#the little bottle. on the edge of the piano

[foxgloveinspace]

Finally figured out how to save pics from procreate haha.

Headcanon sleep altar.

[alastorss]

⋆｡ﾟ☁︎｡⋆｡ ﾟ☾ ﾟ｡⋆

Alastor's antlers are embarrassingly, pathetically, unbearably sensitive.

He can't for the life of him figure out why—it's not like any of the other transfigured creatures wandering around the underworld were made this way. Most other animal-like sinners don't seem to care about or even acknowledge their characteristics.

Yet here he is, purposefully hiding them away just so that no one will discover his terrible weakness. Oh, what he would give to be like the others if only to ignore their incessantly uncomfortable presence on his head.

Perhaps it was a curse from heaven that made him this way, or karma that he was repaying from his life. Either way, he can't stand being touched.

At least, that's what he thought.

There's no malicious intent behind your hands, no glint in your eye that makes the primal instincts in his head scream at him to melt into the shadows. You're as gentle as can be, fingers running delicately along the intricacies of his antlers and stopping just at the ends of them.

"They're beautiful," you whisper with your eyes blown wide. Your shoulders rise and fall with each rapid breath, probably from the adrenaline of standing so close to an Overlord like this. And Alastor, no less.

Your reliable hotelier. Your first real friend in the hotel. The one whose smile cannot be trusted.

But for some reason, you can't shake the feeling that he's looking at you with pure, genuine appreciation even if his smile is a little wonky.

"Why, thank you, darling!"

He jerks away from you quick as the wind, standing tall once again and towering over you. His expression has morphed into something more strained—you can tell by the way his face creases up as his eyes narrow.

He was the one who decided to invade your personal space while the two of you were arguing. He just didn't think that you would be so bold as to get distracted by his antlers and have the gall to reach out to touch them.

The worst part? The absolute worst part of it all is that no one in all the time he's been in Hell has been gentle with him like that.

Add that to the list of things he despises. Or likes. You're confusing him now.

⋆｡ﾟ☁︎｡⋆｡ ﾟ☾ ﾟ｡⋆

You have some nerve, he thinks.

Your hands have found a new home resting atop his head, with your fingers combing through his hair and tracing up and down the curve of his antlers.

It becomes a nightly routine—him on the barstool or sitting in front of the piano and you standing behind him with your fingers tangled in his hair and your chin on his head, perched right between the horns. Others in the hotel have started to raise a brow, but you don't seem to care.

So when you finally decide to break routine, sitting on the opposite end of the couch from him, his eye twitches.

There isn't even an audience tonight, everyone else already tucked into bed save for Husk behind the bar who's too busy with a bottle to care. The silence between you is heavy as lead.

"Is something the matter?" Alastor finally abruptly asks, eyes narrowed at you from the side. You shift uncomfortably.

"Why would something be the matter?"

He's not in the mood for games right now. "This is the first time you've sat away from me in months," he observes.

You look at him, surprised by his hostility over this. "Well, Lucifer told me that you don't like—"

"Lucifer," he interrupts, head now whipping to the side so he can fully glare at you. "Knows nothing."

You blink at him, stunned. With the way he's acting, he almost seems... annoyed that you've decided to stop being so handsy?

Silence overcomes you again as you just stare at each other, completely at a loss of words. Alastor finally realizes his snappiness and composes himself once more, exhaling through his teeth.

His smile softens at you, missing its usual edge. You know him like this the best—head in your lap and antlers exposed. It's familiar to you in a way that it could never be to anyone else. At least, you hope that's true.

"He knows nothing," the radio demon says one more time for good measure, eyes drifting shut under the weight of your hands.

Alastor has never liked to be touched before. But maybe there is a first time for everything, and maybe the safety of your touch brings him enough ease that you're the first he admits he can tolerate.

His smile says it all. He's content like this, even if he would deny it with his chest if you ever told anyone else.

"Okay," you breathe. "I believe you."

[gurugirl]

The Ranch Hand | cowboy!harry

2.5k word preview below the cut

Your boyfriend, Jessie, sat down a bucket of beer on the table you were sitting at and pulled his stool up as you grabbed a cold one for yourself and twisted the cap off.

You didn’t know the band that was playing but they sounded pretty good, especially for a Friday night with a cold beer in your favorite little rowdy country bar.

Jessie hated the bar. He was more into cocktail joints with white tablecloths and live classical piano. The kind of place you had to dress up to go into. You didn’t blame him. He didn’t come from where you came from. You two had only a couple of things in common.

The first was that you were both from wealthy families. Your dad was a rancher and he owned half the county. You’d never hurt for anything. Jessie’s family ran the county and were all involved in politics. He went to some fancy school in a different state and only came back because his father wanted him to step into the role of prosecuting attorney.

The second thing you had in common was that you lived in the same town.

That was probably where your similarities ended. You liked Jessie. Mostly. He was usually pretty nice, if not boring, and your parents liked him so that was a plus. In fact, they set up your first date with him and it was easier to just keep things going to make your mom and dad happy.

“You look uncomfortable,” you spoke as you kept your eyes on the band and Jessie struggled to pull the metal cap from his bottle.

“I’m just… there’s peanut shells all over the floor and everyone’s staring at us.”

You laughed and shook your head. You were gonna have to break up with the guy. He couldn’t handle you and you knew that was the truth. He hated getting his hands dirty and even though he looked like he should be able to remove a bottle cap, it wasn’t the first time you had to do it for him.

Taking his beer you looked directly at him and twisted the cap off, dropping it to the floor before handing it back to him.

“I never drink beer. Not used to taking caps off…” he spoke as he took a sip. Shitty excuse.

You noticed that some of the workers from your dad’s ranch were in the bar. Probably causing trouble. The guys who worked for your dad could be rough around the edges but they were always nice to you. Just a bunch of cowboys looking to make ends meet. They all had a place to stay on the ranch at the bunkhouse provided and they were also paid pretty well. So on almost any given Friday and Saturday night, you could find some of them at the bar picking up local women, dancing, fighting, drinking…

This was your scene. This was what you enjoyed most. The rough and gritty. Salt of the earth. Phonies were quickly sniffed out in a place like this. It was why people were staring at Jessie.

You took another gulp of your beer and then you caught sight of one of the ranch hands already looking at you from across the room. Harry. He was very easy on the eyes. He’d been working at your dad’s ranch since he was 19. He’d earned a spot of trust with your father after all his years of hard work and now he had quite a lot of responsibility given to him. He had his own small cabin out of the way of the bunkhouse. He made a lot of financial decisions for your father as well. Negotiated prices for cattle sales, went to auctions to buy large equipment, handled the daily goings on of the newbie ranch hands, and did all the hiring and firing. But he also still worked his ass off. He’d pick up slack when the other workers needed help or couldn’t do the job. You imagined he was at the bar to keep the guys in line and make sure they didn’t land themselves in jail.

You and Harry were close from the beginning. You always went out of your way to meet every new worker that came on but Harry was a little different because he’d been around for almost ten years. You certainly favored him over all the others.

“Why’s he coming over here?” Jessie whined as Harry walked through the crowd with his eyes on you and a mischievous grin on his face. You just knew he was bout to do something to piss Jessie off, which was easy to do.

“Cause he’s comin’ to say hello.” You smiled at Harry as he tipped his cowboy hat to you, stepping between you and Jessie, and reaching in to grab a bottle of beer from the bucket your boyfriend bought.

“Uh, that’s ours,” Jessie sat up straight in his stool as he watched Harry uncap the bottle and take a swig, ignoring him completely, jade eyes still on yours.

Harry placed his elbow on the table and leaned in close to you, those handsome green eyes running over the features on your face, “Hi.”

You felt yourself heat up and kept your eyes on his, “Hi.”

You would have forgotten all about Jessie but then…

“Excuse me. Is this for real? That’s our beer,” Jessie reminded the cowboy.

Harry rolled his eyes and stood up with his hand on your shoulder, softly squeezing before he looked at your boyfriend, “Sorry about that bud,” and then he looked back down at you, “Okay if I have this, sweetheart?” He lifted the bottle of beer upward.

You nodded, “Of course you can have it, Harry.”

Harry’s grin widened as he took another drink and Jessie stood up to move in front of Harry. Maybe in an attempt to intimidate him? You weren’t sure exactly. But one thing you knew was that Harry would put Jessie down in the blink of an eye. Jessie wasn’t a small man but Harry was scrappy and liked to get dirty. Didn’t mind a scuffle when the moment called for it either. You’d seen him put a lot of men in their place.

“Next time you ask before you take.” Jessie pointed. You snickered to yourself. It was a good attempt at least.

Harry laughed and dragged his eyes down your body before he tipped his hat again and walked right into Jessie’s shoulder, making him stumble into the table. Harry looked back in faux surprise at Jessie and then at you with a wink before he went back to where he’d been before with the other guys.

Okay, so maybe Harry was a bit of a dick. But he’d never been rude to you. And you liked him, unfortunately for Jessie. Harry was not a fan of your boyfriends. He’d made that clear since Jessie started coming around four months ago.

“You just let him take a beer like that?” Jessie gestured toward where Harry had gone.

“I did. What’s the problem? I know this bucket wasn’t expensive so you’re not hurtin’ for the money.”

He took a deep breath and looked off toward where the cowboys were drinking, “Do you like him, Y/n?”

You pursed your lips to the side in thought as you watched people line dancing and stomping on the peanut-covered wood floors in their cowboy boots. Now you didn’t really need to think much about that question. Because you did like Harry, and he liked you the same. All the stolen kisses and sneaky moments you two had… it’s just that that could never happen out in the open. Your dad would never go for it and Harry might lose his job if your parents ever caught wind of anything happening between you two. So you’d always kept your distance because that was the most practical option.

But you couldn’t lie and say you didn’t like the man. Anyone with two eyes could see how handsome he was.

“Sure,” you shrugged and looked at Jessie.

“Like him, like him?” Jessie looked back toward you across the table.

“Why are you worried about it, Jes? Even if I did, it’s not a good match. My dad would kill him.”

He shook his head and watched the people on the floor dancing with their big, shiny belt buckles glistening under the shoddy lights, the strum of guitars, and a twangy voice singing an old Garth Brooks song.

You got up and waved when you saw your friend Chelle. She was among those dancing and you weren’t going to miss it, “You coming with me or not?” You looked back at the dud sitting on his stool with a scowl.

“Go on ahead. I’ll be right here.”

You rolled your eyes. There was only so much more you could take of Jessie. If he had even shown an ounce of something that looked like fun you might want to stick around longer. Hell, if he even would have just stood up to Harry about the way he had been very clearly flirting with you in front of him (rather than get so worked up over the beer Harry took) that could even be something for you to think about. But the man wouldn’t dance with you, he wouldn’t ride horses on the ranch, he wouldn’t go to rodeos, and he most certainly didn’t want to do anything that could sully up his nice clothes once in a while. Stepping over peanut shells was his limit. If it weren’t for your parents you’d never have considered him in the first place.

“Y/n!” Chelle pulled you in next to her and you began moving yourself in line in a weave; right, back, front… You always felt like an idiot when you joined in on line dancing but that was part of the fun. Everyone looked like hillbillies and idiots out there and it was a blast.

The music, the atmosphere, the raucous noise from everyone laughing, singing, shouting, stomping… your country girl roots were in full bloom that night. And beer after beer then a couple shots of whisky probably did you no good but you were going to enjoy your night with or without your boyfriend who did not move from the spot where you left him. Part of you, at one point, hoped he’d just go. He was uncomfortable and not having fun. You knew the only reason he was there was to keep an eye on you to make sure you didn’t do anything dumb.

And the later it got the more wild the bar became. More people filled in the small space, the music was louder, some of the lights at the edge of the room were dimmed, and the line for the bathroom grew longer.

“He gonna sit over there watching me all night?” You heard Harry from behind you as he moved in step, a bottle of beer in his big hand you noted as you turned to look up at him.

You laughed, “Probably. He’s jealous.”

Harry licked his pink lips and tampered what you knew was a big grin, “Oh yeah? Why’s he jealous?”

You both did a clumsy pivot turn together and you just smiled up at the handsome cowboy and shook your head.

There was no need to answer Harry. He knew what was going on. He knew you liked him just the same as he liked you. It had always been something secret between you two but it was obvious to almost everyone around. Except for your father. That was one time when you were both on your best behavior.

“Surprised you’re still here. Don’t you have an early morning tomorrow?” You asked.

He nodded, “Sure do. Just keeping an eye on everything going on here is all. I’ve got a responsibility for most of the people in this bar right now.”

“Oh yeah? All the guys seem to be doing okay. No one’s getting too crazy tonight it seems,” you looked around at the other workers, and most of them were two sheets to the wind but they were tame and having fun.

“Still my responsibility. Plus you’re still here.”

You grinned, “That I am. Figured I’d close the place down tonight.”

Harry laughed, “You usually do anyway. Always have been like one of the boys. Just as rowdy as the rest of us.”

You loved it when you got to talk to Harry. Loved how he looked at you and how he’d say your name. Loved how so many times you’d done just this and it felt exactly like what you wanted.

Another shot of whisky at the bar with Harry and you started to feel woozy. Your world was spinning but you were still having too much fun to call it a night.

“I should take you home,” Jessie appeared, taking you by your shoulders and pulling you away from Harry. For a short time, you’d forgotten he was still there.

“No, I think Harry’s gonna take me home.” You looked up at Harry.

“That’s right. Was just about to take her home.” Harry spoke as he stepped in closer to Jessie.

Jessie laughed and you felt his firm grip moving you away but you were too drunk to really put up any kind of fight.

“Nah, just stay here with the rest of the drunk cowboys. I got her.”

Harry followed you and Jessie out the front of the bar as Jessie opened up the passenger door of his nice car.

“You gonna be all right sweetheart?” Harry ducked down to ask you before Jessie could close the door – Harry blocking the space so he could look at you as he reached up for your face and softly turned your head to look at him.

You nodded, “It’s fine. I just need to go to bed.”

“That’s enough. She’s fine,” Jessie closed the door.

Your memory was only clear in bits and pieces as Jessie drove you home. You remembered him berating you for acting like a clown and then when he brought you to your room the memory of him kissing you and taking your hand to cup over his crotch was vivid. You remember telling him you had to go to sleep but he was angry at you. You could feel that too. You remembered his anger and how he shoved you down into your bed before he was hovered over you.

But then you remembered being on your knees in front of your toilet and expelling the contents of your stomach furiously. Jessie’s words rang in your ears about how you were gross and just as nasty as all the cowboys on the ranch. How he didn’t want to fuck you anyway when you were drunk.

You woke up on your bathroom floor and Jessie was long gone.

NOTE: This is a 15k+ Patreon-only one shot. If you'd like to read more consider signing up!

xoxo

[yourlocaltreesimp]

Once upon a dream

The 1st place raffle prize for @violetregrets1837

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

The blackness that swallowed your limbs gave way to a soft light. Your body was suspended in time, floating atop its waters.Your eyes opened and that soft light opened to a world. You were floating atop water, it lapped at your limbs as you floated. The current guided you to the nearest edge, and you sat upon the lip of the pool. It looked much similar to a blossoming flower, lush pink petals folding out from the bubbling water in the centre. Little balls of light danced in the air, each a different colour. You could hear them laughing among themselves, little wings fluttering about. The whole scene was nothing short of enchanting, soft piano and violin accompanying your amazement. The water began to bubble, and before you could fully skitter back, there was a woman. Her hair was long and fell in loose curls, her face was decorated with ornate makeup and gems, her clothes here finer than any human tailor could make. But perhaps most captivating of all -aside from the fact she was giant and just emerged from the water- were the wings that sprouted out from in front of her pointed ears.

“I see you are awake little one” Her voice was soft and warm, your nerves were put to rest “Your soul was embroidered with quite a bit of dark magic, but worry not, I fixed it” You stood slowly, unsure of what to do. She held out a large hand, asking for you to step on. You do so carefully, and she smiles kindly. “You are far from home little one” You sit down on the palm of her hand, and she brings you to eye level “I will allow you refuge if you can offer us anything” Your nerves set back in, all you could really do was sing, and your parents had already spent enough time explaining why it would never get you anywhere.

“I’m sorry ma’am, i’m afraid all I can do is sing” She laughs, it’s light and airy, her eyes lighting.

“That is just perfect my dear. Us faeries love music” She set you back down gently as a small light grew from your chest and enveloped your form. “Worry not, little one, I'm simply ensuring your safety while you stay with us. I’m sure you’ve heard the stories of our enchantments”

And so bagan your new reality, sworn protection by the fae in return for your singing. The little fairies took some time to trust you, but soon you always had one on your shoulder or another asleep in your hair. You were safe here, free to roam the heart of the forest. You learned what to forage, what plants made good food and what flowers made for good tea. It was on one such trip foraging that you heard footsteps. He waded through the tall grasses and wove through the trees. You watched from the branches as he made his way through the forest, directly towards its heart. You’ll admit that something about him struck you, his careful steps avoiding the ruin of the forest, the hopeful gleam in his eyes as he wandered, you were captivated. But no person comes out this far, no people seek the help of great fairies anymore, not unless it’s to steal and bottle the young fairies. Your path back to the Great fairy and her fountain was quite simple now you had it memorised, but it would’ve been challenging for anyone who was unfamiliar. As soon as you stood on the lip of the fountain she appeared, examining your worried expression.

“What troubles you, my dear” She cupped both of her hands and let you crawl in.

“There’s a boy in the forest- he’s coming here” Your voice shook, and for the first time you’d been awake in this unfamiliar land, you felt scared. She smiled that knowing grin and pressed you to her cheek.

“He has no ill intent little one, there is no need for your worry.” She sets you back down and leans on the edge of the fountain with her forearms, most of her submerged in the water. “Now, how about a song? Those always calm you down, do they not?” Her suggestion was gentle, redirecting your worry towards something else. You hummed, trying to warm up your voice as you thought of a song. One sprang to mind, looking around at the magic that surrounded you.

“I know you, I walked with you once upon a dream” You made sure to feel the slow sway and swell of the music as you remembered it. “I know you, that look in your eyes is so familiar a gleam” The fairy in front of you smiled and closed her eyes as she enjoyed your singing more than you parents ever did. “And I know it's true that visions are seldom all they seem. But if I know you, I know what you'll do” The smaller fairies gathered to listen, some settling on your shoulders. “You'll love me at once, the way you did once upon a dream” You finished there and the great fairy opened her eyes. She smiled, her eyes searching your face before glancing behind you.

“My, that was certainly a wonderful performance. Wouldn’t you agree?” Her eyes looked expectantly at the boy behind you, the same from before. He stared at you as if he were enchanted by your voice, large eyes staring at you in awe. When he noticed you staring back, his eyes widened.

“Beautiful” He managed to stammer out.

“Thank you” You smiled, knowing that the great fairy was right, he was harmless.

Hyrule was nothing short of bewitched. Your voice held no magic and yet it wrapped around his mind for the days to follow. Your face, lit with the soft glow of the fairies resting on your shoulders was finer than that of any statue or painting. He thought he was lying when his sisters back home told him that he would find someone who would complete him, filling in the cracks of his soul. And yet standing there, hearing you sing, seeing your smile, that’s the most complete he’s ever been in his whole life. The magic in his blood yearned for your voice, for your touch, for you. The great fairy before him raised him much like a son, and judging by the knowing smile on her face, she knew.

[f1-birb]

Simi and "Could I come into bed with you?"

okay so I've at least told you this Em 😅 but have a snippet posted (inspired by that line) because the full thing is running away from me surprise surprise

Seb smiles as he pulls the door to Lando's room to almost closed, just enough for the light to peek in and cast a golden strip across the room. He can still see where Lando is fully snuggled under his blankets, curls already a sleep ruffled mess and the long and ridiculously soft ear of his stuffed bunny tucked beneath his cheek. It's incredibly endearing.

He briefly pokes his head into Charles’ room, hides his grin at the boy’s nose being stuck into yet another new book. They'd taken a trip to the local bookstore on the edge of town only two days before, choosing a collection to fill up the reading nook tucked in between the dining room and the conservatory.

Charles had loved the trip, easily filling his little basket with books, though neither he nor Kimi had missed how his eyes kept straying towards the electric piano in the corner of the room. At least one of Charles' birthday presents for next month is sorted.

“You all settled Charlie?” Seb asks, laughs softly when Charles startles and smacks himself in the face with his book.

“Don't do that!” Charles whines but he can tell the boy isn't upset, maybe a little embarrassed but not truly annoyed with him.

“Sorry Charlie, I didn't mean to. Just checking you're winding down for bed okay.”

“Yeah, I'm fine. Did Lando go sleep okay?”

Seb’s chest floods with warmth. From the first day he met the boys, Charles had made it clear how seriously he takes his role as the eldest, so he's not surprised he's checking in on his youngest brother.

“He put up a little fuss, but as soon as your isä gave him a bottle with the meds in he was out like a light. I don't think he's moved since.”

Charles nods, mouth still a tight little line before it smooths out, clearly satisfied.

[winchesterandpie]

Fear

Pairing: Jake “Hangman” Seresin x reader

Word Count: 2123

Warnings: hurt then comfort, lots of angst and then lots of fluff

Requested by @blackwidownat2814

A/N: This is the first request I've ever written!! Thank you so much for sending it in! I had a blast writing it (definitely didn't get carried away, nope, I have no idea what you're talking about)! The prompts are italicized so you can pick them out--it was a fun combo. Hope you all enjoy reading!

When you saw him there in the bar, you almost turned around and walked right back out. Jake “Hangman” Seresin was playing darts in the corner like he hadn’t walked out of North Island all those years ago, taking your heart with him.

You would’ve liked to hang the man.

But you had a job to do, despite it not being your normal work. Penny had last-minute needed someone, and you had offered your help. So, you took a deep breath to steel yourself and kept walking.

Fortunately, you made it to the bar without him noticing you, and Penny sent you to the back room to get another case of beers. You thought it would let you deal with the possibility of interacting with him, but all it did was give you another doorway you had to force yourself through.

“Hey, pretty thing, do you need a hand with those?”

You weren’t unused to navy men trying to hit on you when you hung out at the Hard Deck, but there had only ever been one that you allowed to go anywhere.

“I think I’ve got it,” you replied, trying to push the newest one off gently.

“You sure? I’d be happy to help you out with anything you need.” There was an implied innuendo that made you grit your teeth as you kept moving toward the bar.

“I’ve got it handled, sailor.” This time, you let a hard edge slip into your voice, accompanied by a sidelong glare. That got him to back down when you finally returned to the bar, holding his hands up in surrender.

“If they get too out of hand, you know to ring the bell, yeah?” Penny looked you over to make sure you were okay.

“Oh, yeah, I’m holding that one in my back pocket.”

“Fair enough. You’re certainly good at giving them a run for it.”

“Eh, it took a while for me to get good at it.”

“After Hangman, right?” she asked sympathetically.

“Yeah. That was… a long time ago.”

“If he’s too much trouble, definitely ring that bell.”

“Oh, I will.”

Most of the evening passed normally. An old friend of Penny’s showed up, you turned down drunk sailors asking for your number, and another pilot took a turn at the piano. You had been fortunate enough that Jake hadn’t come to your side of the bar. 

You went out for a break eventually, sitting in the sand as you sipped at your water bottle.

The sound of your last name rolling off his tongue made you drop your chin to your chest. “As I live and breathe.”

You still didn’t turn, hoping that if you ignored him, he might go away.

He didn’t. He sat next to you in the sand, leaning back on his hands instead.

“Been a long time.”

“Y’know, I was hoping it would be longer.” If he didn’t have the good sense to leave you alone, maybe you could ice him out.

“Darlin’—“ he started.

“Don’t. You don’t get to call me that, not anymore.”

“Why not?”

Was he… “Are you serious?”

“I call everybody darlin’.” 

“Of course you do.” With a huff, you shoved yourself to your feet and started back toward the bar. 

“No, wait,” he called after you, sounding somewhat sheepish. You weren’t about to give him the satisfaction of turning to face him. He tried again, jogging after you. “I didn’t mean that. I’m sorry.”

“Mmhmm, whatever you say.”

“Please stop.” Jake reached for your arm, but he stopped before touching you. Gritting your teeth, you stopped and turned to him.

“Alright, what do you want, Hangman?”

“It’s Jake, please,” he said, looking at least a little chastened by your glare. You were the smallest bit mollified when you saw that there was a spark missing in his green eyes. Not for long, though.

“What do you want?”

“I just wanted to talk, catch up.” That wasn’t it, but you didn’t care to figure out what he really wanted.

“Yeah? Well, I don’t.” You started back to the bar, then turned back again, gesturing aggressively, “I’ve tried to forget you, Jake. I have never tried so hard in my life, but it’s impossible. It’s simply not possible for me to stop thinking about you. But you don’t get to come waltzing back into my life like you didn’t just leave. You gave up on us. You gave up on me.”

He froze as you talked. You hated that you started crying from the ferocity of your anger, and you hated even more the way he reached up as if to wipe the tears away. If he had finished the motion, you would’ve smacked his hand away.

Jake said your name and your jaw clenched. He didn’t get to sound pained. He didn’t get to make you want to reach for him. Even after all this time, after everything, you still hated seeing him hurt, but you swallowed the urge.

“I owe you an apology,” he started and you laughed humorlessly.

“You don’t owe me anything.”

“I deserve that. I deserve everything you said and then some,” he acknowledged, dropping your gaze. “And you have every right to say no now, but please let me explain.”

“Jake, what good will explaining do?” you asked with a helpless shrug. “It’s done, it’s the past. We can’t change it now.”

“I know. I know it won’t fix things, but I can’t stand you thinking I didn’t care.”

“Who says that’s what I think?” 

“Penny.”

You opened your mouth to argue, to tell him that it hadn’t been her business to tell… but he wasn’t wrong. You had spent more time than usual at the bar after he left and she slowly dragged out of you what had happened and everything you felt came with it. Now, apparently, she had told the one person you didn’t want to know. But that would be a conversation for another time.

“Fine, so you didn’t stop caring. Great. You still left. You didn’t care enough… I wasn’t enough for you to stay.” Your tears were teetering dangerously close to hurt rather than anger. 

“Please, darlin’, just give me five minutes to explain and then I’ll leave you alone.”

“Five minutes,” you allowed with a sharp nod. Maybe it would hurt more to know, but some part of you—the part of you that had never managed to stop loving him—refused to be left in the dark any longer.

He swallowed thickly, gesturing with his head for you to walk further from the bar with him.

“Back then, we were coming to the end of the program, right? I think it was the day I had an accident in training and I realized some things.” He hesitated then, the silence between you stretching awkwardly.

“What things?” you prompted gently when he still didn’t continue.

“I realized… how deep in love I’d gotten, and also how real the risk is as an aviator.”

“The hell does that mean?!”

“If something happened up there, dying is a… very real possibility,” he chuckled, though you knew him well enough to sense the deflection. “And if I died, or got hurt, or whatever, it wasn’t just me. You would’ve had to face it too, and I… I couldn’t do that to you.”

“Did you think I couldn’t handle it or something?”

“No, no, I just—”

“That wasn’t your call! I knew what I was getting into when I said yes to the second date.” You turned toward him, jabbing your finger at his chest. “I knew good and well that there might have been a day when you didn’t come back and it would’ve hurt. Of course it would hurt. But it would have been worth it because I love you!”

He was tactful enough not to mention the present tense you had used. “I know. It was stupid of me to just break it off and leave. I shouldn’t have told you it was because I didn’t care.”

“You should have talked to me and we could’ve figured it out!”

“You’re right,” he said, then repeated, so quietly you almost didn’t hear him. “I didn’t want to admit to being scared.”

Wait, what?

“Scared? Of what?” you asked, genuinely baffled. It wasn’t like you thought he couldn’t get scared, you just hadn’t ever seen him scared.

Jake sighed, running a hand over his hair. “I told you how I never had a serious relationship, yeah?”

“After what’s-her-name from college, right?” You weren’t sure where this was going, but you weren’t going to leave him hanging.

“Yeah, that’s the one.” he acknowledged. “I just… ever since she left like that, I’ve been afraid of getting my heart broken. I just lived so terrified that something would happen and I wouldn’t be able to put myself together again. And after that near miss, I realized that I could break someone else’s heart. I know that isn’t an excuse, but it’s the truth.”

“I… wow…” was all you could get out.

“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you back then,” he said after a long moment, nudging aimlessly at the sand with his toe. “I was trying to save us both a broken heart and I just broke us anyways.”

“It hurt for a really long time,” you admitted. “Honestly, it still hurts, I just shove it down better now.” You weren’t entirely sure why you admitted that, but something about Jake just drew your secrets from you.

“Me too,” he commiserated. “You deserved a lot better than me, kid.”

“I only wanted you.”

The two of you stood still after that, letting the waves fill the silence. It was more comfortable than you thought it would be.

“Stop me if I’m overstepping, but I noticed that you used present tense when you said you love me. Was that… intentional?”

“Yes and no,” you hedged. He was confused, which was fair, so you continued with a sigh. “I didn’t intend to tell you that… but it isn’t entirely inaccurate.”

“Is that so?” That was the Jake you had met, but something in the tone was softer than the words.

“Yeah.”

“That’s good because…” he paused, building up to something, “I still love you too.”

“Really?” You were a little stunned, especially as he hadn’t ever said those words to you the first time.

“Really. Is that okay?” The uncertainty in his voice melted you, and you nodded.

“Yeah. Yeah, that’s okay. So what do we do now?” You reached for his hand and he met you halfway.

“I don’t know.”

“How long are you in North Island for?”

“I’m not sure,” he said, squeezing your hand gently. “The mission is a few weeks, then I don’t know after that.”

“Ah.”

“Look, I don’t know what’s going to happen. I can’t even promise I’ll come home from this one.” He turned to face you as he took a breath. “But I do know that I like myself a lot more when I’m with you, and I… I’d like to give us another shot if you’re up for it.”

“You’re not afraid this time?”

“Never said that,” he laughed, and you saw that the familiar spark had returned to his eyes, albeit smaller than you remembered. “I’m still terrified.”

“So what’s going to be different this time?” You wanted to believe it would be better this time, but you couldn’t see how.

“I’d like to think the years have made me smarter.” You both laughed at that one, and you found yourself leaning into him like you used to do.

“That’s an impossible feat.”

“Wow, and here I thought you loved me.”

“And if even I think it’s impossible, that should tell you something.” He shoved your shoulder at that comment, but his smile belied the comment.

��I’m still terrified, but I’m going to do my best to talk to you when I feel like that.”

“And we’ll figure it out together,” you assured, pulling him back to you. He rested his forehead to yours and you finally let yourself admit that you had missed this.

“Darlin’,” he started after a minute, taking hold of your other hand too as he looked into your eyes, “break my heart. Break it a thousand times, if you like. It’s always been yours to break anyway.”

“I love you, Jake.” You pressed more firmly against him, basking in the mega-watt smile directed at you. “Even when you’re a dumbass.”

“Good, because I haven’t figured out how to stop that.”

“Oh, just kiss me, will you?” You slipped a hand from his to wrap your arm around him. His hand lifted to your cheek, thumbing away the dried tear tracks tenderly.

“Gladly.”

And he did.

[zablife]

Like a Phantom

Bradley “Rooster” Bradshaw x OC (Andrea “Phantom” Simpson-Bradshaw)

Summary: Rooster’s wife, Andy, daughter of Vice Admiral Simpson, is returning to work as a flight instructor after her maternity leave. When tragedy strikes on the base, Maverick is called to pick up the pieces. 

Author’s Note: Writing for Rooster for the first time so I hope I have captured his voice. Also, I have no first hand knowledge of the US military so please suspend disbelief when it comes to any incorrect information. Lines in italics at the end are from the original Top Gun. 

Warnings: language, plane crash, drinking, angst

The phone beside Bradley came alive suddenly, glowing and vibrating toward the edge of the nightstand. The loud ringing reverberated through the thin apartment walls of base housing, waking the tiny baby in the next room. “Damnit…” Bradley hissed, reaching for his cell. He thought he’d put it on silent before bed last night, but his wife, Andy, had distracted him when she came to bed in nothing but his favorite t-shirt. 

He snatched up the phone, feet hitting the floor quickly as he made his way to the nursery. He cradled the phone between his ear and his shoulder as he reached into the crib for his screaming son. “Hey, yeah, no…she left at o’dark hundred for a training exercise." He could barely hear the caller over the baby's cries.

“Yeah, that’s Nick. What do you expect? You woke him up, asshole,” Bradley told his friend with a good-natured laugh. He swayed the baby in a figure eight like Andy had shown him, looking over to see the list she had left in her distinctive loopy cursive.

Realizing it was time for a feeding, he interrupted his friend. “Hey, listen, I can’t talk right now. If Andy comes home and finds out I haven’t been keeping to the schedule on her first day back, I’m gonna catch hell.” He listened to the taunts on the other end as his son quieted in his arms. "Very funny. Give it another year with Sarah and you’ll see.” Bradley took the phone from his ear and looked at it with a smirk and a raised eyebrow. 

“Uncle Jake hung up on us, buddy,” Bradley said placing his phone on the changing table and hoisting the babe onto his shoulder. Nick gurgled, turning his head to suckle the skin on his father’s neck in search of breakfast. Bradley jumped a little. “Hey, little man, I know you’re hungry. Just need to warm up a bottle, okay?” Hungry and overtired, the baby began to wail once more. 

Then Bradley remembered another trick his wife had taught him when she was gone for a meeting last week. He jogged to the master bedroom to find the t-shirt she’d been wearing this morning. He swaddled Nick in it, smiling at the memory of her lying in bed with him hours earlier, her long legs intertwined with his as she got some much needed sleep. 

When he was done wrapping the child, Nick was calmer, soothed by the tight swaddle and familiar scent of his mother. It gave Bradley enough time to warm a bottle, whistling as he worked to provide them both with a little distraction. Andy always sang to the baby and encouraged Bradley too as well, but he always demurred. “I can play a piano, my boy, but I can’t carry a tune in a bucket,” he said with a laugh. 

Settling into the armchair, he held the bottle, looking out the window and wondering how her day was. She was nervous about returning to the air field today. She hadn’t said it, but all the little ticks were there. He knew her too well not to notice the way she bit her lip harshly as she pulled her hair into a tight bun. Or the way she kissed him hard before she left, a hint of a tear in her eye as she asked him to give her love to Nick when he woke. He tried to give her confidence by telling her to give her new students hell, but he noticed a sliver of doubt in her eye. The first time he’d ever seen that look from Andy. She was always so fierce. 

Andrea “Phantom” Simpson-Bradshaw was a good pilot, better than him, although he’d never admit it. She always said it was because a woman in this field had to be twice as good to be given a chance. She worked tirelessly to prove she had a place with the men. She’d been the top of her class and despite wanting to fly missions, her father had kept her at the academy as an instructor.

Vice Admiral Simpson was hard on his only daughter and she was willing to do anything to show him she could hold her post after the birth of her son, even returning to work before the actual end of her maternity leave to start with the new class of recruits. Bradley had begged her to wait, but she was resolute, not wanting her job to go to someone else. Although it exasperated him at times, he did love her tenacity.

As Nick finished his bottle, Bradley found himself dozing off in the chair with his child tucked into his large, muscular arms, a cozy make-shift bed for the infant to snuggle down into.

When he woke, light streamed in through the window indicating it was well after noon. Nick opened his mouth in a yawn and shook his tiny fists as he stretched. Bradley smiled at him watching him open his blue eyes slowly. He looked so much like Andy sometimes, it made his heart swell.

He heard his phone ringing from the other room, pulling him from his thoughts. Shuffling back to the nursery to find his phone, he wondered if it was Hangman calling back about plans for tonight. Andy had said she’d be home at a reasonable hour, but he didn’t want to push her to go to the Hard Deck if she was overtired from work. 

As soon as Bradley picked up, he knew something wasn’t right. Andy’s number was calling him, but the voice on the other end identified herself as a doctor.

“Lieutenant Bradshaw, I have some unfortunate news about your wife…” Bradley placed Nick in his crib and stumbled to the chair in the corner. His vision was fuzzy and his ears buzzed as he caught snippets of the doctor’s statement. The only thing that he fully understood was that Andy was at the hospital….at least her body was there. She was dead, killed in a plane crash three hours ago as he slept peacefully with Nick.

—————————————————————————

One week later…

There was a loud knock on the door as Bradley straightened his uniform, he jumped slightly at the noise having been alone in the quiet apartment all morning. Andy’s mother had come to take care of Nick yesterday and was out for a walk while Bradley readied himself for the funeral.  He hesitated to open the door, not wanting to see anyone before it was absolutely necessary.

It became clear whoever was outside would not be giving up when another loud bang came from the front door. He went to see who it was and found Phoenix standing there, staring back at him with an ashen face.

“Can I come in, Rooster?” She asked in a pained voice. Bradley nodded, ushering her inside the apartment as he’d done many times before. Phoenix and Andy were as close as sisters. Phoenix had even been the maid of honor at their wedding. After that, she was always dropping by for evenings with the two of them. Bradley had gotten used to her being the third wheel, but he didn’t mind since she was a good pool player, quick with comebacks and a loyal friend to Andy.

Bradley looked around as though he were lost in his own home. Finally he trudged to the refrigerator for a beer and wordlessly handed one to Phoenix. 

“You wouldn’t answer the phone and I wanted to see you before the funeral,” she explained quietly.

Bradley just nodded. “Sorry, I didn’t feel like being around anyone,” he replied.

“You want to talk about what happened? Because I know I do. God, I miss her so much,” Phoenix said becoming visibly upset thinking of saying goodbye to her best friend. Bradley moved to hug her and she accepted his embrace.

When they parted, she searched his face. “Have you spoken to her father? He’s the reason she was up there that day, you know. She just wanted to please him, keep him happy.” Phoenix’s voice rose as she let the anger course through her. “She shouldn’t have been flying that day, Rooster!” she said, pointing her beer bottle at Bradley unconsciously to make her point. 

Her actions only ignited the rage Bradley felt and his frustration spilled over as he yelled, “Yeah, well I’m not her CO so what the fuck should I have done about it? I couldn’t do anything to save her!” Tossing his beer into the sink and watching it shatter, he dropped his head into his hands, shoulders beginning to shake in silent sobs. The feeling of helplessness was overwhelming him once more.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean that the way it sounded, Rooster… “ Phoenix said, placing a hand on his back. “Nobody could have stopped her from going back,” she assured him. "It's not your fault," she added almost in a whisper.

She pulled away to give him some space, sipping her beer in silence. After Bradley had collected himself, she asked, “How’s Nick?”

“He’s with Andy’s mom. He needs to get to know his grandparents better if he’s going to live with them,” he said numbly.

Phoenix just stared at him in disbelief. "What?"

"He's better off without me," Bradley said staring out the window. "Look, I don't want to talk about this anymore."

Without Andy he really was giving up. She was more worried than when she arrived, but there was little she could do if his mind was made up. All she could do now was try to support him. “Are you gonna be alright today?” She asked looking down into her drink.

Bradley looked away for a moment and said truthfully, “No…I want my wife back, Phoenix.” 

She nodded thoughtfully, “I know, I want her back too.”

————————————————————

After the funeral everyone gathered around Bradley to give their condolences. “I’m sorry, man. How you holdin’ up?,” Payback said softly, extending a hand for a firm shake.

“I’m alright I guess. Keepin’ it above the hard deck anyway,” Bradley lied the way grieving people often do, unwilling to burden those around him.

Bob approached next, hesitantly at first, saying, “We’re all gonna miss her, Rooster.” Then he pulled Bradley in for a one armed hug. Bradley clapped him on the back appreciatively looking toward Hangman who was standing beside him.

Hangman nodded to him, “Phantom was the best damn pilot I ever saw. Nick’s gonna be one helluva an ace one day,” he said with a weak smile, attempting to lighten the mood. Phoenix gave him a warning look, but it went over his head.

Bradley frowned deeply and shook his head, “No, man, I’m through here. Packing up tomorrow and putting in for reassignment. I don’t want anything to do with this place anymore.” The other pilots looked at each other with concern, knowing Bradley didn’t mean what he said. He loved flying too much to give it up.

Fanboy arrived moments later with some news, “They’re bringing in a new instructor tomorrow. The name is Lieutenant Pete Mitchell.”

“Wait, who did you say?” Bradley said looking up suddenly.

“They call him Maverick. Do you know him?” he asked.

———————————————————————

The next night Bradley sat on a stool outside the Hard Deck just after opening. It was quiet except for the sound of the crashing waves. He drank and stared out to the ocean thinking of the day he and Andy had taken Nick to the beach for the first time. She carried the newborn in a sling as he slept and they walked the beach holding hands, discussing their future. She had kicked the salt water at her husband playfully, knowing he couldn’t retaliate while she held the baby and laughed uproariously at his defenselessness. “Some fighter you are, Rooster! Sure hope our baby boy takes after me, sweetheart!” She giggled sprinting away, one hand holding the bundle tied to her front. He closed his eyes, remembering the sound of her laugh.

The rumble of a motorcycle engine broke his reverie and he looked over his shoulder to see Maverick strutting towards him. He pulled up a stool opposite Bradley and removed his sunglasses slowly, tapping them against the table nervously. He didn’t know how to begin, knowing the anguish Bradley was feeling. There were no words to adequately console him, but he would try to show the young man he cared. 

He’d tried to be there for Bradley as he grew up as much as he could, but with his various postings it had been difficult. They kept up with one another through letters and calls. Maverick had the pleasure of meeting Andy a few times over the years, feeling grateful Bradley had found someone who understood his work.

He never thought he’d be comforting Bradley again under these circumstances. “Bradley, I’m sorry I wasn’t here for you yesterday. Your wife was a wonderful person and a talented pilot,” he said looking into Bradley’s eyes for some recognition that he accepted his condolences. Bradley just stared straight ahead, immune to the words people had been repeating to him for over a week now. 

“Maverick, thanks for coming, but I can’t stick around tonight. I have to finish packing up so I can leave base housing,” Bradley said swinging his leg off the stool suddenly.

“Wait a minute, hold on…” Maverick said extending an arm to stop him. Bradley glanced down at the arm that held him back. “What are you talking about, Bradley?”

“I’m getting out of California. Too many memories,” he said simply. 

Maverick lowered his arm and nodded. It had been difficult for him to continue after he lost Goose. He recognized the angry look in Rooster’s eyes. It was the same anguish he’d held when his wingman died. He could only imagine what it must be like to lose the love of your life. 

Although he hadn’t been in town long, Maverick had heard rumors on base and knew Andy’s father might have more information than what he had shared with Bradley. Their relationship had never been particularly close. “Look, I know the Vice Admiral is stonewalling you, but if you stick around maybe I can get some answers about what happened to Phantom….I mean, Andy,” he corrected himself. 

Bradley froze at the mention of her call sign. “Phantom…” he repeated, rubbing a hand over his face. “It’s like she never existed. Her parents won’t even say her name. It's like I'm the only one who remembers her and I’m going crazy,” he said on a low breath. He paced for a moment as Maverick watched. “The worst part is Nick. He’s never gonna know her, Mav. Never gonna know what an amazing woman she was….or how much she loved him,” Rooster said tears pricking his eyes.

Maverick stood to face Bradley and placed his hands on his shoulders reassuringly, “Yes, he is because you’re gonna tell him about his mom everyday. The last thing she’d want is for you to give up,” he said a look of determination in his eyes.

“I can’t go back,” Bradley said letting his fear of uncertainty get the better of him. He didn’t know how to live without her anymore. 

“You can and you will. I know you, Rooster. You can do this,” Maverick said willing him on “When your dad died and I was feeling the weight of that guilt, your mom told me, ‘He would have flown without you. He would have hated it, but he would have done it.’ That’s what you’ve gotta do now. You have to keep going.” 

Bradley looked Maverick in the eye and nodded, letting his words sink in. He thought of Nick and how much he missed his son. He thought of how painful it was to look into his eyes, his wife’s eyes, but how much more it would hurt to lose that final piece of Andy. 

“I’ll be here to help you,” Maverick assured him. Sensing Bradley’s change of heart he grinned, “Come on, let’s go unpack those boxes.”

“I’ll meet you there,” Bradley said with a small nod. “I have to go get my little ace first.”

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

**Read an extra scene here where Rooster confronts Vice Admiral Simpson after the funeral.

**Read Bradley and Andy's pregnancy announcement here.

[ageofbarbarians]

Worked Up // D.R.W

AgeOfBarbarians

Summary: You had a great relationship with the Kiszka brothers since you’ve known each other for years. Danny on the other hand? Not so much… things change after a night out at the bar to celebrate the boys’ newest album release.

Warnings: 18+ MINORS DNI, Drinking, Smut, Unprotected Sex (wrap it up lovelies, no crotch goblins), Oral Sex, Fingering, Name Calling, Language, Edging, Choking, Praise Kink, Daddy Kink if you squint,

Word Count: 7.7k

M A S T E R L I S T

“Can you just shut the fuck up for one minute? Please?” You rubbed your temples as you grit your teeth, avoiding any eye contact with the boys who sat around the table with you. You were celebrating with the Kiszka boys after their newest album The Battle at Gardens Gate had just been released. Oh… and Danny.

Danny. Daniel fucking Wagner. God, his name made you want to vomit.

You had known Daniel just as long as the other boys but for some reason, the two of you could just never get along. Which was a shame honestly, because you thought he was extremely attractive but the way he acted towards you ruined the whole thing for you.

“Me? You’re the one who is just blatantly fucking stupid,” You threw your hands up and grabbed your beer bottle before chugging down the rest of your drink.

“Who is up for another round of shots?” Jake asked, clearly trying to pull himself away from the situation. Josh followed him and Sam sighed since he knew he was going to be the peacekeeper like he was every other time.

“So, Y/N,” Sam broke your attention and you let go of the daggers you were boring into Danny’s soul. You gave Sam a light smile, signaling for him to continue.

“You still haven’t told us your favorite song off the album,” Sam took a swig from his beer before gently sitting it back down on the table. You thought for a moment before responding.

“The Barbarians, mmm, no actually, Trip the Light Fantastic. I love the piano in the beginning I think it’s—“

“It’s actually a synth,” Danny cut you off as he scoffed.

“Danny really you-“

“Dude are you actually fucking serious?” You yelled a little too loud, gaining attention from some of the other surrounding tables. You smiled weakly at them and put your hand up as a way to apologize for the outburst.

“What? I’m just telling her what it was?” You could hear the attitude in Danny’s voice as he talked to Sam. You shook your head and before you could start going off on Danny again, Jake and Josh came back with shots. You grabbed one quickly before downing it. You hit the glass on the table and stood up and walked away.

“Y/N!” You heard Jake call after you but you stormed out of the bar, not even minding the people giving you strange looks. You pulled a pack of cigarettes out of your purse that you only used when you were extremely stressed. You leaned against the brick wall of the bar, the cool Michigan April air nipping at your skin through your sweater. You knew you should be wearing a jacket or a coat of some kind but you didn’t want to go back inside to grab it.

You sat on the cold hard cement and took a long drag from your cigarette. You felt the familiar tightening in the back of your throat and you couldn’t help the tears that slid down your face. You wiped them away with the sleeve of your sweater but they just kept coming no matter how hard you tried to get them to stop.

“Y/N,” Jake rested his hand against your shoulder softly, catching you off guard.

“I just don’t fucking get it,” you started as you shook your head. Jake sat next to you and he let you lean into his side, not even minding the cigarette between your fingers. Usually when you smoked the boys have you shit since it was bad for you but it was so rare that you did it that there was no point. Plus with your current state, the last thing Jake wanted to do was piss you off even more.

“I just don’t understand why he’s up my ass about every little thing. For fucks sake, we’re out here celebrating you guys tonight and of course, we end up arguing and it ruins the whole night.” You took another drag from your cigarette before ashing it next to you.

“Honestly I wish I knew,” Jake responded softly. It was quiet for a minute before you just started to laugh softly to yourself.

“What?” He questioned.

“Do you wanna know something crazy?” You turned to meet Jake’s face and he raised a brow at you with a low hum. You took a final drag from your cigarette before putting it out on the cement and tossing it somewhere against the building.

“I used to think Danny was so attractive. I actually had a crush on him at one point. I was head over heels for him and honestly, those feelings never really went away. But the way he talks to me and the way he treats me, I just can’t. I can’t bring myself to think of him that way.” You admitted quickly. You realized that you probably shouldn’t have even said anything but the alcohol that raged through your system let the confession slip out. I mean hey, drunk words are sober thoughts, right?

“Really? I didn’t know that.” Jake looked at you in shock, unsure of what to even say.

“Because nobody did. Do you know how much shit he would give me if he ever found out? Which reminds me, this is between us, just like every other secret.” You held up your pinky so Jake would pinky promise with you. Your fingers connected and you wrapped them around each other to seal the deal.

Out of all the boys, you were closest to Jake. He knew every little detail about you and you knew every detail about him. There had been many nights where the two of you stayed up until 3a.m. talking about anything and everything, he was there for you through your first big heartbreak, you were there the day when Jake broke his arm wrestling and three days after before he went into surgery to get the plates put into his arm. You had been there for each other for just about every single life event that had gone on. He truly was your best friend.

“Do you think telling him that would change anything?” He asked and you about doubled over from laughter.

“Seriously? Me actually telling him that I liked him at one point? Keep in mind, liked, as in past tense,” you scoffed. The wind began to blow and you shivered from the crisp air.

“I mean I don’t know, it could make a difference,” Jake shrugged and he stood up. He offered his hand out to you to help you up and you took it and smiled as a thank you.

“I highly doubt it.” You shook your head. The two of you walked back into the bar and you went up to the counter by yourself. You ordered three shots, two for you and one for Jake. You figured that if you were spending the rest of the night with them you might as well get drunk to enjoy yourself.

The bartender handed you the three glasses and you took them over to the table. Danny and Sam were lost in a conversation of their own with Jake and Josh talking quietly. Well, Jake talked quietly since Josh was loud and was always talking with his hands.

You handed the shot to Jake and you grabbed one before the two of you cheered your glasses and downed them together. You took the other one right after and cringed at the foul taste, blaming yourself for not getting a chaser. You felt the drink travel down into your stomach since you could feel the slight burn, but it was what you needed. You could feel a set of eyes on you, and as you looked up you realized it was Danny before he looked away.

The rest of the night went on rather smoothly. You and Danny didn’t talk for the rest of the evening which was nice since nobody was arguing anymore. You, Jake, and Josh got lost in your own drunken conversations and you weren’t even sure how you got onto some of the subjects that you did. For a while, you got quiet and just listened to the twin boys talk.

“Last call!” The bartender yelled and it snapped you out of your gaze. You looked around realizing how you were pretty much the only ones there.

“Alright guys, ready?” Danny asked as he grabbed his keys. Danny had volunteered to be the designated driver for the night which was surprising since he was a part of the band (obviously) and they were celebrating them.

You scooted out of the booth seat and stood up, grabbing onto Jake’s shoulder as you nearly fell over. This was the first time you had stood up from drinking all evening besides when you went outside.

“Y/N you’re gonna make, make me fall when I stand up,” Jake laughed and you giggled. He stood up and you grabbed onto his arm.

“S'fine. We’ll fall together,” you slurred and Jake laughed with you. The two of you started making your way out of the bar to Danny’s car while the other three followed behind you. The short trip to his car was eventful considering you and Jake had almost fallen on three separate occasions which ended with both of you in a hysterical fit of laughter. Drinking with Jake was one of your favorites, but you two were just stupid together.

Everybody piled into the car. Sam sat in the passenger seat, Jake behind him, you in the middle, and Josh on your other side. Danny started the car to get the heat going and made his way out of the bar parking lot towards the Kiszka’s house. You were quite the entirety of the ride while the four of them continued in whatever conversation they were having.

The twenty-minute ride seemed to fly as you pulled into the driveway. Jake and Josh both stumbled out of the car as you gave both of them hugs. Josh had offered for you to stay at their house tonight but you truly wanted the comfort of your own bed. You sighed since you knew in a few short moments you’d be alone with Danny as he took you home.

Danny got out of the car to help the drunken boys inside and while he was gone you made your way up to the passenger seat. You could feel your head and your body spinning as you blinked from the alcohol that raced its way through your system. You leaned your head against the window and closed your eyes, focusing on the cold glass.

You were on the brink of falling asleep when the driver's side door opened and Danny got in. You jumped slightly and he laughed.

“Scared much?“ he teased as he pull out of the driveway.

“I was almost asleep, actually,” you said quietly trying your hardest not to give him any ounce of attitude so it didn’t lead to an argument. That was the last thing you wanted right now.

“You’ll be home soon,” was all he said before the car went silent. You stared out the window and tried to observe whatever was going by, but it was all too fast for your drunken mind to keep up with.

You rolled the window down and stuck your hand out. The cold air made your hand go numb but you didn’t care. The breeze actually felt night against your warm skin. You bent your hand in a wave motion and watched as the different angles made your hand dip.

“Y/N, it’s cold,” Danny sighed and you closed your eyes.

“Can I just have this one fucking moment to myself? Please?” You sighed. Danny didn’t say anything he just turned the heat up a little higher and sighed.

You pulled into the driveway of your house ten minutes later and you finally brought your hand back into the car and rolled up the window. Your skin was cold to the touch and you could feel the blood circulating through it to get it back to its normal temperature.

As Danny parked, you opened the car door and got out, almost falling on your face in the process. Danny got out and offered his hand to you for balance. You shook your head and leaned against the car.

“I don’t need help,” You started making your way to the front porch but stumbled again.

“Will you just let me help you?” Danny asked with an annoyed tone. You stopped as you turned to face him.

“No. Why should I even let you? After all of the bullshit you gave me tonight and every other time before that, why should I let you help me this one goddamn time?” You asked with complete seriousness. It was silent for a minute and Danny didn’t say anything.

“Exactly. If anything you would just use it against me in the future or something stupid.” You turned away from him and continued your drunken walk up the stairs of your porch. You caught your foot on the last stair and you stumbled forward and hit your body against the front door. You felt an arm support your waist and another hand dug into your coat pocket for your keys. Danny slid the key into the lock and you heard the front door click. He pushed it open with his foot and he brought the two of you inside.

“I can go from here, thanks.” You tried stepping away from him but his grip tightened.

“Considering the way you just walked up four stairs, I doubt you’ll be able to make it up a whole flight.” Danny shook his head and started walking the two of you upstairs. With his help, it seemed so easy to go up each step, but he was right, without him you would’ve just ended up on the couch.

He lead you to your bedroom since it wasn’t the first time he had been in your house. The hallway was dark but you could see a sun glow from a small lamp you had left on for when you got home. You flopped onto your bed and sighed as you felt the comfort of your bed.

“Welp…” Danny began to walk toward your door to leave before you shot up.

“Can I ask you something?” You asked suddenly. He sighed for what felt like the hundredth time that night and turned to face you.

“What could it possibly be?” He sat down next to you on the bed and you studied his face.

“That. Exactly that. Never mind.” You shook your head as you started taking off your boots and Danny grabbed your wrist.

“Y/N stop, I’m sorry. What? What did you want to ask me?” He asked, much softer this time.

“Why do you hate me?” You asked honestly. The question made your heart sink and you realized after you asked, that you were possibly going to regret the answer. Both of you stared into each other’s eyes and you searched for an answer. Nothing.

“What?” Danny laughed before he realized you were serious.

“Y/N I don’t hate you.” He shook his head and you shook yours.

“Then why do you act like it? I mean for fucks sake you’re always at my throat about something, we can’t even enjoy a nice night out with the boys about your album release, there is always just something!” You rambled. You searched his face for an answer but you couldn’t find anything.

“To be completely transparent? I don’t know.” He shook his head and you observed every little part of his face. Your eyes landed on his lips and they lingered there a little longer than you expected. You looked back into his eyes and there was a slight smirk on his face.

“Honestly, I like seeing you get worked up.” He admitted. He pinched his lip with his thumb and forefinger and you raised a brow at him. His eyes scanned your face trying to gauge your reaction. You could feel your heart begin to pound in your chest and the feelings you had from him once before started to slowly roll in from his simple confession.

“So you like pissing me off?” You raised a brow and trying to figure him out made your head spin more than it already was.

“I like watching you get heated about little things, always thinking you’re right, the little crease you get between your eyebrows when you get angry, the way you ball up your fists when I really piss you off, the way your thighs clench when you’re trying to keep your cool,” Danny’s voice lowered and you could quiet read his demeaned but it said a new wave of heat through our body.

“Can I be honest with you?” You asked in almost a whisper.

“You typically are, aren’t you?” The cocky tone in his voice almost makes you not want to tell him but the alcohol in your system beats you to it.

“When we first met I had the biggest crush on you. I mean it was stupid so I just let it go but I did. I thought you were so fucking fine and I thought about you a lot.” You laughed to yourself but when you realize how it sounded your eyes shot up to Danny’s. The cockiest smirk was spread across his face and you began to shake your head.

“I didn’t mean— I mean I have— only once— fuck, no, I didn’t mean,” you stuttered over yourself and stopped talking before things got any worse. You covered your face with your hands as you felt the heat sprawl across them from embarrassment. You felt hands around your wrists that pulled your hands away from your face. You avoided eye contact with Danny until he placed two of his fingers around your chin to move your head in his direction.

“I didn’t mean any of that,” you lied as you shook your head, trying to save yourself from any potential teasing.

“So you haven’t thought of me?“ Danny questioned as his hand rested on the top of your thigh, rubbing slow circles with his thumb. The action alone sent another wave of heat through your body.

“N-no,” you hesitated and Danny shook his head. His hand moved up your thigh and you clenched them together. Your breathing was becoming heavier and you wanted him to just do something but you could never admit it to him or even yourself.

“Hm, that’s a shame.” He stood up and you could tell he was going to make his way out. You grabbed his arm before pulling him back down onto the bed and you connected your lips with his. You couldn’t even process what you had done until you did it. You pulled away for a second before Danny closed the gap between the two of you again. You took in a deep breath through your nose and you tangled your fingers through the hair at the nape of his neck. You tugged lightly at the fine hairs which caused a groan to escape through him. The sound of him getting a reaction from you made you want him more than you could’ve imagined.

Danny bit your bottom lip and he tugged which earned a whimper from you. You moved your kisses from his lips, to his jawline, and to his neck. You bit one spot below his ear and soothed over the area with your tongue.

“Y/N, Y/N,” Danny pulled away from you and he grabbed the sides of your face as you looked at him. “As much as I want this, you’re drunk,” He sighed as you continued to leave marks along him.

“I’m sober enough to know what I want, and what I want is you,” You admitted before his lips connected with yours again. You fell back against the bed and Danny hovered over you. He grabbed your hands and pinned them above your head and the dominant action made you whimper.

“Somebody likes being controlled when she isn’t running her mouth, hm?” He smirked at you as you watched his eyes turn to a darker shade of brown. Usually, his comment would’ve made you bitch at him but something about his demeanor made you melt.

“Please do something,” you squirmed underneath his touch. You just needed him to do something to you.

“Needy, are we?” He asked before his lips came down and left marks along your jawline. Your eyes fluttered closed as he marked you like you were his. Honestly, you wished you were. You just didn’t want the constant arguing and fighting but you wanted nothing more than to be his. You never wanted to admit it to yourself but now that you were in this position, you were positive about what you wanted.

“At any point, you feel uncomfortable tell me, and I’ll stop,” Danny’s eyes met yours as he spoke with a soft tone and you nodded but it wasn’t good enough for him.

“Words, please.”

“Yes sir,” Your eyes went wide at what you realized you had just called him but the way he smiled you knew he liked it. You had never called somebody sir before but for Danny, it just seemed… fitting.

“Good girl,” His hand ran along your face before he started making a line of kisses down your neck. He grabbed the bottom of your sweater before pulling it up and over your head. You were left in your heather gray lace bra and your leggings. The sudden exposure made your skin raise with goosebumps and a sudden chill went through your body.

Danny’s lips trailed down your chest, leaving a mark on the swell of your right breast. He pulled your bra to the side and took your nipple into his mouth, toying with the hardened bud. You let out a sigh at the contact, the slickness between your legs growing.

He moved his way down, leaving faint kisses along the hem of your leggings. He looked at you through his lashes before hooking his fingers around the rather thin material and pulling it down your slender legs. Your black lace thong was exposed and the sight nearly made Danny drool.

“Fuck, you look so pretty like this,” Danny ran his fingers down your stomach and along your thighs, avoiding the spot you so desperately craved him.

“Do something, please,” you whined. You needed to feel his touch against your throbbing core, you were aching.

“Patience, baby,” he purred before he ran his fingers over your soaked clothed core. He chuckled at the feeling of you.

“So wet for me. Who knew I could get you so worked up?” He hummed and you whined at his words. You shifted under his touch trying to gain more friction from him.

“It’s not the first time,” you admitted. He raised a brow at you as he sunk to his knees.

“No? Tell me, pretty girl,” He pushed. You suddenly went quiet, not wanting to tell him about the times you had come home and touched yourself to the thought of him. There had been multiple nights where he worked you up and you had wished he would take his anger out on your slick pussy. You were soaked all for him.

“Don’t get quiet on me now. Tell me what’s gone through that pretty head of yours.” He urged. His fingers softly grazed over your clit and he began to rub soft circles.

“Multiple times. I wanted you to just take your anger out on me, fuck me senseless,” your eyes fluttered closed from his delicate touch. He applied more pressure and you moaned.

“Is that what you want tonight, angel? For me to fuck that pretty cunt of yours until you can’t walk?” Danny pressed a kiss to the inside of your thigh and you could feel the electricity swim through your body.

“Fuck, yes, please,” you groaned and bucked your hips again. Danny used his free arm and pinned you against the mattress. You felt a sting and the sound of a rip when you realized he tore your thong off of you.

“Danny,” you whined. Those were your favorite.

“I’ll buy you more,” was all he said before he dove into your dripping core. He looked a bold stripe up your core before he wrapped his lips around your clit. He moaned at the taste of you, never tasting something so sweet in his life.

“Shit,” you gasped as you felt his tongue work its magic. He slipped one finger inside of you and pumped it a few times before he entered another. His fingers curled upwards and a loud moan escaped your lips. You adjusted your head to look down at the vulgar scene below you and it was an image that would forever be engraved into your head. Your hand came down and you pushed the hair out of his face so you could get a better view of him. He looked up at you and you could see the devilish smirk across his face.

“Fuck, Danny,” you moaned out as you could feel your legs begin to shake. It was insane how fast he was bringing you to your peak but from his demeanor, you knew it wasn’t going to be the only orgasm of the night.

“You’re close are you, doll?” The simple name caused you to let out a whimper and you nodded your head. His fingers continued their brutal pace while his thumb worked against your swollen clit.

“S-so, so close,” was all you could manage to get out. The feeling in your stomach was bound to snap, all you needed was the word from him.

“Do you wanna cum? Cum all over my fingers like a dirty slut?” Danny began to make a mark on your thigh. Biting the area before soothing it over with his tongue.

“Please, I’m, fuck, I’m so close. Please let me cum, please,” Your head fell back again and your legs shook violently. You needed the sweet release but you had a feeling if you didn’t obey it would make matters worse.

“Cum for me, pretty girl, all over my fingers,” His mouth attached to your clit again as you came undone around him. He groaned as he lapped up every bit of you, not wanting to miss a drop. Your moans bounced off the walls and you couldn’t help but arch your back.

As you came down from your high, Danny stood back up and you scrambled off the bed before getting on your knees in front of him. You worked on the buttons of his jeans before he sat his hands over the top of yours.

“Y/N, you don’t have—“

“I want to, I’ve thought about this so many times, just a taste,” you begged and he let you continue. You wrapped your fingers around his belt loops and tugged his jeans down his slender legs. He stepped out of them as they reached his ankles, leaving him in his dark blue boxers. You could see the hardened outline of him and there was a spot that was darker where the precum leaked from his tip.

You pulled on the band of his boxers, desperate to get them off. As you pulled them down, his cock sprung free and slapped against his stomach. You about drooled from the sight of him but his size was intimidating. You had never expected Danny to be small but you definitely weren’t expecting this.

You grabbed the base of him and pumped him a few times before slowly taking his tip into your mouth. You flattened your tongue out against him as you sunk down onto him. He hissed and leaned his head back as you swirled your tongue around his cock.

“Fuck, you look so pretty like that. Sucking my cock so well,” He moaned and his words were enough to send you over the edge again. You looked up at him through your lashes and watched as his chest rose and fell with each movement. You took him as far down the back of your throat as you could and you paused as his tip hit the back of your throat. You sat there for a moment before you gagged and came up for a breath of air. His fingers dug into your hair as he pulled you up to your feet. You whined at the loss of contact with him and he laughed.

“Another time, pretty girl, I promise.” His hand fell across your cheek like it had done previously and his lips intertwined with yours. His tongue fought for dominance with yours and you could still taste every part of you against him. He pushed you back onto the bed, his lips never leaving yours, but only for a moment.

“Are you sure you—“

“Fuck me, Danny,”

That was all he needed before he lined himself up at your entrance. He put one of your legs over his shoulder while he slid into you slowly. Your eyes rolled back as you could feel him stretching you out. He stilled when he was halfway in to let you adjust before your hips connected.

“Move, please,” you begged and he did. He moved his hips at a dreadfully slow pace. You whined at his torturous pace and he took the hint as he began to move a little faster.

“You take my cock so well baby,” He praised and you smiled at his words.

“Harder,” you whined and he obliged. His pace stayed the same but he rammed his hips into you. Any air you had in your chest left and no sound came out. The only noise that filled the room was the lewd sounds of your skin colliding and your drenched core. Finally, a loud moan flew past your lips and Danny silenced it with a kiss. He swallowed every noise you made as you brought your nails to his back and dragged them down.

“So.” Thrust “Fucking.” Thrust “Good.” Thrust “For me,” He then sped up his pace and you cried out from the new pressure.

Danny showed you no mercy as he rammed himself into you, your hips colliding at a pace you knew was bound to leave bruises. He took your leg off your shoulder before bending both of them back against your chest as he leaned against you, creating a whole new angle. A series of curse words flew past your lips and you choked on a sob. Tears pricked the corners of your eyes from the overwhelming amount of pleasure.

“Danny, I’m close,” you managed to get out and he shook his head.

“You’ll cum when I say you can, got it?” He took in a deep breath threw his nose and your eyes screwed shut as you tried your hardest not to fall over the edge.

“I need your words,” He said again.

“Fuck, yes sir,” One of his free hands came down and toyed with your clit and you knew you wouldn’t last much longer. You could feel yourself tightening around him before you suddenly were emptied from him. Your eyes shot open and you whined are the loss of contact.

“Come,” Danny commanded and you looked at him through hooded eyes. He adjust himself against your headboard and you watched as he took his cock in his hand and pumped himself. You watched his explicit movements and the sight made you drip.

You crawled over to him and you took advantage of the position he was in to take him into your mouth once more. He moaned at the contact before pulling you off of him.

“Did I say you could wrap those pretty little lips around me?” He asked with a raised brow. You shook your head and he grabbed your chin with his thumb and forefinger, making you look him in the eyes.

“Good girls get rewarded, bad girls don’t get to cum,” He smirked and you suddenly felt weak. He was already denying you of your impending orgasm and you’d be a goner if he just left you like that.

“Please, no, I just wanted to—“

“Wanted to what? Be a dirty little slut? Can’t keep those pretty lips of yours away from me, can you?” He tisked and you whined at the dirty name he had called you.

“Come sit,” he motioned for you to sit on his lap. As you went to go like yourself up with him he pulled you down against his shaft and he began to rock your hips against him. His strong, calloused hands pressed into your hips and you knew he’d eventually leave bruises. Your head fell back as soft moans left your lips as you ground across him. Danny watched your every move and his breathing became unsteady.

“Feels s'good,” you whispered. He bummed in approval before lifting you up and lining himself up with you. You sunk down onto his cock and you whined at the pleasure of him filling you up again. His pace was nowhere close to nice as his hips flew upwards and you had to grab onto his shoulders for leverage. You wrapped one of your hands around his neck while the other trailed down his chest. His hands remained on your hips as he guided you down with each thrust.

You could feel him hitting every spot of you perfectly and you soon felt the feeling of your next orgasm approaching. You grabbed your chest and toyed with your nipples as Danny fucked up into you.

“Fuck, your cock feels so good, don’t stop,” you whined. Danny sent a particularly hard thrust up into you and nearly screamed.

“Yeah? You like that way I fill up that pretty cunt?” He continued the pace and you could feel the band in your stomach ready to snap.

“Shit, Danny,” you couldn’t even get the words out, but he knew you were close.

“I said wait. Just a little longer.” He sped up and you leaned forward onto him, your head in the crook of his neck. You whined in his ear and left more lilac marks on his skin.

“M’s’close” you groaned as your legs began to shake. Danny’s movements suddenly stopped and you whined. You tried moving your hips against him but he stopped you from doing so. He grabbed your face with his hands and left a gentle kiss along your lips.

“Can you be a good girl and beg for me? Tell me what you want?” He asked quietly and you nodded with closed eyes.

“Yes sir,” you tried moving your hips again but his fingers tightened around them.

“That’s not what I asked,” he scolded. You whined and looked into his dark eyes.

“Please let me cum, I’ll be so good just for you.” You tried and he shook his head in a way that was telling you it wasn’t good enough, but it was a start. He very slowly began to move your hips against him.

“You can do better than that baby,” he hummed.

“Please, sir, let me cum. All over your cock, please,” You whimpered as Danny began to move your hips a little faster and you could feel your high slowly returning. Your hands raked down his chest before he brought one of his hands up and wrapped it around your throat, not squeezing too hard. You smiled at the contact and the feeling made you want to explode. There was no better home for his hand than on your dainty throat.

“You can do better,” His grip tightened as he saw your devilish grin and he started fucking up into you again.

“Fuck me, please, so fucking hard. I want to cum around daddy’s cock,” you gasped and your eyes fell closed. You could hear his grunts beneath you and you had a feeling he was close too. You had never been edged before but it was definitely a new kink.

“Fuck,” he groaned as his pace became deadly and his hand tightened around your throat. You couldn’t make any noise and your vision started going in and out. Your legs began to shake again and Danny flipped the two of you over before he pulled out again. His grip released from your throat and tears started to prick your eyes from being denied.

“Danny,” you whimpered and he smirked down at you.

“Patience, baby girl,” He smiled before dipping his head between your legs and lapping at your dripping cunt. You tangled your fingers in his hair as he held you in place. You noticed the hair tie on his wrist and you grabbed it from him to pull his hair back.

One of the things that made you absolutely weak was when Danny had his hair pulled back into a bun. The way you could get a clear view of his face, the way his jaw could cut diamonds, he was perfect.

You pushed back the hair and tried to get some of it that were stuck to his forehead from sweat. You tied the hair tie around his thick curly tresses before you let your head fall back. Your breathing was becoming labored and you could feel yourself begin to throb.

“Baby please,” you whined as you so desperately just needed to release around him. He stopped again and a tear slid past your eyes. This was absolute torture.

“Have you been good enough for me?” He questioned as he got close to your face. He kissed you again and grabbed your bottom lip with his teeth before pulling it back.

“So, so good,” you ran your delicate fingers over his face and cupped them around his jaw.

Danny lined himself at your entrance again before entering you agonizingly slow. You sighed as he filled you up again but your sigh was replaced with a yelp as his hips collided with yours at a brutal pace. He started rubbing fast circles against your clit and you were seconds away from unraveling.

“Danny, fucking please,” you gasped and he nodded his head.

“Cum for me baby, all over my fucking cock,” his thrusts quickened and seconds later you unraveled around him. Your eyes screwed shut and a moan left your lips that would put a pornstar to shame. All of the air left your chest and your legs shook violently.

“Such a good girl, cumming all over my cock, look at you,” he groaned as his pace began to falter and you knew he was close.

“You fuck me so good, cum for me,” you praised and Danny moaned. His hands tightened around your waist and you smiled from his reaction to your praise.

“Shit,” he groaned before pulling out of you quickly. You moved so your face was lined up with his tip.

“Please,”

“Mmm, so fucking good for me. Open.” He commanded before you opened your mouth and took his length in your mouth. He grabbed your hair before turning it into a makeshift ponytail and began to thrust into your mouth. You gagged a few times and a few start years slid down your face but he wiped them away with his thumb.

“Fuck, I’m gonna cum,” He warned and you hummed in response. His grunts became moans as you cupped his balls in your hand and began massaging them. Moments later you felt the warm, salty liquid hit the back of your throat and you swallowed every last drop of him. He pulled back but you grabbed his hips as you swirled your tongue around his tip. You could feel his legs shake and he let out a whimper before pulling away from you.

“Holy shit,” he gasped and all you could do was smile. You rolled over onto your back and he admired your fucked out appearance. You had hair that was sticking to your forehead, marks covering your neck and chest, and a sheen layer of sweat covering your chest and stomach.

All you could do was smile at the thought of what you had done and you knew it would be engraved into your memories forever. Danny walked out of the bedroom and came back a few moments later with a damp washcloth and he began to clean you up. The rough material made you squirm as he ran it over your core and he laughed.

“Sensitive, are we?”

“Says you,” referring to just moments ago when he pulled away from you. He nodded his head almost as a ‘touché’. He picked up his boxers before sliding them on and he threw you his sweater to wear. You slid the soft material over your body and it fell around your thighs. The sleeves were too long but you didn’t mind since that was how you liked it anyway.

You adjusted yourself in your bed and patted the spot next to you for Danny to come lay down next to you. He took the invitation and he got under your duvet. You scanned his features before applying a delicate kiss to his lips. He kissed you back as his hand rested along your cheek. Your lips moved together slowly and you prolonged it, never wanting the moment to end.

Danny pulled away and rested his head against yours and you kept your eyes closed as if it would keep the moment from disappearing. He ran his fingers through your hair and pressed a kiss to your forehead.

“What does this mean for us?” You asked softly. You didn’t want to go back to the way things were with him.

“What do you want it to mean?” He questioned. You leaned your head against his warm, toned chest and you got quiet for a moment.

“I don’t want to go back to how things were.” You said in barely a whisper. Danny took in a deep breath and for some reason, it made your stomach uneasy.

“Honestly, I’ve wanted this for so long,” he admitted and you turned to look up at him. His eyes were closed and he just looked… peaceful.

“So…” you said quietly, not sure where to go from here.

“I say, we see where this goes. Only if you want to, I mean.” He suggested. Your heart swelled at the fact he actually wanted a real relationship with you. You nodded your head and wrapped your arms around him.

“I’m okay with that.”

***

A few weeks had gone by since you and Danny decided to test the waters and see where this whole thing went. You had decided that night to still have your occasional arguments but you didn’t want to make things so obvious for the other boys.

It wasn’t working.

“What is going on between you two? Like things are just… weird?” Jake asked as he polished his guitar. You sat on his amp and shook your head. The boys were beginning to practice for tour and you had decided to come along. But you also had plans with Danny after.

“Nothing. Maybe we’re just finally getting along, I dunno,” you lied. Jake caught your bluff and he sat his guitar down. He came closer to you and put his hands on your legs as he leaned closer to your face.

“You’re a shit liar, Y/N,” He said quietly. You could feel Danny’s eyes on you since Jake was so close. You bit your lip as you looked at him, silently asking to tell Jake. He gave you a simple nod before he continued tightening the bolts on his drum set.

“Okay fine. Danny and I are seeing each other,” you said quietly, a blush appearing over your cheeks. Jake stepped back and looked between the two of you. You stared at your feet and he gasped.

“Are you telling me that tinder hookup-“

“Yes, it was Danny. When he dropped me off a few weeks ago after that night we went out, he helped me inside and we talked a little, and things just kind of went from there.” You said quietly so the other boys wouldn’t hear.

“God damn, Wagner!” Jake cheered and Danny flipped him off as you laughed.

“Why are we cheering for Danny boy?” Sam asked as he and Josh walked back into the room.

“Y/N and Danny fucked!” Jake laughed and you gasped in horror. Danny dropped one of his sticks and threw his arms up.

“Jacob!” You yelled

“Dude, what the fuck?” Danny groaned.

“No fucking way, you’re lying!” Sam laughed as he looked between the two of you. You shook your head since the cat was out of the bag.

“Thanks a lot, Jake,” you sighed and hopped off the amp. You walked over to Danny before giving him a light kiss and the three boys behind you groaned.

“Oh god, now we have to deal with you two fucking in front of us? I’d take the arguing over that any day.” Josh groaned and you flipped him off as you kissed Danny again, this one being even longer just to piss them off. He grabbed your ass and you both smiled through the kiss.

“You’re just jealous,” Danny retorted.

“I’m gonna go get some drinks. Be back, kay?” You whispered and he nodded. You grabbed your stuff and began to leave the small little practice studio.

“I mean honestly yeah. Y/N has a great ass,” Josh shrugged and you turned around to look at him with wide eyes. Danny threw a drumstick at him which bounced right off of his head.

“Ow, Danny!” Josh complained and you couldn’t help but cover your face to avoid them seeing your laughter.

“You fucking deserved that,” Sam piped up and you finally exploded into a fit of laughter. You opened the door and waved to Danny and Jake while Josh and Sam started to argue.

“I’ll be back with waters.” You closed the door behind you and started making your way towards your car. As you got in you heard your phone go off and you pulled it out of your pocket and noticed it was a message from Danny.

You do have a great ass(;

———

Taglist: @sparrowofthedawnsworld

If you’d like to be added to my tag list just comment below(:

[mooodyblue]

I’d love to see more of babyspace E. Maybe some headcanons or something?

enjoy 🫶🏼 thank you for the request :)

little!elvis h.cs | babyspace

masterlist

very rarely does elvis regress to his much younger headspace

whenever he does, you automatically know he's just exhausted and overworked

very nonverbal, will babble a few words here and there

he just wants to be held the entire time

always wants to be chewing on something

fingers? your fingers? the edge of a pillow? the ear to his favorite plushie? it's gonna be in his mouth.

a very sleepy baby

loves to smash his hands on the piano, giggling at the random notes his fingers play

loves when you play with his hair when his heads in your lap 🫶🏼

definitely whines loudly when you have to get up for a moment

wants to have his hand held the entire time

extra playful during bath time tbh

keep his bottle filled at all times !!!

grabby hands for days

"who's my best baby?" just makes him melt

lots of naps

do not take away his comfort items!! (tbh don't do this like. ever) but sometimes you have to get him to stop chewing on his plushie, you only take it away temporarily to give him a paci but he is not happy about it !!

sometimes he gets frustrated that he can't properly communicate with you. he tries but nothing comes out. his brain just refuses to form actual words

lots of "oh really?" "oh that's interesting!" "is that right?" "silly baby" from you, he eats it up everytime.

he's most peaceful when he's in baby space :( no worries in his brain, just enjoying the comfort from his caregiver and being babied just as he deserves <3

[dietmountaindewbae]

iv. cigarette breath

alex turner x reader 

word count: 3016

summary: During a rehearsing session, you and (early eyct) Alex test each other to the limit.

warnings: smut

song recommendation: angel by massive attack

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*⋆ ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*⋆ 

Sitting on the corner with amps piled high Alex saw the last person on earth that he wanted to see, she was playing a sweet melody that immediately turned bitter when he closed the door shut making a lot of noise.

"Hey" You whispered, still concentrating on the variation you were playing, it was nice very soft, and you thought it accommodates the mood of the day, slow but bright, "Where's the rest?"

"Well... The girls' flight got delayed, and Miles had an interview today he's flying here on Wednesday...you're stuck with me" He shoot a cigarette from the box directly to his mouth, you nodded and kept playing around with the guitar, "Oh, so you don't talk now" He walked closer staring at you up and down arms crossed and his dark shady gaze, you tried to ignore him but then he unplugged your guitar abruptly.

"Hey! what the fuck is wrong with you?" You tried to grab the plug from the ground but he grabbed it first, lifting it from the air, now it was your turn to cross your arms, "I thought a nod was a good answer, Alex, can you stop being a prick for a moment now please?" You never really understood why you and Alex annoyed each other that way, you were like two little kids who pulled each other's hair or stole their toys just to have a piss but they always ended up with a sour look spread on their faces.

"See, we're gonna be stuck together so let's try to get along for once" He lowered the guitar plug to your reach, you were about to grab it but he pulled his hand back, "Do we have a deal love?" He accentuated love with such hypocrisy that it made your eyes roll.

"Yes, Alex" This time you grabbed the plug but he ruined your moment so you put the guitar aside.

"Very well!" He clapped his hands, "Can you play the bass and the drums I'll take care of the rest" He grabbed the red and black Jazz master you were playing a few minutes ago and you took your place on the drums, Alex fixed the mic stand, "Let's practice a bit before we start so you know...we can get on the same lane"

"Asshole," You said under your breath.

"What?"

"I said sure!" You smiled brightly at him.

"Right, let's start with used to be my girl, and get that look out of your face, you can get wrinkles" He turned around and winked his eye, the cigarette he had on his mouth was carefully hung between the strings on the neck of the guitar, you began to count, you still had a frown on your face even angrier now, you wanted to throw the stick at his head but of course, you didn't wanna ruin his slicked-back long hair, or hurt his painfully sharp jaw.

A few miserable minutes after the song finished, you kept rehearsing more songs, alternating the drums or the bass, sometimes the guitar and piano, but mainly the drums, you got a few compliments from him, and he stated that your guitar playing wasn't as miserable as your face.

"Alex, baby," You said with gratitude, "Can you stop?"

"Stop what? The hips?, you know that's nearly impossible" He swung his hips with that sassy attitude, making you giggle but very subtly, "Is that the glorious sound of laughter I just heard from you?" He turned around on his feet so dramatically, eyebrow curved and you hid your smile.

"No, it was just the sound of disgust, now please let's just continue"

"Nah, let's just take a break for a few" He sat on the couch putting the guitar aside, spreading his legs like he owned the whole couch.

"You want a beer?"

"Now you're talking babe, bring 'em" He drawled, babe my ass, you quickly went to the fridge cracking up the bottles with a knife, I mean...who does he think he is to call you babe? your boyfriend or what? you were far from being his babe, very fucking far from...

"Fuck!" You grunt in pain after the edge of the knife scrapped the back of your hand, you turned the water tap on, washing your hand off, a bit of the blood that came off.

"Who said fuck? I'm here oh...fuck, you can't even open a beer for fucks sake" He chuckled, and you glanced at him with such anger his smile went south, "Reyt you know..."

"Take the beer Alex, is just a small cut" You insisted and he stared at you, exhaling loud.

"Let me help you, there's a first aid kit on here" He got on his knees opening up the lower cabin, "Here it is" You could see part of his Calvin Klein underwear as he stretched his back to grab it, he got up from the floor fixing his hair back with his fingers, he turned off the water and walked with you to the couch, "I'm gonna take some alcohol and then just put a band-aid on it, it will be fast" He took the cap out of the bottle and grabbed your other hand.

"I don't need you to hold my hand you know that" He grabbed it a bit stronger, not letting it go, "I'm not gonna cry I'm not a baby"

"But you act like one" He put the alcohol on your hand, making it sting but your face was serious, then he grabbed a cotton ball and took out the excess with it, lightly tapping your skin, "Tough girl, aren't you?"

"Don't call me baby, I'm not your baby"

"Never said you were...but you could" He always made you roll your eyes, his voice sometimes sent shivers across your body but you hid them very well or so you thought, "All done"

"Good" He finished putting a band-aid on your hand, "Thanks," You said a bit grateful for it, after all, he did help you.

"And that's progress, you're welcome" He gave you his beer and grabbed the other one from the kitchen, "But you know, it is kinda nice to see you smile, just a bit" He chuckled smiling from the side.

"Thanks?" He offered you a cigarette from his red Marlboro box, you smiled and grabbed one, you lit your cig with his silver zippo, and he put another one in his mouth, making little circles with the cigarette smoke as he exhaled, "How do you do that? I always wanted to learn how to do it"

"Circles? Well it's easy you put your lips together and move your throat, kinda like giving a blow" You faked a laugh while Alex smiled, you took a long drag, putting your lips together and moving your throat as he said, circles forming with the smoke, "You're an expert" You cough and laugh at the same time.

"Fuck off" You chuckled.

"You are" His arms extended his fingers lightly grazing your shoulder, "I'm an expert on something similar" You scoffed and rolled your eyes. What did he mean by that? You knew what his words meant but why was he saying that to you? he was looking at you up and down, checking you out.

"Nah, don't play those games with me" He licked his lips before moving closer to you.

"And why is that, babe?" That drawl he made with his tongue whenever he called you baby made you feel something this time, your body was drowned to his, and his the same way around, each time getting closer.

"'Cause I might beat you in it" Your face was inches apart from his, you could see it in his eyes, that spark of lust lit up from the darkest part of his heart, his fingers drew circles on your thigh, each time going higher and higher, you never thought you would say this ever, "Wanna play with me?" You whispered on his lips, and his hands took a hold of your neck like a perfect necklace.

"I'll play with you" His lips pressed against yours gave you a rush of ecstasy, and you shivered, gasping for air as you kissed him roughly, you quickly undid his belt but he was faster to take your little denim shorts off, and his hand traveled up your back taking your bra off in the blink of an eye, God was he greedy.

His body weight on top of yours made you lay down on the couch, you were almost naked, your pink bra barely hanging onto your chest since he had already taken out your shirt, he was fast to get you naked, and he began to decent so slowly, this time he took your bra out taking one of your tits in his mouth nibbling and sucking your nipple, while he kneaded the other one in circles, moans dared to escape your mouth and your legs rubbed together but he was a hungry beast, he separated them with his knee pushing upwards, his fingers sneaking and creeping inside your panties, you could already feel him so hard underneath his jeans, at the same time you unbuttoned his skin-tight jeans you felt his fingers teasing your clit, "I guess I'm gonna win, you're too weak for it, I bet you already fantasized about me fingering you like this, do you touch yourself at night think bout me, babe?" Your cheeks blushed so hard at the way he said these honest words, your body answered before your mouth did, a rush of wetness damped his fingers, but you didn't want him to win so easily, you had to make it harder, to make him harder.

"And you? You don't jerk yourself off thinking about me? Getting on top of you, watch me take you deep, bet you are the one who fantasized about this moment"

"And I bet you can feel how hard me cock gets for you" You gasped when he pushed two fingers inside you, "So tight, bet you can take me whole" You were so close by now it was almost embarrassing how this man could make you finish in just five minutes, so before things came to an end for you, you wrapped your legs around him, pushing him forward almost falling off the couch but he held you tightly to his body, "Fuck I almost won"

"Almost pretty boy, but it's not over yet..." You panted.

"It's just beginning" He finished your words, it's fun to play with him, and mostly how you let him play with you thinking it was so easy and he would win at the very beginning, but it was time for you to grab the freak by the leash, he took his jeans off and while he kicked his black Chelsea boots off, the tip of your cherry red nails caressed his skin, you stroked his cock running your fingers all across him, you felt how big he was, but when you took him out your face was pure shock, but you still smiled to him.

"Too big for you?" He teased, his thumb stroking your cheek, your hand grabbed his hand and you took his middle finger inside your mouth, fiddling with the ring on his pinky, as you sucked it.

"I'm a big girl" You began to stroke him slowly, your thumb going in circles on his head, "Is this how you do it?"

"Feels good, doll" He was breathing so heavily, his cock hardening with each stroke, he stared at you, just admiring your face for a couple of moments, he knew he liked your blushed cheeks, your long arms, the small curve on your waist, your hips, the thighs, and especially that look on your face as you stroked his cock, he hated to like you so much, and you hated to like him the same way.

You pushed your underwear to the side, and rubbed the tip of his cock on your clit in small circles, your moans mixing with his, "You didn't answer me though", You panted, "Is this how you jerk off thinking bout me?" He grinned and his cheeks blushed, but as he opened his eyes he looked at you taking your hand away for a moment, he put his hand on his cock.

"You wanted to know, so now you'll see" He began to move his hand up and down very slowly, teasing himself but it only lasted for some minutes until he increased his pace, the veins of his neck, his bottom lip trapped between his teeth, his messy long sweaty hair, the sighs, his cigarette breath, it all piled up making you get up on your knees and show him how you do it.

You gathered up your wetness and began to rub your clit in circles, your knees felt very weak as he jerked his cock off faster with angst, "You never looked so beautiful" He said, he stared at your hand moving at the same speed as his, "God if you could only know the things I would do to you"

"If you want me, show it to me" He pushed himself up, looping his arm around your waist, your knees on the cushions, and his hand gripped your wrists back he put your hair on the right side of your neck, his hot breath tickling your ear, his lips began to suck on your neck your legs unconsciously rubbing together, nipples hard you bet you were already dripping wet as he exhaled leaning in to whisper something on your ear, "I'm not gunna holdback babe, just want you to know, that I want you so bad" Your heart was gonna beat out of your chest as he said those words, his hand gripped your ass very tightly taking you by surprise, he pushed himself inside you so deep it made your legs shake, "Come on baby, don't let your knees give up so easily" At this point, you couldn't form a sentence, it was only his name that you could say as he thrusts so hard inside you, skin on skin you felt his chest was covered in a cold sweat, his hips pushing forward your body harder until he stopped for a moment to breathe.

"Keep... g-going," You said between breaths, "Alex keep going" he smiled, his hand whipping your tears away, but you kept looking at him hopelessly.

"Is it too hard for you babe?" You denied with your head, "Good"

"Not hard enough" You panted, he decided to show you what hard is, so this time he picked you up from the couch, back pressed against the wall, he picked your legs up slipping his cock inside you with no struggle, one hand on the wall the other grabbing your ass so hard, your body jumped up each time he fucked you each time deeper and harder, making sounds when your skin collided with his, your fingers intertwined on the back of his head, the look on his eyes made you shiver, "Alex I'm gonna..."

"Come with me, smother me cock with your cum", He speeds up smiling as he saw your eyes roll back, your nails digging into his strong shoulders, he made that tingle spread up in your whole entire body, but somehow you wanted more so you pushed your hips forward as best as you could, "Love I'm gonna cum inside you if you don't stop"

"I want it you know I do," He thought about it for two seconds, smiling because he never thought this would happen, you always begged for him to stop with his jokes now you're begging him to not stop and to finish inside you.

"Show me how much you want it" He held you in his arms, still buried inside you, he sat on the couch you were fucking before, your hips rolled back and ford slowly, you were trying to catch your breath, he smiled to himself because he liked how you were struggling to move, he fucked you up, and he truly did, your mascara was runny, your lips made a red pout, your chest the same color as your red nails, he decided to help you grind your hips against his body, he knew it would only take a few grinds before he was completely done because, in the same way, you fucked him up too.

"Come on, give it to me," You said in despair, repeating those words over and over again, holding on to the couch, grinding your hips harder and harder against him, until he lifted his hips up feeling your walls being covered in his cum, "Fuck" You breathed out, Alex was panting just like you were when he was fucking you up against the wall, his cheeks red, and his jaw twitching, his lips dry, still sweating cold, when you felt him come down from his high, you kissed him passionately, and he gave it back but this time a sweeter, it was a true honest kiss, not meant to provoke him, it's something your heart told you to do, he laid you down on the couch hugging you close to him.

You were slowly drifting off to sleep until he poked your shoulder, "I'm craving an ice cream sandwich, wanna come to get some with me?" You burst into laughter, making him smile, nudging his nose on your cheek.

"Are you laughing cos I said cum?"

"Nooo! But that makes it funnier" You giggled, and smile brightly at him, caressing his cheek with your thumb, his hand slipped to hold yours and kiss your palm, "You know what? I do wanna get some"

"Get some what exactly?" His eyebrows jumped up and down.

"You're dirty" He nudged his head to the side, "You do want more?!" You said in utter shock.

"I mean, after the ice cream sandwiches, I could be down for another round if you insist" That cheeky side of his began to grow on you, it annoyed you before but now it makes you giggle.

"Fine then, but you drive I'm too tired"

"And your legs don't work"

A/N

Thank you for reading, and thank you for all of the love you give to my writing, i appreciate very much, if you have requests for more chapters feel free to comment them or text me privately, it’ll take a little bit for me to post them since i have other chapters scheduled to post before them but i’m 100% working on them! love you <3

what do we think about shorter stories?

x

[greyeyedmonster-18]

(submission for sirius and harry saturday pt 2. short and sweet, ft one of my favorite headcanons that sirius was never taught how to ride a bike and when he finally did...he was very bad at it.)

Had his wrist not been throbbing, and had his favorite pair of jeans hadn't been ripped horrendously in the knee and were now stained with blood, it would've almost been funny. The way Remus went from calm-and-collected to absolutely fucking not the second Sirius hit the ground. As he always did. Or the way Harry was running around in circles for no apparent reason, only adding to Remus's lack of cool in the face of a minor-crisis, insisting Sirius have a seat on the kitchen counter.

"That's where you go when you get hurt! It's the hurt spot!" Harry told him, pushing against Sirius's legs as they walked back inside, leading him over to the kitchen counter. Sirius made to sit on the edge--someplace with a bit more space but his seven year old had an opinion about that too. "No, by the sink, Padfoot! The hurt spot!"

"Yes, of course, by the sink, where else, so sorry," Sirius said, gently poking at his wrist to assess for anything major as he squeezed into the spot on the counter by the sink, Harry's chin against his legs, watching as Remus got the small healing kit out from underneath the sink, "Remus, I can take care of this, you--"

"You're not operating on yourself. I can manage and if we need more support well go to St. Mungos...."

"It's just a scrape, not quite an operation, love," Sirius told him, but Remus had already opened the kit.

"I want to see! I want to see!" Harry protested from the ground, standing up on tiptoes, unintentionally bumping into Sirius's scraped-up knee and Sirius had to hold back a wince. It was definitely going to bruise, and Sirius was definitely going to be healing it the second Remus wasn't looking. Remus bent down and picked Harry up, plunking him on the opposite side of Sirius on the counter before grabbing a cloth from the sink with warm water and a bottle from the kit. "Oh that stuff stings, you can hold my hand if you want," Harry told him expertly and Sirius laughed a little, holding out his hand for Harry.

"Thanks, babe."

"You're being very brave," Harry told him soothingly as Remus cleaned off the scape on his knee, "Learning to ride a bike is hard, it's okay that you fell. You fall lots when you're learning."

Remus snorted, "I think maybe we were a bit pre-mature taking the training--"

"I don't need training wheels," Sirius cut his husband off with a scowl.

"Your knee and your wrist say differently..." Remus mused, and Sirius had to keep several words in his head as Remus finished cleaning off the remainder of this cut. When Remus had brought up the idea to teach Harry how to ride a bike now that he was older, Sirius knew he wasn't anticipating also teaching Sirius. Not that Sirius ever had the intention of riding a bike that didn't have a motor, but his husband was insistent, pointing out yet another crucial aspect of childhood that Sirius had missed out on due to being a Black. Remus learned how to ride a bike; Sirius learned Greek and Latin and French and the piano. And as it turns out, learning to ride a stationary bike at 28 was very different than learning to ride a motorcycle and it was admittedly frustrating. Harry had gotten the hang of it, no problem, and Sirius watched with joy as Harry took off down the pavement, Remus chasing after him until he couldn't anymore. Sirius also laughed because Harry thought it was hilarious to see Remus out of breath.

But Sirius rarely made it too far from the drive of Number 12.

Sirius had become well acquainted with their hedges in the front yard. And the pavement itself. Sirius and the drive were now on first-name basis, moving past small talk and diving straight into deep-dark fears and hopes and dreams, that's how much time Sirius had spent on the ground.

This wasn't the first skinned knee. And it wouldn't be the last.

"You have to learn with the wheels first, that's the rules, right Moony?"

Remus nodded, "Those are the rules, unfortunately though, sometimes your godfather thinks they don't apply to him..."

"You should listen better," Harry said seriously, playing with Sirius's fingers as he spoke.

Sirius couldn't help but laugh, "Wouldn't be the first person whose told me that, love..."

"Really excellent advice. Wise beyond your years, Harry. Now, what color plaster should our Padfoot get?" Remus asked, holding up a series of colors to Harry who grinned widely.

"The red one! The red one--"

A bright red valentines plaster with hearts on it when to Sirius's knee before he had a chance to protest.

Cool Sirius Black with his Cool Motorcycle and Leather Jacket had been reduced to a Heart Plaster, Skinned Knee, Godfather on the Kitchen Counter. Who got their boo-boos kissed by their husband and child, the two of them pressing their lips to Sirius's knee.

Harry's hand went up to Sirius's face, patting it softly, "All better, see? It's okay!"

"Couldn't have done it without you," Sirius said, placing a kiss on his godson cheek quickly, "Best Healers around."

"You're on your own with your wrist," Remus told him, "And you're wearing knee pads next time."

Kneepad-Wearing Godfather Sirius Black.

And he wouldn't have it any other way.

[ihopeimsomeonesstellasomeday]

Another You

.

Brad put his hand on her knee once more to stop her from the insistent habit. It was understandable how nervous she felt, but the longevity of her behaviour surprised the band. Yes, the song was one of the most personal they have written together, and yes, it was nerve wracking. But the ball of stress didn’t leave her chest since the first time they decided that it would be best to include her in the performance. It wasn’t even a big performance anyway, just a cosy party with fellow industry people and an acoustic little performance. It was a piece of cake, just to have fun.

Breath in, and then slowly out. She repeated to herself a couple of times, willing his non-existing lunch to go down. God, wasn’t she furious with herself, felt betrayed most of all. It was just a stupid performance, but she was still thinking about the person she wrote the song to. About how he would feel after hearing the lyrics, if he ever did obviously. Would he feel sad, like a blade was piercing through his heart, like how she felt every time she saw him with another? The tears starting to cloud her sight was the last thing she needed at the moment, so she looked up and tried to shoo the unpleasant thoughts away alongside the tears. Standing up and evening out the edges of her skirt she marched out of the room with confident steps. It was enough time she wasted on feeling sorry for everything. Now it was showtime. 

She walked over to the small table that held cocktails and fetched herself the brightest one with the umbrella, it was going to be a great night. The big room wasn’t much, a classic penthouse if you will, with a small area in the farther middle with some mic stands and enough space to fit a small-portioned band. Very cosy and cute if you asked her. Even though singing in front of everyone made her nauseated from the start, even though she had to agree that the feeling mostly went away, she got used to it with time. And the boys really helped, they have known each other for roughly three years. The first meeting happened again in one of the industry parties she attended with 5sos, luckily there was another boy band that consisted of goofy youngsters, if you may excuse her French.  It was safe to say they hit it off from the start, especially her and Brad. They never cut ties after that night, having exchanged numbers already.

Brad was a constant thing in her life. Even though it was hard to keep updated of each other’s life every day, they did a splendid job at never making it too long, whether it was just a simple ‘everything good?’ or just some stupid joke they thought was the funniest thing they heard. Everything became easy after that and suddenly Brad was her comfort person. There were some things she wouldn’t feel comfortable talking about if it wasn’t with him, and vice versa. Which brought them here, about to perform one of the most sentimental and heart-felt songs they have ever written, together or individually.

 Another you, was written after both of their monumental break ups, when she decided to stay in England for a few weeks to catch up and to mend her broken heart if she can. Then the song was born. It was a piano ballad, it was sad, but it was also hopeful in the way it promised them a start. It helped them get their head straight again, gave them a place to hold on to, a place to carry them forward. The alternative was to drown in their heartbreak and cry themselves to numbness with a bottle of wine, which really lost its appeal after a week of doing exactly that. So, one night, when they were basically having a battle on ‘who can talk more shit about the other’s ex’ they looked at each other and decided to stop feeling like that. They wasted enough time dwelling on them, but now was the time they understood the craziness of the situation. No one is irreplaceable. So, if it was not meant to be, there will always be someone else. (Or not obviously, she was all for being independent, but that is not the point now.)

Walking back to the boys with a new-found confidence in her steps was something she would be proud of later in the evening, alone. A soft smile placed itself on her face at the sight of her friends, warming their voices up while messing around. It was always astonishing to see bands that got on so well, their dynamics, their friendship and all the other bonuses. No one can deny the appeal of a band like One Direction but something about friends from the start really played with the strings of her heart. The lightning inside the room had a golden dim to it, just enough to give it the necessary luxurious vibe with the sincereness still intact. 

“Do you know when we’ll be on?” 

She asked, to no one in particular. “Probably in about half an hour.” Replied Tristan, while threading his fingers through his hair. Nice, she thought, enough to get mentally ready, but not enough to drive you mad. She gently sat on the small place next to Brad who was playing some specific chords and singing along. She joined him and reached out to the piano a little farther in front of her. Singing something she wrote always brought calmness and happiness to her, Making her feel extremely proud and causing her to disassociate from the real world. Her voice combined with Brad’s calm voice soothed her. Couple of other songs, some warm-up sessions later they started to move over to the little stage. Some with their instruments and the others with a couple of water bottles in hand. It was true that she was only going to be in one song, but the boys will be there for a small set of about four songs. She did a couple more of those breathing exercises to decrease her heartbeat. 

Brad was seated on the piano, next to him was her on a stool with a microphone in front of her. She arranged the mic stand to her height while others either checked their instruments one more time or took a sip of their water, she raised her head and caught Brad eying her with a giddy tinkle in his eyes. He raised a brow, asking if she was ready and smiled wildly when she replied with a small nod of her head. 

He cleared his throat and leaned into the mic that was attached to the piano in a charming, his hands sitting on top of his thighs. “Good evening, everyone.” He greeted everyone first. 

“I am Brad, and we are The Vamps, plus one. This is our dear friend Leighton. She is going to be singing our first song with us. The song is called Another You, Leighton and I wrote it a while back and felt like it was time we introduced it to the rest of you, the song is very dear to our hearts and…. Hope you enjoy it.”

He faced her one more time to assure, and then started the song after a countdown. The first line of the song burned a hole in her chest, the desperation in the first verse was just as touching every time she listened to Brad sing them. She was amazed by the way Brad put these together in mostly freestyle. They were so heartfelt that it felt wrong to share with the world, the exposure was real in this one.

“Am I to blame?

Is "leave me lonely" written on my face?

Did I try too hard to make you stay?

Guess I let my hopes get high again.”

She easily found herself closing her eyes and losing the feel of anything other than the lyrics. The possibility of Calum seeing this was high, but she didn’t care at the moment. She just wanted to express that she moved on too. That she didn’t care that much either, that it was time she got him out of her heart too. Because it was unfair, in her opinion, how he got to move on as fast as he did, leaving no choice for her but to suck it up and do the same. She was almost sure he was pretending but the knowledge didn’t make it hurt less unfortunately. 

“It took some time

For me to figure out that I'll be fine

Without you there to keep me warm at night

I guess you never were my ride-or-die”

She knew the part that would hurt the most was her dig to their tattoos, but she just simply couldn’t help herself. It felt like the heaviness behind them was something to get over. They were not a ride or die, maybe in the past, but not now. So, she wanted to make that clear, and hit it low. Feeling the tears pooling in her eyes once more while singing her verse, she forced her voice to get affected by the personal emotions. 

The song seemed to end too quickly once it started and she was almost startled back to reality with the sound of light claps. While a genuine smile appeared on her face she thanked them quietly and gave Brad a quick hug, wishing him good luck on the rest of their performance alongside the boys. She walked away slowly from the stage, trying to find a decent enough seat to sit. 

‘That went well’ she said to herself once seated comfortably, with a new bottle of water she fetched on the way. Her heartbeat slowly turned back to its normal pace since she was out of the spotlight now. And even if the word gets out and finds him, well then… It is what it is.

[latibvles]

SAD, BEAUTIFUL, TRAGIC.

beautiful, tragic // look at us now.

i have left the door unlocked, just in case.

masterlist | gallery | taglist

TAGLIST: @liebgotts-lovergirl , @softguarnere , @brassknucklespeirs , @monalisastwin , @mads-weasley , @eugene-emt-roe

SUMMARY: The nurses return to a battered and tired Easy Company, and soon, Daisy will return to her people as she'd been dreaming about for weeks.

WARNINGS: none.

When she told Private Turner she’d be bringing supplies, he probably didn’t expect two other nurses carrying them. She, Ginny and Rita, all carry a wooden crate of bandages in varying sizes, plasma, sulfa packets, and at the top of Daisy’s crate is a precious bottle of penicillin. She leaves Jane, with Catherine there beside her, the latter giving her a bear hug. Whatever concerns or grief she felt in Daisy’s absence — she doesn’t show it on her face as much as the others had.

There are other things — dry socks and newish gloves that aren’t nearly as tattered as their older counterparts. And Daisy has a pair that fit like they’re supposed to — but she keeps Hoobler’s tucked away in her pocket. Ginny doesn’t ask why she doesn’t toss them.

She edges around the nitty-gritty, but mentions the patrol itself. The one casualty. They didn’t know Jackson, either, but both Rita and Ginny still frown all the same.

“I told Patty to write,” Ginny adds, offhandedly, over the sound of spluttering engines and wheels crushing gravel. “At least we’ll get an address. I was thinking when… when we all went home, it wouldn’t hurt to see her.”

“Any news on 326th Medical?” Daisy asks in response, to which Ginny just shakes her head.

“Nothing they can tell me.”

It’s not an answer Daisy’d been hoping for, but she doesn’t let that show on her face.

They roll in, as a truck rolls out. She’s gotten used to recognizing their faces even when helmets cast shadows across them, so she recognizes Dick, and Ron too. There’s something in Dick’s hand — she assumes it’s the report. Ron stares out pensively, until the truck rumbles to a stop and he catches her stare. She shifts her attention to Dick, and then to Ginny as she goes to grab one of the crates from the back. Then, with her head held high and the crate in her arms looking more like a trophy, the blonde approaches.

“I know my Lieutenant is an absolute gem to be around, Captain Winters, but a heads up before you borrow her next time would really be appreciated.” He doesn’t smile, not fully, but something in his face softens as he looks down at her. Relief seems to be the order of the day, if it’s anything to go by. Daisy almost feels like she’s intruding. And then, like he’s remembering himself, he clears his throat.

“Apologies, Captain Brant. Good to know she’s back in the right hands,” Daisy can hear Rita’s snickering as they slide out. “Clarke knows where the CP is. Doc’s right over at OP 2.” Daisy looks over at Rita.

“You want me to take that? So you can…” Rita smiles, a little more tight-lipped than what Daisy’s used to.

“Really excited for me to wring ‘im out, huh?”

“Maybe a little.” Rita snorts, shaking her head and rolling her eyes.

“This first. Malarkey’s in second, right? I’m sure he’ll recount it for you in great detail once I do anyway.”

Daisy gives her a nod, and the two women follow her to Company CP — and Lipton on the couch, like it’s his sworn duty to protect the damn thing, but George greets them with his usual bravado as they head inside. She narrows her eyes. Lipton looks up and gives her one of those kicked puppy dog smiles, the ones that make it hard to stay upset with him for long. Daisy sighs, sets the crate down next to Ron’s ever-growing collection of loot perched on the piano, and grabs the penicillin.

“I come bearing gifts.”

By the afternoon, Lip is on his feet, sans wobbling, and more alert than he was in the days prior. The medics come and refill their kits and take extra too. Daisy helps Luz with the gloves and socks and other things, Rita slips off to OP 2 with Roe, and Ginny and Dick exchange quiet words for a few moments until the other officers seem to gather. She doesn’t miss the occasional searching eyes, that question on the tips of the men’s tongues that they don’t ask. Where’re the rest of you? The fear of the answer being something you don’t like can be a hell of a deterrent. She’s a little grateful that they bite their tongues, the ones familiar to them throwing a joke or a line.

Welsh, light and playful, throws Dick one of those ear-to-ear grins when he walks inside.

“Aw, you didn’t tell me we were really rolling out the welcome mat!” Ginny rolls her eyes lightheartedly as Harry beams at her like he’s just won a gold prize.

“You sure he doesn’t need to be sent back? Maybe wrapped in bubble wrap? And can we send Nix with him?”

Sent back. Harry laughs all the same, none the wiser — and Ginny probably doesn’t even realize the correlation Daisy unwittingly makes. She’ll be going back with them after this. Her people. And of course, she’s grateful for it, not having to worry about her own friends and if they’re alive or dead, lapsing into some sort of comfort in taking charge of a group of nurses.

But Easy has Ron now, which it didn’t have before. And she doesn’t want to be separated from him — but that’s a bit selfish to lament over. But she really can’t help it. Not when she looks at him and he’s got that sort of contained smile on his face, genuine but minute at the same time. Likely feeling her stare, turns his head. There’s a knot forming at the forefront of her thoughts when he catches her eye, raising a brow slightly.

She reaches over to give Ginny’s arm a squeeze, muttering out a bordering-on-flimsy excuse about grabbing something from where she slept. It isn’t necessarily a lie, because there was the comb and a toothbrush and the rosary on the dresser — but it’s not at the forefront of her thoughts as she makes her way up the stairs.

Daisy almost laughs when she hears the footsteps trailing behind her as she makes her way through the door, turning her head to look at him.

“You waste no time,” She observes, before quickly adding “Door.” He looks up and down the hallway one more time before shutting it.

“Sometimes when you’re thinking hard about something, you almost look mad,” Ron responds looking over her face. “But I don’t think I did anything this time, so I don’t think you’re mad at me.”

“Nothing beyond sleeping in a chair, if I scared you that bad.” But Ron furrows his brows, taking those few steps forward, looking over her face. He doesn’t reach out to touch her otherwise for a few moments.

“What is it then?”

“It’s nothing. Really.”

“Daisy.” He isn't forceful, but a frown tugs at his lips, almost disapproving at her immediate dismissal. She has to look down at his adam's apple or the pins on his collar. She can’t will herself to look into his eyes, her hands balling into fists as she tries to ground herself.

“Patty got sent home. Everyone thought I was…” Daisy doesn’t finish the thought, taking in a measured breath. “And I’m not— I’m not mad I’m going back. I want to. I miss… everybody but…” Another shaky inhale, shutting her eyes, then letting out an exhale. Daisy feels his hand grabbing her fist. She unfurls it, wrapping her fingers around his. “I have a bad track record with these things and yeah there’s Mourmelon but what after that? If you have to do another jump or- or they send us to a hospital? Or you get wounded again and I can’t…” she doesn’t realize how hard she’s holding his hand until she sees her knuckles turned white. Daisy loosens her grip, lets out a puff of breath.

She didn’t get to say anything to Patty. She didn’t even know. She doesn’t know if she could take it — Ron being whisked away, their last words to each other being something without weight or merit. But she doesn’t know how to convey that — how terrified she is of saying goodbye to him.

“The last time I left you alone you swam across a river and got shot in the ass. And then I didn’t see you for a month.” She decides on.

Ron almost smiles at that, rolling his eyes.

“The last time I left you alone you wound up in Foy,” He pulls her into his arms, firm around her waist as he ducks his head towards her shoulder for a moment, and Daisy wraps her arms around his neck. It’s a tight embrace, like he doesn’t plan on letting go for a while. She hears him take a deep breath, turns his head, and presses a kiss to her hair. “That wasn’t nothing, Dais.” She doesn’t have it in her to debate him, so she doesn’t.

“I just need you to be careful, Ronnie.” she whispers tentatively. “You’re going to do what you need to and that’s fine but just… whatever comes next— I need you to be a little careful.” She can’t tell him not to take any risks at all, she can’t ask him of something that goes against his duty as a soldier. He loosens his grip, only to reach up and hold her face in his hands. His thumb swipes across her cheekbones and she finally looks him in the eye.

“I’ll try.” Ron offers. He keeps doing that motion, the tip of his thumb circling the apple of her cheek.

“Promise?” His lips press into a line. “To try, I mean.” Ron’s face relaxes again, and he leans forward, pressing his lips to hers slowly, before pulling away just enough to speak.

“I promise to try to be careful, Dais.” He mutters, each word making his lips brush against her own. It reassures her a little, but it isn’t the cure-all, so Daisy just leans forward to kiss him again, not caring for their noses bumping as her lips find his.

It’s soft and slow, her hands resting on his waist, her face in the warmth of his palms, and her eyes fluttering shut. She lets herself get lost in the feeling of his lips moving against her own, how everytime he pulls away, she knows he’ll come right back in a moment. He always does. His hands move downward, to brush against her jaw, grazing down her arm before settling on her hips and squeezing a little, reassuring. Her stomach does a flip, like this is the first time he’s kissed her, like this is the first time she’s ever been kissed.

Click.

Daisy pulls away all at once, head turning to the side, face flushed when she realizes it’s the click of the door, prepared to stammer out a plethora of excuses despite Ron’s hands still holding her hips like she’ll slip away if he doesn’t keep a grip on her.

Ginny stares back at her, with a slightly parted mouth, and pink cheeks, looking between the two of them as Ron lets her go and coughs into his hand.

“...good thing I didn’t let Rita barge in. She would’ve screamed,” It’s more directed at her then at Ron, Ginny hardly even acknowledges him. “We’re uh… headed out soon, Dais but I’ll let you uh… wrap this up? Yeah. We’ll go with that.” The last time she saw Ginny that flushed was last summer. She’s never seen the girl duck out of a room so fast. Daisy dares to look at Ron, who looks undeniably amused.

“You forgot to lock it?” He shrugs.

“If it was any of my guys they would’ve knocked.”

“That’s still not—”

“There’ll be plenty of doors with locks in Mourmelon,” She attempts to swat his arm as he almost snickers at his own joke, but he moves out of it and she narrows her eyes. “Won’t happen again. Promise.” He then moves to push some of the hair from her forehead, pressing another kiss there. Daisy rolls her eyes, smiling to herself.

“I’m holding you to that one too then, you know.” She warns him as he makes his way to the door.

“Mhm. I figured.” He returns. He doesn’t say anything more than that though, as he exits and leaves her to her own devices. Daisy’s quick after that, grabbing what she needs to and heading down the stairs. Ginny’s face is still a little pink, but she gives Daisy a nod. Rita lingers by the doorway — the goodbyes are quick, and more like see you laters than anything else.

“Dick says they’re being pulled off the line tomorrow,” Ginny offers in the jeep. “We should be following soon… so… shouldn’t be too long.” She gives Daisy a knowing look. The latter just smiles, rubbing the nape of her neck. Rita narrows her eyes. “Alright, okay, what did I miss?”

[ghostlynightpanda]

Last Boss - As the World Caves In

English is not my first language!

synopsis: The famous singer Akemi Kokoro wrote a new song while being in the Borderlands. It was inspired by her close friend, or could he even be more?

Jumps between present and past

Akemi Kokoro had been a singer for quite a few years by now. She had her own albums and was on tour quite often. First in Japan, but at some point even in America and Europe. Once she also had a world tour and before she got into the Borderlands she was on the peak of her career. 

And now, here she was. In a bizarre, cold replicate of Tokyo.

Living at the Beach had its ups and downs. While it secured a little protection and fun, it could be also really dangerous, especially if you made the wrong enemies. Good for her she got along with most of the people. 

One especially, Last Boss. A very unlikely friendship formed between them over the last weeks and maybe there was even more. At least that’s what she hoped. Beside his really weird appearance and his creepy demeanour, he could be a real sweetheart. 

He was always there for Akemi, making sure she was save and all right. Especially after a hard game or when someone at the Beach got too close to her, he was there, protecting her and helping her out. Even though she was fully capable to take care of herself, it was nice that someone had her back. Just like she had his. 

Right now she was sitting in front of the piano, as she was about to sing the song she’d been writing over the last weeks. Hatter heard her rehearsing it and wanted her to play it for the members of the Beach. 

That’s why she breathed through before finally hitting the keys, a sweet melody echoing through the air as she began singing after a second. 

„My feet are aching. And your back is pretty tired.“

„On three.“ Akemi whispered almost silently. 

She and Last Boss were in the Six of Spades game. They’ve been sneaking through a container park near the port for the last fifteen minutes, trying to find a way out while not getting shot by the Hunters. Finally they saw it. The safe zone, their way out. But therefore they had to cross a big open path and additionally climb over a fence. That wouldn’t be easy. 

Last Boss nodded, holding three fingers up, slowly counting down before the two rushed forward. They ran through the open space, both dodging their heads unconsciously as bullets brushed past them, missing them for an inch. 

The fence was finally in reach as they used the last of their strength, climbing up. Last Boss glanced over his shoulder, seeing the girl a little further down and without thinking, he grabbed her as he used all of his strength, pushing himself off the fence as they both tumbled over, landing on the ground harshly. Well, not so harshly for Akemi as she landed on top of the man, Last Boss however landed right on his back. 

„Game clear, congratulations.“ 

Akemi sighed relieved, rolling down of Last Boss, turning her head to look at him. „My feet are killing me.“ She groaned, making him huff slightly, rolling his eyes. Of course, his back was probably feeling worse than her feet. 

He didn’t answer her, he usually never did. It was on very special and rare occasions that he uttered a word. And right now was clearly not important enough. 

Akemi glanced at Last Boss, seeing how he was having the smallest grin on his face, remembering the game clearly. She had told him before that he inspired the song and while this parts weren’t bad right now, Akemi was scared of what would come. Of her confession. 

„And we’ve drunk a couple bottles, babe. And set our grief aside.“

Akemi sat on the top of the roof of the hotel, letting her legs tangle over the edge. She couldn’t be downstairs right now, not with all these people. It was too much, their celebrating and happiness. The games tonight had cost a lot of lives. If it’d continue like this… There wouldn’t be anymore left to collect the cards. 

The girl sighed loudly, lifting the bottle of beer to her lips and taking a sip. There was no use to grieve, not yet at least. Not when they’d loose even more people tomorrow and the day after… When all this would be over, then it’d be time to heal and to fully grieve. 

Akemi felt a gentle brush on her arm, making her finally raise her head, ripping her eyes away from the crowd downstairs, now looking at Last Boss. 

„Beer?“ She asked, holding out another full bottle, making him hesitate before grabbing it with a small nod. 

The two clinked their bottles together before taking a sip. There was a weird friendship between the two, Last Boss never uttered a word and Akemi wasn’t much of a talker either. Yet, they got along without words. And even though Akemi wouldn’t go so far and say they were friends yet, they still had a mutual understanding of having each others backs. 

„Do you think all this dying will ever end? That these games will ever end?“ Akemi whispered after a few minutes, glancing at him. 

Last Boss stayed still, just shrugging his shoulders slightly. He didn’t care much about other people dying but he knew she did. That’s why he was here, to keep her a little company. To help her, even if it just meant not leaving her alone right now. 

„The Papers say it’s doomsday. The button has been pressed.“

„I wish we could know what had happened.“ Akemi looked at Last Boss as they were walking through the dark mall, grabbing a few things for the Beach. There were papers all over the ground but not a single article reported about any distorter or anything that could indicate why they were here now. 

Last Boss just gently brushed his hand against her own before continuing his way inside one of the stores.

Akemi looked after him, suppressing a sigh before following him. Right now there were more important theories than the lack of information or conspiracy theories about what could’ve been. They needed to focus on facts and that were, that they needed more dressings and sanitisers to treat their wounded. 

„We’re gonna nuke each other up, boys.“ She looked over to Aguni and Niragi, having formed some sort of friendship with them, since they’re always around Last Boss who was always around her.

Niragi was laughing, wooing loudly at that sentence as the others sent him a few annoyed glances but none of them dared to say anything to his interruption, most people being scared of him. 

„’Til old Satan stands impressed.“

„All right.“ Niragi’s blooming laugh echoed through the building, his weapon pointed in the air as he fired a few times. 

The Six of Clubs. A team game with simple rules: Eliminate the other team. 

Of course Niragi and the others had the time of their lives. They separated and while Last Boss stuck around Akemi, Aguni and Niragi were walking through the abandoned paintball place, searching for any indications of the hiding place of the other team. 

More shots fell as Niragi’s laughed echoed once again through the place, causing Akemi to close her eyes for a few seconds. She got along with him good and he was actually decent towards her. But that didn’t mean he wasn’t a total psychotic asshole and bad person. 

„You know he’s going to hell, right?“ Akemi muttered, Last Boss and she trailing further past a small barricade, looking around carefully. „Like, even Satan will kneel in front of him. It’s a wonder he hasn’t yet found worse weapons yet. Nukes or bombs or stuff.“ 

„And here it is, our final night alive. And as the earth burns to the ground…“

„What would you do if you’d know you’d be dying in the next game?“ Akemi asked, glancing at Last Boss. 

The two were once again seated on the roof, looking off into the distance where they could see an arena blowing up. It was burning, lightning the otherwise dark city. 

Last Boss shot her a look, making her sigh. „I know we could die the next game.“ She hummed, knowing what he was thinking. „But I mean, would you change anything then? If you could do anything, no matter what, what would you do if you’d be certain to die tomorrow?“ 

Another silence spread between the two. Of course Akemi didn’t think she’d receive an answer but she herself was thinking about that question for a while now and she didn’t have an answer herself. Would she even change anything? She glanced to her left, seeing how Last Boss was already staring at her with hist typical, neutral expression. 

„This.“ He suddenly whispered, making her shrug together slightly as she didn’t expect him to give her an answer. 

It startled her hearing his voice but she couldn’t say she didn’t like it, making her smile. „If you could do anything, you’d bet sitting here with me?“ She asked touched, but he didn’t react, just looking away off into the distance. „Me too.“ She finally whispered, placing her hand on his own, which was more than usual. Both weren’t too fond of physical contact nor did they reach that level of friendship to just touch each other more than a brush from time to time. „If I could choose anything, I’d still would just sit here with you.“

„Oh, boy, it’s you,“ Akemi looked at Last Boss who was already looking at her as she felt herself blushing, „that I lie with.“ She glanced back on her piano, too scared for his reaction. 

Last Boss was staring at her with wide eyes in the meantime, feeling his insides burning up as he couldn’t believe what he was hearing. What did that mean? Did she… Did she mean it romantically? That couldn’t be, right?

„Come on, man.“ Niragi snickered as the song was finally finished after another minute, elbowing his friend. „If you don’t go and get your girl, I might.“ He smirked, but quickly raised his hands in surrender as Last Boss was glaring at her. And even though he’d never admit it, he was afraid of him. Last Boss could surely be intimidating. 

„Shut up.“ He muttered but kept a close eye on Akamai as she was now walking off the stage, immediately being surrounded by a lot of people who all wanted to talk to her, being close to her. A little too close for his liking. 

„Go.“ Aguni now hummed. He usually never got involved in this type of things but he couldn’t watch the pining of his friend any longer. „It’s an order.“ He added as Last Boss still just continued standing next to them. 

He was widening his eyes a little bit, before ducking his head between his shoulders and walking forward, pushing himself through the crowd. Well, not really pushing, most immediately stepped aside as he approached, fearing him. 

That was another thing. From day one, Akemi had never looked at him with fear in her eyes, not once. Curiously, yes. Who wouldn’t with all the tattoos adorning his face, but there was never even a hint of fear or disgust. 

„There you are.“ Akemi smiled as soon as he walked up to her.

Last Boss looked down at her, seeing her reddened cheek which made his heart flutter. There were still people trying to approach and talk to her, especially men, making him hum as he wrapped his hand around hers, pulling her away without so much of an explanation. 

They walked out of the disco room and towards the elevator. None of them said a word as they just made their ways up towards the roof as it had become their space. 

„What did-“ 

„Look, I-“

The two started at the same time, causing Akemi to chuckle nervously, shaking her head as they stopped. 

„You go first.“ Last Boss hummed silently, making her nod, breathing through. 

„I…“ Akemi stopped, not even sure what she wanted to tell him. She scrunched up her face slightly before glancing up at him, seeing how he was staring at her with wide eyes already. And in that moment she decided she could better show than tell him what she felt. 

And before chickening out she leaned up on her tiptoes. Akemi could feel the heat radiating from his body as she brushed her lips against his. It was a gentle kiss, lasting for only a second as she brought a little space between them, looking up. 

But before she even had the chance to say something, he already leaned down, kissing her back fiercely without any hesitation. The kiss also just lasted for a few seconds before they separated again, leaning their foreheads against each other, both still having their eyes closed. 

Last Boss finally lifted his hand, caressing her cheek gently. „Oh, girl, it’s you.“ 

[upalldown]

The Rolling Stones - Hackney Diamonds

The latest release from the rock veterans, and first album of original material since 2005, includes guest appearances from Elton John, Lady Gaga, Paul McCartney, Stevie Wonder and Bill Wyman

7/13

The release of a new album by a storied band used to be considered a major event, one that was highly anticipated and greeted with excitement, enthusiasm, and all the other additives that generally accompany any momentous occasion.

That doesn’t seem to be the situation anymore. With the advent of streams, digital releases, and the other byproducts of the so-called cyber world, the physical album has become a vanishing breed. Singles and single tracks herald the arrival of new work, often negating the importance of an album and relegating it to little more than a collection of selected songs that preceded its arrival. 

If any band could defy that trend, it’s naturally the Rolling Stones. The fact that it’s the band’s first new album since their 2016 Grammy-winning blues covers album Blue & Lonesome, and more, significantly, their first studio album of original material since the 2005 A Bigger Bang, Hackney Diamonds is a milestone to be reckoned with.  It provides proof that even with the tremendous loss of drummer Charlie Watts and the fact that Mick Jagger is an octogenarian and Richards is on the verge of becoming one himself, they and “new boy” Ronnie Wood remain as undeterred as ever, rocking on without regard to age, expectation or,  for that matter, any additional consideration.

Happily then, Hackney Diamonds justifies that attitude entirely. Built on a series of reliable riffs, it’s classic Stones, somewhat perfunctory perhaps, formula-fitting and comfortably comforting to a signature sound. Anyone speculating about what the album would have to offer can probably guess without hearing even a single strain of music. “Angry,” “Driving Me Too Hard” and “Get Close” are singularly Stones, built around ready refrains, angular guitar riffs, and Jagger’s signature snarl. They’re “Start Me Up” and “Jumping Jack Flash” reimagined with contemporary credence. “Dreamy Skies,” on the other hand, recalls the bottle-neck acoustic blues of “No Expectations” and Beggars Banquet. Likewise, a ballad titled “Tell Me Straight” gives Keef the prerequisite lead vocal. “Rolling Stones Blues,” is, as the name implies,” an opportunity to get back to basics. In general, it’s easy to imagine the band taking their cues from some roughshod jams, adding lyrics, and letting things fly. The pointed titles tell it all. Clearly, too, each of these songs is easily finessed to become standards in their live sets.

Ironically, the edge and intensity find the Stones more or less harkening back to an earlier era. Certain songs—“Bite My Head Off,” featuring a sturdy bass line from Paul McCartney, and “Whole Wide World” and “Mess It Up,” one of two tracks recorded with Watts, along with echoes of ‘70s punk and new wave through a combination of melody and menace, shared with defiance and determination. “Live By the Sword,” the other effort featuring Watts, also marks the temporary return of bassist Bill Wyman, a reunion of sorts of the Stones’ essential ‘70s and ‘80s line-up. 

Nevertheless, the band buttresses its ranks with any number of special guests. Besides McCartney, Hackney Diamonds features cameos by Lady Gaga sharing a high-pitched lead vocal on the weary yet emotive ballad “Sweet Sounds of Heaven” (with Gaga filling the longstanding role of Jagger’s female foil), Elton John playing piano on the rollicking “Get Close and “Live By the Sword,” Stevie Wonder providing keyboards on the aforementioned “Sweet Sounds of Heaven,” and Don Was and Benmont Tench adding their touches as well. Steve Jordan takes on the bulk of the drumming duties while Grammy-winning producer Andrew Watt serves as a stringer, playing pretty much everything else that’s needed, including bass, guitar, percussion, keyboards, backing vocals, strings, mixing, and production.

Consequently, Hackney Diamonds is quintessential Stones, a fine comeback by any measure. Some 60 years on, the Stones are rolling as effortlessly as ever. Welcome back, boys.

[shitpostsfromtheinvisiblelibrary]

Ao Shun struck the match three times before it caught alight and he cupped his hand around the tiny flame, protecting it from the slight summer breeze as he carefully lit each candle, soon the table was glowing with the light from several thin dinner candles placed amongst the flowers and wine glasses.

He blew the match out and inhaled the smell of the burnt-out sulphur before flicking the stick of wood away over the edge of the balcony.

‘Shun?’ Li Ming stood in the doorway. He wore an oversized jumper and wrapped it around himself tightly, folding his arms around himself too for extra measure. He was barefoot in striped black and white pyjama trousers, creased linen. Ao Shun had piled his hair into a bun and several locks had escaped the tie.

‘You should be in bed still,’ Ao Shun said, looking around the balcony. ‘I’m not ready.’

‘What are you doing?’ Li Ming gestured to the table and couldn’t hide his wince.

‘You will see in just… give me five more minutes and then I will surprise you,’ Ao Shun took Li Ming by the shoulders and backed him back into the apartment. He pressed a kiss to his forehead. ‘Go and sit down, you shouldn’t be on your feet for too long. Doctors orders.’

‘The doctor said that I shouldn’t raise my arms, or pick up anything heavy. They said nothing about standing,’ Though Li Ming allowed himself to be guided to an armchair.

Ao Shun hurried back outside, via a trip into the kitchen to check on the oven. It wasn't often that he had the chance to cook for himself. Between two or three formal dinners a week, a stack of paperwork per day and dealing with whatever nonsense had occurred, he usually had someone else cook for him.

He did enjoy cooking, it was rather relaxing, but finding time for it was not easy.

He’d had to cancel on six high members of his court in order to take the time to cook for Li Ming. Not that he was going to be the one to complain about getting out of an incredibly dull dinner to spend it with his lover, it was just hard to find a good excuse.

He filled the water glasses before uncorking a bottle of wine, a spectacular Pinot noir with a vintage of some fifty years ago.

‘Alright, you can come out now,’ Ao Shun said, offering Li Ming help up out of a plush armchair. ‘Dinner will be ready in just a few minutes.’

He pulled Li Ming’s chair out for him and tucked him in again. Ao Shun leant down to kiss his temple.

‘How are you feeling?’

‘Sore,’ Li Ming sighed and reached out for his wine glass. ‘Could… you move that a little bit closer, please?’ Ao Shun moved the wine and water glass closer to the edge of the table.

Ao Shun turned away from the table and to the record player that he’d had someone drag outside for him, along with a small collection of records for them to select.

‘Do you have opinions on the music?’ He asked. ‘I cannot decide between classical or classic rock.’

‘Is that a joke?’ Ao Shun paused. ‘Naturally, the classic rock if you have that there. If not, something with a piano,’ A moment later, there was the soft scratch of a needle finding the grooves in the record before the music started.

‘What is all this for?’ Li Ming asked as Ao Shun briefly checked his watch before sitting opposite him.

‘Can I not do nice things for you because I want to?’ Ao Shun asked. ‘I have missed cooking for you.’

‘It has been a long time, hasn't it?’ Li Ming sighed. ‘Far too long,’ He ran his thumb along the base of his glass. ‘I have missed this, but I know that you had dinner plans with people tonight. I hope you didn’t cancel because of me.’

‘I definitely did cancel because of you and I have utterly no regrets about it,’ Ao Shun’s smile practically glowed.

‘Shun.’

‘Darling,’ He was still smiling. ‘Hold that thought, dinner should be done, I made your favourite,’ When he was back, the smell made Li Ming’s mouth water as his plate was set in front of him.

‘This must have taken you hours,’ Li Ming looked up from the plate of shredded duck, thinly sliced vegetables and pancakes. ‘You didn’t need to go through this much effort for me.’

‘I didn’t need to, but I wanted to,’ Ao Shun said. ‘I will gladly cancel every single thing in my diary to spend time with you,’ He raised his wine glass. ‘To you, the one thing that I could never do without,’ Li Ming could only raise his glass a few inches, and his cheeks turned pink.

‘You have to do your work.’

‘A somewhat formal dinner that will last three times longer than necessary will not add much more work to my plate, and let us both be honest. We wouldn't have got anything of great importance discussed, it would all be pomp and pageantry and a great deal of wine to get me through it without your company.’

‘I would have come if you had asked.’

‘You are off work for the next two weeks at the minimum, I would not drag you back into that for anything. I shall simply cancel on things that I do not wish to do without you. Who will stop me?’

‘You would cancel on everything then.’

‘I shall cancel the unnecessary showboating.’

‘You send out the invitations.’

Ao Shun slipped his arm around Li Ming’s waist and gently helped him to his feet. Li Ming softly exhaled and leaned his head against his shoulder.

‘Let’s get you to bed,’ Ao Shun smiled. ‘You must be exhausted.’

‘I’ve only been awake for a few hours, I shouldn’t feel this tired so easily,’ He said. Ao Shun was a crutch for him to lean on, both physically and emotionally. He provided Li Ming with the means to walk back to the bedroom at the same time as providing warm, solid comfort.

He had nearly a dozen extra pillows that they used to prop Li Ming up slightly, it was getting easy to sleep on his back but he could not wait until he could truly curl up against Ao Shun again. It had been too long since he’d lay in bed with his king’s head on his chest. Hopefully, he would still find it comfortable when they could do that again.

Ao Shun leant over and kissed his forehead. ‘I will be back once I finish cleaning up.’

‘Get someone else to do it,’ Li Ming said, reaching for him. ‘Stay here with me.’