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#jim gets lost five times
frogayyyy · 2 years
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the lost tos episode where they go to IKEA, play hide and seek, then have meatballs
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puckinghischier · 1 day
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Hat Trick
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Nico Hischier x fem!reader, Jack Hughes x platonic!reader, Luke Hughes x platonic!reader
summary: part 4 of the locksmith series! reader attends her first ever devil’s hockey game, and leaves a few pucks richer than when she came
notes: y’all i think this is my favorite part of this lil series so far. i literally wrote this in one sitting. i’m so happy with how it turned out. i hope you are too!! happy reading!! 🫶🏼
[6k]
part 1, part 2, part 3
~
You’ve been to a lot of Hughes centered hockey games in your life. You’ve been to watch both Quinn and Luke play during their time in Michigan, and you’ve been to watch several of Jack’s minor league games when you were teenagers.
Though somehow, despite how long you’ve been intertwined with the hockey breathing family, you had never been to a professional game. You talked about making a trip to Vancouver with your family at some point to watch Quinn, but it never worked out with your school schedule. You wanted to come watch Jack with the Devils a few times, too, but the plans always fell through.
You wish you’d tried harder right about now, because walking into the Prudential center, red and black everywhere you look, you’re a little overwhelmed.
Jack had told you exactly where to go and who to call if you got lost, but getting there wasn’t the issue. You finally having your car with you responsible for that, considering it was delivered just yesterday. The company that you hired to haul your car to you had gotten the date of your move wrong, so you had been depending on Jack and Luke for rides anywhere outside of walking distance.
Today, though, they were needed at the rink far earlier than you would’ve been allowed in. And, in true hockey player superstitious fashion, they can’t ride to the rink together for home games because the last time they did they got beat. So, you were extremely excited when you got the call that your car had just been parked outside of the apartment complex the day before.
You had found the arena just fine, leaving your car with the valet Jack had told you to go to. You had gone to the entrance designated for friends and family of the players, flashing the locker room pass Jack had given you, and even managed to find your way to the public areas of the arena by yourself.
The issue you had run in to stems from the fact that not only had you never attended an NHL game before, but you had never attended an NHL game alone.
Even though you blended in with the crowd outwardly, donning a devil’s jersey like everyone else, you were way out of your element. Usually at the boys’ games you had Ellen and Jim with you, or your own parents. They always made you feel like you belonged a little more, because they would explain certain fan behavior to you.
You knew all you had to do was simply sit and watch the game, but with the energy being so chaotic leading to the rivalry game, you knew that the fans were going to be absolutely buzzing. People were walking past you, jumping in front of you for high-fives and fist bumps, yelling “GO DEVS!” before walking away like nothing had ever happened. You didn’t miss the occasional dirty look from anyone in a blue Ranger’s jersey, either.
When you had first made your way to the foyer area at the front of the arena, you had already seen security having to separate a Devils fan and a Rangers fan. They had been screaming at one another over something that you were unaware of when the Rangers fan slammed his fist into the Devils fan’s cheek.
The scene made you a little apprehensive about how the game was going to go. You knew this was one of the biggest rivalries that existed in the hockey world, and you had read that the Rangers had a tendency to play extremely physical, so you were nervous for all of the Devils players you were growing fond of.
You eventually make your way to your seat, but not before going full fan mode and buying a foam finger at one of the many merchandise stands you passed on your way. You thought Jack and Luke would get a kick out of it, figuring you’d need all the help you could get after they see what you’re wearing.
You kept your promise to Nico, currently sporting the number 13 on your back. You felt a little silly, honestly. You had never not worn a Hughes jersey to a hockey game before; you always wore the jersey of whatever brother you were watching. But the conversation you had with Nico a few nights prior kept paying on a loop in your mind. The promise of a hat trick was too tempting to miss out on. Plus, even if he didn’t get a hatty, you knew you’d have the chance to make him do anything you wanted him to. You knew you had teased some ridiculous request, but you had decided you were simply going to ask him for an ice-skating lesson.
You had never been able to learn as a kid, not living close to an ice rink. Jack, Luke, and Quinn had tried to teach you a few times, taking you to their local rink when you would visit them outside of the summer months, but the lessons always ended with fights and hurt feelings. You needed someone that wasn’t going to yell at you anytime you panicked and found yourself sprawled along the frozen ground.
As you walk down the stairs towards your seat, foam finger on display proudly, you take in the pure atmosphere of the place. The arena looked huge from where you stood, lights dimmed and a red shadow cast over everything in sight. Not many people had made their way into the seating area yet, but there were a few fans bunched around the glass, waiting for the players to come out and start their warm ups.
You were pleasantly surprised when you found your seat free of any bodies, being able to settle in and wait for the arrival of the players on the ice. As the minutes ticked by, a few people made their way to your area, smiles and chants of ‘go Devils!’ once again filling the air around you.
You could see why people enjoyed coming to games so much. The sense of community was so strong in this building. Everyone was here to support the same cause, one goal in mind: a Devils’ win. You started to survey all the signs that fans had brought, setting them up against the glass for the players to see. Some of them were clever, some simply reading “puck?” with their favorite player’s number on it.
You also noted how many people were wearing Jack and Luke’s last name on their back. Even as you were driving up to the arena, you noticed the large presence of 86’s and 43’s surrounding you. It was odd, really, to see how many people were supporting your boys. It made your heart swell with pride, a little bit. To physically see the amount of people that believe in them the way you always have was enough to sell you on attending every Devils game from here until the end of time.
The newfound knowledge also further justified your decision for wearing Nico’s jersey tonight. You had seen plenty number 13’s floating around in the crowd, too, but Jack and Luke clearly had no lack of fan support.
The sound of pucks hitting the ice is what broke your attention from observing the people around you. You instantly clocked Luke’s curls, finding Jack not far from where Luke had settled on the ice. You looked around, trying to find a familiar head of brown hair you hadn’t seen nearly enough. Was he not warming up today? Was he okay? Did Luke actually hurt him and he wasn’t playing today?
You don’t remember either of your roommates mentioning that their captain was hurt. That’s something they would’ve mentioned at least once, right? You continue scan the ice for any sign of the Swiss man you couldn’t get off of your mind, not paying attention when Jack started skating in your direction. A loud bang on the glass in front of you with what finally broke your investigation.
“You’re here!” Jack yells through the glass at you, ignoring all the shouts of his name from the people standing around you.
“I told you I wasn’t going to miss it!” you shouted back, wondering if he could even hear you in the noisy environment.
Movement behind Jack caught your eye, Luke making his way over to stand next to his brother, earning an entirely new wave of sound to erupt around you.
“Bouy! You made it!” Luke shares his brother’s surprise.
“Did you guys really have no faith I would show up tonight? Am I that bad of a friend?” you ask them, wondering why they thought you would be a no-show.
“Know it isn’t your scene, is all,” Jack shouts back, shrugging his shoulders, smile on his face.
“Uh-uh, it is now. Look, I even bought a foam finger! I’m legit, now!” you wave your newest Devils merch around.
They both shake their heads and laugh, your eyes wandering to the ice behind them once again.
“Who ya looking for, huh?” Luke is the one to notice they no longer held your attention, turning his head to look at his teammates warming up behind them.
“Oh, no one. Just, taking it all in,” you try to recover. Luke simply looks at you, the moment he caught you staring at Nico in your living room in the back of his mind.
“It’s awesome, right? I’m telling you, you’ll be wanting to come to every home game by the end of the night. There’s nothing like a Devil’s home game,” Jack tells you, oblivious to Luke’s implications moments ago.
Jack must have decided it was time to acknowledge some of the fans around you, skating off after he finishes his statement.
“He’ll be out in a minute, just so you know. Got hung up in a pre-game interview,” Luke’s muffled voice travels through the glass.
“Huh? Who? What’re you talking about?” you rush out, growing nervous at the thought of being caught in your attraction to his teammate.
Luke deadpans at you, basically telling you to cut the bullshit. “You know who, Y/N.”
“Really, don’t know what you’re talking about. I’m here for you and Jack, remember?”
“Yeah? Then why do you have Cap’s jersey on?” Luke questions, raising an eyebrow at you.
Your head shoots down to look at the jersey you were wearing, cheeks turning red. You had forgotten you were even wearing it, surprised Jack didn’t notice when he first skated over to you.
“Don’t think you’re getting away with that, by the way. He’ll be getting an earful once he gets out here, don’t you worry. And god help him when Jack finally notices. Might be the first time a player gets a penalty against his own teammate,” Luke continues, looking over to where Jack is chucking pucks over the ice a few feet away.
“It was Nico’s idea. Said he wanted to mess with you guys, is all. Then said if I wore it he would score a hat trick, and if he didn’t he owed me a favor of my choosing. Figured it’d be fun to mess with him and make him do some outrageous task. You know I never miss the opportunity to get under yours and Jack’s skin, either. Couldn’t resist the offer,” you defend yourself.
Luke rolls his eyes, not wanting to call bullshit out here in the open like this, deciding to save the rest of the conversation for when you get home tonight.
You were going to respond, try to further plead your case, when you see a blur of red jump onto the ice from over near the Devils’ bench. Any attention you had granted to Luke was gone, watching a much anticipated head of hair flopping around as Nico does a few circles on the ice. You watch him wave to a few fans around the glass, conversing with a few of his teammates as he made his way around the ice.
Luke watches you follow Nico’s figure glide around on the ice, laughing to himself at how you were just trying to convince him you weren’t looking for anyone.
“I think I’ve proved my point,” you barely hear as Luke starts to skate away, noticing his captain skating over towards your section of the glass.
You’ve tuned out the shouts of Nico’s name around you as he makes eye contact with you, skating towards you with a smile.
“Hey! You’re here!” he winks at you, parroting Jack and Luke’s words. “And I see you chose the right Jersey!”
“Why did no one think I was going to show up?” you huff out, throwing your arms up, foam finger still attached to your hand.
“Jack and Luke were convinced you’d bail because of your aversion to hockey crowds. But I see you’ve made yourself right at home,” he chuckles, nodding towards the foam finger.
“Well, yeah. Had to make myself official, y’know?” you give the foam accessory a small wave.
Nico laughs, sliding his feet back and forth in short strokes, planting his stick on the ice for stability.
“You ready to score that hat trick you promised, Cap?” you shout to him, crossing your arms in a challenging stance.
“Never been more ready in my life, Bouy,” Nico smirks.
“If you keep using that nickname I won’t be so nice in choosing a favor for you to do when you don’t score your hatty,” you threaten, hating that Jack introduced the nickname to Nico in the first place.
“Oh, I’m gonna score that hatty,” he moves closer to the glass, making sure you can hear him. “My good luck charm did exactly what I asked her to do, so I’d say my chances are pretty solid.”
You’re so taken aback from Nico’s words that you completely miss Jack making his way back over to your area, slapping Nico on the back once he reaches his destination.
“Hey, Cap! ‘Bout time you made it out here. Was starting to wonder if someone was going to have to come and save you.”
Nico removes his eyes from your flushed face, turning to chat with Jack as you’re left speechless.
You wonder to yourself, what made Nico so…bold? You hadn’t really known him for that long, and it wasn’t like you two even saw each other that often, so what did you miss? You were definitely into him, there was no denying that, but you didn’t expect any kind of reciprocation from the man in front of you. You’ve always had a habit of letting your mind wander when you find someone attractive.
Not that Nico was just a pretty face. You could see in the few times that you’ve been in his presence that there was a dangerous amount of potential for you to fall for him. The way he seems to love Jack and Luke as much as you do, the genuine kindness that he seems to radiate, and the easy conversation that always seems to flow between the two of you contributing to your budding emotions.
His boldness surprises you, still. You’ve overheard Luke and Jack talk about Nico’s interactions with women. The amount of times they’ve poked fun at his obliviousness to women’s advances not forgotten. Or the way they claim he’s too focused on his career to think about anything other than hockey. You remember one story Jack told of Nico completely misreading a conversation with a woman at the bar, begging Jack to take him home after he all but ran away from the woman, claiming a stomach ache when she tried to coax him into an uber.
So, what was different about you? You feel like you hadn’t spent enough time with the Swiss hockey player to justify his remarks. You wonder if your habit of reading too far into things applies here. The comment could have been a friendly tease, but as you notice Luke standing off to the side, a strange look on his face as he watches his captain glance over at you during his conversation with Jack, you wonder if he knows something you don’t.
“Y/N, what the fuck are you wearing,” you hear Jack’s voice, snapping your head to look at his face, eyes staring at the black C on the upper left side of the jersey you’re wearing.
“A…jersey?” you answer apprehensively.
“Yeah, I can see that. But why do you have on Neeks’ jersey, specifically?” He asks you, but looks at the player standing next to him.
“Guess she decided the better jersey wasn’t even in the Hughes family at all,” Nico references the argument Jack and Luke were having days prior.
“You know what, I’m going to walk away from this before I say something I’ll regret, but this conversation isn’t over,” Jack shoots to two of you a glare before skating away, huffing like a little kid.
“I knew he would get mad!” you point an accusing (foam) finger at Nico.
“Don’t worry, Y/N, he’ll get over it. It’s just one game.”
“Well I’ll let you handle this then, mr. nonchalant. It was your idea, it’s your bomb to diffuse.”
“Gladly. By the way, heads up,” Nico warns you, chucking a puck over the glass, landing on the ground beside you. You bend over to pick it up, noticing the writing on the back.
You read the sribble of “hatty” followed by the date and Nico’s signature in silver marker, looking up to see him skating off with a wink.
———————————————————————————
After you watched Jack throw his fit about you wearing Nico’s jersey from afar, earning nothing but a laugh from the jersey owner himself, they both skated away from each other to start actually warming up for the game ahead. You noticed Jack kept glaring at Nico, shoulder checking him a few times for good measure. Jack wouldn’t even look over at you, earning a pout from you in Luke’s direction, begging him to do something to make Jack love you again.
Luke would just shrug at you as if to say “told you so,” choosing to focus on his warm ups instead. As the players left the ice to prepare for puck drop, you watched Jack finally look over to you, sporting a glare and giving a shake of his head before he disappeared from your view.
Even after the game started, you could feel Jack’s pouting from where you sat. He was hesitant to pass the puck to Nico, costing them a few chances at goals. You cursed him every time, worried that this would’ve happened. You don’t know what was said, but during one of the tv timeouts, Nico skated over to Jack and all you could see was a finger poking out to jab Jack in the chest. Jack’s face growing more and more unimpressed as the conversation went on, but ultimately Jack nodded and skated off, rolling his eyes in your direction.
For the rest of the period, you noticed Jack was better about passing the puck, no longer alienating Nico from his plays. He was still mad, though. You could see it in his body language and how he was playing rougher than he normally does. As soon as the first period was over, you were out of your seat and making your way down to the locker rooms. You flashed your pass and waited patiently after you asked someone to go fetch Jack for you, claiming it was an emergency.
Jack comes walking out of the locker room into the hallway, towel around his neck, jersey left behind.
“Okay, get it all out now, or so help me god I’ll jump onto that ice and beat some sense into you,” you tell him, wanting him to get all of his anger out of his system.
“You always wear one of our jersey’s, Y/N. Always. This is your first time watching me and Luke in a professional game, and you’re wearing a someone else’s jersey?” Jack asks you, a small bit of hurt showing on his face.
“Jack, it was a joke. A last minute suggestion from Nico the other night. He thought it’d be funny since you and Luke were arguing about it,” you tell him, feeling a little bad that he genuinely seems hurt. “Plus, I didn’t really want to choose between you and Luke. It was hard. I had all three jerseyss laying on my bed earlier, and I just couldn’t choose between the two of you.”
“I still don’t like that you wore someone else’s jersey,” Jack pouts, but seems to brighten up a bit, getting over the situation once he voiced his thoughts.
“It’s just one game, Jack, it’ll be fine. I promise this isn’t going to become a habit,” you assure him, reaching up to ruffle his hair, regretting your decision when you feel how sweaty it is.
“You sure about that?” Jack asks you, catching you off guard.
“What?”
“Oh c’mon, Y/N,” Jack starts, dropping his arms to his sides. “Don’t act like you haven’t been staring at him the whole game.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” you feel your cheeks heating, hating that this is the second time one of your roommates has asked you about this today.
“You can’t lie to me, remember? Know you too well,” he tells you, reminding you he’s always been able to tell when you’re caught in a lie.
“I mean…maybe I’ve been watching him. So what? He’s your friend, Jack. Not to mention our neighbor and the only teammate of yours I really know,” you try to justify.
“Bullshit. You’re into him.”
“No, I’m not!” you say too quickly, your voice going up in pitch, causing you to clear your throat. The sudden change in conversation came out of nowhere, causing your brain to short circuit.
“Oh yeah? Then why do you ask about him every time Luke and I mention practice, or our jobs in general? Why do you always ask us if Nico made it home when we get home from practice? Or when you spent basically the whole night talking to him at the bar your first night here?” Jack asks you, waiting for your answers.
“I- I don’t ask about him that much,” you say, trying to retrace your conversations with Jack and Luke. Maybe you do ask about him more than you thought. “And I spent the night at the bar being shuffled around from table to table, which you did!” you remind him, having felt like you were speed dating, but platonically.
“When I came to get you to leave you were completely alone with him in a dark corner of the bar,” Jack throws back at you.
“He came and found me. I was on the phone with my mom and he decided to come check on me. I had nothing to do with that,” you defend.
Jack still doesn’t look convinced, crossing his arms once again, tilting his head towards you. “Listen, I’m not mad that you’re into him – out of all the guys on the team I’m thankful it’s him, honestly – but I know how you are. Once you see potential, you go a little starry eyed and don’t think, sometimes,” he reads you.
You open your mouth to respond, trying to defend yourself once again, but Jack interrupts you before you can get a word out.
“All I’m saying is, think about this before you make sure it’s what you really want. Nico’s a great guy, but this team demands a lot of our time and attention, as you can already tell. I just don’t want you getting disappointed if you end up in the middle of something with him and get upset because you feel like you’re being neglected. He wouldn’t ever do it on purpose, but hockey comes first sometimes. I just want you to be prepared for that.”
You don’t know what to say to him. I mean, he is right. You do see potential with Nico, and you wouldn’t mind if you tried to see where things would go with him, but you think Jack is a few steps ahead of you. I mean, you don’t even have the man’s phone number yet. You don’t even really know if Nico is into you, too. You appreciate the intent behind Jack’s words, but you don’t know if they’re even necessary.
You stood there for a few moments, trying to figure out how the conversation even led to what it is. One second you were talking about a jersey, the next Jack is basically giving you his blessing to go after Nico. Had Luke said something to him? Were you too obvious with your forming crush on his captain?
“Thanks, Jack, really. But I don’t even know if he’s the least bit interested in me, so I wouldn’t be too worried if I were you. It’s just a silly little crush. Who knows if it’ll even last,” you finally say through a nervous laugh, wanting to alleviate some of the intensity of the conversation.
Jack just stares at you, looking like he wants to say something but decides against it. The look on his face has you once again wondering if he knows something you don’t. You decided to let it go, though, and shoo him back into the locker room.
“Alright, talk over. Go back in there and get ready, you have some Rags to beat!” you push him away from you. You hear him laugh as you walk away, thinking about his words the whole way back to your seat.
———————————————————————————
Shit. He actually did it. He scored a fucking hat trick. The crowd goes absolutely wild when Nico’s shot sails straight into the goal as the buzzer sounds, signaling the end of the game. You jump up from your seat, screaming as loud as you can with the crowd around you. You bang against the glass, cheering for Nico as he celebrates with his teammates.
Once he breaks away from the group hug, he skates right over to you, pointing a gloved finger in your direction. You flash him a huge smile, not even caring that you lost whatever bet – if you could even call it that – you had going on with Nico. You were too high on the atmosphere. The goal causing the Devils to win in the last second, ego a little inflated at the thought that you contributed to it.
After the players left the ice and the crowd started to disperse a bit, you slowly made your way back down to the locker room, having been told to wait there after the game by Jack. You took in the sight of the happy fans milling about the arena, soaking in the energy for a little bit longer. You didn’t realize just how much you were soaking it in until you realized the time, figuring the guys would be changed and ready to go any minute.
 As you were walking down the hallway to where other friends and family of the team gathered, you felt a harsh contact with your shoulder. It flung your body back, nearly making you lose your balance until you caught yourself at the last second.
“Oh, sorry, I didn’t see you,” you said, knowing it wasn’t your fault, but apologizing anyways.
“Obviously,” you heard a deep voice say, a man in a blue Rangers jersey standing across from you, rolling his eyes.
“Well, no need to be rude about it. You bumped in to me, y’know,” you grumbled out, a little pissed as the man’s response after you apologized first.
“Watch it, bitch. Just cause your shitshow of a team won tonight doesn’t mean you’re truly better than us. Just wait till next game. We’ll smoke your asses,” he spits out at you, letting you smell the alcohol on his hot breath.
“What the hell does the game have to do with you bumping in to me? The two are completely unrelated,” you question, stepping back and scrunching your nose at the foul smell.
“Keep talking, bitch, and I’ll show you just how bad we can beat the Devils’ asses,” the man steps forward, stumbling a bit before correcting himself.
“Alright, chill out. It’s just a game, buddy,” you back up against the wall next to you, trying to put some distance between you and him.
“God, why do you puck bunnies never shut the fuck up? I literally told you to stop talking, what part of that don’t you understand?” he backs you up even further, not leaving much room for you to make an escape.
“Technically you told me to keep talking,” you say before you can think better of it.
The man basically growls at you raising his hand back. To do what, you never find out, because a voice brings him back to reality, making him seem to remember he’s in public.
“I suggest you drop your hand and step away.”
The man’s head whips around, looking behind him. Once he steps back from you slightly, you make your escape, removing yourself from the wall.
You see Nico standing a few feet away from you, a grey suit on his body, his hair covered by a cream color beanie.
“Oh, how convenient. Captain to the rescue,” the guy slurs, turning his body to fully face Nico.
“Do I need to call security or are you going to be smart and get the fuck out of my arena?” Nico spits, surprising you with his harshness.
“Whatever. I’m going. Don’t be so dramatic. The puck bunny started it, anyways,” the man waves you off, stumbling away without a glance back.
Nico watches him walk away, stepping towards you the second the man is out of view.
“Are you okay? Did he do anything to you? Do I need to go get security?” He fires off questions, concern present in his brown eyes.
“No, I’m fine. He bumped into me then started spewing some bullshit about the game. I asked him how the two were related and he just kept talking about how he was gonna show me how ‘we can really beat the Devils’ asses’,” you put up air quotes.
“Are you sure?” his eyes continue to look you up and down, darting across your face to check for any sign showing you weren’t okay.
“Really, it’s fine. He didn’t do anything. Thank you, though. For scaring him away,” you assure him, causing him to relax.
“Of course. Seems to be a pattern, after all. Me running to your rescue,” he references your previous encounters. Letting you into your apartment, getting the bartender’s attention so you could order a drink that same night, his help when you were making dinner just a few nights ago. He really did always show up when you needed help.
You look up at him with a smile. “My very own knight in shining armor.”
He bows dramatically. “M’lady.”
You laugh at the action, causing Nico to join in.
“So I guess I owe you a congratulations, huh?” you ask after your laughter dies down.
Nico beams at you, pulling a stack of three pucks out of the bag slung over his shoulder, the tape they’re held together by reading ‘hat trick”. He holds the pucks out towards you, signaling you to grab them.
“Here, they’re yours. You’re the reason I got them, after all,” he tells you, placing the pucks into your hands.
“I don’t think I had anything to do with it,” you look at your hand before looking back up at Nico.
“Sure you did. I told you if you wore the jersey I’d score one. And you did. And then I scored three goals. I told you, you’re my goodluck charm,” he smiles at you, shrugging like a hat trick was no big deal.
You roll your eyes at him, trying to fight a smile. “Sure, whatever you say, Cap.”
He chuckles at your sarcasm, shaking his head at you.
“Guess I need to pocket that ridiculous favor I had in mind, then,” you tell him, toying with the pucks, thinking about how he gave you four different pucks tonight.
“I’m sure you can save it for future use. Think you’ll be able to cash it in sooner than you think,” he tells you, a confused look on your face.
“You won, though. I wore the jersey, you scored three goals. That was the whole thing,” you remind him, not knowing where he was going with his statement.
“You never asked me what I got if I did score a hatty.”
You were taken aback by his words, not realizing that was part of the deal. “Okay…well, what do you get, then?”
“You have to do me a favor,” he tells you, grin on his face.
You furrow your brows, confused. “I thought the whole point of my end of the deal was because I already did you a favor?”
“You did. But now I get to ask you for another one,” he rocks back on his heels, way too giddy about the situation.
You look at him, a little scared at what he has planned. He just continues to look at you, his shit-eating grin still extremely present.
“Okay…what is it?” you ask him, getting impatient.
“Oh, I’m not telling you yet. I’ll cash it in when I’m ready,” He replies, amused at the unamused look on your face.
“Seriously? You’re not going to tell me what cruel fate you’re subjecting me to?”
You hear the voices of Jack and Luke echoing through the hallway on the other end of the room. You turn your head away from Nico, watching the two brothers make their way towards you, lost in their own conversation.
“All in due time, dear Bouy,” Nico says, taking a step back from you.
Your distaste for the nickname shows on your face, causing Nico’s eyes to twinkle, loving how mad you get over the silly name he still hasn’t learned the origin of.
“Whatever. Keep it to yourself, then. I don’t care,” you lie.
“Have a good night. See you soon,” Nico says with a wink, turning to walk in the direction of Jack and Luke, giving them a wave as he passes them. Both of them look up and notice you standing where he just came from, turning to look at each other with raised eyebrows.
You look down at the pucks in your hand once more, looking at the emblem on top noting what game and date they were from. When you look at the bottom of the last puck, you catching a streak of silver reflect off of the fluorescent lights in the hallway. Turning it completely upside down, you make out the 9 digits of a phone number scribbled along the bottom, matching the handwriting of the words and signature on the first puck Nico gave you that night.
“Hey, ready to go? We’re starving. Luke wants waffles so we’re going to meet a few of the guys at a diner not far from the apartment, you want go?” Jack asks as the two approach you.
You don’t respond, too stuck on the fact that Nico gave you his phone number on the bottom of his hat trick pucks. You’re impressed at how smooth it was, but also freaking out and trying not to jump to conclusions. It’s just a phone number. It could mean nothing. Maybe he just wanted you to have it because you’re neighbors? Or because you’re so close with Jack and Luke. Maybe he wanted you to have it for emergencies.
“Hello, earth to Y/N. You good?” Luke snaps you out of your trance, bringing the pucks down to press the bottom against your leg, hiding the phone number from your roommates.
“What? Yeah. I’m fine. Great. Perfect.”
“Okay…” Jack trails off, giving you a suspicious look. “So, yes or no to the waffles?”
“Oh my god, yes. The answer to waffles is always yes,” you say excitedly.
“Okay then, let’s go. Some of the guys are already there. I’ll drive,” Jack laughs at you, walking towards the exit leading to where the players park.
“Shotgun!” Luke yells out, turning back to see your reaction to the competition that was so fierce when you were kids.
Your mind is once again on the pucks in your hands, and the player that gave them to you. You look at the numbers again, deciding the boys were far enough ahead for you to safely sneak a peek, wanting to make sure they were actually there and you weren’t seeing things.
Luke just smiles and shakes his head, remembering watching his captain frantically ask for a sharpie in the locker room, writing something on the exact set of pucks you now have in your hands before bolting from the room like a man on a mission.
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weird-an · 11 months
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Billy isn't Jim's son and he never will be.
He's a hurt kid that kind of needed a safe place and apparently Jim is caring enough to not let him end up in the streets when he found him sleeping in his annoying Camaro for seven days in a row.
So now Jim is living with a psychic teenager and scared one in a Cabin in the woods. It's a struggle.
Billy doesn't know how to act around him and it's not that Jim can blame him for it. It's not like there's a manual for fucked up people living together. The place is bursting with tension and one day it will go up in flames and possibly take the whole forest with it.
Billy either hides in his room or is out on a date. He's got a lot of dates. So many that Jim thought he might have a girlfriend. It took Jim three weeks to get the courage and just talk to Billy. Communicating isn't his strongest suit.
"If you've got a girlfriend, she can come over, too," he repeats like he had practiced in the mirror for at least five mornings.
Billy freezes. He's chewing on the inside of his cheek and stares at Jim like he's accusing him of commiting felony. Which Jim doesn't, even though he notices the faint smell of weed sometimes when he comes home after a nightshift. To be honest, he'd rather that Billy shared his stash. They both need to calm the fuck down.
"Nah," Billy says, "It's only hot chicks for one night for me."
He doesn't look so sure. In fact Jim thinks he might sees him mouthing the words back at himself when he goes out that night.
The truth comes to light a week later, when Billy is sick. He's coughing, his chest rattling, skin grey and his eyes are red.
"You're not going anywhere," Jim says and positions himself in front of the door. "You're sick. Cancel the date. I'll make you a tea or whatever."
Billy mopes in his room for an hour, after Jim catches him trying to sneak out of the window, when he brought him his tea and a cup of instant soup.
The kid seemed stunned and annoyed at the same time, but at least he eats and drinks what he is given.
The door bell rings. Billy drops his spoon and wants to get up.
"Back to bed," Jim grunts when he's going to get the door.
Steve Harrington stands in front of him. Preppy as usual, even though more hairspray in that mop of hair - or so Jim thinks.
"Is Billy here?"
"Why would you care?" Jim frowns. He didn't know people like Harrington even hung out with people outside of their bubble.
"We were supposed to meet." Steve rubs his neck. "Billy... didn't show up."
Jim needs a whole minute to process that.
"Fucking hell." Jim rubs his face. When did he sign up for this? He doesn't even know what queer means, he didn't sign up for this. It's like when Sara first tried to walk and Jim discovered that the kitchen had a lot more corners than he thought.
He leads Steve to Billy's room. Opens the door. Billy gapes at him.
"Your hot chick for one night is here," Jim grumbles, because he isn't sure what else to say.
He closes the door, when he hears Steve saying "you called me a hot chick?" followed by a "oh man, I'm sorry you caught what I had last week."
Jim pours himself a whiskey on the rocks. It's surreal.
But he's kind of glad Billy has a friend. Or... boyfriend, rather. Jim isn't sure if that's the name for it. He hasn't ever met a gay person.
God, he's so lost. He wants to do it right, he finds. Because Billy isn't Jim's son, but sometimes Jim feels like his father.
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sunflower-lilac42 · 4 months
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can I get your guys’ opinion on this? I’m not sure if I like it or not.
read when in need, i'm always there now!
Despite dating for three years, y/n was never really the biggest fan of letting Luke help her, she wasn’t the biggest fan of anyone helping her, to be honest. That’s why when she was in the middle of nowhere, scared out of her mind and not really thinking straight, she hesitated on calling her boyfriend.
It was the summer, she had been visiting the Hughes family at the lake house and she had gone to get some food for dinner for her, Quinn and Jack. She wasn’t lost per say, when she left she knew how to get back home, she had been there countless times before. Yet, she felt as if she was being followed and that scared her, causing her to go a different route home, one she wasn’t that familiar with, and even then she sort of knew where she was.
The car was still following her so she decided to start taking random turns here and there and when she did the trick she was taught, take four right turns, they left after the first one. She let out a deep breath and continued to drive, just to see if they would pop up again, but they didn’t and now she was in the middle of nowhere, with almost an empty tank of gas.
Back at the lake house, Quinn, and Jack sat in the living room. Ellen, Jim, and Luke decided to go out for dinner to a fancy restaurant and the whole thing, the other three weren’t bothered to even move from their seats. In hindsight, should they have just gotten UberEats or DoorDash, yes, but y/n wanted to get out of the house.
She didn’t want to interrupt her boyfriend’s time with his parents so she called Quinn, voice wavering, “Quinn.”
“Hey, y/n. Where are you? We thought you would be back by now.”
“About that. I’m sort of in the middle of nowhere and there was this car that was following but they stopped but I also don’t know if they just left and are coming back because they knew I was onto them-”
“Hey, calm down. Send me your location, Jack and I are on our way. Keep us on the phone and if you see them come back just start driving.”
“I’m almost out of gas.”
“We’ll hurry, just keep a lookout, okay?”
Five minutes passed and the boys were almost already halfway there, speeding the whole way as much as possible. She looked up and in the rearview mirror there were headlights, “Guys? Is that you?”
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mamaestapa · 6 months
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Devils Advocate|| Series Masterlist
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“if a god is a dog and a man is a fraud then i’m a lost cause…”
•pairing: Jamie Drysdale x Hughes!reader||Trevor Zegras x Hughes!reader
•summary: Y/n Hughes, twin sister of Jack Hughes, accepts an invitation to move in with Trevor and Jamie after she’s forced to move to Anaheim for a job. Despite her older brother’s opinions, the young woman finds herself falling for both of her roommates…but which one does she fall for the hardest?
•warnings: Language, alcohol consumption, protective older siblings, jealousy, cheating, angst, fluff, smut!
•chapters: 2/12
chapters:
chapter one
chapter summary: You spend the last days of summer out on the boat with your brothers and best friends. During your boat day, a friend makes you an offer you can't refuse...
chapter two
chapter summary: The time comes for you to finally move out to Anaheim! Your roommates take you out after you get settled in and you spend the night with a special someone
chapter three
chapter summary: You, Trevor and Jamie have a beach day in Malibu and the day ends with a tense situation between you and Trevor
chapter four
chapter five
chapter six
chapter seven
chapter eight
chapter nine
chapter ten
chapter eleven
chapter twelve
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series asks/blurbs:
• tracing trevor’s tattoos
• luke asking if you and trevor are together
• jamie asking why you love trevor’s sleeve
• trevor and jamie’s reaction to you having a tattoo
• trevor gets a glimpse of you without a bathing suit on
• meeting jamie for the first time
• you’re obsessed with jamie’s freckles
• trevor and jamie loving belly button piercings
• will the jamie trade happen?
• intimate touches with trevor
• jacks reaction to you and trevor being touchy
• the dynamic of living with trevor and jamie
• trevor catching you and jamie having a moment
• roommate situation after you choose who to be with
• trevor gets jealous of your sex life
• accidentally seeing trevor’s junk
• pet names the boys give you
• trevor and jamie taking care of you when you’re on your period
• your brothers reactions to you wearing trevor and jamie’s jerseys
• the brothers catch you and trevor cuddling
• trevor plays with your piercing
• shower sex
• jamie gets teased for having a crush on you
• your brothers reactions to trevor carrying you around
• you get clingy and cuddly with trevor
• you being obsessed with trevor’s tattoos
• when the boys get jealous of eachother
• scratching trevor and jamie’s scalps when you get your nails done
• when jim and ellen notice how you act around trevor
• things trevor and jamie do that turn you on
• you and trevor getting touchy in just your swimsuits
• boobs or ass? | reasons why they love them
• having physical touch as your love languages
• jack snaps at you and trevor for being touchy
• trevor and jamie being obsessed with your tattoos
• brothers react to you dating both trevor and jamie
• how you tease jamie for liking you since you’re older than him
• things you do that turn trevor and jamie on
• accidental pregnancy scenario
• trevor and jamie being boyfriends
• your lock screens
• getting a tramp stamp for trevor and jamie
• being obsessed with trevor’s jewelry
• jamie being a boob guy
• trevor and jamie boyfriend moments
• trevor and jamie being sweet with you after a fight with jack
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this series is dedicated to one of my favorite people: @luvmatth3ws. Mel, if it wasn’t for you i would’ve never found out about z and jamie & i would’ve never gotten into hockey. so thank you SO MUCH for introducing me to these guys and the ducks🤍 you are such an amazing girl and i am so thankful that i met you. thank you for being such a great friend and i can’t wait to go to a ducks game with you some day ;) i love you!!🤍
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PART OF THE ‘SEQUELS’ REQUESTS. READ SLUGGER HERE
Steve Harrington x fem!reader
Steve didn’t look sorry, not one bit. 
You got the call from Hopper just as you were about to start dinner, a pot of water on the stove waiting to be boiled. The phone rang, you rolled your eyes and then you were taking the spare keys from the hook and climbing in Steve’s BMW. 
The chief met you at the front desk, moustache twitching as he tried not to smirk, too amused at the situation, at how your feet were stuffed in bunny slippers, your hair too messy and your legs bare in sleep shorts that were actually from Steve’s old basketball uniform. 
“Did I interrupt?” Hopper asked, brows raised. 
“My macaroni is going to be mush,” you said in reply, peering behind him to catch a glimpse of a wild haired boy on the other side of the glass. “Is he okay? Why’d you bring him in?”
The older man sighed, seemingly apologetic. He dropped his voice and scratched at his jaw, nodding subtly to the two young officers that were sitting at their desks doing paperwork. “Had new recruits with me. Had to set an example,” Hopper explained. “If I keep letting you all off with the shit you pull, I’ll have the mayor leading the town with a pitchfork to my front door.”
You winced, understanding. You’d lost count of the times Jim Hopper had pulled over Steve or Nancy, peering into the back of the car with a furrowed brow as he counted five, no, seven other bodies crammed together, walkie talkies and rucksacks in hand, all murmuring awkward greetings as they waved hello. 
Eddie missed out on a fine for playing his guitar too loud at an ungodly hour, the rest of the trailer park wondering how the town menace got off scot free, how he was able to wave to them the next morning, guitar still in hand and a smug smile on his face. 
Jonathan had crashed his car into a stop sign last summer - the dent still there, the pole never replaced - all because Dustin had yelled frantically about another gate opening, pointing into the trees at something that turned out to be a deer. Jonathan had panicked and sent the car off the road, mounting the curb and giving three of the kids whiplash for their unnecessary shouting. 
“Anyway, he’s not charged with anything,” Hopper gestured towards his office, silently asking you to follow. The station was busy with beeps of fax machines, ringing phones and the gurgle of a too old coffee machine. “Wouldn’t do that to him. Joyce would kill me.”
You scoffed, trailing behind him, your fuzzy slippers slapping on the linoleum. “You don’t think I would?”
Hopper snorted, opening the door and letting you enter first. “You’re still on thin ice for the mall incident, kid. Cindy’s nose has just reset, don’t push it.” You had the decency to squirm under the chief's stare, looking contrite before he smirked. Your hand still throbbed at the memory. “Cmon, he’s in my office, sulking.”
Steve was indeed sulking. His head was bent when you entered, long legs spread out in front of him as he sat low in the chair in front of Hop’s desk. His hair was falling into his face, and you didn’t see the extent of the damage until you bent in front of him, eyes concerned. You caught sight of a new bruise, a split lip and some blood before he lifted his face for you, eyes widening at your sudden appearance. 
“Hey, babe,” he tried, voice wheedling, nervous. 
“Steven, what the fuck?”
Hopper snorted. 
“I’m fine,” he immediately began, sitting up and reaching for you. His hand found yours, coaxing you to stand, bringing you between his knees. “Nice slippers, you get dressed up for me?”
You slapped at his shoulder, glaring. Steve grinned even with his bloodied lip, eyes bright despite the red that circled around his right one, the blue and black edges of a mark beginning to appear. He saw your expression falter, eyebrows ticking up, lips downturned. 
“Baby, I’m fine,” he said again, softer and more serious now. His hand squeezed yours. “Promise.”
“Hagan looks worse, I can assure you,” Hopper grunted, opening desk drawers and seemingly looking for something. He hummed when he found it, throwing the small first aid kit across the desk to you. “Sort his sorry ass out, would you, kid? I need to go make his paperwork disappear.”
When Hopper left, you turned back to Steve, hands carding through his hair and making him look up at you. You raised your brows, questioning. “Tommy?”
Steve shrugged, looking surly, his eyes set on the ceiling instead of you. You sighed, letting go of him - much to Steve’s upset - leaning back on the edge of Hopper’s desk instead. Tommy and Steve were hardly best friends anymore, in fact, they’d barely spoken since the incident with Nancy and the cinema. But they were civil, nodding stiffly when they passed each other around town, tight smiles and raised brows when their parents forced them to country club events. 
“He’s a dick,” Steve replied flatly. 
You snorted. “Tommy Hagan has been a dick since second grade, Steve. You haven’t to maul him before. What happened?”
 Your boyfriend rolled his eyes. “I didn’t try to maul him, god. You hang out with Eddie too much.”
Leaning forward to caught his right hand, holding in between you both. His knuckles were an angry red, some split, blood dried and settling in the lines of his skin. You stared at him, deadpan expression. “No? This is just, what? A fist bump gone wrong?”
Steve glowered. 
“What happened?” You asked again, opening the first aid kit as you waited, knowing Steve wouldn’t - and couldn’t - stay moody with you for too long. 
The boy sighed, shuffling forward to let you drag a cotton ball soaked in antiseptic across his knuckles, hissing at the burn. But you held his hand in yours so gently, he didn’t dare snatch it away. 
“He was saying shit to Max,” Steve finally relented, eyes hardening as he recalled the story. “She fucked up a trick or somethin’ sent her board into the wheel of his car. Didn’t even leave a mark or nothing.”
You stopped, waiting, throat thick. If the kids were involved, if Max had been involved… well. You weren’t sure you wanted to see the state of Tommy’s face. 
“But he just started yelling. Got all up in her face about it, could tell he never knew I was there, he didn’t see me. And then— then he started saying shit about Billy.”
You held your breath. Fuck. 
Steve swallowed hard, closed his eyes and set his lips in a straight line when you came closer, kneeling back between his legs to catch his chin in your hand, cleaning up the blood around his mouth. You wanted to kiss him, to tell him it didn’t matter anymore, you weren’t mad at him, but he kept talking. 
“I know Hargrove wasn’t a good guy. Shit, we all know that. Even Max. But he was her brother and she had to watch him— she had to watch it. And Tommy was being fucking vile, telling her things that weren’t true and god, babe, Max started tearing up and I just lost it.”
You leant in and kissed him, square on the mouth, tasting metal and medicine, a little of Steve underneath. He flinched but returned the sentiment, a soft noise leaving his throat at your sudden affection. 
“Is Max okay?” You asked when you pulled back, cotton balls and bandaids abandoned in favour of running your thumbs over Steve’s jaw instead. He nodded, telling you that Hop dropped her off at Eddie’s, warning the other boy that he wasn’t allowed to hunt down Hagan either. “Good. Are you okay?”
Steve wrinkled his nose, gazing up at you. “Yeah m’fine. You’re not mad?”
You tucked your bottom lip between your teeth, hiding your smile. You shook your head, smoothed your thumbs over his cuts and scrapes, over the line of his cheekbone and the sensitive spot under his ear. Steve shivered and leaned in, giving you access to do whatever you wanted. 
“I’m not mad, no,” you said softly, voice sticky with adoration. “My baby’s a badass.”
His cheeks turned pink at that, all flushed and pretty looking, head tilting up until his nose bumped yours and you gave him what he wanted. A sweet kiss, soft and a little lingering, only breaking away when Hopper made a big fuss of shuffling back in, ripped up pieces of paper stuffed in his pockets, a small smirk on his face. 
After, Steve let you drive him home, your bunny slippers on the pedals, his hand on your bare thigh. He perched himself on the kitchen counter without arguing, the same place he’d placed you after you’d brawled with Cindy. The boy was just as reluctant when you produced more antiseptic, cotton soaked and wielded like a weapon as you asked him to sit still for you. He didn’t need any Band-Aids, so you granted him another kiss, soft over his poor, split lip and he only let you go - albeit, grudgingly - to call Max and check in.
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imagines-books · 1 month
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Game Anger-Jack Hughes
Jack Hughes x Fem!Reader
Summary: In which Jack has a bad game and takes out that anger on his girlfriend.
Tonight Jack had a game against the LA Kings and he had begged me to go as he just returned from his injury, and I was finally moved in with him fully. I had not been to many of his games as just until a few weeks ago I was attending college at Boston University, but my program had ended and I was now an interior designer. I had gotten an amazing job in Newark and I was so happy. I got to be with my boyfriend after two years of long distance. So now that I was in Newark and had gotten comfortable with my new job Jack was begging me to go to his game.
I agreed knowing it meant a lot to him if I was there, and told him from now on I would be going to as many games as I could. Jack and I were laying in bed after waking up from his pre game nap. My head was on his chest and his arms were wrapped around me, I looked up at him and asked"What should I wear". "Nothing" he responded. I hit his chest and he laughed and said "Wear whatever you want, preferably something red. I would give you a jersey but I don't have one". I nodded my head and got out of bed to go shower. I heard Jack groan from the bed and yell "I have to go to the rink, I'll see you at the game. Your ticket is next to some of the guys friends that come to the games. I love you". "I love you too" I yelled back through the bathroom door.
After I showered and dried my hair I started to get dressed and found the perfect outfit. A red corset top with jeans and an off the shoulder black zip up hoddie that Jack had custom made so that his number was on the back along with the name Hughes. I put some natural makeup on and put some beach waves in my hair. I looked hot and loved it. I grabbed my phone and wallet then made my way out the door. I got to the arena and went to where Jack told me to park my car, showed the guard the pass Jack gave me. I got a weird look from the guard but ignored it. I parked my car then made my way into the arena got a drink then made my way to my seat.
It took me a while to find it as I had only been in this place a few times and each of those times I had been with Ellen and Jim, so you could say that now because I am by myself I was completely lost. I looked like an idiot just wondering around trying to find the section on where my seat was. "Hey" I heard someone shout from behind me. I turned my head and saw two girls who looked to be a bit older than me but not by much. "I saw your jacket and I know they don't sell those anywhere, so we had a feeling you were the girl Jack told us would be sitting next to us" the one on the left said. "Gosh how rude of us I'm Lexi, and the one who shouted your name is Nora. We hope you're Aurora or we just made a fool out of ourselves".
I smiled and said "It's nice to meet you guys, and yes I am Aurora. I would assume your the two Jack told me I would be sitting next to tonight". They both nodded their heads and smiled "I'm so glad you guys found me because I was unbelievably lost and was about to give up" I said. The laughed and Nora grabbed my hand and we started walking to where I assumed our seats were. I was not paying attention to where we were going and so when Nora stopped I ran into her. "Here we are" Lexi said. I looked and saw we had seats right next to the devils bench right on the glass. "Wow" I said. Nora smiled and said "our boyfriends only get us the best". Nora gave her a look and said "You know the only reason we have the seats is so they can keep an eye on us during the game to make sure we are ok and safe".
I looked at them and said "that's what happens when you have an overprotective boyfriend". The laughed "I can tell we are going to like you" Nora said. I smiled and we all sat down and just started to get to know each other. I found out they were both 26 which meant they were both five years older than me. I didn't care though they were nice and I could tell we were going to be great friends. I finally asked who there boyfriends were on the team, but found out they weren't dating anyone and that there brothers were the ones that were on the team and got them the tickets.
Our conversation got paused when the horn sounded and the devils skated out for warm ups. They all had smiles on their faces and I saw Luke and Jack standing next to each other just talking. Luke pointed towards where we were sitting and Jack started to skate over. He got to the glass and gave me a big smile and held up his hand in a turn around motion. I knew he wanted to see the back of my jacket so I did as he asked and turned around to show him the back of my jacket. Once I turned back to face him he had a big grin on his face. I rolled my eyes at him but smiled nonetheless. I put my hand on the glass and he did the same and I mouthed "I love you" he smiled and mouthed back "I love you so much more".
He then turned and got a puck on his stick and tossed it over the glass and I caught it. He winked at me then skated away. I sat back down looking at the puck and Nora said "you guys are so cute". That made me blush. I looked next to us and saw a little boy that had a Hughes jersey on and I looked at the puck in my hands then turned to the boy and said "hey I couldn't help but notice your jersey, and this puck in my hand the Jack Hughes gave me. How would you like to have it". The boy just started at me and his dad spoke up and said "what do you say buddy" then boy took the puck and said "thank you so much miss". I smiled and nodded at them then turned back to look for Jack on the ice and saw him smiling at what I did for the little boy.
The game started and was going fine so far just a normal game, score 0 - 0 then the kings scored. It was only the first period so I was not too worried. It was getting toward the end of the second period and then the devils scored. I jumped out of my seat clapping and cheering as they skated to the bench celebrating. It was getting closer to the end of the second period and Jack got pushed into the boards and then got into a fight with some dude from the kings. The refs broke them up and Jack tried to go after the guy again, and that's when they both got a penalty. Jack skated to the box still yelling at the other guy and still very frustrated. I looked at him in the box and he just looked so pissed off. I decided after the game I would ask him what had happened.
Jacks penalty was over and he came out of the box at full speed and got the puck skating to the kings net he got a shot and some guy came behind him and pushed him with his stick so Jack missed the goal. He then got a rebound and shot again but missed the goal and I could tell by the look on his face that something was not right. He was standing off to the side expecting the ref to call a penalty but he never did. Jack then had enough so he started skating back to the bench and on his way hit his stick against the glass out of anger. Then when he got to the bench hit his stick on the boards and then it broke and he chucked it on to the ice. The kings bench started yelling at the refs on how it should have been a penalty but they never saw it so it was not called.
The rest of the game did not go in the devils favor they ended up loosing 2 - 1 and I knew that Jack was not going to be in a good mood. I said my goodbyes to Nora and Lexi and then walked to my car deciding to go home and make him some pasta Alfredo with my homemade garlic bread. It was his favorite and I loved cooking it for him. I knew he would be a bit behind me because I knew he was going to get interviewed even if he didn't want to. Once I made dinner I plated it and put his bowl on the counter and then sat in the seat next to that.
About five minutes later Jack walked in the door and he looked upset and mad. "Hey" I said. He didn't say anything back and I knew it was because he was upset. "I made your favorite if your hungry" I tried again to get him to respond to me but nothing. I didn't want to keep pestering him so I just let it be. "Do you want me to put it in the fridge and you can have it later" I asked him. He finally looked at me and said "can you just leave me alone! I'm not hungry! I just need some space and you are not making that easy! Just leave me alone for once and stop being clingy!" He said as he blew up at me. I just looked at him with tears in my eyes. He knew that I hated being yelled at after my home life and how I grew up. I knew he was upset but he didn't have to take it out on me.
I just looked at him as tears started rolling down my face. He took it too far when he said I was being clingy, he knew that I only cared about him and babied him at times like this because no one cared for me growing up and I just cared so much so that I would see the same in return. "Fine whatever, you can sleep on the couch tonight if you don't want to deal with me because I'm too clingy". I said with tears running down my face. He then finally realized what he said and tried to reach out to me but I turned around and ran to our room with him right behind me. I beat him there and slammed the door in his face and locked it.
"Baby I'm sorry you know I didn't mean it. Please open the door let me hug you I'm sorry. I had a bad game and I took it out on you, I'm sorry. Please open the door Rory". He said begging while knocking on the door. I ignored him and just fell against the door crying. "Baby please let me in you're going to have a panic attack if you don't calm down. Please let me in, let me comfort you". He tried again. I walked to the bed ignoring his request and played down with my head in the pillows still crying. I heard him keep knocking and trying to get in the door when I heard the door bust open and Jack came running in.
He gathered me in his arms leaning against the head board with me curled up in his lap. "Shhh, it's ok, I'm right here". He said as one of his hands rubbed my back and the other one help my head to his chest. "You've got to calm down for me ok? Breathe, listen to my breathing and copy me". I nodded my head at his request and copied his breathing and I finally started to calm down. Once I was calm he hugged me to him tight as I tried to get away from him. "I'm so sorry sweetheart, I didn't mean any of what I said ok. I let my anger get the best of me and I took it out on you" he said as he kept hugging me. "I'll make it up to you in any way I can, you just name it". I nodded into his chest just wanting to go to sleep.
I fell asleep on his chest and woke up the next morning alone. So I walked out into the kitchen and saw a big bouquet of red roses on the counter, with a bag of pink starbursts, and a card. Then I looked in the kitchen and saw Jack cooking what looked like waffles. There was already a plate with two waffles with whip cream, fruit, and some syrup on the side, along with a chai latte from Starbucks right next to it. I looked up at him and he said "this is just the start of me saying I'm sorry for last night. You are going to get pampered all day by me, and I will do anything you ask" he said. I walked over to him and wrapped him into a hug and he hugged me right back. "Jacky I forgive you, I know you had a bad day yesterday and I know that's no excuse for what you said, but I can tell you are unbelievably sorry for what happened. And just that makes me forgive you. You are the best boyfriend I could ask for thank you for doing all of this for me".
Jack kissed me on the top of my head over and over as he swayed us back and forth in the kitchen. "I love you so much, and I don't deserve your forgiveness but I'm thankful for it. I will be spending the rest of my life loving you and caring for you. I love you so much and will forever apologize for what happened last night, and I can promise you it won't happen again" he said. I kissed his chest and we just stayed in each other's arms all day while he pampered me, and told me every five minutes that he loved me and that he was sorry. I was so grateful for him and all he did for me.
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ensignsimp · 3 months
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Love Languages TOS HCs: Kirk, Spock, McCoy
Prompts: How do the TOS Kirk, Spock, and McCoy show their love and what are some things they love to do with their partner.
James T. Kirk
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Words of Affirmation
He loves to give pep talks, and enjoys receiving them when he needs them.
When you call him "Captain or Sir" in the gentlest tones he practically melts.
If you run your fingers through his hair and call him a "Good Boy or Good Captain.", he feels completely renewed and invigorated.
He'll call you all sorts of cute pet names; "Sunshine, Honey-Bun, Sweetie."
But he needs you when he calls you; "My Sunshine, My Star, My Ensign."
He'll lay in your lap while you stroke his hair and remind him of how great of a leader he is, and how much you love him.
"Ensign, I need you. I need my sunshine."
Physical Touch
He feels so lonely when he can't hold your hand.
While on the bridge he gives you firm pats on the back, ruffles your hair, kisses your hand, or even sneaky hugs from behind.
If you initiate the physical touch that is even better, he can practically feel the love flowing from your fingers.
During your off-hours, he will constantly be looking for cuddles and snuggles.
He even whines and groans if he has to get up or if you have to get up. He's so cute when he's pouty.
He loves to lay in your lap and have you run your fingers through his hair while you read to him.
Jim: "I feel so lost without you, take me in your arms, and promise to never let go."
Ensign (L/N): "Jim, we're working and you're standing five feet away from me."
Jim: "That's too far!"
Quality Time
He wants to spend as much time with you as possible, but he wants to make it meaningful.
The two of you read to each other, as well as play games, dance, and do a variety of other things.
He likes to have "in-quarters" dates because he feels like he can be more of himself around you.
He loves to have movie dates where you take turns picking movies and making snacks.
He will totally do your nails and braid your hair.
You two will most definitely hold the best slumber parties in Star Fleet history.
"I think this shade suits you better don't you think? After this, we can watch that new rom-com that just came out on Vulcan."
S'Chn T'Gai Spock
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Acts of Service
In Vulcan Culture what you do for each other is more than what you say.
While he loves to help you and ensure you're well taken care of, when you do the same for him he knows that you care.
If you notice that he may be overwhelmed and step in to assist him you can practically hear his heart pounding.
He always appreciates it if you help him with the task and work on it together.
If you forgot to finish a report don't worry he'll help you finish.
If he is struggling on the bridge, you're there to take orders and provide additional aid!
Spock: "Thank you for your help, Ensign. I appreciate the assistance."
McCoy: "Get a room!"
Quality Time
He loves it when you spend time together, even if it's some mindless task or chore.
He does try to find more interesting ways of spending time together.
He may teach you things about his culture; how to read, write, and speak Vulcan, how to play the Vulcan Harp, and how to cook Vulcan meals.
He may ask you to show him things you enjoy; your favorite books, your favorite meals, your favorite activities, etc.
He may even propose trying new things together; such as taking a class or workshop.
Anything and everything he can do with you is always greatly appreciated by him.
"If you are interested in further study might I recommend this. I think you may enjoy it."
Physical Touch
He is so touch-starved, and all he wants to do is hold hands.
When you first hold hands it was a bit of a shock to feel your minds link.
Soon the two of you could barely keep your hands off of each other.
He's always reaching out for an ozh'esta (* finger embrace). (Just like his father. *cough**cough*)
When the two of you are alone in your quarters he enjoys sitting across from you, pressing his forehead against yours and holding your hands.
He feels so comforted by your touch. You ease his mind bringing him so much warmth and comfort.
" When I am with you, it is as if I have found another part of myself I did not know I was missing."
Leonard McCoy
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Quality Time
McCoy values time with you above all else.
He prefers to spend his off hours wrapped up in a large fluffy blanket cuddled with you.
He does like to do fun things like take you dancing or going for moonlit shore walks.
But because he spends most of his time in sickbay he prefers to sit and not move as much as possible.
He feels bad that he can't do what a younger partner might.
But you always reassure him by greeting him in your pajamas and a fuzzy robe.
Ensign L/N: *wearing an old fuzzy bathrobe and slippers* "You want to stay in tonight? I found an old western movie and picked up some ice cream from the commissary."
McCoy: *trying not to cry* "That's the best idea I've heard all day. I love you so much damn it."
Acts of Service
He hates to see you get hurt but always loves it when you visit him.
When you get sick or hurt he stops everything he's doing to help you.
When he gets sick or hurt and you stop everything you're doing to help him, he's a mess.
He kind of likes it when you're bossy with him, making sure he's drinking water and eating.
You always make sure he's well looked after and you always visit him regularly.
A doctor's favorite patient may be one he doesn't see but he'd prefer if you stop by now and again.
"Stop your belly-achin' and relax. I'll check on you again soon. You're lucky I love you so much."
Words of Affirmation
He doesn't show it often but he can get insecure about your relationship.
He doesn't feel like he's up to the task like he used to be when it comes to romance.
You'll sometimes see him looking in the mirror longer or running his hands over his stomach.
But when you compliment him or tell him how much you love him all of his worries disappear.
He gets all grumpy at first until you coax out the truth.
He will let you know what is bothering him and you'll make sure to help him through it one step at a time.
"Some days I don't even know why you'd want to spend time with an old man like me. But I always appreciate that you do."
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Masterlist 3!
Here’s the third masterlist for all of my works! If you want to check out more of my work, here’s the links for masterlist one and masterlist two Imagines marked * are smutty imagines! Imagines marked ` are requests! Imagines marked ⭐ are personal favorites!
IMAGINES
STRANGER THINGS small ~ jim hopper` dance with me ~ eddie munson ⭐ starry night ~ steve harrington* (part five) ⭐ at the hip ~ steve harrington` ⭐ triple date ~ steve harrington (part six) ⭐ the freak ~ steve harrington (part seven) ⭐ oblivious ~ eddie munson ⭐
SUPERNATURAL strange human feelings ~ castiel` cleaning ~ dean winchester`
HANNIBAL into fiction` sob story ~ hannibal lecter
THE BOYS obsession ~ billy butcher ⭐ herogasm ~ soldier boy* ⭐ alone on christmas ~ billy butcher
THE UMBRELLA ACADEMY life father ~ diego hargreeves` rescue mission ~ klaus hargreeves’ ⭐
THE LAST OF US (HBO) friendly neighbors ~ joel miller ⭐
BARRY attraction ~ barry berkman`
AMERICAN HORROR STORY late night sins ~ xavier plympton (1984)*`
VICTORIOUS lost dog ~ tori vega`
HEMLOCK GROVE i don’t ever wanna see you with him ~ roman godfrey ⭐
THE VAMPIRE DIARIES roses are red ~ damon salvatore` ⭐
OUR FLAG MEANS DEATH captive ~ blackbeard/ed teach ⭐
FUTURE MAN winner ~ josh futturman* ⭐
THE GENTLEMEN the assistant ~ raymond smith ⭐
PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN spirit of nature ~ jack sparrow`
THE MAZE RUNNER i’ll keep you safe ~ newt`
MARVEL how things are now ~ marc spector and steven grant` ⭐ kneel ~ loki* the most wonderful time ~ bucky barnes
1917 early morning ~ will schofield*`
THE UNBEARABLE WEIGHT OF MASSIVE TALENT happy birthday ~ javi gutierrez ⭐
FIVE NIGHTS AT FREDDY’S i need someone older ~ william afton ⭐
SALTBURN new toy ~ felix catton ⭐
THE SANTA CLAUSE santa’s sister-in-law ~ bernard the elf
8 MILE one of the guys ~ jimmy smith jr ⭐
PETE DAVIDSON your gift` favoritism`
HARRY STYLES the perfect tree a star in the making`
MACHINE GUN KELLY baby mama` ⭐ my queen*` getting your attention*` all the mistakes` not what it looks like`
EMINEM may the best artist win*` too close for comfort` ⭐ when it’s wrong but it feels right` in the dressing room*` he’s acting different` we have to stop meeting like this` every inch*` let’s surprise the world`
GOODGUYFITZ wake up call*`
CORPSE HUSBAND letting go` they forgot` ⭐
ASHTON IRWIN home life`
CONAN GRAY pushing`
MATTHEW LILLARD accidental drunk confessions`
JOHNNY KNOXVILLE feeling good*`
ALEX TURNER more than a song*` ⭐
BO BURNHAM can’t handle this right now ⭐ look at me*`
KRISTEN STEWART special customer`
TARON EGERTON he already has my approval ⭐
ROBERT PATTINSON my favorite superhero
GERARD WAY good girl*`
GWILYM LEE history repeats itself`
RYAN GOSLING play date`
JOSEPH QUINN bad idea, right? ⭐
RANBOO fluffy haired gamer boy`
JACOB ELORDI height advantage`
SHIPS
family reunion ~ hermione granger x draco malfoy`
HEADCANONS
showing pedro pascal fan edits ⭐
NSFW ALPHABET
rook (jp capellette)*` eddie munson* ⭐ billy butcher* ⭐
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crappymixtape · 23 years
Text
🍦 steve harrington masterlist
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( LONGER, SERIALIZED OR MULTI–PART FICS, NOTED IF COMPLETE OR IN–PROGRESS, STEVE x YOU // mature content marked appropriately )
🦇 COME BACK TO ME – COMPLETE ( part 1 ) ( part 2 ) ( part 3 ) 🎶 playlist on spotify 🎶 REQUEST -> after steve gets his heart broken by nancy, tommy dares him to try something different as a rebound, someone who isn’t his type at all, and at first he’s doing it to prove a point, but when the upside down gets involved he realizes just how he really feels • 18+ | ( 5.4k – violence / upside down, lots of angst, some fluff, enemies to lovers-ish, steve x reader, king!steve x reader )
🧢 YOU'RE NEVER FAR BEHIND – COMPLETE ( part 1 ) ( part 2 ) 🎶 playlist on spotify 🎶 REQUEST -> when your dad calls and needs your help at home in hawkins you can't say no, but when you arrive back in town you uncover a friendship you thought you'd lost a long time ago | ( 10.5k, angst, fluff, best friends to strangers to friends to lovers, steve x reader, steve x you )
💫 SOMETHING INFINITE – CURRENT IN-PROGRESS 🎶 playlist on spotify 🎶 your mom is out of town for the summer on business and she sends you to live with your aunt joyce and her husband jim in hawkins while she’s gone. joyce works at the library and jim is the town sheriff – the kids, will, jonathan and el slowly warm up to you and it’s after you get in with them that you really start to feel at home, but there’s one person who just annoys you to no end. one person you’d love to just boot off a cliff – steve fucking harrington.
"part one : maybe the world won't end" – steve steals a car and somehow you wind up in hawkins, indiana, a meet cute without the cute  *18+ only |  ( 2.8k, angst, verbal abuse, enemies to lovers, steve x you, steve x reader )
"part two: perfect on the surface" –  you start your summer job at the library with your aunt only to find your new coworker is someone, an annoying someone, you’ve met before | ( 2k, angst, enemies to lovers, steve x you, steve x reader )
"part three: just wanna see you" –  finally a day off and you’re all heading to the lake to fish and swim and drink and it feels like summer and fresh starts and you’re surprised to find you get one of your own ( 3.3k, angst, tiny bit of fluff if you squint, enemies to lovers, steve x you, steve x reader )
"part four: the house that built me" – a history of you and steve and your families, all the broken pieces you’re both trying to gather up and put back together are more similar than you think *18+ | ( 2.3k, angst, enemies to lovers, steve x you, steve x reader ) // warning note: the themes written about in this piece can be especially triggering – brief mentions of loss of a parent, neglect, unplanned pregnancy, and other heavy content – read with caution please and be gentle with yourselves!
"part five: easier to pretend" – part five of something infinite – are you and steve finally figuring each other out? it’s obvious you drive each other crazy, but is it possible you’re starting to like it? | ( 3k, angsty fluff, enemies to lovers, steve x you, steve x reader )
"part six: and it's such a shame" – ferris wheel at 8 and another chance to see where this thing with steve is taking you, but when his friends find out will he be able to handle it?  | ( 4k, fluff, lots of angst, enemies to lovers, steve x you, steve x reader )
"part seven: i'll promise i'll pinky swear" – steve tries to decide what it is he wants, to keep burying everything down deep and keep it locked away or crack open his chest and trust you with his heart | ( 4.1k, angst, enemies to lovers, steve x you, steve x reader )
"part eight: say you'll stay" steve did what he thought was right and you're giving him a second chance, but can you both finally open up and be honest with one another? *18+ only | ( 6k, smut, a little angst, a little fluff, enemies to lovers, steve x you, steve x reader ).
"part nine: you could have mine" you were unafraid to face steve head on when he fucked up, but now it’s your turn to face the music and it scares you | ( 2k, tiny angst, lil fluff, enemies to lovers, steve x you, steve x reader )
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( LONGER FICS, OVER 10K, BONUS CONTENT INCLUDED OCCASIONALLY, STEVE x YOU //  mature content marked appropriately )
"laugh like lovers, kiss like friends" – you’re getting married – steve’s in town for the ceremony and it dredges up old memories, ones you thought you’d forgotten, but they still burn bright and you have to decide – will you say ‘i do’ or will your heart realize what you really want has been there all along?  | (  9.1k, angst, fluff, friends to lovers, steve x you, steve x reader )
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( SMALLER, ONE-SHOTS / BLURBS, STEVE x YOU // mature content marked appropriately )
"tell you when" – steve’s had a type for more than a while, all soft and cute and nancy wheeler and not you, but you’re around each other all the time lately it feels like, have been with each other before and in the heat of the moment it slips out – you ask him to be a little rough with it and it surprises steve how much he wants to please you… | ( 431 words – smut, sprinkle of fluff, friends with benefits to something more? steve x you, steve x reader )
"don't make me say it" – 500 celebration request, you make me want things I can’t have prompt | ( 2k – mostly angst, dumb boi steve, and a little fluff right at the end to take you home, steve x reader )
"i hate you ( not )" – 500 celebration request, love a good enemies to lovers smutty fic – anything works, just lots of sarcasm and name calling to build up the tension • 18+  | ( 3.6k – a nice lil mountain of angst that rolls down into a big ol’ valley of smut, steve x reader )
"good love makes you hesitate" – 500 celebration request, don’t do this here prompt | ( 2.2k – all of the angst, tiny bit of fluff, best friends to lovers, steve x bff!reader )
"eyes half shut" – hawkins high alumni always run the end of year carnival to help raise funds for the school and steve is always in charge of the alumni basketball game, but this year they’re trying out a kissing booth and who better to headline than steve harrington? | ( 3.9k – a little angst, a little fluff, kinda enemies to kinda lovers, steve x you, steve x reader )
"you gotta help me, baby" – REQUEST -> fluffy one about you having a summer job babysitting and Steve always coming over to keep you company...idc just Steve being a massive simp as always | (  2.3k, modern!day au, fluff, established relationship, steve x you, steve x reader )
"shut up and kiss me" – REQUEST -> fluff prompt #25 "shut up and kiss me” • you get laid off and go back to hawkins for the weekend to wallow with your friends and the gang seizes the opportunity to try and get you two dummies to figure it out | ( 5.7k – fluff, a little angst, mostly fluff, friends to lovers, steve x you, steve x reader )
"this is how it ends" – you went with everyone to kill vecna, into the upside down, and you knew the risks, but none of you thought it would go this far – will you get to tell steve how you really feel before it’s too late? • *18+ only  | (  2.8k, angst, trauma, mentions of blood and violence, friends to lovers, steve x you, steve x reader )
"hold your breath" – you take steve to see eddie and corroded coffin at a little hole in the wall venue, just the two of you, and you find yourselves getting lost in the music…and each other • *18+ only | (  2.2k, smut, fingering in public, tiny bits of fluff, established relationship, steve x you, steve x reader )
"all i want for christmas" – steve got you what he hopes is the best christmas gift of all time, but he's nervous and afraid of being soft and vulnerable in front of everyone and what if you hate it, but you don't and it's perfect | (  1.5k, fluff, friends to lovers, steve x you, steve x reader )
"i'll hold you together" – Steve goes to a party without you because Tommy’s there and he wouldn’t let Robin and Eddie go alone, but when they get home something’s clearly wrong •  *18+ only  | (  2k, angst, trauma, mentions of blood, friends to lovers, steve x you, steve x reader )
"smoke and glitter" – robin’s been begging you to throw a party down by the lake on your uncle’s farm, like on another level, so you finally give in and who does she drag along? some coworker from the mall and he’s a total dork…right? | (  2k, fluff, friends to lovers, steve x you, steve x reader )
"move like water" – it took so damn long, but finally you saved up enough to get your own place, and while it’s nothing fancy it’s yours, all yours, just like steve  •  *18+ only  | (  1.7k, smut all the smut, a sprinkle of fluff, established relationship, steve x you, steve x reader )
"where you go i go too" – everyone’s home for christmas break, so steve drags you to a party, but tommy’s there being a creep – steve has to confront an 'old friend' | ( 2.3k, fluff, angst, friends to lovers, steve x you, steve x reader )
"endless summer" – steve’s pool is always full during the indiana summers and he loves his friends, but he just wants you • *18+ only  | (  2.8k, smut, fluff, friends to lovers, steve x you, steve x reader  )
"lovesick" – during your shift at family video steve notices something’s off about you, you’re not looking too good, so he closes up a little early to take care of you | ( 1.3k, pure fluff, friends to lovers, steve x you, steve x reader )
"have yourself a merry little christmas" – christmas is hard for steve, he hates it, any memories he has are of his parents out of town and spending it with his grandma or alone after she passed when he was 16, but with you it’s different | (  1.2k, sad, fluff, angst, friends to lovers, steve x you, steve x reader )
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🛠 COMING SOON!
🌻 NOBODY GETS ME, YOU DO – UNDER CONSTRUCTION when steve started dating nancy and got pulled into the upside down you fell in with tommy hagan after carol leaves for college, but it sucks and tommy sucks and you hate it and you're only doing it because it makes not being with steve hurt less. a friends to lovers line filled with plenty of drama / angst / fluff and smut – smut marked appropriately
"nobody puts baby in the corner" – steve has always been your best friend, nothing more, but when you have a falling out with tommy he finally realizes what’s been there all along •  *18+ only  | (  3.2k, fighting / physical violence, sad, fluff, angst, friends to lovers, steve x you, steve x reader )
"this is how it ends begins" – everything between you and tommy comes to a head after you discover what he’s been doing behind your back, will steve be there to catch you? or will he just make it worse? | (  2.4k, angst, friends to lovers, steve x you, steve x reader )
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ladylooch · 10 months
Note
I’m not Woody anon, but I already have a request to make 😂
How about a size kink with Miles? This man is super well built and huge 👀 the idea of being dominated by him seems so fun
Size Matters with Miles Wood
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A/N: My Miles Wood babes.. this is for you. I’m so sad he is no longer on the Devils. I am actually very in love with this fic. Like my faces writing this was this: 😊 & 🥵 & 🥰
This man. And the way he throws punches… leaves many thoughts for imagination in a sexual situation. And I’m here to provide some of them. You can’t tell me that the way he chirps on the ice does not lead to dirty talk in the bedroom. I’m gonna stop talking now and just let you read my filth.
Also if Miles Wood said good girl to me that would be the end of my existence. Fuck.
Work Count: 1.8k
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It’s another post-game on edge, awaiting for Miles to come out of the locker room. Tonight, I’m standing with his parents, Randy and Cheryl. Randy is joking around with Jim Hughes about Miles latest tumble with Brady Tkachuck. Everyone thought it was a great, heavy weight fight. I spent the entire time curled up in my seat, hands over my face, shoving my upper body into my thighs in terror. 
I hate when he fights.
But damn is he good at it.
He comes strolling out of the locker room unaffected, one hand holding a bottle of water and the other stuffed into his pants pocket. He greets his mom and dad first, then comes to wrap his arms around me. When I feel his large body against mine, I finally relax. I turn my forehead into his neck. He leans his head into mine in acknowledgment. He knows how awful I feel when he fights.
“You okay?” He whispers. I nod in return, stepping back so he can converse with his parents again. He keeps his big hand around my opposite hip, cuddling me into his side.
We previously agreed to go out for a late night happy hour after the game with his parents close to their hotel. I am antsy the whole time, needing to feel Miles’ hands on me the entire time. His parents are lost in a conversation between themselves for a moment. Miles turns to me, tilting his corners up into a muted smile. I lean forward, pressing our lips together. 
“I love you.” I murmur. “I’m thankful for another day of you getting off the ice healthy.”
“You worry too much.”
“You do this to me. You could not fight.”
“I could, but then who would I be? Not me.” I frown because it’s true. It’s been a part of his chaotic, electric game since he was a teenager. His dad tells stories about his fights from Boston College like he’s toned it down a bit since then, which is hard for me to believe. 
“Can’t have that.” I murmur, running my hands through his curls. I hold his neck in my hand for a moment. 
“So what do you two have planned for the rest of the night?” Cheryl asks.
“Sleep.” Miles chuckles, looking at his watch to see it’s already after 11pm.
“You’re getting soft in your old age.” Randy pokes at his son.
“No, I finally have something worth staying home for.” He kisses my hand, keeping it laced on his strong thigh for the remainder of the night.
When we get back to our apartment, it’s after midnight. Luckily the Devils don’t have practice tomorrow. Miles walks in behind me, tossing his keys the five feet to the kitchen counter and pushing me forward to our bedroom. 
“Babe.” I chuckle, bucking my butt back into his stiff lap.
“My parents took forever to say goodbye.” He groans, reaching down for the hem of my shirt and pulling it over my head. My hair cascades back down my back and shoulders, teasing my skin. He unclasps my bra, salivating as my breasts spring free into the air. His hands come up, rolling my nipple against his ruff palms, calloused from fighting. “Just wanted to feel you like this. They like you too much.”
“Yeah because they don’t know what I do to you when they’re not around.” I turn, nipping at his lips, gripping his tie to hold his mouth to mine.
I lap my tongue against him, then slide my fingers down the silk until I reach his belt. He gathers my hair in his strong hand, lips moist from his tongue. His toothless grins shines down at me as I use his cock as lipstick. His thumb comes to my lips, pressing my bottom jaw down so my mouth opens. My tongue comes out, licking along the ridge of his head. I use it as a guide, running it along the bottom of his cock until he fills my mouth. Miles watches, eyes volatile with waves of desire.
“Good girl.” He groans. My eyes close at the praise, inner walls collapsing around nothing.
I take him deeper, sucking my cheeks in around his large girth. He’s long and wide. I’m the luckiest girl in the world, but it always leaves a few moments of pause before we can really go. My mouth adjusts to him in a few more suckles. Miles, usually one to buck into my mouth, leaves the tempo completely to me. My hand settles at the base, giving him a tug up into my mouth. He moans, breathing increasing, hands clasping my hair tighter. I stroke him a few more times just like that, reveling in the sexy noises that fall from his mouth. He works on the buttons of his shirt along with this tie, letting them fall around us. I move off his dick, going down to suck one of his balls into my mouth, then the other.
“Up, baby.” He groans, pulling me off of him by the grip on my hair. A string of saliva follows me back. Miles bites his lip, eyebrows pulling low over his eyes. His fingers work on the closures of my tight jeans, helping me shimmy them down. I step out and he grips my waist, hoisting me up into his chest. “I’m taking you right there.” He says to me before putting his lips on mine.
I moan into his mouth, gripping his brown curls as he slides into my slick entrance. He pauses there, then pushes my hips down and back so I move farther down him.
“Oh.” I whine.
“Fuck.” He breathes out, nail beds white as he grips my ass to prevent going in further. It is so tight. We can both feel how my body resists at first from both the size and the position we are in. He tries to pull me down to him again, this time sliding all the way in. “Baby.” He moans against my mouth. “You’re so wet. Feels so good around my cock.”
“You are absolutely ruining me right now.” I whimper as he begins to move. The first few thrusts of discomfort pass and then it’s all out pleasure. “Holy fuck, babe.” I squirm against his grasp, wanting to help. He walks us over to the living room wall, leaning my back against it so he can rail into me harder. It’s so zealous, just like Miles. I grip onto his wide shoulders for support. He leans forward, bruising my lips with his. His thumbs squeeze into my hip bones, leaving red rashes underneath.
“Great job beautiful. Let’s go deeper.” I nod enthusiastically, then press my hips down into his to meet him thrust for thrust. He holds my weight up like it’s nothing to him, large palms engulfing my ass.
“Fuck, babe. I love your cock.” Miles grits his teeth, thrusting harder into me. 
“Yeah? This the only place you wanna be?”
“God, yes. Please don’t stop. P-please.” My voice begins to quiver as I get closer to coming. 
All thoughts cease and complete feeling takes over. My muscles relax, my head slumps back into the wall and Miles takes me completely. I’m like a doll, limbs bumping up against his back and butt with each thrust. My breathing goes last as tingles begin to spread out from my core. An orgasm unleashes with brisk relief inside of me. “Yes.” I am finally able to whisper into his ear. Miles hears my voice, coated with sexual release and he grunts, coming loudly buried inside of me.
There is no doubt that watching him fight is the worst. But when he fights, he makes it up to me here, just the two of us. He takes that same big, aggressive body and channels it into incredible sex. But what comes after this might actually be as wonderful. 
He pulls away, lips kissing soft presses along my warm skin, allowing my feet to touch the floor again. He works his mouth over all the marks he’s made on me. My throat, my collar bone, my hips. He turns me, lips ghosting along my butt. He then works his mouth up my spine, letting his tongue trail out in spots, eating me up. 
“Do you need a bath or shower?”
“No, I just want you in our bed.”
“Okay. Go. I’ll be there in a second.” He taps my butt lovingly.
I head down the hall, stopping in our bathroom to clean myself up for a moment. I also take out my contacts and scrub the make up off my face. Before I leave the bathroom, I grab the shirt Miles was wearing before he left for the game. It’s comfy and huge, enclosing me in the smell of his cologne and our laundry detergent. In our bedroom, Miles waits for me. He has the TV on, clicking through Netflix for The Great British Baking Show- our latest binge. 
I think of him pounding against Brady earlier tonight, then pounding me after, and what a contrast it is to the softness that is here now. It brings my lips up into a smile. I pad gradually over to the bed where Miles has already pulled the blankets back for me to slide in. He’s dressed himself in boxers again and has a pint of Mint Chip ice cream for us to share.
“Oh babe, they’re making tarts.” He exclaims excitedly. He tosses the remote back onto the nightstand, then settles back into the pillows with the ice cream. “Ready?” He opens his arm for me to snuggle into his chest. I curl into him, knees pressing into his hips as we sit up to eat. Miles scoops out a bite, turning the spoon for me to take. I open my mouth, licking the ice cream off the metal. He watches me, cheeks spreading wide at the way I tease him with my movements. “Fuck, I love you.” He leans forward, kissing my mouth with his plump lips.
“I love you more.”
“Nah.” He immediately disagrees, turning back to the show. I lean forward, taking his firm jaw between my teeth to nibble him. He looks back at me, biting my bottom lip in retaliation.
“Can I keep you forever?”
“Yeah, baby. Don’t look in the back of the closet.” He gives me another spoonful of ice cream, casually. “Something tells me you’ve already seen it though.” I purse my lips together guiltily as I chew. He knows I’m a snoop.
“Just the box. Big box tho.”
“Big ring.”
“Big man.” I wiggle my eyebrows at him. He chuckles.
“Lucky you.”
After tonight, yeah, I’d say so.
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Text
Chapter 1 of These Are Not Our Masks!
@daboyau
@iobsesswaytoomuch
@that-0n3-shr00mi3-guy
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“This person clearly wasn’t media literate enough to truly understand the beauty of Jupiter Jim Pluto Vacation 4, so I graciously decided to school them.” Donnie puts a hand to his chest smugly.
Leo taps away at his phone with a smile on his face.
Donnie’s phone vibrates.
“Gasp! ‘Just because I have a five head doesn’t mean I know everything!?’ How do they know how big my forehead is!?”
Leo glances at a make believe audience with a smirk.
“Just block ‘em Donnie.” Raph advises.
“But then they win! And I have never lost an internet battle before!”
“What about that one time in the Atomic Lass forum?” Mikey comments.
“We don’t speak of that.”
Raph chuckles before something catches his eye.
“Hey guys! Shiny trash!”
The other three ooo at the prospect of something cool having been thrown away.
They all stare at each other for a second before sprinting towards the alleyway, shoving and pushing all the while.
So distracted, none of them notice the several figures rushing away further into the alley.
Leo swipes the item first.
“Ha! It’s mine-!” He pricks his finger and drops it out of surprise.
Raph snatches it up.
“Wrong! Raph’s got it! And he ain’t sharing!”
Leo pouts and holds his hand.
“No fair, that thing has it out for me! It bites!”
“It can’t bite, Leo. Masks don’t have teeth.” Donnie corrects, hand snaking up to try to get it from Raph.
“Oh is that what it is?”
The item is a metallic red with black, almost lace looking patterns. The sharp areas are constructed almost like some kind of warrior’s helmet.
Raph smacks Donnie’s hand away and raises the mask up high.
“Looks like it, and I told you, Raph ain’t sharing!”
“No fair! This is the coolest trash we’ve found in weeks!” Mikey whines, trying to climb up on his shell.
Raph picks up Mikey with his other hand and places him back on the ground.
“Spiky guy gets the the sharp mask thing! Those are the rules and I’m the spikiest guy here.”
A thought occurs to Donnie.
“Maybe I should take a look at it with my goggles.”
“You are such a sore loser.” Leo nudges him.
“You do remember pieces of the armor we’re looking for wound up in the trash, right?” Donnie raises an eyebrow.
“None of the pieces looked nearly as cool as this mask does.”
“For once, Leo’s right. It’s got the coolest color a turtle can wear.” Raph smirks as he places it on his face.
Donnie is less than enthusiastic at being called out despite their statements being mostly correct.
He swipes his goggles down and his heart nearly stops.
The mystics in the mask are at extremely high levels, but that’s not even close to being the biggest issue.
It’s spreading.
“Take it off.”
“Come on Donnie, red’s not even your color. How’s it feel being fab, big guy?” Leo comments, leaning on Raph’s arm.
Something squirms out of the sides of the mask.
“Take it off!” Donnie screams, reaching out.
Leo only has time for his eyes to widen before a fist suddenly slams into the side of his face.
He’s sent flying right into a wall where his shell painfully absorbs the blow. Most of it, anyways.
This is a harder hit than Raph usually ever gives so he was completely unprepared.
“Raph! Why did you do that!?” Mikey rushes over to Leo.
Donnie grips his tech bō tightly.
“R-Raph?”
His brother turns to him slowly before grabbing him by the throat and lifting him up.
Donnie struggles, hitting a hand against his arm.
Mikey looks back and gasps.
“Raph! Stop! What are you doing!?”
Raph cocks his head sharply to stare at Donnie, completely ignoring Mikey.
“Help Donnie, I’ll be fine.” Leo winces.
Mikey frowns but nods and goes back to them.
Raph sees him, looking with a calculated gaze.
He uses Donnie to hit Mikey with and sends them both tumbling to the ground.
They both groan in pain.
Raph moves faster than he should be able to at them.
Leo suddenly moves just as quickly, his odachis drawn and being used to block the next hit.
“Guys, I am definitely not going to be able to hold him back for long! We need to do something!”
Donnie comes to his defense, jabbing his tech bō into the crook of Raph’s neck and sending a wave of electricity through him.
Raph actually growls at them.
No.
It’s more of a roar.
The tendrils coming from the mask squirm like they’re in pain until Raph opens his mouth wide and bites down, chomping the bō into two pieces.
Donnie barely catches the half that wasn’t in his grip.
He stares down in horror at knowing that this could easily have been an arm, potentially his or Leo’s.
Mikey takes this opportunity to jump onto Raph from behind and tries pulling the mask off.
Raph slams him right into the wall behind them as hard as he can.
Mikey shouts in pain and slides down onto the ground when Raph moves away.
Leo goes back to having to keep Raph from hitting him and Donnie.
Things only get worse when a bunch of Foot Soldiers suddenly start rushing into the alleyway.
“Donnie. Grab Mikey.” Leo says so seriously that Donnie is caught off guard.
Donnie dives to avoid Raph grabbing at him and pulls Mikey close to him.
“I got him, but we need a way out!”
Leo looks at Raph and smiles unsteadily.
“I won’t leave you behind big guy, promise.”
Donnie wracks his brain for Leo to be able to keep that promise somehow.
“If you buy me time, I could try to get my battle shells to-“
“I love you guys, tell dad what happened!”
“What!? Leo-!” Donnie is interrupted by the portal that appears under him and Mikey.
Leo closes it right away, barely avoiding any of The foot getting to it.
Raph quickly gets fed up and starts coming after Leo again. There’s no opportunity for him to open another portal with both his brother and The Foot being so unrelenting.
His odachis get broken anyways when Raph grabs and snaps them like they’re two twigs.
Leo has no way of defending himself against the blows anymore except with his arms and dodging.
Raph’s ferocity and the sheer numbers against him leave Leo open to something grabbing his ankle.
He flails in the air before realizing what exactly wrapped around it.
The Foot stop attacking and even Raph seems more still as the looming figure approaches.
“Draxum! What did you do to my brother!?” Leo yells through gritted teeth.
He wants to wipe the smug look off the dumb sheepman’s face.
Draxum approaches Raph first, examining him like he’s window shopping.
Raph growls and looks ready to use his strong jaw against the helmet Draxum wears but seems held back by something unseen.
“He’s twitchier than I thought he’d be. No matter, the job has mostly been done.” Draxum observes.
“Stop pretending I’m not here! Tell me!” Leo insists, swinging in the air due to his angry movements.
Another vine approaches Leo, this one with a flower right in front of his face.
Leo stares at angrily and with confusion before it sprays him in the face.
He coughs as the pollen irritates his lungs.
“Ew, seriously!? Talk about….insult to….injury….” Leo trails off, the energy in his body waning.
His eyes slowly shut despite how much he doesn’t want them to.
When he wakes up again, both his arms and legs are held against a wall with thick vines.
He struggles heavily against them.
“You’re not getting out of there, turtle.”
Leo looks over at the source of the voice.
“Foot Recruit. They bump you down to prisoner guarding duty?”
She punches into the wall next to his head.
“No! I just came to relish in your capture.”
“Then why did you do that!?”
Foot Recruit removes her fist.
“Because you are always annoying but I’m not allowed to hit you yet.”
Leo tilts his head.
“Not that I’m complaining, but why not yet?”
She smirks.
“You’re going to be working for us, just like your brother.”
Leo tenses.
“What are you talking about?”
“You’re a fool for assuming Draxum didn’t make more than one mask.”
“How many did he make!?”
“Are you too dumb to remember how many brothers you have?”
Leo struggles more violently.
“Do you even want us working with you!? You hate us! Let me go and we can go back to being enemies!”
Foot Recruit turns away.
“With me? No. Draxum and I are partners! You’ll working for us both, for the entire clan! We’ll get the rest of the Dark Armor in no time with you out of the way.”
Leo’s heart nearly stops.
Could Draxum have…?
He really, really hopes not.
Especially if he’s about to experience what it does.
Leo swallows nervously.
“You think Draxum sees you as an equal? You’re human. He’s trying to get rid of humanity. All that’ll happen is him using you or worse!”
Foot Recruit scoffs.
“I know what I’m doing and what you’re trying to do. Draxum warned me.”
“Warned you!? About what!?”
“What he made you to do. It made me see why you kept interfering so well. It also made me see that you’re only pretending to be so dumb.”
“I am not pretending! I swear!”
“Silence! There’s no escaping your destiny, turtle. You’ve already done so for too long. Be honored to be a part of the Foot Clan.” She walks off.
“No! Come back!”
Someone else takes her place in the room.
“I see you were trying to put my work to good use.” Draxum smirks.
“Your work? Trying to take credit for the less absent father in my life?” Leo fakes a cocky smile.
Draxum walks close to him.
“I would have been in your life if I knew you existed sooner, and if you hadn’t been fighting me this much.”
Leo immediately feels uncomfortable from this proximity.
“You dropped me off a roof! Am just supposed to believe you!?”
“Fair point, which is why I made these.” Draxum grabs his face.
Leo tries to thrash his head around but the grip is too strong.
“Don’t touch me!”
Draxum tightens his hold as one of his vines holds up a new mask.
The expression of it looked like both a tragedy and comedy mask, one half of each. It’s metallic blue with a square checkered pattern and red lines over the eyes.
It reminds him of a jester.
“I would prefer keeping your face unobstructed, but no matter. I’m sure the skills I gave you will triumph.” Draxum starts bringing the mask to his face.
Leo keeps struggling.
“Wait wait wait! Can’t we talk first!? You can try to convince me again! Or explain your evil plan! Don’t you want a nice evil monologue!?”
“I could, but I won’t give you time to stall.” Draxum places the mask on him.
Leo screams out as something feels like it’s digging into his skull.
Draxum takes a step back, arms folded over his chest while he waits for the yelling to subside.
Eventually it does and the vines finally release Leo.
He falls onto his hands and knees.
“I’m aware that Lou Jitsu has given you a name twice before. While he has immense physical prowess, names are not included in his talent. When I imbued these masks with some of my own mystic energy I corresponded commands with your true names. Artemis! Show me what you can do!”
Portals start appearing all over the place despite Leo not having his weapon.
He slides into one and Draxum’s eyes dart to each of them to try to guess which one he’ll leave from.
The moment he sees something come out of one his vine grabs it.
It’s just Leo’s fanny pack.
Draxum gets pummeled into by a blue blur that disappears before he can react.
It happens over and over again as Leo propels himself through different portals at high speeds.
Draxum sends out his vines again near every portal to stop him.
When one does catch him, he rips it apart and tosses it through another portal to hit Draxum in the eye.
While he’s distracted, Leo tackles him and goes for the throat.
“Artemis! Stop!” Draxum commands.
Leo barely stops with his fingers mere milliliters from Draxum’s neck. His breathing is heavy, but at the same time, it sounds like he was just itching to finish the job.
“Get rid of your portals.” Draxum orders.
Leo hesitates but the portals go away one by one.
Draxum smiles widely.
“Excellent.”
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ourflagmeansgayrights · 3 months
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i’m too lazy to write this but imagine a post 2.06 jim/olu/archie fic where the dynamic thus far has been “all three of them hang out a lot and sometimes get really touchy and cuddly in a way that still has plausible deniability and nobody has actually defined or talked about what’s going on yet” which is what was going on when all three of them were dancing together at the party. so post ep they all end up back in their room and they’re kind of getting ready for bed but kind of just talking and goofing around and jim is in a sort of giddy hyper mood and they’re all happy and vibing and then jim suddenly is like “guys. guys can i tell you a secret” very seriously and archie and olu are both like “oh shit yeah of course babe”
and jim is like “guys. i’m really horny right now”
and then olu and archie look at each other and the thing is that both of them have hooked up with jim exactly one time each and since being back on the ship it’s only been hand-holding and cuddling, not even kissing—although one time all three of them were cuddling with jim in the middle but then jim was like “brb i gotta pee real bad” and left olu and archie cuddling there and it was painfully awkward for like five seconds and then they started talking and lost track of time until forty minutes later they were like “wait is jim still taking a piss?”—so neither of them know what the deal is here. so archie raises her eyebrows and olu raises his back and archie nods her head in jim’s direction and olu scrunches his face up all confused and archie raises her eyebrows more and nods again and then mouths “you?” and olu out loud says “me?” and archie’s like “yeah, i mean, if you want” and olu was like “oh for sure, but i thought—i mean, yknow, just assumed you’d want to-” and archie’s like “oh yeah, i definitely do” and olu goes “so if you want—i mean, yknow, ladies first?” and archie’s like “oh, for real? i sort of thought you had dibs” and olu’s like “dibs???” and archie’s like “yeah cuz, yknow, first come first serve. or maybe we’re taking turns, bc last time i went-”
and then jim is like “actually never mind neither of you get to touch me now”
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forpiratereasons · 11 months
Text
meeting stede bonnet
a slow meandering through June. second prompt: trust!
day 1 | day 2 | day 3 | day 4 | day 5 | day 6 | day 7 | day 8 | day 9 | day 10
-
“Cough up, you lot,” Lucius said, sliding into the sticky booth at Spanish Jackie’s. “I was right, so that’s fifty each, thank you, I take small bills, large bills, piggy banks—”
“No way,” Oluwande snorted. “Nope, don’t believe it.”
“And yet, it’s true.” Lucius pressed a kiss to Pete’s cheek, stole a long sip of his frozen margarita. Strawberry. Pete had terrible taste; Lucius loved him.
“That’s not possible,” Roach cut in.
“Gotta say, lover, I don’t buy it either,” Frenchie agreed.
Lucius took a moment, preening, and then turned to Jim. “Jim, darling?”
Jim sighed. Rolled their eyes. And people said Lucius was dramatic—Jim went through life like they were starring as a very annoyed spy in their own biopic.
“It’s mostly true,” they said.
“It’s all the way true.”
“Mostly. Probably.”
“It’s very, definitely, extremely true.”
“It’s a little vague.” Jim waved a hand in the space between them. “It’s more like—he’s in the process.”
“But he is?” Oluwande asked. “Coming out?”
“Little rainbow pin, right there on his shirt yesterday,” Jim said, nodding. “He didn’t say anything, but I thought he was going to shit himself every time he had to come up to one of us. He had it on again today, with one of those stringy little rainbow friendship bracelets you can get in the park on Sundays.”
“Kept rolling and unrolling his sleeve,” Lucius added. “I think he sweat through his shirt, actually—he was wearing a different one after lunch.”
There was a pause as the group considered this.
“You know,” Frenchie said, after he’d tipped the remainder of his beer back, “I didn’t think Stede could even get nervous. He’s like, the most balls-to-the-walls guy I know.”
The group around the table murmured in agreement. Stede tended to recklessly throw himself into things, as if he’d forgotten they could go badly, but maybe that was why they largely tended to work out instead. Sometimes it looked like insane courage; sometimes it just looked a bit insane.
Mostly, it looked like someone desperately trying to make up for lost time.
So it’d been unnerving, really, to watch Stede flit anxiously through the shop, jittery in an old, familiar way that reminded Lucius of being twelve. Like he was trying to say something but was terrified that someone else might know.
Nevermind that Lucius had definitely already known Stede was gay as a pink flamingo—hence the fifty dollars everyone now owed him, thanks ever so.
“So what’d you say to him?” Pete asked.
“Nothing.” Lucius took another drink of the strawberry margarita; it was ghastly. “You didn’t see him, he was like a skittish little horse. I didn’t want to startle him.”
“Probably better to give him space.”
“You just don’t want him to cry on you, Jim,” Frenchie pointed out.
Jim shrugged. “I really do not, yeah.”
“I could talk to him,” Roach offered.
Pete reached a hand out for a high five. “We’ll go together.”
“Absolutely not,” Oluwande said, loud and stern.
“Nobody’s talking to him,” Lucius cut in over everyone. “No—no, do not give me the eyes, Pete, I’m serious. We’re not ambushing him on this, yeah?” Roach opened his mouth to argue; Lucius shook the margarita threateningly at him. “No. We’re going to let Stede come to us, yeah? We are all going to respect Stede’s boundaries, and when he’s ready we’re going to be chill about it so this bizarre little man has safe little gays to go to in his time of need.”
“Not sure you can describe us as safe little gays, babe,” Frenchie mused.
That was fair. Lucius soldiered on anyway.
“Think about when we were coming out, yeah? And how much better that would’ve been if we’d had people in our corner who were patient, who we could trust, who let us go at our own pace?”
Everyone thought. Jim, who would never volunteer anything in their life, still looked significantly at Olu in a jaw-droppingly sentimental thank-you-for-being-that-person sort of way. Frenchie leaned over and kissed Roach’s cheek.
“So it’s decided then,” Pete said, supportive to the end. Lucius loved him. “We’ll let him come to us.”
“When he’s ready.”
“And only when he’s ready.”
“That settles it, then. Cheers, m’queers,” Frenchie said, and everyone clinked their glasses over the table. “To trust!”
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440mxs-wife · 1 year
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Written in the Stars
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Pairing: Dr. Leonard “Bones” McCoy x F!Reader. Other Characters: Jim Kirk, Nyota Uhura, Cmdr. Spock, Christine Chapel (mentioned).
Word Count: 8029
Warnings: Soulmates, show-level violence, Away Team member injury, mutual pining, a smidge of angst due to perceived unrequited love, but FLUFFFFF
Summary: When Dr. McCoy got married, he knew she wasn’t his soulmate, but it didn’t matter to him. After the divorce, he figures he’s missed his chance, due to his age and previous marriage. The Reader joins the crew as the new Science Officer aboard the Enterprise, assigned to Cmdr. Spock’s team. She hasn’t met her soulmate yet, but she seems drawn to a particular member of the Enterprise crew. Could these two lost soulmates have found each other at last?
A/N: If you’ve been tagged here, it’s because you’ve interacted one or more times on a McCoy story of mine, or we’re moots. Whether you like or reblog, I am eternally grateful for your support. If anyone else would like to be tagged on any future Karl Urban character postings, please let me know. Thank you, and enjoy the show!
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Dr. Leonard McCoy joined StarFleet and was assigned to the Enterprise after a few unfortunate events. He left for the five-year mission right after his divorce, having known full well that the woman he married wasn't his soulmate. It didn't matter though, because Leonard didn't believe in that stuff. He was impatient, not interested in living alone anymore, therefore not waiting to find his soulmate. At the time, he'd loved Jocelyn enough to marry her. Only she didn't love him enough to want to stay married to him, or so she'd said.
Of course he had his soulmark, just like everyone he knew had one, with his shaped like a starburst and visible on his wrist. At his age, though, he felt that he should have met his person by now, the one he was destined to be with forever. So after the fiasco with Jocelyn, he'd stopped looking, figuring he'd missed his chance. Which is precisely when his soulmate appeared, and where he least expected it.
The Enterprise was making a scheduled stop at Starbase 42 to pick up supplies and some new crew members. Capt. Kirk had sent over the files, which Dr. McCoy decided to review before the ship reached its destination. Most of them looked pretty routine, a couple of ensigns for Engineering, three for Security. Then there was your file.
According to your bio, you were to be assigned to the Science Department, under Cmdr. Spock. You had been in StarFleet for a bit longer than the average crew member, and had risen to the rank of Lieutenant-Commander (LCmdr.). However, to Dr. McCoy, that only meant you carried a wealth of life experience with you. The only family you had left were your two brothers, each with their own families, and a best friend who became more like your sister.
Leonard glanced at the clock and noticed it was time to head to the transporter room to greet the new additions to the crew. Though the information in your file was fairly standard, Leonard couldn't help but give yours a bit more attention than the others. It was like he was drawn to it, wanting to dive into it and find out all there was to know about you. He arrived at the transporter room and walked in, finding Capt. Kirk and the other officers waiting. "All right, Jim. I'm here, so let's get this show on the road," he grumbled.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
As the shimmering light-particles of the transport beam disappeared, you had re-materialized aboard the Enterprise. It was your dream assignment, to be on StarFleet's flagship, and you looked forward to working with Cmdr. Spock. And of course, you were excited to be serving with Capt. James T. Kirk, one of the most decorated and colorful captains in StarFleet. But almost as soon as you appeared on the pad, you felt a pull in another direction, something you hadn't experienced before.
Once everyone had arrived, the captain introduced himself and the other commanding officers. Your companions handed over their orders, then exited the transporter room to be shown to their quarters. You stepped forward and handed your paperwork to Capt. Kirk and introduced yourself in the process.
"At ease, Commander," Kirk smiled. "We're a little less formal and bit more family around here, not that I don't run a tight ship," he explained.
"Of course not, Captain, and thank you. I'm honored to be here," you responded.
"Your credentials are impressive, Commander," Spock commented. "I am looking forward to working with you."
"I'm fortunate to be on your team, Cmdr. Spock. Thank you," you acknowledged before turning your attention to the dark-haired man in the blue medical uniform. He was standing off to the side, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed over his chest. As you took in his appearance, his furrowed brow seemed to relax and you felt that same pull as when you first arrived.
Your silent observance of the man by the door did not escape Capt. Kirk's notice. He walked over to where the man was standing and clapped a hand on his shoulder. "Commander, this is our Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Leonard McCoy. Bones, say hello to our newest crew member," Kirk grinned.
You stuck your hand out in greeting. "Pleased to meet you, Dr. McCoy," you remarked.
"Likewise," he replied as he took your hand and shook it. The instant your hand touched Dr. McCoy's hand, a jolt of electricity shot up your arm. It surprised you, but you kept your hand in his. What the hell was that? he thought. Instead, he inquired aloud, "Are you all right?"
"Yeah, sure, everything's fine, Dr. McCoy. I'm kind of a little nervous. May I be shown to my quarters, please?" you asked.
"Right this way, Commander," Spock gestured with his arm for you to precede him out the door.
When you reached the doorway, you popped your head back inside and caught Dr. McCoy's attention. "By the way, hope to see you around, Dr. McCoy," you winked and left the transporter room.
"So, that was inter--" Kirk started.
"Jim, no comment necessary," McCoy muttered. Despite his gruff reply, there was the ghost of a smile on his face, thanks to the Enterprise's new science officer. Interesting indeed, he thought.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Once inside your quarters, you started to unpack your bags. You hung up your uniforms in the closet and arranged your toiletries in the bathroom. The rest of your personal items were placed throughout your room. You were surveying your work when you heard a chime at the door.
Your visitor introduced herself as Nyota Uhura, Communications Officer. While you unpacked, she perched on the end of your bed and you got to know each other. She brought you up to speed on herself and life on the Enterprise.
The topic came around to your personal lives, Uhura mentioned that she and Cmdr. Spock discovered they were soulmates a few years ago. "What about you? Have you met your soulmate yet?" she asked.
"Sadly, no, not yet. But I hope my posting here will put me closer to finding out who it is," you replied, thinking back to your electrifying encounter with Dr. McCoy.
"Oh, really?" Uhura was leaning forward, her curiosity piqued. "Who do you think it is?" she wondered.
"Hmm, not sure, but I've been having this certain feeling, like whoever it may be, he's here onboard this ship. Add that to one of the many reasons I'm glad I'm here," you chuckled.
"Well, we're glad to have you. There's a 'Welcome to the Enterprise' party going on later in the recreation area. It's a chance for us to get to know you all, and for you to mingle with the senior officers," Uhura mentioned.
"Sounds great, I'll be there. Um, about what time?" you inquired.
"I believe the captain said it'll be getting started at 1900 hrs.," Uhura replied, then checked the time. "Oops, I'm supposed to be meeting Spock in a few minutes. See you later at the party?" she asked.
"You bet, I'll probably see if I can take a quick power nap before then. Want to be well-rested before meeting up with everyone so I don't say the wrong thing," you replied nervously.
"I understand that, but don't worry. Everything will be fine, and I already have a feeling you and I are going to be great friends," Uhura remarked as she walked to the door.
"Thank you, and I'll see you later," you called. Once Uhura left, you crawled into your bed and settled in for a nap. You made sure to set an alarm to give yourself time to get ready for the party, then closed your eyes and drifted off to sleep.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Back in his quarters, Dr. McCoy was reviewing some information on his PADD when his door chimed. At first, he ignored it, because he rarely had visitors and didn't want to be disturbed. When it chimed again, he rolled his eyes and strode to the door. He opened it, only to find Capt. Kirk on the other side, grinning from ear to ear. "What do you want, Jim? I was in the middle of something important when you interrupted me," he bristled.
"Hey, Bones, good to see you," Kirk replied as he breezed past his friend and plopped into a chair.
"Make yourself at home, Jim, by all means," McCoy stated dryly. "Whatever it is, the answer is no."
"Wanted to drop by and let you know there's a 'Welcome to the Enterprise' party for all the senior officers to mingle with the newbies. Now I know none of them are medical, but it would be nice if you'd put in an appearance. By the way, that new one on Spock's team was pretty cute, wasn't she?" Kirk asked.
"Jim, I haven't got time for this. Besides, what are we, in high school?" McCoy retorted.
Kirk shrugged. "Looks like the two of you shared a moment in the transporter room, that's all," he remarked.
McCoy rolled his eyes at Kirk's observation. "There was no 'moment', it was an introduction. Stop trying to make something out of nothing. Except it didn't feel like 'nothing' when our hands touched, he thought. "Look, I'll try to swing by, if I get a chance. Good enough?"
"That's the spirit, Bones! See you later," Kirk hastily replied, clapping a hand on his friend's shoulder before bolting out of the room.
McCoy shook his head, then went back to where he'd left his PADD. He picked it up, intending to read, but instead stared off ahead, deep in thought. What would it hurt to show up for a drink or two? I suppose that would count as 'putting in an appearance', he reasoned with himself.
His mind made up, Leonard changed into a more casual attire of jeans with a hole in the right knee and a navy-blue Henley. He left the top two buttons undone and pushed the sleeves up to his elbows. He slipped on his well-worn dark brown cowboy boots and dabbed on some cologne before heading out the door to the rec area.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
You entered the rec area a little after 1900 hrs., when Uhura said the party would be starting. As soon as you walked in, your eyes scanned the area for her or anyone else you recognized. Fortunately, the captain soon spotted you and waved you over to his table.
On your way to meet him, you wandered past a beautiful mahogany pool table with clawfoot legs. It was covered in blue felt and had leather nets under each of the six pockets to catch any one of the fifteen brightly colored orbs. Hmm, wonder who might be up for a game or two later, you thought as you ran your hands along the rails.
There were two open chairs on the captain's left side, one putting you next to him or, the other, Lt. Uhura. You chose to sit next to Uhura, who immediately stood to give you a hug and raved about your outfit. You were wearing jeans with a pastel purple, off-the-shoulder peasant blouse, along with your black suede ankle boots. Around your neck was a teardrop pendant of your birthstone on a delicate silver chain.
You were about halfway through your first margarita, when you heard a deep voice behind you ask, "Is this seat taken?"
Turning around, you were pleasantly surprised to see Dr. McCoy standing behind you, a glass of bourbon in his hand. "Um, n-no, Dr. McCoy," you stammered. Way to go, you berated yourself with a mental facepalm.
"Relax, Commander," McCoy chuckled. "Please call me Leonard."
You gave him your name in return, stating it was better than being called "Commander" all the time. "Especially with so many of us around," you joked.
The captain finally noticed that Dr. McCoy had joined the table and taken the seat next to him. "Bones, you made it after all. Good to see you!" Capt. Kirk exclaimed.
"Why thank you, Jim, I was beginning to wonder if you were even going to notice," McCoy replied.
The doctor's nickname used by the captain did not escape your notice, but you filed it away to ask about later. "So, Leonard, tell me about where you're from," you started.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Your conversation with Dr. McCoy stretched far into the evening, the two of you asking questions to better get to know each other. Eventually, your Q & A transitioned to the pool table for a friendly game of 8-ball. One by one, the others left the recreation area and returned to their quarters. Neither you nor Leonard noticed you were the only ones left until you were deep into your third game of pool, with you lining up your shot.
Standing up after watching the #15 roll into the corner pocket, you looked around at the empty recreation area. "Leonard, what time is it?" you asked.
He checked the time and was surprised at the hour as well as the deserted room. "It's after midnight. Guess time really does fly when you're having fun," he grinned. "Your shot, darlin'," he drawled. You noticed his Southern accent was a bit more pronounced after a few rounds of bourbon.
"Okay, but after I knock in this #12, I'm on the 8-ball," you smirked. You took your time to survey all the angles before settling in to take your shot. With a smooth, fluid stroke, the cue ball connected with the object ball, which went in the side pocket. The 8-ball was of little challenge to you as well, sailing into the exact pocket you intended.
"Well, I guess that's the game, then," McCoy remarked. You gave him a small curtsy before placing your cue stick on the table and returning to finish your drink. "Where'd you learn to play like that?" he wondered.
"Had a pool table in the basement growing up. I used to spend quite a few hours a day, practicing until I was good enough to win against my brothers and all their friends. Then I met my best friend at the Academy, and we took turns, um, how shall I say this? Oh, yeah. Separating the new recruits from their money," you grinned sheepishly.
Leonard threw his head back and laughed. "You are full of surprises. Which leads me to my next question, and feel free to punch me for it if you want, but I have to know. How is someone as lovely and fascinating as you are still single?"
You felt your cheeks grow warm with the compliment. "Well, I won't punch you for asking a question like that. The simple answer is, I haven't found my soulmate yet."
McCoy gave you a sideways glance, one eyebrow raised. "You believe in that? One person, one heart, all that?" he wondered.
"Sure I do, don't you?" you replied. "I mean, a person as handsome and charming as you isn't attached to anyone either. Why is that, if you don't mind me asking?" you quizzed.
"I don't mind you asking, darlin'," he replied, then took a sip of his drink. "I was married once, but it didn't take. At the time, I loved her, and even though she wasn't my soulmate, I didn't care. I was too impatient in my youth and didn't want to be alone the rest of my life, so we got married. When I came onboard here, I was fresh off my divorce. When I met Jim, I told him that my ex got everything, and 'all I got left is my bones'. Probably why he calls me that," he muttered.
"Hmm. And here I thought it was because you were in the medical field. You know, a doctor used to be called a 'sawbones', I figured that's where it came from," you quipped.
"I guess it could go either way, although your explanation is a little less depressing," Leonard conceded.
You reached over and covered his hand with yours, trying to ignore the small spark at the contact. "Your soulmate is still out there, waiting to be found. I'm just sure of it," you remarked.
McCoy gave you a hopeful smile. "You think so? I guess I figured that with my age and jumping the gun and marrying Jocelyn, that I missed my chance," he replied.
"What do you mean, 'with my age', you're hardly an old man, Leonard. Besides, I'm betting that you haven't missed your chance, so keep the faith," you winked. "Come on, Doc, it's late. Walk me to my quarters?" you asked.
McCoy drained the last of the bourbon from his glass and stood up from the table. His grin grew wider as he held out his elbow for you to take. "Shall we, shweethahrt?" he said in his attempt at a Bogart impression.
You laughed as you looped your arm through his, and he tucked it in closed to his side. "Leonard, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship," you answered.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
And it was. At first it was you and Dr. McCoy, two friends sharing breakfast together on most, if not all, mornings. Sometimes the captain, or Spock and Uhura would be there, which made for lively discussions. But you were most content with the days it was just you and the good doctor enjoying each other's company.
It wasn't just the mornings, you took turns hanging out in each other's quarters, watching old movies or reading together. Other times, it was sharing stories about your lives, your families, even your Academy days. Being with Leonard was a comfort for you, a natural and easy friendship to fall into.
The first time you noticed your thoughts wandering from friendship to more was one night you were cooking dinner in McCoy's quarters. Your room was not equipped with a kitchenette, only a replicator, so Leonard offered to let you in to his to make dinner. He had some last-minute duties in the MedBay, but said he would join you later.
You were putting the finishing touches on your Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli casserole to put into the oven, when Leonard strode through the door. He stood behind you, put his hands on your shoulders and glanced down at the dish. "That looks amazing, sweetheart," he grinned and gave your shoulders a squeeze before heading to the showers.
As you watched him walk away, you couldn't help but notice how domestic the whole scene was, and how comfortable it all felt. Leonard coming home to you after a difficult day in the MedBay, to see you making dinner. Of course, it could also just as easily be the other way around, with him in the kitchen, waiting for you to come home. Then you shook your head to clear those thoughts. Although the two of you had become best friends, that still kept you in the "friend zone", right?
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Leonard reached for his towel to dry himself off after his shower. Coming back to his quarters to see you in his kitchen was a comforting sight to see, not to mention how natural it felt. Like it had been that way for years instead of the months since you'd gotten to know each other. Lately, there was many a night he'd lain in bed, staring at the ceiling, wondering if you were having as much trouble sleeping as he was.
Ever since he met you in the transporter room, Leonard knew there was something different about you, but couldn't put his finger on it. That night the two of you spent in the rec area at Jim's "welcome" party was one of the best he'd had in a long time. Sitting and talking with someone, finding out you had like interests and similar values was refreshing for him. You were sweet, intelligent, and you made him laugh, something his friends thought he needed more of in his life.
Most of his time was spent in the MedBay, caring for others, but there were times when he wanted someone to care for him. You certainly fit the bill for that as well, such as when you stopped by with a coffee for him on one of your breaks. Or when you sneaked into his office to hide scraps of paper with jokes written on them to make him chuckle. And your home cooking was some of the best he'd had since the last time he visited his ma on Earth.
There were dozens of reasons why and multiple occasions when he wished there was more than friendship between you. However, after his experience with marriage to Jocelyn, he was a little hesitant to pursue anything beyond friendship with you. Jim would probably say he was "spooked", whereas Leonard would counter that he was "protecting his heart".
Early on, you'd admitted to him that you believed in soulmates and were still looking for yours. He'd been down the road once where he ignored the concept, if only to avoid being alone for the rest of his life. You deserved that one person, that one heart that Fate had decided truly belonged with you. He'd never want you to settle for a life with him if he wasn't your soulmate. Thus, he continued to keep things with you in the "friend zone".
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
A couple of weeks later
"You want me to do what, now?" you asked the Captain.
"I know you heard me, Commander," Kirk replied. "It's a few weeks until Valentine's Day, and I think it would be a great idea to have a celebration. Music, food, drinks....and you dancing with a certain country doctor would certainly be all the entertainment I'd need for a while," he smirked.
You, on the other hand, rolled your eyes at his obvious matchmaking attempts. "Jim, we're just friends. And I resent your insinuation that Dr. McCoy would want anything to do with me beyond that," you retorted.
"Why is that so hard to believe, that Bones would be interested in you as more than a friend?" Jim persisted.
"Because...." you murmured, your gaze dropping to your hands in your lap.
"'Because....' why?" he gently prodded.
You huffed in exasperation. "Because I'm me, and he's....handsome, witty, fascinating, charismatic and could have any woman in the universe he wants. I've seen him at those diplomatic functions, Jim. Women more or less throwing themselves at him, hanging all over him and what does he do? He just smiles at them and turns on the Southern charm. Soulmate or not, what chance do I have," you whispered.
"Wait, he's your soulmate? How do you know? More importantly, why haven't you told him?" Kirk peppered you with questions.
"You're just full of curiosity today, aren't you?" you sassed. "I saw his soulmark on his wrist, and it matches mine here." You tilted your head and pulled your hair back to reveal a matching starburst behind your left ear. "I've been in love with him since that 'welcome' thing you arranged, when we talked and shot rack after rack of 8-ball till after midnight. But I want him to love me for me, not due to some pre-destined, matching tattoo on our bodies."
Kirk stepped out from behind his desk and took the chair next to you. "Listen. I've been friends with the man for a long time. I've seen him at those diplomatic galas, and let me tell you that I haven't seen him look at any of those women the way he looks at you," he explained.
"Now I know you're out of your mind," you snorted. When Kirk tried to protest, you held up your hands. "Stop. Okay? I'll do as you ask, plan your little Valentine's Day party for the crew. It's a nice idea, and I think we're due for some fun around here. Just please quit trying to push me and Dr. McCoy together, huh?" you pleaded.
Kirk reached over and sandwiched your hand in his. "Although I know I'm right, I will honor your wishes and stop forcing the issue with you and Bones. Fair enough?" he asked.
You nodded and stood up from your chair. "Yes, thank you, Jim. I appreciate it. If anyone needs me, I'll be in my quarters, trying to figure out how to put this thing together," you replied. You gave him a weary smile before exiting his Ready Room.
Jim waited until you were out of his office before voicing his thoughts. "I may have agreed to honor your wishes, but that doesn't mean I can't go at it from Bones' point of view," he vowed.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
The following week, you were busy transforming one of the large, rarely-used conference rooms Jim set aside for you into a sea of red, white and pink. There were pink paper hearts attached to the walls, along with red cutouts shaped like Cupid with his bow. The long conference tables would be used for food and drinks, and were set up along the outside edge of the room.
You were scanning through the food and drink list on your PADD when Leonard walked in. A bright smile graced your face at the sight of your best friend. "Why, hello Len! What brings you here?"
Leonard scanned the room before answering. "So this is the 'secret project' you've been working on for the past week," he replied. "I've been looking everywhere for you. I started in the lab, then I checked your room. Had to ask the ship's computer for your location," he remarked.
"Yeah, sorry, Jim put me in charge of this, so here I am. And it's not a 'secret project', as you called it. We have all these decorations and the tables will be full of drinks and all kinds of foods," you explained. "While we're on the subject, I have something to ask you, Leonard."
"Oh? What's that?" he wondered.
"Well, this is going to be kind of a formal, dressing-up kind of thing. And there'll be music and dancing, so I was wondering....if you'd like to go with me....as my date?" you asked.
Leonard froze. A date? he thought. His heart wanted very much to take you up on your offer to accompany you to the party. He could picture you all dressed up in a formal gown and your hair perfectly styled, a veritable vision of beauty. His next mental picture was of the two of you walking into the party with your arm safely tucked into his side. His brain, however, reminded him that this was a Valentine's Day dance, and you two were not romantic partners, only friends.
You must have heard his brain's internal reminder loud and clear and interpreted his hesitation as a decline of your invitation. "You know what, never mind. It's all right. Forget I asked," you backpedaled. "I'm sure you have much more important things to do than go to a stupid dance with me," you muttered as you gathered your PADD and other supplies.
"Wait a minute, where are you going?" McCoy implored.
"Uh, I forgot I told Cmdr. Spock that I would come into the lab later and see if I can make some more progress on my assignment," you explained. "So, I'm sorry, but I can't meet you for dinner tonight, Dr. McCoy," you added, then hurriedly left the room without a backwards glance.
Leonard stood gazing at the floor, hands on his hips and shaking his head. As he stood in place, he was trying to figure out what just happened and how he knew he had to fix it. Uhura was watching your interaction with Dr. McCoy since he joined you, so she walked over to him. She placed a hand on his arm to get his attention. "Dr. McCoy, are you all right?" she asked.
He looked over to see the concern in Uhura's eyes. "I....I don't know," he rasped. "I think I made a huge mistake with her and I may need your help."
She led him over to one of the chairs, where he filled her in on his conversation with you. Uhura listened intently, waiting for him to finish providing as much information as he was willing to share. When he finished, she was silent as she thought about her response. "I'm going to ask you a few questions, and I want you to say the first thing that comes to your mind." McCoy nodded. "Are you in love with her?"
"Yes," he immediately answered.
"As a friend, or more than a friend?" Uhura asked.
"More," McCoy hastily replied. A startled look crossed his face at the realization. "I'm in love with her," he whispered. "But she said she was still looking for her soulmate, and I don't know what her soulmark looks like or where it is."
"Dr. McCoy," Uhura gently chided. "Do you really need visual confirmation of her soulmark to know that you belong together? From that first night, everyone could see it, based on how the two of you looked at each other, how you interacted. How long did it take you to realize that everyone had left?" she giggled.
McCoy grinned. "We didn't really notice much of anything outside of ourselves until after midnight. She'd just beaten me two games out of three at 8-ball," he chuckled ruefully. "I have to find her and tell her," he declared as he hastily stood up.
"Whoa, whoa, wait a minute. I don't know if now is the best time to tell her," Uhura warned, taking his arm to stop him.
"Wha--why shouldn't I tell her right away how I feel about her?" McCoy asked, confused.
"She may not be in the right frame of mind to hear it right now. Think about, Dr. McCoy. She gathered up her courage to ask you to be her date to the dance. When you hesitated to answer, her brain told her not only was your answer 'no', but that you didn't reciprocate her feelings. That's why she bolted out of here, she was trying to protect herself from embarrassment, from her heart being broken any further. Give her some time, then try and talk with her again," Uhura advised.
"How long should I give her?" McCoy asked.
"Try again after a couple of days, Doctor. She should be ready to talk by then," Uhura replied, gently patting his arm.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
You checked your notes again, frustrated that the data was not matching up with the results. Irritated, you pushed away from the table and flopped onto a chair. You closed your eyes as your fingers massaged your temples, trying to stave off the impending headache.
"Are you all right, Lieutenant?" Cmdr. Spock asked. "It is late, and I have observed that your evenings are usually spent with Dr. McCoy. May I ask why you are here instead, working?"
You took a deep breath. "I'm fine, Cmdr. Spock. Just trying to keep my headache at bay, that's all," you replied, managing a weak smile.
"If you are feeling a pain in your head, I am certain Dr. McCoy can relieve it with a hypospray," Spock suggested.
"Not when he's the cause of the headache," you muttered.
A puzzled look crossed Spock's face. "I do not understand. Is there some sort of problem in your relationship with Dr. McCoy?" he inquired.
You took a deep breath before explaining the events of the afternoon, beginning with Capt. Kirk's assignment of the Valentine's dance. Then you told him about asking Leonard to be your date for the dance, and how mortified you were when he declined your request. "The only relationship I have with Dr. McCoy is one of friendship. Though my feelings for him have gone beyond the friend level, I should have known better that his do not, and likely never will."
"To assume that Dr. McCoy does not think of you as more than a friend without his express verbal confirmation is not logical," Spock replied. "You must ask him how he feels about you."
"Since when are the human heart's desires logical? Anyway, I'm sure I've already embarrassed myself enough for one day. Permission to return to my quarters?" you asked.
"Permission granted, Lieutenant. I sincerely hope that your personal difficulties with Dr. McCoy will soon be resolved," Spock offered. "It is also not logical for two people as compatible as the two of you to be separated."
"Thank you, Commander," you remarked. "For your counsel and your understanding." You gave him a small smile, then left the lab.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
You had almost reached your quarters when the captain requested you to come to his Ready Room. "On my way, Captain," you replied, tapping your communication badge. In your head you grumbled that you hoped his request had something to do with real work and nothing to do with Dr. McCoy.
In the captain's office, you were briefed on an upcoming Away mission, in which you would play a part. A fairly routine mission, you were tasked with gathering soil and mineral samples that would be catalogued upon returning to the Enterprise.
The area where your team would be working had been declared as deserted. That meant you would not be at risk of encountering any difficulties from any local inhabitants of the planet. All in all, a good mission to help me gain experience as part of an Away Team, you thought as you stepped onto the transporter pad.
You also hoped that going on this mission would also help you sort out your feelings about Leonard and figure out your next move. As much as you didn't want to, you were going to have to distance yourself from him. It'll only be for a couple of days, you reasoned. When I get back, Len and I should probably have a talk about what happened and what it means for us going forward. Decision made, you picked up your PADD and reviewed the parameters of the Away mission.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
For the past two days, the MedBay environment was not the most pleasant place to be. Dr. McCoy had been more demanding and grumpier than usual. His staff had no idea that his thoughts revolved around you and how badly he needed to talk to you. He was trying to do as Uhura suggested, by giving you time to yourself. When he could no longer wait to speak to you and confess his feelings, he put Dr. M'Benga in charge and left the MedBay to find you.
He checked your quarters first, but when there was no answer, he figured either you weren't there, or you knew it was him and didn't want to answer. He left and headed down to the conference room, but no one there had seen you for the past couple of days. Finally, he tried the lab, praying to find you there. When he asked Spock where you were, nothing could've prepared him for the answer he received.
"What do you mean, she's on the Away Team?" McCoy demanded.
"I should think my response is fairly self-explanatory, Doctor," Spock replied.
McCoy rolled his eyes. "She's not ready for an Away mission yet, anything could go wrong down there!" he exclaimed.
"On the contrary, the Commander has proven to be more than competent in performing her duties. The captain and I felt that this relatively low-risk mission was the perfect one to introduce her to this aspect of her duties," Spock explained.
"Since when does something deemed 'low-risk' ever turn out that way? You don't understand, Spock, I can't lose her," McCoy implored. "Not before I've had a chance to tell her I love her," he whispered.
A faint smile graced Spock's features. "It appears I was correct in my theory regarding your feelings towards her," he answered. His tone that could almost be considered smug, if not for the fact that he was half-Vulcan. At the confused look on Leonard's face, Spock relayed the conversation the two of you had after he'd found you in the lab working.
"So she cares about me like I care about her," McCoy murmured. "What time are they scheduled to be back? I have to be there right when she gets back so I can tell her how I feel. I've already wasted too much time," he muttered, then jumped up from his chair. Before he could walk out of the lab, Capt. Kirk was at the door.
"Good, you're both here. The Away Team is returning to the ship ahead of schedule. It appears that they ran into some problems on the planet's surface. Something about a run-in with a band of native inhabitants," Kirk explained. "Possible weapons discharges and there may be injuries," he reluctantly revealed.
"StarFleet's report stated that the area in which the Away Team would be working was declared as deserted," Spock pointed out. "There should have been no reason for any discharge of weapons."
"You see?? This is exactly what I was talking about, Spock!" McCoy exclaimed, his arms waving in the air. "How could you send her down there, Jim? She's not ready for something like this," McCoy snapped.
"I chose the team based on their skills and how it matched the intel we were given. Do you really believe I like putting people I care about in harm's way??" Kirk retorted sharply. "I have a job to do, but so do the two of you. And right now, the Away Team is depending on you to carry out those duties to the best of your ability. The personal stuff can be sorted out later, all right?" Kirk barked. "For now, let's just get everyone home and safe."
Spock and McCoy nodded and each of them went their separate ways to begin assisting in the missions aftermath. Kirk was on his way back to the bridge, while Spock was gathering his equipment. "Captain?" McCoy called out before Kirk had fully exited the lab.
"What is it, Bones?" Kirk asked wearily.
McCoy walked over to join his captain at the door. "I'll be in the MedBay, standing by for any casualties," he replied, then started down the hall.
"Thank you, Doctor. And Bones?" Kirk added, causing McCoy to turn and catch Kirk's gaze. "She'll be all right. Besides, you probably owe her a dance, right?" he smirked.
"Among other things, Jim," McCoy admitted before finally resuming his path to the MedBay.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
When McCoy returned to the MedBay, it was a flurry of activity. The casualties had already arrived, only three of whom were being worked on by multiple teams. Head Nurse Christine Chapel met him near the entrance to give him a PADD with a rundown of the injuries. He had just started scanning the list when he heard, "DOCTOR!! Dr. McCoy, we need you over here!!"
McCoy all but sprinted to BioBed #3 and was shocked at the sight before him. You were the injured party, with a stab wound to your left shoulder that had seemed to stop bleeding. There was a moderate head laceration near your hairline, but its bleeding also looked to be under control. However, it was the 6-inch gash across your stomach that was of utmost concern, because it was still steadily leaking blood.
"Oh darlin'," McCoy whispered as he pushed your hair back from your face and tucked it behind your ear.
"Hey, Dr. McCoy," you rasped, which sent you into a minor coughing fit.
"Shh, take it easy, sugar. We're going to take good care of you, get you all patched up good as new," he soothed.
"Len....'m sorry....about earlier," you wheezed but were thrown into another coughing session. "Ow, it hurts," you whimpered.
"Hold on, sweetheart, I'll get ya something to take away the hurt," McCoy promised. One of the nurses promptly handed him the hypospray containing the pain med. Leonard gently rolled your head to the side for better access to your neck. He pushed your hair out of the way and pressed the hypospray to your skin and delivered the pain medication.
When McCoy withdrew the instrument, he was startled when he saw your soulmark behind your left ear, a starburst that matched the mark on his wrist. It was you. You were his soulmate, the one he should've waited for and he was the one you were waiting for. As he stood next to you, he felt the bond between you grow, as it sent a wave of warmth through his body.
You somehow found his hand and took it in yours, giving it a gentle squeeze before dropping it. The movement and seeing your hand hang limply at your side was enough to snap Leonard back into action and tend to your injuries. "All right, let's get this bleeding stopped so we can close up this gash and clean up these other wounds," McCoy ordered, getting back to the task at hand.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
For some reason, you couldn't move your right hand due to some sort of weight on top of it. You were having a hard time opening your eyes as well, though you did manage to crack them open halfway. There was an IV in your left arm and as for your right side, you smiled when you saw a familiar crop of dark hair. Leonard was hunched over the edge of your bed, his head resting on his elbows and covering your hand. You could only imagine how tired he must be after the events of the past few hours.
The Away mission was your first since you came aboard the Enterprise, and not exactly the low-risk scenario as mentioned in the file. The briefing said the area had been declared uninhabited, but the natives you encountered proved otherwise. Some of their weapons were rudimentary by StarFleet's standards, while others looked confiscated from other unsuspecting visitors.
You were the first to be attacked, by a stab to your left shoulder and blow to the head, then all hell broke loose. The wound in your midsection was caused when you stepped in to defend a fellow crew member. You were relieved when you saw the familiar surroundings of the MedBay, and even more relaxed when Leonard's face appeared. However, you'd have given anything to take away the pain and worry you saw in his eyes as he hovered above you, assessing your injuries.
Gingerly, you felt around on the bed for the call button, not wanting to disturb the doctor sleeping at your side. Your slight movement caused him to lift his head and for his eyes to immediately zero in on yours. A sleepy yet relieved smile graced his face as he slowly reached up with his right hand to cup your cheek. "Hi," he whispered.
"Hi," you whispered back. "How long have I been out?"
"About twelve hours," he answered. "You had me worried there, sweetheart," he murmured. "I thought I wasn't going to get the chance to tell you something very important."
"I'm here now, though. What is it you wanted to tell me?" you asked. You shuffled around in your bed, trying to raise yourself to a more upright position. Leonard saw what you were doing and helped to rearrange the pillows and angle of the bed to where you wanted it.
Leonard returned in his chair and pointed it so that he was gazing directly at you. He brought your hand up to his lips and kissed the back of it. "Ever since Jim handed me your file, I knew there was something special about you. I felt it when we shook hands in that transporter room, and I think you felt it too," he replied.
You nodded. "Felt like electricity shooting up my arm," you smiled.
"Exactly. The more I got to know you through the time we spent together, the more I believed in the idea of a soulmate. I only dared to hope you were mine. I saw the mark behind your ear, so now I know you that are the one I belong with in this life. Even without that, darlin', I fell for you anyway. Your kindness, generosity, your gentle spirit and so many more reasons are why I love you," Leonard remarked.
You could've been knocked back unconscious with a feather. Of all things you thought would happen when you woke up, a love confession from Leonard wasn't anywhere near the list. Although it made you happy to hear that he loved you in return, there was also a part of you that was having doubts.
Leonard mentioned that he'd seen your soulmark, and that he'd fallen for you anyway. Jim knew about the matching marks, and how you wanted Leonard to love you for who you were, not some cosmic tattoo. You'd put your heart on the line once when you asked him to the dance, and it didn't end well. Did you dare take that kind of chance again?
"Sweetheart, please say something," he implored hoarsely.
"Guess this means you owe me a dance?" you replied with a watery smile, as you decided to take the leap. "Len, of course I love you, and not because of some mark put on us by Fate. You are the one I've been searching for, and you're well worth waiting for."
That was all the confirmation Leonard needed, and more. He stood up from his chair and walked around to the left side of your bed. You scooted over a bit to leave room for him to sit on the edge of your mattress. Leonard placed a hand on either side of your face and tilted your head up to meet his gaze. As his left thumb gently caressed your cheek, you latched your hands to his wrists, with your finger tracing over his soulmark.
Leonard leaned his head towards you, tenderly brushing his lips over yours at first, then returning with more passion. His soft yet insistent lips moved with determination, expressing the depth of his emotions for you. When he nipped at your bottom lip, you gasped in surprise, creating the perfect opening for him to slip his tongue in to explore your mouth. Your sweet sound of pleasure that escaped seemed only to spur him on.
The kiss broke before the alarms could be set off on the BioBed for your elevated heart rate or any other escalated vital signs. Leonard leaned back slightly to give himself and you a chance to catch your breaths. He gingerly brushed the hair back from your face and tucked it behind your ear. "So beautiful," he whispered.
"And all yours," you whispered back. Your hand drifted up for your fingers to run through his dark locks, your nails scratching his scalp. The gesture earned you a deep sigh from him and he closed his eyes in contentment. "Have been for a while now, you know," you added. "I love you, Leonard McCoy."
Leonard opened his eyes and smiled softly. "And I'm all yours, my body and soul belongs to you. I love you too, sweetheart," he remarked as he touched his forehead to yours.
The two of you stayed like that, holding each other, until the sound of a throat being cleared broke the silence. Leonard turned his head slightly then rolled his eyes at seeing Capt. Kirk and Cmdr. Spock. The captain wore a look of smug satisfaction at seeing his two friends finally getting together. On the other hand, Spock's face held a look of concern about your recovery from your injuries.
"Guess you can't outrun Fate, can you, Bones?" Kirk crowed. "Seriously, though. I'm happy for you two," he winked.
Spock turned to you. "It would seem that you have received sufficient confirmation of Dr. McCoy's feelings towards you, correct?" he asked.
"Complete confirmation, Spock," you answered. "Did you come to gloat too, or was there something else you needed?" you inquired.
"Vulcans do not gloat. I am merely checking up on the health of one of my team members. It is fortunate that Dr. McCoy was able to successfully treat your injuries and put you on the road to recovery," Spock observed.
"Fortunate indeed," you concurred. Off to the side, you spied Uhura making her way to your bedside under what looked like quite a head of steam.
"I leave you two alone for five minutes, and you're down here causing trouble. Hi there honey, Dr. McCoy," Uhura greeted you and Leonard. Her words to you and Leonard were in direct contrast to those she aimed at Kirk and Spock. "All right, these two need their rest, so off you go. Bye sweetie," she winked. After your friends exited the MedBay, you and Dr. McCoy breathed a sigh of relief.
"Never want to be on her bad side," Leonard quipped. "Alone at last," he murmured, brushing the back of his knuckles on your cheek.
"Just the two of us now," you replied. You shuffled over further in your bed to make room for Leonard. He settled in next to you, curling his arm around you and guiding your head to rest on his shoulder. You slung your arm around his midsection and snuggled into his warm embrace. "Sweet dreams, Len. I love you," you mumbled.
"Goodnight, my love," he whispered, kissing your temple and closing his eyes.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Tags: @marvelouslytrekking @spacedancer1701 @anna-phora @hailbop1701 @writercole @lassie-bird @huffle-pissed @phoenixisred @wayward-dreamer @erindiggory @strangesgirl @dumpsterhippie @genevablog26 @lokis-deares @medicatemedrmccoy​
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pastelitey · 4 months
Text
Solidaritek: Keep You Warm
It's the holidays and between Christmas parties with friends and working through the painfully slow process of moving in together, Jimmy is finally ready to say "I love you" to Tango for the first time. If only he could find the right moment to do it. word count: 6811 pairings: Jimmy/Tango, Implied!Grian/Scar tags: Modern AU, Christmas, Christmas party, Mistletoe, Domestic fluff [ao3 link]
When the holidays arrive, Jimmy and Tango are in the middle of moving in together. They’re eagerly waiting for Tango’s lease to be up in January, and have been steadily moving things from his apartment to Jimmy’s in the meantime. The living room is filled with more moving boxes than Christmas decorations at this point, but neither of them are complaining. With every passing day it becomes more real that they’re actually doing this, that after a certain point Tango will stop ‘spending the night’ and will actually start to call Jimmy’s space his own. It makes Jimmy a little dizzy when he thinks about it.
Jimmy gets home a little after five o’clock on Christmas Eve and immediately gets to work. He pulls ingredients out of the fridge and the cupboards to make soup. While he’s never considered himself a great cook, when compared with Tango’s abilities, he looks like he belongs in a professional kitchen somewhere in Paris. So he ends up cooking most days, but he really doesn’t mind.
While he waits for the stock to heat up on the stove he begins rearranging the boxes in the living room, something he really should have done earlier. Some of Tango’s stuff is already interspersed with Jimmy’s within the apartment, but the majority of it is still stuffed into cardboard boxes to be taken care of at a later date. Tango keeps assuring Jimmy that he’ll get around to it eventually, but every time he comes over to get started on it he ends up distracted by something or other.
As Jimmy’s stirring all the ingredients together in the pot he hears keys jangle in the door. It brings a smile to his face, reminding him of the day not so long ago when he’d given Tango the spare key. Tango’s grin at that moment was like a million suns shining all at once, and Jimmy never wanted to look away.
Tango enters the apartment like he always does; in a whirlwind. He’s muttering something under his breath, keys jangling violently before he throws them on the counter. Jimmy looks over his shoulder, smiling fondly at the man as he kicks the door closed, arms filled with a comically oversized paper grocery bag. He kicks off his shoes and when he sees Jimmy looking, greets him with a smile that never fails to take Jimmy’s breath away.
“Hi, Jim!” Tango says chipperly. He sets the paper bag down on the counter and races around the island to greet him properly, with a kiss. Jimmy steps away from the burner right before Tango barrels into him, latching onto him and kissing the corner of Jimmy’s mouth.
Jimmy’s heart swells as Tango pulls away, arms still wrapped around him. “Hi,” he says back, eyes raking over Tango now that he’s up close. He’s wearing his puffy winter coat that Jimmy always jokes makes him look like a penguin, complete with a fine layer of snow dusted across his shoulders. His nose and cheeks are tinged red from the cold, making him look all the more cuddly. And to top it all off, he’s wearing the terrible beanie Jimmy crocheted for him during his phase of thinking crochet was his new big thing. Needless to say, it absolutely was not, but Tango still wears the black and red beanie religiously.
Jimmy’s heart swells and he wants to say it, to tell Tango right now about the feelings that he’s finally accepted. But Tango pulls away as quickly as he sprang into Jimmy’s arms, and the chance is lost. But that’s okay, Jimmy decides, because when he couldn’t sleep the other night because of it he came to the conclusion that when he was going to tell Tango it needed to be during a special moment. And while practically every moment with Tango is special, Jimmy wants to be able to look back on it fondly instead of cringing at his past self for saying it in the middle of the kitchen.
“Let me take my stuff off and then I’ll help you!” Tango says, already unzipping his coat as he prances towards the bedroom. Jimmy smiles, watching him as he goes, before turning back to the pot on the stove. He’s still smiling to himself like a fool, replaying the moment where he almost said it over and over.
Tango reappears a minute later once his layers have been shucked off, dressed in a simple red sweater and the cargo pants he’s determined are still in good shape. Jimmy puts the lid over the pot and follows Tango over to the island where the paper bag sits.
“Did you get the bread?” Jimmy asks, peering into the contents of the bag. It’s snatched out of view almost immediately by a wide-eyed Tango, who rifles through it and pulls out a smaller, plastic bag. He shoves it behind his back with a cheshire grin, replacing the paper bag on the counter.
“I haven’t wrapped your present yet!” Tango explains, inching his way back towards the bedroom, positioned so that Jimmy can’t see behind him. Once close enough, he dashes into the room, certainly to hide the gift out of sight. Jimmy rolls his eyes fondly and turns back to the paper bag, head swimming with adoration for the man.
They eat their dinner and talk about their days with that yuletide log youtube video looping in the background. Tango got off work early to do some last-minute shopping for his secret santa gift for tomorrow, which Jimmy has been on his case for for the past two weeks. He’s sympathetic when Tango describes how busy the shops were, but ultimately it was worth it when Tango found the perfect item for his secret santa. Although they’ve agreed to keep their secret santa’s identities secret, Jimmy is fairly certain that Tango’s is Grian, based solely off of the fact that it took him so long to even come up with an idea for what to get them.
When their dinner is finished, Tango makes them hot chocolate(one of the only things Jimmy trusts Tango not to burn) and they settle on the couch to watch a cheesy Christmas movie Jimmy loved when he was a kid. The entire time they’re watching he keeps assuring Tango it was better when he was ten years old, which only makes the other man cackle and curl into Jimmy’s side even more. It’s moments like these that are so immensely precious to Jimmy, and he knows he wouldn’t trade any of this for the world.
When the movie is over Jimmy decides it’s time for bed. Tango wants to stay up but Jimmy can see the dark circles growing under his eyes and forces him into some pajamas so they can get to sleep. Most of Tango’s pajamas consist of Jimmy’s casual clothes, which he really doesn’t mind, especially since he likes seeing Tango in his things.
They tuck themselves into bed and even though the bed is big enough for them both to sleep comfortably on their own sides, Tango always insists on curling up to Jimmy like a clingy cat. Jimmy watches the snow fall outside through the window as Tango gets comfy, running his hand absentmindedly through Tango’s hair as he begins to still on top of Jimmy’s chest.
“G’night,” Tango says, his voice rumbly against Jimmy’s diaphragm.
Jimmy smiles, pressing a kiss against Tango’s head as best he can at the awkward angle. “Goodnight.” Another set of words hang on the edge of Jimmy’s tongue, ready to catapult themselves into the space between the two of them and possibly disrupt everything. Maybe right now, curled up in bed with Tango’s head on Jimmy’s chest on Christmas Eve, it would be the perfect time to say it. Years down the line they could reminisce on Jimmy’s perfect timing and laugh fondly about it.
But he takes too long to think about it and Tango is already out like a light, snoring softly. Jimmy shakes his head affectionately at the other man, pulling him closer and closing his eyes, thinking I love you as sleep whisks him away.
~ ~ ~
When the morning arrives and Jimmy wakes up, it’s to the early morning winter light filtering in through the window and to the smell of something delicious wafting in through the open bedroom door. Jimmy stretches his arms as he registers Tango is not in bed, and begins wondering what Tango is up to in the kitchen. He doesn’t smell anything burning yet, so there’s still hope.
When he peels himself out of the warm bed, he puts on his bunny slippers(a gift from Tango once the weather started turning) and carefully makes his way to the kitchen. He tries to make his steps as loud as possible, knowing how easily Tango can startle when he’s focused on something. Thankfully as soon as he rounds the corner Tango is greeting him with that gorgeous smile of his and some sort of frosting or food coloring on his face.
“Morning!” Tango greets cheerfully. “I’m making pancakes!”
Jimmy hums softly, walking over and surveying the accumulating mess on the counters and stovetop. “So that’s what I could smell.” He plants a kiss on Tango’s cheek, nuzzling into him and enjoying his warmth.
“Don’t worry, I have the stove turned down so I don’t burn them this time.” Tango flips an artificially colored green pancake onto the only Christmas themed plate Jimmy owns, holding it up to Jimmy. “Look, Christmas trees!”
Jimmy looks down at the unfortunately shaped blob that kind of resembles a tree, more in color than shape. Jimmy can’t help but crack a smile, but manages to hold back a laugh.
“Is that what it’s supposed to be?”
Tango rolls his eyes. “Uh, yeah! I also made some in the shape of stockings, but they look more like candy canes, just without the stripes.” He dances off to the island with the plate in hand, where he adds the Christmas tree pancake to a growing pile of the breakfast treats. Jimmy has to admit that Tango is decent at making pancakes, for whatever reason. Even if he makes a mess of the kitchen while doing so, Jimmy has no reservations against allowing Tango to take the reins when he decides he wants pancakes.
He turns off the burner when Tango forgets to and they clean up the mess of pancake batter and food dye together. Tango makes Jimmy admire his pancake creations before they eat them, and Jimmy has to give praise to each individual pancake before they can even take the syrup out of the cupboard. It’s worth it, in the end, when Tango kisses Jimmy as a little prize and Jimmy feels like he’s floating.
He wipes the pancake batter and flour off of Tango’s chin after some resistance and he feels the words rise up in his throat again, but manages to keep them down.
After they eat their Christmas themed pancakes, Jimmy has to brush his teeth feverishly to get some of the food dye off, and then after that it’s time for presents.
Jimmy is quite proud of his present for Tango. He’d been planning it for a while, as he first saw Tango ogling it through a shop window back at the beginning of September. It’s a multi-tool kit with lots of bits and bobs that Jimmy is sure would come in handy with some of Tango’s projects that he likes to work on. He even made sure he got the red one, Tango’s favorite color. He bought one of those little gift boxes people usually put jewelry in with a little custom tag and he even googled a calligraphy website to put Tango’s name on it and make it extra special.
It’s all worth it, too, because when Tango opens the box he practically starts bouncing off the walls. Jimmy’s face is peppered with kisses and he gets to hear Tango’s little ramblings about how much he loves it, which makes Jimmy only grow more affectionate for him. Thankfully before he can even start to consider telling Tango the thing he’s been dying to tell him, Tango is shoving his gift into Jimmy’s lap.
Giddy, Jimmy opens the gift bag and pulls out an immense amount of tissue paper. At the bottom of the bag, wrapped in one last layer of tissue paper, is a fuzzy, blue and red sweater. Jimmy smiles as he holds it up, but the smile disappears once he sees what’s on the front of it.
“It’s Captain America!” Tango says, snickering to himself.
Jimmy gives Tango an unimpressed look. “I can see that.”
As Tango begins laughing, Jimmy just shakes his head affectionately. It really is a nice sweater, save for the tacky image of the patriotic superhero that’s stuck to the front of it. He begins wondering if he can use a pair of scissors or something to take it off, but then Tango might be upset, so he better not.
“Did you just buy this for me so you can steal it from me?” Jimmy asks with a raised eyebrow. Tango knows that Jimmy loves his sweaters, but Jimmy knows that Tango loves to steal said sweaters.
Tango, looking quite pleased with himself, shakes his head. “No, actually.” He pulls something out from behind his back, and soon Jimmy is gaping at the red and yellow sweater displayed before him. “I got a matching one for myself!”
Tango’s sweater has Iron Man plastered on the middle of it instead of Captain America, but the pattern is the same. Jimmy puts his head in his hands as Tango laughs, but at least he’s enjoying himself.
“I can’t believe you,” Jimmy says, face flushing a deep red color. He never should have told Tango about the Captain America knock-off avatar he used for all the old games he used to play.
“I figured we could wear them to the party, so everyone knows we came together!” Tango explains with a grin, already pulling his sweater over top of his pajama shirt.
Jimmy pouts at Tango goodnaturedly. “Everyone already knows we’re coming together.”
“Please?” Tango says, leaning close with his hands clasped in front of him.
Jimmy looks over his sweater one last time and rolls his eyes. “Of course I’m going to wear it.” He gives Tango a quick peck on the lips, holding the sweater close to his chest. “Thank you.”
It hadn’t been what he was expecting, but it really is sweet. Jimmy could care less about the worth or practicality of whatever gift he received, all that mattered to Jimmy was the thought behind it. And yeah, it would certainly be embarrassing to wear to the Christmas party, but at least Tango would be wearing a matching one beside him.
And just the thought of matching with Tango—visually showing off to all their friends that they’re together—makes Jimmy happier than ever.
~ ~ ~
Thanks to the terrible traffic and the winter roads, Jimmy and Tango end up being some of the last few people to arrive at the party. After finding a parking spot, Jimmy carries the sweet potato casserole he cooked up while Tango’s in charge of carrying the secret santa gifts. The sun is already going down as they approach the front door, warm lighting emanating from the windows of Grian’s home. Thankfully the walkway has been cleared so they make it to the front door in one piece.
Just as Jimmy raises a hand to knock on the door, it swings open and someone plucks the glass pan right out of his arms. “Thank you!” Grian cheers with a devilish grin, before slamming the door on them. Jimmy takes a second to comprehend what just happened as he hears Grian shout about the arrival of the sweet potatoes followed by hearty laughter from the other partygoers.
“Did he just do what I think he just did?” Tango says, giggling despite Jimmy’s unimpressed expression.
“He did,” Jimmy grits out. He knocks on the door properly this time, despite not hearing Grian lock it behind himself. Jimmy imagines Grian must be getting a kick out of himself right now.
When the door opens the second time, Scar is standing in the doorway. “Well hello there! Glad to see you two could finally make it!” He ushers them inside the warm house and Jimmy is immediately overwhelmed by the smell of good food ruminating throughout the place.
“Thanks for letting us in!” Jimmy says with a shake of his head, pulling off his coat before helping Tango to do the same.
“Not a problem!” Scar says with an easy smile. Jimmy feels slightly less silly about what he and Tango are wearing when he sees the obnoxiously bright Christmas cat sweater Scar is currently donning, complete with little blinking lights and golden pom-poms. He looks like a walking Christmas tree that someone’s got their cat stuck in.
“Where’s the gift table?” Tango asks, spinning around as they survey the unfolding festivities. It seems like everyone else has arrived already, with Cleo, Ren and Martyn gossiping on one end of the couch, Gem and Bdubs fighting over control of the speaker and what Christmas song to play, Joel and Lizzie splayed out on the carpet and playing with the dog—wait, whose dog is that?—and even more voices coming from the kitchen.
“Gift table is in the dining room, I can take them for—Oh. My. Gosh.” Scar’s jaw drops and his eyes physically light up, and it takes Jimmy a second to register what’s going on. “Are those Marvel Christmas sweaters I see?”
Tango beams with pride. “Mm-hm! Check them out!”
Jimmy tries not to die of embarrassment as Scar oohs and ahs at their sweaters. Tango, on the other hand, seems very pleased with himself and is currently getting a kick out of how red Jimmy’s face is right now.
“Those are absolutely amayzin’!” Scar’s grin quickly melts into a pout. “I wish Grian would have done matching sweaters with me.”
“Speaking of Grian!” Jimmy says, peeking around Scar and towards the kitchen. “I need to figure out what he did with our potatoes!” He ducks around Scar but when he turns to ask Tango if he’s coming, Scar already has an arm slung around his shoulder and is pestering him about his favorite Iron Man movie. He decides to leave Tango to it as payback for making them wear the ridiculous sweaters in the first place. Tango should have known Scar was going to lose his mind over them.
Unlike Jimmy’s apartment, Grian’s house is decorated head-to-toe with Christmas paraphernalia. There’s a tree set up in practically every room, festive wall hangings strung about and those little Christmas village figurines decorating every available surface. Jimmy makes sure to keep an eye above him every time he passes under a doorway just in case Grian decided to break out the mistletoe again.
For every single holiday season that Jimmy has known Grian, he’s always thrown parties for them and their friends to celebrate. And Grian, being the cheeky little prankster he is, used to hang up a fake mistletoe in a random doorway and not tell people about it until two people were under it. He loved watching everyone awkwardly dart around it the whole time and calling people out if they wound up under it with another person, to everyone else’s dismay. But the fun came to an end when last year Grian and Scar wound up under it and he immediately ripped it off and declared there would be ‘no more mistletoe’. So even though Jimmy has no idea if Grian put it back up this year, he’s going to keep being cautious about it.
When Jimmy gets to the kitchen it’s bustling with activity. Skizz and BigB are at the counter sneaking popcorn and chocolates out of the treat bowls while Impulse tries to fend them off, claiming they’ll ‘ruin their appetites’, while Pearl and Mumbo are helping Grian get everything set up for dinner.
Mumbo is the first to spot Jimmy, greeting him with a smile. “Jimmy! Welcome in, bud.”
“Hi Jimmy!” Pearl says, running from one end of the kitchen to the other with a steaming tray in hand.
Grian narrows his gaze at Jimmy from over his shoulder. “Alright, who let this guy in?”
“You invited me,” Jimmy says, planting his hands on his hips. “Now what have you done with my potatoes?”
“Oh, are those yours?” Mumbo says, looking down at the exact dish Jimmy just had stolen from him two minutes ago. “I was wondering where they came from.”
Jimmy huffs. “He just took my potatoes and left me on the doorstep, shivering in the cold!”
Pearl gasps, affronted. “Grian, how could you do that to poor Jimmy?”
“You can’t just make off with someone else’s potatoes, G,” Mumbo says, shaking his head.
Grian rolls his eyes as he dusts off his hands. “I did nothing of the sort—what on earth are you wearing?”
All eyes turn to Jimmy and he feels the room gets ten times warmer.
“That’s… definitely something,” Mumbo says.
Jimmy crosses his arms against his chest, attempting to hide the decal of Captain America. “It’s just a sweater, I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Tango’s got a matching one.” Jimmy spins around to see Joel standing just behind him, looking smug as he eats directly from a bag of chex cereal.
“Joel!” Pearl cries, snatching the bag of cereal out of his hands. “Those are for the muddy buddies!”
Grian starts giggling which only makes Jimmy’s face heat up even more. “Oh, this I’ve got to see!” He darts out of the kitchen before Jimmy can stop him, telling Pearl to keep an eye on the oven for him.
“Oh my gosh, this is so embarrassing,” Jimmy says, hiding his face behind his hands.
Mumbo pats him on the shoulder. “Cheer up, mate! You should have seen the sweater Scar tried to get Grian to wear.” That does not make Jimmy feel any better, seeing as Grian isn’t wearing the silly sweater but Jimmy is.
Despite the fact that Jimmy is wearing the sweater for Tango, he still feels properly flustered about it, especially upon seeing everyone else’s reaction to it.
Impulse walks into the kitchen balancing multiple different bowls of snacks, probably to get them away from Skizz and BigB. He lights up when he sees Jimmy’s sweater. “Hey, I’m glad I’m not the only one who wore a silly Christmas sweater!” Impulse’s is a more classic Christmas sweater, complete with Santa’s sleigh and the eight reindeer, but it’s not nearly as absurd as Jimmy’s.
Joel snickers and Jimmy has half a mind to slap his hand over his friend’s mouth. “You should see the one Tango’s got on, Impulse.”
“Oh?” Impulse says, an eyebrow raised in amusement.
“What’s Top wearing?” Skizz asks, popping his head into the kitchen.
“Joel!” Jimmy groans as the two dart off, surely to find Tango so they can pick on Jimmy even more. Jimmy turns and glowers at Joel, who just shrugs in response. “You are the absolute worst.”
Joel grabs a chocolate out of the snack bowl Impulse has newly relocated. “You make it too easy, sometimes, Jim.” Jimmy tries to pretend he’s not listening by watching Pearl stir the soup on top of the stove. “You must really love him if you’re willing to wear that stupid sweater for him.”
Jimmy stiffens up at that. Out of all the things Joel could have said, why that? He can’t have known about Jimmy’s internal struggle with that exact word, right?
Jimmy just deflects from Joel’s statement and attempts to busy himself by helping with the dinner preparations, deciding that it’s going to be a long night.
~ ~ ~
Once everyone else has gotten over the hysterics of Jimmy and Tango’s matching sweaters, the party goes pretty smoothly. They have dinner and there’s barely enough room for them all at the table because of how much food there is, and because Grian’s table was certainly not meant for so many people to be eating at. But it’s nice and cozy even when they’re all squished up next to each other. Jimmy’s sweet potatoes seem to be a big hit, even if Joel and Grian keep denying that they were Jimmy’s doing.
After that it’s time for secret santa presents and Jimmy sits on one end of the couch with Tango pressed into his side. He hadn’t expected it to take so long to go around the circle and dish out all the presents, but considering how many of them were involved in it, he decides that he should have seen it coming. Gem gifts Jimmy an adorable cat calendar and Ren seems to be a big fan of the retro aviators that Jimmy thrifted for him. And Jimmy was correct in assuming Tango had Grian, and Grian’s reaction to the gag gift is absolutely priceless.
There’s a bit of downtime before the next activity wherein Impulse and Skizz attempt to convince Jimmy to come play hockey with them. Normally Jimmy would be happy to come along to an activity with some of Tango’s friends, but he’s seen how these guys play hockey, and it’s no joke. Jimmy came along to watch one of Tango’s last games and he swears he’s never seen the three friends ever get so competitive. But he has to admit, Tango does look good when he plays. Really good. So maybe it’s not a good idea for him to join them, he might just get too distracted by his boyfriend and make them lose the game.
“What were you guys talking about?” Tango asks as he rejoins Jimmy a few minutes later, holding two glasses of sparkling cider. He offers one to Jimmy who takes it gratefully and tries not to get lost in Tango’s eyes before he can answer his question.
Jimmy shrugs and raises his glass. “Oh, nothing. They just were trying to get me to join you guys at hockey.”
Tango’s eyes light up and Jimmy already knows he’s a doomed man. “Oh, Jimmy! You totally should, it would be so much fun!”
He rolls his eyes playfully. “I dunno, Tango, I don’t think I’m a hockey guy.” It’s true, but it’s also because his infatuation with Tango will be a huge detriment to the both of them. And he’d never hear the end of it from Tango and their friends if something like that happened while they were on the ice.
“Timmy playing hockey? Now I’d like to see that!” Martyn chuckles as he walks by, a plate of apple pie in hand.
“Martyn’s just jealous ‘cause you’d beat him,” Tango says, voice lowered as he snakes a hand up Jimmy’s chest. Jimmy’s head goes fuzzy as he feels those words dancing on the tip of his tongue again.
Martyn blows a raspberry as he walks away to join a conversation with Scott. “Not a chance, Captain!”
“Get a room, you two,” Scott says with a self-satisfied smirk. Jimmy shakes his head as Tango pulls away from him, frowning. They both know it’s only playful joking, but sometimes it is bothersome when their friends ruin a moment.
Jimmy pats Tango’s shoulder. “How about some apple pie, huh?”
The glimmer returns to Tango’s expression. “Ooh, yes please!”
“Be right back!” Jimmy hands his glass to Tango and makes his way to the kitchen, passing by Cleo and Etho who are cooing over the dog in Pearl’s arms—must be Pearl’s dog, then. Lizzie and Joel are in the kitchen already, sampling the different desserts that have been provided. Jimmy keeps his eyes for the apple pie that he’d seen on Martyn’s plate, only he doesn’t spot it amongst the puddings and plates of cookies.
“Right, who ate all the apple pie?” Jimmy says, going as far as to open the fridge to check for it.
Lizzie looks around with her lips pressed into a thin line. “It looks like it disappeared! I think we need a real hero to figure out who took it!”
Jimmy shakes his head. “Right.” He grabs two paper plates and puts a cookie on each of them, making his way back out to the living room to Tango, only to find everyone grouped up and laughing about something. Jimmy almost wonders if he’s going to find out he’s the butt of another joke, until he realizes that Grian seems to be at the middle of all the fun.
When Jimmy gets up to the clumping of people, he finally gets a look at what they’re all laughing about. Grian’s face is just about as red as the fuzzy sweater he’s suddenly sporting, complete with little photorealistic cats decorating a Christmas tree with working, blinking lights. Scar stands just off to the side in his similar sweater, absolutely beaming.
“Aw, Grian!” Jimmy coos, “you look so cute!”
Grian crosses his arms across his chest, possibly to hide the ugly sweater. “This is all your fault, Tim!”
Scar slides an arm around Grian’s shoulder so that they’re side by side and their sweaters can be admired as they were meant to be—together. “Don’t we look wonderful, Grian? I’m so glad you finally agreed to wear the sweater!”
“Oh, me too!” Pearl says, brandishing her phone and snapping plenty of pictures. Grian tries to grab the phone out of her grasp but she dances away in time, and so begins a stand-off between the two. Jimmy steps away from the chaos, desperately attempting not to drop the frosted cookies onto the nice, clean carpet.
“Told you it wouldn’t be so bad.” Tango takes one of the plates from Jimmy and smiles up at him before taking a bite, keeping eye contact with Jimmy the whole time.
Jimmy wraps an arm around Tango’s side and pulls him close, all the while watching Grian try to unlock Pearl’s phone to distract himself from saying something prematurely. “I guess not.”
It was worth wearing the silly Captain America sweater to see Grian get his own comeuppance, but that doesn’t matter to Jimmy in the long run. It’s making Tango happy, so what’s the harm there?
~ ~ ~
When the party begins fizzling out and people start heading home for the night, Jimmy and Tango offer to stay behind and help clean up. Jimmy doesn’t really mind all that much, and it seems like Grian appreciates the help.
“This thing is so itchy,” Grian complains, scratching at his arms and sides through his sweater. “I don’t know how Scar puts up with it.”
Jimmy shrugs, scrubbing the food grime off the last plate in the sink. “Have you considered that maybe it’s ‘cause he wanted to match with you?”
Grian goes quiet so Jimmy glances at him from over his shoulder. The dirty-blonde has gone still at the other end of the counter, wet rag in hand and a contemplative look on his face.
“I can’t see why he’d want to do that.” Grian shakes his head in disbelief. “Maybe he just enjoys looking ridiculous.”
Jimmy dries off his hands and gives a hearty sigh. He can try and help Grian get over some of the embarrassment related to the cat sweater, but he can’t coach Grian through realizing some of the unspoken feelings between him and Scar. It seems to be obvious to everyone but the two of them, so much so that Jimmy has even caught wind of Scott and Martyn making bets on how long it will be before one of them breaks.
“Anything else you need help with?” Jimmy asks, surveying the freshly cleaned kitchen. The dishes are done, the counters are wiped off and the leftovers have already been divvied up, so it seems like the kitchen may be good-to-go.
“You can see if Joel and Lizzie want some help taking down the decorations in the entryway,” Grian offers. Jimmy nods and heads off to the entryway, a bit baffled at how quickly Grian is to take down all the festive decorations. He’s always been a firm believer in leaving them up at least until New Years.
But Joel and Lizzie have the decorations in the entrance handled, and Scar and Mumbo are almost done with cleaning up the dining room, so it appears that it might be time for Jimmy to head home. He just has to find Tango, first, since he hasn’t seen the man since he started helping Grian in the kitchen.
He’s making sure he’s got all his things together when Tango comes into the living room, rather excitably, telling from the grin on his face.
“Jimmy!” Tango says cheerfully. It makes Jimmy’s heart throb with how excited he gets seeing Jimmy, even though they see each other practically everyday.
“Everything is all cleaned up,” Jimmy says, grabbing his coat. “You about ready to go?”
Tango rushes forward and grabs Jimmy’s coat from him. “Hold that thought! There’s something I want to show you.”
Jimmy quirks an eyebrow. “Oh?”
That’s all he gets to say before Tango’s dragging him through the house. Jimmy isn’t paying much attention to where they’re going, mostly baffled at Tango’s behavior. It’s not until they get to the hallway that Jimmy knows leads to the basement where Tango finally stops. He doesn’t bother to turn the light on, just looking up at Jimmy with a cheshire grin.
“You gonna tell me what we’re doing in this corner of the house?” Jimmy asks, looking to his left and right for an indicator to explain Tango’s strange behavior.
Tango just giggles in response, before taking a step closer to Jimmy and pointing upwards.
It hits Jimmy before he even looks up and sees the plastic plant tacked up on the ceiling.
“Holy moly.” Jimmy hides his face in his hands as Tango’s giggles become louder and more delighted. “I completely forgot about the mistletoe after everything that’s been happening tonight!”
“I’ve been looking for it all night!”
He pulls his hands away from his face, jaw slack with surprise. “I thought Grian swore he wasn’t going to put it up after what happened last year?”
Tango shrugs. “Guess he changed his mind.”
“That would explain why he put it in such a hidden location.”
Tango hums, looking up at Jimmy with a coy smile. “Still waiting on that kiss.”
Jimmy smiles, already leaning in. “Right.”
His eyes flutter shut instantly, their lips meeting with a practiced ease. Jimmy relishes in the feeling of finally having a private moment with Tango. Away from prying eyes, he allows himself to melt into Tango’s embrace, adjusting the angle of his head as Tango’s hand cups the back of his neck.
Jimmy can’t help but smile into the kiss, his hands instinctively framing either side of Tango’s waist. His thumbs travel below the hemline of Tango’s Iron Man sweater and press against his skin, which elicits a huffy laugh out of Tango at the sensation. Jimmy’s heart soars the longer the kiss goes on, the gentle yet firm slide of lips making his head swim with affection.
All Jimmy can think right now is I love you, I love you, I love you. He might just implode on himself if he holds it in any longer, so he makes up his mind—he’s going to say it right now.
Tango laughs affectionately when they part, his warm breath ghosting over Jimmy’s lips and sending shivers down his spine. Tango’s thumb traces the curve of Jimmy’s cheekbone delicately and the most accurate way he can describe how Tango is looking at him right now is as if Jimmy hung the moon and the stars for him. Jimmy is absolutely, positively smitten.
He loosens his grip on Tango’s waist and opens his mouth to finally say it, but someone else turns the corner before he can form the words.
“Hey Jim, Grian wants you to take home some of that fruitcake Cleo brought—” Joel freezes once he realizes he’s walked in on them, and Jimmy levels him with an unimpressed look. But Joel doesn’t even begin to muster out an apology, because once he spots the decor in the doorway above them, he’s running off to tell Grian that someone finally found the mistletoe.
Tango groans, canting forward and burying his face in Jimmy’s chest. “We can’t have one moment without being interrupted, can we?” He looks back up at Jimmy with that signature smile of his and Jimmy absolutely melts.
“I love you,” he says before he can stop himself. The words slip past his teeth easily, like second nature. They’re monumental and carry so much weight, yet Jimmy doesn’t shy away from the admission. He’s been dying to tell Tango this for so long that finally getting it out there is a weight lifted off his shoulders.
Tango’s chest rumbles against Jimmy's with the soft murmur of a laugh. “I love you, too.”
Tango goes to kiss Jimmy again but Jimmy stops him, gently pushing on his chest to put some space between them. Tango looks up at him with a sudden confusion painted on his expression, but Jimmy just stares at him.
“No, Tango,” he says, insistent, “I love you.” He says it more forcefully this time, like it will make Tango understand that he really, truly means it.
Tango cocks his head, brow still furrowed like he doesn’t know what Jimmy’s playing at. “Yeah, and I love you, too.”
Jimmy stares, slack-jawed and mortified. “That's not— I don’t—” He groans in frustration, burying his reddening face in his hands. Why is Tango acting so nonchalant about this? It’s a huge deal to Jimmy!
“What? What’s the face for?” Tango asks, worry wrought in his tone. He gently places his hands on Jimmy’s arms and it only makes the affection Jimmy holds for him grow.
Jimmy huffs, pulling his hands away from his face yet avoiding Tango’s gaze. “I’ve been trying to figure out how to tell you that all day, working myself up to it and finding the perfect moment and—” He shrugs flippantly, feeling his face become warmer and warmer. When he looks at Tango, his hands are over his mouth and his eyes are wide in shock, like he’s realized what he’s just done.
“Oh no,” Tango says with a giggle. “Really?” Jimmy nods, embarrassed out of his mind. Tango practically shrieks with laughter, coming closer and linking his hands behind Jimmy’s neck. “You’re adorable, Jimmy.” He goes up on his tip-toes and begins aggressively peppering Jimmy’s face with kisses.
Jimmy fights back the giggles but is ultimately unable to hold them back. “Stop it, stop it.” Tango starts giggling too and nearly loses his balance and knocks them both over, but Jimmy is able to right the both of them before they hit the floor. They’re only laughing harder now, and holding the other close. Jimmy revels in the closeness of their embrace, and the fact that he finally said it, and got a positive response. But, against his better nature, Jimmy doesn’t quite feel convinced just yet.
“You didn’t say it just because I did?” Jimmy asks, pulling away from the embrace so that he can look Tango in the eyes. “I’m not trying to pressure you or anything, I swear.”
Tango stares up at him with a blank expression. “Are you kidding?” he asks, deadpan. Jimmy shakes his head, genuinely worried for the answer. It comes in the form of Tango grabbing him by the side of his face and grinning from ear-to-ear. “I’m crazy about you! Hello? Matching sweaters, the mistletoe, the fact that we’re literally moving in together?”
Jimmy laughs as Tango jostles his cranium around. “Okay, okay! I got it.”
Tango smiles contentedly, hands now traveling down Jimmy’s chest. “And don’t you forget it.”
As if slotting into place, Jimmy ducks down and fits his lips against Tango’s. This kiss is gentle and slow, timed perfectly to the steady beating of Jimmy’s heart. He feels lighter, and his chest is filled with the warmth of knowing that he is loved by the very same man he is in love with. He grips the fabric of Tango’s sweater, smiling through the kiss at the romantic nature of their matching sweaters. They’re reminders that Jimmy will always have a piece of Tango with him, and the same for Tango.
Tango breaks the kiss just long enough to mumble against Jimmy’s lips, “I love you.”
And Jimmy smiles, heart full and more happy than in his wildest dreams. He pulls Tango as close to him as humanly possible, because he can never get enough of him. “I love you, too.”
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