#hidden feelings

[hrefna-the-raven]

The devil you do

Masterlist - BG3 masterlist

Part 1 - Part 2 - Part 3

Words: 1818

Summary: you might indeed do the devil ;-)

Warnings: smut (18+)

Your group finally made it to Baldur's Gate and you were glad that everyone decided to split up and get their things done, at least for one day. The constant looks and questions about Raphael started to annoy you, especially since you still had idea what to tell them. It wasn't as if you could just confess that you felt a certain pull towards the devil, they would never understand it, not even Wyll.

As you aimlessly roamed the streets on your way to Wyrm's Rock, a sudden impulse compelled you to ascend the stairs adjacent to Sharess Caress. The reason behind this mysterious inclination remained unknown, but deep within you, a stirring sensation emerged, as if an unseen power had taken control of your body, guiding your every move. Eventually, your footsteps halted before a door, and your gaze instinctively fell upon the plaque adorning it. A smile gradually spread across your face as you absorbed the words etched into it: Devil's Den. Without hesitation, your hand reached for the doorknob, only to be surprised by the door swinging open, revealing Raphael in his human form. His characteristic smug grin adorned his countenance as he warmly invited you inside.

"I see my little mouse caught her cat's sent", he playfully remarked, motioning for you to enter.

The chamber was softly illuminated by an array of scarlet and ebony candles, creating an intimate and romantic ambiance. Your eyes wandered towards a table positioned in the centre of the room. It was adorned with a crimson cloth and adorned with an assortment of delicacies from various corners of Faerûn. However, you couldn't help but observe that a majority of the dishes were precisely the ones you would consider your personal favourites. A smile crept across your face, realising that he had gone to great lengths to make everything seem perfect for you.

"I can tell that someone has put a lot of thought into the decorations and food choices. Although I was still waiting for a response about whether you would accept the deal or not, I have to ask, what is the reason behind all this?", you cautiously chuckled, unable to hide the surprise in your eyes as your hand gestured around the room.

"Oh, my dear, don't be so taken aback", Raphael chuckled, "there is no reason why we couldn't discuss our little deal over a delicious meal", He firmly held onto the back of the chair, pushing it slightly forward as you sat down, before leaning closer, whispering in your ear, "the devil is, after all, in the detail."

"Before we delve into this conversation," you reached out and took hold of his hand as he passed by, "may I request a favour?"

"That would depend on the nature of the favour."

"I would like to have this discussion with the devil I know, not the human guise you wear."

Raphael's smile widened and with a snap of his fingers, his human form ignited in flames, transforming into his hellish form as he tenderly kissed your hand.

"That can be arranged."

Raphael settled into a chair on the opposite side of the table, his majestic wings neatly folded alongside him. His head embellished by four black horns, his burning orange eyes and sharp claws added to his imposing presence. Despite his seated position and a well-groomed appearance, his infernal nature still exuded an impressive and slightly intimidating aura. The two of you sat in silence for a while, enjoying each other's company, savouring the exquisite meal and fine wine. It was a moment of tranquillity before the inevitable truth threatened to tarnish the connection you shared.

Internally conflicted, the devil grappled with the decision he had made. By choosing to embrace the truth this time, he risked everything. Yet, he had agreed to the deal and sealed it with a kiss, leaving no room for retreat, not even for a smug hellish bastard than him. All his schemes, deceptions, manipulations and the meticulously planned coincidences, it would all cease to exist in a moment. If he had misinterpreted the signs even slightly, he stood to lose more than just his carefully crafted plan; he stood to lose you. However, you were oblivious to his inner turmoil, unable to hide your own nervousness. Perhaps you dreaded the revelation of the absolute truth for entirely different reasons.

"It's time for your end of the bargain", you finished your glass of wine and set it on the table, your gaze lingering on the devil.

"Indeed it is", he sighed, "you intrigue me, little mouse, one might say that I've grown quite fond of you, you know, in my own way."

You observed a subtle fracture in his usual confident facade, his wings twitching momentarily as he uttered the final words, so softly that it almost resembled a mere murmur.

"Quite too fond, actually", the devil rose from his seat and cautiously approached you, while gesturing around with his usual theatrics, "you know who and what I am, you know the rules of hell so I won't say this twice as just this once might already get me into more trouble then you're worth it", His hand gently clasped yours, his other hand delicately tracing its claws along your skin, "from the moment I laid eyes on you, I sensed something special. There was an undeniable connection between us, intertwining my... heart with..."

Raphael shut his eyes, exhaling a trembling breath, unable to complete his sentence despite the deal the two of you had.

"Mine", you whispered tenderly, placing his hand against your chest, "I felt it too."

You pulled him closer, leaning in, your mouths colliding in a fervent embrace.

"The chase ends now", you breathed heavily as you broke the kiss,attempting to distance yourself, but Raphael held you firmly.

"And what does that mean to you?", he inquired, a trace of unease lingering in his voice.

"That the cat has caught the mouse and will finally devour it", you replied, your fingertips trailing up his arm before gently caressing his cheek.

Raphael clasped his fingers around your wrists, guiding your arms away which drew you closer to him, his face drawing near as his tongue cautiously grazed your lower lip, prompting a shameless whimper from you.

"I will devour you over and over again, my little mouse, until you scream my name so loud for all the nine hells to hear it."

He effortlessly lifted you, gracefully carrying you into the other room, where he gently set you down on the bed. As soon as your butt made contact with the plush mattress, your clothes vanished into thin air leaving you both naked. When you glanced upwards, your eyes met the gaze of a demon brimming with insatiable desire, accompanied by a mischievous smirk. You could hardly formulate a clever remark before sensing his firm grasp on your legs, parting them and drawing you closer to the edge of the bed. He lowered himself onto his knees and trailed his tongue over your wet folds. The sensation was scorching, surpassing the warmth of a typical human tongue. The contrast in temperature heightened your arousal, causing you to release a passionate moan.

"Finally mine", he groaned inbetween licks.

His pace quickened relentlessly, you took hold of his horns, pushing his face further against you in a desperate attempt to gain more of that intoxicating pleasure. He let out a low chuckle against your wetness, eagerly sucking at your clit, coaxing even more of those delightful sounds of pleasure from your lips.

"Raphael, I-"'

He immediately retreated, pushing you away as he crawled over you.

"Oh no, my little mouse, we're going to do this together," he smirked.

"Together? Indeed", you mused, "but the cat won't be in charge this time."

Enchantment coursed through your veins and with a burst of energy, you flung him off of you and trapped him in a seated position at the edge of the bed. Slowly, teasingly, you moved closer to him, planting kisses and nibbles on his inner thigh before dragging your tongue along his length, provokingly slow. A deep groan rumbled dangerously in the devil's chest, his breath growing heavier as you straddled him, your hands intertwining in his hair.

"No one has ever dared this before", Raphael hissed, trying to disrupt the spell you had cast over him until he felt you positioning his cock at your dripping entrance.

"Well devil, let me be your first then", you grinned mischievously and slid down on him, moaning loudly. Raphael's head tilted backwards, his mouth agape, revealing his pointed fangs, yet no utterance escaped his lips, completely devoid of all control. He would never confess it, but the sensation of helplessness in your presence was exhilarating, stirring a profound excitement within him. Your name slipped from his tongue like a sacred invocation, a testament to his longing and desire. Your concentration wavered with each movement, plunging into the pleasure of the devil filling you up completely, hitting that sweet spot over and over again, inevitably resulting in your spell weakening. As soon as Raphael noticed this, one of his hands found its way to your hips, his claws gently digging into your soft flesh, guiding your movements to urge you to go faster and you were more than willing to oblige. Your lips clashed on his, his feral growls muffled by a passionate kiss as the both of you neared the brink of climax dangerously fast and your hands settled on Raphael's chest, feeling his excillerated heartbeat, surrendering completely to the ecstasy and you both finally came undone at the same time. Your walls clenched around his cock and your felt his hot seed filling you up.

Raphael lifted you up, slowly making his way up the bed. He positioned you on top of him, wrapping his wings protectively around you as he placed a gentle kiss on your forehead. You couldn't help but giggle at his unexpected tenderness, lovingly cupping his cheek. "Well, well, who would have imagined that a devil could be so sweet?" you playfully remarked, planting a quick kiss on his neck. "Mhm," Raphael mumbled, "if you dare to share this with anyone, I might just have to punish you."

"Punish me, huh?", you responded daringly as you rubbed your teasingly against his cock which earned you a deep groan from him.

"Are you sure you're not a devil, my little temptress?", the cambion chuckled, his arms around you tightening.

"It takes one to know one", you replied, feigning an innocent and sweet tone in your voice.

Resting your head on his chest, you listened to the soothing rhythm of his calm heartbeat. The warmth of his skin enveloped you, lulling your exhausted self into a peaceful slumber. It had been a long time since you had felt such tranquillity and security. If someone had told you that you would find all of this in the arms of a devil, you would have laughed and called them insane.

#baldur's gate 3 #bg3 #raphael #raphael baldur's gate 3 #raphael bg3 #raphael x reader #raphael x you #hidden feelings #raphael is a sexy devil #confessions #the truth #smut #raphael smut

[eirual-32]

Before the Birds Sang - Legolas x Reader

A.N.: As of now, it is a one shot imagine, but it could turn into a short series if you desire. Also, there might be some mistakes and I’m sorry for that but English isn’t my first language. Hope you enjoy! I really like this one :)

Legolas x Human Reader

Summary: On a certain evening when loneliness creeps in, Legolas is there to silently comfort you. Between the two of you, so many feelings are uncovered but also left unsaid.  

fluff, slight angst, hair braiding, hidden feelings

Reader isn’t aware of the meaning behind hair braiding for elves (love, courting…)

Warnings: none

Words: 1 884

So much time had already passed since you had left your dear home. Of course, you did miss it. In your dreams, you were reminded of what made it your own: the modest but charming garden your mother was constantly occupied embellishing, the cherry blossom trees you could observe from your room’s window gently swaying with the wind flying over the valley, the numerous birds that would wake you from a peaceful sleep when you had left your shutters open for the night…

These souvenirs, the little pieces of home still residing in your mind, brought you comfort and hope that, somehow, you would come back alive to your mother. It was a dangerous adventure and death was constantly near, but you had no regrets. Indeed, the quest you had embarked on served a crucial purpose in which the faith of Middle-earth was at stake. Consequently, being a part of the Fellowship was an honor and you had come to appreciate each one of the members accompanying you. They all were great company and having them by your side eased your growing homesickness. However, late at night, when the time had come to slip into slumber, the loneliness crawled back in with an enhanced heaviness.

This is the state you now found yourself in, lying on your back on a thin layer of ferns while staring at the stars as if they would help you find the rest your body so desperately craved, but couldn’t give in to. You clung onto the thin blanket barely protecting you from the coldness of the night as you once more forcefully shut your eyes, sighing in desperation.

Your sigh must have been louder than you had wished since a worried voice quickly followed, “Are you not able to sleep Y/N?” You swiftly turned your head to the side to find Legolas, the elf on the Fellowship who had quickly creeped its way into your heart, sitting a few feet away against a log surrounding the campfire that had been put out before nightfall. As always, he was up late, not needing to sleep much.

You were unsure whether it was merely your human nature’s reaction to the refined beauty of elves, but Legolas had fascinated you from the moment your eyes had met his gentle ones all these months ago. Since then, you had been able to slightly put aside the odd feelings that had invaded your being the first time you encountered him and a lovely friendship blossomed between the two of you. Legolas was never one to judge you and you truly felt like you could be your true self around him. He was an ellon of a few words, but an attentive listener. Therefore, you were allowed to share and relieve yourself of the fears you had regarding this journey thanks to him. Secretly, he held an extra special place in your heart.

It is the reason why, as he now searched your eyes questioning what was bothering, you felt your chest flutter and you averted your gaze to instead look back at the dark sky saying, “It is nothing new Legolas. I merely am frightened of what’s to come. You know how much I worry I will never come home to my mother.” You paused as you fought back the tears lingering in your eyes.

You heard Legolas shuffle closer and sit close to your head still resting on the ground. His comforting presence calmed you and you continued, “I am all she has left. I can’t help feeling guilty to have left her.” You sniffed slightly and closed your eyes.

For a few minutes, you both fell in a comfortable silence during which all that could be heard was the slow breaths you both let out, the faint snores of your companions sleeping nearby and the wind whistling through the countless trees surrounding you.

Your shut eyes softly opened back when a delicate hand started cautiously caressing your long hair dispersed around your head. His gentle motions started at the top of your head and ended where your neck began, just behind your right ear. His touch was so light you could have believed the breeze was the one stroking your skin and strands of your hair.

As you relished in the feeling of his rare touch on you, you tempted a look at Legolas. Still sitting, his eyes were now fixed right in front of him, mindlessly surveying the woods. From this angle, observing him from below, you could see how the moon reflected on the smooth skin covering his face making it glitter subtly. As usual, strands of his snow-colored hair were neatly braided back revealing his beautifully shaped ears and his perfectly sculpted jawline. While your eyes continued to trail over his face, you couldn’t help feeling as if you were staring at an otherworldly being which technically, he was. His mere existence felt magical. Indeed, Legolas was an elf, but deep down, you knew he felt like more than that to you.

Legolas must have sensed your gaze on him because, in their inspection, your eyes finally reached his again but now, they weren’t fixed on the trees before him anymore. You were now staring directly in his soft eyes looking down at you as they seemed to silently try to read you. Slowly, a kind smile illuminated his face. Color stained your cheeks as you detected a hint of mischievousness in his expression at having caught you admiring him.

His voice was then heard again, “I thought I was helping you falling asleep. Alas, I appear to rather be a distraction to you,” he stated as his playful smirk grew even more. You lowered your eyes briefly, embarrassment creeping in, but quickly lifted them again as you heard him giggle softly.

A newfound fondness towards him filled your body at the sound of his laugh and at the realization of the subtle closeness of the moment. This time, you maintained his gaze until your eyes fluttered close when his hand that had stilled itself on your temple began stroking your hair smoothly once more.

“You like it?” he nearly whispered. You smiled softly and nodded. You opened your eyes again to find Legolas gently reciprocating your grin.

“You haven’t slept much lately Y/N. You need to rest, mellon nin. A long journey still lies ahead of us,” he said. You hummed in response as an idea crossed your mind.

Without overanalyzing it, you asked, “Would you braid my hair like elves do?” Legolas’ hand halted in its movements and if you hadn’t been gazing intensely in his eyes, you would have missed an unknown expression that subtly flashed in them. However, he quickly regained his composure as his hand resumed its path in your hair.

Since he wasn’t responding, you grew unsure of your request. Thankfully, he relieved you of your uncertainty by muttering, “Would it help you fall asleep afterwards?”

“Yes, it would. Your touch is so soothing. It has already helped put to rest all that was haunting me earlier,” you replied quietly, a grateful glint in your eyes.

Legolas scanned your features as if hesitating, but then requested for you to sit up. He delicately covered your shoulders with your blanket and tugged your forearm lightly to guide you further back in front of his crossed legs. He began by brushing his elegant fingers through your hair, untangling the knots that had formed during the day. You closed your eyes once again enjoying how his gentle touch made you feel. Afterwards, he parted your hair and took two strands he pulled together and skillfully braided into a single braid in the back. Your closed eyelids became heavier at each second that passed.  

Then, he leaned a bit closer to be able to braid the hair right above your ears, starting on your right side. A shiver ran through your body as you sensed his warm exhale on your ear and neck. Shortly after, your heart rate accelerated when you felt a tremble in his breath as if he was nervous. That is when you discerned the intimacy of the moment you were sharing. You could not recall having shared such a tender act with anyone other than your mother and the idea of you making the ellon behind you anxious filled you with feelings you were not familiar with.  

Unexpectedly, now working on the last braid, near your left hear, Legolas softly said, “Regarding what you said to me earlier about your mother and you fearing to never come back to her, I of course can’t assure you that nothing will happen to you since the dangers ahead are unknown, but…” He paused completing your hairstyle and delicately turning you around so you could sit while facing him. For a few seconds, his gaze lovingly swept over your hair and your face halting at your eyes. Finally, he finished his sentence, intently diving his gaze into yours, “I promise that I will look after you and do everything in my power for you to return home unarmed.”

At his words, you felt a soothing warmth invading your stomach and you smiled at him, again admiring his majestic beauty. His right hand still resting on your shoulder now raised itself to lightly take a hold of your cheek. His index brushed your skin tenderly and you leaned into his hand as you grasped his wrist gently. As you stared at one another, a certain tension weighed on the both of you in which so much was left unsaid. Your breaths fanning on the other’s face, a sense of surprise seized you when you became aware of your proximity as you knew Legolas was never one for physical touch, but here you were.

“Bain,” he whispered. “You look beautiful,” he completed while releasing a breath. You stared startled, heart beating furiously. What shocked you even more is when Legolas leaned in to lay his lips on your cheek in a soft kiss and then did the same on your forehead. The skin his mouth had touched was tingling and your body craved for him to lean in again. However, you stayed put, even as the ellon’s eyes briefly drifted to your lips before looking back into yours, pink now tinting his cheeks.

That’s when he put his hands on both your shoulders and leaned back,“It is time for you to rest now, ok?” he said in a low voice which broke the spell you had both fell in while you shyly had explored the other with your sight and touch.

“Yes.” You nodded. “Thank you again Legolas. For everything.” You smiled and he lightly bowed his head, his gentle eyes never leaving yours.

He stood up, leaving you yearning for his touch again as the emplacements on your skin he had been in contact with grew cold. Nevertheless, your insides were burning as you stared at the elf regaining his earlier spot near the campfire. You lay back down on the ground, glancing once more at Legolas who was now observing you from afar, a sparkle in his eyes, before your eyelids who had grown heavy shut one final time and you were transported back home, in dreams, to the birds singing melodically outside your window.

A.N.: If you desire a second part, I will write one :).

#legolas #the hobbit #middle earth #my fic #the lord of the rings #lotr #lotr elves #imagine #fic #one shot #fluff #tolkien #tolkien elves #cute #hidden feelings #feelings #love #courting #braid #braids #hair braiding #braiding hair #aragorn #the fellowship of the ring #x reader #legolas x reader #legolas x you #legolas x y/n #fanfic #fanfiction

[sweetcarrotsandroses97]

Impact Of The Heart | PJM

Pairing: non! idol Jimin x Fem! Reader

Summary: You and Jimin had been flatmates for a long time now. Your relationship consisted in soft quarrels and flirty comments, longing gazes and aching hearts. When you leave the flat after an argument, Jimin must find you in time and tell you how he feels before he fears its too late for words to change fate.

Word Count: 3.5k

Warnings: angst, non! idol au, flatmates! au, thoughts of unrequited love, happy ending, reader is described to be shorter than Jimin (he deserves to be tall at least in fiction xD), kissing, mild language (just a couple of words), feelings of fear, anxiety and heartbreak, fluffy ending.

*banner made by me :D

A/N Hello everyone! I've been working on this for a couple of days now, I hope you will like this, a bit long, drabble. I'm still working on the next part of "Four Seasons" but I recently entered college and I'm a bit busy atm. I'll try to update as soon as I can. Take care and thanks for reading! 💜

It was raining outside. Heavily so. Making Jimin worry every second for you to text or call him back. You hadn't even read his last texts for heaven's sake! And that made him anxious.

You never left a text unanswered.

Never.

Why was he feeling anxious?

He sighed at his own thoughts. His heart already knowing the answer to that question that he nearly rolled his eyes when he wondered it once more.

You and him had been roommates for nearly five years since the both of you finished college and, conveniently enough, the both of you needed a place to stay with a low rent.

Jimin decided that you both could split the rent while living there together in a seemingly civilised way. And, to his surprise, you agreed. To say that you and Jimin got along since day one was fast-forwarding on so many events that happened between you both until you two settled in a friendship with longing gazes and stolen touches.

He couldn't help the pang of jealousy he felt when you announced earlier that day that a coworker of yours had asked you out to dine with him. You looked so happy about it that he had to force a smile on his plump lips so as to not disappoint you.

But as the storm outside got heavier, he had sent you a quick text asking if you were alright, if he needed to pick you up. To which you answered that you were, in fact, quite fine. He sent yet another text, asking for the address of the place you were having dinner at just in case but you didn't answer his message.

And that had happened nearly an hour ago.

He tried calling you but your phone was switched off and he cursed under his breath. The only thing he could now do was to trust you, hoping that you would be back home soon. However, Jimin had already made up his mind that if you didn't show up by eleven o'clock he was going to leave the flat and search for you.

Even when he had no idea of where you could be. When he didn't have a place to start searching. He would at least look for you.

In the last year, whatever rough edges your roommate relationship had once had evened out. Jimin became a good and close friend to you rather than just your flatmate. And to him, well that was another case.

Jimin also viewed you as a close friend. But he couldn't help how his fingers would tingle every time you would pass him the bowl of popcorn on your lazy movie nights or when you would casually hand him over his phone when he had left in a place he couldn't find it.

He couldn't help but feel the butterflies in his stomach swirl wildly when you laughed out loud when he would fall out of a chair. A fond smile would appear on his face when he discovered you had fallen asleep on the couch waiting for his long shift to end and he had to carry you back to bed.

But with those feelings, a more bitter sensation also appeared in his heart. Like in those times when you'd smile when a coworker texted you wishing you a good night. Or when you were invited to a fancy dinner and you got all dolled up only for you to have other eyes on you.

It felt ridiculous. At least to him. For being jealous of you when you weren't his and he wasn't yours. He didn't have the right to. He didn't have to worry. He didn't have to feel threatened.

Yet he did.

Every. Single. Time.

And now, it was not different. He felt a wrong sensation crawling up his chest that made him think the worst possible scenarios about your date.

But only when he had decided he had waited long enough and was about to grab his car keys, the electronic lock of the front door chimed and the next thing he knew was that you were standing in the entrance way, trying to get your shoes off while you were trying to put the large black umbrella in its place.

"Where have you been? You weren't answering any of my texts."

The worry was evident in his voice. And you would have noticed it if you weren't fighting for your life at the entrance door trying to get your shoes off.

"Well... my phone died."

You said and Jimin was quick to catch the annoyance in your normally sweet voice. The next thing he knew was that you were walking across your shared flat, a grim look on your face and a harshness to your steps he had only witnessed when you were upset or stressed about something.

"Did something happen?"

He asked. In a cautious way. Jimin knew you could get more irritated when he asked you something and you were in one of your moods.

You sighed. Taking a bottle of soju from the fridge. You didn't even get yourself one of the small glasses before you were already taking a swig from the beverage.

His eyes grew wide when he saw you do that. Immediately knowing something was bad. Really bad.

"It's just... aish. Men are assholes."

Jimin couldn't help but chuckle at your muttered words. You drank once more from the bottle so he decided to stop you before you got too drunk to manage.

"Yes, I know."

His hands brushed yours before the bottle of soju left your grasp and the sound of glass hitting the marble counter filled your ears.

"But you care to explain why you are insulting us?"

Your eyes met his. And suddenly, the entire dinner you had had with your coworker flashed in front of your eyes.

"It's just that... I went out with Junseo and... well the date was crappy as hell."

Jimin's hand got a hold of yours as he guided you out of the kitchen and back to the living room.

"I don't want to say "I told you so" but, I told you so."

You rolled your eyes at your friend. He really wasn't helping you at the moment.

"Jimin, what advice can you give me? The both of us have been single since middle school! I know that going out with Junseo was a mistake, I've now proven that theory, but at least I'm trying to find someone. Shouldn't you do the same and stop lecturing me about my, clearly non.existent, love life?"

Now you were frustrated. You didn't exactly know why though. You just were. Maybe it was because Jimin was on his pedestal of know-it-all. Or because of the awful date you just came back from. It could be that Jimin was still holding your hand and the butterflies in your stomach were flying wildly or perhaps the fact that one of your closest friends was so oblivious to your feelings for him.

Or a combination of everything.

He suddenly let go of your hand, a coldness seeping through your bones the moment he stopped touching you. He ran his hands through his hair, messing with the brown locks even more.

"I don't know why you are so rude to me, (y/n). I'm trying to help. There are better guys out there than Junseo, I just wanted you to see that for yourself but you can be so stubborn that not even the idea of 2+2 can get in your head sometimes."

And now Jimin was frustrated. At your lack of comprehension for his feelings. At your harsh words to him. At the attitude you showed. But then again, he had not been better himself right now. When he opened his mouth to apologise you cut him off with a scoff.

Now he had fucked up.

The hurt that flashed in your eyes tore at his heart. But you didn't hold yourself back. You were tired. Tired of this pointless life. Of not being enough. Of feeling invisible. Of Jimin not loving you back.

"Shut up, Park. You don't know what you are talking about. The man I love doesn't even see me as a potential girlfriend! So shut up about my life, you know nothing. Nothing at all. Stop butting yourself in my business."

You didn't leave room for argument. You hadn't raised your voice but it was cold. Calculated even. And the cold daggers pierced Jimin's soft and thudding heart.

You turned around, not grabbing neither your phone nor your coat. You barely had time to put your shoes back on before you left the flat with the front door slamming shut.

Jimin let out a deep sigh. He had screwed this up. And it wasn't the first time you both got into arguments. It was normal for flatmates to argue. But those small fights revolved around what kind of butter to buy or who's turn it was to do the dishes. Not about something like the one he just had with you.

His mind kept rising with millions of responses he could have given you. The main one being him admitting his feelings for you. But he couldn't allow those words to escape his mouth in the middle of an argument.

If so, if Jimin ever planned on letting you know about his love for you, he would like to plan it, take you out on a cute date or in one of your casual dinners at the flat.

He didn't want to shoot the words in the middle of anger and hate.

That is, if he ever manned up enough to say those three words.

He sat down on the couch, the raising thoughts giving him a headache as he ran his hands over his face. But the trance his mind had fallen in was broken when a loud thunder sounded at the distance.

Looking through the window, he was met with the strong rain dancing over the glass, the city lights blurred in the distance and the night sky swallowed the streets.

He stood up. You had left the flat. You had walked out in the middle of your anger. In the middle of an argument when the fumes were still very present and Jimin knew you hadn't even bothered to take your coat with you.

That thought was confirmed when he looked at the coat hanger and yours rested there, almost as if mocking him. Without a second thought, Jimin sprinted over to the front door, noticing your phone in the small table where his car keys rested as well.

Putting his shoes on, he grabbed a large black umbrella and was out the door in the next second. You had gone out by foot so he thought it'd be easier for him to find you if he walked around the building. Somehow in his desperate mind, that thought made sense when any other person would have thought of it to be completely insane.

The rough sound of the rain hitting the pavement filled his ears the moment he left the building. The umbrella managed to somehow shield him from the rain, at least most of it, while he began walking around. Trying to remember the usual places that you enjoyed and that were nearby.

You were walking slowly in the middle of the rain. Your clothes were completely drenched the second you stepped out of the building of your shared flat but to be honest, you didn't find it in your mind to care.

Your heart was aching.

Your mind was raising with so many thoughts it made you nauseous. The fight you had with Jimin meant more than you initially thought. That was why you left. Because in your confused mind and heartbroken heart you realised he didn't love you.

At least not like you loved him.

And it hurts.

It hurt that he tried to protect you without feeling so strongly for you.

It hurt that he'd smile every morning without a deeper meaning to it.

It hurt that he would hold your hand without wanting to claim you.

It hurt to be so close to him yet so far at the same time. Because he didn't want you in that way. You weren't important in the way you wanted to be for him. You felt rejected. Out of place in your own home.

You knew you had let your frustrations out on him. He didn't deserve that. Jimin was the sweetest man alive. He only deserved happiness. But you weren't his happiness.

Or that was what you thought.

His soft and flirty personality had made you think that perhaps he liked you in the beginning but you got to know that it was only how he was with nearly everyone.

He was too precious to hurt yet he had hurt you.

You walked and walked. Tears left your eyes and rolled down your cheeks, mixing with the rain that poured down your form. You began walking over a crossroad, your ears finding home in the sound of the rain that was almost soothing for your pained soul.

You didn't hear the quick footsteps approaching you, nor did you hear the shout of your name over the sound of the rain. You didn't hear the honk of the car as it approached you quite fast.

You could only hear the rain. The ever so calming rain along with the rapid thumping of your heart.

Jimin saw you at the distance. Despite the heavy rain that had nearly drenched him completely, the umbrella was of no use anymore. Despite the blurry vision in his eyes due to unshed tears of his own desperation. He saw you.

He saw you crossing the street. Your head hung low.

He couldn't describe the feeling when he saw you. Found you. You were there, his feet carried him without him being truly present, his mind drowning in the essence of you.

Jimin saw how your silhouette got illuminated by light. As if you were an angel. To him, you were. And he lived in a second of perfection. He watched in slow motion as you stood in the middle of the crosswalk, light framing your figure with the drops of the rain frozen in the air.

A second of perfection.

You looked ethereal.

But the clock continued its counting and the next second was the harsh landing on reality.

Jimin didn't hesitate, he was running. He ran as fast as he could. He had to reach you. He had to. The light that had made you look so majestically a mere second ago were the upcoming lights of a car that wouldn't pull over in time.

A shout of your name left his lips. The desperation evident in his voice. If only he could stop time. If only he could make it go back, stop you from leaving the flat.

"(y/n)!"

If only he had taken the impact of his heart when he had fallen for you and not wait until now.

His hand grabbed yours. The moment he got a good grip on your hand he yanked you towards him. The car sped off, not even glancing back through the rear view mirror. A gasp left your lips when you collided with his chest, his arms around your slightly shorter form.

Then there was silence. Silence in his mind. A subtle ringing in his ears as the adrenaline wore off, his breathing returning back to normal as he gripped your arms; pressed you as firmly as he could against him.

You grounded him.

You always have.

Even without knowing it. He had to make sure you were fine. He had to feel you with him. Had to stop the horrendous scenarios in his head from flying around and leaving black smoke behind.

And then he pulled you away from him. Held you at arms-length. His eyes bore into your own while he could hear the strong sound of the rain against the ground. Jimin swallowed, trying to stop the racing thoughts in his mind while thinking that you were fine. You were with him. You were alive.

"Are you crazy?! Can't you see you could have died?!"

He shouted out of anxiety. Fear. If he hadn't been gripping you by your arms so strongly you would have noticed how his hands shook. If he hadn't been so consumed by the fear, he would have noticed the redness in your eyes.

And then he realised. You had been crying. Your mind was as lost as his. His eyes softened, the grip on your arms loosened enough for you to walk away from his grasp yet you didn't move. You didn't say a word. The word of it all crashing down on you like a tsunami.

The unspoken words, the buried feelings, the ache in your heart.

Jimin sighed, a shiver ran down his spine when a subtle breeze passed you both. He took a step closer and engulfed you in his arms once more.

In a softer way. In a gentler manner.

And then he heard it. He heard your sob in the midst of the chaos that was your heart. You cried in his embrace while standing in the pavement, his chin rested atop your head as silent tears left his eyes.

"I'm sorry, I-I'm so sorry."

Your stuttered words crushed his heart. He couldn't bear the pain in your voice.

"I'm sorry too. I... I shouldn't have said those things back at the flat."

Jimin felt your hands around his waist and he tightened his hold on you just a bit more. To reassure you it was fine. That he was there. That you weren't alone. You would never be alone for as long as he lived.

You clutched his shirt in your fists, letting the pain, the anguish, the fear, the shock all wash over you.

"You scared me out there, (y/n/n)."

He whispered. His words were meant for the wind to carry them but you heard them well. You always heard what he had to say.

Lifting your head, you gazed into his eyes, noticing the unshed tears in his dark orbs.

"Why would you be scared? Why did you come out here to find me?"

Jimin looked down at you, he didn't mind the rain pouring over you both. Your clothes were damped, so were his. Your hair was completely drenched and the light makeup on your face was slightly smudged but to him you looked beautiful. So beautiful.

He smiled softly, a tear sliding over his cheek only to then mix with the rain on his tanned skin. One of his hands cradled the side of your face and you felt fire burn your skin beneath his palm.

"Because I love you."

A small gasp left your lips. Was this real? Were you dreaming? For only in your dreams had Jimin ever confessed to having such strong feelings for you.

"I love you so much and I have loved you for a very long time."

Your lips parted softly while you blinked back the tears that melted against your eyelashes.

"Forgive me for saying it like this but I cannot hold it in me any longer. I love you, (y/n)."

A second passed after those words left his plump lips, his heart was beating so fast in his chest for a moment he feared it might leave his ribcage or worse, that you could hear how frantically and strongly his heart beat for you.

A second passed where nerves invaded his mind and body.

What if you didn't feel the same?

What if you liked someone else?

What if he was just a friend?

But then your lips were on his. You stood on your tiptoes, hands resting on his hips as you kissed him. It was soft, a small peck over his pink lips and then it ended.

You parted enough for you to be able to breath, water dripped between you both and you would be lying if you said you were calm at that moment. You were the opposite of calm. You were astonished by your own actions and surprised at Jimin's lack of rejection.

"I love you too. I have loved you for so long and I will continue to love you everyday more and more."

His lips crashed against yours the next moment, his arms fully encircling you to the point where he lifted you off your feet. The kiss was more passionate; stronger. Jimin poured his heart and soul into that kiss and you took it all without hesitation.

Breathless you parted from him. The both of you panting softly while a smile graced your lips and he looked down at you with the fondest look that had ever graced his handsome features.

"Be mine forever."

Jimin whispered. As if you were the only one meant to hear those words. The secret of his soul. You nodded, your hands caressing his face while he held you close to him by the waist.

"Love me forever."

June/29/2023

~Masterlist

Likes, Comments and Reblogs are really appreciated!!!

**☕Caffeinate me so I can keep on writing! ☕

#jimin #park jimin #park jimin x you #jimin x reader #love #sweetcarrotsandroses97 #jimin drabble #park jimin x reader #jimin angst #jimin fluff #bts one shot #jimin x you #jimin x reader angst #jimin flatmate au #hidden feelings #kiss in the rain #young love

[midnightfictionlibrary]

You're The One - Joel Miller x Reader

Joel Miller x Reader

Content : physicality (a bit of shoving and manhandling) , kissing, angst, fluff at the end

Word count : 1.3k

A/N : Haven't written in a bit, but wanted to write this idea out. If you enjoy please like and reblog <3

When you go foraging, Joel panics when he can't find you. When you return, he can't seem to give you a straight answer.

You watched him walk through the thicket of trees, his broad shoulders flexing as he pushed a long hanging tree branch out of his way. He had told you to stay there, but you didn’t see the use in you staying near the dead log you two decided to use as a “base”, when you could be foraging. Ellie was back at the safehouse, and she had been sniffly lately. You thought you might be able to find some berries, or perhaps a few wildflowers to cheer her up. You knew that the young girl hated feeling useless, so you stood up and dusted your hands off. 

You weren’t going to stay here. Joel wasn’t going to keep you glued wherever he pleased, you were a grown woman, and you were more than capable of handling yourself. You checked the belt at your hip, making sure you had your knife, a handkerchief to gather any edibles, and your canteen. You decided not to go far, just through the treeline, so you could quickly make it back to camp if need be. 

Stretching your arms, you walk through the towering trees, taking in the lush green leaves and the slight hum in the air that let you know it was summer. Taking a deep breath through your nose, you close your eyes slightly and smile. It may be the end of the world, but the smell of the trees and the way the sun played on your skin felt the same as it always did, and you cherished that. You had to take the little things where you could, there wasn’t much left to smile about these days. It felt like a “new normal” may never be achieved. You shook your head, sweeping your eyes across the ground. 

You loved wildflowers, and always had. The thicket that grew under your feet was almost overwhelmingly beautiful, and you stooped to look amongst them. You sat, picking a few blues, oranges and yellows to wrap carefully in your handkerchief. It was cooler under the canopy of the trees, so there you sat, admiring the beauty of the season. It had been so long since you were able to sit and feel…content. Constantly fighting, on the move, watching your back. It exhausted you. Sitting here under the trees was the first time you felt almost normal in quite a while. You closed your eyes again, taking in the sounds and smells of the world around you. 

When you opened your eyes again, you had no idea how much time had passed, but you could faintly hear Joel yelling for you. “Shit.” You muttered, quickly standing up and gathering your things. As you make your way towards the small clearing where you had made a makeshift camp, you hear Joel’s voice getting more…panicked? You pick up your pace, deciding to call out to him as you step through the last few trees. 

“Joel-?” 

He turns around, faster than you expected him to. You thought he would be relieved to see you, but when you catch a glimpse at the expression under the heavy eyebrows, he’s furious. 

“Where the fuck were you?” He growls, crossing the small clearing and gripping the front of your jacket roughly, seemingly giving you a once over to ensure you hadn’t injured yourself. 

The manhandling immediately puts you on edge and you hotly push his hands off of you, shoving his chest a bit as you step back. “What the hell, Joel? I was gathering flowers and I fell asleep -”

“You fell asleep? You could have gotten yourself in a shit ton of trouble.” He says as he stumbles back from your shove. You reach out to give him another shove, anger coursing through you from his treatment of you and he catches your wrist in his large, calloused hand. “Don’t.” He spits out, eyes narrowed. 

You narrow your own eyes at him and breathe heavily through your nose. “I’m not some damsel in distress you need to protect, Joel. I can handle myself.” Fervently, you snatch your wrist out of his grasp. 

You stood facing each other, tensions hanging thick. 

“Ellie needs you.” He says finally, a gruff tone overcoming him. “You can’t wander off without me knowing. What would I tell the kid-”

“Is it just about Ellie?” You cut him off, challenging him. The unspoken words between you were almost close enough to taste. He glances away from you, the muscles in his perfectly angular jaw jumping. He licks his lips, the movement catching your eye. It was your turn to glance away. 

“'Course it is.” He answers finally, clearing his throat. You notice he doesn’t move away from you. 

“You are always so full of shit, Joel. Can’t give me a straight answer here, can’t give me a straight answer about why I had to stay perfectly still waiting for you to come back like I’m some princess waiting for a prince to come save her. Did I fall asleep? Yes, and I’m sorry if I frightened you.” You were getting heated again, wondering why he couldn’t just tell you what was on his mind. 

Joel scoffed. “I’m not afraid. If you hadn’t popped out of the trees I would have left your ass behind and figured out something else.” 

You laugh mirthlessly, shaking your head. Walking past Joel, you shoulder check him, bending down to gather your supplies and stuff them haphazardly back into your knapsack. 

“What are you doin'?” He asks, watching you. He was curious. Something about you always had him on edge. His gruff demeanor was up tenfold when you were around, guarding feelings he wasn’t quite ready to delve towards. 

“Figuring something else out.” You answer, your voice clipped and tight. You sling the knapsack over your shoulders, pick up your lantern, and start walking away from Joel Miller, colossal asshole. You hear him quickly pick up his own pack and start following you. 

“Hey. C’mon. I didn’t mean that…I would have looked for you as long as it took.” He says, close behind you. You shake your head, continuing your steady pace. 

“Didn’t you?” You say back, keeping your tone tight. If he truly didn’t want you around then you would simply leave. 

“Damn it.” Joel mutters, picking up his pace and grabbing your hand, yanking you to face him. “Would you stop walkin' away from me?”

“Oh, more demands from Mr. Joel Miller? I thought you would have left me behind, didn’t know you wanted me following you so -”

Your sentence is cut off by Joel yanking you to his chest, hands cradling your head before his lips connect with yours. Instantly, your breath is gone, your lips moving of their own accord. When your head clears you pull back, shaking your head. 

“No -” You pull away. “This isn’t a cheap romance novel. You don’t get to just sweep me off my feet.”

Joel lets you slip out of his grasp, looking away from you again. “Look. I..ahem..” He clears his throat. “I haven’t had this type of feelin'…in, well in a long time. I feel drawn to you in ways I can’t understand. I…apologize…if I seem overbearin'. But if I lost you, too, after everything else, I don’t know how I would react. I’ve been holdin' you at arm’s length for a reason, and maybe that was wrong of me.” 

You step closer again, tilting your head and guiding his chin so he’s looking at you again. “Never thought I would hear the word “apologize” come out of your mouth, Joel.” You joke lightly, letting your hand slide slightly to cradle the side of his face. 

Joel leans into your touch, unthinking. It felt to him like he had done it a thousand times before. He closes his eyes, remembering Sarah, remembering how it felt to have another person love you for yourself, a wife, a family. He remembered losing everything. He couldn't lose you, too.

You watch him melt into your touch, and something inside of you breaks. Any anger you had towards him during this exchange dissipates, and you step forward, pressing a sweet kiss to his lips. He opens his eyes to look at you and you smile, turning back around to continue walking. 

This time, hand in hand. 

#joel miller #joel x reader #tlou fanfiction #joel miller angst #joel miller x f!reader #angst #hidden feelings #confession #angst trope

[shewrites7]

Drunken Nights and Pinky Promises

steve harrington x fem!reader

summary - Your boyfriend of two months is getting on your last nerves, and your best friend Steve’s too. Steve can’t stand him, and you’re beginning to realize that neither can you, for reasons you don’t think you’re brave enough to admit—at least not without some alcohol. Luckily for you, Steve’s set on dragging you to a party with plenty of it.

type - one shot

word count [9.2k]

tags: Steve Harrington x f!reader, childhood best friends to lovers, heartbreak, “he’s not good enough for you”, a high school party, hurt comfort, secret pining, jealousy, pinky promises and an almost kiss. (no specific mention of appearance, race, etc.)

warnings: underage drinking, swearing

"Come on," you urged your boyfriend from over the phone, neck aching with how long you'd been on a call with him. During your snack break at work, nonetheless. "You know that's not what I said."

Danny, your boyfriend, was taking up a tone with you over the phone that would have you hanging up if it were anybody else. But this was Danny. You'd been dating him for two months now, and he was the only boy you'd ever seen manage to win over your parents. Well, other than Steve, that is.

You still didn't know how he'd managed to do it, but whatever Steve had done to get your parents to like him so much was the exact reason why he's managed to hold the position of your best friend for all these years, rather than just a few weeks. By then, your parents usually chase off anybody they think isn't good enough for their daughter's company.

But with him, they'd invited him to your house practically every day, too many sleepovers to count. Nights spent under blanket forts with eyes threatening to close from the heaviness of fatigue, pinkies interlocking as you swapped promises with each other you still hadn't broken to this day, where you worked at Family Video with your best friend practically every day, replacing sleepovers with quick goodnight's as he dropped you off in front of your house after a long midnight shift. It was tiring, but you wouldn't have it any other way.

The boy in question, Steve, was finishing up organizing the register from next to you behind the counter. Although seemingly focused on counting cash, it became increasingly difficult for him to focus on the task at hand as he listened to you argue with your boyfriend over the phone. It became near impossible when you decided to leave the phone lying on the counter face up so you could begin working again and keep talking on the phone all at once, walking back and forth behind the counter as your boyfriend's voice disrupted any silence that'd once existed in Family Video. Steve annoyingly acknowledged in his mind with a roll of his eyes that his voice sounded like nails on a chalkboard. It was a wonder to him how you put up with the boy for more than a minute at a time.

"I already told you," you said, your voice distant and occupied with organizing the horror films shelf. "Keith has been grumpier than ever, Danny. I can't just skip work to go to some random junior's party."

"It's not a random junior's party," argued Danny stubbornly. "If you went to more of my games, you'd know that this party is to celebrate Hawkins High's third official win of the season!"

Steve almost couldn't hold back a snort as he worked, not being able to help from eavesdropping.

You slapped your hands against your legs, turning towards the phone on the counter with a glare as if the boy on the other line could see you. "You know I go to all the basketball games I can! It isn't my fault I have to work all the time."

You could hear Danny scoff. "You spend more time at that damn job than you do with me."

Steve could see your frustration from where he sat, your cheeks flushing and fists clenching. God, this guy was a piece of work.

You shook your head to yourself. "You know I can't help it."

A rich, humorless laugh came from the phone. "Yeah, especially not when that Harrington is waiting for you at your job, right?"

Your cheeks flushed even more at your boyfriend's accusation, and you couldn't tell whether it was from anger or embarrassment.

It seemed as if you'd only now noticed Steve's presence in the room, looking at him guiltily like he'd caught you doing something criminal. Trying not to seem like he heard the conversation being shared from across the store, as impossible as it may be, Steve's eyes snapped back to the register and away from you, not wanting to further your embarrassment. It didn't take a genius, though, to know that your best friend had heard every word of your argument with Danny. An argument that you finally decided you'd had enough of.

"Danny, I'm not doing this right now." You stomped towards the counter, trying your best not to notice the clearly fake look of disinterest on Steve's face as he counted the same two dollars distractedly.

"You don't want to do anything anymore!"

Knowing that this conversation could go around in circles for hours more if you didn't end it soon, you picked up the phone once again.

"Danny, I'm really sorry, but I have to go."

You numbed yourself as his voice continued to shout anyway through the phone, loud enough that you were sure Steve could still hear him. But you had to get back to work, whether your boyfriend liked it or not. No longer listening to his muffled words, you bid him goodbye, promised to call him later, and hung up the phone for good.

Danny's voice rang through your mind, even after you hung up on him, but the silence of the store throbbed against your head almost painfully, the combination giving you a headache that was sure to stay with you for plenty more hours. All you wanted to do was head to bed early, but you were sure to be stuck working at the store until late into the night.

You turned to Steve who, though he still hadn't moved from his clearly artificial position of hunching over the register, you could tell was dying to say something. At the sound of your throat clearing, Steve looked up at you with a frustratingly superior look in his eyes.

"Oh, stop that," you spat sourly at him. He shrugged with feigned innocence.

"I wasn't going to say anything."

You squinted at his disbelievingly at his tone. "Sure you weren't."

You knew of the pile of words that were on the tip of his tongue, but you honestly weren't in the mood to hear what he had to say. Every time he talked about Danny, it was like trying to stop a train in its tracks. It was no secret how he felt about your boyfriend, his rants about him proving just how much he disliked him. Worst of all, deep down, you couldn't help but think that he was right about everything he said.

"Alright, Steve," you said tiredly. "Let it out."

Steve swirled in his stool, but you kept speaking, your mouth moving a mile a minute with frustration that you knew you were aiming at the wrong boy.

"Tell me how much of a basket case Danny is. Remind me how much of an idiot he is. Describe to me all of the ways you'd like to shut him up. I won't interrupt this time. I'm ready for it." You knew that was a lie—you were never ready for it.

"I just," Steve rubbed his chin, trying to add some casualty to his words. "I just think Danny is ..."

You gestured for him to continue.

"I just think he's more of a talker than he is, you know, a listener." He paused, letting you soak in his words. "I mean, when's the last time you had a conversation that didn't feel like you were talking to a wall?"

Even if he wasn't completely serious, you had to admit to yourself that Steve spoke the truth; speaking to Danny was like talking to a wall.

"And," he continued, "don't even get me started on that basketball bullshit. 'You don't want to do anything anymore'," Steve mocked your boyfriend's voice in a whiny tone. "It's like he's never worked a day in his life! Probably hasn't though, we all know what his house looks like from the parties he used to throw all the time. Not a very understanding dude."

He was right. Everything Steve was saying was right. But that didn't change the fact your blood always seemed to boil whenever Steve talked about a guy you were with, as if they were so absurdly idiotic that you had to be brainless to ever have dated them in the first place. You distracted yourself by organizing the contents of the drawer behind the counter, feverishly rearranging pens in a way that only ever seemed to make you more frustrated.

"Alright Steve, I-"

"It's always complaints with him." Steve didn't seem to hear you. "You'd think he was a middle-schooler with the way he whines. Scratch that, younger than a middle-schooler. Even Dustin never whines that much."

Steve was on a roll now. "And Jesus, that phone call... his voice is painful. I bet he loves the sound of his own voice. Never listens to anybody. Hey, remember when he got you that rose perfume for your birthday? You hate the smell of roses. Your face when he gave you that was priceless."

The blood rushing past your ears was practically all you could focus on as you held a pen in your hands, threatening to snap. You never really knew why Steve's words always had this effect on you. Sure, it could've been because he was almost always spot on about Danny. But when Steve would look into your eyes after telling you all the things he hates about your boyfriend, telling you that you could do so much better than him, that voice nagging you in the back of your mind wanted to yell out "Who? Who could I do better with?" Yet, you didn't want him to answer that question. You didn't know if your heart could take whatever he might say.

It felt to you like Steve talked for minutes more before stopping, noticing the way you gripped the pen in your hands like it was your lifeline.

"Woah, hey there," he cooed, gingerly taking the pen from your hands, concern lacing his voice and drawing his brows together. "You alright babe?"

Babe. No, no you weren't.

"You know, maybe Danny was right about one thing." You were snapped out of spiraling thoughts at Steve's admission of something you'd never thought he'd say.

"And what would that be?" You asked as you placed all the pens back into their proper spots again with a strained breath, slightly not believing him.

"That you need to get out more, have more fun."

You couldn't help but scoff. "And since when do you agree with anything Danny has to say?"

"Since I saw you trying to squeeze the life out of that pen just now." Steve popped a stick of gum in his mouth from his pocket, enjoying this too much. "I can't disagree about you working too much. You throw yourself into work like your life depends on it. This is Family Video, for God's sake. You can spare to ditch a few shifts."

You shook your head at him. "You have a lot of wise words for someone who used to wear a sailor cap to make a living."

Steve guffawed at your smirk, brown eyes gleaming up at you from his seat behind the register. "Well, you should be thanking this wise guy, cause he's the same guy who's gonna be taking you out partying tonight, whether you like it or not."

You stopped in your tracks, blinking. Steve threw an arm around your shoulder, loving your reaction and the alarmed look on your face.

"You heard me, partying. I'm sure you've heard of it. It's the thing most people do when they want to have some fun, you know, dancing, drinks, the occasional-"

You slap a hand over Steve's mouth to stop his poking fun at you. "Okay, you can stop now, Harrington."

Removing your hand from Steve's face, he prayed to God that you didn't think anything of the warmth of his cheeks when you touched his face in that way. He really had to get himself under control, he thought.

"So, I'll pick you up at your place tonight?" Steve asked, noticing the way you glanced down at your watch anxiously, always worrying about work and never yourself. He took your hand in his, drawing your attention away from your watch-bearing wrist.

"Hey," he said, eyes staring up into yours once more. "I'm serious. Don't forget to have a little fun once and a while. It can't all be work work work."

You looked down at you and Steve's hands, marveling at how his large ones completely cocooned yours in between. You shook your head. "You're forgetting we both fight monsters on a monthly basis."

Steve let out an amused breath. "Yeah, well, even the Ghostbusters had to catch a break every once and a while, right?" You squinted.

"I don't remember them ever partying."

Steve shook his head at your ability to always have a comeback ready. He gave your hand a squeeze, a suggestive smirk playing on his lips with a tilt of his head.

"Well, maybe we can be the first."

"You're overthinking this." Steve spoke the words into his phone for what seemed like the hundredth time as he drove to your house. Yes, that was probably a safety hazard, but he'd never been a stickler for the rules anyway. It seemed to him that the risks of leaving you alone to yourself to get ready for a party were higher than those that came with talking on the phone while driving, even at night. Your distressed tone from the other end made that all too clear.

"No, I'm just thinking rationally, Harrington," you reasoned back, your words mushed together as you applied red color to your lips. Steve wasn't the only one multitasking. "Who's gonna cover our shifts for us while we're out partying?"

"Don't worry about that, I've got it handled," placated Steve. What he wasn't saying, though, was that going to this party would cost him four nights' worth of extra shifts at Family Video, courtesy of Keith himself. To Steve, that was a small price to pay to finally get you to have some well-needed fun. He'd do practically anything to see your smile.

"Well, are you almost ready? I'm almost at your place."

Looking in the mirror, you began to panic. Were you almost ready? You had no idea what "ready" entailed for a party like this. One with way too many people packed into some teenager you didn't even know's house, loud music, and most definitely alcohol.

"Uh, yea. Almost ready." You fluffed up your hair in your vanity mirror just a bit before rushing to your closet, cellphone tucked in between your shoulder and neck.

"It doesn't sound much like it," teased Steve, turning the corner onto your street that he knew so well.

"Nope," came your wavering voice as you struggled to put your shoe on your foot, hopping up and down for balance. "I'm ready."

Steve put his car in park in front of your house, noticing the lights on inside your infamously pink-walled bedroom through your window. "Well, great! Cause I'm walking up to your door right now."

You almost tripped over your own feet, nervously laughing with poorly executed casualness. "You-you are?"

"Yep," said Steve chipperly into the phone. He climbed the two steps to your front door with a smug look on his face, peaking through the windows to try and see any sign of his best friend, his suspicion of your lie growing. "Not seeing you, though."

"Oh, don't you worry, Harrington," you assured with feigned confidence, finally hopping down the stairs, phone in hand still. "I'm all ready."

You finally reached the door, swinging it open assuredly, barely stable on your feet after rushing to get downstairs. You were greeted by Steve standing in your doorway, hands in pockets as he stared at his feet.

When he looked up, his smug look was wiped off his face in the blink of an eye. He couldn't possibly form enough thoughts to have any kind of expression other than awe at the view in front of him.

He took in your dress, a color that complimented your skin so perfectly it was like a watercolor painting, your flushed cheeks and slightly parted red lips, hair that was disheveled just enough to make you look effortlessly beautiful. He had to stop himself from reaching up and tucking a fallen piece behind your jeweled ear.

He hadn't said anything, but he didn't trust himself enough just to say anything just yet.

"Hey," you greeted, chest rising and falling with each heavy breath that your body took in from running down the stairs in those shoes. "'Told you I was ready."

He gulped, his throat ran dry. "Yeah, you, uh" Words, Steve. Words. "You look great." He could've smacked himself right then and there. Your painted lips tugged upwards in a warm smile.

"Thanks, Harrington." You scanned him over too, taking in his better quality jeans and nicely-fitting jacket. You nudged him in the arm. "You don't clean up too bad yourself."

Steve couldn't help but get lost in his thoughts for a beat too long before remembering you both still had a party to drive to. He snapped himself back into reality, back to sanity and security.

"Shall we leave?" He asked gesturing to his BMW and holding an arm out to you, to which you smiled fondly, taking his arm in yours.

"We shall."

The drive to the party felt longer than you would've liked, and the car felt warmer to you than it probably should've. Work wasn't the only reason you didn't go to a lot of parties. You'd always steered clear of them if you could and going to one now didn't feel any easier.

Steve, of course, noticed your weird behavior and rested a comforting hand on your knee for half of the drive there. You couldn't exactly say if that was making the temperature in the car feel any lower.

By the time you got there, Steve was parking down the block from the house that was clearly holding the party. You could hear the loud music booming from it even from houses away, your hands a sweaty mess. It was like the bass of the music beat in time with the thumping in your chest. You were surprised your leg shaking up and down didn't distract Steve from his driving a single time. He looked over at you, arm still resting on your knee.

"You ready to go in?" Steve looked at you with hopeful eyes.

"Would you let me stay in the car if I told you no?" Rolling his eyes, Steve gave an extra squeeze of your knee in comfort.

"Don't stress so much." He took your pinky in his, reminding you of how you used to do when you were young and stress-free. How you missed those times in a moment like this. "This'll be fun, I promise."

As much as you wanted to believe Steve, you couldn't help but let your nerves wash over you, them staying with you as he exited the car and opened your door for you, offering a hand for you to grab onto. You took it, praying he didn't comment on your sweaty palms even if you knew inside that he would never.

You both walked up to the house arm to arm, the music already loud enough for you to make out a Duran Duran tune coming from inside the house. The familiar scent of Steve's cologne helped soothe the whirlwind of thoughts inside your brain but made you realize just how much more party experience he had than you did. God, you did not want to be clinging to him the whole night in fear.

Steve could tell you were entering that nervous spiral of thoughts again and turned to you before you reached the door.

"Hey," he said softly, hands resting on your shoulders. "Get outside of that busy head of yours." His hands slid down the sides of your exposed arms. His touch mixed with the chill in the air sent a shiver up your body that you fought to keep down as you stood in front of him."C'mon. Let's head inside." He took your hand in his, taking the lead.

When you walked inside, the music struck your eardrums so loudly that you felt the vibrations in your chest, along with the smell of alcohol in your nostrils. Steve seemed unfazed by it all, looking down at you with an adorably wide grin. It was hard to forget, Steve wasn't just plain old Steve, cashier at Family Video, protector of twelve-year-olds, and official chauffeur. He was "King Steve." Even if he matured wildly from how he used to be, he was still used to all this. Parties like these were practically his element. You did the best impression of a smile you could, and it must have satisfied him enough to have him dragging you off further into the crowd of people.

You couldn't see much in the swarm of people dancing and yelling, red plastic cups in their hands with mysterious drinks you didn't want to know the contents of inside. The home the party was being hosted at was large enough to fit at least two or three of your own home inside. You made a bet that everyone at Hawkins High could fit inside this house, maybe even just the first floor. Of course, this did nothing to soothe your nerves.

It wasn't long before Steve found some people he knew, booming voices yelling "Harrington!" over the music. He went over to greet them, still holding onto your hand as he did. You recognized one of them as Mitch, a kid he used to play basketball with, but couldn't put a name to any of the other faces. They didn't pay you much attention as they conversed, only sparing glances at you that strayed too far South for your liking. Soon, talk of beer pong arose and Steve turned to you right away, leaning down a bit to hear you over the noise of the party.

"You okay by yourself?"

You wanted to say no, to stay within the comfort of Steve and let him keep you close to his side, keeping him selfishly for you and only you. But you could tell Steve wanted to play and, knowing him, he'd stay here next to you all night if you asked him to. It wasn't fair to keep Steve from going off with his friends and having fun just because you were a little nervous at a high school party. You smiled up at him.

"Yea, I'll be fine." You squeezed his arm and had to swallow down your intrusive thoughts of how firm his bicep was. "Go have fun."

The brunette looking down at you smiled his contagious smile again and left a kiss on your forehead before letting himself be dragged off by his friends. A kiss that left your cheeks warm and face feeling fuzzy. And before you knew it, Steve was out of sight and you were standing alone at a stranger's party.

A couple of minutes went by before you came to the conclusion that standing against the wall like a loner wasn't keeping up your end of the bargain with Steve. You promised him you'd try to have fun, let loose a little. You could only imagine all the things he'd say to you right now if he was still next to you. You couldn't tell if trying to socialize would make this any more fun for you, but you didn't really have a choice soon because someone was knocking into you from behind, almost spilling their drink on you.

"Shit, my bad," came a deep voice. When he fully turned around, you recognized him as one of Danny's friends, Scott. He stumbled into you, bracing himself with a hand over your head against the wall, too close for comfort. You could smell the alcohol on him.

"It's alright..." you said, taking a step away for some distance. He only just seemed to recognize you and a look took over his face that you couldn't read clearly in the dark lighting.

"Hey," he blurted. "Didn't Dan say you couldn't make it tonight?"

You shrugged. "I managed to get off of work. Thought it'd be nice to surprise him." You were surprised at how fast the lie came to your lips. You'd almost forgotten Danny would be here. Now, you couldn't help but wonder what he would say if he saw that you'd decided to show up with Steve as your escort.

Scott let out a gurgled sound under his breath that sounded like a laugh. "Oh, he'll be surprised." He looked around before turning back to you. "Want a drink?"

You shook your head, looking around too to see what was so funny. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary. "Have you seen Danny anywhere?"

"Nope." He smiled. "I'll bet he's looking for you right now. You should go find him."

You didn't like the feeling that caught in your stomach as you looked at Scott's grin, but you brushed it aside for something spurred by all the alcohol in his system.

"Thanks, I will."

He saluted you off and laughed to himself some more, strolling away into the crowd and downing some more of his drink. Maybe it was the smell of alcohol around you and the lack of open space, but the sick feeling in your stomach was refusing to be pushed down. You decided to try and see if you could find something to drink that was nonalcoholic. A glass of water had never seemed so nice.

People crowded around every inch of space in the house, elbows pushing into you as you made your way through the jumble of bodies partying in the living room. The center of the room came into view, decorated with expensive-looking furniture and a coffee table covered with empty cups. And there, laying on one of the couches was your boyfriend. You got a closer look, and suddenly you wished you hadn't. You'd found him and you hadn't even looked for him. Now, you wished you never had.

He wasn't the only body laying on the couch. It may have been dark, but it was light enough for you to take in every square inch of the scene before you, one that had you recoiling, almost stumbling back.

Danny had his face pressed into some girl's, his body laying flushed underneath her's. You'd never seen her before, light hair coiled in curls that brushed against your boyfriend's face. He was so completely enamored by the random girl on top of him that he didn't even notice his girlfriend standing a few feet away from him, absolutely shattered.

"Danny?" you called, ashamed of how your voice broke almost immediately. It wasn't even him who noticed you first, but the girl on top of him. She broke away from their heated kiss and looked up at you with a look of disinterest, shaking the shoulder of the boy underneath her and gesturing to you.

He craned his neck from his position to look at you, eyes taking you in as if he had to scan his brain on who you were. When he did, he scrambled to push the girl off of him and stand up next to the couch, the girl scoffing and walking to another guy carelessly as if realizing what was going on and deciding the drama was too much for her. Danny's sloppy appearance, his undone collar, and messy hair, showing signs of someone running their hands through it, made you green with disgust.

"Babe," he said, readjusting his shirt with a pathetic attempt at a casual smile. "I thought you weren't coming." He took his turn at scanning over my appearance too, eyes stopping a beat too long at my chest. "You look hot." Bile rose in your throat with disgust. You had no desire to thank him.

"I managed to get away from work and thought it'd be a nice surprise if I came, Danny." You shook your head, mad that you could feel your eyes water. "Turns out I'm the one who got a surprise."

People started to stop their conversations and look at the two of you, prying eyes making you even more unsettled. Danny took a step closer to you, but you couldn't tell if it was genuine or just an act. You couldn't tell what was real now.

"Look, Babe," he held out hands in front of him, almost as if he was trying to reach for you. You could smell the alcohol on him from where you stood. The last thing in the world that you wanted was for him to be trying to comfort you right now. He reached out and touched your arm, but you pulled back sharply.

"Don't touch me. And don't call me that."

You could tell that took a swing at his ever-swelling ego. His eyes were cold beneath the mask he was wearing like he was angry at you for your reaction, for doing it in front of all these people. Like he didn't understand your anger.

"Don't make this a big deal," he said, with a glance at the crowd like he expected them to agree with him.

It really was like talking to a wall.

"'Make this a big deal?'" You yelled exasperatedly. "Are you serious right now?" You were ashamed of how you knew you looked right then, on the verge of tears and about to break down right in front of all these people. Danny knew you didn't handle crowds like this well, but that didn't seem to stop him.

"You're always giving me bullshit excuses when I ask to hang out. Did you really expect me to wait around for you to stop being boring?"

It felt like his words were darts and you were the dart board. You didn't know if you had it in you to shout back another argument. You just wanted to leave this stupid party.

You shook your head, taking one last look last look at the boy you thought had been your boyfriend before you began stalking off. You didn't get far.

"Don't pretend like you haven't done the same with Harrington before!"

His shouted words had your blood boiling in a way that had you turning right back around, a wave of fiery anger bringing your palm up to hit Danny right on the side of his face with enough force to have his head whip right to the side. Some people in the crowd gasped, some clearly enjoying this like it was their own personal soap opera. It only made the ringing in your ears louder as you involuntarily tried to block everything out.

"Keep his name out of your fucking mouth." You pushed the palm of your hand to his chest, sending him stumbling a few feet backward. "I hope I never have to hear your voice again."

This time, you made sure you put enough distance between you and him so that you wouldn't hear any of his scathing, drunk remarks anymore. Enough distance so that he couldn't see the way your features shook with the effort of holding back a sob. People danced all around you as you hurriedly tried to be anywhere but next to Danny, swaying hips and not a care in the world. Meanwhile, you felt like the air around you was swallowing you whole.

You passed by the front door, the frame of it calling to you to give you the fresh air your lungs needed greatly. But you couldn't leave without Steve and you had no idea where he was. Yet, the idea of going back to partying like he'd wanted you to seemed near impossible now.

You didn't know what had come over you, but when you passed by a table with every inch of its surface covered in red cups filled with brown liquid, they didn't seem as unappealing to you as they had just fifteen minutes ago. You knew you shouldn't, but when you felt the sting of your palm from the slap you'd given Danny just a moment ago, you used that same hand to grab a cup and bring its contents to your lips.

You hated the power some stupid boy had over you. You wanted to drown out every thought of him that was stored in the contents of your mind. The alcohol burned when it reached the back of your mouth, and you had to scrunch your features together just to get it down. But when you found yourself coming back for a second cup, then a third, it wasn't the taste that had you downing each cup with a wince. It was the way every image of Danny's face softened and blurred in your mind into a swirl of shapes the more you drank. You were addicted to the feeling. Or maybe, the fact that it took away any feeling.

You didn't know how much you'd drank, but you did know that you couldn't help the way your body danced to the music blasting in your ears, or the way you lost track of time. You hadn't even registered the people you were next to, dancing right by them and joining the crowd of people you'd vowed you could never learn to be comfortable around, so unfazed by the party scene.

You felt yourself bump right into a firm body, one that sent you swaying backward on your feet a bit. The feeling of hands coming up to grip the sides of your arms in a firm but comforting hold was oh so familiar. You couldn't make out the crisp edges of the face above you that you should've been able to, but it was impossible for you to miss the way their cologne swarmed around you in a comforting cocoon, and how your first instinct was to lean closer to them, to let your limbs that felt too heavy to hold up be held against him.

"Babe," he called. It was the same name that Danny had called you, making your head pound and your heart sting. But coming from this mouth, it replaced that sting with a slightly warmer feeling.

"Stevie?" you called softly, letting a grin lazily come over you as you looked up at this person that you'd know anywhere. You wanted him to smile back at you, but a frown was evident on his face from what you could see, brows pulled together and eyes scanning over you as if he was checking for signs of harm on some fragile object. Your words slurred together. "Whatsamatter?" His frown only deepened.

"Are ... Are you drunk or something?"

You frowned. "What?" You looked at him amusedly but Steve didn't return the sentiment. "Pfft." A giggle came out from your lips as you raised your hands to his face, pushing the corners of his lips upward in a way that warped his mouth into an obscure-looking smile. "C'mon Stevie, smile. We're at a party, not a funeral." You threw your hands up into the air whimsically. "Don't you just love parties?"

Steve shook his head and the crease between his brows only got deeper. "Holy shit, you are drunk. This really isn't what I meant by 'let loose'." He looked at you confusedly. "This isn't like you, what's going on?"

Something inside you began to curl up and threaten to come up to the surface. Something you only wanted to keep pushed down. You dropped your arms. "Why don't you ask Danny?"

Even if you didn't mean to, you spat out his name like the word was venomous. Steve could've read that you were upset even if you hadn't said his name like that. He always could read you better than anyone else.

"What the hell happened with Danny?"

You didn't want to talk about it. For too many reasons. "Like I said, ask him." You breathily laughed, but it didn't feel happy like a laugh should. "Better yet, ask his girlfriend."

Steve looked at you quizzically, frustrated that he couldn't solve this puzzle so easily. But he had a bad feeling creeping up in his gut. "What are you talking about? You're his girlfriend."

"Really?" you said, your tone loopy and wild even if you felt anything but, deep inside. The alcohol helped hide that. "I could've sworn it was that bimbo on the couch with him just a few minutes ago." You scratched your head, still tipsy, if you could even call it that. "Or maybe it was a few hours ago. Hey, what time is it?"

Steve stopped in his tracks, ignoring your question as he visibly tensed.

"Crap," he ran a hand through his hair stressfully. "Are you saying that dick cheated on you?"

You shrugged. You didn't feel like saying the words. Something in Steve's eyes changed. A muscle in his jaw ticked and he shook his head, muttering to himself.

"I'm gonna kill him."

You knew Steve wasn't a violent person, but he's never been the type to back down from a fight he thought was rightful. You could run through the times he's come home with a black eye before, whether from dumb fights in school or run-ins with evil Russians. Either way, you didn't want to find out if he was serious or not.

You took his clenched fist into your hands. "Hey," you said softly. But suddenly it was hard for you to balance by yourself, and you fell into Steve's chest. It was like your limbs were liquid. "I-I don't feel so good."

Steve's demeanor changed instantly, and he quickly put aside thoughts of your asshole ex-boyfriend as he held you softly, like you could break in his hands any second. He let out a breath above from where your head was pressed against his chest that sounded like a laugh. "Yea, maybe it's cause you had like how many cups of beer?"

You thought for a second, but you couldn't even think of an answer. "I don't remember."

Steve sighed like a mother and moved you so that you were pressed into his side with an arm thrown over his shoulder. Then he started to walk with slow steps that used too much of your effort for it to be normal.

"C'mon, there you go," he said, encouraging you. The close proximity of his face to yours made you even dizzier. You felt your eyes flicker to his lips, but you had enough sanity still in you to draw them away to the rest of his face, taking in his soft features. He was so pretty. Steve coughed suddenly.

"I'm ... pretty?" he asked, the tips of his ears tinting pink in an adorable way as he kept walking with you in his arms. Crap.

"Did I say that out loud?" you laughed, slightly stumbling over your own feet. Steve caught you in no time, of course, arms wrapping around you tighter. That did nothing to make your face turn less red. You thanked God it was dark.

"You must be drunk out of your mind." Steve looked like he was thinking about something and then shook his head, chasing a thought away. You wanted to ask what was going on in his head at the moment, but you'd run out of passes for how many times you could make a fool of yourself tonight, so you decided to keep quiet as Steve dragged you to a staircase at the end of the hall.

With slow, agonizingly slow, steps, you made it up the stairs to a bathroom more secluded from the rest of the party. Steve turned on the lights and shut the door behind you, the bright lights an attack on your senses that had you pressing your head into Steve's chest with a groan. He softly laughed from above you with a few pats on your back.

"I think I'm gonna be sick."

His hand stopped in its tracks and he pulled you away from him, hands on your shoulders. "And that, my friend, is why we're in the bathroom." He gestured towards the toilet. "Behold."

You groaned again, head leaning back into his shoulder. "Gross." You liked to believe that you had enough dignity left in you to not be vomiting in the toilet at a high school party. Then, you practically threw yourself towards the toilet like your life depended on it, retching as the last hour came pouring out of you. Forget dignity.

Steve moved to hold your hair up as you threw up into the toilet, hands soft and gentle. You didn't need to turn around to know he was probably wincing and holding back laughter.

It felt like your insides were burning as your stomach emptied itself. For a second, you thought it had finished, both hands braced on the sides of the porcelain seat as you breathed heavily.

"You done?" Steve asked softly from behind you. "See, that wasn't all that-"

His comforting words were cut off as you retched back into the toilet bowl. Your throat ached and your eyes watered. You were miserable. The whole time, Steve rubbed comforting circles into your back. And when your body finally felt like it had rid itself of all the alcohol you'd drank, you slumped back against the wall tiredly, not even able to hold your own head up.

Steve flushed the toilet for you and sat down against the sink, across from where you sat. Your feet touched with the lack of room, both leaning back. You wanted to burry yourself in the sheets of your bed and never come out. You sighed.

"That was definitely a low point in my life." Steve waved a hand dismissively like he hadn't just gotten a glimpse at the contents of your stomach.

"Throwing up in the toilet is a partying right of passage," he comforted. He breathed out a sound like a laugh. "Same with the awful hangover you'll get in the morning."

You groaned, head falling into your hands. "I am an idiot."

You closed your eyes as you buried yourself further into your hands, taking shelter in the dark. Even if you were technically still drunk, sobriety hit you like a truck, everything having to do with Danny coming back to you in a crashing wave of memories. The image of him underneath that girl. His words, how he'd called you boring. How he'd shown no sign of regret for what he's done.

Tears pricked your eyes, sneaking up on you when you hadn't wanted them there in the first place. All night, you'd held back tears, but never actually cried, cried like you're supposed to after a breakup. After being cheated on. But now, in the shelter of the bathroom without so many prying eyes, it was like your body decided for you that now was the time.

Were you really crying because of Danny? You'd never really felt attached to him in the way a girlfriend should and, obviously, he hadn't been too attached to you either. Somehow, that didn't soothe the ache in your chest any less. It didn't stop your eyes from watering, silent tears slipping down silently. Didn't stop a sob from then making its way from deep in your chest to the edge of your lips, echoing loudly in the bathroom, loud enough that Steve could most definitely hear. He moved to sit closer to you.

"Woah, hey," came his soft voice. A hand gingerly rested on your forearm, comforting you. "What's the matter?"

You peaked up at him from behind your hands, still crying. He took one look at your teary eyes and what had happened only just over an hour ago must have hit him. His eyes look apologetic but never judging.

"Sorry, dumb question."

You wanted to laugh at him, but you didn't know if that would trigger another wave of vomiting. Instead, you just let more tears fall.

The only sounds in the bathroom were your sobs and sniffling from your runny nose, the soft shuffle of Steve rubbing your arm comfortingly, and the dim music coming from downstairs. You could faintly hear Pat Benatar's Heartbreaker playing loudly. How ironic.

"You're not an idiot."

Steve's voice echoed through the bathroom, disrupting the melancholy silence. You finally brought your head out from in your arms and leaned back against the wall again, but tears still fell onto your cheeks.

"Well, I sure feel like one..." your bottom lip shook as you spoke. "How could I not have seen it?" Your head moved from side to side, ashamed. "With all the parties he goes to without me, who knows how many more times he's done this? How many more girls he's been with?"

"Don't think like that," Steve said, trying to cut in. You were too carried away wallowing in your own thoughts to listen.

"He's always been a crappy boyfriend to me. Always. I just didn't want to admit it because ... because of too many reasons. It's my fault for not ending it sooner, for letting him treat me like shit for so long just because I didn't have the tits to tell him he was a jerk to his face. It's my fault for-"

"Stop it." Steve couldn't stand to listen to you blame yourself any longer. He couldn't listen to you tear yourself up over a boy who had treated you so badly. He figured Danny was downstairs right now partying the night away without a care for who he'd hurt. He wanted to hurt him back, badly. But there was no way he would let you out of sight for a moment, not when you were shaken up over this boy who'd driven you to drown yourself in alcohol just to forget about how much he'd hurt you.

His voice took a tone stern enough to cut into your ranting and have you listening to what he had to say. "He may have been a jerk, but you're not an idiot. And it's not your fault. None of this is. It's not, okay?"

His eyes pierced yours, a deep earthy brown that made your stomach churn from the intensity they were taking up and had you feeling guilty for speaking so badly of yourself. Steve could do that. You nodded slowly.

"Now," he said, holding out his pinky finger. "When we leave this bathroom and go home for the night, I need you to promise me you're not gonna keep on blaming yourself for this happening. Because it's not your fault, understand?"

Your lips trembled, but your heart swelled with how much you loved the boy in front of you. You took his pinky in yours, squeezing lightly.

"I promise."

He nodded, satisfied. "Okay good. Now, I want you to tell me that I'm the best friend a girl could ever have, got it?"

With the serious look that Steve still had in his eyes as you look at him, you couldn't help but smile.

"Yes. You, Steve Harrington, are the best friend a girl could ever have." Thinking about the words, you realized how true they are. "You really are ... thank you for doing all this, for not running away when I almost threw up on you." You snorted. "I don't know what I'd do without you." He flapped his hand out.

"Alright, alright. Enough thanking, I'm the best, I know."

You laughed at his antics, and there it was. That smile he'd taken overtime at work just to see. The smile that hit him like a truck every time, the one that made his knees weak and his head dizzy. The smile he'd pay anything in the world to have a lifetime's supply of. He smiled back.

"And, for the record," Steve said, voice dreamy with thoughts of you. "I don't know what I'd do without you either."

A comfortable silence overtook you and Steve for a moment. You were already feeling a thousand times better, but it took effort to keep the smile on your face. Steve could see how your eyes still held a sadness in them that he knew wouldn't leave you for at least a little while, and all he wanted to do was reach out, wipe the tears off of your cheeks and tell you how amazing you were. Considering you for a second, something in Steve's stare softened. He cleared his throat.

"Hey, um, you know how I told you that you looked great when I picked you up earlier?"

You blinked, leaving your thoughts behind and having no idea where your best friend could possibly be going with this. Either way, you nodded slowly, hesitantly. Steve chewed on his lip, a habit you knew he'd had since you were little.

"Yea, well, I didn't mean really mean to say that." Your jaw slacked.

"Steve what-"

"Wait, crap, that wasn't what I meant." He ran a hand through his hair, which had an extra amount of product in it for the occasion. He really wanted to get this right.

"What I really meant was that," he ran his tongue over his bottom lip like he was nervous, "that you look more than great. Stunning. That you look like the most beautiful girl I've ever seen. I just ... I didn't know how to put it into words right then and there. I still don't." His eyes raked over you, and you couldn't believe how much love they held as they raked over your runny-mascara-wearing, still slightly nauseous, hardly sober state. "Even now. You'll always look stunning to me."

You felt your heartbeat speed up from inside your chest. Had he always looked at you like that? Like he was so deeply entranced by you? Like you held all the answers to the world's secrets inside of you?

You didn't know exactly what to say, where this was coming from. You looked at him deeply, trying to figure out just that. Instead, you let your eyes wander to each inch of his face, one that you've known for years and should've been fully acquainted with. But, you couldn't help but think, had Steve's eyes always shimmered so brightly? Did his hair always look so soft? His lips so pink? God, how could someone look so angelic in bathroom lighting?

"I don't know how you can say that with how I must look right now," you commented with a soft smile, suddenly insecure. You went to brush a piece of your hair back, but Steve caught your hand tenderly in his own.

"You look beautiful." A blush spread through your face and Steve's heart fluttered at the sight. "You're beautiful." He didn't know where this sudden surge of confidence was coming from, but he didn't want to let the moment pass.

You couldn't figure it out either, what had made him suddenly want to tell you all this. Deep inside you, you hoped that the reason was the same one that had you blushing under his gaze. The same reason you'd always felt a connection to him, one stronger than any other best friends you'd known. There was a reason your parents, as strict as they were, always kept Steve around. Did they see something more?

A feeling of hopefulness swelled deep in your chest. Hopfuless and curiosity.

"Steve," you asked quietly. He hummed in response. You were still close, Steve still holding your hand in his. You could count his lashes and the beauty marks on his face. You took a breath in.

"Is there any reason why you're telling me all this?"

Steve's features were unmoving, everything but his eyes that seemed to dilate and swirl like pools of chocolate and honey. He slightly shook his head as his lips tried to form an answer.

"Because I think you need to hear it."

His answer was sweet, so genuine that you ached because you knew Steve was too good for you, too good for this world. But your heart still ached for another answer, one that you were too scared to voice yourself. But, when else would the opportunity come?

"Are you sure there's no other reason?"

Steve looked at you, eyes trying to read yours with a sense of desperation strong enough to have the corners of his eyes creasing. Did he understand what you were asking? He gave your wrist a squeeze, like he was looking for the courage to answer from the very point where your bodies met.

"No," he said. "I'm not sure." He interlaced the fingers of both your hands. "I just," he tucked his bottom lip beneath his top nervously. "I don't know if you'd want to hear the other reason."

Your heartbeat was fast enough that you were sure he could hear it. Could feel it, pulsing from your chest to the hands that he held. You were both pouring your hearts out with hidden messages and disguised confessions. You hoped with all of your heart that Steve meant what you thought he did.

"I think," you squeezed his hand, "I think I do want to hear the other reason. I think I really, really do."

Steve leaned forward so that your foreheads met. It reminded you of nights spent together as kids, pinky promises, and shared secrets. This secret would be the biggest of them all.

"I'm just scared that the reason might scare you off. That ... that it might not be what you want to hear. That it isn't what you think it is."

As you stared into his eyes with your own, you realized you hadn't been more sure of anything else in your life. Even if it was cliche, even if you both probably should've stopped doing this years ago, you held up your pinky finger. "Trust me, it's what I want to hear."

Steve noticed your finger, meekly held out in the air waiting for a response. Even if the tradition was old, too old, he raised his pinky and interlocked it with yours. He grinned.

"Okay good, 'cause I don't know how much longer I could've hidden it." He looked down at your interlocked fingers, and then back at you. "You're not just my best friend. You haven't been, for too long for me to admit." He gripped your hand in his, interlocked hands and pinky fingers squeezing. "You're the girl I fell in love with."

Your heart swelled. "And you, Steve Harrington," you breathed, "are the boy that I fell in love with. Hard. And I've truly been an idiot for trying to keep that a secret."

Steve smiled, an adorable gleam in his eye.

"What'd I tell you about calling yourself an idiot?" You grinned back.

"Well, that's one pinky promise I might have to break."

You both laughed with love-filled smiles, and when your heads came closer together, an explosion of emotions melted into every inch of your body. Somehow, the distance never closed. You were about to frown, but Steve rested his head on yours again.

"I want this, so bad that it hurts. Trust me." He fondly smiled down at you, brushing a piece of hair out of your face to behind your ear. "You don't know how long I've thought about this moment. How many times I've imagined it. Which is why, I'd prefer if we were both completely sober when I kiss my best friend for the first time. I want us both to remember every detail." He laughed softly under his breath. "And maybe not nauseous. That'd help."

You wanted to be upset, but then you broke out into a fit of laughter, eyes squinting enough so hard that you couldn't even see Steve's relieved and laughing face. He wrapped his arms around you, holding you in his arms as you both laughed warmly to each other on the floor of a stranger's bathroom.

You were sure you smelled of alcohol and nausea, but it didn't matter. Nothing seemed to, anymore. You knew, just knew, that this is where you want to be. Right here, in the arms of Steve, the boy you fell for, hard. You could promise it.

#steve harrington #steve harrington x reader #steve harrington x you #stranger things #steve harrington imagine #steve harrington one shot #stranger things 4 #childhood best friends to lovers #childhood best friends #friends to lovers #friends to more #love confessions #partying #drunk confessions #jealousy #hidden feelings #fluff #comfort #slight angst #pinky promises

[hummingbird-of-light]

Another old Scones snippet of mine, based on Into Darkness.

#star trek #fanfiction #montgomery scott #leonard mccoy #scones #james t kirk #hidden feelings #into darkness

[luciferslilith7]

I write and write, but will I ever be able to experience my own words?

#dark academia #chaotic academia #spilled ink #spilled thoughts #academia #classic academia #spilled writing #writing #writers of tumblr #booklr #bookworm #hopeless romantic #unrequited feelings #hidden feelings #my pen fell for him #rambles #2 am thoughts #sudden emotions #why do I feel so emotional

[mythicalmisery]

Detective AU Pt. 1 : GhostxSoap

Soap wanted to scream. Three hours into overtime and they still hadn’t come up with anything damning. Precinct 141 was assigned The Gravedigger case only a month ago but the constant berating from the press had the higher-ups putting immense pressure on them to crack the case. The bastard just had to choose their district as his dumping grounds. Ten bodies in three months. The killer was precise, intelligent, and damn near aggravating.

For weeks, he and his partner, Ghost, had been tirelessly working past hours, pouring over evidence, following leads, and interviewing witnesses. But every piece of information seemed to lead them down a dead end. The two detectives found themselves once again alone in the dimly lit precinct late at night, surrounded by a sea of files and evidence boards. Exhaustion had etched lines on their faces. Soap’s diet had steadily consisted of just coffee and energy drinks the past few days.

Soap ran a hand through his unruly and grown-out mohawk, frustration evident in the way his fingers clenched. "We're missing something, Ghost," he muttered, his voice edged with ire. "There has to be a connection we're not seeing.”

Ghost nodded in agreement, his brown eyes fixed on the evidence board. His unreadable expression a stark contrast to Soap's visible weariness. “Aye, it's like the bastard is always one step ahead of us,” he grunted out.

Soap huffed as he took in his partner's words. He ran his hands down his face, scratching along his grown-out 5 o’clock shadow. God, he needed a shower and a shave. He just wanted to solve the case and get some fucking rest for once. He couldn’t remember the last time he had a shag or went out with friends. All his free time was spent in this god-forsaken building. 

Soap decided to go over the surveillance videos for the tenth time, trying to find something he might have missed before. His frustration quickly transformed into a false sense of determination. He caught himself glancing over at his partner every few minutes. The man's brows were furrowed in concentration as he looked over some forensic papers. He had his pen resting between his lips, slightly chewing on the cap. Soap couldn’t tear his eyes away from the other's mouth. His tongue darted out every once in a while to push the cap back into place. 

The action had heat crawling up his neck and dusting his cheeks a nice pink as he thought of that tongue wrapped ar— NO. Snap out of it Soap, he scolded himself. He felt like a bloody teenager again with his out of control hormones. God, had it really been that long since he got laid?

There was something about Ghost that had always captivated him – his intensity, his unwavering focus, the way he carried himself. The vast plains of pure muscle that made up the man may have also played a factor. Soap had kept his feelings in check, buried beneath layers of professionalism and camaraderie. But as the warring feelings of frustration and exhaustion settled in, his resolve began to crack. He desperately needed a release. 

Ghost glanced up, catching Soap's intense gaze. "You okay, Soap?”

Fuck. Soap’s heart skipped a beat, and he nodded, his voice slightly unsteady. "Yeah, just… tired.”

Ghost offered a small, understanding smile. "We'll figure this out and catch the son of a bitch, we always do… I’m gonna grab another coffee, I’d offer you some but I think you need cut off mate,” he quipped as he stood up from his desk.

“Yer probably right about that” Soap muttered back, focusing entirely on the other man's ass as it walked away from him. The way his black pants sinfully hugged his thighs should be illegal. What the hell am I doing? He shook his head and rolled his shoulders, scolding himself for looking at his partner like a piece of meat. 

“You need some bloody help mate” he mumbled to himself with a heavy sigh. 

“What was that?” Ghost questioned as he sat down in his chair with the fresh cup of coffee in hand.

Shit. 

“Nothing mate, just mumbling to myself. Guess the sleep deprivation is finally catching up to me,” he huffed out in a poor attempt to try and save his ass. 

Ghost simply nodded and took a sip of his coffee, a drop running down his pale chin. He absentmindedly took his thumb and slid it across the area to catch the drop, sliding the appendage into his mouth and sucking off the liquid. Soap's brain short-circuited. The only sign he was still alive was the blood rushing into his lower region and the twitch in his pants. Fuck it. He was gonna see how far he could push Ghost, worst-case scenario he gets knocked out. Maybe then he could catch up on some much needed sleep. 

"Hey, Ghost," Soap said, his words coming out in a rush. 

Ghost looked up, his brow furrowing slightly. “Yeah?"

Soap hesitated for a moment, his heart racing. “You seeing anybody at the moment?”

Ghost raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “Now why would that interest you, Johnny?”

Soap tried his best to suppress the shiver that wracked his body at the way his name sounded in that gravelly, low voice. His lips quirked into a mischievous grin. “Just curious is all, you never mentioned having to get back to anyone all these late nights,” Soap gradually pointed out as he rounded the corner of their conjoined desks. Now standing in front of the evidence board with his arms crossed and back to his partner. 

“Yeah, I guess not. Maybe that makes you the closest thing to me seeing anyone at the moment,” he teased.

He couldn’t see the ever-returning blush now encompassing his partner's face at the joke. “Aye, if only you were to be so lucky ya bastard,” Soap managed to get out, feigning offense. 

“I truly would be lucky, wouldn’t I?” Ghost said. 

Soap turned around at that, not quite sure he heard the man correctly. “W-What?”

Ghost stood up from his seat slowly, crowding the other man as he leaned into his space. His eyes never leaving his. “That’s what you want to hear right? Why else the sudden curiosity if I was seeing anyone?” The man responded without an ounce of that teasing tone from before.

“I - I…” Soap spluttered. His mind not able to function in the moment. 

“Don’t get coy on me now detective. Tell me why it would matter if I was single or not. Go on, be a good lad,” the man rasped out. Soap hadn’t realized that during this whole interaction, he had been subconsciously inching closer to the wall. He was trapped. 

Soap cleared his throat, his voice a little husky. "Ghost, I…” his gaze flicked up to the man standing before him. Oh yeah, he was about to die.

He took a deep breath, his heart pounding against his ribcage. "I... I like you, Ghost. More than just a partner. More than just a friend." Soap's voice trembled slightly, but he held Ghost's gaze, his heart laid bare.

Ghost's response was a silence that stretched on for what felt like an eternity. Soap's heart sank, his confession hanging in the air like a fragile thread. His eyes closed, bracing for the inevitable punch he was sure to receive. 

Then, without warning, Ghost moved. In an instant, Soap found himself pressed against the wall, Ghost's lips crashing down on his own. The kiss was fierce and messy, a collision of pent-up emotions that had been building between them. Soap's heart raced as his hands found their way to Ghost's broad shoulders, fingers gripping onto the fabric of his shirt.

For the sake of oxygen, they finally pulled away. Ghost's eyes were blazing, his expression a mixture of heat and pure hunger. Soap felt like he was about to collapse, but he held Ghost's gaze, his apprehension tempered by desperate need. Did that actually just happen?

"I've been waiting for you to say that," Ghost admitted, his voice rough and slightly winded after the lack of air. He leaned his head down into Soap's neck, lips brushing the shell of his ear. “Now, what do you want me to do about that?” he whispered. 

Soap's breath hitched as his mind went blank at the statement. Only one thing pushing through the dying embers of conscious thought. 

“I want you to fuck me, Ghost.”

Pt. 2

#part 2 coming soon #ghostsoap #ghostxsoap #simon ghost riley #john soap mactavish #call of duty #call of duty modern warfare #detective au #hidden feelings #my writing

[hopefullywritingahit]

Hey! :D So I had this idea for an request, but I was not sure who to send it to, so I asked @heroes-villains-side-blog for help, and they recommended you✨

Here is the request, if you are interested :3

So, Hero has been kidnapped by Supervillain (who is known for being big and scary) and so since know one else seems willing to do anything about it, Villain decides to save Hero themself.

Only, plot twist!

After sneaking into Supervillain’s base and being caught. Supervillain is revealed to have taken Hero to save them from Superhero’s abuse. Revealing that Supervillain is actually a scary looking softie, who just did not want to see Hero hurt any more.

First off - I would love to say thank you so much!! Way too flattered at all of this. Oh my goodness. Secondly - I am SO Sorry that it took so long for me to crank this out! I can't believe it's been 3 months. I have been in a mean slump and (as what happens more often than I'd like to admit) I would have all the ideas when I was out and about or working and as soon as I sat down to write it was gone. BUT! With no more explanations or excuses I hope this is what you were looking for and you enjoy :)

Villain stared at the 7 o’clock news with frustration. Hero was kidnapped. By Supervillain. On LIVE TV! Three days ago. And no one’s done anything about it. Villain bolted up and stormed to the back room. If no one was going to do anything about it, they’d rescue Hero themselves. 

Supervillain was notorious for his ruthlessness, ability to get anything from anyone, and his specialization with weapons and gadgets. Villain could see the scars on him well enough that he didn’t doubt that Supervillain knew the best ways to draw out tortures. Two days was more than enough time for the Hero Association to get their shit together and bring back Hero. Three days was ridiculous. Everyone knew where Supervillian’s lair was - it was their worst kept secret because no one would be stupid enough to break in or storm the place. No one could actually take down Supervillain - but sneaking in to rescue an abandoned Hero? Now that could be done. 

–

That apparently could not be done.

Villain hung in the air, sufficiently bound from one of Supervillain’s trips. They definitely should have planned better. They knew the gist of the layout. Was certain Hero would probably be in a lower level. Did not expect the window they tried sneak in through to be booby trapped!

One limb through and in less than two seconds, they had been hurled through the air and coles wrapped around their body so tight they couldn’t move their arms or legs an inch. It was humiliating. 

Villain didn’t have long before the door burst open as guards poured in. Supervillain followed with a casual stroll. At 6’4” Supervillain was practically at eye level with Villain as he hung upside down, suspended from the ceiling. Villain couldn’t bring himself to say anything. He knew he was caught and there was no way out of it. Maybe if Supervillain took him and captured him, he could find Hero and get them out of there. 

Supervillain grabbed Villain by the ropes and swung them closer. Villain could feel their heart racing, their breath hitched feeling the cool mint breath on his face. Supervillain unleashed a horrifying smile, and with that look in their eye it could only spell trouble for Villain.

“Well, well, well.” Supervillain chuckled as he pulled Villain closer. “And what do we have here? A little mouse in a trap?” Villain refused to say anything. Everything they thought of at their apartment was left on the other side of that window. Supervillain looked disappointed. “Nothing to say, mousey?”

Villain still refused to say anything. Supervillain let go of the ropes around Villain and let them swing. “That’s fine. We can just let you swing here.” Supervillain turned to go, leaving Villain swinging in the room.

“Well you didn’t really ask me a question, did you?” Villain said, quirking their eyebrow. They had no idea how they were getting out of here in one piece. 

Supervillain chuckled - Villain hoped that meant something good. “So what are you doing here, Villain.” That definitely wasn’t good. How did Supervillain know their name? They were a mid-ranking nobody who definitely should not have been on their radar. 

Villain had at least stopped swinging but now they were starting to spin which honestly felt worse. “You’ve got something I want and I’m here to take it.”

That definitely made Supervillain and his henchmen laugh. “And how do you think you’re going to do that?”

Villain tried to feel in their pocket, but it was no use. There was no way getting out of these knots or this trap. “I’ll figure that out.”

Villain had finally turned back to face Supervillain who was looking extremely amused. Villain rolled their eyes. Movement caught their eye just past Supervillain. They couldn’t believe their eyes - there was Hero! Not locked up. Not in chains. Not being tortured or beaten. But roaming free and eating an apple and looking at Villain, strung up and spinning in this mostly empty room. 

Villains eyes went wide - “Hero!”

Hero froze mid-bite. Supervillain looked panicked and spun around. “Hero!” If Villain didn’t know any better, they could have sworn there was a hitch in Supervillain’s voice. “Didn’t you hear the alarms? You really should be in your room.”

“You’re room?!” Villain exclaimed. They started spinning faster in their panic. “Hero! Are you fucking crashing here? I have been worried fucking sick about you and you’re just meadering around here with your own room! I cannot beli-” They crashed to the ground as the rope was released and dropped them from the ceiling. 

Everything hurt. They were absolutely furious and everything hurt. They looked over to see Hero standing on the side of the room, having pulled the leaver, still chewing their apple. “Really?!” Villain glared at Hero.

Hero grinned and shrugged at them. “What are you doing here Villain?” Villain was flabbergasted. “We barely even know one another. I honestly didn’t think you’d notice.”

Villain sat up at that as best they could. “Didn’t think I’d notice? Really Hero? I’ve known you for the past two years. We may not have had a lot of heart-to-heart. We may fight 90% of the times that we see one another. But did you really think I wouldn’t notice or care that you were kidnapped?” Villain looked around trying to hold in their tears. “I have been waiting for your shitty little association to tell us that they rescued you from Supervillain and that you were back home safe and sound. And every day that there was no news and every day that it seemed like no one was going to do anything about it I’ve been worried fucking sick.”

Hero was taken aback. They would have never expected their fond nemesis would have cared enough to notice they were “missing” much less come try and rescue them. They didn’t know what to say. 

Villain continued, “I thought we’d been honest with each other. I’ve told you shit about me that I haven’t told anyone. I -” The tears could no longer be contained as they trailed down Villain’s cheeks. They took a deep breath in an attempt to stop their trembling and tried looking anywhere but Hero. At Supervillain who looked genuinely confused and at a loss. At their henchmen who at least had the decency to look uncomfortable. At the boxes on the metal shelving they barely had a chance to notice when they first moved through the window. “I guess it doesn’t matter. Supervillain - do whatever. I’m done.”

“You two know each other?” Supervillain asked Hero in a quiet tone. Hero looked down and around, trying to avoid the other’s eye. “Everyone out.”

A sense of relief filled the room as Supervillain’s henchmen fled the room and closed the door. 

“I never…” Hero started, but couldn’t bring themselves to finish. 

Supervillain looked between Hero and Villain and sighed. He started untying Villain. “Here’s what’s going to happen,” Supervillain said. Villain opened their mouth to say something, but was instantly silenced with a look from Supervillain. “We are going to sit down and see what the hell you are doing here,” he leaned in close, peppermint wafting over Villain’s face, and whispered, “I think we both know who you were here for.” Louder, so Hero could hear, he continued “Then, you’re going to tell me what you know about what’s been going on.” Supervillain turned to Hero, “And then, you two are going to tell me what your relationship is and we’ll go from there.” 

Villain looked somewhat guilty. “Yeah, I came to rescue Hero. I saw you kidnap them on the news.” Villain looked to Hero who also had the decency to look guilty. “What was that about Hero? Why’d you make everyone think that Supervillain kidnapped you? They caught it on Live TV, or was that all part of the ruse?”

Hero looked down, playing with the applecore. “No, Villain. No ruse.” they spoke so quiet Villain almost didn’t catch it. 

Supervillain put their hand on Hero’s shoulder. Villain never thought they’d see this side of Supervillain. Didn’t realize he even had this side. “You don’t have to tell them if you don’t want to.” Villain felt very lost. Sitting in Supervillain’s base with Hero looking so guilty and Supervillain…comforting Hero? 

Villain stood up. “Hero, as long as you’re okay it’s all that matters. I’ll just…get going.” They turned and headed to the door. 

Hero sighed, “Villain, please stay. I didn’t realize…but I’m okay with telling you.” Villain turned to Hero. Supervillain leaned against the wall behind Hero as some silent statue. Villain nodded in an attempt to encourage Hero to continue without pushing them.

“Supervillain did technically kidnap me. They saw my uh…training with Superhero and got me out of there.”

Villain looked at Supervillain and back to Hero. “Training? What kind of training?” They could see Supervillain tense and clench their fists behind Hero. 

Hero looked down, shaking his head and shrugged. “It was…you know…just training for fights.” Hero crossed their arms and sighed. They couldn’t bring themselves to look at Villain. To look at them while admitting what happened would absolutely make them burst into tears and they just couldn’t do that. “It got pretty bad a few days back and Supervillain saw it and got me out. As for why no one’s come from the Agency for me I can only imagine they’re hoping that Supervillain does me in cause they know they can’t beat him. And maybe they’re hoping that he broke into the agency for me for who knows what.”  Villain stood there absolutely taken aback. They suppose they shouldn’t have been too surprised. Superhero definitely wasn’t known for their leniency, but they doubted there wasn’t anyone in the city that would have thought they would take things out on their own. Villain looked at Supervillain who nodded. “Hero. Stop me if you want,” Villain said as they closed the distance between themselves and Hero and embraced them. Hero froze at first before relaxing and returning the hug. Villain whispered to them, “I am so sorry.” Those words was all it took for Hero to break down into tears. Supervillain slipped out once it was clear that Villain wasn’t a threat, closing the door behind himself as quiet as he could.

#villain x hero #hero x villain #hero x supervillain #tw: suggested abuse #my writing #much angst #hidden feelings

[mishtay]

My eyes find you {crush x reader}

Key:

Y/n: your name

C/n: crush name

F/n: friend name

A/f/n: another friend name

C/c/n: class clown name

A/n

Yooo I'm back cuz I got a new crush and there is a possibility he likes me and this happened in class so :)

Y/n was bored.

The geography teacher kept talking about how winds and sea breeze affected the temperature of the climate and it took so much willpower for her to stay awake.

Her eyes drifted to the back of the class where C/n sat, and it was so normal for her that she didn't realize she was staring at him till they suddenly made eye contact.

Flustered, she trained her gaze on her textbook, her heart beating out of her chest.

"F/n, can you check if C/n is looking at me?" She asked her friend.

F/n smirked at her but listened to her friends request.

"Yep." Her friend said and Y/n could practically hear  the teasing tone in her voice.

Her breathing faltered as her friend informed her that he stopped.

She looked over at him through her eyelashes and smiled as he raised his hand at a question the teacher asked.

Nerd she thought adoringly.

......

The national anthem blared through the class speakers as everyone stood up to pay their respects.

Y/n was giggling at a joke her friend said when the familiar anthem stopped and everyone started packing up.

As she was fitting everything in her book (or trying to) A/f/n came up to her.

"Hey Y/n, C/n was staring at you the entire time the national anthem was playing?"

"WHAT" She screeched, then realized where she was and lowered her volume.

"Are you sure it was me?" She asked.

"Bro of course it was you, im sure." A/f/n confirmed, lips pulled into a teasing smile.

"Oh we talking about Y/n's crush?" F/n came over.

"No!" Y/n said at the same time A/f/n said "yes!"

"Hmm, no wonder she's blushing?" F/n said and then lowered her voice, "he was staring at you during English period too. Also when C/c/n made a dirty joke, I saw him look at you for your reaction."

Y/n blinked, not quite believing her ears.

Just then the bell rang and everyone ran out of class to catch their bus, leaving Y/n with a flush to her cheeks and confusing thoughts.

#crush x reader #classroom!crush #friend!crush #reader insert #boy crush #fanfic #fluffy #lovers #they love each other #hidden feelings #a/n #based on real life #crush #male crush #male!crush x female!reader #female!reader #male!crush #tom hiddelston loki #taylor swift #marvel #bucky barnes x reader

[hrefna-the-raven]

The devil you (suddenly) don't know

Masterlist - BG3 masterlist

Part 1 - Part 3 - Part 4

Words:501

Warnings: smutty stuff mentioned but technically no actual smut, at least not in the usual amount

Summary: You're having doubts on what happened between Raphael and you. Raphael seems to have his very own issues with the feelings he's harbouring for you.

Raphael reclined on his bed, his legs casually apart and his gaze fixed on the ceiling, lost in deep in his own thoughts. Haarlep eagerly dragged his tongue from Raphael's chest downwards, teasingly twirling it around the tip of the semi-hard cock.

"My, oh my", the incubus chuckled, "is my dear master preoccupied?", giving the devil's cock frustratingly slow lick.

Raphael hummed absentmindedly, closing his eyes in a futile attempt to block out the world around him, desperately seeking the solace and structure his troubled mind craved since the discussion he had with you.

"I didn't think it possible but here you are, being even less interested and reactive than usual", Haarlep continued shamelessly, "not even able to get it up this time."

"You contemptuous creature!", Raphael spat as he hurled the incubus aside and on the bed, his hands closing around Haarlep's throat, squeezing tightly with a vengeful intensity, "don't forget your place, slave!"

Haarlep's eyes were glowing for a brief moment before the corners of his mouth twisted into a vicious smirk causing Raphael to loosen the hold on his throat.

"It's all about her, isn't it?" he croaked, his voice still hoarse from the choking yet carrying a subtle trace of mischief, "maybe I should take her form then, to please you more, master."

Raphael remained silent, simply waving his hand to dismiss Haarlep. If he had to deal a minute longer with this insufferable incubus, he would surely end up flaying him or worse. He would never confess that Haarlep was correct in this matter, not in front of him, nor anyone else. He was the offspring of Mephistopheles, a cambion fueled by grand aspirations and a reputation to uphold and this was Hell after all. In this realm, he couldn't afford to possess or exhibit emotions - love included. Revealing even the slightest hint of vulnerability would subject him to ridicule, exile, and ultimately, death. A defeated sigh escaped his lips as his hand wandered down, gently stroking his length, closing his eyes in a shameful attempt to experience that kiss once more. You might truly be the death of him.

The eerie silence of the mausoleum hung heavy in the air as you fought through its dimly lit corridors, facing justicar avengers on your way to the Orthon while constantly feeling the weight of your companions' scrutinising stares piercing you.

When Raphael brought you back, they bombarded you with questions, seeking answers that you weren't sure you were ready to give.

You found yourself wrestling with your very own doubts, awash with conflicting emotions. The charming but usually self-absorbed cambion's actions had left you questioning everything you thought you knew about him. Were Raphael's feelings genuine or were they merely a ploy to manipulate you further? Or did you just imagine the hint of a tender gaze and the subtle trace of concern in his voice? The weight of uncertainty pressed upon your chest, making it difficult to focus on the task at hand.

#baldur's gate 3 #bg3 #raphael #raphael bg3 #raphael x reader #hidden feelings #almost love confession #raphael tries to hide his feelings #haarlep #haarlep x raphael #dangerous teasing #almost smut

[beautifuldreamlandwonderland]

𝙳𝚛𝚒𝚟𝚎 (𝙷𝚊𝚛𝚛𝚢 𝚂𝚝𝚢𝚕𝚎𝚜 𝚡 𝙶𝙽! 𝚁𝚎𝚊𝚍𝚎𝚛)

Quick Summery: As Harry was driving you home from a party, you two were in a pretty heated argument, the hidden feelings you both hiding only adding more gasoline to the fire, until the words finally spill from his lips, and something you both found each of you had been anticipating for. 

Warnings: None

Reader Key: (Y/N) = Your Name (Y/E/C) = Your Eye Color 

Adding Notes: Collage is made by me and I found all the images off of Pinterest! This imagine is inspired by the song Drive by Halsey <3

"𝑨𝒍𝒍 𝒘𝒆 𝒅𝒐 𝒊𝒔 𝒅𝒓𝒊𝒗𝒆...𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒘𝒆 𝒅𝒐 𝒊𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒌 𝒂𝒃𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒇𝒆𝒆𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒘𝒆 𝒉𝒊𝒅𝒆..."

“Because, Harry,” You said through gritted teeth as you looked out the car window, staring at the sunset behind you that reflected off the glass. “I’m sick and tired of you making me question my what-if’s and you getting involved in my business that I didn’t ask you to get involved in.”

Harry rolled his eyes at your statement, gripping the wheel tighter as he stared ahead at the empty freeway, feeling more annoyance seep through him at the realization that you had at least another twenty minutes of road ahead of you.  

“You know what your problem is, (Y/N)?” Harry laughed and shook his head as he took a quick glance at you.

You ignored him, keeping your eyes out the window, your vision becoming slightly blurry as tears began to form.

“What your issue is is that you can never, and I mean never admit when you’re wrong.” He turned his head slightly to your direction. “And, just like in your words, I’m sick and tired of it.“

Currently, you and Harry were in an argument over what happened at the party you two had left a little over ten minutes ago. You tried to avoid argument, but as always, you and Harry couldn’t help yourselves. At the party, it was a congratulation from Harry and your friends on him finishing the movie, Don’t Worry Darling and his success. Really, it was your idea, but you wouldn’t tell him that. 

But anyways, what happened was some random guy that one of your friends brought as their date was getting a bit too cozy with, much to not only your discomfort, but Harry’s as well as he watched from across the room. Eventually, he had enough as soon as the man placed his hands on you, casually strolling over and telling him off in front of everyone.

You weren’t mad at him for what he did, you were mad at him because he intervened on something you didn’t ask him to. This wasn’t a rare occurrence either.

Eventually you let the tears fall silently. You squeezed your (Y/E/C) eyes shut, deciding to roll the window down to get some fresh air, feeling the cool wind blow through your hair and dry the tears on your cheeks, you let out a breath you didn’t even know you were holding.

It was only silence now between you and Harry, him glancing at you every few seconds. He let out a sigh as he came to a red light, but instead of waiting in front of it, he took a turn and drove into the parking lot of an older looking gift shop on the side of the road, his car being the only car in the lot.

You wiped your cheeks quickly before turning his direction, furrowing your brows in confusion. “What are we doing here?”

Harry clicked his seatbelt off before turning in your direction, looking down at his lap. “Listen-” He began, but you interrupted him.

“I don’t want to listen, Harry. I want to go home, and that’s all I’m asking you to do. You hear me asking you to interject in my life?” You snapped. “Yeah, didn’t think so. Please just take me home.”

As your crossed your arms and turned you head to keep your gaze away from him, he didn’t snap at you back, nor did he look at you. You half expected him to throw another small tantrum, call you a stubborn child and speed off down the road once again to get you out of his car as quickly as possible. But he didn’t. Only kept his eyes on his hands in his lap that played with his rings.

“I’m sorry, alright?” He said suddenly, leaning his head back against the car seat, releasing another sigh. “But you know what I’m sick of the most?” He asked calmly.

You scoffed, before tears ran down your cheeks again. You took off your seatbelt and swung the car door open, slamming it behind you as you walked away on the gravel in front of a few trees, crossing your arms as you sniffed and stared at the ground.

You heard the car door shut behind you, indicating that Harry got out of the car as well, and you heard slow footsteps come up behind you, and you knew it was Harry. “I’m tired of this dumb argument Harry, god damn it!” You yelled, refusing to look him in the eye.

“(Y/N),” Harry began again, placing a hand on your shoulder softly, but you shrugged it off.

“Shut up.” You turned around and pointed a finger at his chest. “Get it over with, will you? Tell me what else I do that you’re sick and absolutely tired of. Tell me, I’d love to hear. It’s all I’ve been listening to for the past fifteen minutes. Then, take me home.” You finished, now huffing a breath, wiping your tears as you never took your eyes away from his own.

Harry stared at you for a few more moments, before he turned on his heel and walked away from you back to his yellow convertible, getting back into the drivers seat, and you scoffed again before you followed, getting back in the car as well. You both sat in silence for about two minutes, before he suddenly spoke again.

“I’m sick and tired of pretending I don’t feel anything for you.” Harry spoke slowly and softly, the words that spilled from his mouth not matching his earlier tone at all, which made you look at him with wide eyes.

“Harry, what are you talking abo-”

“You know I’m in love you, (Y/N).” He confessed, before starting the engine once again, pulling out of the parking space he was in, beginning to drive down the now dark road once again.

You stared ahead at the empty street, solitude going between the two of you, again. Moments seemed like hours, but in reality it was only another ten minutes. Eventually, he pulled in the driveway of your home, clicking on the button on the side of his door that unlocked your side, before turning the headlights off.

“You’re home.” He stated bluntly. “Call me whenever you want to talk again, but I understand if you do-”

“Would it really kill you if we kissed?”

After those words came out of your mouth, Harry slowly turned over to your direction, cupping your cheeks as he pressed his lips to yours. Butterflies exploded in your stomach, as you gripped the collar of his shirt, moving your hands up to play with the ends of his hair, making press his lips a bit harder against yours needingly.

Eventually, you both pulled away for air, as you both locked eyes with one another, breathing heavily. “You have no idea how long I’ve been wanting to do that.” He whispered, chuckling slightly.

You smiled as you both rested your foreheads against the other, you slowly stroking your thumb on his cheek. “I love you, Harry.” You whispered. “Stay the night, perhaps?” You giggled as you glanced at your house.

All Harry responded with was another kiss on the lips, one you both found you both had been waiting for. 

#harry styles #one direction #friends to lovers #harry styles x reader #harry styles x y/n #x reader #romance #celebrities #gender neutral s/o #gender neutral reader #hidden feelings #one direction imagine #harry styles imagine #drive halsey #harry styles aesthetic #harry styles x you #harry edward styles

[cresent2003]

Sandor Clegane x Princess! Reader (Yelena)

Smut warning.

Unedited.

============================

Moonlight illuminated the clearing Arya found after Sandor fought off bloodthirsty thieves that truly tore him apart when they all started to fight together.

Yelena had never seen anything so vicious yet after travelling with her betrothed's old guard for many moons.

She once was a pretty little thing who was around to please the king and now she fought for Sandor and Arya when they couldn't do it themselves.

There were good days and bad days yet she never ran or called for the king's guard.

She could hear the fire crackling as she washed and cleaned the many wounds Sandor had collected.

"Stay still," she said as she tried to get a little rock from the deep gash on his shoulder.

"Hurry it up and I might," he said.

"Is he going to be ok?" Arya asked.

"I believe he has survived worse than this.

At least that is what he says" Yelena said.

He growled as she dug out the rock.

"There.

Now I just need to do a second clean before stitching them" she said.

"Aye," he said as the cold wind blew through his knotted hair.

"Then can I help you?" Arya asked as she pointed at the cut on Yelena's side.

"I already burned it.

This dress is just dirty from it" she said.

"Oh come on.

I am a great Maester" Arya said.

Yelena smiled.

"It's not my fault only you are allowed to touch him," Arya said.

"Because she's bloody gentle girl," Sandor said.

"Arya it's been a long day.

Rest now" Yelena said.

"You know you're not my mother," Arya said.

Yelena looked at her.

"What?" she asked.

"You heard me," Arya said.

"Well, then I guess I will just chain you up like he would.

Be a little harsher" Yelena said before lunging at Arya playfully.

"I have a sword," Arya said.

"Yet you are still slow," Yelena said before picking Arya up.

"No.

You will not defeat me that quickly" Arya said.

Sandor watched them before smiling.

Yelena put Arya down.

"Will you rest now?" Yelena asked.

"Never," Arya said.

"Then I will just have to feed you milk from the poppy.

Knock you out" Yelena said softly.

"Fine," Arya said before walking to the tent Yelena made.

"You both are stupid," Sandor said.

Yelena walked to him.

"You are no better," she said before caressing his face.

She then started his stitches causing him to groan.

"You're upset," he said.

"I'm just tired.

Nothing to be alarmed about" she said.

"I've known you long enough to know you're a lying bitch" he said.

She smiled and shook her head.

"I guess I just let myself fall into a mindset that wasn't real," she said.

"Arya didn't mean to hurt you.

She's an annoying twat but a loyal one" he said.

"Her saying an obvious truth hit me harder than I expected.

Maybe it's the beliefs Joffrey filled me with or it's because it's what was expected from me before the whole kingdom wanted me dead" she said.

He turned around.

"You're not trying to say you want a damn babe.

Out here are you mad?" he said.

"Did I ask you for one?

I'm telling you what you wanted to hear" she said as she looked into his pretty brown eyes that held all his hidden pain.

"You want a babe?" he asked.

"I don't know honestly.

I now know trying to be a mother to Arya will only send her into a spiral" she said.

He took her hand.

"She's still getting over losing half her family.

She adores you sweet girl" he said.

She placed her head on his and shut her eyes.

She looked at her hand as his encapsulated it completely.

"How much longer must we do this?

Seeing you hurt kills me.

Seeing her upset kills me and I fear everyone outside us wants me dead" she said.

"A little longer.

Once we find a place empty and nowhere near any of the fucking royals we will stop running.

I promise you, sweet girl.

Now and always" he said.

Yelena looked at him before seeing something in his eyes that she hadn't seen before.

She took a soft breath in before looking at him with big bright eyes.

Her heart was pounding in her chest as she forgot Arya was only a meter away still awake.

"You know you might be the hound to everyone else but to me you are Sandor.

My Sandor" she said.

"Don't" he said.

She kissed his cheek before gasping as his lips quickly slammed into hers.

She rushed to cling to him as she tasted the wine from earlier on his lips.

He was rough as his beard scratched her skin.

She then broke away so she could take in the fresh cold air around them.

"Arya is over there.

She will hear if we go further" she said.

"Fine.

You should get some rest.

I'll stay up first and switch with you in a few hours" he said.

She looked at him as her cunt throbbed.

She wanted to be careful so that Arya didn't have to hear something so intimate.

She placed her head on his shoulder before looking up at him.

He looked down at her.

"Fuck it," she said before kissing him.

She looked at him before straddling him.

"Still worried Arya will hear?" he asked while squeezing her waist feeling her soft curves underneath her blood-stained gown.

"Yes.

Just keep me quiet" she said before kissing his neck causing him the groan at the new sensation.

He had fucked his fair share of whores but it was always get in and get out.

No passion, no love.

He wanted to please her more than he had ever wanted to please those whores.

Yelena kissed him again as his rough hands wandered under her gown touching her soft skin.

"When's the last time you've been touched by a man?" he asked.

"Was Joffrey a man?" she asked.

"Never was," he said.

"Then no," she said.

He lifted her up easily before placing her on the ground softly before grabbing a blanket.

He placed in on the ground before placing her onto it.

"I'll be gentle," he said as he took off his armour leaving him in his trousers and tunic.

She took off her gown leaving her naked on the blanket.

The cold winds caused her nipples to harden as he looked at her as if she was the most beautiful creature to ever exist.

He climbed over her before taking off his tunic revealing his strong hairy chest.

Yelena dragged her hands down his chest as he kissed her neck forgetting his injuries.

She gasped as he bit and sucked her neck leaving dark marks that showed exactly who she belonged to.

She felt his back before grasping his bicep as he dragged his clothed cock against her dripping cunt.

He groaned at the feeling before ripping off his trousers leaving them both bare.

"Sandor," she said as she became breathless.

"I know sweet girl," he said before grasping her left breast.

He then kissed down to her pelvis before ripping her legs open.

"You're mine.

You've always been mine" he said.

"All yours.

I'm all yours Sandor" she said.

He latched onto her clit causing her to cry out in pleasure.

Joffrey Had always bedded her for his own pleasure and his own need for heirs.

This was new to her and she never wanted it to stop.

She let out a soft moan as he held her hips harshly threatening to leave bruises.

Sandor looked at her as the moonlight illuminated her body causing her to look like a goddess.

"So beautiful," he said before putting a finger inside her feeling her warm walls.

He groaned as his cock throbbed.

He wanted nothing more than to be inside her but he couldn't bear to harm her.

Sandor kept simulating her bundle of nerves in any way he could while adding a second finger and then a third a few moments after leaving her screaming out.

"That's it.

Good girl.

Let everyone nearby hear you" he said as he curled his fingers.

"Sandor I feel strange.

Oh fuck" she said softly.

"You about to cum?" he asked.

She nodded before moaning loudly.

"Do it" he said as her cunt squeezed his fingers.

She felt her abdomen grow uncomfortably tight before feeling it snap leaving her a moaning mess as she threw her head back.

"That's it.

Good girl" he praised her as he helped her through her high before removing his fingers.

She laid on the blanket as her hole clenched around nothing.

He placed his arms on either side of her head before kissing her.

She moaned as she tasted her arousal on his tongue.

"Ready?" he asked.

"Yes.

Please do not tease me" she said.

He lined his cock up to her entrance collecting her arousal on his tip before pushing in causing her to whimper.

It burned as she held his arm.

He kisses her jaw as she cried out softly.

"It'll only hurt for a second," he said as he looked into her eyes.

She placed her hand on his face feeling the burnt skin.

Yelena then moaned as their hips met.

She had never felt so full.

It was as if they were made for each other as he shoved his face into the crook of her neck.

She was tight and perfect.

Sandor kissed her neck before lifting up.

"You feel incredible," he said.

"You do too," she said before moaning as he began to softly thrust.

"Sandor.

Oh god," she said.

He sped up slightly causing her head to spin.

She no longer cared what Arya heard or saw.

All she could care about was Sandor.

She felt each vein on his cock as her walls squeezed around him.

"Dont do that.

Unless you want me to last a few seconds love" he said.

She let out a shaky breath as the tip of his cock kisses her cervix with each thrust.

"You still want a babe?" he asked before groaning.

"Why?" she said.

"I'll give you one.

If you want one sweet girl" he said.

"I do.

Just promise not to leave me when you get bored" she said.

"I will never be bored of you," he said before kissing her.

The kiss was more loving than before as he continued to roll his hips.

She moaned against his lips as she felt the similar tightness.

She let out a breathy moan as the pleasure got stronger and more intense.

He sped up as his thrusts became wild and out of rhythm.

"With me," she said.

He growled as she came around his cock triggering his release.

He gripped the ground beneath Yelena as he slammed into her as his cum shot deep inside her.

He lifted her hips as he stayed still.

She looked at him before pulling him down.

She kissed him before looking into her eyes.

He then pulled out of her before carrying her into the second tent.

He laid with her before holding her close as animal fur covered them.

The next morning Yelena sat in front of a freshly lit fire as she cooked a few fish from the river nearby.

Sandor walked out of the tent in his amour again before walking to her.

"When did you catch them?" he asked.

"I woke up early to surprise you and Arya," she said.

He kissed the top of her head before walking to the horses.

She looked at him before smiling.

She had never been so happy.

Yelena continued to cook it fish before calling Arya.

Arya walked out before looking at Sandot and Yelena.

"Good morning," Yelena said.

"I know you fucked" Arya said before grabbing the last fish cooking over the fire.

Yelena froze.

"I went out to get some water and saw him on top of you.

You weren't exactly quiet either" Arya said.

"Oh god," Yelena said before covering her face.

"There was water in your bloody tent," Sandor said.

"Oh.

Sorry," Arya said.

"It's fine.

If im with child you would know anyway" Yelena said.

"You realize we are on the run?

Why would you have a babe while we're on the run?" Arya said.

Yelena looked at Arya.

"Well, when a man and a woman are in love they make children.

Should I go into more detail or are you ok with that" Yelena said.

"I know that.

I'm not stupid" Arya said.

"Then why would you bring this up?

If you knew all these things you wouldn't.

People don't talk about that.

Men do but only certain men" Yelena said.

"He's one of them," Arya said.

"Fuck off," Sandor said.

"Moving on.

Arya, I will buy you something so you don't hear alright" Yelena said.

"Fine," Arya said.

They all continued eating as Arya looked at Sandor.

"When will we know if you're with child?" Arya said.

"I'll tell you when I know.

For now, eat and leave the subject be.

You didn't even notice that I hunted so you wouldn't have to" Yelena said.

"I would have preferred pig," Arya said.

Yelena threw her fish's spine at Arya.

"Shut it and eat," Yelena said.

Arya chuckled.

No matter their upbringing or social ranks they were a family and hopefully they would be inviting one more into their chaotic clan.

#sandor clegane #game of thrones #arya stark #public smut #smut #hidden feelings #mature themes #mature #maturelanguage

[skylarmoon71]

Leonardo- Oneshot(TMNT 2014/2016)- Extra

Having the abilities you possessed did guarantee that a fall from at least 20 feet wouldn’t kill you. But it sure as hell would hurt.

“AHHHHHHHH!”

Instead of falling into the concrete, you were caught in a pair of sturdy and surprisingly tender hands. Leo looks down, still holding your bridal style.

“Are you okay?”

You blinked, nodding a bit dazed as those beautiful blue eyes stared back at you with worry.

“I’m fine…”

He visibly relaxed.

“Could ya guys stop flirting!!! This place is about to collapse!!”

Raph yelled moving past you. The creaking of the structure above confirmed his words.

“Y-You can put me down, I’m okay.” He smiles.

“I like holding you.” Leo took off in a sprint with you in his arms.

As a person who’d spent the majority of your life trying to be recognized, you were pretty independent yourself. Watching movies where the female was constantly being saved was romantic and all. But you sort of wanted a mix. So asking for help was never your biggest strength.

But right now, as Leo basically carried you like a princess out of the crumbling building, you felt like you sort of understood the appeal to an extent. Yes, being a strong heroine was magnificent in your eyes. But every once in a while, it was nice to be saved by the cliche hero.

~

“Don’t cha wish your girlfriend was hot like me, Don’t cha!!”

During the night, practicing in the dojo was always a good way to go. Your patrol had ended, and the boys had all pretty much turned in for the night. So you were free to do whatever. With earphones plugged in, you got to work. Doing a workout that Leo often carried out with his brothers. Maybe if you hadn’t been so into the music you would have noticed Leo come in. You’d only realize when you made a little twirl to move over to the punching bag. You jumped slightly, and Leo just offered a smile. You removed your earphones, cheeks flushed.

“H-How long have you been standing there?”

“A while.”

His hands were folded, and you really hoped the earth would just swallow you up, if nothing but to save you from embarrassment.

Leo walked over, and you refused to truly look at him.

“Have you been here since we got back?” You nod.

“I’m sorry, I know I should rest it’s just-”

“You feel like you’re not working as much as you can.” You’re a bit surprised. He’d nailed it.

“Yeah.”

Before he was always concerned that you were always pushing yourself trying to prove that you were stronger than everyone. He’d always tried to restrict you because he was worried. But he’d completely forgotten that it could have actually been your power growing. Expanding in a way even he didn’t truly understand.

“(Y/N), when we bench together, does it ever get exhausting?”

You weren’t sure where he was going with this, but you answered regardless.

“Truthfully..I don’t.” You looked at your hand.

“It’s weird. It’s like I’m limiting myself.”

“That’s what I thought.” He concludes.

Leo realizes that he’s partly to blame. Your body responded to pressure really well. Since naturally your body adapts to loads after a portion of time, your body was enhanced possibly ten times as much. It’s possible that your strength was beyond what he could even fully understand.

“Starting tomorrow let’s increase your load. I think I’ve had it wrong all this time. Maybe your little powerlifting competitions with Raph helped you. You might be capable of much more.” Your eyes lit up.

“A-Are you serious!!?”

He nods.

“I should have from the-”

You jumped, wrapping your hands around his neck as you hugged him. Leo jested back just a little, holding you at the sudden movement.

“Thank you Leo!”

You were beaming, and he couldn’t help but smile.

When you pulled back, he kept his hand placed lightly on your hips. The lack of distance between the both of you seems to catch up. Your excitement changes to bashfulness. He never realized just how adorable you look when you got shy. It was such a rare sight. One that seemed to become increasingly regular whenever you looked his way. He was the reason for those looks.

A thought that made him filled with warmth.

You look a bit hesitant now. Leo notices the way your eyes move from his lips, back to his gaze. Your hands slide from around his neck, down to his shoulder, and when you begin to lean in a bit cautiously, he enjoys the way you nervously nibble on your lower lip. Leo closes the distance hurriedly, and you let out a soft squeak in surprise. His hand ran over your back, and you leaned into him, holding on.

~~~

“He’s actually kind of cute.”

You were sitting in his room after a workout. Leo didn’t seem to mind you just sitting around as you worked on some assignments as he tended to his tree. Your book was laying on your lap, but you could hardly focus with him moving around every once in a while looking so freaking cute.

“Get a grip.”

You forced yourself to refocus on your work. This was ridiculous. When did you become a love struck puppy? Clenching your pencil, you did your best to try not to show how much you were swooning over the blue band leader.

“Is something wrong?”

You look up at Leo, and there’s that look again. Of subtle worry. A part of you wonders how long he’s been sending you those looks and you’ve never noticed. You rub your arm, looking to the side.

“Leo..how long have you..had feelings for me?”

He doesn’t see this coming at all. You shift on your feet, thankful that you’re in the confines of his room. Because had you been anywhere else, this would be difficult for you to address.

“I know it’s sudden. I just can’t stop thinking about it.”

“About you.”

“Have you just become aware of me?” His little smile makes your face flare up.

“D-Don’t go getting cocky!! Y-You’re still a stick in the mud!!” You retaliate.

There’s that temper again.

“Maybe it was when we first met.” He folds his arms, smiling at the memory.

“When we saw you push that dumpster ten feet across the street like it was nothing, you immediately tried to pick a fight because you thought we were muggers too. Even after you saw us, you stood your ground. I could see that you were scared, terrified, but you decided to fight back. Regardless of the outcome of that battle. Your resilience was something I’ve never really seen.”

You’re a bit in awe.

“More often than not we have to face the bad in the world. I guess a part of me needed to be reminded that we weren’t just fighting for ourselves, but for other people. You reminded me of that when you told me you wanted to be a hero. Just like us.”

Leo’s hands dropped to his side, and he moved closer.

“Every time you fought, every patrol you accompanied us on, the more I learned. Then that one night you got hurt and it scared me. I saw what could happen if you were ever discovered. So I told myself that you needed to be better. Than Raph or Donnie or Mikey. You needed to be better than me. That was the only way you would be safe.”

Tears gathered at the corner of your eyes.

“I convinced myself that it was fine if you hated me. It was alright if I became the enemy in your eyes. Because when a real one showed up, you would be ready. But I was wrong. Every time I pushed you I broke your confidence. Your spirit. I acted just like the people I was trying to protect you from and I’m sorry. I’m sorry that I ever made you feel like you didn’t belong. Like you weren’t good enough. I’m sorry (Y/N). You’re amazing. Strong, magnificent. You’re a hero. You always have been. “

More than anything, hearing those words from him are possibly all you ever wanted.

You wipe your cheek, grinning at him.

“Thank you Leo. Thank you so much!!” You run into his arms, and he holds on as you wrap your arms around his torso, holding on tight.

“You’re welcome.”

~~~

The atmosphere has calmed down a bit, and now you can't help but tease.

“So you’ve been crushing on me since we met huh. That makes sense. “ You’re now lying on his bed, and Leo laughs from his spot on the floor as he meditates.

“What about you?”

You sit up at his question.

“You had a crush on me too.” You flush at his statement.

“I-I never said that!!”

“You didn’t.”

His legs unfold, and he stands. You can feel your heart race with the slow manner in which he approaches.

“You never told me, but when I kissed you, you didn’t push me away.” He’s looking down at you with those piercing eyes.

“In fact, you pulled me closer..” His hand presses into the mattress, and your blush darkens.

“I-I was just in shock!!”

“Really?”

He leans over, and you gulp. You’re locked between the bed and his body. His knees sink into the bed, and you try to look anywhere but directly at him.

“Push me away.”

He taunts softly. Leo lowers, and you bite down on your lip when he leaves a kiss on your neck. The kisses begin to move down your neck, and you close your eyes, brows knitting as you do your best to keep in any embarrassing sounds. You lift your hands to offer another snarky comment, but they flatten on his chest. Your eyes meet slowly, and Leo doesn’t say a word, and neither do you. It’s clear to see how muscular Leo is. But seeing and feeling were completely different.

It’s crazy to think that just a few weeks ago you both were bickering like cats and dogs. Now, being this close to him has become almost as natural as breathing. There’s a bit of hesitance in your eyes. Leo notices it immediately.

“Leo..are you sure you actually like me. M-Maybe you just feel guilty because of before.” You wish you could banish the thought.

“I love you, and guilt has nothing to do with it.”

When your eyes connect this time, you appear hopeful. Leo sounds so sure.

“I know because of how we started you might doubt me, but I swear this isn’t because of guilt or some obligation. I’ve always cared about you. More than I wanted to admit to myself. That day when you looked at me, when you accused me of hating you it made me realize how ridiculous I was." His hand brushes your cheek.

“Please don’t ever doubt how I feel about you again."

You’re not sure how you managed to see such a side to Leo. As long as you’ve known him. He’s always had this serious by the book persona. No excuses, no mistakes. You both have made so many mistakes, but everything is different now.

“Can you tell me you love me again? Just..one more time..”

It’s something you never realized you loved hearing.

Leo smiles.

“I love you (Y/N).”

Even though it’s your request, your cheeks are red. Leo expects you to say some snide remark and deny the flushness in your cheeks that he’s about to tease you about. He prepares for it.

“I love you too Leo.” You’re looking right at him, and his heart gives a quick thump. His eyes widened just a fraction.

“Did she just say..”

He doesn’t finish the sentence, only leans down and kisses you.

You welcome it happily.

#tmnt leonardo #trust #confessions #hottemper #fights #understanding #mikey #leo x reader #splinter #donatello #rapheal #brother #power #crimefighters #truce #love #hidden feelings #tmnt fluff #lovestory #care

[leehopehocarat]

You make my World Freeze 💙✨💫🫂

Chapter 1 | Mr. & Mrs. Tastebuds

When one of your names is said in conversation, a beaming smile is sure to follow on each of your faces...

You and Han Jisung are best friends, soulmates, the literal Ying to each other's Yang.

But could you be more than that.....

Synopsis: Sarice had moved to Korea to continue to pursue an education at one of the best Universities there. Like any other day, she walks into the local cafe to get her regular "unique" order. When it turns out, it's not just unique to you, but to The 4th Gen Ace himself, Han Jisung; who just so happened to be standing next to her taking his order at the same time as you. From there a friendship bloomed, but other feelings trickled in that may put a thorn in her relationship with him.

Sarice and Han Jisung

When one of their names are said by the other, or by someone else in conversation, a smile that beams brighter than actual light itself appears on each of their faces.

~~

I had moved to Korea years ago to start university and begin pursuing an education in Korean History and language. Growing up in a place like NYC, discovering new cultures was a norm. But my love for learning and my naturally inquistive nature led me to being fascinated with details about any culture, and what made it unique.

So I decided after gaining a degree in Anthropology, it was time to go global. And Korea was number 1 on my list.

Now, I have been a fan of K Pop since 2NE1. CL stole my heart and I wouldn't even attempt to try to get it back from her. Then there was Shinee, Big Bang, Girls Generation, 4 Minute...... the list goes on!

As of today, my Ult Groups are Stray Kids, BTS, Ateez, and Seventeen. I found each of these groups in times in my life where I truly felt it was destiny for me to find them when I did. And for that reason, they all hold special places in my heart.

~~

It was almost the end of my first year in uni. I was honestly expecting myself to struggle a lot, but I managed to pass my classes enough to keep my A- average!

I had gotten an earlier than usual start to my day to make sure I had a bit of extra time to just sit and chill at my new found favorite cafe. It's also conveniently a block away from campus, so it's a win win for me.

I walk inside the cafe and get hit with lavender, cinnamon, and ground coffee in my nostrils. I never get tired of feeling like I'm stepping into a quaint cottage with those scents in the air. Brick walls, stained cedar wood tile floors with matching tables and chairs, and an endless rotation of tropical plants. The cafe screams comfort corner, and it's why it's become my favorite.

I make my way to the cashier and am greeted by Lisa, who always somehow manages to be the one to be at the register when I come in the cafe and place my order. But I ain't complaining, cause I swear she put's magic in the Hazelnut Cold Brews when I order them. She's around my height (5'10"), an asymmetrical bob cut with a shego green color dye, and a slim built. She has a sweet and genuine smile, cause she really loves her job and it shows.

As if by a freak accident, as I'm telling my order to Lisa, a deep but soft voice says word for word my exact same order. It legit took me a moment to realize that my voice wasn't doubled but that there was someone next to me placing their order at the same time I was.

I stare bug eyed at Lisa and I was legit frozen. My social cues went out the window as my anxiety started kicking in. Lisa flashed a reassuring smile and gently motioned her head to the side, signaling for me to turn and look at whoever it was next to me. I took a shuddered deep breathe, and slowly turned to the left to get a look at who apparently, has the same taste in food as me. It was a man. Chocolate brown frays of hair were peeking out from under a black beanie. Black/Brown boba eyes that shined like the reflection of light off a creek in spring time. Cheeks that just made me want to pinch them, they were round and looked so soft (I didn't by the way, even though I REALLY wanted to). He wore an oversized, baggy, black distressed shirt, paired with baggy, flared bottom jeans, and chunky platform converse. My eyes made their way back up to his face, and I realized who I was standing in front of.

Han FUCKING Jisung!

1/3 of 3racha, the production, rapline and Ace of Stray Kids.

I was internally screaming!!

I didn't realize how zoned out I was until a small, deep toned chuckle left his lips.

"I-I I'm sorry. I-I just didn't t-think someone would have the same taste in coffee as me." I somehow manage to get those words out my lips, and I'm mentally slapping myself on the forehead for my stupid stuttering. My eyes went straight to the floor that I wish would just swallow me up at this point.

"Well......" He says with a pause. My head shoots up to see him looking at me with the warmest smile. "That just means we have superior taste buds." He had such a reassuring look in his eyes, that it melted away any bit of embarrasment that was settling in my body. With that, a small smile appears on my face.

"Well Mr. Superior Taste Buds......" I reach my hand over to grab my order from off the counter, that was actually sitting there ready for a few minutes already. "I have a bit of time to spare and would love to hear your take on food, care to join me?" My smile widens and I give him a wink. I DON'T KNOW WHERE THE FUCK THE WINK CAME FROM, BUT A BITCH WAS BEING BOLD THAT DAY.

His eyebrows shoot up and his eyes slightly widen at my sudden showing of boldness. He was quite impressed and deep down inside thankful that she made the first move, cause his heart was RACING.

A small smirk comes across his face. Keeping eye contact with me, he reaches his hand out to pick up his order from the counter. "That would be nice, Mrs. Superior Taste Buds." He winks back at me and puts his hand out for me to grab it.

AXZVXBHEJHOESHVKJSGHR

WHAT DO YOU MEAN MRS.?!?!???!?!

With no hesitation, my hand finds it's way to his. As our palms touch, a warmth surged through my body and my cheeks felt hot. Now me being a black woman, I don't usually have a visible blush.

BUT BABY............ THIS MAN HAD ME MELTING

His thumb gently rubbed over my fingers and knuckles. "I'll take you to my favorite table to sit at." He turns towards the back of the cafe leading the way. I turn my head to quickly steal a look at Lisa who was SHOOK at what just happened in front of her eyes. "WE'RE TALKING ABOUT THIS TOMORROW" she silently mouths to me, and I give her a quick thumbs up, turning my head and my attention back to Han.

~~

From that day at the cafe to 3 years later. I'm in my last year at university and best friends with Han Jisung.

Life has been nothing short of amazing, especially with gaining 7 brothers, aka the other members of Stray Kids. If I'm not hanging out with Han, I'm on facetime with Channie as he's in the studio and I'm studying, spamming Lee Know with Cat memes, roasting red carpet celebrity looks with I.N, having a personalized gym routine made by Changbin and having him occasionally join me in working out, trading obscure recipes with Felix and trying them out together, dance practice video calls with Hyunjin, and Seungmin volunteering himself to be my tutor while he tells me random Korean history facts. Needless to say, these boys have added so much to my life. But with that, there's a burden I've been carrying the whole time.

Han being an idol has its challenges, but we've created a system that still allows us to have quality time with each other. Today is one of the days where I get to chill with him in the studio. What he doesn't know is that I've surprised him with his favorite, his go to order from the cafe that we met at, along with a slice of chocolate cheesecake.

I make my way into the JYP building and greet the different staff members I bump into on the way to the floor the studio he's in is on. I finally make it to the elevator and immediately slump against the wall, a groan of a held in sigh leaves my mouth.

I've been in love with Han Jisung since we met in that damn cafe. It's grown into an overflowing bucket that always tries to make itself known when I'm around him, but I put a lid on it.

I really did try not to fall in love as quickly as I did but..... can you blame me?!?!?!

He laughs with his whole body but makes sure to land gentle touches on me when I'm sitting next to him during one of his laughing fits.

His eyes put fairy lights to shame, when he talks about anything he's passionate about. And it's always followed by deep conversations that I adore.

And he just always knows how I'm feeling; He's fucking psychic I swear!

He knows when to hold my hand, caress my cheek and brush strands of hair out of my face.

AND DON'T GET ME STARTED ON HIS HUGS!

Time stops whenever I'm in his arms. He's my safe place.

On nights like tonight, I usually just sit in silence in the background working on assignments, while he's working on a song. Being in silence together is probably one of my favorite things I do with him. But tonight, if there is silence after my plan of pouring out my heart to him..... then I hope to God the earth actually swallows me whole this time.

~~

Hey Guys!

This is my first time writing a story like this, and I'm honestly proud of myself for taking a step into trying something new for myself.

This story was inspired by a Character AI chat I actually have for Han, lol

I accept constructive criticism but rudeness will not be tolerated!

I hope you all enjoyed the story!

TAGLIST:

@adestayskz

@semi-semiisbae

@guqsnfics

#stray kids #kpop #skz #han jisung #han jisung x reader #han jisung fanfic #original character #friendship #strangers to lovers #friends to lovers #han jisung x female reader #Han Jisung Idol #college student #University #college romance #hidden feelings

[thesugarclubs-blog]

Say You Do - Bucky Barnes x OC

warnings: tfatws-bucky, friends with hidden feelings, tension, pure fluff

word count: 8k

WP: https://www.wattpad.com/1338893019-say-you-do-jayden

Masterlist

Jayden twirled around her freshly-made cookie smelling kitchen, humming the theme song to Jurassic Park to herself as she pulled the hot baking sheet from the oven. Her blonde waves flowed freely over the shoulders of her oversized stolen grey hoodie. It was her favourite day of the week, finally. Well, sort of. Her neighbour and forced best friend had cancelled their weekly movie night the week prior and had promised to make it up to her. 

Having a superhero as a friend came with its perks and its downfalls. One was the cancellation of plans when the world needed saving. She didn’t mind and wouldn’t have it any other way, but the disappointment still crept in each time. 

She placed the still warm cookies on a white ceramic plate and slid it onto the counter next to the mountain of other snacks that she had ready, a soft smile gracing her pink lips. 

Just as she was checking that everything was ready and to Bucky's liking, hoping with everything in her that he'd be able to make it this time because she missed him, the ding of the elevator outside her door was loud enough to alert her. 

She sprung into action, hurriedly opening the door and catching the super soldier with a baby pink sticker in his hand raised and ready to place it on her door.

Jayden let her gaze wander down to his hand and the sticker that he was still holding.

"A pink hibiscus flower?" she asked with a little smile on her lips.

"Yes. It reminded me of you, so I convinced Sam that we need to go back to that shop before flying back home. He wasn’t very happy, mumbling mean things the entire time. But he’ll get over it. He always does." Bucky's eyes were fixed on the hibiscus sticker as well, a slight blush on his cheeks.

"Why did it remind you of me?" Jayden now raised her gaze and when Bucky tilted his head upwards as well, their eyes met. Something sparkled in his ocean blue ones, but she couldn't tell what it was.

"The hibiscus is a symbol of positivity, joy and cheer. Thought that was fitting." Bucky answered, his lips curling up in a shy but visible smile.

“You’ve obviously forgotten what I’m like before coffee,” she teased.

“I tried to block it out,” he rolled his eyes jokingly, both of them chuckling.

“You’re still gonna come over later, right?” Jay asked, seeing how exhausted he seemed, preparing herself for his refusal as he sighed deeply.

“I…” Bucky just couldn’t let her down, no matter how tired he was, “I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”  She smiled softly when he suddenly reached out and stuck the pink flower sticker on the tip of her nose.

"Hey, that's not where it belongs" Jay scrunched up her nose looking at the very amused Bucky in front of her. His normally stoic and no-nonsense kind of expression that seemed to be permanently etched on his face softened and a smile formed on his lips. A smile that was only reserved for a few select people and she was happy that she was one of them. Because when he smiled warmth bloomed in her heart. That smile was her own personal sunshine.

With a shrug of his shoulders, the super soldier backed a couple of steps down the hall, smirking and sparkling his ocean blue eyes at her, "You’re rarely awake when I get home, and this way it keeps its sticky-ness for when you put it in your photo album that you keep under your coffee table." 

Jayden narrowed her eyes, "Hey stop snooping around my apartment!" 

"It's not my fault you take forever in the shower, I had to amuse myself somehow while I waited for you to be ready," he quipped, resulting in the tea towel in her hand being flung at him, pulling a genuine laugh from his chest, "nice sweater by the way." 

Her tongue swiped her bottom lip as she crossed her arms over her chest with a smirk, "Thanks, I stole it from this old man that lives in the building."

Bucky tsked, opening his apartment door, "Stealing from old men... I should have you arrested."

“Would you visit me in prison?” Jayden asked, batting her eyelashes, “smuggle me in some contraband?” 

Bucky tilted his head as he thought about it, leaning in his doorway with his arms folded across his chest. The leather of his jacket pulled tight across his biceps and Jay’s gaze lingered there until Bucky clicked his tongue. 

“If you were good,” he replied with a tired but cheeky grin. He pushed off into his apartment with a wave of his hand, “I’ll be right there, don’t start without me.” 

Jayden threw him a salute, matching Bucky’s grin as he disappeared behind his closing apartment door. 

“Remember, comfy clothes or no admittance!” 

“Yeah, yeah,” she heard, followed by Bucky’s soft chuckle echoing across the hall.

"Oh and Bucky?" she now yelled in the empty hallway. His door was almost closed, but she heard it open again and his head appeared behind the door frame. She needed to chuckle, he looked like an alerted meerkat.

"Yes, my favorite sweater-stealing neighbor?" he asked before winking at her. There they were again: the butterflies in her stomach.

"I've made your favorite cookies. You know, the chocolate chip ones from my Grandma’s recipe. So make sure your sweatpants are flexible enough." she smiled at him while swirling the tea towel around so that it was resting on her left shoulder.

Bucky's eyes widened slightly and Jay saw his tongue licking over his bottom lip. This swift movement made the butterflies in her stomach flutter and she had problems ignoring the heat in her lower belly. 

"Give me 20 seconds to change. Don't eat them without me!" he responded, before disappearing into his apartment. Jay could hear loud noises from it as if he was running through the main room and bumping into some furniture.

She looked cross-eyed at the sticker that still sat on the end of her nose and huffed out a chuckle and removed it, tapping it between her finger and thumb as she went back inside and retrieved her album from under the coffee table.  She flicked through the pages, photographs of her family, her friends, and Bucky…all interspersed with stickers of all shapes and sizes, each one representing a promise kept.

Finding one of her favourite pictures of Bucky, where he scowled like the grumpiest little shit she’d ever seen, she smiled to herself before sticking the pink flower over the top of the image so it looked like he was wearing it as a hair clip.  Satisfied with her devilry, Jay headed back into the kitchen to check over the snacks one last time.

Hearing heavy footsteps in her hall, she looked up to find Bucky in a pair of gray sweatpants and a black t-shirt, his silver dog tags imprinting on the fabric from the inside. His feet were clad in a pair of green dinosaur socks that Jay had given him last Christmas which he swore to burn after Sam and her had spent 10 full minutes cackling at the expression he made when he opened his present. The man that looked so tough and hard on the outside was wearing dinosaur socks.

Jayden pursed her lips suppressing a smile, "Look at youuu in your cute little dino socks, adorable." 

She couldn't help but chuckle at how Bucky's eyes narrowed as he looked down at her bunny slipper clad feet and lifted his gaze back up with a raised brow. 

"Really Harper? Have you seen your feet?" 

"You got a problem with my bunnies, Barnes?" she challenged with a smirk. 

He raised his hands in mock defense, shaking his head with a laugh. "Me? I could never, you look adorable in them." Jayden proudly smiled and shimmied her shoulders with a giggle, "I know." 

Their friendship had stemmed from small neighbourly quips at each other in the hallway into actively bullying each other. It was one of those things that she wouldn't have accepted from anyone else besides him because they each knew that it came from a place of friendship. Sam had said a few times how they fight like an old married couple, and Peter once asked Sam if they were flirting or fighting. But that was just how their friendship was. 

Sure, on occasion Jayden had imagined what his lips felt like, or what it would be like to walk down the street holding his hand. To keep up those late night chats they had, laying next to each other in her bed. The pesky butterflies crept into her chest once more, igniting a soft smile to dance at the corners of her lips. 

"Earth to Jay, hello..." Bucky's voice pulled her out of her head and she turned her hazel eyes to meet him. "You okay?" 

"What? Yeah of course!" She chuckled nervously, shaking her head, "Can you grab the snacks from the counter? I'll get the movie set up since you can't work my TV."

“Sure thing,” Bucky smiled, “and I tried okay? Not my fault you bought the most complicated TV to exist.” 

“You literally press two buttons to get Netflix up, Buck.” 

“Two buttons too many,” Bucky grumbled. “And don’t steal my favourite blanket,” he added as he left her to the TV and moved to retrieve the snacks. 

Jayden laughed and decided not to tell him that it was a little too late for that. The knitted blanket was still laid over her bed where it had been tangled with her duvet for the past week like it always was whenever Bucky went away. 

She went to fetch it once the TV was set up, laying it neatly over the armrest on Bucky’s side of the couch and ignoring the warmth that flooded her at the thought of it holding his scent again.

"What about 'Jurassic Park'? Since you’re already wearing those cute little dino socks. Whoever gave you those really has good taste." she snickered.

Bucky rolled his eyes a little at her, before answering: "Sure. If they don't have any movies about annoying little bunnies, we can go for the dinosaurs." 

"You won't regret it, I promise. Also, the music is great. Gives me goosebumps every damn time." Jay said with a little too much excitement, making Bucky laugh when he returned with his hands full of snacks. As soon as Bucky settled next to her on the couch she placed the bowl of chips on her lap and pressed play.

"Is it even realistic? Recreating dinosaurs? From blood within a mosquito?" the brunette man asked with furrowed brows before turning to grab the plate full of chocolate chip cookies he’d set on the coffee table. 

"You tell me, Mr. Dinosaur. You're over a hundred years old and still walking around my apartment very alive. What mosquito did they use to recreate you?" Jay giggled, but she stopped the moment she saw Bucky's shoulders tensing and halting his movements. He turned his face her way, looking at her with slightly widened eyes.

"Sorry... I didn't mean it like that," she added with guilt written all over her face. 

Suddenly Bucky's face changed and he burst into laughter. Jay furrowed her eyebrows in confusion. Then she heard him hum within his laughter, "You should see your face. All concerned and sorry and that shit. I’m messing with you, little bunny. But don't call me a dinosaur again, or this old man won't share the cookies with you."

"NOT FAIR!" Jay exclaimed before showing him her best theatrically exaggerated pout.

“Anyway,” she continued, not able to hold even a pretend pout for long around him, “you’re the science nerd. Do you think they could do that?”

He sat back with the plate of cookies in hand sliding one her way. 

“I actually read something about that,” Bucky hummed.  “They’ve tried to recreate the genome of a woolly mammoth but the DNA is too old and degraded. They’d need to create an artificial womb too because an elephant’s womb isn’t close enough to…”

“Oh my God shut up already!” Jay whined in mock distress.  “My brain’s leaking out of my ears!”

"Don't be so dramatic, Harper."

Jay fake yawned right in his amused face, "You're a nerd, Barnes." 

He snatched the remote from her hand and turned up the volume.

Soon they were engulfed by the familiar melodies and Jay snuggled herself deeper into the couch.

Jayden looked Bucky's way every so often as the movie went on. Watching his reactions to them was probably her favorite part of movie night next to simply enjoying his company. 

In those moments, he wasn't the hardened shell of a man who had been ripped away from his life at twenty-eight and forced to fight and kill. He wasn't Sergeant Barnes or the Winter Soldier, he was just Bucky.

Her Bucky.

Her grumpy but incredibly sweet and selfless neighbor turned best friend.

At one point when she was watching him, that soft smile that seemed permanently plastered on her face when he was around grew on her lips once more, Bucky looked over and caught her hazel eyes. His brows furrowed and he looked over her features with confusion. 

"What?" He mumbled in the middle of a bite of one of her cookies. 

 Jayden let out a giggle and shook her head, "Nothing..." 

As he reached forward and grabbed the remote, she couldn't help her eyes as they wandered to the stretch of his t-shirt around his biceps and she didn't even notice that he'd managed to pause the movie. What was wrong with her tonight? It was never this hard to push these thoughts away. 

"Jay..." Bucky uttered quietly. 

"What?" She snapped her gaze back to his face, noting the slight concern hidden behind his ocean blue eyes. 

"Talk to me, you seem off tonight," he nudged her knee gently. 

Jayden breathed out a chuckle, "I'm not off, I'm just... happy your home, safe," her lips pulled into a straight line and she turned her eyes down as she fiddled with her fingers, "you don't usually see this part of when you get home from missions..." she admitted quietly.

Bucky huffed out a sigh beside her and Jayden wiggled a little closer, her head falling against the back of the couch. She leeched Bucky’s warmth as she pressed alongside him. 

“Talk to me, sweetheart.” 

“It just takes me a while, usually, once I see the sticker and I know you’re home… I kinda, I don’t know, fester in it. Every so often I have to remind myself that you’re just across the hall, sleeping it off and I guess having you here right now, so soon after— I’m not used to it. I’m happy you’re here… with me. And now I’m rambling— fuck sake.” 

“Hey, I like it when you ramble,” Bucky chuckled, “and I’m happy I’m here too. If it wasn’t always the middle of the night when I get home, you know this is the first place I’d come, right?” 

Jayden nodded, plastering on a smile as she rested her head on Bucky’s shoulder and grabbed the remote to press play. 

“Pass me a cookie,” she mumbled as the classic music started up again, squeezing Bucky’s arm in thanks when he handed her two and pressed a kiss to her head.

It wasn't unusual for him to kiss her on her forehead, there was even a time when he’d kissed her on the cheek, it was the first time he'd tasted her cookies. The elation lighting up his face that day as he pressed a mouth to her dimpled cheek and left a few crumbs behind as he tried to chew the cookie off was still seared in her mind. 

But this kiss got to her. Maybe it was because it came after being open and vulnerable with him instead of avoiding this topic to relieve him of carrying another burden, worrying about her when his shoulders already bore so much weight. 

She willed the sting of tears welling in her eyes away when Bucky whispered a quiet "I'm okay, I'm here" with his lips brushing over the skin of her forehead tenderly before backing away and slumping back against the couch, the warmth radiating from his close body a comforting reminder that he is indeed okay and there with her.

Bucky's eyes were fixed on the screen again, where the characters were currently facing a much too aggressive Tyrannosaurus Rex. 

"Every time..." Jayden started, before swallowing the lump in her throat. "... every time you're gone for a mission I’m concerned you're not coming home. With all those aliens and bad guys out there. I know you’re a super soldier and very skilled in everything that you do, but still. When I hear movements in the hallway I always hope, even pray, that it's you returning from your mission safely." 

It had taken her a lot of courage to speak out these words in front of him. Tonight something felt different, although she couldn't point a finger at what exactly. From the corner of her eye, she could see Bucky grab the remote control and pause the movie again. Then he turned his face towards her, studying her features for a few seconds.

Jay had an inner debate to crack a joke to lighten up the mood, but before she could even open her mouth, he spoke. 

"I will always come home. I might be battered and bruised some days, but I would never forgive myself if I miss a movie night with my favorite neighbor." 

There was that smile again. The one he had reserved just for her. And the moment she saw it, the concern in her heart was washed away and she couldn't feel anything else other than happiness and warmth.

“Can I ask you something, Jay?” He said, his face serious.

Jay swallowed and nodded, sure that he could hear her heart beat out its rapid rhythm. If she’d been paying more attention to him and not the way his hand fiddled with the edge of the blanket she’d have seen the devilish twinkle in his eye.

“Would you rather be eaten by a velociraptor or a T-Rex?”

“What?!” She asked, her brows drawn in confusion.

“I was thinking probably T-Rex ‘cause it’d take fewer bites,” he smirked and with that he pulled his arms inside his shirt and screeched like a dinosaur, scrabbling at the blanket as if he were trying to attack her.

"How are you gonna get me with those short arms, Buck? You can't even clap." 

Jay jumped up, running towards her bedroom knowing full well she had no chance against a super soldier and war veteran. The screeching came closer as she cackled her way into her bedroom, Bucky not even a foot away from her.

Jay jumped up on her bed but before she could grab a hold of her headboard, Bucky had already circled her waist with his strong arm, making it impossible to escape. 

"Gotcha."

"Cheater."

Bucky gasped dramatically, "I would never!" 

Before Jayden could answer, Bucky flung her body over his shoulder pulling giggles from her chest effortlessly. The smell of his musk filled her nose as she wrapped her arms around him from upside down, feeling the outlines of his sculpted stomach beneath her fingers. Every nerve in her body ignited and her brain suddenly felt fuzzy with romantic thoughts of him once more. 

Her body was flung easily and softly back onto the couch, with Bucky's hand cradling her head. He towered over her, his blue eyes tracing her features as their gazes locked. He brushed a strand of blonde hair off her forehead and smirked at her from above. 

"I win," he quipped. 

"You cheated, super soldier," Jayden answered quietly, trying to calm her pounding heart.

She watched as he smiled at her, his dimples showing themselves. 

“I improvised,” he countered. “There’s a difference.”

Jayden sat up and rolled her eyes as Bucky sat back down beside her, watching her from the corner of his eye. “What on earth are you planning in that brain of yours?”

She grinned, discreetly stretching out her fingers before launching herself at him, attacking his sides until he was a giggling, writhing mess beneath her. 

“I was thinkin’,” she began, as he caught his breath, “that you should know better than to let your guard down, Sergeant.” 

“And here I was thinkin’ I was in my safe space,” Bucky countered, nudging her softly. 

His expression was still playful, blue irises sparkling, the happy lines at the corners of his eyes deep as he flashed her his usual lopsided smile. She loved him like this when the burden of being who he was seemed to lift and most of his worries was how many cookies he could eat. Proven right then as he shoved another in his mouth, humming happily. 

“You wanna order dinner? You can’t live on cookies.” 

“Watch me,” Bucky mumbled around his mouthful.

"Buckyyyyyyy." Jayden whined. He was staring right into her hazel eyes, grabbing another cookie and placing it in his mouth. It was provoking but still adorable. Almost childish. 

Jay loved to see the shell of the strong and resolved soldier crumble in front of her every time he took a step into her apartment. As if she was the only one with which he could be his true self. The nerdy, funny and sarcastic Bucky. The one that ate way too many cookies, complained about it the entire day after, but still would do it exactly the same the next time. 

"Jshsai 'hen yu hngri" he mumbled with now one and a half cookies in his mouth, but Jayden couldn't understand a single word.

"Stop speaking with your mouth full of cookies!" she snickered and slapped his vibranium arm playfully. 

"Just say when you're hungry and we can order dinner," he repeated after opening his mouth a little and sticking out his tongue to show her that it was empty this time.

He laughed as Jay shook out the sting from her hand, a disgruntled frown on her face.

“I’m hungry,” she grumped, pulling out her phone.  “What are we eating?  Chinese?  Thai?  Moroccan?”

“Chinese,” Bucky mumbled around yet another cookie, “and don’t look at me like that.  I have a fast metabolism.”

Shaking her head with a chuckle Jay clicked on to the app and ordered their usual Chinese food.

“It’ll be thirty minutes,” she confirmed.

Bucky made a face, but then smiled, "I don't think I'll ever figure those damn phones out, but ordering takeout without having to talk to someone?" He held his hand to his heart with a happy sigh, "Best invention of the modern age."

Jay giggled, stretching out on the couch beside him, "Can't argue with that."

She blinked at the TV screen, "Oh, shit, we forgot to pause the movie!" The credits were scrolling across the screen.

Bucky smirked, pulling his arms back into his sleeves, "Bucky Rex couldn't reach the remote!" He growled, making Jayden collapse in a fit of giggles.

She smiled and shook her head as she caught her breath, "You're ridiculous, but you're cu- that was cute."

Jayden, what is wrong with you?

She felt the heat at her slip-up creeping up her neck and she was sure her face was just reaching tomato red as he looked back at her with a bashful smile on his lips. 

"Jay, would you mind if I take a quick shower while the food gets here? Actually try to wash that mission off, you know?"

Jayden shook her head and gestured to the bathroom, "S'all yours, I'll get plates and everything ready," she bounded off the couch, and didn't make direct eye contact with him as she grabbed the emptied bowls and made her way toward the kitchen. 

She could feel Bucky's blue eyes following her movements through her apartment, walking behind her as he brushed past her and went into the bathroom. Jayden leaned both her hands onto the counter and closed her eyes, huffing out a breath. Why was this so hard tonight? 

The bathroom door creaked back open and Bucky's head poked back out, "Hey Jayden..."

Sucking in a sharp breath, she smiled once more and turned around to meet his eyes. 

"Thank you, for tonight..." his lips pulled into a thin line and he looked down to the floor, "I uh, really needed this after that mission and you... you really came through"

“You’re welcome,” she answered easily. “We can do this anytime you need to relax.” 

Bucky grinned at her before closing the door again, then the sound of the shower turning on was able to be heard.

Meanwhile, Jayden leaned against the counter with a groan and ram her hands over her face. This is so hard! Every time I look at him or he gets close, my heart feels like it’s going to explode.

She nibbled at her lip, turning to watch the bathroom door like it was going to miraculously tell her how to deal with her feelings. 

The faint sound of Bucky humming echoed from the bathroom and Jayden sighed with a quiet chuckle, resigning herself back to her task of getting plates. 

Bucky was her best friend. He was goofy despite his hardship, soft when he wanted to be, smart as hell, and — not that she would ever dream of telling him — the light of her fucking life. And the thought of ever letting that slip? Terrifying. 

The shower shut off before she could dwell on it anymore, and she listened simultaneously for Bucky emerging and their takeout arriving. Bucky appeared first as she was setting plates and cutlery on the coffee table. His damp hair glistened and his squeaky clean skin glowed as he padded back into the living room smelling of her raspberry shampoo. 

“Better?” She asked as he flopped back on the couch, yanking her down with him. 

“Mhmm,” he hummed, the sound vibrating from his chest and setting her body tingling as he hugged her tight, “thank you.”

"You smell pretty... fruity!" she chuckled in his ear, while he was still holding her close. 

"I know. I like that smell on you, so I feel honored to have a part of you on me now." he whispered back mischievously. His arms let go of her small figure with gazes locked. Something shimmered in the depth of his ocean blue ones. She had seen it earlier today as well.

A drop of water dropped off of a slightly longer strand on the front, trailing down his forehead and into his eye. Bucky blinked several times while grimacing his entire face. 

The weird tension between them was gone when they both burst into laughter. 

Keep it together, Jay! He's your best friend. A hot one. But your best friend. You don't want to ruin this by acting weird today.

Her hormones were driving her crazy today for no reason. Damn hormones.

Bucky must have noticed the shift in her brain because where his normal tense crease in his brow sat returned for a brief moment, his eyes raking over her features. The butterflies in her stomach turned into a tornado as he reached for her his hand coming dangerously, well as dangerous as this gentleman could be, to her cheeks. He tugged gently on a strand of her hair, pulling back and holding up a bright blue ball of fluff from her knitted blanket. 

A grin spread across his features, "you could make a wish with this," he chuckled, sucking all of the air out of her chest. She loved the sound of him laughing, even when it was the deep low rumble he had just let out. 

"It's not an eyelash," she quipped through a shaky breath. 

Bucky shrugged, "I'm deeming it so, c'mon darlin, close those pretty eyes and make a wish."

So she did.  Jay allowed her eyes to flutter closed and wished for the one thing she’d never say out loud.  She opened her eyes again to see Bucky staring at her, his head slightly tilted, and a soft expression on his face.

“What did you wish for?” He asked.

“Ha, like I’m gonna tell you!” Jay snickered, smacking the back of her hand gently against his chest.

“Some best friend you are,” he grumbled with a playful pout.

“Yeah, you just remember that the next time you want some cookies baked,” she retorted, laughing at his look of feigned horror.

“Bunny please, I’m beggin’ ya!  You don’t gotta be so cruel!” He whined.

Jayden sat up straighter, trying to look as serious about her threat as she could before she crumbled back into laughter, "As if I could ever deny those puppy eyes!"

He cackled then tackled her, tickling her as they tumbled off the couch, Jayden laughing more as she squirmed under him. 

A sharp knock at the door made them both freeze, Bucky hovering over her as she panted. Had half an hour really gone by that fast? As one, they both swallowed, the air sizzling between them before another knock broke them from the moment.

"C-coming!" Jay called out as Bucky moved, standing and holding out his hand for her.

She placed her hand in his and felt like every nerve fiber in her body was shocked at the contact. He tightened his grip on her as he helped her get to her feet, a sea of blue once again locked on her hazel eyes. Jayden whispered a thanks and beelined her way towards the door trying to calm down her racing heart. 

She took the takeout bags and thanked their delivery person, turning around and shutting the door with her foot. Out of the corner of her eye, she could see Bucky following her movements. All the while, Jayden set the bags down on the free spot on the coffee table without so much as a breath in Bucky's direction. 

Kneeling in front of the table she tucked her legs under her as she settled in her spot before opening up their takeout containers. 

"Jay, are you ok?" Bucky asked as he sat down on the floor next to her. 

"Mhm yeah no no I'm fine, I am starving though. Aren't you?" she raced out.

She watched as Bucky narrowed his eyes at her, before nodding once and turning his attention to the food in front of them.

"I'm always hungry," he finally answered, busying his hands as he helped her unpack the food. 

Smooth, Harper, real smooth she thought to herself, grabbing the remote from under some boxes. She flipped through Netflix until she found the second Jurassic Park movie, turning it on without consulting her friend. He'd said when they started things that he trusted her to show him things the way she thought was best and she took that responsibility seriously. 

"Ok so, I know we didn't totally finish the first one but you didn't miss much, just the ending bits, but you should be fine enough to understand the second one," Jayden rambled, still keeping her eyes on the table or on the TV, anywhere but meeting his gaze.

“I’m sure it’ll be just as chaotic as the first one was,” Bucky mused as he opened a packet of soy sauce and poured it over his rice. “Did you get those crunchy roll things?” He stirred up his rice and swallowed thickly. They were so close earlier. So so close. 

“Is the hot actress in this one too?” Bucky asked as Jayden passed him the carton he was looking for. She arched her brow and Bucky thanked her with a grin, wiggling his own eyebrows playfully. 

“The blonde one? Laura Dern?”

“Yeah.” He nodded, suddenly hopping up and heading to the fridge. Jayden watched as he grabbed two beers, flicking the caps off with his left thumb. 

He handed one down to her as he settled back on the floor, a little closer than before. 

“No. But this one has Julianne Moore. I think you’ll like her.” 

Bucky hummed, eyeing her with thought. 

“We’ll see,” he replied, shoving a crispy roll in his mouth with a shrug.

"You liked Laura Dern?" She asked fumbling with her chopsticks as she tried to clamp down on a bite of noodles. 

His eyes flickered from the screen to her. That mischievous grin returned to his features and she couldn't help but laugh with his cheek chimpunked full of crispy roll. Bucky swallowed with a nod, "why wouldn't I? She's blonde, brilliant, feisty, funny, kind..." His voice trailed off as he took a bite of rice, "reminds me of someone I know." 

Jay's eyes widened for a moment looking from the screen to him just as a piece of shrimp from her chopsticks flew onto the table. He couldn't have meant her... right? She stammered as she moved to pick up the meat from the table, her cheeks turning a bright shade of pink as she tossed it back into her container and stared back at the tv. 

"You okay over there?" His voice suddenly behind her as he scooted back onto the couch, "Did you forget how to use chopsticks between now and the last movie night?" Bucky teased. 

She turned to glare at him, only earning herself one of the scrunched nose laughs she loved so much. 

"There she is," he muttered taking another bite of rice.

Picking up a piece of water chestnut Jay squinted a little to aim and then flicked it towards Bucky’s face.  His hand whipped up and he caught the veggie missile with his chopsticks half an inch before it would have splattered against his face.  He grinned and wiggled his eyebrows before popping the water chestnut into his mouth and crunching it.

“Cocky little shit,” Jay grumbled.

“You love it,” he sassed back.

“You wish,” she muttered, rolling her eyes. “Shut up and watch the movie,” but she couldn’t help smiling at Bucky’s happy and carefree expression.

"As you wish," he murmured, smiling when she raised an eyebrow at him. "What?"

"Did you just quote the Princess Bride?" 

He blushed a little, "Maybe?" 

Jay smiled to herself. He'd pretended to hate it when they'd watched it, but she figured that was just a remnant of the era he'd grown up in. 

"I might have watched it again, on my own," he admitted, putting his empty container to the side and moving to the couch. She almost didn't hear the last bit, "Three more times."

She couldn't help the laughter that bubbled up from inside her, her head falling back against the couch cushion behind her. Pure joy rang through her at the picture of Bucky sitting at home watching The Princess Bride and very likely, as he's done with other movies they've watched together more than once, mumbling the words with the actors. 

"I told you you'd love it," she smiled, "why didn't you tell me? I love that movie." 

"Next time I feel like watching it I'll come get ya, promise. Watching movies is better with you anyway."

Jayden tilted her head to the side and met his glinting blue stare, "I'm holding you to that" 

A comfortable silence fell between them as she continued eating her food and Bucky went back to snacking on the cookies. She wasn't sure how he did it, but a small part of her was jealous at the amount he could eat. Her eyes flickered over him, being careful not to draw his attention away from the screen. He really was pretty, even when he was exhausted. Jayden knew he was trying to hide it but at this point, there wasn't much she didn't know about Bucky Barnes. 

Lightly, she jabbed her elbow into his calf and smirked, "Save some of those! Or just don't tell Sam and Peter that I made them. They'll be so mad at me if you eat them all!" Jay breathed a laugh. 

Bucky shoved another one into his mouth and shrugged, "What cookies?" he grumbled with a playful smile.

Jayden rolled her eyes and got up, situating herself back onto the couch beside Bucky and stealing part of the blanket from him. 

“You are such a brat, you know that?” She laughed. “I’m going to have to start hiding some of the cookies so they can have some too.”

Bucky looked over at her with wide eyes. “You wouldn’t…”

“I would. They like them too, and you like to hog them.” 

Bucky frowned slightly. He always thought Jayden’s cookies were special. They reminded him of his mom’s cookies from when he was young. 

Jay sighed. “Are you really going to give me the puppy eyes?”

Bucky turned and rolled onto his back, placing his head right in her lap. “Jay…”

“Don’t think you get to act all adorable and I’ll give you everything, Barnes. I don’t even know how you do that. This big, burly man and you turn into a pussycat at the drop of a hat.” 

Bucky giggled, all sleepy, a yawn stealing his laugh as his eyelashes fluttered closed. 

“Only for you, my little bluejay.” 

“Sweet talker.” 

Bucky grinned up at her, scrunching his nose before getting comfy. 

“Shush now, I wanna watch this one properly.” 

“You’re almost aslee—“

“Shush.”

She held back the laugh that would've escaped her seeing his ridiculously serious face as he shushed her, shaking her head as she tried to calm herself at his proximity.

It's no wonder I'm in love with this goof, she thought to herself gazing over his features. He tried holding back another yawn but she saw him and held back a teasing smirk when he glanced up at her again with a pink tinge to his cheeks.

"You can sleep if you want," Jayden offered. Settling her back comfortably against the couch and fumbling with where to put her hands before letting one rest on his hair and dropping the other to her side. 

His voice was quiet as he answered with stubborn determination.

"Nope. I'm wide awake." 

"Okay." 

They fell quiet knowing that he would fall asleep anyway.

Jay had finally settled the hammering of her heart as the movie continued. She hadn't realized that her fingers were combing softly through his hair until the sound of the T-rexes roaring jolted her out of whatever trance she had fallen into. Her body froze as she glanced down at Bucky and as she figured, he was completely asleep. 

His lips were parted slightly and the soft snores coming from him only made her smile. She appreciated the small smattering of freckles that danced along his cheeks and the few that painted the bridge of his nose. God she was in love with him. 

"I'm not sure when it happened," she whispered barely audibly, her eyes flickered to the screen as terror ensued before moving her eyes back to him hoping she hadn't woken him up with her voice. Jay felt like this was going to be the only time she'd ever get the chance to tell him and even if he was sleeping she hoped it would relieve some of the ache her heartfelt every time he left, "I don't know if it was when you came back tonight, or when you steal this blanket and leave it smelling like you..." her voice trailed off, "or that you trust me enough--" she faltered for a moment, "--even after everything you trusted me into your life..." 

What was she doing? Her cheeks warmed with the idea of him. The way his nose scrunched when he laughed or really smiled, how the slightest touch of his fingers on her skin lit her on fire and at the same time gave this overwhelming sense of calm to her body... she had spent so much time working out in her head if he felt the same way and deep down she hoped he did. 

"You snuck  your way into my heart...and I'm not sure when it happened or how it happened, there's too many moments," she paused taking a deep breath, her fingers still mindlessly combing through his hair and her other hand feeling the gentle rise and fall of his chest as it rested on his side, "but somewhere along the way I fell in love with you..." Jayden's voice was barely a whisper at this point but it felt good to tell him how she felt, even if he was fast asleep in her arms.

Jayden let out a quiet sigh, still moving her fingers through his hair as the movie continued. 

There was no way he would ever return those feelings.

Bucky turned his head suddenly, looking up at her. Her heart jumped into her throat, had he heard everything?! 

Without breaking eye contact, Bucky tugged her hand away from his hair, pulling it till it was in front of his face, and his lips placed a soft kiss on her palm.

He almost looked scared for a moment, before he spoke. "I didn't think you felt the same way," he paused, licking his lips while he continued to look into her eyes, "But, I love you too."

Jayden sucked in a shaky breath, blinking her hazel eyes at him, unable to break their eye contact. He could have moved or coughed, or something to let her know that he was awake and listening to her. Anything to let her know that she was making a fool out of herself and confessing things that shouldn't be said out loud. She felt like her heart was about to explode out of her chest, the sounds of the movie fading completely away as those words left his perfect lips. 

"Bucky..." Her voice came out quieter than intended but she didn't really know what to do with herself. 

Maybe she had fallen asleep too and this was all in her head. Had he really returned her feelings or was it some sick joke from her subconscious? Perhaps he was just saying that as to not make it awkward and was getting ready to bolt out the front door. 

Bucky shook his head, and sat up, scooting closer and hesitantly taking her hands in his, "Jayden I - I was," he let out a small breath and looked down at their entwined fingers, "a shell of a person when I moved into this building," his voice had a small shake to it, causing Jayden to give his hand a small squeeze, urging him to continue. 

"I was lost and alone... Until the day you knocked on my door," Bucky breathed out a laugh and looked up once more, his blue eyes glistening with the threat of sadness, "You brought sunshine and hope back into my otherwise bleak and terrifying life... Of course I fell in love with you," he admitted, bringing a hand up to cup her cheek, tracing a small circle into her skin with his thumb.

Jayden felt tears threaten to fall from her eyes, making them sting. Her heart was pounding hard enough that she knew he would be able to feel it beneath his touch. “Y-you love me?” She couldn’t help but ask, her voice just a whisper. 

Bucky only smiled at her as he gently wiped an escaped tear from her cheek. “Of course I love you. I love you so much my heart could bust, my little blue jay. It aches for me to leave you every mission I do. But I am always racing to get back here to you.”

“I don’t— I can’t—“ 

“Sweetheart,” Bucky murmured, hauling her onto his lap with a soft “c’mere.” 

Jayden melted into him, her face tucked into his neck. 

“We’re idiots,” she sniffled, her body shaking with Bucky’s as he laughed, rich and rough with sleep. 

“I’m an idiot, not tellin’ you sooner.” 

“When did you know?” She asked, meeting his gaze — steel blue and full of tender adoration. Her fingers moved to trace his jaw, thumbing at the dimple in his chin. 

“That first time you suggested the sticker system,” he admits, “I couldn’t believe— I couldn’t believe someone other than Sam cared enough to know I was home safe and yet there you were. This gorgeous woman, greeted me with the most beaming smile every time she saw me, baking me cookies and— God, Jay. I had fuckin’ butterflies over you every time. Me? Butterflies!” 

Jayden sighed, content as she studies his strong features, lined with sleep and love for her.

"Say it again please." She begged. Voice low and thick with emotion and tears.

Jayden's eyes were committing every little detail of his face to her memory, she wouldn't allow herself to ever forget this moment. She wanted it on constant repeat until her last breath.

His ocean eyes were sparkling waters as his face broke out into a smile, the corners of his eyes crinkling and she could have done anything just to see that smile light up his face all the time.

Both his palms lifted to rest on her face, thumbs brushing back and over her skin as he pulled her closer and she felt him take a deep breath before focusing his gaze back on her eyes and whispering softly in the few inches between them.

"I. Love. You."

Her hands rested against his chest, feeling the way his heart thundered under her palm only sent hers into a frenzy. She dipped her head, pressing her forehead to his, her eyes sliding closed, "again," she whispered only to hear the words roll off his tongue like a prayer once more. 

Bucky chuckled softly, "I love you, my sweet Bluejay." 

Jay's fingers dug gently into the hard muscle of his chest and for once she didn't wonder what he would feel like under the weight of her touch. His breath fanned across her face as he pulled back gently, his eyes a bright shade of blue and the flecks of silver in them glittering back at her, "I really wanna kiss you right now," he admitted, the corners of his mouth quirking up slightly, "can I kiss you?" 

She sucked in a breath and barely had time to nod her head before his lips were pressed against hers, slotting perfectly together like the missing piece to the puzzle of her life. It was tentative at first, slow but sweeter than anything she could have imagined. He tasted like chocolate with a bite of the cinnamon she claimed as the secret ingredient in her cookies. Her cookies had never tasted better than how they did on his lips. 

He pulled back gently, his hand pushing back the long tendrils of her golden hair behind her ear, "that was..." 

"I love you," she blurted in a whisper, remembering that she hadn't said it back in the frenzy and plea for her lips, "I don't know how much of what I said you heard, but I think I've loved you since the day I found the first sticker on my door." 

The corners of his mouth quirked up again as he dipped his head and pressed his lips to hers, "The bluejay," he whispered against her gently. 

Jayden nodded her head, her hands skating up and around the back of his neck to play with the hair at his nape. His arm snaked around her waist holding her firmly against his chest. "The bluejay," she repeated. 

She leaned in to kiss him again, allowing herself to melt into the man before her. The stubborn, flirty, goofy man that bared himself to her with no regrets. He was hers. Her Bucky. Something she never thought would be possible and yet...

She was always unequivocally his.

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