabs the blanket she got him. He drifts off to the soft sounds of her breathing.

The sun streams in and hits Steve right in the eyes. He groans and turns his head. He looks down and sees Nicolette curled into his chest. He starts sweating immediately. He knows Bucky would’ve enjoyed this. Maybe too much. He clears his throat loudly. Her big eyes look up at him and widen as she realizes.

“Shit.” She jumps off of him and he scrambles back so fast he falls onto the floor. She bolts up the stairs and closes the door behind her. Her hand twists the faucet on and she splashes cold water on her face. She licks her lips and tries to remember. They watched a movie. It was funny. They started another movie and she fell asleep. She didn’t wanna be alone, so they slept on the couch. Fuck! They kissed. She was upset and he was sweet and she just kissed him. And he kissed her back. And they kept kissing. His lips were so soft and so gentle. The way he touched her face. That was so stupid. Stop thinking about it.

Steve gets off the floor. He tries not to dwell on the fact that she woke up next to him and ran away.  Or that she looked so beautiful he could’ve kissed her again. No. No more kissing, he reminds himself. She was a nice girl—woman—definitely a woman. He needs to get ready for the day. He reviews the footage and only sees animals moving around the house at night. He reports to Fury that the first night went by fine. They haven’t seen anyone come to her apartment, but they’re still keeping an eye on it. He goes into the kitchen to get started on breakfast.

Nicolette enters the kitchen in a sweater and jeans. Thank God she didn’t have many clothes so she didn’t have the luxury of indecisively changing outfits for an hour. She feels so awkward. She’s hyper-aware of every movement she makes. Steve puts a bowl of cereal in front of her.

“There’s not a lot in the pantry.” He says apologetically.

“No worries.” She shrugs. “Thanks.”

She digs in with her spoon and watches as he stays next to the island.

“Did you wanna sit?” She covers her mouth with her hand and kicks the seat across from her at the table.

“I’m good standing. Standing’s good.” Steve wants to punch himself in the face. Instead, he starts in on his cereal.

“I’m sorry about earlier.”

“Hm?”

“Running away. It’s a new place and you’re a new—It wasn’t personal.”

“Right. It’s fine.”

“Cool.”

They eat in silence for the longest ten minutes of their lives.

“Did they find anything at my place?”

“Not yet. They’ll be watching it until we can go back.”

“Okay. Is there any coffee?”

“Yes!”

Steve brings her a mug.

“I didn’t know how you liked it.”

“Thanks. I can do it.”

She cleans her bowl before putting it back. Then she grabs some milk out of the fridge and pours in a splash and adds some sugar.

“How are you feeling?”

“Okay.”

“Good.”

She wanders back into the living room with her mug and finds a bunch of different books on the coffee table. She might as well read. She takes a random one on Amelia Earhart and sits down.

Steve finishes up eating and decides to get dressed. He comes down in a sweatshirt and sweatpants ready to do some exercise. He starts with pull-ups in the doorway with a metal bar he found in the garage. She keeps her eyes on the printed word until he removes the sweatshirt. She’s never seen his bare arms before and the tank top does not hide anything. Her eyes follow as he moves up and down. He’s not focused on her at all which is good because she’s staring like a hormone-driven teenager. To be fair, it’s not every day that a gorgeous specimen does work out routines before her eyes. He’s like CGI but real. He was supposed to be a hot but incredibly boring grandpa. Why did he have to turn out to be a decent guy instead of a pain in the ass? Why did he have to kiss like a prince in a fairytale? Get it together, woman.  She flips the page and takes a sip of her coffee.

Steve looks over at her. She drops her book and leans over the couch arm to grab it. Her chest is pressed into the couch and she has to be wearing a V neck, so the amount of cleavage is unfair.  He realizes what he’s doing and closes his eyes, so he isn’t leering at her like those guys at the restaurant. When he opens them, she’s back to reading and biting her lip in concentration. Her pink tongue runs over the groove created by her teeth and he just stares, unable to move. She brushes her hair away from her neck. Her skin is perfect.  He wonders if her skin is as soft as her lips. He looks down and fixes his pants. You are so embarrassing. She’s not even doing anything. Barton’s right; he needs to sleep with someone. Someone who isn’t related to Tony Stark. Someone he isn’t assigned to protect. He drops to the floor to do push-ups and settle down. Things were so much easier when they weren’t getting along. He could be annoyed by her and focus on his responsibilities.

Nicolette has read the same sentence about Amelia’s childhood about seven times because of all the sighs he’s making on the floor. Granted, the book isn’t exciting, but does he have to make those noises? She can see every ripple in his back and she shifts in her seat. She can hear Jordan’s voice in her head telling her how she could pass the time by fucking him instead of reading that book. She closes her eyes. What is she? A cat in heat? This is not how adults behave. He stands up and clears his throat. She looks over at him trying not to focus on the chords of his neck and veins in his arms or how badly she wants to drag her teeth over them. Wow, it’s really been too long. Jordan wasn’t wrong when she said she needed to get laid.  She’s taking out all her sexual frustration on this poor guy. Finally, he speaks.

“Would you wanna get some air? I—“

“Hell yes.” She stands up.

“Uhh okay. We could explore the property a bit?”

“Absolutely! Let’s go outside.”

At this point, she’s ready to roll around in the snow. She feels dirty for all her staring. Is this how Jordan feels all the time? No. She has no shame. She would’ve come downstairs in panties and spread her legs. She’s about as subtle as a porno.

Nicolette meets him outside in her parka and boots. Steve grabs the satellite phone for emergencies and starts walking. She follows behind him. Steve doesn’t really know where he’s walking, but it’s beautiful and he makes sure he knows how to get back. Growing up, it was an effort to explore the city with Bucky, but he did it all the same. It wasn’t until he got to the Army that he did any real traveling and still, that didn’t involve exploring the wilderness for leisure. It’s beautiful. Shuttling from two different cities she doesn’t get out to nature much. She’s very much a born and raised city girl, so this is really new to her. It’s absolutely gorgeous despite the cold. Steve turns his head and looks behind him at the sound of Nicolette humming.

“What’s that?”

“Oh, shit, I’m sorry. I’m so annoying. I didn’t realize I was doing it.”

Steve shakes his head. That’s not why he asked. Her voice is so pretty he doesn’t think she owes anyone an apology for hearing it.

“What’s the song?”

“Oh, you know, the John Denver song.”

He raises his eyebrows.

“Right.‘Take Me Home, Country Roads’. It’s about these mountains and West Virginia. I think it’s their song.”

“How does it go?”

Nicolette laughs and shakes her head. Steve tilts his head.

“I wanna know.”

“You have how many days left with me? I’ve sung way too much.”

“I like your voice.”

The look on his face can only be described as puppy dog eyes. She presses her lips together trying to hide her smile.

“Please.”

“I only know a bit.”

“That’s fine.”

She pats the side of her coat to keep time and clears her throat before singing.

“Almost heaven. West Virginia. Blue Ridge Mountains. Shenandoah River. Something something. Something I don’t know.”

She bops her head through the lyrics she can’t remember. He doesn’t care. It sounds lovely. She takes a deep breath and he catches her gaze. She smiles.

 “Country roads, take me home to the place I belong. West Virginia. Mountain Mama. Take me home, country roads.”

“Thank you.” Steve claps.

Nicolette pulls on her hood to hide her face. He doesn’t understand why she’s bashful all of the sudden. He met her when she was singing in a packed theater for a national stage. She walks on ahead and shakes off the awkwardness. Performing for Tony was a one-off. It was special. This just made her feel weird because she didn’t want it to sound bad, but she didn’t want to show off. She stops as they reach a cliffside.

“Wow.”

They look out at all the tall trees and mountains stretched out across the horizon. It’s breathtaking. It gives her a reality check in the best way. She has no thoughts or worries as she looks at the grey rock and blue trees covered in white. She’s just here. Steve thinks it’s stunning and he’s glad he gets to see it.  They soak it in.

“It’s beautiful,” he says after a long silence.

“Yeah, it is.” She breathes in sharply.

He waits until she turns away to say anything more.

“Did you want to keep going? We’re about 4 miles from the cabin."

“Ew, oh my god. If we don’t go back now, I will not make it.”

“Want me to carry you back?”

He’s smirking and she glares at him, narrowing her eyes.

“No, I don’t need you to carry me.”

“Are you sure? Your legs are pretty short.”

She swats him on the arm.

“Oh, fuck off, dude.”

He arches an eyebrow and she sprints away. She rests her arms on her knees and bends over. He almost touches her shoulder to see if she’s okay when she shoves a pile of snow in his face.  She cackles. He scoops up the snow and dumps it on her head. She growls and makes a snowball launching it at his chest. He throws one at her and she yelps, dashing off. He looks around for her and doesn’t see her. As he turns his head, he gets hit in the face with another snowball. She giggles and gets him again.

“That’s it!” He runs after her and lifts her off her feet. She wiggles and he loses his footing. He slips on the snow and they both fall back. She lands on top of him. Wasting no time, she sprinkles snow in his face and hood.

“That’s what you get! Eat snow, Rogers.” She laughs.

Steve looks up at her and the air shifts. He stops smiling and keeps his eyes locked onto hers. Nicolette breathes heavily and doesn’t move. Her eyes flicker from his mouth to his eyes. He waits with bated breath. She rolls off him and stands up.

“We should probably head back.” He dusts his gloves off on his jeans.

“Yeah. ” She nods. Her cheeks are flushed, but she’s not so sure it’s from the cold.

[ryosmne]

Calling out AOT simps.

Hey again, I did this last time with jjk, here's the aot version cause I felt like it, been pretty sick recently and bored out of my mind. This isn't ment to disrespect anyone, everything I say is meant as a joke and not to be taken to heart. I included the characters I already have an opinion on, idk maybe I'll expand the list. Anyways enjoy reading :>

Hange simps: Ok I see y'all, you're valid af, Henge is Hella hot but on a serious note how's your mental health doing? Carrying your friends issues isn't fun, pls take a break, have a cookie and sleep in fuzzy blankets you deserve it. They'd treat you like royalty, I can't roast you, congratulations on your choices. Either just as insanely upbeat as them or very relaxed and you need a person with a very upbeat personality to keep you leveled. 10/10 you're sweethearts and I've never seen an army of simps as hot and with different styles. Casual indie music enjoyer<3

Levi simps: You have attachment issues. There I said it. It's been like what? 9 years since the anime came out and you're still so down bad for this man ever since he baybladed his way into your heart. Most of y'all would drop every anime crush for him, he's top dog for you. Let's face it no one could get him to open up but I don't think you're ready for this conversation. Your family knows about Levi, your friends know about Levi, you're probably never letting him go. For that I'll say you're extremely loyal also you have unrealistic standards in dating. Pretty sure you're great cooks. You have low-key adapted his personality and you're badasses. Also valid 10/10 I think you like chill rnb, idk I can't read y'all.

Mikasa simps: You fell for her cause she's hella strong and gorgeous, she deserves the world and so do you, but for the love of God if I see another word about the unspeakable things you'd do with her menstrural products im coming for your internet connections. I'll skip the obvious need you have for her to beat you up, I love her too I'm down bad for her but I get my daily dose of grass touching, y'all should try it too. I hope you know she hasn't washed her scarf ever since eren gave it to her. 9/10 you need to chill, fucking mappa made us all feral. Dark clothes, You listen to mitski.

Eren simps: Welcome to group therapy, do you want to share something with the circle or shall I go first? :> You have extremely unhealthy habits. No you don't need more caffeine for today, I beg you have a sip of water and some fruit. You don't care if he destroyed everything on earth as long as you got destroyed by him too. You probably read a lot of modern au fics to escape the pain (don't be shy drop your recs in my comments pls, it's a need at this point). If you started the simping campaign in season four you probably simped for Levi before that. You now have a thing for long hair and man buns now. Dog person, alternative look idk I picture y'all with piercings and tattoos. You believe in traumatising people back, who am I to judge? How does it feel to have your entire simp list be villains? If mikasa simps need to touch grass y'all should probably go to a field and start chewing it up, you know what I'm talking about, I won't elaborate. 15/10 if you also simp for his Titan form, bmth enjoyer, if you don't know what music to play you go an Eren Jaeger playlist.

Reiner simps: Who hurt you? I'll just say it, daddy issues. You think you can be a therapist to him, probably give him comfort, you can't I'm sorry. I feel like he'd treat you ok, but please stop going after people who have issues it's not good for you. But I feel you he's so hot and troubled also honkers. You have a thing for big chested anime men, probably also a toji or Nanami simp, dare I say Yami? Can I be honest tho I really like y'all, you're chill and gorgeous with taste, I can ignore the mental health issues too cause this man is something else. 20/10 you give me grunge music vibes.

Armin: Smarty pants, you like control. I low-key think you're a bit crazy in a good way, you seem very calculated but lmao every decision you make is last minute :') you are very well spoken and seemingly calm. He'd treat you great I can't roast you at all, I'm sorry. 10/10 very good choice, let the rest of us burn, dark/light academia aesthetic, I think you get down to some K-pop.

Jean simps: People of culture, you're also cocky like him but not as hot headed. Another man that would give you the world, I also can't roast you, you make better decisions than I ever did in my life. MCU fan. You have a thing for side characters, I think you always like someone other than the MC. You have a thing for hands. 10/10 great street style looks, classic rock enjoyer.

Erwin: Unhealthy, he'd lead you to death just so he could see that basement. He's a crazy bastard, make better choices, you don't deserve to be eaten by titans. You have a thing for authority figures. -100/10 I picture y'all in sundresses and you'd look amazing, you deserve better.

[muffindaddystyles]

Can you write overprotective long hair harry imagine?? Like he always hovers the reader when she is doing something or even nothing. Or when she needs to run errands he always go with even though its not required. And when reader fell sick he is full on mommy daddy mode dom!h vibes

A/N: OOPS I GOT EXCITED AND WENT OVERBOARD WITH IT :D

Harry’s awfully sweet. He’s a literal sweetheart with those marble sepia eyes, hazelnut curls and that big golden kind heart of his's.

But, to people he’s intimidating. From the black loiter of tattoos, a silver of piercing to the corner of his plush bottom lip and those long curls of his's that frays his broad strong shoulders turns everyone too giddy to talk to him and he's okay with that – bunch of loosers anyways whom he doesn’t want to waste his time on chit-chatting.

Then Y/N came into his life and his world flipped upside down, in a beautiful way (where he felt like floating into the crashing waves of crystal sea). It felt like she made him see the world through pink heart-shaped glasses and everyone’s just bursting into rainbows, puffaw! Boom! Their heads blasting with colourful confetti and ribbons.

Even though his slight grouchiness towards people lessened he still doesn’t gives two fucks before punching the shit out of someone if they in any way hurts, be rude and try to take physical and emotional advantage of, Y/N.

His bunny.

He’s too protective of her. And why wouldn’t he? She’s his everything. His little miracle and his hype-person, his lovie.

He’s the softest peach for her. The guy who walks and everyone scrambles away to give him a way, is whipped for his girlfriend.

He’s always having his strong arm looped around her waist when they’re out and walking, going to hold her hands instead if she’s too wiggly, keeping her close to his chest while he holds their coffees and sweets.

Whenever they’re doing grocery he’s always wheeling the cart around how much Y/N insists and pouts, he likes it that way. Hearing her blabber and skim her eyes down the ingredients labelled on the products then tossing it anyway with a shrug – makes him want to smooch her wet in kisses.

If they’re partying out with friends. Which they rarely do, (Y/N sometimes makes fun of them saying they’re getting too domestic day by day) he’s always having her put in his lap, his screwed up expression lazing when the alcohol starts to kick in and he’s just a blubbering mess of nonsense, and a very horn dog with his cock bloating up in his tight skinny jeans.

Not that he doesn’t let her have a breather and enjoy herself. He indeed does, they’ve a healthy relationship where they keep trust and faith in eachother.

But, sometimes he gets super jealous when people steal his little girlfriend away from him and once home he’s cuddling and oodling her, kissing her face all over with loud smacks and not letting her be away from him another second even it’s too bring him water or to get rid of his smelly socks.

Other times. When he’s particularly very jealous. The serious ones where Y/N unintentionally spends a tad more time at some of her classmates to wind up their upcoming project, he’s driving himself to pick her up and knocking at the door harshly and then dragging her out of there not letting her carry her stuff and huffing and puffing while throwing her things in the backseat.

Because Jeremy’s a sore rascal who’s shit at hiding his crush for Y/N and he should know better to whom she belongs. His innocent baby is too naive towards the possible hints and evil intentions of people.

“Oi. What got into you today?” She brushes the loose curl that escaped from his bun and let her fingers slide down his tight set angry jaw staring him a bit concerned upon seeing him this furious and ruffled up from nowhere.

“You’re mine,” Is all he'd respond. Smashing his lips against hers in a an ardent kiss and glide his palm down her ass to squeeze it and bring her closer grinning when she squeals into his mouth giving him a chance to slip his tongue in and kiss her deeper and sloppier.

“You’re a silly geese.” She giggles whisper into the mess of pecks and lock her elbows around his neck to give him an eskimo kiss.

“Watch y’mouth.” He glares her intensely loving the way Y/N gulps timidly bobbing her head.

“You’ll get a spanking today,” He always likes to warn her before hand. He wants her comfortable with him in every case and it’s downgrade monstrous to treat the person you love like a mean bitch out of blue -- so whenever she deserves a punishment he already announces her of it, warming her to the idea and giving her time to back away if she doesn’t want it.

“What did I’do now!” She whines and he nibbles onto his knuckle glancing her way in disbelief other hand on steering wheel, “What did y'do?” He asks her sternly. Spreading his palm over her thigh and squeezing it grimly.

“Did y'even care to look at the time, Y/N?” Oh boy. She’s in real trouble. Her name on his tongue never fails to turn her insides gooey and pause her heartbeat horribly. A red light for her to being bratty before she falls into the deep black dig of trouble.

Reaching home. He’s throwing her on the bed and demanding her to lay still on her tummy while he puts a pillow under her and spanks her bum sore with his rings imprinting her skin pink, though he never forgets to take care of her afterwards – putting a cool cream to soothe the burn and letting her sleep on his chest so she wouldn’t come in contact with the sheets as he kneads her asscheeks with gentle hands.

.

He could never have his hands to himself when she’s cooking and baking for them. Always, poking and prodding around having her head tucked under his chin, her embraced in his arms from back swaying them along to Hozier while she reads the recipe she wrote on one of the tiles.

“Stop!” She giggles, squirming in his arms when he blows raspberries against the dip of her neck and then creates growly noises biting and lapping into her skin, “You’re gonna burn our lunch!” She pressed her hips against his crotch to push him away and that warmed him more, delving his fingers more into her hips with a throaty groan.

“We could have a takeout.” His breath shuddery against her ear as he tries to pry the spatula away from her and kiss her grumpy whines down when the pots actually got burned, “I’ll wash and scratch them.” He’d assure picking her up and wrapping her legs around his hips and slipping his fingers in her hair to tug them and bring her mouth down against his’s to taste her.

“Wants to fuck you so bad, baby. My cock’s been weepy fo’ hours without your touch.” He groans, taking her hand and sneaking it inside his joggers to make her feel how stiff and erect he’s for her.

“I just gave you a blowie in the morning!”

“Blowie isn’t equivalent to fucking!”

.

“What y'readin,?” He scoots closer to her end of sofa with a smirk and towers over her trying to take a peek of whatever she’s reading with such intensity and then rake his warm palms up her calves to lay them over his thighs while he snuggles her wrapping a chonky blanket around them.

“Shhh baby girl, just want you to be more comfy.” He mumbles into her hair scratching his short nails against her scalp in soothing motions and watch her melt against his touch, eyes fluttering as she lurks dangerously to the verge of sleep.

“You always do that. Whenever the hot part’s about to come, you make me all sleepy.” She mutters laying her head against his clavicles gazing him up with hazy eyes, sighing in feign disappointment when he grins down at her in quite victory and gives her a sloppy kiss.

“What do y'need erotica fo’ baby? When your man’s the living walking momentum of sex.” He pouts, grazing his teeth down her neck and leaving a fresh hickey at her throat.

“That’s infact not, true. You’re such a cutie!” She beams up at him never failing to give him dancing butterflies in his stomach and he doesn’t admits it but he likes getting treated soft and gentle by his girlfriend.

“Such a shame. My own little love doesn’t find me sexy.” He grumps dramatically making her scramble hesitantly and turn to him in their tight embrace, cradling his face in her cold palms, “No. No. I find you sexy. I just don’t like sexualising you.” If Harry didn’t turn into a puddle before he indeed did now as he melted into her touch and kissed the inside of her hands lovingly.

“You’re sucha sap!” He whispers at her in fake offence and plant his lips against hers, patting her bum to make her hug him more tightly.

.

On cleaning and laundry day’s. He’s always helping her. As they scrub and mop the floors together, might fuck on them bubbly floors too if Harry’s lusty gaze remains on her spilling tits for too long.

“Thinks your floral bra needs a wash too, moppet.” His gradual attempts to lure her with his fingers stroking her thighs seductively always turns into a win when she nods shyly into his neck and let him have an easy access to her panties.

They’re always having a warm, full of essence bath together cleaning and washing the dirt off eachother after that.

Then sharing a cuppa tea while folding their clothes together on the bed and he’s always trying to tackle her into mattress when she laughs at his terribly folded clothes compared to her neatly binded ones.

“Your sucha menace,” He jests with his nose skewered up while he smacks her ass.

“Talk for yourself, Styles.” She retorts, tangling her knee around his waist and pulling him down into him. Puffing out relaxed breaths upon feeling safe and protected under his weight and Harry always smiles into the crook of her neck when she tries to cuddle him as if she wants to be his skin.

..

He’s the most daddiest when she’s drunk, sick or stressed.

Never letting her go out of his sight when she’s dancing on the floor with her friends. If some man even tries to approach her and breaths in her direction he’s sprinting towards her and pawing at her hips to situate her closer to him whilst blowing those potential guys off with a monotone expression.

“Harry! Do a lil dancey dance with me!” She giggles, making him sway with her and looking up at him with glassy floaty eyes.

“Bunny. ‘s late, time to go home.” He tells her, pinching her chin to plant his lips against hers and she squirms giving him a timid smile, “Okie. But I’ve to pee.”

“Me too!” Her friends chimes from behind her and Harry rolls his eyes playfully, gesturing all of them to follow him.

“C’mon you spies, not lettin’ ya’ll go alone.”

He waits for them outside the washroom while they do their business and he has his arms always splayed open for when his lovie comes back and he’s welcoming her in his embrace warmly with a sweet smile.

Dying with fond injecting in his every vein when she slurs and blabbers, “Home.”

Walking her up the stairs of their flat’s building is the most hefty struggle while she’s a sleepy, clumsy and giggly muck of doe gleaming eyes and swollen pretty lips drooling over Harry testing his patience while he makes her take one step at a time.

“Darling, bunny, just some mo' steps lovin’.” He coos at her, putting a firm hand under her bum and heaving her up into him so she doesn’t falls.

“Mhmmm you’re so pretty, daddy.” Harry’s head snaps in surprise as he stares down at her in adoring amusement and push her head under his chin while she slings her arms around his waist lazily.

Sometimes, she gets him so flustered he doesn’t know how to respond.

She whines and cries in dishevelment when Harry makes her sit on the cold marble counter and wipes her makeup off.

“I just wan’ to sleep!” She toes at his torso trying to push him away but he grabs it and tuts, glowering at her strictly, “You’re g'na complain in the mornin’. Sleepin’ with makeup makes ye' breakout remember?” When she still huffs and slumps giving him a hard time to clean her he’s pinching her chin and giving her a gentle jerk.

“Bunny. Stop with ye' battiness.” He grunts not letting his facade slip when she mewls stroking her cheek up and down his lightly stubble covered cheek softly.

“Else what? Y'never punish a sleepy bunny.” She smirks at him foppishly and lazily knowing damn well that one of thing Harry doesn’t do’s tease or punish her when she’s tuckered out and on the edge of sleeping on him.

“You don’t test me bratty woman.” She squeals when he takes hold of her panties to pull them down her legs, slapping her mound once discarding it in the hamper and he sighs when she’s already snoring lightly, slobbering his throat with her mouth parted comically.

After pattering her face with loving kisses he’s tucking her under the layers of blankets and letting her use him as her stuffie.

..

“Aw poor baby.” He mumbles, kissing her forehead when he finds her burning up against him and he’s quickly rummaging for thermometer from the night stand and the tissues he had stashed for emergencies.

“I don’t feel good,” His heart breaks when Y/N croaks out weakly and tries to crawl up his chest to stuff her face in his musky neck but her frail limbs gives out making her cry out.

“It’s okay bunny, ‘s okay. How but I make you some soup. Then y'take your medicines like a good girl of mine, then if your condition gets worse we’ll go to doctor, yeah baby?” He talks to her gently and sweetly, stroking her hair and peppering kisses to her temples.

“Just last bite, moppet.” Harry hovers the spoon infront of her and sighs when she shakes her head pushing his wrist away, “I’ll puke.” She sniffs blowing her nose harshly in the tissue .

“The bin’s right here, bunny.” He smoothens his hand down her spine putting the tray aside carefully to snuggle and comfort her as she cries softly against his chest.

“’M so sorry baby, you’ll be alright in the morning.” He couldn’t see her in such condition. It pulls and tugs at his heart so painfully he feels himself hurting.

“Oi. Why you crying, hmm?” He cups her cheek and makes her look at him as she skims her eyes away from him jn embarrassment.

“I —- You’re so caring and loving, treats me so good and it makes me c.. cr–-,” She hiccups finding it hard to breath and Harry rubs her back, whispering affinities in her ear making her finally sob, “Cry....” He chuckles softly pelting kisses upon kisses on her puffy eyelids, soaky dried up cheeks, her frowned up forehead, her wobbly chin and her nipping love bites down her chest then blowing raspberries at his own slick covering her skin making her giggle through her hiccups.

“I love you.” She whispers droopily, head lulling to his chest when the effect of medicine finally starts to kick in.

“I love you too, I want my healthy and happy bunny back.” He mumbles, inhaling a huge puff of her scent and squishes her lovingly.

[wizkiddx]

hiiiii !!! if you are accepting requests at the moment, can i ask something about reader and tom expecting a baby, one day while he’s drunk she sees him flirting with another women and when she confronts him he snaps at her and tells her he’s not ready for this “shit”. So they broke up and broke contact for months, until he shows in her apartment regretting his words and they talk but she suddenly at that moment gets into labor?!? I remember seeing a concept similar in a movie but I would love if you couldn’t bring it to life! Thank you so much in advance, appreciate your work a lot 🧸🤎

right so I loved this so much it has become a multiple parter and im not even going to apologise. so thanku so so much anon for getting me out a little rut!!!

summary: when toms caught out all hope looks lost - probs part 1 of 3 but it could get a bit longer too lol

warnings: serious angst, reference to abortion, cheating, a whole lot of swearing (im British sorry not sorry)

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

“Hi babe, just to let you know Yamna’s invited me out for dinner this evening so don’t worry if you get home early and im not back! I love you x”

It was a spur of the moment plan, which was a rarity recently. The past 5 months since you’d found out, you could name barely 5 occasions you’d been out past 8 oclock- trading your heels for fuzzy slippers and dresses for massively oversized tops and joggers. It wasn’t how you had expected to be spending the summer before your 25th birthday but it was now your life. The rooftop bars, the wild nights, the get aways had all sort of been cancelled for… for the rest of your life.

Because an 8 month pregnant belly isn’t something you can ignore.

Sure…. it wasn’t the plan. Not the plan to be pregnant with your boyfriend of only 6 months, who at the time you didn’t even live with. But you were making it work. And now, you were just excited. It was the start of a new story with Tom, and you’d got past the phase of being sad and mourning your youth. Because the little bubba inside of you, she was pretty awesome and you really couldn’t wait to meet her.

So yes, you had been home alone eating ice cream from a tub when Yamna knocked on the door. She’d been one of your best mates for as long as you could remember so when she’d turned up unannounced with mascara smeared under her eyes you’d cancelled your plans of a pathetic alone evening. Her boss had just given her the sack - which was no surprise. He was a backwards tory old git who couldn’t handle the fact Yamna was a woman doing the job better than he could ever dream of.

So yes, you’d suggested going out to the fancy new bar down the road - to celebrate the fact she no longer had to put up with the arsehole. Obviously you couldn’t drink and neither did Yamna, but you go to a bar for the atmosphere - and the selection of mocktails they had was insane.

Your boyfriend Tom was already out, he said he had a meeting and then dinner with some execs he needed to shmoosh. Of course you didn’t mind, but he had been working a lot recently, in order to be able to have the time off when your baby girl arrives.

So after sending a little text and giving Yamna another hug to try and turn the evening from disappointment to celebration you walked out the door with a smile on your face. Maybe you could pretend, just for an evening to not be pregnant and whale-like?

///////////////////////////

The bar was just a 10 minute walk so it wasn’t long before the two of you were soaking up the atmosphere. It was all decorated in a rustic fashion, with old exposed wood and dangling lightbulbs from the ceiling and the drinks were incredible. The type that have dry ice or flames or some other sort of fantastical display of edible decorations. Even Yamna had perked up, especially when a guy from the table across had bought you both a round of drinks.

“I’m just gonna pop to the loo.”

“Do you really need the toilet or do you just want to parade infornt of the fit rich man who keeps looking at you?”

“ Is both an option?” You laughed as Yamna slipped off her stool, winking rather dramatically as she did so. She was unbelievable - but at least this way she wasn’t thinking about her work, or lack thereof, anymore.

Happily you sat scrolling though your phone, seeing that tom had messaged you with an okay, before flicking through instagram.

And that was where the happiness ended.

For in a hurried manner, with a face looking a lot more ghosted than when she left, Yamna took her seat again.

“Are you okay?” Immediately your worry took over, the way she was biting her lip and not meeting your eyes not helping.

“I um yeh-yeh. Just I think I saw Tom.”

“Tom as in my Tom?” Her almost guilty looking nod had your scrunching your eyebrows, why was it such a big deal Tom was inside?

“He didn’t see me I don’t think but er… he just looked pretty close to a girl and I-“

To be honest you stopped listening at that point, heart dropping out the bottom of your chest. Because it made sense, he had been so distant recently and even if you’d been lying to yourself that it were work - this seemed much more likely. Whilst nodding along, pretending to listen to Yamna, instead your attention was solely focused on fiddling with the promise ring he’d got you after the two of you decided to keep the baby. He’d been so committed, so ready for this unexpected news. He’d said he was in for the long haul.

“Y/n?”

“sorry I um… it’s probably just a work colleague he needs to sweet talk. I’ll um-I’ll just go say hello.”

“I’m coming with you.” She spoke astutely, very much forcing herself into the situation.

“No no I’ll… I’ll come back if I need you, just wait here.”

Her face was so grim and destitute, as much as you were pretending it was okay - you knew it wasn’t. Before Yamna could protest further, you slipped off your seat ( clumsily thanks to the elephant belly) and walked with fake confidence back inside.

It took you barely 3 seconds to hone in on Tom, call it mothers intuition. He was on a booth in the corner with 5 others on his table but none of whom you recognised. It was 2 other guys and 3 girls - the six all paired off in mathcingly initimate conversations. Apart from that you payed almost zero attention to the others, attention solely focused on your boyfriend and the girl he had his arm round.

She was everything you weren’t. She was skinny - you, as previously mentioned, looked like you had a beachball stuffed under your top. She was blonde with sleek and perfectly styled waves at the tips of her long her - yours was thrown into a messy bun due to the last minute plans.

Most importantly - right now she was wrapped in Toms arms, whilst you stood alone watching.

God knows what came over you, but with confidence you never normally had you marched up to the table, just waiting at the end. One of the men you didn’t recognised, arrogantly asked you ‘can I help you’ - but you completely disregarded it, eyes solely fixed on Tom. He took a moment more to look away from the leggy girl, but as soon as he did his eyes grew massively wide.

“Y/n I-I-“

“Fancy bumping into you, I thought you were out with work executives?” Frantically casting his gaze across the table, you could see the cogs whirring to try and come up with an explanation.

“No I-I was but then Charlie here came over, we used to be mates at school and-“

“Oh fuck off Tom., I cant deal with this right now.”

You didn’t even have the energy to listen to his clearly fake excuses as to why he’d landed himself in that situation. You also certainly did not have it in you to maintain the strong face, you could feel everything shattering inside of you.

Because it was so blindingly obvious by how he had acted. You’d caught him out and you both knew it.

And it fucking hurt like hell.

So you exited the bar as fast as physically possible, hearing the shouts of both Yamna and Tom behind you. You didn’t know what you needed in that moment - except that neither of them were the answer. Tom though, presumably the faster of the two, managed to catch up - grabbing your arm to make you halt in the road.

There was this moment between the two of you that time almost seemed to freeze. The two of you, in an otherwise pretty empty residential street, at 9:30 at night, in a moment that you would never have again. From your point of view, you saw the slightly bloodshot and bleary eyes, widened with panic and fear. For Tom he saw the floods of tears down your cheeks, which you hadn’t even noticed were freely streaming.

But in that moment there was, at least, the slightest bit of peace. The slightest bit of hope - that he could explain, that he had some ludicrous but valid reason for the situation you had walked in on. Just a smidgen of hope that this were recoverable.

But then he had to open his bloody mouth.

“Y/n I swear nothing-“

“That didn’t look like fucking nothing!”

“It was I swear! We just-“

“Tom this is your one and only chance. I don’t care if your off your face, if you don’t give my a miracle of a reason as to what the fuck THAT was - then I’m gone.”

“Don’t say that Y/n, you don’t mean th-“ He tried to grab your hand which you snatched away, like you had just scalded it on a hot plate. Like he had hurt you.

“I swear to god I’ve never meant anything more. So cut the shit.”

“FIne-fine! Um so we were at the meeting and then on the way out I bumped into George and hes been a good mate of mine for years.” All you did was hum, arms crossed and making sure you had a metre of distance between the two of you.

“So he said god you look like you need a drink and I agreed because its been stressful as hell recently.”

“Oh its been stressful; for YOU has it? I’m so sorry Thomas, has it been hard for you while i’ve been throwing my lungs up with morning sickness? Has it been stressful that I’ve been running on zero hours sleep because she kicks me all bloody night? ” Your words were laced in a posioned sarcasm, to which Tom just stammered to.

“Please just let me.” Given he was supposed to be fighting for you, he sounded pretty darn defeated already.

“I said yes to the drink.” He skipped out the bit that had angered you, to which you rolled your eyes at. “And one turned into two and more and then I don’t know-“

“Your going to have to try a lot harder than that.” You deadpanned, taking a small step further back still.

“I mean it! The girls were all his friends and we were just talking.”

“Just talking? All pressed up and arms round her?”

“Yes!” As indignant as he retorted, it didn’t not make up for what you had seen with your own eyes.

“Your such a bullshitter Tom!”

“God why wont you just listen to me?” He cried, wobbly doing a little 360 on the spot, in what appeared to be exasperation.

“Because your just spouting fucking lies! And you try and blame it all on poor little tommo being stressed which is-“

“I HAVE BEEN! Running round after you! I’m just tired of this shit!!! So kill me, for having one night of freedom!”

Tom was too deep in his angry lecture to take any notice of you. Which is why, once finished, he waitied, breath heavy and nose flaring. He was waiting for you to scream back at him. To give it back. He was too drunk to notice the change in your demeanor.

“I’m tired of this shit.”

It was just reverberating round your head. Again and again and again. He was tired of your relationship and you hadn’t even become parents yet. He was at his wits-end and the baby was still unborn. What the fuck was going to happen when baby arrived? Clearly there was no hope. It was dead. Your relationship was dead with no chance of revival.

Because he’d said it. Your relationship was shit, and nobody can put up with something they hate for that long. Not 18 years. Not while bringing up a child.

So with a new sense of dread and fear and complete and total isolation you uttered three single words before hysterically running away.

“Don’t follow me.”

Not now, not ever.

?to be continued?

~~~~~~~~~~gahhhh I hope u enjoyed! I also REALLY CANNOT THINK OF A NAME FOR THIS MINISERIES --> if anyone can think of something pls inbox me!!! ~~~~~~~~

tom taglist: @lovehollandy12 @hollandlover19 @thefernandasantana @hunnybunimdun @hallecarey1@cedricdiggorysimpp @msmimimerton @hollandfanficlove @pandaxnienke @crossyourpeter @thegirlwiththeimpala @tom-softie @sunwardsss @spiitfiiires @radcloudenthusiast @ladykxxx08 @prancerrparkerr @wildxwidow @Elishi03 @arctic-monkcys @Ownbauer13 @tomhollandlol

[dreamcatcherrs]

what catches their eyes/attracts them?; mcyt x reader

+ this is in no way factual information, only my very weird and specific opinions :)

dream:

free-spirited people

someone who isn't afraid to speak their mind

confidence, to a certain extent

someone he can be loud with

someone who will wake up in the middle of the night with him to go on a car drive to nowhere

the colour blue (dnf👀)

clean and fresh-looking clothes

satin fabric

big height difference

the smell of citrus fruits

large smiles

silver jewellery

small hands

smart people who aren't afraid to show it

george:

calm, laid back people

someone quiet, but still able to have a laugh

very friendly vibes - even when first meeting them

the colour blue (literally the only interesting colour he's able to see lol)

bright eyes

lip gloss

flower print

slightly shy people who are actually easy to interact with once you start a conversation with them

pastel-coloured nails, not too long

pink-tinted lips

ponytails

the smell of vanilla

puppy eyes

sapnap:

energetic people

someone who can hype up their friends no matter the situation

the colour red

like, a bloody red

soft skin

full lips

loose shirts over skin-tight tops

when shoelaces have a different colour on each shoe

corsets

a very subtle scent of perfume

thigh highs

someone who just wants to enjoy life with the people they're surrounded by

badboyhalo:

large, bright smiles that spread up to your eyes

freckles

button noses

rose-gold jewellery

french manicures

bangs

slightly shy people

genuinely sweet people

not the fake type that talks shit about people behind their backs and then will compliment them a few seconds after

someone who when they enter a room feels like a breath of fresh air to everyone else

someone completely selfless

the smell of lavender

shiny hair

technoblade:

people who aren't afraid to take the lead

glasses

intellectual people

like, for example people who know a lot of random stuff from a bunch of different things that they're interested in

or also just book smart people

slightly clumsy people (finds it cute)

gold jewellery

someone with some mystery to them

refreshing scents, like clean laundry or shampoo

cat eyes (eyeliner)

wilbur soot:

long legs

chokers

shy people

someone who gets flustered easily

glasses + thin bangs

the colours brown and beige together

baggy, comfy clothes

the smell of newly baked cookies

beanies

the kind of person that makes him feel like he can always talk to them - someone he can feel safe with

birth marks

accents

jschlatt:

smart people

the way they speak is just so clean without even noticing

fox eyes

people who aren't afraid to wear sweatpants in public

generally just someone who isn't afraid to do, say and wear whatever they want

someone who stands for what they think and have the balls to say it when needed

nose rings

simple yet flattering pieces of jewellery

long nails

someone who he can stay up all night with and never get tired of them

high heels

hip dips

corpse husband:

fishnets, of course

someone who give 0 fucks about what everyone else thinks of them

unique people

wether that be physical features or straight up the personality, it draws him in

chokers

chunky, black sneakers or boots

someone who can make him happy without even trying

a positive aura for the most part

as in he doesn't want to be surrounded by someone who’s negative or dragging everyone else down with them

the colour yellow

rings - lots of them

karl jacobs:

a walking ray of sunshine, basically

tbh, karl has a couple of things in common with what corpse is attracted to;

positive energy, uniqueness and rings

a palette filled with bright colours

like, almost rave style colours

that could be clothes, makeup, hair, nails, accessories

chunky, white shoes

selfless people

someone who as each day goes by becomes more charming to him

he likes the smell of candles from bath and body works, as we all know

the colour purple

skeppy:

big eyes

someone who’s able to make him laugh without even trying

tooth gaps

someone who has very playful, innocent vibes to them

and someone who can take jokes and pranks

people who walk confidently

the smell of strawberries

long eyelashes

someone who collects things others usually wouldn’t

someone who is very respectful to others

a mix between really comfy clothes and really feminine clothes

fundy:

someone who comes across as “different” than others

and don't you dare think of ✨I’m not like other girls✨ (I know you did -_-)

he just thinks people who think and act very different than others are very interesting

beauty marks

nicely shaped eyebrows

someone who finds mystical things interesting

fox eyeliner (yes, I put this in here because: furry)

someone who has unusual, yet surprisingly good taste in music

people who are constantly warm

red lips

the colour light brown, almost beige-like

quackity:

someone who gets his humour

someone like him, but more quiet and slightly shy

especially when on screen in front of an audience

sliver necklaces

the smell of flowers

dark, extreme eyeliner

loose clothes

freckles

piercings

someone who teases others and who can handle to be teased by others

the colour dark blue

punz:

the colour grey

a fresh fashion sense

yet still very comfortable fits

messy buns

someone who he just knows will be a cool person before he even talks to them

someone who just has that kinda vibe, y’know?

glossy lips

independent people

someone responsible and caring to others

tattoos

navel piercings

awesamdude:

cropped jackets

the colour neon green

hair put up in a bun

someone with a free nature

someone who is a complete wild card

like, someone who will jump over a fence just to get closer to a bunny they think they saw on the other side of it

loose strands of hair

clear nail polish

cargo pants

the smell of chocolate

slimecicle:

people who have comfort items

someone who knows random facts that no one else usually knows

people who have a unique way of thinking

passionate people

and when they talk about what they’re passionate about, they talk for hours

shorter hair

sweet and nutty scents

natural beauty

fluffy hair

honest people

but not brutally honest

the smell of coconut

eret:

eye glitter/shimmer

silky clothes that shine in the moonlight

platform boots/heels

long, flowy dresses

someone who does whatever they want

and who doesn't like being told what to do by others

the colours pink and dark purple

the smell of the ocean

someone who already knows how to live their life

stretch marks

foolish:

low-cut jeans

someone very silly who knows how to have a good laugh

someone very supportive of their friends

curtain bangs

long-sleeved sweatshirts

someone who loves food

puppy eyes

straight, white teeth

someone who is willing to help others in need

someone who doesn't talk badly about others behind their back

someone who knows what they want

jack manifold:

confidence

white, wide-legged pants

the colour light blue or just pure white

people who are very easy-going and fun to be around

someone who can fit into and understand anyones humour

an open-minded person who likes to hear from other people’s point of views when they have a different opinion than them

butterfly patterns

crop tops

oversized t-shirts

hair beads

tommy:

people who are just as loud as him

and at the same time knows when to be serious

the colours yellow and grey

people who are kind to everyone

creative eyeliner

fluffy hair

people who can get so lost in their own world, they almost forget about their surroundings

colourful accessories

someone who isn't afraid to be who they are

someone who has many passions and loves to talk about them

oversized hoodies

tubbo:

hoodies layered over skirts or dresses

frilly socks

people who are very adventurous, and wants to make their life as interesting as possible!

someone who can help him overcome some of his fears

charm bracelets

cute habits

the colours yellow and orange

dimples

the smell of almond milk and honey

people who twirl their hair unknowingly when bored or unfocused

ranboo:

someone who looks intimidating at first (he thinks people like that are cool as fuck)

but then is, like, the sweetest person he’s ever met

loves someone who can speak fluent sarcasm, just like him

he likes sass

glassy skin

fingerless gloves

people who act cocky for the fun of it

but actually don’t care about winning or losing or proving anything

simplistic earring placements

people who have hidden talents, and the more you get to know them, the more talents are revealed

people who don't gossip

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[atlafan]

Open Door Policy - One Shot

a/n: so, I love a good professor!harry fic, but I don’t always love when he gets involved with a student, so y/n is his TA. He’s 26, and she’s 23, so not too weird, right? Anyways, this took me a few days to write, and I didn’t mean for it to be this long, but here we are. This is a slow burn fam, like...buckle up. Reblogs are always very kind and helpful! Not proofread. 

Warnings: angst, fluff, and smut! 

Words: 21.5K 

It was Y/N’s second year in grad school. She knew how to handle her workload on top of still making time for fun. She was still able to go out to the bar, and party with her friends. However, she was serious about her research. She had a “big girl” apartment that she shared with two friends, each having their own room. Grad school was expensive, and even though she had a decent job working at the local café, it wasn’t enough to cover her bills. Luckily, she got a grant to be TA this semester, which was perfect because she was interested in teaching at a collegiate level at some point. Her excitement dwindled slightly when she got the email about what professor she’d be paired up with.

“Who is it?” Nessa asks, plopping down on the couch with her.

“Dr. Styles.” Y/N groans.

“Tell me, why is that a problem?” Charlotte asks, coming over with a bowl of popcorn so they could start their movie night. “He’s so fucking hot.”

“Exactly! How am I supposed to concentrate?! I had him my senior year for an elective and it was awful. I was flustered all the time. He’s such a nice guy too, I missed a class where we had a test and he let me make it up, no questions asked.”

“Great, so he’s a good professor to learn from.” Nessa says. “Oh, maybe you’ll get a closer look at some of his tattoos.”

“There’s nothing to be nervous about, Y/N, he’s only a few years older than us, you know?” Charlotte shrugs. “Maybe you’ll fall in love.” She teases her.

“Mhm, yeah, because I’m sure a guy who has his PhD in Computer Science is just dying to go out with a girl who’s only a TA so she can afford her last year of school.”

“What class are you even helping him with? You’re not specializing in CS.” Nessa says.

“Apparently it’s for the section of Web Expressions he teaches, that was the class I took with him. It was really easy, you just learn the basics of HTML and then build your own website.”

“Did you just say that was easy?” Nessa scoffs.

“My older sister ended up helping me a lot because she had a myspace back in the day, I guess you needed HTML for that.” Y/N shrugs. “It’ll be a good experience for me.”

“Okay, but you’re just specializing in Curriculum and Instruction, so-“

“Yeah, that involves Instructional Design, so I know about this stuff. I’m just not looking forward to doing it with him.” She sighs.

“Could be worse.” Charlotte smirks. “You could have gotten with some old fart who would let you flounder.”

“Very true.” She closes her laptop and sets it on the coffee table. “Alright, let’s get this HSM party started.”

//

A week later Y/N received an email from Dr. Styles to meet with her so they could discuss the class and make sure they were on the same page about the syllabus. She was a nervous wreck. Y/N used to avoid his office like the plague, too afraid to be alone with him. It’s not that Dr. Styles was a creep or ever put off any inappropriate vibes, he just had this sort of intimidating stare to him. Even when he’d laugh, seeing him soften was intimidating. The sound of his deep, raspy voice was almost a little too soothing, and she was obsessed with his sense of style. His nails were always painted different colors, and he had the cutest pair of round glasses that would sit on the tip of his nose.

Even though it was August, and still very hot out, Y/N wanted to make a good, professional impression. So, she decides on a pair of white slacks that have a tie in the front, a white tank top tucked in, and a navy blue three-quarter sleeve blazer. It was too humid to leave her hair down, so she puts it up in a cute, messy bun. She puts on a little makeup, grabs her laptop bag, and out the door she goes. She puts her sunglasses on immediately, almost getting blinded by the blazing sun.

She had never been in an academic building at this point in the summer. There were a few faculty puttering around, getting their offices situated for the semester. She smiles at a few of them as she takes her sunglasses off. She heads up to the third story where Dr. Styles’ office was. There was no a/c in this building, but luckily the room they’d be teaching in would have it due to all the computers.

His door was open, and she nearly walked right by him. She back peddles and already feels weak kneed. He had his glasses on, pushed closer to his face than usual, a small fan on his desk blowing the hair that wasn’t in the little sprout on the top of his head back, and he was wearing a white t-shirt.

“Um, Dr. Styles?” She nervously taps on the outside of the doorframe. He looks up from his computer and smiles.

“Miss Y/L/N?”

“Yes.” She smiles back at him.

“Come on in, have a seat.”

It was the accent, that fucking British accent that she remembered was the most distracting part about him. He had this drawl to his voice that was irresistible.

“Do you want me to, um…” She points to the door.

“No, no, too bloody hot to have that thing closed. The little window I get barely opens so I only have this fan to really keep me cool.” He frowns slightly at her appearance. “Why’d you get so dressed up? You must be sweltering.”  

“I’m okay!” She blushes, and takes the seat in front of his desk. “I just…you know, wanted to look nice.” His eyebrows raise slightly. “I mean, like, not nice, but professional.”

“Well, don’t feel like you need to be dressed up like this all the time. I want you to be comfortable. You don’t see me all dressed up.” He smirks.

“You’re a tenure-track faculty, you can do whatever you want.”

“Not true.” He leans forward and rests his chin on his palm. “I can’t call a student an absolute moron when they ask me a stupid question.”

“I thought there were no stupid questions.” She smiles.

“God, there’s tons.” He scoffs and sits up straighter. “But we have to encourage students to speak up when they’re confused, so.” He shrugs. “Anyways, let’s look at the course, yeah?”

“Okay.” She takes her laptop out and sets it on his desk, scooting closer.

“I added you to the moodle page, so you should have full access to everything. You’ll be grading a bit, so I wanted to make sure you knew how to get in there.”

Once Y/N logs in, and clicks into the course, she smirks.

“What?”

“Looks at the exact same.”

“What do you mean?”

“I actually, uh, took this class with you a couple of years ago.” She furrows her brows at the page. “You know, you should really update this, it’s lazy to use the same design year after year.” She sort of says it without thinking and then feels embarrassed when she looks back up to meet his intimidating gaze.

“Interesting, usually I’m good with names…yours doesn’t ring a bell at all.” He looks at his own computer and crosses his arms. “And it’s not that I’m lazy, I don’t have a lot of control over the physical design. The assignments are much different, those I keep fresh.” He turns to look at her again. “I also teach eighteen credits worth of courses, I don’t exactly have time to sit and revamp all of them.”

“Well, maybe I could do that. I’ve taken a lot of Instructional Design courses.” She says brightly. “Studies show that students do better when their course pages are more inviting.”

“Alright, since you’re the expert, I’ll let you take the lead on that. Can we get back to the material itself? I have to make sure you know what you’re doing.” He squints at her. “You really took this class?”

“Yes.”

“And I was your professor?”

“Yes, Dr. Styles.”

He plucks his fingers over his lips.

“I feel bad for not remembering you.”

“It’s okay, I sort of kept to myself. You late me retake a test that I missed once, though.”

“Oh!” He snaps his fingers. “You missed class because you had a bad stomach bug.”

“Yeah.” She blushes.

“Poor thing, those are the worst when you don’t have mum around to help take care of you.”

“It’s alright, I recovered.”

“Clearly.” He smiles.

They spend the next hour or so going over the course and the materials. He tells her what he’ll need from her specifically. He’ll do most of the teaching, and she’ll bebop around helping students with questions. Oh, and grading, she’ll be helping with a lot of grading. He notices her wipe some sweat from her brow, and he frowns.

“Do you want a water? I have some in the fridge.”

“That would be great, thank you.”

He wheels over to his mini fridge and tosses her a water bottle. As she takes a sip, she notices him still looking at her.

“You can take that off, you know?”

“What?”

“Your blazer.”

“No, I can’t.”

“Why not?”

“I’m, uh, only wearing a tank top underneath and I wouldn’t feel comfortable being so…exposed.”

“Oh!” He blushes. “I’m sorry, I hope my comment didn’t-“

“It’s fine.”

“I just hope you know I wasn’t trying to-“

“I didn’t.” She clears her throat. “So, I have full reigns to redesign some things?”

“Sure.” He shrugs. “Just as long as I can still navigate it.”

“Isn’t your PhD in Computer Science? You should be fine.” She closes her laptop and sticks it in her bag.

“Right…” He pulls his calendar up on his computer. “What’s your class schedule like?”

“With this one, I only have one other class that’s in person, the rest are online.”

“Perfect, then it should be easy to build in some office hours for you. We’ll have to share mine, I hope that’s alright. Not every TA gets their own office, but there’s plenty of room in here for two. This office actually used to have to people in it, I’m having a small desk brought in for you.”

“Oh, um, thanks. I also work a lot at the café down town, but it shouldn’t be a problem.”

“You work at Bento’s?”

“Yeah.”

“I go there all the time, how have I not seen you?”

“I work in the back as a baker.”

“Oh cool, I actually worked in a bakery when I was younger.”

“I know.” She rolls her eyes. “You used to mention it all the time in class.”

“I did?”

“Yes.” She chuckles. “You made it sound like so much fun it’s actually what made me apply to Bento’s in the first place.”

“Ah, well, glad I could help.”

They decide on the office hours that will work best, and then he dismisses her. Just as she’s about to leave, he says her name.

“Yeah?”

“When it’s just us feel free to call me Harry. You and I don’t need to be so formal, alright?”

“Okay.” She smiles. “See you next week.”

The second she gets outside the building, she rips her blazer off. She gets back to her apartment as quickly as possible, changes into a bathing suit, and gets in the pool outside. Charlotte and Nessa were already out there, sitting on chairs in the shade. Y/N gets out and towels off, sitting down with them.

“Needed to cool off after your time with Dr. Styles, huh?” Charlotte winks at her.

“Shut up.” Y/N nudges her friend. “It was so fucking hot in his office. I know it’ll cool down eventually, and I was also way overdressed. He only had a t-shirt and jeans on.”

“Did he remember you?” Nessa asks.

“Not at first, but of course he remembered the reason I missed class was because I had a stomach bug, how embarrassing.”

“Why is that embarrassing?” Charlotte asks.

“I don’t want him to think about me being all…icky.”

“Do you seriously still have a crush on him?” Nessa asks.

“It’s not a crush, he’s just insanely attractive. He looked so cute being all casual today.” She whines. “It doesn’t matter, he’s twenty-six and probably has a girlfriend or something, how could he not?”

“I don’t know, I wouldn’t wanna date a guy smarter than me. He probably man-splains all the time.” Charlotte says. “I bet he’s good for a quick fuck, and that’s about it.”

“I guess Y/N will find out.” Nessa giggles.

“You two are the worst.” She groans.

//

“Hey, Y/N!”

Y/N was in the back at Bento’s getting some bread proofed and ready for the morning crew. One of her coworkers was calling for her.

“Yeah?”

“There’s some guy out front asking for you?”

“What?” She wipes her hands on her apron and walks out front. She freezes when she sees Harry. She had a hairnet on, her face was laced with sweat, and she smelled like bread, which you would think would smell good, but it doesn’t. It had been a couple of days since their meeting.

“Sorry, had to see it for myself.” He smirks.

“See what, Dr. Styles?” She walks around the counter to speak with him.

“Harry.” He corrects her. “See you in action, of course.” He takes a sip from his drink. “I see you’ve already made some changes to the course.”

“Yeah, uh, it was pretty easy.”

“Well, it looks fantastic. I was going to email you, but I was stopping in here and I thought I’d see if you were working so I could just tell you in person.”

“Oh.” She blushes. “Thank you, that means a lot.”

“Well, I’ll let you get back to it. Don’t wanna get you in trouble.” He waves as he leaves, and she stands there stunned.

“Who the fuck was that?” Her coworker asks.

“Um, I’m his TA this semester. He wanted to tell me I did a good job on something.”

“Oh, shit.”

“What?”

“He’s gonna fuck you.”

“Stop!” She swats her hand at them. “Go take drink orders, I’m going back to the proofer.”

Harry was just being nice, and maybe he was looking for a good laugh. She shakes the thought from her head, he didn’t want to fuck her. He was way more professional than that.

//

On her first day as a TA, she decided on a pair of jean capris, and a light blouse. She left her hair down since it wasn’t humid. She felt more like herself, which was good. She goes to her now shared office with Harry first, just to drop her things off.

“Good morning.” She says shyly as she comes in. The small desk he had brought in for her was there, and there was a small plant waiting for her on it.

“Morning, Y/N, are you excited?”

“More so nervous, but yeah. What’s this?” She points to the plant.

“Got you a little something for your desk. It’s really easy to take care of, should only need water once a week.”

“Oh, thank you.” She tucks some hair behind her ear and sits down.

“Since it’s syllabus week, today will be really easy. We’ll go over a few things and then I’ll probably let them go early.”

“Alright.”

“I’ll give you a couple of minutes to introduce yourself too.”

“Okay.”

“Do you have a water bottle with you or anything?”

“Yeah, right here.” She takes it out of her bag.

“Great, a little trick I learned when I first started teaching is that sometimes you can end up answering a question you ask the students because you’re so nervous when no one answers right away. So, if you take a moment to take a sip of your water it gives them more time to speak up.”

“Thanks, that’s a really good tip.”

“You’ll do great.” He looks down at his watch. “Come on, we should head to the classroom, make sure all the computers are working.”

Y/N nods and follows him out. Her eyes drift down to how his butt looks in his khakis. He had a simple green t-shirt tucked into them. He was effortlessly handsome. The cool of the a/c in the computer lab helps snap her out of ogling. After they check the rows of computers, only one wasn’t working, so Y/N takes a DO NOT USE sign onto it.

“Brilliant.” He says to her.

Students start trickling in, and choosing their seats. The class was mostly boys, and only a couple of girls. Unfortunately, that was typical for courses like this, even if it was just a gen ed that literally anyone could take.

“Morning everyone, I’m Dr. Styles, and I’d prefer you call me that. I worked a long time to be called that, so please don’t call me by my first name. You can call me professor, though, if you feel comfortable.” He smiles at the class. “We’re very lucky this semester, I have a TA that will be able to help you with assignments.” He gestures to Y/N.”

“Hi, yeah, my name’s Y/N, you can feel free to just call me that. Um, I’m in my second year of grad school. I’m studying curriculum and instructional design. I’m excited to be with you all this semester.”

Y/N takes a seat to the side of the room while Harry pulls up the course and the syllabus on the projector.

“Now, who here is a CS major?” Most of the class raises their hand. “Right, try branching out for your gen eds, your eyes will bleed if you don’t.” He jokes. “What about those of you who aren’t CS, just shout it out.”

“Communication.”

“Undecided.”

“IT.”

“Psychology.”

“Wonderful, glad we’ll have a little bit of variety. Y/N redesigned this class, so I’m hoping you’ll appreciate what she’s done to make things easier for you.”

Y/N takes attendance, and then sits back down so Harry can go over the syllabus and explain some of the more intricate assignments. He also explains his door is always open for anyone that needs extra help. He wanted to make a good impression since he knew some of the students would end up in some of his higher level courses.

“Please take some time to go over some of the basic codes and short cuts we’ll be using quite a bit. For our next class we’re going to work on a site together, alright?” There’s a hum of agreement throughout the class. “Great, and just so you know, Y/N will be doing the majority of the grading, so it’s not my good side you’ll want to be on, it’s hers.” He grins. “Alright, you’re all dismissed, enjoy the nice weather.”

Everyone files out, and Y/N takes a deep breath. She walks with Harry down to his office and she plops down in her seat.

“Seems like it’ll be a good group.” He opens one of his drawers. “Here, forgot to give you a key. You can come here whenever you want, feel free to do your homework if there’s nothing to be graded.”

“Thanks.” She takes it from him and puts it on her key ring. “It’ll be nice to have a quiet space, actually. One of my roommates is getting her master’s in theater education, and my other roommate is getting her master’s in music education, so it gets kind loud from time to time.”

“Then definitely come here anytime you like.” He smiles and sits in his chair.

“When does your next class start?”

“I’ve got about an hour or so before I need to go back to the computer lab for my computing fundamentals class. I teach two sections of that back to back. Then that’s it for today.”

“Does it get annoying to teach the same class back to back?”

“Not really.” He shrugs. “I’m used to it by now anyways.”

“Dr. Styles?” A female student taps on the outside of the door. “How was your su…oh, you’re in here with someone.” She frowns.

“I sure am, Melanie.” Harry seems to look a little nervous. “I’ll be rather busy today, but we can catch up soon, alright?”

“Oh, okay.” She glares at Y/N before leaving. Harry sighs heavily once she’s gone.

“That’s one of my frequent flyers.” He rolls his eyes. “Her and a couple other girls try to come by and chat…” He runs a hand through his hair. “I’m actually kind of glad you’ll be around, I’ve seen her fly out of here so fast.”

“Does she…have a crush on you or something?”

“I’m afraid so.” Harry sighs. “It’s partly why I keep my door open when I meet with students. I used to keep it closed to have some privacy, cause sometimes there’s personal things students want to talk about, but she came in last year…I don’t know, I just keep my door open now.”

“That sucks.” She turns to her laptop to start getting some work done. “Such is the life of the hot, young professor, unfortunately.” Once again, Y/N said something without really thinking about it. She really needs to work on a filter. When she turns around to look at him to apologize, he was looking at her, face flushed. “I’m sorry, I just meant-“

“I have some emails to catch up on, so I’m gonna put by earbuds in and just focus on that.”

Y/N nods and turns back to her computer. She sighs heavily. The last thing she wanted to do was make the poor guy feel more tense than he already did. It must be painfully awkward to have students throwing themselves at you all the time, and what’s worse is that he feels so uncomfortable that he feels like he can’t even close his door. Y/N wanted to know what exactly Melanie did. It couldn’t have been so bad because she was still coming by to see him. Maybe Harry just picked up on a vibe, and got ahead of the problem before it got worse.

Forty or so minutes later, Harry tells Y/N he’s off to class, but she can feel free to stay if she wanted. She smiles and continues working on a paper she already had assigned for one of her courses. It was really nice to just have a space to work.

“Dr…oh…is this not Dr. Styles’ office anymore.” The girl standing in the doorway frowns.

“Oh! No, it is. He’s teaching right now. I’m his TA, Y/N, so we’re sharing. Can I help you with anything?”

“No, um, I was just coming to say hi, but I’ll catch him later.”

“What’s your name? I can tell him you stopped by, then he can email you or something.”

“It’s Bridget, and he doesn’t need to email me. I was just coming to say hi and chat about summer.” She sighs. “Sorry to bother you.”

Before Y/N can say it wasn’t a bother, the girl is gone. Harry really seemed to have a fan club so far. Y/N had professors she loved, but it was the first day of classes, she never went around trying to catch up with them. She decides to close the door a bit, maybe if people came by they would just assume he wasn’t there.

Y/N’s eyes start to feel droopy. It hits her that she’s been up since four this morning, having pulled an early shift at Bento’s. She decides to cross her arms on her desk, and rest her head on them. Her music was playing softly in the background, and her eyes eventually flutter closed.

Harry comes back from his second section of Computer Fundamentals and is confused when he sees his door only open a crack. He opens it the rest of the way and stops short when he sees Y/N resting peacefully. He wonders how long she’s been asleep for. He didn’t want her to be too groggy. He also knew some students from his previous classes may stop by for some clarification, so as he much he didn’t want to, he had to wake her up.

“Y/N?” He says softly, tapping her on the shoulder.

“Mm?” She grunts.

“Gotta wake up, love.”

Her eyes snap open. She sits up and watches him as he sits at his desk, pulling some papers out of his bag. She knew it was a pet name often used where he was from, but holy mother of God did it sound good hearing him call her that.

“Sorry, I…oh wow, I slept for way too long.”

“You didn’t seem so tired this morning, are you feeling alright?”

“Oh yeah, I’m fine. I worked an early shift at the bakery this morning, so it must just be catching up with me.” She stretches her arms out. “I think I’m gonna head out now. Oh, some student named Bridget came by earlier, but you were in class.”

“Alright.” He sighs. “Thanks, see you Wednesday.”

“See you Wednesday.” She smiles, gathers her things, and heads out.

//

At the end of the first week of classes, Harry was exhausted. It was always like this by the time that first Friday hit. The faculty meeting was the most draining part of it. He didn’t subject Y/N to it since she wasn’t helping with a major course. He had whined about it in front of her, though, so when he got back to his office he found a cupcake from Bento’s waiting for him.

It took a couple of weeks, but Y/N was able to relax around Harry. He noticed this right away. She was way less nervous, and he felt happy knowing he wasn’t making her feel intimidated. He was also happy for the help. She was able to field a lot of questions for the students, and her grading things was already saving him a ton of time.

The semester was off to a great start. Y/N would often bring Harry extra pastries from Bento’s, and he would praise her for how good they tasted.

“If those whole Instructional Design thing doesn’t work out, you should just open up your own bakery.” Is what he would often say after stuffing his face. It would make her giggle and blush. She enjoyed pleasing him.

They were having a peaceful Tuesday afternoon, holding office hours. Mostly working on their own, but occasionally chatting. Well, it was peaceful, until someone walked through the door.

“Harry.” An angry woman holding a small shih tzu and a large bag says. “I can’t take care of him Max anymore. I’m moving and my new place can’t have pets.”

“Kelly, let’s go out into the hall, yeah?”

She looks over at Y/N, who was stunned. Harry was standing up and walking around his desk to lead the woman out, but she won’t budge.

“Make whoever this is leave, you have an office for a reason.”

“I don’t have an office for personal matters, come on.” He takes the dog, Max, from her and cuddles him to his chest. Harry gets a lick to his chin. “Aw, you miss Daddy, Maxy?”

The woman rolls her eyes, and lets Harry lead her into the hallway. Y/N hears some muffled discussion, the woman raising her voice more than him.

“You could have looked for a place that allowed pets. This is so typical of you. You fought me on keeping him, and the second it got difficult you wanna just dump him with me.”

“I’m never home, Harry! It’s not fair to him.”

“And you think I’m home more?”

“More than me.” She scoffs. “You don’t have a choice, I leave at the end of the week.”

“You don’t even look like you’re going to miss him.”

“I thought I wanted him, but every time I looked at him I just thought of you, and now I can’t stand him. I’m moving to have a fresh start. Whatever happens to him is up to you now.” She drops the large bag full of Max’s things at his feet and walks away.

Harry sighs and kisses the top of Max’s head. He leans down to grab the bag and walks back into his office.

“I’m so sorry you had to see that.”

“It’s okay.” She extends her hands out. “Can I hold him? He’s so cute.” She pouts.

“Um, sure.” Harry hands Max over to Y/N.

“Oh my goodness.” She gets a lick on her cheek. “How old is he?”

“A little over a year.” Harry mumbles as he goes through the bag. “I have no idea how I’m going to make this work. I can’t bring him with me every day, it’s not allowed. Once in a while is fine, but it’s not like he’s a therapy dog.”

“I can help! My apartment is pet friendly for small dogs. I could just meet you here and you can drop him off to me.”

“I couldn’t ask you to do that. You have so much going on between this, your own school work, and Bento’s.”

“I really wouldn’t mind, I know you end up staying here late a lot of the time, I could take him for walks and stuff, tire him out so you can just have a snuggle with him when you get home.” She holds him up to her face. Lucky dog, she thinks to herself.

“You’re my TA, Y/N, not my dog sitter.” He sighs. “I’m sure I could find another student that needs some extra cash-“

“Wouldn’t need to pay me.” She smiles. “Please, he’s so cute, I really wanna help. It won’t stress me out, I promise.”

“We’ll see, it would only be on my busy days.” He takes Max back from her, and pulls his dog bed from the bag. “Go on, get comfy.” He sets him down and pats the top of his head. He takes out his water bowl and pours some into it for him.

“Feel free to not answer, but who was she?”

“My ex…” Harry sighs and runs a hand through his hair. He sits down and watches Max lap up at his water bowl. “She insisted on a small dog because they’re easier to take care of.” He rolls his eyes. “But I missed him a lot, so I’m not complaining. We were together a couple of years, lived together for a bit, thought it would be smart to get a dog like a lot of people do when they’re getting more serious. But we started fighting a lot, we both got busier, neither of us wanted to compromise, and so it goes. She took him with her. We both got new places and have barely spoken.”

“I’m so sorry.”

“It’s okay, we weren’t right for each other, and he sort of made us realize that.” Max yips at Harry. “That’s right, buddy.” Harry chuckles. “We called it quits roughly six months ago, it’s all good now. I thought I’d miss her, but I missed him more.”

“I get that, I dated this guy for a bit in undergrad, but I definitely didn’t see it lasting.” She rolls her eyes.

“Guys at that age are really immature, anyways. You’ve got plenty of time to meet someone.” He turns back to his computer and gets back into his emails. He looks over his calendar and groans. “Alright, I’ll definitely need your help with him.” He turns back to her. “I give a lecture on Thursday evenings, so no one would be home with him literally day.”

“No problem at all, I can bring him home with me and I can just drop him off to you.” She smiles. “My roommates love dogs too, they’ll be excited.”

“I’ll need your phone number, just to get updates and stuff, it’ll be easier than email.”

“Sure!” She hands him her phone immediately. “Feels silly to not have exchanged numbers sooner.”

“Was sort of trying to keep a level of professionalism between us, but I suppose you’re gonna be helping me with my pup you’ll be more than just a colleague.” He puts his number in and texts himself. “You’re sure this won’t be too much for you?”

“Not at all.”

“At least let me pay you.”

“No way.”

“Y/N.” He sighs. “I’m gonna pay you, just deal with it, alright?” There was that intimidating side of him again. Y/N just swallows and nods. “Good.”

//

Nessa and Charlotte loved when Y/N would bring Max home with her. They teased her a bit at first because it was like her and Harry now owned this dog together, but she explained she was just helping him out.

“At least now you know for sure he’s single, and that he’s not afraid of commitment.” Nessa winks.

“Oh stop.” Y/N nudges her.

“He has your number now, does he ever text you about anything other than Max?”

“Not really, although he’ll send a funny gif as a response sometimes. He’s got a good sense of humor. You should see him in class.” Y/N’s phone buzzes and sees a text from Harry. “Speak of the Devil.”

Harry: I’m running late tonight, I’m so sorry. Would it be too much to ask to have you just get him settled at my place? There’s a spare key in the plant by the door.

Y/N’s eyes grow wide.

“Oh my god, he wants me to bring Max to his house tonight.”

“It’s happening!” Charlotte squeals. “Have you eaten much pineapple lately?”

“Would you shut up?! He doesn’t want to fuck me. He’s way too professional.”

Y/N: of course!

Harry: you’re a lifesaver. I’ve got some frozen pizza, feel free to make yourself at home until I get in. I won’t have you waiting too long.

“Oh wow, I’m gonna be there until he gets in…” She looks at her friends. “Maybe I’ll go shave my legs, you know, just in case.”

//

Y/N finds the key quickly, and walks into Harry’s home. He didn’t live too far from campus. He had a nice town home. Max scamps inside and immediately goes over to his toys in the living room. Y/N takes her shoes off and leaves them in the mudroom. Harry kept his home clean, and it made Y/N smile. There were some papers on his kitchen table that had grade marks on them. She wondered if he had a home office or not.

She goes into his freezer to find the pizza, and preheats the over. Once the pizza is baking, she plops onto the couch, pulling Max into her lap and turning the TV on. He has Netflix, so she click into that. She pouts when she sees he watches a lot of Rom Coms, it was too cute. She puts on The Office and has a slice of pizza. She didn’t need to work until tomorrow afternoon, so she didn’t mind that it was getting to be a little later on a Thursday, and it wasn’t like she went to raging parties anymore either.

Eventually, she dozed off. She couldn’t help it. Harry had a really comfortable couch, and plush blanket to curl up in, and Max was just as cozy to sleep with. Harry had texted Y/N, but she didn’t answer because she was asleep. The lecture he had ran late, and then he had to meet with some students to help them. Not to mention it was raining heavily, and he needed to drive a little slower than usual. So he didn’t pull into his driveway until 10PM. He sighs, feeling terrible that Y/N was still there.

He quietly enters his home, but it didn’t matter because Max hears him, wakes up, and starts barking. This startles Y/N awake.

“Shh, Max, it’s just Daddy.” He scoops him up and walks into the living room. Y/N was rubbing her eyes, trying to wake up. “I’m so sorry, I-“

“It’s okay.” She yawns. “I wrapped up the pizza and put it in the fridge for you.”

“Oh, um, thank you. Think I’m about to pass out though.”

“Don’t be silly.” She gets up and stretches. “You need to eat something.”

She brushes by him to go into his kitchen and take the pizza out. She puts a paper-towel over it and pops it in the microwave.

“I really am sorry you’re here so late.”

“It’s okay.” She leans against the counter. “What’s the lecture for, anyways?”

“It’s actually a graduate level CS systems course. I couldn’t turn the money down when they offered it to me. I figured since it’s only once a week it would be terrible, and it’s not, it’s just exhausting.”

The microwave beeps, and Y/N take the plate out for him, removing the paper towel.

“See, now it’s not all dried out.” She smiles.

“Neat trick, I’ll have to remember that.” The rain taps violently on the window in the kitchen.

“Yikes, I didn’t even know it was supposed to rain tonight. It wasn’t like this when I drove over.” She bites her bottom lip and looks outside.

Harry finishes his pizza and puts the plate in the sink. He sets Max down and he runs upstairs to his dog bed in Harry’s room.

“Listen, uh, if you want I can set up the pull out for you. Or I could sleep on it and you could take my bed…if you don’t feel safe driving home.”

“Oh, I couldn’t take your bed.” She turns to him. “But I may take your couch. I was sleeping on it fine as is, no need to set it up.”

“Well, let me at least get you a proper pillow and something to change into, yeah?”

“Okay.”

“Right, um, well you know where the bathroom down here is, feel free to use whatever to wash up. I’ll run up to grab what you need, be down in a sec.”

Harry changes into his own pj’s, and finds some spare pants and a t-shirt for Y/N. He’s even able to find a spare toothbrush. He hustles back down and see’s Y/N bending over to charge her phone using the plug behind the tide table next to the couch. Harry clears his throat to get her attention.

“Here, you can wear this, and he’s a toothbrush.”

“Thanks for letting crash here, I get nervous driving at night when it’s like that outside.”

“It’s the least I could do, you gave up your Thursday night to…” He looks at the TV screen and his cheeks grow hot. Y/N looks over at the TV as well and wonders why The Office might embarrass him.

“Is it okay that I used your Netflix?”

“Yeah, I…god, it’s just, you’ve seen what I watch.” He rubs the back of his neck.

“I didn’t snoop or anything, promise.” She smiles and takes the clothes and toothbrush from him.

He opens up the coffee table to take out a pillow and another blanket.

“Well, I’ll be right upstairs if you need anything…um, goodnight.”

“Goodnight, Harry.”

She wanted to ask if he wanted to watch a little TV with her, but he looked so tired. She lays on the couch after getting changed. His bed clothes swam on her, and she loved it. They smelled just like him and it made her smile. She texts in the group chat so the girls know what’s up. They tell her just to go crawl into his bed, and she rolls her eyes. She falls back asleep after another couple of episodes of The Office.

The next morning, her eyes flutter open when the light from the sliding door in the living room hit her. She hears Harry shuffling around upstairs.

“Gotta be quiet, Max. Y/N is sleeping.” She hears him whisper and it makes her smile. She decides to pretend to be asleep as to not rile the dog up.

She hears the door open and close, and that’s when she knows Harry’s gone to take Max for a walk. She gets up and folds the blankets, and puts the pillow on top. She figures he’ll want to wash it. She goes into the bathroom to do her business, but doesn’t change just yet, she didn’t want to leave the comfort of his clothes. She does, however, put her bra on. She didn’t want to bounce around and make him uncomfortable.

Harry comes back in with a beanie on, cover the beautiful curls Y/N adored so much. He was wearing grey joggers, and a black t-shirt. Max runs right over to Y/N.

“Morning.” Harry says.

“Morning.” She pats Max’s head.

“Sleep alright?”

“Mhm, thank you.”

“I’m gonna make some breakfast, you hungry?”

“Sure, I could eat.” She smiles.

He smiles back and opens up the fridge. Y/N grabs the dog food and gets Max’s bowl filled. She sees Harry starting up the coffee pot, and then going back to the fridge for eggs.

“Eggs and toast alright?”

“Sounds great.”

Harry gets a pan heated up and cracks four eggs into it.

“You working at Bento’s today?”

“Yeah, not until this afternoon though, no worries.”

“Oh good, I would have felt bad if I was keeping you.”

“You’re not.” She sits up on the counter and watches him cook the eggs. He moves to the toaster and puts for pieces of bread in. “This is a nice place.”

“Thanks, sort of found it in a scramble, but it gets the job done. Would have liked more than one bedroom, but oh well.” Harry flips all of the eggs over so they’ll be sunny side down. “Want cheese?”

“Yes, please.” She hops off the counter to grab a couple of mugs for the coffee.

“I have to apologize, I don’t have any cream for that.”

“Sugar?”

He slides the sugar bowl down to her and she smiles. Once everything is done they sit down at the kitchen table.

“Mm, this is delicious, thank you.”

“S’just a fried egg.” He chuckles. “But I’m glad you like it.”

“Do you have to go to campus today?”

“Not technically, but I will just to get some work done. I’ll bring Max with me. He likes the little dog bed I’ve put under my desk.”

“He’s really such a love bug. Snuggled with me last night and everything. My roommates love him too.”

“You’ve been such a big help in so many ways. Don’t know what I’ll do without you next semester.”

“I’m applying for more TA positions, maybe they’ll stick me with you again.”

“Wouldn’t you want more experience with a different class?”

“It doesn’t really matter.” She shrugs. “It would be cool to work with you over winter break to redesign your other courses.”

“Man, if I didn’t have to do that myself…hm, maybe I could put a good word in. That is, if you don’t mind being stuck with me again.”

“Stuck with you? Hello, this is going way better than I thought. I was sort of nervous to be your TA at first.”

“You were?” He frowns.

“You’re a little intimidating.”

“I don’t mean to be.”

“I know, it’s just the way you come off sometimes. You’re hilarious when you want to be.”

“Thanks.” He smirks and continues to eat. He looks at her and furrows his brows. “Feel free to keep those.”

“What?”

“The clothes I let you borrow, feel free to just keep ‘em if you want. I don’t much wear those pants anymore, and I have a dozen t-shirts.”

“Oh, um, thank you. Might take you up on that, I’m pretty cozy.”

She helps clean up the dishes and then gathers her things. He walks her out to her car.

“Thanks again for watching him.”

“Of course, I’ll see you Monday morning.”

“See you, have a good weekend, love.”

Her heart skips a beat as he turns and walks back inside. She takes a deep breath as she gets into her car. It was cloudy on the drive home, but at least it wasn’t raining. The second she gets through the door Nessa and Charlotte grill her for details, and they were highly disappointed that the only thing they shared was breakfast.

“It was really domestic, though, it was nice.” Y/N explains. “He was so cute while he made me breakfast. He’s so kind. He even let me keep his clothes, and he wants me to be his TA again next semester. He literally said he wouldn’t know what to do without me.”

“Yeah, because you’ve volunteered to do everything for him except suck his dick.” Charlotte scoffs. “You said he’s been broken up for a little over six months right? Do you think he’s gotten his dick wet since then?”

“Charlotte!” Y/N giggles. “He’s a grown man, he can do what he wants. I bet he has, he easily could have had a rebound, although, he seems really respectful, so who knows if he’s even into hooking up.”

“Right, like when you told us he always keeps his office door open.”

“I feel bad, I’m there when some of those girls come to chat with him, and you can tell they just make him uncomfortable.” She shakes her head. “I think he and I are, like, friends now. I like what we have going, I’m not going to rock the boat. It could really complicate things.”

“So, would you say now that you’ve gotten to know him better your crush is less…apparent?” Nessa asks.

“God no! We mesh really well, we think a lot of the same things are funny…” She wines slightly. “It’s truly unfair.” She sighs. “Right person, wrong time.”

//

It was hard to stay awake during your shift at the bakery, but you made it through. You were thankful you only needed to be there until about dinner time. You had to be back in Saturday morning for open, but that didn’t stop you and your friends from going out to the bar for a couple of drinks.

It gave the three of you time to catch up and complain about coursework. Nessa was directing a production at the university, and she still had students who weren’t off-book, and Charlotte had to deal with pretentious music bros who really liked to man-splain the music industry to her. Y/N felt lucky that the majority of her classes were online.

“Okay, I have to ask, are there any students in class you think have crushes on each other?” Nessa asks her, sipping from her straw.

“Oh, for sure. There are these two boys, they don’t sit next to each other, but you can tell they’re friends. One of them always looks behind to the other so they can make a face. It’s too cute.”

They were at a more adult bar tonight. It’s not that they didn’t like the college bars they were so used to going to, but if they went there then that meant getting shitfaced and staying on the dancefloor until close. It also made things awkward when running into students. So the three of them felt safe here, they could really relax.

“Oh my fucking god.” Charlotte says. “Dr. Styles just walked in, and fuck, he’s here with a couple of really hot guys.”

“What?!” Y/N was buzzed, and she didn’t want Harry to see her like this. She wanted his image of her to remain sweet and professional. She peers over her shoulder to look at him, and her eyes widen.

He wasn’t wearing his glasses, he had a floral patterned shirt on that had the first few buttons undone, and a pair of black jeans to match. They weren’t skinny jeans or anything, but they sure as fuck were working for him. Both of his friends were a little shorter, but both equally as handsome. The three walk right by the bar and grab a booth.

“This is bad.” Y/N groans. “He looks so fucking good.”

“Who knew he was so tatted up?!” Nessa says. “I thought it was just his arms, but did you see his collar bones? We love a man who has going attire.”

The bar was starting to get more crowded, and louder as it got later. Music was blaring from the speakers, but all Y/N could think about was Harry. She wondered if he would venture to her area of the bar to order his drinks. One of his friends went up first, on Nessa’s left.

“Hey, Niall, what can I get for you?” The bartender asks him.

“Bradly, so good to see yeh, I’ll take a pint of Guinness, Lou’s gonna have a pale ale, and Harry’ll have a Corona with lime.”

“You got it.”

Niall drums his fingers on the bar. Nessa was sweating. She had a boyfriend, so she would never do anything, but fuck, that Irish accent tore right through her. Niall looks over at the three girls who had all fallen silent after he approached. He makes eye contact with Y/N, and they share a smile.

“Opening a tab tonight?”

“Yeah, one of those nights for sure. Poor Harry’s had a run in with his ex, basically dropped their dog in his lap and left. It’s been a couple of weeks since it happened, but it’s been eatin’ the lad up.”

Bradly nods and takes Niall’s credit card to keep on the back of the bar. He hands him the three beers, and Niall thanks him. The girls try not to watch as he sits down.

“Holy shit, I thought I was going to crap my pants.” Nessa breathes. “I love Andy, don’t get me wrong, but holy fuck.” She shakes her head. “I may need to have him pick me up from here tonight.” She giggles.

“Now I almost wish there was dancing here. Wouldn’t mind showing that guy how well I can pop my ass.” Charlotte laughs.

“He smiled at me, did you see it? Of course Harry surrounds himself with other beautiful people.” She pouts.

Niall slides Harry and Louis their beers and they all clink their glasses.

“I’m so glad we could all get out to do this. Sorry we didn’t rescue you the second Kelly showed up.” Louis says.

“It’s alright, I appreciate you guys coming tonight.”

“Is Max okay for a bit on his own?” Niall asks.

“Yeah, I put the gates up for him so he can’t mess much up. I wouldn’t have texted my TA to see if she could watch him again, but…”

“But you’ll most likely be fucking someone tonight.” Niall grins. “Surprised you didn’t just fuck her, she stayed at your place and everything.”

“Actually, you asshole,” Harry chuckles and takes a swig of his beer. “I was going to say that I would have felt bad taking up another one of her evenings. I don’t know if I’m in the mood to take anyone home tonight.”

“Too bad, girls love little dogs like Max.” Louis shrugs.

“There’s three really hot girls sitting by the bar.” Niall loves over at the three girls. “One for each of us if we play our cards right.”

Harry’s back was turned away from the bar, so he couldn’t see who Niall was talking about.

“They could be college students.” Louis says.

“Not at this place. The undergrads don’t come here.” Harry says. “Mostly grad students or other faculty that live close by, locals too.”

“We could order their next round of drinks, and then invite them to come sit with us. Booth has plenty of room.” Niall suggest.

Harry and Louis turn around slightly to get a look at the girls Niall was talking about. Harry nearly chokes on his Corona, and turns back around.

“Jesus, are you alright?” Louis asks, patting his back.

“Yeah, yeah I’m fine. We can’t get those girls drinks.”

“Why not?”

“The one on the right is my TA, Y/N, and her two roommates. I know one of them has a boyfriend…uh…the one on the very left. The middle one is single, but even still, I don’t think that would be a good idea.”

“Mate, you’re TA is that good looking, and you didn’t even try to fuck her when she stayed at your place?” Niall asks.

“No, I didn’t try to fuck her. I’m doing this thing where I don’t fuck people I have a position of power over.” He rolls his eyes. “That’s a no go.”

“But if she wasn’t your TA, and just a regular grad student…?” Louis raises an eyebrow at Harry. He runs a hand through his hair as thinks it over.

“I don’t know, I haven’t really thought about it. I mean, she’s obviously cute, but…I could never do something like that.”

“It’s not like she’s going to be your TA next semester, you could-“ Harry cuts Niall off.

“Actually, she might be. I have a meeting with the curriculum committee to discuss what I’ll need help with for next semester, and we both want to work with each other again. Crossing that line would complicate things, not to mention it’s highly unprofessional.”

“It’s not like she’s a student sitting in one of your classes, then I’d agree with you. You’re colleagues, technically. Nothing in the rule book saying you can’t fuck a colleague.” Niall says.

“He’s got a point, Har.” Louis says.

“Even if I agreed with the both of you, I’d still be taking advantage. I think she has a little crush on me, she’s made a couple flirty comments here and there…”

“Not to mention she jumped at the chance to help watch your dog.” Louis says.

“It’s not happening.”

“Well, you may not want to fuck a pretty girl tonight, but I do, and if the middle one is single, perhaps I’ll still order them all drinks, and just talk with her. Or, if you’re saying Y/N’s a no go for you, maybe I’ll chat her up. We smiled at each other, maybe she thinks I’m cute.” Niall grins.

“Don’t you dare.” He glares at him, finishing his beer. “I don’t care if you talk to, fuck what’s her name…Charlotte! I don’t care if you talk to Charlotte, but don’t try anything with Y/N.” He looks at Louis. “You either.”

“Not that I would, but basically you’re saying if you can’t fuck her no one else can?” Louis asks.

“I just wouldn’t feel comfortable with it.”

“Alright.” Niall shrugs. “We ready for the next round, then?” They both nod at him, and Niall brings the empties up to the bar. The girls fall silent when he approaches again. “Hi there, is there a reason you all keep doing that?”

The girls all turn to look at him. They were sweating.

“Doing what?” Charlotte asks nervously.

“Well, and maybe it’s just a coincidence, but you keep getting quiet when I come over.”

“It’s just…um…” Nessa starts. “You’re here with someone our friend knows.” She points to Y/N. “In a professional setting, and we’re just surprised to see him out, that’s all.”

“Oh, am I? Who is it?”

“Dr. Styles.” Y/N speaks up. Niall smiles as his eyes raise.

“Dr. Styles, how formal.” He looks over at Bradly who gives him the new drinks. “Bradly, do me a favor, put these ladies’ next round on my tab, will you?”

“You don’t have to do that.” Y/N says.

“Whether you know my friend or not, I’d be a real jerk to not buy three beautiful girls a drink, wouldn’t I?” He winks at Charlotte as he walks away with his new drinks.

“He winked at me, oh my god.” She squeals. “Y/N, you wouldn’t care if I tried to fuck one of Harry’s friends, right? It’s been a minute for me.” She pouts.

“No, why would I care?” She laughs. Bradly gives the girls their new drinks. “That was really nice of him.” She twists her straw and looks over at the booth. She can see Niall and the other guy laughing, while Harry just shakes his head.

“What the fuck did you say to them?” Harry asks as he takes a sip of beer.

“Would you relax? They simply mentioned that they knew you, and I bought their next round, that was it.”

“Great, so she knows I’m here.” He groans. “Move.” He says to Louis.

“Why?”

“Because now I have to go talk to her.”

“Oh, you do?” Louis smirks.

“Yes, do you know how fucking rude it would be not even say hello?”

“I don’t see her coming over here.” Niall says.

“She’s obviously nervous!” Harry takes a large gulp of his drink. “Move, Lou.”

Louis gets up so Harry can get out of the booth.

“Oh my god, Y/N, Harry’s coming over here.” Nessa says.

“Shut up,  no he’s not, oh my god, he is, holy shit. I’m…inebriated.”

The girls laugh at her as Harry comes to sit on the open stool next to Y/N. He gets comfortable before he looks at her and smiles. She slowly turns herself to look at him.

“Hi.” He says.

“Hi.”

“Did my friend bother you?”

“Not at all…he was very nice.”

Harry nods and sips from his drink.

“I didn’t know you came here…” He says.

“Could say the same to you.” She looks him up and down. “Barely recognized you when you walked in. That’s a nice shirt.”

“Thanks.” He blushes and wants to kick himself for being so exposed to her.

“You haven’t met my friends yet. Charlotte, Nessa, this is Dr…uh, this is Harry.” The girls both say hello.

“Hi, I’ve heard a lot about you both. You’re Charlotte right?”

“Yeah.”

“My friend thinks you’re cute.” He nods over to Niall. Maybe Harry wouldn’t have been so bold, but he knew they were only a few years apart in age, so it wasn’t totally weird, and he had a couple drinks in him, so there’s that.

“Really?!”

“Mhm.”

“Should I go talk to him?”

“Definitely, I think he’d really like that.”

“Good enough for me.” She hops off the stool. “Ness, come talk to his other friend with me it’s not awkward.”

“Wing-man to the rescue, I’m on it.”

“You guys!” Y/N calls after them, but they’re already sitting down. She looks back at Harry and squints at him.

“What?”

“Did you do that on purpose?”

“Do what?”

“Get them to leave so we could be alone…”

“What?! No!” Harry finishes his drink, and Bradly gets him a new one right away. “Why would I want to be alone with you?” He sees the obvious offense on her face, and shakes his head. “Sorry, I didn’t mean it that way. We’re alone together all the time, aren’t we? I just meant, in this setting.” He gestures to the bar around him. “I’ve been a bit mopey since Kelly showed up, so my friends just wanted to take me out and show me a good time.” He looks over at Niall who already has his arm around Charlotte. “Although, I think they’re bound to have a better night than me.” He sighs.

“You haven’t let on a mopey exterior, you could have told me.”

“It’s really none of your business how I’m feeling, Y/N.”

“You’re being awfully cold to someone who spent the night at your house just watch your dog.”

“You spent the night because it was raining too heavily.”

“And then you made me breakfast.”

“As an extra thank you.”

“You’re annoying.” She takes a sip of her drink and faces forward. “Now I don’t even have my friends to complain about you because you’ve sent them off to your friends.” She rolls her eyes.

“M’not annoying. I’m a fucking delight, just ask Max.”

“Where is he anyways?”

“Home.” Harry shrugs. “He can last a few hours without me. I almost texted you, but I would have felt bad asking again. I know you worked today, I honestly didn’t expect to see you out.”

“It was a long week for everyone. I’m not staying much longer, I have to be at Bento’s at four in the morning.”

“It’s…” Harry looks down at his watch. “Almost midnight, Cinderella.” He smirks at her and she can’t help but laugh. It was a stupid and cheesy joke, but she liked it. “I didn’t mean to be cold…I just didn’t want you to think I was coming over here to pull a move or something.”

“I’m going to remind you again, you sent my friends away.” She smiles and takes a sip of her drink.

“I did.” He nods. “But I’ll remind you, my friend Niall thinks Charlotte is cute. He thought you were cute too, by the way.”

“He did?!” She looks over at them and then back to Harry. “But you sent her off with him?”

“Yup.” He takes a swig of his beer.

“Why?!”

“Could be a little awkward to have my best friend canoodle with my TA.”

“Right, because it would be so easy to get into my bed.” She scoffs.

“I didn’t say that.”

“You implied it. And I’m not one to kiss and tell, so unless he wanted to dish, you wouldn’t have even heard anything from me about it.”

“Doesn’t matter, I wouldn’t have liked it. I don’t know Charlotte so I don’t really care what they do.”

“You don’t get to decide who I can and can’t sleep with just because you’re too chicken to make a move.” Before he can say anything she’s hopping off her stool and heading out of the bar.

She’s just about to order an uber when he grabs her wrist. It was chilly outside, and she could clearly see both of their breaths.

“What did you just say to me?”

“You heard me.” She yanks her wrist free. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m going home to sleep for three hours so I can get up to bake some fucking bread.” She orders her uber, and Nessa comes rushing out.

“Char’s staying inside with, um, Niall? I saw you leave so I thought I’d come…with…you…” She sees Harry who was practically fuming. “Um, I can wait inside, or-“

“It’s fine, the uber will be here in a minute.” She smiles at her friend and then glares at Harry. “At least one of us is going to have a good time tonight.” She seethes.

“I had fun.” Nessa says, and then realizes what Y/N meant. “Oh.”

“Why are you still here? Go inside and find some random to fuck.”

“Don’t talk to me like that, Y/N.”

“Sorry, I’m off the clock. I can speak to you however the fuck I want.” She steps closer to him. “I don’t know where you get off being so sweet and kind one moment, and then turning into a major prick the second you feel threatened, but I don’t need this.”

The uber pulls up, and without another word Y/N and Nessa get inside, leaving Harry outside in the cold.

//

Y/N woke up at 3:30AM and groaned, cursing at herself for going out. She only had to work until 9AM and then should could sleep the day away if she wanted. She was still so mad at Harry she could scream. He hadn’t even tried to text her to apologize.

She sighs and makes her way to the kitchen once she’s dressed. She stops short when she sees a half-naked Niall standing in her kitchen, filling two glasses of water.

“Um…hi.” She says to him as she grabs her daily vitamins out of the cabinet.

“Hey.” He smiles. He looks her up and down. “Are you going to work?”

“I am.” She pops the gummy vitamins into her mouth.

“Could you do me a favor?” He steps a little closer to her. “Take it easy on Harry, alright?” Y/N scoffs at him. “I know, he was an asshole last night, but he just want to do anything that could put his job in danger, that’s all.”

“How would I do that? I’m not his student, I’m his colleague.”

“He just feels weird about it, and he’s still figuring out his feelings. I think he likes you, to be quite honest. You’ve…perked him up, well not tonight, but anytime he mentions you he smiles.”

“He…talks about me?”

“Oh sure, all the time actually.” He takes a sip of water. “I better go bring this to her. Just…consider taking it easy on him, he knows he fucked up.”

Y/N nods as Niall makes his way back to Charlotte’s room. She drags herself out to her car and heads to Bento’s. Once she’s inside, she puts some music on and fires up the ovens. She loved baking, it helped clear her head for a little while. She would prep the bacon, get fresh muffins and cookies going, and she would even make croissants. By the time the rest of the morning crew shows up, she’s just about halfway done with everything. She trays up everything to be rolled out for the people working out front. By the time 9AM rolled around she was exhausted, but had mostly forgotten how aggravated she was. She snags a coffee and a muffin on her way out, and stops short when she sees Harry sitting outside with Max.

“Oh, thank god.” He says, standing up. Max sniffs at her feet and she bends down to pet the top of his head. “They said you got off at nine, I hope it’s not weird that I’m here.”

“How long have you been waiting out here?”

“Well, I came by at 6:30 when they opened, but you were really busy, so I just came back twenty minutes ago. Can we talk?”

“Not right now. I’m covered in flour and sweat, and I’d like to take a shower and then take a nap. I got two hours of sleep last night. It was my own doing, but still.”

“When then?”

“I’ll text you.” She shrugs. “Niall spent the night, I bumped into him this morning. He said you fucked up?”

“I did.” He rubs the back of his neck. “Do what you need to do, and then, uh, come bay later, yeah? We can have a late lunch or something, and I can explain myself. Would you like that?”

“Depends, what’s on the menu?”

“S’cold out, do you like grilled cheese and tomato soup?”

“Love it.” She smiles. “I’ll let you know when I wake up.”

“Alright, thanks.”

Y/N takes a nice long shower when she gets home, her roommates still peacefully sleeping. She wondered if Niall was still there or if he slipped out a couple hours after her. She didn’t care that much, she was too tired to care. Once her hair is dry, she slips a t-shirt on and crawls into bed.

“Y/N! I’ve let you sleep long enough, please wake up!” Charlotte was absolutely giddy, and dying to fill Y/N in. It was around 2PM, she definitely caught up on sleep.

“Gimme five minutes!” Y/N yells back. She was groggy and didn’t want to be cranky.

Y/N comes out to the couch and lays down. Nessa was out with Andy, but she had heard about everything earlier. Charlotte brings Y/N a cup of tea and smiles at her.

“Thank you.” She takes a careful sip. “Alright, go ahead.”

“Best sex I’ve ever fucking had!” She squeals. “He had me all over the bed, it was wild. I’m surprised we didn’t wake you.”

“I passed out the second I got home.” She chuckles. “Best you ever had, huh? What exactly did he do?”

“What didn’t he do?! Fingers, tongue, and dick, it was incredible. I rode him, then he got on top, and then he did me from behind, bent me over the bed, I got on top again. His stamina was incredible. I made him some breakfast this morning and then he left.”

“Did he give you his number?”

“He did.” She beams. “He said he wasn’t looking for anything serious at the moment, but I was free to text him anytime I wanted him like that again.” She bites her bottom lip and sinks further into the couch. “I totally don’t mind at all. It would be nice to start up a new little fling. It won’t be weird for you, will it?”

“Not at all, it’s not like you’re…oh my god.” She pinches the bridge of her nose with her thumb and forefinger.

“What?”

“I totally get where he was coming from now.” She groans.

“What do you mean?”

“He said he told me that, uh, his other friend thought I was cute, and I told him I was mad because he sent the two of you away, and that he couldn’t tell me who I could and couldn’t fuck, but I would have been so mad if you slept with Harry.”

“I wouldn’t have, though. I know how much you like…” She gasps. “Do you think he likes you too?!”

“I don’t know, maybe!” Y/N takes her phone out to text Harry that she’s up and that she’ll be over within the hour. “I’m going to his place for a late lunch, he wants to apologize, but I owe him one just the same. I flipped out for no reason.”

“Well, at least you’re realizing it. Very adult of you.”

“Oh, shut up.” She nudges her and gets up to change.

//

Y/N gets to Harry’s around 3PM. She paired a green cardigan and a black tank top with a pair of jeans. She gets out of the car and rings his bell. She giggles when she hears Max barking from behind the door.

“Shh, it’s just Y/N.” Harry coos to Max as he opens his door. “Hi.”

“Hi.”

“Um, come in.” He moves aside and lets her in. “Here, think he misses you.” Y/N takes Max from Harry and snuggles him close.

“It’s only been a couple days.” She pouts at the dog.

“Come, sit, the food’s ready.”

Y/N sets Max down and sits down at the table. Harry already had the grilled cheese and soup out on the table.

“This looks good, thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

“Harry…I know you wanted to apologize, but I realized today that you weren’t totally in the wrong.”

“Yes I was.” He sighs and blows on his soup before slurping some from his spoon. “Maybe it wasn’t what I said, but it was how I said it. I overstepped. You’re a grown woman, I had no right to tell my friend he couldn’t hit it on you.”

“Well, it all worked out because Charlotte seems to have a new fuck buddy on her hands.” She chuckles and takes a bite of her sandwich. “Look, I appreciate you saying all that, but when I was talking to her earlier, I realized I would have done the same thing. I would have told my friends not to flirt with you or try to pick you up, and I would have been pissed if one of them slept with you.”

“You would have?”

“Yes.”

“Why?”

“You know why.” She grumbles. “I…I mean…”

“We’re stuck between a rock and a hard place here, Y/N.” He sighs and sits back in his chair.

“We are?”

“Yes. I did a lot of thinking last night, did some talking with my friends. I had to really think about why I got so upset. The thing is, you’re my TA, and you’re going to be my TA next semester as well, most likely. I have a meeting about it Monday. Selfishly, I don’t want anyone else to have you.”

“In more ways than one, obviously.” She smirks.

“Don’t be cute.” He gives her a playful smile. “I think I’d miss you too much, to be honest. I like sharing my office with you. Your help with Max has been great, you’re, like, part of my life now.”

“Is there some rule that says that we can’t…like…go out?”

“I don’t know…I think it would look unprofessional on my part. I know you’re not one of my students, so it’s not as bad as that, but I still have a position of power over you, and if someone found out something was going, it could look really bad. I wouldn’t want something to taint your reputation either.”

“Well, I’ve been over here twice now, and no one’s said a thing.”

“You haven’t been on campus since Thursday. Someone could easily say something to us Monday.”

“A lot of people know I help with Max.”

“Some people may know you used to be a student of mine as well. They could assume something’s been going on for years.”

“Not true, wouldn’t people know about Kelly?” Harry grimaces at the name. “Sorry.”

“It’s alright.”

“So…I feel like we’re just going around in circles here, Harry. Like, what are we doing?”

“Well, if I vouch for you to be my TA again next semester, would you? The course would be for Creativity and the Visual World, and I think you could really shine there, talk about IDS. Also, I don’t know what your plans are after you graduate, or where you’ll want to go, but I’ve caught wind that one of the instructional designers on campus is going to retire at the end of the school year.”

“Wow, so you’re like really trying to keep me around.” She smirks.

“It’s not like that.” He chuckles. “I just mean, it could be a good first gig for you. You’re very good at all that, thought you might be interested to know there’s going to be an opening. You know the campus well, it would be a smooth transition for you.”

“That would be ideal, I do want to work in higher ed when I’m done.”

“I could help you with your cover letter, I’m really good at writing those. I’ve helped plenty of students.”

“I’ll definitely look into it.” She finishes what she can of the food, and sits back as well.

“I really am sorry about last night, I felt awful.”

“It’s okay, I really get it.” She sighs. “So…I still don’t know what we’re doing. Are we just choosing not to date anyone else and also not each other? Why should I wait until I graduate to be with someone?”

“M’not asking you to do that. I don’t really know what I’m asking you to do. I just don’t want to be a cliché. The young professor getting with someone that works for him. I’m attracted to you, I can admit that, but I don’t want to get fired, nor do I want your name getting dragged through the mud.”

“So, essentially, while I’m your TA we can’t do anything.”

“Correct.”

“And you’d rather suffer and have me be your TA again next semester just to have me around you, even though it would mean we still couldn’t do anything.”

“Yes.”

“Alright, after the holidays I’ll be staying at my apartment for winter break. We pay for a full year, and I like having the time alone. I also still work at Bento’s.” She stands up and puts her things in the sink.

“What are you saying exactly?”

“I’m saying, over winter break we’re in limbo. I won’t be your TA, and I’ll be all alone in my three bedroom apartment. Perhaps there’ll be a night I’m feeling especially lonely and you’ll have the marvelous idea of visiting me with Max, and whatever happens will happen.”

“And then what? Act like it didn’t when the spring semester starts?”

“I guess we’d cross that bridge when we come to it. All I know is that for six weeks, you will in no way have a position of power over me. By the way, I’m twenty-three years old, it’s like you said, I’m a grown woman. You’re not taking advantage of me. I know how it would look to others, so I can respect where you’re coming from. However, I’d like to try things out before I tell someone I’m going to wait for them.”

With that, Y/N gives Max one last squeeze, and out the door she goes. She was proud of herself. Harry liked her, and he wanted to be with her. It was a dream come true. She also didn’t mind sort of waiting for him, it would just make things all the more hot when they’d finally be able to come together.

//

The rest of the semester went by…okay. There was a lot of tension, a lot of it. Harry was just thankful it was getting colder which meant that Y/N was bundling up more. She did, however, look insanely cute in her many layers and scarves. They were busy grading, not having much time for chat chit. She started going over his place more, though. They would have little grading parties where they could just spread out and get things done. His place was also another quiet haven for her to escape to.

Charlotte hooked with Niall almost every weekend, it was pretty cute. They were having fun, and Y/N was happy for her friend. Even though sometimes Y/N wished Harry would just fuck her on his kitchen table on top of all the graded papers and tests, and maybe sometimes he fantasized about the same thing, but it had to stay professional. She didn’t want him regretting anything. Sometimes he would come into Bento’s when she was working, she even snuck him in early one morning to show him how she made the croissants he liked so much. They were essentially dating, but without all the physical stuff.

At least Y/N could catch some relief later at night in her bed. She didn’t think of Harry at first. Her routine mostly consisted of headphones, pornhub, and a few orgasms. But there was one particular night her and Harry were sitting in front of his fireplace, and he just looked so sexy, and she wanted him to take her on his living room floor, she didn’t even care if her tailbone would be bruised the next day. She still hadn’t even seen his fucking bedroom, it was the one part of the house she wasn’t allowed in. So she start fantasizing about his bed, and then one thing led to another and she ended up moaning out his name in a shallow breath. It had caught her by surprise, and she was almost embarrassed about it.

Harry would have been lying if he said he wasn’t doing the same thing. It mostly happened early in the morning when he’d take his shower. It just sort of happened. He woke up one morning, rolled over and wished she was there next to him. He had seen her fall asleep so many times, and he thought she was incredibly cute. He liked having Max in the bed, but he wanted Y/N. So when he got into the shower he just couldn’t stop thinking about her. He didn’t feel embarrassed, he didn’t feel guilty, he mostly felt annoyed because he just wanted the real thing.

It was confirmed that Y/N would be his TA again in the spring, and they were both exited. He liked having her in his office, and he thought they worked together really well. It was worth it, it was all going to be worth it.

Harry went home to London for the holidays, and Y/N went home to her parents’ house. It was a tough goodbye. They hugged, and maybe they kissed each other on the cheek, but neither wanted to let go. Y/N loved seeing her family, but ten days was plenty. She liked having her apartment to herself. Nessa and Charlotte wouldn’t be back for a few weeks. That meant Y/N could watch whatever she wanted on TV, she didn’t have to worry about being quiet on the early mornings she had to work, and she could take a long shower.

A big snow storm was coming, which was starting to make Y/N nervous. Stores were closing in preparation, and she wasn’t sure if she wanted to weather it alone.

Y/N: are you back from London? Can’t remember when you said you’d be home…

Harry: hey! I was just going to message you, I got back yesterday, was just sleeping off the jetlag. What’s up?

Y/N: this impending storm is freaking me out…

Harry: do you wanna get snowed in at my place? Just stalked up at the grocery store…

Y/N: are you sure? I don’t wanna be a burden :(

Harry: you wouldn’t be! You know I want to see you, so does Max :)

Y/N: okay! I’ll pack a bag and head over, see you soon!

Harry had been cute while he was away, sending Y/N a few selfies of him and Max. She had been to his house so many times, this wouldn’t be weird at all to spend a couple of snowy days together. She gets all her things packed, and makes her way to Harry’s. It was just starting to flurry when she parked in his driveway. He comes outside to help her with her things.

“And this time, you’ll let me set up the pullout for you. No need to sleep on a couch for two days.”

“Okay.”

She was hoping he’d give in and let her sleep in his bed with him. Actually, she was hoping he’d pick her up, swing her around, and kiss her. He sets her things down and waits for her to take her coat off, then he hugs hers.

“Had a good holiday?” He asks as he lets her go.

“Yeah, it was good. You?”

“It was great, love getting to see my family.” Max comes trotting in and greets Y/N.

“There’s my little man.” She scoops him up and gives him kisses.

“I was just going to make some tea, would you like some?”

“Please.” She plops down with Max on the couch.

“Do you have to work at Bento’s during all this? I can drive you if you want.”

“No, they closed in preparation of the storm.”

“Oh, good!”

Y/N turns the TV on, and scrolls through Netflix for something simple to watch. Harry comes over with two mugs of tea and he sits down next to her.

“Find anything good? Feel like it’s all Christmas movies right now.”

“Nothing yet…” She squints at the TV. “How about…oh! Have you watched Love, Victor yet? It’s been on my list for ages.”

“Is it based off of Love, Simon?”

“Yeah! This kid Victor is new in town, and ends up going to the same school Simon did.”

“Sure, we could watch that.”

“Shit, it’s on Hulu, you have that right?”

“Mhm, gimme the remote, I’ll switch it over.” She hands it to him and sips on her tea while he queues it up.

“Mm, this is tasty, what is it?”

“It’s black tea with honey, love.” He looks at her wants to laugh. “I don’t usually add anything, but I thought you’d like the honey.”

“It’s perfect, thank you.”

The show starts just as the sun was setting outside. Y/N pulls the blanket Harry keeps on the back of the couch over her legs, and Max moves to Harry’s lap.

“Let me know if I’m being a blanket hog.”

“S’alright, he keeps me pretty warm.”

“Don’t be annoying.” She huffs and spreads the blanket out equally over them. “See, nice and cozy.”

“I’m not being annoying, I’m being…respectful.”

“Golly gee, thanks, mister.” She pouts at him and he rolls his eyes.

“Now who’s being annoying?”

A couple of episodes in, and Harry’s stomach starts rumbling.

“Are you hungry? I can pop a pizza in the oven, or make some pasta?”

“Pizza would be perfect, thank you.”

“Pause it, I just need a minute to get it in the oven.”

Y/N nods and scrolls through her phone while she waits for him to come back. This was nice. It was like they were hanging out as friends, which was okay, but she was hoping he’d make a move for fuck’s sake.

“Alright, should be about fifteen minutes.” He smiles and gets back under the blanket. Y/N presses and play and they get back into it.

After the pizza, they nearly almost binge the entire show. Harry was starting to doze off, so they decide to call it a night. He looks outside in the kitchen window.

“I am not looking forward to digging out our cars. Times like this I wish I had a garage.” He sighs.

“You say that like you’ll be doing it alone. I’ve got all my snow gear, I can help.”

“Right, like I’d let you break your back out there.” He scoffs, and puts his hand on her shoulder. “Let me make up the pullout for you.”

Y/N watches as Harry moves the coffee table, and hoists the pullout into place. The sheets were already on it, so he just lays the blankets and pillows out.

“Well, I’ll be upstairs with Max if you need anything. Goodnight.”

“Goodnight, thanks again for letting me stay. I think I would have been scared all alone.”

“No worries, I’m glad you’re here. I, uh, missed you over the holidays.” He clears his throat and heads upstairs.

Y/N does her nightly routine and puts on a tank top and pajama pants for bed. She gets onto the pullout and tries to listen to some music to fall asleep, but the wind was whipping so harshly outside, it was making her uneasy. She hated storms more than anything. Would Harry mind if she crawled into bed with him? She could even sleep on the floor. She just didn’t want to be down here alone. She sighs and slowly gets out of the bed. She makes her way upstairs.

Harry’s bedroom was the entire upstairs, it was sort of like a loft. He had a king sized bed, a decent looking bedroom set, and an en suite. Y/N thought it was really nice, well, what she could make out of it since it was so dark.

“Harry?” She whispers. His head was in his pillow, sleeping on his tummy.

“Mm?” He grunts, clearly out of it.

“I’m a little scared downstairs, would it be alright if I slept on the floor up here?”

“Get in.” He mumbles.

“Really, are you sure? Because I-“

He flips some of the covers back, eyes still closed. Y/N takes a deep breath and gets into the bed. Max was half asleep, but he moves away from Harry to make room for her, plopping down near his feet. Y/N climbs in and faces away from him. This was such a large bed for one guy, and it made her wonder who was the last person to share it with him. She wanted to keep a respectful distance from him, but before she could start counting sheep, his arm was wrapped around her waist, pulling her close to him. Her breath hitched, but she could hear his steady breathing, he was definitely asleep. He must just sleep better when he’s holding onto something, she thinks.

//

Harry’s eyes flutter open around 5AM. He was used to getting up that early to take Max out, but for some reason he felt like he got some of the most restful sleep he’s gotten in a long time. He feels warm and cozy, and even though he knows he needs to get up and brave the cold so his dog could relieve himself, he found himself nuzzling in to whatever he was holding onto.

That’s when it hits him that he wasn’t dreaming last night, and Y/N genuinely came up into his room because she was feeling uneasy being all alone downstairs. She was still fully clothed, but he wasn’t he was only in his boxers. His leg was between hers, and she was pressed up against him. He wondered if she slept well like this. Just because he slept better holding onto something didn’t mean that she would.

He makes subtle movements, not wanting to wake her. He nearly winced leaving the warmth of the bed, but he got through it. Max pops his head up and Harry puts his finger up to his lips to signal that he needed to be quiet. Harry snatches his sweatpants and a pair of socks, and grabs Max to take him downstairs. He throws his coat and boots on, gets the leash on Max, and out the door he goes. He shoves his beanie down over his ears as he feels the wind whip around. There were snow drifts everywhere and it was still coming down. He uses the flashlight on his phone so Max could see what he was doing.

“Come on, buddy, I know it’s cold, but Daddy doesn’t wanna be out here long.” He wanted to get back to Y/N.

Once Max does his business, Harry gets him so food and fresh water. He strips himself of his jacket and socks, but leaves his sweatpants on. He was shirtless, but he was too groggy from the morning to care. Once Max is all set, Harry carries him upstairs so his collar doesn’t jingle around. He plops him on the bed, and he goes right over to Y/N to curl up with her. Harry uses the bathroom quick, brushing his teeth and all that, and then slowly slides back into bed. Y/N hadn’t moved, still laying on her side facing away from him, so he just wraps himself back around her. Well, he thought she hadn’t moved. The second she heard the door close downstairs, she sprinted down to “her” bathroom to wash up and brush her own teeth. She wasn’t sure if morning snuggles would ensue, but she wanted to be fresh if they did.

A sigh leaves Harry’s lips as he settles back in, pressing nice and close to her and keeping his arm around her waist. She gives it a few minutes, and then she adjust against him. She could tell he was wearing sweatpants now, and not just his boxers. She was subtle about it, not fully pressing her ass against him, just a simple adjustment, so he didn’t think anything of it. After another couple of moments, she presses back into him, and he involuntarily presses forward towards her. He was definitely starting to get hard. He grips her waist a little tighter as he continues to press into her.

“Mm, Harry?” She rolls onto her back to look up at him.

“Hi.” He moves his hand away from her lower stomach to move some hair away from her face. “How’d you end up here, hm?” He asks softly.

“Storms really scare me, and the wind was loud.” She starts smiling. “Feel much better now.” His hand slides down to cup her jaw. “I asked first and you told me to get in.”

“I did, didn’t I…”

“Pulled me right up close to you, it was nice.” She sighs.

“Can’t remember the last time I slept so well, to be honest.”

He lets go of her and flops onto his back, groaning. She rolls onto her side and props herself up with her elbow, resting her cheek on her palm.

“You make things so difficult for yourself. I’m not your TA right now.”

“But you will be again.”

“Because you wanted me to be.”

He looks at her and pouts.

“We’ll see each other more this way.”

“But…wouldn’t it be nice to go out on dates and touch and-“

“You’ve seen how busy I am, I rarely have time to see my friends as it is. I’d feel guilty for not being able to do those things with you.”

“You have me to yourself for the next four weeks, Harry, and the girls won’t be back until a week before school starts.”

“We’d have to stop when the semester starts back up, and wait again. I don’t know if I’ll be able to do that.”

“We could be discrete.”

“I’d have to be a little cold towards you.”

“You’re no stranger to that.” She scoffs.

“Y/N.” Harry’s hand finds her hip. “This is serious.”

“I’m about to graduate, from grad school, Harry. It’s not like I’m some eighteen year old girl sitting in one of your classes. I’m twenty-three, and you’re twenty-six, it’s really not that weird.”

“I’ll be twenty-seven next month.” He mutters.

“Great, then we can go out and celebrate when the time comes. Is there something in a handbook saying we can’t…do this?”

“It’s extremely frowned upon, I can assure you.” He groans again before speaking. “This is so frustrating, it’s not like you’re my first TA either, fuck, even I was a TA. Shit like this never happened. I’ve never been…attracted to someone I’ve worked with before.”

“You’re probably the only professor I’ve been into before.”

“See, right there, you had a thing for me when you were in my class only a couple of years ago, and-“

“And nothing happened then. You barely remembered me when I first came to your office. I was a flustered senior, that was it. Now…well, I know you now. I’m way less nervous around, I feel like I can really talk to you.”

“I feel the same way.” He sighs. “Fucking, Christ.” He yanks her down to her chest, and she yelps. His fingers scratch at her scalp and she nearly whimpers at how nice it feels to lay on his chest, having him play with her hair. “We can lay here a little longer, and then I need to go to move some of the snow.”

“I’m helping.” She puts a leg over his. “And you’re still a little…riled up, don’t you want to-“

“No.”

“But I could-“

“Y/N.” She looks up at him. “Just lay here with me.”

They both doze back off for a bit until Max starts barking. He must need to pee. Harry gets up and tells Y/N she can shower if she wants to.

“I’ll wait, I’ll get sweaty shoveling.”

“It’s my house, you don’t need to help.” He throws on a long sleeve shirt and thick socks. He looks at her crossing her arms over her chest. “Here.” He tosses her one of his sweaters. “Come on, Max.”

They all head downstairs. His sweater smelled just like him. She hoped she could keep this too just like with the pj’s he had given her a couple of months ago. He takes Max out quick, and then sets him back inside so he can get to shoveling. Y/N decides she could make him breakfast since he wouldn’t let her help outside.

She goes through his fridge and cupboards to find some different things. She wanted to make something that would take some time so it would be warm for him when he got inside.

“Muffins!” She says to herself as she rifles through his baking supplies.

She whips up a mixture of blueberry muffins and get them popped in the oven. She has the glorious idea to slice them in half and butt them up on his griddle when they’re done, just to give it a little crunch. Next, she cracks some eggs into the pan, and makes them sunny side down because she remembers him making them that way. She even finds some bacon to throw on the griddle.

When he comes inside, his nostrils are hit with everything she’s made. Everything was on plates on the kitchen table, and she was washing everything in the sink. He strips down to his boxers, having been drenched with sweat after digging out their cars. The snow was still falling, but it was good to get ahead of things before it all froze.

“Harry, I made…” She freezes when she looks at him. Seeing his full body in the light was much different than in the hazy darkness of his bedroom.

“I didn’t know I had blueberry muffins.” He says as he looks down at the plates.

“You, um, you didn’t, I made them.”

“From scratch?”

“Well, yeah.”

He picks up the muffin bottom and takes a bite. His eyes close for a second as he gets a good taste. It was buttery and a bit crisp from being on the griddle. It was perfection. He turns to her after he swallows.

“You’re…a literal angel.” He steps closer to her, and he notices her eyes drift down and back up. “I’ll go put some clothes, and then-“

She puts a hand on his chest. Her eyes plead with his. Just kiss me, she silently says to him.  His hands fly up to her jaw, and he pulls her in, lips crashing together, finally. She melts into him immediately. His tongue slides along her bottom lip, and she opens up for him. She can taste the blueberry muffin on him, and it makes her suck on his tongue. He groans against her, and his hands slide down to her ass to get a good squeeze. She wraps her arms around his neck and pulls him even closer.

“Harry.” She breathes against his lips.

He gets a good grip on her and lifts her up to sit her on the counter. He quickly draws the shades for the window above the sink so anyone out shoveling wouldn’t be able to see anything. He tugs at the sweater of his he was wearing and lifts it off her. Her legs open wide for him to stand between. His lips attach to the crook of her neck, sucking, licking, biting. Her hips buck towards his as she tugs at his hair. One of his hands lifts her shirt slightly, and she thinks he’s going to feel her breasts up, but instead his fingers find the band of her pajama pants. He stops to look at her.

“Can I?”

“Yes.”

His hand dips below, and it’s almost like he’s searching for something else.

“Are you not wearing any knickers?”

“No.” She blinks at him. “I don’t usually wear underwear to bed.”

“Jesus Christ.”

She opens her legs a little wider for him, and he groans when his fingers touch around her folds, and he feels her wetness sticking to him already. His other arm wraps around behind her to hold her close to him. He plays around with her, fingers rubbing all around until his middle finger slides in. She gasps, not having expected so much so soon, but she wasn’t complaining. She clutches at his shoulders when she feels another finger slip inside. He twists them around, just getting a feel for things, and he curls them up, knowing this was what she really wanted.

“Oh! Oh my god.” Her head rolls back. He was make that come here motion right on that sweet spot of her front wall. His lips find her neck again as he continues. His thumb starting to rub on her clit. “Oh fuck, Harry, oh my god.” She didn’t realize how whiney she could sound, but he loved. She was a mess for him.

“Been thinking about this for so long.” He says into her ear.

“Me too.” She was panting now. “It feels so good.”

“Yeah? Like having my fingers buried inside you?”

Her mouth falls open. He was into dirty talk and it made her clench around him.

“Yes, oh my fucking god, yes.” She bites down on his collar bone to try to muffle any louder noises, but he was knuckle deep, fucking her with his fingers, it was no use. “Harry, I’m so close, oh fuck!”

His hand around her waist reaches up to tug at the back of her head. He wanted to watch her go through the motions. He wanted to see just how good he was making her feel. Her eyes rolls into the back of her head as she continues to beck forward. Her release was long, and so very good. She cried out, maybe a little louder than she should have, but he wasn’t telling her to keep it down. Did he want his neighbors to hear? Did he want them to know how good he could fuck someone?

He slows down his motions inside of her, helping her through the aftershocks, and then he slowly retracts his fingers. He sucks them into his mouth and then steps away from her. She was breathless. He kisses her cheeks and then helps her hop down from the counter.

“You made such a nice breakfast, let’s not let it go to waste.”

“Harry…” She watches him sit down.

“What?”

“Don’t you want to-“

“I’m all sweaty, I’d like to take a shower before going further if that’s alright with you.”

“Okay.”

She sits down with him and eats her food that she was now ravenous for.

“You really made this from scratch?”

“Yeah, I’m glad you like it.”

“It’s delicious.”

They finish eating and decide to clean up later. She follows him upstairs to his shower. He helps her out of her clothes and lets her get in first. She throws her hair up into a bun so it doesn’t get soaked. He rids himself of his boxers and gets in behind her. She moves aside so he can wash up. She presses her front to his back, and her hands roam along his long torso.

“You made me feel so good, I think it’s your turn.”

She kisses on his back while she starts to stroke his hardening length. It felt so big in her hand. Harry’s head falls to his chest, and he presses a palm to the tile wall to keep himself grounded. She runs her thumb over his tip and he groans. He grabs her hand and turns around. He backs her up to the opposite wall, cradling the back of her head as he basically slams her against it. His lips are on hers in seconds. Everything felt hot and wet, and just otherworldly. Y/N couldn’t enough. In the back of her head she kept thinking that she couldn’t believe this was happening. It wasn’t often that she got what she wanted.

“Please, fuck me.” She says against his lips.

“I don’t have any condoms.” He kisses down her neck and kneads her breasts.

“I’m on the pill.”

“S’not what I’m worried about.” He pulls his head back to look at her. “Are you clean?”

“I am, actually. I was tested last time I went to the doctor. Are you?”

“I am.” He smiles. “So…you really wanna feel all of me? Just like that?”

“Yes.” She whines. “Please.”

He kisses her and bites on her bottom lip, sucking on it as he pleases. He lifts one of legs up over his hip, and uses his other hand to line himself up. She was still plenty wet, so he’s able to push inside.

“Fuck, Y/N.” He grunts, trying to push further inside her. “So tight.”

“I…Christ, I think you’re just really big.” She gasps once he’s all the way inside.

His head drops to watch himself slowly thrust in and out of her. He bites his bottom lip at the sight. He looks back up at her, watching her features.

“Are you comfortable?”

“Could you maybe just hold my leg up?”

Harry nods and hooks his arm under leg, driving in deeper. Her head rolls back against the tile. Once he knew she was okay, he didn’t let up. He was fucking her hard and fast, only slowing up so he could hear her whimper and beg for more. Her nails were clawing at his back, and it was just egging him on. He uses his other hand to rub at her clit. She was starting to breathe heavier, moan after moan leaving her lips. He could tell she was close.

“Gonna come again for me?”

“Yes, fuck, I’m almost there, Harry!”

He sucks the tender skin of her neck between his teeth, and that’s what pushes her over the edge. Her senses totally overwhelmed. He gasps when he feels how deeply her nails dig into him from going through the motions of her orgasm. He pulls out of her quickly and comes on her stomach. He’s out of breath, pressing kisses to her cheek and neck.

“No going back now.” He says as he caresses her cheek.

“Nope.” She smiles.

He pecks her lips and turns back around to stand in the water again. Her eyes grow wide and he winces once the water cascades over him.

“Harry, I’m so sorry, I didn’t realize I was hurting you.”

“It didn’t hurt while it was happening, is it bleeding?” He looks over his shoulder trying to see for himself.

“Um…I broke the skin, but it’s not bloody.” She blushes. “Yikes, that’s embarrassing.”

“No it’s not.” He chuckles and moves so she can rinse her stomach off in the water. She turns it off and they both step out to towel off. “I wasn’t hurting you was I?”

“No, oh my god, it felt so good. Feels like I’m still throbbing.”

He wraps his arms around her waist and pulls her close. She rests her hands on his chest.

“Do you like ice skating?”

“What?” She laughs. “Yeah, I love it, why?”

“Because once this storm is over, m’taking you on a proper date.” He kisses her forehead and lets her go. “Would you like that?”

“I’d love it.”

Harry was so peculiar, Y/N thought. One second he’s saying they can’t be together and the next he wants to take her out on a date. What she didn’t know was that he had never felt quite so good while having sex. It wasn’t because she felt incredibly tight around him, it had more to do with the trust and natural connect. He felt happy, a feeling he thought would never return.

//

To Y/N’s surprise, Harry was a really good ice skater. The two of them were like a real couple. He would visit her at work, they’d go out to the bar with his friends, and they’d have sleep overs at each other’s places. He quite liked her apartment. Not to mention, he couldn’t keep his hands off her. If they were going for a brisk walk, his hand was in hers. If they were sitting through a move, his arm was around her shoulders, and of course they were having a lot of sex. Even when she had her period, he fucked her.

“Got my red wings years ago, promise it doesn’t gross me out.” He had told her.

And god, when he ate her out. Sometimes they wouldn’t even have full on sex. Sometimes they’d be on the couch, and he’d ask if she would ride her face, and then they would just sixty-nine. Sometimes she would just blow him because she liked the way his come tasted. Harry drank a fuck ton of pineapple juice, even before they started hooking up, he always had a small can of it in his office. He just liked the taste. They were just intimate in all sorts of ways, totally comfortable.

It was when Nessa and Charlotte returned that Harry’s bubbled had to burst. School would be starting in a week, and he needed to make sure his shit was together. He had been to the office a few times, working to make sure his courses were together. He and Y/N were professional and went over the class she would be the TA for.

“This is gonna have to be what it’s like when school starts again, don’t forget.” He would say. It killed her, but she would never do anything to put his job at risk, even if she didn’t think their situation was all that serious. She had to respect his wishes.

“I’d feel more comfortable if you slept over at my place since their home.”

“Harry, they know what’s been going on…Niall and Charlotte still talk, and they-“

“I don’t care, I’d rather you be here…and only on the weekends.”

“What?”

“Saturday nights can be our night. On the weekends, you’re not my TA.”

“What will I be then?”

“My girl.”

They had put the boyfriend/girlfriend label chat on the back burner, but that was all she needed to hear to know that she was really his, and he certainly didn’t want someone else trying to steal her away. He had gotten her a necklace, it was simple, but very much her style. A way of showing her how much she truly meant to him.

“Anytime during the week you’re feeling like I don’t want you because I can’t show my affection, this will be your reminder of how much I care.”

She thought it was incredibly sweet, and it was nice to have the reassurance. When classes started, it was definitely difficult. The one thing getting her through this first week was his birthday party on Saturday. Just a small thing with friends at the bar, but still. They wouldn’t have to hide there, or so she thought. Some other professors were invited to the party, which meant Harry couldn’t touch Y/N. He frowned immediately. He wasn’t in charge of the guest list. He pulls Y/N to the side before they walk into the main area.

“I’m so sorry, I promise when we get back to my place later I’m gonna love on you all night.”

“Harry, it’s okay. It’s your birthday, I’m the one that’ll be doing the loving. Go on, enjoy.”

He gives her a discrete peck on the cheek, and then walks into the main room to say hello to everyone. Y/N invited Charlotte and Nessa, so she had other people to talk to. Niall’s arm was hooked around Charlotte’s waist the entire night. Y/N and Nessa teased her every chance they got.

“I’ve been told to check in on you. Orders from the birthday boy.” Louis says to Y/N.

“Thanks.” She chuckles. “It’s okay. Next year things will be totally different.”

“Really see things lasting then, don’t you.” It wasn’t a question.

“I think so, yeah. If the person who he said actually retires, I’m hoping to be able to work at the university to start out.”

“That would be great. He raves about you, you know? He’s a simple guy, likes being domestic. I think he said one of his favorite things to do with you is just cook a meal together.”

“Aw, he’s so sweet.” She pouts. “I like doing that too.”

Harry was mingling with everyone that came out for his birthday. Everyone sang to him, a cake was made him too. The second he tasted it he knew Y/N had baked it. He thought at the least they could have their picture taken together, that wouldn’t look weird.

“Harry!” One of the faculty members, Constance, comes over to him, a young woman by her side. “There’s someone I want you to meet, this is my daughter, Angie.”

“Oh! Hi, I’ve heard a lot about you.” He politely shakes her hand.

“It’s nice to meet you too.” She blushes.

“I’ll leave you to it.” Constance winks and walks away.

“I’m so sorry about her. She conned me into coming here, hope I’m not crashing your birthday.”

“You’re not.” He looks back at Y/N and then to Angie. “So, this is a set up then?”

“She seems to think we have a lot in common.”

“And perhaps we might, but…I’m sort of seeing someone. It’s a…long distance thing, so she’s not here tonight, unfortunately.”

“Oh! She could have sworn you were single, I’m so sorry.”

“It’s alright. I’m sure you’re lovely, I just really like this woman and I don’t want to screw it up.” He smiles and she nods.

Harry finally makes his way over to Y/N and Louis.

“Do me a favor,” He says to Louis, taking out his phone. “Take a picture of us.”

“Are you sure?” Y/N asks.

“Positive.” He smiles and puts an arm around her shoulders. Louis snaps a couple of shots and hands Harry his phone back. “Sorry you won’t be able to post these…”

“Well, I could, my insta is private, but we can talk about it later.”

“Lou, could you drop Y/N off at my place when this is over, we drove together, but I don’t wanna risk anyone seeing us leave in the same car.”

“Course, mate.”

Harry nods and walks away to continue talking to other people.

“He acts like you’re his student. I don’t see anything wrong with you two doing what you’re doing.”

“I don’t either.” She sighs. “But he worked so hard to get where he is, I have to respect doing things his way. It was a long week, but I’m happy to be going back to his place later.”

Y/N’s lips were on Harry’s the second he let her through the door. He made sure to get home before her so they didn’t even leave at the same time. She had him pushed against the wall and his hands were all over her.

“Missed you so fucking much.” He says, walking her back towards the living room. “And I loved the watch you got me, you didn’t have to do that.”

“Wanted to.” She starts unbuttoning his shirt and pushes him down on the couch, straddling him in no time.

“Gonna let me lick it, angel?”

“Is that what you want?”

“You have no idea. You’re as sweet as the cake you made me.”

“How did-“

“Y/N, I know it’s only been a month, but I’d know your baked goods anywhere.” He smirks.

She giggles and stands up to unbutton her jeans. He yanks them down her legs along with her panties and she kicks them to the side. Harry lays down on the couch and Y/N hovers over his face. He liked it better this way. One, he didn’t have to get on his knees and suffer through the pain of being on the hardwood. Two, he liked the way Y/N would just ride his tongue.

Max was upstairs, thanks to the gate. So they didn’t have to worry about him coming down and jumping on them.

“Fuck, Harry.” She moans. “Your tongue feels so good.” She rocks her hips back and forth on him, the stubble from his chin feeling extra delicious. He moans against her, lapping up every drop. “You like that, birthday boy? Like having me on you like this?” She looks down at him and see his eyes rolling into the back of his head. He sucks on her clit harshly, and that pushes her over the edge. “Oh, fuck!”

Once she’s through, she climbs off him. Before she knows it, he’s throwing her over his shoulder to bring her upstairs. He gives her bum a smack and she squeals. Y/N left plenty of scratch marks on Harry that night.

//

Y/N was antsy for every weekend. The weeks dragged on, and the weekends went by in a flash. Then she remembered something wonderful.

“Spring break!” She says, bursting into their shared office.

“What about it?” Harry chuckles.

“Two weeks off without the students!” She leans a little closer to him. “Two weeks of me not being your TA.” She grins and then sits down in her seat.

“We’ll be grading, darling.” He says nonchalantly.

“This is a pet name free zone, remember?”

“Sorry.” He smirks. “Didn’t think ‘darling’ would get your knickers in twist.”

“Fuck off.” She rolls her eyes. “Do we seriously have to grade? Can’t we do fun things? I have time off from school, I don’t wanna do anything.”

“M’surprised you don’t want to go home or go with your friends somewhere.”

“I’ve done the whole go to Florida and get blitzed thing, I’m all set. And I may go home for a couple of days, but I don’t really like being home long. Somehow I get stuck doing chores, and I get aggravated.”

“I’ll tell you what, if we get through enough of the grading, we can do something really fun.”

“Deal.” She smiles.

Sometimes Y/N felt like this was only hard for her, but it killed Harry. He had fantasies of bending Y/N over his desk, or even just kissing her good morning. He even started letting her come over on Friday nights instead of Saturday because he just couldn’t wait any longer. He knew he was being overly careful, but he just couldn’t risk it.

//

Harry stayed true to his word. They got through a lot of the grading so drove them out to the coast for a walk on the pier at a large beach. It was still too chilly for real beach weather, but there were less people around this time of year, and some of the shops were open. Y/N clung to Harry’s arm and they both just enjoyed the fresh air and the scenery. He took her to a nice dinner, and then they walked for a bit to watch the sunset.

“This was the perfect day.” She sighs as they begin their drive back to his place.

“It really was.” His rests his hand on her thigh and gives it a squeeze. “I love you, Y/N.”

She whips her head to look at him. His eyes were focused on the road. Tears start to prick at her eyes. No one ever said that to her before. She had been in relationships, but she never really got to a point for such strong words, and she certainly never felt it back.

“I love you, too.”

“Aw, look at us.” He smiles. “Two people in love.”

“I wasn’t expecting you to say that…” She sniffles.

“Hey, no need to cry, darling.”

“I just…no one’s ever told me they loved me before.”

“What?!” He squeezes her leg tighter. “But there’s so much to love. You’re kind, caring, an incredible baker, witty, funny, brilliant-“

“Harry, please.” She chuckles. “When we get home we’re making love.”

“I’ve made love to you before, just didn’t say anything. Anytime we’re really soft and careful, I’m making love to you.”

“God.” Her face flushes, thinking of the many sensual times he’s touched her. “Well, I can’t wait to do it again.”

//

It was a Tuesday, which meant Y/N wouldn’t be in the office with Harry. She had class and then a shift at Bento’s. He wanted her to be able to nap in between. He saw that the open IDS position had been posted, and he emailed her immediately. He couldn’t wait to work on her resume and cover letter together.

“Harry?” Constance knocks on the outside of his door.

“Hey, Connie! Come on in.” He beams at her. She squints at his collar, seeing just the top of a love bite.

“Did you see that girlfriend of yours this weekend?” She asks, as she sits down.

“Sure did.” He smiles. “I saw her for a while over spring break too, told her I loved her, and she said it back. I’m on cloud nine. M’sorry things didn’t line up with your daughter, she’s a very pretty girl. My friend Lou is single, maybe-“

“Harry, Harry.” She chuckles. “No worries at all, she’s been dating around a bit. I shouldn’t have just assumed you were single, and that’s great that you two are doing so well. I think I thought you weren’t seeing anyone because with your last girlfriend…well…you had pictures of her on your desk, and you gushed about her. We don’t even know this one’s name.”

“You will soon enough.” Harry did have pictures of Y/N, they were just discrete. His lock screen was the picture of them at his birthday, and his wallpaper was just a picture of her. He could look at her whenever he wanted. “She’s, uh, finishing up grad school.”

“Oh, good for her! Anyways, I came here to chat with you about my sabbatical. Obviously it’s turned into a full year instead of just the fall semester. We’re going to have a department meeting, but I wanted to see how you’d feel about stepping in as department chair while I’m gone.”

“Are you serious?!” He perks up.

“Yes.” She chuckles.

“That would be a dream! I have so many ideas, and-“

“It would mean you wouldn’t be able to teach as many classes, and you’ll have more responsibilities over winter and summer break.”

“That’s no problem, honestly. I only go to London for a couple of weeks, I’m usually in the area for summer. I’d love to give it a go. I didn’t think I’d be next in line.”

“It’s coming from my own suggestion. I’ve been doing this a long time, and I think you’d be great at it. It would sort of be a trial, and then when I come back we could reflect on the experience.”

Harry was buzzing, absolutely buzzing. He needed to tell Y/N about his good news, so he hops in his car, and zips over to her apartment. She was vegging out in a t-shirt and panties with Nessa and Charlotte, who were both dressed in the same thing. They hear the bell on their door.

“Who the fuck is that? It’s nearly nine.” Nessa says.

“No idea.” Y/N says, getting up to check it out. She sees Harry through the peephole. Her eyebrows raise, but she opens the door. “Dr. Styles, to what do I owe the pleasure?”

“Y/N, I’m sorry for…” He looks her up and down. “This is how you open the door?!”

“I saw it was you.” She shrugs and steps aside to let him in.

“Hi, Harry.” Charlotte and Nessa say at the same time.

“Hi girls.” He smiles and looks at Y/N. “I got great news today and I just had to see you, can we got to your room?”

“Of course.” Once they’re both in there, they sit on her bed. “So what’s up? I got your email about the job, I’m really excited.”

“Good news for both of us today. Connie, my department chair, came by to see me today, and she wants me to be department chair while she’s on sabbatical next year while she’s gone. It would be like a trial run. Me! Department chair! I have so many ideas, this is the opportunity I’ve been hoping for.”

“Oh, Harry.” She throws her arms around him. “That’s incredible, I’m so happy for you.”

“Thanks.” He holds her in his arms for a moment and then lets her go so he can stand up. “Alright, I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Harry…” She whines.

“Don’t start, I just wanted to see your face when I told you.”

“You could have FaceTimed me.”

“Oh.” He shakes his head. “It’s been a long day.” He chuckles.

“You can stay.”

“No, I can’t.” He caresses one of her cheeks. “I want to, but I can’t. Soon, babe, so soon.”

“Um…” She stands up and looks down. “If I get this job…I mean…the lease for this place is up June first, and…well…the girls are going to be working in schools, and won’t need to live here anymore, and…I mean, I could find new roommate and sign a new lease...”

“Or, you could come move in with me.” He takes her hands in his and kisses her knuckles.

“Really?”

“Yeah, I want you to. I want you around all the time. Being apart from you during the week really fucks with how clingy I naturally am.” He smirks.

“I like it, though. We spend all weekend in your big, comfy bed.”

“Look forward to it every week.” He sighs happily. “Just gotta get through you walking across that stage, yeah?”

“Yeah.”

“Alright.” He kisses her cheek. “I love you, sweet dreams.”

“I love you too.”

//

Harry helped Y/N apply for the job, and after two nerve-wracking rounds of interviews, and two weeks of pure stress that even Harry’s cock couldn’t squash, she got the call that she got the job. Harry took Y/N out to celebrate, they both nearly cried when she got the call. She told her parents and they were ecstatic.

“In a few years, if you feel like it, you could get your PhD for free through the university.” He says to her as they’re laying in bed.

“Hm, three degrees from the same place.” She taps her chin. “Doesn’t seem like a great idea.”

“If you can do it for free, you should. It was the smartest thing I ever did. Well that, and giving into you.”

“Giving into me?!” She laughs. “You make it sound like I seduced you.”

“I fell for you so hard. You’re just so wonderful.” He pouts. “Are your parents excited to meet me in a couple of weeks? I’m excited to meet them.”

“They’re definitely curious to see who the guy I’m going to be moving in with is.”

“Are you going to miss the girls?”

“So much! They’ve been great to live with. Nessa’s moving in with Andy. She found a college in the city he works in to teach at. She’s so good at putting productions together, I’m excited for her. Charlotte may be in the area, though. Something tells me the school she’ll be teaching at is close by to Niall.”

“I’ve never seen him so smitten. He takes the more serious part of a relationship slow, but once he’s in he’s in.” He pulls her closer to him. “Everything’s falling into place. I’ve been working with Connie to get prepared for the fall, and I couldn’t be more excited.”

“I’m really proud of you.”

“I’m proud of you too, babe.”

//

The day they had both been waiting for was finally here. The graduate ceremony was in the evening, separate from the undergraduate ceremony. Y/N wouldn’t be able to see Harry until after the ceremony. She was busy with her parents and younger siblings. Harry may have clapped and cheered extra loud when she walked across the stage. Most people around him thought it was just because she had been his TA for an entire year. Literally no one suspected more was going on between them. After today it wouldn’t matter anyways.

There was a champagne reception after the ceremony. Y/N easily found her family.

“We’re so proud of you honey. Another degree, a new job, and you’re moving in with a guy!” Her mom says.

“I’m still not thrilled about the last part. We don’t even know him.” Her dad says.

“But I do, so it’s a good thing I’m the one living with him, not you.”

Harry makes his way through the crowd over to her and her family. He takes a deep breath, and when she spots him she squeals. She runs over and jumps into his arms. They kiss as he swings her around.

“You did it!”

“I did it!” They both jump up and down for a moment. “Come on.” She holds his hand to bring him over to everyone. “Harry, these are my parents, and my two younger siblings. Ellie is going to be a senior in college this fall, and Ryan is going to be a sophomore. He’s actually transferring here in the fall.”

“That’s great! Hi, it’s so nice to meet all of you.” He shakes everyone’s hands.

“Damn, a PhD.” Ellie whispers to her sister and winks. “Nice job.” The girls giggle together.

They all decide to go out to dinner together to get to know each other better. Harry and Y/N would be meeting up with Charlotte, Nessa, and the others at the bar once dinner was over. Y/N explains how they waited a while to make things official because Harry wanted to make sure things remained professional. Harry easily impressed her parents. He was incredibly smart and knew how to work people over. Even her dad was happy with him.

Y/N got pretty drunk at the bar with her friends, and Harry was able to keep his arms around her all night without a care in the world. When he got her inside his place, he couldn’t stop kissing her and telling her much he loved her over and over. She was excited to start her new job in a couple of weeks, and he was excited she genuinely wanted to stay, and wasn’t just doing this for him. They would spend the time before starting her job to get her all moved in. They even talked about getting a larger place at some point.

“I can’t wait to snuggle with Mac every night.” She giggles as she gets into bed.

“Hey, what about me?” He pouts.

“I guess you’re nice to snuggle with too.” She jokes.

“Mhm.” He kisses on her and hovers over her. “My girl’s got her master’s. You’re so fucking smart, it turns me on.”

“Really?”

“When we did those mock interviews in my office I couldn’t stop thinking about fucking you.”

“Does this mean we can get a little sneaky in your office now?” She raises an eyebrow at him. “Or are you staying firm with your open door policy?”

“Think I may have to reconsider it, but only for you.”

[jinxhallows]

Entry Level Position (RED DADDY RIOT x BAD BITCH MINA x fem!Reader)

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My bestfriend is poly and told me about some french movie where someone worked for a couple and ended up in a relationship with them.  So I freaked it cause I’m bi.  Enjoy!  Ty bestie for the idea!

Entry-Level Position

Eijirou Kirishima x Mina x Fem!Reader

ᴛᴡ: ꜱᴛʀᴀᴘᴏɴ, ᴘᴏʟʏ, Qᴜɪʀᴋʟᴇꜱꜱ!ᴋɪʀɪ, Qᴜɪʀᴋʟᴇꜱꜱ!ᴍɪɴᴀ, ᴀᴜ

ᴅʀᴀʙʙʟᴇ

ᴡᴏʀᴅ ᴄᴏᴜɴᴛ - °✧  🎀  𝟩𝟩𝟦  🎀  ✧°

You needed money, so desperately.

So, when you heard for a position as a maid for a married couple in an upper class neighborhood in the city you had just moved into, you applied on a whim. 

You had no experience as a professional maid, but surely your mother traumatizing you awake as a child with loud gospel music to announce cleaning days every Sunday morning would count for something.

Besides, if they were in Primera Heights, as the advertisement had stated, they were loaded, and likely didn’t have much more to do than simple house chores. 

You could manage that, and they were paying 150/hour, which would save your ass from getting evicted...

What you didn’t expect, was to be splayed in this bed, amongst the soft, expensive, outrageously high thread count ruby red sheets, at the very mercy of the couple that was having their way with serving you immeasurable amounts of pleasure.  

Breathy and helpless, you reflexively yanked against your wrist restraints, unable to see through the blindfold as calloused hands ran between your thighs, a stark contrast to the velvet soft ones tracing around your nipples and tenderly coming up to massage the sides of your neck, instinctively relaxing you...

You sat down on the chair in the beautiful office, in front of a desk.  The bookshelves extended across the long wall, on elegantly carved mahogany wood.  The desk was a matching polished wood, deep and dark.  You clutched your bag to yourself, trying to not be so intimidated by how much money these people had, and how serious they were about finding someone they could trust to care for their estate adequately.

The husband sat at the desk, dressed handsomely in a black satin button up shirt, with the upper few buttons undone.  His lengthy cherry red hair was tied up in a bun, the sides of his head cleanly shaven.

The wife sat on the edge of the desk, with expensively styled bright pink hair and dark eyes.  She seemed to be the more upbeat of the two, and smiled often, reaching out with her rounded tip pink acrylic nails quite often, ghosting your knee innocently enough, insisting you didn’t have to be so nervous as her husband asked you various questions….questions that…now that you look back on it…didn’t have much at all to do with your cleaning experience.

“Are you in a partnership with anyone at the moment?”  The husband asks, his name is Eijirou, Ejirou Kirishima.

You pause, and the wife speaks.  Her name, is Mina, Mina Kirishima.

“We’re just asking because we want someone to truly be committed to this position and not have any distractions to get in the way of their duties here.”  She says with a comforting smile.

You look between them before you finally answer, “No, I’m new to this town and have just been focused on trying to pay my rent.”

Bodies are shifting around you, and without warning, you feel a thick, warm wetness lapping up your dripping cunt.  You pull again, the restraints pulling tight as your hips rise and you moan out, the feeling sending a chill throughout your nerves.

“My god, look at her babe.  She’s fucking beautiful, ain’t she?” You hear Eijirou’s voice above you, which must mean that below you…

“She would be a lot more beautiful stuffed tight…I want to fuck the breath right out of her…” You feel Mina’s fingers slipping inside of you, coiling a fire in your stomach that makes your back arch.

“Do it then, ladies first, after all.” You can hear the smirk in his voice as you feel his girth against your face, unable to make sense of what was going on.  Everything felt so good, too good.  You could barely keep yourself conscious.

You feel a slick, firm, rubbery protrusion at your pussy.  It feels heavy, and long as it stretches you slowly to the hilt, where you begin to feel vibrations stimulating your clit as soon as you feel the base.

Before you can realize what was happening below, a contrasting, large, very human cock pushes into your mouth that lay agape from the moans of uncontrollable pleasure you are overtaken with.  The room is filled with a harmonious mixture of cries, moans, and groans, begs and cries.

You were brought to the brink of exhaustion after your body climaxed again, and you lay there, limp, chest heaving.  Your head was sinking into the pillow, as you felt sleep creeping over you, when you felt two sets of hands undoing both your ankle and wrist restraints and gently laying your limbs down.

“You did so good for us tonight.” Mina softly cooed into your ear as she kissed your cheek and pulled your blindfold over your face, allowing both of them, and the room, to return to focus.

“I think you’d be a great fit.” Eijirou says as he pushes your curls gently out of your face and kisses your forehead.