#thought of this today and needed to put it out there

[yukioos]

hii may you write katsuki taking care of sick fem!reader?? like she gets the cold after being too long under the rain or something like that 🥹

katsuki takes care of you when you’re sick

you should’ve listened to katsuki.

last night, you were in the rain for a couple of hours doing god knows what, and you came back to the heights alliance soaked, shivering and sniffling with red cheeks and a red nose. even after taking a shower, you headed to bed with a runny nose and an uncomfortable feeling in your throat. after sneezing multiple times and not being able to sleep, you hear a knock at your door.

reluctantly, you stand up from your bed, feeling the cold air hit your bare legs and arms. a small whimper comes from your mouth, and you open the door, standing behind it just to see katsuki glaring down at you tiredly.

“i thought i told you not to go out,” he scolds, “you clearly didn’t listen to me.”

you frown and roll your eyes, then ask, “did i wake you up?” he hesitantly nods, not wanting you to feel guilty, then you mumble, “i think i’m gonna ask if i can skip class today, i don’t wanna get any of the others sick.”

katsuki stares at you for a moment, tapping his slippered foot against the ground before sticking his tongue to his cheek. he finished all of his projects early, and there are no upcoming tests that he’s too worried about. he’s studied, still has the flashcards in his room, and there’s no topic in class that he needs to learn with the teacher.

he sighs, “i’ll stay tomorrow too.” your eyes widen, and before you’re about to interject, you sneeze. he takes the chance to continue with a small grin, “i’ll tell kirishima to give me his notes tomorrow.”

you shake your head and argue, “katsuki, there’s no reason to stay with me, you need to keep learning—“

“if you go around grabbing all those utensils and food in the kitchen, you’ll contaminate everything and everyone will get sick. there’s not much in the fridge and everything’s just ingredients, so i guess that means,” he sighs, “i’m making you food.”

you continue to argue, “no, katsuki, you don’t have to make me food, just go to class in the morning—“

he rolls his eyes and grabs you, carrying you bridal style before throwing you onto your bed and pulling up the blankets to your chin. he puts his fist near your neck, and you whine, kicking your feet. you’re practically trapped.

“i’ll tell the principal we’re staying in the dorms. wake me up when you’re ready for breakfast or lunch.” he softly pats your cheek, “go to bed, you need the energy.”

you give him a soft smile and curl up further into yourself, and he leaves your room, retreating to his. this time, it’s easier to fall asleep.

when you wake up, katsuki’s already in your room, lying at the foot of your bed as he scrolls through his phone. steaming miso soup and water are on your nightstand, and you smile at how kind he’s acting.

once you slowly sit up, katsuki murmurs, “good, you’re awake,” he turns off his phone and looks at you with care, “got some pills for you in case you feel extra shitty today, they might make you sleepy though.”

you nod and drink some water, your throat already feeling a little better. once you try the miso soup, your mouth is salivating for more. katsuki can see the shine in your eyes when you quickly take more bites of the tofu, and within a few minutes, you’re done with the soup. a hum escapes your lips at the warm feeling in your stomach, leaving you satisfied.

“thank you,” you mumble, shyly smiling at him.

his eyes soften, and the corner of his lips slightly twitch, something only you would notice. he stands up and walks over to you, bends down, and places a soft kiss on your forehead.

his hand is on your thigh when he affectionately speaks, “i’m gonna refill your water, stay here and don’t do anything too stupid.”

you nod and he takes your glass, hurrying to fill your water before returning in under a minute. when he returns, he only cracks open your door, not fully closing it because it was just you two. he places your now full glass on the nightstand and climbs into your bed next to you.

you complain, “i’m tired!” and groan.

katsuki dramatically sighs before softly pushing the back of your head to his chest, silently telling you that you can lie on it. a giddy grin spreads across your face, and you wrap your leg and arm around him. it’s a bit odd he’s letting you do all this, especially when you're sick. you’re thankful, nonetheless.

he’s so warm.

katsuki kisses your forehead once again and mumbles something incoherent into your hair, and you cuddle up further into him. he wraps a strong arm around your body, comfortingly securing you against him.

the two of you quickly fall asleep in each other’s warm embrace.

when school is out, the two of you are still passed out with each other, and you don’t hear the shuffling of steps coming up the stairs of the heights alliance. however, jiro and kaminari walk by your room and look at each other in confusion. kaminari quietly opens the door, peeking through to see you and bakugo cuddling?

a gasp comes from his mouth and katsuki’s eyes shoot open immediately. his dark eyes glare at kaminari, whose mouth is still open until it turns into a mischievous smile. he takes out his phone and opens the camera app, panning it to your sleeping form being held by bakugo, who has a scowl on his face.

he considers sending a little explosion towards you, but goes against it. he doesn’t want you to wake up yet. you feel too perfect in his arms.

i love this idea! thank you for requesting this, sorry i got a little off track near the end

[ce1estiall]

different

warnings fluff

summary uconn!paige x fem!reader paige asks you a question about meeting you for the first time that seems to be taking over her head. masterlist.

celestial notes hey guys! quick fic i thought of right now. i’m going to work of chapter 3 of taste of love this week, but i need some ideas!! feel free to send any. enjoy!

“i got the sauce, can’t be compared

i am different, only one in the world

only one.” le sserafim - different

the library was at peace, only a handful of students studying. keyboard typing and scribbling filled the empty background noise.

your anatomy textbook stared infront of you, filled with different colors and side notes on the pages. your matcha you had bought earlier that day stood on the side, sweating. your computer glowed with different presentations that you were taking notes on. you were at a desk that had window views on the left side, there was a hallway and a door infront of your desk on the right.

you placed your earbuds in, putting on a lofi playlist from spotify as your kept going through the presentations on your computer, taking notes on important details. you heard the door open but decided to ignore it, until you felt a tap on your shoulder.

“do you mind if i sit next to you?” a voice spoke. you took off your earbuds and turned around. paige bueckers was talking to you. a stranger she’s never met, talking to you out of the blue.

you were caught off guard. “oh yeah, sure.” you moved your backpack and some of your stationary supplies, allowing her to have some room on the desk.

paige placed her backpack on the side of her chair. “sorry if i interrupted a study session, i really didn’t mean to bother you.”

“i was just writing some notes, no worries.” you didn’t place your earbuds back in, having a feeling she was gonna strike up a conversation. and bingo, she did.

“you take anatomy? i have that class, but i feel like i’ve never seen you before.” paige asked curiously as she started to take her computer out of her backpack.

“i usually sit in the very back. i’m either here or in my dorm studying or reading books.” you say, sending paige a soft smile.

she smiled back. “bookworm i see, no shame.”

“none taken.” you chuckle. you grabbed your matcha and took a sip, the cooling sensation lingering down your throat.

paige pointed at the cup. “what’s that? green juice?”

you giggle. “not really. its matcha, green tea.”

“is it good?” paige asked curiously.

“well i love matcha, but some people don’t really enjoy the taste. that’s because they don’t add flavoring or sweetener.” you placed the drink back down and started highlighting in your textbook again.

“sorry if i keep sounding like a bother, but i’m kinda stuck on the assignment, do you mind helping me?” she asked. paige felt like she was taking up your time or interrupting you. however, you loved helping other people any way you could.

you spoke softly. “don’t ever think your a bother to me. i love helping people. of course ill help you.”

its now been 3 years since that interaction. you both are now seniors in college. she never left your side since that day, and even started sitting next to you in the back in anatomy.

paige asked you to be your girlfriend while you both were juniors, and you were the happiest you’ve ever been.

a soft knock rattled on your door, “come in!” you shouted. once you saw the blonde hair from the couch, you knew who it was.

“i had a feeling you were coming.” you said, springing up and running to give her a hug. paige rested your head on your shoulder, kissing your neck then your cheek, leaving a tingle after every one.

“missed you so much today, i’m exhausted.” she spoke. paige sounded tired, a tired you’ve never heard from her.

you cupped her cheek, “long day?” she nodded. her eyes temporarily lost her sparkle. you took her hand and guided her to the couch. paige laid down on you lap, you hands finding her scalp. you massaged small circles, hoping to give her some relaxation. “wanna watch a movie?” you asked handing her the control.

“nah, just wanna be here with you.” she whispered. she sounded like she couple fall asleep any minute, until a question popped up in her mind. “baby, can i ask you something?”

“anything.” you spoke back, raking her hair back from her face.

“how come when i first met you, you weren’t like a super crazy fan. like the one’s who would freak out when they see me or the ones who wait for my signature. you didn’t see me as a celebrity, you saw me as a person. why?” it sounded like a question she had for a while, but never brought herself to ask you. maybe she was scared for your response.

a wave of silence took over until you had your answer. “i knew about you, but i wasn’t like i guess a huge fan. i don’t know how to explain it. maybe its because i didn’t really know how basketball worked back then?” you said, giving a chuckle. “i just saw you as a unselfish curious person with a big heart, and that’s who i fell in love with. now, obviously i���m going to be your #1 fan, always.”

she turned her head to give you a smile. a smile that could make you warm instantly. you placed a kiss on her cheek.

“i like that. you’re not like the other girls i used to date. you’re…different.” she said, turning around to soak up the scalp massage you were giving her.

you paused. “what do you mean?”

paige sighed, her body language changed. you could feel the sadness on her. “all the girls i talked to wanted me for my fame or for them to only say ‘look, i’m dating the paige bueckers!’. and it hurt me back then because i thought i loved them. but that changed when i found you.” she got up and sat next to you, using your shoulder as a head rest. you rested your head alongside hers, feeling the warmth.

“and you still don’t like matcha.” you smiled, remembering her first impressions of it.

paige pouted. “yuck. its green and its bitter, i have no idea how you drink that stuff.”

“whatever your opinions are, i’ll still love you.” you gave her a small peck on the lips. “thank you for asking me that question, paige.”

[whatifitis]

♡ to build a home - LN 4 ♡

Summary: You're beginning to build a life with Lando. One of the steps you were excited for the most was building a home with him. So when it's time to finally start furnishing the house... let's just say we're glad everyone got to keep their fingers.

WC: 950

CW: fluff, two idiots in love trying to use their shared braincell..., not proofread

-=+=-

It’s finally time! A chapter in your life you were waiting for for so long. Not just building a life with your favorite person, but building a home with them too. You and Lando recently bought a home together and were excited to finally decorate it after having renovated it yourselves. 

The two of you (mainly just you) spent ages on pinterest and various furniture websites, trying to put together an aesthetically pleasing home that could also make the environment feel homey and warm, something Lando had lived without for so long, well, at least until you joined his life. From the day you’d met, his life suddenly seemed brighter and warmer, like he’d been living in a plain, grey world prior. 

After some conflicts and adjustments to the mood board, you both had settled on some furniture that you both loved. Some things were ordered to the house while the others were picked up in the store by you and Lando. Lando, of course, insisted on helping because 1. It could be some nice bonding time since he’s away a lot and 2. He’s a “Big strong man” who can help you carry everything… In other words, he was afraid another man would come to your rescue and steal you away. But that would never happen. 

As you awaited everything you’d ordered, your home still only held a mattress, Lando’s gaming set up and boxes that were filled with various objects. One of those boxes held your collection of books. Your collection grew through the years as you got older, the collection expanding a lot quicker since you and Lan had started dating. Everytime he traveled without you, he would stop by a bookstore and get you a book. Whether it be a special edition of a book or just something he thought you’d like, he always came back with one to add to your collection. 

“Baby.” Lando called to you, jumping onto the mattress where you laid. 

“Baby.” you reply. 

“I was thinking-”

Sitting up fast and gasping, “You can do that?”

Lando’s jaw dropped, “Rude?! You know what? Nevermind.” begins to stand up to walk away, hiding a smile. 

“No! Come on, baby. I was joking. Tell me what you were thinking.” you say, pulling his arm so that he falls over top of you on the bed. 

“Fine. Only cause I love you so much.” the man says, receiving several kisses from you that scatter his face. 

“I love you too. Now, tell me.”

“Do you wanna go to ikea? I know we ordered most of the furniture or we’re going to some stores in person but we need to get some bookshelves for your books. We can get to building them today and putting away the books.” he says, moving to stand, “That way we can clear a few boxes and we’ll have more room for activities.” he says as he pranced around the room, twirling in the air as if he was a dancer. 

You laugh at the show before you, being eternally grateful for his existence and the chaos he brings with him, “That sounds amazing, Lan. We can go now. That way we’re not up late trying to put together the bookshelves.” 

“How hard can putting together bookshelves be?”

-=+=-

Lando and you took the opportunity to enjoy the day to the fullest. The sun was out so you guys drove with the windows down, blasting some Taylor Swift and singing your hearts out to each other. 

Although the drive was fun, the same can’t be said for the adventure in Ikea… The two of you got lost for 5 hours inside of the Ikea. And don’t ask how, cause not even God knows how the two of you got lost, though it might have to do with the fact that you guys share a brain cell…

Eventually, with the help of an Ikea employee, the two of you made it out to the other side, half tempted to kiss the ground once you saw the sun again. 

-=+=-

Finally, after a stop at Mcdonalds for some dinner, the two of you were safe and sound at home, cutting open the boxes that contained the pieces of wood to build the bookshelves. As Lando was unboxing the pieces, he began throwing things about, not paying any mind to what was going where. 

“Lan, calm down. We’re gonna lose the instructions if you keep doing that.” 

“Pish posh. Who needs instructions for bookshelves? It’s easy. I built that desk myself with no instructions.” he says, pointing to the desk that holds his gaming set up… the most basic table to have ever existed. 

You put your hands on your hips as you exhale loudly, “Lan, that table has 5 pieces total…”

“And? I still did it. Ya know why? Cause I’m super smart and super strong. I don’t need the instructions… Now… where do we start…?” he says as he rests his hands on his hips, squinting as the mess of screws and panels of wood he scattered on the floor. 

-=+=-

Building a bookshelf was NOT as easy and Lando claimed it would be. Not only were the instructions missing, but Lando kept insisting he didn’t need them. You tried to help him but it felt as if the pieces kept moving on their own. You felt like the boys in the Maze Runner, trying to figure out the pattern of the maze changes every night. 

It’s been two hours since anyones spoken… so it startles you when he breaks the silence, “How… is the bookshelf… inside out…?”

“It’s 9pm… and we still haven’t finished the first bookshelf… we have 6 more to build…”

“FUCK”

[toomanystoriessolittletime]

close to you

Summary: After Jackson gets attacked by infected Tommy tells you that patrol lost contact with Joel. When the exhaustion and the worry of the day catches up with you, you fall asleep, startling awake when Joel comes back home to you, just like he promised.

Pairing: Joel Miller x fem. reader

Wordcount: 1.1k

Rating: E

Warnings: established relationship, a mini fix it fic, a touch of angst, mostly smut (unprotected sex), feelings and fluff

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Full Masterlist // Joel Miller Masterlist

Through the haze of sleep you noticed someone slipping into bed, hands reaching out, strong arms pulling you against something warm. 

Sighing you let yourself fall into the embrace, feeling someone kiss your shoulder. 

„You’re home?“ You mumbled sleepily before you jolted. 

Turning around, suddenly wide away your hands came up to frame his cheeks. 

Joel had a cut over his eye, his hair was damp. He looked exhausted and you felt a million things at once. 

This whole day had been… hell. 

It had been a while since you had seen that many infected, but this time it was the first time they managed to get into Jackson in those big numbers. 

You were focused on protecting the town, pushing the thought of Joel and Ellie out there out of your mind. You couldn’t let the worry you felt every time they went out on patrol take over. 

So instead you focused everything on taking as many infected down as possible. Something that turned out to be the perfect distraction. It was hours after, you were already working on scheduling everyone available for clean up while Tommy took care of fixing the walls that Tommy walked into your office, telling you that they had lost contact with Joel. 

By that time it was already getting dark and snowing heavily and the worry you had pushed down came back with vengeance. 

It had taken Maria and Tommy to talk you out of going after them, searching for them. The snow was coming down heavy and you could only hope that they would be fine. 

They had send you home around midnight. You had been at the gate, binoculars so tightly in your hands that you couldn’t feel you fingers as you kept looking out for them. 

You don’t remember falling asleep when you got home. 

„Always coming back home to you“ Joel nodded and you felt like a weight dropped from your shoulder as you wrapped your arms around him. 

„What happened?“ You asked and he sighed. 

„Someone tried to kill me,“ he explained and you stilled, feeling one of his arms come around you pulling you closer. You were now laying on top him, your cheek against his chest. 

„Ellie took care of her,“ he continued and you closed your eyes. 

„She okay?“ You asked and he hummed. 

„She’s with Dina and Jesse. If those two wouldn’t have shown up…“ he said, letting the rest linger. 

Pushing yourself up you straddled his lap, your hands on his chest, his heart beating beneath your fingertips steadily. 

„They all okay?“ You asked and he nodded, looking up at you. 

„You okay?“ You whispered and he nodded again. You released a long breath, closing your eyes before you slowly leaned down at kissed his lips. 

His hands were on your hips, slipping to your ass as he hummed against your lips. 

„We could have died today,“ you whispered against his lips. He hummed, slowly pulling the shirt you had put on to sleep off. 

„Need to feel you,“ you mumbled against his lips, pulling at his shirt before he sat himself up, pulling it off too. He wrapped his arms around you, your chest pressed agains his as his tongue slipped into your mouth. 

„Feel me,“ he mumbled and you slipped one of your hands down, pulling his boxers down just so his cock sprung free. You didn’t waste much time with foreplay, wrapping your hand around his cock you lined it up just so you could slowly sink down on him, both of your breaths stuttering. You let your head fall back as you sank down on his length, Joel’s lips on your throat while he still held your close. 

You both sighed when his whole length was inside of you and you kissed him, your arms wrapping around his neck, your hands in his hair. 

A tear slid down your check, the overwhelming events of the day catching up on you. You didn’t even know what exactly happened to Joel but him telling him that someone tried to kill him? To take him away from you?

„Hey,“ he said softly, one of his hands coming up to brush your tears away. 

„I’m okay. We’re okay,“ he whispered. 

„We’re okay,“ you repeated, letting your head fall against his. His thumb kept brushing over your cheek. 

„Can’t get rid of me that easily. I’m old and stubborn,“ he joked a little and you lightly slapped his shoulder, moaning when your hips moved against his.

„I want details in the morning,“ you said and he nodded. 

„Can I fuck you now?“ He asked and you shrugged. 

„Since you’re already inside of me….“ You smirked and he rolled his eyes before he kissed you again, slowly moving you on top of him. You rolled your hips, making out with him while you slowly rode him, his cock filling you perfectly. 

„Joel,“ you moaned and he groaned. His hands now both on your ass, moving you against him. 

„Need more,“ you whimpered and you found yourself on your back in the next moment with Joel on top of you. He fucked you deeply, using his whole strength to fuck you into the mattress. Crossing your legs behind his ass you pulled him even closer. 

„Feels so fucking good,“ you moaned, both of your hands playing with your tits. 

„Fuck you’re so wet,“ Joel moaned, his hips snapping against yours harder. One of his hands slipped between your bodies, finding your clit. 

„Already close baby,,“ he groaned and you shook your head, the familiar flutter of your orgasm in your stomach getting stronger. 

„Fill me baby, Oh fuck I’m gonna cum,“ you cried out, Joels fingers on your clit bringing you over the edge while he continued to fuck you. 

„Oh shit, oh shit, oh shit,“ Joel moaned, fucking you through your orgasm, now focusing on chasing his release. 

„Fill me up baby, Fuck it into me,“ you whimpered, both of you moaning when he came, fucking his cum deep inside of you before he let himself fall on top of you with a groan. You released a surprised breath before you both chuckled and he rolled you both on your sides, his arms around you again, pulling you close. 

His cock was still inside of you, slowly softening. 

„I love you,“ he whispered and you looked at him. 

„I love you too,“ you whispered back before you kissed him softly. 

„I think I’m gonna cut back from patrol,“ he said after a while. You had almost been asleep. 

„Yeah?“ You mumbled sleepily. 

„Yeah. Don’t need to be out there so much anymore,“ he kissed your forehead. 

„Cause you’re old,“ you mumbled sleepily and felt him shake as he chuckled. 

„Yeah. Cause I’m old,“ he whispered. 

[ridingreeves]

𝖶𝗁𝖺𝗍 𝗁𝖾 𝗀𝗈𝗇 𝖽𝗈

𝖯𝖺𝗂𝗋𝗂𝗇𝗀－𝖤𝗅𝗂𝗃𝖺𝗁*𝖲𝗆𝗈𝗄𝖾*𝖬𝗈𝗈𝗋𝖾 𝗑 𝖡𝗅𝖺𝖼𝗄𝗋𝖾𝖺𝖽𝖾𝗋

𝖲𝗎𝗆𝗆𝖺𝗋𝗒－dropping off your son at your ex’s place, and Stack taking the opportunity to taunt you about your boyfriend

𝖶𝖺𝗋𝗇𝗂𝗇𝗁𝗌－Harsh language, N-word usage, toxic ex dynamics. Stack & Smoke are being arrogant, petty assholes.

A/N: I watched Sinners for the first time and loved it. I’m pretty sure I’m a Smoke girlie, so here’s a little story.

It was a hot afternoon when you pulled up to Smoke’s house—well, your old house, if we’re being technical. Your son was in the back seat babbling about Roblox and fries, kicking the passenger seat every few seconds like he knew your nerves were already hanging on by a thread.

You adjusted your sunglasses, took a deep breath, and walked your baby to the front door like you hadn’t just been arguing with your new man ten minutes ago about “boundaries” with your ex.

But the second the door opened?

Trouble.

And that’s exactly what stood on the other side of the front door when it opened

Elijah “Smoke” Moore.

Your ex-husband.

Your baby’s father.

The man who ruined you for everybody else.

Smoke was leaned against the doorway shirtless, tattoos gleaming, chain swinging just enough to catch the light. His usual low-eyed expression flipped to a grin the moment he saw you—and then his eyes dropped to your outfit.

“Mmh,” he hummed, already staring too long. “You showin’ up in them tight-ass leggings like that for me or for him?” he nodded down at your son. “’Cause either way, I appreciate it.”

You rolled your eyes. “Don’t start.”

“Ain’t startin’ nothin’ but missin’ what used to be mine,” he muttered, stepping aside to let y’all in.

Your son took off toward the living room while you stayed back to hand over his backpack. That’s when you heard it

“Damn, she came by lookin’ like that you sure she don’t want you back?” came Stack’s voice—from the kitchen.

You froze. “Oh lord, not both of y’all here today.”

You gave him a tight smile. “Hey, Stack.”

Smoke smirked as Stack walked in with a paper plate of wings, wearing a gold chain and a devilish smirk. “What’s up, baby mama?” Stack grinned, licking his fingers. “Or should I say baby mama who downgraded to a nigga who work at T-Mobile?”

You squinted. “Y’all are ridiculous.”

“Nah,” Smoke said, closing the front door behind you. “He ridiculous. Walkin’ ‘round thinkin’ he competition. Heard he wear them little loafers with no socks.”

“He don’t,” you muttered, lying.

“Bet he say ‘grand rising’ too,” Stack added with a snort. “That’s not a man. That’s a therapist with a fade.”

“I’m not doin’ this today,” you said, putting the backpack down hard. “He treats me right.”

“‘Treats you right’ but don’t know how to fight?” Smoke stepped in, arms folded across his broad chest. “You lettin’ a soft nigga be around my son? C’mon, mama. He ain’t even built for this life. If somethin’ popped off, he’d hide behind you.”

“Nigga probably cry when he get pulled over,” Stack added, cracking open a Sprite. “Talkin’ about, ‘I pay my taxes!’”

You wanted to be mad. You did. But their tag-team was relentless—and funny.

You groaned.

“He look like he cry after sex. Probably moans with his eyes closed and say, ‘Am I pleasuring you?’”

“Y’all done?” you asked flatly.

Smoke shook his head. “Nah, not until you answer one question.”

You tilted your chin. “What?”

He looked you dead in the face.

“When shit hit the fan, and you need somebody who’s gon’ slide, gon’ ride—you really think that cornball you got now gon’ stand ten toes behind you and our kid? Or you gon’ end up callin’ me?”

You didn’t answer. Couldn’t. The silence in the room got loud.

Stack laughed from the kitchen. “Yeah. That’s what I thought.”

Smoke stepped up close, all low voice and heavy heat. “Keep playin’ house with that nigga. But when you tired of fake peace and yoga-ass sex, you know where I’m at.”

You scoffed and turned to leave—but not before Stack called out, “Tell him next time he come pick you up, to park on the other side of the street. My neighbors allergic to bitch-ass energy.”

You stood frozen in the doorway for a long second before your son called from the back, “Mama? You leavin’?”

“Yeah, baby,” you said, voice thick. “Mama’s leavin’.”

But even as you walked away, the way Smoke watched you—hungry, smug, dangerous—you knew you’d be back.

And that’s what scared you the most.

Smoke leaned against the doorway again, smiling like a man who knew he still had it. “Later, mama.”

You didn’t look back. But your heart? Yeah—it stayed right there in that damn house.

And worse?

Smoke knew it.

You made it halfway down the steps before you heard the door open again behind you.

“Wait.”

You stopped, hand on your car door, not turning around. Just… waiting. Breathing.

“What?” you asked, already tired, already knowing whatever he had to say was gonna make things worse.

Smoke’s voice dropped. “You leavin’ like that, and we not gon’ talk for another week? You cool with that?”

You slowly turned, face blank, lips tight.

“We don’t need to talk,” you said. “You got him for the weekend. I’ll pick him up Sunday.”

“That ain’t what I asked.”

Your fingers tightened on the car door.

Stack was still inside, but quiet now—too quiet. You could feel the weight of both their eyes on you.

Smoke walked toward you slow, steady. Like he had nowhere to be but here. Like he didn’t give a damn about the new man, or the way your jaw clenched when he got too close.

“Y’know what I think?” he said, voice low and gritty. “I think you tryna prove somethin’—to yourself. Not to me. Not to him. You tired of this life, tired of the mess, so you went and found the safest man you could. Somethin’ neat. Predictable.”

He stepped in close enough that you could see the gold in his grill glinting when he spoke.

“But safe don’t mean happy.”

You blinked at him, your throat tightening before you could stop it. “I am happy.”

Smoke raised an eyebrow. “That why your hands shakin’ right now?”

You glanced down—and cursed under your breath when you saw he was right. Fingers trembling around your car keys.

“I’m fine.”

“Fine ain’t love. Fine ain’t joy. Fine is what people say when they tryna convince themselves they ain’t settlin’.”

Your breath hitched.

“You got me twisted if you think I want to come back here and be played with,” you snapped. “I left for a reason.”

“Yeah,” he said quietly. “But you came back for one too.”

“You forget who the fuck you built all this with?” he asked, voice low and ragged. “Who kept you safe?Who put money in your mama pocket and never said a word?”

You opened your mouth to argue—but the words didn’t come. Because he wasn’t wrong. And you hated that he wasn’t wrong. It wasn’t just about your son. It wasn’t just about co-parenting.

It was about the way this house felt like it knew you. Like you’d left parts of yourself here that your new man never even touched. It was about the way Smoke looked at you like you were still his, even after all this time. And the worst part? You didn’t even fight it anymore. You just buried it. Swallowed it.

“I gotta go,” you whispered, finally unlocking your door.

“Yeah,” he said, stepping back. “Go ahead. But you know where the real is.”

“Next time you come over here wit’ his scent on your skin, I’m fuckin’ it off you”

You slid behind the wheel, started the engine.

And just as you reached to shift gears, Stack leaned out the front door with his usual smug grin. “Hey!”

You looked up.

“If little man’s stepdaddy ever wanna learn how to change a tire, tell him we do classes now. Free for lames.”

You flipped him off through the windshield. He just laughed.

Smoke leaned in, one last time, one hand on your car door. “He can’t protect what he can’t handle. And you?” His voice dropped. “You too much woman for half a man.”

You didn’t say anything. You just drove off, pretending you didn’t see the way your hands still trembled on the wheel.

But later that night?

When your son was already asleep in his Spider-Man sheets, and your man was still out at some networking dinner that didn’t include a plus-one, your phone lit up.

Smoke:

“He ever fix that weak-ass handshake? Felt like I was dappin’ a wet napkin.”

You stared.

Cutting your phone off you turned over when you got a call from smoke.

Groaning you answered

@enchanthings

[muwapsturniolo]

Drip Sweat ⋆˚☆˖° M. Sturniolo

“What are you picking up, sweetheart?”

⟢ sloppy make out session, licking, sweaty and heated sex, nipple sucking. feral!matt, bigdick!matt, beard!matt. dawg idk what else, just play dj to this shit.

divider cred @bernardsbendystraws

Usually, you’d be pissed—your beat-up Bronco loved giving you hell. But today, you didn’t mind one bit.

From inside the garage, you watched as your neighbor, Matt, worked on the truck. The sun poured down on him, catching the sweat glistening on his skin. His brows were drawn in focus, lips set tight as his grease-streaked hands moved with practiced ease beneath the hood.

He was attractive—more than that, really. The kind of attractive that made heads turn. Girls in the neighborhood, even some of the moms, couldn’t help but fawn over him. There was just something about Matt that made people want to drop everything for a second glance—or more.

But he had a soft spot for you. That usual stern, no-nonsense expression of his? It melted into a teasing smirk the moment he laid eyes on you. Flirtatious, cocky, and impossible to resist. And you absolutely loved it.

You hum to yourself as you slip back inside the house, the blast of cool air from the AC wrapping around you like a blessing. After the sweltering heat outside, it’s pure bliss against your flushed skin. You head to the kitchen, already picturing two icy glasses of pink lemonade—refreshing, sweet, and just what you both need.

Grabbing the drinks, you make your way back out. The garage door rumbles shut behind you, catching Matt’s attention. He looks up from under the hood, eyes locking on you. That crooked smirk appears instantly, the one that always makes your stomach do a little flip.

You raise a brow, offering him a glass.

“Thirsty?”

He takes it from your hand, fingers brushing against yours—deliberate or not, you're not sure. You lift your own glass for a sip, but a bit of the cool, sticky lemonade escapes the corner of your mouth, trailing slowly down your chin and along the curve of your throat and eventually down the valley of your breasts.

Matt clears his throat, eyes fixed on you as he lifts his drink. He takes a long sip, but doesn’t look away, watching you from over the rim of his glass with that same heat simmering just beneath the surface.

“So, what’s going on with Betty?” you ask, your voice soft with worry. “Is it finally time for me to give her up?”

Your eyes linger on the old Bronco—baby blue and beat to hell, but still the car of your dreams. You’ve had her for years. The thought of letting her go stings more than you'd like to admit.

Matt, long since used to the name you gave her, lets out a low chuckle. He steps back into the garage, setting his glass down on the workbench.

“She’s got some fight left in her,” he says, wiping his hands on a rag. “Battery’s dead, oil’s a mess—but that’s all. You get those swapped out, she’ll be good as new.”

Your shoulders sag a little with relief… until reality hits.

“A new battery?” you groan. “Matt, I can barely afford groceries right now.”

He lifts a hand, like he’s calming a spooked horse. “Hey, hey—relax, sweetheart. I know some guys who might have one lying around. Used, but solid. Won’t cost you much.”

You narrow your eyes, half-suspicious. “But it’ll still cost me.”

He leans back against the workbench with a cocky tilt of his head. “Well, yeah. Nothing’s free in life. But I’m sure we could work something out.”

His eyes gleam with mischief, and the implication hangs in the air between you—thick.

You cross your arms, one brow lifting as you level him with a look. Matt’s eyes flick downward for a split second—just enough to catch the way his gaze lingers—before snapping back up to meet yours.

“What exactly are you putting down, Matthew?”

A slow grin tugs at the corners of his mouth, the kind that makes your breath hitch just a little.

“What are you picking up, sweetheart?”

His voice is low, teasing, laced with something heavier underneath. You hold his gaze, inching closer to him until you're standing chest to chest.

"So?" Matt teases, his fingers twitching to grab at you, waiting for you to give the ok. You say nothing as you begin to walk backwards, your palm slamming down on the garage button, the sheet of metal starting to close.

Matt's movements are swift, his figure darting across the garage and pressing you against the cement wall, his lips immediately attaching themselves to yours. Your arms wrap around his shoulders, his fingers clenching at the exposed skin of your waist.

Teeth were clashing, wet noises being heard as spit was swapped. You could feel the hairs of his beard tickling at your chin, a moan escaping your mouth as you imagine the way it would feel between your legs- but that would come later, you needed to feel him now, all of him.

He pulls away from the heated session, his lips mouthing at your jaw and neck, tasting your salty skin. Your nimble fingers work at the belt holding up your shorts, unbuckling with ease before unbuttoning them and yanking them down. You immediately get to work on removing his tank top, his own hands returning the favor, and removing yours.

As the heated and lustful makeout session proceeds, he wraps his arms around you, caging you in against his chest and unhooking your bra. He groans out, feeling the swell of your breast press against his naked chest. He was already salivating, the thought of his cock being shoved deep inside of you too much to handle, but he couldnt wait to have part of you in his mouth as well.

He slaps your thigh swiftly, hiking one of your legs up on his waist, a clear indication of what he wants to do. He keeps a firm grasp on you as you jump, wrapping your other leg around his waist.

He pulls back from the kiss once again to look down at what he's doing, his hand firmly grasping his cock and lining it up with your soaked entrance. He rubs his tip between your folds, letting out a quiet "fuck" before swiftly stuffing himself inside.

He moans out at the feeling, his teeth digging into his bottom lip as his eyes roll back. You do the same, completely ignoring the pain in the back of your head from the cement wall.

He readjusted his grip on you, his forehead falling against your shoulder as he slowly pulled out, before fully shoving himself back in. Right off the bat his pace is brutal, the tip of his dick already finding the special spot deep inside of you.

You could feel him splitting you open, a slight burning feeling making its way through your body as he stuffs you completely full. Your nails dig into the back of his shoulder, bright red marks showing up as you leave scratches against his milky skin.

"O-oh- Matt- Fuck!" The words you attempted to say come out strangled, the air being completely knocked out of your lungs. He pulls away from your shoulder, his eyes holding intense contact with your bouncing breast. He leans down and captures your nipple in his mouth, closing his eyes and humming out at the taste of your salty, sweet skin.

Your hands run through his hair, whimpering out and pushing his face deeper into your chest as he lightly nibbles on the sensitive skin. He pulls away with a wet pop, licking a fat and wide stripe from your breast and all the way up to your neck before stopping at your ear, making sure to moan lowly.

"Feel so fuckin' good sweetheart - shiitt- you love this, don't you?"

You moan in response, the noise turning into a gasp as he swiftly moves you both towards a random TV stand in your garage, slamming you down and redoubling the efforts in his thrust. You let out a silent scream, your eyes rolling back as you try to slow down his movement, your hand lazily slapping at his stomach.

"Don't run from it, sweetheart-" He rasps out, yanking you closer and slamming his hips against yours harder. "You need that car battery, member' ?"

The garage begins to feel smothering, the smell of sex and the smultering heat being enough to make your head fuzzy. You could feel the knot in your stomach forming, the feeling you know all too well forming quickly.

He can feel your walls clamping down on him, his jaw dropping as he moans loudly, the neighbors surely being able to tell what's going on behind the garage door.

"C'mon baby, give it to me." He heaves, his hips beginning to stutter as his own orgasm approaches. His hand trails down from your thigh and towards your sopping wet cunt, his thumb swiping over the bundle of nevers underneath the hood of your clit.

Your back arches as you claw at his chest, your orgasm hitting you full throttle, your juices splashing out between you two. He groans at the sight and stalls deep inside of you, spilling his seed and claiming you as his.

The two of you stay in place, panting and heaving as you try to catch your breath. He bites his lip as he slowly pulls out of you, watching his seed spill out of your abused cunt and leaking onto the garage floor.

He notices the dazed look in your eye and gives a pant mixed with a chuckle, "You ok sweetheart?''

Your delirious nod makes him pat your thigh, pulling you up so you're sitting and letting you rest your head against his abdomen. His fingers smooth over your hair before gripping a few of the curly locks and tilting your head back.

"Go get cleaned up, I'll meet you in the shower."

Your body shivers at the thought of round two, you aren't sure if it's out of exhaustion or excitement, but you don't question it, simply standing up on shaky legs and making your way inside.

Matt pulls up his boxers and his jeans, leaving the belt unblocked but still zipping them up. He looks at the puddle of cum on the floor and snickers, shaking his head and walking towards the garage door. He hits the button, sunlight starting to filter in as the sheet of metal raises. He steps out onto your driveway, immediately coming face to face with a few of the neighborhood moms looking at him with wide eyes and parted mouths. He smirks and gives them a taunting wave, your bright pink thong in his grasp.

"Hello ladies, nice weather, yeah?"

[paxaz535]

SLOW SIMMER - FOUR

dallas!paige x privatechef!azzi

note : sorry it took so long , i needed to do a lot of thinking so i can keep this story interesting lol

—————————————

“so… how’d you feel about everyone?” paige asked as she and azzi cleaned up the kitchen.

it was around 11:20 when everyone left the bueckers household. the girls had stayed late, running extra games, and azzi ended up bonding with dijonai and maddy over leftovers and side conversations.

azzi smiled to herself, thinking about what they talked about. “i already love them. they’re funny—especially dijonai. she has no filter,” she laughed, the memory still fresh.

paige chuckled, rinsing out a bowl before putting it in the cabinet. “that’s good to hear,” she said, leaning on the counter. “i thought you were gonna hate them.”

azzi finished cleaning a cup, then mirrored paige’s stance, their eyes locking across the kitchen. “hate is a strong word. i don’t think i could ever hate anything.”

paige gave her a look. “trust me, you hate something.”

azzi played along, leaning in slightly, a small grin on her lips. “and you know this how?”

paige leaned in just an inch closer, her voice dropping. “i know a lot of things. don’t tempt me.”

azzi’s heart fluttered. paige’s tone was soft, low, but teasing. her eyes flickered to the blonde’s lips before returning to her eyes. “yeah?”

paige didn’t budge. “yeah.”

just as azzi opened her mouth to say something, paige’s phone dinged. the sharp sound broke whatever was building between them. both girls flinched back a little as paige sighed and checked her phone, her expression instantly shifting.

“what happened?” azzi asked with a soft chuckle, noticing the way paige’s whole vibe changed.

paige didn’t answer right away. she looked at azzi, then back at her screen. “it’s just… someone i used to talk to. she can’t take a hint that we don’t talk anymore.”

azzi hummed, her smile fading slightly. she didn’t know what that meant, didn’t know if she wanted to. still, it didn’t hurt.

not really.

not yet.

but it felt weird.

‘i don’t blame her,’ she thought, then immediately shook the thought away.

the phone rang again, and paige rolled her eyes before answering with a sharp, dry, “what’s up, bro?”

azzi nearly burst out laughing—she’d never heard paige sound so unbothered.

on the other end, a girl scoffed. “don’t answer the phone like that, i can’t call you no more?”

paige’s tone flattened. “no, you cannot, actually. what do you want?”

then came the bomb.

“girl, you know you miss this pussy. stop playing with me, paige.”

azzi’s eyes went wide, her hand flying to her mouth. she hadn’t expected that. not out loud. not now.

paige froze, clearly just as stunned. azzi made eye contact with her, silently mouthing, i’m gonna go. goodnight.

paige gave a tight nod, sighing heavily as she turned away to keep talking. “watch ya mouth, ‘cause you don’t even know what you talkin’ ‘bout.”

azzi slipped down the hall, quietly shutting her bedroom door behind her.

she didn’t know why hearing that girl bothered her so much.

but it did.

it left a weird twist in her stomach, a tightness in her chest.

because something about that call made her feel like…

whatever her and paige were building—

wasn’t just theirs.

not yet.

and azzi didn’t want to admit how much that bothered her.

she just got some clothes out to shower with, today was long.

she was about to go to the bathroom but when she opened the bedroom door, paige was standing there.

the blonde froze, clearly not expecting azzi to come out at the exact moment she planned on coming in.

azzi froze too, one hand still on the doorknob. “oh,” she mumbled, eyes locking with paige’s.

“hey,” paige said quietly, rubbing the back of her neck. her expression was softer now, different than it was a few minutes ago when she answered that call.

“hi,” azzi replied, stepping back slightly to let her pass. “did you need something?”

paige didn’t move right away. she looked at azzi, then glanced toward the floor before finally meeting her eyes again. “i wanted to say sorry… about earlier.”

“you don’t have to,” azzi said quickly. “it’s not my business.”

“maybe not,” paige nodded. “but it still felt… weird. and you didn’t deserve to hear that.”

azzi looked at her, unsure what to say. the hallway was quiet, a thick silence hanging between them.

“it’s not like i’m mad,” azzi finally said. “i just… wasn’t expecting it.”

paige stepped a little closer, her voice dropping again. “i’m not talking to her anymore. i haven’t for a while. that call? it wasn’t anything.”

azzi nodded, her voice softer. “okay.”

paige noticed the way azzi’s fingers curled slightly around the doorknob, like she didn’t know whether to stay or go.

“i didn’t mean for it to mess up the night,” paige added.

“you didn’t,” azzi said. “it was a good night.”

they stood there for a second longer, quiet again. then paige tilted her head slightly, her eyes gentle. “you were heading to the bathroom?”

azzi nodded.

paige stepped aside. “go ahead. i’ll be out here.”

azzi gave her a small smile, walking past her.

but even as she entered the bathroom, paige’s voice echoed in her mind.

that call wasn’t anything.

so why did it still feel like something?

-

next day, azzi woke up with the whole scene from last night still replaying in her mind.

the phone call.

the hallway conversation.

the way paige looked at her.

the way she felt.

it was fucking with her brain.

but she had to pull herself together.

this wasn’t supposed to be complicated.

she was here to cook. not to catch feelings.

so she got up, showered, and got dressed—something simple, something comfortable. her apron hung over her arm as she made her way out of the room, trying to clear her head.

what she didn’t expect to see was emma, paige, dijonai, lyss, and arike sitting in the front room. their faces were serious, low voices murmuring back and forth like they were mid-discussion about something important.

emma was the first to notice her. she looked azzi up and down with a soft smile, lifting a brow. “well if it isn’t the chef herself.”

all heads turned.

azzi suddenly felt warm under the pressure of so many eyes.

especially the blue ones.

she stood there for a beat, then forced a small smile. “hey, everyone.”

paige didn’t say anything right away, just looked at her. her gaze wasn’t cold—but it wasn’t easy to read either.

“hey, azzi,” dijonai greeted, patting the empty seat beside her. “come sit. we’re talking about something important.”

emma chuckled, shaking her head. “we’re not dragging her into it just yet. she just woke up.”

azzi glanced at paige again, her chest tightening a little.

“you okay?” lyss asked, catching the slight hesitation in her posture.

“yeah,” azzi nodded quickly. “just a little tired.”

emma stood up, brushing off her jeans. “i was just checking in before heading out. needed to talk to paige about a few things.”

azzi nodded, her hands tightening slightly around the fabric of her apron.

“you cooking this morning?” arike asked, eyes hopeful.

“i was planning to,” azzi answered, a little more gently. “what are we feeling?”

paige finally spoke then, voice soft. “surprise us.”

and for some reason, those two words carried more weight than they should have.

“paige, you love surprises don’t you?” lyss joked, her tone teasing as she threw an arm around dijonai’s shoulders.

paige glanced over at her, unimpressed. “don’t start.”

dijonai smirked, nudging lyss. “nah, she definitely do. remember that time at the team dinner—”

“nope,” paige cut in quickly, holding up a hand. “we are not doing story time right now.”

emma laughed as she grabbed her bag. “i’ll let y’all get back to embarrassing each other. azzi, i’ll text you later, alright?”

“okay,” azzi said softly, offering her a wave as emma made her way out the door.

as soon as it closed behind her, the room shifted a bit. still light, but quieter. azzi moved to the kitchen, her hands already reaching for the pan on instinct.

behind her, paige was watching—she always seemed to be watching lately. the girl who was once just her private chef had somehow started taking up more space.

not in a bad way.

just… noticeable.

“so what kinda surprise are we getting?” arike called from the couch, breaking the silence.

azzi smiled faintly as she opened the fridge. “a good one, hopefully.”

and somehow, she wasn’t just talking about the food.

she heard footsteps behind her and glanced to the side—paige had walked into the kitchen, leaning on the counter like she always did when she was trying to act casual.

“you sleep okay?” the blonde asked, her voice softer now that it was just the two of them.

“yeah,” azzi said, pulling out eggs and some fresh spinach. “woke up kind of in my head, but… i’m good.”

paige nodded slowly, then let a beat pass. “about last night…”

azzi kept her eyes on the cutting board as she cracked an egg, careful and calm. “you don’t have to explain again. it’s fine.”

“i know i don’t have to,” paige said, watching the way azzi moved, “but i want to.”

azzi finally glanced up at her. “okay. then talk.”

paige hesitated, like she was trying to find the right words. “i haven’t talked to that girl in months. it was just one of those people who pops back up for attention, you know? i shut it down as soon as i could. i didn’t want it to mess anything up.”

azzi’s eyes lingered on hers for a second. “why would it mess anything up?”

paige looked at her—really looked. “because… i don’t want you thinking you’re just another person in my space.”

azzi blinked, surprised by the honesty. her heart did that weird flutter again, the one she swore she wasn’t supposed to feel.

“…well,” she said after a moment, turning back to the stove, “if you keep talking like that, i’m gonna burn these eggs.”

paige laughed quietly. “can’t have that.”

azzi smirked, focused on the skillet. “exactly. i’ve got a reputation to uphold.”

the moment settled into something easier—something warm. and while the rest of the girls in the living room teased each other and scrolled their phones, in the kitchen, something quiet but real was beginning to take shape.

“hey— where’s maddy?” azzi asked, glancing toward the living room as she flipped the eggs.

paige turned her head to look too, only just realizing the absence. “yeah, where is maddy?” she called out to the three girls on the couch.

“oh, she’s with her boyfriend,” arike replied casually, not looking up from her phone.

“fiancé,” lyss corrected, grinning. “get it right, boo.”

“same difference,” arike mumbled, rolling her eyes as she leaned back deeper into the couch cushions.

lyss laughed, stealing the throw pillow beside her. “she said she’ll be here for dinner, though. told us not to eat without her.”

azzi raised an eyebrow from the stove. “dinner? we making plans already?”

paige shrugged, leaning her elbow on the counter, chin in hand. “only if you’re cooking.”

“of course i’m cooking.” azzi smirked, “what else am i here for?”

“your sparkling personality,” dijonai teased, sending her a playful wink.

azzi just laughed, shaking her head. “y’all are a mess.”

“and yet you love us,” dijonai grinned.

paige smiled to herself quietly, her gaze lingering on azzi longer than it should’ve.

yeah.

she really did.

“i’m a loveable person. i love everyone.” azzi said with a small shrug, turning back to the stove like it was just a casual statement.

“mmhm,” dijonai drawled from the couch, “but do you love paige?”

paige nearly choked on her water.

azzi froze for a split second—hands still, jaw tightening just slightly—before laughing it off. “i said everyone, didn’t i?”

arike hollered. “that’s a safe ass answer, chef. i see you.”

lyss grinned, nudging dijonai. “you tryna stir the pot before breakfast’s even done?”

“girl, i stir everything,” dijonai said proudly. “food, drama, tension. i’m well-rounded.”

azzi just shook her head, flipping the eggs with a smirk. “y’all are too much this early.”

“you love it,” paige said quietly, still smiling as she watched azzi from the side.

azzi didn’t look at her, but she heard it.

and she felt it.

“maybe,” she muttered under her breath, the tiniest grin tugging at the corner of her lips.

paige heard that maybe—soft, almost too low to catch—but it echoed loud in her chest.

she leaned a little closer across the counter, chin propped in her palm, blue eyes steady on the girl standing at her stove like she owned the whole damn place.

“what was that?” paige asked, teasing, even though she heard her just fine.

azzi didn’t turn around, just kept flipping the eggs and plating the rest of breakfast. “nothing,” she said casually, but her ears were a little pink.

“nah,” lyss called out. “that wasn’t ‘nothing,’ fudd. what you say?”

“yeah, come on now,” dijonai added, grinning. “we all heard something that wasn’t ‘i love everyone’ just now.”

azzi finally turned, setting a plate in front of paige and grabbing another for arike. “i said maybe,” she admitted, locking eyes with the blonde for a half-second. “now eat.”

“mmm. mysterious,” arike grinned as she took her food. “i like her.”

“i been said that,” dijonai muttered, already halfway through a bite.

paige, though, didn’t say anything.

she just stared at her plate for a moment—then up at azzi again.

“thanks,” she said softly.

azzi nodded once. “you’re welcome.”

but as she turned back to the kitchen, that grin wouldn’t leave her face.

and paige?

she was already thinking about dinner.

paige kept eating, but her mind wasn’t fully on the food anymore—even if it was damn near perfect. she was chewing slower, eyes following azzi as the chef moved around the kitchen like it was second nature now.

it wasn’t just the way azzi cooked.

it was the way she made the space feel… soft. warm.

like a home paige didn’t realize she’d been missing.

“yo.” arike’s voice broke through her thoughts. “you good?”

paige blinked. “huh?”

arike raised a brow, a fork mid-air. “you zoned out hella hard just now. you was over there chewing like it was a love song playing in your head.”

lyss and dijonai burst out laughing.

“she’s in deep thought,” lyss said dramatically. “probably imagining her last name on wedding invites.”

“shut up,” paige muttered, but her grin gave her away.

azzi glanced back, eyes flickering between the group and paige. “what’s going on over there?”

“nothing,” paige replied quickly. too quickly.

“mhm,” dijonai smirked. “nothing except our girl here making heart eyes at the chef.”

azzi blushed immediately, turning back to the sink. “y’all are exhausting.”

“you love it,” paige echoed softly.

azzi’s hand paused over a dish for half a second before she kept going.

the room filled with laughter and clinking forks, the smell of breakfast still hanging in the air.

but under it all, something new was brewing—

and it wasn’t just what was on the stove.

“so, azzi.” dijonai spoke, resting her elbow on the counter like she was about to start trouble.

azzi looked up, her brows raised. “yes?”

“you got any plans today?”

azzi thought for a second, sipping on her water. “not that i know of. why, what happened?”

paige’s head turned slightly, eyes narrowing in suspicion as she chewed slowly. she knew that tone in dijonai’s voice. it always meant something.

“good,” dijonai grinned. “because we’re taking you with us.”

azzi laughed softly, intrigued. “where are you taking me?”

“yeah,” paige chimed in, tilting her head, “where are you taking her, nai?”

“chill, p.” dijonai smirked. “you can come too. it’s nothing crazy. we’re just gonna hit the little vintage market downtown and maybe stop by that smoothie place arike’s obsessed with.”

“you didn’t even like that smoothie place last time,” arike said with her mouth full.

“shhh,” dijonai waved her off. “azzi hasn’t been yet. it’s a bonding trip now.”

azzi smiled, her interest piqued. “alright… i’m down. sounds fun.”

“great,” dijonai clapped her hands once. “we’ll leave in like an hour. wear something cute.”

paige leaned over, nudging azzi lightly with her shoulder. “you always wear something cute.”

azzi looked at her, surprised, lips parting to say something—but dijonai cut in.

“aht aht—none of that flirty stuff yet. we on a group trip.”

paige rolled her eyes while azzi just blushed and turned back to her water, smiling into the glass.

this was gonna be a long day.

but probably a good one.

-

azzi kept it simple—she didn’t want to look like she was trying too hard, but she still wanted to look good.

she pulled on a pair of green cargo jeans that sat just right on her hips, pairing it with a black tube top that hugged her figure in all the best ways. her goddess braids were pulled up into a bun, but a few curls had fallen out, framing her face in a way that felt effortless.

a soft makeup look—light blush, glossed lips, lashes just enough to bat—

and gold hoops to finish it off.

when she stepped out of her room, the conversation in the living room quieted a little too fast.

paige, who had been mid-scroll on her phone, looked up—then kept looking.

“okayyy,” lyss said, dragging the word out with a grin. “chef said outside today.”

“you look good, fudd,” dijonai added. “like, you trying to get chose good.”

azzi blushed, brushing them off with a laugh as she reached for her bag. “it’s just cargo pants.”

“mhm,” arike said, standing and grabbing her keys. “and i’m just 5’9”. let’s roll.”

as everyone headed to the door, paige lingered, walking beside azzi with a smile that felt soft—genuine.

“you really do look good,” she said under her breath.

azzi looked over, smiling back. “thanks. so do you.”

neither of them said anything else.

but they didn’t really need to.

they all piled into dijonai’s car, the group loud and already full of chaotic energy. dijonai slid into the driver’s seat, tossing her phone into the cupholder as she called out, “azzi, shotgun.”

azzi was about to politely decline, but before she could even say anything, she heard lyss behind her.

“wha—baby, i always sit in the front,” lyss said, dramatic as ever, watching azzi reach for the passenger door handle like her title was being stolen.

dijonai turned around with a deadpan expression. “it’s not gonna kill you to sit in the back for a day. calm down.”

lyss folded her arms as she pouted, mumbling under her breath, “this car ain’t even got real legroom in the back.”

“your legs short anyway,” arike teased, already buckled in behind dijonai.

“let azzi have her moment.” paige chimed in.

lyss gasped. “wow. okay. betrayal from all sides.”

azzi, laughing softly, finally got in and shut the door. “y’all are funny.”

dijonai looked over at her once they were settled in. “they do this every time. don’t take it personal.”

“oh i’m not,” azzi replied, smiling. “this is fun.”

dijonai grinned as she started the car. “good. you better get used to us.”

and just like that, they were off—windows down, music blasting, voices overlapping—azzi’s first real day out with the crew.

and so far, it felt right.

“so what’s up with this smoothie place? i love smoothies,” azzi asked, glancing over at dijonai as the car rolled through a yellow light.

the older girl had on black sunglasses, her jaw set like she was driving in a Fast & Furious sequel.

“first of all,” dijonai started, eyes not leaving the road, “this spot is it. fresh fruit, they don’t use that fake-ass syrup. and they put this granola crumble on top of the smoothies-in-a-bowl that’ll make you rethink your whole life.”

“they do be hittin’,” arike added from the back, chewing gum loudly. “i ain’t even like smoothies like that ‘til i came here.”

“same,” paige chimed in, turning to look at azzi. “i get the dragonfruit one. fire.”

lyss leaned forward from the backseat, her arm hanging between the front seats. “azzi, don’t listen to them—get the pineapple mango one with the extra honey. that’s the best.”

“see? already starting,” dijonai muttered, smirking. “you’re gonna have to make your own decision, fudd.”

azzi laughed, her gold hoops catching the sunlight as she shook her head. “this sounds like serious business.”

“it is,” paige said, tapping her phone like she was preparing a whole review. “smoothie politics in this car are intense.”

“y’all lucky i like y’all,” azzi teased, looking out the window as they turned into the lot. the spot was small but cute—plants in the windows, people sitting outside with bright bowls and even brighter drinks.

“welcome to the jungle,” dijonai grinned as she parked.

“don’t say we didn’t warn you.”

they all piled out of the car, the sun warm against their skin as they headed toward the shop. the smell of fresh fruit, honey, and something faintly tropical hit azzi immediately.

“this place smells good already,” she muttered, taking it in.

“just wait,” arike said, holding the door open with a little bow. “ladies first.”

azzi chuckled, stepping inside with the others. it was cozy but vibrant—plants hanging from the ceiling, a chalkboard menu with colorful writing, and a few shelves of granola and pressed juices off to the side. the energy felt local, personal… kind of like the food azzi liked to make.

“i’m telling you,” lyss whispered as they walked up to the counter, “one bite and you’re gonna understand why i almost fought arike last time over the last açai bowl.”

“she’s not lying,” arike added, arms folded. “i didn’t get the last one. and that still hurt.”

paige stood beside azzi, glancing up at the menu. “you want me to help you pick?”

azzi looked over at her, their shoulders nearly touching. “nah, i think i wanna try that pineapple mango one lyss was raving about.”

lyss pointed at her from the back of the line, “you will not regret that.”

they all placed their orders, laughing through it as arike fumbled her card and dijonai made a big deal out of getting two bowls “just in case one doesn’t hit.” while they waited, they found a spot outside at a corner table under a shaded umbrella.

azzi sat between paige and lyss, and for a moment, it felt like she’d been part of the group forever.

“so,” lyss started, poking at her straw, “now that we’ve all officially adopted you, what are your weekend plans lookin’ like?”

azzi looked around the table, everyone waiting, playful curiosity in their eyes. she smiled softly, realizing she didn’t mind being asked.

“honestly?” she said, pulling her hair back into place. “no plans yet.”

“good,” dijonai nodded. “you do now.”

“good,” dijonai nodded, popping the top off her smoothie bowl. “you do now.”

“oh, word?” azzi laughed, raising a brow. “y’all just assign plans to me now?”

“absolutely,” lyss said, already halfway through her drink. “you’re one of us now. no escape.”

arike leaned across the table, spoon in hand. “we’re thinking a beach day. well… more like a lake day, technically. there’s this spot about 30 minutes out. not too many people, chill vibes, good scenery.”

“and snacks,” dijonai added, pointing her spoon at azzi. “which is where you come in.”

“i had a feeling this was food-related,” azzi muttered, shaking her head with a smile.

“i mean,” paige said, leaning back in her chair and turning her cup in her hand, “if we’re all gonna be outside for hours, wouldn’t it make sense to have, like… gourmet sandwiches?”

“gourmet sandwiches?” arike snorted. “you bougie now?”

paige gave her a dry look. “have you had azzi’s sandwiches?”

arike raised her hands in surrender. “point taken.”

azzi laughed, covering her mouth. “fine. i’ll make something. but y’all better bring the drinks and entertainment.”

“done,” dijonai nodded. “you focus on the food, we got the rest.”

they all clinked their cups together like it was some kind of unspoken contract. and just like that, azzi had weekend plans. not because she asked for them—but because this group had a way of pulling you in.

paige leaned close again, voice low just for her.

“sorry in advance if they get too loud or competitive.”

azzi turned her head slightly, their faces just a little too close.

“i think i’ll be okay,” she whispered back.

“they feel kinda like family already.”

paige’s lips curved into something soft—real—not the camera-ready kind of smile azzi had seen on tv or in press photos. this one was for her.

“that’s good,” paige said, still holding her gaze. “they can be a lot, but… they’re solid people.”

azzi nodded, her eyes flicking down to her smoothie for a second, then back up. “i can tell.”

their moment was broken when lyss let out a dramatic groan from across the table.

“can y’all stop whispering and start planning the vibes? like… what kind of music are we bringing? cause if y’all think i’m listening to country the whole ride—”

“girl, no one listens to country,” dijonai deadpanned.

“you’d be surprised,” arike chimed in.

“uh huh, and you be the main one knowing the lyrics when it come on,” lyss shot back, pointing at her with a plastic spoon.

“okay but let’s not act like azzi don’t give off r&b picnic playlist energy,” maddy added as she rejoined the group with her drink in hand, having finally arrived.

“mads! i thought you weren’t coming back until later on?” dijonai asks as she sipped her drink.

maddy shook her head, “something told me to check arike’s location so i came here.”

azzi laughed, leaning back in her seat. “wait- r&b picnic?what does that even mean?”

“it means you got the vibe,” maddy said, sliding into the last empty chair. “like, the soft vocals, sunset lighting, wine-in-a-jar aesthetic. that’s you.”

paige, now clearly enjoying this, raised a brow. “wine-in-a-jar?”

“you know exactly what i’m talking about,” maddy smirked.

azzi shook her head with a grin, letting their banter wash over her. she wasn’t used to being so naturally folded into a friend group—let alone one that felt this easy. this seamless.

it was like they’d known her longer than just a few days.

paige must’ve sensed something in her silence because she bumped her knee against azzi’s gently under the table.

“you good?”

azzi glanced at her, then nodded. “yeah. i’m really good.”

and for the first time in a while, she actually meant it.

they stayed out there for a while—long after the smoothies were finished and the bowls were scraped clean. the conversation drifted from music and weekend plans to random “would you rather” questions, embarrassing college stories, and heated debates over which disney channel original movie was the best.

azzi didn’t speak all the time, but when she did, the girls listened. laughed. pulled her in even tighter.

it wasn’t just paige making her feel welcome—it was all of them.

eventually, the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting a soft golden light over the patio. arike stretched her arms dramatically. “alright, i need to get back before i pass out.”

“same,” lyss yawned, tossing her empty cup in the trash. “we still on for the lake?”

“yes,” dijonai confirmed. “saturday morning. we meet at mine.”

“i’ll bring the speaker,” maddy added, already typing something into her phone.

“i’ll bring towels and extra sunscreen,” lyss said.

“i’ll… bring myself,” arike shrugged, earning a few laughs.

paige turned to azzi as everyone stood and started filing toward the car. “you need anything for it? i can pick up ice or coolers if you don’t have enough.”

azzi smiled, pulling her braids back into place. “nah, i think i got it covered. i’ve done a few beach picnics before.”

“of course you have,” paige smirked, nudging her playfully.

“chef life,” azzi shrugged, then paused. “but… thanks. really. this was fun.”

“you don’t gotta thank me,” paige said, holding the car door open for her this time. “you’re stuck with us now.”

as they drove back, azzi looked out the window, her face lit by the warm pinkish light of the sunset.

she couldn’t explain it, but something about today shifted things inside her.

she didn’t know what it meant yet. but it felt… right.

like she was exactly where she was supposed to be.

[slvbum]

ᤢ ♥︎⠀ 06⠀‌⸻ angel tears / rafe cameron!

content WARNING: toxic!rafe, psychological abuse, mentions of miscarriage, mentions of cheating, loneliness.

A heavy silence echoed through the Cameron mansion. Y/N drifted through the rooms like a ghost, her footsteps soft, her presence barely registering. Her cooking, once a source of pride, had turned lackluster, her rosemary chicken too dry, her pastries too dense. Rafe noticed, of course.

“Fuck, this tastes like cardboard,” he’d snapped last night, pushing his plate away, spitting on a napkin. “Can’t you do anything right anymore? I mean, Jesus—how hard can mixing ingredients be?”

The words cut deeper than they should have, making her feel more useless than ever. Since the blood-soaked sheets and the hollow ache in her womb, she’d been unraveling, her heart a fragile thing she couldn’t mend. She hadn’t told Rafe about the miscarriage. She hadn’t even told herself, not really, afraid to face the grief alone.

But today, Y/N resolved to pull herself together, not for her own sake, but for Rafe’s. The image of him with that ginger woman in his office haunted her. She couldn’t lose him. He was her husband, her family, the center of her world. Families stayed together, no matter the cost. She couldn’t bear the thought of him turning to someone else, someone who wasn’t her. So she forced herself out of bed, her limbs heavy, her heart heavier, and decided to be the wife he wanted, the one he’d married, the one he couldn’t look away from.

She chose a blue dress sprinkled with tiny yellow flowers, the kind Rafe used to love when they were teenagers sneaking kisses in the moonlight. In the mirror, she brushed her hair until it gleamed, pinning it back with a pearl clip. She looked like the Y/N he loved, not the ghost she’d become. In the kitchen, she poured her energy into a chocolate fondue, melting dark chocolate until it was silky, pairing it with fresh strawberries, pineapple, and delicate cubes of pound cake. She set up a picnic in the backyard, reminiscent of their early days when they’d sprawl on a blanket under the stars, Rafe kissing her senseless until the world faded away. She draped a white tablecloth over a wrought-iron table, arranged the fruit in a crystal bowl, and lit a citronella candle to keep the mosquitoes at bay. It was perfect, a gesture to win him back.

Hours passed, the sun dipping low, the candle flickering.

Rafe was late.

She waited, but she was exhausted, miscarriage leaving her weaker for weeks. She curled up on the living room couch, her blue dress fanning around her, and slipped her thumb into her mouth—a childish habit she’d never broken, one Rafe despised but she couldn’t stop, especially when she needed comfort. It soothed her now, her eyes fluttering shut as she drifted into a restless sleep.

A hand on her shoulder jolted her awake. Her eyes snapped open, her heart leaping as she saw Rafe standing over her, his silhouette dark against the dim lamplight.

“Rafe!” she gasped, a smile breaking across her face, bright and hopeful. She scrambled to her feet, her dress wrinkled, and threw her arms around him, her hands cupping his face to pull him into a kiss. “I made something for you,” she said, her voice bubbling with excitement. “It’s in the backyard, a picnic, like we used to—” Her thumb, still damp from her mouth, brushed his cheek, and Rafe’s expression changed in an instant.

He winced, his face twisting with disgust, and shoved her away, his hands forceful enough to make her stumble, her hip catching the edge of the couch.

“How many times have I told you to stop putting your damn fingers in your mouth?” he snapped, wiping his cheek with the back of his hand as if she’d tainted him. His blue eyes were dark with irritation, pinning her in place. “Grow up,” he said, his tone dripping with disdain, each word a hammer striking her already fragile heart. “You’re not a fucking child anymore.”

Y/N froze, her breath catching, her smile crumbling like ash. The warmth she’d felt seconds ago drained away, replaced by a cold, sinking shame. She opened her mouth to speak, to apologize, to say something, anything, but Rafe’s look silenced her, a look that made her feel small, insignificant, a speck of dust on his pristine world. He turned, his shoulders rigid, and stalked toward the guest room, not sparing a glance for the backyard, not noticing the effort she’d poured into the evening, the dress, the fondue, her heart.

He didn’t tell her she looked pretty, didn’t ask why she’d been asleep on the couch, didn’t care.

She swallowed her tears, her throat raw, her hands trembling as she stood alone in the living room. The mansion’s silence was deafening, its grandeur a cruel reminder of her isolation. She moved to the backyard, her steps mechanical, and began dismantling the picnic she’d so carefully crafted. Each item she packed away felt like a piece of her broken heart, her hope for Rafe’s love slipping through her fingers like sand. She carried the crystal bowl inside, her arms heavy, her chest aching with unshed tears.

Back in the kitchen, she set the bowl on the counter, her reflection in the darkened window staring back at her—a ghost in a blue dress. She loved Rafe, needed him, but the fear of losing him warred with the growing dread that he’d never be the man she needed. As she sank to the floor, her back against the cabinet, her thumb crept back to her mouth, a desperate grasp for comfort.

The tears came then, silent and unstoppable, spilling down her cheeks as she curled into herself, knowing that she was always going to be in his shadow.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ©slvbun(m) — written with love.

[b3ach-bunn7]

BENEATH THE MASK

Jason Todd is your cute coworker at the shelter you work at. Red Hood is the hot vigilante who saves you from being mugged

—————————————————————————

Your job right now is to wash the incredibly dirty dog in front of you. Not to ogle Jason from across the shop.

Your hands are pruning from being in the water too long, the suds crawling up your arms. The dog in question is Poppy, a brown retriever that keeps biting at the water, which only makes it spray all over your top, which is now thoroughly soaked. You huff, wiping your face on your shoulder.

“Poppy, please stop doing that, you’re making me all wet.” You scold. 

She just barks up at you, shaking to rid herself of the water all over her. You sigh. It's sort of hard to be annoyed at her when she’s so cute. You suddenly feel a presence behind you, and a heavy arm leans on your shoulder.

“Don’t think you should be talking about that at work.

You roll your eyes almost immediately at the low drawl too close to your ear, but a smile dances at the corner of your lips. “Shut up.”

You’re not sure when Jason appeared behind you, but you’re not complaining. You don’t know what you’d call what's going on between you guys. You saw a TikTok a few weeks ago that said workplace crushes are only a thing because of the close proximity, but you don’t think that's the case.

Jason was a hard person to figure out. For starters, he is completely too attractive to be volunteering at a lousy shelter like this. Judging by the defined muscles on his arms you get a delicious view of when the air conditioning is on the fritz, you think he’d be more suited to be a superhero or a bodybuilder. He’s also very attractive. A sharp jaw, doey brown eyes and curly hair that falls over them softly. The little strand of white that peeks through the brown, and all six feet of him is too much for you to handle.

Jason was quiet at first. Not much of a talker, but luckily you could talk for the whole of Gotham, and he’d warmed up over time. He didn’t have much of a choice. Most of the other workers are either sixty and bored or sixteen and trying to fill out their Cvs with some work experience. You were the only person similar in age and had almost all the same shifts as him, too.

You’d ask him for help with extra rowdy animals, go on smoke breaks together. It was fun. You’re friends now, maybe something more. Nothing makes you laugh as much as his dry humour does, that little smirk he always gives you after making something flutter in your stomach.

Poppy barks loudly. Jason reaches down and scratches her behind her ears. She immediately goes limp, and you scowl.

“This dog. Why does she listen to you and not me?” You mope.

He wiggles sudsy fingers at you. “I have the magic touch.”

“Freak."

You turn on the water again and start hosing her down. Jason takes a pointed step backwards to avoid the spray. He’s leaning on the wall behind you, and he’s being absolutely no help as you slug your way through her last wash.

Once she’s washed and dried, you hand Jason the leash to put her back in her cage. You dry off your hands, the smell of the berry soap you guys use seeped into your skin.

“So,” Jason hums. “You wanna go on break?” 

“I think the boss will kill us if we both leave at the same time again.”

Jason groans. “He’s not even here. It's just me, you and that old lady in today.” 

You splutter a laugh. “Her name is Doris. And don’t call her that.”

“I’m not lying, she is old.”

Jason digs in his pocket and pulls out a cigarette. He shakes it in front of you and you bat him away. It’s a filthy habit you both have, and you’d have thought someone as athletic as him would be against it. He’s not though, evident by the expectant way he’s looking at you.

“Come on. I know you need it. I could see you seething from all the way over there.” 

“What I need is new clothes.” Your wet shirt sticks to your skin, the breeze in the room cooling it quickly. You shiver a little. 

You pout. “I can’t believe I have to be in this all day.” 

You should have learnt by now, really. This isn’t the first time you’ve showered along with the animals.

In one swift motion, Jason pulls his hoodie off and over his head. You watch a little too intently as his shirt rides up, revealing the sharp outline of his stomach and his abs and his v line, before it unfortunately falls back down. He holds out the hoodie to you, running a hand through his hair to fix it.

“You don’t have to-”

“Just take it.”

You don’t need much convincing, so you do, a little smile creeping on your face. “Fine, fine. Turn around so I can change.”

Jason pouts. “Do I have to?”

“Yes, you perv.”

He complies, and you quickly chuck your shirt off and pull on his hoodie. It’s warm and worn and it smells like him, and you sigh contentedly. Jason watches you with an amused sort of look on his face.

He shakes the cigarette in your face. “Now can we go?”

You bite your lip, looking back at the shop, contemplating his offer. It’s empty, to be fair. It’s twelve in the afternoon on a Tuesday, so slow is an understatement for the state of the shop right now. And Doris probably has it covered.

You snatch the cigarette out his hand and he flashes pearly white teeth at you. You both squeeze in the little alley behind the shop, passing the cigarette between the two of you. You make a horrible joke about the fact you guys are technically kissing, and Jason just rolls his eyes.

You look around aimlessly, until your eyes fall on a newspaper strewn on the floor. You tilt your head to read the title, and gasp a little.

“Hey, look.” You pick it up, ignoring Jason’s noise of disgust. “It’s about that Red hood guy.”

Jason stands a little straighter from where he had been leaning against the wall. He peers over you shoulder to see what you’re reading, but loses interest quickly.

“Yeah, whatever.”

“Come on, it’s kinda cool. He’s out there saving the night while we wash dogs!”

Jason snorts. He lets the cigarette fall to the floor, crushing it with the back of his shoe.

The article is actually not painting Red Hood in a very positive light. They call him a vigilante, an anti-hero, condemning him for thinking he’s got a right to dish out justice how he sees fit. You read this all to Jason, who’s looking at you with a careful look on his face.

“They have a point.” He says. “What do you think?”

“I think I need that.”

His brows furrow in confusion, a laugh leaving his lips. “What?”

“I said I need that. Have you seen those abs?”

You hold up the newspaper to him. Even through the blurry image, clearly taken in haste, the built figure of this masked man is very visible. You jab your finger at it.

“They are literally protruding out of that suit. Hence, I need that.”

“You’re so-“ 

“Really. I could show Red Hood a very good time.”

“Okay.” The tips of Jason’s ears are a bright red, and you’re a little confused why all this talk has got him so flustered.

He must sense the fact you’re about to tease him for it, because he stands to his full height. “Come on, you perv. Stop creaming over Red hood and get back to work.”

“You brought me out here!” 

————

Talking about showing Red hood a good time is all well and done until he’s standing right in front of you.

It’s your own fault, really. The sun sets too early, just as you finish work, and despite Jason’s insistence that he could drop you home, you assured him you’d be fine walking. You’d lived in Gotham your whole life. You knew how to walk home without getting mugged, even if it was too dark out.

Apparently not, judging by the knife being held towards your throat.

It’s later than you intended to stay out. You’d stopped by the grocery store to grab a few things for dinner, and the plastic bag slips from your hand and crashes against the floor. You’re regretting it now, seeing as you just wasted fifteen dollars on food you’re not even going to get to eat.

In all honesty, you’re scared. As much as you trying to not show that to the person in front of you, your hands are shaking and your chest feels tight. If you die in some dingy alley literally five minutes away from your house you’re going to be really fucking pissed.

He growls in a low tone for you to give him your wallet. Just as you’re about to comply to his demands, hands slowly reaching for your purse, he’s hit by something, or someone, as he goes careening into the dumpster beside you. Your mouth drops open a little, and your head turns so fast you think your neck might snap.

And there he is, in all his glory.

That shitty newspaper picture definitely did not do him justice. He’s tall, towering over you. He’s not looking at you, gaze trained on the man now slowly rising from the floor. His abs really do protrude out of his suit, and you’re glad you’re not the one on the receiving end of whatever the hell is about to happen. His hands, covered in leather black gloves, grip a gun with practised ease, and though you can’t see his face under that mask, you can feel how pissed he is.

The mugger seems to be smarter than he looks, because the second he looks at Red Hood and the barrel of his gun, he cowers, hands shaking as he holds them up.

“I’m- I’m sorry, man, Jesus!” He cries.

You scowl. Your confidence seeps back quickly with the vigilante standing beside you. “Why are you apologising to him? I’m the one you tried to mug!”

Red Hood makes a noise beside you that sounds suspiciously like a laugh.

The flimsy covering on the mugger face has slipped off, and he looks young. Too young to be out holding people at knife point. You feel bad almost instantly, despite that fact he was the one about to stab you. You sigh irritably, digging in your purse. You pull out a twenty dollar bill. The kid looks confused and you tut, shaking it at him.

“Take it. Come on. And stop mugging people. Get a job.” You snap.

He still looks confused, but nobody is stupid enough to say no to free money. He takes it out of your hands carefully.

“Thanks.” He says it more like a question and you just usher him away. 

He skitters off, giving you one last look. You mumble some choice words under your breath, digging in your purse for your phone. And that’s when you remember you’re not standing alone.

Your eyes flicker toward him. And he’s looking right at you. Of course, you think he is. His eyes aren’t visible, none of his face is. Your gaze also flickers to his exposed arms, the curl of his bicep and the material that is stretching over it. 

“You can take a picture if you’d like.” 

His voice is full of static, low and gravelly. It makes sense, you figure, to keep his identity a secret, which is why he sounds so robotic. He does sound sort of familiar, but you don’t dwell on that too much.

You laugh nervously, a furious blush spreading across your face. “No, that- That’s fine.”

“What are you doing out this late?”

You narrow your eyes at him a little. “Sorry, dad.”

He tilts his head. “Don’t get bratty with me. You’re the one who almost got mugged.” 

“I-“ You ignore the heat that pools in your gut at his teasing tone, and try to look annoyed. “That’s not my fault.”

“It’s is. Wouldn’t be if you’d gotten home earlier. Not a lot of people get mugged when it’s light out.”

You snort a laugh. “Yes they do. We’re in Gotham, in case you forgot.”

You kneel down to grab your fallen groceries, and he immediately does the same. You work in tandem and silence, quickly putting everything back. You get up with a heavy sigh.

“I should’ve taken that ride home.” 

Red hood looks at you quizzically. Again, you think. You wish you could see his face. You wonder if he’s just as attractive without it on.

“My friend from work offered to drop me home,” you explain. “And I said no. Like an idiot.”

He nods slowly. He slips the bag out of your hand easily.

“Sounds like a good friend. Why’d you say no?”

He’s nosy, this anti-hero. 

Truthfully, you were nervous. You won’t deny your crush on Jason, and you’re not sure how well you would have faired on the back of his motorcycle, hands wrapped around his waist and body pressed against his. 

You struggle with what to say. You wonder how willing Red hood will be to give you relationship advice. “He’s..”

“You don’t like him?”

“No, I- I think I like him too much.” You mumble. “That, and his motorcycle is too scary.”

“Motorcycles are cool.” You think he’s pouting a little.

You giggle. “Sure, sure.”

Red Hood tells you he’s walking you home. He doesn’t offer, but instead waits until you start heading towards your flat so he can follow.

Gotham is never quiet. It’s one thing you love about the city. It’s always active, cars bustling down the streets or apartment lights on all hours into the night. Most people hate the noise, but you think it reminds you you’re alive. 

It’s busy now. Nobody questions the man in red besides you because you don’t think any of them are brave enough to. 

“Is it smart for me to show you where I live?” You wonder aloud. 

Red hood makes an offended noise. “Hey. I’m not some supervillain.”

You laugh a little. “How am I supposed to know? You could be lying.”

“I don’t lie, princess.”

Princess. You smile a little weakly. “I hope not.”

He looks a little funny. This big strong man, guns hung on his waist, red suit glimmering under the street lamps, a Target bag swinging in his hands. You adjust your purse on your shoulder.

“The press isn’t a big fan of you, you know.” You say.  

He hums. “Are you?”

“Am I the press?” 

He shakes his head. “No. Are you not a big fan?”

Oh, you’re definitely a fan. But you don’t say that. You just give a shrug. 

“I’m not sure. Think I’ll need to do some more digging.” 

He makes a noise. “Digging? I saved you from a mugger and I’m walking you home.”

You hum thoughtfully. You’re getting closer to your place, and you’re a little disappointed. He’s nice company. And he smells good, too. Like something you know, but you can’t quite place.

“I suppose. You’re like a real life Robin Hood.”

The bag rustles as his hold on it tightens a little. He only nods once, curt, and you feel an urge to change the subject. Luckily, you don’t need to, because you’ve reached your block of flats. It’s nothing fancy, but it’s cheap enough that you can’t complain. 

You turn to him. He holds out your groceries, and you take them with a soft thank you. 

“So.” You say.

“So.” He replies.

“Thanks for saving me, Mr Hood.”

“No problem. Next time take that ride home.”

You nod. “I will.”

If you spend the rest of your night reading every article and Reddit forum about Red hood, nobody needs to know.

——

Jason has to try very, very hard not to laugh as you recount your encounter with Red Hood.

He wasn’t being a stalker, or being weird, he’d like to start with. He had business in town, and he’d gone home, changed into his uncomfortably tight uniform and instantly gone back out. It was just pure luck that Jason had stumbled across the poor woman with a knife held to her throat. He would’ve helped no matter who it was. But the second Jason saw you, eyes wide and fear plastered on your face, his body moved before he could even think.

If he’d have looked for a second, he would’ve been able to tell that the person mugging you was just some overzealous teenager. But he hadn’t, which is why he pushed him away from you hard enough to knock him into the dumpster behind him. 

But you’d been kind. Given him money and ushered him along his way. And if Jason didn’t already love you, that would’ve been enough.

You’re sitting in front of him, legs crossed. You fiddle with the laces of your worn out docs as you watch him feed the litter of kittens they’d recently gotten into the shop. You’re trying to mask your jealousy as they all clamber in his lap, but you’re not doing it very well. 

You sigh dreamily. “You should’ve seen him, Jason. So tall, and his voice was all deep and gravelly. And I was right!” You exclaim.

“About what?” He asks. One of the kitten mewls loudly and he scratches the back of his ear.

“His abs do protrude out of his suit.” 

Jason laughs, and you grin. “You should be more careful. And I’m dropping you home today. Whether you like it or not.”

You shake your head quickly. “I’m not getting on that death machine of yours.”

Jason narrows his eyes. “First of all, shut up. Second of all, I have my car today.”

You dangle your fingers in front of the kittens. They paw at you, tiny claws catching on your skin. Jason thinks you look the prettiest like this, all worn out and soft after a long shift. The tiredness that gets to you both, and the final few hours of the day you get to just sit and talk. 

He wonders how you’d react if he told you that he’s Red Hood. It had taken strength he didn’t know he had to not rip off his mask and take you in that alley right then and there, especially with how horribly you were hiding the fact you were blatantly checking him out.

You frown. “Shame. I was hoping to get mugged again so he could save me.”

“You need help.”

“From him, yeah.”

Jason rolls his eyes as you laugh loudly. 

Jason likes you. He thinks he likes you too much, in a way that makes his heart ache like he’s never felt before. He doesn’t think he’s all that deserving of love, but when he’s with you, Jason likes to pretend that he is.

You both get up, placing the kittens back in their respective cages. You leave slowly, talking too much as you stuff your things in your locker and head out. You’ve still got his hoodie on. You haven’t offered to give it back yet and he doesn’t ask. 

It’s only six as you both leave, and Jason wants to ask you to hang out. Not on a date, but. As friends. Or coworkers, whatever makes this not weird for you. Maybe to grab some food, or-

“Do you wanna get a bite to eat?” You suddenly speak up.

Jason isn’t exactly shy, but he is when it comes to romancing. He doesn’t want you to think he’s being too forward, but you never seem to share the same notion.

“I’m starving. And I’m really craving something greasy.” You hum, and he nods.

“Yeah, sure.” 

“You’re paying, by the way.”

Jason rolls his eyes. “Says who?”

“Says me. As your apology for hogging all the kittens today.”

You’re walking close to him. Close enough that your fingers ghost against each other as you swing your arms beside him. He wonders if you’d pull away if he held on.

“Not my fault they all love me, princess.”

Jason curses internally. He instantly sees the cogs turn in your head as you give him this look of something. He looks away too quickly, praying there’s no recognition in your gaze.

“You know, that’s what he called me!”

Jason nods, hoping the relief isn’t too obvious on his face. “Really?”

“God, he was flirting.” You almost whine, “Definitely. I’m going to tell the six o'clock news that Red Hood has a crush on me.” 

Jason knows you’re joking, so it really is quite funny how accurate you really are. Instead, he just scoffs.

“Like he’d ever like you.”

“Don’t act jealous, Mr Todd. It’s unbefitting of you.”

—————————————————————————

guys.. Ik im always posting anime guys but dc.. Jason Todd he is my roots and I wanna take a bite of his big biceps

[preblacksmith20]

Gym Ambush

Pairing: Daniel Ricciardo x Reader

Genre: fluff, just relationships

Summary: Daniel gets sent a video in the group chat. One of those gym challenge videos, only to realize that his girlfriend is the star.

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

Daniel had just gotten back from his weekend in Miami – tired and missing you. He stepped into the house and kicked his shoes off. He called out to you but didn’t hear any response. Checking the time, he guessed you were most likely out at your pottery class – your newest obsession.

His stomach growled and he walked to the kitchen. His phone dinged. Needing a moment, he tossed the phone on the counter and opened the fridge. There was a container with his name and a heart on it. Inside, he found his favorite Thai to-go order. Smiling, he put it on the counter.

He looked through the back of the fridge to see what else is there. By the rest of the drinks, there is a bottle with his name on it. It’s just water, but the thought makes him smile and shake his head. He popped the take out into the microwave and waited.

Ding. Ding. Ding.

Sighing, he looks back at his phone.

Lando, Carlos, and Daniel. Lando had started it after Carlos left McLaren. He frowned. That group chat was never consistent. Sometimes they would message one another constantly over an hour and then go silent for weeks. Daniel hoped it wasn’t about the previous race week. He had finished P10 and dug himself to finish seventh.

landodo: guys

landodo: u see?

landodo: youtube link

carlos: no way

carlos: *message deleted*

lando: NO don’t spoil

lando: dannnyyyyy

lando: watch it!!!!

Daniel’s lips quirked. He grabbed his dinner from the microwave.

daniel: one sec

After opening the bottle, Daniel looked around to find something to prop his phone up on. He settled on your water bottle. He took a seat at the counter and clicked play.

The classic TikTok white gym bro popped up on the screen. He was in a nice gym that looked mildly familiar to Daniel, but he couldn’t quite place it. He was talking directly to the camera. Apparently, his name was Will.

“Welcome back everyone to another ‘Workout Match’ where I find a random person in the gym and do their work out for the day. Feeling pretty good today and want to do some cardio.” He smiled smugly at the camera, and he scoped out the group by the treadmill. His eyes lit up. “Let’s go for the girl in red.”

The camera moved discreetly to the side and captured Will getting on the treadmill next to a woman in a red workout set. Instantly, Daniel frowned, picked up the phone, and zoomed in closer. He would know that workout set, those legs, and ass anywhere in the world. It was you. You were in the zone – a zone Daniel found very attractive on you. Focused.

You were in the red set he had gifted you for your birthday – the one you had shown him for a week. Headphones in and oblivious to the world. You were stretching your arms overhead and flexing your calves. When you bent down, Daniel almost reported the video to get it taken down. The guy looked back at the camera and gave it a ‘this will be easy’ face.

That didn’t last long.

You started to pick up the pace and locked in for the next hour allotted by the treadmill. The video was obviously sped up with a time stamp at the bottom, but even Daniel watched in amazement. Will, no longer smirking, looked back at the camera and his smile was gone. You kept your gaze ahead out the window and then back to what Daniel was assuming was your phone. Your eyes bothered you if you just stared at your phone so you took window breaks.

You stopped the treadmill and hoped off – disappearing off camera. Will looked back at the camera and tried to appear nonchalant. “She’s just watching some race analysis. I wonder if that was her long cardio day.”

Then you returned and hopped back on the treadmill – resuming the pace and run. Will paled. His mate who had walked up behind the camera scoffed and laughed. “Good luck, man.”

Another hour.

Will had to walk the end of it.

At the hour mark, you once again hopped off only to return a few minutes later with a gel and Gatorade. Without missing a beat, you resumed the run. You looked fantastic, Daniel thought wistfully and a touch smugly. He had always found you physically attractive, but watching you exercise always did something to him.

At two hours and thirty minutes, you started to walk. You stretched your arms over your head and paused the treadmill. Once it had come to a complete stop, you stretched your calves over the side of it and loosened up your hamstrings. Daniel noticed you didn’t bend over like you normally did when cooling down on the treadmill.

As you stepped off, the guy intercepted you. He asked if he could interview you and pointed to the camera. Daniel noticed you didn’t seem that surprised.

“Sure.” You nodded. “What’s it for?”

“I was trying to do your workout for the day.” Will explained. “Just wanted to ask you some questions on your workout.”

“Of course, no sweat.” You nodded and took a sip of your drink.

“You’re definitely sweating.” He laughed, teasing. You only gave a polite smile.

“Well,” Your eyes flickered to the camera and laughed. “I am a high-performance athlete. Ki Ki Rah.”

Will’s eyes flickered to the camera giving it a ‘oh so she’s crazy’ look. Instantly, Daniel was crying with laughter. He doubled over and tried to find his oxygen. Laughter wracked his whole body. He could barely breath.

“Are you a runner?” He asked, genuinely intrigued.

“Yeah, I’ve been training for my first Ironman. It’s a good thing you didn’t pick my swim day.” You joked.

“Anyways,” Will tried to keep the conversation going. “What were you watching?”

“F1 – Miami grande prix.” You smiled and the thought warmed Daniel’s heart. You never missed a race of his if you could help it and always watched the recaps if you did. You had to stay at home to work out a RFQ. When he had talked to you after the race, you had already seen it. This video must have been from a few days ago.

“Oh, who is your favorite driver?” Will didn’t sound like he was testing her – just asking politely.

“Daniel Ricciardo.” You replied and winked at the camera. Daniel scoffed.

“Oh really?” The guy’s friend replied off screen. “Is that just because he’s hot? Do you even know how many race starts he has had?”

Daniel clenched his jaw. He knew some of his female fans had to deal with that but watching his own girlfriend go through that was infuriating. But you didn’t seem to miss a beat. For a guy that wanted to feel superior, he sure didn't know to whom he was talking.

“So, you think he’s hot?” You smiled sweetly. “Unfortunately, you don’t seem like his type.”

He opened his mouth. Daniel choked on his water.

“Jack, not now.” The interviewer gave his friend the shut it face.

“However, to answer his question, 236. 237 including this past weekend.” You did a finger gun at the camera. “And yes, he is hot.”

Daniel smiled fondly at you. You were glowing in your post-workout. Your eyes crinkled up as you talked about your training, and you shook your head when Will asked if you would do his workout in exchange. “No, I have a phone date with my boyfriend in an hour, but thanks for asking. Have a good workout.”

lando: did u watch??

lando: comments are flamming the other dude

daniel: god i love her

daniel:....lando did you comment 'and here i am thinking i was your fav. rude.'

lando: lol yeah

lando: Max commented 'ay ay ay'

carlos: is she really training?

daniel: yes?

daniel: but Sundays are usually cooldown?

As if on cue, he heard the door open a crack. He knew you must have seen his shoes because you came tearing about the corner. Daniel stepped out of his chair just in time to brace against you leaping at him. He caught your sweaty form, and you locked your legs around his waist. You were clad in a blue workout set.

You had done this when you started dating, but even after all this time you still greeted him like you did at the beginning – excitement and love. As if you couldn’t bear the thought of being without him. You kissed all over his face and he giggled. Taking a moment to look at him you sighed.

“I missed you.” You brushed your nose against his. He closed his eyes at the sensation, a smile on his lips.

“I missed you too.” He said, squeezing you tightly before depositing you on the floor. He noticed you wince slightly. “You okay?”

“Yeah, just sore. I may have overworked my legs yesterday to prove a point.” You laughed, undeterred.

“I knew it!” He shouted and squeezed your face, laughing with delight. “I knew you knew what he was doing.”

“Know about what?” You frowned, genuinely confused. Daniel showed you his phone. You pouted. “Nooo! I wanted to tell you about it!”

“You can still tell me all about it. Besides, Lando wants more details.”

“Lando?”

“Yeah, he’s the one that sent it to me and Carlos.” Daniel swiped to go back.

“Oh no don’t tell me the ‘Lando’s Exes’ chat is back.”

[tetsubub]

Moments That Make You Fall in Love with Them All Over Again_.

a/n : because even after days, months, or years together, they keep surprising you—just when you thought you couldn’t love them more. <33

Including – kuroo, bokuto, hinata, iwa, sakusa, suna, miya twins

KUROO TETSURŌ

— When He Defends You Without Making a Scene

In the dinner party, you hadn’t even planned to mention your latest project. But someone else brought it up. Someone who smiled too tightly and said things like “Oh, that’s cute,” and “You’re so lucky you don’t have to worry about real deadlines.”

You laughed. Brushed it off. Sipped your wine and tried to change the subject.

But across the table, Kuroo slowly set his glass down.

“Actually,” he said lightly, “she handled three overlapping campaigns while onboarding two new hires last month. So yeah, lucky’s one word for it. I’d go with ‘brilliant,’ but maybe that’s just me.”

The table went quiet. And you looked athim—really looked—and saw not the teasing, smooth-talking man who loved a good volley of banter… but the one who never missed a beat when it came to defending your name.

No drama. No anger. Just quiet loyalty with an edge of pride.

You fell in love with him again, right then, for using his voice where yours had been dismissed.

BOKUTO KŌTARŌ

— When He Lets You See Him Quiet

He’d given everything on the court.

Now the gym was quiet, and so was he.

You found him sitting against the wall, drenched in sweat, towel hanging over his head. No brightness in his voice. No trademark grin. Just the weight of a man who’d tried his hardest and still doubted if it had been enough.

You sat beside him and didn’t speak. Just waited.

“I missed three spikes in a row today,” he mumbled eventually. “Coach says I did fine. But it got to me. It really got to me.”

There was no crowd now. No one to cheer for him or remind him he was more than one bad set.

Except you.

You slid your hand into his.

He didn’t pull away.

That moment—when he let himself be—was the moment your love cracked open again, not because he was strong, but because he let you hold the pieces when he wasn’t.

HINATA SHŌYŌ

— When He Puts Your Dreams First

You’d been quiet all evening. Pushing peas around your plate. Waiting for the right time.

He beat you to it.

“You should take it,” he said, like it wasn’t tearing you in half. “That job sounds amazing. It’s everything you’ve worked for, right?”

You blinked. “But… it’s far.”

He shrugged, but his hand reached across the table for yours. “We’ll figure it out. We always do.”

It wasn’t the first time he’d supported you. But this wasn’t just encouragement—it was permission.

He didn’t ask if you’d still be his.

He just trusted that you would be.

And you fell in love all over again with the boy who once chased the sun—and now helped you chase yours.

IWAIZUMI HAJIME

— When He Picks You Up Without Saying a Word

You stood outside the café, arms folded, trying not to cry. The world felt heavy, but you didn’t want to bother anyone. Especially him. He had work. He had things to do. That's why you texted him a short, “I'm fine” message.

You didn’t expect to hear his car pull up.

He didn’t say anything when you got in. Just turned the heat up, handed you a bottle of water from the console, and drove.

At the red light, his hand found yours and squeezed.

No demands. No interrogation. Just quiet presence—so solid, so real.

You didn’t know you needed saving until he showed up anyway. That was love. Steady. Intentional. His.

SAKUSA KIYOOMI

— When He Notices What You Didn’t Say

You didn’t complain. You didn’t even mention the headache creeping into your skull or the fact that you’d skipped lunch. You thought you were doing a good job pretending.

But he noticed. He always did.

Without asking, he dimmed the lights. The AC turned off with a soft beep. He appeared a moment later with warm porridge and a cup of your favorite tea.

“I put ginger in it,” he said. “Helps with stress.”

You blinked at him, throat too tight for words.

He didn’t need you to say you were hurting. He just made it better, like it was instinct.

Love wasn’t loud with him. But it was deeply attentive. And you melted into it.

SUNA RINTARŌ

— When He Lets His Guard Down Just for You

You caught him staring while you were busy with a book.

Not in his usual way—not the smirky, unreadable glance. This one was soft. Almost vulnerable.

“What?” you asked.

He didn’t blink away fast enough. Didn’t cover it with sarcasm.

“Forgot how good you look when you’re thinking,” he muttered, eyes still on you.

It wasn’t smooth. It wasn’t like him.

Which made it mean so much more.

You tucked your face into the blanket to hide your smile, your heart flipping like it had on the very first date.

And just like that, the quiet boy who rarely gave himself away had you falling for him again—with one unguarded moment.

MIYA OSAMU

— When He Quietly Matches Your Pace

The intense lights, the noise, the long list of things to buy—it was all getting to you in the grocery store.

You didn’t say anything, but your grip on the cart tightened.

He noticed. Of course he did.

Without a word, he steered you toward a quieter aisle, handed you your favorite snack, and gently started naming dinner options.

“Somethin’ warm? Somethin’ spicy?” he said, voice low, just for you.

His tone calmed you. His presence anchored you.

He didn’t rush you. Didn’t ask you to explain. He just met you where you were—and walked with you until you could breathe again.

You didn’t say it, but that’s when you knew: you could marry this man ten times over.

MIYA ATSUMU

— When He Apologizes Right the First Time

You’d fought about something small that spiraled. He snapped. You snapped back. You sat alone for ten minutes after he slammed the door shut.

Then he came back. No slamming this time.

His eyes were red. His voice was raw.

“I was wrong,” he said. “I heard you, but I didn’t listen. And I’m sorry. I really am.”

You expected excuses. Defensiveness. At least some bluster.

But all you got was him. Honest. Humbled. Trying.

You stepped into his arms, still tense—but not for long.

Because loving someone who knows how to try better? That’s the kind of love you never fall out of.

[demie90s]

Spoiled

Sabrina Ionescu x bratty fem!reader

MASTERLIST | MORE

Summary: The kind of brat that gets her own money but still acts like she deserves the world right now.

Word Count~ 0.8k

Warnings: Explicit sexual content (18+), dom!Sabrina, sub/bratty!reader, light choking (implied), power play, brat taming, attitude, cursing,

Genre: Smutt, Dom!Sabrina, Brat Taming, Domestic Power Play, Light Humiliation, Teasing.

Sabrina was at the island, elbows on the counter, reading over scouting reports like a damn scientist. Hoodie sleeves pushed up, hair tied back, face all serious—like she was solving world hunger. I leaned in the walkway, arms crossed, shirt tied just enough to show stomach, trying not to roll my eyes.

“Can we go to the movies?” I asked, voice syrupy, swaying slightly as I walked over. “I wanna watch the new Final Destination.”

“No.” My body physically flinched. I blinked slow.

“……Excuse me?”

She didn’t even glance up. “Watch your tone. And I—”

“Oh, I heard you,” I cut her off, head tilting with a deep scowl. “I just thought you were smart enough to rethink that shit.”

She stopped typing. Looked up. Real calm. Real still.

“…you better fix that attitude before I fix it for you.”

My lips twitched into a smug grin. “Or what? You gon��� take my phone? Spank me? Put me in timeout?”

She exhaled slow, leaned back in the stool like I was exhausting. Which, fair.

“Why are you like this?”

I shrugged. “I asked a simple question. I said can we go to the movies, not ‘can you take me to Paris.’”

“You don’t even like scary movies.”

“I like watching them with you.”

“I’m not in the mood today, baby. I’m not.” She said it plain. Gentle. Tired. I don’t do ‘no’ well. My daddy never says no. My mama taught me sass before she taught me how to spell. And I’ve never been told ‘wait’ a day in my life. Why start now?

I rolled my eyes and turned my back like I was about to walk off.

“You don’t have to come. I’ll find someone else.” That was the one.

I ain’t even make it to the doorway before I heard the stool scrape back. Her footsteps slow, heavy with that WNBA GOAT weight she always be carryin’. I stopped mid-step, smirk already creepin’ onto my face before she even touched me.

Sabrina stepped in close, towering just enough to make me tilt my chin up. Her lips barely ghosted mine—close enough to kiss, but I knew better. I didn’t flinch. Just held her gaze, lollipop still in hand like I was unbothered.

Then she whispered.

“Sit. Your. Ass. Down.”

“Whate—”

Her hand was on my neck so fast, not hard, just firm—controlling. She turned my head to look her straight in the face. That perfect, unreadable expression. No emotion. No sympathy.

“Baby,” she said low. “You need to get out my face with this shit. Like I’m not in the mood.” And God help me, I was grinning.

“Whew. Okay then, Miss Liberty MVP. Touch me again.”

She let go slow, like she knew exactly what I was doing. She looked down at me like she could wreck my whole attitude in under five minutes—but wouldn’t, just yet.

“I’m not your daddy. I don’t give you everything just because you pout.”

“You act like you don’t love it.”

She laughed once. Dark. “You act like I won’t put you in your place the second you forget who runs this house.”

I sat on the couch without her asking again. Crossed my legs. Looked up at her like a girl who needed to be taught a lesson.

“You gonna keep lecturing me?” She turned back to her laptop.

But not before mumbling, “Keep runnin’ that mouth.”

I whispered, real soft to myself, “God, I love this woman.”

I stayed on the couch, fake-pouting, arms crossed like I hadn’t just damn near called her dumb to her face. The TV was on but I wasn’t watching it. I was too busy mumbling under my breath.

“Talkin’ bout some ‘no’… girl whatever… ain’t even that busy… barely plays anymore…”

I wasn’t even trying to be slick with it. Just loud enough. Just bratty enough. That country spoiled energy. Stomach tight. Legs crossed. Trying to act like I didn’t care that she shut me down. But baby—I cared.

I heard her behind me, closing her laptop. Then footsteps. I peeped the time on the oven clock. 4:23. My face scrunched. Practice was at 3.

“…Wait—”

“I told Coach something came up,” Sabrina said casually, leaning on the back of the couch right behind me. Her voice was calm. Still. Way too calm. “You came up.”

I turned slowly, lips parted. “You skipped practice?” She gave me that look. The one that made my stomach flip and thighs tighten.

“I skipped practice… because I knew your little ass was gonna need correction today.” Now that made me nervous.

She reached for the remote, muted the TV. Then walked around and sat down on the arm of the couch, towering over me like she always do.

“You thought you were slick. All that little whispering… thought I didn’t hear you?” I didn’t say a word. Just looked up. Smirking. She reached down, fingers trailing under my chin, lifting it slightly.

“You gonna say sorry?”

I sucked my teeth. “For what?”

Wrong.

@letsnowtalk @draculara-vonvamp @kcannon-1436-blog @let-zizi-yap @perksofbeingatrex @soapyonaropey @julieluvspb @non3ofurbusiness @kcannon-1436-blog @kaliblazin @liloandstitchstan @footy-lover264

[rockwoodchevy]

Pneumonia

Jackson!Joel x F!Reader

summary: you're feeling icky today but Joel has patrol. unfortunately, it's more serious than either of you thought.

word count: 3.1k

warnings: illness, fainting

a/n: hi everyone! it's been a hot minute since I posted anything so here is a little thing I worked on between work. let me know what you all think! enjoy!

__________________________________________________

“Joel, please don’t go out today.” You ask, sniffling to yourself. 

You know that you’ve been feeling a bit under the weather recently, chest feeling heavy and thick with something that you cannot quite put your finger on. The world seems dizzying almost, weighed down by something you can’t quite place your finger on. The thought of being alone right now makes you anxious, especially when you don’t know exactly what is wrong.

”You know that I have to. Town’s getting bigger by the month and we need people out on patrol.”

”Just this once? I’m just… feeling down in the dumps right now.”

Joel turned to look at you sitting in the bed. He noticed that you looked a bit pale recently and could hear the slight sniffles you were releasing, but he talked it up to you having a small cold. He would be back in about 12 hours so he wasn’t too worried.

”I have’ta go, honey. I won’t be gone long. Plus, Ellie will be here to keep you company. I’ll ask her to stick around for a while.”

”Please, Joel? I really don’t… I just think something is wrong with me.”

”I probably just have a bug, I know something has been going around lately in town. Just try and sleep it off, maybe Maria has something for you to take. I’m sorry but I gotta go.”  

Joel places a quick kiss to your forehead, eyebrows furrowing when he realizes that you are a bit warm. He decides to shrug it off as the small illness some people in town are fighting right now, straightening back up. 

“I’ll be back later tonight. Just… rest, alright?” 

You’re too fatigued to continue arguing with him. You nod your head, resigning from the conversation. He dips his head at you one time, grabbing his bag and heading out the door.

”Love ya, hon!” He yells from downstairs. 

You’re too tired to yell anything back, laying back in your spot and throwing the blanket off of your body. You feel like you’ve already sweat through the sheets and your stomach rolls and turns. Bless him for putting the garbage can in here, you think to yourself as you lean over the side of the bed, feeling like the breakfast you forced down this morning was coming back up for an encore. To your dismay, nothing comes up and your stomach continues to feel the same way it did a few moments ago. Throwing yourself on your back in your spot again with an arm tossed over your eyes, you drift off to sleep praying to whoever is out there that Joel’s patrol shift flies by.

____________________________________

You think you’re dreaming still, but you can hear a voice calling out your name. Blinking a bit, your vision clears and you see Ellie sitting on Joel’s side of the bed, a concerned look on her face.

”Damn, and I thought that Joel slept like the dead.” She said, quietly.

”Sorry, El,” you croaked out to her, sitting up. “Just not feeling too hot today.”

“That’s what Joel told me. Asked me to come and watch you for a bit.”

Once you were completely sat up, Ellie reached her out to your forehead, placing the back of her hand against it.

”He said you were warm but I didn’t think you were this warm.”

”I’m alright. Joel thinks I have that stupid bug going around right now.” You say, looking down at your hands in your lap. You hear Ellie say your name and you look back up at her.

”I don’t know about that, I’ve seen the people who have the bug and they aren’t close to as bad as you look.”

”Gee, thanks El.” You roll your eyes, turning to move out of the bed.

You stand even though it makes you feel slightly dizzy. Stretching out your body, you turn back to Ellie who is tracking your every movement.

”I hope you didn’t have to cancel any plans just to come and babysit me today.” 

“Nah,” Ellie stands from her spot. “Was just gonna go and see the movie they were playing today. Guess it's a new one that someone found while on patrol or something.”

Now you felt bad that Ellie had to change her plans just to come and take care of you. Shaking your head, you move for the dresser.

”No way, Jose. I’m taking you to watch that movie.” The sentence barely finishes coming out of your mouth before a cough attack happens. 

“I don’t think that is a good idea, dude, you look like walking death.”

You turn towards her, a look of determination on your face. “Absolutely not, we are going to see that movie if it kills me.”

Ellie rolls her eyes but gives in. She knows that if you are able to fight Joel hard enough for him to give in, then she has no shot against you. She nods, throwing her hands up.

”Alright, alright. I’ll meet you downstairs.”

________________________________

The winter air outside feels like Heaven against your skin, which you know is still sweaty regardless of how cold it is outside. Ellie and yourself are walking side by side as you approach the town center where the movie will be playing tonight. She looks at you warily, worried about your well-being.

”You sure about this? We can always just stay at your place, play a game or make fun of Joel or something.”

You laugh slightly but that turns into a full blown coughing attack. “Yeah, I’m sure. I feel fine, actually.” 

That was a big ol’ lie. 

Ellie nods as you both enter the hall. She searches for someone, you aren’t sure who, but her eyes brighten a bit once she sees them. 

“I’ll be right over there if you need me!” She points as she runs off in the opposite direction. You nod to no one, moving to the back of the room to stay out of the way of everybody.

The movie, apparently something called ‘Angels in the Outfield’, plays for a little while before you see someone walking over to you in your peripheral vision. Turning your head, you see Tommy heading your direction. You smile at him slightly, but his mouth is downturned as he approaches you.

”Whatr’ya doing here, huh?” He says, his arms crossed over her chest. “Joel said you weren’t feelin’ too hot.”

”I’m fine,” You say back, though you can tell he knows that you’re lying. “Just a little bug. He had poor Ellie cancel her plans just to watch me while he was gone but I couldn’t let her do that so I brought her here to see the movie.”

”You sure about that? You look like death.” He moves a hand towards your forehead but you move before he can touch your skin.

”Why does everyone keep saying that? I’m alright! Peachy actually. It’s just a little warm in here is all.” You respond, rolling your aching shoulders back. 

Tommy gives you an odd look. You scrunch your eyebrows at him. “What?” You question.

”Warm? In here?” 

“Yeah,” a look on your face like he said something ridiculous. “I’m sweatin’ like a whore in church.”

He says your name, resting a hand on your shoulder. You raise an eyebrow at him.

”The heatin’ in here broke 4 days ago. It’s, like, 65 degrees in here.”

Your stomach flips again like it did earlier today. How could that be? You’ve been sweating for a while now, you figured maybe the people in here were still cold from the outside air since they all had their coats and jackets on still. You’re confused suddenly, almost a panicked feeling running through your body. You look at Tommy, placing a hand on the arm that is still attached to your shoulder. 

“Tommy, I don’t feel so good.” You tell him, the room spinning slightly.

He looks extremely worried now, placing his arm around your shoulder. He begins to lead you towards someone else in the hall.

”We should get you to the infirmary. Let’s go get Maria, huh?”

His voice sounds a bit far away and your vision tunnels before it blacks out. You don’t feel your knees give out as your body collapses to the floor, your head barely missing the ground as Tommy goes down with you. Tommy yells out for help from anyone, also yelling for both Maria and Ellie as he keeps your head up, lightly tapping your cheeks to see if you’ll come to. A few moments pass before both Maria and Ellie are around your body, some other citizens now on the ground trying to help in any way they can. 

_____________________________________

By the time you come to, you’re laying on a tiny cot in a small room that smells like antiseptic. You take a deep breath, moving to rub your eyes. You hear your name and move your head to see both Maria and Ellie, Ellie now standing over you, your hand in hers and Maria still in her seat. 

“I’m so sorry, I should have made us stay at your house! That was such a bad idea, oh Christ, Joel is gonna be SO mad at me-“ Ellie practically rants. You shush her, moving to sit up in the bed.

”Ellie, it’s alright. It was my idea anyways, so I’m the one that he’ll be upset with, not you.” You squeeze her hand. She smiles slightly at you. “What happened, anyway? I was talking to Tommy and now I’m waking up here.”

”You fainted. Tommy said he was bringing you here and then all of a sudden, you were on the ground. Doctor said you have some sort of lung thing that starts with a P but it doesn’t sound like it.”

”Pneumonia?” Both you and Maria say at the same time, though yours sounded more like a question and her more like an answer. You look over at her.

”It’s pneumonia. Doctor said they have some antibiotics you can take for a little while. You scared the shit out of us, you know?” Maria said.

”I’m sorry. I thought I just had that bug going around.” You groaned at your aching body. “Where’s Tommy?” 

Ellie and Maria looked at each other. 

“He’s riding out to get Joel. We tried to tell him that his shift would be over in a few hours but he said Joel would have a conniption fit if he found out after he got back. He left about half an hour ago so it may be a little bit until they get back.” Maria told you, standing and grabbing a bottle of water off the floor to give to you. You took it gladly, drinking almost half of it in one go. ”Doctor said you’re good to go once you feel like it. You wanna stay for a bit or head back to your place?” 

You shook your head. “I wanna go home. Be in my own bed. Plus I’m sure that will be the first place Joel will go so…”

Ellie and Maria both nod and help you up from the bed. They help to keep you steady as you all walk back to the house. Once you arrive, you sit on the couch in the living room, Ellie on the other side of you. She refused to let go of your hand the whole way home and still won’t now. Maria stands by the front window, searching for both Tommy and Joel. All three of you have casual conversation, save for your couple of coughing fits. About an hour later, as Maria is finishing up a story, she stops mid-sentence. You and Ellie both look at her weirdly before she starts again.

”Joel runs pretty fast for an old man.”

Your stomach flips one more time as you anticipate Joel’s arrival any minute. You can feel your heart rate spike, heat in your veins. Ellie’s thumb brushed back and forth on your hand for a second, catching your eye. She opened her mouth to say something, but the front door slammed open. All three of you looked towards it at once, Joel barreling in with Tommy not far behind him. Joel’s eyes fell in you, looking distressed and uneasy. 

“Baby…” A breath fell from his lips. 

You stood from your spot on the couch to approach him, but he was much faster. He swiftly made his way over to you, engulfing you in what you think may be the tightest hug in all of human history. Squished to his chest, cheek pressed up against his shoulder. His arms were wrapped around you as taut as they could. You could feel the quick rise and fall of his chest, his rapid heartbeat. 

“Let's leave them be.” You could hear Tommy say from the doorway. You could hear both Ellie and Maria move throughout the room to the exit, the door closing behind them. 

You both stood there for a minute, Joel holding you to him and you enjoying the comfort of his arms. You missed him, even for the less than twelve hours that he was gone. You missed him every second he wasn’t by your side, which unfortunately was more often than you would both like due to his patrol and you helping out with the cattle some days. Regardless, you both made what you could out of the time you both got together. It was incredible to see Joel’s growth since you both settled down in Jackson, how he began to open himself up more. He seemed less stressed all the time, his shoulders not carrying the weight that they used to. But you know that now that all three of you are settled, he feels like he needs to pull his weight in making sure the town stays safe. But you know him well, and you know that he probably feels beyond guilty right now knowing what happened to you after he left for patrol even though you practically begged for him to stay with you. 

“Joel-” You whispered into his shoulder.

“Don’t. Just… let me hold you a second longer.” He responded, voice tight in his chest. 

You obliged him, just standing in his grip. After a few more moments, his hold on you loosened and he pulled back a bit. His hands gripped your upper arms, holding you out in front of him. His eyes scanned over your body, searching for something you weren’t sure of. 

“I’m alright.” You mutter to him.

His eyes snap back up to yours, searching them like he’s looking for something specific. 

“What the fuck happened?” He asks, running one of his hands down to yours, bringing it to his lips and pressing short kisses to your knuckles. 

“I can’t believe you told Ellie to cancel her plans just to watch me.” You changed the subject, slightly upset with him.

“That isn’t what I asked, honey.” He responded, his lips still brushing against the skin on your hands. 

“I don’t care, why would y-”

You were cut off by his gruff voice saying your name in a tone, that tone where you know he isn’t playing. You sigh, moving away from him to sit down again. You take a breath to start explaining to him, but get cut off by a rough coughing fit. Joel immediately sat down next to you, a hand patting your back. After a quick moment, the coughing stops.

“I took Ellie to see the movie because I felt bad that her plans got cancelled because of me. Tommy saw me, which I don’t appreciate you just yapping to people that I’m not feeling well by the way, and pretty much wrung my ass because I was out. I told him that I was hot in the hall and he said something about the heating breaking and apparently it was super cold in there so he wanted to take me to the infirmary but I got dizzy and confused and all of a sudden, I was waking up at the infirmary. Doctor said something about me having pneumonia.”

Joel remained silent for a moment before you finally looked up at him. You almost couldn’t believe it, but his lower lash line was stinging with tears.

“...I left you alone while you had pneumonia?”

“Joel, I’m fine really. It isn’t that big of a deal really-”

“Yes, it is!” He exclaimed. “You practically begged me to stay home with you this morning and I just left!” He stood from his spot, a hand on his forehead.

“Doesn’t matter if you stayed home or not. If my body was going to give up on itself, it would have done it regardless of you being here or not.” You stand shakily. Joel immediately had his hands on you, making sure you were steady.

“But I still coulda been there. Christ, honey, do you know how far my heart dropped into my ass when I saw Tommy riding towards me like that? He wouldn’ta come all the way out there for any reason except you so I knew something happened to ya. Scared me shitless, know that?” 

“I’m sorry.” You apologize. “I really thought I was alright. Just… I don’t know, this morning I thought I just had anxiety about you leaving but I guess my head just knew something was wrong.”

“You ain’t got a reason to apologize. I’m the one that should be sorry for not listening to ya this morning. You never ask me to stay home like that so I shoulda knew there was something wrong.” He wrapped an arm around your shoulder, pulling you in towards him. He dropped a kiss to your forehead, causing you to smile. 

“Can’t we both just be sorry and call it a day? I missed you and my body feels like jello.”

You can hear him huff out a laugh, placing a second kiss to your forehead.

“Course we can. Not letting you go for a while. I already told Tommy he’ll have to find someone to take my next few patrol shifts because I am not lettin’ you out of my sight until I feel like you’re 100% recovered.” He moves your body back from him by your shoulders, his thumbs tracing small circles there as well. 

“Think we have ingredients for you to make me soup?” You ask him, trying to clear your throat. 

“Even if we don’t, I’ll raid this whole town to find some. Do anything for you.” He replies. 

And you just smile at him, because you know he’s not joking.

[revelboo]

Wanted to share this absolute cutie I got in a blind box today! ❤️ I was soo happy to see my baby when I opened the bag

The boy! He’s adorable

Memories

Shockwave x Reader

• That’s not him. Not his voice or his face as the drone pans and the other Shockwave smiles indulgently. ‘No, see, it’s just a micro drone,’ the stranger says, stretching an arm out and his cannon taps impatiently against his thigh. Doesn’t like the way every word that mech says echoes through his spark with an unsettling familiarity. ‘If it’s okay? I just, you’re a whole new species. I’d love to document our interactions, but if it bothers you, I won’t.’

• And the drone finally moves slightly, refocusing on a much smaller shape. A human when your species shouldn’t even exist, yet. You don’t look at the drone, your face upturned to look at the other Shockwave, the stranger, the imposter. Spark aching as his palm smacks against his desk, frame bowing toward the screen of his datapad. Turn your head. Look at the drone. Seems like he should know what those eyes look like, that he knows they look like they’re full of stars up close. Should know what your voice sounds like, too. He’s never seen you before, but his spark is aching as he braces himself against the desk. Feels like getting ripped apart watching this and it shouldn’t mean anything because it’s not him. ‘It’s fine,’ you say, voice soft and uncertain. Vulnerable as it sinks into him.

• Catches a glimpse of those eyes when you glance quickly at the drone and away. It’s not enough. Servos trembling as he accesses another timestamped file. Your face thinner. The recording’s from Cybertron. What were you eating? Was whatever that stranger synthesized not agreeing with you? Why do you look so tired? ‘You think this will work?’ You’re asking as you bend to push a tool closer to that other Shockwave’s hand and he resents that stranger. Can’t he see something’s wrong with you? It’s obvious.

• Another timestamp. You’re smiling, the dark smudges under your eyes gone now, your hair longer. And that other Shockwave reaches to slide the tip of a servo against your jaw, the touch familiar and intimate and he knows you’re going to reach to lay your hand on the mech’s servo before you do. Just like he knows your hand is soft and warm. ‘You should be resting,’ the bot says softly, frowning slightly and you wrinkle your nose. ‘I’m fine,’ you say and you watch the other Shockwave turn away. Go back to his work and he wants to snarl at the stranger to forget the terraforming project. Because the look on your face as you wrap your arms around yourself needles into his spark. You weren’t fine. Needed him and he didn’t realize it, yet.

• Hand sliding against his helm, he wants to smash the datapad. Wants to skip ahead to the last entry. Needs to know what happened to you and he’s afraid. This isn’t his. None of it’s his, because that Shockwave isn’t him. He doesn’t know that bot. Doesn’t know you. So why does his spark hurt so much? Pausing the playback he stares at you looking up at the other Shockwave who’s not even noticing. That’s not him. These memories aren’t his. He loves you. So much it feels like dying seeing you again. He’s never seen you before. Servo hovering over the last entry, he stares at your frozen face. The loneliness in your eyes.

• And he drops his head in his hand. Because if that is him, he can guess what happened. Empurata. Meaning that Shockwave did something, went against the senate. But the lost memories? A mnemosurgeon? Shadowplay? He knows there were mechs knocking on that door, working on fine tuning the art of stripping away memories without driving a subject insane. That bot isn’t him, those memories aren’t his. Unless they are. Did the drone record the end? Record what happened when it all fell apart? They would have come for him, but you wouldn’t have mattered to them. Would they have thought you were a pet and put you down? Would they have left you there alone to slowly starve? Can’t play the last recording. Can’t see how badly he failed you. Needs to know and doesn’t want to, as grief twists through him.

…. I’m not complaining, but the universe apparently knows I like Soundwave a normal amount

[huntrcssqueen]

There was no amount of love of happiness that could make Evelyn feel better in the moment. He was her life line, the person she would have forever with. The scars that made them who they were were only ever loved, cared for as they built each other up, stood by each others side knowing their story. Knowing the blood that stained their hands. She could die today and be happy to have lived her life. Her body was consumed by him, letting their love share between them, the warmth of his skin against hers, the new ring on her finger sparkling in their dark history. Now it was just the two of them together in this moment.

A normal life. This is what a normal life was starting to feel like. Waking up next to the person you love, having clean clothes, clean hair from the warm water. These past few weeks with him were feeling like they cold finally go about their lives. She went out for only a moment, one moment as she was pinned against the wall by the throat. Pure fear took over as her entire body went numb. It was them. The vampires she thought she would never see again in her life, hoped that she would never see them again. This was her nightmare waking up. The trauma flooding back into her body, bringing her right back to those four walls. The dark room without the light of day. He searing pain from all the bite marks on her body. She could feel it all over again. Gage... she had to get to Gage.

In a different room she was stabbed with wooden stakes in her legs, they knew that she wasn't human anymore. They could sense it, smell it in her blood that it wasn't the same anymore. Blood soaked her clothes, coming and going from contiguousness. Blood. She could smell his blood. She was shattered, her body not healing like it normally did. She had to fight the pain, the weakness. ❝ Gage... ❞ Her voice was small. A whisper as she could smell how much blood there was. No. She couldn't believe that he was dead. He was alive. That there was still some breathe left in him, they tortured their toys, left them alive to play around with them. An ounce of strength. Just an ounce she needed.

She found just that. The burned skin around her wrists from the acid burning feeling of whatever they put on the ropes, she let it sink into her more to yank her arms free, pulling the wooden stakes out of her legs, holes too slow to close up but she had to move. She had to find it in herself to get to him. She took the stake, shoving it into one of her tormentors hearts, watching his body desiccate before her. She couldn't move fast, not as fast as she is capable of moving. The blood that formed in her throat coming out in a caught as she called out his name. ❝ Gage! ❞ She killed a couple more along the way, taking a blow here and there, bodies trailing behind her as she opened up the door to see him there, his almost lifeless body.

There was so much blood... Everywhere.

Gage didn’t think he could breathe properly. Not with the way her words hit him like a train of emotion. He had spent so long thinking he didn’t deserve something like this, like her. His past was soaked in blood, guilt, and darkness. But somehow, she saw through all that. She saw him, the man beneath the scars and sins. And she still chose him. She was his soon to be wife, his partner and family. His hands moved to her waist, drawing her closer as he melted into the kiss, letting every ounce of love and devotion pour into it. He could taste her tears, feel her warmth, and he knew there was no going back.

It has been several weeks, they weren't keeping count. Thinking they were safe from the outside world. Until darkness showed up to their motel room. It happened so fast. Gage’s breath hitched the second he recognized them. His knees went weak. The ones who used to feed on Evelyn like she was a walking blood bag. They used to keep her locked away in that rotting place like a pet. It was like PTSD had taken over him, he couldn't move, the hunter froze. A sickening blow landed against the side of his head. He collapsed to the floor.

Blood ran warm down the side of his temple as his vision blurred, spinning in a nauseating swirl of motion. He could hear the vampires laughing, their voices echoing through his ears. His first thought was Evelyn, where was she? Hands zip tied behind, him so tight it pierced into his skin. His wrists were the least of his worries. Blood soaked through his shirt, dripping steadily from fresh bite marks across his shoulder, his neck, and down his side. They fed on him. “Hunter’s blood always tastes a little bitter. Full of rage and guilt. But god, it’s strong.” A blade plunged into his ribs. Twisting it. Sent him groaning in pain and his breath hitched. Pulling it out, the vampire wiped the blood off with a rag. They tortured him and did unspeakable things, not out of desire, but to dominate. Traumatized.

He was dying. And he knew it.

[camilaswife]

The Cut That Always Bleeds

Natalie scatorccio x reader yellowjackets x reader jackie taylor x reader (if you squintttttt)

Words: 4.1k

Warnings!: angst, cursing, death, mentions of suicide, mentions of death, mentions of getting high (??).

four months.

The team had been in the wilderness for four months.

Everything felt so... empty.

Everyone was already sick and tired of the routine in this place: wake up, hunt, do your chores, sleep, and repeat.

Even Natalie who you always had known wanted to be anywhere but her home wanted rescue to finally find them.

But you? You didn't want to go back home, you didn't want to stay in the wilderness.

All you wished for at this point was a peaceful death.

After Laura Lee passed tragically all you wanted was to go out of this life just like her. You fantasized about it, really, you fantasized how you wanted to go out, maybe you would die in a heroic act just like your older sister, maybe you would die while hunting, but the animal could be used as a feast for the team.

Or maybe you would be the feast.

Of course you tried to not think about it. You tried really hard, but it always came back, in the back of your mind you always had that thought of you dying in some way out here.

Your original plan the night that Laura Lee died of running away and going to the same place she passed and self-exiting the day after, that plan was quickly demolished when the team suggested having a ‘doomcoming’ in honor of the fact that they would probably all be dead in weeks which you tried to interject by saying that it might be a stupid idea which was quickly brushed off by the team.

You had to hold on a little longer.

So here you were, sitting on the floor of the cabin, putting on some of your makeup that survived the plane crash, getting ready for what would be the worst night in your life so far.

“Cute dress.” You heard from behind you.

You stopped and closed the lipgloss you were putting on to turn around, seeing jackie.

“Thanks, you look pretty good too” you said looking at her green floral dress, jackie always looked so… perfect. Even in this situation, she looked great. And sure, you didn't look half bad considering the place you were in, maybe in other people's eyes you just looked like a glam obsessed girl with her floral mini dress and her best attempt at doing light makeup with what you had. But you always went about life with the motto, “if you don't feel good, you don't look good.” And well, right now you don't necessarily feel good to say the least.

“You need help with your makeup?” She asked nicely, you nodded as she sat down in front of you picking up some of your pink blush and a brush. maybe you needed this, maybe you just needed to feel like a normal teenage girl with her best friends to make yourself distracted.

Maybe.

“Shaunas fucking jeff.” Jackie blurted out while doing your makeup.

Well that's not what you expected today.

“What? Jackie, I'm so sorry” was all you could say. I mean, in no world would you think that Shauna, Jackie's best friend out of all people, would do something like that. It seemed so… unlike her.

Jackie shrugged as if none of it bothered her, you and Jackie were alike in that sense, you were both good at putting up a facade even when everything was going to shit.

“It's fine, it's not like that's the worst thing going on right now anyway.” She said so carelessly even though you saw her saddened expression. You put a hand on her shoulder, making her stop what she was doing.

“You know I'm here if you need anything, right jax?” you told her, even though you weren't shauna, you still hoped that she knew that she had someone in this place. She nodded and resumed doing your makeup.

“You know, I appreciate you being my friend but, remember that you can't always ignore the fact that you have shit to deal with too, you lost your sister, you also deserve to have someone to talk to.” She was right, and you knew it, would you listen? Probably not. But it still felt nice to have someone remind you of that.

She finished your makeup with a gloss and put everything away, you looked in the mirror that was in your makeup bag, it was only slightly cracked at the edges so you could still see well enough. You looked nice, you looked pretty, you even looked sane, which wasn't exactly what you would call yourself right now but at least you didn't look crazy.

Jackie had left to do something that you didn't hear, too lost in your thoughts to pay attention. You stayed in the same spot for a while, trying to think about anything besides your sister.

You glanced outside and saw Natalie, she was in a cheetah print dress (which you bought for her a couple months ago) with her usual combat boots and fishnets.

God she looked beautiful.

You had to consistently remind yourself that she was with Travis, even though each time you looked at her that thought vanished from your head.

You stood up and walked outside, heading straight for Natalie. You approached her and tapped on her shoulder.

“Hey pretty lady. You look good” you saw her smile and instantly mirrored it back.

“Pretty lady? God, what are you, a frat dude? Thanks, you look really pretty too.” She said with a breathy chuckle. Her gaze roamed over your outfit then to your face, taking your appearance in, she didn't miss how your cheeks slightly flushed pink.

“Thanks nat, I tried my best. Well, actually, Jackie did her best, she did my makeup for me.” You said casually, thinking nothing of it.

Nat tilted her head and glanced at Travis who was behind you staring intensely at Natalie which you didn't notice because you were too focused on not so sneakily checking her out.

“Hey, can I ask you something?” She asked suddenly.“What's up?” You asked back.

“Well since this entire doomcoming thing is technically just wilderness homecoming, do you wanna be my date?” you let out a chuckle at that, the first genuine laugh you let out in four months.

“Well I didn't get the memo that dates were a thing at a doomcoming. But yeah, I'll be your date” it sounded like a good idea, until you realized she was still with travis.

“Wait, did Travis not ask you? Because God knows I wouldn't wanna compete with that guy.” You tried to joke at the end even though you were being serious. Her expression got serious as she glanced at Travis once more, this time you followed her gaze and looked at him too.

“We, um… we aren't together anymore” she said looking down at her boots, clearly affected by it. Just by looking at her made you want to walk over to Travis and tell him what he deserved even though he was your friend.

“Oh, I'm really sorry nat, I didn't know.” You said trying to not say anything that would make her sadder or mad. She just nodded and looked back at you.

“So, I'll see you at doomcoming then?” You knew her changing the subject meant she didn't wanna speak about it, so you went with it.

“Right, I'll see you then, pretty lady.” you joked trying to lighten the mood. She let out a laugh and nodded.

“Right, I'll see you then.” you walked away sneakily shooting a glance at Travis, slightly angry at him even though you didn't know why him and Natalie broke up.

A couple hours later, everyone gathered at a makeshift room in the woods for doomcoming. You and Natalie hand in hand slightly farther away from everyone as they watch Tai and Van share a kiss, finally not hiding their love for each other.

God how you wished you could do the same with natalie- wait, no. She doesn't see you as more than her best friend.

Right?

The girls passed around some type of pasty soup made out of whatever they had for food, and some crushed berries to mimic booze. You took one glance at the soup and grimaced, you took a couple sips of the soup and immediately put it down.

“God, this tastes like shit.” You told Natalie while grimacing, she chuckled and was about to say something before Lottie spoke up, saying that we needed a moment of silence for Laura Lee. Your heart ached, remembering what happened, the plane, the smoke, the explosion, the way you had fallen on your knees sobbing while Natalie tried to soothe you, it was one of the worst days of your life.

“To Laura lee” everyone said in sync, lottie glanced at you with a small smile. You knew she went through the same as you, Laura Lee was Lotties best friend, so you understood what she was going through right now.

After a while Natalie had moved to somewhere else that you didn't see, so you walked over next to coach Ben and drank the liquid in your cup. At some point some of the girls started slow dancing, you thought to ask Natalie to dance as well until you realized that she was too busy looking at Jackie and Travis dancing together.

Right, she still loves travis, stop thinking otherwise.

You sighed and immediately pushed that idea to the back of your mind, distracting yourself by listening to what Misty was saying to coach, something about the dance or something.

Poor girl, she was so sweet but God was she clueless, was it not obvious that coach ben wasn't into her?

After coach Ben declined her offer, a few moments passed before nat came up to you two, saying that she had real booze with her, you heard the word booze and your ears perked up, mentally thanking nat because God knows that you need a real drink.

You and coach went with her to this tree and all of you sat down.You and coach drank most of the booze because Natalie said she didn't want it, better for you, you needed this after everything that happened. A while passed and you all started feeling funny, you lifted your hand and moved it around, realizing everything looked weird.

Goddammit misty.

You usually didn't do good when you were high or drunk, always ending up in some mental breakdown, so you stayed silent, trying to ground yourself and stay as calm as possible. Half of the conversation Natalie and coach Ben had you didn't hear because of how high you were. You started thinking frantically about all that's happened in these four months.

Why hasn't rescue come? I lost my sister. Winter is coming soon. I just wanted to go to nationals. The girl I love doesnt feel the same. I'm in love with natalie.

Wait, what?

Oh my god.

I'm in love with natalie.

You looked to your left and saw Natalie in the same lying position as you looking up at the sky, your eyes roamed over her dress, to her chest, to her face. Admiring every little feature on her.

Your actions happened before your mind could register it.

You slightly sat up and leaned in to kiss her, your hands going to her hair and hers going to your hips. She didn't question what you were doing partially because you both were high and partially because you two had been here multiple times before, messy kisses with your fingers tangling in her platinum hair while she rubbed soft circles on your hips.

You two had never established what you were back home, whether it was just occasional sex or it was best friends with benefits you didn't know, but it felt right.

The first night you kissed her was in your room while some random nirvana record you had gotten because of her played in the background, just like right now, you did it impulsively.

You were flipping through a random magazine you'd bought weeks prior while she hummed to the record while laying down, hand propped up on her head watching you. You'd closed the magazine and thrown it somewhere random on your bed, looking up at her through your lashes.

“Hi.” you said softly. “Hi” she mirrored your words glancing down at your glossy lips. You slowly leaned up to her as if you guys always did this, she met you halfway, slightly brushing against your lips as if she was testing the waters, as if she was waiting for you to pull back and never speak to her again. But you didn't, you leaned further, hand shooting up to her hair, so she did the same, deepening the kiss and putting her free hand on your hip, pulling you in closer.

She positioned herself so that she was on top of you, your legs going on either side of her hips with one hand still in her hair and the other unbuttoning your blouse. She slightly pulled back, breathless and half lidded eyes.

“Wait, are you sure?” She asked, she knew you were a virgin so she wanted- no, needed to make sure that you wanted this as much as her.

You nodded and pulled off your shirt, revealing your lacy white bra. You pulled her back into the kiss, pulling her as close as possible as if she would fade away.

And here you were in the middle of nowhere in the exact same position as the first time you and Natalie had kissed, your hands in her hair and hers on your hips just like that night. Except this time you knew, you knew that you were in love with her, you knew that this wasn't a passing thing.

You pulled back and laid back down, breath uneven, lipstick slightly smudged from the kiss.

You glanced at coach Ben and just said a quiet “sorry” even though he didn't even process what was going on so he just waved it off.

It was already getting dark as the feeling of the high wore off, thank god. You sat up, wrapping your arms around your legs, lost in thought, again.You snapped out of it once you saw Natalie stand up, dusting her dress off. Your brows furrowed

“what are you doing?” You asked confused.

“To go find Travis” was all she said. You scoffed and nodded.

Fucking great.

“i- um, I'll go with you, it's not safe to go alone.” You said making excuses to go with her.

Not even an hour after we kissed?

She nodded and just said “sure”. So you followed her to go find her beloved little travis.

You followed after her quietly since you didn't even want to talk about what happened, you were too caught up in your thoughts until you heard someone screaming for help that sounded like…Jackie?

You and Natalie ran into the cabin hearing Jackie's screams from the closet, Natalie opened it revealing a startled jackie. Once she saw that it was Natalie that opened the door she had a guilty look on her face for some reason and ran out of the cabin.

Naturally you followed her to wherever she was going, Natalie right behind you two.

You all stopped once you saw everyone in the same place, Lottie with a weird headpiece that had antlers on it, and Shauna with a knife to travis’ throat.

Holy shit she had a knife to his throat.

Nat ran up to Shauna and pushed Shauna off of Travis making the knife in Shauna's hand fly out.

“Nat the knife!” Jackie yelled. You went over and untied travis as natalie yelled at lottie while she maniacally laughed like a fucking psychopath.

God, what in the actual fuck was going on?

Natalie went over to Travis and asked him if he was okay before he replied with a dry “im fine” and ran away.

You looked around at the girls, specifically Shauna, seeing her apologetic face towards Jackie, mumbling some apology for what she did. You scoffed and left to go back to the cabin, having enough shit happen for the day, you just wanted sleep at this point.

God how you wished Laura Lee was here, to give you advice, to comfort you. Even though you didn't necessarily believe in all her religious shit you still appreciated anytime she would tell you a small piece of advice, or when you had hard times, you had her to talk to, always.

Everyone was sitting by the fireplace about to eat a bear that lottie had killed, lottie was saying one of her bullshit prayers so you repeated it carelessly just wanting this to be over.

“You didn't say it.” Misty whispered to Jackie who was right next to you.

“Jackie didn't say it.” She told everyone as if saying that would make everyone thank her for pointing it out.

Misty shut the fuck up.” You said, you were already pissed enough about last night, and if it weren't for her stupid fucking shrooms none of this would've happened.

“No, I did not thank the dirt for bringing us a brain dead bear.” She said, obviously annoyed.

“What is even happening right now? The fuck is wrong with you all?” She wasn't wrong, everyone was acting like nothing happened last night, like they didn't almost kill travis.

“It's fine you guys she doesn't have to-”

“Oh, shut up, tai. Don’t pretend like you weren't a part of it. What, we're just not gonna talk about it? We just howl at the moon now and have fucking orgies? And somehow I'm the one who did something wrong?” She said, Everyone except you looked at her like she was saying something wrong.

“Jackie calm down.” Shauna said as if she was wrong.

“Don't tell me to calm down! What were you gonna do to Travis last night, shauna?” She crossed her arms and tilted her head.

“Answer me!” Her voice wavered slightly.

“I don't know. I don't remember.” Shauna said.

You scoffed and rolled your eyes but she was too caught up with Jackie to notice.

“Bullshit.” Jackie simply said.

“You had a knife to his throat. If we hadn't come, you would've killed him-”

“Just shut up! None of this would've happened if it wasn't for you. if you hadn't-”

“Hadn't what? Huh? Stolen him? Wow. The irony.” Jackie taunted her.

“Shauna was fucking jeff.” You bit your lip remembering what Jackie had told you yesterday.

“Yeah, thats who's responsible for her little bundle of joy"

“It was you. You read my journal”

“How could you? You were my best friend. Y-you dont even like him-” Jackie said, her voice cracking.

“And how would you know? You're so obsessed with yourself, i'm surprised you're aware other people even exist”

“Shauna! Just fuck off-” you told her, trying to make her stop.

“Shut up!” she yelled back at you.

“You know you never even asked me if I wanted to go to Rutgers? You just assumed I'd go wherever you wanted. You tell me what to wear, what to do, who to hook up with. I don't even like soccer! But you just get everything you want. All the time like it's nothing. And the rest of us, we're just extras in the movie of your fսcking life.”

“Oh my God, you're such a cliché. Oh, is the, is the sad little sidekick mad? Did I force you to live in my shadow, Shauna? It must be hard being this jealous all the time. What? You're so fսcking jealous of me, you can barely breathe.”

“Are you quoting Beaches at me right now?”

“What? No.”

“I'm not jealous of you, Jackie. I feel sorry for you. Because you're weak. And I think that deep down, you know it. I'm sure everyone back home is so fսcking sad to be losing their perfect little princess, but they'll never know how tragic and boring and insecure you really are. Or how high school was the best your life was ever gonna get.”

“fսck you. That's it. You know what? That's it. That's it. Get... get out. Go on, get out!”

“No."

“I can't be around you, I... I can't even fսcking look at you right now.”

“Well, that sounds like your problem. So maybe you should leave.”

“Maybe you'd be better off, since we're all so crazy.”

“Mari, for the love of God, shut up” you told her, right now wasn't the exact moment to encourage Jackie to leave.

“Okay, everybody just stop. Nobody is going outside.”

“Stay out of it, Coach.”

of fucking course lottie had to say something.

“You know what? Fine.”

“Jackie, come on. Don't go outside.”

“Don't pretend like this isn't what you wanted the entire fսcking time. I don't even know who you are anymore.”

“Or maybe you never did.”

Jackie slammed the door as she left the cabin.

You were about to go and follow her to tell her to come back in but you decided otherwise, thinking that Shauna would apologize and she would come back in.

The next morning you woke up with the sound of the cabin door opening, you saw someone running out of it and immediately got up, realizing everyone woke up at the same time as you.

Everyone stood up and ran outside seeing shauna uncovering something in the snow.

Jackie.

You stood next to everyone as you watched shauna desperately call out for Jackie, hoping she wasn't gone, but she was.

Jackie froze to death overnight.

Your jaw dropped and your eyes got teary, why did this have to happen? Why didn't Shauna bring her in? Why the fuck were teenage girl going through all of this?

You couldn't stand watching this anymore so you grabbed your coat from inside and started walking away, nat stopped you by putting her hand on your shoulder.

“Where are you going?” She asked worriedly.

“Fuck off.” Was all you said before practically running away. You didn't want to be mean but it just came out, you needed to be alone, you couldn't handle this anymore.

So you ran, you ran as far as you could without looking back. You ran until your legs gave out and your chest felt like it was sinking in on itself making you fall to your knees and hands, feeling the freezing snow under your hands you tried your best to breathe evenly while you quickly failed at.

You felt a hand on your shoulder and quickly turned around pushing whoever it was. You looked at the person and saw misty on the ground trying to stand up.

“S-sorry, I just followed you, I thought you might need some help since I saw you run away-"

“Just fuck off misty! For fucks sake none of this would've happened if it weren't for you!” Misty's eyes widened when you yelled at her.

“If it weren't for you stupid fucking shrooms none of this would've happened! Travis wouldn't have gotten almost murdered! Jackie wouldn't have died! This is all your fucking fault!” Tears threatened to spill over your eyes but you weren't gonna let misty out of all people see you cry so you wiped at them and kept yelling.

“Fuck you misty! I cant fucking stand you so just go away!” She nodded and ran away from you. You leaned back on a random tree and looked up at the sky, letting your sobs out now that she was finally gone.

“God Laura Lee, why did you leave me here? Why couldn't I die with you?” You said in-between sobs.

You got on your knees and looked up at the sky again, putting your hands together and sighing before you did the thing Laura Lee always taught you to do even if you didn't want to.

Pray.

“Dear heavenly father, please take me with her, please, I just- i cant fucking do this anymore… I can't. If you're not gonna save us just kill me, I don't want to live this life of pain and suffering anymore… If you love me so much like everyone says just please- help me with what I ask. If you love us so fucking much you wouldn't have put us in this situation. So for fucks sake just- just kill me, let me die in peace… amen.”

you did a cross motion on your upper body and let every cry, every tear that you had been holding back out.

Nothing will ever get easier out here.

first swan fic !!!

I hope you all enjoyed it, it's very angsty but I thought it would be fitting for her first fic, (which is why it focuses both on her & nat and also just on the situation they were all in) more swan x nat fics coming soon !!

@emmynemm @daisyjonesgf @cr3stawrites I hope you enjoy😌

(lace dividers by @cursed-carmine)