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happytroopers · 4 years

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A Knight in White Armor // pt. 3

Rex X Royal!Reader

nearly two years later, brought to you by the burning desire I’ve had to yell at the trade federation since I was 6 years old. I’m a SLUT for plitical drama and for Captain Rex

for those of you who are new here:

Part one Part Two Part three Part Four Coming Soon or possibly in two years.

Did i pull an all nighter to rewrite this bc tumblr deleteed it YES. An no, I don’t know why the formatting looks like that.

Uhhhm if I tagged you, it’s because you expressed interest recently so if you want me to leave you alone (or want to be included) lemme know.

So, taglist: @robotxtrash @mackstrut @clonewarsreturns @94pigeons @skdubbs and about ten other people who messaged me on anon lmao

Y’all know the drill, this sucks and its unedited blah blah b;ah

______________

A day and a half. That’s all you allowed yourself to wallow in self pity. After that, you forced yourself to remember that whoever sent that assassin only sent them because you were doing good work.

And once you reminded yourself of that, you were back in the spotlight like you’d never left. After you made some changes, mind you, like dismissing the maids they provided and bringing in your personal maids that you’d known since you were sixteen.Of course, Rex was by your side and more protective than he had been. With his formidable presence ever present, even the more hostile politicians were hesitant to get in your face. Yes, you were back, and more determined than ever to truly make a difference.

You were also grappling with other feelings. Feelings that you buried deep into your heart until you were alone. Ever since the first time he called by name, Rex had held a soft spot in your heart. You tried to be reasonable, tell yourself that he was only doing all these things because it was his job. He was only so protective because he was ordered to do so, only candid with you because you asked him to be, so on and so forth. Those things were easy to write off, to kill any hope of him returning your feelings.

But then, he’d go above and beyond his job. Listening to you complain about other politicians, offering you a steadying hand when you were going down steps in those cumbersome skirts you had to wear, laughing at something you said, staying with you if you felt uneasy at night, carrying food and water with him because you had an awful habit of forgetting to eat between engagements…. A particular memory that always turned your cheeks red was when you were posing for an official photo and your skirts got tangled up, before a maid could fix it, Captain Rex was on one knee expertly fluffing your skirt back out and laying your train flat. That certainly wasn’t his job. Those were harder to write off and any hope you previously squashed came back with a vengeance.

It was then you’d have to remind yourself it could never happen. On the off chance he did feel the same way, you knew that there had to be some terrible punishment- it probably fell under insubordinates. Additionally, no matter how persistent the butterflies were, you weren’t naive. You were a princess, royalty, top of the nobility, and you weren’t even the first born. It was only a matter of time before you were married off to satisfy some ally you’d never met before. You’d long since made peace with the fact you marriage would be arranged for the good of your people. As royalty, you sacrificed very few things and lived very fortunately, this was the price. Royals didn’t get true love. Besides, love was a bit melodramatic. You could content yourself with fluffy daydreams for the moment.

That being said, you hardly had time to day dream. Middle of week two (in the month of peace talks), and you were so busy you barely had time to think of anything but public policy, war treaties, and trade negotiation. Trade Negotiation being the first thing on your mind that evening as your maids flurried about, preparing you for that night’s engagement: an invitation from the trade federation to talk about your planet’s charters with them over a private dinner. You were reticent to accept the invitation, especially after Padme’s warnings about them. Even though you were young, you well remembered the siege and blockade of Naboo. But, after speaking to your advisors and parents (the reigning King and Queen), you decided to go. At the very least as a show of strength, and at worst to warn them off bothering your people.

Rex wasn’t all too happy with this dinner either. He’d heard of the trade federation blockade of Naboo from Generals Kenobi and Skywalker, and he’d read the HoloNet articles about the Blockade of the Pantoran Moon. Not to mention all rumors of kidnappings, Separatist ties, and assignation (attempts and successes) that surrounded the Trade Federation. He’d even heard rumors that the Trade Federation ordered a hit on your planet’s senator. Ultimately unsuccessful, but it didn’t make him feel good about you sharing a meal with them. Rex had a feeling that the Neimodians were just as slimy as they looked, and he made his opinion quite clear as he watched your maids assemble your look for the night.

“(Y/N), you don’t have to go. No one will think any less of you.” He assured you from his spot, leaning against the arm of the couch nearest you. Out of your sight, or at least they thought, (and without Rex paying attention), your maids shared a look, as if to say, did this soldier just address the princess by her first name?

You turned your head slightly towards him, but the maids quickly adjusted your posture, “They will, but it’s not about that, Rex,”

You paused, to let the maids know that you definitely saw the looks that time, they hurried back to their work so you continued, “I’m going so that they know that I won’t be bullied into a terrible deal for my people.”

Seemingly finished with your makeup, you watched as the oldest maid pressed your tiara into your hair. Pleased with your appearance, you stood straightening the skirt of the slip you were wearing (the youngest maid had tried to shoe Rex out, saying it wasn’t proper for him to see you like that before you assured her it was alright). They brought over the stiff, heavy, formal dress that would go over the slip, and unlaced the back. You held your arms up and allowed them to slip it over your head. Rex was still watching with an uncertain look in his eyes as they laced you up.

“They can threaten me all they want to, but I will not allow them to threaten my people because they think I’m too young and naive to notice.” You voice was firm, you hadn’t even raised it a decibel, but still commanded all the attention in the room. Finally, you turned to look at the Captain, and he finally understood.

While you always looked Royal, you generally weren’t overly fussy about your appearance, but tonight was different. If Rex understood your culture correctly, this was a modern, toned down take on traditional war paint and battle dress, what a princess or queen would wear in a time of war. You meant business tonight, more so than usual. There was no room for argument. Nodding, Rex slid his helmet on, “Then I’ll be right beside you the entire time, your highness.”

Once again, your maids shared a look, somehow using your formal title seemed more intimate than using your real name. Nevertheless, they finished off this look, quite proud of their work by attaching a long, dark, velvety cape to the shoulders of your dress with jewel encrusted clips that probably cost more than a starship. Finally, at the height of regality, you nodded to him and with a flourish of your cape you were out the door.

“Let’s be off then.”

__________

As it turned out, this dinner was not as private as you were promised. Having expected this, you enjoyed the look of frustrated shock when Senator Amidala entered the dining room. Rex nearly flinched as you took a sip of your wine, you’d been quite adamant in not having it tested for poisons.

(“If they’re stupid enough to poison me at their own table, let them dig their own graves.” You had told him, but this didn’t ease his mind. He didn’t trust these people, and Kix didn’t carry many anti-poisons with him.)

If you were worried about poison, you didn’t show it, only raising your glass to Lott Dodd, the republic representative of the Trade Federation. Since you were the only royal in attendance, you were sat at the end of the table with your host, Lott Dodd, on the other end, ten feet away. On your right, Padme, decked out in a tight, black dress with a large, jeweled neckpiece, sat confidently beside you. On your left however, there were two members of the technounion, and two other member of the trade federation. On the other side of Padme was a hologram of a Muun banking clansmen. Of course along the back wall were all of their security, mostly droids. Behind you and Padme, the walls were lined with Rex’s men and Padme’s own Captain Typho.

“I see you took the liberty to make this dinner not so private, I’m glad I always overdress.” You mused, eyebrow raised in challenge. As if wishing he’d tell Padme to leave.

“I could say the same thing about you, your highness.” Lott Dodd replied lowly with a sugary fake smile.

“The more the merrier, right?” You asked, flashing an equally as fake smile. The neimodian only nodded before taking a large gulp of his wine. If anything was to tell Rex how the rest of that evening would go, it was that interaction right there. As the first course was being served, you half listened to a member of the techounion, Trev, propose a partnership in the technounion and your planets Science Research Division and also his interest in your fuel reserves (which was suspicious all together because it was common knowledge that you planets top scientific priority was developing weapons and medical supplies/technology for the Grand Army of the Republic). Beside you, Padme was in an intense conversation about banking regulation with the Muun hologram. Rather quickly, this was brought to a halt as Lott Dodd gathered your attention,

“Princess, shall we discuss business now so we can get it out of the way?”

“Of course, I’d love to get it over with quickly.” You nodded, motioning for him to continue.

“I’m sure you read the earlier proposal I had delivered to you?” He asked, again you nodded but narrowed you eyes at you glass before lifting cold eyes to him. You could register the shock at your change in demeanor, so you just continued on.

“You mean the proposal to decrease the regulations on the good you import while you also increase the prices, and at the same time decrease the already low prices and taxes on the exports we sell to you?” You clarified, raising a defiant eyebrow at the representative. “I’m no economist, but I’m sure you know that a charter like that would crash our economy. We’ll have to renegotiate.”

“Perhaps our proposal was a bit heavy handed, surely we can find a way for it to work without resorting to unseemly measures. Young people like you don’t seem to realize how trying war time can be.” Lott Dodd tried to regain control of the situation without losing ground on his proposal, but you caught the way his brow ridge twitched and the hidden threat behind his words.

“Oh, like a blockade?” Senator Amidala couldn’t help but mutter into her glass. You breathed a laugh but didn’t comment, if the other guests noticed they didn’t either.

“Hmmm.” You hummed ignored the stammering of your host, instead turning towards the banker, “When money is involved, the banks always have an opinion, so tell me, what do you think of all this?”

The Muun was clearly uncomfortable with the sudden amount of attention on him, but cleared his throat before giving an obviously rehearsed answer, “The Banking Clan does not interfere with any business outside of our own, but no matter your decision if you should need a loan, the banking clan would be honored to work with you to draw one up.”

“How generous, and I’m sure you’ll be the first ones to hear if our economy does crash.” You mused, taking a sip of your wine as the banker gaped at you.

“I’m sure I don’t understand what you mean.” He humphed, the blue hologram flickering. You offered a sweet smile.

“I’m sure you don’t.” The phrase was innocuous but the smirk on your face told everyone exactly what you meant. You even earned a chuckle masked as a cough from Rex behind you. Apparently, some of the other guests had had enough of you.

“Did your parents send you here just to mouth off?” One of the members of the technounion, the one you didn’t know, snapped, and the room went silent as you stared at him. You waited a moment longer than what would have been comfortable before laughing directly in the Skakoan’s face, or well, mask considering they wore those ridiculous suits.

Quieting yourself, you looked to the man who had snapped at you, not many were brave enough to openly insult you to your face, so you’d give him that,

“First of all, sorry I didn’t get your name,”

“It’s-“ He started but you just kept going.

“No, no, I didn’t ask it doesn’t matter, my parents didn’t send me. Since our senator is still recovering from an assassination attempt,” you paused again to flash a seemingly meaningless look at the Neimodian beside Dodd who flinched, before continuing, “Out of all my siblings and all the royal officials, I was appointed to come here, no, not to mouth off, you’re right, but to represent my planet’s wellbeing and interests. But mouthing off to people who give me dumb proposals sure is a bonus.”

The Skakoan stuttered for a moment before Lott Dodd drew your attention back to him, raising his voice and slapping a hand against the table, this caused Captain Rex to shoot his hand towards the holstered blaster on his hip. You simply reach back out of the other guests sight, not stopping until you hand found his armored knee, a silent show to let him go on. And go on he did.

“Princess (Y/L/N). I realize you're young, princess, but I’ll ask you to respect my guests.”

“Representative Dodd.” You mirrored, slapping the table lightly, "I’ll ask you to show me some respect. I have many drawbacks as a person, but my age isn’t one of them so I you insist on taunting me find something better. Furthermore, don’t assume I’m so young and naive to let you bully and trick me into something that will only benefit you.” “The princess is right, the senate won’t be pleased to hear about these contracts. If their economy crashes, the republic would lose its number one weapons and medical supplier.” Padme added before turning to the technounion member, “I’m sure the senate would also want to know what the technounion wants with their Science Division considering almost all their research is for the military. War time makes people paranoid, and I’d hate for anyone to assume anything too terrible”

Tension in the air was thick, and the trade federation was desperate to regain the upper hand. Feeling a storm coming on, you turned back to Rex and beckoned him down to you level.

He obliged as you whispered, “Could you move one of you men where they can get this whole table in the frame and tell them to video record until it’s over? I want to show my advisors exactly what was said and happened here tonight.”

Nodding, he set your plan into action as Lott Dodd tried a new approach, intimidation, “I’m not as radical as some, but I’m sure some in the federation will call for drastic measures if your planet doesn’t wish to compromise with us.”

“I’ve heard how well you compromise.” You challenged, before flicking your eyes around the table. The banking clansmen was listening intently and the Technounion members were glaring at you sharply from behind their goggles. These negotiations, if you could even call them that, were derailing. This time you voice wasn’t a challenge, it was firm, stern, an order. "Since this no longer concerns the rest of you, you may leave.”

The banker was the first to go, his hologram flickering out before your anger could be directed at him, Trev and his parter were next and they filed out with their security droids filing behind them. Padme gave you a look, and you nodded to her assuring her you’d be alright. With one last comforting hand on yours, she got up and gracefully exited but not before throwing one last glare at Dodd. Along the walls most of the droids had dispersed, so you decided to even the playing field. If he wanted to play the intimidation game, you’d play it, but you wanted him to be intimidated by you not your security forces.

Turning to Captain Rex, you loudly announced, “Captain, you and four of your men stay. That should be plenty to escort me back to my quarters when we’re finished. The rest can be dismissed.”

You could tell under his helmet his was not happy with your plan, so quietly you continued, “The trade federation is stupid, but not so stupid as to murder me right here. Besides, there’s maybe 5 droids-“

“6.” He corrected shortly.

“6 droids, you and your men should be more than capable of handling them if it comes to it, which it won’t.”

With a sigh, he carried out your orders and you watched as half the squad filed out before he returned to your side. With that done, you turned back to the three Trade Federation member that sat ten feet across from you.

Currently relaxed in your chair, you gave each of them a once over before adjusting your posture so you sat stick straight, elbows resting on the armrests but hands clasped in your lap, shoulders back and down, chest out, chin up, eyes narrowed. You managed to look down on them despite being ten feet away and a whole foot shorter than all of them. Captain Rex saw the change in your whole demeanor, you went from conversation to looking like a marble statue on a throne in the blink of an eye. He saw it long before he heard it in your voice which wasn’t far behind.

“Now, I sent them out so you could save face. I’ve shown you that kindness, you’re welcome.” Somehow even you voice had an edge to it, slightly lower than you usually spoke and had a certain coldness that he’d never heard from you. “With them gone, please, feel free to openly threaten my people. The propriety and pleasantries will keep us here all night, and I was hoping to enjoy better company this evening.”

Lott Dodd was stricken silent, so the shorter one next to him nodded fervently,

“Of course, your majesty, I’m positive we can wrap this up quickly if you-“

He was interrupted by Dodd snapping back to his senses, “If you agree to our proposals, I’m sure we can work out something for your people.”

“Stop calling them proposals, they are demands. They are ransom demands of my people which you haven’t even taken hostage yet.” You remarked, angry words but an icily calm voice.

“I’m not as radical as some of my fellow Tradesmen, but if you insist on bringing it into the conversation, blockades of planets that don’t meet the requirements in our charters are well within our senatorial rights. If you refuse, your planet can be blockaded and sieged until we work something out.”

“I understand I have two options.” You began.

“Finally, we’re getting somewhere.” The third tradesmen smiled, but you weren’t finished yet.

“First, I could sign this charter right now and by the time I return home, my economy would crash, people would starve, citizens would riot, and then, look at that, we’d have to take a loan from the banking clans to stimulate our economy. This lets my people starve and suffer. Second, I could say no to this ridiculous offer and you think you’ll blockade my planet which will again let my people starve and suffer.”

“I do not think, I know.” Lott nodded, finally speaking some truth. This time you shook your head.

“No, you think. First of all, if you blockaded out planet and kept the Grand Army of the Republic from getting it’s much needed supplies during war time under Marshall law- which renders that funny senatorial right of yours null- they have every legal right take care of you for us.” You paused, forcing a bittersweet tone, “War Times can be trying for all of us.”

“Things work so slow in the senate, that could take months. Your people could be with out food and supplies for months, and when politicians, even royals, fall out of favor, well I sure you remember last weeks dreadful incident.”

He was referring to the assassination attempt, there was a twinge of anxiety when you recalled the night but you pushed it down, “I find, actually, that politicians, even royals, are in most danger when they piss off other politicians. But I’m sure you don’t know anything about that, Representative?”

He cleared his throat, “Of course not, princess, regardless of public opinion, a blockade, even a short one, can do untold damage to a planet’s resources. I’m a humanitarian and I’d hate to see your people suffer- starvation, disease, shelter crises, riots… I hate to see that happen because you wouldn’t sign a treaty with us.”

That was the tipping point, you’d heard and seen enough.

Standing so fast, you tipped over your chair you were quick to cut into the Neimodian, “Even if the military doesn’t come to our aid, if you haven’t noticed every planet you’ve blockaded in the last decade have been crucially underdeveloped weaponry wise. That is not the case of my planet or my people, we will not be afraid to fight back. If you blockade our planet, we will be all too happy to use our ground-to-upper-atmosphere plasma cannons to shoot you out of the sky. So, please, I invite to you blockade my planet, it’ll give me great joy to see you efforts wasted.”

“Secondly, you think I’m so young that I don’t understand the thinly veiled threats on my life? The references to assassins? I’m not a senator, I’m royalty and a threat on my life is considered an act of war. And believe me, my planet will wage a war on the Trade Federate rage and determination, the likes of which, you very well have not seen before.” Words fell from your lips like venom, and though your voice was raised it was a controlled form a shouting that resonated through the whole room, and was honestly much more intimidating than if you were screaming. But you weren’t done yet.

“But, go ahead, threaten me and my life all you want. I simply do not care, but if you threaten my people with suffering like that again,” You stopped, hand falling to the table top and finding its target as your fingers wrapped around the handle of the knife, picking it up and burying it into the polished wood surface, "I will execute you where you stand by my own hand. I don’t relish in the death of others, but unlike others present, I don’t hire assassins, I’ll get my hands dirty for my people. And yes, not only is that a threat, that is, by my family’s name, a promise.”

You paused to take a breath, ready to continue laying into them but Rex placed a a warning hand on your shoulder as if to say, you’ve made your point, stop while you’re ahead. Nodding, though he hadn’t said anything, you observed your audience who were all staring at you in both awe and slight fear. Breathing slightly heavy, you took one long and slow breath.

“Now, you better be grateful I’m the person they chose to send because I’m far more understanding than any of my siblings. They would go ahead and cut all charters with the trade federation right this moment, but since I’m much more forgiving… First thing tomorrow morning, you will get a call from my planet’s chief economist and head financial advisors. With them, you’ll devise a new charter that benefits both sides, and I wouldn’t get too greedy considering how tonight went,” You ordered, eyes narrowing in on Lott Dodd, “Please do remember what I told you tonight, all of it.” With that, you turned naturally (re: purposely dramatically) throwing your cape behind you as you went. Your fury was only punctuated by the wind off your cape hitting the Tradesmen who only watched you stride away cape billowing and soldiers marching behind you. _________

Later, that same evening, you were pacing the length of your quarters while Padme reviewed the video you gotten from one of the troopers, Jesse his name was. You’d long since abandoned the cape, formal dress, hair pieces, tiara, and gotten rid of most of your makeup, leaving you in a lounge dress you deemed fit for company. Afterwards, you dismissed your maids for the night- it’d be a while before you could even think about sleep.

Captain Rex had gone to talk to the general’s about tonight’s events which left you alone with the Nubian Senator, not that you minded. You’d considered her a friend long before these peace talks, considering how close you were in age, she was only a handful of years older than you. Even with her there, you were still going over the earlier events. Even though your parents and advisors had already seen and approved your actions, now that the righteous anger had faded you were left with nervous anxiety.

As the video clip ended, Padme looked over to you (you had paced behind the couch she was on) and tried to assure you, “Some may say that you got a little carried away, but other than that I see nothing wrong with this.”

You only hummed in response as you turned and crossed the room again, “If you’re worried about the senate, the proposals were ridiculous and the trade federation is on thin ice after their Pantoran scandal, so the senate won’t look twice at this.”

This time you nodded as you turned on your heel, but this time, as you strutted past her, she caught you by the wrist and pulled you onto the couch with her. (Part of your head reminded you of how you’d basically put yourself on Rex’s lap to escape Kix’s disinfectant- on that very couch. But you cleared that funny memory before you even got the chance to blush.)

Despite her approval, the approval of every high advisor, and even your own parent’s approval, something still didn’t feel right but you couldn’t find the right word for it.

Fortunately, Padme seemed to sense this and put a comforting hand on top of yours, “I know how you feel. The feeling that you still have more you want to say, the feeling that you said too much, anxiety about the enemies you might have created, anger that they threatened your people’s safety, frustration you couldn’t do more, fear you didn’t do enough. I had the same feeling with the trade federation years ago, and I wish I had the confidence to talk to them like that, then. And if all this gets out and into the media, your people will be proud to see their princess standing up for their rights. You have nothing to worry about.”

Just like that, she put that feeling into words and somehow that made it easier to deal with. With a small smile, you took her hand in yours and gave it a squeeze.

“Thank you, Padme, your friendship means more than you know.” You admitted, she returned the gesture.

“For the look on Dodd’s face, I should be thanking you.” She joked to ease the mood, you remembered every single look on his face, and she was right, worth it. To your surprise, she actually leaned forward and hugged you. Returning the embrace, you relished in the touch, not remembering the last time you’d been hugged like this, it was nice. When she pulled away, she smiled again, “Now, you should get some rest, tomorrow is another mass peace discussion and you can’t walk into that with a tired mind.”

With that, she smiled once more before turning to leave. On her way through the door, she was met by Captain Rex who gave her a quick salute as he carried a small tray in. Once the door slid shut, the captain set the tray down on the table nearest you before plucking off his helmet.

“You didn’t eat much at the dinner before it derailed, so I thought you might be hungry. I asked your maid to find something suitable for you- all I had were ration bars and I’ll barely eat them.” He explained. You weren’t hungry at all, but you still thanked him sweetly for his thoughtfulness as you picked at the plate so it wouldn’t be for nothing. This level of thoughtfulness wasn’t part of his job, you thought to yourself before correcting that line of thought. Instead, you imagined the butterflies in your stomach being fumigated, watching him as he did his routine safety checks.

As if he could feel your eyes on him, he simply asked without turning around, “Something wrong?”

Your eyes immediately fell back to the plate, critically analyzing the color and texture of every piece of fruit in the fancy spread, “No, no, I was just worried about what happened tonight but Padme very helpful.”

“She’s a good woman, especially for a politician.” He nodded, checking the balcony doors. Even though you always encouraged him to speak candidly, sometimes his honesty caught you by surprise. You couldn’t help but laugh at his distaste for politicians, a subject that had come up before.

“Yes, she is. And a good friend.” You sighed, picking at the side salad as you shamelessly continued observing him as he checked your closets next. He was tense, something was definitely bothering him. So this time, it was your turn, “What about you, Rex, something wrong?”

Though it was only for a millisecond, you caught that look of I wish I kept my helmet on and the side glance he threw at it where it sat on corner of your bed. Sans helmet, it was much easier to read his emotions, even though he was fairly good at hiding them. You could see him debating on whether or not he wanted to tell you. And for a moment, you feared you’d upset him- you rarely gave firm orders, maybe he was upset you gave him orders at dinner?

Finally he looked over to you and ended your spiraling thought process, “Brave and Impressive as it was, the next time you wish to shoot off like that, please give me some notice. Further more, please keep in mind that one day you might yell at someone who carries a blaster.”

Oh, there was that honesty again. You felt a little hurt for a second until you caught his eyes, and then you understood his plan. Say something just harsh enough to distract you from what was really wrong. You’d play along, for now.

“Well, I’ll try to keep that in mind the next time someone threaten’s my planet’s security, Captain.” You nodded playfully, abandoning the picked over plate to move to your vanity. Scrubbing off the remainder of the makeup, you watched him move from your closet to the floor to ceiling windows, using the wall panel to close the blinds for the night.

“You know your security is my top priority, (Y/N).” He shot you a glance, half playful, half serious. You relaxed a bit at your name, it made everything less formal and stiff. He seemed to sense this too, so he just continued, “I thought Jesse was going to piss himself when you sassed that banker. We had a closed circuit conversation going during the dinner.”

He explained, and you just smiled taking your hair of of the braid and pulling a brush through it. Through the mirror, you saw his helmet. You’d often wondered about the sound proofing they hand, and now you had your answer.

“Glad I could be of entertainment.” You teased as he disappeared into your bathroom. He emerged shortly afterwards with a small smile.

“Hardcase asked me if you carried a blaster, apparently you seem like ’the type’, whatever that means. He assure me that ’the type’ is a high compliment, apparently Senator Amidala is also ’the type’.” He continued. You always enjoyed hearing him talk about his men, he obviously cared a lot about them, even if they drove him crazy sometimes.

“Well, I think I should know how to fire a blaster before I make a habit of carrying one around.” You thought aloud as you went through the process of putting serums and creams on your skin, a ritual usually reserved for your maids but you were just as capable. Out of your eye sight, Rex cast you a funny look before remembering normal children weren’t brought up learning to assemble, aim, fire, clean, and disassemble every type of firearm the military had access to.

Instead, he offered, “If this place had the facilities, I could teach you.”

You both knew it didn’t, so you just smiled, “Or perhaps, I’ll just try not to get shot.”

“Yes, that works too.” He nodded with a grin, “Well, rooms all clear so you’re free to go to sleep whenever you want to. Unless you need anything else, I need to speak to my men before dismissing them to get some rest.”

He was already walking away by the time you called back to him, “Actually, Rex, before you go, you want to tell me what’s really bothering you?”

He stood wide eyed for a moment before you explained yourself, “Rex, it doesn’t take a Jedi to see that you're tense.”

He stayed silent for a moment longer that you felt comfortable with, so you hid the hurt in your voice with, “Alright, if you really don’t want to talk about it, that’s fine. Goodnight, Rex.”

But just as you could read his emotions, he had gotten rather good at finding what you really meant from what you said. He could easily hear the disappointment in your voice, so tried to remedy it with a rushed, “No it’s not that, it’s just that I-“

He paused again, so you turned around to fully face him and prodded him to continue, “You what?”

“I’ve... developed some unprofessional feelings during this assignment… for you. And, please don’t take this as a negative light on my men or the Republic. I would never act on it, or let it interfere with this job. I’m not expecting you to do anything or reciprocate anything,” He paused to look away, “You’ve made it very easy to forget who you are, who I am. Made it easy to forget that even on the impossible chance you reciprocate these feelings, that we could never be anything more than what we are right now. But tonight, seeing you command a room like that, as Brave, and amazing, and stunning as that was to see, it was a painful reminder of every reason why it would never work. So, I didn’t want to tell you because it would only hurt the two of us more. ”

You barely heard the last part over the pounding in your ears, sweaty palms balling up your skirt- he was right, knowing but not being able to act on it, especially hearing it from his lips, hurts worse than wondering. He took your silence as the only answer he need as he turned to leave again.

“I, uh, understand if I’ve offended you or made you uncomfortable. So if you’d rather not see me anymore, I can send someone else to be your personal escort for the remainder of this assignment. Just send a maid to tell me by morning.” He instructed stiffly before the door swooshed open. It took a moment for everything to process, but then, before you could stop yourself, you bolted off after him. Catching him by the wrist, you pulled him back into your quarters. It took a moment to gather your thoughts, but after an awkward pause of you just holding his wrist, you stammered, “That won’t be necessary, Rex, because, these feelings you have, they, uh, don’t bother me because, well, because I’ve felt the same way for a while now.”

For a singular moment, you allowed yourself to forget about your responsibilities. Allowed yourself to think like a normal young woman and be happy you just found out the man you fancied returned you affection, and in that moment that regular young woman threw her arms around his neck and hugged him like her life depended on it. Felt his chin stubble against her face and how his armor poked the softer parts of her body. Slowly, he brought his arms around her waist and held her there, silently enjoying the touch for a long as she would allow herself.

When you pulled away, Rex subconsciously kept a hand on your hip as you looked up to him and pressed one tentative kiss to his cheek- all you dared to do. This time you pulled away and put a bit more distance between you and him and wrapped your arms around yourself to keep from reaching out to him- any closer and you weren’t sure you would say what needed to be said. In the pause, you reminded yourself of every reason you weren’t that regular young woman.

For a moment, you stared at the Captain with sad eyes truly debating if you had to stop yourself. Firmly, you reminded yourself of your responsibilities, but Rex already knew you had made up your mind. Still, he let you speak, knowing it was more for you than for him.

“I’m sorry, but you were right. Even though we share these feelings, nothing can come of it- we both have responsibilities.” At first you tried to keep you voice clear, as if you were addressing the public, but that didn’t work so you switched back to you normal tone, softer and just for him, “Rex, I don’t even want to know the punishment for this, but I don’t want anything bad to happen to you because of me. So, you’re right let's just end this before we both get hurt, and just carry on as we were before, right, Rex?”

You’d never asked for guidance, and Rex considered being selfish, but he knew he couldn’t do that to you. You were asking because you needed him to tell you that you were doing the right thing, and if you needed his strength he’d give it to you.

“Of course, we’ll carry on and get through this just like we have been.” He assured you, which even though you knew it was the right thing, it was the exact opposite of what you wanted to hear. Rex turned to leave after a quiet goodnight and this time you let him.

“I just never thought you‘d be-“ You started with a sad smile, but the door cut you off, Captain Rex never even heard you over the door closing, separated the two of you physically as you had just done metaphorically, you couldn’t stop yourself from finishing though, “the first person I loved.”

You comm unit beeped on your nightstand, Rex’s voice immediately followed, “I’m sorry did you need something, I thought I heard you say something.”

You quickly answered, forcing a nonchalant tone, “No, just talking to myself. Goodnight, Rex.”

“Goodnight, your highness.”

Somehow that stung worse than ending something that never had its chance. But that’s the price of royalty.

#captain rex x reader #knight in white armor

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d3-iseefire · 4 years

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Little Swan Lost Chapter 35

Note: New Chapta! :D Also, awesome fan art made by the amazingly talented @metrosideros-excelsa! Check it out here: https://d3-iseefire.tumblr.com/post/617297103876718592/this-is-so-awesome-i-love-it-thank-you

Bilba sat nervously in a chair that probably cost more than her apartment in Shire and wondered if perhaps she should have chosen to put up with Kyra after all.

When Ori had invited her to breakfast, Bilba had envisioned a quaint little café, like the ones she, Rosie and Bofur had often frequented back in Shire. Small, cozy places with worn vinyl seats and round tables. Tiny windows that let in the light and sounds of birds chirping from outside and muted the quiet clink of silverware and conversation from inside.

King’s Landing was the exact opposite of that.

The restaurant was a sleek, multi-level building located on a rocky plot of land overlooking the ocean. The inside was dark and dimly lit so that it felt as if she’d stepped from the brightness of morning to the gloom of twilight. Circular, leather couches sat around what looked like marble tables and a live violinist paid quietly from a dais in the back corner.

Having never been before, Bilba had asked Cici to pick out her clothing. She’d felt worried she’d be overdressed in the resulting dress and heels but, now that she was here, she was mildly concerned she was underdressed.

Not that she would have fit in either way.

It hadn’t really occurred to her that going to breakfast would be the first time she’d officially appeared in public. Or that the eyes of every noble would be on them as they were led through the dining room to a private room.

If it weren’t for that private room, Bilba was certain she’d have turned around and walked right back out. There was simply no way she’d have been able to sit for any length of time with the weight of all those judgmental eyes on her.

The room itself was as larger than most of those cafes back home with black paneled walls, a black marble table and matching carpet. The only light came from the far wall, which was comprised entirely of glass from floor to ceiling and presented a truly amazing view of the ocean down below.

“So,” Ori’s voice broke into her musings, “what do you think?”

Bilba jumped pulled her gaze away from the window. A plate she hadn’t noticed being brought in sat before her and her stomach rumbled at the sight of the piles of food on it. At least this wasn’t one of those restaurants where they gave you a splash on the plate and called it a meal. “It’s very nice,” she said non-committedly, as she picked up her fork.

She frowned toward the door. Gareth was stationed just outside it, while Cerys stood inside. It felt awkward to be eating while the other woman just watched, but she’d already asked Cerys to join them and the offer politely declined.

“Are you sure you’re okay?” Ori asked. “We could have gone somewhere else if you preferred. I just thought – here is already vetted, you know? Anywhere else we’d have needed to wait for security checks, and that would take time and ---”

“And you were helping me avoid Kyra for a day,” Bilba broke in with a small smile. “I know. I just didn’t realize it would be such a—” she waved her hand as she searched for the right word. “Spectacle,” she finished finally.

That was exactly the word for it. They’d have to take a convoy, with multiple cars and she didn’t even know how many guards. Someone had clearly called ahead to let the restaurant know they were coming, and a veritable red carpet had been laid out with the owner and chef ready to greet her and escort her inside.

No one had been unkind, but the entire thing had left her stomach tied in knots. There was simply no way it had gone unnoticed. She had zero doubt that every news organization in town had been alerted to the fact she’d left the palace and the thought of having to face them when she left—

“You made a pretty big step up in rank,” Ori was saying. “And Erebor is a lot larger than Shire. How many guards did you usually have in Shire? Like ten?”

“None,” Bilba said without thinking.

Ori’s mouth literally gaped, and she dropped her fork with a clatter. At the door, Cerys shifted, but said nothing. “None?” Ori repeated, dumbfounded. “How could you have had none?”

Bilba shrugged. “I had a large family, and most of them lived in the capital. I was about as far from there as you could get. Most days, I’m sure there were few who even remembered I existed.”

“You didn’t visit?” Ori asked.

Bilba tried not to flinch. “Sometimes.”

She frowned and tried to focus on her food and not the dozens of reporters probably gathering outside, or the fact that she’d have to deal with watching Kyra fawn over Thorin at meals starting tomorrow.

Why had she thought leaving her room was such a great idea again? She’d love to just go for a walk, maybe visit Bombur and apologize for missing her first day of work, or perhaps see if she could find the college or even the ballet studio she knew existed somewhere in the town.

In Shire, she could have just done it. Here, it would be a whole thing, and even then she probably would have to check with Soren over her schedule and whatever it was she was expected to do for the day.

She absently chewed on her lower lip. She’d never actually promised Thorin she wouldn’t sneak out again, just that she’d alert her security team before leaving. Perhaps if she could think of a way around that...

Or, a petty part of her butted in, she could also tell Thorin she’d give up sneaking out if he gave up prancing about with his mistress all the damn time. He’d probably personally escort her through the passageway on the beach if she were to do that.

Maybe she should.

The second the thought crossed her mind a sour feeling settled over her. Handing him off to Kyra…grated. Not because she wanted him, but just because of how much their relationship was flaunted. An outsider might think Kyra was still his fiancé the way the two behaved and the thought of sitting back and behaving like everything was fine while she was publicly cuckolded was just…degrading.

Ori asked her a question, and Bilba tried to pay attention. She soon became engrossed in conversation with the other woman but stayed careful about what she said. No doubt every word she spoke would be reported to Ori’s husband and brother and the last thing she needed was either of them taking more than a passing interest in her.

The food was gone before she knew it and, after another half hour or so of idle talk, it was time to leave.

Cerys opened the door to the quiet sounds of the other patrons and Bilba tried her best not to panic. Already, she could tell there were far more people out there than when they’d first come in and she wasn’t the least bit surprise to catch a glimpse of reporters gathered in the parking lot past the plate glass front windows.

You’re a princess, she reminded herself firmly. It was imperative she make a good impression, and not just because of her rank or marriage to the crown prince. It was because every time she turned on the blasted TV it was to hear herself being compared to Kyra. She was always found grossly wanting. Every impropriety and misstep the other woman took was glossed over while Bilba was vilified for so much as breathing.

And that was before she had made any official, public appearances. The last thing she needed now was for them to see her falter. It would just prove the slander and lies in their eyes and pour fuel on a fire that seemed destined to burn forever.

Head high, she reminded herself as they headed out of the private room, back straight. Eyes ahead, pleasant expression. She had to tread the fine line between respecting her rank without appearing haughty or arrogant.

She was proud of herself. She didn’t start shaking until they had nearly reached the exit. When the sheer number of reporters in the parking lot became obvious, along with their cameras and other equipment. Several of the male reporters looked quite large and she mentally cringed at the thought of one or more of them grabbing her and trying to drag her over for questions. It had happened more than once in Shire, and the resulting bruises had taken days to fade.

“Your Highness,” Gareth spoke softly as they stopped just before the doors. “Are you all right?”

“Fine,” Bilba said, voice shorter than she’d intended. She really wished everyone would stop asking her that. She could see the limo she’d ridden in parked at the curb just a few feet away but it felt like miles. There were guards that had closed around her the second she’d left the private room, and still more outside, but there’d been guards like that in Shire too, hadn’t there?

Everywhere she’d gone while in the capital her grandfather had made a show of surrounding her with guards. Guards who’d done precisely nothing to keep her safe. If anything, experience had told her to be more afraid of them than of anyone they might have hypothetically protected her from.

Gareth pushed the door open and an involuntary, strangled noise escaped Bilba’s throat. Heat washed over her, and black spots danced in her vision. She felt more than saw Ori next to her, Cerys behind them and Gareth in front. He stepped out and Bilba physically forced her feet to follow.

She could do this. She’d been through worse, much, much worse, and she’d never had a choice on whether or not she wanted to go through it. There was never any choice when her grandfather was involved.

Or, at least, there was never any good choice. Go forward or face the wrath of her grandfather for defying him.

Voices instantly assailed her, so fast she could barely make out the questions, though the ones she could understand seemed to follow a familiar theme.

“Your Highness! How do you feel about the prince having to break his engagement to marry you?”

“Your Highness! Is it true you have a volatile temper?”

“Your Highness! Did you plan this to force the prince to marry you?”

The car appeared in front of her, door already open. Bilba stopped in surprise at having reached it so soon. Past the car, the reporters were still shouting questions at her, but none of them were attempting to surge past the line of guards standing between them and her.

How very odd.

“Your Highness?” Gareth’s voice made her jump. She gave him a shaky smile and slid into the car. As she settled into the leather, she felt the same mixture of relief and trepidation she always did. Limos had always been a blessing and a curse. The blessing was that the windows were tinted while the curse…was that the windows were tinted.

Ori got in, and Bilba was surprised to see her face was pale. Before she could react, the other woman leaned forward and grabbed her hands. “I’m so sorry! I never thought about reporters showing up!”

“It’s okay,” Bilba said with a tight smile. Gareth and Cerys slid in and the door shut, cutting off the shouts and rapid-fire clicks of cameras. She tried not to imagine what the stories would be. Probably something like “Princess Flaunts New Position” or else perhaps a montage of Kyra going to the same restaurant and a comparison of how she’d somehow pulled off breakfast flawlessly while Bilba had failed on every level.

The car pulled onto the street, more cars in front of and behind it, and left the reporters behind to write their stories, and spin them in whatever way they saw fit.

“What are your plans for the rest of the day?” Ori asked.

“I don’t know.” Bilba raised her head from where she’d dropped it against the seat back. “Soren has my schedule, but I have no idea what’s on it.”

“Probably not much,” Ori said. “They’ll probably ease you into things at first.”

Bilba made a non-committal noise, and idly stared out the window as they drove back to the palace. There were people on the sidewalk, going to breakfast, wandering in and out of shops, or hurrying on their way to work. A few stopped to watch as the limos raced past before returning to their routines.

None of them had to worry about reporters, nasty rumors, unwanted husbands or ever-present exes. Once, she’d have been among them, hurrying on her way to grab a morning cup of coffee before heading to her first class of the day. Or maybe she’d be window shopping with Rosie or walking with Bofur back to the studio for an early morning rehearsal.

She might have stopped for a moment to watch as the limos rushed past, but she wouldn’t have wondered about them. Wouldn’t have fantasized about who was inside or what their lives were like. That had been Rosie, and Bilba had done her best not to disillusion the other girl.

Bilba had no need to fantasize. She’d already known what it was like and had been more than happy to have the life she’d led.

More than happy…

Ahead of them, the first limos pulled past the gates leading onto the palace grounds. Bilba watched through the windshield as they pulled up the long, winding drive toward the palace. A fairy tale castle to many a young girl no doubt. Her mind went to little Wynne and she bit back a smile. Moving into the palace must be like a dream come true for her.

Her grandfather’s scheming had brought happiness to one person at least.

The car slid to a smooth stop and one of the guards opened her door. She allowed him to help her out and cast a regretful glance toward the gardens and, further down, the now closed gates leading out to the rest of the city.

Ori came up beside her while Cerys and Gareth took up position behind her.

To her surprise, Soren was waiting for her just past the entrance.

“Your Highness,” he said with a bow. “King Thrain requests your presence immediately. I’ve been sent to escort you to him.”

All the air left Bilba’s body.

“Your Highness,” a cold voice slithered in her mind. “Your grandfather requests your presence, at once.”

“I’ll go with you,” Ori said next to her.

“I’m sorry, Lady Ori,” Soren said, sounding not at all apologetic. “My instructions were to bring only the princess.”

“It’s fine.” Bilba clasped her hands together in front of her and stepped closer to Soren. “Thank you for the invitation to breakfast, Ori. I’ll talk to you later.”

Ori looked uncertain, but there was little she could do about it.

“We’ll get to work on setting up your security team, Your Highness,” Gareth’s voice reached her, and she nodded.

Soren turned away and she quietly fell in behind him, hands still clasped before her. She walked with confidence, or the appearance of it anyway, and kept her eyes fixed on nothing. A trick she’d learned long ago to avoid having to see the smirks, and smug looks on the face of her relatives as they watched her being marched off to the executioner.

If asked later, she could not have said where, exactly, the king’s office was. She felt detached as they walked, her mind wandering to a different place where she didn’t have to face whatever it was that lay before her. Where she was still in Shire, living in her apartment with Rosie and waiting for Bofur to pick her up for a date.

Back in Shire, before she’d met Bofur and Rosie, she’d take herself back even further. Back to before her parent’s had died, when the only grandfather she’d known had been Mungo Baggins. He’d bought her first pair of ballet slippers and been front and center at all of her performances, alongside her parents. He’d always applauded louder than anyone, no matter how small or inconsequential her part.

Sometimes, if she tried very hard, she could still feel the rush of the breeze as he pushed her on the swings at the park or hear his laugh whenever she did something silly to amuse him.

The last time she’d seen him they’d been preparing to take a walk to the next town over. He’d taken her to the store to buy food and snacks to prepare a lunch to have along the way, and they’d spent the evening planning when they would leave the next morning, when they would return and where they would stop along the way. Bilba had even been given a little money to be able to buy a small souvenir or dessert once they arrived.

Everything had been ready, her clothes laid out and sack lunches waiting in the fridge. She’d had a sleepover that night at a friend’s house, and had wanted to make sure everything was ready for when Grandfather Mungo came to get her the next day, so she could just get dressed, grab her bag and lunch and off they’d go.

The walk never took place.

Her parents had died that night and the shock of hearing the news had caused Grandfather Mungo to suffer a massive heart attack.

He’d lingered in the hospital for nearly a week.

She hadn’t been allowed to visit.

They stopped in front of a large set of double doors, and Bilba pulled herself back to reality. As much as she didn’t want to, there was no other choice when facing her grandfather but to exist in the moment. He did not respond well to her failure to pay attention.

The door opened and she tensed. Soren bowed low in front of her, said something she couldn’t hear over the roar in her ears, and then stepped aside and bowed her in.

She entered and, for an instant, the room shifted and wavered into the one she was so familiar with in Shire. Her grandfather was obsessed with showing off not just his opulence, but also the impression that he was just a kindly old man. His office was homey with thick rugs, overstuffed bookcases and portraits of his family on the walls.

The sight had always made her nauseous.

The door shut behind her with a quiet click, and the room faded into the one she actually stood in. Rough, unfinished stone walls adorned with swords and weaponry. Cold rock under her feet. One, small bookcase with a few books stacked on it, and a large, rickety looking desk dominating the center of the room.

Her new father-in-law looked nothing like her grandfather.

Where her grandfather was usually near smothered in robes and jewels, the king of Erebor wore armor and the only jewelry he sported were beads in his hair and a few rings. Where her grandfather wanted to portray a false image of safety, it was clear that Thrain wished to convey one of threat.

At least he was honest about it.

Piercing eyes studied her, and Bilba dropped into a deep curtsey. Silence stretched, and she silently thanked ballet for giving her strong legs and good balance.

“Rise,” the king said finally, his voice a deep baritone that was very similar to Thorin’s.

Bilba obeyed. “Your Majesty.” She was careful to keep her voice soft and fixed her eyes on the desk.

He made a harrumph sound. “At least you have some training, not that it prompted you to introduce yourself upon your arrival.”

“My apologies,” Bilba said quietly. Part of her wanted to point to the deception by the head housekeeper and head butler but she realized that Thrain must already know. Reminding him would most likely be seen as an insult, or as her making excuses.

Thrain muttered under his breath and leaned forward in his chair, bringing his arms and hands into her view as he rested them on the desk. They were gnarled and craggy, as was the rest of the him, a ruler used to hard work and getting into the muck and mire alongside his subjects. It spoke well of him in one aspect at least. Her grandfather would no more sully his hands than he would allow a perceived slight to go unpunished.

“Now that you’ve finally deigned to show yourself,” Thrain said in a cold voice, “tell me, Your Highness, how it is that you and my son have been married a full month and have yet to produce a child?”

Follow on AO3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/1743620/chapters/3723188

#Writing #My writing #fanfiction #fanfic #LOTR #Hobbit #Tolkien #Female Bilbo #Female Bilbo Baggins #AU #modern #Angst #Arranged Marriage #Bagginshield

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velvetsehun · 5 years

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Born To Die| OSH | Prologue

pairing: Oh Sehun x Reader genre: Mafia!Sehun rating: 18+ warnings: violence, gun use, mature language, smut (in future chapters), slow burn(?) words: 4.5k summary: a collusions of worlds is supposed to kill, but what if it can do something else?

TW// Warning this part contains some material that might be sensitive to readers as it depicts scenes of intense violence and gun use, discretion is advised

This is the first part of my new story and my first story on this blog, my taeyong one was supposed to be the first but i ran into some issues but please, enjoy this too! happy reading lovelies and feel free to leave feedback!

Masterlist| next

If someone asked you if working at Oasis was your favourite pass time then you’d do the respectable thing and tell them the truth, but if your boss asked before he coerced you into working an overtime shift that you’d rather die than do, you’d do the polite thing like any employee and say the thing you always did when you were faced with that task.

“Of course, sir,” You’d smile big, “I’d love to help out” You’d lie to the man with a tight smile and work at that grimy bar another night.

Because in truth, you hated Oasis – you hated everything about the place, the music was enough to make you cave your head in, but the number of questionable men that rolled through the door every night put the cherry on the cake. Whether it was cheap tattoos and cologne on scummy men, or wannabe gangsters, every person had the same motive – flirt with anything with legs and leave shitty tips, something you fell victim to more than your other bartender; Jaewoo. The place wasn’t even enough to pay your student debts itself, but you picked up shifts where you could, it meant something in your pocket, even if it was in conjunction with another job.

Cleaning glasses and serving vodka, which the smell of stuck to the inside of your nose, wasn’t exactly the glitz and glamour of adult life you imagined but honestly an English lit degree only gets someone so far and if one day meant it that this would be on your Wikipedia page if you some how struck famous with something then you’d live with it for a while longer. Everyone loves a bad job story.

Tuesday nights were your least favourite shift as it meant one thing: Happy Hour. It was a shift you always declined doing but as your boss saw a weird increase in the number of people coming to the bar, he thought it would be best if Jaewoo had a hand for the night, and if the minimum wage wasn’t enough to tempt you the prospect of getting a few drinks on the house really sweetened your tea.

It was cheaply priced drinks for a few hours and it seemed enough to drawl the customers in as you spent the first 2 hours of your shift pouring copious amounts of cheap whiskey to men who looked like they rode vintage Harleys and talked too much about the golden days, thrilling really.

“Another one, sweetheart” A man who looked old enough to be a distant uncle asked you with a wink, perched at the bar with a greying moustache and a cologne so strong you could smell the alcohol from it staining your nose, you grimaced slightly as you nodded, spinning around to reach for a bottle of the cheap stuff.

“You could at least smile” Jaewoo, who was cleaning glasses hissed at you slightly, “It’s not like you had anything better to do tonight anyway”

“Excuse you.” You glared at him, pouring the drink with as little care in the world, “I think getting drunk on cheap wine and watching shitty dramas is a better way to spend my night”

He rolled his eyes at you, waiting for you to serve the drink before he continued, the old man winked at you as you slid him it – marking it down on his tab.

“Yes, sounds more like a miserable existence than a better night” Jaewoo scoffed slightly, you shook your head at him, tucking your towel into your apron – the tight skirt you were forced to wear here was annoying but the apron at least covered some of your decency.

“What’s been shoved up your ass?” You scoffed back at him, taking some of the clean glasses and shoving them in their holders, “You’ve been grumpy since you came out of the old man’s office earlier”

It was no secret that Jaewoo was your bosses favourite, he’d been working here much longer than you, you were merely a replacement for the last guy that left – not that you ever found out why he left, but after working here for a few months you could guess why.

“It’s nothing.” He shook his head, cleaning harder than before, “And even if it was, it wouldn’t concern you anyway” He pursed his lips.

“Damn,” You taunted, leaning against the bar, “Here was me thinking we were friends.” You dryly laughed.

You were leaning against the counter looking out at the bar, the dark interior contrasted with the neon lights and the colourful drink advertisements and to someone’s eyes you knew that this place could be considered nice looking but to you, it was the reminder of all the things you would never be. It was nicknamed the “dream killer” by your friends and it was within good reason; a fresh graduate came here to kill time before getting a proper job but that never happened and months later you were still here – much to your dismay of your parents.

You were intensely staring at a peeling bit of wallpaper when a glass with clear liquid was thrust in front of your eyes – the stinging smell of tequila filling your senses as you looked at the person that held it, quirking a brow.

“Drink.” Jaewoo stated, his glass in his other hand, “You’re thinking too much”

“I thought we weren’t friends,” You said coarsely, taking the glass.

“We’re not.” He tutted, “But you’re bringing down my vibe so lighten up and drink it”

You stared at him as you knocked the glass back, remembering all the times since you started here that he was a dick to you, you thought he would lighten up but that was nearly a year ago and he’s been cold as ever, especially recently.

“Maybe the place is losing business” You hummed in your head, “Him and the boss are tight, wouldn’t surprise me that he’d treat this place like his baby too.” You pondered as you went back to your thoughts, passing the glass back to him.

Oasis was always a bit sketchy to you, there was a backroom that some customers went in sometimes, but you never knew what for – you were merely the bartender and that stuff was for Jae and the boss only. Not that you saw the latter often, that was reserved for when he wanted something from you, but you had heard stories; that this places had some sus ties to higher up people in the street business, and the streets here were hardly known for their welcoming attitude – crime was imminent here. You weren’t from this side of the city, but you lived close enough, rent was cheap so that was a plus.

“Hey.” Jaewoo interrupted you as he clicked his fingers in front of your face, “Stop daydreaming and be ready to serve, new people are coming in”

You rolled your eyes as you stopped leaning against the bar, looking out at the new face in the place.

“Wow” You whistled lowly.

“What?” Jaewoo asked, confused at you.

“A face like that” You nodded to the guy at the table close to the door, “Doesn’t come in here that often.” You smirked slightly, he looked like a good tipper if his expensive watch was anything to go by. “A face like that…?” He was confused, not that he would understand anyway if you explained.

The guy at the table was gorgeous, even with the cropped hair, his heart-shaped lips and dead stare were enough to make women swoon – and as one of the only females in the room at the moment you felt yourself swoon.

“Maybe happy hour won’t be that terrible…” You thought with a smirk.

It wasn’t often you left the bar to ask if anyone wanted a drink, preferring them to come up to you, but you’d make an expectation for this man. The small skirt and black t-shirt might not exactly be the sexiest outfits in the world, but you were glad that the heels of your shoes at least caught dead stares attention as you walked closer, a smile that you meant on your face for once.

“Hi sir,” You smiled brightly, “Welcome to Oasis, want anything to drink?” You asked politely, but you shrunk back slightly as his eyes focused on you.

“No.” He didn’t spit it at you, but he was firm.

“Are you sure?” You chirped, “Drink is ha- “

“I said no.” He interrupted you with a small glare.

You laughed awkwardly as you stepped away, scurrying back to the bar with your tail between your legs, Jaewoo waiting there to laugh at you.

“Shut up.” You muttered, ignoring him to clean the bar.

It was going to be a long night after all.

Dead stare, although didn’t buy anything also didn’t feel inclined to leave – preferring to check his phone every so often but you didn’t blame him at this point. Plenty of people had flooded in for the night around 9 pm, the weather outside turning torrential as the rain washed the people away from the streets and in look for some form of shelter. Oasis being the perfect place

Sadly, the more people that came in the more you were forced to work, giving you little time to stare at the man who shooed you off like a child earlier. You’d lost track of how many cheap whiskeys and vodka/sodas you’d poured that night but if your tip jar was anything to go by then it wasn’t worth it in the slightest.

It had been a while since the bar door had opened though, the chatter of the people in the bar telling you that you’d prob reached your peak time for tonight and it would only go downhill from here but your interests were peaked as the door opened again for the night – the harsh sound of the downpour filtering into the bar for a second as two bodies entered in place of the cold. And to say you almost choked on your drink you were sipping in between orders would be an understatement, you practically lost lung function for a second as you looked at the people that entered.

“Oh my…” Your eye’s bulged slightly as you looked them up and down; very tall, very handsome, and very overdressed for this place. If you were teenage girl, you’d be frothing at the mouth at the two of them, but you tried to keep your cool as they approached the free seats at the bar, near you to your delight. Both were extremely tall, one had vibrant red hair and the other sported a gorgeous set of midnight black locks, they were a sight to look at.

Your eyes shifted to Jaewoo, who was already looking at you, asking silently who was going to serve them – they looked like they were loaded and that meant one thing. Good tips. If someone was watching close enough they would have caught you stamping on Jaewoo’s foot to get to the first and to your succession you practically slid in front of them with a smile.

“Hi guys,” You spoke to them, their broad shoulders turning from staring at the bar to looking at you, “What can I get you?”

“A scotch,” The dark hair one took one look at you before looking away uninterested, the redhead agreeing with him before doing the same.

You spun around to the bottles with a slight twitch in your eyes.

“Why are all the pretty ones fucking assholes?” You scoffed to yourself, reaching for a bottle of cheap scotch if they weren’t going to play nice, they weren’t going to get the expensive stuff, you’d rather pour it on their expensive suits first.

“Not that one,” You heard a scoff, as you looked over your shoulder, the dark-haired one was looking at you again with an annoyed expression.

“Do I look like I want to drink rubbing alcohol?” He looked at you expectantly.

“I can serve you some if you want it,” You said back, bored, pretty face or not he was bothering you, “We have some through the back with the bleach” That made the redhead laugh.

Black hair just glared at you and nodded to the top shelf where the nice stuff was kept, you complied as you poured their drinks, but you weren’t happy about it. A huff passed your lips as you turned back around with the drinks.

“Do you want me to open a ta-“ You started speaking but were promptly cut off by a fifty being shoved on the bar.

“Keep the change.” Black haired spoke taking the drinking, looking out to the bar, redhead copying him.

You were shocked and disgusted all at once as you rung the drinks up on the register, the twenty-dollar tip looked nice in your jar but you felt rage at the way you were talked to, you tried to shake it off as you walked back to them with the receipt.

“Your total, gentlemen.” You told them, sliding the paper to them, but they didn’t bother to face you.

You were about to walk away when the dark-haired one looked over his shoulder, and downed his drink with not a single grimace.

“I’d get under the bar if I was you.” He spoke lowly to you, the redhead beside him looking at him with an incredulous look and you glared at him.

“Boss, what are you-“ The dark hair merely put his hand up in silence.

“Boss…” You thought, “What the hell”

“Why would I do that?” You demanded just as low as him, he merely smirked at you, placing his glass down as he turned around.

He didn’t say anything, he merely kept smirking at you but you saw his hand creeping towards his jacket.

“Fuck.” You screamed in your head as you saw the handle of a gun start to be pulled out

You didn’t even wait to hear the first shot before you hit the deck under the bar, the sound of a shot following shortly after, the thing rattling your eardrums as you covered them quickly to block it out, it was quick the moments that followed, the sounds of fire letting out and the sound of people flooding out the bar.

It was like everything moved in slow motion as you looked up at Jaewoo terrified, but he wasn’t looking at you, you choked as you looked at him withdraw a gun; the screams of the people of the bleeding through your hands covering your ears, but those screams soon turned to your own for as soon as Jaewoo withdrew his gun you had to watch in nothing but horror has his head ricocheted back, the splatter of his insides coating the mirror of the back of the bar as his body quickly dropped on the floor next to yours. You felt the bile of your stomach crawling up your throat as you pushed yourself away from his growing pool of blood – the tears cascading down your face.

Bottle above your head was shattered with the liquid in them exploding with them, their pungent smell getting everywhere – mixing with the smell of blood and gunpowder.

Your body was in the foetal position on the ground for the moments to follow that, they felt like years as you rocked back and forward – hands covering your ears as you internally begged for it to stop. Jaewoo’s gun was within your reach if you needed it but you felt more bile fill your mouth at the thought of using it. Moments were literal years in your mind, the screams eventually dying out and the sound of heavy breathing left in its wake. But that didn’t comfort you, no matter how much you begged for it. You knew there was something still inside the bar, just as deadly as the gun used to kill.

Dark haired and his friend were still here, and you did not doubt that a few men in the bar tonight were part of his little plan. The few moments of silence were broken soon enough, as the rest of the hunt began.

The weight of his boots crunched the glass beneath them as he edged closer to you, the bar was a feeble shield against what was to come but as the sound neared closed your shaking hands danced closer to the weapon that was just to your right. You’d never fired a weapon before, but it couldn’t be hard right…?

“Just point and shoot”, even the voice in your head was shaking, picking the cold metal up slowly your eye blurred with more tears as you looked at who it came from – Jaewoo. He still looked as handsome as ever, or as handsome as you can look with a gaping hole in your head and the stony hands of death ringing your eyes dry. The weight of the weapon was grave in your palms though, but you huddled it close to your chest, the icy metal felt even through your top.

He truly was deer stalking at this point, the boots no longer coming towards you, the vast silence of the bar filled with the sound of whistling instead, a sombre tone ringing in your ears as your eyes squeezed shut in fear. He was taunting you without words, his whistling showing that despite what had just happened he was completely at peace with what happened, the thought made you want to hurl – a pretty face really did hide the psycho underneath if this is how he felt, but regardless the sound of his whistling was like deaths hands crawling up your spine; a cold shiver.

The cold sweat was building on your hairline at this, the tremble in your jaw not stopping as you bit your cheek to stop yourself from crying out in trauma, your hands were gripping the gun tighter like somehow just having it in your presence would save you from what could be your end right now. You imagined what he was doing now, his lithe body on the edges on the bar behind you, tense hands twitching with instinct as he looked at the mess he had made of the bottles. You wanted him to look at the mess and walk away but here he was; taunting you. The only person besides himself and his men who were still alive in the bar.

You felt yourself draw in a breath as the movement started again, the sound of things behind pushed off the bar behind you to land in front of you, making you flinch with every crash; broken glasses were dropped down beside you as you bit your tongue to keep from yelping – you wouldn’t give him that much satisfaction. He knew how to play a good game of cat and mouse and you were that hyper aware of even his rings scraping against the wood at this point, the adrenaline in your system turning your senses up by a hundred. But you also knew he was closing in and with bated breath you raised the gun to the corner of the bar you knew we was about to stalk around, the normally strong metal looking feeble in your hands as it shook with your fear. You never really thought that you could make a gun look like a weak weapon but clearly, there was a first for everything today.

It was like staring the devil in the face when eventually walked around the destroyed bar, his suit still looking awfully out of place here; he looked like he should be the CEO of a company with his Armani suit, not shooting up a shitty bar, but his eyes were dancing with a mirth you’d never seen before – it made you tighten your hands on the gun, finger dancing on the trigger as he hummed lowly at you.

“Are you going to use that?” He was staring down at you like you would a child, voice warm but there was an edge to it, but he was met with your silence. His thick brows didn’t leave much in terms of expression – they were drawn together in an attitude, “I asked you a question.” He looked at you expectantly.

“I’ll…” Your voiced cracked slightly, your jaw tensing as you tried to find the words, but he cut you off.

“You’ll...?” He taunted, amusement dancing in his eyes as the hum of his men chuckling filled your ears too, as soon as the laughter started it stopped – his face dropping any signs of amusement, “I asked you a question, darling.” He almost drawled at you.

“Are you going to use that.” He nodded to the weapon in your hands, the barrel of it pointing at him doing nothing to intimidate him, “Because frankly, I don’t think you will” He teased you.

“I’ll shoot” Your voice was quiet, your finger still itching to shoot him – the rational part of you knew it was useless, even if you did shoot him there were other people in the bar ready to blow your brains out too, if you even dared to touch their Boss “I’ll use it, I’ll shoot you.” You kept talking anyway.

In a normal circumstance you imagined his laughter sounding like silk brushing your ears, but now, under this pressure – it sounded nothing short of someone scraping a fork against a plate as he laughed directly at you. You felt your blood run cold as he took a step forward, knee coming down onto the broken glass to kneel in front of you, your gun level with his face and his expensive suit getting torn by the glass, but he boldly smirked at you anyway. He smelled expensive too, the woody smell breaking through the metallic smell from everything that happened.

“Do it.” He whispered to you, smirk still on his face; he was prettier up close, almost angel-like in his looks, but you knew behind the structured face and pretty lips held the personality of a devil – a killer. If this was under different circumstances you imagine you’d be falling over yourself at his flawless skin and cold personality, you always did like them cliched, “Do it… if you have the courage, little one” He taunted you softly, his hand reaching out to push the gun higher, to his forehead.

You don’t know what came over you, it was like time decided it wanted to slow itself down to a snail’s pace, but in fear your finger pressed down on the trigger and much like the metal contraption in your hand – your heart stopped much like the trigger, nothing was happening.

He was laughing at you again now, the fear building as you kept squeezing the trigger to no avail. His hand was gripping the bar above your head as you moved back in terror – you were truly fucked now; he was edging closer.

“Next time you shoot…” he whispered, his finger flicked the barrel of the gun away from him like it was a pesky fly, a smirk on his face, “Turn the safety off, little one.”

The metal clanged on the ground as it dropped out your hand, you wanted to vomit at that moment; your stomach moving in ways it had never done before. He looked beyond amused at you but again it was shorted lived as he stood up, body towering above you, his sharp face looking out to the bar.

“Take her to the car.” His eyes flickered down to you, you seized up for a moment, the sound of his men approaching you started to flood your senses. “Quickly” He smirked down at you.

At that moment you didn’t care how cut up your hand got, you scuttled away from him, the glass digging into your palms as you tried to ignore the blood on the floor that wasn’t just yours. Your attempt was short-lived, you soon enough felt arms wrap around your waist from behind, a cackle of laughter vibrating in your eardrums as you were hoisted up into someone’s chest. You tried your best to fight it, get out but it was useless as you were dragged out from behind the bar.

He was looking at you with curiosity now, his equally tall friend from before looking at you too, as you struggled against this faceless man.

“Down girl, I don’t bite.” He felt him next to your ear, “Unless you want me too” You felt his grimy smirk.

“Enough, Baekhyun.” His boss spoke, jaw tense, “Get her out of here now, and do your job.”

You shivered in disgust, but you were quickly made quiet at the state of the bar, people scattered dead across tables, blood splattered on walls – it looked like a war zone. It did nothing to settle your stomach as you felt the bile burning your throat, the tears burning your eyes as you stopped struggling for a moment, your feet being dragged across the glass-covered floor.

You let out a small cry at everything, your body being dragged away as you tried your best to turn around in Baekhyun’s arms – your body starting up again to struggling against him.

“Put me down” You roared, elbowing where you could, his grunts filling your ears as you caught his throat, “Monsters. You’re all monsters” You cried.

“Jesus Christ.” Baekhyun yelled as you kept fighting, his body struggling to hold you still, as you reached out to pull on his hair “Someone shut her up already”

You were glaring over his shoulder, too busy to say anything, glaring at him; wishing you’d shot him. His jaw with tense at your antics but he stood still, not bothering enough to deal with you. You were just trying to climb over Baekhyun’s shoulder when you felt something sharp stab into your shoulder – your body stopping in shock instantly as you felt yourself drop with a loud gasp, the world looked hazy for a second as you fell to the side, the man carrying you, his face coming into view as he held on to you.

“Down girl” He shushed again softly, your eyes drooping, “There you go…”

“You can sleep now, sweetheart.” He was tender in the way he spoke but you didn’t need to be fully awake to know he didn’t mean it.

The world was fazing in and out now as you let out one more whine in pain, you head lulling back. You felt yourself being hoisted up into a bridal lift by the man taking you away, you felt like dead weight to even yourself but there was a burning in your eyes and a fuzziness in your mind that stopped you from talking.

The bar falling away to the mist, the sound of glass crunching fading away as it was swapped with the sound of water running through the alley; it was still pouring down. You’d love to have seen the rain one last time, but you heard the sound of a van door opening as you finally fell ill to the sleep creeping into your eyes.

Blackness.

#sehun fic #sehun imagine #sehun smut #oh sehun #exo fic #sehun au #exo au #sehun x reader #sehun exo #sehun scenario #exo #kpop

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fluffyunicornofdanger · 5 years

Text

Oscars After Party

Author’s Note: The idea for this just popped in my head the other day and I knew I had to do it cause I haven’t seen anyone else do it. I’d also like to thank @waymorecake4me for helping me edit. She’s been a real lifesaver. Anyway, I should have the third part of Living a Little out at the end of this week and I will be starting a new series and should post the first part tomorrow or the next day. I’m also taking requests for one-shots. So, please send in requests.

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Masterlist

Joe Mazzello x Reader

Summary: Going to her first Oscars, Y/n expected many things but none of them were running into a certain actor that had her heart fluttering. But a trip to the nearest 7-Eleven after the show would be her win for the night.

Word Count: 2.7k

Warnings: Language

Women in extravagant gowns and men in sharp black tuxedos passed in a blur as Y/n tried to navigate the red carpet. She had never attended the Oscars before, the thought had never crossed her mind until a movie that she had starred in was nominated for an award. It took her by surprise when she found out. She had only ever done small movies, ones that people had generally never heard of, and those never were nominated for anything. But her most recent movie wasn’t one that people passed up when looking for something to watch. It had caught the public’s attention and thrown the young women into the spotlight.

And that was terrifying.

Due to that movie, she had gotten more offers for parts then she ever had in her life. It had become harder for her to go out without people noticing her and her social media accounts had gained more followers to the point where she was feeling the pressure of her fame. Don’t get me wrong, she loved it. Well… parts of it. It was something that she had dreamed of since going into acting, but she didn’t realize how overwhelming it all could be. And she was all alone as none of her friends or family members knew that kind of feeling.

That feeling is what left her standing in the corner of a big open area where other actors and celebrities were mingling as they waited for the show to start. Y/n looked around desperately for her co-stars, but they couldn’t be found. There were just too many people in the way for her to spot them. Everyone seemed to blend in as it was anyway.

“You’re Y/n Y/l/n, right?”

She jumped when the question hit her ears. She was so caught up in her thoughts that she hadn’t noticed someone come to stand next to her. Turning to where the question came from, her eyes landed on a man in a black tux with swept over brown hair and a warm smile.

“I’m sorry if I scared you,” he apologized.

Y/n waved it off. “Oh, no. It’s not your fault. I was just caught up in my thoughts,” she gave him a nervous smile. Of all the people that could have approached her, why did it have to be some that she found attractive? Why? “What was your question?”

He laughed, making her heart flutter. She had a feeling that she was going to screw up her first time at the Oscars if she talked to him much longer. There was just something about him that sprouted butterflies in the pit of her stomach. “I was wondering if you were Y/n Y/l/n and if you’re not then you’ll have no trouble stealing her identity.”

She let out a laugh, fiddling with her clutch. She thought her nerves were going to be at bay until the show started, but she was wrong. “Well, everyone knows me as Y/n Y/l/n, but that doesn’t mean I’m really her.”

“Well, it’s nice to meet you Y/n, if that’s even your real name,” he joked, extending his hand for her to take. She grasped his hand, feeling his soft, cool skin against hers that were burning up and all clammy. “I’m Joe Mazzello, but most people just call me Joe.”

“It’s nice to meet you, too.” Out of the corner of her eye, Y/n was still looking for her co-stars. Being alone at the Oscars was one thing. She could deal with that. She could manage. But being alone with an attractive member of the opposite sex was completely different. Y/n wasn’t the most confident or most outgoing. She wasn’t that person that could just walk up to strangers and start conversations by herself. Maybe if she had a friend with her, someone she was comfortable with, then she would have no problem getting out of her comfort zone. But she didn’t have that.

And when it came to men, she was a wreck. She always got flustered and nervous when she was alone with anyone that she found attractive. She knew it had to do with the fact that all the attention was then trained on her and she hated it. She was an actress, the attention was supposed to be trained on her. She was supposed to be used to it, but she wasn’t.

Joe let out a sigh, glancing down at his wristwatch. “I’m waiting for my friends, they should already be here, but-” He gestured to the open area in front of him. “- clearly they aren’t.”

She nodded, knowing the feeling. “Yeah, mine too. At this point, I think they’re avoiding me.”

He shook his head in disagreement. “Now, why would they want to avoid someone as beautiful as you?”

Her skin burned at his question as a light smile danced on her lips. She had to keep her cool. She had to. It was nothing but meaningless flirting. The two would probably never see each other again. “Because they’re assholes,” she told him as she caught sight of one of them who gave her a smile and thumbs up from across the room. They were probably avoiding her for the sheer reason that she was talking with Joe.

He laughed at her answer, “My friends are too and I’m still forced to sit next to them.”

“Same here.”

Before their conversation could go much further, two men walked towards them. One was tall and lean with light brown hair, wearing a black suit much like Joe’s and the other was around Joe’s height with a head of blonde hair, wearing a white suit that seemed to be out of place amongst the sea of black ones. Joe turned to them with a big smile when he noticed them approach. “Where have you guys been?”

The tall one shook his head, “We were waiting for you at our table with Rami and Lucy.”

Joe’s eyes lite up at the realization. “You guys have been here the whole time?”

“Afraid so, mate,” the blonde man confirmed.

Y/n bite her lip as everyone just stood there, unsure what to do. And it didn’t help matters that she could feel their eyes on her every now and then. They were quick glances, ones that would generally go unnoticed, but she noticed them.

Fiddling with the clasp on her clutch, Y/n smiled up at the men. “Well, I should get going. I’d hate to keep everyone waiting.” She pointed to a group of her co-stars that had gathered on the other side of the room to watch their conversations. If they were waiting for them to exchange numbers, they could continue waiting. It wasn’t going to happen. She turned to Joe. “It was really nice to meet you.”

“Yeah, it was nice to meet you too,” he called to her as she started walking towards her friends. He would be lying if he didn’t say he was taken by her. He was generally a man of many words, always talking up a storm, but not around her. He wasn’t even sure what to say while they were talking. He wasn’t given much time to start up a real conversation, anyway. But there was just something that drew him to her. He couldn’t quite pin down what it was, but he hoped that wasn’t the last time they crossed paths that night.

The Uber came to a stop in front of the nearest 7-Eleven. Y/n opened her door, thanking the driver before shutting it and walking up to the store. She was probably overdressed for the corner store, but she didn’t care. She’d seen people wear much worse, so it would probably be a nice change for the cashier.

The award show had been fun. She spent time with her co-stars who had pretty much become her family. It had come to the point where some of their parents were alright with all of them calling them ‘mom’ or ‘dad’. Sitting with them and their dates was nice. It brought her comfort and dropped her stress a few levels. Of course, it was brought back up when they mentioned the man that they had seen her talking to. He had apparently been in a big movie, so big that it was nominated for quite a lot of awards. The first thing that any of them asked her was if he gave her his number and the answer to that question was no. Why would he? If he was such a big actor, he could have anyone. So, why settle for an actress that had only ever attended the Oscars once?

He could do so much better than her.

And she probably was the last thing on his mind. He, just like almost everyone else that attended the show, was probably already at the after party, having the time of his life. Parties, award shows, things like that just weren’t Y/n’s thing. Her co-stars had tried to get her to stay and attend but she was done for the night. The awards themselves were already too much for her. She still needed a little time to adjust to her new found fame.

Y/n opened the door to the convenience store, the knot, where she tied her long dress up to keep it from dragging, hit against her leg as she walked around. She wasn’t sure what she was looking for, pretty much just anything that she would crave while watching something on Netflix back at the hotel. She walked down the aisle that housed the chips and candies, stopping where all the Lays chips were stored. Holding her clutch, she tapped the fabric with her other hand as she bite her lip in thought.

All the flavors looked good.

She wasn’t given any time to decide when two men opened the front doors, laughing their heads off. She tried to pay no attention to them, picking a flavor was more important than random strangers. But she was pulled from her train of thought when they came waltzing down her aisle.

“Why are we even here?” one of the men asked with a British accent. The voice sounded oddly familiar, but she tried not to look at them as she picked up a bag of salt and vinegar chips.

“Because after parties are lame, Ben. We’ve been over this,” the other man answered.

Y/n was just about to walk to where the drinks were being kept when the voice met her ears. She knew now why the first one had sounded familiar. She turned back to see Joe and the blonde man from earlier looking at the different packs of Oreos that the store had. “Shit.”

She wasn’t quite sure why them being there was a bad thing, but her brain told her it was. It was probably because her friends had made her self-conscious about the fact that he was a big-time star and she wasn’t. She wouldn’t even consider herself a star. But that wasn’t really their fault, they had meant well. They just wanted to see her happy and they knew how lonely she was sometimes. If anything, she ruined the idea of Joe for herself.

If her heels, that were starting to rub her feet the wrong way, had been quieter, Joe and his friend wouldn’t have turned around. They would have kept their eyes fixed on the cookies in front of them and not noticed as she grabbed a tea and walked to the register. But that wasn’t the case.

The noise of her heels rang through the store, causing their heads to turn in her direction.

“Y/n?” Joe questioned, she didn’t even have to turn around to know that he was walking towards her, his shoes were just as bad as her own.

She slowly turned around, nodding. “Yeah.”

“Why aren’t you at the after party?” he asked, a concerned look taking over his features.

She shrugged. She was clearly not there for the same reason he wasn’t. “Not sure what fun that would be. Besides, I can’t eat these-” She held up the bag of chips in her hand. “-if I’m at one of those parties.”

Joe laughed, running his fingers through his already ruined hair. “I guess not.” Someone behind them cleared their throat, causing Joe to turn around, a big smile appearing on his face when he realized it was his friend. “Were you feeling left out?” he joked, earning a stern look from the man. “Oh, Y/n-” He turned back to her. “-this is my friend, Ben.”

“Hi,” she gave him a small wave, trying not to drop her chips. Ben gave her a smile in return.

“Ben, this is Y/n.”

From the look that Ben was giving Joe, she could tell that it wasn’t the first time that her name had been brought up. Maybe she was wrong after all. Maybe a star like him would want to be with a tiny one like her.

“So, why aren’t either of you at the after party?” she questioned, walking over to the fridge that held all the teas.

“That’s a good question,” Ben glared at Joe who was following behind her. He looked like a lovesick puppy. The poor man.

Joe waved the comment off. “After parties are lame.” He opened on of the fridges to grab a coke. “And anyway, we will probably have much more fun on our own. Right, Ben?”

His friend just grumbled, clearly not completely up to the idea of skipping the after party. Who could blame him?

Y/n nodded, trying to balance her clutch and tea in one hand. That’s one reason that she decided not to go. She knew wouldn’t have much fun being around loads of people that she didn’t know and didn’t care to know. She would have more fun on her own, watching so random movie on Netflix. “That’s one reason I’m here instead of there, too. And the fact that I’m not a very social person…”

She turned to the register, trying to keep her nerves together as Joe followed close behind. That man had brought about feelings that she hadn’t felt since middle school and she wasn’t happy that she had to suffer through them on her own. She wasn’t sure she could. Placing the items down on the counter, she gave the cashier a nervous smile as she fumbled with her clutch. Her nails weren’t even that long, yet she was struggling to unclasp the buttons.

“Let me help you with that,” Joe’s fingers brushed against hers as he took the clutch from her, opening it with ease. He handed it back, getting a small thank you in return. “And I think you’re pretty social,” he stated.

Y/n scoffed at his words. “Joe-” She turned to face him. “-we have barely even had, what I would call, a conversation. It has been more small talk than anything. So, I don’t think you know how social I am.”

She wasn’t trying to be harsh, but she felt that’s how her words escaped her lips as she watched Joe’s smile fade a little. It was true, though. They barely knew each other. Sure, she wanted to get to know him better but she wasn’t the type to ask or give numbers. That was never something she was confident enough to do. But not even a second had past when his big smile returned. “Well, maybe I want to find out how social you can be.”

Y/n grabbed her bagged items, taking the receipt from the cashier and raised her brow. She had a feeling she knew where it was leading. “It that so?”

He hummed in conformation. “Yep, I would love to find out how social you are and maybe help you be more so.” He clasped his hands behind his back as he walked with her to the door.

“Well, maybe I’ll take you up on that offer,” she laughed, resting her elbows on the door rail. She wasn’t sure what was getting into her, maybe he was already making her more social.

“Really?” He looked about as happy as a child on Christmas morning.

She nodded with a smile, her confidence growing. “I’ll hit you up sometime. How does that sound?” she asked, pushing the door open.

“Th-that would be great! I’ll be waiting,” he smiled as she turned from the door.

“Bye Joe,” she waved, clutch in hand, as her Uber approached.

He waved, watching her open the car door. “Bye.”

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caedmonfaith · 5 years

Text

The Admirer

Rose has no idea who has been leaving pink and yellow roses on her desk every morning before class. She knows who she wants it to be, but that's impossible. Who, then?

Twelve/Rose, professor/student/university AU. rated M, updates on Mondays and Thursdays starting June 10!

Read it on ao3!

Spring Term, 2019

Rose’s astronomy class was early, 8am, and most of the time she wore her comfiest of socially acceptable clothes when she went. Jeans and jumpers, usually, her hair pulled into a messy ponytail. Occasionally, when she was exceptionally tired or running late, she wouldn’t even bother with makeup.

She was capable of looking much better, but she wasn’t interested in trying to catch the eye of any of her classmates - certainly not at that ungodly hour. She was too bleary to care about blokes, really, at stupid o’clock in the morning. Besides that, she’d sworn them off when she started uni, determined to graduate with her first - and without distraction.

The one bloke she did have her eye on was utterly unattainable. Her astronomy professor - Dr. Ian Docherty, or ‘the Doctor’, as he was known around campus - was significantly older than Rose, utterly brilliant, and handsome as sin, to boot, with his sharp features and salt-and-pepper hair. That wasn’t even taking into consideration that she was a student in his class twice a week until the end of the semester. There was no point in her even entertaining the thought of a relationship with him or that her crush might be reciprocated, so she didn’t. She just trudged to class, taking her customary seat on the front row, determined to keep her head down, keep her crush under control, and to pass with the highest grade she could muster.

Every Tuesday and Thursday morning for the first two months of the term, Rose had filed into her lecture along with her fifty classmates and made her way to her seat. On this particular morning in early March, however, she froze when her desk came into sight.

Lying on it was a single pink and yellow rose, wrapped in green florist’s paper with a little pink ribbon tied around it. Her eyes darted around the room as she tried to assess whether she’d mistakenly gone to the wrong class or was on the wrong row - something. But no, she was definitely in the right place - all the faces surrounding her were familiar and it was definitely the Doctor at the front of the room.

She approached the desk curiously, eyes locked on the rose, and noticed a little note attached to the ribbon. Looking around the room one more time, she didn’t see anyone watching her, so she unfolded the paper. In careful block script, it read, Just wanted to brighten the day of the girl who brightens mine every Tuesday and Thursday.

There was no name, but Rose felt herself flushing with happiness anyway, a smile blooming across her face. Then she realized the absolute lack of care she’d put into her appearance and was mortified. Her face scarlet, she sat down in her seat and tried to act like everything was normal.

By the time of her next astronomy class, Rose had convinced herself that the flower on her desk had to have been a fluke, or a practical joke. She forced herself to go in the same comfy clothes she always wore - although she did make sure to wear some makeup and style her hair nicely. All the way there, she warned herself sternly not to put any stock into the flower that had been left for her last time. It wouldn’t happen again. There was no way.

Except when Rose started down the aisle towards the front of the lecture hall and her seat, there was another pink and yellow rose in green paper with a pink bow lying on her desk. Her steps quickened to get to it, and she grabbed it up before she even dropped her bag, reading the note.

Your smile last time was so lovely, I just had to see it again. Thank you for making this early class a pleasure.

Rose looked around the classroom, hoping to see someone watching her. Again, it looked like everyone was going about their business and she was forgotten. She sank down into her chair, feeling lighter than air, and did her best to pay attention to the lecture. Between the rose and her typical wayward thoughts about her lecturer, it wasn’t easy to concentrate.

The following Tuesday, at her next class, there was another rose. The note this time simply said, You’re beautiful, but even just those two words made her feel like she was dancing on sunshine.

Nine more classes came and went, as did nine more pink and yellow roses in green paper with pink bows. Rose kept the notes handy so she could look at them any time she needed a lift. All of them were sweet, some of them encouraging, and each one made her feel like she was glowing inside.

At night, when she crawled into bed and tiredness made her mind more likely to wander, she let herself entertain the little fantasy that her secret crush and her admirer were one and the same - then she would scoff to herself and roll over. It was highly unlikely that the Doctor, of all people, would harbor feelings for her. He likely didn’t even know her name. To him, she was just a face in the crowd, just another student. Besides that, a man that handsome and intelligent was bound to be taken. She was being foolish, daydreaming about him and his long fingers and his soft brogue.

Still, she dreamed about him bearing pink and yellow roses and baring his soul.

After over a month of receiving flowers and notes, Rose felt a bit stymied by the fact that her admirer could give her a gift and send her a note, but she couldn’t do the same for him (or her). In a burst of inspiration, towards the end of class, she jotted a note down.

Will I ever get to meet you? ~R

She folded the note in half and left it on her desk when the Doctor dismissed class before she could lose her nerve. When she got to the door, she turned to try to see if anyone had grabbed the note, but there were too many people milling around and she couldn’t tell. Suddenly embarrassed, she ducked her head and went home. Maybe trying to reply was stupid. Maybe the wrong person had found the note, some other student who had tossed it in the bin. She was being daft and she knew it.

The next class, the rose was waiting on her desk. Rose took her seat and opened the note eagerly - even though her stomach felt a little queasy - reading the now-familiar handwriting.

I’m afraid I’m not your type of bloke, although I’d love to be.

A man, then. One of her peers. Rose pondered her answer, glancing over the blokes in her class, trying to figure out who would think he wasn’t her type. After considering her response carefully, she wrote her reply note and left it on her desk.

Maybe, maybe not. Let me be the judge of that. I’d at least like to thank the person who’s made me smile every Tuesday and Thursday morning. Do I know you? ~R

That Thursday, Rose opened the note and read, No, but you know of me. You’d recognize my face, but we’ve never spoken.

At the end of class, she’d composed another note. I think we should remedy that. Can I buy you a coffee? ~R

The next few days were interminable. She spent the whole weekend debating whether or not she’d done the right thing, and what she’d do if he actually took her up on her offer. There were only a couple of weeks left in the semester and she was dreading it. For one thing, she’d no longer have the Doctor to ogle and daydream about every Tuesday and Thursday. She was dreading leaving his company, even if he didn’t even know her name. Also, with the end of the semester came the end of the flirtation she’d been enjoying. She very much wanted to know who her admirer was. But had she been too forward?

On Tuesday another rose greeted her, along with another note.

I’d love nothing more than to get to know you better, Rose Tyler. But I’m afraid.

Of what? ~R

Her answer was waiting for her on Thursday. Afraid I’ll disappoint you. I’m no pretty boy.

Rose wrote that day’s note right away, without pondering as she usually did. I’m a bit hurt that you think me so shallow. In my three years at uni, I’ve only really been interested in one bloke, and he’s not at all what you would call a ‘pretty boy’. ~R

The following Tuesday, the note read, I certainly don’t think you’re shallow. It’s my own insecurity.

Please don’t feel that way. Can we meet? Final is next Thursday. Maybe we could study together? ~R

If we’re to do this, I think it would be best to wait until after the module has ended. That way, neither of us gets (any more) distracted. Is that alright?

Rose huffed in frustration, then wrote back. Yes, that’s probably wise, although very frustrating. I’m impatient. Can we meet Thursday night, after the final? ~R

On Tuesday, the day of exam prep, she got his reply attached to the pink and yellow rose. Yes. Let’s meet for coffee, as you suggested. I’ll be at the Bad Wolf Tea Shoppe at 8pm. You’ll know me because I’ll have Thursday’s rose with me. After you meet me, if you want, we can go stargazing.

She bit her lip and wrote out her response. I’m sure I’ll want to. Can’t wait to meet you. ~R

Thursday morning, when she came in for the exam, there was simply a note there, no rose. She opened it as she took her seat. Good luck on the exam. See you tonight. x

“See you tonight,” she whispered to the room at large, biting her lip on a smile, then pulling her head out of the clouds to focus on her last class with the Doctor and the final exam.

@}-->--------

9 May 2019

Rose dressed with great care that night to go see her admirer, not wanting to overdress, but wanting to look better than she usually did during class. She finally decided that she’d stick out if she were to wear something fancy, so she settled on skinny jeans with a flowy blouse, her prettiest casual outfit. Her flatmate, Amy, lent her a necklace to match and she felt as pretty as she ever did.

Her nerves were a riot as she made her way to the little tea shoppe, and she did her best to brace herself for what she may find when she got there. There had been almost sixty blokes in her astronomy module, so she had a hard time narrowing it down. She knew who she’d like it to be, of course, but that wasn’t realistic or possible and she pushed the thought out of her head. Whoever this person was, she was grateful to them and was looking forward to spending an evening getting to know them. It couldn’t possibly be the Doctor, that was absurd, but whoever it was was obviously a nice person who’d made her semester brighter.

Blimey, she was nervous.

When she stepped into the Bad Wolf, feeling as if she were about to jump out of her skin, she was surprised to see the Doctor sitting there, as if he’d manifested himself directly from her daydream. His tall, lanky frame was folded into a chair at a table and his sharp features wore an expression she’d never seen before. He looked… tense. Anxious. The low light of the tea shoppe glinted off his dark-rimmed glasses and he mussed his wavy hair when he ran his fingers through it. It was terribly endearing and she bit her lip, feeling a flare of wild hope just from his presence.

He caught sight of her as the door closed, and she couldn’t help but smile back when he smiled at her. It faded a bit when she noticed he didn’t have a pink and yellow rose, but she did her best to shrug that off. She’d known it wasn’t him, and hoping it would be was ridiculous.

Quickly, she glanced around the tea shoppe and didn’t see any other familiar faces, nor anyone with a rose. She checked her watch - she was right on time. Perhaps he was late.

“Miss Tyler,” the Doctor said, greeting her - and taking her completely off guard. She’d had no idea he knew her name. “What a lovely surprise.”

“Hello, Dr. Docherty,” she started, approaching his table.

“Now, enough with that. You’re not in my module anymore, feel free to call me Ian.”

Her heart fluttered in her chest like a butterfly batting against a cage. “Thank you, that’s very kind, although I’ll likely forget and refer to you as the Doctor.”

“Whatever you want to call me is fine.”

She stood awkwardly beside the table, wanting to sit, wanting to flee, having no idea what to do. Deciding she wanted to prolong the joy of talking to him just a bit longer, she asked, “Are you waiting for someone?”

“Ah, in a manner of speaking,” he said, blushing a little, and she tamped down the stab of jealousy that brought on.

“Ah. Well. I’ll leave you be, then. It was—”

“No!” he interrupted her, holding out a hand as if to stop her. Then he seemed to catch himself and withdrew. “I mean, no, you don’t have to leave. Sit, have a coffee. We can chat, if you like.”

Oh, Rose liked. She liked very much. Without allowing herself to think about it too much and trying very hard not to flush, she nodded and pulled out the chair across from him, taking a seat. As much as this moment was a daydream come true, she vowed to excuse herself if she saw a gentleman come in with a pink and yellow rose. She wanted to honor the ‘date’ she’d made for tonight.

“Who are you meeting?” she asked to break the ice. Before she could think better of it, she went on. “Wife? Girlfriend?”

His eyes widened a fraction, then he chuckled and looked away. “No, no, nothing like that. Don’t have one of those.”

It was Rose’s turn for widened eyes. She’d just assumed that a man as handsome as him would at least have a girlfriend, if not a wife. Suddenly, being stood up by her admirer didn’t seem like such a terrible fate.

“How about you?” he asked after the waitress took Rose’s order. “Here to see a boyfriend?”

“Um, no, not really,” she hedged, not really sure how to proceed - or if she even wanted to.

Dr. Docherty raised one eyebrow. “Not really? Yes or no questions tend to have more definitive answers,” he teased.

Rose felt herself flushing again. “I know. Sorry for being vague. It’s a long story, I suppose. I don’t have a boyfriend and haven’t for several years, since before I started uni. But…” She hesitated for a moment, picking at her nails. “There was a bloke. In your astronomy class, actually. He left me a rose on my desk every morning.”

“Ah, yes. I remember seeing the flowers. You’re here for a date with him?”

“Kind of. I don’t know who he is. Sort of a ‘secret admirer’ situation, I suppose. I asked if I could meet him so I could thank him for making me smile this semester.”

“I’m quite sure your smiles were thanks enough,” the Doctor said, eyes twinkling behind his specs.

“Maybe he might think so, but I’d still like to thank him in person. Seems the least I could do.”

There was a silence at the table, then the Doctor broke it. “I don’t see you in any of my other classes, so I assume you’re not an astronomy major.”

Rose laughed. “No, I’m nowhere near clever enough to major in astronomy. I took the class as an elective because I’ve always enjoyed space, but my major is art.”

“Art?” he asked, looking intrigued. “Are you any good?”

She shrugged shyly. “I don’t think so, but I get good marks. I’m hoping to work as a curator - I don’t believe I have the chops to make it as an artist.”

“I’m sure you’re brilliant,” he assured her, and Rose glanced up at him. He looked genuine, even eager. “I’d love to see your work sometime.”

Rose felt a smile blooming across her face. “I’d like to show you sometime. Some of my work this past semester has been inspired by your class, actually.”

“Well, then, I should buy it and display it,” he said with a little note of finality, as if the matter was settled.

“You can have it,” Rose told him quickly, then blushed again. “I mean, I’d like for you to have it.”

He looked a little stunned. “I’ll treasure it always.”

She was sure her face was on fire and glanced down at her coffee.

“When do you graduate?” he asked, clearing his throat and changing the subject.

“December,” she told him. “I’m taking a module during summer term, and then I’ll have three in the autumn. With any luck, I’ll get my first.”

“Well, my class won’t be a hindrance to your first,” he informed her, smiling. “You passed, with flying colors.”

“Really?” she squealed, excited. Her marks had been good, but there was always that nagging worry.

“Really. Better than several of my astronomy majors, in fact.”

Rose let out an excited giggle. The Doctor’s face was more relaxed than it had been all night and she thought him even more handsome than she ever had before. Which was saying something.

The waitress returned with Rose’s drink, then she and the Doctor talked for hours, chatting and laughing about all manner of subjects, getting to know one another better. Spending time with him was so comfortable, so easy, that she nearly forgot all about her admirer - and that was alright. She was entirely too happy in the moment to waste time thinking about anyone else. More than once, their hands brushed against each other at the small table and every time they did, Rose swore she could feel a jolt of electricity shoot straight up her arm. She’d thought she was wild about him before, but that was before she’d spent the evening looking into his blue-green eyes, talking about nothing and everything.

It was a surprise when the waitress came to the table and informed them that the Bad Wolf would be closing in fifteen minutes.

“Blimey,” she marveled. “It’s nearly eleven. We’ve been here three hours! Time got away from me.”

“Your date never showed up,” Ian observed, watching her carefully.

She shrugged. “He must have gotten cold feet or something. But that’s alright. I had a lovely time chatting with you.”

“Oh?”

Her face glowed, but she nodded. “I did. I’d - I’d like to do it again sometime.”

The Doctor looked a little surprised, but terribly pleased. “I’d like that.”

They settled the check quickly and Rose was delighted when he offered his elbow. She slipped her hand into it, smiling up at him, radiantly happy, and they stepped out onto the pavement.

“Do you have anywhere to be?” he asked.

She shook her head. “No, I suppose I’m just going to call it a night.”

“We could walk a while, if you like,” he offered, “and then I’ll walk you home. It’s a lovely night. Shame to waste it.”

She nearly melted into a puddle. “I’d love that.”

They walked all over the city, and after about an hour, when they were at a zebra crossing, the Doctor reached down and took Rose’s hand. She laced her fingers with his and laid her head over on his shoulder. She couldn’t be sure, but she swore she felt his lips press against the top of her head. Rose was grateful he was holding her hand, otherwise she might have floated away.

After a little while longer, they had circled back to where they started. Both had lost track of the time and Rose was surprised when she realized it was almost two am.

Ian pointed out a boxy SUV at the end of the block the tea shoppe was located on.

“That’s my car,” he told her.

“Oh,” Rose said, thinking he meant to call an end to their night. “It’s very nice.”

“I’d still like to walk you home, but there’s something I’d like to grab, if you don’t mind.”

With any other bloke, Rose would assume he was speaking about condoms and thought that walking her home meant she would be sleeping with him. But that didn’t seem right… he’d been an absolute gentleman all night. Surely he didn’t…

Confused, Rose nodded and said, “Alright.”

Ian raised their joined hands and kissed the back of hers, then let go with a “Be right back.” He jogged the last few feet to his car, unlocked it, and leaned inside. She couldn’t see what he was doing, but when he stood back up, he shuffled something behind his back. He locked the door and walked back to Rose. She watched him curiously.

“What are you up to?” she asked when he got close.

He was shifty, not meeting her eye, shuffling from foot to foot, one hand still behind his back. Rose’s curiosity grew.

“Are you alright?”

“I told myself this was stupid, that you wouldn’t appreciate it, but I --” He paused. “I picked these up for you before I got to the tea shoppe. Maybe I’m a fool, but… I want you to have them.”

He brought his hand out from behind his back and Rose was floored to see that he held a large bouquet of pink and yellow roses - at least two dozen. The flowers were wrapped in green florists’ paper and there was a pink bow tied around them. She was shocked into silence, with absolutely no idea what to say. Dumbly, she looked up at Ian. His face was guarded, his entire body tense.

“They’re from you?” she asked.

“Yes.”

“All this term...?”

“All from me. I wanted… At first, I just wanted to see you smile. You should smile all the time, Rose. I love to see you happy. But then you asked to meet and the desire to get to know you was nearly overwhelming. I just… I never believed in ‘first sight’ until you came along. But I felt something the first moment you walked into my class, and --”

He was cut off when Rose threw her arms around him and pressed her lips to his, kissing him firmly. In the space of two heartbeats, his arms had gone around her, still clutching the roses, and he was returning her kiss, sliding his lips across hers, making her knees absolutely weak. He nibbled at her lower lip and she opened for him, accepting the gentle invasion of his tongue, carding her fingers through his hair. With every moment that passed, she melted further into his embrace until she wasn’t sure where she ended and he began.

Seconds or hours later, he pulled back, pressing little kisses to her lips, her cheeks, the tip of her nose. Rose smiled under the attention.

“I can’t believe it was you,” she marveled in a quiet voice.

“Disappointed?”

She shook her head. “No. An absolute dream come true. I’ve been that pathetic girl with a crush on her lecturer all semester. I just figured you didn’t notice me.”

“Oh, Rose Tyler,” he said in a low, rumbling voice, his accent rolling over her name and making her feel all wibbly. “I noticed you. I’m sorry we didn’t go stargazing tonight. Perhaps another time.”

“Oh, I very much hope so.”

Before she could blink, he was kissing her again, his lips opening and closing on hers. He only pulled away long enough to tilt his head and come at her from another angle, and the teasing movements left her wanting more, desperate for more of his touch, dying to feel him closer.

“So what now?” she asked when he backed away again, breathless, looking up into his eyes.

“Now I walk you home safely, kiss you goodnight, and try to convince you to let me see you again sometime.”

Her tongue went to the corner of her mouth. “You don't have to convince me. I want to see you as much as possible.”

“Fucking brilliant.”

Rose giggled, then gazed up at him. “Thank you.”

“For what, sweetheart?”

“Making me smile.”

“You’re welcome. I hope to do that quite a bit more in coming days.”

She was absolutely certain he would.

#ficandchips #twelfth doctor/rose tyler #twelverose #twelfth doctor #rose tyler

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lonelypond · 5 years

Text

Jingle Bell Jazz, Chapter 8

Love live, NicoMaki, 3.5K, 8/?

Summary: Maki crashes a party, Nico sings a duet, and then they chat.

Chapter 8

Maki stormed out, hearing the door slam behind her, wondering briefly if the frosted glass would break, but who cared. She could pay to have all of the doors in the school replaced if they could be barriers between her and the weight of the flighty flirty touchy songstress that still burned across her shoulders. Maki shrugged into her coat, raced down the corridor, slowing in front of the usual 𝜇’s practice room where she could hear a drummer struggling. Distracted from her Nico ranting by concern for a friend, she opened the door to see Honoka sitting behind her drum kit, concentrating so hard the ginger didn’t notice when the door opened.

“Are you okay, Honoka?” Maki asked.

Honoka skipped in her seat, drumsticks skittering across the skin of the snare, “Maki! You have to help me.”

Maki sighed, but looking into Honoka’s earnest blue eyes she couldn’t do anything but roll her eyes and nod as she asked. “What is it?”

“Can you arrange that really cool Jingle Silver Bell medley you were playing for us? I want to play it at the Twelve Days of Christmas concert.”

“Sure. That’s easy.”

“And Tsubasa invited me to this party to meet people but Umi’s taking Kotori to dinner with her parents and won’t cancel so I don’t have anyone to go with me and I’m super nervous. Will you come with me, Maki? Please. Tsubasa’s going to introduce me to people and I’m afraid I’ll just…”

Do this, Maki thought to herself as her friend kept rambling, but her response was mild. “Yes, Honoka, I will go to the party with you. But I’m only going to stay for a little while.”

“That’s okay, Maki. Once I start talking to Tsubasa I’ll be fine. She doesn’t spook me.” The ginger haired drummer put her sticks in her coat pocket as she prepared to leave.

Maki frowned. No Tsubasa didn’t spook people, she charmed people, offered them jobs and trips to Europe. She had a sudden vivid image of Nico looking at Tsubasa with shining eyes.

“Maki?”

Maki shook her head, clearing out that thought. “So where is this party?”

###

Find the temperamental redhead, Nico told herself. Figure out what had gone so wrong? Had she really been that upset about Nico..leaning...might it be considered hugging? Nico wasn’t sure. But Nico hadn’t meant anything...bad...or was Maki that upset about the camera? And Nozomi’s silly comments making the ‘pretty pianist” uncomfortable. And Maki was pretty, Nico admitted, so maybe Maki thought Nico was just using her even more? Nico had her head down, frowning as she tried to glean clues from remembered conversations with Maki and nearly walked into a very polished pair of black and white heels. She glanced up, meeting Tsubasa’s amused green eyes.

“I was just looking for you, Nico. And here you are.”

Nico chuckled, professional mode snapped in, “Nico’s lucky day.”

Tsubasa grinned, “Always a charmer. I like that about you.”

“Me too.” Nico slid her arm through Tsubasa’s. No jumping, complaining, or twitching. So it wasn’t like something about Nico had suddenly started driving cute girls away.

“There’s a party. I want you to meet people.” Tsubasa continued, “And your dress is just right for the mood.”

“Nico is always ready for anything.”

“I like that about you too.” Tsubasa put her hand over Nico’s, “Shall we go?”

###

Very silly party, Maki thought. The people were overdressed, stiff, there was only champagne circulating, with food later maybe. Honoka hadn’t been happy about that. Neither of them had seen Tsubasa yet in any of the rooms in this mansion that was smaller and less elegant than her home.

“Ooh, I see her, and there’s Nico!” Honoka waved, but at no response, started across the room. Maki started forward, then fell back several steps as she watched Nico interacting with the crowd around her, crimson sash moved from her waist to her shoulders, gesturing with her champagne glass as Tsubasa stood next to her, arms crossed, deep in conversation with an older gentleman. The band leader broke it off when she noticed Honoka crossing the room and tapped Nico on the arm and pointed. Nico waved in Honoka’s direction and the drummer picked up speed at the encouragement. Now that Honoka was nearing her ‘safe haven’ Maki could make her way out of the party and figure out where to get dinner. She turned and headed in the opposite direction from Honoka.

“Maki Nishikino?” A somewhat familiar voice called out her name. She turned to see an old friend of her parents.

Manners kicked in. “Hello, Mrs. Thomas. How are you?”

“I’m fine. Merry Christmas to you, Maki. Are your parents with you?”

Maki shook her head, “No. I brought a friend here. She was meeting someone.”

“Well, tell your mother and father I said hello.” Helena Thomas smiled at the awkward child she’d seen grow up into such a poised young woman.

“MAKI!” Someone grabbed at Maki’s sleeve. She glanced down. Nico, eyes bright and...Maki leaned in to look closer, very unfocused. Nico seemed caught on her arm, but also very unsteady so Maki resisted the urge to shake her off.

“I’ll leave you to your friend.” Mrs. Thomas smiled knowingly at Maki, but Maki wasn’t sure what could be deduced from Nico hanging from her elbow...tipsily.

“You’re tall. Have you always been tall?” Nico’s eyes were wide as she pulled herself completely upright and detached from Maki’s arm.

“Since 16.”

Nico shook her head very seriously, “No, Nico would have remembered if you were this tall.” Nico tilted her head to the side, taking her time to take a good look at Maki’s skirt, “That’s a lot of leg? How do you fit them under the piano....oh right, you’re usually only a little taller than the piano.” Somehow Nico had lugged them into a corner and now Maki was finding herself falling into a chair, “You’re usually here.” Nico leaned in, her breath warm with sharp and fruity champagne notes. How much had she had to drink? Had Tsubasa just brought her to get her inebriated? Maki felt her fist clench, but then the small sparks of light reflected in the dark red hard candy of Nico’s eyes distracted her as Nico continued.

“Nico likes you better here. I can see your eyes.”

Maki froze, again. Nico said so many things that just stopped her cold. It would be a relief when Nico was off…

That train of thought was derailed when Nico drew herself to her full, definitely questionable height, and blew out a breath.

“Nico was looking for Maki.”

“Here? How could you have...Honoka just dra…”

“No,” Nico shook her head very seriously, which seemed to make her balance unsteady. Maki reached out a hand to steady the smaller woman at the waist, which Nico then leaned into. “After you left, Maki. In a huff. Remember?”

Maki nodded.

Nico angled closer. “Nico needed to apologize. Maki probably thinks…” Another warm champagne laden breath directly in Maki’s now watering eyes, “Nico is just using her because Maki’s so TALL and pretty but Nico just wanted a good shot to remember….when Maki goes back to being a longhair,” Both Nico’s hands were on Maki’s tie, tightening it, and Maki looked up and Nico was right there and...Maki stood, forcing Nico back. “Sorry.” Nico muttered as she let her hands drop. Maki reached up to loosen the tie.

Nico put a hand on Maki’s shoulder again, drawing the pianist’s attention down, voice sorrowful. “Nico thought maybe Maki might want to start over.”

Maki had no idea what Nico meant, watching warily to see what the mood shifting songbird’s next move would be.

Nico stepped back, lowered her head, paused for a minute and then strode forward, eyes sparkling, lips in a broad grin that Maki had started seeing in random moments behind closed eyelids, “Nico Nico Ni, Nico Yazawa, number one singer in the universe” Nico extended a hand, “Nico hears from her friend Umi that you, Maki, are the best pianist in New York City.”

Maki took Nico’s hand. It was so warm and seemed to meld itself to Maki’s, which made her bolder somehow. Or was it second hand champagne? “Umi is very modest on my behalf. I am at the very least, the best pianist in the galaxy.”

Nico giggled, “Nice to meet you Maki Nishikino. Maybe you can play me something sometime.”

And then Nico wobbled again and Maki again found her arm around the smaller woman’s waist, guiding her to the chair, “How much have you had to drink?”

Nico shrugged, “A couple of glasses. Nothing Nico can’t handle.”

“Have you had anything to eat?”

“Not since breakfast.”

“”You’re probably starved.”

“Nico could use a…” Nico stared around her at trays of especially unappetizing chunks of not really food. “something on a cracker.” Nico groaned, “You’re a rich people, why don’t rich people have proper food at their parties. Nico should have asked Tsubasa if there would be dinner.”

Maki sniffed dismissively at Tsubasa’s name, “If I took a girl to a party like this, I’d feed her before she drank herself silly.”

Nico stared at Maki, blinking her long eyelashes, considering Maki’s statement. Maki wondered if the crimson eyed crooner was going to take offense but her tone was bemused curiosity. “Do you take girls to parties?”

“Um...I haven’t...I mean... I could...If I did, I mean...there would definitely be...Or we could go to a restaurant or….”

Nico’s laugh was shrill but not unkind, “If you took Nico to White Castle, you’d just complain when Nico ordered a milkshake with her onions. And burger.” Nico sounded very serious about the burger.

Maki shook her head, managing a lazy wink. “Not true. If it’s chocolate, I’m dipping my fries.”

“Deal.” Nico stood up, sliding her arm through Maki’s and pleased when the taller girl only tensed slightly, “Let’s go” Nico paused and wrapped her lips and voice around the next two syllables so silkily that it was probably going to haunt Maki’s dreams forever “Ma-ki.”

But then, the world intruded back.

“Nico!” Tsubasa’s polished, practiced smooth invaded Maki’s Nico moment.

Nico tilted back, letting Maki carry most of her not weight, “Tsubasa. Hi! I found Maki.”

Tsubasa acknowledged Maki with a brief head tilt. “Let’s sing. Someone requested “Fly Me To The Moon.” Let’s make it a duet. The piano’s over here.”

“I don’t know the music.” Maki said.

Tsubasa stared for a moment, then smiled, “Oh no need, I’ve got this. Come on, Nico.”

Nico hung there for a second, her glance flashing to Maki’s face and Maki knew she hadn’t hid her disappointment.

“Nico is on her way to another party.” Nico righted herself, still a little unsteady, Maki had to stop herself from grabbing for Nico’s waist again, “But I have time for one song…” soft, sweet eyes caught Maki’s and the pianist nodded, “So let’s liven up this joint.”

Tsubasa swung into “Fly Me To The Moon” and Nico lost any visible symptoms of unsteadiness. She grabbed the sash at her shoulders and started playing with it as she opened her arms to the audience. And then her voice hit that spot that captured all of Maki’s senses, flirtatious and sure and sensual.

"Fly me to the moon Let me play among the stars And let me see what spring is like On a, Jupiter and Mars In other words, hold my hand In other words, baby, kiss me

Fill my heart with song And let me sing forevermore You are all I long for All I worship and adore In other words, please be true In other words, I love you"

It wasn’t the same, Nico realized. She’d watched Tsubasa for years, playing, charming, singing...smooth, successful, everything Nico dreamed of being. As Tsubasa slid effortlessly in, taking the chorus, Nico noticed Tsubasa winking at a random young woman in the audience, all of the performer’s attention outward, only checking in with Nico as she was ready to trade off.

"Fill my heart with song Let me sing forevermore You are all I long for All I worship and adore In other words, please be true In other words, in other words I love You"

Nico could sense Maki on the edge of the crowd, the redhead hunched somehow, and too sad to be glaring. But Nico didn’t know why Maki’s mood had plummeted. Singing with Tsubasa was nothing like the electrical acceleration of Maki’s fingers sweeping dexterously across a keyboard, making magic molten in the air so Nico could spin it into wonder, eyes never leaving Nico, challenging Nico to match her skill. Tsubasa played well, a pro, but Nico missed the dare, the raw, searching passion, the edge of a thrill where one misstep would knock her back to earth. Nico kept catching glimpses of the fidgety redhead out of the corner of her eye. Maki had been frowning at the piano, but now she was completely focused on Nico, amethyst eyes aglow, and Nico, though aware of the need to work the audience, couldn’t tear herself away from this new sensation.

###

Nico had barely escaped the party. Stopped every step on her way back to Maki for congratulations and offers of food or drink, blowing kisses at Tsubasa, finally Nico had battled her way back to where Maki was standing, both their coats in hand. Nico let Maki help her into her coat.

Still giddy from the applause and her mood lifted even higher by Maki’s attentiveness to her every word, enthusiasm and joi de vive practically bubbled from Nico as she grabbed another White Castle slider. Maki had been serious about dipping her french fries. Nico’s milkshake was between them and every time Nico went to drink from it, Maki would playfully growl and shake her head, making the curls go shaggy in front of her eyes. Nico took a sip anyway just to see how wounded Maki would get. They had quite a stack of burgers between them.

Maki held one up, her tone dubious, “Did you pick this place because the burgers are as tiny as you?”

“Hey.” Nico bit hers in half and Maki grabbed the milkshake back for a three french fry dip.

“These are classic. Steamed to perfection.”

“They aren’t bad.” Maki admitted, swallowing the fries.

“Haven’t been before?”

Maki shook her head, mouth full of burger.

“Nico saves her visits for special occasions.”

Maki grinned.

As champagne cloudy as the early evening had been, Nico did remember part of a conversation. “So, Maki, Nico’s been wondering, where would you take a girl to feed her before a boring party that was only any good because Nico sang.”

Maki was suddenly very interested in the arrangement of the french fries, sliding one out from the bottom. “Depends on the girl.”

“Smart.” Nico drummed the table, “Pretty and talented too, even if Maki cuts around the edges. So has there been a girl?”

Maki, cheeks slightly flushed, continued her study of everything not Nico, wondering if the singer was still a little tipsy. When she did glance up, Nico’s expression was one Maki’d seen before, Nico reading sheet music, hearing the chords in her head.

“Sorry.” Nico pushed back, from the table. “None of Nico’s business.”

“Almost.” Maki said softly.

“Almost?”

Maki’s shoulder slump was almost too slight to register, “I was...she was just…” Maki smiled ruefully at Nico. “I could never say anything.”

Nico leaned forward, elbow on the table, chin in hand, eyes misted over with a wistful haze, “Nico had a girl once.”

Maki tried not to sound nervous, “The one who quit...the piano player?”

Nico shook her head and pushed the milkshake Maki-ward, “No, freshman year, before Nico met Eli or anyone. We had a couple of dates at parties.”

“What happened?” Maki sipped instead of dipped.

“She didn’t think Nico could be serious about music and her.” Nico’s face sharpened, eyes holding Maki’s with a fierce intensity. “Nico is serious about everything.”

Maki wasn’t sure she was breathing. In the cheerful, clanking bustle of the White Castle, there was suddenly this moment, where she waited for Nico’s next breath instead of her own.

Then Nico flipped the mood again, snatching and unboxing a hamburger, eating it in two bites, a sly gleam as she smirked at Maki, “Anyone interested in Nico will have to keep up.”

Startled, Maki giggled, “Really? I can take one steps for three of yours, how hard could that be?”

Nico crumbled up the cardboard, tossing it at Maki, who let it bounce off her shoulder, “You’ll see.”

They ate in silence for a minute before Maki got up the courage to ask her next question. She cleared her throat and Nico stopped swiveling her straw through her shake. “How do you know Tsubasa?”

“Oh, Nico’s been a big fan since she dropped out of school to start her band. And a few of the upperclassmen played for her Nico’s freshmen year so we’d run into each other at parties and a friend introduced Nico.”

“So why quit school now?”

“Why are you going to Switzerland?”

Maki shook her head and took Nico’s milkshake away, “That’s a question, not an answer.”

Nico stuck out her tongue. Maki bit into a burger, then contemplated dipping the rest in the half of Nico’s shake that was left.

“Hey!” Nico squeaked, “Nico draws the line at burger crumbs.”

“Answer my question.” Maki lowered the burger threateningly. Nico grabbed for her hand but Maki pulled away.

“All right, all right.” Nico closed her eyes, sighed, and leaned back, “Nico had big plans for Bibi, but then Coco quit, work got too busy, and Nico heard Tsubasa wanted a new sound. So I reached out.”

“What does Eli think?”

Nico pulled her jaw back and raised her chin, obviously attempting an impersonation, “Nico should stay in school.” Nico sighed and flailed her arms. “But it’s boring. You get that. Nico heard that’s why you’re going to Switzerland.”

Maki once again found linear streams of thought balking at Lucerne. She still hadn’t cracked jazz, but without Nico there...but the possibilities, the dynamics, the exchange between music and musicians, it was such a new joy, Maki wasn’t sure she wanted to give up the experiment. Was this what Melton wanted?

“Maki?” Nico sounded worried and curious.

Maki just blurted what she was thinking. “Jazz is a new country.”

Nico blinked, not understanding.

“New language?” Maki tried.

“Parlez vous jazz?” Nico giggled.

“Exactly.” Maki let one of her hands play out a chord on the table, “And I don’t want a return ticket yet.”

“So Nico is irresistible.”

“Je ne comprends ...” Maki started gathering the empty wrappers, scowling playfully at Nico, “Actually, Nico ne comprends pas, I said Jazz, j-a-z-z, not Ni-co.”

Nico raised flicked imaginary dust off one shoulder and raised one brow, her tone completely immodest, “Nico is synonymous with all good things.”

Maki roared with laughter as Nico spluttered for a moment at her reaction, then joined in. Everyone left in the dining room was staring at them. Maki finally laid her head down on the table, still shaking with amusement.

“You’d better drive me home before they kick us out. We have an early morning.”

“Huh?” Maki turned her head to look at Nico.

“I told Eli I’d have you there at 10 a.m. We’re playing for Honoka and Umi and Nozomi and the rest at 11. Eli thought an audience might help stop the…”

Maki had gone pale, “I can’t...I’m not ready…”

“You’ll do fine.”

Maki stood, “Let’s go practice.”

Nico yawned, exaggerating her movements, “Nico is too tired. Don’t worry, genius.”

Maki’s face twisted as she got ready to retort but then Nico pursed her lips and blew a kiss over her hand at Maki.

“Nico will sing in your dreams.”

Nico would be singing even if Maki couldn't sleep, the pianist already seeing hands reaching for keys to play, heart and head too full of song.

A/N: It's too darn cold, so I had some time to catch up on writing. Enjoy!

#NicoMaki #Love Live #Jazz #Jingle Bell Jazz #music #Nishikino Maki #Yazawa Nico #Kira Tsubasa #Holiday #Christmas #Bibi #fanfic #love live school idol project #etc

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nerdtrashextraordinaire · 6 years

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I lost a really great winterwidow rp a few minutes ago, so if this was you PLEASE let me know because I’d love to continue

Stranger: [Modern!Single Father!Bucky. Blind date AU.If you have any ideas you want to use for this, feel free to add them :)] Bucky was sitting alone at a table in a cafe in the back, bouncing his knee up and down nervously as he waited for whoever Steve set him up with on this blind date that he got talked into. The only reason he even agreed to go in the first place is because of his daughter, Elizabeth. Even though she was only 6 years old, she could see that her father was lonely and wanted him to be happy. So she gave him her puppy dog eyes and got him to agree to at least try. Lizzie’s his entire world, he’d do anything for his daughter. Bucky sighed softly and shook his head a little as he looked down at his current attire, a black leather jacket over a navy blue henley, dark wash jeans, and his black combat boots. Was this appropriate for a first date? 'Oh god' Bucky thought to himself 'I really hope so.' Bucky took a deep breath and stood up to go get in line to get another cup of black coffee when he accidentally bumped into someone.

You: Natasha stared at the messages that Steve had sent her when he set up the blind date, following the address to the small coffee he had picked. Although he didn't have to force her into going on the date, it took a bit of convincing. But once she realized Steve was one of three people that really knew her well, she knew it couldn't be that bad. Upon finding the cafe, she took a deep breath before stepping inside and looking around. Steve didn't tell her much, just that he had long-ish brown hair and would probably be wearing dark colors. As she scanned the room, Natasha didn't realize she was still walking until she ran straight into someone. "Ugh, god, sorry," she mumbled and shook her head slightly before her green eyes met intense blue ones. "Um, I wasn't paying attention. I'm looking for someone."

Stranger: Bucky immediately backed up when he ran into someone. "Fuck, sorry, wasn't watchin' where I was goin'." He said beofre looking down at the person he ran into. She was gorgeous. Long, curly red hair that fell just past her shoulder blades, big green eyes that looked more like emeralds. Bucky immediately recognized her. She's the woman Steve set him up with. Bucky gave her a small grin "You must be Natasha. I'm James." He said as he held out his metal hand for her to take. "Steve did not do ya justice when he told me about ya." He said, a little flirtatiously. He couldn't help it. She's beautiful and everything he looked for in a woman. Steve was not gonna let him forget that it was /him/ that set them up considering that it's usually Bucky that sets Steve up on a blind date.

You: Natasha grinned slightly when he began speaking, not expecting the Brooklyn accent but at the same time wasn't surprised by it. Steve spoke about this man like he was his brother, so it only made sense. And his appearance certainly didn't disappoint, either. The eyes were just about to make her melt, but those paired with the slight grin that was on his face and the fact his first word to her was 'fuck' had an effect on her. "Oh, yes, I am. Nice to meet you, James," she greeted as she shook his hand, thankful that Steve had already told her about his metal arm so she wasn't shocked by it. A slight blush came to her face as she looked down, glancing at her green dress one last time to make sure she looked okay. She wore a black sweater and heels with it, a bit overdressed in her opinion as she glanced around at the other patrons. "You either. I"m not sure what I was expecting, but...you're not it. Better, actually."

Stranger: Bucky chuckled softly "Whatever that punk told ya about me, don't believe it. It's probably either a lie or he greatly exaggerated." he joked "I'm really sorry bumpin' into ya like that. Let me buy ya coffee to make up for it?" He suggested as he rubbed the back of his neck with a sheepish grin on his face. Bucky really didn't know what to make of Natasha. She didn't flinch when she took his metal hand into her small, soft one. Natasha was turning out to be quite the woman and they haven't even sat down and started talking yet. But, would she be ok with the fact that he has a 6 year old daughter at home? Once they got their drinks and snacks, he'll ask her.

You: Natasha waved him off with a slight grin before putting her hands in the pockets of her sweater. "Don't worry about it. I wasn't paying attention," she explained with a shrug. "But I wouldn't say no to a cup of coffee." Following him to the counter, she shifted from one foot to another while she ordered her drink. She couldn't stop herself from wondering just what, exactly, Steve told him. Did he build her up too much, or maybe built James up too much. But so far, she wasn't disappointed with anything she saw.

Stranger: Bucky reordered his own drink and got a couple of cookies as well before paying for both of them. "So tell me about yaself, Natasha." He said as they walked over to the table Bucky had been sitting at earlier once they had their drinks. Bucky pulled her chair out for her before gently pushing her into the table. "Steve said you're a dancer?" He asked once he was sitting as well, pulling his leather jacket off of his shoulders and laying it in the seat beside him.

You: Natasha nodded slightly as she sat down, holding her cup with both hands as she leaned back in her chair. "Mhm, ballet. I've been dancing since I was three," she explained with a small smile, tucking her hair behind her ear. "What about you? Steve didn't tell me what you did," she mentioned, legs crossing under the table.

Stranger: Bucky chuckled softly "I'm the owner of a private security company. The bodyguards you see around the rich and famous? Those are more than likely my guys." He told her "I used to be in the military before my left arm got torn from my body during an IED explosion." He told her as he took a sip of his drink. "I dunno if Stevie told ya or not, but I have a 6 year old daughter at home. One that I love very very much." He told her bluntly. "If that's too much for ya, tell me now and we can just be friends."

You: Natasha nodded along as she listened, smiling slightly when he mentioned his daughter. "Steve already told me about her. He said he wasn't going to set us up if I had a problem with it," she explained, leaning forward more so her forearms could rest on the table. "But I'm here, so I think you can piece it together."

Stranger: Bucky leaned his arms on the table, a small smile on his face "I can. And I'm glad you're ok with me having a kid at home. 'Cause I know we haven't known each other very long, but I like ya a lot already and I'd hate for us to just be friends." he told her bluntly.

You: Natasha chuckled softly before she took a sip of her coffee, letting out a small sigh after. "I know what you mean," she agreed with a nod, reaching with one of her hands to rest on his flesh arm. "So, your job is owning a security company, but what do you like to do in your free time?"

Stranger: Bucky slipped his arm out from under her hand and tangled their fingers together. "When I'm not workin' or spendin' time with my daughter? I like to tinker. I've always been fascinated with how something works. When I was 6, I took apart my dad's clock he had in his office before putting it back together again. My dad caught me and started havin' me help fix anythin' that was broken around the apartment buildin' with him." He said with a small, fond smile on his face.

You: Natasha grew nervous for a second when he pulled his hand away, afraid he wasn't okay with her being slightly forward, but instead her smile grew when their fingers laced together. "Wow. That's pretty impressive, I must say. What's your favorite items to tinker with?" she asked before taking another sipp of her drink

Stranger: "Definitely engines. I have a lot of fun gettin' into 'em and fixin' 'em" He said with a grin. "I just finished rebuildin' the engine to a 1967 Chevy Impala not too long ago." He said as he took a sip of his own drink. "My daughter has picked up on my love of tinkerin' and I caught 'er taking apart one of her toys"

You: "That's sweet. It could be something you pass down to her, then she could possibly pass it down someday," she mentioned with a grin, absently tracing shapes on the tabletop with her free hand. "What's her name, by the way?"

Stranger: "Elizabeth." he said with fons smile on his face. "She likes to be called either Lizzie or Liz." He told her. "She just turned 6 a couple of weeks ago." He said as he pulled out his phone and pulled up a picture of him and Elizabeth. They were laying on the fronts in Bucky's bed, Lizzie's face smashed up against his as they grinned at the camera. "She's my whole world." He said softly.

You: Natasha easily noticed the glow that overtook him when he talked about his daughter, a certain ease seeming to wash over him. "She's adorable. Has your eyes," she told him with a gentle smile as she gazed at the picture. "I'm going to guess you two are very close."

Stranger: Bucky nodded his head "Very close." He said with a smile. "And thank you. My sister tells me Lizzie's my little mini me because she looks so much like me." He said with a shake of his head "I don't really see it. I think she looks a lot like her mother."

You: "No, I definitely see it," she disagreed with a small chuckle. The mention of her mother caused her to chew on her lip, wondering the best way to ask what happened to her. It wasn't necessary she knew, pretty much just curiosity, but it was hardly a first date conversation. "If you don't mind me asking, is her mother...?"

Stranger: "She's alive." He said with an eye roll "She left me and Lizzie when I came home from Iraq and I only had one arm." He said shaking his head. "She said that she couldn't be with me anymore and that she never wanted our daughter either. So I made sure she could never see Lizzie again, even if she wanted to. I don't care what ya say about me. But ya mention my daughter, heads are gonna roll."

You: "Oh, wow. That...is not what I was expecting," she told him honestly, a frown growing on her face. "Sounds like an absolutely vile woman. Not an ideal situation, whatsoever, but at least you got your daughter out of it.."

Stranger: Bucky nodded his head "Lizzie's the only reason I stayed with Connie for as long as I did." He said with a small shrug. "Anyway, lets talk about somethin' else. What do ya like to do in ya spare time?" he asked her, changing the subject.

You: Natasha nodded her head quickly and took a sip of her coffee. "I read a lot in my free time, and I take martial arts classes," she told him with a grin. "I started taking it to help keep me fit for work, but I've been going at least once a week for five years now."

Stranger: Bucky smiled at her and nodded his head "We should spar one day." he said as he sipped his coffee before taking a piece of the chocolate chip cookie that he bought and popped it into his mouth. "What do ya like to read?" he asked curiously. [Brb]

You: "Oh, James, I would kick your ass. Military or not," she pointed out confidently with a chuckle. "I mostly read mysteries, a couple spy stories. I try to read books written in Russian as often as I can so I don't get rusty. My grandmother would roll over in her grave if I ever let that happen."

Stranger: [Back!]

Stranger: Bucky chuckled softly and smirked at her "Oh we definetely need to spar then." He said as he broke another piece of the cookie off and popped it into his mouth "Я уверен, что ваша бабушка будет очень рада вам." He said in fluent Russian, a small smirk still on his lips. [I'm sure your grandmother would be very happy with you.]

You: Natasha's eyes grew wide as she stared at him, an eyebrow quirked as she listened. "Wow. That was...unexpected," she laughed before tearing off a piece of the cookie for herself. "Do you have Russian family, too? Or did you learn it by choice?"

Stranger: Bucky smiled at her "By choice. I've always had a passion for learning different languages. I speak 14 different languages now." He said as he sipped his coffee. "And it did help that the squad I was apart of were Special Forces and I had to learn all these different languages."

You: "Damn, you have me beat. I only know ten," she teased before finishing her coffee. "How long did you serve, by the way? And you were in the Army, right?"

Stranger: Bucky nodded his head "Mhm. I joined up as soon as I turned 18 and didn't leave until I was almost 24." He said simply as he took another sip of his coffee and threw both of their cups away. "Luckily when the explosion happened, I was the only one who was seriously injured out of my squad."

You: "And you survived it, so thank goodness none of you lost your lives," she added, watching him walk to the trash with a fond smile. "You've been through a lot for someone who isn't even 30 yet, but it's nice to you've done well for yourself through it all."

Stranger: Bucky nodded his head as he sat back down and retook her hand into his. "I wouldn't be who I am now if I never went through what I did." He said with a small shrug. "And I wouldn't be as stable as I am now if I didn't have my daughter."

You: Natasha nodded slightly as she gave his hand a gentle squeeze, letting out a gentle sigh. "Thank goodness for Lizzie," she nodded slightly, her thumb brushing over his knuckles.

Stranger: Bucky chuckled softly and nodded his head as he squeezed her hand back "Would ya like to go for a walk?" He asked her as he picked her hand up and kissed her knuckles gently.

You: Natasha's smile grew as he kissed her knuckles before she nodded. "I'd really like that," she told him before standing, her hand never leaving his. "Do you live close by? I just don't want us to venture too far if you need to be home by a certain time."

Stranger: Bucky shook his head "No we live in Brooklyn Heights." he said as they left the cafe. "I do have to leave by at least 4 so I can go and pick Lizzie up from ballet class." He said as they walked down the street.

You: Natasha nodded as they began walking, stepping slightly closer to him. "So you have a little ballerina on your hands, hm? My condolences. We can be quite a handful," she chuckled.

Stranger: Bucky slipped his hand from hers so he could wrap his arm around her waist and pulled closer. "Yes I do. And she woulda been a handful anyway even if she wasn't a ballerina." He said chuckling. "My daughter is a stubborn little lady who knows what she wants. I like to think I'm raisin' her into becomin' an independent young woman."

You: "That's the way to do it," she agreed as she let him pull her closer, appreciating the extra warmth. "She's lucky to have a father who realizes that, and nurtures it, instead of trying to suppress it. Many men are far too intimidated by a strong woman, even if it's their own child."

Stranger: Bucky chuckled softly "I was the only boy my mother gave birth to. I have 5 sisters. They and my mother would beat my ass if I tried to suppress my daughter in any way. Not that I would anyway. I want my daughter to be strong and independent. Unfortunately, we live in a world where people think that being a man will be enough to get ya far in life. That's not true. I want my daughter to be a hard worker that doesn't give up or into peer pressure because they think they know what she's supposed to do."

You: Natasha smiled and rested her head on his shoulder. "That's very refreshing to hear. Where were the men who thought like that when I was growing up?" she asked rhetorically with a chuckle.

Stranger: Bucky smiled softly and kissed the top of her head gently as they walked. "Well, you'll never hear from me that you're supposed to be in the kitchen, barefoot and pregnant instead of dancing." He told her with a small smile on his face her looked down at her.

You: "That's a relief. I can't have children, so part of that would be impossible," she told him before sighing and shaking her head. "Sorry... That isn't exactly a first date conversation topic.."

Stranger: Bucky shook his head and turned her head up to look at him. "Hey, its alright. I told ya how I lost my arm and about my daughter. Those aren't first date conversations either. We're not exactly traditional anyway considering that we're on a blind date." He pointed out. "So what if ya can't have children? It's not somethin' ya can help and there are other ways to have kids. Ya can adopt or find someone who already has kids." He told her with a small smile.

You: Natasha smiled as she gazed up at him, pulling her lower lip between her teeth. "It's not something I'm really upset about anymore. I've made my peace with it. Considering it was the only permanent injury from a car wreck I was in long ago, I consider myself pretty lucky anyway," she shrugged before sighing softly, gazing into his eyes. "But the latter option is seeming like a better and better option."

Stranger: Bucky nodded his head and smiled gently at her as they continued walking. "So, lets get off the heavy topics." he said as he pulled Natasha closer to him. "How did ya meet Stevie?" he asked her curiously as they turned the corner.

You: Natasha chuckled as she nuzzled her head against his shoulder. "We ran into each other at the gym I train at. He sat in for a class I take, I accidentally hit him during it. We've been friends ever since. What about you two? He only said that you two go 'way back.'"

Stranger: Bucky chuckled softly and nodded his head "I remember him tellin' me about that. He didn't say it was you though." He said "And we do. We've been friends since he was born. Our ma's are best friends and we're godbrothers. His ma is my godmother and my ma is his." He said simply. "Been inseparable ever since."

You: "Wow. That seems a bit more than 'way back,'" she laughed and shook her head slightly. "That's very sweet, though. That you have a friend like that. Especially Steve. There aren't many people I like, but he's a good friend."

Stranger: Bucky chuckled and smirked a little at her "Yeah he is. He's a good man. Which is why I'm surprised that he's still single. Steve would make the person he's with very happy." He said with a small frown.

You: Natasha nodded with a hum. "I've tried setting him up on dates before, but none of them really turned into anything. I think that's part of why he set this up. A bit of enjoyable payback."

Stranger: Bucky sniggered softly and nodded his head "That, and I know he wants me to be happy too and that he thinks it would be good for Lizzie to have a mother figure around." He said with a small shrug of his shoulders.

You: "And what do you think so far? About being happy, I mean," she asked softly before glancing at him, a small smile on her lips. "Because right now, I'd say I'm pretty damn happy.."

Stranger: Bucky smiled back at her softly "So am I." He said truthfully as he kissed her head gently. "Even though we just met, it feels like we've known each other forever, ya know?"

You: Natasha nodded. "I do. It's a strange feeling, but I like it. It's...comfortable," she sighed, her smile never leaving her lips. "There's no first date nerves."

Stranger: Bucky nodded his head "Exactly. I've never felt this comfortable with a woman that wasn't family to me." He admitted. Bucky went to say something else but then his phone went off. Bucky gave her an apologetic smile as he pulled his phone from his jacket pocket and answered it after seeing it was Lizzie's dance studio. "Barnes. What's wrong?" he asked immediately, assuming that something was wrong with Lizzie.

You: Natasha nodded politely as she stepped away from him in a way to give him some privacy, her hands going to her pockets.

Stranger: Bucky sighed softly as he listened to what Lizzie's dance instructor was telling him. "Thanks for callin' me Ms.Maximoff. I'll be there as soon as I can." he assured the young woman before hanging up. Bucky ran a hand over his face. "I'm so sorry to cut our date so short, but Lizzie's instructor just called and told me that Lizzie's throwing up." He explained.

You: Natasha shook her head and offered him a reassuring smile. "Please don't apologize. It's okay, I promise," she told him and placed her hand on his shoulder giving it a small squeeze. "You have my number, so when Lizzie's feeling better we can schedule another date."

Stranger: Bucky smiled at her softly "I'll text ya once I got Lizzie home and in bed. I don't know how she got so sick. She was fine this morning." He said, a worried look on his face as he quickly hugged her tightly. "At least let me drive ya home." He said once he pulled back.

You: Natasha hugged him back with a smile before waving him off. "Thank you, but I don't really live close by and she needs you right now, anyway. I can see all over your face that you're worried sick as it is," she pointed out. "The sooner you get to her, the better you'll both be, I'm sure."

Stranger: Bucky sighed and nodded his head "Thank you, 'Tasha. I'll call ya once we're home." He told her as he kissed her forehead gently before catching a cab for Natasha. "Once Lizzie's better, we're going to schedule a second date." He promised her.

You: Natasha nodded before kissing his cheek in return, smiling softly. "Sounds wonderful. I hope she feels better soon," she told him sincerely before stepping towards the cab and climbing inside. "I'll talk to you later, James."

Stranger: Bucky smiled and nodded his head "I'll talk to ya soon, Natasha." He said as he closed the door behind her before stepping back from the cab, watching it as it drove off. Bucky quickly made his way back to his car and drove to the dance studio to pick up his daughter. [Wanna time skip?]

You: ((Sure! How far ahead? Their second date?"

You: *))

Stranger: [Yeah. Do you want me to start or would you like to?]

You: ((Could you start, please? I'll be right back))

Stranger: [Of course!]

Stranger: It didn't take long for Lizzie to feel better, about a week or two after his and Natasha's first date. Bucky immediately called Natasha once he knew for sure that Lizzie's fever had broken and asked her out on a second date. He planned to cook for her in his townhouse while Lizzie was at a sleepover with some of her ballerina friends. Bucky dropped Lizzie off at her friends house before he got started on making dinner, he decided on making his grandmother's Frigărui. Once dinner was finished, Bucky quickly went to his room to change into a navy blue button down shirt with black dress pants, and a pair of black loafers. He rolled his sleeves up to his elbow before going back downstairs to set the table. He just finished pouring their drinks and lit the candles when Natasha arrived. Bucky took a deep breath before going to the door and opened it, finding Natasha on the other side. "Hey, beautiful." He said with a crooked grin.

You: Natasha waited patiently for Lizzie to feel better, texting or calling James every free moment they had. Once they were able to reschedule, she found herself feeling absolutely giddy at the thought of seeing him again. And at his home, nonetheless. She dressed herself in a simple, black dress, one that hugged her nicely paired with flats and a shawl. Her hair stayed down with one side pinned back, and her lips were painted red. Upon reaching his front door, she took a deep breath before knocking gently. Seeing him before her, she looked him over briefly before smiling brightly. "Hey, handsome," she greeted, stepping closer to kiss his cheek.

Stranger: Bucky smiled, kissing her cheek back gently and slipped her shawl from her shoulders once she was inside. "I missed you." He said as he placed her shawl into the jacket closet beside the door before offering her his arm. "How have ya been, sweet'eart?" He asked her as he led her into the living room, which was decorated beautifully in gray and white.

You: Natasha grinned as she slipped her arm through his and followed. "I missed you, too. I've really been looking forward to tonight," she told him before she looked around. "Your home is beautiful."

Stranger: Bucky smiled "Thank you and so have I. My sister, Bianca, is an interior and exterior designer. She designed my whole house." He told her. "Would ya like to eat now or wait a little while?" He asked her.

You: Natasha smiled as she stood to face him before her hand moved down his arm until their fingers were locked together. "I was considering waiting a little bit, until I stepped in and smelled the food, now I'm famished."

Stranger: Bucky smiled and nodded his head "Of course. We're havin' my grandmother's Frigărui. It's a Romanian shish kabob." He explained to her as he led her to the dining room, where the table was set up for two.

You: Natasha squeezed his hand as they walked. "Mmm sounds wonderful," she told him before pulling away to sit in one of the awaiting chairs. "I've never had Romanian food before, so this is a first. It's also the first time a date has cooked for me."

Stranger: Bucky smiled at her as he sat down in his own chair "Well, if ya decide to stay with me then I'll cook for ya whenever ya want." He told her with a small smile. "And you'll like it, I promise." He assured her as he motioned to her that she could start eating. "How was your day?" he asked her as he took a small sip of his wine.

You: Natasha grinned as she took a bite with an appreciative groan. "This is wonderful," she sighed before taking a sip of her wine. "And it was good, a bit tiring, because we have a new show opening in a couple weeks. So I have a lot of long practices coming up," she explained before reaching for her purse. "Which reminds me..." After a second, she withdrew an envelope and offered it to him. "Since Lizzie is in ballet class, I got tickets for you to come see my troupe. They're wonderful seats. And, if I meet her by then, you two can come backstage and she can see the other dancers and the costumes. If not, we can just have a rain check for it."

Stranger: Bucky nodded his head a little as he took a bite of his food. He reached out and took the envelope and looked up at her "Thank you. I've been wanting to take her to see a real ballet performance so she can see what she could be doing one day if she wished." He told her "And speaking of you meetin' her. How soon would you be comfortable meeting her?" he asked her as he set the envelope aside for now.

You: Natasha shrugged slightly before she took another bite. "Um, I'm not really sure. I suppose I'm ready to meet her whenever you think she's ready," she told him with a shy smile. "To be honest, I'm nervous to meet her... If she doesn't like me, I know we won't be together and...I'd really hate that."

Stranger: Bucky chuckled softly and reached over to take over hand "You don't have to worry about her not likin' ya. She already loves ya from what she's heard from me and from Steve." He told her "She's especially excited to meet ya so she can talk ya ear off about ballet."

You: Natasha let out a sigh of relief as she brushed her thumb along his knuckles. "You have no idea how glad I am to hear that. I've been thinking about that lately, so it's nice to stop worrying," she chuckled.

Stranger: Bucky chuckled softly and nodded his head "Yes now ya can relax." He told her as he picked her hand up and kissed her knuckles gently "How would ya like to meet Lizzie tomorrow?" He asked her, a little nervously. He knew it was a little early but Natasha held a very special piece of his heart and he wanted her to meet the other girl who held his heart.

You: "Really?" she asked softly before taking a deep breath. Really, she was ready to meet Lizzie whenever James thought she was ready, but knowing that she was ready so soon as well shocked her for a moment. "Yes.. Yeah, I'd like that," she murmured, smiling softly.

Stranger: Bucky smiled brightly at her "You're gonna love her, 'Tasha." he assured her as he kissed her knuckles again gently. "How about ya come over tomorrow for lunch?" He suggested "She'll be back from her sleepover by then."

You: Natasha felt her smile mirror his as she took a sip of her wine. "Mhm, sure. That'd be nice," she agreed as she squeezed his hand. "I can't wait.."

Stranger: Bucky smiled at her "Neither can I." He said as he placed their hands back down before releasing her hand so they could eat. "What would ya like to do after dinner?" he asked her as he took another bite of his dinner.

You: Natasha shrugged slightly as she continued to eat, pushing her food around a little as she thought. "We could dance. Either here or we can go somewhere else," she suggested with a shrug. "Don't worry, I can give you some pointers if you don't know how," she teased.

Stranger: Bucky chuckled softly "My ma owns her own dance studio, doll. I know how to dance." He told her. "I was the only one outta my siblings to even want to learn how to. So she taught me all the different styles she knew. Including ballet." He said with a small smirk on his face.

You: Natasha raised an eyebrow before nodding with a chuckle. "Barnes, is there anything you don't know how to do?" she asked. "So, would you like to go dancing?"

Stranger: Bucky chuckled softly "I don't know how to draw." He said with a small shrug "Would ya like to stay here or go out to a club?" He asked her as he finished eating, pushing his plate away from him.

You: "I'll take it," she shrugged with a grin before finishing her plate as well. "I'm fine with either, but I think staying in has a nice ring to it. Do you have speakers to play music?"

Stranger: Bucky nodded his head "No its ok, I got it." He said as he took both plates from her "They're in the living room. Why don't ya go and pick a song out for us." he said with a crooked grin as he took their dishes to the sink.

You: Natasha nodded before she stood and made her way back to the living room, connecting her phone with the speaker before playing a low, gentle song for them. Closing her eyes, she sighed softly before she began swaying to the music while she waited for him.

Stranger: Bucky cleaned up everything from dinner and loaded the dishwasher up. He hummed softly along to the music that came pouring in from the living room. "Frank Sinatra. Good choice." He said as he joined her in the living room as he wrapped his arms around her from behind, hooking his chin over her shoulder.

You: Natasha glanced back when she heard him rejoin her, smiling softly as she leaned back into his embrace. "I figured it was a safe choice. Everyone loves some Sinatra," she murmured, her arms resting on top of his.

Stranger: Bucky smiled softly and nodded his head "Very true." He said "Ya know, my grandfather told me he met old Blue Eyes." He said as he turned Natasha around to face him, placing one hand on her hip and the other cupped her other hand up in the air.

You: Natasha raised an eyebrow as she rested her free hand on his shoulder, keeping herself close to him. "Really? How did that happen?"

Stranger: Bucky chuckled softly "He claims that he met Sinatra as he was walkin' out of a convenience store in the 50s." He said rolling his eyes "I don't believe him. There's no way he met Frank Sinatra on his way out of a convenience store.

You: Natasha shrugged with a chuckle. "I don't know, it's possible. Celebrities are just like us, y'know," she joked before shaking her head. "But I'm pretty sure I heard an elderly woman on the train tell that exact same story a few days ago."

Stranger: Bucky chuckled softly and nodded his head "It's possible. But my grandfather also had his head in the clouds most of the time." He said rolling his eyes as he gently twirled Natasha around before pulling her back close to him.

You: Natasha smiled as he spun her, sighing happily once she was up against him once again. "Sounds like quite the character, regardless."

Stranger: Bucky smiled and nodded his head "He was. I was his favorite grandkid because I was the only one who would go up to his place up in Lake George to go and see him." He said. "What about your family?" He asked her.

You: "Aw, that's kind of sad, that you were the only one," she told him before she chewed on her lip. "Um, I...I don't talk to them. I don't even know where they are," she murmured, glancing down. "My parents and I moved her from Russia when I was 13 for my dancing, something the rest of my family wasn't very happy about. Well, when I was 17, the three of us were in a car crash and...they didn't make it. Killed on impact," she told him, quickly wiping her eyes. "So, I finished high school and used the money I inherited from them to get myself through college."

Stranger: Bucky wiped her eyes gently "I'm so sorry." He murmured softly "I shouldn't have asked, I'm sorry." He said softly as he pulled her closer to him. "Well, you have a family now that's willing to take you in if you want." He said softly as he looked down into her big green eyes. "Me and Lizzie can be your family. And I know Stevie already thinks of ya like a sister and my family will love ya."

You: Natasha shook her head as she buried her face in his neck. "No, no it's okay... You were going to find out sooner or later," she mumbled, her eyes meeting his. "That's a lot to offer a woman you haven't even known a month," she chuckled weakly as her fingers played with the hair on the back of his neck.

Stranger: Bucky chuckled softly "Well, what can I say, its easy to fall in love with ya, Natasha." He murmured back to her softly as he held her tightly to him. "I don't care how long I've known ya. It feels like its been a lot longer than a month."

You: Natasha stared into his eyes as she processed what he just said. 'Fall in love with ya.' Those words just rang through her mind as she pressed herself against him, unable to find any words. Glancing at his mouth, she met his eyes one last time before she pressed her lips to his with a gentle sigh.

Stranger: Bucky hummed softly as he kissed her back gently, bringing his hands up to her face and cupped her cheeks. He pulled back when they needed air and gave her a crooked grin "Why haven't we done that sooner?" He asked.

You: Natasha laughed softly as they parted and pressed her forehead to his. "I have absolutely no idea," she mumbled, her arms moving to drape around his waist.

Stranger: Bucky chuckled softly "Come on, lets sit down and cuddle." He said as he led her over to the couch. Bucky plopped down onto the gray sofa and pulled Natasha into his lap. [Brb]

You: Natasha grinned as she followed him easily and plopped herself into his lap, wrapping her arms around his neck before she gently pecked his lips again. "Hm...I do enjoy cuddling..."

Stranger: Bucky grinned up at her "Good. Because I'm a cuddler." He told her as he pulled her closer to him and buried his head into the crook of her neck, pressing a gentle kiss to where her neck and her head meet.

You: Natasha let her eyes close as she sighed happily, her fingers absently playing with his hair. "Thank goodness for that. I'd probably end things now if you weren't," she joked, tilting her head to the side to allow him more room.

Stranger: Bucky hummed softly as she played with his hair "You found my weakness." He murmured softly against her skin as he pressed a light trail down her neck with his lips.

You: Natasha breathed in a short gasp as his lips traveled, blushing slightly at her own noise. "An you've found mine," she mumbled, her fingers gently gripping his hair.

Stranger: Bucky pulled back a little to look up at her "Doll, how far do ya wanna go?" He asked her softly as he looked into those green emeralds she called eyes. Her eyes were the first thing he noticed about Natasha and its one of his favorite features on her.

You: Natasha swallowed as she looked down at him, one of her hands moving to brush along his chiseled jaw line, one that appeared to be chiseled from marble. "As far as you'd like to take it, darling..."

Stranger: Bucky chuckled softly "That's how far I'm willin' to take it too, babygirl." He said softly "Ya need to tell me to stop if ya want to stop." He told her. "Because if ya don't wanna have full blown sex tonight, then I'm fine with that. Hell, I'd be happy to just hold ya like this all night if that's what ya want."

You: Natasha took a deep breath as she eased against him, gently chewing on her lower lip. "If I ever want to stop, I will tell you," she assured him before smiling gently. "But right now, I want to be with you, in every sense of the word, if that's what you want, too.."

Stranger: Bucky smiled back at her softly "Then, lets move to the bedroom." He said softly as he easily picked her up bridal style and carried her into his bedroom. Bucky's bedroom was decorated in navy blue and black with a king sized bed in the middle of the room. His room had floor to ceiling windows and looked out onto all of New York. Bucky gently laid Natasha down on the bed before joining her.

You: Natasha giggled as he lifted her up and she wrapped her arms around his neck to hold herself closer, nuzzling her face against his shoulder. Once she felt the mattress against her back, she stretched slightly as she smiled up at him. Part of her wanted to glance out and see what the night looked like from his view, but she couldn't bring herself to tear her eyes from him. "Come here," she murmured before putting her arms around him again, kissing with a bit more urgency.

Stranger: Bucky hummed softly against her lips as he deepened the kiss, tangling his flesh fingers into her long red curls. He slipped his metal hand under her dress, gently cupping her breast in his hand as they heavily made out. Bucky pulled away from her lips when they needed air and immediately leaned down and attacked her neck with his lips.

You: Natasha let a small noise escape her as they kissed, gasping against his lips as she arched into the hand on her breast. The cool metal caused goosebumps to break out across her skin, which only made the feeling more intense. As she took a moment to catch her breath, she found herself doing quite the opposite as his lips moved along her neck. "Mm...James," she breathed as her fingers knotted in his hair.

Stranger: Bucky pulled back from her neck as he slipped his hands down to the hem of her dress "Can I take this off?" he asked her, panting softly as he looked down at her "You're so beautiful." He said softly as he looked into her big green eyes. "Imma have to thank Stevie for introducin' me to ya."

You: Natasha nodded slightly as she watched him and even lifted her hips slightly to assist him. "Mhm... I'm going to owe him for eternity because of our date. But it's worth it," she chuckled,

Stranger: Bucky chuckled softly and nodded his head as he easily slipped her dress over her head. He sat back on his knees and started to unbutton his shirt, moving slowly on purpose.

You: Natasha propped herself up on her elbows as she watched him, biting her lip as his chest was slowly exposed. "You trying to torture me, Barnes?"

Stranger: Bucky smirked at her "And if I was, Romanoff?" He asked with a raised eyebrow "Whatcha gonna do?" he asked

You: Natasha shifted to sit up and grabbed his shirt to pull him to her, hungrily kissing his lips. "Lend you a hand... I'm usually a patient person, but you found a way to make that go away," she mumbled, pushing his shirt off his shoulders before she moved to lay against the pillows.

Stranger: Bucky chuckled softly as she practically ripped his shirt off of his body. "I'm kinda surprised ya just didn't push me down onto the bed and took my clothes off, babydoll." He said with a smirk as he laid on top of her, placing his hands on either side of her head so he could keep his weight off of her.

You: Natasha smirked as she looked up at him, her hands moving along his bare chest with a soft hum. "I considered it, but I want you take control tonight... Maybe next time," she chuckled before she began pressing kisses along his jaw.

Stranger: Bucky smirked and nodded his head a little "Next time." He told her as he reached behind Natasha and easily undid her bra and threw it over his shoulder, not caring where it went. [Do you mind if we skip the smut? I'm not very good at writing it.]

You: ((Oh, sure, that's okay. Do you want me to pick up after they finish?))

Stranger: [Yeah. I'm really sorry.]

You: ((No worries. I'm not gonna make you write something you don't wanna))

You: Natasha panted as she stared at the ceiling, a smile plastered on her face as she felt James plop down beside her. "That was...wow," she breathed as she looked over at him, rolling onto her side to face him. "You're incredible."

Stranger: Bucky chuckled softly, still panting slightly, as he smiled back at her "So are you, baby." He said as he pulled her closer to him. "We definitely have to do that again." He said as he cuddled Natasha close to him.

You: Natasha sighed happily as she pressed herself against him, gently kissing him as her fingers stroked along his flesh arm. "And again, and again," she giggled before brushing her nose against his. "But for now, I'm okay with cuddling..."

Stranger: Bucky chuckled softly as he kissed her lips gently. "So am I." he murmured softly as he held her tightly to him. "I don't wanna ever let ya go." He said softly as he closed his eyes and buried his nose into her hair.

You: Natasha smiled as she gently combed her fingers through his hair. "Well, I'm not going anywhere... If you're okay with me staying the night," she mumbled.

Stranger: "Like I'd actually tell ya to leave." he murmured softly as he held her to him. "I know its kinda pointless to ask, since I already know what ya answer will be, but will ya be my girlfriend?" He asked her softly.

You: Natasha grinned before nodding quickly, quickly kissing his lips again. "Of course I will... I'd love to be your girlfriend," she assured him before resting her head on his chest.

Stranger: Bucky smiled happily and kissed her back gently "Like I said, pointless to ask but I wanted to anyway" He murmured softly as he easily fell asleep with his girlfriend in his arms.

You: Natasha sighed happily as she watched out the window, listening to the steady sounds of his breathing and heartbeat until she nodded off with him.

Stranger: Bucky woke up the next morning to the sound of his phone going off on his nightstand. He groaned and gently rolled a still sleeping Natasha gently off of his chest and onto the bed. He grabbed his phone and made his way out to the living room so he didn't disturb her. Bucky looked down at the caller ID and saw it was Lizzie's friend's house number. Bucky frowned and quickly answered the call "Hello?" He asked gruffly, still trying to wake up.

You: Natasha groaned as she was shifted onto the bed, hugging one of the pillows to her chest as she cuddled further under the covers.

Stranger: Bucky nodded his head as he listened to the girl's mother, rubbing his hand over his face. "I'll be right over. Thank you for callin' and tellin' me she wanted to come home early." He said before hanging up. Bucky chuckled softly and shook his head. He should have known she was gonna wake up early and demand to come home. Bucky stood up from the couch and made his way back into his bedroom. He pulled on a pair of jeans, a black t-shirt that had his companies name and logo on it, and his black converses. Bucky knelt beside the bed and gently shook Natasha "Hey, beautiful. I'll be right back. Lizzie decided she wanted to come home as soon as she woke up." He said softly as her sleepy green eyes blinked up at him.

You: Natasha hummed as she cracked open her eyes to look at him, the back of her hand rubbing them. "Should I leave?" she asked as she began to sit up with a groan. Meeting her at lunch was very different from running into her in the kitchen while wearing her father's clothes.

Stranger: Bucky chuckled softly and shook his head "Not if you don't want to." He said as he kissed her lips gently. "I'd love it if you'd have breakfast with us. But I understand if you want to head home and change. But if you don't wanna leave, my sister left some of her clothes from the last time she stayed here and you're both about the same size."

#winterwidow #buckynat #omegle rp #rp #lost omegle rp

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isabellafaulkner-blog · 7 years

Text

The first date

[I’m so sorry, I know this is a little short. I just didn’t have any time to write a better and longer fic, I wish I could have done more! I didn’t have time to make any edits, perhaps they will be inserted at a later point. And also sorry for any typos! Thanks to @domschreave for the rping! There’s also a little mention of @ariciaeast ]

Today is the day of my date. My maids are flying all around the room, doing all sorts of stuff from cleaning my bed to collecting make-up brushes and bobby pins.

There’s only one thing on my mind. Aricia sitting on stairs in the rain, crying. All because of a boy. Prince Percy told her he loved Charlotte and that had broken her heart. Don’t get me wrong, I love Char to bits, she is an amazing girl. I can see her and Percy together. They fit each other perfectly! I wish them all the best with my entire heart and hope they live happily ever after!

But still, it’s not nice to see your friend hurt and upset. At least Aricia still gets a chance with Dom, instead of being eliminated straightaway. I want to comfort her and tell her no boy should make her doubt how amazing she is. If Percy is not the one for her then there is someone else out there for her. Her other half.

Back to reality. My maids help me get into the dress. It’s another beautiful creation. It’s a little sexy but also very elegant. The dress is some creamy white colour. The overdress falls over the knee, but the nude colour underdress ends on my upper leg. The overdress is some sort of rough lace.

My make-up is kept quite simple again, however it does contain my signature red lipstick. My maids brush my hair to one side and create a low side parting.

I look happily at myself in the mirror. They have done an outstanding job once again. Sometimes I wonder if the life of a maid is what suits them. They would be amazing at runway shows and shoots, or even at a fashion label designing the hottest outfits.

My heart is pounding as I leave my bedroom. My maids wish me all the best and tons of fun. I thank them once more for everything they have done for me.

I start walking towards the stairs. What am I doing? I don’t even know where Dom’s room is. I look around, hmm what do I do?

I spot a guard standing at the end of the hallway. What is he even doing there, guarding the wall? Anyway, I decide to walk over.

“Hello” I fall into a little curtsie “Would you like to tell me where Prince Dom’s room is?” The guard turns around and immediately I recognize his face. It’s the guard with whom I have danced at the ball. “Hello Lady Isabella.” He gives me some weird look and furrows his brows. “Why do you need to go there?”

“Because of the date I have with him. I need to pick him up.” I flip my hair back over my shoulder. “Oh right.” The guard brings his left hand to the back of his neck.

After a moment of silence, I realize he is not going to say anything else so I ask if he is going to tell me how to get there. The guard slowly nods his head as if he is contemplating what to do. He then says “I’ll walk you, I don’t want you to get lost.”

“That’s very kind of you. But aren’t you very busy doing this?” I make some handgesture towards the wall, still got no clue what he is supposed to be doing.

The guard shoots me a small smile. “It’s only a small walk, I’ll have plenty of time to get back here.” He extends his arm to me.

I gratefully take it, I don’t want to break my ankles on these heels. We start walking towards the stairs. “Hey you’ve never told me your name.” I keep my focus on the stairs but from the corner of my eye I can see his head turn towards me.

The guard clears his throath, “It’s Officer Gray, but you can call me Thomas if you like.”

I don’t know what else to say so I just thank him. I don’t even know what I am doing. My heart is pounding in my chest. I wonder if Officer Gray, Thomas, can actually hear it.

Before I even know it we have arrived. Officer Gray points towards a door, “That’s the one.” I walk over to the door, my hand is midway in the air before I turn around. I find him standing still in the same spot, “Thank you so much for showing me the way.”

“Anytime, Lady Isabella.” I smile and turn back to face the door again. I expect to hear him walk away but he doesn’t. I knock on the door, eventhough I feel a little awkward that he is still here.

The door quickly opens, “Hello.” I immediately drop into a deep curtsie, “Hello!” I can’t help but smile, “How are you?”

“I’m good. So are we going on our date today?” Dom asks. “Yes! You can come with me if you like!” Geez Isabella, keep your voice down a little.

“Where are we going? Or what are we doing?” Someone is curious.

I can feel my body relax, “Do you trust me? It will be fun I promise.” Why am I still smiling? I try to force the corners of my mouth to go back into their neutral, relaxed position. But I fail.

“Alright then, lets go.” We start walking towards the stairs. In my mind I am running through the directions we need to follow. “Do you like surprises?” I ask. I look back at Thomas the Officer and give a small, thankful smile. He nods his head before he walks away.

“Depends on the person giving the surprise. If it were Evan, it would clearly be something lame. If it were Percy, I might be worried we were about to do something life-threatening. But you? I might enjoy a surprise from you.”

I smile at Dom’s answer. It’s good to know he has some faith in me. “I sure hope you will like it!” Still smiling. “I can promise you one thing, it won’t be life-threatening. Unless you are allergic to something. And if that is the case please tell me, I don’t want to kill you.” I think about Vad ending up in the hospital wing because of an allergy. That reminds me that I should pay her a visit, to check if she’s alright. Maybe I can make her a little “get better soon” basket.

“I’m not allergic to anything, don’t worry.” I let out some air I didn’t know I was holding. “That’s great!”

I look around, I should know which side we have to go to. “Okay we have to go that way.” I say as I point to the right side of the hall.

We walk in the directions I pointed at, while we have some small talk about the welcome ball from the other day.

I can see a big table appear, filled with all kinds of food from pizza to chocolate cake. “Oh look, there it is.” Food always makes me excited. The smell is incredible. The kitchen staff had done an incredible job. My maids had helped me make a list of different foods. It’s amazing to see it all on the table. Dom agrees and he raises an eyebrow. “Alright, I’m intrigued. Are we just eating a bunch of food here?”

I snap out off my daydream. I laugh at his question, “No! Look!” Proudly I show him the blindfold I had been holding behind my back.

“What are we doing with that? Because I can certainly come up with a few fun things.” He smirks. I laugh again. Sometimes I wonder what my laugh sounds like. Maybe some people might think it’s annoying. “We can do those things later. First the food!” I say as I turn to face the table again, still amazed by all the food.

“So what /are/ we doing with the blindfold then?” I try to quickly explain my idea. “Okay, you sit down on that chair. Then you have to put on the blindfold, or I can do it for you if you like. And after that I will put something of all these delicious creations in your mouth and you’ll get to guess what it is!”

“Ok then.” Dom says and he sits down. I feel bad for the way I said that. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to be this strict.” I feel my cheeks blush. I hold the blindfold in front of me. “Do you want to do this yourself?”

“No worries, it’s fine. And yeah, I can do it myself.” I smile, again, as I hand him the blindfold.

“Yes fantastic! Do you want to start with something savoury or something sweet?” “Sweet.” Dom responds. I chuckle a little bit at the sight of him wearing the blindfold.

I look around the table to find the perfect food item. A strawberry-vanilla cake catches my attention and I take the plate. I put some on a spoon, “please open your mouth.”

He follows my instruction and I put the spoon in his mouth. “I’ll do my best not to make a mess! Would you like some more? Or can you guess already?”

“Umm… I guess I need another bite.” To which I put some more of the cake on the spoon. “Ready?”

“Ok.” He says. I put the spoon in his mouth again. “What do you think? Does it taste good?”

Dom seems to think for a second before he says, “Yeah, I mean it’s some kind of cake… strawberry or something?”

I clap my hands. “Yes! It was a strawberry and vanilla cake! Well done!”

“Cool.”

“Oh you’ve got some crumbs on your face.” I quickly grab a napkin and places one hand under his jaw. Gently I brush the crumbs in my hand. “Now you’re good!” I smile eventhough he can’t see me.

“Thanks.” Is all I get in return.

I get the feeling I have done something wrong. For the first time during this date, my face is not in a smile. I felt the corners of my mouth fall down. Thankfully he’s still wearing the blindfold, so he can’t see my face right now.

“No problem. Do you want to take of your blindfold and just eat everything. Or do you want to do some more tasting and guessing wish the blindfold on? Or do you want to switch roles, so I’m the blindfolded one?” I try to make myself sound excited and happy. No clue if I have succeeded or not.

“Well, don’t you already know what all the food here is?”

“Oh yeah true! Sorry forgot about that for a minute.” I don’t know what else to say.

“Hmm, I don’t know. What do you think? Would you rather play once more or just eat?” The only thing that makes me somewhat happy is the fact that he’s still wearing the blindfold. He looks silly.

“We can first do another round and then eat everything that is left.” I can hear my own voice very loud and clear. It sounds empty, without any emotions.

“Ok sure.”

I give my ‘I am so happy and excited voice’ another shot, “Okay great! Would you like something savoury now?”

“Sure.”

Yikes. I thought we were having fun. Perhaps it was just me. I think about what Dom said earlier, the welcome ball felt like work to him. Maybe this date does as well.

My eyes scan the table, “Hmm, yes! Okay please, open your mouth. I hope I don’t spill anything on you, since this is liquid and will probably give a stain.” I force myself to smile again. Maybe a smile on my face will make me smile a little on the inside.

Dom opens his mouth and I carefully and slowly place the spoon inside. “And? What do you think?”

“Hmm… well it’s a little thicker than a normal soup… like a bisque? Like lobster bisque maybe?”

“Yes, it was a lobster bisque! You’re so good at this!” Still trying to keep the atmosphere light and excited.

“Excellent.”

Great. Just great.

“Is something wrong?” I ask, wondering if I have done something wrong.

“Absolutely nothing.”

I sigh, okay this is going amazing. Can’t go any more downhill, can it?

“You can take your blindfold off if you want to.” I force myself to smile again. He’s going to see my face again so I’ll have to keep trying.

“Anything else you want me to take off while we’re at it?” Dom says as he takes the blindfold off. I look at his face to find him smirking. That makes me genuinely smile.

He sure knows how to change one’s mood. I giggle and then say, “If you insist, I wouldn’t say no!”

Dom grins, “Oh really?”

“Go ahead, I’ll watch.” An innocent smile forms on my face.

He slowly pulls off his shirt. “So? What do you think?”

The only thing I’m thinking is: how on earth did this even happen? An innocent taste testing date turns into a strip show.

I give him a little applause. “I am loving what I am seeing.”

“Are you? And do I get any reward for treating you to this sight?”

“Is there anything you’d like?” I grin.

Dom stands up from his and moves closer to me. “Hmm, I can think of a few things.” He grins at me.

I can feel my heart pounding in my chest, in my fingers and in my toes. Okay, I can feel heart beat in every piece of my body.

I check out his abs and chest area. He’s not wearing a shirt, why not take advantage of that? I slowly focus back on his face. “Like what?” I say as I raise an eyebrow and grin.

Dom is standing super close to me now, he’s still grinning. “Like this…” he leans in even closer to me.

He is standing this close that I can feel his breath on my skin. A warm feeling grows inside my stomach and then spreads all over my body. I put my arms around his neck and pull him even closer. And then. We kiss.

We kiss.

Who would have thought? Not me, that’s for sure.

Dom slowly pulls away. “So, how was your first kiss with a Prince? Did I totally blow your mind? Rock your world?”

“Yes totally.” I chuckle. “You keep on surprising me.”

“Oh really? You didn’t expect me to be devilishly handsome and an amazing kisser?”

I tease him with a playful eye roll. “Oh please, everyone agrees that you’re super good looking. I didn’t expect you to kiss me. But like you said, you have blown my mind.” I can feel the smile on my face, it’s a genuine one this time.

“Good. I’m glad.” Dom grins at me with self confidence. For some reason I find it very attractive. “So… what do you want to do next?”

“Hmm. There is nothing more I had planned for this date, honestly.” It’s hard to look away from him, but I succeed to glance at the table. “There is a lot of food left though.” I look back at Dom. “Is there anything you would like to do?”

“Maybe we should just eat some more of this food… you know, to help the kitchen staff clean it up.” Dom looks to the food on the table.

“Yes true! And it’s all so delicious.” I grab a plate with chocolate cake and start taking little bites. I still need to keep my manners and be elegant.

Dom, on the other hand, goes straight for the pizza.

In between taking bites I ask, “what’s your favourite food?”

“I’m holding it.” He says and he winks. Gosh, he is so adorable when he winks.

“Ah yes pizza is always nice!” I take another bite of the chocolate cake. Little reminder to myself that I need to ask the kitchen staff for the recipe. It tastes absolutely amazing. Erika would love it as well. The thought of my sister makes me a little sad, I miss her so much.

“What about you?” Dom asks, stealing my attention away from the cake. “Is chocolate cake your favorite food?”

I think about that for a second. It’s hard to pick your favourite food. “I think it would be black forest cake, which is some sort of chocolate cake.” I can feel myself smiling again. Why can’t I control my own face?

“Cool.” Is what I get as an answer.

“Tell me, how are we going to finish all this food?” I am already so full, I won’t be able to eat much more.

“We’re not. We’ll eat as much as we can and then the staff can have the rest.”

I smile at him. “Ah that’s nice of you, to give it to the staff.”

“It’s not like we’re going to just throw it all away.” He shrugs.

“That’s good.” I say and we both continue eating.

“What’s your favourite drink?” I keep asking questions, I can’t help myself.

“Root beer.” Dom says.

“What’s that? I have never heard of it before.”

“It’s a type of soda. You’ve really never had it?”

I think about it. However the name doesn’t ring a bell. “No, can’t say that I have. What does it taste like?”

“I don’t really know how to describe it… We’ll have to get some for you sometime.”

I smile up at him. “I’d love that. Can’t wait to find out what it tastes like.”

“You’ll love it.” Dom responds.

“Perhaps you could bring some on our next date? If you decide to keep me here of course.”

“I will.” He says but then quickly adds, “Bring root beer I mean.”

I am still smiling. “Thanks that would be nice.”

A simple “Great.” is what I get in return.

“Hey, can I ask you something weird?” I ask him.

Dom looks at me hesitantly. “Maybe.”

I chuckle at the look on his face. What does he even think I will ask? “Don’t worry it’s nothing too weird.” I try to assure him.

“Then sure.” The hesitant look fades a little, but it doesn’t disappear just yet.

I decide not to look him in the face as I ask, “Do you have any weird fetishes?” I grab a little bowl filled with grapes and put one in my mouth.

“Uhh… I don’t think so.” He starts. The hesitant look on his face changes into a curious one, “Do you?”

“No I don’t think I have one either.” I wanted to tell him about me and Aricia calling him daddy sometimes. But I don’t know how he’ll respond so I decide not to say anything about it. “Sorry for the question, I was wondering if you might secretly have a foot fetish or something.”

“…no.”

Great Isabella. Just great. Now he must think I am some weirdo.

“Sorry, forget that I asked about it.” Change. The. Subject. “Would you like some grapes as well?”

“No, I’m fine. Thanks, though.”

Panic. Okay. Keep talking.

“No problem!” At least I don’t have to fake my smile anymore, it has returned and won’t leave my face. “If you could spend a day with anyone in the world, who would you pick?”

“Oh I have no idea.” Dom responds.

“That’s alright.” I look around, there is still so much food left. “Sorry for all my questions, it was not my intention to make this date some sort of interrogation.” I can feel my cheeks blush a little.

“It’s fine. Well, I’m pretty stuffed after all that food.” Dom also looks at the food on the table.

I laugh, glad that I’m not the only one who can’t eat anymore. “Yeah me too. We did the best we could, didn’t we?”

“Yep. The palace staff will have fun cleaning up this mess, I can guarantee that.”

I look at him, confused. “Yeah I kind off feel bad for them. But it’s their job, I guess.”

Now it’s his turn to look confused. “I meant they’ll enjoy “cleaning” it because they’ll be eating it.“

"Oh right. Yes true. It’s all delicious food, so.” My face turns red. Why didn’t I understand him immediately?

“It is. And we certainly left them a lot.”

I smile a little. “Then they get to enjoy this date as well. In some way, I mean.”

“I guess they do.”

“I hope you had some fun on this date.” I smile as I look at him.

Dom says, “Yeah, it’s definitely been fun.”

“Okay that great to hear!” I say. It’s not just great, it’s amazing to hear. A feeling of relief starts spreading inside me.

“I should probably head back now though… I have dates to prepare myself for and some other work to do.” He says as he looks to the directions we came from.

“Yes of course! I understand.” I start. “Good luck!”

“Thanks! See you later!” He says.

“Bye bye.” I say as we part ways.

#challenge 2 #isabella faulkner #selectionoc

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365daysofj2 · 7 years

Text

Of Blizzards and Blow Jobs (Wheelchair!Jared 'verse, NC-17, 6/?)

When the doorbell rings on Monday night, both Jared and Gen are shocked. Gen jumps up from the couch and answers the door. “Oh, hey, Jensen.” Jared wheels out from the kitchen to see Jensen standing in the doorway with a suitcase and a laptop bag. He’s got snowflakes all over his wool peacoat and in his hair, which glistens under the glow of the overhead light. “Hey! What are you doing here?” Jensen grins. “I figured if I’m gonna get snowed in anyway, I’d much rather be snowed in with you than at home.” His grin falters. “I hope that’s okay.” “It’s fantastic,” Jared assures him. “You can put your stuff in my room.” He wheels towards his bedroom with Sadie leading the way. He stops outside the door to let her open it. She turns on the light, and Jared moves out of the way to let Jensen through. Jensen sets his laptop bag down on Jared’s desk and stashes his suitcase underneath it. “Is Gen going to be okay with this?” he asks, frowning. Jared nods. “She’ll be fine. We’re all adults. I know the place is a little small for three people, but we’ve got plenty of food and hot water, so it should be a relaxing few days.” Jensen kicks off his shoes and opens Jared’s blinds. It’s not snowing that hard yet, but the full-on blizzard is coming. “You got any hot cocoa?” “Yeah, we’ve got K-cups in the kitchen.” Jared and Sadie lead Jensen to the kitchen. The Keurig and the carousel of K-cups are on the corner of the counter, and Jensen twirls the carousel until he finds two cups of salted caramel hot cocoa. He grabs two mugs from a mug tree on the other counter and grins when he sees the Shakespearean insults on the side of the blue Etown mug. “I remember these. Good times.” He sets the mug underneath the spout and turns on the machine. “You sold these at Homecoming?” Jared shakes his head. “No, we made them for the English department banquet. I was in the English honor society—the unfortunately named STD.” Jensen laughs. “STD? Really?” “Sigma Tau Delta,” replies Jared. “That’s why we mostly just called it the English honor society. People teased us enough for just being English majors in the first place.” Jensen hands Jared the mug of hot cocoa and Jared takes a tentative sip. It’s really good, and perfect for a snowy night. Jensen uses Jared’s Scrabble mug to make a cup for himself, and Jared wheels over to the dining room table. He opens a drawer in the hutch and pulls out one of Jensen’s homemade dog biscuits. Sadie sits perfectly at attention as Jared breaks it in half. He feeds the halves to her one at a time, and she crunches through them happily, licking crumbs from her muzzle after she’s done. Jared smiles at Jensen. “She really likes those.” Jensen smiles back. “I’m glad. She’s a special girl, she deserves a special treat.” He sits down at the table next to Jared and sips his hot cocoa. He glances out the back door. “Hey, look, it’s really snowing now.” Jared looks up at the streetlight at the top of the hill. He can see a torrent of big, fat snowflakes falling sideways past it in the pool of warm yellow light. He smiles. “I’m so glad you came over.” “Me, too.” Jensen leans over and kisses Jared’s cheek. “It’s gonna be a good night.” The three of them retire to Jared’s bedroom, where Jared turns on some music and for awhile they just gaze out the window and watch the snow piling up on the cars and the street. The wind is blowing the snow off of the hoods and windshields of the cars and piling it on the driver’s sides. Gen’s car, parked in the handicapped spot at the end of the ramp, is sitting in a drift of snow that’s piled up to the top of the driver’s side tires already. “Wow,” murmurs Jared. “This is gonna be something.” “Were you here for the Blizzard of ‘93?” asks Jensen. “No, I still lived in Texas then,” answers Jared. “And I was only four, so I probably wouldn’t remember anyway.” “I was nine. We didn’t go to school for almost three weeks,” recalls Jensen. “We had to make up so much time that they added a half an hour onto the school day because we would have had to go to school until July otherwise.” “Wow. How much snow was it?” “It was about 10 inches on the first day, and it just kept snowing. We ended up with about two feet total, and we had to get a crew to come take snow off our garage roof because it was damaged. We had a pile of snow in the corner of our yard next to the driveway that was well over six feet tall. We had a bi-level house, and the snow pile came up to the bay window on the top level.” “Holy shit.” Jared leans back into Jensen’s embrace. “I hope this one isn’t that bad.” “Well, if it is, I’ll help Gen dig out her car and your ramp.” “There’s a crew that’s supposed to do that,” grumbles Jared. “I mean, we pay them to do it, but most of the time they don’t and we have to email the homeowner’s association and bitch.” Jared sits up straight and looks Jensen right in the eye. “I don’t want you doing it.” Jensen nods. “I will if it’s an emergency. Otherwise, hands off.” He finishes off his hot cocoa and sets the mug on the nightstand. He gets a wicked grin on his face. “You know, we’re in your bedroom, and there’s a love song playing, and we’re in the process of getting snowed in together, meaning we won’t be able to leave this place for days, and both of us still have our clothes on.” Jensen unzips his hoodie and throws it on the floor. “That’s just wrong.” Jared returns Jensen’s wicked grin. “There are some candles on top of the bookshelf. Sadie, go turn off the light.” Jensen gets up to light the candles while Sadie trots over to the light switch and turns it off. “Go lie down, girl. You’re off duty.” Sadie makes her way to the fleece-lined denim bed in the corner, turns around a few times, and settles down. Jensen finishes lighting the candles and joins Jared in bed. “You’re a little overdressed.” “Maybe you should take care of that, since my specially trained dog isn’t going to,” teases Jared. Jensen frowns. “I don’t want to hurt you.” Jared shakes his head. “You won’t. Just be gentle and go slow.” Jensen pulls Jared’s henley and undershirt off with the utmost care and flings them in the direction of the laundry hamper. He removes Jared’s slippers and jeans and tosses them in the same pile. Then he sheds his own t-shirt and track pants and stretches out on the bed next to Jared. He traces a fingertip down Jared’s sternum to his navel and then replaces it with his mouth. “Wait,” whispers Jared. “I need pillows.” Jensen sits up. “Okay, what should I do?” Jared gestures at the closet, where he stores both his extra pillows and his sex ramp. “Grab two of the fluffy pillows and put one under my knees and the other under my ankles.” Jensen jumps up and does as he’s told, lifting Jared’s limbs with the lightest and gentlest of touches. Jared settles back against his backrest and nest of bed pillows and curls a hand around the back of Jensen’s neck. “Now, where were we?” Jensen brings his lips to meet Jared’s. They’re warm and tinged with sweetness from the cocoa they had, and they’re softer than they have any right to be. Jared brushes his tongue at the seam of Jensen’s lips, erasing all traces of chocolate that linger there. Jensen parts his lips and lets Jared’s tongue sweep the last hints of sugary sweetness out of his mouth. Jensen’s tongue brushes shyly against Jared’s, as though he’s seeking permission to come inside, and Jared responds by breaking the kiss and nudging Jensen’s explorations a little further south. Jensen flutters little feathery kisses all down Jared’s neck to his chest, making him shiver slightly. Jensen makes his way down to one of Jared’s nipples and takes the sensitized bud between his lips, flicking his tongue over the tip and drawing it into full hardness in an instant. He lavishes more attention on it until Jared cries out with need and frustration. Jensen then kisses his way over to the other nipple and repeats the sequence of touches and teases. Jared drops his head back on the pillow and moans, the warring sensations nearly driving him out of his mind. He tangles his fingers in Jensen’s hair and guides Jensen’s head down to his cock, which is fully hard and flushed a deep crimson red. Jensen flicks his tongue over the slit to remove a bead of precome, and Jared’s hips and knees are starting to ache from the tension he’s carrying in his lower body. “Come on,” he urges Jensen in a strained whisper. Jensen straddles Jared’s legs and takes Jared’s substantial cock all the way into his mouth. The tip of his tongue caresses the underside of the head so tenderly that it raises goosebumps on Jared’s skin. Jensen the flattens his tongue and laves the whole shaft bottom to top, slicking it up in preparation for the main event. Jared’s not sure how much more of this he can take, especially if they’re gonna keep doing this for the next two or three days. “Faster. Please,” he gasps. Jensen hollows his cheeks and starts to bob up and down, and Jared has to admit that Jensen is really, really damn good at this. His tongue flutters along the underside of the shaft with each pass in a way that would make Jared’s knees go weak if he were supporting any of his weight on them. As it is, they just hurt, but that’s nothing new. Jared has to force himself not to buck his hips and thrust the way he instinctually wants to, because that’ll just damage his hips and knees further. Instead, he just tries to relax the tension in his lower body so the pain will level off. Jensen seems to take the hint, because he increases the intensity until Jared can barely breathe. Finally, he comes with a long drawn-out moan and spills his seed into Jensen’s mouth. Jensen swallows it all and releases Jared’s cock when he’s done. He crawls up to the head of the bed and flops down beside Jared. “You okay?” Jared nods and reassures him with a quick kiss. “Yeah, I’m good. Just tired and a little sore.” Jensen frowns. “Did I hurt you?” “No, it wasn’t anything you did,” Jared replies immediately. “Just the position. Next time I’ll have you get out the full wedge and we’ll do this right.” Jensen grins at the mention of next time. “You’re gonna keep me on my toes, huh?” “That’s the plan.” Jared pulls Jensen’s head down on his chest and cards his fingers through Jensen’s damp, spiky hair. “Did I tell you how glad I am that you decided to come over?” “Not yet.” Jensen presses a kiss to the hollow of Jared’s throat. “Well, I am,” says Jared, kissing the top of Jensen’s head. “I really, really am.”

#j2 au #j2 fanfic #j2 #365daysofj2 #service dog

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