#were 'raised' in a very nice neighborhood and are just used to nice outfits

[rottendollface]

Smoke Relationship Headcanons

Character: Smoke | Tomas Vrbada.

Warnings: NSFW, fem!reader, dom!Tomas, toxic relationship, jealousy; mental and physical abuse; unprotected sex, thoughts of baby trapping, oral sex; the action takes place before Bi-Han's betrayal, 18+.

• Tomas, who is searching for a civilian woman on purpose. He knows how to make a good impression, and he is well aware of his soft, lovely appearance. Once he has his eyes on you, he will act his best only to lure you into his trap.

• Tomas knows whom to target. He doesn't want a strong woman. He wants a shy, soft girl, a damsel in distress, so he can be her hero; but don't be fooled by such a valiant motive: the more he saves you, the more you owe him, and he won't hesitate to charge you for everything he has ever done to you.

• He lies about his background shamelessly. For you, he is a good guy, Tomas, who works as a policeman in a neighborhood district department. What about his family? His mother and sister tragically perished, and he was adopted by family friends. Tomas is a nice guy, and so are his brothers. He never tells you the names, dates, and places – and you can't even notice it because Tomas just doesn't shut up. He tells you so many things that you constantly lose the plot. However, from you, he expects to hear the whole story with all the following facts.

• Tomas is very caring with you. He assures you that you can trust him all your worries and your mind. His words are sweet, and his hands are gentle when he touches you. Tomas helps you with everything – you don't even have to ask. He is perfect, but he does it only to learn your weaknesses. Got too emotional and told him about your mental struggles? Tomas will make a note on how to put you into stress. Shared your fears with him? He is already planning on how to use it against you to make you vulnerable.

• He always belittles himself in front of you to hear you praising him. You put your whole pure soul into the kindest words he has ever heard in his life. Sometimes, he thinks that even his mother loved him less than you do. You are a marvelous persona, and he does everything in his might to become like you. Staying in your presence feels like basking in the Sun, and Tomas wants to become a better person for you. Did you really believe it? Well, it's better for him. Tomas does it on purpose – he gives you a false feeling of being a savior, an angel in a relationship to make your bond feel special.

• Does Tomas love you? Of course, he does, but the way he shows it is a little... different. He was raised by people who massacred his family. Since childhood, he had to kill to survive. He is a disgusting, sick creature, a predator who lives by animal impulses. Tomas doesn't know love in its normal way. He is afraid to lose you due to this reason, so he is hunting you in a different way: he wants to bind you to himself, make you addicted to him. Tomas will succeed, he believes.

• Tomas is jealous of you. He hates every man for looking at you, he hates you for being so kind with everyone around you, and he hates himself for allowing you to walk everywhere you want. It would be better for him if you were isolated from society. Tomas starts to scare you with police statistics on assaults on young women; he asks you to be extra careful when you leave your home, recommends you to give him access to your location, controls your outfits and makeup. You can shine with your beauty only when he is around, and while he isn't with you, you are allowed to wear something neutral so as not to draw attention to yourself. If you want to party with your friends, he has to know all their phone numbers and be in constant contact with you: if you aren't answering his messages for more than an hour, he will call you until you pick up. Tomas is aware that it scares you to see so many missed calls, and he does it to force a guilt on you. You have to excuse yourself and leave for half an hour in the best case to call him back, mentally prepared to hear his annoyed voice.

"...was found in an alleyway with her throat slashed."

"...her eyes were gouged."

"...drugged her drink and then raped her unconscious body."

Begging him to stop won't give you any results. Tomas wants you to remember once and for all: without him, you can easily become a heroine of tragic news reports. He will continue to intimidate you until you become too scared to exist in society.

• In relationship fights, he uses dirty tricks. Tomas gives you silent treatment to provide you an opportunity to think about your actions and goes on missions, keeping his phone turned off. It drives you crazy – every time you are afraid that he will be injured, and you will be the last to know about it. You would prefer him to scream at you than look you over and keep silent.

• Sometimes, when you two are not fighting, but starting to argue, he grabs your hands or claws his fingers in your shoulder dangerously close to your neck. Tomas is a strong man with an impressive physique – and some of his touches leave bruises on your skin. You ask him to be more careful with you, yet it goes unheard by him. His way to say sorry in this situation is to kiss each bruise after it gets its beautiful cornflower-blue color with purple streaks. The tenderness in his lips when he is doing that makes you think that Tomas likes to hurt you.

• Still, Tomas is a good husband material! He provides you, always makes sure your fridge is full of the best food. With Tomas, you don't have to worry about money. He will easily pay for your education and your cravings.

Tomas is traditional and believes that you should be a stay-at-home mother for your future children. To be honest, in Lin Kuei, you will have nothing else to do but to watch after kids. Sometimes, he dreams of leaving the clan and living with you like his parents did. One day, when it will be safe for him and you will have nowhere to run, he is going to tell you the whole truth about himself.

• Talking about children, Tomas loves the idea to be a family man. His foster parents made sure to raise all of the sons this way. It is also a good way to chain you to him. Constantly pregnant, you will have no other way but to stay with him.

• Tomas just feels the urge to breed you. Like an animal in rut, he won't cum anywhere, but inside you. Want it or not, he will force his seed in your womb. Tomas is the type to sabotage your birth control if you take any and impale condoms. He will find the words to assure you to have unprotected sex – he knows you so well he can convince you in everything.

• Tomas lives to grope you. He adores the way his big palms squeeze your buttcheecks, this delicious fat taking the form of his hands. He will grab you by your thighs when you sit next to him, making his way in between your legs by pressing on your skin roughly, impelling you to spread them.

• Thigh-sex from behind is a must for him: just one thought of his dick nestling in between your sweet inner thigs, right under your dripping pussy, gives him a boner. Your slick makes it easy to move, and Tomas shamelessly uses it for his pleasure. For you, it is nothing more, but a sweet torture, as you feel his throbbing length rubbing under your awaiting hole. You beg him and whine for him, but Tomas just grabs you by your hands, making you arch your back, and goes faster, bringing his climax closer.

• He won't go further without oral. Expect him to eat you out until you go stupid. Tomas is an expert in what he is doing: toying with your clit by sucking, munching and licking on it, he is then sliding his tongue down to your hole. Stuffing you with his saliva and tongue, he changes it on his thick fingers when it's time to go back to your trembling clitoris. He will slide up and down, his tongue flat to cover all the parts of your pussy.

Tomas expects you to give him head back after he finishes with you. The clouded gaze with heavy eyelids you give him when your plump pink lips close on the tip of his dick makes it more erotic. He is training you to take all of him in your mouth in one go, yet it brings Tomas more pleasure when you're starting at the tip and slowly making it down to the base, letting his length into your hot tight throat. You are sucking him, trailing every vein with your tongue. Saliva is streaming down from the corners of your mouth to your chin, making bubbles – Tomas is watching you with attentive eyes, memorizing every detail. Tomas is the type to grab you by your hair and start fucking your mouth roughly, enjoying you choking on his cock.

• No matter the position, Tomas is always in control of you. His hands never leave your body, helping you to adapt to his pace instead. Yet Tomas' favorites are doggy and missionary. For him, deeper penetration means better chances to make you pregnant. Taking you from behind allows him to go rougher on your poor cunt, that certainly will be swollen by the end of the intercourse. Pulling you on his cock, Tomas shivers at the feeling of your wet walls spasming around his length. His head is spinning when he sees his seed leaking out your red and messy pussy. Tomas pushes it back with his fingers, watching you squirm under him, as he is stuffing your already sensitive insides. For sure, he will go on you for another round, fucking his cum at the deepest parts of your womb.

• Every time you fall asleep by his side, Tomas is thinking about introducing you to his reality. It will be a long, painful process of your complete disappearance from previous life. Saying goodbye to old friends and family is never an easy task, but you will do it for Tomas – he will gladly help you with it.

[oddballwriter]

Stacy's Mom, Part 2

Summary: Following Marc asking you out on a date in exchange for him hosting so many sleepovers for both of your daughters and mowing your lawn, you meet for lunch at a restaurant and share your stories and talk about other things, finding that you two really get along. 

Warnings: SingleDad!Marc and SingleMom!reader. She/her reader. Reader is divorced and Marc raised Rayna (his daughter) alone. Some reference to Marc's past with some parts skipped over and added non-canon stuff (Rayna's adoption). Marc doesn't have D.I.D. in this but it's mentioned that he had/has some issues with his mental health from his past.

Author’s Snip: This was the second in line in my poll for what I should write so here y'all go. I had some people requesting a part two so here you go. Just as an FYI, I will not do a part three, I just wanted to write this because it was wanted and the idea struck me.

I’ll shut up now. Enjoy! And don’t be afraid to request.

Word Count: 1,012

You checked yourself in the mirror, making sure that your hair looked nice and your make-up was cleanly done. Double-guessing your outfit.

Was it too casual? Was it not casual enough?

No, it's fine. This isn't a business lunch. This is a date lunch. A date lunch with the very handsome Marc Spector. The date proposal was a bit sudden to you. One day you finally meet him in person for the first time, the next he's over at your house mowing your lawn and backyard, and now you have a date with him in about an hour.

While driving in your car to the restaurant you found that you were stricken with a bit of the nerves. It had been so long since you had been on a date. A very long time actually. You hadn't dated anyone since you and your former husband, Stacy's father, divorced. You settled that you were just too busy with work and taking care of Stacy that you simply didn't have time to get out there again.

Well, maybe you're still not trying to get out there. After all, this was more of a payment, a means to show gratitude and get to know Marc better since it would be nice to be familiar with the father of your child's best friend. But, things always happen when you least expect them. So who knows.

Upon getting there with a couple minutes to spare you find Marc in the front already waiting for you. He gives you a warm smile and greeting and heads inside with you to which you get seated at a table.

"You look nice, today." he compliments. You thank him and respond with "You don't look so bad yourself.".

After ordering, you two spend the first couple of moments as you wait for your food talking about yourselves. You explain your job and your many business trips and he explains his. As it turns out, Marc is a writer for an archeology-based news website. But Marc sprung up a new topic.

"Why did you stay working? Not to sound rude or anything. I just find that most parents leave behind working to take care of the kids." Marc clarified. You sigh, it was a bit of a long and somewhat personal answer, but you felt like you could lay it out to Marc. "If I'm being honest, my former husband's job... well, it was an okay job with good pay but my job, which I had before him, paid more and our new life was dependent on that money so I kept it." you explain. Marc nodded, "I get it. Nice house in a good neighborhood and block. It's a picturesque place to live and raise a child.".

"Exactly," you exclaim, "But Dan, my former husband, he found that my job was keeping us apart and other factors that were there like the spark dying out just made it clear that maybe we were fine going our separate ways." you explain with a sigh. "I'm sorry to hear that." Marc replies. You look at him with a soft smile, "Oh, don't be sorry. Things like that just happen to some people. It was a bit sudden, sure, but I guess we both weren't homebodies." you add.

"That must still be a bit rough on you? A single mother and a working woman." Marc sympathizes. "I've gotten the hang of it. Maybe I'm a bit worried for Stacy's sake when she's alone but she has you and Rayna now. Plus her dad is still in her life and we're on good terms." you say.

Marc nods, glad that you're doing just fine. But then you turn the attention towards him. "How about you. What's your story, if you don't mind sharing it?" you ask.

"Oh, well... it's a bit of a story. One that goes a bit longer." Marc explains. You look at him with that same soft smile, "I'm all ears if you want to talk about it.". Marc takes a breath.

"I had a... complicated childhood, to say the least. When I became an adult I went off to join the military but I had some mental health issues, so they let me go. Then I became a mercenary, but that also didn't turn out to be right for me either so I left that. After that, I was just kind of a wandering soul." Marc explains before continuing. "But then something just kind of came over me where I just wanted to be a dad. I don't really know where the hell it came from but it was there and so I got the job I have now, climbed up to get a stable wage, and looked into adoption. Then I took in and adopted Rayna when she was young." Marc explains till he reaches the end and just shrugs, "And now we're here." he concludes.

You look on listening in awe. "Wow. You really are a great man." you praise. Marc blushes a bit and smiles "Well, what can I say? I guess I just needed someone to take care of so that I could have some actual structure in my life for once.". Marc laughs a bit, "You know, she's a handful sometimes, especially with her being a tweenager and starting to get into all the latest things." Marc comments. You roll your eyes thinking about that with Stacy, "Tell me about it. I've lost count of all the things that were in fashion and then fell out of fashion soon after." you groan.

You laugh at all the things you've heard and seen with your daughters. Followed by things when you two were younger. Followed by this, and that, and other things even while eating lunch just enjoying talking and laughing. By the time you ran out of things to talk about, the waiter came to ask if you wanted the bill, making you realize that time flew right past the two of you.

"I had a great time." you comment.

Marc smiles back "So did I.".

[layce2015]

Supernatural (Dean Winchester x Female!Reader)

Max Miller

Masterlist

In the morning, Max leads the boys and I in his house, the boys were in their priest outfits and I was back in my nun outfit. "My Mom's resting, she's pretty wrecked." Max said to us. "Of course." Dean said as we walk into the living room.

"All these people kept coming with like, casseroles? I finally had to tell them all to go away. You know cause nothing says I'm sorry like a tuna casserole." Max says as he gestures towards the row of casseroles in the kitchen.

We smile at Max, who smiles back at us. Then be gestures to the lounge and we all take seats. There is a moment kf silence, then Sam sighs.

"How you holding up?" Sam asked, softly. "Ok." Max replied. "You're dad and your uncle were close." I said and Max shrugs. "Yeah I guess. I mean, they were brothers. They used to hang out all the time when I was little." He replies.

"But not lately much?" Sam asked. "No, it's not that. It's just....we used to be neighbors when I was a kid, and we lived across town in this house. Uncle Roger lived next door, so he was over all the time." Max replied and I couldn't help but feel that he was hiding something.

"Right. So how was it in that house when you were a kid?" I asked him. "It was fine. Why?" He asked me, in slight fear. "All good memories? Do you remember anything unusual? Something involving your father and your uncle maybe?" Dean asked and Max shakes his head.

"What do ya....why do you ask?" He asked.

"Just a question." Dean said. "No, there was nothing. We were totally normal. Happy." He said and I raise an eyebrow at this. "Good. That's good. Well you must be exhausted. We should take off." Dean said as he looks over at me and Sam.

"Right." I said and Sam turns to Max.

"Thanks." He said.

"Yeah." Max mutters and we leave the house.

"No one's family is totally normal and happy. See when he was talking about his old house?" Dean asked once we walked down the street and towards the Impala. "He sounded scared." Sam said. "Yeah Max isn't telling us everything. I say we go find the old neighbourhood, find out what life was really like for the Millers." I suggested and Dean nods. "Couldn't have said it better myself." He said and we get in the Impala.

After changing back to our normal clothes, Sam, Dean and i stand on the footpath of the another suburban neighborhood, talking to a man in his front yard. "Have you lived in the neighborhood very long?" Sam asked the man. "Yeah, almost 20 years now. It's nice and quiet. Why, you looking to buy?" The man asked. "No, no, actually, we were wondering if you might recall a family that used to live right across the street I believe." I said to him.

"Yeah, the Millers. They had a little boy called Max." Dean said. "Yeah I remember. The brother had the place next door. So uh, what's this about, is that poor kid ok?" The man asked.

"What do you mean?" Sam asked as we give the man curious look. "Well in my life I've never seen a child treated like that. I mean I'd hear Mr Miller yelling and throwing things clear across the street, he was a mean drunk. He used to beat the tar outta Max. Bruises. Broke his arm two times that I know of." The man replied and my jaw drops slightly at this.

"This was going on regularly?" I asked him. "Practically every day. In fact that thug brother of his was just as likely to take a swing at the boy but the worst part was the stepmother. She'd just stand there, checked out, not lifting a finger to protect him. I must have called the police seven or eight times. Never did any good." The man said.

"Now you said step-mother." Dean said, curiously.

"I think his real mother died. Some sorta...accident. Car accident I think." The man said then I place my hand to my head, grimacing.

"Are you two ok there?" The man asked and I look over and see Sam was doing the same as me. "Uh, yeah." We winced. "Thanks for your time." Dean said and he tries to lead Sam and I away. "Yeah, thank you." Sam said as I give a nod and we start to walk away. "God." I groaned as I look up and felt like the world was spinning.

Suddenly, I see Ms Miller is chopping vegetable with a large knife in the kitchen. "I don't know what you mean by that. You know I never did anything!" She said as she lays her knife down. Then I see Max standing in front of her, angry. "That's right. You didn't do anything." He said, through tears, and the knife starts to rattle on the chopping board.

"You didn't stop them, not once." He growls and the knife lifts into the air. "How did you..." Ms Miller said as she backs up to the wall and the knife moves forward to hold her against the wall.

"Max! please!" She cries as the knife twists in front of her face, coming close enough to her eyeball to pierce the tear in her eye and it runs down her cheek. She gasps. "For every time you stood there and watched. Pretending it wasn't happening." Max said, tears in his voice. "I'm sorry." She cries.

"No you're not. You just don't wanna die." Max said.

Mrs Miller gasps and cries then the knife slices right through her eye and out the back of her head.

I gasped as I was brought back into reality then I look over at Dean just as Sam raises his head too. "Max is doing it. Everything we've been seeing." I said to Dean. "You sure about this?" Dean asked and I nod. "Yeah, I saw him." I said. "Me too." Sam said and we get into the car and drive to the Millers.

"How's he pulling it off?" Dean asked. "I don't know, like telekinesis?" Sam said. "What so he's psychic, a spoon bender?" Dean asked. "I didn't even realize it but this whole time, he was there." Sam said and I nod.

"Yeah, same here. He was outside the garage when his Dad died, he was in the apartment when his Uncle died. These visions, this whole time -- Sam and I weren't connecting to the Millers, we were connecting to Max!" I exclaimed.

"The thing is I don't get why, man. I guess -- because we're so alike?" Sam said. "What are you talking about. The dude's nothing like you two." Dean said. "Well. The three of us have psychic abilities, we..." I said as I think.

"You what? (Y/n), Max is a monster, he's already killed two people, now he's gunning for a third." Dean said. "Well, with what he went through, the beatings, to want revenge on those people? I'm sorry, man, I hate to say it, but it's not that insane." Sam said. "Yeah but it doesn't justify murdering your entire family!" Dean exclaims.

"Dean..." I said, exasperated, as we pull up to Max's house. "He's no different from anything else we've hunted, all right? We gotta end him." Dean said.

"We're not going to kill Max." Sam shouts.

"Then what? Hand him over to the cops and say Lock him up officer; he kills with the power of his mind." Dean said. "No way. Forget it." Sam grumbles as Dean turns off the engine.

"Sam..."

"Dean. He's a person. We can talk to him." I said as I place a hand in his shoulder. He looks over at me when Sam says. "Hey, promise me you'll follow our lead on this one."

Dean sits there for a moment then sighs. "All right, fine. But I'm not letting him hurt anybody else." He said and he removes his Taurus pistol from the glove compartment, glaring at me and Sam then opens the door.

We run up to the house and burst through the front door to see Max and his mom standing in the kitchen, similar to what Sam and I saw. "Fathers? Sister?" Ms Miller said, confused, while Max looks at us in shock. "What are you doing here?" He asked us.

"Aahh, sorry to interrupt." Dean said, apologetically. "Max, can we, uh, can we talk to you outside for just one second?" Sam asked him. "About what?" Max asked, suspicious. "It's....it's private. We wouldn't want to bother your mother with it." I said and Sam looks over at Ms Miller.

"We won't be long at all though, I promise." He assures as Max looks at her then back at us.

"Ok." He said.

"Great." Sam and I said.

We turn for the door and Max starts to follow. But as Dean grabs the doorknob, the knob, suddenly, is pulled from his hand and the door slams shut, as does the wooden window blinds all around the room. "You're not priests and a nun!" Max yells as we turn and Dean draws his gun but Max uses his power to pull it away, sliding it across the floor to where he can pick it up. He hold's it on us.

"Max, what's happening?" Ms Miller asked, frightened. "Shut up." Max growls. "What are you doing?" She asked. Using his power, Max flings her backwards and she hits her head on the kitchen bench and falls to the ground unconscious. "I said shut up!" He yells.

"Max calm down." Sam said to him, calmly. "Who are you?" Max asked, angrily. "We just wanna talk." I said. "Yeah right, that's why you bought this!" He said as he indicates with the gun.

"That was a mistake all right? So was lying about who we were. But no more lying Max ok? Just please, just hear us out." I said. "About what?" Max asked.

"(Y/n) and I saw you do it. We saw you kill your Dad and your Uncle before it happened." Sam said and Max looks at us.

"What?" He asked. "We were having visions, Max. About you." I told him. "You're crazy." Max said.

"So what, you weren't gonna launch a knife at your stepmom?" Sam asked as he taps his eye. "Right here? Is it that hard to believe Max, look what you can do. Max, (y/n) and I were drawn here all right? I think we're here to help you." Sam said and Max begins to cry. "No one can help me."

"Let us try. We'll just talk, me, you and Sam. We'll get Dean and Alice out of here." I said to Max. "Uh-huh. No way." Dean said and the chandelier begins to shake. "Nobody leaves this house!" Max screams. "And nobody has to, all right? They'll just...they'll just go upstairs." Sam said.

"Sam, I'm not leaving you and (y/n) alone with him." Dean growls and I turn to him. "Yes you are." I said, firmly, to Dean then I turn to Max. "Look, Max. You're in charge here, all right, we all know that. No one's going to do anything that you don't want to do but we're talking five minutes here." I said.

"(Y/n)! Sam!" Dean yells as Max looks back at his stepmother. "Five minutes." He said and the chandelier stops shaking. "Go." Max orders Dean and he moves to pick up Ms Miller and they head upstairs.

Max stares at a letter opener as it raises on its point and begins twirling slowly while Sam and I sit across from him in the living room. "Look, we can't begin to understand what you went through." Sam said to him. "That's right you can't." Max spat.

"Max, this has to stop." I said to him. "It will, after my stepmother --" Max starts to say but I shake my head. "No. You need to let her go." I said. "Why?" He asked.

"Did she beat you?" asked Sam. "No, but she never tried to save me. She's a part of it too." replied Max. "What they did, to you, what they all did to you growing up, they deserve to be punished..." I said and Max looks at me. "Growing up? Try last week." He said and he gets up and lifts his shirt. His chest and side had a mass of bruises and a long cut on his side.

I gasped and placed a hand over my mouth as Max lowers his shirt. "My dad still hit me. Just in places people wouldn't see it. Old habits die hard I guess." He grumbles and he sits back down. "I'm sorry." Sam and I said, softly.

"When I first found out I could move things it was a gift. My whole life I was helpless but now I had this. So last week Dad gets drunk. The first time in a long time. And he beats me to hell, first time in a long time. And then I knew what I had to do." Max explains

"Why didn't you just leave?" Sam asked him. "It wasn't about getting away. Just knowing they would still be out there. It was about...not being afraid. When my Dad used to look at me, there was hate in his eyes. Do you guys know what that feels like?" Max asked as he looks back at us. "No." Sam and I replied in unison.

"He blamed me for everything. For his job, for his life, for my Mom's death." Max said and I raised an eyebrow. "Why would he blame you for your Mom's death?" I asked him. "Because she died in my nursery, while I was asleep in my crib. As if that makes it my fault." Max replied and Sam and I share a look then we look back to Max.

"She died in your nursery?" Sam asked, shocked. "There was a fire. And he'd get drunk and babble on like she died in some insane way. He said that she burned up. Pinned to the ceiling!" Max said and my jaw drops slightly.

"Listen to me, Max. What your Dad said, about what happened to your Mom. It's real." I said to him.

"What?" Max asked, confused. "It happened to my Mom too, exactly the same. My nursery, my crib, my Dad saw her on the ceiling." Sam said and I nod. "Same here. My mom was killed in my nursery and my dad saw her." I said.

"Your Dads must have been as drunk as mine." Max said and we shake our heads. "No, no. It's the same thing, Max. The same thing killed our mothers." I said. "That's impossible." Max said.

"This must be why we were having visions during the day. Why they're getting more intense. Cause the three of us must be connected in some way. Your abilities, they started 6-7 months ago right, out of the blue?" Sam asked and Max looks at him, shocked again.

"How'd you know that?" He asked. "Cause that's when our abilities started, Max. Yours seem to be much further along but still, this has to mean something right? I mean for some reason, the three of us...we were chosen." I said.

"For what?" Max asked.

"We don't know. But us and Dean, my brother, we're hunting for your Mom's killer. We can find answers, answers that can help us. But you gotta let us go, Max. You gotta let your stepmother go." Sam said to him.

Max thinks for a moment then he starts to shake his head. "No. What they did to me. I still have nightmares. I'm so scared all the time, like I'm just waiting for that next beating. I'm so sick of being scared all the time, I just want this to be over!" He exclaims in tears.

"It won't. Don't you get it? The nightmares won't end, Max. Not like this. It's just, more pain. And it makes you as bad as them. Max, you don't have to go through all this by yourself." I said to him. "I'm sorry." Max said then he uses his powers to fling Sam and I backwards into the hall closest and slam the door. 

Then I could see through the blinds and see him use his power to put a large bookcase in front of the door. "No. Max!" Sam and I scream as we bang on the door then I felt a searing pain go through my head again.

Ms Miller was sitting on the bed while Dean was crouched beside her, holding a facecloth to her bleeding forehead. The door creaks open on its own and Max walks in. Dean rises and moves purposefully toward Max as the door closes behind him.

Max sends Dean flying and he crashes into the wall. "Max!" Ms Miller shouts as Max raises Dean's pistol, his hand shaking. "Son of a..." Dean grumbles as he rises but freezes when he sees the gun. But he begins to walk toward Max.

He stops when Max lets go of the gun, leaving it floating in mid air. It cocks, then turns to point at Ms Miller. Dean steps in its way. "Stay back. This is not about you." Max warns him.

"You wanna kill her you gotta go through me first." Dean said, firmly. "Ok." Max said and the gun fires. Blood splatters over the wall as Dean has a bullethole in the middle of his forehead, his eyes blank. He wavers and crashes heavily to the ground. 

I come back to myself, gasping and holding my head as I hear Sam gasping in a panic. "No. NOOO!!!" We screamed when, suddenly, the bookcase in front of the closet doors blasts away and the doors burst open. Sam and I freeze at this then we stare at each other. "Did we...?" Sam asked and I shrug. "I don't know. But we have to hurry." I said and we run out of the closet and up the stairs.

We burst through the door and see Max has the gun floating in front of Dean, we just made it in time. "No don't!" I screamed. "Don't! Please. Please. Max. Max. We can help you. All right." Sam said. "But this, what you're doing. It's not the solution. It's not gonna fix anything." I said as Max looks at us.

He was shaking and sweating as tears were in his eyes. He stares at us, in anguished. Suddenly he relaxes a little and his face clears, I began to think that maybe we done it.

"You're right." Max said and Sam and I smile at him. But Max turns away from us, as the gun swings to point at Max. And just like that, he shoots himself in the head. "NO!!" Sam and I shouted, in fear, then I placed my hands over my mouth and began to cry just as Sam pulls me into an embrace.

"Max attacked me. He threatened me with a gun." Ms Miller said to the cop, sometime later. "And these three?" The cop asked as he gestures towards me and the boys. "They're...family friends. I called them soon as Max arrived, I was scared. They tried to stop him. They fought for the gun." Ms Miller replied. 

"Where did Max get the gun?" The cop asked and the boys and I exchange looks, worried that she would slip up. But she begins to cry and look up at the ceiling. "I don't know. He showed up with it and..." then she begins to break down.

"It's all right Ms Miller." The cop assured her as she sobs. "I've lost everyone." She cries then the cop turns to us. "We'll give you a call if we have any further questions." He said. "Thanks officer." Dean said then he pats mine and Sam's arm. "Come on." He said and we start to walk out of the house.

"If we'd just said something else. Gotten through to him somehow." I said, depressed, as we walk down the path to the Impala. "Ah, don't do that." Dean said. "Do what?" Sam and I asked. "Torture yourself. It wouldn't have mattered what you guys said, Max was too far gone." Dean replied.

"When I think about how he looked at us man, right before. I shoulda done something." Sam said.

"Yeah, me too." I aaid.

"Come on guys, both of you risked your lives. I mean yeah, maybe if we had gotten there 20 years earlier." Dean said as Sam and I moved to one side of the Impala and Dean was on the other.

"Well I'll tell you one thing. We're lucky we had Dad." Sam said and Dean looks at Sam, astounded and a little pleased. "Well I never thought I'd hear you say that." He said.

"Well, it could of gone a whole other way after Mom. A little more tequila and a little less demon hunting and we woulda had Max's childhood. All things considered, we turned out ok. Thanks to him." Sam said and Dean nods. "Yeah, I'm grateful for my dad as well. All things considered." I said as I glanced back at the Miller house.

That night, we were packing up out stuff in the trunk of the Impala which was backed up to the door of the motel, and I go in the boys former room. "Guys  I've been thinking." I said. "Well that's never a good thing." Dean said and I rolled my eyes. "Oh, ha, ha. I'm serious. I've been thinking, this demon, whatever it is. Why would it kill our Moms, and Jessica, and Max's mother, you know? What does it want?" I asked.

"I have no idea." Dean said as Sam shrugs. "Well, you think, maybe, it was after us? After Max or Sam or me?" I asked.

"Why would you think that?" Dean asked me.

"I mean, either telekinesis or premonitions, all three of us had abilities, you know? Maybe he was, he was after us for some reason." I said.

"(Y/n). If it had wanted you or Sam, it would've just taken both of you. Ok? This is not your fault, and its not Sam's, it's not about you two." Dean said.

"Then what is it about?" Sam asked. "It's about that damn thing that did this to our family. The thing that we're gonna find, the thing that we're gonna kill. And that's all." Dean said, firmly. "Actually there's uh...there's something else too." I said, nervously. "Ah jeez what?" Dean mutters.

"When Max left us in that closet, with that big cabinet against the door...one of us moved it and the other bursts the door opened or both of us might've done it. Kinda like Max." I said. Dean pauses at this then starts to gather up his clothes. "Oh. Right." He said, softly. "Yeah." Sam and I said.

Then Dean picks up a spoon and holds it up. "Bend this." He said and I scoff at this. "We can't just turn it on and off, Dean." Sam said, frustrated. "Well how'd you guys do it?" Dean asked. "I don't know, we can't control it." Sam exclaims.

"We just....we saw you die and it just came out of us, like a, like a punch. You know like...a freak adrenaline thing." I explained as best as I could. "Yeah well I'm sure it won't happen again." Dean said. "Yeah, maybe." I said, unsure.

"Aren't you worried, man? Aren't you worried (y/n) and I could turn into Max or something?" Sam asked. "Nope. No way. You know why?" Dean said.

"No. Why?" We asked him.

"Cause you guys got one advantage Max didn't have." Dean replied. "Dad? Because Dad's not here, Dean." Sam said, exasperated. "No. Me." Dean said, smirking. "You?" I chuckled. "Yeah, as long as I'm around, nothing bad is gonna happen to you two." Dean said and I stare at him as a small smile forms on my face.

Dean smiles back then slings his bag over his shoulder. "Oh, by the way, spoon boy. There is no spoon. It is not the spoon that bends, it is only yourself." I recite and Dean chuckles at my reference as I wink at him.

"Now then. I know what we need to do about your premonitions. I know where we have to go." Dean said. "Where?" Sam asked as I stare at Dean. "Vegas." He replied, deadpanned, then he grins at us. Sam tilts his head, looks away and walks out the door to the car as I shake my head and follow him.

"What? Come on, guys. Craps tables. We'd clean up!" Dean said as he follows us and closes the door.

[reinabeestudio]

Friends and Strangers

Weather got me worried as hell lately, so of course I wrote a oneshot involving rain. I'm a genius.

If it wasn't clear: yes, this is Wally Darling/Neighbor 🍎👑

Second time I use 'The Neighbor' as a nickname for my self-insert. I have an actual WH oc yet I use my sona anyway. I'm also very original.

The title is from a song by Dave Grusin. It's calm yet charming, it made me think of Wally ahaa;; Nice background music tho

Home can be described in many words: colorful, peaceful, lovely, heavenly. Confined

But one of the many peculiar things about the quaint little piece of Heaven was its weather. More often than not it was equable. Neither very hot nor very cold. Always clement. Perfect

Yet the Neighbor had never seen the Sun. The sky shone blue and clear, but the star was nowhere to be seen. The Moon was the same as well: a sparkling night sky with moonlight coming from somewhere. Sometimes days just felt like someone turned off the lights in the neighborhood for a few hours before turning them back on.

However, today was different. The overcast cried over Home and created a maudlin, bleak mood. Time seemed to pass as slow as molasses.

Wally Darling did not like rain.

Rarely did the little artist find something that he did not like, though rain was one of them. Because it was such a rare phenomenon that everytime it happened, the rain caught him unaware and ruined his striking blue hair. He took great pride in his appearance.

There he was now, inside Home, changed into a new outfit after taking a nice bath to forget the unpleasant surprise, this ugly weather—and most importantly, his hair styled back into his perfect pompadour. He couldn't let the others see him with his hair down, he looked horrible!

His self-care session was cut short by the sound of someone frantically knocking on his door.

“I wonder who it could be...” he pondered out loud. His huge building friend, Home, simply jiggled its doorknob. Of course it knew who it was and it would not tell him. Hurry up is all it told him.

Admittedly curious, he left the bathroom and made his way to the door. His eyes widened at the sight of the surprise visitor.

The Neighbor.

There she was, on his doorstep with an umbrella in hand. As always she wore that red dress as beautiful as an apple. And of course, that golden heart-shaped brooch, exposed to everyone. Silly. His was under the soles of his feet.

He would be elated with the visit if it wasn't for the nervous expression on her face... Did something happen?

“H-Hey. Sorry for coming over unannounced. I just thought we could, ah, hang out?” she gripped the handle of the umbrella stronger. “But I understand if this was too sudden. I'll just- I'll just leave, sorry. See y-”

“Wait, Neighbor. You can come, it's alright.” I could never deny you.

“Thanks,” she said before she hastened inside. He noticed how she glanced at the dark clouds before he closed the door.

The Neighbor looked up at the ceiling. “Hi, Home. Sorry for messing your floor with my umbrella.”

The floor under her creaked, raising and deflating like a breath. Wally laughed in his unique monotonous laughter before he took the dripping umbrella and hung it on the wall coat rack next to his yellow raincoat.

“What do I owe the pleasure, friend?”

“Well... today is so gloomy, right? It was boring by myself so I thought, let's visit my good pal Wally. I'm sure he will know what to do!”

Wally tilted his head. “Were you feeling lonely, Neighbor? And you came to your best friend to help.”

She didn't answer, but her eyes looking away was louder than words.

“Ha. Ha. Ha. It's alright. I like your idea! We can have fun.”

The Neighbor gifted him a little smile, causing a tightness in his chest. There it was again. That foreign feeling. He did not know what it was but it wasn't unpleasant thus he paid no mind. However, the rumbling sound of thunder stole that gift from him and replaced it with the saddening sight of his friend covering her ears with teary eyes.

Ah, so that was what was really going on.

The Neighbor wasn't here to kill time. She wanted comfort.

And she came for him to get it. What a touching realization, if it wasn't for the upset lady in front of him.

Wally approached her and started rubbing her back as he escorted her from the door to the colorful couch, both of them sitting down.

“It's alright, friend. We are safe here. Home protects us.”

The building creaked as if to support the statement. The Neighbor laughed mirthlessly.

“Thanks, Wally. And Home.”

Another thunder made her jump from her spot and cover her ears again. It was heart-breaking to see his beloved friend so distressed. There had to be some way to make her forget about the rain, or at least distract her from it... The rhythm of the droplets of water hammering against the windows gave him an idea.

“Stay here, friend,” he said as he got up. But he was stopped by her hand around his wrist. Aaaah....

“Don't leave me alone. Please.”

Golly, he was going to drop dead at this point. “I'm just going to get something and I'll be right back. Alright?”

“.... Alright.”

The Neighbor released his wrist, and he missed the warmth as he went to take his leave.

Wally heard Home doing its best to strike up a conversation with their guest. Home was not easy to understand. The artist himself had trouble deciphering the meaning behind the house's many onomatopoeias. But he adored Home thus he tried. And he could hear the Neighbor trying to understand it, which must mean she cared too, right?

She liked Home. She liked the other neighbors. She liked him. And she will n̸e̵̡v̨̀͢e͠ŕ abandon Home.

Ah, there it was!

He picked up the small radio next to his art supplies and made his way back to his important person. His chest tightened once more when his friend's face lit up at the sight of him.

He moved the side table closer to the couch, away from its usual spot next to his favorite chair, and set the radio on top of it.

“A radio? What for?” she asked, tilting her head in his direction with curiosity.

“Who doesn't like some music from time to time, yes?” Wally's eyes squinted mirthfully. “Moreover, a little bird told me you like music.”

Rather a large, green caterpillar. Howdy Pillar mentioned it in passing as he gave Wally his usual. At some point she visited his shop and asked if he had some kind of Cee-Dee player (what is a Cee-Dee?), alas he did not. This seemingly innocuous comment informed Wally of something important: she was longing for her previous world. No, he couldn't have the new friend miss that place nor even think about it. This was her Home, after all.

Even then, it was not a secret that she enjoyed music. She often hummed to herself, or sometimes she even sang along if she knew the lyrics. She loved music, and he loved her music.

The Neighbor twisted the dial on, an old song coming out from the machine. Wally sat down next to her as more thunder rumbled outside. The Neighbor hugged him close like a pillow. Or a puppet.

He was taken completely off-guard yet he didn't reject it. When his other friends hugged him, he gladly accepted it with a smile. But this time, he didn't just take it. For once, he lifted his shaking arms and slowly put them around his friend, a hand rubbing her back again. He even dared to indulge a bit and pressed his face into the crook of her neck as her breathing slowed down. This was working, that's good.

There were no words between them for several minutes, the only sounds amongst them were the rain and the radio playing its old songs. And he didn't move an inch, listening to her heartbeat as if it was the most interesting thing int the world.

The comfortable silence was interrupted by her stirring. With her arms still around him, she looked down at him with a soft smile. Golly, were her eyes pretty.

“Wally?”

“Yes, friend?”

“Thank you. For this. I mean it.”

“Ha. Ha. Ha. Don't mention it. That's what friend are for.”

The Neighbor cupped the artist's fuzzy cheeks and planted a soft kiss on them (careful to not flatten his pompadour).

“I'm glad you're my friend, then.”

His dilated pupils looked back up at her with his endless smile growing on his face, his chest burning but he did not care. His most important and beloved person.

“Of course. I'm your best friend. Always.”

[castle-dominion]

Need to do some chores first BUT time for 1x7 home is where the heart stops.

Forrest gump? Ah I remember this scene from the s2 intro! It was rly good.

Oh hey that's me! I often score the fights that my brother & dad's gf's son have. They play these hugs fights & I'm not good at the piano but it's fun to score their matches. Is it just blurred that makes them look like silhouettes? No wait they were behind the screen. I knew that alexis took fencing but I didn't know Rick could fence & help Alexis train. Jumping around the stairs & stuff I love it.

Probs a contortionist. The stunt actor would be at least. Poor guy. He should just... step off this case, at least the scene. At least we know he has an allergy now. Reminds me of a fic I read where for a full 60 seconds esposito thought ryan had a drug problem bc he was sniffling & hiding all the time but he was just allergic to esposito's jacket hey that made me think of smth. I'm allergic to cats, would I be allergic to tigers? Back to what I was saying this opens up a lot of sickfic opportunities. XD this poor man. Jinx lol Why is she asking ESPOSITO what's wrong with him? Why not ask ryan himself? (also espt know specifically that ryan is allergic to goose down. Did he learn that today or earlier?) Ryan: *raises his finger bc he's about to speak* Ryan: *sneezes instead. Very violently too.* & then ryan's poor thumbs up

"beckett flavoured" gunshotwound is faster to say than gee ess double-yu. Gee ess wed is fast enough. We should change double-yu to wed. Like zed. KB: You can still smell the cordite. KR: I'll have to take your word for it. The captions: (speaking spanish) JE: Nada. (which is essentially a loanword into english now, bro, it would be so much easier to write "nada" than (speaking spanish) even if u need to maybe put <i>this</i> around it bc it is a loanword. I hope my html shows up & doesn't just italicize the word.) RC: In a building like this? This part of town? You'd think she'd be safe. No pun intended. (XD) How often are people killed in neighborhoods like this? KB: Same as anywhere else, Castle. Just the once.

RC: How do they know what's in the safes? "Safes." Is that a word? Is it "saves"? That can't be right. Me: I feel u JE: And you write for a living? Me, a wannabe language nerd: Hey! KR: Even the kind of safes *winks at espt* that they had Outfit update: ryan has a nice jacket. Cut like a dress jacket, made of leather.

She's going to be mad that this has happened before & they haven't caught them. Are they coordinating with robbery on this? bc only this one (& possibly the last one) had homicides. Oh I like her. She's the PR person.

Nah bro, the truth WAS handling it.

RC: Meredith's more like a crazy aunt with a credit card. Of the two of us, I'm the more responsible one. Pretty sad, isn't it? Remember that time castle got her to take care of alexis if he died & she was like "sometimes I forget that you are a sweet & loving father" & then he says '& go into my closet & destroy my porn collection before she finds it' "& now you've ruined it" & esposito is right there with `don't worry bro I got u covered`

Shrek & the beckett onion. Shrek is a timeless classic.

JE: Yeah, well, whoever they are, they definitely have some righteous trade skills. Me: radical, deude! Ooh I love a good bump key! Doesn't always work, & def not that well on a lot of things but cool!

"bad guys" smh or ppl like me, neurodivergents with lock+key hyperfixations & vulnerability assessment. I considred that for a career once KR: Dude, I know what a bump key is. *grabbing the file angrily* JE: No, you don't. Busted him for what? What were you in back then? Homicide still?

RC: Good enough to be our perp? KR: Why do you writers always call them perps? RC: Isn't that what you call them? KR: Ah, we got a whole lot of names for them. JE: Yeah. KR: Pipehead, pisshead, ork, creep. JE: Crook, knucklehead, chucklehead. KR, glancing at Espt: Chud, turd. [Ryan and Esposito now facing each other, like two kids 'playing the dozens' - "The Dozens is a game played between two contestants in which the participants insult each other until one of them gives up." It must be a competition or smth bc to my slur-filled gay ass it looks like they're flirting - Castle scribbling furiously.] JE: Destro, skell. [they get even closer] KR: Skeksi, slicko, slick. JE: Mope. KR: Sleestack. [Espt shakes his head at that one. Ryan nods in argument.] RC: Slow down, slow down. KB steps in: Suspects. We call them suspects. RM: I'm old school. I like "dirtbag." RC: Classic.

Yeah. Not running fast enough when your boys showed. So true bestie westie buddies? Rick's finding this really hot rn

KB: *angrily shooting her gun at paper targets bc shooting things is a healthy way to cope /s (but I mean as long at she's not shooting people ig)* RC: You got to watch those silhouettes. They can be shifty little bastards. Wait until he gets ear protection babes!

Yeah, well. You know, we could always just cuddle, Castle. he DEF is just doing this to get close, the sleeze. He probs did research for derrick storm. RC: You know I, uh, came down to ask you if I could, uh, take home some of those stolen property photos. (he was probs trying to aim there) KB: Tell you what. You put any of the next three in the 10-ring, and I will give you the files. Ten ring is p tight tbh. I kind of thought she would have given him the entire 9 ring or even 8 ring. the first two shots are a bit off to the right anyway, but that last one was good. & she DID say any ONE of the next THREE

Powell? BLEW HIS COVER?

Ooh I love rocks minerals crystals gems stones etc

So valid bestie when the queen & pope visit at the same time RC: Well, the crime scene's all locked and sealed. I don't think I could get you in there. Powell: Let that be the least of our concerns.

This man is so right. A gentleman's game. I love him. Proffessionals have standards! Powell? Powell??

She was there in the middle of the night?

Castle writer moments You son of a bitch I'm in He could have just made it up, he didn't need to describe the fellow. "He looked like xyz but I would like him to look more like abc if I were writing" yk that sort of thing

Why must they write it On The Boards? I love how castle is already done bc he's a writer. I wonder if this is the actual writing of the actors. Castle's writing is nice, Beckett's writing is nice & tbh looks similar, esposito has neat-ish writing but it seems to tilt off sometimes. The Ys are two lines, not rounded. Ryan's writing is big. & he does his Es like me, like 3s. Poor ryan, hand cramp. lmao madt pronounced madituh. (I'd've said madit.) They would have just as easily been able to read it out loud & cross them off. Like playing Boggle.

RC: not yet KB: !? never! Girl you're going to need a warrant. It's confidential, her hands are TIED.

Castle book lol. It's the little details of the show. JE: If the employees and volunteers are clean, then our perp... RC: *Skell [...] KR: And we can work the door.

Lanie <3 I need to acquire & learn to tie a bowtie. XD martha Ooh those are so pretty on her! KB: Uh, we're going to the, uh, Waldorf. RC: ._.

Ah yes I remember scenes like this in the recaps on the DVD sets. JE: Man, these guys look guilty of tax evasion, not home invasion. & he would be right. [Ryan looks up,] Yeah, well... [and does a double take] appearances can be deceiving. [Esposito looks up as well. Their jaws drop. Think Sam Neill and Laura Dern seeing the Jurassic Park dinosaurs. But instead of dinosaurs, it's... Beckett stepping out of a town car. On Castle's arm, the two of them step into a salvo of flashbulbs. A fairy-tale moment. Beckett momentarily dazzled, or at least appears so. They pass Ryan and Esposito.] KR: *smile grows* Nice dress. JE: Yeah, what there is of it. KB, in cop mode: I'd let you borrow it, Esposito, but you stretched out the last one. KR, turning his head to follow caskett, turns his head more to look at Espt & furrows his eyebrows: ??? JE: *shaking his head at her* (which I think is just Such a great line.) (https://scriptline.livejournal.com/19834.html) Ok but this scene makes me want to switch up the relationships. Everyone ships caskett & rysposito. I think castlesito & ryckett could be fun.

Mm music! Big Cheese! Captions should have put bob in quotation marks Vinegar. What? It's vinegar, pussy. Beck--- wait no I need to introduce myself as Kate. Y'all call him the what now.?

Rachel: We make a point to know as much as we can about our potential donors, so we can match their interests with our programs. So many places just ask you to just write a check. We want you to know that your money is making a difference. Sus af. Espt asking abt the food XD tbh I'd do the same. Castle u just.. stopped her in the middle of a phone call? Espt gon be sus. Their dancing is out of time. It's a movie tho I know they added the audio after. My dad has been to a wedding with a silent dance. Everyone had earbuds & you could tell who was listening to what by how they were dancing. At least beckett can dance & they can shoot glances anywhere.

LMAO MARTHA RODGERS. Such a mom thing to embarrass your kids "my baby wrote this book!" MR: 2,500, beautiful lady in blue. Thank you so much. Do we hear 3,000? 3,000? Girls, don't be shy. We have a gentleman bidder. Oh, and isn't he attractive? [The gentleman raises his glass to Castle] MR: Oh, my goodness! Aren't we broad-minded? Castle gay moments & beckett so sassy watching him laughing at him. Love it.

KB, walking up all cop style, holdingher badge: Paul Reynolds, you're under arrest on suspicion of theft and conspiracy to commit murder. JE+KR: *swoop in from nowhere to cuff him* RC: Where was the badge? KB: Don't ask. RC: *fish mouth*

Castle has let his tie out, but still dressed nice, Beckett looks normal now. Black shirt, leather jacket. She looks good but is not wearing her dress. RC: What happened to the dress? KB: You didn't think I was going to interrogate him in it, did you? RC: We were kind of hoping. [Ryan nods and Esposito looks her over. Beckett rolls her eyes] Kind of ew, she is your fellow detective, your coworker, but at least it's funny. I mean they're right, she is hot af.

Oh wait the boyfriend thief dude has a nice jacket. Possibly making the guy up...

Is this the next morning now?

KB: More like get one of them killed. And I can't have that on my conscience. Understood? She loves her boys. is it just them? do they have backup? Also that's a big gun BRO U DON'T EVEN GIVE EM THE TIME TO COME TO THE DOOR BEFORE U GET RYAN TO KICK IT OPEN?h

Lol castle

KEPT THE VIC'S FINGER? Man's not going to stop if u just yell at hiim

RC: ...Pum-num-nah-nah-nah-num-nah-nah. Pum-num-nah-nah nah-nAAH. De-nah-num-nah -NAAAH--- *body falls on the car* [Castle is face-to-face with Karl Nadir, the man from the police sketch, which by the way, happens to be on the dash. He looks at Nadir, and then at sketch. Yep. That's the guy. And Castle does the only thing he can think of with a guy staring at him through the windshield. He turns on the wipers. The wipers smack Nadir's beady-eyed face. Nadir rolls off the hood and levels his gun at Castle from the driver's side.] & when they are wrestling the song castle was humming plays <3 RC: I tried to stay in the car. I really did

Castle has a good black eye. KB: Oh, pretty butch, Castle.

She is already basically part of the family. Love em.

[mypoisonedvine]

The Wrong Idea | Lee Bodecker x reader

summary: you weren’t exactly a rebel in the eyes of the law, but that didn’t mean you cared for the corrupt, alcoholic town sheriff.  and that certainly didn’t mean you would care at all for him marrying your mother.  if only you’d known how much worse it could get...

word count: 4.5k

warnings: smut!! (heavy dubcon/noncon), age gap (reader is 19), stepcest, loss of virginity, pain kink, creampie kink, infidelity, degradation, oral (m and f receiving), spanking, choking, slapping, daddy kink, authority kink, subtle ddlg themes?, reader’s mom being toxic af

You’d never cared for the Sheriff.  Even you, being generally a well-behaved young woman, thought he was a little too intense and a little too corrupt.  Up until now, you’d assumed your mother agreed with you on that, because she never protested to your complaints about Sheriff Bodecker and his ‘fascist reign of terror’ as you called it.  Apparently that was a poor assumption, though.

“You… what?!”

“I never told you we were seein’ each other because I knew you had your childish rebellion against him and his police force,” your mother explained with a demeaning eyeroll.  “But now that we’re engaged, I can’t hide it anymore.”

“How long has this been going on?” you asked quietly, still in shock at what you were hearing— and unable to take your eyes off of the sparkling diamond wrapped around her finger.

“Oh, I’d say… about two months now,” she decided.

“Two—” you stopped and started over, so bewildered that you couldn’t finish your original sentence.  “You’re engaged after two months?”

“Don’t make that face at me, you look so ugly when you scowl like that,” she frowned.  Of course, she could never miss an opportunity to nag you.  “He’s a respectable man, and he treats me well.  The wedding is in three weeks— and he’s generous enough to let you live with us after that.  Says there’s a spare bedroom for you in his house.”

“His… his house…” you slurred, suddenly feeling light-headed.  “I’m… we’re moving…?”

“Yes, honey, and with your work ethic it’ll take you the whole three weeks to pack up, so you should start now,” she informed you with that cruel, fake smile of hers.

She walked away as you sat down on the couch, staring off into space, trying to comprehend what you just heard.  It’s not like you thought your mother was flawless or anything, or that you and her had a perfect relationship, but you thought she would’ve been a little more… gentle about all this.  She could do better than him anyways!  But she didn’t care about that, only money and status.  You could almost laugh at her small-mindedness to think the Sheriff of a nothing-town like Knockemstiff was actually plentiful in either of those things, but right now you couldn’t laugh.  You couldn’t even cry as you packed your things and said goodbye to the home you’d known your whole life.  You were just numb.

//

You couldn’t look him in the eye when you arrived at his house, duffel bags in hand and shoes stained with the dry red dirt of summer.  It was nicer than your old place, and if it were anyone else’s you’d say it had charm, but everything was tainted because you knew it was his.  You could sort of tell that this had been his bachelor pad for a while, but it had a half-assed attempt at hominess with the rug in the living room and a centerpiece on the kitchen table.  He even had a TV, presumably funded by bribes and all his other nefarious dealings— meaning you wouldn’t be able to bring yourself to watch it.

“Nice to meet ya, properly,” Lee greeted, though his monotone didn’t come across as particularly impassioned.

“Thank you, Sheriff,” you mumbled quickly, hoping to get this conversation over with.

“You don’t have to call me Sheriff anymore, you know.  Not in the house, at least.”

You nodded but said nothing, following him as he motioned for you and moved into the hallway.  You trailed behind him, noticing the eerie lack of any personal effects on the walls (no family photos, apparently, and not much of a family to photograph in the first place from what you’d heard), and stopped when he reached the door at the end.

“This is your room,” Lee informed you stiffly.  Opening the door, you were horrified by the assault on your eyes of pink.  Pink everything: pink wallpaper, a pink fuzzy quilt, pink bedframe.  There were even assorted stuffed animals on the bed, disturbingly enough.

“When my mother told you she had a daughter, did she not mention that I was grown?”

“You may be nineteen, honey, but you’re nowhere near grown,” he scowled.  “She didn’t tell me she had a daughter until two days before the weddin’.  This is what I managed to... improvise, since then.”

You almost had sympathy for him, just in that you two were both victims of your mother’s eccentricity.  Almost.  

“Must’ve inherited your expensive taste from your ma,” he frowned.  “Sorry, princess—” the nickname made his lips curl like the word itself tasted sour— “but this’ll have to do.”

“Oh, I’m nothing like her,” you sneered back, “cause I wouldn’t touch you with a ten foot pole.”

“What are you two chatting about?” your mother’s voice called from the kitchen.

Both of you answered at the same time: “Nothing!” 

With a grimace, you dragged your bag into the room and shut the door in his face.  It was those little acts of rebellion that had to tide you over.  You weren’t audacious enough to do anything actually cruel, or illegal, but you weren’t going to make this any easier for him.

At first it was just refusing to leave your room.  That worked for a week, until you realized you were going to starve to death.  So then the only times you saw him were at the dinner table, which you made into a protest by pretending he didn’t exist and refusing to answer his questions.  You occasionally relented when he asked you to pass something from your side of the table, but you never looked at him while you did it.  

He didn’t seem angry or sad about your determination to avoid him, if anything it seemed like he was happy to pretend you weren’t there either.  And that should’ve made it easier, but for some reason it bothered you even more.  You realized that maybe his attention did matter to you, even though it was negative attention that you were hoping to inspire, but you knew that was ridiculous and you tried to fight it.  Still, for all your plans to never see him, you sure did think about him a lot.  You thought about where he might be, so you could be somewhere else.  You thought about what he must be doing at work, and how he was probably continuing to be a nasty mean drunk as frequently as possible.  You wondered if he and your mother were making love just across the house, although you were lucky enough to never hear anything.  Just knowing that could be happening made you feel sick, even though you realized it was none of your business.  

You sometimes found yourself listening for it at night, just in case.

//

Your mother had decided to spend her new husband’s money on a trip, but the man himself couldn’t tag along— too much work to do, apparently.  The prospect of being left alone with him was nightmare fuel, but you didn’t even try to ask her to stay… you knew she wouldn’t listen.  She’d been totally absorbed in her own world since the wedding, seeming to be very fulfilled by the social role of ‘Sheriff’s wife’ to the point that she had lost all interest in her former position as ‘your mom’.  

There was a balance to the silence with her gone, though.  You avoided him, he avoided you; it was a tense truce, but a survivable one.  At least without her, nobody was going to try to make you two get along.  Friday night was different, though.  This time when he came home from work, you knew you were stuck with him until Monday morning.  That thought made you realize that you needed to get out and you didn’t care if you weren’t dressed for it.  It was hot, and it was just a walk so nobody was going to see you in this miniskirt anyway, right?

Too bad Lee was sitting on the couch, still in his uniform, not giving you any mind but likely to harass you before you could make it outside.  You figured if you just walked casually enough, he wouldn’t even notice, so you made your way towards the door.

“You’re not going out like that,” he announced suddenly, seemingly without even looking up from his newspaper.

“Says who?” you deflected quickly with a raised brow.  It wasn’t that you wanted to pick a fight, but you just couldn’t understand why he would even care what you were wearing.

“Says the guy who doesn’t want you to give all the neighborhood boys the wrong idea.”

“What idea?!” you asked, crossing your arms.  He shot you a look, quickly raking in your body and outfit which made you feel more observed than you cared for.

“The idea that you’re a slut,” he explained coldly.

You gulped at his words but tried to keep a poker face.  You didn’t let it get this far just to give up.  You were so sick of his shit; what made him think he could boss you around when he’d never even tried to get to know you?

“What makes you assume that’s the wrong idea?” you shot back, fighting the nervousness in your voice.

You hadn’t expected him to stand up instantly, the coffee table wobbling a bit when his knee bumped into it.

“The fuck did you say?” he hissed.

With his teeth bared at you he looked like a predator, and you felt like small, helpless prey.  You tried to muster some of your former confidence, but everything came out shaky and weak.  “I— I said that maybe it’s not the wrong ide—”

He pounced, crossing the room and slamming you back against the wall, a hand at each shoulder; you instantly cowered, shrinking back and turning your face away from him as far as you could.  You never thought he’d put his hands on you like this.  Your heart was pounding so loudly that you were surprised you could hear his hoarse whisper.

“Watch your tone with me.  I’m not kidding around.”

“I’m an adult,” you weakly fought back, “I can do what I want.”

“Not in my fuckin’ house you can’t!” he bellowed.

For some reason, it all hit you at once.  All the emotions you’d been suppressing since your mother had gotten engaged— all the anger and fear and betrayal and indignation, they came bubbling up before you could stop them.  

“I don’t even want to be in your ugly fucking house!” you cried in response.  “I don’t wanna be anywhere near you!  You’re a fascist and a tyrant and a pig!”

You expected him to get more aggressive but he suddenly stilled.  It was the scariest anger, that outwardly-calm type that made your blood go cold.

“Go to your room.”

You didn’t question it, turning to walk away (any excuse to get away from him, right?), but you didn’t expect him to follow you in and shut the door behind the both of you.

You were paralyzed with fear as he stepped past you and sat on your bed.  It was sort of strange as you realized you’d never seen him in your room before.  He stood out against the somewhat childish decorations, but you were in no mood to appreciate the humor of the situation as he patted his knee.

“Lay across my lap.  Don’t make me tell you twice.”

He couldn’t possibly be doing what I think he’s doing, could he? you wondered to yourself, but did as he asked.  You realized you’d never been so close to him before, the warmth of his body radiating through his clothes.  He smelled like cologne and booze, although you didn’t think he’d actually had much to drink yet today— at least compared to his normal habits.  It was almost worse to think that he wasn’t acting on drunkenness now.

“It’s prob’ly too late for it, but you are in serious need of discipline, young lady.”

You had no idea what he was talking about, but your body reacted to it differently than you expected.

His fingers slipped between the top of your skirt and your skin, having to pull pretty hard to get it down due to how tight it was.  You bit your lip and hoped he wouldn’t notice your arousal, but as your pussy was exposed, you could feel the breeze from the ceiling fan and you knew you were undeniably wet.  You didn’t know why, but you were.

“Count them for me,” he instructed coldly and before you could ask what you were counting, he brought his hand down firmly.  You felt his wedding ring in the slap and it made you feel a little sick.

“O-one,” you stammered.

He delivered four more, alternating cheeks, and you tried not to react with visible pain.  But as the intensity increased, you realized that not reacting might’ve actually been making it worse.  Either way, you couldn’t stop yourself from crying out when the eighth made your whole body lurch forward from the force.

“Eight!” you squealed, but both of you noticed the way you pushed your hips forward.  Unintentional as it may have been, you were trying to rub yourself on his thigh, desperate to be touched where it felt like all the energy of your body had focused.  You were sure you’d never been so horny before, and now your clit was nearly throbbing.  What the fuck is wrong with me?!

He quickly delivered the final two slaps before grabbing your neck, hoisting you up until you were on your knees before him.  He examined your face closely and you tried to keep your lip from shaking.

“You’re worse than I thought,” he hissed.  “You are in dire need of a punishment.  You should thank me for going so easy on you so far.”

You realized when his grip on your jaw tightened that he was being literal.  “Thank you, for going easy on me…”

“Where’d that fire go, huh?  Guess you’re all talk,” he laughed.  

He roughly shoved his fingers into your mouth, moaning lowly as your tongue rubbed against the pads of his fingers.  “This fuckin’ mouth.  You just don’t know when to keep it shut, do you?  Come on baby, open up.  I’ve got a better use for it than your fuckin’ disrespectful attitude.”

He used his free hand to work on his belt right in front of your face, and your eyes went wide.

“Don’t act so surprised sweetheart,” he said with a hint of irritation, “this is exactly what you’re asking for.”

You gasped a bit when his cock was freed from his trousers, springing up and already red at the tip.  You’d never seen one this close before and it was intimidating in every way.

“Like what you see?  You’re so wet for it,” he purred.  You tried to speak but words abandoned you. 

It was all a blur as he held your mouth open and shoved his cock inside— it tasted like skin and salt, and the size made your chapped lips crack until you worried they would bleed.  His moans were deep and gravelly, making your skin break out into goosebumps as he pumped smoothly into your pliant mouth.  He slapped your face a few times, not quite hard but plenty strong enough to make it sting.  You winced with each impact, the tears which had welled from your gagging finally falling down and dripping from your chin.

“Suck on it, princess, like a popsicle… fuck yeah, like that,” he groaned, and your mind resisted obeying him but your body was completely at his mercy.  “Aw baby, ya look so good chokin’ on my cock.  Is that what you were gonna go do in this slutty little outfit you’ve got on?”

You tried to shake your head but he was holding you down, not even giving you a chance to breathe.  His protruding stomach rubbed against your forehead when his cock was this deep in your throat, and the disgust and fear somehow made your arousal stronger.

He let you go, finally, and you pulled back with a gasp and a cough.  You weren’t given much reprieve, though, as he started to tug at your blouse as well.

“No, wait,” you whimpered, weakly trying to bat his hands away.

“Wait?  I think I’ve been waiting long enough,” he growled.  “Your ma’s a fuckin’ tease, hasn’t touched me since I got her that ugly fuckin’ ring.  Let’s hope you learn from her mistakes.”

Your blouse was torn open and tossed aside, leaving you only in the pulled-up skirt and your bra.  Reaching up to cover yourself, you were discouraged by the shockingly-gentle brush of his hands. 

“Don’t cover yourself, sweetheart, you’re gorgeous,” he murmured.  His gaze made you feel hot all over, and it wasn’t just because of the summer weather outside.  “Nobody ever looked at ya before?”

You shook your head, looking down at the floor.  A finger under your chin guided you to look up at him.  

“Nobody ever touched ya before?” he pressed, his stare boring into you.  You shook your head again.  “Fuck,” he whispered, but then he started to smile proudly.  “Knew you were a good girl, princess, you just didn’t wanna act like one for some reason.  You gonna be good for me now?” 

You nodded weakly, swallowing as you tried to comprehend what was happening.  

“Then I’ll be good to you, too,” he promised darkly, a shimmer in his eyes that made you throb between your thighs.  “Come get on the bed, pretty girl.”

You almost resisted, but it was your need driving you now, not your mind.  You had been waiting too long to let a boy touch you, and now that a man had touched you, you felt all kinds of wrong and yet craved more.  Before you had even finished sitting down beside him, he was slipping off your bra and pushing you back onto the quilt.

“Sheriff!” you yelped instinctively, a little disoriented as he started to climb on top of you.

He chuckled, clearly amused by your unexpected appeal to authority.  “Wanna know a secret, sweetheart?  Wanna know the real reason I said you didn’t have to call me that anymore?”  He leaned down, his breath hot and moist against your neck when he spoke: “Because it made me so fuckin’ hard when you said it.”

He pressed his cock, still wet with your spit, against your thigh; maybe just for emphasis, a reminder that he was still hard and wasn’t anywhere near done with you.

“What are you gonna do to me…?” you asked weakly, your voice so wavering and broken that you cringed just hearing it.  

“Just gonna make you feel good, princess,” he smiled, and before you could ask what that would entail, he was groping your tits in his large, calloused hands.  A low groan echoed in his chest, and you tried not to squirm as he teased your nipples between his fingers.  They were already hardening from the moment he’d touched you, but somehow it was getting even worse when he played with them, watching your face and surely seeing the shame you wore there.

His hands trailed lower, rubbing your waist, your thighs… you found yourself anticipating that he’d remove your panties, so much so that when he did, you quickly lifted your hips to help him slide them off.  You couldn’t believe how easily you were letting him do this to you.

“I can tell how much you want it,” he taunted lowly as the fabric slid down your legs and was tossed to the floor.  “I can smell how much you want it.”  He growled a little before diving in, licking a thick stripe through your folds and taking a moment right at the end to tickle your clit with his tongue.  “So fuckin’ sweet, princess; I knew you would be,” he praised.  You were forced to wonder how long he’d been thinking about this.

The noises were beyond obscene and you felt your face burning— but there was a burning in your gut, too, and shooting down your legs.  You’d never felt like this before (being a very good girl who never even touched herself), but you knew that if he didn’t stop, you would come.  And you really, really wanted to come.

Everytime he put pressure on your clit, your leg quivered involuntarily.  It was nearly too much, the sensation so powerful it almost hurt, but he pushed you right to the edge without knocking you off.

“Please,” you found yourself begging before you could stop it, “please, Sheriff—”

“I’m not your Sheriff anymore, sweetheart,” he informed you gruffly, popping up from between your legs with the entire bottom half of his face covered in your arousal, “I’m your daddy now.  Go on and beg your daddy to fuck you.”

Eyes shot wide open, you stared back at him in bewilderment.  Rage flashed in his eyes, and he snarled as his hand suddenly wrapped around your neck, tightening and choking you. 

“You heard me,” he groaned through his teeth.  “Beg me.  To fuck you.”

“Daddy,” you stammered, hoarsely fighting to speak through the pressure on your throat, “fuck me, please.”

He slammed his cock into you and you nearly screamed.  It burned and you instinctively tried to crawl away but, of course, his weight on top of you made it impossible.

“Fuck, you’re so tight,” he groaned.  He laid down on top of you entirely then, slipping his arms under your torso and holding you tightly.

Each thrust made you feel like you had reached your limits, as if you couldn’t be stretched further which was probably true.  And yet, in spite of it (or worse, because of it), you found yourself moaning and writhing under him, even arching your back to make his movements smoother.  He laughed a little as he bit at the shell of your ear.

“You love it, baby,” he moaned, “you love my cock.”

You couldn’t respond, just sob as you clutched at the shirt still on his back, your jaw tight as you tried to bear the pain.  

“It’s not always gonna hurt like this,” he promised between heavy breaths, “s’gonna feel good soon.  Gonna make you feel so fuckin’ good, pretty girl.”

Truthfully, you weren’t sure if that meant that this would happen again or not.  At the moment, you were incapable of thinking that far ahead, too focused on the way the sting of the stretch was melting away and morphing into such powerful pleasure that you couldn’t even see straight.

He kissed you, and only then did the weight of it hit you.  Who he was, what he was doing, what you were doing… it had been distant and vague before, but something about his tongue inside your mouth made you remember that the metal digging into your back was his ring; that the lips on yours were sworn to somebody else— and at that, the one exact person that made this so fundamentally wrong.

Tears welled in your eyes, gentle sobs shaking your chest.

“Don’t cry, baby,” he whispered, pulling back and kissing your tears away, “feels good, don’t it?  Feels good when daddy fucks you?”

You knew speaking would only make you cry more, so you only nodded your head shamefully.

“That’s my good girl,” he moaned as he fucked you deeper, harder, rougher.  Your fingers held onto the back of his neck, running through his hair and pulling him closer.  He kept mumbling praises but they fell on deaf ears, pleasure clouding your mind and making every hair on your body stand upright.  He didn’t stop as he reached down between your bodies and laid his hand over your stomach, growling with satisfaction at what he found there.

“I can feel me inside ya,” he grinned.  “Feel that, sweetheart?  Feel how deep I am in your wet little cunt?”

When you didn’t answer, you got a quick slap to the face.  “Yes,” you replied quickly, “yes, I— I feel it.”

He buried his face into the crook of your neck, biting you there until you nearly screamed.  You couldn’t figure out why something so objectively painful only pushed you closer to your peak, making every spot inside you more sensitive, but somehow it did.

“Gonna come, pretty girl?  Want daddy to fill you up?” he groaned against your ear, pushing down on your stomach even harder.

“Yes, daddy!” you sobbed.  “Please!”

“Fuck, you’re squeezin’ me,” he hissed, “don’t fuckin’ stop.  Keep milkin’ my cock and m’gonna fill ya up so good, princess…”

You couldn’t stop even if you tried— your orgasm hit you in powerful waves, your head falling back as your walls clenched involuntarily (as did your fingers and toes, so hard that your nail tore the sheets a little bit, which you wouldn’t notice until the next day).  He grunted as he came, pumping into you with each thrust until you felt more full than you ever had before, in a way you could never describe.

The two of you stayed like that for a moment, him catching his breath and you losing yours as his weight threatened to crush you.  “Fuck,” he groaned as he sat up and pulled out.  He grabbed your legs and held them up for you, staring at your abused pussy and making you feel uncomfortably observed.

“Push it out for me, wanna see my come leak outta ya,” he purred, moaning a little when you did as he asked.  It felt even hotter as it gushed out of you, and you mindlessly bit your lip.  He tucked his softening cock back into his trousers, rezipping them and buckling his belt.  “We’d better get ya cleaned up, huh princess?” 

The bathroom wasn’t far, so he carried you, setting you down to stand on your own as he started to draw a bath.  You watched him, although you weren’t really watching him so much as staring into the void of space that happened to be in his general direction.  You were so out of it that you didn’t even register when he turned around and smiled at you with an air of pride.

“You look so good like this.”  

It pulled you out of your trance, though you had to ask him to repeat himself with a mumbled “huh?”

“I said you look good like this,” he explained, stepping closer.  “Fucked out, braindead, just my empty-headed fucktoy.”

“I… I don’t…” you began to disagree.

He used your jaw to turn your face to the mirror, and you gasped when you saw yourself: your hair was a mess; your whole face was red, especially your eyes and nose from crying, but plenty on your cheeks where he’d slapped you; your lips were swollen and slick; bruises were already forming on your arms where he’d grabbed you, and along your neck and shoulders where he had bitten you.

His form dwarfed yours as he stood behind you, looking at your reflection with a smile.

“Look at us,” he announced wistfully, “one big happy family, huh?”

[somewhatgreatexpectations]

Wouldn’t It Be Nice? (Wanda Maximoff/ Reader)

Hello! May I present you all with part 2 of the "Love Goes” sequel. I’m still trying to decide on the name for it, but I’m really appreciating all the suggestions so feel free to keep sending them. A fair amount of dialogue from Wandavision is still used since it was necessary, but less than the first part for sure since the story is developing.

Songs used are “Wouldn’t It Be Nice?” by The Beach Boys (1966) and “This Magic Moment”  by The Drifters (1968). Hope you all enjoy!

Summary: As Y/n and Wanda attempt to settle into 1960s Westview, what shenanigans will they encounter? Will they be able to fit in?

“You’re a mystery around here, you know?”

Glancing up from your desk, you noticed the familiar figure of your partner leaning against the entryway of your office with a friendly smile on her face. “A mystery you say?” You questioned in amusement. 

Instead of answering right away, she moved further into the office and took a seat in one of your chairs. “Yes. We’ve been partners for weeks and I barely know anything about you besides the information that everyone already knows because you were an Avenger.”

You shrugged and leaned back in your chair. “Maybe that’s how I want it.” Was your cryptic response. 

“If you say so.” The woman rested her head on her palm thoughtfully. “One day you’re going to have to let someone in.”

“Maybe I already have. Maybe I’ve learned better.” You raised an eyebrow in challenge. 

For a moment she just stared at you, analyzing you. “So, you regret it then? Letting someone in?”

“I could never regret it.” You replied quickly, easily. 

She leaned forward with interest. “Does the reason for your mystery have a name?”

There was hesitation in your voice as you responded. “Wanda.” If you were going to be partners, it was only a matter of time until she found out anyway.

Her eyebrows raised slightly in recognition, everyone who worked there knew who Wanda was. “Hmm.” She hummed, her expression neutral. “I actually came in here to ask if you wanted to get dinner together? Maybe lift the shroud of mystery a bit more.” Her tone was teasing.

A soft chuckle escaped your lips. “Sure…” A name followed the word, but it was muffled. Almost as though you couldn’t remember it even in dreams. 

“Y/n.” The women said as you looked up at her with furrowed eyebrows. “Y/n. Y/n. Y/n.”

With a jolt, you sat up in bed, relaxing slightly when you realized you were in your shared room with your wife. “Y/n.” You heard again. Turning your head, your eyes landed on Wanda who was looking back at you with wide eyes. 

“Yes, my love?” You answered groggily through a yawn. 

Her expression became shy as she fiddled with the sheets. “I think I heard something at the window.”

Glancing towards the window you heard nothing but silence. “I’m sure it’s nothing, sweetheart.” You said reassuringly but got up when you saw her expression remained the same. “Allow me to put your mind at ease.”

Pushing aside the curtains, you glanced outside and saw nothing but the picturesque garden Wanda had lovingly put so much effort into. “What do you see?” She probed tentatively.  

“Only your lovely rose bushes.” You answered as you scanned the yard once more. When you were satisfied, you closed the curtains and turned back to face Wanda who still looked skeptical. “I assure you, I saw nothing amiss. You have no reason to be frighten-”

A bang against the window interrupted your sentence as you let out a squeak and dove into your bed to seek safety. You pulled your covers up to your chin. 

Wanda stared at you with an unamused expression as the disembodied voices laughed. “You were saying?”

“You know, I was reading an article in the newspaper about suspicious activity that’s been recently occurring in the neighborhood.” You mumbled defensively from behind your sheets. “Who knows what that could mean. Robbing house, vandalizing property-”

“Manipulating the earth, moving objects without touching them?” Wanda cut you off sarcastically. 

You tilted your head curiously. “You think they were referring to us?” Before Wanda could respond another thud against the window startled you both. You gasped and Wanda magically pulled the beds together. “One of us should really determine the source of that sound.” You suggested meekly.

Wanda set her lips in a line and shook her head at your antics. “Yes, one of us should.” She grumbled sarcastically.  Another thud tapped against the window, making you both jump again. “Oh, this is getting ridiculous. I’m going to take a look.” 

You grimaced as you both turned towards the window. Wanda waved her hand to open the curtains, only to find that the source of the sound came from a tree branch tapping against the window from the wind.

There was an awkward moment of silence as you both merely stared at the true source of the sound. “Well… I think we handled that well.” Wanda said lightly with a playful smile. 

You turned on your side to face Wanda with a smile to match hers. “Yes, I’m very proud of us. All the trees in the neighborhood will know not to disturb us from now on.” You said teasingly. You glanced down at the bed with a smirk. “I’m even more pleased with the way you’ve seized the opportunity to redecorate.”

Wanda grinned suggestively. “This is better, isn’t it?” She questioned as she waved her hand. Immediately the two separate beds transformed into a one large bed.

“Wanda, darling.”

Her eyes twinkled mischievously. “Yes, dear?”

You shifted closer. “Get the lights.” Wanda waved her hand to turn off the light as she pulled the covers over both your heads. As soon as the covers were over you both, you could feel her eagerly climb on top of you and connect your lips fervently. The disembodied voices gasped scandalously.

“You know, I’m beginning to think I should have been the assistant, darling.” You called out as you adjusted the hat that was placed precariously on your head.

There was a short pause before Wanda shouted her reply, “Just say the line!”

Sighing at her response, you turned back so you were facing out into the room. You took a moment to close your eyes and take a deep breath as you got into character. If you were going to do this, you were going to do it right.

“Ladies and gentlemen, for my final trick, I bring you…” You paused for dramatic effect. “The cabinet of mysteries.”

You gestured out into the open air where Wanda should have been, rubbing a hand down your face in amusement when she didn’t respond. “Darling. That’s your cue.” 

“Did you say cabinet of mysteries?” She called from the hallway. 

Stepping back, you gestured dramatically to the open space once again. “I said… Cabinet of mysteries!” You repeated even more theatrically.  

“Oh. That’s my cue.” Wanda said cutely as you could hear her struggle to push the large box into the room. 

Quickly rushing over to help her, you huffed at the weight of the object as you pulled it. “Doesn’t this seem like a bit… much?” You asked hesitantly. 

Wanda waved her hand dismissively. “You should hear about what some of the others are planning. Let’s keep going.” She urged, her eyes shining brightly with excitement.

When she looked at you like that, you were unable to deny her anything she wanted. You would have given her the moon and all the stars if she asked for them. 

You quickly got back into character. “Yes, okay. Where was I?” you mumbled to yourself. “Ah, yes! Watch closely as I, Terra, make my captivating assistant, Glamour… disappear!” You bit back laughter as Wanda posed dramatically. 

In unison, you opened the doors as Wanda stepped in, her eyes locked on yours adoringly. “You really are very stunning.” 

A blush spread across your cheeks as you smiled bashfully back at her. “Thank you, darling.” You stood with your hand resting against the doors. “Fear not, Glamour. I vow to bring you back exactly as you were.” Again, you had to bite back laughter at Wanda’s expression. 

A overly dramatic gasped escaped your wife’s lips as you closed the door. “Abracadabra!” You exclaimed as you tapped the box three times with the plastic wand. After a beat you opened the door once again to reveal the empty box. “Ta-da!”

Wanda began clapping as she stepped out from behind the trick door, a delighted smile on her face. “That was amazing!” When she received no response from you, her brows drew together apprehensively. “What’s wrong?”

“It still seems a little much.” You admitted sheepishly. “Plus, I think you’re a better fit for the magician than I am. Your powers are more aligned.”

Wanda stepped out of the box and made her way over to you. “Darling, it’s fine. In a real magic act everything is fake.” She reassured you “The talent show fundraiser is the most important event of the season. It’s our neighborly duty to participate… And our chance to appear as normal as possible while doing so.”

“We are the very definition of normal, dear.” You replied teasingly as you allowed yourself to float for a moment to emphasize your point before settling back to the floor. 

That’s new, you thought to yourself. 

If Wanda was surprised by your actions, she didn’t show it as she gently took your hands in her own and pulled you closer. “This is our home now. I want us to fit in.” There was vulnerability in her eyes which immediately put a stop to your joking.

Tenderly, you stroked the back of her hand with your thumb. “Oh, Wanda… We do. We will. I’ll make sure of it. And we’ll be the best act out there.” You promised her earnestly. Once again, you’d do anything for her. 

Wanda leaned forward and placed a short kiss on your lips in appreciation. 

“Especially with you wearing this.” You added with a wiggle of your eyebrows as you picked up her stage outfit and held it in front of her. 

Wanda shook her head in amusement. “That’s actually the rest of your costume.” She quipped teasingly. 

With a shrug, you held the costume against yourself. “I did say I would be better off as your assistant…” You trailed off as the disembodied laughter once again drifted into the air.

With a light hit to your shoulder Wanda took the costume back in her hands. “There will be no backing out now, Y/n.”

“Wouldn’t dream of it.” You pressed a soft kiss to her temple.

Briefly Wanda glanced down at her watch. “Well, I better get going if I want to make the planning committee meeting.”

Reaching over, you grabbed your cardigan off the couch and began pulling it over your blouse. “I should be off as well. I have a meeting with Ellie.” At the mention of your publisher’s daughter, Wanda’s eyed you, an uneasy expression on her face. 

“Why are you meeting with her, darling?” Wanda questioned with a tense smile.

Occupied by the buttons on your cardigan, you missed her expression. “It seems she takes after her father as she is the chief publisher of the town’s newspaper. After last night’s scare, I want to make sure the town is informed and prepared for any potential dangers.” You said seriously.

The tension in her shoulders melted away at your response as Wanda affectionately tugged you forward by the cardigan. “That’s a swell idea. You make sure you let all the tree branches in town know who’s boss.” She pulled you even closer and pecked your lips.

When you pulled away she adjusted your cardigan. “Would you look at us? Fitting right into Westview. Who would’ve thought?” You teased with a wink.

A short laugh escaped her lips as she looked at you fondly. “I’ll see you at curtain call.” She announced as she moved into the kitchen. You chuckled and departed through the front the door.  

Shortly after you left a loud thud caught Wanda’s attention. When she stepped outside a vibrant object in the bushes stood out easily against the monotonous tones that surrounded it. She looked around nervously. When she plucked the object out of the bush, she stared at it for a moment. The confusion in her eyes was clear as she held the object as though it was a threat.

The vibrant red helicopter was clearly out of place. 

“Look, it’s the star of the show!” 

Wanda jumped at the sudden voice as she dropped the toy back into the bush. “Agnes,” She gasped out as she clutched at her chest. “I’m sorry, what did you say?”

Agnes’ smile never faltered as she raised the cage in her hand. “Oh, I brought my pet rabbit for your magic act.”

“Yes, of course! Thank you, Agnes.” Wanda said appreciatively as she took the cage from her and began walking in the direction of the house again. “We will take good care of him.” 

With a proud smile, Agnes called after Wanda, “Señor Scratchy just loves the stage. He played baby Jesus in last year’s Christmas pageant!”

Unsure of what to say to her comment, Wanda turned and laughed awkwardly as she placed the rabbit inside. ___________ When you arrived at the Westview tribune, you found Ellie’s office easily, except she seemed preoccupied by the papers in hands. The soft sound of music drifted quietly from the radio at her desk.

Maybe if we think and wish and hope and pray, it might come true. Baby, then there wouldn't be a single thing we couldn't do. Oh, we could be married and then we'd be happy. Oh, wouldn't it be nice?

The music distracted you temporarily as your thoughts wandered – essentially entranced by the unfamiliar tune. Static over the song cut into your thoughts as what sounded like muffled speaking rolled over the instruments. Ellie didn’t react to the change in sound, almost as though she chose not to hear it. You figured she was just engrossed in her work. The muffled sounds lingered for a second longer before fading into the music once again. With a shake of your head, you remembered why you were there.

To get Ellie’s attention you knocked softly on the entryway, smiling politely when she looked up. “Hi, sorry to interrupt. Is now still a good time to discuss the neighborhood safety article?”

“Y/n. You’re not interrupting at all.” Ellie said dismissively as she leaned back in her chair and waved you in. “Lay it on me.” 

You took a seat in one of her chairs. “Well, I was recently reading an article in the tribune about suspicious activity in the neighborhood and I thought it might be relevant to feature an additional article discussing safety protocols and tips.” You pitched enthusiastically. 

A minute passed without a word. “I think that’s a swell idea, Y/n.” She finally said with a smile.

An excited smile crossed your features as you attempted to contain yourself. “My wife said the same thing.” You admitted bashfully.

With an amused smile, Ellie rested her head against her palm as she scrutinized you. “Well, it’s clear she has excellent taste.” She paused briefly. “She is married to you after all.”

Unsure of how to respond to the comment, you decided to ignore it entirely.

 Hesitantly, you stood up and offered her a hand which she easily took. “Thank you for meeting with me today, but I really should be going. I want to get to the talent show location early to get everything ready for Wanda. Today means a lot to her.” 

Ellie stood with you and stepped around her desk. “The talent show isn’t for a good while. Stay and chat. Maybe lift the shroud of mystery a bit more.” She said playfully.

Her words caused you to recoil as remnants of your dream from the night before flashed through your mind. “Sure… Ellie.” You responded unsurely. 

“Are you alright, Y/n?” Ellie’s eyebrows knitted together in concern as she took a hold of your elbow.

For some reason, you couldn’t help but feel something familiar in the action. It wasn’t flirtatious, it was comforting. Like the touch of an old friend. “I’m fine.” You paused as you attempted to gather your thoughts. “Just déjà vu.” You insisted.

There was still hesitance in Ellie’s eyes as she released her hold of your elbow. “If you say so.” Suddenly, she snapped her fingers, which caused you to jump slightly. “Maybe you can get into the neighborhood watch committee.”

You nodded eagerly, relieved her focus was back to the article. “I can do that.”

“Between you and me, I think it’s just an excuse for the men in the neighborhood to eat pastries.” She whispered in a mock-conspirator voice.

A short laugh escaped your lips. “Even more of a reason to join.” Once again, you glanced down at your watch. “I really should be going now though.”

Ellie nodded, knowing there would be no convincing you otherwise. “Before you go, do you mind helping me get a box of books down from my bookshelf?” She gestured to the box on a shelf slightly above your height, but just out of Ellie’s own reach.

“Sure thing.” You made your over the shelf and began sliding the box off the shelf, so you could get a better hold of it.

Just as the box was teetering precariously along the edge of the shelf the static on the radio flared as a single word slipped through clearly. “Y/n.” The sudden appearance of your name startled you as the box fell off the shelf and knocked you in the head, causing you to fall.

A surprised gasp escaped Ellie’s lips as she rushed over to kneel by your side. “Are you okay?”

When you looked up, there were three different versions of the woman before you swimming in your vision. “’m fine.” You mumbled out as you rubbed the side of your head.

Cautiously Ellie helped you up, her eyes skeptical. “If you say so. Here, at least take this pain reliever.” She quickly walked over to her desk and grabbed the medicine before handing it to you. 

To appease her you took the medicine. “Have a nice... work time.” You said unsurely as the thoughts in your head became muddled. On unsteady feet you made your way out of the office and began your trek to the location of the talent show, not wanting to keep Wanda waiting. ____________________ Hurriedly, you rushed up the steps to the gazebo where your wife was waiting anxiously. On the last step you stumbled and fell on your side. An amused chuckle escaping your lips. “Wanda,” You said unsteadily with a crooked smile when your wife came into your view. “You look breathtaking.” 

“Where were you? Did something happen?” Wanda rushed over and helped you up, her brows knit together in worry. 

Her question fell on deaf ears as you leaned heavily against her. Your eyes settled on the women who was on your other side seemingly ready to catch you if you fell again. “Well, hello there.” You said with a goofy grin. “Have we met? I apologize if we have, I don’t even know the name of my desk mate. My name is Y/n Y/ln… or is it Maximoff? We never discussed the logistics.” 

Much to Wanda’s relief the woman seemed amused by your antics. “We have not. I’m Geraldine.” The women replied, offering you a hand which you shook rapidly. With an awkward smile she stepped back. “I’ll be over there checking on the other acts.”

Geraldine walked away, and you continued leaning into Wanda. “Where were you?” she repeated, her eyes still wide with worry.

“Was just at the tribune. I might have gotten lost on the way here. I heard the loveliest song.” You rambled deliriously with a wave of your hand. 

Ignoring your words, Wanda tried to get you to stand on your own. When you were properly upright, she took your hand in hers, her expression serious. “Listen, something strange happened today, Y/n. It’s hard to explain.”

Your eyes widened in an overdramatic fashion. “Did the man in the radio try to talk to you too?” you said in a poorly executed whisper.

“Man in the radio? What? Y/n, no. What is going on?” Wanda questioned, her concern growing. 

Geraldine rushed over, interrupting the conversation. “You are!”

Indistinctly you could feel Wanda adjust the hat on your head as she rushed away. You began fiddling with the ring on your finger as your mind wandered. “Hey! Hey! You’re up!” Geraldine whispered urgently as she ushered you out onto the stage.

When stepped onto the stage, you felt as though the floor below you shifted which caused you to stumble into a post. “Pardon me, I’m sorry.” You mumbled as you staggered down the steps. “Hello, Westview!” You shouted dramatically. “Good afternoon, it’s lovely to be here! I’m Terra, Glamour’s assistant!” you declared confidently. 

“What she means is I’m Glamour, her assistant and she’s terra the illusionist.” Wanda corrected with a dramatic wave of her hands. 

“Yeah… what she said.” You turned towards the audience with wide arms and a deliriously bright smile. “Today, we will lie to you and you will believe us!” You shouted boldly as Wanda’s smile faltered slightly. “Because you are all naïve and easily amused by simple slights of hand. And fooled by basic illusions due to how little you’ve seen! Flourish!” 

The strained smile on Wanda’s face remained as you wandered over to the opposite side of the stage. “You just do it, you don’t say it out loud, honey.”

You waved a hand dismissively as you attempted to search through your muddled mind for the rest of the act. “Now, my wife and I will delight in your dumbstruck little faces. Flourish!” You repeated as you allowed yourself to float into the air. 

Thinking quickly Wanda waved her fingers and a rope attached itself to you as the crowd chattered excitedly. You turned sideways in the air from the rope as Wanda maneuvered it to lift you higher. You felt your head spin even more than it was before. “Wanda! Darling, let me down! I’m feeling dizzy!” You shouted indignantly. 

Thankfully Wanda let you down moments later, her concerned expression breaking through her show façade. 

You attempted to recall the next portion of the act, but eventually gave up when you spotted a car parked just off stage. Metal. Perfect. “How about a fantastical feat of strength?” You maneuvered your fingertips so that they were barely resting on the bottom of the car. With a quick wink to the audience, you turned to focus on the car again. 

With a slight wiggle of your fingers the car began to float just above your hand, so it looked like you were picking it up. 

“Illusions!” Wanda shouted nervously and made her way over to you after she wiggled her fingers. “Terra is the master of illusions! Allow me.” She took the now cardboard car from your hands, making sure the audience saw that it was indeed cardboard.

When she turned she winked at the audience. “Whoops! You weren’t supposed to see how we did that trick.”

Feeling yourself getting sleepy, you decided to jump forward to the final part of the act. A portion that you actually felt you remembered. “Ladies and gentlemen, for our grand finale, I bring you the box of… magic?” You shouted semi-confidently, unable to think of the name you had practiced just that morning.  

Wanda took the hint and began wheeling out the box. “The cabinet of mysteries!” She corrected.

“Yeah, yeah. What she said.” You pulled open the doors to show the box was empty inside. “I will now make my wife disappear!” 

“Are you sure you don’t want an audience volunteer named my husband Ralph?” Agnes called out from the audience.

You forced a chuckle along with the audience, “Haha- no.” You mumbled flatly as you closed the doors to the cabinet. “Abracadabra!” you weakly hit the box with the plastic wand, proud of yourself for remembering that step.

Wanda looked around nervously. “Uh, sweetheart?” 

“Yeah?”

“Hi.”

“Oh.” You said, realizing you forgot the most important step. The crowd quickly started chanting what’s in the box.

Both you and Wanda exchanged timid glances as Wanda’s smile became strained. Her body language showing her obvious discomfort with the situation. Subtly, she wiggled her fingers once more. 

With hesitant hands, you pulled open the doors with Wanda to reveal a very confused Geraldine. 

The crowd cheered enthusiastically. All three of you took hands and bowed. “Flourish.” You muttered sheepishly for the final time. “Let’s get out of here.” You mumbled to Wanda as you ran off stage. 

When you were safely backstage, you turned towards Wanda with a guilty look on your face. “I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry. I’m so stupid.” You cried as you sat yourself on the floor and covered your face in shame. 

Wanda hastily made her way over to you and delicately placed her hands on your cheeks as she tried to get you to look at her. “Y/n. Y/n, it’s alright. Hey, it’s okay.” She reassured you as she attempted to urge your eyes up to meet hers. “But what is going on with you?”

You threw your hands up in frustration. “I don’t know! It all started when all of Ellie’s books fell on my head and then she gave me medicine that made me feel worse.” You whimpered.

Wanda’s eyes softened. “Oh, sweetheart. Let’s get you home, so you can sleep it off.” She gently coaxed you up. “And before Dottie and the planning committee can string us up for ruining the show.

Wordlessly you agreed with her plan and took her by the hand as you both attempted to sneak passed the audience. 

“You two! Stop right there.” Wanda’s hand tensed in your own as you both turned to face Dottie who was on stage. “Nothing like what you two did has ever happened in the history of our talent show.”

You squeezed Wanda’s hands comfortingly as you stared down at the floor in shame. “Dottie,” Wanda began fearfully. “We are so-“

“Hilarious!” The woman interrupted Wanda. You both shared a look of surprise. “That was the most hilarious act we have ever seen. Wouldn’t you all agree?” The crowd cheered.

Dottie gestured you both on stage which you both uncomfortably complied with. “On behalf of the planning committee I would like to award you with the inaugural comedy performance of the year.” Wanda beamed proudly as she took the offered trophy. The look on her face made everything worth it to you.

You smiled deliriously at the sight as you rubbed your head which was still spinning. 

As the crowd cheered you gestured Geraldine forward into your final bow, everything after blurring together so much that you couldn’t remember it. _______________ When you came to again, you were on the couch at home. Your head resting in Wanda’s lap as she stroked your hair soothingly. “Hi, sweetheart. How are you feeling?” She asked softly when she noticed your eyes flutter open.

You sat up and blinked a few times. “Much better, my love. Heads all clear again.” You answered as you knocked lightly on the side of your head. “Though I don’t remember everything that happened.”

Wanda chuckled softly and pecked your cheek. “I think it’s better you don’t, darling. While you were amusing in your delirious state, nothing can beat the Y/n I know and love.” Wanda leaned into your side as you wrapped an arm around her. “I don’t know what I was so worried about. It wasn’t so hard to fit in after all.” She admitted. 

You rubbed your hand up and down her arm tenderly. “And all we had to do was be ourselves.”

“With a few modifications.” Wanda added with an amused smile. 

For a moment you both just settled in the comfort of the moment before you stood up and made your way over to the radio, turning it on. “Let’s celebrate.” You suggested as you fiddled with the knobs.

Sweeter than wine, softer than the summer night. Everything I want I have, whenever I hold you tight. This magic moment, while your lips are close to mine, will last forever. Forever ‘til the end of time.

Satisfied with the music, you turned back to Wanda and offered her your hand. “I was wondering if I may have this dance, my love?”

Wanda stared up at you with loving eyes as she took your offered hand and stood up. “You certainly may.” 

Gently, you pulled her closer. Your arms wrapped securely around her waist as hers rested over your shoulders. The feeling was comforting and familiar. Everything either of you ever needed. Wanda’s eyes stayed on yours, glimmering with pure love and happiness, the look mirrored in your own expression. For a moment you both just swayed in place to the rhythm of the song, your heads pressed gently together as you cherished being there in that moment. 

The moment was short-lived as static rolled over the music playing much like it did earlier in the day. Both you and Wanda pulled away to stare at the radio. 

Once again, the muffled speaking began, this time much stronger than before. “Wanda.” The voice called out clearly, this time addressing your wife. You didn’t know why but you knew that you recognized the voice. You just couldn’t place a name to the voice. “Wanda. Can you hear me? What happening, Wanda?” 

You turned to look at Wanda, unease in your eyes. “What’s going on?” you questioned, but her eyes remained locked on the radio. 

Before Wanda could say anything, a loud thud outside caught your attention. The abruptness of the sound making you jump and effectively distracting you both from the radio. “If it’s the damn tree again, I’m going to rip it up by the roots.” You announced as you stormed outside, the radio forgotten as Wanda followed closely behind you. 

You walked to the edge of the yard, looking around as Wanda stopped beside you. “I don’t see anything.” She said lightly. 

Almost as soon as the words left her lips, a mysterious figure came out of the drain cover. “Wanda. What is that?” you stepped protectively over to her, your arm wrapping around her from behind.  

The figure turned their head in your direction. “No.” Wanda said sharply. 

Satisfied with the music, you turned back to Wanda and offered her your hand. “I was wondering if I may have this dance, my love?”

Wanda stared up at you with loving eyes as she took your offered hand. “You certainly may.”

You froze slightly when Wanda stood up. “Um. Wanda.” 

“Hmm, what?” She questioned with a cute tilt of her head. Your eyes fell to her abdomen which had become round with the signs of pregnancy. You delicately placed your hand on her stomach as she gasped. “Y/n… is this really happening?” The smile she gave you was so bright that it could have rivaled the sun. 

You brought her hand up to your lips and pressed a soft kiss to the palm of her hand. “Yes, my love. It’s really happening.”

Lovingly Wanda leaned forward and connected your lips in a sweet kiss as the disembodied voices cooed at the action. When you pulled away Wanda cupped your cheek, a surprised look in her eyes when she looked at you. “Y/n.” 

You both looked around in awe as the home around you became rich with vibrant colors. Like magnets you were drawn back together as you both met in a loving kiss. . . . . . . . . The group once again watched you and Wanda share a sweet kiss as the credits rolled on the screen before them. A moment of tense silence hung in the air as they attempted to process what they just saw. 

“You got her pregnant!” Natasha finally shouted at Steve, smacking him in the back of the head. 

Darcy tried to choke back a laugh at the sudden comment as she fumbled with the technology, not wanting to get caught in the crossfire. “I don’t think that’s how pregnancy works.” She mumbled to herself.

Steve rubbed the back of his head with a frown. “I didn’t get her pregnant, Nat.” He huffed in annoyance. “And I might not be a scientist, but I know Y/n couldn’t impregnate her either. I’m pretty sure Wanda got herself pregnant.”

“Yeah, well, one minute they’re dancing and then you try and talk to them and suddenly Wanda’s pregnant. I blame you.” Natasha countered with a roll of her eyes. “Which, by the way, while Y/n was lifting heavy objects over her head? Really?”

Darcy’s eyes widened in amusement as she tried to keep her expression neutral. 

“That… wasn’t my finest moment.” Steve admitted shamefully as he rubbed his temples in embarrassment. 

As the two Avengers were arguing Fury shut off the television. “What’s done is done. Now that we have Monica in there under the guise of working for S.W.O.R.D. we can potentially receive some intel. Even though she seems deeply immersed in her character. And,” He waved a file in his hand. “I know who Ellie Hart is. You two might want to hear this.”

Part 2! I will admit I had slight trouble writing this since it was still fairly restricted by Wandavision because it’s necessary to set up the story still. Well, as always, I hope you all enjoyed! And let me know your thoughts, remember they are always welcome! :)

[beyondspaceandstars]

While You Sleep

Chapter 9

Relationship: Bucky Barnes x Reader Warnings: N/A, just fluff this time! Summary: Soulmate!AU - Throughout life, you’re given glimpses of your soulmate through dreams. As you sleep, memories flash in your mind showing you the life your soulmate has lived. Everyone around you raves about how their soulmate reads great books or volunteers in their spare time. But you can’t relate as your dreams end up being more like nightmares. Through initial images of death and violence, you come to learn your soulmate is the Winter Soldier.

(a/n: yes i really used some cliche scenes expected from a bucky fic but come on you have to, right?)

Masterlist | Series Masterlist

If you thought you were scared before your first encounter with Bucky, your feelings as you got ready for this date were unbelievable. 

The pressure really felt on this time. 

In the anxiety of nervousness and self-doubt, you had bought a whole new outfit for this date. You stood in the mirror, checking yourself over as you adorned a lovely knee-length, flowy dress. It had little flowers decorated all over it. The fabric was soft and comfortable, easing worries just a bit more - if you felt good, all would go good, right? The entire thing was complimented by a new pair of flats. You even spent more time on your make-up, making sure everything was just right and accentuating all your features pleasantly. 

The more you did, the better you felt, until you realized there was no more to do. Once your hair was laid gently over your shoulder in a cascading braid, you had to face the fact that it was almost game time. Glancing over, your clock told you Bucky would be here any minute.

Still, back at the mirror, you couldn’t help yourself from fidgeting. You tweaked your braid, fixed the invisible wrinkles on your dress, even reconsidered your lipstick color choice… But then it happened. Your phone’s ringtone sang throughout your room, giving you a jumpscare. You had to take a deep breath before crossing the space and answering the call. Bucky’s name flashed on the screen.

“Hi, Bucky,” you said.

“Hi, doll,” Bucky responded, a little sing-songy tone in his voice. His cheeriness was practically contagious through the phone. Your heart fluttered. “I’m outside whenever you’re ready.”

“O-Okay,” you sputtered out, letting out a cough to cover it but it didn’t work well as Bucky let out a light chuckle at your nerves. You chose to ignore it and continued, “I’ll be down in a second.”

“Alright,” he said. “See you soon.” The line disconnected. You sighed, gripping your phone probably too tightly. Closing your eyes, you inhaled then exhaled, centering yourself, letting your pounding heart come down. 

One last look in the mirror and you realized that it was game time. There were no more preparations you could make. Your soulmate was waiting downstairs and off you went to get swept away.

Bucky wasn’t the only thing that greeted you when you exited the apartment building. He was standing by a taxi, one arm leaning against it like it was the world's most romantic chariot. A smile broke out on your lips as you approached him. 

“Good evening.”

Bucky gave a nod, “Good evening.”

He kept staring at you, taking you in fully and shamelessly. You blushed under his focused eyes and quickly looked away. Motioning towards the taxi, you said, “Is this our ride for the night?”

Now he was smiling as well. “Just to get us there.”

You hummed, interested. “Where is ‘there?’”

“Gotta get in the taxi and find out, sweetheart,” Bucky said with a proud smirk as he opened the door. He extended his arm out dramatically, motioning for you to slide in. You mumbled a shy thank you, still feeling your blushing was out of control and got comfy in the cab. 

Once Bucky was also settled in, he leaned in very close to the driver and whispered the destination. You pretended not to notice but had to admit, he sure was sticking to the whole surprise thing. It made you feel quite giddy inside knowing he was going through all this just to surprise you. To give you a (hopefully) nice date. 

Once the taxi driver understood the address, Bucky leaned back and the drive began. You stared out the window, watching your neighborhood pass by, as you tried to ignore Bucky still staring at you. It was like he was really focused on you like he was searching for something. It made you feel all kinds of warmth under your dress. 

“You look beautiful,” Bucky finally said, breaking the backseat silence. Your heart that was once pounding suddenly was going a million miles an hour. Uncontrollably, you whipped your head to look at Bucky. You met his eyes which were looking at you with such wonder and longing. Oh yeah, it was getting warm in this taxi, you thought.

“Thank you,” you said, shyly. You still didn’t understand where this nervous, antsy of you was coming from. You had been around him plenty of times, even had a bit of a fight that night in your fucking apartment, but now this was what you were scared of? A date? You had to shake your head to literally shake off the nerves, something that was becoming a habit of you now. 

Eventually, you forced yourself to add on to the conversation, “You look great, as well.” And that certainly was the truth. Bucky had cleaned up nicely. His hair was slicked back casually. He wore a soft sweater and black slacks. The outfit was paired with dress shoes. The entire look just felt… Classic but in the best way. In a way that was Bucky at heart. 

You two fell into silence again but it was more comfortable, like Bucky’s words had hidden messages telling you to calm down. This was just another date, as couples do, and you two had been through crazy stuff - cough, cough… the fucking apartment showdown. Well, maybe that was a bit dramatic, you thought, but it sure felt hostile in the moment.

Moments later, the taxi stopped outside some… dance hall? You peered up at the sign, quizzically. You had no idea these places even existed anymore. This was already turning out to be the most unique you had ever been on but it wasn’t like you had been on many. 

You were about to get out when Bucky stopped you. Confused, you watched him run around the front of the taxi and stop at your door. He opened it for you, as any gentleman would. He offered you his hand and helped you out. After paying for the cab, he came back to join you, offering his arm for you to take.

“Dancing?” You asked as you two walked towards the entrance. “You’re taking me dancing?”

There was a faint blush creeping up on Bucky’s neck. “I am,” he said. “Back in the day, when I wanted to woo a girl I took her dancing. I hope that’s okay with you.”

You giggled, “Yeah, it’s...” Your words abruptly stopped as you were suddenly hit with the realization: you didn’t fucking know how to dance. Even in your own time period, you couldn’t be thrown out anywhere expecting to bust some moves. Your feet stopped moving before you could enter the hall.

Bucky turned to you, concerned. “Everything okay, sweetheart?” 

You wouldn’t look at him and instead looked past him, through the clear doors of the dance hall, watching the couples spin and twirl about. “I don’t know how to dance.”

Bucky waved a hand in dismissal and continued walking. “There’s no need to worry, doll,” he said as he opened the door for you. “You can follow my lead and you’ll be just fine, okay? I’ve got you.”

Your heart skipped a beat as Bucky placed a hand on your lower back, leading you around the hall. The music was loud, more on the big band side, though. You saw up-close now as the couples flung each other around, laughing in awe at one another. There was a bar off at one end where patrons moved around it with beverages. The place was fairly crowded as well, something you didn’t really peg Bucky for being enthusiastic about, but his face lit the second you two walked in. There was something like a sense of familiarity in his eyes.

You didn’t comment on it, though, and instead took his arm again, letting him guide you to the bar first. You were silently thankful, hoping a nice drink would loosen you up - at least, enough to actually get you on the dance floor. 

Bucky ordered for you two which you actually appreciated. Part of you enjoyed seeing him take charge like this. Plan the date, open your door, order a drink you might like… The care of it all made your heart sing. 

Retrieving the drinks, he handed you one. You thanked him as you took the drink and looked it over. The drink was something dark poured over ice. An orange peel and cherry bobbed in the liquid, next to the ice. You sipped it, letting the taste of whiskey and orange essence hit your tastebuds. 

“It’s lovely,” you said and took another sip. For as nice as it was, you weren’t exactly well versed in cocktails. “What is it?”

“An old fashioned,” Bucky answered as he took his own sip of the drink, letting himself lean in closer to you as you two stood at the bar. He still watched you with a curious intensity that made your skin all kinds of heated. “I-I’m glad you like it.”

A silence fell over you two once more as you sipped your drink and let your gaze wander back to the dancing pairs. They moved so majestically and vibrantly across the hardwood floor. Engrossed with one another, trusting as they spun about. You had to admit, it did look quite fun. 

“Up for a bit of a dance after this, doll?” Bucky drawled, a hint at what sounded like a little Brooklyn accent peaked out, making you grin. He must’ve been absolutely transported back in time and you were so thankful you could be there with him. 

You took a drink, probably more than you should’ve in one gulp, and said, “Maybe if this drink kicks in soon I’ll let you show me a few moves.” You smiled to yourself. “That is, assuming you still have moves.”

Bucky raised his eyebrows at you as he stared at you above his glass. “Excuse me?”

You giggled, “Well, you’ve got a few years in you. Just want to make sure you can show a gal a good time.”

Bucky scoffed and then, without any other warning, he grabbed your drink from your hands. Slamming both the glasses on the bar counter, he gripped your hand in his and dragged you out to the floor. You shuffled to keep up, giggling loudly at the fire you had sparked within him. It was amazing what a little banter could do to him. Once he picked an area, the band began playing a new song and Bucky fell into the rhythm quickly. 

You stared, a bit stunned watching him move. But Bucky wouldn’t let you just stand there for long. Getting into the beat, he grabbed both your hands and began instructing you on the steps. Thankfully, it wasn’t as serious as you thought it would be. This was just a dance hall, after all. Everyone was too caught up in their own lovers to pay attention to others. You watched his feet intensely, as you kicked and stomped, feeling a bit clunky but Bucky, you glanced at him every now and then, was watching you with a hint of pride in his eyes. 

Suddenly, he decided to get daring and spun you out, quickly pulling you back into his arms. You let out a laugh, enjoying the spontaneous move of it all and reveling in the feeling of his arms around you. Following that, you fell back into the rhythm. As you got more confident, you could actually look at Bucky better and saw he looked just as pleased and excited as you were. You felt you two had melted into the crowd well despite you feeling like a sore thumb. 

The twirling was probably your favorite and you were very pleased with your dress choice. As he moved you, it would flare just slightly around your thighs, making you feel like fabric just drifting in the wind. Bucky seemed to like it as well as his hands felt like they made a point to never leave your body, always prying and begging for you close. 

Eventually, after a couple of upbeat songs, the music turned down, now on the more slow side. Bucky, however, seemed very prepared for this as he pulled you into his body without a second thought. His hand landed on your lower waist, your front pressed to him securely. His metal hand was entangled with yours, lifted away from your bodies, as you two moved in a small circle. 

You and Bucky finally really locked eyes for what felt like really the first time in the entire dancing sequence. His eyes looked at you so softly, so in total awe. Maybe there was even a hint of admiration just lurking, you noted. You felt yourself blushing intensely, but then again, when weren’t you like that around Bucky?

Bucky eventually spoke. “You were a natural, sweetheart.”

You shrugged, a small smile on your lips. “I think I just had a really awesome teacher.”

“Oh, yeah?” He grinned. “He must’ve been great. Taught you some nice moves.”

“Mhm,” you nodded, “he’s the absolute best. Really good-looking as well. That’s a nice bonus.”

“You’re making me blush, doll.”

“Good. That’s how I get all the time around you. It’s time you had a taste of your own medicine.”

Bucky threw his head back, letting out a loud laugh. “Really, honey?” His eyes met yours again. You jumped at the new pet name. It felt so much more...domestic. “I make you blush? Make you feel a bit warm?” His tone got lower as it was just above a whisper. A shiver ran up your spine. 

You bit your lip, contemplating how far this was going to go. “You make me feel many things, Bucky. Good things.”

His grin had turned to a full teasing smile now. He didn’t respond, though, just nodded with a mischievous expression now coming across his features. You were going to ask what he was thinking about when the music stopped and the band announced they would be taking a break. It sounded like Bucky let out a sigh of relief as he promptly took your hand and began leading you off the dance floor.

“You hungry, doll?” He asked, stopping next to the exit, hands in his pocket now, looking all casual. But the casualness was a nice cover, you thought, as his expression held everything but unsuspecting. 

You hummed. “I could go for something.”

He nodded, still smiling. “I planned to cook you dinner. Is that alright?”

You gasped, “I get to go to your apartment now?”

He laughed as he took your hand again, now leading you out of the dance hall. You two began making your way down the street, hands gripped tightly together. 

“You will get to see my apartment but fair warning, it’s nothing special.”

You scoffed. “Yeah, like mine was a real looker.”

“At least yours looks lived in.”

You looked up at Bucky quickly, mouth open now as if you wanted to say something but you didn’t really know what. He wouldn’t look back at you now and instead just kept leading you to presumably his apartment building. You turned your sights back on the sidewalk, watching the cars and people rush around in the nighttime landscape of the city, as you let Bucky guide you. 

It was a fairly nice area he lived in, an estimated taxi ride away from you. The area was really bustling with people now and there were shops and eateries galore to browse. You glanced in the windows as you passed, watching others mingle about and eat their dinners. 

Eventually, Bucky stopped in front of a building and pulled open the door. He let you in first, still ever so the gentlemen despite you not knowing where the hell you were going. Neither of you dwelled on this though as Bucky took your hand again and led you to his apartment. You felt yourself getting antsy the closer you got but you didn’t understand why. As much as you wanted your flirting to get you a little bit somewhere, this was dinner. A nice lovely dinner with your soulmate. One that he planned to cook. (Could he actually cook, though? You debated this as you went.)

Bucky unlocked the door and let you in. Sadly, he wasn’t too far off from the comment about it not looking lived in. There wasn’t… much of anything. There were the essentials - kitchen, couch, stools, television - but nothing that screamed Bucky. Or that he even actually stepped foot in here. 

But you weren't about to say any of this. You lingered by the kitchen counter. “It’s cozy.”

Bucky chuckled, “Thanks for trying, doll.”

You frowned. “I-I mean it. It’s nice. Clean and… and formal.” Well, you thought, what could you expect from a former soldier?

Bucky raised his eyebrows, though, not buying it. 

“Alright,” you sighed, “it could use maybe some personal touches but your space is your space. Who am I to judge when mine looks like it's falling apart?”

“Yours has personality,” Bucky shrugged as he slowly took steps towards you. You were leaning against the counter now, arms crossed watching him approach. 

“That means it's a trainwreck.”

He smirked, “It means it fits you and I like you, so, naturally, I’m going to like your apartment.”

Your heart pounded in your chest. “You like me?” You asked and winced at your words. Apparently, you were having a hard time growing out of this silly schoolgirl crushing phase. 

Bucky nodded, now pretty close, staring you down. One hand came to rest on the counter beside you, slightly trapping you in. “I do like you.”

You couldn’t get over how close he was now. Even during your slow dance, you don’t think he was like… this. Towering, confident. Your eyes flicked to his inviting lips quickly before returning back to his eyes. They held amusement and… Was that a hint of amorousness in them? Your pulse was racing.

“Enough to make me dinner?” You let out a breathy chuckle, trying your hand at humor to figure out what was going on here. You didn’t mean to be practically dismissing these advancements but you also couldn’t believe they were happening. You thought it was just some sweet back and forth in the dance hall, a possible side effect of the adrenaline from dancing getting to you two. But, no. This fact was simple. Bucky wanted you. 

“You know,” he sighed, “I don’t think I’m really hungry.”

“Oh?”

“At least not for dinner.”

You were barely able to let out a gasp at his confirmation before Bucky’s lips were on yours, hot and heavy.

[killing-all-joy]

Sometimes Having Terrible Aim Is Worth It

Pairing: Analogince Word count: 4,492 Logan uses he/they pronouns cw: swearing, snowball fights, mentions of murder, implied bad parents, i might have made lore for this at 1am while bored whoops

Overall, Roman and Logan were happy with their neighborhood. The location was convenient for both of their works (the theatre and the high school) and the environment was very lax. It was a low-crime, middle-class neighborhood with people who seemed very nice.

Roman, the sociable one, had made friends with many of the people on their block, only leaving a couple of houses alone. He had told Logan that all the people he had talked with were amiable people worthy of their friendship. So, Logan had accompanied his boyfriend during conversations with their neighbors on occasion, despite being an introvert with a general disappointment in the human race.

It wasn’t with ease that Roman was able to leave the house on their right alone. He had been warned not to bother the man who lived there as soon as he had moved in and started to make friends with his new neighbors. A blonde woman who Roman guessed to be about twenty years older than him had knocked on the door the evening after the two had moved in and given them the gist of the neighborhood. Her name was Janet, and she had told them about which houses had kids (as well as which kids were the best or quietest), how many people lived at each house, what each resident was like, and finally, about the man who lived next door.

Apparently, he was introverted and creepy, didn’t have friends, had the scariest Halloween decorations, worked at an age-old psychiatric hospital, and was rude and disagreeable. Janet had sufficiently discouraged Roman and Logan from interacting with him, but even if she hadn’t, the reports from their other neighbors would have done the job.

One kid said she had knocked on his door on Halloween, and he had opened the door and snarled at her with a realistic vampire outfit on, laughing evilly as she ran away. One mother said she had gone to his house to ask for a cup of sugar, and he had given her a cup of salt instead. Three kids all said they had seen him near the haunted house on Fridays. There was a rumor going around that he had killed the previous owners of the house Roman and Logan now resided in because their cat had made a small scratch on his car (Logan and Roman were less inclined to believe that last rumor; it was evidence-less, unlike the others).

But, other than the next-door neighbor they were both terrified of, Roman and Logan liked their living situation very much.

It was January, right in the middle of winter. The weather refused to let their area forget this fact; the week had started out with a snowstorm and after one day of pause, it had snowed every day for the next four days. It was now Friday, the fourth consecutive day of having snow, and the neighborhood kids had calmed about the state of the weather. Earlier in the week, Roman and Logan would often look out their window to find kids playing in the snow. Now, the excitement had dialed down and the kids were exhausted. The couple figured that sometime in the middle of the next week, the kids would be back to causing snowy chaos, but there was still almost a week until that hypothesis would be put to the test. At the current time, the block was quiet.

Roman appeared next to Logan, who was reading. He perched himself on the armrest of Logan's armchair and put an arm around his boyfriend.

"Hey, Logan?" Roman asked, taking a lock of Logan's hair and twirling it between his fingers.

"What is it you want, darling?" Logan replied, not looking up from his book.

Roman frowned. "I never said I wanted something."

"You called me Logan," he explained like it were obvious, "so, you want something."

Roman rolled his eyes, wishing his boyfriend wasn't so observant. "I want to have a snowball fight outside."

Logan raised an eyebrow, keeping his eyes on the novel in his hands. "I assume that you want me to join?"

Roman nodded. "Who else would I fight?"

"I also imagine you will annoy me about this subject until I acquiesce, or the snow melts?"

Roman nodded again.

"What's in it for me?"

Roman furrowed his eyebrows in thought. "Well...maybe, after the fight, we can curl up next to each other on the couch in our blankets, hot chocolate in hand, and we can watch Doctor Who or whatever while we snuggle."

Logan bit his lip.

"You know you want to."

Logan rolled their eyes. "I most certainly do not."

Roman grinned at him cheekily. "Bullshit," he said sweetly, "now come with me."

He took the book from Logan's hands and set it on the table. He grabbed a receipt from nearby and put it on the open pages, before slamming the novel shut and pulling his boyfriend to his feet.

Logan made a noise of surprise as he was dragged to the door by his boyfriend.

"Roman, wait!" Logan exclaimed, putting a hand on Roman's arm. "Let me get my gloves and hat on first."

Logan, who was already in a blue patterned sweater and dark purple scarf, dashed to his and Roman's room. He opened his closet and picked out his navy blue beanie and red gloves. He put them on quickly, not wanting to have to deal with Roman's manhandling once again.

He raced back to Roman who was waiting for him at the door impatiently. When he saw Logan, his expression brightened to one of adoration.

"Oh my gosh, mi querido, you look adorable!"

Logan huffed. "I am not adorable."

Roman laughed. "Yes, you are."

Logan knew that arguing was hopeless.

They took the accusation to heart for a moment. "What if the neighbors see our fight and it ruins my reputation and they never take me seriously again?"

"One, they will be too far away from us to recognize you. Two, they won't care. Three, I'm going to be annoying you for the next two months about a snowball fight so if you refuse, they'll judge you for choosing someone as loud and annoying as myself as your boyfriend."

Logan nodded. "Fair enough."

The two exited their house. Logan put his arms around his torso and shivered, the sudden change in temperature shocking his body, but Roman ran ahead. He immediately crouched down to the ground and formed a snowball, aiming directly for Logan’s stomach, and missing by a couple of feet. Logan gave him a disappointed look.

Roman huffed and returned to building a snowball. Logan shivered again, watching the small flecks of white flutter down from the clouds above and land on their suburban neighborhood. Logan was removed from their thoughts when a snowball collided with his stomach.

He stumbled back half a step, but steadied his stance and glared at his boyfriend. Another snowball was thrown his way, but Logan dodged and watched it disperse against the door.

“You might want to join me in the yard, Specs, if you don’t want me to break a window.”

Logan followed his suggestion, running to the front yard and immediately forming a snowball. They threw it at their unsuspecting boyfriend who was in the process of making another snowball. It hit him square in the chest, making him fall backwards.

“Oh, you’re in for it, mi luz.”

Logan rolled his eyes. “You’ve hit me twice, I’ve hit you once. I’m hardly the-”

A snowball to the lungs effectively shut them up.

---

Roman and Logan were hiding behind their respective walls of snow. Throughout the fight, they had been creating their own walls to hide behind to avoid getting hit. The fight would continue until either surrender or unconsciousness occurred, and both knew the former would be the hardest to achieve.

Since the two were both overachievers and never half-assed anything, their respective snow walls were two and a half feet high, roughly four inches in thickness, and approximately two feet wide. Roman had drawn an ‘R’ into his for dramatic effect, and Logan had hit the ‘R’ purposely with a snowball twice.

Neither knew how much time had passed, nor could they sense just how cold they were. All they could think about was demolishing their beloved in a violent war of snow, where only one could be crowned victor.

They were so unfocused that they didn’t notice a door opening and closing. Their eyes were so zeroed in on each other that Logan couldn’t see anything but his weapon and his target.

Logan knew the second the snowball left his hands that he would not land the shot. They were off by at least a couple of feet. They paid it no mind, however, and focused on evading Roman’s next attack.

The snowball landed with an audible smack.

That was unusual; dodged snowballs normally landed soundlessly on the ground.

What was also unusual was the yelp accompanying the sound.

Two shocked heads turned and watched as an unfamiliar man was thrown off his balance from Logan’s ruthlessly packed snowball. He didn’t fall to the ground, no, he was too scary and intimidating for that kind of humiliation to ever befall him. But, he was inconvenienced just enough so that Roman and Logan were terrified for their lives.

Logan hadn’t hit any old neighbor that lived on their block. He had hit the man who lived to their right.

The man who was evil, scary, probably a serial killer; the person that even the adults were scared of. He overdid Halloween, had no friends, and worked at a psychiatric hospital. He could probably kill them if he wanted to. According to the rumors, he had killed for lesser motives.

His eyes locked with both of the men at once, and Logan and Roman had never been more scared in their time together. He was terrifying.

With a black shirt, black jeans, black and purple hair, and a black hoodie, the man next door with tattoos creeping up his neck and black eyeshadow under his eyes looked very much the part the rest of the street had cast him as.

Logan and Roman were truly and undeniably fucked.

When the neighbor stopped glaring at them and walked to his car, Logan and Roman simultaneously craned their necks back to face each other, a terrified look in both of their eyes. Suddenly, all their competitive fire was extinguished and they looked at the snow on the ground with fear and regret instead of devious fun.

Their neighbor got something from his car and returned inside, casting sideways glances at Roman and Logan as he passed them. He slammed his door shut, causing both men to flinch.

From day one, the couple had been warned by kindergarteners and middle-aged women alike that they were unfortunate to be neighbors with the man next door. It was today that this was proven. All they could do was wait for their demise.

Roman threw a snowball at Logan’s face in anger at his actions and bad aim. For the first time in this fight, he wished he had been hit by that snowball.

There was a four minute period where the two were internally debating their options of either going back inside or apologizing to their fearsome neighbor. Occasionally, they would make eye contact with each other, but no words were actually spoken. Roman, the extrovert, considered knocking on his door to make a quick and hasty apology while Logan, the introvert, thought about writing an apology letter and sliding it under his door.

Neither of their ideas needed to be put to action, however, since the neighbor exited his house once again.

The two resisted the overwhelming urge to cower in fear. They had never seen him before, and now they had seen him twice in less than ten minutes? Clearly, they had ticked him off.

In an effort to not make it look as though they were staring, Logan and Roman stuck their gazes on each other. Each could tell that their partner was resisting their instincts telling them to run as far away as they could as fast as possible. But they couldn’t be rude—not when that man lived right next to them and could approach their house at any time. The serial killer rumors suddenly seemed more plausible.

What greeted them (or rather, Logan) instead, was a snowball to the back.

Logan, who was tenser than a taut rope, stumbled from the harsh impact. When he was able to regain his stance, his head whipped around to look at his attacker.

The neighbor had on, of all things, a smile.

He had discarded his hoodie for a fluffy black sweater with purple bats on it. He was now in a black beanie and had on midnight blue gloves. While his winter attire was surprising considering he already had a hoodie and didn’t seem to leave his house much, the mischievous smile was the most perplexing of all new things about their neighbor. Neither Logan nor Roman could make sense of it, except that it let them see the infamously creepy stranger in a new light.

Logan huffed out a bemused laugh, staring at the neighbor (who looked to be similar in age to them) like he was a gripping plot twist in a novel that unexpectedly ended happily. He shook his head a bit, but crouched down and formed another snowball. He made sure not to throw it as hard as the first one he had thrown at the stranger.

The man dodged it with ease, running closer to the snow-covered couple’s house. He swiped some snow off the porch rail and quickly packed it before throwing it at Roman, who was too busy being bewildered to do anything to dodge. He gasped in offense and coughed when the snowball collided with his sternum, and directed a playful glare at his attacker. He threw a snowball at him in return.

The neighbor easily dodged that one, but wasn’t able to dodge the snowball Logan had thrown his way. His attention switched over to the bespectacled assailant, looking at them just in time to see him throw another snowball at his boyfriend.

“How the hell did you make a snowball that quickly, cariño?”

“I have a snow wall, Ro. What do you think I put behind it? Action figures?” Logan retorted sarcastically.

Roman rolled his eyes and formed another snowball, sending it through the air and smack into Logan’s wall. “Every man for himself!”

The neighbor laughed at that, and the snowball fight continued.

---

As it turned out, Logan and Roman were at a disadvantage from already being out in the snow before their neighbor joined in. He was able to make them both surrender eventually, but not before Roman had aimed a snowball at a precise place on the back of his neck where the snow fell down the back of his shirt.

Logan was the wiser out of the couple and had surrendered first (not without a fight, though). He figured he deserved it; he had been the one to disturb the stranger, after all. This made him able to watch as both Roman and the stranger started to shiver more and more as the fight had continued.

When Roman finally did surrender, Logan laughed in his face and then put an arm around him. Logan took one hand in his and was able to tell his fingers were numb.

“You just never know when to quit, do you?” they sighed fondly.

“I did eventually!” protested Roman indignantly.

The stranger chuckled from beside him. “Would’ve been easier for your poor body if you’d surrendered when you knew you were gonna lose.”

It was the first time they’d heard him speak; snowball fights weren’t exactly the best place to start a conversation. His voice was low, about as deep as expected from a scary man in all black. However, it didn’t hold any fearful qualities or scratchiness like the kids had described. The couple thought it sounded like coffee on a cool winter’s morning (which didn’t make sense since coffee wasn’t a sound, but it was all that they could use to describe it, nonetheless).

“And when would that have been?”

“The second I joined in.”

Logan hid a laugh behind their hand. Roman glared at him for encouraging their neighbor.

“No idiot surrenders the second another person joins,” Roman muttered.

“Exactly,” the man said with a wink. Logan was able to spot him curling his arms around himself, probably from being cold.

Roman gasped loudly when he finally realized what the stranger was saying. “How dare you!”

He stumbled out of Logan’s arms and collected more snow off the porch railing, making it into a large, messy ball and chucking it at the stranger.

It hit his face. Not hard in any shape or form; no harm would be done, but it was still a bunch of cold water shoved in his face and falling into the front of his sweater.

The stranger furiously batted at the snow on his face.

“Serves you right,” Roman mumbled.

Logan rolled his eyes. “Sorry, that must’ve been freezing.”

The man nodded.

“Come on in,” Logan invited, opening the door. “We can make you some hot chocolate.”

Roman rushed inside, running to the storage closet that had extra blankets.

“A-are you s-su-re?” the stranger said, syllables separate and repetitive from his shivering. The snow in his face caused his teeth to chatter.

“Of course,” Logan said, “it’s our—well, mostly my fault, that you got cold anyway. I’m Logan. He/they pronouns.”

Virgil chuckled. “L-log-an, h-uh? Was st-st-starting to thi-nk y-you were j-just gi-v-ven a b-bunch of p-pet names at b-birth.”

Logan blushed furiously, but laughed. Roman referred to him with Spanish terms of endearment more than he did his legal name.

“At this point, I might as well have been. I tend to respond to any unfamiliar word that vaguely sounds like Spanish now.”

They ushered the freezing stranger inside. Roman had returned from the storage closet with a blanket wrapped around his shoulders and another under his arm. Logan took the blanket that wasn’t shrouding his shivering boyfriend and wrapped it around the stranger’s shoulders, who tugged it tighter around himself eagerly.

Logan went to the kitchen, putting three mugs of milk into the microwave and setting it for two minutes. They then returned to Roman and their neighbor who were shivering in silence.

“Thanks for joining us,” Roman said, “that was fun.”

“It was,” he agreed, shivering starting to calm down. “T-thank you for letting me p-participate.” Not fully, however.

“Of course,” said Logan, putting an arm on Roman’s shoulders. “I totally meant that snowball as an invitation. Fully intentional.”

The other two laughed, knowing that was a lie. The microwave beeped, and Logan left them to take the mugs from the microwave. He put the hot cocoa powder in and stirred the mugs, before picking them up.

He entered the living room to see that Roman had sat on the left of the couch and the stranger in the middle. Logan put their mugs in front of them and put down a mug for themself. He sat down next to the stranger.

“Might I ask your name, oh Master of the Snowball?” Roman asked.

The stranger snorted. “That’s much better than my name. My name’s Virgil. He/him.”

Logan smiled to himself. “Not at all, that’s a very nice name.”

Virgil choked on the hot chocolate he was sipping. “Thank you,” he said quietly.

“Fits your aesthetic,” Roman remarked.

Virgil opened his mouth, looking offended. “And what’s that supposed to mean?”

It was obviously a joke, but Logan and Roman knew they had to tell Virgil of the rumors and his reputation. Especially now that they saw him as a good guy.

“Halloween,” Roman started to list, “everyday-is-spooky-season aesthetic, seems like the type of guy to work at a haunted house.”

Virgil scoffed. “Those places are stupid; not scary at all. If you want to go to a haunted house, make your house the haunted house.”

Well, now they had the Virgil-goes-to-a-haunted-house-weekly theory debunked.

“You do have ghosts on your sweater,” Logan supplied, taking a sip of the hot chocolate.

“They’re cute ghosts, though,” Roman said as soon as Virgil opened his mouth to argue. He pointed at one on his sweater. “See? Look at the lil’ faces.”

“My sister got it for me for Christmas.”

“If I knew your sister, that would probably explain the cute faces.”

“Oh, believe me, it would.”

Logan chuckled as he watched the two exchange conversation. He took another sip of his hot chocolate.

“So, um, I heard moving trucks outside your house about a month ago. Was that y’all? You new here?” asked Virgil.

“Affirmative,” Logan confirmed.

“Yeah, it’s our very first house together!” Roman said happily.

Virgil smiled. “That’s sickeningly adorable.”

“I am sickeningly adorable,” Roman said like it was a badge of honor.

“I agree,” Logan said.

A comfortable silence befell the group.

Virgil fidgeted, looking at Roman nervously. “Bit awkward question this far into the conversation, but I never caught your name-”

“Roman~” sang the man in question. He would have held the note out for an impressively long time if he didn’t take a sip of hot cocoa.

“Cool,” said Virgil awkwardly. “And I suppose, Roman and Logan, oh wow y’all’s names rhyme that is so romantic, anyway-”

Roman gasped, covering his mouth. His eyes lit up. “They do!”

“Are you just noticing this, Roman?” asked Logan.

“Of course!” Roman exclaimed in reply. “If I knew our names rhymed, I would have already written many a rhyming poem about our love.”

“That’s very nice, Love.”

“Don’t be snippy, mi cielo, you know you’d love it,” Roman huffed. “Virgil, don’t you think he’d love it?”

Virgil just rolled his eyes fondly, not wanting to get caught up in the middle of a lover’s spat.

“Don’t bring Virgil into this, Roman. You should put the subject aside, considering he was in the middle of saying something before you interrupted.”

“Yeah, I’ve been meaning to ask. Did our neighbors happen to...um...tell you what they thought of me? Ruin first impressions? It would explain your terrified expressions when we first saw each other.”

Roman and Logan looked at each other worriedly.

“...Maybe?” Roman asked quietly.

“There’s a small possibility...” Logan whispered.

“Y’all, I’m not mad if it happened, I just wanna know.”

Logan sighed. “Yes, yes they did.”

“What’d they say?”

“Multiple people said different things,” Logan began. “Janet talked to us first. She’s the blonde, short-haired, blue-eyed-”

“-Used to be a soccer mom, baby blue house?” Virgil asked. Logan nodded. “Met her when I first moved in, and once after that.”

“Her, yes. She told us, quite frankly, to not come near you.”

Virgil started to close in on himself. “Like how?”

“Said you were creepy, rude, introverted, no friends, freaky-as-all-hell Halloween decorations, apparently knew where you worked,” Roman told him, then noticed Virgil’s shrinking and stopped with the accusations. “I doubt almost all of that now, since you’re obviously not creepy and definitely have friends with that personality, but she may have been accurate with Halloween decor.”

“She was,” Virgil confirmed. “Go big or go home.”

“I believe you are normally home during Halloween, are you not?” asked Logan, confused.

Roman laughed. “Of course, mi amor.”

“Where do I work, in Janet terms?” asked Virgil, a smile tugging at his lips.

“Some old psychiatric hospital out of town.”

Virgil doubled over in laughter. He put his mug on the coffee table so it wouldn’t spill and held his head in his hands.

When he regained himself, still giggling, he replied.

“That’s inaccurate,” Virgil said plainly. “I don’t have a degree for that. See, there’s an old abandoned psychiatric hospital two miles away from the airport that is on the same road as the airport. It’s out of use, so that’s a stupid assumption to make. I guess I could maybe see why she made it though; I work at the airport.”

“Oh?” asked Logan, intrigued.

“Yeah, I’m an air traffic controller,” said Virgil with a shrug. “It ain’t that interesting. I recently got fully certified, though, which is cool. It pays well, I’m good at paying constant attention to things that could potentially end badly, and the high-stress comes from having to give my unwavering and full attention, which is something I can do well.”

“Less stressful than home and college, I guess, huh?” Roman guessed.

“Exactly, it's a spa compared to my parents,” Virgil said with a laugh. “But yeah, that’s hysterical. I definitely do not work at a psychiatric hospital.”

“I suppose what the kids said is untrue if what the adults said is false,” Logan mused.

“Oh dear lord, what did they say,” Virgil groaned.

“One girl told us about the rumor that you killed the people who used to live here,” Roman said, and Virgil immediately laughed. “Her mother said she asked for a cup of sugar and you gave her a cup of salt instead.”

“I hadn’t slept in five days and realized my mistake two hours later,” Virgil explained immediately. “I remember that one.”

Logan snorted. “One boy said you go to the haunted house on Fridays, which is obviously untrue.”

“Yeah. One, they’re stupid, two, that one’s only open in October and November, three, that one ain’t even scary. It has a good and free parking lot, though, and I volunteer at an at-risk youth center every Friday a couple blocks down that has really shitty parking.”

Roman shook his head. “Wow, we really got you wrong.”

“You were misled,” Virgil corrected. “It’s not your fault.”

“You know what, you’re right!” Roman agreed. “We were robbed.”

Virgil raised an eyebrow. “Of what?”

“Of friendship,” Logan said, taking a sip from his drink. “Roman would have been banging on your door two days after moving, wanting to get to know you. But, after a momentous amount of ‘rude’ and ‘disagreeable’—” Virgil frowned, “—he was persuaded not to. Our loss, especially considering you are neither of those two adjectives.”

Virgil smiled. “Thank you.”

Logan looked into Virgil’s chestnut brown eyes, and was able to spot the specks of gray in them. They gave Virgil a warm smile. “For what? It is our pleasure to be given the chance to know you.”

Roman groaned. “I try 24/7 to be dramatic and you do it without trying.”

Virgil, blushing, giggled. “You’re both good at it.”

Roman beamed at him. “I’m thrilled you think so, Nico di Angel-o.”

“Nico’s surname can be interpreted to mean ‘of the angels’ already, Roman, I don’t think you need to emphas-”

“Shhhh, Specs, let me shower our guest with compliments.”

Virgil’s face was on fire. “Do y’all have any movies?”

~

Taglist: @somehow-i-got-an-account @justanotherhumanstuff @fander-fic-recs @neo-neo-neo

~

I wrote most of that when I went into a blur for three hours and looked at the time after I finished the draft to see that I had wasted all the time I had to do homework. It was worth it. I don’t know why but I’m really attached to this AU? If you want to see more of it please tell me. I hope you liked it!

[megsbr]

𝗶'𝗹𝗹 𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗸 𝘆𝗼𝘂, luke patterson

“i had to get away from him and try to get the image of tears forming in his eyes as I distanced myself from him out of my head”

pairings: 1995!Luke Patterson x Reader words: 3,963

Pacing across my room for the millionth time that night I had to come face to face with the truth. He forgot. He forgot our plans. He forgot me.

Luke was someone who wanted to please everyone and never wanted to let anyone down. That meant overbooking his time and not realizing it because he never said no. He got so passionate about things that he lost track of time and didn’t realize until it was too late. As I let out another sad sigh, I took in the sight of myself in the mirror. My styled hair, the outfit I planned out days in advance when I could have just picked jeans and a t-shirt. Luke offered this date up as an apology for missing our date last week due to a last-minute gig popping up. And that date was an apology for missing a study date we had planned that he missed because his parents grounded him for ditching class with the guys.

Luke and I have been dating for a while now and it just feels like recently he hasn’t been putting as much effort into our relationship as me. Stuff like this happens all the time and it has honestly begun to make me feel like he doesn’t care about me anymore. I know how important the band is and I know how much commitment it requires, he made that very clear to me when we started dating. But all of the last minute distractions and cancelations are getting rude and frankly, I am so over it.

Deciding to take matters into my own hands, I grabbed my bag and headed out of my house. I marched down the street towards the house the band practices in. I got my answer before I even got to the house due to the fact I could hear the loud bass from a block away. Sunset Curve was known as the “troublemakers” of this neighborhood because of their loud rehearsals and heavy rock music. That slight rebellion against the norm is one of the things that originally led me to fall for Luke. Right now, it seemed to be the reason I was mad at him. He picked a band practice over me, or just forgot about me entirely.

I walked down the driveway and into the garage where all four of the boys were jamming out to one of their newer songs. The guys saw me and sent me small smiles and waves while Luke had his back to the entrance and hadn’t seen me come in. I didn’t reciprocate their greetings and instead opted for crossed arms and raised eyebrows. Alex, who I had known since I was a kid and was the one who introduced me to Luke, saw this and stopped the steady beat he had going because he knew by the look on my face someone was in trouble. Luke was the only one who kept on playing, not realizing the rest of his band stopped playing due to being in his own little world when he played. My angry eyes were trained on him and the boys were all awkwardly moving their eyes in between the two of us, waiting for him to realize. Eventually, he looked up and noticed no one was playing along with him and he sent them a confused eyebrow raise and shook his head.

“Guys, were you not feeling it? Why did you all stop-” He was interrupted by Alex “clearing his throat” and pointing in my direction. Luke turned around to see me, still in the doorway of the garage. Luke’s initial reaction when saw me was excited as a smile grew on his face and he went to take a step towards me. But once he took in my appearance, nice outfit, styled hair, and angry demeanor his smile dropped and his eyes got wide.

“Oh my god, I forgot didn’t I?” Luke slowly began to lift his guitar off his body and set it down on the coffee table before taking slow, cautious steps towards me. The boys did the same with their instruments as they mumbled something about giving us privacy and filed out of the garage. Before walking out, Alex sent me a look that I can only assume meant “Don’t kill him” but the look I sent back was not what he wanted because it only caused him to rush out quicker.

“Babe, I am so sorry. We lost track of time because I wanted to show the boys this new song and-” He tried to explain himself away immediately but I was done listening to his excuses.

“Luke, I am sick and tired of hearing the same excuses over and over again. I know the band and the guys are important but so am I, Luke. This relationship is just as important as your music but lately, it doesn’t seem like you think that.” I interrupted him and raised my voice just slightly to help get my point across. He was shocked at first by my volume since it caused him to stop moving towards me. But it didn’t seem to phase him too much as the steps he now began taking towards me were more confident and borderline angry. I wasn’t one for fights or raising my voice so I hope that helps him realize how serious I am.

“Y/N, never once have I ever said that you or our relationship weren’t important. I have no idea where this is coming from. Okay, I missed one or two of our date plans but that’s it. You know how much traction the band has been getting lately and we have to keep up with that. I thought you understood that.”

“I do understand that Luke. I am so excited that you and the guys have been doing so well lately and I am aware you wouldn’t have gotten here if you didn’t put in all the work that you have. But Luke, you’ve missed so much more than one or two dates.” We were now standing directly in front of each other. I had both of my arms at my sides now, my hands curling into fists.

“God, you have been so clingy lately. Every time I see you recently you want to spend time together. I need to breathe a little sometimes Y/N.” He gave me an eye-roll with that last statement and kept his eyes trained on something off to the side, refusing to look me in the eyes now.

“I am not clingy. I just want to spend some time with my boyfriend. And I want to feel loved and appreciated by him. You have been skipping out on all our plans and don’t give me any notice. I spent two hours getting ready tonight, took time out of my day for you, just to be sitting there waiting for you to not show up.” Even though he knew I was right, he wasn’t about to give in just yet. He wasn’t one to back down. Luke’s eyes were turning a dark color now as I saw his jaw tense up. He was getting angry.

Angry Luke was something I have never seen before. Before we started dating, something that brought us close was our mutual experiences in rough households. His parents are always battling him on his choice to be in the band which has strained his relationship with them. And when I was growing up my dad was a drunk and that caused so many problems in my home. Something that happened a lot was yelling, whether it was at me, my mom, or my other siblings. To this day I still have nightmares of when I would be curled up in a corner while he stood over me, screaming. Luke was always careful to not ever get loud with me due to my sensitivity to it.

“Well Y/N, maybe if you weren’t so annoying all the time like you are right now, I wouldn’t feel the need to skip out on you so often!” Luke’s voice bounced off the walls of the garage as he screamed the hurtful words at me. His volume took me by surprise and caused tears to start forming in my eyes, all the anger in me dissolving and being replaced with the bad memories of my childhood. Just as the words came out of his mouth Luke realized what happened and immediately softened his expression and shook his head a little bit.

“Baby, I didn’t mean to raise my voice at you.” His voice now at something just above a whisper as he reached his hands out to me. My head still filled with horrific images of my father, I flinched and jumped a small bit away from him when his fingertips grazed my own. I looked up at him with wide eyes, my mind too cloudy to see the hurt on his face at my sudden action. I tried forming words but I couldn’t say anything as my entire body filled with so much fear and anger that it was becoming too much. I was so overwhelmed that I felt my chest get tight and my breathing change. Between the panic overtaking my body and Luke’s hurt expression I knew I had to get out of there. I began taking steps backward, putting my hands up as a sign to Luke to keep his distance from me. My mouth was opening and closing but still, no words were coming out.

Luke tried taking some small steps toward me but when he did I turned around and began running away. I heard Luke calling my name and asking me to come back but I knew I couldn’t. I had to get away from him and try to get the image of tears forming in his eyes as I distanced myself from him out of my head.

-

-

About two days had passed since I saw Luke and we had our fight. He came to my house twice, once both days, begging to see me. But my mom followed my requests to not let him in. Each time my mom came into my room, giving me the message Luke asked her to give me. Both times it was “Tell her I love her so much and that I am gonna make it up to her”. My mom tried convincing me to hear him out but I couldn’t bring myself to talk to him. Despite not seeing or talking to him for two days, he’s all I’ve thought about. And most of the time I was thinking of how amazing he is and how much I love him. I would remember our first date, our first kiss, the first time I saw him perform. All the good things that brought a smile to my face.

But then my mind would drift to the things he said to me and how hurtful they were. And I would remember how scary his voice was. I also hadn’t forgotten why we fought in the first place, him not prioritizing our relationship.

I was sitting on the edge of my bed, looking down at the metal chain in my hand. It was a necklace Luke got me on our anniversary. We had originally said no gifts because it was such a small milestone but Luke said he just couldn’t help himself. He told me it was no big deal and he just stumbled upon it at some store but the guys told me something different behind his back. Luke had been walking by the window when he saw this small silver necklace, it was simple with his one small pendant hanging on it. It was just my style and Luke knew that. What he didn’t know was that the pendant had been a somewhat real diamond and cost way more than the petty cash he collects down at the pier. The guys said he scraped together every dollar he had and even borrowed some from them after he brought them down to the jewelry store downtown to show them how important it was. Of course, they helped because they could see how in love Luke was and knew you would love it.

My thoughts were cut short by a knock at my door. I tore my gaze away from the necklace and I looked to see my mom walk in the room, Alex trailing behind her cautious. My mom saw my face shift at Alex’s presence and spoke up before I could.

“You said I wasn’t allowed to let Luke in. You said nothing about Alex.” She said, waving her finger in the air before placing a pat on Alex’s back, mumbling good luck to him before leaving us alone. He awkwardly stood in place, trying to look at anything but me. Finally, I gave in and patted the spot on the bed next to me, allowing him to invade my personal space. He quickly walked over and sat next to me.

“Don’t worry, Luke doesn’t know I’m here. I just wanted to check in on you, see how you were handling things.” Alex looked over at what was in my hands. When he saw it was the necklace, he let out a sigh and shook his head at me.

“Y/N, he’s kicking himself over there. He’s barely talked to us, except to tell us what happened. He’s not eating, not sleeping. He hasn’t even picked up his guitar since the fight.” Alex said softly, not looking at anything in particular as I was now the one avoiding eye contact.

“He also said he hasn’t been able to get the image of you scared of him out of his head. He would never admit it to us, but he’s cried a couple of times.” My heart broke at the thought of Luke’s current state. He was probably curled up on the couch, tears streaming down his face. I hated that he was starving himself and not sleeping, because of me. The idea of breaking Luke’s heart made mine hurt. Tears welled up in my eyes as I turned towards Alex and threw my body into his. He immediately wrapped his arms around me as I cried into his chest.

“I was just so mad at him. And then he was so mad. And it all became too much. It’s still too much. But I miss him. I miss him so much, Alex.” I sobbed into Alex’s chest, finally letting out the emotions I’ve been holding in the past few days.

“Why don’t you talk to him then? I’m sure talking it out with him would be beneficial to you both. You know, instead of just hiding out and not doing anything about it.” I tried to think of a reason why I shouldn’t but I couldn’t. I did miss him so much even when I was still mad at him. And knowing that he was just as miserable as I was showed that he may regret what he said, cause I know I did.

Alex helped me up out of bed and walked a couple of blocks over to Luke’s house with me. We walked up to the door together, Alex saying he’s gonna stay with in case he needs to meditate before any more yelling takes place. I was about to knock on the door when it opened, Luke’s parents looking like they were leaving.

“Oh Y/N sweetie. How have you been? We haven’t seen you in a few days.” Luke’s mom loved me, she always said I was a positive influence on her son and that I helped keep him on track. She hugged me as Luke’s dad sent me a smile.

“Maybe you can talk some sense into Luke. He’s been hiding out in his room and hasn’t talked to us at all, who knows what that boy is doing in there.” His mom shook her head while they began walking towards their car after saying hi to Alex as well.

“You can go ahead and let yourselves in. We are going out to a dinner party so you kids can have the place to yourselves tonight.” Luke’s dad said as he opened the car door for his wife and then got in himself. We waved at them as they drove off, closing the front door behind us as we silently crept through the house.

“I’ll stay out here and you just yell if you need me. It’s probably best you talk to him alone.” I just gave Alex a little nod as he began sitting down on the family couch while I looked in the direction of Luke’s bedroom. I slowly began walking down the hallway, my heart beating harder in my chest with each step. Once I stood in front of the door I looked back at Alex, an uncertain look in my eyes as he just nodded and ushered me to knock. I turned back to the door and brought my fist up to place two knocks on it. I heard some shuffling through the wall but got no response. I waited a few seconds before knocking again. Still nothing. I then tried just opening the door but when I jiggled the knob I discovered it was locked. I was about to speak up and make my presence known before I heard the lock turn and the door flew open.

“Oh my god mom, I told you to leave me alone!” Luke exclaimed with his eyes closed as he sighed. But then he quickly opened his eyes and they went wide as soon as he saw me there, not his mom. He quickly straightened his back out, cleared his throat, and tried to brush his finger through his messy hair. His eyes were red and his cheeks looked dry, both signs that he was just crying, or at least had been a lot the past two days. Long story short, he looked miserable.

“O-oh, Y/N, hey. I didn’t think you’d come here.” He mumbled, his voice slightly breaking on the ends of a few of his words.

“Y-yeah neither did I. Alex kind of convinced me too.” I turned to point at Alex, who was still sitting on the couch trying to not make it so obvious that he was listening in on what we were saying.

“Don’t worry guys, I’m not even here.” Alex waved a hand in the air after Luke cocked his eyebrow up at the drummer just chilling out in his living room. Great, by Alex saying that he made this a hundred times more awkward.

“Do you maybe wanna talk in my room? Away from Alex.” I quickly nodded, ignoring the protest coming from Alex, and shuffled into the room. Luke softly shut the door behind me as I began to feel the most uncomfortable I have ever felt in this room. The countless amounts of cuddling, studying, make-out sessions that usually led to a little bit more, and new Sunset Curve songs that Luke wanted to show me first before anyone else, none of it felt familiar in this room. A sniffle from Luke pulled me to look in his direction and away from the posters on the walls that I knew like the back of my hand. Luke let out a sigh before he stood tall in front of me, putting on a front to mask the emotions I knew he didn’t want to spill out in front of me.

“I want to start by saying I am so sorry. Sorry for everything. From the hurtful and completely untrue things I said to you in the garage to raising my voice at you, knowing you don’t like yelling when you were just trying to communicate your very valid feelings to me.”

“Luke, I know you didn’t mean those things-”

“Wait, please let me finish.” My mouth slowly closed as I respectfully let him continue and sent him a nod to continue. He gets so excited and wrapped in whatever he is saying sometimes and interrupting him can cause him to lose track. I can only imagine how many different thoughts are flying around in his head that he is trying to make sense of.

“And, most importantly, for making you feel like I wasn’t putting as much into this relationship as you. This is true, I’ve been so distracted with the band and everything that’s going on with me and my parents. Those aren’t excuses for treating you so horribly but it’s all I got honestly. I love you so much and I don’t want to lose you. I want to promise you that from now on, you come first. Always. I’ll pick you over my music any day Y/N.” By this point, Luke didn’t bother trying to stop the few tears that ran down his face. I was honestly taken aback by the amount of passion I heard behind his voice. Listening to him own up to his mistakes and promise me those things made me remember why I fell in love with him months ago. I closed the small gap between us with a few small steps.

“Luke, I would never want you to pick me over your music. That’s what you were born to do.” I was trying to show as much emotion as possible through my eyes since my voice was so small and timid right now.

“No Y/N, I was born to love you. It’s all I want to do. Three hundred and sixty-five days a year, seven days a week, twenty-four hours a day. I don’t want to pick up a guitar ever again if it means I can’t have you in my life.” By this point, Luke had taken both of my hands in his and his face was just mere centimeters from mine. Any anger or terror that was in my body before this moment was gone by now and all I wanted was to have this boy in my arms. So I threw my body against his, both of our arms immediately wrapping around the other. I felt Luke bury his head in my neck as I stood on my tiptoes to be able to place my head on top of his. The warmth of his body made me feel all tingly inside as let out a sigh I didn’t know I was holding in.

Out of nowhere Luke began placing little kisses on my neck and began moving his fingers against my waist softly. I let out a small giggle as he began to guide us to his bed, his fingers and lips still leaving little tickles across my body. We flopped down on the bed, our hug never breaking once as we pulled back a little to look at each other.

“I hear laughing so I am gonna assume you guys made up. I’m gonna go because third-wheeling sucks.” Alex shouted from the other side of the door just as Luke placed the most delicate of kisses on my nose. We shared a laugh before hearing the front door open and close, signaling that we were alone.

“I thought I lost you forever.”

“You can’t get rid of me that easily Patterson. You’re stuck with me.”

We spent the rest of the night cuddling, covering one another’s face in kisses, and just overall making up for being apart for two days. Luke vowed that from now on, once a week, he would treat me to date and that I had to hold him accountable if he missed it. We both began prioritizing one another more because we know this relationship is worth it. Because we choose each other. 

-

-

-

taglist: @lolychu​   @caitsymichelle13​  @walkingonshunshine​

[punk-rock-unicorn]

The Library

Fandom: MCU

Pairings: Baron Helmut Zemo x Reader

Summary: Bucky and Sam take a pit stop in London before going to Madripoor. Bucky does not trust any line Zemo has on a fence. To bad you are not the better option.

A/N: My first Tumblr post and my first attempt at a reader/you centered story. Hopefully, it is good. May make a sequel to this. For right now it will just stay Teen for Sexual Tension.

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

"Where are we even going?" Sam asked as he trailed after Bucky. Their unwelcome tag along followed at their heels. His coat fitting the rainy city more than Sam's own clothes as they walked. The neighborhood they were in was filled with tall buildings and the city of London was confusing. Bucky scowled but did not respond just yet. His eyes glued to his phone as he looked at it. He dodged a man who did not even glance at the odd group. Or seemed to notice the terrorist following at their heels. "Seriously man where are we...?" Sam asked annoyed as his hand reached out to grab Bucky's shoulder.

Bucky turned around with a glare directed at the other man. His eyes slipping to Zemo who only looked around the British city curiously. "I swore it was somewhere near here," he said and looked around the dreary city that had a slight drizzle of rain falling from the city. "I know we are close," he added before turning around and continuing walking. Sam looked at his back before shifting his eyes to Zemo who only did a tilt to his head.

"Seriously Bucky!" He called as he walked after him. He ignored the man following him as well as he could. At this point they were just using him for his jet. Though what Bucky wanted in London was anyone's guess. "What the fuck are you looking for?" Sam asked with an almost yell.

"Not a what," Bucky called over his shoulder. "A who." The tall man swore as he looked around the buildings that all looked the same.

"Wouldn't happen to be looking for me would you?" A slight British accented voice called before stepping out of an alleyway towards the three. The three men tensed and looked towards the person coming out of the shadows. A simple black jacket and trousers all they had on.

"Had to make it hard to find you didn't you?" Bucky called after calling your name. You had watched the boys since they entered the neighborhood curious on their location and where they needed to go. Not that it was that hard to figure out considering Bucky had texted you while you were gone. You smirked at the man and stepped closer with your hands in your pockets.

"Good to see you, Bucky," you greeted and your eyes slipped to the other two. One you knew from your adventure on the battlefield against Thanos. "Sam Wilson," you said and nodded to him with a smile. The second man you recognized as well but for a totally different reason. "Is there a reason Helmut Zemo is wandering around London free from prison?" You asked the two with a raised eyebrow.

"Bucky did it," Sam said simply with the same energy of a sibling tattling to their mother. Your eyes met the terrorist's eyes curiously. He had brown eyes and a beautiful face. His outfit was also stylish and the fur on his collar unique enough.

"Technically, he did that himself," Bucky muttered under his breath with a shrug. You released a sigh and rubbed at your face. "Can you bring us inside?" He asked you and you sighed.

"Fine," you said and looked around the street. It was empty and you walked a couple feet forward to face a nondescript building. With a flash of gold glyphs and a rippling of air the building unlocked. Sam and Bucky did not look surprised but Zemo did. You smirked at him. "Welcome to the London Sanctum of Magic," you said as you entered the building with the rich and warm interior. "Please touch nothing. I am the only Sorceress here at this time."

With that you led them to a nice sitting room with comfy couches. The interior was very British and almost ancient in design. You had always hated it growing up honestly. It felt too stuffy but now it was fine. Not that you had time to bitch about interior decorating choices. "So can I interest any of you gentleman in a cup of tea?" You asked and smiled at the group as they sat in the chairs provided.

Bucky and Sam sitting on one love seat while Zemo sat in an arm chair. "No," Bucky said before anyone else could. You saw Zemo open his mouth to say something but shut it at a glare from Bucky. "We need your help," he added with a scowl. His eyes glaring at Zemo who said nothing. Though he was looking at you curiously.

"Sorry I am not a psychiatrist," you said with a sarcastic smile. "Have you tried the place three blocks away? They have amazing biscuits." Bucky and Sam glared at you though it lacked any true heat. The criminal mastermind terrorist however chuckled under his breath. His eyes were deviously interesting you had to say. Something about him drew the eye. Or maybe it had been a long time where your only interaction was either Doctor Strange, Wong, or young initiates.

"We need to go to Madripoor," Bucky explained and you barely withheld your snort at the mention of that horrible place. "You mentioned that you had a line on someone."

"What and Daddy Warbucks can't help you?" You groused as you stared at the three. You sat on the arm of one chair and you watched a smirk curl the man's face.

"Well I could always be your dad-" he started to say when Sam exclaimed loudly in disgust. You threw your head back with a laugh. It had been a long time since you could have this much fun verbally sparring with someone.

"Now is not the time!" Sam cried out with a sneer. You snorted and looked at all three. "You have seen the news right? The Flag Smashers. They have super soldiers. We need to find who supplied the formula." Sam was trying to beseech to your desire to save others. Too bad he was barking up the wrong tree.

"Mate," you answered with a scoff. "I am a sorceress. My job is to protect this Sanctum, train initiates, protect artifacts, and listen to the Sorcerer Supreme, which you are not. I have no reason to care about some terrorists. No offense." You looked at Zemo and shrugged. He answered with a tight lipped smile.

"We just need your contact's information in case his line falls through," Bucky said as he tried to get between you and Sam. You met Bucky's eyes and glared as he gave you an almost puppy dog look. Damn him. You sighed and ran your hand through your hair.

"Fine," you hissed and stood up. "But it will have to wait till tomorrow. I'll send a message and hopefully get a response. Let me go get my phone. Bloody hell. I hate heroes." You grumbled and moved out of the sitting room. "Library is that way and kitchen that way," you said poking your head back in. "If the book looks ancient and probably bound in human skin do not touch it. Be right back."

----------

You grumbled and stared at the sent text before stepping back downstairs. You threw your jacket over a table in the library before stepping into the room. "Machiavelli," you heard a voice call as a gloved finger ran over the backs. "Epictetus, and some good classics here." You turned around to see the Baron of Sokovia pretty much fingering the spine of the books. "Do you actually have books bound in skin?" He asked and you smirked at him.

"Probably," you said with a laugh. "My parents always warned me about them. Most of our more important books are in the other part of the library." You stepped closer to the man who had a good lead on you height wise. "You can read anything you want here," you added with a dismissive shrug. "Most of it is in English. Figure that won't be a problem. Even got some Harry Potter somewhere."

His eyebrow raised and you snickered before sitting on the top of the table and watched him. His own coat was off and showed a turtleneck that fit him nicely. At least he was pleasant to look at even if the two Avengers wanted your help. "A little on the nose is it not?" He asked and you chuckled before your hands moved. A steaming cup of tea now rested in your hands while the tray sat behind you with another cup. "Two sugars, please," he said as he glanced back. A book about the Marquis de Sade in his hands. Philosophy of the Bedroom probably. You added the amount requested before handing him a cup. A breath going over your own before you sipped the rich taste.

He set the book back in its proper place and took a sip of the tea. Brown eyes met your own and you never thought tea drinking would almost turn you on. You could see his tongue on the edge of the cup and you licked your lips before sipping your own tea again. Almost burnt your tongue this time. "Which is your favorite classic?" He asked as he set the cup down. His arm sliding next to your side just so before he placed it on the saucer. Your eyes went to him and down to his wet lips. You wanted to lick the tea off of them and do some other naughty things to him.

"Would have to go with the Count of Monte Cristo," You answered with a grin at him. He pulled back with the gracefullness of an emphereal spirit. You almost wanted to grab his arm and pull him back. "Where are Thing One and Thing Two?" You asked as his back faced you. You could see a smirk twist his face before he went over more books. Skipping classics and philosophy to go to other sections. You watched him go as you looked him up and down. He had a nice body you had to say.

"Oh?" He asked and stepped back with a book. "And what about this?" You were sipping your cup of tea when the title was clearly shown. Fifty Shades of Grey. You choked on your tea at the look on his face.

"That is not mine!" You called out as you tried to clear the tea from your windpipe. You did not even think there was an erotica section in the library. You were trying to figure out where it came from when you smelled his cologne wash over you. Your eyes peeking up at him as you stayed in your spot against this table. His grin was salacious and dripping sin. The book was in his hands as he reached for his cup of tea again.

A smirk on his handsome face as those gloved fingers ghosted across your side. You saw his leg step close in between yours from how you were sitting. Bloody hell you wanted nothing more than for him to take you against the table. Or at least kiss you. How long had it been since you could snog anyone? "Charming snake," you hissed to him though your lips twisted in a smile.

"Why do you want to taste my forked tongue?" He teased as his lips ran over your own. You felt them tingle and you could feel your control failing as you met his eyes.

"Would rather have you taste me, love," you teased as your fingers ran over his chest. He had some nice muscles and you giggled as you heard a growl leave his throat. His lips pressed against you and you could almost taste a mix of tea and wine as you bunched up his shirt. Before you could even deepen the kiss or taste his forked tongue the library door slammed open.

"Oh come on!" A voice shouted. "Really?!"

Part 2

@joyfulinternettraitor

[cuddlesslut]

Live my Life Ch.1

Kuroo x fem reader

Summary: sometimes life is full of making the wrong choices and not knowing till it’s to late.

A/N: this is chapter one of my new story. I’m still writing the Home series I must really wanted to start this story as well. I hope you guys like this one.

Warning: Angst, Smut, Drunk Sex, Underage drinking, toxic behavior

You found yourself sitting in this dingy bar nursing a drink you weren’t supposed to have. This had become part of your routine. It all started about three weeks ago. Your friend Kana, or well you suppose she could be called a friend she was more of a friend of a friend. She seemed nice enough kind of the free spirit type of girl always into the new big trend, not really what you would describe yourself as, more of what you wanted to be. You weren’t exactly some shy shut in but still your anxieties held you back from charging head first into in life and taking the bull by the horns. That’s why you surprised even yourself when you offered to be Kana’s bar buddy.

Kana is bartender at this whole in the wall bar with dim lighting. It got fairly good business but not enough to warrant more than one bartender at a time. That being the case Kana would often be there by herself well late into the night, the neighborhood wasn’t horrible but it still was unsettling sometimes. So as her bar buddy you would come at some point in her shift and find a free seat at the bar hopefully far enough distance from any other patrons. You’d order some fries or whatever greasy snack food you craved and waited there with her while she worked until she was ready to lock up. It was pretty easy you’d just sit there offering her someone to talk when she was bored or when she need to escape some overbearing customers. She’d make her way over too you and pretend to make you a drink. Although she offered you a drink you usually turn her down for the clear fact that you were underage when it came to drinking. It was perfectly fine for you to sit in the establishment since it also served food but at the age of 18 drinking was still prohibited. Being the laid back girl and bartender she was Kana didn’t care about bending that rule for a friend.

Most nights you’d pull out some school work on your tablet that your carried with you or just read some stories on your phone. Usually trying your best to avoid conversation with the regulars. That didn’t work as well as you hoped and soon enough you were quickly learning all of the local gossip and being included in the group known as the regulars. Which is what you were since you found yourself here four nights out of you week. You didn’t mind spending so much of your time here with Kana it was kind of nice to stray from your comfort zone plus you and Kana were steadily getting closer as friends too. Everything was smooth sailing until you met him.

It was a usual Thursday night you got dressed in your causal but sleek outfit. Wearing a comfortable pair of Jeans that hugged your body nicely not too tight but still showed your curves. You paired it with a black blouse and black ankle boots. You freshened up your make up of the day not needing to try to hard seeing as you weren’t going there to impress anyone. In fact you preferred to not draw any attention. Your brushed through your hair finally heading out of your home and too the dingy bar. Things seemed a little off tonight some felt different but still you took your usual seat as you scanned the bar. It was fairly empty only two other customers sitting all the way at the other end of the counter. Kana wasn’t anywhere to be found, she’s probably just grabbing something back you reasoned. And sure enough you could hear a clang in the back of the establishment that was hidden from the public eye. Although it wasn’t Kana that popped around the corner. Instead stood a tall and extremely handsome guy. He was wild black hair that was strewn in a chaotic fashion but it suited him. You could tell by his physique that he was fit , not too overly muscular but when he reached up to put the box he was carrying on the top shelf you could see a peak of a very well defined v line on his tanned skin. This man was the definition of tall, dark ,and handsome. And that wasn’t even mentioning his intense honey eyes that felt like they pierced your soul with just one look. He wore a black pair of fitted jeans and a red button up with strange print on it. You could inspect the odd design more intensely as he approached you with a smirk plastered on his face. Ah they were little black cats that littered his print. The style screamed I’m stylish but quirky.

“Well hello there sweetheart how can I help you?” You could tell he was using his customer service persona. Ah he goes for the smooth talkng flirt, he probably does very well with middle aged woman, you think.

“Um yeah,” you state giving the room one more look “ do you know where Kana is?” You questioned.

His perked at the mention of your friend. You could see him relax a little as he released some tension rolling his shoulders back. “Ahh you must be YN,” he smiled placing his hands on the bar leaning forward. His voice was a notch higher no longer Using his deep Casanova tone, this one was more natural. You eyes widened at the sound of your name leaving his lips.

“Yeah,” you replied hesitant.

“I’m Kuroo Tetsurou,” he presented his hand offering a firm shake to which you awkwardly accepted. “I’m guessing Kana forgot to inform you that id becoming back to work my usual Thursday shift today did she?” He let out a small chuckle.

Damn it Kana you cursed inside your mind. You could have been cozy in bed right now. “Ha nope she did not,” you let out a sigh. “I didn’t realize she was just covering these last few weeks” you respond.

“She just had my Thursday shift Mondays and Wednesdays are still her regular days.” He grinned “she was nice enough to take my shift while I was out with some family stuff.”

“Ahh I see, well I’ll should probably get out of your hair,” you stated starting to slide off the stool.

“Hey wait you came all the way out here let me get you a drink,” he offered.

You froze in your seat for a moment kind of embarrassed. You felt heat creep to your face as you respond “ oh umm I’m not actually old enough I’m only 18,” your eye locked on the surface in front of you.

He let out a chuckle “let me see your ID.”

Your face scrunched in confusion “but-” you start but he cuts you off.

“Shh just hand it over,” he smiles. You raise your eyebrow as you reach into your handbag fishing out your ID and handing it over. He backs upmholding it as though it was valid. “Well look at that! Sure enough you’re 20,” he gives a cheeky smile “so what can I get you to drink?”

You take back your card placing it back safely in your bag a look of shock present on your youthful features. You lean forward whispering “won’t you get in trouble!” Not wanting to have someone risk their job. He lets out a haughty laugh. “My dads the owner so I’m not too worried.” He stated cockily. “So again what are you drinking sweetheart?” Again he flashed that stupid smirk that sent your stomach doing flips.

After two drinks and some idle chit chat in his free time you decided it probably be best if you headed out. He was quick to stop you. “Ahh come on dont leave so soon I was hoping you’d be my bar buddy too,” he pouted. You rolled your eyes at his teasing. It was enough to keep you there though ordering another drink to nurse. It felt nice chatting and casually flirting with this attractive stranger.

This too became part of your routine. You still went to the bar during Kana’s shift to keep her company but you kept going on Thursday and spending you night talking to Kuroo. The both of you spending most of the night getting to know each other. It was just surface things like school, you found out he was two years older than you going to a university near by studying chemical engineering,and your taste in music which was something you had a lot in common. The conversation focused mainly on you. He always directed the flow of the conversation he was so out going and smooth, always asking questions about your day liked hearing about your day as if being a 3rd year in high school was the most exciting thing. You’d sit there for hours with him trying new drinks sometimes finding yourself leaving the bar at three am as if you didn’t have class in four hours. But you didn’t care it was exhilarating this was the most rebellious thing you had ever done. The flirting was harmless never going to far. And although you wouldn’t admit you were getting a crush on the raven haired bartender.

It was just another Wednesday night but today something inside of you told you to dress up more than you’d usually go for. Tonight you wore a simple black dress with a deep neckline that really showed your figure without being to flashy. Your period had recently finished so knowing you were securely dried up you decided to go for a pair of your fancy red lace panties and a matching bra that always boosted your confidence. Not that anyone would be seeing them. You checked yourself one last time before heading out to the bar and damn did you look hot.

When you entered the bar you were surprised to it was rather busy with customers all over the place, luckily you find a seat at the bar. You noticed that Kenma was also behind the bar. Kenma was the other bartender that worked the shifts opposite of Kana and Kuroo. He was also Kuroo’s best friend. You’ve only met him a couple times when he’d come to the bar to see Kuroo while he was on shift. It must be really busy if they called him in to work the bar with Kana.

Kana gave a sigh of relief and smiled as she saw you sitting at the bar. “Oh my god girl hey,” smiled “do you see how hectic it is?” She laughed. She took a moment to fully look you over her eyes wide.

“Damn girl you look fucking hot!” You felt some pride grow in you hearing your friend complement you. She always looked amazing so hearing that she thought you looked great felt like high praise.

“You want a drink babe?” She asked although it was more a of statement as she was already whipping together a drink before you were finished nodding. She handed you a strong yet sweet drink before she was whisked away by some needy patrons.

You sipped on your drink watching Kana handle the crowd. You and Kenmas eyes would lock every now and then but it’s very short and awkward. You don’t know him very well. Part of your anxieties had you convinced he didn’t like you. But you tried not to read into it to much. Kuroo had told you once that it was just that he wasn’t much of a people person only working at the bar as a favor to Kuroo and his father. You sit there silently observing the world around you not noticing someone taking the seat next to you.

“Boo,” a husky voiced whispered into your ear sending shivers down your spine. Kuroo cackled as you jumped turning around clutching your chest.

“What the hell Kuroo!” You gasped trying to steady your breathing. “They call you in too?” You ask referring to the booming business you sat in.

“Nah it’s my day off and I wanted to come have a drink and bug Kenma,” he rose his hand singling said man for a drink. “But looks like I lucked out now I get to bother you all night,” he smirked.

“Oh really and who said I want to have you around I deal with you enough on Thursdays,” you smiled back with a sly look.

He feigned a look of hurt. “Ouch YN you wound me, I thought we were friends,” giving you look that definitely didn’t come off as just friendly. You just roll your eyes trying to hide your intrigue. “Well it seems I need to prove my friendship to you let me by you a drink.” He rested his hand on yours as he signaled for a refill on your drink.

You should have seen it coming but you acted surprised when after several drinks and a couple rounds of shots you found yourself in the back seat of his car. Your red panties tossed to the side somewhere in the vehicle. You were laying back as he dove under the hem your dress. Kuroo looked up to your face his lips barley an inch away from your heat. He had a devious look on his face as he watched your face flush with need. Your lips were swollen from the heated make out sessions you had outside the bar. He quirked his eyebrow teasingly his heavy breath tickling you. He was waiting. It was almost tortuous but you knew what he wanted.

You pouted your chest rising and falling from your hard breathing. “Please!” You begged. He smiled content with hearing your pleas before diving into you his tongue lapping at your wet folds. Your head fell back in pleasure as he ate you out like a man starved. Your moans filled the car as he worked his skilled tongue in and out of you. He could feel how close you were as he felt you clench around his fingers as he worked you loose. Relief flooded your body as you came on his face. Lust still flooding you as you watched him lick up all your juices. He moved up your body sealing your lips into a searing kiss you could taste your essence on his lips.

Your hands reached down his body grabbing at his bulge. He let out a groan in your ear before picking you up and placing you on his lap. He attacked you neck nippping and sucking harsh purple marks into your skin. He pulled the collar of your dress down pulling your breast out . Moving your bra down he latched his lips around your swollen nipple rolling it between his teeth. You let out a pained moan as you rolled you hips into his lap. He finally hit limit. He lifted you up as he pulled his pants and boxers down before lining his achingly hard length with your wet cunt before pulling you down on it. Both of your groans filled the space as you felt him fill you whole. You hid your face in his neck as you panted while he let you adjust to the intrusion. You could feel his hands roaming your ass pushing the skirt of your dress up. A sudden smack came to your ass. You let out a hiss. He rubbed the mark he left on your soft skin.

“Go ahead sweetheart ride my cock,” he demanded. His dirty words sent shivers over body. You did just as he said starting to move your hips up and down rotating on his dick as it reached deep inside of you. Your body was already on edge from your earlier release so it took no time to have you clenching tightly around him you next orgasm fastly approaching.

“Fuck you’re so god damn tight,” he groaned. Lust took over as he grabbed your hips holding you still as he drilled up into your pliant body. Your moans egged him on as he chased both of your climaxes. He loved the feeling of your pussy clamping down on him. Feeling you milk his cock drained him of his will and of his semen as he came deep into you.

You both sat there for a moment both coming down from your highs. Bodies worn from the intense session you had just had. He groaned throughing his head back, “fuck I didn’t wear a condom,” he cursed.

“I��m on birth control” you breathed moving off his lap. You searched for your panties sliding them on quickly trying to contain the mess between your legs.

“Good, that’s good,” he breathed a sigh of relief he looked around both of you. It seemed no one notice dyour little drunken romp in the parking lot. There was a slight awkward pause neither knowing what to say.

“Well that was great,” he offered, “uhh do you need a ride home?” He questioned.

You shook your head, “no I’ll just grab a quick Uber home,” you respond pulling your phone out to do just that.

He nodded seeming to like that idea not wanting you to walk home. “I’ll probably head back in and sober up a little before heading home. I definitely can’t drive right now. I’m not even sure my legs will get me back inside,” he laughed. You giggled as well. A chime rang from your phone, your ride would be pulling up soon.

“Hey give me your number and message me when you get phone safe.” He said taking the phone to send a message to himself successfully trading numbers. He gave you one more deep kiss before you left to catch your Uber.

That night your body passed out exhausted. You knew you were going to regret drinking so much tomorrow morning when you have to wake up for class.

And damn was your body sore. Your head was ponding from all the alcohol and the rest was sore from the wild sex you had. Still you woke up bright and early making sure to shower off any evidence from your delinquent activities. You made sure to take some Advil before leaving for school opting to skip breakfast since your stomach was still unstable from the liquor. Your morning classes were relatively easy not but extremely boring. You found yourself daydreaming through most of your history class thinking back to your night with Kuroo. Little fantasys of dates, and more long talks at the bar, even some naughty ideas popped into your head. It was almost like you willed him into existence because not two seconds later your phone vibrated. Your heart skipped a beat seeing his name pop up in your notifications. You laughed at the way he saved his number last night. Oh my god he texted me you thought you were so giddy. That was until you read the messages.

Kuroo 🥵: Hey YN.

Kuroo 🥵: Last night was a Mistake. Look I have a girlfriend and I love her so I think it’s best we pretend last night never happened. Sorry.

Ouch. That hurt.

General Taglist: @diesinspanishbcimhispanic @graykageyama

Taglist: @captain-janeway @elianetsantana

[echoes-of-the-clockwork]

Book Two: Sapphire (Ignis x Reader) Chapter X

The royal retinue reach the courtyard outside the Leville just as the ground beneath their feet began to shake. At the same time, Noctis grabs his head and winces. Images flash through his mind, but he couldn't make sense of them. Shaking his head, the pain and vision subside. Gladio, who was the closest to the prince, noticed his painful expression. "What's wrong?"

"My head just started throbbing," Noctis replied, hiding the details of the vision he witnessed.

"You all right?" Prompto asked worriedly.

He nodded. "Yeah, I'm fine."

"A headache at the exact moment of an earthquake," (Y/n) hummed. "I would say it isn't a coincidence."

"Indeed," Ignis agreed.

"Doesn't matter. It's gone," Noctis said.

They enter the Leville and stand in the lobby to wait for Iris. Gladio crosses his arms, tapping his foot impatiently against the tiled floor. He wasn't sure what was taking his sister so long, but she descended the stairwell a few minutes later.

"Gladdy!" Iris chanted, hurrying down the stairs.

Said boy looked up and smiled at his sister. He was relieved to see she was uninjured and safe from the hell raised by the empire in Insomnia. Although he lost his father, at least he still had his little sister. "Iris."

The young Amicitia glances around at the faces of the boys. She had yet to spot (Y/n) due to being hidden behind Ignis' tall, lithe body. "Look at you guys, holding your own out there."

Prompto smiled with slightly red cheeks. "What can I say? You look good."

"All things considered," Iris exhaled heavily. "You guys are staying here, right?"

"That's the plan," Ignis said, taking a step to the side and revealing the girl hidden behind him.

Iris noticed the fifth member of the group and blinked in surprise. She searched her memory and tried to remember seeing someone as beautiful as her before, but she couldn't recall anyone. She hastily took a few steps towards her, signaling the beginning of a throng of questions. "Who's this? Is she a crownsguard? But that outfit is way too nice." Iris circles (Y/n), examining her appearance closely. Reaching the front, she saw the slitted eyes and gemstone. "Wait, you're a guardian! But I don't remember any of the guys except Ignis having one. Now that I think about, I don't see her here."

Gladio stopped his sister after seeing how uncomfortable (Y/n) was becoming. "Take a breather, Iris. You're freakin' the girl out."

Realizing what she was doing, she gasped and promptly apologized. "I-I'm so sorry. It's just...I've never met someone so beautiful before. If I had, I would definitely remember."

"Oh, um...thank you, Iris," (Y/n) shyly replied.

"Pretty sure you've met (Y/n) before, Iris," Noctis stated. "But you've never seen her human form until now."

"That name..." Iris' voice trailed off before her eyes widened. "You're really (Y/n)? That little bundle of white fur is you?"

She nodded. "Y-Yes."

"Oh, wow. This is... You look amazing!" She praised. "I never imagined you were this pretty. I mean, I imagined you to be a little more than average, but I am blown away!"

The guardian did her best to analyze her appearance. Without a mirror, it was difficult to examine her entire body. She glanced down at her dress before lifting her head. "I really don't see what's so special about me."

"You're kidding, right?" Prompto spoke up. "You didn't notice all those people staring at you when we first got here?"

"And not just here. Wherever we go, people stare at you," Noctis added. "Can't believe you haven't noticed."

That's when (Y/n) started to worry. "Am I drawing too much attention to us? If that's the case, I can always change forms and-"

Gladio held up his and silenced her. "Slow your roll, munchkin. We drive a super fancy car that already sticks out like a sore thumb anywhere we go. With you taggin' along, no one even looks twice at Noct."

Noctis glanced at his shield with a scowl. "Am I supposed to be offended by that?"

"Take it as you will, Highness." Gladio focuses his gaze back on his sister. "Putting all that aside, when you have time we have catching up to do."

Iris nodded. "Sure. I've got time now if you guys do. We can talk in my room." She leads the group of five up the stairs and into one of the many hotel rooms. As they got comfortable, they were joined by an old man and a young boy. Gladio easily recognized the two. "Jared and Talcott! Is it good to see you."

Talcott smiled sweetly as he addressed the member of royalty among them. "Prince Noctis! Iris is safe with me!" You could tell the young boy admired Noctis just by the gleam in his eyes.

Jared patted Talcott on the shoulder, smiling apologetically to the prince. "Please excuse my grandson. He has yet to learn his manners."

Noctis smirked. "I like it."

The older man lowered his head in a slight bow. "Your Highness is very kind, but we shan't impose. A very good night to you, Your Highness." Taking his grandson with him, he left the room so the group could talk. Iris closes the door behind them as they leave before taking a seat alongside the others.

Noctis was a little hesitant to ask, but he wanted to know some details of the invasion. "So Iris, what was it like inside the Crown City?"

Iris winced slightly as she remembered the day of the signing clearly. "Not pretty. The Citadel took a beating. But a lot of outlying neighborhoods made it through in one piece."

Ignis' eyes narrowed as he gazed at the carpet. "The empire had tactical targets in mind."

"If they incapacitated the Citadel from the inside, it would make it difficult for the crownsguard and Kingsglaive to deploy," (Y/n) said.

"Think they had a man on the inside?" Gladio wondered.

"A possibility we cannot dismiss," Ignis stated.

Iris glanced around at the dejected faces of the group. She clasped her hands together in her lap and focused her gaze on Noctis. "You know if there's anything else, you can ask me."

Noctis lifted his head, slightly taken aback. "Yeah, uh, thanks."

"So...about Lady Lunafreya. I keep hearing she was in town. Apparently she left right away, but at least it means she's okay."

The prince wasn't sure how to feel about Lunafreya. He wasn't sure if she was alive or dead and he was worried about her. However, Iris' words did provide a small amount of relief. "Good to hear. Thanks."

Iris then stands, brushing off her skirt. "Yeah, well, get a good night's rest." She then leaves the room.

Ignis stood up as well. "I shall procure rooms for us."

(Y/n) glances at him. "That was plural."

"I shall ensure you get your own personal room, (Y/n). It would be ill-suited for a lady to remain in a room with four men."

She watched him leave the room, blinking in surprise. She uncrossed her legs with a huff. A grin tugged at the corners of Gladio's lips. "You seem disappointed."

"No, just surprised. We had no issues sharing a room in Longwythe or Galdin Quay. What's changed?" She pondered.

"You think it has to do with the fact you spend more time in your human form than your spiritual one now?" Prompto asked.

"Or maybe Iggy wants you to have your own room so he can make a surprise visit to you in the middle of the night," the brute said.

She glowered at him. "Why do you think Iggy would have an ulterior motive?"

Gladio looked away, trying to act innocent. "No reason."

Her eyes scrunched up in an accusing manner. "You know something that I don't."

He shrugged his shoulders. "Maybe I do, maybe I don't. But it's not my place to tell. Hopefully us guys can snap some sense into his uptight ass and get him to tell you."

(Y/n) wanted to question him further, but held herself back as Ignis returned. She accepted the key he offered her and read the number attached to it before heading to her room. It was only a few doors down from Iris' room. She entered the room and looked around. There was a small couch, a coffee table, and a double bed with a nightstand beside it. It was decent, but she felt lonely. Why had Ignis suddenly wanted her to have her own room? Was it really because she's been spending more time in her human form like Prompto said or was there another possibility?

Her shoulders sank while trudging towards the bed. She sat down on the edge with a huff of frustration at her busy thoughts. She pushed them aside by remembering the intimate moment she shared with Ignis earlier that day. It was nice to be in his arms, a sensation she's enjoyed ever since he first hugged her when he was only five years old. As the years passed, the hugs became scarce in number due to his duties to the crown. He became more prim and proper, meaning casual hugs were deemed inappropriate. She had watched the boy grow into a man, his personality changing from sweet and caring to reserved and stoic.

Of course, he had his moments where he would show her how much he cared about her. Those were few and far between. However, that somewhat changed after they left the city. Even with Noctis as his first priority, his time with her had grown as if they had reverted back to their younger years. It brought a smile to her face, but it quickly vanished. She wanted to be his first priority. Was it a selfish thought? Perhaps.

Hanging her head, she hid her face behind a curtain of (h/c) tresses. She mentally scolded herself for thinking in such a manner. All she wanted was Ignis to love her with all his heart just as she wanted to do the same for him. But there was another thing stopping her-their roles. She was his guardian and he was her master. Was it appropriate for a human and spirit to be together?

That's when her eyes gleamed with hope as she recalled Jasper and Luca. They were clearly in love with each other and are engaged. She lifted her head and glanced out the window, coming to a decision-she would meet Luca tomorrow and discuss how he and Jasper overcame such obstacles or if it was only her self-doubt that prevented her from confessing her feelings.

(Y/n) was pulled from her thoughts when she heard a knock on her door. She went to answer it and saw Prompto was visiting her. Noticing he was alone, she wondered what he wanted. "Is there something I can do for you, Prompto?"

"You're gonna join us for dinner, right?" He asked.

Checking the time on the clock located on the nightstand, she saw it was a few minutes past five. "I didn't realize it was that late already."

Prompto grabbed her hand with a smile. "C'mon, the guys already left to make sure we get a table."

(Y/n) was taken aback at the sudden sensation of his hand on hers. "Prompto, your hand."

He looked down at their connected hands and blushed. He had unconsciously grabbed hers. "S-Sorry..."

She couldn't help but admire how kind and gentle he was. In order to smooth over the situation, she offered him a gentle smile. "It's fine. Let's go."

They left the Leville and headed to Surgate's Beanmine near the main thoroughfare. Noctis, Gladio, and Ignis were sitting at one of the tables and had already ordered for everyone. The eatery was packed and only a couple tables were left vacant. Sitting in between Noctis and Ignis, (Y/n) glances across the table when Gladio kicked her lightly in the foot. "Took your time, munchkin."

"I was thinking about a few things and didn't realize how late it was," she explained.

He took a brief glance at Ignis before looking back at her. "Like what?"

"Luca. I want to help him with his dream project. Spirits could use a good reputation. I also want to warn him about the empire."

"Y'know, all the people I've talked about guardians with adore them," Prompto said. "I can't believe people discriminate against your people, (Y/n)."

She crossed her legs, placing her hands gently in her lap. "I can't even imagine what it's like to be a masterless spirit in a society like this. It must be very difficult for them to live normal lives."

"Oh, yeah. Specs mentioned that rite of annulment," Noctis chimed in.

"I do hope I did not overstep my bounds," Ignis said, glancing toward the girl sitting beside him.

She shook her head. "Not at all. The rite of annulment has been used in both good and bad ways. Guardians have undergone the ritual to escape their abusive masters and humans have used it to get rid of their guardians. If the threat of corruption wasn't high, it's possible the rite wouldn't be so bad."

"What's this corruption you're talkin' about?" Gladio pried.

"Masters act as buffers for guardians when it comes to mana flow. If a guardian cannot control the flow, it builds up in their body and they soon lose themselves. Some spirits have massacred humans in such a state, but most of the time they commit suicide once it's too overbearing. A guardian's risk of corruption goes down if their master is still alive. But once that soul vanishes from Eos, the risk of corruption is extremely high. There are spirits who have learned to cope through the madness to keep their minds intact while others have never suffered from corruption."

"Okay, yeah, none of the books I've read mention any of this..." Prompto mumbled.

"Neither do the vast collections I've perused," Ignis said.

(Y/n) stared down at the table. "Not everything is written down in books or documents. If the rite was vastly known, I fear my people's reputation would be even more soiled."

"Let's just hope Luca doesn't know about it," Gladio stated. "And if he does, he'll leave it out of his book."

Their food arrived as their conversation ended. (Y/n) stared thoughtfully at her serving of bird-broth rice with curry before picking up her spoon to enjoy the meal. She listened to Noctis and Prompto as they exchanged playful banter while eating.

Once everyone was finished, they left the eatery and headed back to the Leville. As they passed through one of the alleyways, a disembodied voice reached (Y/n)'s ears. He body became stiff while listening to it.

Come...of Pneuma... Heed...call... Costlemark...altar...

A strange sensation overtook her body. Feeling a trance consume her mind, she no longer had control of her body. Listening to the voice, she wandered aimlessly down another alleyway and wound up separated from the boys. Unaware of her surroundings, she was heading straight for the road.

As she was about to step off the curb and into the street, the sound of a blaring horn bounced off the buildings, but it didn't snap her out of her trance. It was only when someone grabbed her arm and pulled her to safety before she was hit by a car that caused the trance to fade. The sensation of hands on her cheeks resulted in her to blink a few times. Her vision cleared and all she could see was a pair of familiar emerald eyes behind a pair of glasses. As the faint ringing in her ear ceased and she could hear the sounds of the bustling town, she realized Ignis was her savior and was trying to get her attention.

"(Y/n), can you hear me?" Ignis asked as her slitted pupils narrowed.

She looked around as best as she could and saw Noctis, Gladio, and Prompto standing behind him. "What happened?"

"I was hoping you'd clarify."

"Weren't we on our way back to the Leville?" She asked.

Prompto stepped forward. "You...don't remember what just happened?"

"No."

"You just suddenly walked off. We tried to get your attention, but you weren't listening. You wandered out into the middle of the street and was almost ran over by a car. Luckily Specs saved you before you were flattened," Noctis clarified. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine." (Y/n) took a step back when Ignis removed his hands from her cheeks. All she could remember was hearing the voice and then they were standing by the side of the road. "Maybe I just need some more sleep."

"You looked like you were in some kinda trance," Prompto said.

Ignis examines her face and noticed she looked sickly. "You've become pale. Let us make haste back to the hotel."

"Need a piggyback ride, munchkin?" Gladio offered.

She shook her head. "No, I can walk."

Ignis placed an arm around her shoulders and escorted her back to the Leville. He took her to her room and asked her to sit down on the bed. When she did, he kneeled down in front of her and took her gloved hands in his own. "What truly happened tonight, (Y/n)?"

"I-I honestly don't know, Iggy," she answered sincerely. "I heard that voice again and then realized we were standing by the road. I did feel something come over my body, but I don't know what. I'm sorry..."

Ignis raised one of his hands and caressed the back of his fingers against her cheek. "You need not apologize, darling."

She was shocked at hearing the term of endearment, but welcomed it. "I just hope visiting Costlemark will resolve this and put an end to the voice."

He removed his hand from her face and gazed deeply into her sapphire eyes. He loved how they sparkled just like the gemstones in his necklace. It was like getting lost in the ocean. "Will you be all right by yourself tonight?"

"Yes. I'll probably turn in early after a shower."

"If you need me, you know where I'll be. Please, do not hesitate to call upon me."

She smiled gratefully. "Thank you. Good night, Iggy."

Previous Chapter || Next Chapter || Masterlist

[lightthewaybackhome]

Sorry this is so long. Probably should have done a 2 parter.

"My darling girl, when are you going to realize that being normal is not necessarily a virtue? It rather denotes a lack of courage!" - Aunt Frances, Practical Magic

 

My whole life, as far back as I can remember, I’ve wanted to be artistic. I’ve wanted to create. I love beauty. I love artistry. I love creation. I love the artsy look: jewelry, tattoos, flowing clothing, and funky hair. It is a personal aesthetic I keep returning to, especially as I get older. As a child, I tried so many different forms of art—painting, photography, drawing— but none of them seemed quite right. None of them got what was in my head out. All of them fell short until I started writing. Writing was a flame, a fire, a drug. Writing allowed me to express what was in my imagination. This is the first thing to understand.

Everyone is artistic and art is everywhere. I’ve believed this as long as I can remember. There are amazing artistic feats in our world: books, movies, video games, paintings, sculptures, and magnificent pieces of music. Yes, art can be very high and very special. But, art can also be found in charcuterie boards, homemade quilts, sourdough bread, cocktails, soup, and all ordinary things if we but look and see. Art can be high magic and art can be ordinary. This is the second thing to understand.

As I’ve embraced being a homemaker, a HearthKeeper, a woman where she’s meant to be, I came across the term domestic artist. As much as I didn’t like the book Eve in Exile by Rebekah Merkle, it gave me this. It gave me the term domestic artist. That stuck with me. It spoke to me because it captured both the first and the second thing. It captured the never-ceasing call to create which haunts me at all times, and it elevated and honored the ordinary in a sprinkling of fairy dust. It said, “Yes, you have to cook today. Three meals plus snacks and drinks. It’s your job, but, but, what if, what if instead of looking at it as some drudgery, some Cinderella enslavement, what if you looked at it as an opportunity to create beauty?”

Not every meal, every outfit, every moment of your day can be a work of art. Some days you just have to do what you have to do. Some days get upended in the opening credits with a broken washer or a sleepless child. Some days plans change. Life changes. One minute life looks like this, and then the next it’s on to something completely different. But, the beauty of being a domestic artist is that you can create art in any of these moments and in any setting. You can find art in any moment and in any setting.

See, the world tells us that homemaking, HearthKeeping, is boring. It tells us it’s pointless. A waste. You could be changing the world. Only dumb useless women keep their homes. And that’s because they’re either tied down by a dictator of a husband or the demands of children or the cultural trappings of their religion. Courage, dear heart. Courage! Homemaking is magic. Homemaking is flexible. Homemaking changes with the seasons and the woman. I, I am a bit bohemian, a bit rustic, a mixture of rugged and romantic. I grew up a tomboy, but have embraced being a woman in her home since I was a child. I love leather and lace. I love cottage-witch aesthetics. I love boots and long flowing things. I like deer heads, linen, skulls, and ruffles. I like feathers and dreamcatchers, but I also love to decorate with open space. I love pies and feeding my husband. But, look at this, one of my best friends is a classic. She loves clean lines, traditional and timeless pieces. She loves modern accents. She loves beachy highlights and hammocks. She’s not into farmhouse, rustic modern, or raw-edged wood. On any given Sunday, she’s in a pencil skirt, simple top, simple heels with her three daughters in matching dresses while I’m in distressed boyfriend jeans, a mullet-tucked top, and wearing my crow skull. We’re very different, but we’re both homemakers who love making our homes.

I have a woman in my life who quilts and that flows out into their decorating. So many of her things are beautifully hand sewn. If she wants it, she makes it. Another friend grew up in Africa and her home is filled with her love of that culture. One dear friend loves plants and grows amazing flowers that she uses to create Instagram-worth bouquets. Another woman isn’t super fluffy-feminine but she has an eye for remodeling and so is constantly making improvements on her home: flooring, painting, and more. My sisters, like me, both enjoy a minimalist approach to decorating and all three of us have a special place for coffee. Both my sisters’ homes are welcoming and peaceful even with kids running around like crazy.

That’s the point, the world tells women to band together, that we’re a sisterhood, that we should go out and change the world, abandoning our homes before we’re relegated to only kitchen and nursery work, but reality tells me that the most amazing women I know are busy in their homes. This is sisterhood. This is where we bloom. It is here that we have flexibility. For over five years, I’ve struggled with chronic health issues. Homemaking lets me decide each day what I can do and how I’m going to do it. Homemaking lets you change what you do for each season of life. Lots of littles? Keep it simple. Empty nest? Explore. Somewhere in between? Keep growing. Lots of energy? So many things you can expand into if you just refuse to believe the lie that homemaking is beneath you. Don’t be normal. Don’t believe that homemaking is a waste of time. Don’t buy into the lie that you are somehow being less than everyone else when you raise your children, love your husband, and create beauty. Have the courage to be strange. We were made for this! It suits us. This is an environment women thrive in.

When I got over my grammar inhibitions and started writing, I felt like my soul came alive. I felt like I’d finally found what I’d been searching for since I came into this world. It doesn’t matter whether I’m writing an epic story or writing about HearthKeeping or just word doodling, writing, words, stories just flow from me. Wonderfully, homemaking is like that for me, too. I want to read books, I want to learn, I want to talk about it, I want to do it. It’s not perfect. I don’t always feel glorious, but I do feel ‘right’ when I’m doing this. I feel like I’m where I belong. I feel like this is a place I can both rest in and grow in. I feel safe when I’m having a fatigue flare up and I feel excited when I think about all that I can do.

A real-life example: Sundays are long hard days. They’re days that generally spike my fatigue and my husband is worn out. They’re both the best and hardest day of the week. When we get home I make a cocktail and we crash. Inevitably, the minute I sit down my man asks for a snack and what we’re having for dinner. For several years, this drove me up a wall. It is Sunday. The day of REST, why is it my responsibility to always make food? Epic sigh. Epic whiny sigh. I would meal plan for the whole week and then wing it on Sunday and Monday, always with poor results and grumpiness on my part. Then, one week as I meal-planned, I realized that I could also prepare for the weekend. Lightbulb. Facepalm. Really? Why had it taken me into my 40th year of life to realize that if I want a quiet, restful, happy weekend, I should just plan snacks, drinks, and meals ahead of time? I’m going to blame it on my chronic health, brain fog addled mind. I’m going to blame it on laziness. I’m going to blame it on being a young homemaker. Some are understandable, some are inexcusable.

Sundays now involve way less stress because I can immediately prepare snacks and know what we’re eating the minute we get home. No more attitude issue. No more stress. Easy and nice.

Did this change the world? Does this matter to anyone but myself? Did my husband even notice? Maybe not, but this is homemaking. This is HearthKeeping. It is my job and my calling. Even without notice or world-shattering consequences, I’m pleased with the outcome. More than pleased, I’m really happy about it. It brings me joy and delight to find a better way to take care of my family. It allows me to sprinkle my Sunday afternoon with just a little bit of artistry. I make drinks, snacks, dinner. I feed my family.

See, one of the lies that the feminists preach is that we’re wasted in our homes. And yet, the majority of the women I know who work outside the home aren’t doing glamorous jobs. They’re not travel bloggers or world-renowned chiefs or CEOs. They’re cosmetologists, retail workers, bank tellers, nurses, teachers, and such. Now, none of those are bad. Working outside the home isn’t bad. (I think each family has to decide what family looks like to them.) Please, please, don’t read that as degrading. I worked retail and I think retail is important. These are all God-honoring employment in which you can strive and serve. I’m not bashing any of those jobs. I have many many dear friends who work outside the home. What I am saying is that I think we as women need to ask ourselves if leaving our homes en masse was worth it. Has it given us all the joy, delight, and fulfillment the feminists promised us?

I’ve done both. I’ve been a co-owner of a business that I helped grow from nothing to something amazing. I’ve worked as an everyday retail worker. I write and am the main editor for a small neighborhood magazine. And I’m a HearthKeeper. I will tell you right now, no qualifications, that HearthKeeping is the most satisfying job I’ve ever had. It not only challenges me every day but it also works with me. The boundaries are what I set in place and so I grow as I can. The work never ends, yes, but it also never ends. There is always something else to explore.

I think being a homemaker is largely attitude. You can buck against what you do, and most women do. Just spend two minutes on Pinterest looking at doing laundry or dishes and the bitter hatred comes pouring out. Look at the complaints women make against their churches: we’re relegated to doing nursery work and kitchen duty. What if, just for a moment, we decided to be Domestic Artists? What if, for just a moment, we tried loving our jobs instead of complaining? What if we thought that dishes meant food and good times and healing of the souls around us? What if we saw laundry as a way to keep beauty and cleanliness around us? What if we saw it as our privilege and delight to take care of the food, children, clothing, cleaning, cooking, gardening, growing of the next generation, and the men of the world? What if we embraced the domestic arts and saw them as truly magnificent, glorious, unique arts? How many of us would be able to say with a straight face that working retail is more fulfilling than managing a small world? Is it more fulfilling to go work in an office than it is to orchestrate a place of welcome, rest, and renewal for your husband and yourself? It might be more visible, but is it truly more long-lasting?

I can say that it isn’t. I can say that I think being a homemaker is uniquely suited for women and that we should have the courage to go against the grain of our world and say no. No, I’m not going to give all of myself to work outside the home when the home is far more challenging and interesting. No, I’m not going to believe the lie that homemaking is oppression and boredom. I will find beauty in the ordinary and I will embrace art in the everyday. This is one of those amazing jobs where it is what you make it. It is what you pour into it. If you think it’s boring or demeaning you won’t get anything out of it. If you think it is challenging and rewarding, you will get the world out of it. You will grow yourself and those around you. Think about what a wonderful thing it would be if we made our homes our careers! If we women really took on the label Domestic Artist in our own individual ways.

[capt-spooki3]

It's Just A Little Party

Pairing: college au!Technoblade x reader

Warnings: All fluff, bois

Technoblade wants to see what college parties are really like and drags Y/n along, but neither of them expected an appearance from the one person Y/n didn't like...

3.3k words

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The stereotype of college kids throwing parties seemed to be awfully spot on, at least for your college. Infamously, you were given an anonymous invitation. Well, more of a sticky note put on your door with the address and time, but an invitation nonetheless. It was always what the people there did, it was kind of fun though.

You weren’t usually one to go to these parties and being that you were friends with a certain very introverted, pink-haired man you were prone to just staying in for the night. Tonight seemed to be just a little bit different though.

“Heeeyyyy Y/n, what are you goin’ to be up to tonight?” Techno asked, he leaned against your doorway, holding the door open and peeking in at you. You were sitting at your desk which was visible from the doorway and swiveled around in your chair to face him, arms crossed,

“Well unlike most of the student body, I didn’t have any plans. Why, did you want to go burn down an orphanage or something?” You teased and he rolled his eyes and chuckled, walking in and closing the door.

“I was just wonderin’,” He strode over to where you sat, you watching him and looking up when he was behind you to keep an eye on him, and he grabbed the back of your chair then looked down to meet your eyes. He looked excited. “Do you wanna mix things up tonight? Like maybeee…” He moved your chair back and forth a bit to mess with you before continuing. “Goin’ to see what those nerds do at their little parties?”

You looked at him in surprise while he cocked his head in wait for a reply.

“You want to go?”

“Yeah, I do. I mean as long as you come with me. Don’t want to be totally alone, that’d be embarrassing.” Techno chuckled a little and you snickered and wanted to give him a snide comment, but held back.

“Okay, okay. I’ll go but under one condition. You drive.” 

He spun your chair around to face him, moving back a little to give you room and offered you his hand to seal the deal to which you shook it.

“Alright, see you at 8, loser. And shower, you look gross.” He joked to which you reached out and hit his arm.

“Yeah at least I don’t look like a sewer rat, you sure I’m the one that needs the shower?” You both laughed and he flipped you off before leaving your room to let you have the rest of the day to prepare.

~~

After an early shower and changing into a shirt and jeans with a dark jean jacket that was decorated with little pins, you were set and waiting for Techno. You sat at the entrance to the dorms, sitting on the steps and people watching as you waited for him to meet you there.

“Hey, you nerd.”

You look up to see Techno leaning over you and with a laugh you got up, going down the stairs then turning to look at him. He never really dressed up and a college party was no excuse to get him to, but his outfit was a little different than the usual tired boy look that he wore. A band shirt and black jeans with a red colored flannel over it. It wasn’t much, but it was certainly new to see. His pink hair, short and fluffy, still had a bedhead look to it. The black square glasses he wore, being too lazy to put contacts in, really seemed to set the whole look together.

“You look really good, I am liking the style.” You complimented, walking backward when he started walking toward you as you obviously admired him. His cheeks flushed a little bit as he was prone to get flustered by compliments.

“Ah well, you still look like trash as always.” He huffed and stuck his tongue out, he tried to hide his smile that followed by shoving you a little as he passed you, but you definitely caught it.

After a car ride of jokes and teasing, along with a short pit stop to get gas station food as you both guessed the only thing at the party would be booze, you pulled up the house that was already very lively.

It was located in a rather nice neighborhood with big houses, the quietness was all too noticeably interrupted by blasting music and dozens of college students partying away.

“Welp… no time like the present.” Techno said to you before he got out of the car and you were soon to follow. The two of you walked side by side up to the house. There were a few greetings from drunken people you were acquainted with, one guy that you were on good terms with actually tried getting you alone but let’s just say Techno really didn’t want any chance of you being away from him tonight.

You both found the kitchen and grabbed a soda, not looking to get wasted, and found a quieter part of the house to still be near the crowd but far enough to not get hit and bumped into constantly. You stood up against the wall and he stood in front of you, talking and enjoying the show of people being fools in their intoxicated states.

It was a surprise and a relief to you that you haven't seen any sign of the one person that was a big reason you didn’t attend these types of things. Dream. Now, he was a cool guy, everyone liked him, but you could say that the two of you just had a little beef. At all costs you avoided him, the man was intimidating and you had no idea what he was like outside of school. What kind of person he really could be. You didn’t want to take your chances.

As all things go though, you jinxed yourself. It didn’t take long for you to spot those green eyes out of the crowd, he wasn’t looking at you yet but you knew it was him. And just as your luck goes, he was moving through the crowd toward you and Techno. Techno hadn’t seemed to notice a thing yet, the man was nodding his head to the music playing while seeming transfixed on what was distantly paying on the t.v. in the living room.

“Techno… Techno!” You hissed, getting his attention as he just looked at you confused while you watched Dream. “Hide me, I need you to hide me.”

“Wha-” He started to retort before following your eyes and looking back at you, unsure and hesitant.

You looked at him, giving another glance at Dream.

“Techno, please.”

He seemed to hold his breath, glancing at Dream, then you. He stepped closer, raising up one hand. For a second, he cringed at himself and pulled back his hand before looking at you seriously. His forearm hit the wall beside your head and he trapped you with his other hand against the wall by your arm on the other side. You should have expected this, it is what you needed from him right now, but something about this felt different. Not just like him doing you a favor, him holding you there against the wall sparked some feeling toward him you never seemed to realize was there.

Techno held your gaze fiercely at first, a blush creeping up fast before he averted his eyes and acting like he was checking for Dream. He glanced back to you for a moment before he moved even closer to you as someone passed behind him and he turned his head away. Your hands were lightly pressed to his chest, instinct to keep a little separation, and you could feel his heart. It was pounding, beating unbelievably fast, but he wasn’t alone as yours was too. Out of anxiety or nervousness though, you couldn’t really tell.

He took a deep, slightly shaky breath and leaned forward to rest his head right beside yours on the wall seemingly so he could whisper in your ear.

“J..Just let me know when we’re uh… good to go.” He mumbled, the nervousness in his voice was so easy to hear.

You nodded and peeked over his shoulder. It took a moment to regain focus on what you were doing, him being there was very distracting, but eventually, you found Dream. He was busy in the corner with two of his buddies, he wasn’t worried about you at all. Truthfully you considered not telling Techno as you were quickly beginning to enjoy this. 

Just watching Dream, you moved your arms and snaked them around his neck to hug him to you. He was tensed up before, but eased and seemed to melt into your arms. Maybe it wasn’t just you liking this closeness.

Suddenly, green eyes met yours and they formed into a mean stare. Immediate panic filled you and fight or flight took over. You let go of Techno, pushing him from you just to immediately grab his hand and pull him through the crowds of people till you found the front door and you didn’t stop till you got to the car where you slowed down, breathing heavy and looking back to the house. No one followed you.

‘Y-Y/n? Are you.. Are you good?” You looked to Techno, his face still visibly flushed as he looked at you with soft eyes, a look you aren’t quite used to from him. You felt your cheeks warm more and you looked away from him.

“Yeah, yeah I’m.. I’m okay.” You trailed off, words not wanting to work for you now, “ I’m sorry for that I didn’t mean to like-”

Before you could continue, he interrupted you with a chuckle.

“Don’t even start that. Please..” He stepped forward and pulled you into him, hugging you close. It felt safe and warm, like home if home could be a person. You wrapped your arms around him, listening to his rapidly thumping heart and at this point it made you laugh a little. Techno hardly ever got visibly nervous over something so it being you he was so flustered by? Oh, it was very cute.

You nudged him with your head a little and he gave a disgruntled hum.

“Techno… can we go back to our dorms, please? Cause like- I am not going back in there. I will gladly just wait in the car for you if you want to stay though.” You laughed and he responded rather quickly to your surprise.

“No, no let’s head back. It was getting a bit stuffy in there anyway. Plus, I had enough people come by and touch my butt that I am more than happy to go.” He grumbled out the last bit, making you giggle to which he smiled before letting his arms fall away from you and walk over to the diver’s side of the car, stealing a glance at you again as he went.

You both got back into the car, shutting the doors and making the blaring music become muffled but it was enough to grace you both with much-needed quietness.

Techno sighed and reached up to grab the back of the headrest, sinking into the seat and sitting there with his head leaned back and his eyes closed. You watched him coming back down to reality slowly from the buzz of the party and all the excitement that slipped under his skin, though gazing at him seemed to be the only thing that you needed to help bring you back. 

Watching his chest steadily rise and fall with his evening breaths, his hands that grasped the cushion of the seat that held a few random scars, his hair that was disheveled and longer than he would like it to be, his lips that opened a tad as he took in a breath and was pulled in as he lightly bit it and let go. Then his eyes that were… staring right back at you.

You looked away from him right away as the bustling home that housed the party seemed much more interesting than him at this moment.

“You can look Y/n.. I don’t mind.” He chuckled a little, the sudden confidence he held in his voice was new for you. Especially in this context.

“No no, I wasn’t-”

“You were.”

“I… might have been. But I-”

“I didn’t know you found me so fun to look at. You should have told me sooner, that does a lot for the confidence you know.” He said, his voice harboring a little pout underneath his teasing.

“Okay first, no I-” And this time you cut yourself off. Looking back at him, he was looking down at you with a smile. His look, his eyes, held some sort of predatory look that made you catch your breath. The look faded as he giggled a little bit. He let go of the seat to lean over, closer to you, he ran his hand lightly along your cheek to move some of your hair behind your ear and also fix some that was messed up.

“Well you don’t need to look all helpless like that, geez” He spoke oh so fondly, keeping his eyes steadily trained on yours. You could feel, nearly see something there. Patiently lying underneath, waiting. For how long had it been here you wonder. How long will it stay there or maybe could you get it to the surface, to show itself to you.

Techno shook his head a little as he looked away from you as if shaking away some bad idea that ran through his thoughts. He leaned away from you and retracted his hand and busied himself with fishing his keys out of his pocket and started up the car once had obtained them. It wasn’t until the warm air started to flow out of the vents a few long moments later that you realized how chilly that night had been. It wasn’t anything much, but it was cool enough for you to appreciate the warmth. It was comforting, reminding you of being previously held in a comforting embrace.

Not much time passed before Techno finally started driving back to the dorms, you connected to the Bluetooth and in no time, the playlist you made that was filled with music you both knew was playing through the speakers. You were the first to start singing, softly and to yourself at first but once Techno joined in and you both looked to each other for an unspoken confirmation, it was all uphill from there.

Being goofy and taking turns at songs that had multiple singers. Laughing at mistakes the others made and just enjoying the company there had to offer. 

Usually, Techno would get pretty annoyed with himself when he would take a wrong turn, but this time he just turned to you with a smile.

“Wanna just keep going?”

Was it even a question? With him looking at you like that, there was no way you could say no even if you wanted to.

An hour or so passed of you two just driving aimlessly and singing the most ridiculous songs. Not a single thought interrupted the mood you too had built up. 

Till one sappy little love song came on.

You started out the song, your voice being heard just above the voice singing with you through the speakers. It was your unspoken verses to sing.

I stay up late and I talk to the moon

And I can’t stop telling him all about you

Wonder if you do the same thing I do

The lyrics falling from your lips held so much more meaning and emotion than you had ever expected them to give off. 

You try to ignore it.

It’s just a song.

It doesn’t mean anything.

These four white walls they know more than my friends

They watch me type messages I’ll never send

This is the place that I just can’t pretend to be alright

Right, just a song. 

It doesn’t fit your issue. 

It isn’t the same.

This was only something that hit you tonight. But it hit like something you should have realized along time ago

Is your bedroom ceiling bored like mine?

Of you staring at it all the time

His voice softly intermingled with yours, a whisper as you sang the course. A soft reminder he was still there.

‘Cause it’s seen so many nights where I cry

And I yell at the sky for not telling you how I feel

A glance at one another was shared between you two, somehow neither one caught the other.

Is your bedroom ceiling bored like mine?

This time, it was his turn to sing. To unknowingly spill unshared feelings to one another. An unanswered question hanging in the air, wanting to know if it was just a sappy song lyric or if it was something more.

I get up early and talk to the sun

And ask her for guidance

But she ain’t got none

How am I supposed to know you’re not the one

Those words hung onto his tongue. The last line meant something, you could feel it in his voice. You looked at him to see the focus in his eyes as he watches the road, there is so much going on behind those eyes.

I’m begging to the mirror ‘cause I can’t find an answer

His brows furrow as he continues, his grip on the steering wheel tightens.

Too busy falling apart

And I wonder if you’re moving on

If you are, what’s your secret?

‘Cause I can’t work out where to start

This time, the whispered voice to join him was yours. His voice felt so thick with feelings it was impossible to think it held anything other than a confession.

Is your bedroom ceiling bored like mine?

Of you staring at it all the time

‘Cause it’s seen so many nights where I cry

And I yell at the sky for not telling you how I feel

Is your bedroom ceiling bored like mine?

He looks at you briefly and you hold his gaze, taking a deep breath.

I stay up late and talk to the moon

And I can’t stop telling him all about you

Wonder if you do the same thing I do

He seemed to have a hard time keeping any focus on the road knowing he could look over and find your eyes right there, waiting to meet his own again.

I get up early and talk to the sun

Ask her for guidance, but she ain’t got none

Wonder if you do the same thing I do

Your voice slowly joined his now, a little early with the song but no one seemed to notice. 

I hope you do

Is your bedroom ceiling bored like mine?

Both of you sang loudly along to the music from the speakers, though it wasn’t even a question that the words you both said were meant for each other.

Of you staring at it all the time

‘Cause it’s seen so many nights where I cry

And I yell at the sky for not telling you how I feel

Is your bedroom ceiling bored?

Is your bedroom ceiling bored like mine?

The song faded out and as the few seconds of silence followed it, they felt tense. Filled with words that still needed to be said but were so clearly expressed. Another song started up, but being so wrapped up in your head brought you to laugh. Techno turned down the music.

“What is it? He asked in a quiet tone.

“Sappy songs really do influence sappy feelings huh.” You looked at him and he just smiled before laughing too.

“God I hate you so much.”

“I love you too Techno.” 

You could hear his breath catch as you said it. He knew you meant it now in the way he hoped. 

“I love you Y/n.”

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The song in the fic is called:

"is your bedroom ceiling bored?" By Sody & Cavetown

[twoidiotwriters1]

Lost time (Diego Hargreeves x Fem!Reader

A/N:  In honor of the premiere of the second season of Umbrella Academy  we have something ... I don't know, I just wanted to write and share this hahaha. I hope you like it- Val

Words: 2,765

"Why is it so difficult for you to admit that you’re still in love with him?" Allison asks with a funny smile.

"Because that, dear friend, would be lying,” I point out sitting down in front of her on the bed. She laughs.

"Oh come on Y/ N, we’re no longer thirteen, when you blushed every time someone said his name,” She scoffs and I roll my eyes.

"It was just a stupid teenage crush, Al," I sigh. "And what about you?" I argue back.

"Me what?" She says nervously.

"Where's Luther?"

"No, don't try to change the subject, you cheater–”

I laugh and shake my head.

"That song is already over, I don't feel anything for Diego, at least not like I used to.”

I lie in bed and sigh as I remember when we were 13 years old.

The boys at Umbrella Academy were very famous, all my classmates knew about them from the comics and the news, but nobody knew them in person, only me. Living close to the academy, I could hear how they laughed, played or trained.

Right on their thirteenth birthday, Allison, Klaus, Diego, and Five planned to leave the academy without their father knowing. That day I met them.

The four of them entered my parents' shop, a well-known bakery. That afternoon I was helping out at the cash register. Allison was very kind, Klaus looked adoringly at the cookie decorations on the counter, Diego stuttered when he saw me, and Five looked around him in detail.

To their bad luck, some children recognized them before I could give them their order. Without realizing it, the store was already full of guys asking for their autographs. My father had to get them out and try to control the situation, while I guided them to the back of the store. My father didn’t have the best attitude and knew he wouldn’t help them.

I knew all the streets in the neighborhood by heart, so it was easy to lose the crowd. On the way back to the academy, I got to know them better. Allison and I connected quickly, I was amused by Klaus's funny comments, Five's sarcastic attitude and I was touched by Diego's shyness, which changed when he had more confidence.

Later, I picked up his order and went to the academy to deliver it with a small note, which I hid very well.

'I hope to see you soon.’

"Girls," says Luther, entering Allison's room. I sit up in bed watching the big man's worried expression.

"What's going on?" Allison asks.

"We can't find Klaus.”

"Again?" I raise an eyebrow. Klaus was clearly not a person standing still. "Surely he’s with his dealer, or in a club.”

Luther shakes his head. "Five already looked for him everywhere and nobody has seen him.”

I sigh and get out of bed, and the three of us walk out of the big Hargreeves Mansion, across from Allison's car. Five appears next to me, scaring me a little. I can never get used to his teleportation power.

"Any clues?"

"We just have to search the streets" answers Allison.

"Look at you, worried about your little brother," I say to Five with a laugh and he rolls his eyes.

"If he's just taking drugs, I'll kill him," He replies and then gets in the car. I follow him in the back, Allison drives and Luther is co-pilot.

We searched for Klaus for several hours, but we couldn't find anything. We asked some people, but we're just wasting time, until my phone rings. A message from Vania.

‘I found Klaus, but I need your help.’

Then she sends me his location and I give it to Allison.

When we arrived at the place, the sun was already setting. We all get out of the car and see Vanya on the sidewalk.

"And well?" Five asks her.

"They saw him come in there," she says, pointing to the end of an alley behind her.

We looked out, everything was dark and you could only see a white door at the end, but everything made sense when feeling the vibration of the music.

“Great."

"How did you know it's here?"

"My contacts saw it," says another voice.

Diego comes out of the shadows looking at us with a smug smile. At that I feel a slight push to my right.

"Shut up,” I whisper to Allison, although I also say it to my heart, which is beating so harshly I fear will be heard by the others.

Diego fixes his gaze on me, but I lower my head avoiding his eyes.

"I guess I will have to kill him," adds Five.

Luther opens the great door to the club. I narrow my eyes when the colored lights hit my face, but even as I get used to the change, my eyes can't believe that so many people are gathered in this place. Finding Klaus won't be easy.

"We better split up," says Luther, looking at us. "Allison, you will come with me on the right, Five and Vanya in the center, Diego and Y/N, you on the right," before anyone could reply, Luther enters followed by Allison.

"Stay close," Diego whispers in my ear, causing a chill throughout my body, I ignore my reaction and follow him.

It’s difficult to walk among so many people and on several occasions I almost lose sight of Diego, until a huge man staggers behind me and hits my foot, causing me to trip, but before I could fall, Diego's strong arms hold me.

"You're good?" He yells at me above the music. His arm wraps around my waist and his other hand touches my cheek. I nod and pull away from his grasp feeling my cheeks burn. I hope the lights hide it. Diego smiles sideways when he notices but says nothing.

He turns to continue, but not before taking my hand tightly. Unable to avoid a smile, I intertwine our fingers and walk close to him.

For a few minutes we could only walk aimlessly, until I fixed my eyes on the bar to my left. A slim man with tattoos, a skirt and a colorful shirt is dancing on the bar.

I stop and give Diego's hand a squeeze, he turns and I point to the highly drugged Klaus. As we get closer we notice that around Klaus, a group of people are making fun of him and clapping for him to continue dancing. The boy doesn't seem to be aware of this and follows the rhythm of the music until he sees us and smiles.

With difficulty he kneels on the wood of the bar.

"Guys! You’re finally together!” He shouts, pointing at our clasped hands, I follow his gaze and when Diego and I realize what he's talking about, we all jump apart. Klaus laughs and raises his arms. "Long live love!"

"Klaus, come on, get down from there,” I say approaching. He laughs again.

"Come with me, Y/N. it's so much fun here.”

"Get down from there, brother. Before you break your neck,” Diego repeats when he sees Klaus wobble a little.

"I don't want to,” He pouts and returns to me. "Tell your boyfriend not to be bossy.” I roll my eyes.

"Hey," says another thicker voice. A huge guy -perhaps the size of Luther- approaches us. His tattooed arms tighten on his chest. "You can't take our big star," he says mockingly.

"Uh, sir… Sorry, but we have to,” I say as kindly as I can, ignoring the fear in my voice.

The man steps forward and I step back. Who wouldn’t? This guy can break me in seconds and use me as a stick.

"Wow, stop there, King Kong,” says Diego standing in front of me. "Your star has to go. He's my brother, not a stunt.”

I walk away a little, letting Diego distract the mastodon and return to Klaus.

“Klausy, darling, please come down from there.”

"But I’m having fun!”

I growl at his childish attitude, I know this may take time and Klaus will either stay the same or try to run away. I look to my right and now the big guy wants to face Diego.

“Shit," in that an idea comes to me. “Klaus!” I called out to him and he watches me as he drinks from his glass -which I didn't know he had- "I promise as soon as we get home, I'll make you waffles!" His eyes lit up. Bingo.

"The ones I love?"

“Until you can't eat anymore, but please get down from there. We have to go.”

He nods and staggers off the bar. He puts his arm around my shoulders and part of his weight falls on me.

"And what will you do about it, pretty boy?" I hear that the man, still talking with Diego.

"Oh, I'll show you," He replies, pulling a knife from his harness. With Klaus on me I drag him towards them.

"Hey, we don't have to go on with this fight!” They both stop, but they don't take their eyes off each other. "Come on, uh, huge man,” I continue nervously. "You don't want to dirty your... nice tattoos with this boy's blood!" It seems that it distracts them and now they watch me.

"What are you saying, girl?"

I push Klaus a little to cix his posture, who is still in his own world. “Please, it shows that you’re a– uh… professional, and surely you have had a hard week. You came here to have fun, not to destroy the body of a boy in disguise.”

I know my words are going to bother Diego, but now I'm only interested in leaving here with the two brothers. The guy observes Diego's outfit and laughs out loud.

"You may be right, girl.”

"Sure I am," I laugh nervously. "Just look at it, who wears a harness and leather these days?" The man laughs again and turns around, surely to mock him with his friends, but I take this as an opportunity to walk away. I see Diego, who is frowning.

“Diego," I call him and he looks at me. "Come on," I wave to him and he nods, taking Klaus's body from my shoulders.

The three of us walk towards the exit without looking back. I sigh in relief as I feel the fresh air in my face.

"That was close."

"What a fun night, we should repeat it, Diego,” says Klaus looking towards a wall. I look at Diego and he stares blankly.

“Diego?”

The presence of the others distract us. Allison hugs Klaus, Luther and Vanya scolds him and Five threatens him with death... again.

"Hey, stop yelling at me!” He pouts and turns to see me. "Can we eat Waffles now? You promised.”

It seems that this caught the attention of others and I tell them what happened - omitting Diego's humiliation. They laugh, but all like the idea of ​​waffles.

We divided ourselves between Allison's car and Diego's and we all returned to the academy. As soon as we arrive, we go to the kitchen -except Diego- who goes up to his old room.

Grace helps me make dessert and we all eat happily. The Hargreeves siblings tell stories, joke and quarrel from time to time, but I can't stop thinking about what happened at the club. When I think no one notices, I get up, put two waffles on a plate and leave the kitchen.

I climb the stairs and stop outside Diego's room. I knock on his door and wait. When I don't get an answer I decide to enter, finding the room empty. I sigh and put the plate on the nightstand, I go into the small place, but the sound of the door makes me jump.

I turn and see Diego shirtless and his hair wet. For a moment, my words get stuck in my throat.

“Can I help you?" Normally he would make fun of me, but his tone is sharp and annoyed. He walks to his closet ignoring me.

"Diego, what I said at the club–”

"You would’ve told me before, I know that," he growls without looking at me.

 My heart shrinks when listening to it, it's been a while since I heard it. I work very hard to avoid it.

"No, that's not what I meant."

He turns and confronts me with his arms crossed.

"I don't want to know, Y/N.”

"Everything I said is not true, Diego. I only said it so that the man wouldn't hurt us, it wasn't my intention to hurt you.”

He snorts and comes closer.

"You didn’t do it.”

"I like your costume,” I feel my cheeks burn. "although it’s a little strange, but…”

"But?" The anger disappears from his face. I roll my eyes.

"I said those things so the man wouldn't kill us, okay? You don't have to get upset,” I cross my arms. He laughs and I look at him confused. “What?"

"I didn't remember how easy it was to make you blush,” ​​I blush. Again.

“Classic, first you get mad at me and now you make tease, you’ve always been like this, since we were children.”

“You haven’t changed either. Always getting us out of trouble, when in reality we’re the biggest problem.” We both laugh.

"They keep me busy," I shrug. Diego goes to a wardrobe and takes out a black shirt and then puts it on. I almost pout. Almost.

"You know? When we were kids I had a huge crush on you,” He says, turning his back on me. And while he searches among his things I am having a breakdown.

"What?"

"Yes" He chuckles. "I thought you were pretty and you always supported us in our adventures, but that was a long time ago…”

What? He liked me? I can't believe Allison was right, that she's always been right.

“A-And now?" I ask approaching him.

"What?" He turns around and jumps a little at the proximity.

"Do you have feelings for me now?"

I look directly into his eyes and see a cute blush on his cheeks.

"Uh, I don’t– I don't know.”

“Where’s that confidence of yours, Diego?" I smirk and he smiles. "I had a crush on you too," I whisper.

I don't let him answer and I lean up to kiss him. Diego kisses me back almost immediately, then I feel his hands wrap around my waist to get closer to his body and I wrap mine around his neck.

“Wait…” He whispers, pulling away a little. “Why do you like me?"

I frown.

"Why not?”

“I thought that… I don't know, I thought you would want some other, one of my brothers or another boy. I just stuttered and trained with my knives, I didn't-"

"I always thought your stuttering was adorable, plus you put a lot of effort into everything you worked on, you keep doing it,” I support my hands on his chest. "Your brothers I get along very well. It's different with you.”

He leans in and puts our foreheads together.

"I'm a jerk for waiting so long," He says, making me laugh.

"We are."

I kiss him again, but this time with more intensity. Then I feel his arms on my legs, he helps me jump and I wrap my legs around his waist.

"Wow, those waffles are magical."

I jump away from Diego at hearing the voice. We both turn to the door only to find his siblings are standing in the hall, the door wide open.

"It was about time,” adds Five drinking from his cup of coffee.

Again I feel my cheeks burn.

"I knew it," says Allison.

"Alright, the show ended, get out!” says Diego and they complain.

“Be safe!" Klaus yells as he closes the door.

When we’re finally alone, Diego carries me again, we began to laugh and I hide my face in his neck, I feel his chest vibrate with laughter.

"Only they can find us like this…” I move away a little and reconnect my gaze with his.

"Maybe next time it won't be in this position," He answers, raising his eyebrows making me laugh.

Before I could answer, he walks over to the bed and throws us into it. I squeal in surprise, but laugh again feeling his weight on me, not hurting me. Diego adjusts himself by leaning his arms to the sides of my head.

"Ready to make up for lost time?"

“I’m ready.”