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jedifarmerr · 1 month

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Untimely - Joel Miller x F!Reader/OFC (AFAB).

Summary: Joel might have a little crush on his business partner, but it’s no big deal - really.

This can be read as either pre-canon or AU. Reader has a nickname, but physical description is a blank slate

Rating: E (18+ no minors)

Warnings/Tags: Joel’s POV, readers dad used to be Joel’s boss, discussion of absent parents (not reader), very minor discussion of parental death (again not reader), Joel is kinda awkward when it comes to dating, workplace relationship but without power dynamics, squint and you’ll find an age gap (no exact age is stated but she does have a college degree), pining and lots of it, denial of feelings and all that good stuff, and smut in general. I’m not gonna tag everything or this would get way too long but consent is clearly stated and does not have any major triggers (to my knowledge, but let me know if you catch something).

Word Count: 23,000. This was supposed to be a short one-shot, but got out of control. Oops. This is separated into two parts on AO3

Note: I’m back!! I know it’s been a hot minute, but I’m very very excited and very very nervous to share what I’ve been working on in my absence. But here it is!

---

The first full week of September, and Austin was deadlocked in a nasty heatwave.

Days like this made Joel wish he’d chosen a job that involved a roof over his head – or maybe just a little shade. Anything would be better than being crushed under the weight of the cruel Texas sun as it poured down through the bare-bone house. Still, Joel hammered his way through it. Even as the sun baked his scalp and covered every inch of his skin in sweat.

Joel flapped his shirt to dry the cotton sticking to his chest like silicone glue. His walk was more so a waddle, which was honestly his fault for wearing jeans. The denim chafed against his thighs while combing the work site for any loose supplies. All he wanted to do was hop into his work truck, blast the air conditioning and leave, but instead he diligently checked between every wooden beam and around every corner. Despite the lack of drywall leaving barely any hiding spots, it was insane how often Tommy forgot a power drill behind a tub of paint or cement.

Or somewhere else incredibly stupid.

Nothing major today, though. Just a few nails that jingled around in his tool belt as he stepped out onto the future front porch, immediately spotting Tommy. Kinda hard to miss with his big ass head poking out the driver side window while puffing on his daily post-work Marlboro.

“The engine was making that funny noise again,” Tommy claimed, his voice echoing across the dirt lawns and unpaved driveways of the brand new subdivision.

Joel walked past the rusty-white hood, but heard nothing other than the usual ancient roar. There was the radio in the cab playing Foolish Games by Jewel – a favorite of Sarah’s.

“Funny noise, huh?” He eyed Tommy with blatant skepticism before slumping into the dusty cloth seat with a thunk. “Well, sounds like it’s fixed now.”

“Oh yeah good as new.” Tommy burned the soul from his cigarette, then chucked the butt out the window. “This thing’s gotta be what - 10? 15 years old?”

“Something like that.” Joel didn’t know off the top of his head. The truck had been a part of the company even longer than him, meaning it had to be somewhere closer to 15 than 10. From what he could recall it’d been a few years off mint condition even when Danny first hired him.

“Then, how the hell is it still running?”

“Danny’s a smart man who didn’t buy a shitty Chevy,” Joel lightheartedly jabbed at his little brother – a self-proclaimed Chevrolet man, but only because of his buddies. “He knew that Ford was better - built tough.”

“Well, ain’t lookin’ too tough now,” Tommy pointed out and Joel shrugged.

As long as the truck got him from one place to the next, he didn’t care if it was taped together by spit and gorilla glue. He knew for a fact Tommy wouldn’t complain either if a new one was coming out of his wallet instead.

Tommy threw the truck into reverse. “I’m telling you now, you’re gonna regret not buying a new one sooner.”

“What are you gonna do?” Joel snorted. “Put some sugar in the gas tank?”

“I don’t have to sabotage this piece of shit - it’ll crap out on its own soon enough,” Tommy said. “Hell, it could even happen today.”

“Better not,” Joel grumbled, but otherwise went quiet. He didn’t know why Tommy had to put that idea in his head. Sarah was waiting for him at the shop. He couldn’t imagine a worse day for the truck to break down.

For a mile or so, Joel sat on the edge of his seat, carefully listening to the bumps and groans – typical for a truck around Sarah’s age. The engine rattled as Tommy merged onto Highway 183, but it always did when accelerating. He swore it did.

Whatever – enough.

There was paperwork to do. Today’s timesheets were in the glovebox, only halfway complete. So, he pulled out the folder and set to work. At least it offered a distraction from the brakes screeching like a horde of bats during rush hour traffic.

“Did you ever hear from the concrete guys?” Tommy turned down an obnoxiously loud ad for a car dealership in town.

Grunting, he curtly nodded. His pen found Harry’s Concrete at the bottom of the sheet and promptly scratched it out with scathing red ink. Just seeing their name triggered a sour taste in his mouth.

He was used to the concrete guys being flaky, but not like this. These last couple months had been like dandruff in the winter. Brutal. Today, the bastards didn’t even have the balls to call until after lunch. No excuse, either.

“Third day in a row,” Tommy just had to say, as if he needed a nudge. “In my opinion - I think it’s time to hire somebody else.”

“Well, you know who to share that opinion with, and it ain’t me,” Joel chided – annoyed. It drove him crazy how often Tommy needed to be reminded of simple things, like what Joel’s role in the business entailed. For God sake – it’d been over a year now since he became a partner in the company.

Joel could initially understand the confusion. After all, Danny had run the business as a one-man show and everyone, including Joel, thought his daughter would fully take over once he retired. Danny had always said that was the plan anyway, and even named the place: Teddy’s Company.

Originally, Joel had thought Teddy was her real name until three years ago when he finally got the chance to meet her. But how was he supposed to know when Danny never called her by anything else? It wasn’t like Joel had known much about her back then either, and what little he did came from Danny’s vague and blue-moon updates.

College is going well.

Her new job’s treating her good.

She moved into a new place, seems to like it.

Short – brief. Some people probably thought Danny was being crusty but that wasn’t the case. No, Danny was never rude or mean, just quiet. A man of few words who on his more mute days could even make Joel look chatty.

Before meeting her, Joel used to wonder what she’d be like. His future boss. There was a mystery around her that made her seem almost mythical, an enigma. She was like Willy Wonka with her name plastered all over the place: on his shirts, the side of the truck, front and center of the shop. But Joel had no idea who she was.

Even with a gun to his head, he couldn’t have picked her out of a crowd. Or even a line-up. The only picture he’d seen of her was in a popsicle frame on Danny’s otherwise bare desk: The two of them at a petting zoo where she couldn’t be older than six.

Without much to go by, Joel had simply assumed that she would look and act, at least somewhat similar to her dad. He’d built Teddy up in his mind as a strong, burly woman who was gruff around the edges. Someone with a sailor’s mouth and stubby fingernails embedded with dirt and grit and grout.

Instead, they were fake and baby pink. She looked like she had never changed a tire in her whole life.

She probably hadn’t, but she was without a doubt smarter than Tommy and him combined. A graduate from some fancy university in California with an equally fancy business degree. Charming with a nice, smooth voice perfect for sales. If she went to a random street corner to sell bags of cow manure she could sucker anyone, even him, into waiting in line to buy one.

She was down-right impressive. Finances, pitches, and permits, she could do it all. However, the other side of the business – the manual labor, a little more dirty.

Joel had not a doubt in his mind that she had the ability to learn it, but did she want to?

Hell no.

For one, she had this irrational fear over being electrocuted. Back before Danny retired and she first started working at the front desk, Joel had walked in on her changing out a lightbulb, and you would’ve thought a snake had popped out of the ceiling. He’d mistaken it for a fear of heights until a few months back when Sarah refused to let him shower during a rainstorm. Sarah had looked hysterical using her lanky-arms to body-block the stairs, warning him that he’d get fried if he went up there.

“Don’t you know dad, lightning can travel through plumbing? Teddy was telling me all about it today.”

Joel didn’t have a clue where that particular fear stemmed from, but her vendetta against attics, now that he could understand. After all, she’d probably still be in California if not for her dad’s accident.

It was never Danny’s plan to retire so early. Despite the appointments and constant physical therapy, it’d still caught Joel by surprise, though not as much as Teddy’s offer to run the business alongside her. Together. 50/50. Sure, it came with this boring paperwork, but a bigger paycheck as well. Only a fool would’ve turned that down.

Besides, promotion or not – he would’ve stayed and worked for her, regardless.

—

Back at the shop, Joel would usually help Tommy unload the truck, but not today.

Instead, Joel tucked the file under his arm, hung his tool belt on the rack, then made his way through the garage. He entered through the back door, letting it slam behind him. The cool air greeted him, tingling his tacky skin and he shivered.

The vents rumbled inside the white hallway walls, echoing around the shop. Along with two voices coming from the lobby. When he heard Teddy’s laugh, he ran a quick hand through his hair, fixing the damp strands away from his forehead.

He rounded the corner and Teddy was at her desk. Everything from her neck down was cut-off by the high-glass counter, making her look like a floating head. A very nice-looking floating head or a nice head to look at or -

Whatever.

She was smiling at him – that same honey-golden smile that welcomed him every morning. The same smile he wished was here to welcome him every evening, as well. But with how late he worked most days, it was a hit or miss. He could never guarantee she would still be here, except on the days with Sarah.

“You’re late,” Sarah said before he could even say hi.

Joel glanced at the clock above the front door. 5:45. 15 minutes.

“Barely.” Anything less than thirty was a win in his book. It didn’t matter that Teddy chose to stick around and keep Sarah company, he wouldn’t push it. She was his business partner – not a babysitter.

“Still late.” Sarah stepped away from Teddy’s desk with her arms crossed menacingly over her chest. If not for the twitch of her lips, she would’ve appeared deadly serious. The girl never could keep a straight face though for more than a second.

“Let me guess, you’ll forgive me if we can get McDonald’s on the way home?”

Bingo. Sarah tapped on the tip of her nose and Joel huffed a laugh.

“Well, Uncle Tommy drove, but we can ask-”

“We?” Sarah looked at him like he was crazy before shaking her head. “I think I’ll handle this one on my own.”

“What’re you trying to say?” He asked and her lips curved into a half-cocky, half-play smirk that screamed teenage girl. A stage of life he felt rather unprepared for, even more so than diapers and potty training and 6th grade math. The teenage years were bound to be harder than statistics and exponents and long division.

“Come on, dad. When has Uncle Tommy ever said no to this?” She showed off her best puppy dog eyes and alright – yeah, poor Tommy didn’t stand a chance.

But Joel didn’t tell her that. He couldn’t. He was too stunned that the little girl who used to hide behind his legs at the grocery store was the same one who was strutting down the hallway now without even glancing back.

He shook his head in disbelief and looked over at Teddy. “I don’t know where all this confidence of hers has come from recently,” he said, jabbing his thumb in the direction of the now-shut door. “But I’m guessing it has something to do with you.”

“Me?” She fluttered her lashes like she was clueless – definitely something she wasn’t.

“That’s right,” he replied as he approached her desk. Her area always smelled clean and homey like fresh laundry in a field of wildflowers. The last thing he wanted to do was invade her perfumed bubble with the stench of his sweat and that specific twang that came from being outside all day. So, when he caught a strong whiff of her perfume, he stopped and propped his hip against the desk before saying, “I think you’re rubbing off on her.”

“And is that such a bad thing?” She squinted at him and unlike Sarah, she could actually keep a straight face.

“No.” He firmly shook his head. “In fact, I meant that as a compliment.”

In an instant, her flat-line lips split into a wide grin. He smiled in return, stupidly pleased with himself for making her light up like that. His gaze momentarily dropped from her lips to the single button left undone on her shirt. The charcoal gray fabric shined in a way that reminded him of moonlight over Travis Lake. It looked soft and smooth as butter. And not to mention expensive. Joel bet if he touched it, even so carefully, the material would immediately snag under his callouses.

Teddy motioned for the file and when he handed it over, he felt a draft under his armpit from the hole in his shirt. He glanced down at his jeans, covered in dirt and mud and sawdust. Filthy. He felt a twinge of self-consciousness. It was hard not to feel like a mess next to her sometimes when she was always dressed so goddamn professional with her pressed slacks and tucked in shirts. Anyone who saw her would think she worked for some big corpo with a koi pond in the lobby. Not a Morton building with more garage than office space.

“They didn’t show?”

Teddy’s voice jolted his attention back to her face. Her lips were pinched, her cherry red fingernail was bleeding into his own pissed-off pen marks. He mentally cursed himself for being too wrapped up in his own stupid head to warn her about the concrete guys. Good going, idiot.

There was nothing he could do about it now, except frown and shake his head. “They called and said-”

“Let me guess, they’ll be there first thing tomorrow?” She bitterly scoffed, clipping the folder shut. The manila spine crunched under her grip before she abruptly turned away from him to face the wall of cabinets behind her. She never said it out loud that it bothered her, but clearly it did and rightfully so.

Working here this long Joel had witnessed these same people treat her dad with respect only to now try and walk all over her. He found it complete and utter bullshit, but was it a surprise? Sadly, not really. Enough years around construction sites and his tinnitus resembled cat-calls more than a compressor.

Still, he fucking hated it. His left eye flinched watching her file away the folder in silence. The protective lobe in his brain flared as his fingers curled and burned into a fist at his side. God – he wanted to go to Harry’s Concrete and give that bald loser a piece of his mind and maybe a black eye, but he didn’t.

He wouldn’t.

No – instead, he continued to bite his tongue until his mouth flooded with the taste of pennies. He’d become used to the tang of copper in his mouth after the roofers, the plumbers, even the electricians that tried her in the past. The only reason he held himself back was because of her. Because she asked him to let her deal with it, and she was perfectly capable of handling things herself. Better than him at it, in fact.

Teddy slammed the drawer shut, rattling the entire cabinet. “I’m not gonna fire them.”

“Okay,” he said without having to think twice. He didn’t expect her to fire them, honestly. She’d explained to him before that she’d never burn bridges prematurely. The grass was not always greener on the other side, especially not in Texas. Especially not in this line of work.

“Or - I should say I’m not going to fire them yet, anyway.” Her voice was steady – determined. “But one more and it’s over. I’m gonna let Harry know that he’s on his last strike when I call him tomorrow.”

“Give ‘em hell,” he encouraged her. Whatever she said in those calls had, so far, been enough to whip everyone who crossed her into shape. Just once, he wished he could be a fly on the wall to witness her in action. She didn’t look particularly tough, but he imagined her being like an asp caterpillar, fuzzy and harmless until poked.

She didn’t linger on the topic, and instead asked about his day. He did the same. Neither had much to report outside the usual.

“So, how was Sarah today? Did she talk your ear off about the homecoming dance coming up?”

She giggled, gathering up the papers on her desk and stacking them into a neat pile in the corner. “How did you know?”

“Cause she found out Monday, and hasn’t talked about anything else since.”

“Oh and it’s only just begun,” she said with a smirk. “Welcome to your life for the next few weeks, Joel.”

Joel scratched at the spot where his temple was already beginning to throb. Why did they have to announce it so early? It was great seeing Sarah so excited, but she kept asking him about his own first homecoming. He hated lying to her, but he couldn’t very well tell her the only thing he remembered was Rachel Borthwick and how she let him feel her up – the first boobs he ever touched – underneath the gymnasium bleachers. The thought of Sarah being that same age made him want to throw up.

He swallowed the thought before it came out all over her desk. “Were you the same way at her age?”

“Oh yeah. I’m sure if you asked my dad, he’d tell you I was worse.” She snorted, almost seeming embarrassed by her younger self. “For some odd reason, I had it built up in my mind that it’d be like that prom scene from Grease. Minus the broadcast and all that-”

“Wait, your dance wasn’t on the news?” He tried to keep a straight face, but he was just as bad as his daughter.

“Shut up.” She playfully shoved his arm and he rubbed it like it hurt. She rolled her eyes, but continued anyway. “My dad didn’t have the heart to tell me, so it was a pretty huge letdown when they didn’t even play Born to Hand Jive. I think I even requested it.”

“How did you survive?”

“It’s a miracle,” she said, and he huffed out a laugh. Three years later, and she still surprised him with every new story she chose to reveal.

There was a split-second where the only sound in the room came from the buzzy-white fluorescent lights above him. Teddy stole a quick glance towards the hallway, as if checking if Sarah was back. She had still not reappeared and he wondered if Tommy had baited her into helping him unload the truck or maybe just sticking around to talk.

Teddy clicked her fingernails on the counter in front of him. “Real quick, I wanted to ask,” she said before clearing her throat. “Have you and Sarah talked at all about dress shopping?”

Joel shifted back a step, his boots scratching against the cheap, gray carpet. “Dress shopping?” He forced the words from his throat, then shook his head. He looked away, feeling a pit in his stomach that reminded him of Muffins for Mother’s Day in elementary school – Mommy & Me at the daycare.

Again – dress shopping was another one of those things girls usually did with their mom’s, but Lisa wasn’t meant to be a mom. She’d even said so herself in the note she left next to her engagement ring on the day she vanished with their dog. Joel wished his own mom was still around to help fill in when the gaps felt too big for him, but sadly, she had passed away before Sarah turned 4. Since then, it’d only been just Tommy and him.

“The only reason I ask is because,” Teddy started, clutching at the dainty gold chain around her neck, “Well, she sorta asked me to take her.”

“Oh.” Joel didn’t know what else to say. Not that it offended him or anything petty like that. God no – he wasn’t delusional enough to think that he would be Sarah’s first choice when it came to fashion. After all, his idea of dressing up was a flannel and whatever jeans were clean. Teddy made a lot more sense than him.

“I didn’t give her an answer, just so you know. I wanted to check with you first.” Her voice was rushed, slightly pitchy, and he realized this was the first time he’d ever seen her even remotely nervous. She must be just as cautious as him about crossing whatever line was supposed to exist in this…relationship? Dynamic?

Joel smiled at her, softly, hoping to ease her anxiety. “Well, thank you,” he said and she appeared to relax at his calm tone. “I have no problems with you taking her, as long as you wanna do it.”

“Of course, I want to, but are you - are you sure? I mean, you could always come with us if you want. We could all go together?”

The offer was tempting, but he declined. He knew Sarah would enjoy it being just the two of them. It could be girl time or whatever.

Teddy pulled out her planner to check on what dates would work best when Sarah came back in. Once she heard the good news, the victorious grin on her face somehow grew even bigger. The last time he saw her that excited was when he surprised her with tickets to Six Flags for her 11th birthday.

Teddy and her started to discuss which stores to hit and what mall would be best, basically a foreign language to him. He should’ve started on closing duties, but instead he found his gaze drawn to Teddy. How she appeared equally as thrilled as Sarah. He always could tell when she was excited by the way she talked with her hands. That smile was downright infectious and –

He noticed Sarah watching him. Her quizzical eyes were glued to his face. Shit. He was staring. Quick. Joel forced a smile at Sarah that hopefully said nothing-to-see-here. He didn’t stick around to wait for her reaction and instead, fled into his office.

For a few minutes, he pretended to check over files and went down the list of closing duties, completely avoiding them until the only thing left was setting the alarm. Finally, he dared to look in their direction again. When he saw Sarah’s focus was entirely on Teddy, the tension drained from his shoulders.

He thought he was in the clear.

—-

“Dad, do you think Teddy’s pretty?”

Joel’s head whipped up and a sharp, pointy fry was lodged into the back of his throat. It burned and stabbed its way down to his esophagus. For a second, he thought he was going to choke and die at his own dining room table from a McDonald’s fry.

“What?” His voice crackled like sandpaper from holding in a cough.

“She asked if you thought Teddy was pretty?” Tommy repeated, loud and clear with a smug grin that he didn’t even try to hide behind his Big Mac.

Joel’s gaze flickered from one set of brown eyes to the next. He was cornered, his back against the bay window. No way out and no one to blame but himself for this mess. He was, after all, the dummy who got caught.

Joel held up a waiting finger, then slowly sipped on his coke to calm his burning throat. He wiped his mouth with a napkin as he wrapped his head around what to say. Lying was out of the question. It seemed more damning than the truth.

The thing was – there was nothing wrong with finding her attractive. It didn’t have to mean anything. It wasn’t like she was asking if he liked her. Not that he did like her. Well, maybe just a little. Just a teeny, tiny crush but it was nothing really. Stupid, honestly. For the most part, he could ignore it.

Joel cleared his throat and gave a casual shrug. “Uh yeah, she’s uh - she’s pretty.”

Despite his best attempt at cool, Sarah’s lips still flickered. Only the corners, as she continued to bathe her fries in a pool of ketchup.

“Have you ever thought about - maybe asking her out?”

A deep laugh barked in his ears and bounced around the tile floor like spiky ping pong balls. “Come on, Teddy’s way out of his league.” Tommy’s hand collided against his shoulder with a hard thwack. It slightly stung.

But Joel didn’t take it too seriously. Tommy hassling him over Teddy was nothing new. Ever since she started working the front desk, it’d been Tommy’s favorite gag. In a weird way, Joel considered it a good thing that he saw it as one big joke. If Tommy had any idea about his silly crush, he would’ve kept his mouth shut instead of teasing him. Tommy might’ve been a lot of things, but he wasn’t cruel.

Sarah didn’t seem to care whether it was a joke or not and scolded her uncle from across the table. She gave him a hard glare before turning back to Joel. She blinked expectantly, not letting him out of this.

Joel sighed. “Sorry, kiddo, but I don’t think so.”

“Why not?”

“Because.” He licked his teeth and sucked a stuck piece of meat from between his molars. There was a laundry list of reasons, but he went with the least complicated. “We work together.”

“So? Two teachers at my school are dating, and it’s no big deal. They didn’t even get in trouble.”

“Wait,” Tommy piped in with a mouthful of bun and sauce. “Isn’t she dating someone?”

Joel swallowed down the salty taste in his mouth, bitter like vinegar. He nodded. “Yeah, I think so.”

“You think so?” Sarah looked at him with clear suspicion. “So, she didn’t tell you that.”

“Well…no. But-”

“Then, how do you know?”

Joel crinkled the empty wrapper into a tight ball, then tossed it into the paper bag. “Somebody sent her flowers at work. Nice ones too.” Too grand to fit in her car, so instead they lived and died in the tiny break room directly across from his office.

“When?”

Three months. “I don’t know, not that long ago.”

“Well, how do you know they weren’t from her dad?” Sarah asked, not backing down. “Or maybe her friends sent them?”

Joel shook his head, recalling the stupid plastic holder that had poked out at him like a giant weed among the long stem roses. “The card said Happy Anniversary.”

At that, Sarah sank into the chair like a deflated balloon. She shoved a whole chicken nugget into her mouth – no sauce. Each dry crunch-crunch grated against the silence.

This recent interest in his love life was new. He wondered if it had something to do with her age or maybe all those rom-coms she watched. She’d never cared about him dating or – she did try to set him up once, a few months ago, with her best friend’s recently divorced mom, but when he shot it down she had quickly moved on.

But she didn’t even finish her chicken nuggets. He noticed a faraway look in her eyes – his eyes, one of the only things she inherited from him. She was somewhere deep in her head, in that big brain of hers that definitely didn’t come from him.

She did eventually perk up when Tommy brought up the new season of the Bachelor, but still wasn’t her usual self. So after Tommy left, Joel settled in beside her on the couch to watch Friends. This show was like her pacifier. Sick or just a bad day, one of Joey’s jokes could cheer her up instantly.

Not today, though. A whole episode later, and she’d barely said a word. Barely laughed, which had him really concerned. He got the sense that whatever was bothering her was something bigger than just Teddy.

“You’re quiet tonight.” He wrapped his arm around her shoulder and snugged her closer. She collapsed into him like a domino. Full cheeks squished against his shirt. She didn’t respond, and he didn’t press. Only can-laughter existed in the space between them.

Laying like this reminded him of when she was a baby. So tiny, a full head of hair even then. She would fall asleep on his bare chest while waiting for Lisa to return home from work. Looking back, the signs had always been there that one day she would run. She’d practically lived at her job after her maternity leave was done. Hell, she didn’t even take the full 6 weeks. Post-partum, the doctor called it, it’ll get better in time. But it didn’t. There was no medication cocktail that could make her want this life – that could make her want to stay.

“Can I ask you something?” Sarah’s eyes didn’t leave Phoebe and Monica.

“Anything,” he murmured against her hair before placing a light kiss to the top of her head. She no longer smelled of Johnson & Johnson or desitin, but coconuts and lime.

“Are you lonely?”

Even with her feathery-soft tone, the words hit him like a sucker punch, square in the jaw. Where the hell did that come from?

“Do I seem lonely?” The words left him like a reflex, automatic. It was the second time tonight she’d caught him off-guard.

“I don’t know.” She shrugged, her shoulders sliding along his t-shirt. “Are you?”

Slowly Sarah lifted her head – her big eyes bore into him and when he could trace every concerned line on her young face, the guilt smothered him like wet mineral wool. It was his job to worry, not hers.

He urgently shook his head. “No. Of course not.”

She silently stared at him, squinting as if somehow it would give her Professor X’s ability to read his mind. Clearly, he did not convince her and so he tried again. Harder.

“Sarah, listen. I am perfectly fine, alright?” He brushed a curly strand of hair from her face, firmly holding her gaze. “If I was lonely, I’d go do something with Uncle Tommy. He’s always asking me to do things after work-”

“Why don’t you?”

Joel couldn’t help but chuckle at her confusion. Of course, she wouldn’t understand. Teenagers always wanted to be out somewhere, doing something with their friends.

“Cause I’m old. And I’m tired. And honestly, I’d rather be home.” With you. The last part never slipped through the gap in his bottom teeth. He never wanted to make Sarah feel guilty for leaving him and living her life.

“You’re such a hermit.” She nudged at his chest, a smile sweeping across her face. Exactly what he’d been missing.

“I prefer homebody,” he corrected, making her burst into a giggling fit. He waited until she went quiet to say, “Either way - you ain’t gotta worry about me, alright?”

Once again, her expression turned very serious. Her eyes darted once, twice, across his face. “Swear?”

“On my life.”

—

Later that night, Joel laid awake in bed fighting to find a comfortable position. Even sprawling out in the middle didn’t work. The sheets were tangled around his legs, his feet – his thoughts equally twisted up from Sarah’s question earlier.

Are you lonely? Was he?

Joel had never considered himself to be lonely. Not really. Or not all the time, at least. For the most part, Sarah and work kept him busy enough that he never gave it much thought.

If he did think about it though, he supposed crawling into bed alone every night could get a little depressing. He was still human, after all. Intimacy was a basic human need. It was just simple biology when he occasionally craved a soft touch or someone to talk with before drifting off to sleep. It’d been a long damn time since he experienced either of those things.

Maybe Sarah was onto something. Maybe it was time for him to get back out there, but oh God. Just thinking about it made him light-headed.

Where would he even start?

His last serious relationship was his only serious relationship. After Lisa left, there was hardly any time for that. Being a single dad, dating wasn’t his top priority.

Sure, he’d managed to squeeze in a few first dates over the years, even less second ones, and he couldn’t for the life of him recall a third. If so, it’d been nothing worth remembering.

Honestly, the only person he’d considered asking out recently was Teddy. It was just a dumb idea that crossed his mind sometime in late spring when too much tree pollen and dust mites must’ve gotten into his head. He’d luckily come to his senses and fast. A few short weeks later, those damn flowers showed up.

If he was being honest, no one else really interested him.

And how could they?

It wasn’t even just about her looks, she was sweet and smart and surprisingly funny. Joking or not, Tommy was right – she was way out of his league and why was he thinking about this right now? Joel cleared his mind with a hard shake of his head. He needed to stop, get some sleep. He didn’t want to know what time it was already. Without looking at the clock, he flipped onto his side, fluffed his pillow, then shut his eyes.

Within seconds, Teddy slithered back into his mind with her perfect smile, the delicious scent of her soap, and those jeans she would undoubtedly wear tomorrow. Casual Friday might actually be the death of him. Denim on her hips was seriously a sin.

Just thinking of her fully-clothed ass made his cock twitch inside his boxers. Somehow that was enough to get him half-hard, the tip snagging over the soft-cotton.

Joel groaned in unison with the bed springs as he flopped onto his back. His palms itched to reach down and squeeze at his cock for a little relief. But he resisted, and forced his mind to somewhere far less pleasant. Broken wires. Wrong-size headers. Clogged drains. A memory of her gripping a PVC pipe invaded his brain and suddenly, it was her small hands wrapped around him instead. How would she look on her knees for him? Would she be able to fit him all in her two hands? If not, would she use her –

“Fuck.” Joel gritted his teeth and fisted at the comforter. Get a grip.

He felt like he was going crazy. Probably from the lack of action outside of his own fist. It was finally catching up with him. Tommy did warn him this would happen and fuck – he hated when Tommy was right.

Joel thought back to the last time he had sex and cringed. Two years ago, but the memory was tattooed in his brain just like the monarch butterfly on the random woman’s lower back. It happened at a sleazy bar where everyone knew Tommy by name. He’d taken too many shots of Wild Turkey, then found himself fucking the woman in a one staller, quick and sloppy, right next to a clogged toilet. Not his proudest moment. He’d go to the grave blaming the whole thing on Tommy, who treated their rare nights out like the bachelor party he was still pissed off that he didn’t get to throw.

The truth was though, even before Joel’s current involuntary celibacy, his sex life had been relatively non-existent.

He hadn’t had sex on a semi-consistent basis since his 20’s. A casual hookup with a lady named Amy, who lived in the same apartment complex as him. No-strings attached. An arrangement born out of pure convenience rather than desire or intense lust. She lived in the apartment below him, and once a week came up after Sarah went to sleep and left before the condom hit the trash can. No surprise it ended once he moved out, and ever since then, it’d been random hookups and one-night stands whenever Tommy and him went out for a night.

Joel sighed and stared up at the moon-stain ceiling of his bedroom, careful not to make any sudden movements in hopes to fight down his erection. While still and quiet might’ve worked to spook a black bear, his boner was sadly proving more resilient.

With every passing minute, the warm tingly feeling in his belly spread like weeds through his body. His fingertips down to his toes. Fully hard, now. It became clear ignoring it was useless. He would just have to get this over with, so he could get some sleep tonight.

Joel forcibly kicked off his blankets, then shoved down his boxers. His cock thwacked against his stomach and the tip was already shiny. He preferred to do this in the shower to avoid a mess, the steady stream of water helping to cover up his dry, cracked hands better than saliva. But something was better than nothing. He spit into his hand until his mouth was dry, then wrapped it around his cock.

Whether in the shower or in his bed, it didn’t matter, Joel always jerked off like it was a chore. Hard and fast strokes where he could barely catch his breath. No need for soft and sensual, just a tight fist to take the edge off. This way, he found it easier to keep his less than friendly thoughts of Teddy at bay.

He tried his best not to think about Teddy while doing this because friends don’t imagine their friends while fucking their fist. And that was all she was, all she would ever be – a friend. If he could he wouldn’t have thought of anyone at all, but he needed someone to imagine to get off.

Instead of Teddy, he pictured a cover model from a 90’s Penthouse Magazine that he’d found in the guest room after Tommy moved out. A pretty brunette with big natural tits, who he didn’t have to work with tomorrow.

His room steadily filled with the wet slap of his hand, the low thrum of the oscillating fan as he pretended the nameless woman was riding him. He was brutally fucking his fist when the woman shape-shifted into Teddy. So abruptly that he could barely register that it was her taking him down to the hilt. Her rolling her hips. Her fingernails scratching over his ribs, his shoulders, his chest with a little smirk even more sinful than her tight jeans.

“Shit,” Joel hissed when he realized, but too late – his hips surged forward as he came. So sudden, so fast, it almost gave him whiplash.

Joel was not usually loud during sex, more of a grunter than anything else, but it had never been so vivid. So real. He could practically feel the wet-heat of her cunt clenching around him. He had to snag his bottom lip between his teeth to keep every needy and desperate sound from bleeding out of his mouth as his cock pulsed and throbbed against his palm. He wouldn’t let himself find out what her name tasted like when he moaned.

Clearly, this was not the first time she’d popped into his mind and he doubted it would be the last. He wouldn’t feel nearly as bad about it either, but there was a fuck-ton of cum on his stomach. Even a little on his chest. Fuck – he came so hard it made him lightheaded.

He let the shame simmer down and once he caught his breath, he carefully dug out a travel-pack of Kleenex from his nightstand. He didn’t even wanna count how many tissues it took to wipe the syrupy-hot evidence from his skin.

He’d be sticking to the shower from now until forever.

—

The days had come and went and over a week later, Joel had not jacked off again. Not in the shower, and definitely not in his bed. But that had nothing to do with Teddy. Seriously. It was just a coincidence.

Work had picked up. The heat wave had died out, giving way to more 80 degree days. Fall was fast approaching, by far their busiest season. There was a brand new neighborhood of bland cookie-cutter slab houses that had him working doubles everyday and judging by today, this week would be the exact same way.

The streets were dark and mainly deserted by the time Joel dropped Tommy off at his apartment complex. Joel glanced at his phone – once again – for any missed calls before heading home. Still nothing. No new voicemails – 0 messages.

The first and last time he heard from Sarah was after Teddy picked her up from school, right before heading into the mall. He’d told Sarah to call him once Teddy dropped her off, but she must’ve forgot. The same way she always forgot to lock the front door. He would be home in less than 5 minutes or else he would’ve called. But he would rather give her a talking-to in person.

For a second, he wondered if she and Teddy were still at the mall, but it was late. Nearly 9.

No one could spend 5 hours there. Hell, he could barely spend more than 2 without going stir-crazy.

The last thing he expected when pulling onto his street was to see Teddy’s car parked in front of his house. The pearly white shell was perfectly lit up underneath a street light.

What was she doing here?

He thought she would drop Sarah off and dip after their shopping trip, but obviously not. Dear God, he hoped she wasn’t waiting on him. Joel whipped into his driveway and hopped out without bothering to grab his tool box in the back.

Inside, the living room was lit up with every lamp turned on, but otherwise empty. It was still tidy from the cleaning he did on Sunday, thankfully. He threw his keys on the console table, shutting the front door with his foot. He heard movement upstairs and headed that way.

“Sarah,” he called out, mainly to give a heads-up and not scare them. “I’m home.”

“Finally,” Sarah said as he stepped into her room. It smelled like that Body Works store at Barton Creek that Sarah loved, but always had him leaving with a headache.

He stayed close to the fresh air and leaned against the door frame. Sarah was perched at her vanity, the counter in front of her completely buried under make-up, nail polish, and a bunch of other crap.

“Teddy’s helping me decide what to wear with my dress.” Sarah swiveled around in her stool to face him.

“Yeah, I see that.” Joel looked over at Teddy, who was standing behind Sarah with an earring pinched in each hand. The smile on her face was genuine. If she was in any real hurry to leave she didn’t show it. “When did y’all get back?”

“I don’t know. 8:15? 8:20? Somewhere around there.” Sarah shared a shrug with Teddy. A little over thirty minutes, not bad. With the mess, he would’ve thought closer to an hour.

“Dinner took a bit longer than I thought it would,” Teddy explained and his brows furrowed.

“Busy night at the food court or something?”

He noticed Sarah and Teddy share a secretive glance, and of course, they didn’t eat at the food court. He should’ve known better than to think Teddy would just take her to Sbarro. But out of every chain restaurant – did she have to pick the damn Cheesecake Factory?

Sarah was raving over the Mac & Cheese balls that definitely cost more than the 10 dollars he sent for baked ziti. Judging by the amount of shopping bags in the corner, Sarah had used her extra spending money on clothes instead of Chicken Costoletta.

He waited until Sarah turned her back to nail Teddy with a knowing look. She swatted it away like a bothersome fly. She could be so damn stubborn sometimes.

Later, he would deal with it. Money was not a topic he liked to discuss in front of Sarah. Besides, there were more important things at the moment.

“So, are you gonna show me this dress of yours?”

Sarah eagerly nodded and bounced over to her bed, picking up the black garment bag. It didn’t even allow him a peek at the color, not even when she hugged it tightly to her chest.

“Well, come on - don’t leave me hanging. I’ve been waiting all night.”

“Dad, you gotta see it on me or else you won’t get the full-effect,” she sassed, a duh implied in her tone. “Go downstairs, you and Teddy can wait-”

“Now, hold on there Sarah. It’s - it’s getting pretty late,” he pointed out, and Sarah’s fraying smile told him that she knew what he was trying to say. He hated disappointing her, but this was the right thing to do. “So Teddy, if you need to go home, don’t feel like you gotta stay.”

Selfishly, Joel wanted her to stay, but why would she? She had already seen the dress, already given up her entire evening for Sarah. This was a free out, and he expected her to take it.

Instead, She crossed her arms over her chest like a defiant child. “No way you’re getting rid of me that easily, Joel,” she said. “I’m sticking around to see your reaction.”

Without giving him a chance to respond, she slid past him, her chest brushing against his arm. She motioned him to follow and he did without question.

She led the way downstairs as if she’d been here before. But the few times she’d come by before to drop off paperwork she never made it past the front porch.

His pulse slightly hiked up seeing her in his living room for the first time. Her gaze scanning the camel-colored walls, the pictures of Sarah throughout the years, his guitar that he rarely found time to play. Above the DVD and CD rack was the only real piece of art in the room – if that’s what people would call the painting of waves he’d found at a garage sale, the same one where he got the mismatched pillows on the couch.

Interior design wasn’t his strong suit, but he was still proud of his home. Proud of himself for buying it on his own, for being able to prove this kind of place for his kid. All of this, from the rug to every decoration and lamp. It was best attempts to make this space feel homey – lived in for Sarah’s sake. She would not be the only kid in class growing up in a bachelor pad.

“So, this is Joel Miller’s house?” Teddy spun around to face him and he found that she looked really good next to his coffee table. “It’s nice. I like it.”

“Yeah?” Joel rubbed the back of his neck, toeing the tile-carpet line that separated the kitchen from the living room.

“Especially the Cowboys decor.” She pointed her thumb at the framed blue star logo that was hung up by the stairs. “Did you know I used to wanna be a cheerleader for them?”

Joel’s mouth went drier than when eating pretzels. He rapidly shook his head, mainly to erase the mental image of her in that skimpy little outfit. It would probably haunt him in his dreams for the rest of his life.

He cleared his throat and took a seat on the couch. “I’m surprised Sarah didn’t give you a tour.”

“Oh, she did.” Teddy plopped down on the couch with him, keeping a friendly distance of a cushion. “But don’t worry, the grand tour didn’t include your bedroom. She said that was off limits.” She puckered her bottom lip, pouting as if actually disappointed.

“Trust me, you’re not missing much.”

“But isn’t that where the magic happens?”

Joel accidentally let out a snort. Magic. Nothing close to magic had ever happened in that room, unless what he did last week counted. “I think you’ve been watching too much Cribs.”

Her lips parted, her eyes lit up with a wild look of amusement. “Does Joel Miller secretly watch MTV?”

“Only against my will.” He jerked his chin towards the stairs. “She loves all that shit.”

“Yeah. She did talk a lot about True Life while at din…ner.” Teddy clipped her lips together, catching her slip.

“Trust me, I didn’t forget.” His tone carried a smug edge, making her huff in annoyance. “So, how ‘bout you tell me how much I owe you for it?”

“You don’t owe me anything.”

“Teddy,” he warned. Still, she insistently shook her head, refusing to make things easy for him.

“Sorry, but I can’t let you pay me back,” she said. “It wouldn’t be right.”

“Really? How come?”

She straightened her posture, the brown leather groaning underneath her. “Well, for one - it was my decision to take her there, wasn’t it?”

“So?”

“So, it doesn’t make sense for you to have to pay for something I decided, now does it?”

Joel licked his teeth at her loop-hole logic. She was eyeing him with a very serious expression, as if this wasn’t over 30? 35 bucks? Hell, there was probably enough in his wallet right now to cover it.

If this were anyone else, Joel would’ve already said fuck this and drained his wallet of every nickel and dime, just to be safe. He wouldn’t accept no for an answer because he didn’t need anyone’s help or handout. He made enough money to support not only himself, but his daughter perfectly fine. Thank you.

But this wasn’t just anyone – this was Teddy. Whether it was because she did his payroll or because she was so bullheaded, he didn’t know, but she had a funny way of making him fold.

“Secondly.” She lifted a second finger before he could raise the white flag. “It wouldn’t be right for you to pay me back for your own gift.”

Huh? “Gift?”

She hummed in response. “There might be a little early birthday present waiting for you in the fridge.”

He couldn’t remember the last time someone, other than Sarah, got him a birthday present. Most of the time, not even Tommy did; his presence was the present or whatever bullshit he said. But she’d thought of him. Him. The idea made his chest begin to swell like metal on a blazing summer day. He ducked his head to hide the heat rising in his cheeks.

“You didn’t need to get me any-”

Teddy grasped his arm, instantly turning the rest of his sentence into sawdust. His gaze flickered from her hand on his forearm, to her eyes. She really was beautiful, especially in the warm pool of lamp light in his living room.

“I wanted to,” she assured him with a voice as soft as her touch. Her thumb gently skimmed over his arm hair and he held back a shiver with the clench of his teeth. “It’s just Classic Vanilla Bean Cheesecake. A little boring, but Sarah said that’s your favorite.”

“It is.” His voice cracked like a pre-teen and embaressed, he averted his eyes. How ridiculous. He needed to get a grip. Pull himself together. He was acting like a fucking virgin. Joel swallowed and stiffly nodded. “Thank you.”

She gave his arm a small squeeze before pulling away. The spot where she touched him still tingled, still burned.

“It’s the least I could do, since I’ll be missing it.”

Joel brushed her off with an easy wave of his hand. Other than work, he didn’t have any plans, so she really wasn’t missing anything. “I think you’ll have more fun in Phoenix, anyway.”

“Just don’t let Tommy set the place on fire while I’m gone.”

“Do you have that little faith in me?” he asked – teased. It was only a few days. Leaving Thursday, back in the office by the following.

She lightly nudged his arm, just as a door opened.

“Are you ready?” Sarah called out, and his focus shifted to the bottom of the stairs.

“I was born ready, kiddo. So, come on, let’s see it.” Joel drummed his hands excitedly against his thighs.

Waiting there reminded him of the fashion shows she used to put on for him. She’d wait at the top of the stairs until he popped in the Whitney Houston CD. For the big finale, they would dance around the living room to I Wanna Dance With Somebody.

But Sarah didn’t appear in a bright-pink princess costume, but instead a pretty little purple dress. Her heels were real, not made out of cheap plastic or from the Dollar Tree. His little girl looked so grown up. The realization that she was grown up made the back of his eyes burn.

Joel scrubbed a hand down his slack, scruffy jaw, watching Sarah twist from side-to-side. The shiny material swished around her knees.

“Baby girl, you look - beautiful,” he said without trying to hide the crackle in his voice. “The prettiest girl I’ve ever seen.”

Sarah giggled, almost bashfully. “That’s exactly what Teddy said.”

“Well, that’s because it’s the truth,” Teddy stated earnestly. Sarah’s entire face lit up and God – she had such a killer smile. He would never get tired of seeing it.

When Sarah pulled back her hair to show Teddy two different pairs of earrings, she immediately went over to get a closer look.

Discussing jewelry and lip gloss, Sarah’s shiny wide eyes clung to her every word as if it was wrapped in gold, as if it held some infinite wisdom. It suddenly hit him that he’d never seen Sarah look at anyone like that. Not her favorite teacher. Not her best friend’s mom. Not even Mrs. Adler who lived next door and used to babysit her after school.

Poor Mrs. Adler, she meant well but Sarah and her could not have been more different. Thinking about it, Teddy was the first woman that Sarah shared anything in common with, who she didn’t have to share with the rest of the class or came second to a friend.

For once, Sarah had some special bond for herself.

His breath caught in his throat watching Teddy fuss with Sarah’s dress. Her eyes barely leaving Sarah’s bright face as she untwisted a strap and smoothed out a few spots in the back. For a second, he imagined her here with them every night – thought about how seamlessly she would fit into their lives.

Holy shit - what the fuck is he doing? Stop it.

Joel forced himself to look away, pruning those thoughts before they grew. The light, liquid warmth in his chest ran cold. It turned into mercury when it settled in his belly.

Luckily, Sarah and Teddy were too preoccupied with finishing details to notice him obsessively picking at his fingernails. He didn’t know what got a hold of him.

This was insane. She was his friend, his business partner, and whatever she was to Sarah that was more important than a stupid crush. No – he would not complicate a good thing with his feelings. Feelings she didn’t reciprocate. For God sake, she was dating someone else. Get over it.

Joel thought it might be a good thing that Teddy would be gone for a few days. More than ever, he needed some distance. Some time to help screw his head back on straight.

—

Too early on Tuesday morning, Joel sleepily fought the coffee machine until dark liquid gurgled and spewed into the pot.

“Have you heard from Teddy at all?” Tommy asked as Joel filled up a to-go cup.

“Oh yeah, hear from her every night before going to sleep.”

“Really?”

Joel shoved the coffee pot back inside its home, and blinked at Tommy. “Of course not. She’s on vacation. Why would she call me?”

He figured she’d brought whoever she was dating on the trip with her. They were probably going to her cousin’s wedding, meeting her college roommates new baby while he was here - in Texas. Alone. When he thought about it like that, it put everything into some much needed perspective.

Joel didn’t give Tommy a chance to respond before barging out and heading to the garage. He still was not used to seeing her empty desk instead of her warm smile, telling him to have a good day.

“So, do you miss her, yet?” Tommy asked while loading up the truck.

“She’s only been gone a few days,” Joel snorted, as if it was a ridiculous question to ask. “Why? Do you miss her?”

“Miss her coffee, that’s for damn sure.” He grimaced at the cup before taking a tentative sip. “Shit sucks. You add too much water.”

“I’d like to see you do any better.” Joel obnoxiously slurped on his drink, then winced. It did kinda taste like dirt. “She does make it better,” he conceded. “It’ll be nice to have her back.”

The distance had been a good thing for him, though. It was much easier for him to think without her dizzying perfume. What happened in his living room had been just a moment of weakness, of panic. Blown completely out of proportion.

The thing was – he’d always had a crush on her. It was nothing new, and he was perfectly happy with just this. With never being anything more than friends – her in his life, that was enough for him.

It had to be.

“Well, speaking of Thursday.” Tommy spoke in a tone that almost always meant he wanted something. “I’ve been meaning to tell you, I gotta leave work early that day.”

“Why? Got an appointment or something?”

Tommy shook his head, then spewed a sob story that lasted nearly the entire drive to the site. His buddy Aaron had just broken up with his cheating girlfriend, and needed help moving out of their apartment. Too bad it wasn’t a different one of Tommy's military buddies or Joel would’ve immediately said no, but Aaron actually wasn’t a douchebag.

“Well, what time would you leave? Cause we gotta finish that block by Friday-”

“She works the night shift, so not until like 3 or 4,” he said, swaying him further. “And Aaron said he’ll pick me up from the site, so you ain’t gotta do anything.”

Joel shrugged, whatever. Fine. They would just have to work late tonight and tomorrow.

—-

So far, Thursday had not gone at all like Joel had anticipated. His reunion with Teddy this morning was disappointingly quick. It wasn’t like he expected her to run into his arms and hug him or anything dramatic like that, but he did think it would be more than just a few minutes of small talk where Tommy dominated most of the conversation with his plans for later.

Which turned out to be total bullshit by the way. 3 to 4 ended up being more like 1:30, ruining his chance to see Teddy this evening. The inspectors would be here tomorrow morning, so the frame had to be finished tonight with or without an extra set of hands.

Now, at 6:30, Joel was just leaving the site. He picked up Wendy’s to make up for his crummy day, only for the burger to be loaded with pickles and onions when he specifically asked for ketchup only. He still scarfed it down, along with a medium dry on the drive back to shop where the only thing that would be waiting for him was an empty office and a fat-ass stack of paperwork. Some supply sheets that could hopefully be knocked out before Sarah needed to be picked up later.

He pulled in through the back entrance and was taking his sweet time unloading the truck. Lowly humming Wedding Bells by the great Hank Williams when the door opened with a screech. The sound echoed around the steel walls of the garage and he jerked, nearly dropping a nail gun on his foot. Somehow, he managed to catch it just before it slid off the rack.

He turned around and - “Teddy?”

“I was wondering what was taking you so long,” she said in a sweet drawl that made his pulse race for an entirely different reason.

He stared at her dumbly, blinking rapidly to make sure this was not just his imagination. She was still here. He wet his throat with a hard swallow. “You surprised me.”

“I can tell.” She giggled and embarrassment swarmed his neck like fire ants. He couldn’t believe she just witnessed him flail around like an idiot. He promptly went back to gathering up the last of the wooden boards and stacking them in the corner. “Did you not see my car out front?”

“I came in off 77th,” he explained, brushing the dust from his hands onto his jeans.

“I could’ve helped.” She leaned against the door, opening it wider as he walked over.

“Nah, I got it,” he said with a casual shake of his head. “Wouldn’t want you to ruin that shirt, anyway.” His eyes dipped over the satiny material, this time a deep maroon.

“It is a great shirt.” She playfully bumped into his side with her shoulder when he stepped inside. The delicious scent of her soap sent an electric jolt up his spine. He matched her steps down the hallway. “What’re you still doing here anyway?”

“Well, there’s the Fox Ridge pitch tomorrow and there’s two more next week. And I have been gone for like a week.” She tucked herself back behind her desk. “Remember?”

Oh yeah, he remembered.

For a few minutes, they caught up on work and talked about homecoming, which was Saturday, and Sarah, who was currently at her friend’s house making posters or whatever for the big game tomorrow. He asked if she enjoyed her trip, which she obviously did from the glow around her. He almost asked about the wedding until he noticed all the files on her desk, the neat stacks of paper labeled with post-it notes that clearly showed she was busy.

He decided not to be selfish and take up anymore of her time and instead went into his office.

“Let me know if you need anything,” she told him before he closed the door. He left it slightly cracked in a way that seemed inviting before taking a seat at his desk. He would’ve just left it wide open if he thought it would be possible to focus. But even the back of her head could be enough to distract him.

Just like the rest of the shop, his office had been recorated by Teddy when Danny retired. He’d actually offered her the office, multiple times, but she refused. She preferred the natural light in the front, and he couldn’t blame her when the one window in here was puny and overlooked the trash cans.

Without her, Joel would’ve left the walls as blank and as white as Danny, the bookshelves just as bare and dusty, and there wouldn’t be a single lamp, let alone two. But he definitely appreciated the lamps this late in the day when the overhead light would burn too loud and bright.

Supposedly, she’d gotten them for free from a friend that was moving. He’d believed the story, at first, until one day she showed up with a giant picture of Yellowstone River, two more of different landscapes. A Golden forest. A mountain range. She’d just stumbled upon them at a Goodwill for the same price as a pizza. And then she’d filled the bookcases that framed his desk with architectural books that would likely never be read and tiny fake plants, which he couldn’t kill. Those she’d claimed were found at a garage sale for the magical price of a gift card to her favorite nearby lunch spot.

She would’ve decorated the office for her dad if he would’ve let her. Danny didn’t care though if she found the space so depressing when it came down to money. But Joel could not find it in him to tell her no when she looked so damn pleased with herself afterwards. She’d done such a nice job that he wished he could use the office more. One day he probably would when Sarah moved out. He had a love-hate relationship with being home alone. The quiet could be peaceful, then other times forlorn.

After finishing up two supply lists for upcoming projects, Joel went to start on a third when his door jarred open with a soft knock. Teddy was hovering around the threshold with a file in one hand.

“Are you busy?”

Joel shook his head, shoving the folder aside then signaling her to come in. She stepped inside, nudging the door shut with her hip. It didn’t latch. No one else was here, otherwise he would’ve pointed it out. But he didn’t know why she shut it in the first place, honestly.

“Sorry to bother you-”

“You’re not bothering me,” he interrupted. “What can I do for you?”

“It’s the Fox Ridge pitch.” She sauntered over to his desk, hips swaying and squeezed into a pair of black jeans. Her shirt was gaping open in the front from the top two buttons being left undone and wasn’t it just one earlier? It was always one, right?

He realized it would’ve been easy to catch a peek of her bra when she bent over to hand him the file, but like a good person – like a good friend – he looked away. His gaze remained firmly fused to her face until she sat down in the chair across from him.

She wanted his thoughts on the pitch, and he agreed to take a look. Based on the first page it looked perfect, and even if it wasn’t, he wouldn’t be much help. After all, she was the brains of the operation where he was just the muscle.

“So, how was the wedding?” Joel flipped onto the next page without looking up. “Your cousin’s right?”

“Good memory.” She hummed, sounding pleasantly surprised. Her nails clicked along the steel arm of the chair. “But yeah, the wedding was… it was nice.”

“Was it?” Joel glanced up at her with a suspiciously quirked brow. “Cause, you ain’t gotta lie to me. I won’t tell.”

She clicked her tongue as if her reluctant tone wasn’t what led him to such a conclusion.

“I’m not lying, it was really nice. A lot of family that I haven’t seen in a while was there. And my cousin has amazing taste, so the wedding was gorgeous. It was small and intimate, but.” She let out a big breath. “It’s just everyone except my dad and I had dates.”

“Did you not bring your-” Too late, the words had poured out before he could think twice and he cursed his stupid, overly curious mind. He had no idea what to say to cover up his lapse, so he just didn’t. It just hung in the air and he turned to the next page without reading the last.

“Bring my what, Joel?” Her voice made it sound more like a challenge than a question. He peered up at her and she looked him directly in the eyes. It was as if she knew what he was going to say. It was as if she wanted him to ask.

Joel screwed the blue pen into his grip. “I thought - I thought you had a boyfriend.”

At that, she reclined back in the chair. She crossed her legs and tilted her head as if to study him. “What made you think I have a boyfriend?” she asked with such wild amusement that it confused him.

Didn’t she? Tommy had seen the card, the flowers as well, so it wasn’t something he just made up in his head. She was or used to be dating someone. Oh – maybe it wasn’t a boyfriend, but a girlfriend. Not that he was about to ask. God no. He’d butted into her personal life enough for one night.

“Well, you know.” Joel scratched the back of his head, then pointed in the direction of the break room. “There were those flowers, remember?”

Her eyes widened – her lips parted. “Yeah, I remember. I just, I guess I didn’t think you would.”

“Well, it ain’t everyday someone gets a garden delivered here.” He meant it as a joke, but it came off rather jealous. He tacked on a chuckle for good measure. She snorted, so it must’ve worked.

“Okay fair. I was dating someone, but that’s over. Been over. We broke up like 4 months ago? So, not long after that, actually.”

Joel grimaced. He could barely focus on her being single when he felt like shit. No one wanted to be reminded of their ex. “I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be.” She brushed off like it was no big deal.

Still, he remained silent as the grave because what the hell was he supposed to say now?

“I was the one who ended things, just in case that makes you feel better.” Of course she was. No one in their right mind would break up with someone as amazing as her. “But since we’re on the topic and all - what about you, Joel?”

“What about me?” Joel finally met her eyes and her lips twisted into a mischievous smirk that made his stomach swoop.

“Do you have anyone special in your life?”

Joel stiffly shook his head. “Can’t say I do.”

“Anyone not special?” she nudged him, suggestively wiggling her brows.

Again – a shake of his head. “I don’t really date.”

“What a shame.” Her voice was almost husky, breathy. She leaned forward slightly. “I’m sure all the single mom’s at Sarah’s school are devastated.”

Joel batted his hand in the air with an ugly snort.

“What? I’m serious,” she said without twitching. Her eyes momentarily flickered towards his lips, and suddenly, his throat felt like the mostly burnt bagel he had for breakfast. “I bet you have all of them wrapped around your finger.”

“You’re just - you’re just saying that.”

“Am I?” Her voice was silky, even silkier than her shirt. There was a cool confidence radiating from her as her fingernails galloped in a slow rhythm along the arm rest.

She was staring at him, pinning him against his seat. The hair on his thighs lifted and tickled the denim. The energy in the room had shifted, the air between them had bent and blurred into something that Joel could not quite describe. But he could feel it, sense it when it surged and rippled between them and sent an electric shiver up his spine.

She licked her lips and rolled them together until they were shiny with her spit. His heart pounded against his chest like an animal trapped and he wanted to pounce over the desk and taste her spit. He nearly did until he felt a stirring in his jeans.

What the hell was going on? What was he thinking? He needed to get his head screwed back on straight before he did something incredibly stupid.

Joel shot from his chair like a firework. Abrupt and loud and white-hot. He turned away and towards the filing cabinets on the back wall. He didn’t have a plan, but there had to be something in there that he could pretend to need.

She was quicker than his flustered brain and rose to her feet before he could make it past the edge of his desk.

“Joel.”

It stopped him, his feet stuck to the floor like wet cement. She approached him like a frightened deer. Steady. So quiet. Her steps barely scratched against the cheap carpet.

Joel realized now, right now was the time to speak. To say something. Anything. Find an excuse. Stop standing here like a dumb-struck baboon. But there was only one word that managed to leave his lips, a breath -

“Teddy.”

“It’s okay,” she whispered into the shrinking space between them. “I know.”

I know? He had no clue what that was supposed to mean, but before he could ask – she cradled the back of his neck and pressed her lips against his. Joel’s eyes widened and all he could see was the soft planes of her face, her fluttering eyelids, the fan of her raven-stroke lashes.

She was kissing him. Holy shit. She was actually kissing him. When he finally registered that, he closed his eyes and was overcome by the taste of her spit and a hint of Burt’s Bees chapstick, which he found oddly arousing.

For a moment, he was too damn stunned to do anything but move his mouth along hers. Then, he realized his arms were hanging like spaghetti noodles at his side and reached out and clutched onto her waist. His thumbs delicately swirled the fabric of her shirt. So damn smooth, just as he expected.

Joel gulped when she drew back, just far enough to meet his eyes. He had no idea what the fuck this was – let along if it was anything at all. Perhaps, this was it. Just a stolen kiss, late one night in his office.

Joel braced himself for her to yank away, to tell him it was a mistake, that she didn’t know what she was thinking. Let’s forget the whole thing.

But she didn’t.

She just continued to toy with the curly ends of his hair, twirling them around her fingers as her other hand fisted the loose collar of his shirt. He was wedged between her warm-heaving body and his desk. The edge was slightly burrowing into his lower back, but currently he couldn’t care less.

Her gaze dipped to where his jeans were painfully tented. A hot burst of shame ignited behind his earlobes. The flex of his fingers bit into the hollow below her ribs.

“It’s - it’s been a while,” he found himself explaining because there was no good reason, at his age, to be this turned on from just kissing.

“Do you want me to stop?” She slid up against him, sealing herself against his chest. It appeared she knew the answer before he could dumbly shake his head.

This time – his lips met hers somewhere in the middle. Where the first kiss was gentle, testing the waters like the first sip of fresh coffee, this one was deeper. More intense – a whole gulp. Her urgent lips captured his starstruck mouth and right then he knew nothing, no one, would ever compare to this. Not even close.

The way she kissed was like some special art form that only she could master. It felt so damn good to have her fingers molding through his hair with baby scratches over his scalp and the scent of her soap flooding his chest with heat. It consumed him, his body, his mind. The rapid pulse in his ears muted his every coherent thought.

When she gently nibbled on his bottom lip, he moaned – Teddy. She licked her name from his lips, then eagerly tasted it on his tongue as if she couldn’t get enough.

And oh God – her tongue was equally as impressive as her other skills. The tip of it dragged over his top palate, making it tingle like a buzz off tequila. She stroked and swirled and twisted around his tongue as if knotting a cherry stem. No one had ever taken the time to explore him so thoroughly. Frankly, he didn’t know there was that much of his mouth to explore.

Despite her exploration, Joel’s hands were burning into her waist, still holding her at 10 and 2 like a student driver. Like this was a chaperoned middle school dance. Slowly he roamed them down to grip her hips, but no further. He didn’t want to push it. He didn’t want to scare her. He didn’t want to spoil this moment from something stupid like getting too greedy.

Joel was fully okay with her in the driver seat. Even though he was usually in charge, he was happily letting her lead. Well, actually, he didn’t know if he was really letting her or if she just was. He didn’t care either way when she was touching him.

She broke the kiss and her lips swerved to his cheek. His jaw, paying extra attention to the patch in his beard where no hair could grow. His head tipped back when she buried her nose into the crook of his neck and deeply inhaled. After a hard-days work he likely smelled of sweat instead of his soap, but she groaned anyway.

“Have you ever thought about this before?” She breathed against his neck.

“I mean, I-” He choked on his words as her tongue slicked over the thick vein beneath his jaw. “I - I tried not to.”

“But you did.” He could feel her lips split into a grin before she sucked on a spot below his ear. He hoped it would leave a mark. The idea of seeing it tomorrow in the mirror made his cock twitch and throb and it ached.

“Uh-huh,” he whimpered, rather pathetically. It actually sounded like it fucking hurt.

“You know what?” She playfully nipped at the spot that would soon sadly fade. She then met his gaze with a coy grin. I thought about you too.”

“You did?” he croaked.

She hummed in response, her fingers trailing down his chest. His stomach quivered, his breath catching before she stopped just above the band of his jeans and whispered, “But unlike you - I didn’t try to stop.”

Joel growled, unable to form a coherent thought. His brain was too preoccupied trying to process how any of this was happening. It had to be a dream or an optical illusion or some shit. No way it could be real. But her small hand cupped his cock and that certainly felt real.

“Fuck - you feel even bigger than I imagined.” She palmed at his bulge with a light pressure. His knees nearly buckled despite the thick, denim barrier.

Now, he was really wishing he jerked off last night – or anytime in the past week or so. God – he was pent up. It wouldn’t take much for him to break.

“Can I see it?”

Joel’s mouth went half-slack and she blinked at him without flinching.

“Yeah,” he managed to squeak out. Not great, but at least coherent.

She sank to her knees, her eyes never leaving his. Pretty. Pretty. So damn pretty. Those two undone buttons exposed the tops of her breasts, the peek of a plain white bra that he found sexier than he should’ve.

His restless hands found solid ground on the desk behind him. Just in time as she balled the hem of his shirt in her tiny fists and bunched it towards his waist. The office air blew cool over his newly bare skin.

Joel wondered how he compared to the type of guy she usually dated. Did she like meatheads with six packs? Or guys with scrawny arms? Or did she like them somewhere in the middle; someone more like him? His body used to be more solid in his 20’s, but softened with age. He was still strong though, still firm in most spots aside from his stomach.

He caught himself sucking in as her wild eyes wandered over his husk-tan skin and across the dark scatter of hair around his navel. Then, she devoured it, mapping every inch with her wet, hot mouth.

It was a miracle that he managed to stay upright under her attention. Any attention was new. He was not used to any teasing or foreplay or whatever delicious torture this was called.

No.

Joel was used to his own calloused hands. Quick, rough fucks with women who called him Joe or Jack or something else entirely because why did it matter if it meant nothing.

But did this mean anything? To him, yes. To her – he had no clue. Dear God – he hoped so, though.

With a smirk she unzipped his jeans and shoved them down by his knees. The wet spot on his boxers was impossible to miss. Of course, he’d worn light gray today instead of something discreet like black.

“It’s been awhile,” he sheepishly reminded her. He didn’t want her to think he was always this big of a mess. Because he wasn’t. Seriously, he really wasn’t.

“It’s alright, just relax.” She leaned forward and mouthed at the stain.

But it was impossible to relax when her nose nudged the underside of his cock, her mouth was so close to the tip that every muscle in his body tightened. He gritted his teeth, his nostrils flaring with the remnants of his dwindling self-control.

She must’ve realized she was ruining him because she pulled back with a wicked grin. She hooked her fingers into the elastic waistband and tugged. His freed cock nearly smacked her in the face. The flush red tip was weeping.

“Shit, you’re thick,” she gasped. Women had told him that before, but he much preferred hearing it from her. The sweet honesty in her voice, the clear surprise. It stroked his ego and filled him with a strange sense of pride as if he’d actually accomplished anything profound, and not just good genetics.

She licked and spit into her palm before stroking his cock with a loose fist from root to tip. Her thumb swiped over the blunt head, smearing his pre-come and making his hips jerk and involuntary spasm.

Joel opened his mouth to apologize, but was quickly silenced by her tongue: warm, wet, the slightly rough texture tracing over the thick vein that ran down his length.

He gripped the desk until his knuckles bleached. She placed her free hand on his hip as if to help steady him before guiding him between her perfect, plush lips. Just the tip, at first. But it still was nearly enough to finish him. He didn’t remember the last time someone put their mouth on him.

Joel desperately wished to witness this moment. He wanted to memorize the glossy gleam in her eyes, the way she looked in front of him and on her knees and how her mouth stretched perfectly around his cock. But it was too much. The weight between his thighs was becoming oppressive. If he watched, he’d shatter. And he’d be horrified if he finished that fast.

So, he focused on the ceiling tiles instead. On the black specks that formed different shapes as she took another inch of him into her feverish mouth.

Already, she had him panting like a dog. Unable to fully catch his breath even when she released his cock with a loud pop. She continued to pleasure him with long strokes of her fist. Her tongue dipped into his leaking slit, lighting up nerve endings that he didn’t know existed. It ripped an ungodly sound from his mouth.

“Oh, you liked that?” she asked, very smug. Then repeated the movement once, twice, before eagerly swallowing his cock again.

“Fuck, fuck, fuck.” His hand flew to her shoulder and squeezed as she took him deeper – deeper. Holy shit. Where did she learn to do this? This was like pornstar level good.

She had taken him halfway down her throat when he felt a shock run across his spine, a familiar tugging in his balls. His release was building and brewing in his lower belly like a thunderstorm.

But Joel clenched his teeth. No – he could not come. Not yet. He needed to get himself under control before he finished in less than five minutes.

He shut his eyes, but not even the rumble of his eardrums could drown out the loud, lewd squelch of her mouth. It was fucking filthy. The swirl of her expert tongue around his shaft had him unraveling fast like a loose spool of thread.

“Teddy,” he moaned her name as he got close – too damn close.

He tried to tell her to slow down, but the words stuck in his throat. Nothing came out except grunts. Just short groans. Her lips kissed the cusp of her fist, completely engulfing him in her honey-slobber and the softness of her hand.

His hips instinctively bucked, the head of his cock bumping the back of her throat and she gagged. The walls of her inner mouth shuddered and pulsed around him and –

“Shit.” His eyes flew open but before he could warn her – she hollowed her cheeks and sucked.

He groaned her name, low and unrestrained, as the pleasure electrified his spine. It arced down his thighs before he could push her off. For a moment, he lost himself in the high, in the tide of her mouth. His cock twitched and throbbed on her tongue as he came.

Hard.

As if he hadn’t come in months – years.

In a daze, he blinked down at her and saw his cum dripping down her chin, leaking from the corners of her mouth as she continued to twist her fist and suck down the aftershocks. It would’ve been easily the most erotic sight, if it didn’t suddenly hit him how fast he came.

The light-headed euphoria quickly morphed into vertigo. He was horrified, mortified, staring down at her.

He didn’t know what to say, and for once, it seemed like neither did she. She released his cock from her mouth, but otherwise didn’t move. Not even to wipe the come off her face.

She swallowed, and opened her mouth. But a familiar ding tore through the thick, sticky air. The bell above the front door.

“Joel? Teddy?”

No way. It was motherfucking Tommy.

—-

The idiot had forgotten his house keys in Joel’s truck. In the cupholder, nonetheless.

Joel had somehow managed to button his jeans, and hand her a tissue before Tommy busted into his office. She’d pretend to blow her nose to clean the come off her face, riddling him with another level of shame. So embarrassed that he could barely look at her without feeling like he swallowed a handful of nails.

He threw Tommy the car keys to get rid of him, but found out that Aaron had left. Tommy had told him that Joel could just drive him home without even asking. And usually it wouldn’t be a big deal.

But Tommy was so goddamn clueless. He just swung around the door frame, blabbering about how the girlfriend showed up and there was a big blow up in the parking lot and Joel was just waiting for him to notice the smell of sex and sweat or even the cloying embarrassment. Or Teddy’s swollen and suck-plump lips and surely Joel looked like a flushed-beet wreck.

So how did Tommy seem to remain completely oblivious?

When Sarah called a few minutes later, Joel left. Well, first he made sure everything was locked up and she was safely in her car, but otherwise fled like a coward.

The shop had officially disappeared from his rear view mirror and now Joel couldn’t remember if he even told her goodbye. She just gave him the best blow job of his life, and he couldn’t even wave?

“Are you gonna get Sarah or drop me off first?” Tommy asked and Joel snapped at him like a venus fly trap.

“Doesn’t really make sense to go out of my way just to drop you off first, now does it?”

Tommy threw up his hands. “Well, fuck. How am I supposed to know where Sarah’s friend lives?” He hurled himself against the passenger seat and mumbled under his breath, “Asshole.”

Joel winced. He was kinda being an asshole, taking out his anger on Tommy. He wasn’t even mad at Tommy. Annoyed, yes, but not mad. The only person Joel was mad at here was himself.

He was mad at himself for cumming too fast, and even more so for running away afterwards like a scared hound with his soft, spent cock tucked between his legs. Recalling the complete shit show, Joel’s grip coiled around the steering wheel until the leather squealed in protest. He could still feel the ring of her spit drying around him.

Joel sighed and stared out the windshield at the night sky, the truck bouncing along the uneven back road full of potholes. Why did it feel like he just fucked everything up?

“Hey, are you alright?” Tommy’s voice was lower, quiet – concerned.

Joel scratched at his jaw, at the bald patch she’d kissed, before nodding his head.

“Yeah, sorry - I’m just tired.” He’d rather die and be reincarnated into a gnat than tell Tommy about how he just prematurely ejaculated. He’d had enough embarrassment for one night.

“Did I-” Tommy paused and for a moment it seemed like he decided to keep his mouth shut. Until he sighed. “I don’t know, but did I interrupt something between you and Teddy?”

A little too late to start being observant, Tommy.

Joel approached a red light, the truck crawling to a complete stop.

“Come on. What would be going on between us that you could interrupt?” Joel looked over at Tommy and his brows were furrowed. In the pool of orange light from the street lamps that speckled the cab, Joel saw the realization flash across Tommy’s face. The moment everything clicked into place.

Joel abruptly turned away, not in the mood for pity. After what felt like forever, the light finally turned green.

“Joel, I didn’t realize that you-”

“Don’t.” His voice was quiet, stern without being rude. “Just don’t.”

For once, Tommy didn’t demand to have the last word. Instead, he slowly and silently fell back into the seat as if to fade into the shadows. She still had a boyfriend as far as Tommy knew, and Joel would not be informing him otherwise. This way was easier.

The rest of the drive was filled with Willie Nelson’s album Always on My Mind, the rumble of the engine, and the buzzing of Joel’s thoughts.

How was he supposed to face her tomorrow?

—-

On Friday morning, Joel drove to the shop with a terrible pit in his stomach. His eyes felt gritty, and there was a dark shadow of gray underneath from a restless night sleep. He ate a bland piece of toast for breakfast, and even that made him feel sick. When he turned onto the street, he thought it might reappear all over the windshield.

But Teddy was not there. Just a pink post-it note on the full, freshly brewed coffee pot.

Fox Ridge pitch - Wish me luck.

He’d forgotten that it was this early. Joel supposed he’d have to get here on time this evening to see her.

Joel spent the day trying not to go insane. Despite the pounding of his hammer, memories of last night beat against his skull. Anytime he touched his lips, or the spot behind his ear, he could practically feel the ghost of her kisses. They had been desperate, heated. Hadn’t they? It had seemed she’d wanted him, just as much as he’d always wanted her. She’d even admitted to imagining him in some sexual way.

But what about now?

He didn’t have a clue.

Eight hours later, and halfway from a complete tailspin, the truck decided not to start. The engine clicked and clicked and clicked, but never went. Even though he begged for it to start. The concrete guys had tried to jump it with no success. It’d taken everything in him not to sock Tommy in the jaw when he gave him that told-you-so look while calling a tow truck.

The concrete guys were still on their best behavior and gave them a ride to the mechanic shop. It was run by one of Tommy’s highschool friends, Zach, who was nice enough to stick around past 5 on a Friday night.

5:25 and this was a fucking nightmare. He couldn’t imagine a worse day for the truck to die. As if he hadn’t fucked up enough last night when he bolted, the last thing Joel wanted as her thinking that he was avoiding her. The least he could do was extend the same courtesy she had this morning.

So midway through Tommy and Zach examining what was under the hood, he broke away to call her.

Joel slapped his cellphone against the flat of his palm as he headed outside the entrance. With a deep breath he dialed the shop’s number. The ring-ring-ring in his ears made his chest feel like it was about to explode.

“Teddy’s Company, how can I help you?”

“Hey Teddy.” He cleared his throat. “Hey, it’s Joel,” he said, very awkwardly.

“Hey! Hi. What’s up?”

Joel kicked at the loose rocks by his feet. “Well, the truck - uh the truck’s acting up. We had to get a tow, and Tommy and I are - the mechanic’s checking it over right now.”

“Oh shit.”

“Yeah, so I just wanted you to know - I don’t know when we’ll get back to the shop.” Joel lightly hit the center of his head with the circle of his clenched fist. He sounded like an idiot.

“No - yeah. That makes sense.” Silence crackled on the other line and it was unbearable.

Joel scratched his temple, unsure what to say next. He wanted to talk about last night, just to get it over with, but it wasn’t the right time. That was not a conversation to have over the phone. Not like at work was much better, but still.

“Well,” Teddy broke the silence. There was a rustling of something on the other line – papers? Her bag? “Do you need-”

There was a massive boom behind him – Tommy pounded on the glass door and motioned him inside.

“What was that?” she asked and Joel mouthed at Tommy to give him a second.

“Sorry, it’s Tommy. I think the mechanic’s done with the inspection.”

“Okay - well, I was just gonna ask if you guys-”

Tommy banged again – harder. It was Friday, so he probably had a date with his favorite dive bar. Joel glared at him and flipped him off.

“It sounds like you need to go,” she said.

“Sorry.” Joel rubbed the back of his neck and he was gonna kill Tommy. “But uh - have a nice weekend, alright?”

“Yeah, yeah, you too, Joel.”

Once Joel found out the battery just needed to be replaced, Tommy’s pissy mood made a lot more sense. It would be a decently fast and easy fix – at most an hour.

Joel plopped down in a chair in the lobby and mindlessly flipped through a car magazine. He didn’t even register the pictures that swished by, too busy reeling from that awkward phone call.

Had he really told her to have a nice weekend? He wanted to melt into the cracks and scuffs in the black-and-white tiles. Real smooth, Joel. He sucked at this shit.

What was going to happen next?

He couldn’t tell where her head was at from the phone call that somehow didn’t even last as long as him last night. God – she probably thought he had some type of erectile dysfunction and he couldn’t even blame her. There was no excuse for a man at his age to cum that fast from a blow job, nonetheless. He was not a fucking teenager.

The longer he sat there in the empty lobby with the melancholy of Johnny Cash’s voice, the more he began to doubt. It spread and swelled in his lower abdomen like a virus. Syphilis. If it festered for too long, he felt like it might turn him insane.

He didn’t know how he would survive the weekend like this.

—

Saturday was usually his day for relaxing. All his responsibilities could wait until Sunday, but he couldn’t sit still.

Up early, he and Sarah went to the Farmer’s Market and ran errands until lunch time. He deep cleaned the house in the afternoon. The entire main floor was vacuumed and swept, the kitchen counters looked brand new, and even his bed was freshly made with dryer warm sheets. He was determined to keep busy instead of wallowing in his looming conversation with Teddy.

It might’ve worked if Sarah didn’t innocently keep bringing her up. With homecoming tonight, she was apparently in the mood to reminisce, especially after she’d gotten all dolled up.

They were halfway to her friend Ashley’s house and the drive had been filled with Teddy. Their mall trip – the dress – the tiny details Teddy helped pick out.

“I brought my polaroid camera.” Sarah pointed at her overnight bag in the backseat of his truck. “So, you can take a photo of me and show Teddy on Monday.”

“Oh, yeah. She’ll like that.” Joel forced a smile as the hand of his knee flexed, biting into denim.

He couldn’t help but feel a stab of guilt every time Sarah mentioned her. Teddy would never cut Sarah out, he knew that, but things were bound to be different now. It couldn’t go back to what it used to be, not after she’d seen his cock and swallowed his come. The relationship would inevitably change between them.

He just hoped their friendship could be somewhat salvaged. For Sarah’s sake, especially.

Joel was able to push that out of his mind when they arrived at Ashley’s house. The Murphy’s had been nice enough to invite the entire group, including parents, to come over and take photos. He couldn’t imagine fitting 14 teenagers and their moms in his puny backyard where he could barely fit a playset. Luckily, the Murphy’s lived on a big, well-landscaped lot that backed up against a man-made lake, and not directly into a neighbor’s house.

The few other dad’s who showed up were all huddled together under the covered patio with their eyes transfixed on the TV screen. The Longhorns were taking on the Wildcats. Still in the first quarter, so it wasn’t even a good game yet.

Instead of cracking open a beer, Joel joined the mom’s by the rose bushes.

“Oh my God, Joel. Sarah looks beautiful.”

“She’s gorgeous.”

“Stunning.”

They all complimented Joel as if his genes actually put up a fight. Sarah was Lisa’s exact twin. Even more so when her gorgeous thick curls were pulled back into a loose bun with a few loose strands framing her face. The mom’s were right though – Sarah did look beautiful. But then again, she always did; with or without all the glitter and make-up.

Sarah’s date was a scrawny, soccer player with red hair who was her best friend’s boyfriend’s best friend. Eric. Joel could hardly believe his daughter was at an age to even have a date, even if it was just a set up. It made him feel incredibly old when the kid called him sir.

Based on first impressions, Eric seemed nice enough. The kid took a few photos of Joel and Sarah together in front of the Mexican bush sage. The purple flowers were almost an exact match to Sarah’s dress. Joel had hoped that somebody would offer when he’d changed out of his dusty clothes earlier and into a different, slightly nicer white t-shirt and a pair of his best dark wash jeans.

Still, while Joel wouldn’t threaten the kid with a fist or scare the shit out of him with a war story like Tommy would, Joel did give Eric the look – Don’t try anything, bud. When Joel shook his hand, it felt like wet paint.

Good.

Joel thanked the minivan moms for driving, Ashley’s mom for hosting the sleepover afterwards, while snapping enough pictures to fill up two of Sarah’s bulletin boards.

“You look beautiful, baby girl,” he told Sarah one more time before hugging her goodbye.

She promised to be good and handed him the developed Polaroid, specifically for Teddy. He stashed it safely away in the middle console of his truck then drove away.

At home, an empty living room quietly greeted him. Not yet 6 P.M. – the sun continued to shine and slice through the curtains onto the beige carpet. Joel had no idea what to do with the rest of his evening. Football, he supposed. Maybe rent a movie – Ocean’s Eleven or Training Day, something Sarah had no interest in ever seeing.

He whipped up a ham and cheese sandwich and cracked open a beer. Rather than eating alone at the dining room table, he set up on the couch and ate in the company of Longhorn football.

It didn’t take long, not even halfway finished with his sandwich, before a Folgers commercial came on and he thought about Teddy. She never even used Folgers, but just coffee in general made him think of her. At this point, it was actually pathetic how everything reminded him of her.

For a few minutes, Joel debated on calling her and figuring this shit out already. This limbo was killing him. He even pulled out his phone from his back pocket, found her name in his contact list and let it taunt him, his thumb hovering over the call button for longer than he’d like to admit.

But what would he say if she answered?

It had been two days and he still had no clue. He was still trying to figure out how to navigate this whole situation. He wanted to handle it with care but it felt like holding a dandelion puff in his rough calloused hands. Inevitably, it would break and fall apart with something as simple as a gust of wind. Joel carelessly tossed his phone on the coffee table and groaned.

At halftime, he went and cleaned off his empty plate in the sink. Using his hands always helped distract him. Maybe he needed a hobby. He could always play his guitar, finally learn Never Going Back Again. He’d always wanted to try out woodworking since it used to be his dad’s favorite pastime.

Joel was drying off the dish when the doorbell rang.

“Hold on,” he yelled, wiping off his hands with the rag. He didn’t know who that could be, but he’d bet everything in his wallet right now it was Tommy. He knew Sarah would be gone all night, and probably wanted to drag Joel to some bar across town for a wild night out.

Joel was coming around to the idea of spending his night in a smoky, loud bar instead of cooped up in his house when he opened the door. It was definitely not his brother, not even close.

“Teddy.”

She was on his front porch in a pale blue sundress that instantly made his mouth water. The buttery light from the budding sunset sky behind her framed her silhouette.

“Sorry to just stop by.” She smoothed down her dress and tugged at the hem. “But can I come in?”

—-

She didn’t say why she was here when he let her inside, but he supposed she didn’t have to.

It was actually Joel who broke the silence. “Do you want anything to drink?” he asked. His mom would lurch from her grave if he didn’t act like a good host.

“Water,” she said with a small smile. “Tap’s fine.”

It was a good thing she didn’t follow him into the kitchen. His hands were shaking so bad that he nearly dropped the glass on the tile floor.

When he came back into the living room, she was sitting on the couch. He handed her the glass, his fingertips brushing over hers. She politely thanked him before taking a tentative sip. The cushion whined under his weight when he sat. These were the exact same spots from the night she was here with Sarah. This time, however, the empty cushion felt less like a safety net and more like a boulder about to crush him.

He turned off the TV, the newfound silence giving further evidence of what happened the other night.

She clinked the glass onto the coffee table, then clasped her hands stiffly in her lap. On the very edge of her seat, she looked ready to bolt at any moment. “I knew Sarah would be at the dance or, at least dinner.”

“Yeah, dinner. I think the dance starts around 8,” he said and she nodded. He wished he would’ve remembered to bring the Polaroid inside. Maybe it would’ve helped ease the tension.

But no – he needed to quit procrastinating and apologize for how he reacted the other night.

Buck up – do it.

For a moment, Joel searched for what to say, scratching the skin around his neck where it felt thickest.

“Joel,” Teddy said before he could speak. She shifted in her seat and when she opened her mouth, he braced himself for her to call it nothing but a mistake. “I wanted to come by and apologize about the other night.”

His brows furrowed.

“Apologize?”

“Yes, Joel,” she answered, very sternly. He noticed a pained look in her eyes before she stared down at her stark white tennis shoes.

“What? I - what?” He sounded like a bumbling drunk and for once, he wished the right words would just come naturally to him.

She sighed.

“After our phone call yesterday,” she started, only stopping for a split-second to clasp her gold necklace between her fingers. “I feel like I might’ve pushed things too far the other night. I never wanted to make you feel uncomfortable-”

“Uncomfortable? No. Shit.” Joel insistently shook his head. He would personally damn himself to hell if he sat here any longer and let her take any blame for this. Exhaling, he scruffed a hand over his jaw. “Look, I’ll admit - I panicked, but that ain’t on you.”

“How is it not?”

“Cause you did nothing wrong. Fuck. I’m the one who should be apologizing, alright? I acted like a goddamn idiot, Teddy. It’s just-” Joel let out a self-deprecating laugh, bashfully tucking his chin towards his chest. “I don’t usually, ya know - that fast. Just got embarrassed, that's all.”

He absently rubbed at a patch of distressed leather on the arm of the couch.

“Well, I never wanted to make you feel embarrassed.” She scooted closer – closer. Slowly. For what felt like the first time since the night in his office, Joel properly met her eyes. “All I wanted was to make you feel good, Joel.” Her voice was husky, almost seductive. She smirked and his heart banged inside his chest like a caged feral cat.

“You did make me feel good,” he admitted, rather shyly. “Just wish I could’ve made you feel good, too.”

“Who says you can’t?” Her eyes darted across his face, to his lips, to the rise and fall of his chest. She gripped his shoulders for balance before swinging her legs over him. Her knee lightly bumped into the arm of the couch and his hands instantly went to her hips, helping to steady her on his lap.

Joel stared up at her dumbly for a moment before shaking his head in disbelief. His thumbs toyed with the hem of her dress, bunching it up further until he could brush over the bare flesh of her thighs. Goddamn, she was so soft. So pretty.

“What do you want, Joel?”

Everything. “Whatever you’ll give me.”

“No, Joel. What do you want?”

The last two days – hell, the last two years bulldozed into him. Every feeling and thought he’d suppressed and ignored crashing into him like a wrecking ball. He’d spent so long convincing himself this would never happen, but now – everything he ever wanted and never thought he would have was right here. Right in his lap.

And something inside him suddenly snapped.

“You gotta know by now, Teddy. You gotta know.” The words spilled out of his mouth and he hated how it sounded. It didn’t make any sense. Joel shook his head and ran his hands down her thighs to lightly squeeze at the spot above her knees for stability. “Fuck, I ain’t any good at this shit,” he said, in a rare moment of vulnerability.

She cupped his face so delicately like he was made of porcelain. With a small nudge, he met her gaze.

“This is gonna sound very middle school, but do you like me, Joel?” she asked and he snorted.

It did sound juvenile, but he instinctively tugged her closer and nodded his head.

“Good. Cause I like you and I want you, Joel. Only you,” she said. “So what do you say? Wanna give this a shot?”

“You fucking know I do.” His hand slid behind her neck, his thumb traced over the perfect curve of her hair line. “Now, come here.”

When his lips met hers – it was desperate and sweet like cream soda. His mouth crashed against hers with every bottled up dream and fantasy of her mouth, her lips, her tongue. It surged hot and bright through him.

His hand was a firm weight on the small of her back as he pulled her in as close as humanly possible, until only denim and a dainty sundress could separate him from her.

She clutched onto his shirt collar before gently rocking her hips against his growing bulge. He tensed his thigh, catching on her panties. She whimpered, already so sensitive, and he couldn’t wait to learn all the sounds she made.

He couldn’t fuck her on the couch, though. Not properly, at least. Definitely not like he wanted to or how she deserved. Still, he let himself enjoy this for a few minutes. Dry humping like teenagers in her parent’s basement before breaking the kiss with a soft peck to her top lip.

“Would you wanna go upstairs?” He dragged the back of his hand over her thigh, his knuckles hiking up her dress to reveal a little more skin.

“Oooh. Am I finally gonna see Joel Miller’s room?” She gave the tip of his nose a quick kiss before crawling off of him.

She held his hands the entire way upstairs until he led her into his room. “Told you, you weren’t missing much.”

“I don’t know about that.” She glanced at the navy blue walls, at the painting of a grazing deer in what appeared to be somewhere in Montana. It hung above his golden oak headboard. She pointed at the basic beige comforter, three pillows lined up against the frame. “I’m gonna be honest, though, I didn’t take you for the type to make your bed.”

“I did a little cleaning today.” Joel shrugged as she kicked off her shoes by his laundry basket.

“Well, isn’t that convenient?”

Joel managed to only kiss her twice before getting on the bed. He scooted into the middle, using two pillows to prop and cushion his aging lower back. Again, she eagerly climbed over him. She yanked her dress over her head, leaving her in only a lacy black bra with a pair of matching panties that cut high on her hips. The tiny, pink flower on the waistband was just the cherry on top.

She must’ve noticed the look on his face because she giggled as if she was completely innocent. “Do you like it? I wore it for you.”

“Fuck me,” he murmured. “Look at you, you’re gonna fucking kill me.” His hands roamed from her ribs up to paw at her bra and he squeezed just hard enough to watch them pour out over the top. He growled from deep in his chest before shoving his face in between her breasts. He traced the lacy material with his tongue before kissing along his slick trail. “Can I take it off?”

Smirking, she reached behind her and unclipped it for him. The bra joined her dress on the carpet in seconds. He licked his lips and admired her bare skin – the curves of her body in the coppery-golden glow from the sunset spilling in from the window. When he cupped her breasts, he swore they were made for his hands. His thumbs slid across her sensitive peaks, feather-light, but her breath still hitched – her head tip back and even the column of her neck was gorgeous.

He replaced one of his thumbs with his tongue, flicking the tip of it over her nub again and again. Kitten licks that made her clutch the back of his head. The way her fingers rooted into his hair was almost possessive and she held him flush against her chest as he sucked her nipple into his needy mouth.

Her breathing grew ragged and she tried to find friction. She rutted against him, but his hands captured her hips, holding her still before she could graze his cock. Too much dry humping and he’d be actually come in his pants like a teenager.

“Be patient, sweetheart,” he murmured and she whined. He didn’t allow her another chance to complain before his mouth switched to her other breast and adored it with equal attention. It’d been ages since he took his time like this and he lost himself in the feeling of her soft, scented skin on his face.

“Joel,” she moaned. It was desperate and raw and hands down the most erotic sound he’d ever heard in his life. It snapped him from his reverie and he grazed his teeth once more over her spit-swollen bud.

“I know.” He petted her hips before cupping her sex. The lace was soaked and sticky around her cunt.

Her hips bucked into the flat edge of his palm and for a moment, he watched her shamelessly ride his hand. Her brows furrowed – her fingers clutching his shirt for support. He was suddenly aware that he was completely dressed, and he found it strangely erotic. A part of him enjoyed it, maybe a little too much.

“Let me take care of you.” He patted her on the hip before ordering her to lay back. She didn’t need to be told twice.

Joel moved, so she could take his spot in the center of the bed. He tore off his t-shirt and threw it with her clothes. She watched him with glossy, moon eyes as he crawled between her spread open thighs. He captured her lips in a tender kiss before swerving to the swell of her cheek and down the slope of her neck. Gently, he nipped at her collarbone and she wiggled impatiently.

But he still went slow when dragging the tip of his nose from her breasts and along her stomach where he placed a soft kiss above her belly button.

When he settled back on his knees, he saw her chest rising and falling. Her bottom lip was stuck between her teeth and she was fisting the comforter. It was hard to believe she was really here, even as his fingers stroked her thigh. She was actually in his bed in nothing but soaked black panties.

Joel laid down on his stomach, spreading her thighs even wider to make room for his broad shoulders. Face-to-face with her lace covered cunt, he could smell the sweet, primal musk.

He sucked in a breath, suddenly feeling nervous. He enjoyed going down on women, but it had been awhile since he did anything more than just enough to get someone wet enough to take him. And he really wanted this to be good.

It felt like it had to be good, after his last fuck up.

“Joel? Are you okay?” She brushed back a tuft of hair that had fallen flat on his face.

He shut his eyes but there was no hiding when his face was mere inches from her pussy. “It’s just been awhile.”

“Well, we don’t-”

“No. God - I want to.” Joel groaned and dejectedly dropped his head against her thigh. He kissed at a mark above her knee. Her skin felt so warm against the stubble of his cheek. “Do you know how long I’ve wanted this?”

A moan dripped from her lips as he mouthed his way to the dip where her thighs met her hips. His nose nudging along the elastic seam.

“I’m not usually like this, but fuck - I wanna make you feel good.” He sucked at the spot directly above that damn tiny pink rose and her hips lifted off the bed, almost chasing his mouth. “Want you to know I can take care of you.”

“You can - you can,” she practically chanted. “Just God. Please, Joel.”

“Okay, I got you. It’s okay,” he whispered before peeling off her panties. He lifted the flimsy to his nose and inhaled without thinking. She smelled so delicious, musky, like sea salt and jasmine. He lost himself in her womanly scent and stuffed the fabric into his mouth and oh God – the taste. Dully sweet, a citrusy-tang that tingled his tongue. He devoured it.

It wasn’t until her panties were licked clean that he came up for air. His eyes opened to find her staring at him. Her mouth gaping – pupils carbon-black.

With a shy smile, he tossed the panties, now soaked with his spit, behind him. “Sorry.”

“Don’t be,” she panted. “Fuck, that was hot.”

He snorted.

“Well, you taste damn good, sweetheart,” he said, situating himself comfortably between her thighs. Now, there was nothing, not even skimpy lace separating them. She was completely hairless, which was actually a first for him. Joel didn’t have a personal preference, though he did like how easily he could see how turned on she was. Her entire sex was swollen and glossy and perfect. Licking his lips, he peered up at her. “I wanna make you feel good, so let me know if you don’t like something, alright?”

She quickly nodded, her chest hitching with anticipation. She wanted this. She did.

He kissed the top of her mound then experimentally licked her slit, keeping his tongue soft and flat. He deliberately stopped just before her clit, avoiding it. For now. He planned to build her up slowly, steady. Words had never come easy to him, so instead he’d show her what he could not articulate.

Despite his own painful desire, his focus remained solely on her as he lapped at her cunt: He teased and nibbled and sucked on her folds. Letting her little sounds and sighs guide him to find her most sensitive spots. He didn’t know what he’d been so worried about before. Eating pussy was just like riding a bike.

“More,” she pleaded, and how could he deny her after she’d been so patient?

Her back arched when the tip of his nose grazed her clit. He smirked against her cunt, the pit in his belly stoked by how worked up she was. It fueled his confidence and his tongue swiped over her clit. She wound her fingers through his hair and tugged.

Hard.

And Oh – that did something to him. His cock twitched, or at least, tried to. Pack so tightly against the seam of his jeans. Again – he swallowed the urge to hump the sheets for some relief, snubbing his own arousal for hers.

As he toyed with her clit, his fingertips skimmed over her slick, hot-heated sex. The thick bulb of his pointer finger caught on her entrance and she immediately clenched, as if trying to capture him. Greedy little thing.

Still, he peered up at her for permission that she happily granted. He started out with one finger and inched inside her until he could not physically go any further. He cursed under his breath. She was warm and soaked and so tight.

When finally he squeezed in a second finger, her knees slightly bowed. Even though she was wet enough for him to slip in without any resistance, he rocked into her slowly, mindful to let her adjust. He curled his fingers, trying a few different angles before finding that spongy spot.

Immediately, she jerked with a deep, filthy moan.

Got it.

His fingers worked just as relentlessly as his tongue that was circling and swirling and flicking her clit. So responsive. Her walls spasmed around him as he thrusted into her a little harder. A little faster.

“Oh my God.” Her voice was as shaky as her thighs. He could feel her starting to swell under his tongue.

Joel didn’t want to stop, but he needed to see her come apart. When he leaned back on his knees, her hand shot out. She latched onto his forearm with a death grip.

“Wait! Wait! Joel!” Her voice was high-pitched. Frantic. Her cunt clenched furiously around his fingers as if she could not bear to let them go. “I’m almost there. I swear, I’m close.”

She bore down, attempting to fuck his hand as if she needed to prove she was telling the truth. Like he could do nothing but sit here, and she could get herself off. Joel felt something ugly and bitter twinge in his chest. It made him wonder how often she was left high and dry and unsatisfied by the people she fucked.

Well, not anymore. Not with him.

Once his hand lightly pressed on her abdomen, she stopped. Her gaze found his. Her eyes glossy and wild and fucked out. It looked like the only thought in her head was how badly she needed to come.

“Don’t worry, I ain’t done with you, sweetheart,” he assured her as his hand on her stomach moved lower and lower. “Just wanna see you when I make you come for the first time.”

A filthy moan split her lips when he circled her clit with his thumb. The panic on her face was instantly replaced with relief. Pleasure. She looked gorgeous on the verge of an orgasm.

“Does this pretty little pussy feel good?”

“Yes - yes - don’t stop,” she cried out. “I’m so close.”

“I know, sweetheart. I can feel it.” And he could. “I got you.”

She moaned his name as she came undone underneath him. Her arousal was dripping down his knuckles and onto his sheets. He caught himself grinding into the air, desperately wishing it was his cock instead of his fingers making her come.

Her clit pulsed under the pad of his thumb like a beating heart. Insatiable, he sucked the taste of her off his fingers then wiped his mouth.

She drew him down into a sloppy, wet kiss. The painful bulge in his jeans catching on her bare flesh. By some miracle, though he didn’t burst right then and there.

She pawed at his bare shoulders. “I need you,” she murmured against his lips that were still buzzing with her wetness. “Please Joel, I want you.”

“Greedy,” he mumbled, grinning against her cheek. He gave her hip a playful pinch before jumping onto his feet.

Quickly, he shed his jeans along with his pre-come stained boxer briefs. His cock was heavy. The head swollen into a furious shade of red, closer to purple than pink.

The light outside was starting to fade into gauzy, gray dusk. So, Joel flipped on the bedside lamp before pulling out a fresh box of condoms from the nightstand. He tore through the plastic wrapping with his teeth, but slowed down when opening the tin-foil packet.

“How do you want me?” She asked as he securely rolled on the condom.

Up? Down? He didn’t care. “Surprise me.”

She shot him a mischievous smirk before flipping onto her stomach. Rising onto all fours. This woman. He had no idea what she would pick, but his first guess never would’ve been doggy.

He admired the dream-like curve of her spine and she invitingly wiggled her ass. Seemed she was trying to give him a heart attack. Did she know how sexy she was to him? She had to. She had to know what she did to him.

“Is this okay?” she asked, and Joel growled his approval. He climbed in behind her and palmed at the plump flesh of her ass.

She opened herself wider until he could see everything. “Shit, sweetheart,” he hissed, marveling at where her sex glistened with his spit and her orgasm.

Joel had to squeeze at the base of his cock before dragging the tip through her slick folds, all the way up to her puckered hole. Even that felt good. Almost too good. And he wasn’t even inside her, yet.

Once Joel was lined up with her entrance, he noticed how small her cunt looked next to him and didn’t even try to push in. He questioned whether or not he could fit. It was just a fact that he was thick. Even though she was soaked, this would be a tight squeeze.

Fuck. Now, he was really regretting only using two fingers instead of three.

“Joel” she whined, but he still didn’t move.

“I don’t wanna hurt you.”

“No, I can take it - I promise,” she whimpered. “Joel, please.” She tilted back against him, making it impossible to say no.

“Okay. Alright,” he said soothingly, calmly rubbing the arc of her hip. “I’ll go slow.”

And he did. For both his and her sake, he inched into the heat of her cunt. His gaze was welded to the painted deer above the headboard. Watching himself disappear inside her would’ve been too much. The feeling of her pulsing around him was already almost too much for him to handle. Without the condom, this would’ve been over before it could even begin.

“Fuck, fuck, fuck. You’re big,” she choked out, her walls fluttering around him. “I need - I need a second.”

“It’s okay, it’s okay.” Yeah – he needed one too.

There was a long minute where the only sounds in the room were of his harsh breaths, her suppressed whimpers. Then, a slight creak of the bed.

He leaned forward, his chest lightly pressed against her back. His arms caged in around hers, palms flat on the bed to help support his own weight as he draped over her body.

“You feel so good.” His lips brushed over the top of her spine and she shivered. “I know it’s a lot. I want you to know it’s a lot for me too.”

“Oh, Joel,” she mewled as he buried his face into her neck. She smelled and tasted just like salted caramel.

“You’re perfect, sweetheart. So good.” He kissed behind her ear, along the back of her neck. “I’m gonna move now, alright?”

“Please.” The word dripped from her lips – the only answer he needed.

He stayed close to her, his breath puffing against her neck as he fucked into her. Nice and slow and tender, at first. She met his thrusts in perfect sync. Each one allowing him deeper and deeper inside her and he didn’t even know how that was possible. It was as if her pussy was molding to fit him, to take even more of him. It felt very intimate and overwhelming.

He thought if he was staring into her eyes that he might’ve cried. Sex had never felt like this before. Not with Lisa, not even when they accidentally made Sarah. If he was being honest, sex had always felt somewhat impersonal; stilted, distant, like a glory hole in a gas station, just minus the sketchy bathroom wall.

But here, right now with her – this felt sacred. He had no clue how he ever managed to live without this.

“Do you know how long I’ve wanted you?” Joel laid his damp forehead between her shoulder blades and picked up the pace.

“Joel.” She gasped. His name seemed to be the only word she could say. It was as if he had completely consumed her. Her mind. Her body. Her every neuron. He kissed each vertebrae within reach, claiming more of her.

More.

“So damn long,” he answered. “And so fucking bad. Prettiest thing I’ve ever seen and look at you now, sweetheart. Just taking it. So good, just like I knew you would.”

“Oh God, Joel.”

He felt her shake, her arms appeared ready to give out and collapse. He wouldn’t let that happen. So, he widened his stance, the comforter bunching up around his knees. Carefully, but without warning, he fully pulled out and she wailed like it physically hurt.

“I got you.” He shushed her, wrapping his arm around her waist and sealing her to his chest. “Come on, come here.” He guided her upright along with him and she groaned once the weight was off her arms.

She sank back down on his cock instantly, her ass flush against his thighs. He felt even closer to her, somehow, in this position. Her skin was on fire, the sweat making her back stick to him like gum. Her pussy was drenched and dripping down his balls.

He could feel her all over him. Everywhere. It amazed him how he managed to last this long.

Joel gripped her hip, his other hand went to cup her breast. When he gently rocked forward at the perfect angle, she clenched.

“Goddamn.” He squeezed her breast, continuing to hit that same spot. “How are you so tight?”

“It’s you, Joel.” She gasped. “No one - no one has ever been this deep.”

The dormant, possessive part of his brain lit up and he growled. Joel buried himself to the hilt, until he could not claim another inch. No one but him had ever touched her here.

Just him.

Only him.

His.

She was soaking wet, white-hot, and he could feel himself throbbing inside her. Joel wanted to come so badly. The spicy-musk of her skin was swirling in his lower belly with a powerful, burning heat. On the brink of bursting.

“Fuck, I’m not gonna last much longer.” He pinched her nipple as his other hand went down to play with her clit. “I wanna make you come.”

Her only response came in a whine, a frantic nod.

Joel thrusted into her with long, deep strokes that made the bed shake. The headboard hit the wall in a dull, rhythmic thud that filled the room. Just like her trembling, needy moans, his own low groans, and the heady-salt scent of sex.

She threaded her fingers into his hair and haled his mouth toward hers. She kissed him, or more so, tried to. It was more of just lips devouring whatever was within reach: cheeks and chin and the curve of mouths. It wasn’t the best angle, but it didn’t matter.

In this moment, nothing else mattered to him but her.

Despite the tightness in his balls, Joel somehow held back his release. He gritted his teeth, burrowed his face into her neck, and quickly rubbed her clit. The high-pitched sound of his name lingered on her swollen lips as her walls squeezed around him like a fist.

It wasn’t until her cunt was spasming around him that he finally drove forward. He was buried so deep inside her that he practically snarled when he came.

He spilled into the condom, but pretended to be filling her up instead. He would watch his cum drool out of her, only to stuff it all back in with his fingers.

Joel clutched her against him as his hips gave a few final jerks. He would have liked to stay inside her until he went completely soft, but the condom was overflowing. Cum or her slick or more likely a mix of both was soaking into the hair between his thighs. He decided not to test the durability of this specific condom brand. The last time he did that, well – it was obvious how that turned out.

Holding the condom at the base, he slipped out of her and dropped onto his ass with a few pops and cracks. Damn, he really should stretch more.

His eyes fell to where her legs were spread and her sex was still gaping from him – for him. His mouth went dry. He wanted to lean over and quench his thirst, fill her with his tongu-

“What’re you lookin’ at there?” The sound of her lilted voice made his gaze abruptly snap to her face.

He must’ve been blushing because her lips split into a smug grin. Clearly, she knew what caught his attention. But even after two orgasms, she was still a little sassy. Still too damn perceptive for her own good, meanwhile he could barely form a coherent sentence.

She straddled his thighs, careful to avoid his semi-soft cock.

“It’s okay, you can look. I mean, it’s yours now, isn’t it?” Her soft, small voice cut through the post-sex fog in his brain. She was looking so vulnerable, so exposed, completely naked in his lap. Even he was more covered up than her, and all he had covering him was a flimsy, full condom that he had not yet found the energy to get up and throw away.

Isn’t it? Joel got the sense it was not a genuine question, but more of a reiteration – a confirmation. Are we on the same page?

Whatever she meant, he nodded his head.

“It is.” He cradled her cheek. “But only if it comes with the rest of you. I’m a greedy man, sweetheart. I want it all.”

She beamed at him.

“Well, that makes two of us,” she declared while brushing a sweaty tuft of his hair out of his face. “I want everything you come with, Joel. And when I say everything - I mean everything. The whole package.”

She might’ve not said Sarah’s name, but he knew that’s what she meant.

His lips parted, amazed by how easily the words came out of her mouth. That was the first time a woman had ever acknowledged that he came as a two-for-one deal without even a hint of cynicism in their tone. Obviously, Joel realized a kid was a lot to take on. Especially since Lisa wasn’t in the picture at all, but there were some women who made it sound like Sarah was baggage, which was insane. Sarah was the best part of him.

Speechless, Joel kissed her firmly on the mouth. It was warm and sweet and surging through his chest like an electric current. This is what it was supposed to be like. He could feel her lips break into a smile before he pulled away.

“Stay here. Let me get you cleaned up.”

She laid back on the bed without argument, and he disappeared into the bathroom. Joel stuffed the condom into the tin-foil wrapper, then buried it under wads of tissues and empty toilet paper rolls at the bottom of the trash can, just in case Sarah used his bathroom. He didn’t want her to see that.

After cleaning himself up, he returned with a warm, damp washcloth. She looked pleasantly surprised, a little shocked. Wordlessly, she parted her legs with enough space for him to fit.

“Such a gentleman,” she finally said after he gently wiped down her thighs.

“Maybe.” He moved over her tender, swollen folders with even more caution. “Or maybe I just wanted to get a closer look.”

He winked and she giggled.

“You had your face buried down there like twenty minutes ago - don’t think you can get much closer than that.”

True. Joel snorted and tossed the washcloth into his laundry hamper. He went over to his dresser and dug out an old, oversized t-shirt from the bottom of his drawer.

“Caught this at a Longhorns game from one of those t-shirt cannons,” he said when handing her the folded shirt with her panties on top.

“Ooooooh impressive.” She playfully wiggled her brows, just slightly taunting him. He didn’t expect anything less.

His boxers from earlier were still damp, so he put on a fresh pair.

“So, what time are you picking Sarah up?” she asked, seemingly waiting to bring up his kid until he wasn't butt-ass naked.

“Actually, she’s staying at her friend’s house tonight.”

“Well, that’s interesting.”

Joel hummed his response. He was grabbing a pair of sweatpants from the closet when suddenly the home phone on the nightstand lit up, ringing. Only solicitors called that phone, anymore – shit, his cellphone was downstairs.

He would’ve ignored it, but what if it was Sarah?

Joel raced to the phone with his pants still clutched in his hand. Once he saw the caller ID, he groaned.

“It’s Tommy.”

She nodded for him to answer, and so he did. Very reluctantly. “Hello?” Joel swore if Tommy was in jail again, he was going to let him rot there until next week.

“Hey there, Joel.” Definitely not jail – too happy. “What’s going on?”

“Uh,” Joel paused and looked at his bed where Teddy was laying in only his t-shirt and a pair of panties. What a beautiful sight. He couldn’t help but laugh to himself; Tommy wouldn’t believe him even if he told the truth. Joel tucked the phone between his ear and shoulder, so he could put on his pants. “Nothing.”

Teddy grinned at him like they were teenagers lying to their parents.

“Nothing? Huh?” Tommy snorted. “Then what’s Teddy’s car doing in your driveway?”

Oh no.

Joel nearly tripped over his pant leg on his way to the window. The street lights were on, but the sky was still a light enough blue where he could clearly see Tommy standing in the driveway, waving with a classic little brother grin on his face. “What the hell are you doing here?”

“I was coming by to drag your ass out and wait - are you fucking shirtless?”

Joel cursed, backing away from the window like it burned him. The cover was blown and he hoped Teddy didn’t mind, but it wasn’t his fault that his brother came over uninvited. He looked at her and she was just smiling, appearing wildly amused.

She shrugged, then yelled. “Hi Tommy.”

Tommy howled in his ear, loud enough that he could hear it through the glass. She immediately burst out laughing, no longer having to hide. Joel shook his head, but he couldn’t even be annoyed or mad. Not right now.

“You dirty dog.”

Fucking Tommy.

#pedro pascal fanfiction #joel miller x f!reader #joel miler x reader #joel miller fanfiction #last of us fanfiction #joel the last of us #joel x reader #joel miller

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doitforbangchan · 2 months

Text

Cloudy day - Felix

Hello loveys, this was requested by the wonderful @softkisshyunjin <3 thank you for being so sweet, i am so happy we are friends :')

Masterlist

Not proofread :)

Idol!Felix x Fan!reader (afab)

Warnings: Fluff, angst, cheating (not reader), cursing, panic attack, crying, Felix being perfect as usual WC: 2k

This was surreal. Here you were, about to meet Straykids, the people you have been idolizing for years, at their fan meeting. Even being in the same city as them was worth the 3 hour drive, let alone getting to meet them. You were buzzing with excitement. You had a feeling this was going to be the best day ever! It didn’t matter to you that you were at the very back of the line, you would wait all day if you had too!

And wait all day you did. Only a few hours but it felt like time was dragging on and on, ever the close to the front you got.The one downside was your boyfriend didn’t want to join you today. You had begged him to come with you, as your boyfriend he should want to share your joy with you, even though it didn’t interest him. Just like you had done for him time and time again; be it going to sports matches or going to clubs with his shitty friends, you always did what he wanted. So it hurt a little that he wouldn’t do the same for you - claiming he had an important meeting for work he couldn’t miss.

Whatever. It didn’t matter he wasn’t here, you were happy anyways. Plus it was almost your turn! You were chatting with the girls (the only 3 people left in line) behind you when you were ushered to the first member, album in hand ready for them to sign it.

Walking up to the table you were greeted by I.N’s smiling face, beckoning you over. You held back a squeal when you reached him. He was so pleasant! A kind young man who chatted with you and signed your albums and photocards, adding a smiley face after his name.

It went like that when you met all of the boys, a few of them letting you hold their hands (Swoon) and being so kind to you, even though you figured they were probably tired from meeting so many people. The only one left to meet was Felix.

Just as you were a few feet away, waiting your turn your phone started to ring. You explicitly told everyone you knew not to bother you unless it was an emergency so you knew something bad must have happened. Looking at the screen it was a call from your boyfriend. You answered instantly.

“Hey babe, what's going on?” Worry laced your voice.

“Hey…. listen Y/n… I know this is a terrible time to do this and I’m really sorry, but….” He paused, sounding frustrated.

“What is it honey? Did something happen at work?”

He sighed, “I’m breaking up with you.”

You felt your world shatter at his words. “W-what? W-why?”

“I’ve kinda been seeing Katy for a few weeks.” His fucking coworker? “And it's been going really well. She’s into the same things I am, and isn’t a grown adult fangirling over a bunch of boys who can barely dance. Look, just mail me the stuff I left at your place. I have a box of your stuff I'm dropping off in front of your door. Sorry y/n.” Then he hung up the phone.

Suddenly you couldn’t breathe, your chest feeling tight and you were getting lightheaded. What the actual fuck. Cheating with his coworker he told you not to worry about. Fuck how stupid could you be? A whole year of your life down the drain.

Hot tears were streaming down your face, blurring your vision.

You didn’t even register that you were being ushered forward until you were face to face with the sunshine boy himself. He was beaming at you but that was fading into a look of worry as he took in your panicked features.

“Hey, dearie, are you ok?” He asked but you couldn’t respond. The feeling of impending doom taking you over completely.

“I-I” You were wheezing, trying to get words out but struggling beyond comprehension. “Im…no, I-” This was the worst place you could have gotten a panic attack. It had been so long since you had one you almost forgot how much it overcame you. Though it came to no surprise to you when the sobs started to wrack your body.

Felix had a look of panic on his own face now, and he turned to make eye contact with his security who came forward to help you. Felix addressed the security “I don’t know what happened, but please show this young woman to the back room and make sure she is alright.”

The security uttered a quick ‘right away sir’ and led you away gently. Fuck this was so embarrassing. Not only had Felix seen you act a mess, but you were getting worried looks from all the members. This was quickly turning into the worst day ever.

You were led to a back room where a team of people were asking you what was wrong and if you needed assistance. It took you a while to get your breathing back in check and calm down enough to answer them. By the time the medic team was sure you were alright you were ready to leave and put this whole mess behind you, but they insisted you stay; apparently they had been asked to keep you around.

It wasn’t too long after that you found out why. Mr. Sunshine himself made an appearance, coming through the door and looking around. When he spotted you sitting there waiting he looked relieved.

“There you are!” He sped walked to you, crouching down in front of your still shaking form, and grabbing both your hands in his. “I had been so worried! We all were! Are you ok sweetheart?”

You could barely stutter a reply, “I’m o-ok, F-felix. ‘M really sorry f-for causing a scene.”

He shook his head, “No, no don’t worry about it! I know a panic attack when I see one and I know it can't be stopped sometimes.” His hands rubbed the skin on the back of yours in comforting circles. “The medic team said your name is Y/n, is that right?”

You nodded to his question. “I’m Felix, but - you already know that cuz you said it already..” he laughed off his mistake, causing you to have a small smile at the sound.

“Yes. It's nice-to meet you Felix.” you were starting to get a grip on the shaking.

“Where are you from, Y/n?” You answered his question and thus began him getting to know you and asking you questions about yourself, noticing the more he chatted with you the better you were getting, him seemingly taking your mind off of your panic attack. He wanted to know all about you, how old you were, what you did for a living, your hobbies, and your hopes and dreams.

He was curious about why it happened in the first place, though. “Y/n if you think you’d be able to talk about it, do you mind if I ask what happened when you were in line? I had seen you looking so happy just a few minutes before.”

You felt yourself deflate at his inquiry; your heart started to race again as you remembered why you had the attack in the first place. “ I was having a great time, you were all so nice. It’s just that, w-when I was in line about to meet you I got a call.. From my boyfriend…Well now ex boyfriend.” You felt the tears start to gather on your lash line. “He umm, he broke up with me…because he’s been cheating on me with his coworker..”

Felix opened his mouth in shock. How could anyone want to cheat on someone as beautiful as you? You were so sweet! It made no sense to him. He spoke before he registered his own words, “He is a fucking idiot.” He felt his face redden at his statement.

You froze for a moment, before you burst into giggles at Felixs’ words. He couldn’t help but start laughing with you, finding your own contagious. It only took a few seconds before you both were clutching your stomachs, uncontrollably laughing together.

Something about Felix just made you feel better. Lighter. His overall presence just brought you extreme comfort. “Thank you for saying that. Honestly, to spring this on me when I was having such a good time is a dick move.”

Felix nodded, “For real, what kind of person does that to someone? What kind of person cheats on such a pretty girl to begin with?”

You blushed at his words, choosing to ignore them and focusing on the first half of his statement. “ He was not a very good boyfriend that's for sure, he never wanted to do anything I did and would put me down when I was enthusiastic about something. I had begged him to come with me today but he declined saying he had a ‘meeting’. Though now I know It was to meet up with his side chick.”

“His mistress!” Felix exclaimed. “That is terrible. I would say I’m sorry for your loss, but honestly I’m not.” When you gave him a slight confused look he continued, blushing again. “I mean, if he hadn’t broken up with you when he did I never would have gotten to talk to such an amazing girl. His loss really.”

“You really think that?” You were getting choked up, overwhelmed by his words.

He nodded, “I do. Forgive me for being bold, but when I first saw you standing in line I could not keep my eyes off of you. Seeing you dancing and laughing with the other people in line made me excited to meet you.” He took your hand in yours. “I know we don’t know each other and you literally just got out of a relationship but if you are willing, I would love to get to know you more.”

The tears were leaking from your eyes again, “oh Felix..” You couldn’t find the words to describe how flooded with emotion you felt.

The blonde tightened his hold on your hands, “ please don't cry, we don’t have to continue anything if you don’t want to, we can leave here just friends or even less if that’s what you want.”

“No!” you protested louder than you had intended. “I mean, I do want to get to know you more, Felix. I am just feeling very overwhelmed right now.”

He nodded in understanding, “I can only imagine. We can take it super slow, if you'll have me.”

“I think I would like that very much.” You answered shyly. Felix broke out in a wide grin and launched himself at you, suffocating you in a hug. You reciprocated his hug just as tightly, laughing at his antics.

Suddenly Felix pulled back, looking as if he had an epiphany. “I have a great idea!” You hummed for him to continue. “Why don’t you post a picture of us on your social media, maybe it will make your ex jealous!”

“That… would actually be hilarious, Felix. Let's do it.”

He helped you wipe the makeup from under your eyes and patted down your hair. Then together you posed, with Felix giving your cheek a light kiss as the camera snapped the picture.

You both were giggling as you uploaded the picture to Instagram with the caption ‘so glad I have my sunshine to brighten my cloudy day <3’

Maybe today was your best day ever, after all.

Comments and reblogs are very much appreciated!

©doitforbangchan

#stray kids #stray kids x reader #skz #lee felix #lee felix x reader #felix lee #fluff #🍯 writes

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pattypanini · 1 month

Text

Lay All Your Love On Me Chapter 5- Rules

Josh Kiszka x Reader AND slight Jake Kiszka x Reader

Word Count: Around 4k

AN: Hi everyone! Here is the fifth chapter of Lay All Your Love On Me from me and @mar-rein12! Thank you so much for all the support, we appreciate it all. Here is the taglist incase anyone wants to be added to it: TAGLIST. This is our last 'smaller' chapter but its filled with lots of good stuff. We hope you enjoy chapter 5, Rules.

Also get ready for smut because it doesn't end from here, only gets worse. LOL. And get more use to Jake, because we’re going to be seeing a lot more of him soon 😘

Next chapter coming this Thursday!

Warnings: 18+, SMUTTTTT, Unprotected sex, Tit fondling, Fingering, Oral (F receiving), Angst, Flirting, Cursing, Hickeys, Alcohol, not good coping mechanisms, jealousy, heavy petting. (lmk if i forgot anything!)

Y/n’s POV:

Walking to class the next morning was an experience. You both ended up sleeping through the alarm and had to get ready at his house. So that meant having to go to class in his sweats and t-shirt from last night. Charlotte wasn’t the happiest that you didn’t walk with her to class, in fact you ended up being half an hour late to your lecture, but telling her about the night distracted her from her anger.

“He may or may not have eaten me out..” You raise your eyebrows, as you tilt your cold brew up to your lips, taking a swig.

“WHAT THE FUCK!” Charlotte covers her mouth to keep her drink in.

“Char, quiet down please. I don’t think all of Starbucks wants to know about my night,” you scolded her with a chuckle. It had become routine to go to Starbucks after your first class due to the break you both had before your next one.

“Well… how was it? Was he good?” Charlotte presses.

“It was really good. A lot better than I expected, I’ll say that. His talkativeness definitely translates into the bedroom.”

“Omg, I bet you're looking forward to practicing now. I mean you guys are, like, practically married at this point.” She wiggles her eyebrows at you, in a teasing manner.

To be honest you weren’t looking forward to practice this afternoon knowing that Lindsey would be expecting a cover of your adventures of last night, and that Josh would be listening to it to hear what you rated his performance. So fucking cocky.

“Umm yeah, sure I guess I’m excited.” You respond, knowing you were completely lying to her.

You finish your drinks and say your goodbyes, making your way to your hour and a half long class that you would spend most of the time online shopping.

—

First week of April 2023- Spring Semester- Junior Year

The rest of the week, practice goes fairly smooth. It was now the beginning of April and you were enjoying your time at practice, feeling very confident in your role. You still had a little over a month before the real deal but everyone was making good progress. But of course something was nagging at you. Josh was still talking and flirting with that bitch, Sophia. Yeah you were a little jealous, but so was she. She wanted Josh so bad and can’t take seeing Josh being flirty with you.

When everyone was trying out, Sophia explained that she would be soooo perfect for the role of Sophie. Apparently, she's not as perfect as she thinks because you’re the one that got the lead. Guys only want her because she has a fat ass, but she’s just a fucking airhead. All looks, no brains and definitely no personality. She was very rude to everyone she met except for guys. You didn’t understand how Josh couldn’t see that. Or maybe he did, and he just wanted you to get jealous. Asshole.

By the time it hit Friday you were so done with the week. You were kinda excited to hangout with Josh this weekend since you barely talked during the week, but you couldn't seem too desperate.

You walk over to Josh who is still talking to Sophia way after practice ended to talk to him about the weekend. “Hey Sophia, are you done talking to Josh?”

“I’m actually not sooo.”

“It was a rhetorical question dumbass soooo, bye.” You give a bitchy smile, sending her on her way. Josh turns to you with a confused look on his face.

“Uhhh what the fuck y/n?”

“Did you really have any interest in what she was saying, because your body language alone shows literally anything but interest.”

He rolls his eyes, waiting for what you have to say.

“Are we hanging out this weekend?”

“Why so desperate for me y/n? Did Monday night really change you.” He says smirking, eyeing you up and down.

“Sorry for wanting to be around you, besides I can’t be hanging out with anyone else, but you don’t seem to be holding up your end of the bargain so I guess it doesn’t matter. So what are you doing tonight?”

“I’m going to the Alpha Delta Phi house tonight for their party, but you're not coming, those guys would be all over you.”

“Is Sophia coming?”

“Yeah but only because she heard I was going, but you're not coming.”

“Okay fine. I’ll just call Mark to have him over. See you on Monday.” You turn, beginning to walk away before you feel a hand grab your shoulder, turning you Josh’s way.

“No you're not!” He says looking deep into your eyes with anger, and jealousy. “If you're coming you're staying with me, got it?”

You nod your head with innocence and leave without another word. Tonight was going to be fun, and Josh would finally realize why no other girl could ever replace you.

JOSH’s POV:

The shower was relaxing, especially after a week of long practices and stupid classes. You just wanted to unwind and get a little drunk at tonight's party. You weren’t super thrilled when Sophia said she wanted to come to the party, not that you care about her being around everyone. You just didn't want to hear her yap all night, that was your job.

You wanted to pick out an outfit that you knew y/n would like, but she really hasn’t expressed what she likes on you, so you opted to stick with your basics, a white t-shirt, khaki shorts, and high top white vans.

You quickly shoved your pen in your pocket and keys and you and Jake started heading towards the main road. You texted y/n that you would meet her outside the frat house at 11:15 before you went in. You wouldn’t let her walk into that damn house alone, even though she probably has a million times.

The walk to the house was quiet. Jake has obviously been flirting with y/n, but she wasn’t reciprocating it so you didn’t worry. When you finally got there you waited outside and sent y/n a text.

11:13pm Josh: We’re here, where are you?

11:13 pm y/n: I’m on the street, chill.

You waited a moment and scrolled on your phone until you felt a tap on your shoulder. You turn to see her. Holy shit. She was pure beauty. Y/n stands there wearing a plum corset top with black leather pants and black docs. Her long hair was curled loosely and fell over her shoulders perfectly. Her makeup was gorgeous and perfectly accentuated her features. You hadn't realized how long you had been staring for before y/n said something.

“Josh, hello? Are you good?” She flashed her perfect, white teeth at you.

“Oh yeah, we can head in.” You notice her necklace is off centered and reach forward to fix it, lining the initial in the middle of her collarbone.

“Thanks Joshy.” She smiles at you and makes her way up the stairs as you turn to look at Jake.

“Pick your jaw off the floor Jake, she's not yours bud.”

“We’ll see about that, brother.” He pats you on the back, a stupid smirk plastered across his face, following y/n’s footsteps.

I’m gonna kill him.

Something about tonight made you think you were going to need a fair amount of alcohol. You make your way to the kitchen where bottles are scattered across the counter tops. The rooms were dark and overstimulating with all the music and people. You make your way across the room on the creaky floors into the kitchen. You grab a cup for you and y/n and attempt to find her in the ocean of people. When you finally find her dancing with some of her friends you tap her and hand her her drink.

“Thanks Joshyyy.” She smiles, takes a sip, and continues to dance. She already seems a little tipsy.

“Did you drink already?” You ask, taking a sip of your own drink.

“I meannnn, I had a few shots before I came, but I’m tot-ally in control.” She says slurring her words. She grabs you by your shirt pulling you into her, forcing you to dance with her. In her drunken state, you feel a splash of something soak into your white shirt. “Josh, oh my god, I’m sorryyy.”

“Fuck. Uh, it’s fine,” You were pissed, slightly embarrassed as well. Annoyed, you stomp away from her to find some napkins.

As you enter the kitchen, you locate the napkins and look over to y/n’s direction. You see she’s already found another guy. She leans her head on the mystery man’s shoulder, loudly speaking into his ear.

“My number is 517, wait, that's not close. Um, haha. Uh, 273- 5. Wait fuck- its actually 274,” she screams into his ear, laughing hysterically. “The last four digits are-”

You’ve had enough, you race towards her leaning into her ear. “What did you not understand about our deal?” You say through gritted teeth, speaking just loud enough so only she could hear.

“I’m only being nice. Cool it.” She snaps back at you, defensively.

“Fine. I guess I can be ‘nice’ too, hm?” You walk away from her, beginning to regret letting her come along. You grab your pen from your pocket and take a quick hit, followed by another sip of the mixed drink. You make your way to the dance floor, looking for her. When your eyes spot her, you quickly make your way over.

You reach your hand out to her, inviting her to dance with you. “ Care to dance?” You offer her a syrupy, sweet smile. Your eyes plead with her to say ‘yes’.

“I thought you’d never ask,” Sophia takes your hand and you guide her so her back is pressed against your front. The song Kill The Lights begins to blare through the speakers, undoubtedly rupturing anyone’s eardrums who were in close vicinity. The strobe lights flicker around the, otherwise, dark room. Your hands land on her hips, grinding her ass into your semi-hard dick. She looked lovely tonight dressed in an emerald green bodysuit paired with black skinny jeans. Her tits practically falling out of her top and her jeans perfectly highlighting her curvy hips.

“You look pretty tonight, Soph,” You lean down and whisper into her ear.

“You don’t look too bad yourself, Kiszka,” she retorts, biting her lip and grinding harder into you.

“Oh fuck,” the friction of her grinding was beginning to get to you. You break away from her, turning her around to face you. “Want me to fill up your drink?”

“Please,” she hands you her cup and you scurry off to the kitchen, yet again. It appeared to be your favorite place tonight. You find yourself looking y/n’s way, to see her staring back at you.

Y/n’s POV

Are you fucking joking. After everything you guys talked about, he still takes it as a fucking joke. Well, maybe you weren't one to talk, but two can play at that game. You make your way through the crowd, in search of a Kiszka twin, and certainly not the slutty, fuckboy twin. You see him standing leaning against the wall, beer in hand. His black button up only buttoned to his navel, enticing you even more. “Can you dance?” You ask him, batting your lashes at Jake.

“Fuck, yeah!” You grab his hand forcefully pulling him to the dance floor, and right pass Josh so he can see you and his twin walking by, hand and hand. Blame It by Jamie Foxx and T- Pain begins to play and that was enough to get you in a certain mood. You left no time to start grinding up on Jake, pressing your ass into his dick.

His hands began feeling up and down your body, going from your ass, around your hips, up to your waist. As you look deep into Josh’s eyes you grab Jake's hands and begin to reach down pulling them higher so they are just below your tits. Your hips sway against him, feeling his dick harden into your ass.

“y/n…” Jake mumbles into your ear, seductively. “Damn..” You move his hands to sit right on top of your tits and he gives them a light squeeze. “... you’re so fucking beautiful.”

You would hate this type of PDA normally, but tonight you were just in the mood for revenge.

“I know you’ve been wanting to touch me, Jake,” You turn around to face him, wrapping your arms around his neck.

“Yeah? Who says?” His brow quirks up, challenging you. He pulls you closer, your bodies now flush together.

“Says me, and all the flirting you’ve been doing lately.” You tilt your face up to his, looking directly into his chocolatey brown eyes. A few moments of silence pass as you both continue to dance.

You feel a hand wrap around your bicep and pull you away from Jake.

“What the actual, fuck, do you think you’re doing?” It was Josh. His eyes darted between you and his brother.

“Just having some fun Josh since you wanted to leave me stranded on the dance floor! You expected me to dance all alone? I don’t fucking think so,” You snap at him, ripping your arm out of his hand, turning back to Jake.

“Where were we?” You shoot him a small smile, simply to get under Josh’s skin.

“No, it's time to leave, let's go.” He says pulling you away from his brother, dragging you out of the party.

You rip your hand out of his, yet again, and cross your arms as you walk with a purpose to get back to your dorm, whether he would follow or not.

“You’re no fucking fun Josh! You expect me to just stand there while Sophia is grinding on you. I may have been a little drunk but I’m sober enough to realize that you aren’t following the rules. So, OF COURSE, I wasn’t going to either. I didn’t think you could be so dense Josh!” You practically scream at him, as he follows close behind you.

After a long quiet walk you finally make it to your dorm, with him still hot on your heels. Charlotte, without a doubt, would be staying at someone else's dorm tonight so you would be alone. You swing the door open trying to shut it infront of him, but he stopped it before it could fully close. As you make it into your bedroom, you slowly peel your pants off feeling over-stimulated, leaving you in only your corset and undies. After struggling to get your pants off you flop onto your bed, facing up to the ceiling.

You close your eyes for a brief moment, and feel a presence above you.

“You’re being a fucking brat you know that, and its making me crazy, y/n.” He begins to put his hands on both sides of your head, hovering above you. His lips dangerously close to your ear. “You don’t know what you do to me, mama, do you?” You shake your head, obviously knowing you make him horny. “Well I’m gonna fucking show you, and there won’t be any more confusion.”

JOSH’s POV

God, you don't know how long you’d be able to keep it together before you unleashed everything you had on her, but you had to work up to it. You wanted so badly to put her over your legs and spank her hard to teach her a lesson, but since she drank you didn’t think that would be the best move. Hooking your fingers under her panties you pull them aside, giving you full access to her beautiful wet pussy that you know you didn’t contribute to. But you knew you’d contribute to her not being able to walk tomorrow.

“Who made you this wet, mama?” You already know the answer but you just want to hear her say it out loud.

“Y-You Joshy.” She says with innocent eyes. Anticipation written all over her pretty face.

“No, I said who fucking made you this wet, huh? Was it the guy in the corner or my fucking brother. Don’t you dare lie to me,” You say, grabbing her face slightly, making her look into your eyes.

“It was Jakey, I’m sorry baby.” Jakey? Not the fucking pet names.

“Don’t be giving him fucking pet names, those are for me and me only, got it?” She nods again, and you let go of her face.

“There seems to be a lot you need to learn mama, and we're gonna make sure you know all of that before the end of the night.”

You kneel again before her, wasting no time to get to her wet heat. You bring your fingers up to the entrance of her mouth, “Open.” She opens her mouth up, sticking her tongue out slightly. What a dirty whore. You shove your fingers deep down her throat, making her gag slightly. As you bring them out she sucks on them, making your already hard dick throb under the fabric of your shorts.

You shove them deep into her pussy, curling them up to hit all the good spots. As if you had hit a button, she begins to arch her back and moan.

“Let it all out, let me hear you baby. Your moans make me so fucking hard. They turn me on so much, mama.” You quicken the pace of your fingers.

“Josh, oh my god. You’re perfect holy fuck. Your fingers fill me up so good.” You’d be filling her up even more soon.

You notice her tits bouncing in her corset, that needs to come off, immediately. You remove your fingers and flip her onto her stomach. You start unlatching all the clips and turn her back over to back to peel it off the front of her. Her marks had faded from the other week.

You lean forward, making quick work of your mouth to create new purple bruises that would match her corset perfectly. Kissing each one of them before connecting your mouth with hers.

“Are you ready for my cock mama?” You ask quietly.

She frantically nods her head, you could tell she needed it, but we weren't going to give it to her that easy.

“Beg for it baby, tell me how much you need my hard cock in that pretty pussy of yours.”

“Fuck Josh I need it so bad. Wanna feel you inside” You begin to unlatch your pants pulling them down to the floor. “You're gonna stretch me out so good with your huge cock.” Bending down to her pussy, spitting straight onto it. “I wanna cum around your cock, please Josh.” You grin feeling like she gave you enough. You slap her pussy before thrusting into her hard, not giving her much time to adjust.

You lean forward, one hand on the bed, one on her tit. You lay a sloppy kiss to her lips and fuck into her hard. You could tell you were hitting the right spots. She was moaning and bracing herself by grabbing your biceps, which very quickly escalated to her nails scratching down your back. Fuck. It fucking hurt, but hurt so good.

As you continued to pound hard into her you felt a new angle was needed. You pick yourself off her and begin to grab her ankles, and pull them up to your shoulders. Letting them rest there as you fuck her even deeper now.

She was melting beneath you, becoming a sloppy mess. Her moans picked up, you could tell she, and yourself, were close to a breaking point. You kiss her ankles softly, which contrasted to the hard pounding you were inflicting onto your pussy.

“Where do you want me to cum baby?” You say through heavy breathing.

“Cum in me Josh, I wanna feel you fill me up.” Holy shit. You weren’t going to question it. As you get closer to your release you begin to feel squeezing around your cock.

“God, y/n, if you keep squeezing me like that I’ll come right, fucking, now.”

“FUCK JOSH, I’m gonna cum. Please don’t stop, harder!” She begins to buck up against you, meeting your thrusts.

“That's it baby, cum for me. You're such a good girl for me”

With that she let out one final moan, filling the room with pleasure. You weren't too far behind her. You continued pounding her hard and within a few seconds came right into her pussy, just like she told you to.

You fell into the spot right beside her in bed.

“You think you learned your lesson?” You tease, looking over at her.

“Definitely Josh, it’ll be hard not to think about you.”

“Yeah? Why is that y/n”

“Because I’m going to be thinking about you every single time I try to walk.”

You can’t help but laugh at her comment. You wanted to make her feel good, make her want you even more.

You couldn’t be bothered to get dressed, instead you pull the blanket up from the bottom of the bed, press a kiss into her head, and fall asleep next to the girl of your dreams.

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

TAGLIST

@demonrat444 @gvfstuddedmajesty @jordie-gvf @jazzyfigz @slut4lando @gvfmarge @peaceloveunitygvf @jjwasneverhere @areuirish @mar-rein12 @woyayaofdreams @freyjalw @musicspeaks

#greta van fic #greta van fleet fan fiction #gvf #greta van smut #gvf fic #gvf smut #josh gvf #josh kiskza fanfic #josh kiskza smut #josh kiszka #jake kiskza x reader #jake kiszka fanfic #jake kiszka x reader #jake gvf #jake kiszka

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spenzitz · 1 year

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DRAMATIC

inumaki gets sick and becomes an attention whore. sick!inumaki x reader, pre-relationship, second years, gn!reader

a/n ~ I miss him a lot, so umm, here you go. I really need to work on my masterlist. words ~ 2.2k tagging ~ @areihachi

inumaki doesn't get sick very often, but when he does, he makes the most out of it. he squeezes every last bit of sympathy from you because he just loves your attention. even when you catch on to what he's doing, he still gets an eye roll from you. so when he wakes up one morning unable to breathe through his nose with a terribly sore throat, he finds himself only mildly annoyed and actually excited for the coming day.

his first antic of the day is to not tell anyone. It's almost 8 am, which is when you all usually meet up in the morning, but inumaki decides to stay in bed. instead of texting you guys to let you know he wouldn't be there, he just put his phone on the bedside table and crawled back under the covers.

when inumaki doesn't show up, you all just assume he slept in or something, so you didn't really worry about it. you, maki, panda, and the first years are all out sparing in the field when you finally speak up.

"guys, it's almost 9 am." you say with a hint of urgency that no one seems to share as maki and panda give you a bored, uninterested look. "toge hasn't even opened any of our messages!" you say, checking your messages for the third time in the last 10 minutes.

"so?" maki says with a deadpan stare, honestly just annoyed you interrupted your fight with her. "so where the hell is he?!?" you respond much louder than you intended to.

you take a deep breath, trying to get the slight flush on your face to go away, and add, "whatever, I'm gonna go see what he's up to."

"where they goin'?" yuji buds in, now including the first years in the conversation.

"to go check on their boyfriend." panda answers in a mocking voice. "inumaki and y/n are dating?!?" yuji and nobara say in unison, megumi rolling his eyes. the two swiftly come up on either side of you, but before they can press you any further, you shut them down.

"it's not- we're not-" you pause, taking a moment to compose yourself. "we're not dating, panda just likes picking on people." you glare at him as he quickly says, "how about we all go check up on him, hm?"

"fine, s'not like we're getting anything done being out here," maki says, putting away her weapon. megumi doesn't really care, and yuji and nobara stay behind as well (probably to gossip about you and inumaki).

so you, panda, and maki make your way to his room. "I will admit that it's kinda odd we still haven't heard from him. I mean, not responding is one thing, but he's usually fast to at least open them." maki says. "he hasn't even played me back on 8 ball yet," panda adds while scrolling through his messages.

"he probably just forgot to plug his phone in again and overslept," you say, trying to seem like you don't care as much as you do. maki and panda see right through it, of course.

the three of you get to his door, and maki immediately starts knocking impatiently, making inumaki jolt awake. "c'mon toge! y/n's been worried sick about you!"

"OH MY GOD, MAKI. SHUT THE FUCK UP," you whisper yell at her, grabbing her shoulder and pushing her away from the door. inumaki hears you clear as day through the flimsy door and can't help but start giggling uncontrollably. despite his efforts to muffle his laughs through the comforter, the three of you hear him, and panda decides to just open the door.

he's still giggling to himself under the covers as the three of you walk into his room. he composes himself and peaks his head over the blanket just enough to see his bed head and the dark circles under his eyes. "kelp," he croaks out, darting his eyes between the three of you.

"toge... what are you doing?" you ask, approaching his lumped form. looking up at you with drowsy, sad eyes, he starts, "must-" he cuts himself off with an obviously fake cough that the three of you see right through. "mustard leaf."

you kneel down beside his bed and pull the covers down from his face revealing his markings. you let your eyes linger on them as long as possible without being too obvious, although everyone sees it. panda holds himself back from audibly cooing, and maki internally cringes at your current state. your gaze doesn't go unnoticed by inumaki either. the staring, along with your sudden proximity to him, causes him to blush and instinctively roll over to hide his face.

"hey! come here!" you say, grabbing his shoulder and rolling him over to face you, now even closer than he was to begin with. you place a hand on his forehead, and inumaki thinks he's going to explode. this little scheme of his has worked much better than he thought it would.

you keep your hand there a moment and turn over to maki and panda, saying, "he's sick."

"well, that's just great." maki says sarcastically, walking out of the room pouting. at this point, she has excepted the fact that she lost her sparing partner. "I think you can handle this!" panda says, winking at toge and following maki back to the first years.

"hey, wait! you can't... just.." your objection falls on deaf ears, and you realize your friends have left you with an attention-hungry menace.

"well..." you start as you lift yourself up from beside his bed. but before you can move away, you feel his hands grip your forearm. they're hot from his body temperature and being under the covers. he really was sick, wasn't he?

your gaze softens as you look from his hands holding onto you like a silent plea to stay to his face, pouting like a child. you can't help but grin at how cute he is like this, face flushed and hair resembling his look as a first year.

"i'll be right back, I promise." you manage to say, half giggling. his pout turns into a frown as he frees your arm and turns on his side away from you. "salmon." he says in defeat. you take this as permission and leave his room, heading over to your room to grab some cold medicine and your switch(you figure it's going to be a long day.) you also stop by the common room to get bottles of water and his favorite snacks and drinks. they may not be the healthiest, but you'd rather him eat something than nothing.

when you get back to his room, you see him still lying on his side, but now with his phone in hand, scrolling through his messages. "now you check your phone?" you say sarcastically, placing the items you gathered on his bed side table.

he turns over and says in a teasing tone, "tuna tuna," and shows you the 5 messages you sent him with only a few minutes in between them.

"hey, you coming?"

"istg if you're late again (｀^´ )"

"maki's getting impatient"

"we're going out to the field, just to let you know"

"are you ok?"

reading them over and seeing how desperate you must look makes you blush. you roll your eyes and go back to unwrapping the cold medicine from the foil. you hand him the two tablets and a glass of water as he reaches for the soda. "no. you need to drink some water first." you tell him firmly.

he sighs and has that child-like pout again. sitting up in defeat, he takes the medicine and water. while he takes the medicine, you set an alarm for 12 hours from now so you can remind him to take some more.

in spite of his protests, you tell him he's not getting any of the snacks you brought him until he drinks all the water. he groans and then slowly drinks all the water in one sitting. he looks at you expectingly until you say, "fine." defeated, you hand him a soda can and his snacks.

mouth full of food and well rested, inumaki pulls out his phone and starts typing, you figure he's gonna find something on youtube to watch until you hear your phone ding not a moment later. sure enough, when you look at your lock screen, there's a message from inumaki that simply says, "I'm bored. ε-(´・｀) ﾌ"

you let out a small laugh before rolling your eyes, but he knows you're not mad at him. why would you be taking care of him like this. he really didn't even ask you to. you had no obligation to take care of him or keep him company, but you did. and that made inumaki feel all kinds of butterflies.

reaching in your bag you brought from your room, you pull out your switch and hold it up. "mario kart?" you ask with a dopey grin you can't seem to shake. inumaki's face lights up, and nods. you place your switch on the bed as you walk over to where inumaki keeps his plugged in. you unplug it and turn back to inumaki only to see that he's moved over in his bed and has the covers open while looking at you expectingly.

it was like he was inviting you to sit next to him under the covers. no, he definitely was, you conclude as he starts to frown when you pause, staring at him. you grab your switch and seat yourself on the very edge of the bed while handing him his switch, avoiding eye contact as you boot up mario kart.

apparently, inumaki was tired of your shit. he sighed, realizing what he had to do. while you're distracted setting up the game, inumaki swiftly moves his arm around your body and places his hand on your lower waste, gently but firmly pulling you closer to him, so your legs are completely touching.

your heart rate goes through the roof so fast it makes you dizzy, and you have to sit there for a moment to decompress. you admit that it's hard to calm yourself down when your crush is pressed up right beside you under the covers. did you even have a crush on him? you suppose you must have or why would this be so much for you. friends don't get this close to each other, right? he's sick, so he was probably just cold and wanted to be warmed up, right?

while you spiral, inumaki boots up mario kart. he takes your switch and creates the game for you, seeing as you need a minute.

"salmon?" he says, tapping your hand lightly with a concerned look on his face. you come back down to earth and realize he's waiting on you. "s-sorry..." you take your switch and start the game. he just loves catching you off guard or flustered.

soon enough, you both get into it, having a great time. you lose most of the time, but you were just glad inumaki seemed to be feeling better.

after about an hour, you were both fuming. honestly pissed off with one another. but in a cute, 'oh my god, i hate you!' kind of way. he shuts off his switch, tired and ready for a nap, you conclude.

"i should go back to the other's and let you get some sleep," you say hesitantly with a soft smile, about to slide off the bed. he takes hold of your wrist, but you won't let him have you that easy. you shake off his hand and pull the cover away from you. just as you're about to turn and leave him, he acts on his instinct that he's trained himself not to give into.

"stay"

you've heard him use his cursed technique on curses before, but for some reason, it has so much more weight when it's directed toward yourself. it doesn't hit you at first, but you can barely move. you're not numb, just like there's this insane weight to your legs stopping you from leaving. you can decently move your arms, but they're not much help.

inumaki wastes no time in putting the covers back over your legs and laying his head on your lap. it all happened so quickly that you're left there stunned, literally unable to move.

you're grounded when you hear little, even breaths coming from inumaki. his hair is still a complete mess. he probably wouldn't mind if you straightened it up a bit, right? resting your hand on his scalp, you gently lase your fingers through his messy hair. he really is warm. probably from his fever. you can feel the warmth from his body pressed up on yours, and it quickly lulls you into an almost-sleep state. you really should leave, you're sure your friends are talking about you and him right now. gossiping with the first years.

in his sleep, inumaki sighs and shifts a bit. you look down at him resting, and you find yourself staring at those damn markings again. you could only see one of the snake eyes from this angle. you wanted to move your hand and trace it so badly. unfortunately, that was when your body finally succumbed to his warmth. oh, well. you suppose it could wait until you woke up.

my first toge fic in a while (ㅅ´ ˘ `)♡

masterlist

requests are open!

#inumaki x reader #toge inumaki x reader #inumaki fluff #jjk x reader #inumaki x y/n

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drthighs · 1 year

Text

"is it?" d.r

wedding!daniel ricciardo x reader

attending to a wedding alone was not on your plan, but the guy in dark green tuxedo made it all more fun

wordcount: 2.4k

warnings: kinda cheating trope

A/N: this fic is based on the movie "the worst person in the world", it took me so long to finish it and im still not satisfied with the result but i wanted you guys to read it! also it is inspired by @mignonricciardo, @vroomvroommbtch, @silverstonesainz and @monzamash amazing writings. i hope you enjoy it <3 english is not my first language.

weddings were one of your favorite plans, celebrating other people's love while dancing, eating and having some drinks was always fun. you enjoyed everything, looking for dresses, getting your makeup done and all it took. but this time was different and it wasn't as exciting as other times. your boyfriend was on a family trip so would have to attend alone to a place where you didn't know anyone but the bride and the groom. they were good friends of yours, jack was your coworker and after a year you had bonded so well with him and his fiancé, you went on double dates and had a blast every time it was the four of you, but a couple of months ago your relationship with your boyfriend started to collapse, leading to fights almost everyday for any reason so when he told you that he wasn't coming to the wedding you felt some relief, you wouldn't have to be pretending the whole ceremony, but it was a whole new experience, out of your comfort zone.

the ceremony was beautiful and you arrived just in time so the other guests wouldn't see that you were alone and it was a good idea because you didn't have to talk to anyone, stayed quiet and didn't miss any detail. the bridal veil, the rings, the vows and the kiss, it looked like a perfect movie scene with the sunset behind them and all their families and friends.

the party was another story, the part when everybody started to socialize was about to start so before facing all that you went straight to the bar and asked for a martini, knowing that it’ll give you the confidence that you were lacking to confront the night.

you were looking for a gloss in your purse when you heard “sorry to bother but do you know where the bathroom is?” looked up and saw a guy in front of you, trying his best to go unnoticed but it was kind of a hard mission since he was the only one wearing a cap, a lilac hoodie, black sweatpants and vans plus a backpack on his right shoulder and a hanger covered with a bag on his left hand.

“i think it is that way” you said while pointing to your right and drank the coctel. he thanked you and walked to the signed direction.

The hall was beautiful, it was very nicely decorated with fairy lights on the ceiling and the tables decorated with a flower vase with garden roses, lisianthus and eucalyptus and the number three on top indicating the number of the table, the tableware tidy and some lighted candles.

after finishing your drink you went to your table. there were four people sitting and chatting when you stepped forward, greeted and sat two chairs away from them, wanting to be far away from the conversation and avoiding any type of questions. in matter of time another two couples seated on the left chairs leaving an empty one beside you, at first you thought that they must forgot that your boyfriend wasn’t coming but when you were looking for someone to tell them about the error but suddenly the guy from before was taking a seat next to you, now dressed in a dark green tuxedo, his curls wet and the same pair of black vans that he was wearing before, you smiled at that, a couple of minutes ago you had thought that he was part of the staff but now he was sitting in the same table as you, looking so different.

he cleared his throat and lean closer to you “i hope not everyone notices that i'm wearing vans on a elegant dress code wedding”

you smiled at him. now under more lights you could see how handsome he was, his eyes were big and brown, but not dark and had long eyelashes, dimples on his cheeks, a couple of days beard and mustache. but his nose was what made his face so unique and attractive. His hair was also a great factor, shorter at the sides and long brown curls on top. you were kind of amazed by him.

“i think that gives the touch to your outfit” said quietly so the others couldn't hear. he laughed and was about to say something else when the music started making you look at the entrance.

after the bride and the groom danced the vals, the first course came in and while eating the man next to you poured you some wine and started to talk with him. Now being more relaxed about being alone you opened up to him a little. “wait, you weren't supposed to be here alone tonight?” he asked, you shook your head and swallowed the food, he raised his eyebrows and swallowed the liquid in his mouth “and why is there only you here?” “my boyfriend is away on a family trip so i had no choice other than come alone and make friends here” he smiled and you sipped from your glass “well, if it makes you feel better i'm kind of in a similar situation” he pricked the food with his fork “because of my job i travel a lot so it was a coincidence that i was here for a little of time and the plane tickets were sold out so my girlfriend couldn't come”.

later that night you found yourself so fonded at the man beside you, he wasn't only good looking but he was so funny, anything that you'd say he would find a way to turn it into something unexpected and funny.

don't really know how you ended up taking a masterclass of wine with him while everyone else was dancing, but by now you had learned that he had released a couple of wines and was a good taster, so you followed all the steps he explained to you, the right way to open a bottle, how to serve it, how to drink it, what to taste and his favorite part how to swirl the glass. “how do i look?” you said as you moved your glass on the table “good, you're fast learner” he said now taking a sip of his own “well thanks, but i think i like the part when we drink it more” he raised the glass in a way of agreeing with you.

the tension between you started growing. for you it was the way that his adams apple kept moving as he explained things to you and how his lips would turn into a smile showing perfect teeth and his dimples on his cheeks. maybe the alcohol was having an effect on you. and you could say it was mutual, because you didn't miss how he had checked you out and he smiled proud of his jokes every time you laughed

after the wine glasses and talks he was now your best friend. now seated in bar stools , looking for new cocktails to try and playing a new game he had teached you.

throwing assumptions and judging the people by their movements and looks

“i think she works in a pet shop store” you said serious “no she doesn't” he said frowning , “of course she does, look at her hair, she's has those tiny ponytails that they do on sharpays” and he laughed so hard that some people around you turned to you making you giggle.

“its your turn now” you said looking at him, the still stranger was looking for a new prey. now while he was concentrated you took a look at him, with the color lights from the dance floor reflecting on his face and his hands scratching his beard concentrated watching how the guests danced at the djs music, he looked beautiful, and now you knew that it was the alcohol effect mixed with you falling out of love with your boyfriend.

while looking at him you reached your hand to grab the cup but unintentionally dropped it making a mess on the high table, your legs were covered in sticky vodka, tonic water and red berries. the cold made you gasp and he turned fast to look at you and helped you by grabbing some tissues and putting them in your thighs, looking down at the liquid running thru your legs you couldn't help but stop wiping the table and look at his hands on your skin, his hands were big and his fingers long, had a little 3 on his little finger, and was wearing a horse shoe ring on his index. the feeling of his touch on your inner thighs and the amount of alcohol that you had drank made you laugh, he raised his head and looked at you confused with a smile on his lips “i think i should go to the bathroom”, “yeah sure, i'll go with you i have to wash my hands” he said not before grabbing the beer bottle and walking behind you.

the bathroom was occupied so you were in a narrow hallway waiting for your turn to go in. standing before him and close to his body, face to face.

the music was low making everything more intimate and you wanted to check if he was actually on the same page as you, “nothing’s going to happen” he shook his head “no, of course not”. “i’m in love with someone” you said, looking into his eyes. “me too” he agreed and continued “and i cant stand cheating. i’ve been there. never again” you nodded “right. cheating is…” “no good” he followed.

less than a meter between you and you asked “but where do you draw the line?” he smiled and shook his head before answering seriously “you can feel it”. “if i do this…” you got closer to him and took the bottle from his hands taking a sip in front of him while he looked straight into you “is that cheating?” you returned it to his hands and he held it “no” he said now drumming the glass of the bottle with his fingers, you stood there “what about this?” he got closer, making you lean on the wall behind you still looking into his eyes with your hands on your back. your faces inches away, you held your look into his eyes “no, that's permissible” you said smiling “is it?” he asked now as he raised his right hand to caress your bare shoulder. you weren't expecting it so you stood straight and he parted.

you were playing with fire now.

you were still looking at his eyes when the door opened and a girl walked out of the bathroom. you make a few steps when you hear him behind you “is it cheating if i go inside with you” you laughed and held the door open for him to come inside, he left the bottle of beer on the counter and turned to look at you as you pulled down your panties and sat on the wc “there's nothing sexual about this” he said still looking at you, “not at all, is just a little awkward” you said now taking your hands to your face and trying to contain the laugh. he doesn't even try and suddenly your laughs are bouncing off the walls.

you were both now on the dance floor, dancing to some old hits. he had great moves, not the best ones that you've seen but not the worst ones either.

you raised your arms to the ceiling while singing when you felt his hands on your waist, getting you closer to him “is this still cheating?” he said closer to your ear so you could hear. “i dont think so” you rounded his neck with your arms “is this?” you whispered and he shook his head making you smile and swing with him and you stayed there with your head laying on his shoulder.

the bride had dragged you to the dance floor, gathering all the ladies for the bouquet toss and while everyone else was on the first row, fighting for the best place to catch the flowers you stood on the back looking at the man in green in a green tuxedo, you were shrugging your shoulders miming at him “i'm not ready for this” when the bouquet fall right in front of your heels and the bride went straight into your arms hugging you so hard. He started clapping and you could only hear his laugh louder than the music

“congratulations, you're the next to walk down the aisle” the man said walking by your side in the backyard under the moonlight. “im sure im going to be the last one between everyone else” he put his hands on his pockets, you hugged your arms because of the cold weather and took a seat on the wooden bench leaving the flowers on your lap “you never know” you smiled and looked at the white flowers when he took the bouquet and started to cut some tiny flowers and putting them on your hair, you turned to him, now sitting in front of each other closely, you cut one and put it on top of his right ear. “the purple matches your eyes” you caressed his soft curls and he put one of his hands on your thighs while looking at you. “i think you're so cute with this crown made of flowers” he led his hand to your cheek and got closer to you, making you feel the warm breath at the corner of your lips but the sudden noise of some drunk guys made you part, leaving a bitter taste in your mouth.

after saying goodbye to jack and his now wife you were both walking on the street side by side in silence, but it wasn't awkward it felt natural to you. once on the street corner he said “i'm going this way” pointing to his right and stopping his steps “okay” you said in front of him, but not moving anywhere, not wanting to leave him “what's your name?” he bit his tongue “y/n” you left out and he nodded “im daniel. daniel…” “dont say it” you shook your head “why not?” he said confused “ill find you in social media and…” “good thinking” he kept his eyes on you “okay” he smiled “bye” you said. “bye” he replied, turning around and taking a few steps but then stopped and looked at you again. “we didn't cheat” he said loudly “no” you were walking to the left“not at all” he was crossing the street “no” shook his head “bye” you said before walking slowly to your car, leaving daniel behind.

#daniel ricciardo #daniel ricciardo one shot #daniel ricciardo x reader #daniel ricciardo x you #daniel ricciardo imagine #dr3 #formula 1 imagine #formula one x reader #formula 1 #daniel ricciardo fic

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pvtty-wh0re · 2 months

Text

I Shouldn't, But I Need You~

Summary: You are the younger sister of Colby Brock. You go to visit your brother in Los Angeles and run into Jake, you haven't seen him in years but he has changed, in the best way ;). I wonder what could happen?

Warnings: Jake x fem!Brock!Reader, Smut (MDI 18+), Fluff, old friends to lovers, cigarettes, alcohol, uses of y/n, pnv, no protection (WRAP IT UP), getting caught, let me know if I forgot anything!

2.3k words <3

~At the airport; Y/n’s POV:~

I was on my way to visit my brother in Los Angeles. It had been a long time since I had seen Colby, Sam, or Jake. See, my brother is a very successful YouTuber along with all of his friends and they moved from Kansas to California. I was so excited as me and my brother are only 2 years apart so we were close as kids.

As I arrived at the airport, bags in my hand and searching for Colby’s face. He was picking me up from the airport, I started to think he had forgotten but then I heard his voice, “SIS! Man, I've missed ya.” I turn around and hug my brother. Of course, I still kept up with Colby, it had been years since I last saw him. “Y/n! It's been forever” Sam says as he gives me a big hug. Since Colby and Sam became friends, it's always been like I have 2 brothers.

“C’mon y/n, let's go home and eat you must be starving,” my brother says to me as he carries one of my bags. After we arrive at Colby’s house, Sam and Colby help carry my bags inside, I see a group of my brother's friends in the living room hanging out. “No way,” Jake says as he sees me enter the house. Jake and I were friends back when we were young because he was close to my brother. Colby comes in and says to everyone, “Alright guys, this is my younger sister y/n, and she’s going to be staying with us for a few weeks.” Jake comes up and lightly hugs me, and I hug him back. He’s different, not in a bad way, but as he hugged me I could feel his strong, toned arms around me.

I had never thought of Jake this way, well I may have had a crush on him when I was a teenager but, I never felt this way around him. “Y/n? Hello?” Jake said to me, laughing off my thoughts “Sorry, I kinda zoned out ima jet-lagged” I said laughing. I said hello to everyone else, gave some hugs, and went up to my room. I tried to sleep but I couldn’t stop thinking of Jake. His hair, his eyes, his tattoos, his toned body, his hands. “No, I shouldn’t, he probably sees me as a little sister,” I said to myself.

~Later that night; Jake’s POV:~

As I throw myself on my bed, I can’t stop thinking of her. I know it's wrong because it’s Colby's sister but damn. “She is just so beautiful and her laugh is so adorable,” he says to himself, arm over his eyes sprawled across his bed. “Nah, I can’t she’s Colby’s little sister,” I remind myself but it’s to no use, she is stuck in my head 24/7 (I need her so bad).

~A few days later; Y/n’s POV:~

As I was getting ready for a party my brother invited me to, I was excited. Not just because it’s my first real party but because Jake will probably be there. I did my makeup kinda simple, just some eyeliner, lashes, lipstick, and concealer. I chose to wear fishnets under a black and pink miniskirt, with a tight red crop top and some black platforms. “Ya ready?” I heard my brother yell as I grabbed my purse and phone, “Yeah, I’m coming right now” I yelled back. We get in the car and Colby tells me “You’re gonna love it don't worry” then starts to drive off, “I'm not worried, just excited to meet new people” I say to my brother, with a smile and he nods, turning on the radio as we drive to the party.

As we arrive at the party,I immediately look for Jake’s face. I didn’t see him so I decided to get some shots. I was down 5 shots which, I probably shouldn’t have done because I’m kind of a lightweight. “Hey,” I hear a voice behind me. I turn around and see Jake standing in front of me, drink in his hand. He is so beautiful. He is wearing a black shirt that slightly shows his stars tattoo and baggy jeans. “Oh, hey Jake!” I say with a smile. I should really keep my composure but I’m wasted so oh well. “You look…really good” Jake says, pausing to look me up and down. “Why thank you, you don’t look too bad yourself,” I said and turned around to grab my drink. I saw him eyeing me, I thought maybe he does like me. My face turned red with that thought. Me and Jake made small talk for about 10 minutes, every few minutes I would slightly brush my hand against his.

A smirk appeared on his angelic face, one that I hadn't seen before, one that had meaning behind it. “so,” he started as he got closer to my ear. I could feel his breath on my skin, and it was driving me insane. “how about we get outta here, somewhere more quiet” I felt as if my entire body was on fire. I knew what this was leading to and I wasn't complaining. “O-okay” I responded, a small crack in my voice. He grabbed my hand as we made our way outside. We sit on a couch and Jake lights a cigarette, “You smoke?” he asks me in a soft tone, a hint of desire in his eyes. “Yeah, I do,” I respond to him, grabbing the cigarette from his fingers, getting butterflies from how our fingers touched. I take a drag then pass it back to him. “Y’know, I see the way you stare at me y/n,” Jake says out of nowhere, putting out his cigarette. “I have no clue what you’re talking about,” I say, trying to laugh it off. “Uh, yes you do. Don’t be acting shy now sweetheart.” My face was so red I probably looked like a tomato. “Really? Okay, how do I stare at you” I said laughing, trying to calm myself. Jake then grabs me softly by the chin, and whispers in my ear, “Like you want to fuck me.”

I had no words, I didn't know if it was the alcohol or the fact that he was so close I could feel his breath on my skin. I just looked down, afraid to look at him. I didn’t know if he was just joking with me or not. He then again grabbed my chin to make me look up at him, “Hm?” he said to me as if waiting for my response, “I-I should go, I’m really drunk,” I said to him, fake laughing and went to get up before he grasped my hand, “Lemme take you home then.”

I agreed and he walked me to his car, opened the door, and drove me to Colby's house. The car ride was quiet, aside from the music coming from the speakers.

~The next morning~

It was so bright, as my room didn’t have the best curtains, all the light flowed in. My head was pounding but I decided to go and eat. As I put on a hoodie and walk into the kitchen, I see Jake. “Morning pretty girl,” he said to me as I came in. “Oh my god, how drunk did I get last night,” I say with a laugh, finding a chair to sit on. “You got real wasted but, I brought you home before you did anything stupid,” Jake says to me as he is making himself cereal. I didn’t say anything in response. I don’t remember much but I definitely remember what Jake said to me before we left. “So,” he started, “are we not gonna talk about what you said last night.” My face flushed a deep rose color. “I don’t know what you mean, I was wasted,” I said but he just kept his eyes on me, “I know, that's why I wanted to wait till you were sober to talk about it.” Shit, there was no way I was getting myself out of this. fuck.”Listen, Jake, we can just forget about it,” I start, avoiding his face. “No, I don’t want to forget it. I want you.”

That almost made me choke on my coffee. “Wait..what?!?” I said to him, dumbfounded. He got up from where he was sitting and walked over to me. “I want you, god I shouldn’t because you’re Cobls sister but I need you.” He says to me, his face looking slightly down to meet mine. “Oh Jake, I want you too but I thought you only saw me as ‘Colby’s little sister’,” I say to him, finally looking into his eyes. A smile forms on his face, but he doesn’t respond. He grabs my cheeks and pulls me into a kiss. His lips are exactly how I imagined them. They were rough but soft at the same time.

The kiss started out soft and full of love but as it went on it turned into a hot makeout session that was full of lust. I could feel a pool of wetness in my panties as he got deeper into the kiss. It was like he was a starved man, and I was his last meal. He then picked me up by my thighs and started for my room. He pushed me into my door and started attacking my neck with kisses, creating marks that would definitely be seen tomorrow. As he was making his way down my neck, he managed to lock the door. As soon as he did he picked me back up and threw me on the bed. I let out a small laugh as I landed on top of the mattress. But my laughter soon stopped as I saw Jake remove his shirt. God, he was so angelic. He had caught me staring as he said, “Ya like what you see,” with that smirk on his face.

~3rd Person POV:~

Without giving a verbal response, she connected their lips as he slowly started to lay on top of her. He then pulled on the hem of her shirt, signaling that he wanted it off of her gorgeous body. Without hesitation, she disregard her top. He stopped kissing her to admire her breasts, he held one in each hand and slowly ran his thumb over her nipple. This caused her to let out a small whine and when he heard it, he just knew he had to hear it again. “So beautiful,” he said in a soft tone. He started sucking on her left breast while massaging her other one. He rolled the bud of her right nipple between his thumb and index finger. She let out a loud moan at the new sensation. “Jake,” she said, painting, “I need you.” “I'm right here,” he responded. “Where do you need me baby?” he asked, kissing her neck and running a hand up her thigh. “Inside, p-please” she begged. She looked so cockdrunk and he had barely touched her. “So impatient,” he says with a deep but soft voice. He continued his motions but started going down her body, kissing every inch he could.

He got to where her shorts were and looked at her face for permission. She shook her head, “Beautiful, ima need you to say it,” he said to her, his deep voice going straight to her core. “Yes Jake please, fuck me,” She says, painting. That is all he needs to be pushed over the edge. The sound of her usual soft voice now whining for him to fuck her, he could’ve creamed his pants. As he discards both of their bottom clothing, he slowly strokes himself a few times before lining up with her pussy. He then slowly inserted himself inside her and she let out a loud moan. The pain soon turned into pleasure, he was bigger than she thought he’d be, as he was stretching her. Once the pain had subsided, she told him to move.

He didn’t want to hurt her so he started off slow, but she soon got impatient, “Faster Jake ple-oh god”. As he started to move at an insane pace, he still wanted to be deeper in her. So, he grabbed her leg and put it over his shoulder as he put his neck in the crook of her neck. She could feel the tightness in her core coming undone. “J-Jake,i-im,” “I know, me too baby, fuck, you feel so good,” he said to her. He started thrusting harder, trying to get her to orgasm before he did. “OH FUCK,” she yelled as her nails dug deeper into his toned back. He rode her through her orgasm then pulled out and came on her stomach and breasts.

The two lay there for some time, trying to catch their breaths. Jake kisses her lips softly, then got up to get a wet rag and water. He began cleaning her up and then lay in bed with her. She cuddled up by him as he placed soft kisses on her forehead. “Y’know what,” she said in a soft raspy tone, “I don’t know if you know this but I really like you.” She looked up to meet his soft gaze, “Yeah, I guess I like you too,” he said with a light giggle that made her laugh. Just as he was going to give her another kiss, her door slammed open. “WHAT IN THE FUCK” Sam said as he saw their current situation. “Y’know he’ll kill you and by the way, the lock is broken,” Sam says as he walks away, most likely to bleach his eyes. “Oh shit,” She says as she looks at Jake and he just laughs. He pulls her in tighter and says, “Don’t worry, we’ll be fine baby,” kissing my head. They soon fall into a state of sleep in each other's arms.

AN: I hope you guys like this one! I tried to make it longer than i usually do. If you have any comments or recommendations please comment below!! I haven't written anything in a while so I wanted to give yall something good! Mwah!! ~B

#jake webber smut #jake webber x reader #smut #jake and johnnie #fluff #fanfic #youtube #colby brock #sam golbach #jake webber #pvtty-wh0rewrites

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sapphos-ode · 10 months

Text

Little Cat

Part 9

Larissa Weems part 8 | part 10 | ao3

As promised, here’s the first part of the Harvest Festival! Enjoy <3 I didn’t write this in one sitting last night instead of getting sleep so it’s a little jumpy, soz

TW: there is a panic attack and I do describe it so please be careful if that would trigger you or if you’re sensitive to it. Please take care of yourself x

The last two days of the school week sees you feeling a little low - but you do a good job at hiding it, enough for your students and colleagues not to notice. The cause isn't anything that's happened in your life, more so the happenings of other peoples’. Although the facade works on most people, Alice sees through it and like any good friend she’s waltzed into your quarters unannounced. You pay her no mind, not taking your eyes off of the tv - today you had settled on an old Disney Princess classic, ‘Snow White and the Seven Dwarves’ to be specific. You’re also halfway through a tub of ice cream, no bowl in sight, just the carton and a trusty teaspoon.

“It’s time for a therapy sesh! Turn that shit off,” Alice declares as she lets the door slam behind her.

You acquiesce and mute the film. She makes a beeline for your cutlery drawer grabbing a dessert spoon before jumping onto the couch next to you, worming her way under the blanket with you.

“Get that big ass spoon away from me and my ice cream,” you growl, giving her a healthy amount of side eye even though you allow her to dig into the ice cream with you.

“There’s nothing wrong with my spoon,”

You let out a half hearted chuckle before resting your head on her shoulder.

“I’m alright. Just soaked in too many emotions this week is all,”

“That’s good to hear but still, talk,”

You glance up at her, an appreciative look in your eyes. You had done a Bachelors with honours in English literature at university alongside a PGDE allowing you to go straight into teaching after graduating. You’re not sure how you secured the post at Nevermore but you did and it was the best thing to happen to you. Your friendship with Alice was a lifeline you didn’t realise you needed, she was only a year your senior but that llittle bit more life experience she had was invaluable. The friendship wasn’t one sided however. You helped her just as much as she helped you. She was less intune with her emotions than you, and when she struggled to name what she was feeling you'd be there to help her figure it out - there were perks to being an empath.

You take a deep inhale, “There’s not much to talk about, a few students are feeling… down, depressed, you name it, and I’ve kinda just absorbed it all,” you poke at the ice cream with your spoon, “also it reminded me of my mum, she was very against me moving here. She wanted me to teach at a local highschool in my hometown.”

You look up at Alice and she nods, silently telling you to continue on.

“I was really excited when I was invited to interview here, and then to actually hear back and be told I was offered the job? Couldn’t have been happier… but when I told my mum she just felt nothing. Bit of a bummer right? Anger would’ve been better than her apathy.” You let out a hollow bark of a laugh, “She could have at least pretended to be happy about it, think that’s why I’m feeling more down than usual,”

Alice nods along to your words, stealing another spoonful of ice cream before speaking, “She’ll come round to it, she’ll just be anxious about you being so far away, you are from Cali after all,”

“True, I have quite literally moved to the other side of the country, but I went to uni a few states over, and she wasn’t like that…” you pause for a moment, “it’s whatever though, besides, I’m going to the Harvest Festival with Larissa tomorrow. Oh!!! I forgot to tell you! I’m so sor- Owww!”

You tear yourself away from her to nurse your arm from where Alice had slapped you. With a mouth full of ice cream she had resorted to giving you a dirty glare.

“I’m sorry!” you whined, “I meant to tell you… promise,” you fall back onto her shoulder.

“I’ll forgive you if you tell me the details, did you ask her?”

“No, she asked me, she was so nervous it was adorable,”

“Y’know, for how much you fawn over her for her confidence and stuff, you call her cute quite a lot, I wouldn’t use that word to describe her, personally.”

“But she is, what would you say instead then?”

“Hot.”

“That’s so true,”

“I think there’s two Principal Weems though, you always talk about this woman who’s so… so Bambi like around you!”

“She hardly talked to me until like recently,”

“Really? She scares me to be honest, she’s so sure of herself and she knows she’s got everyone at her beck and call,”

“Exactly why she’s so hot! But seriously, she only ever talked to me about work, and even then she always kept it super short, like even for a professional conversation…”

“I think she likes you, that’s the only explanation. Why else would someone not talk to you then suddenly act all docile?”

“You’re more delusional than I am,” you scoff.

You turn the volume up a little to ease the quiet. The pair of you watch the movie, making good progress on the ice cream. You have another tub in the freezer which you know you’ll have to bring out eventually.

“I only really feel more negative emotions from people, but when Larissa asked me to the festival… I don’t know what I felt from her, but it was like a warm emotion? The closest I could describe it as is love but that would be so out of context for the situation.” you speak over the twelve dwarve’s song from when they’re digging around the mine.

“You do feel happier emotions though, right?”

“Yeah, but usually only when they’re really strong.”

“Hmm, that is odd.”

“Yeah, just remembered that the now,” you leave the conversation at that. Not having the energy to dissect what it could mean.

It was well into the night, you and Alice had watched several movies, and now you were watching ‘The Notebook’. You sniffle a little as a few tears drop onto Alice’s t-shirt.

“Are you crying?”

“No!”

Alice ended up staying over at yours, as you talk about your deepest fears, it reminds you of the sleepovers you’d have as a teenager. When you were spilling your soul out to people you thought would never leave your life.

You’re thankful for Alice not leaving you with your own thoughts.

You stand at your floor length mirror, scrutinising your outfit, you had spent the day organising lessons for the following week and before you knew it, it was time to leave for the Harvest Festival. You finally decide that your clothes would do before tossing on a jacket and scarf, it was getting so cold these days.

“Why did I fuss so much? Don’t even see them under this coat,” you mutter before grabbing your keys and heading to Larissa’s office.

You’re a little early to meet Larissa but you were restless, you hadn’t seen her since she had so clumsily asked you to join her, apart from organising times. You knock on the door and wait for her to call you in, her saccharine voice is heard clearly even through the heavy doors. That woman’s power would be the end of you.

“Hey, you ready?,” you say as you poke your head through the threshold before fully entering the room.

You hadn’t really been in Larissa’s office much, the first few weeks she had called you in every now and then to make sure you were settling in okay. The room was overwhelming, as was most of Nevermore. The ceiling was outrageously high, and Larissa always had that fireplace roaring with flames. The room was cast in a darker light but still illuminated enough that you weren’t squinting to see. You look around in awe, taking in the taxidermies bear, and the mirrors on the ceilings. Odd placement but you think nothing of it. Eventually your sights are turned to Larissa, framed by the rich red velvet curtains and grand window. She sat at her desk, laptop open, a heart meltingly tender smile on her lips as she looked at you through her lashes, head downturned just a touch.

“Never been more ready,” she purrs as she rounds her desk and grabs her coat before sauntering over to you. Her eyes never leaving you.

She stops very close to you, so close you can smell her perfume, it was the same earthy citrus scent from last week. And just like it had back then, it had your head spinning.

“I’ll spare you and let you drive this time,”

“You’re too kind to me,” she humours you.

You shake your head at her before placing a hand on the small of her back and usher her to the door. Larissa’s heart flutters at the action.

With childlike wonder you soak in the carnival, you loved them and hadn’t had many chances to go to them when you were younger. As you stand in awe at the entrance, flocks of people walking around you, Larissa is too busy looking at you with the same amazement. Studying your profile and committing it to memory, she notices a faint white scar on the corner of your jaw and she wants to know how you got it.

“Shall we?” An angelic voice cuts you free from your thoughts as you look to Larissa.

A little embarrassed at yourself you nod before you feel your stomach cry out. Your cheeks redden as you smile at her apologetically.

“Can we get food first?”

You watch Larissa eat, her eyes closed as she relishes the first bite. You can’t help but stare at her, she was so adorable and this felt very domestic.

“You know, I never thought you’d be the kind to enjoy a greasy burger,”

Larissa pauses mid chew, eyes a little wide in confusion. Her cheeks puffed out like a hamster.

“You just seem like you have a fancy palate, you know, like you enjoy those niche foods that are so exclusive and coveted but actually taste like ass,” you continue, leaning your chin on one hand. The other fiddling with the edge of the table as you pick at the worn down wood that was fraying with age.

Larissa swallows her mouthful slowly before speaking, “And what exactly does that mean?”

“Nothing, just one of my observations,” your tone is lighthearted.

“Just one of?” Larissa is intrigued now.

“Mhmm,” you don’t elaborate further as you tuck into your own burger.

Your eyes blow wide as you stare her down. This was a good burger, she was right. As you had perused the food stalls Larissa had talked your ear off about this particular vendor, raving on and on about how she waited for each Festival for it. She gave you a smug smile.

With a loud thwack you finally land the third arrow into the bullseye, turns out you were a natural at archery despite never having touched a bow and arrow before now. Well, that may be an exaggeration, this was your fourth attempt at the stall, with Larissa encouraging you from a safe distance behind. Your competitive streak and ego not allowing you to give up until you had won the game. You also had a certain blonde woman to impress. Stakes were high.

You were beaming with joy as you whispered to the man, pointing out what prize you wanted. As he goes to pull it down for you, you look over your shoulder to see Larissa talking to one of the art teachers who had been passing by. With her distracted you were able to thank the man and hide the stuffed toy behind your back. You wait patiently by her side for the conversation to finish.

“Pray tell what your trophy is,” she turns to you, with a proud look in her eyes. Your heart swells and you want her to look at you like that more often.

“More yours than it is mine.” You procure a white stuffed cat and hold it out to her. It’s of a larger size.

The Principal smiles in disbelief as she takes it from your hands, “For me?”

“Why else do you think I kept at that rigged game for so long!” You llink your arm in hers as you wander off into the crowds. Larissa allows herself to be led along as she studies the plush, it was eerily similar to her form as a cat. A horrible feeling forms in her stomach, did you know? Surely not? She decides it's just a coincidence and tucks it into her other arm, allowing herself to feel flattered you had given her a gift. She’d cherish it.

“Have you- ”

“There’s Principal Weems!” Just as you’re about to ask Larissa something, Marilyn has called over, with Alice in tow. She’s waving over at you from another stall.

You and Larissa stop as the duo walks over.

“Perfect!” Marilyn says as she notices you with the Principal, she must not have seen you over all the people. “I finally found someone willing to go through the haunted house with me, but the carts seat four people and I don’t fancy screaming with strangers, and, well, there’s two of you! Come on! The queues not long,” The botany teacher doesn't give you room to argue before she's pulling you, and Larissa who’s still got her arm linked with yours.

You look at Alice who just shrugs, seemingly unbothered by everything, then you look up at Larissa who's started to converse with Marilyn.

You squeeze your eyes shut and take a few controlled breaths.

The redhead was right, the queue moved quickly, too quickly. Before you can protest, you’re shoved into the seat with Larissa. You just sit stock still as she comments about how they’ve really outdone themselves with the models this year. You don’t really register what she's saying.Faintly you can hear Alice and Marilyn talking about their favourite rides.

With a juddering move, the cart starts to advance as it takes you through a cheap black curtain. Your hands are clammy and you're visibly trembling in your seat. You’re shrouded in darkness before a light flashes on to reveal an unnervingly realistic skeleton drop from the ceiling right next to you. You can’t conceal the scream as you jerk away from it, bumping into Larissa. Her hands find purchase on your hips as she steadies you, chuckling at you. The skeleton bounces up and down on its elastic string as if it's mocking you. No one else screamed and now you feel oh so silly.

Larissa moves a hand up to your shoulder and it has the opposite effect than she had intended, You shoot away from her, yelling again.

“Babes, save your energy, rides just started,” Alice laughs.

You look at her weakly before you settle back down.

For the first minute or so you manage to contain yourself but the ride ups the ante and it's an onslaught of jumpscares and horrifyingly accurate props paired with the most wretched heart stopping music.

What takes the cake is when the models begin to interact, a mummified hand snaps out from the side to grab onto Marilyn’s shoulder, to which she laughs. She laughs.

It becomes too much, as more and more horror elements start leering into you, you begin to feel a horrible tightness in your chest, phantom hands clawing at your neck, wrapping around slowly. The music is too loud, the dim lighting is somehow too bright and you can hear everyone's breathing. Your clothes seem to be scratching against your skin despite feeling absolutely fine moments ago. A witch’s cackle sounds as cheap sparks are set off all around you. You flinch. Then a fog machine is set into motion, obscuring your sight as steam hisses. The world begins to rock as a cold sweat prickles all over your body.

With a sickening suddenness a grotesque, hyper-realistic cadaver drops down just ahead. A mechanic whirring is heard. It launches towards the cart. Hitting the front before it rises. You shriek in pure unadulterated terror, tearing up your throat as you launch yourself into Larissa’s lap, hiding your face with her shoulder. Your body trembles as she instinctively wraps her arms around you. Your breathing is erratic and she can even feel your heart thrashing against her chest. Your grip on her jacket is iron tight, your knuckles white. You feel stiff and unresponsive to the soothing circles she's rubbing against your back.

A series of plastic spiders suspended on string descend down, drawing the cart and brushing against everyone. Faintly you hear Marilyn and Alice giggle at it. But you tense, and the sensation of the spikey legs sets you over the edge. You press yourself even further into Larissa, as you choke back sobs. Over the music, they can't be heard, but Larissa can feel you jerk with each cry that forces itself out of you.

At this point Alice has caught on, she leans forward and looks between you and Larissa, a pointed look of concern on her face. But Larissa just quietly tells her she has it under control and for Alice to just enjoy the remainder of the ride.

Another cheap shock value scare, and just the noise has you screeching and curling into yourself more.

“Atikah?” She whispers softly into your ear, one hand stroking through your hair, her other arm now wrapped firmly around your waist. But it does little in grounding you.

You only whimper in response.

She feels guilty for not realising you were genuinely terrified.

After what feels like an eternity you finally break through another black curtain back into the outside world. The cart stops with a few groans, Alice and Marilyn watch you as Larissa tries to coax you off of her.

“Atikah, it’s over now,”

You move back marginally, letting the noises of the other rides filter back in, it still sounds overwhelming but the eerie music is no longer present.

Larissa eyes the other two, both varying degrees of worried, before leaning in close so she can't be heard, “You’re safe now, I promise,” her warm breath ghosts over your ear.

You take a shuddering breath and extricate yourself from Larissa’s lap, keeping your head down so your hair covers your face. The blonde still keeps a hand on your back as she watches you try calm yourself down with great effort.

Wordlessly you leave the cart and walk off to the side just out of view.

The remaining trio all exchange glances, and Alice is the first to leave, hopping over Marilyn. The other two hot on her heels.

By the time Alice had reached you, you had found a picnic bench and sat staring into the neighbouring forest, counting in your head as you took measured breaths. The tingling feeling in your hands had started to subside but you still shake.

“Hey,”

You don’t tear your gaze away from the trees. Barely registering Alice sitting next to you.

“What happened back there?” She noticed your eyes looking a little red and raw.

Your voice is weak and hoarse as you muster up the strength to speak, “Just, got too much in there, I think,”

Before Alice can reply Marilyn is heard from not too far away, “I’m so sorry Miss. Karnstein! I didn’t know- ”

“It’s fine.” You take a deep breath and wipe the dried tears off of your face, “I’m sorry for ruining it,” you laugh halfheartedly. Giving her a smile, or as much of a smile as you can.

“Don’t be ridiculous, are you okay now?” The English accent that graces your ears helps greatly as you finally begin to feel human again.

You nod slowly, still not making eye contact. It’s one catastrophe after another for you, now that you’ve regained yourself, you’re embarrassed.

“It was fun- ” you start.

“Bitch not for you,”

Alice shirks away at the look the Principal sends her.

You laugh, it's an airy laugh but it’s genuine and it dispels the tension, soon Marilyn’s joining you.

Alice hugs you tight, “I think Principal Weems has got it from here, we’ll leave you be,”

“Yeah, we’ll get out of your hair, enjoy the rest of your date,” Marilyn chirps before heading into the crowd, dragging Alice with her but not before she can send a shit eating grin your way.

You and Larissa are left in shock, both of your faces a delicious red, a charged silence between you. Neither of you look at eachother.

“Our what?” Larissa mutters into the air, head reeling at Marilyn’s cast away comment.

You don't respond immediately. Both of you had heard the botany teacher loud and clear.

“Is it… is it okay if we just sit here a little longer?” you ask meekly, peering up at her.

“We can stay here as long as you need, darling,” Larissa takes a seat next to you.

“Thank you.” You rest your head on her shoulder.

You’re not sure how long you sit with the blonde, at some point her arm has found its way around your body again. Another tether helping you banish the last of the nerves. She’s busy admiring the stars. As best she can with the light pollution. To you, the stars have nothing against Larissa.

Fireworks bloom in the sky, you can see their reflection in Larissa’s eyes. In that moment you sit up and press a kiss to the very corner of Larissa’s mouth.

AN - I have never cried at a film… I’ve almost cried. But I did cry at the notebook when I watched it aged 15. Also sorry for the downer in this chapter, but I thought it’d be fun to have our dear reader cling to Larissa 🤭

taglist - @weemssapphic @h-doodles @blessmysouljessisonaroll @eveymay @lvinhs @enchantressb @a-queen-and-her-throne

(pls lmk if I forgot to tag you and I’ll have you tagged in future updates, or if you’d like removed)

#larissa weems #larissa weems x reader

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writeroutoftime · 11 months

Text

a secret language

pairing: 1940s!bucky barnes x fem!reader

summary: flower shop au - when bucky stumbles across your little flower shop, you're enamored. too bad he keeps coming in to buy flowers for his mystery women (using the prompts "you aren't over her, are you?/not even close")

warnings: none, just tooth-rotting fluff :)

words: 2k

a/n: a very very late entry for @ghostofskywalker's writing challenge from last year lol. when I saw the prompts for this challenge this was the first thought that came to mind. but life and writer's block gets in the way. now I know it’s not actually going on anymore but I just wanted to get this out, better late than never right? plus, I'm so excited for my first flower shop au! please enjoy!!

oOoOo

Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of New York City was a cozy flower shop, hidden in plain sight on the streets of Brooklyn. Most New Yorkers buzzed past the faded, yellow building without a second glance, too caught up in their own mind to notice. Those who did take the time to venture in, however, found a beautiful secret garden in the heart of a concrete city. A warm and cozy oasis for those that crossed the threshold. Who would have thought your life would have changed so drastically with one fateful customer?

oOoOo

The bell above the door jingled merrily followed by the thud of hurried footsteps. "I'll be with you in just a moment." you shouted over your shoulder, placing the finishing touches on the bouquet in front of you.

Finally satisfied, you turned to face your newest customer and found your breath drawn from your body. The slight crack of electricity in the air didn’t escape your notice. Shiny blue eyes met your own and a lopsided smile graced your sight. In that moment, you were thankful for the counter between you to hide the slight shake of your knees. You quickly gathered your bearings and wiped your hands against your apron, offering a soft smile to the man in front of you.

“Hello. How may I help you today?”

“Hi, doll.” he spoke as his foot bounced nervously against the tiled floor. "I'm, uh, looking for some flowers for my Ma. You see it's her birthday today and I, uh, kinda -"

"Forgot?" you filled in, hiding your smile as best as you could. The man in front of you hung his head sheepishly at your words but nodded his head. "Well, you've come to the right place." you gestured to the bouquets of flowers around the shop. "What kind of flowers does your mother like?"

The man’s brows furrowed, and his mouth opened like he was going to say something, but simply grasped for straws instead. "The...pink ones?"

It was at that moment you couldn’t help but burst out laughing, despite your best efforts at professionalism. “What?” the man asked, flushing slightly, though he laughed along with you.

“I’m sorry, but the pink ones? I’ll take it you don’t know much about flowers, do you?” you asked.

“You caught me, doll.” he smirked. “Mind helpin’ a fella out?” he asked, flashing you another charming grin.

Holding up one finger, you turned your back once more and began to create a simple, yet beautiful bouquet. Buzzing around your shop you grabbed some orchids, a few peonies, tied together with a touch of baby’s breath. Gently wrapping the flowers in brown paper, you smiled proudly at your creation before turning back to the eagerly waiting man.

“Violia!” you presented, holding out the bouquet, waiting to see his reaction.

The man took the bouquet carefully from your hands and looked at you with a dazzling smile. “These are just wonderful. Much better than the “pink ones” I suggested.”

“You’ve got orchids for love, peonies for honor, and some baby’s breath to tie it all together.” you explained, pointing out each flower as you went.

“Well, I’ll be. I had no idea that flowers could have so much meaning, but I’m glad I had such a pretty teacher to introduce me.” he flirted. “How much for the bouquet?”

Though he seemed to be like a heartbreaker, there was something about his tone that seemed rather genuine, you named your price. “Discounted for a first-time costumer, in exchange for your name, of course.” you giggled.

Rather taken aback by your charm, the stranger answered. “James, but most people call me Bucky. And you are?”

“y/n.” you answered softly, silently repeating his name over and over in your head.

Grinning like the Chesire Cat, Bucky took hold of his bouquet, offered you a wink, and headed out the door, throwing a “See ya, ‘round, y/n.” over his shoulder.

You decided you quite liked the way your name sounded on his lips.

The next day proved to be rather quiet, only the occasional customer every few hours. Broom in hand, you spent some time tidying up the shop when Bucky burst through your door, a grateful smile on his face. “Hey there, doll. Just wanted to say that my Ma loved the flowers, so thank you again for saving me.”

Bashfully, you looked at the floor then up at Bucky. “Well, it’s my job and my pleasure. Glad I could help bring your mother some joy on her special day.”

There was a small silence that followed as Bucky took in your shop and all the flowers that sprouted from every corner. He opened his mouth to speak, closed it, looked rather disappointed, and tried again. “So, uh, you mentioned all these flowers having meaning. What would you recommend getting a gal you’re trying to impress?” he asked, and your heart fell to the floor.

Of course, this handsome stranger would already have his eyes on someone. They were probably sweet and lovely and knew how to flirt with handsome men. As best you could, you swallowed the hurt and pushed forward. “Well, you could go with roses, but that’s a bit cliché and you may be coming on too strong. You could also go with sunflowers for loyalty.” you suggested.

“Then I’ll have one of your finest sunflowers.” Bucky decided, leaning against the counter with a smile as he watched you flitter about the shop preparing his order. “Thanks, doll.” he said when you handed him the flower.

As he turned to walk out the door, you watched Bucky pause for a moment as though he was thinking, but ultimately kept going. Leaving you only with the jingle of the bell and the ache of your heart.

oOoOo

This was a pattern that continued for the next few weeks. Every Thursday during lunch, you looked forward to seeing Bucky walk through your shop doors with that same cocky grin. The two of you settled into a routine that consisted of him greeting you sweetly before asking for yet another flower recommendation for Bucky’s mysterious girl.

Each week you couldn’t believe this girl had yet to accept Bucky’s advances. Was she blind or something? And you weren’t just talking about her looks. Over the weeks, you also got to know about Bucky bit by bit. You learned about his family and Steve. About his hopes, his dreams, and you knew deep down he truly was a wonderful person. And because of that, you wanted the best for him and continued to offer your suggestions.

You gave him daises for new beginnings.

Lilacs for youth.

Lilies for admiration.

Carnations for devotion.

The only flower Bucky had yet to get for this girl was roses. He told you he was waiting until he knew she would return his affection.

Each and every time, you sighed wistfully as Bucky left with his flowers, wishing you could be the one of the receiving end. Sure, you spent your entire day around flowers, but there was something so much more powerful about being gifted them by someone who cared about you.

It wasn’t until a few weeks later that everything fell into place. Lunch on Thursday came and went without Bucky gracing your shop with his presence. You tried to mask your hurt by throwing yourself into work, but you still worried and hoped he was okay. Finally, as the day was coming to an end, you heard the jingle of bells.

“Sorry I’m late, doll.” Bucky’s voice called out. “I know you’re about to close, but I was hoping you could help me out.”

Knowing you couldn’t deny him, you nodded gently and waited for his request.

“I think I’m ready to finally get those red roses.” he explained, his confidence growing.

It was like the words pierced your heart. His mystery girl must finally be ready to accept Bucky’s affection – took her long enough. Wordlessly, you forced a smile and began to gather a few red roses to make a bouquet. As much as you wished you to keep your mouth shut, curiosity got the best of you.

“So, who’s the lucky girl you keep buying flowers for?” you finally asked, not sure if your heart could take the answer. In all the weeks Bucky had come to your shop, you avoided asking about this girl, but you just needed to know.

Bucky smiled bashfully, running a hand through his hair. “She’s something special. She’s incredibly beautiful and wickedly smart. She runs her own place and is always willing to go the extra mile to help people. But I don’t think she’ll go for a guy like me.” he explained, sighing rather dreamily.

“You really aren’t over her, are you?” you asked, heart aching at the thought of Bucky continually pining after this girl, and thinking you would never get your chance.

Bucky watched you for a moment, leaning against the counter. “Not even close.”

Ready for the exchange to be over with, you finished the bouquet and presented them to Bucky. “Here you are. On the house, since it seems like such a special day.” you declared.

Bucky took the flowers from your hands and looked at them with a smile before offering them back to you. Your eyebrows furrowed in confusion. “Is there something wrong with them, Bucky? You don’t think she’ll like them?”

“They’re perfect.” he reassured. “I’m just giving these flowers to the girl who stole my heart.” he told you with a wicked grin.

A few moments passed as you processed his words. The reality of what Bucky said hit you, but you forced yourself to stay calm. No, he couldn’t be implying what you thought he was. Carefully you cradled the flowers and looked into Bucky’s eyes. “W-what about your mystery girl? All those flowers you bought her?” you asked, lost for words.

“Well, uh, you see, doll. It’s been you, it’s always been you. From the second time I came into your shop I wanted to ask you out, but I was too scared. So, I bought a flower instead, and was still to scared to give it to you. I thought each week I would finally have the courage, but it’s taken me until now to tell you.” he confessed, cheeks and ears-tinged pink.

Your mind thought back to all the flowers Bucky had bought from you. There truly was no mystery girl? It had been you all along? Your heart swelled at the thought and a dazzling grin broke out on your face. “Oh, Bucky. You didn’t have to go through all that trouble and buy all those flowers you never got to give.”

“Actually,” he chuckled as he placed a leather-bound journal on the counter in front of you. “I did save them to give to you. All meanings intentional.”

Setting the roses aside, you moved to grab the journal and carefully flipped through the pages. You let out a small gasp as you saw that each page contained the flowers you had sold Bucky perfectly pressed and preserved. It was like a beautiful collage of a bouquet, telling you exactly how Bucky felt.

“I asked my Ma how to press them until I could man up and give them to you.” he explained when you remained silent.

“They’re perfect.” you whispered, tears briming in your eyes. “I have to say, I was getting rather jealous of this girl you were giving all those flowers to.” you admitted.

“Hey, don’t cry, shop girl.” Bucky comforted, brushing the tears away with the pad of his thumb. “You’re the only one for me.” he said before leaning over your bouquet journal and sweetly kissed you.

Your tiny shop swelled with love and warmth even more, and you knew this was only the first of kisses and bouquets with the lovely man before you.

#bucky barnes x reader #bucky barnes imagine #marvel imagine #marvel x reader #rita writes

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the-final-sif · 6 months

Text

Okay, so XD now has a Small Child (tm), c!Dream is a little 4 year old who has just been take from his family and forced to wear a strange mask that fundamentally changes his body to a human form. He's not a fan of this, but he's taking it well. Probably.

Now, something that helps is that in Ender Dragon hybrid society, kids split off from their parents relatively young. Not at 4 years old normally, but it'd be shocking for a 10 year old to still be in their parent's nest. The average is about 7-8 for moving to a new nest, but some go as young as 6.

This is partially because Ender Dragons hybrids tend to be quite independent and want their own space, but also because much of Ender Dragon society is highly communal. A kid moves into their own nest (or sometimes a sibling/friend nest), but they aren't really on their own nor are they considered full adults. Most stay nearby their parents (or another set of trusted adults, grandparents, a mentor, cool older sibling, etc) and still get a lot of help from the adults around them.

Every adult is generally considered to be responsible for ensuring the well being of any older child based on their ability rather than genetic relation or adoption.

Some of this culture is historic, but some of it has also come around in "recent" years with Ender Dragon Hybrids being entirely isolated from other societies, cultures, and most outside threats aside from a very strange curse that claims the lives of marked children once each generation. The relative safety of this situation helps enable this sort of culture.

As a result, Dream wasn't necessarily super freaked out by a strange being abducting him. He generally trusts just about every adult he interacts with, and this adult is clearly of the End. The mask was quite shocking, but after XD explained that it was to help protect him, Dream understood. He was sad about leaving behind the people he knew, but also quite excited for this new adventure.

Also XD let him have ice cream, something he'd never had before and that tasted amazing. Clearly this man has secrets.

Great! The child has accepted whatever the fuck is going on here. XD was honestly excepting that to be harder than it was.

Uh.

Okay.

Now, admittedly, XD has been working on this plan for at least 300 years. It's the only chance he'll have at this. He had all the details nailed out, he'd picked the kills, found his excuses, figured out how to try to hide the child, all of it was planned for.

Except he kinda sorta forgot that he did need to actually raise the kid during this part.

In his defense, he no longer really remembers most of his human life. He forgot they like, need things.

Right.

Okay.

So XD realizes he needs to take of this now-human child. What do children need? What do humans need? Dream appeared to enjoy the ice cream. Do humans need ice cream?

He doesn't really want to ask for instructions from the child because that would make him look dumb, so instead XD just... tries to replicate some of what he remembers being around the village that Dream was taken from.

Building Dream a new nest is the first challenge, the child is delighted at the idea and has his own ideas for how it should look. But things have to change a bit, Dream no longer has his wings and a lot of his instincts have changed. He struggles to scrabble up cliff faces without his claws, and he keeps falling over because his balance has changed without his tail.

XD sees this and decides that rather than building a nest in a cliff, a treehouse will need to work instead. It lets Dream stay up higher without looking like an Ender Dragon's home. The trees are also much easier for the child to climb.

Getting a treehouse set up with basic supplies isn't that hard. XD ensures that there's food, sets up a potion brewing area with plenty of supplies, remembers that humans need beds and water for various things, and before too long there's a nice little setup.

Of course, there's plenty of arguing and little Dream isn't entirely happy with everything, but he does like that XD lets him use the potion stand. Before he was told he was too young. But look at him now! He can brew whatever he likes!

Obviously, XD also gives Dream some proper armor and weaponry. He even enchants it so it'll grow as Dream does!

And then, having handed this small child enchanted netherite murder equipment, XD leaves.

Not like! Without warning! He checked that Dream was doing alright and that he knew to stay safe and hidden from any gods, and then... went about his day.

XD is a god! He has things to do! Probably.

More importantly, it's not safe for him to spend too much time around Dream. Not only could it attract attention from the other gods, but it could also seriously harm Dream.

See, humans tend to be negatively impacted by too much exposure to gods. Their bodies aren't made to handle it.

Ender dragon hybrids were famously capable of spending lots of time around gods, and godlings are generally immune to these effects.

But Dream is no longer an ender dragon hybrid or a godling. The mask makes him almost entirely human. Which makes him vulnerable to the effects of being exposed to a god.

So XD leaves the child alone in a treehouse, assuming this will be fine and normal, and promises to come back to check in.

And he does!

A week later

Dream was getting worried about his strange guardian not coming back, but he'd been making do. He'd already found a small local river and started fishing so he could put food away for the winter.

XD was quite proud to see his progress! He also remembered at this point that humans can't just morph their appearances at will, and require clothing external to them. So he produced several extra outfits for Dream.

Dream when XD got him was wearing a lime green shirt and white shorts, and so XD assumes that's what he should look like all the time.

He creates an array of different weather outfits based on that color scheme, makes about 20 copies of each outfit and they find space for them in the house.

XD assumes this should last Dream for a month or so, and then he can replace whatever Dream actually used.

Speaking of used clothing, XD realizes that Dream clearly needs a place to get rid of them once they're used. So he creates a little void linked trash can for Dream to use.

Just drop the clothing in once you're done with them and they're gone!

XD is very smart and has prepared for every situation.

It will be another 10 years before Dream finds out about washing clothing.

With all that settled, XD takes a little bit of time to do some basic training. He hasn't quite told Dream that he's going to need to murder two gods in the future. He will, eventually. But for now XD just tells Dream he'll have a big task in the future, and he needs to be ready.

Dream accepts this without question and when XD leaves again, he starts dedicating himself to figuring out his new body and to his training.

He's also working on reading some of the books that XD left for him on combat tactics.

Admittedly, that one is a bit harder. His reading skills aren't quite there yet. But he is working at it! He makes mental notes to ask XD about what some of the words mean. Hopefully his guardian won't be upset that he can't quite make his way through these books.

He is 4. An older 4 year old, sure, but he's still 4. I think this is important to remember.

XD thankfully isn't upset, and spends some time reading the words out loud to him to help him out. The two of them settle into mostly regular weekly visits.

As Dream settles into the area, he starts to explore more, traveling further and further out.

He's curious about the world. His former home was very cut off. People couldn't go that far. But there seems to be so much space here! The world just keeps going!

One day, he hears something quite strange. The noises seem familiar but aren't quite something he understands. Dream finds himself moving close to the noise, trying to understand it.

As he approaches the source of the noise, he hears a familiar word and suddenly it hits him

It's another person talking.

Oh.

Someone else is here too.

#dreblr #dreamxd #c!dream #Dream smp #dsmp #mcyt #ender dragon dream #my headcanons #dream smp #sif speaks #godling dream au

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its-a-me-mango · 24 days

Note

MANGOOO!! hello, been shy to slide into asks but i got very curious looking at your SMG4 posts.. do you have any headcanons you think are cool ? Would be a blast to see them! :D

OH HAI!!!! Oh my god I love headcanons so much I promise, but I'm one of those people who immediately forgets them all when I'm asked about them. Also I forgot which ones are mine and which ones are someone elses, thought tbh if someone HC is good enough for me to think I made it then like, that would be a huge compliment to me haha! X3

I have a few that I can think of off the top of my head right now, there's a few that need a whole post to explain but I'll do that when I feel like it, gonna leave out any LGBT headcanons because I already agree with everyone else, they are all gay and trans except the ones that aren't and that's so awesome.

Again forgive me if I repeat someone else's HC, or if anything I say is proven to not be possible, I fucking forgorrrrr;

SMG3 has tattoos, I know I've shown that one already but listen. He has 3, one is a half sleeve on his left forearm that's got a skull and a bunch of bombs and explosions around it, another one is on his right mid thigh which is a memorial tattoo for Terence, and one very small one on his back right shoulder blade that's just a little skull (it's very blown out and old). He'd like to get more at some point, none of the others have any tattoos but he's trying to convince them to get one.

All the SMG's have the little arrow thing that was on their guardian pod as a marking somewhere on their body, SMG1 has his on his chest under his scarf, SMG2 has his under his hat, SMG3 has his on his lower back, and SMG4 has his on the back of his neck, they're all pretty hidden and not too visible, but anytime they use their meme guardian powers they glow.

Tari is just a bird fan in general, for someone who stays inside gaming she sure knows every single bird ever. She's not a bird watcher but she can identify any bird you show her easily, and she's always happy and excited to see bird when she does go out. Obviously though ducks are her favourite, but she like all waterfowl in general.

Karen is divorced, she just gives me divorced girl energy. She has full custody of her kids because her ex was a piece of shit and didn't want them anyway, her kids were all too young to know about him thankfully. She probably got married right out of highschool or something, those relationships never seem to work out. I keep thinking of those "day in the life of a divorced 23 year old" videos like, that's her lol.

Bob's secret hobby is fabric work, you will catch him dead before you catch him admitting or even showing anything he makes, but he makes garments and furniture for fun. Sometimes he'll throw them into the black market and lie about their value for a quick buck and to clear out space, he doesn't care much once they're completed he just likes making them.

I think this one's just semi canon, but SMG4 Mario is secretly really good at reading people, yeah he's kinda dumb but he can pick up what people are feeling in depth, he just doesn't always get why. He's also just a good guy to go to for comfort, not advised though don't listen to him, he's just really good to ramble/vent too (mainly because he won't remember what you said lol).

I'm sure I'll think of more as soon as I post this, but come back and ask again at some point and I'll try and remember them lol

#mangos mystery ask box #I love headcanons I love them so much aaaRGFHHGH #Smg4

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plutoccult · 6 months

Text

HAIKYUU X THE OFFICE AU — EPISODE TWO: LUNCHTIME VOLLEYBALL MATCH

pairing: sugawara koushi x female reader

description: ukai’s idea to hold a volleyball match with the warehouse staff during lunch proves to be a bad one, but it sure is entertaining for you to watch from the sidelines. well, as long as your fiancé doesn’t ruin the fun for you.

word count: 5.5k

also available to read on my ao3 here

author’s note: hello!!! i’ve been fueled to write the continuation of this au. this time around, it’ll be inspired by the basketball episode, but since haikyuu is all about volleyball… you know what i had to do. i would have waited to do that one company-wide volleyball match episode later on, but who says i can’t do that later anyway? it’s haikyuu, there is NEVER enough volleyball. besides, that’ll give me the opportunity to introduce other haikyuu characters when the time is right. i’m still trying to get my groove when it comes to writing this au, but i think i’m starting to get there. i hope this will be equally as entertaining, and i also hope everyone enjoys it! also, stream livelock by xdinary heroes fr 😮‍💨

ever since filming for the documentary began, ukai had been more… eccentric than usual. everyone knew it was to play up for the cameras, but god, it was annoying. the employees of japan pulp and paper thought they had seen it all when it came to their chaotic boss, but that was proven to be false when ukai burst into the office randomly dressed in sports gear with a wilson volleyball pressed to his hip.

“guys, we’re doing a thing.” ukai announced, much to the confusion of his employees.

“is this the office olympics again?” tanaka questioned. the office olympics was an idea ukai attempted many years ago, and let’s just say it didn’t end well whatsoever.

“no, tanaka, it is not.” he scoffed. “i don’t need corporate threatening to fire me… again.”

“then why are you dressed like an athlete past his prime, but he refuses to let go, so he ends up losing his wife and kids?” tsukishima asked nonchalantly despite completely flaming ukai to bits.

“that kinda sounds like tom brady.” hinata said.

“tom brady was a football player, idiot.” kageyama rolled his eyes, sparking a bickering matching between him and hinata, which was always a classic occurrence in the office since the day they were hired.

“everybody shut up! i’m holding a volleyball match with the warehouse guys during lunch!” ukai yelled over his employees, followed by complete silence. not a peep came out of them, not even a cricket. “come on, why aren’t any of you excited?”

“um… did hr approve of this?” you speak up and ask. it was clear ukai didn’t see how horrible of an idea this was.

“shockingly, specs approved.” he replied. a miracle, really, but ukai claimed it would be a “good way” to “bond” with everybody.

“and he approved of it… with the warehouse guys?” you gulp.

“yes, y/n, why are you so—” ukai cut off his sentence when he realized why you were questioning him with such worry. “oh…”

the reason why holding a match with the warehouse guys worried you was because your fiancé ryo was one of them. it was almost like an unspoken common fact that he was a total jerk who didn’t deserve you. while suga’s fondness towards you wasn’t very known to the office, everyone could at least see that you shouldn’t be with ryo. only tell will tell how this dreaded volleyball match will end up. it was everybody’s funeral, really.

•••

“so, i got the idea to hold a volleyball match because my grandfather—who is a volleyball legend, by the way—suggested it would be a great idea to bring everybody together, so i got him to help me set up some stuff outside the office building.” ukai said to the camera crew while he sat at his desk, his typical interviewing spot. “what i forgot to put into consideration was y/n’s hotheaded fiancé who works in the warehouse downstairs, but who doesn’t love a little chaos, am i right? well, no, not right. it’s just gonna be a friendly game of volleyball. totally friendly.”

•••

while suga sat at his desk with nothing to do, he did what he always did and caught a look at you to see what you were doing in hopes to share at least a moment with you. he always reached for those little moments, even if you seemed to see him as just a friend. when he looked over at your desk, he saw you were staring at your computer, seemingly bored out of your mind, which you most definitely were at this time when there were dry spots in the work day.

suga quietly stood up and went to the break room for a cup of coffee, hoping you’d notice the sound of his footsteps and follow him. there was nobody around, but that soon changed when you followed suit minutes later just as he hoped you would.

“hey, suga.” you say, reaching for the cabinet to grab a mug.

“oh, hey, y/n.” he said, trying to act cool while he waited for his coffee to brew.

“you gonna play in the match later?” you ask. part of you was worried about what would happen with ryo, but at the same time you wanted to root for suga because he was your best friend.

“well, after ukai begged me…” cue war-like flashbacks to ukai begging suga over and over to participate, which included over-dramatically sobbing while on his knees. “unfortunately, yeah.”

“i thought you used to play volleyball in high school? setter, right?” you questioned.

“how did—” suga was shocked but also adorably amazed that you remembered such a thing. “how did you remember that?”

“guess it just stuck with me, i don’t know.” you shrugged. quite a poor lie on your end, really. you would always try your best to remember everything correct out of fear of making a mistake. even if there wasn’t someone there to crucify you for it, you always made sure to get the job done anyway. although you knew suga wouldn’t do such a thing to you, you didn’t want to mess up the only good thing you had in your life.

“i was vice captain too, actually.” he chuckled before taking a sip of his fresh coffee.

“aw, i knew there was something i was forgetting!” you pouted, doing what you knew best and making yourself feel bad for forgetting despite how innocent it was. “i’m sorry!”

suga couldn’t see what you needed to be sorry for, so he always reassured you knowing you truly needed it. “what? it’s okay, really. i’m glad you at least remembered i played volleyball in the first place.”

“you’re serious?” you asked, almost like it was hard to believe him.

“of course.” he said with that smile that always made you feel better, bringing back your light. “why wouldn’t i be?”

“i don’t know.” you sigh for a moment before taking your turn with the coffee maker. you hated yourself for feeling this way all the time. you needed to be bejeweled, but you were always held back by a ball and chain in the form of your fiancé.

“well, if anything, i hope i remember how to play properly, so don’t worry.” suga said to put you at ease.

“why, you rusty?” you question him.

“perhaps.” he jokingly shrugged.

“guess i’ll have to be the judge of that. might whip up some popcorn, who knows?” you tease. “need some entertainment better than the youtube videos i watch during my usual lunch.”

“well, i guess i’ll have to put on a real show for you.” suga smirked.

“i’ll keep that in mind, sugawara.”

•••

while the employees were getting ready to head downstairs for the match, suga was called in for a quick interview with the documentary crew before the inevitable chaos went down. he didn’t find it to be suspicious as everyone was asked questions too, but there was an inkling in his gut that the crew had an ulterior motive questioning him.

“thoughts on playing in the match?”

“ah, i don’t know. i’m just here for some fun, not competition. i’m not trying to take it that seriously. it’s not high school anymore, it’s just a game.” suga said in response to the question, then immediately cringed at his own answer. “oof, i sound like tsukishima. yikes.”

“you’re not worried about ryo?” whoop, there it is. he knew they were onto him when it came to you. suga should’ve known to stop his pining stares while all those cameras were on all of you over eight hours a day.

“huh?” he furrowed his eyebrows before rolling his eyes when the documentary crew gave him a look in hopes he’d spill. “oh, don’t look at me like that. i’m outta here.”

•••

everyone followed ukai to the parking lot to see a volleyball net smack dab in the middle of the sea of cars. his grandfather came while everyone was working to put it all together, and he seemed to have put it in the worst spot possible.

“this… is what you’ve set up?” you question ukai.

with the way the net was set up, it was prime real estate for a ball to fly in the wrong direction and break someone’s window. it was an overpriced repair bill just begging to happen, and none of you got paid enough to throw around money so easily.

“um, hello, my grandfather gave me the hookup.” he rolled his eyes. “amateurs.”

“but it’s outside.” you say, hoping ukai would get the point, but of course, he doesn’t.

“so?”

“in the middle of the parking lot.” you add.

“there’s enough wiggle room, what’s the problem?” ukai shrugged. god, he was clueless.

“to add onto what y/n is saying, some—if not all—of us would like our windows to be intact by the end of the day.” tsukishima said before walking away from the group, leaving ukai unaware of his intentions.

“hey, tsukishima, where are you going?” he called out.

“moving my car?” tsukishima replied with a heap of sass. “god, i don’t get paid enough for this shit.”

“you better come back!” ukai yelled, his words falling on deaf ears. “i need a tall bitch like you for blocking!”

“i’m gonna move my car too…” yamaguchi said sheepishly then followed tsukishima to do the same as him.

in a shocking event, everyone agreed with tsukishima for once and didn’t think he was being hyper-negative for no reason. one by one, almost everyone went to move their cars. some stayed behind, like you, tanaka, and a few others, but ukai began to feel discouraged and worried that his dream match wouldn’t occur.

“suga! everyone! come on!” he whined, hoping they’d come back.

“boss, sir, i can assure you that i can handle balls better than tsukishima.” tanaka said with utmost confidence, thinking his words would make ukai feel better. it only ended up making you resist the urge to laugh, and you had to quickly collect yourself before you did the wrong thing.

“but…” ukai pouted.

“don’t worry, everyone’s coming back, ukai.” you assure him, seeing tsukishima and yamaguchi start to walk back to the group, then daichi and nishinoya, and so forth.

seeing what everyone was doing, your fiancé ryo wanted to hop on the bandwagon, but was a little too “preoccupied” to do so. “babe, can you move the car? i’m in the middle of stretching here and i need to be in top shape for the match.”

“uh, yeah, sure…”

•••

“it’s an unofficial volleyball match in the middle of an office parking lot, not the olympics. what do you need to be in top shape for?” you rant before doing the same thing suga did in his interview earlier. “wow, i sound like tsukki, don’t i?”

“suga said something similar earlier.” a crew member said, mainly to hopefully stir the pot.

“what, did he say something pessimistic like him too?” you question. the crew nodded in response.

“huh. interesting.”

•••

once the whole parking lot ordeal was over with, it was finally time to put this game together. ukai began yelling around like he was some sort of professional coach, which raised questions.

“alright! let’s get into positions everyone!” he hollered. “i need a setter, middle blocker, wing spikers—”

“woah, woah, woah. what position are you gonna play?” daichi interrupted him with the question that was on quite literally everyone’s minds.

“you guys thought i was playing?” ukai questioned as if it were some sort of massive shock.

“uh… yeah?” daichi furrowed his eyebrows in confusion. “why else are you dressed like that?”

“is this not what volleyball coaches wear?” ukai asked. what’s ironic about ukai’s look was that he was dressed like a volleyball player, not a coach. whatever sporting goods store employee told him that was a good look on him would remain a mystery, unfortunately.

“they probably wear tracksuits or something, i don’t know.” nishinoya shrugged.

“hm, i oughta look into those.”

“so, who’s playing what?” yamaguchi spoke up, considering they were wasting precious company time. “we need a starting lineup and the warehouse guys are scaring me…”

“well, i can be setter and tsukishima can be middle blocker.” suga volunteered, his words met with an eye roll from tsukishima.

“oh, boy, i wonder why that is.” he scoffed.

“aren’t you a tall bitch who can block?” suga crossed his arms.

“you doubt me, sugawara?” tsukishima questioned him.

“maybe.” he replied, resisting the urge to smirk.

“i’m blocking the hell out of those warehouse guys.” tsukishima said with determination as he rolled up his sleeves. it was manipulation at its finest, and suga wasn’t ashamed of using it for today. unfortunately, not everyone was happy with the results.

“aw, i wanted to be middle blocker.” hinata pouted, having not given the chance to speak up before.

“eh, maybe later, hinata.” suga said, although the chances were quite slim.

“pft, as if you’d let shorty ever be middle blocker.” kageyama snickered.

“i’m not short, i’m fun sized!” hinata exclaimed.

“who even says that anymore?!”

“shut up, you—”

hinata and kageyama then did what they do best, aka start arguing like a married couple out of nowhere. suga and daichi had to break the two up, and while daichi struggled with kageyama, asahi came to his rescue and threw him over his shoulder effortlessly. everyone watched asahi with amazement, including you, but he was quite oblivious to the looks of awe.

“anyways. who’s got ideas?”

everybody was too busy standing there shell shocked until you spoke up with an idea of your own, one that made perfect sense in your eyes. “well, i think daichi should be captain of the office team. he’s really good at handling chaos.”

“you think so, y/n?” daichi asked, touched that you thought so highly of him.

“well, you just handled husband and wife over there. plus, if you can handle those knuckleheads too,” you say, pointing to tanaka and nishinoya. “then yeah, i definitely think so.”

“we are NOT knuckleheads—”

“quiet, you two.” kiyoko cut them off.

“yes, kiyoko.” tanaka and nishinoya say in unison. it was just too easy.

the idea of daichi being captain was in agreement with all of the office employees, but there was still more to figure out before everyone could start playing. “well, if i’m captain, then i think i should have a say in who’s doing what.”

“actually, that’s my job, daichi.” ukai tried to say before he was shut down by asahi, who spoke in a low tone.

“daichi should decide.”

“okayyesjustdon’tkillme.” ukai said quickly.

asahi turned his head and stared into the camera confused.

•••

“he’s always gonna be scared of me, isn’t he?” asahi said with a pout then let out a sigh. “even yachi doesn’t scream in terror when i walk into a room anymore…”

•••

after plenty of debating, the office workers had finally put together their team. daichi as captain and right-wing spiker, suga as setter, tsukishima as middle blocker, tanaka as left-wing spiker, nishinoya as libero, and then asahi as the team’s ace. it had all been so carefully crafted, so they hoped it would be worth it in the end. they all even considered going out for a drink after work if they won too, but everyone was getting too ahead of themselves. they had a match to win.

both teams lined up together on opposite ends, ukai instructing his employees to stand up straight and give their best intimidating look, but they weren’t all that up for it. thankfully for tsukishima and asahi, that was their usual resting face anyway.

kiyoko stood in the middle of the court, taking on the role of scorekeeper for this little event. she did the same during the controversial office olympics, so it was no question of whether she’d do it again today. besides, she loved the power she held right now.

“alright, captains in the middle of the court, please!” kiyoko called out. daichi took a step forward while ryo, the captain for the warehouse team, did the same. “the match will be best two out of three. each captain will pick a side of the coin and whichever side it lands on gets to serve first.”

“i call heads!” ryo claimed over-excitedly, as if the coin toss were the real competition.

“tails, please.” daichi said calmly.

kiyoko grinned happily as she flipped the coin, landing in daichi’a favor, much to her amusement. “it’s tails. daichi, your team will serve first.”

“asahi, it’s your time to shine.” daichi pointed to asahi.

“on it!” he replied, gripping the ball in his hands as he prepared for his first serve.

“alright, guys, let’s go! show me what you’re made of!” ukai yelled from the sidelines as he clapped his hands together, taking on this newfound role as coach seriously, even if no one cared for what he had to say.

ignoring ukai, asahi tossed the ball into the air and performed a flawless ace serve, proving his title as ace was well deserved. everyone in the parking lot was at a lot for words over how effortlessly he pulled that off, especially ukai whose jaw could practically reach the floor.

•••

“i would just like to put on the record that i have never once doubted asahi.” ukai said with utmost confidence, despite the documentary crew having many doubts. “never scared of the guy. never ever. i love that man. he’s my favorite employee, actually.”

•••

the match went back and forth, with your fiancé carrying the warehouse team on his back as they weren’t all that enthused to be on the same team as him. you stood on the sidelines with ukai, taking over as temporary scorekeeper while kiyoko and yachi went into the office building for snacks and waters from the vending machines.

“we’re back!” yachi beamed, skipping towards you while kiyoko held a stack of two boxes; one with drinks and the other with snacks.

“sorry it took so long.” kiyoko said as she set the boxes down. “hopefully you had no trouble?”

“there was a little argument over whether the ball was out or not, but otherwise, it was fine.” you shrugged. in the end, you decided no one got a point, which while controversial, was ultimately the right move.

“good. yachi and i got a bunch of bags of popcorn from the vending machine. want some?” kiyoko asked.

“ooh!” you gasp, hoping they had your favorite. “is it the sweet corn kind?”

“no, they ran out because yamaguchi is always eating them all.” yachi giggled while yamaguchi blushed out of embarrassment.

“really, dude?” you pouted. first your yogurt, now this? the guy was secretly a menace, no matter how innocent he looked.

“i’m sorry…” he looked down.

“ah, it’s fine.” you sigh. “i’ll just take whatever you got. thanks, you two.”

as you start chowing down on a bag a popcorn, your attention is back on the match just in time to watch suga set the ball to tsukishima, who in turn grants the office team another point effortlessly. tsukishima merely shrugged after spiking the ball, but everyone on the office side, including you, cheered the small victory. you particularly yelled out suga’s name and gave him a thumbs up for setting the ball so nicely, which caught the attention of your fiancé, and he sure wasn’t pleased.

kiyoko raised an eyebrow over your cheers, not trying to stir the pot, but couldn’t help but be curious over where your loyalties lie. “so, which team are you rooting for? i thought you’d be a little biased towards ryo, but…”

“huh?” you question. “oh, i’m not really rooting for anyone in particular…”

“oh, okay…”

oof. you’re such a bad liar.

now it was ryo’s turn to serve. still fuming from giving your attention to suga, he served the ball with excessive force. thankfully for your team, nishinoya saved the ball, impressing everyone. now that you thought about it, your coworkers seemed to be a little too good at volleyball to just be casual players.

when the ball came back to the office side, tanaka spiked it and scored. he then proceeded to act like a maniac by ripping his shirt off and obnoxiously waving it around, undoubtedly in hopes to woo kiyoko.

“are you falling head over heels yet, kiyoko?” you nudge and tease her, but she wasn’t going to falter.

“blegh. disgusting.” she fake gagged. despite her words, kiyoko couldn’t help but wonder since when tanaka was so ripped.

•••

“i was NOT blushing. tanaka is gross. and annoying. and stupid. and… oh no.” kiyoko ran out of the room without another word, ashamed of her newfound attraction.

•••

after the end of a difficult first set, the office team was in the lead. before continuing onto the second set, everyone took a little water break as they needed to hydrate and recuperate. while everyone conversed with one another in little groups, you walked over to ryo to hand him a water bottle, and he grabbed it quite aggressively, taking you by surprise.

“okay then.” you mutter and look down, trying to avoid his eyes, but it wouldn’t work.

“i thought you were gonna root for me, not quicksilver and the x-men over there.” his petty statement almost made you think there was no way he could be serious right now, but based off your fiancé’s track record, he was oh so serious. it was ridiculous, really. was it a crime to cheer for your friends? in his eyes, yes, it was.

“i’m just trying to cheer for everyone.” you try reasoning with him, even if there was no point. “sorry that wasn’t clear, i guess.”

“yeah, well maybe consider your fiancé next time.” ryo scoffed as he walked away from you, tossing his now empty water bottle to the side.

without trying, suga overheard the conversation clear as day. you could almost sense his presence from far behind you. but when you look over to him, he quickly turned his head away and acted like he wasn’t listening.

the negative thoughts that swam in your head were interrupted by ukai announcing that the second set would start. you just wanted to have fun today, and you would still try to do exactly that. screw what ryo had to say, right?

as the second set began, yamaguchi came in to pinch serve for daichi after politely asking for just one chance to do so. daichi, being the total sweetheart he is, obviously said yes and told him to do his thing. yamaguchi could feel his hands shake violently as he walked over to the makeshift court, but let his anxieties fade away when yachi gave him a thumbs up.

while his serve wasn’t perfect, the ball thankfully managed to go over the net. the warehouse team tried spiking the ball, but thanks to a triple block from suga, tsukishima, and tanaka, the ball dropped onto the warehouse side, allowing the office team to score.

you without hesitation cheer for suga and the office team extra loud this time. even if you were acting a little extra, you decided not to care about it right now. you knew you’d hear plenty about it later, but that was a future you problem. at least, that’s what you thought.

ryo was boiling with anger now, so when it came for his chance to spike the ball, he slammed it right in suga’s face, knocking him to the ground instantly. it put the entire game on pause as everyone was frozen in shock over what just happened. ryo tried to chest bump his fellow warehouse guys since he scored (although unfairly), but they weren’t feeling it whatsoever because of suga clearly looking like he was in pain.

“suga!” you gasp as you and your coworkers rush to his side.

“man down! we got a man down!” ukai yelled, drumming out the theatrics as per usual.

everyone tried inspecting suga like a guinea pig, words overlapping as they all tried speaking at the same time. he grew frustrated over the sudden treatment, throwing his hands up in the air to make it all stop.

“guys, i’m fine, i’m fine!” suga insisted, trying his best to ignore the pain.

“suga, your nose is bleeding!” nishinoya pointed out. suga swiped his fingers under his nose and watched as droplets of blood fell onto his skin, shocked as he couldn’t feel himself bleeding at all.

“oh my god, he’s dying!” ukai cried out dramatically.

“shut up!”

god, all you could think of was how this was an utter disaster.

•••

“this is all my fault, isn’t it? i should’ve just kept my mouth shut…” you say to the camera with a frown.

•••

while the game was on pause, the office team tried to figure out how they were going to move forward. suga sat there with tissues plugged up his nose, although kiyoko insisted he put pressure on it to stop the bleeding. however, he was insistent on getting back onto the court, but his teammates had other plans.

“suga, you should sit out for awhile.” daichi said, as much as it pained him to say it. “at least until your nose stops bleeding.”

“but…” he pouted, looking over to you. you knew he was having so much fun up until this point. even if it wasn’t a serious match, it was nice seeing him so happy doing something he was good at. suga wanted to see you look so proud of him, but he couldn’t do that with an active nosebleed.

“it’s okay.” you reassure him, and only because you said it was okay, suga surrendered.

“okay.” he sighed, trying to quickly think of a new plan for the team, and he had a lightbulb almost instantly. “kageyama?”

“huh? me?” kageyama questioned.

“i need you to take over.” suga said. “i know you’re good at volleyball. way better than me.”

“well, i haven’t played since college, but—” he shrugged before acting cocky. “oh, alright. don’t threaten me with a good time.”

“if sugawara’s out, can i be out too?” tsukishima raised his hand. he wanted no parts on this nonsense anymore. with good reason, you thought.

“tsukki, you’re literally fine. get your tall ass back out there.” ukai said, seeing no reason why he should quit now.

“yamaguchi, punch me in the face.” tsukishima spoke without hesitation while yamaguchi immediately protested against the idea.

“eh?! no way!”

“okay, i’ll make your little girlfriend do it. come on, yachi.” he said.

“girlfriend?!” yachi exclaimed, her cheeks burning red.

“nobody’s punching you, tsukki!” yamaguchi yelled.

“fine, i’ll do it myself—”

“no, no, no!” yamaguchi and yachi immediately tried to stop him together, swatting tsukishima’s fists away from his face. thankfully, their efforts weren’t in vain as there was no reason for him to inflict harm on himself.

“i can take tsukishima’s place!” hinata leaped and waved his hand for everyone’s attention. it was almost like a record scratch as they all froze in placed and turned to an overenthusiastic hinata.

“huh?!” kageyama gawked. “as if!”

“you don’t know what i’m capable of, kageyama!” he huffed, crossing his arms and pouting like a child.

“daichi, it’s your call.” tanaka said.

daichi put some thought into it for a second, and that second consisted of the words “fuck it, we ball” entering his brain. “let’s see what you got.”

“yay!” hinata jumped for joy, as opposed to kageyama’s despair.

“i hate my life…” he groaned.

•••

“are you excited about playing in the match?”

“excited? excited is an understatement! i’m so…” hinata paused, trying to think of a better word, but failed to do so. “excited! oh man, i need a better word for excited…”

•••

finally, the second set continued. it was pretty rusty for the office team at first as they struggled with the new lineup, and it irritated everyone to no end, especially kageyama.

“god, hinata! you suck!” he groaned in frustration. kageyama was a star setter all throughout his youth, so being matched up with hinata was quite literally his worst nightmare. his fireball of a coworker was too giddy and overhyped to actually hit the ball. instead, hinata always jumped too high to spike the ball in time before it fell to the ground.

“no, you suck! your sets are terrible!” hinata argued. “i thought you were “king of the court”? give me something good, at least!”

“oh, i’ll give you something good, pipsqueak…” kageyama muttered under his breath, cracking his knuckles in preparation to bring on the power.

as the match kept rotating, suga returned to the parking lot after cleaning up in the building bathroom. his nose was cleared up now, but he wasn’t too antsy to return playing just yet. instead, he walked over to you and stood with you while as you continued watching the match from the sidelines.

suga tapped your shoulder, and without him saying a word, you instantly knew it was him standing beside you. of course, your first thought was his well-being as you were ridden with guilt. “suga! are you feeling okay?”

“yeah, i’m okay.” he assured you. “been through worse, no doubt.”

“are you gonna get back in the game then?” you ask him.

“no… i think i should sit the rest of this out. let you root for someone other than me.” suga replied. you knew he had to have heard your conversation with ryo earlier. now you were just embarrassed. you didn’t want him to hear that, and he must have known what ryo did to him was on purpose, you were sure of it.

“yeah, okay, sure…” you frown.

when you turn your attention back to the match, kageyama had given hinata the perfect set. his eyes were so clearly set on the ball, and despite being in the back row, he rushed out of everyone’s way and jumped so high it left the warehouse team frozen in shock. when he spiked the ball, it slammed so hard against the ground that it ricocheted out of sight, and the sound startled all of you.

with the ball gone, no one knew what to do. everyone’s attention turned to hinata, and he couldn’t help but feel like he just did something bad. the stares were killing him. “am i in trouble?”

“trouble? no, no, no.” ukai shook his head. “you just won the game.”

“what? no fair!” ryo instantly complained. the other warehouse guys weren’t all that pressed, just him. but what else are you supposed to play with when there’s no ball?

“we lost our only ball and you were losing anyway! office team wins!” ukai announced, and the office workers immediately roared with excitement. they all lifted hinata into the air and chanted his name, thanking him for not only ending this monstrosity, but also granting them victory.

despite the lively mood, you couldn’t find it in your heart to be happy for your fellow office employees. you wanted to show your happiness for them so badly, but what happened with ryo and suga remained ingrained in your mind. when your eyes meet ryo’s angry gaze, you decided it was best if you just stayed silent.

suga’s focus wasn’t on the celebrations anymore, it was on you. like always, he could read that sad look on your face so easily. he knew, and suga could only hope that one day you’d escape those shackles, even if it meant you didn’t end up in his arms. he just wanted you to be happy.

but regardless of everyone’s excitement, the mood had to be ruined one way or another. “alright, now everyone get back to work!”

“boo!”

•••

“the great thing about sports is that it’s all about character,” ukai began, speaking as if he were giving an inspirational speech. “and you can learn lessons about life even if you don't win… but we did win because we were ahead, so ha!”

“you didn’t do anything, ukai.”

“that’s what she said.” he winked to the camera, resulting in the first of many eye rolls and face palms from the camera crew to occur.

•••

(bonus scene)

later that day, everyone had went home for the night, but you had stayed for a little while longer as ukai needed some extra work done from you on such short notice. you went to the break room for one last cup of coffee before leaving, but there laid a note on the table, one with your name on it.

“thanks for being my biggest fan today. i hadn’t been so excited about volleyball in the longest time and i really appreciate it.

—suga.

ps. check the fridge. you forgot something.”

you furrow your eyebrows in confusion before opening the fridge. inside, there was a yogurt with a sticky note that read “y/n” on it. when you removed the sticky note, it was your favorite, and then you remembered what happened that night ryo called you on your way to the bus stop with suga. you forgot the yogurt he bought you at the convenience store.

ryo would never remember things like that, but suga always did. if only ryo could be like him. if you could only be with suga instead.

oh.

“fuck.” you curse to yourself before realizing you were still being filmed. “you guys can censor that, right?”

“just don’t tell ukai.”

“easy.” you say. what wouldn’t be easy, however, was navigating this newfound revelation.

#haikyuu #haikyuu x reader #haikyuu fanfiction #haikyuu au #sugawara x reader #sugawara koushi x female reader #sugawara x female reader #sugawara koushi x reader #sugawara #sugawara fanfiction #sugawara koushi fanfiction #haikyu x reader #haikyu #haikyu fanfiction #haikyuu x female reader #haikyu x female reader #pluto writes 📝#haikyuu x the office au 🏢

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thesunshineriptide · 2 years

Note

Hello! Saw you were looking for twst requests so how about how a first date with the nrc freshmen go? (Or the vice house wardens if you prefer) I actually love both groups so much ;w;

I did all the first years and two vice house wardens because I love the vice house wardens very much I am a simp

For the Very First Time

Characters: Ace, Deuce, Jack, Jade, Jamil, Epel, Sebek

Tw// sickness, Jade typical behavior, fish, food

Ace

* You and Ace probably begin dating in early October

* Probably asks you out really casually when you’re just hanging out

* Not the type to ask you with a grand gesture, but he comes off a little shy

* For your first date, he’s taking you to the cinema

* It’s October, which means there’s lots of horror movies out

* He’s the type to make you pay for yourself, but he isn’t taking you somewhere fancy so it doesn’t cost you much

* You guys decide to go see a horror movie because he’s doing the macho thing where he’s like “I’ll protect you”

* He’s fine for the first half hour but he starts freaking out

* Laugh at him for being a dumbass please

* Both of you sneak out while someone’s getting murdered on screen and slide your way into Minions: Rise of Gru

* This is the best choice ever because you both have no idea what’s going on and end up just cuddling in the back of the theater.

* Ace probably throws popcorn at you

* After the movie he’ll take you for a walk

* Unfortunately it starts raining and you two get caught in it

* He takes off his jacket and holds it over your head as you run into a cafe for shelter

* He buys you a cookie as an apology

* Next day he has a cold and whines to you about it while he asks you for another date (and a get better kiss)

* Overall: 6.5/10 it was kinda a shitshow but he’s cute and trying his best

Deuce

* Deuce probably asks you out mid April

* He takes a long time to confront his emotions and psych himself up

* He totally asks you out and gives you flowers (red roses, with one blue one, all from Heartslabyul’s gardens and painted by himself)

* He’d probably ask you out privately as well, and stumble over every few words nervously

* Your first date is at his dorm actually

* He’s been working really hard on two things:

* Making the perfect spaghetti and meatballs

* And learning to make cookies

* Goes out of his way to get permission from Riddle and Trey to do this because he doesn’t want to piss them off

* His spaghetti is pretty good, actually

* Once you’re done eating and chatting, he invites you to make some chocolate chip cookies with him

* How could you say no to a face like that?

* You two have a great time making a mess

* Freaks out when you eat a little bit of cookie dough because he thinks you’re gonna die

* You two drink hot chocolate while the cookies are baking and he does them fancy.

* Whipped cream, marshmallows, cinnamon, and animal shaped crackers are on top

* The cookies come out a little overdone but it’s okay because they were made with love

* Walks you home

* If you forgot your jacket, he gives you his because he’s a good boy

* The next day you guys hold hands on the way to class

* Overall: 8/10 he’s so pure and sweet but very nervous and you saw him reading over some notes he wrote on his palm to make sure he was doing things right

Jack

* He’s the type of guy to fall in love with you slowly

* He asks you out in early December

* Maybe he’s soft, but seeing fairy lights go up and the smell of warmth makes him wanna cuddle up

* He asks you out at lunchtime

* Pays for and brings you your lunch when he asks you, avoiding eye contact the whole time

* Tail wags when you say yes

* First date is to a holiday fair

* There’s a little ice skating rink, it’s flurrying out, and you can smell roasting nuts and cider down the block

* Takes you earlier in the day on a weekend, which means it’s a little packed, but he never loses you

* He’s paying for the date, anything you want you get

* Probably shares a soft pretzel with you

* If you ask him to ice skate he pretends he isn’t excited

* Will guide you around the rink, holding onto you carefully the whole time

* Buys you hot apple cider or hot cocoa

* Every time your face seems to get a little red he reaches over and readjusts your scarf or jacket

* “You have to keep warm, I don’t want you getting sick.”

* If any of the crafts/clothes/ornaments in the stalls interests you, he will get it for you without a peep

* Takes you home in the late afternoon and doesn’t leave until he’s sure you don’t have hypothermia

* Overall 7/10 he’s a gentleman but he’s also a tsundere

Jade

* Jade would probably take years to warm up to you

* Definitely after you’ve both graduated college is when he’s ask you out

* Probably in may-ish?

* It’s beginning to warm, things are springing back to life

* He knows exactly how to charm someone

* Brings you a token of his affections (a necklace with a Jade pendant)

* Invites you to take a walk with him before he asks you out

* On your first date he takes you to an art museum

* He pays for your date, his pride would be wounded if you didn’t let him

* Looked up a map to get a layout of the museum first and checked the flow of traffic through it over the course of two weeks so he could pick the time when there’s least amount of people there, and figured out where to start

* Walks with you slowly, occasionally commenting on an art piece he knows about

* Mostly just chats with you about anything that comes to mind

* You will probably hold up 78% of the conversation so just be prepared

* He doesn’t think about conversational stuff because he’s not uncomfortable with silence. He just likes being around you

* But Jade is Jade so you probably already know that

* After you’re done with the museum he’ll take you for a walk to a pier where you can admire the beach

* If you drag him into the sand he spends most of the time watching you or collecting shells

* Walks you home when you seem tired. WILL have you wear his jacket even if you’re not cold

* Once you’re at home he gifts you the seashells he collected (with you in mind) and kisses your hand as he bids you farewell

* Grab him by the collar and give him a kiss. He’ll be so flustered you might actually get a real smile out of him

* The next day he walks you to your classes, alternating between carrying your books and intertwining your pinkie fingers

* Overall: 7.3/10 points off for accidentally making it awkward but points back for being swoon worthy

Jamil

* Jamil will crush on you for months before asking you out

* Also, he doesn’t ask you out

* No, Kalim intervenes because Jamil is grumpier than usual by ambushing you both with a date.

* It happens on Valentine’s Day, aka the day where sad bitches are saddest

* Kalim begs Jamil for some help with a mystery date he has for his valentine and asks him for his advice and help planning

* Basically, Jamil does the whole thing while Kalim is rubbing his hands together with an evil smile in the background

* It turns out he asked you the same thing, but instead he tasked you with retrieving flowers and a gift for ‘his’ sweetheart

* Cue confused noises when you and Jamil cross paths and Kalim just goes “happy Valentine’s Day!!” And dips

* So, uh, surprise, you and Jamil are on a date now

* It’s awkward for a few minutes before you start laughing at Kalim’s antics, prompting Jamil to laugh too

* “I mean, I was planning on asking you today, but I thought you’d be too busy wrangling Kalim.”

* Jamil’s face heats up and he pushes down a smile, “I was planning on asking you, but then I was busy wrangling Kalim.”

* You two talk over some of Jamil’s cooking, chatting happily about anything and everything and your misadventures in fulfilling Kalim’s requests

* Jamil is softer that night, because apparently Kalim went off to bother Azul since he’s bitchless and responsible, which means he’s in nirvana

* He doesn’t walk you home but he does go pick up Kalim from daycare, and you aren’t far away, so he might as well pop in for a minute…

* You two end up making out on your couch for the rest of the night

* Morning after he’s gone, but he made you breakfast and left it in the fridge with a note asking you out on a second date

* Overall: ???/10 your first date wasn’t planned but it was fun once you got over that

Epel

* Epel doesn’t have the balls to ask you out, okay?

* You’re asking him out

* You just sort of slide up to him while he’s carving apple birds in the cafeteria and ask him if he wants to go apple picking with you

* Immediately says yes, is not aware it’s a date

* Once you two nail out the details of when you’re going, he finally catches up to the fact it might be a date

* This is confirmed when you shoot him a text the day before asking if he’s still cool with the date

* He’s squealing, kicking his feet in the air, screaming into his pillow

* Vil ends up telling him to shut up it’s literally 10:30 at night

* He almost gets too excited about the date that he doesn’t sleep

* He does get a few hours of shuteye once he nails down every detail

* He picks out the best outfit, best shoes, checks his bank account and oh dear lord that’s so empty flies are coming out of it, he even takes a shower on his own

* He has butterflies in his stomach when you come to the dorm to pick him up

* He’s dressed like a cowboy and a lumberjack at the same time please don’t comment on it

* When you arrive at the apple orchard he’s bouncing around like a kid in fuckin Disney world

* Infodumps about apples

* Also comments on the quality of apples and talks about his family’s farm

* He needs help reaching the apples please help him he’s too short

* Has 0 chill but he’s really cute

* Will pick apples specifically so he can make you some apple pie later

* You’re paying for the date, right? He never asks, but never offers to pay either so you can just assume

* Apple boy is excited because it’s his three favorite things at once: you, being covered in dirt, and apples

* He doesn’t bother pretending to be prissy here because he knows you won’t hold it against him, you asked him out you know he’s a gremlin

* Takes home way too many apples with a bright grin on his face and on the way back he tells out funny stories about his childhood

* Falls asleep on your shoulder after a while

* You end up having to carry him inside because he is snoring like a trucker and refuses to wake up

* Next day he shows up at your place carrying a homemade apple pie

* Overall: 4.6/10 he’s having the time of his life which is fun but he’s an acquired taste. His pie is tasty though

Sebek

* He begrudgingly asks you out in March because Lilia told him he needs a life outside of Malleus

* He actually does like you, but maybe not enough to warrant a date just yet, those feelings are still blooming, yknow?

* His idea of a date is taking you to an aquarium and telling you about all of the animals, regardless of if you’re interested

* It’s kind of nice to have someone playing tour guide

* The date has a pretty platonic feel to it aside from the fact that you are forcibly holding Sebek’s hand as you walk around

* “It’s so I don’t get lost!” “I WILL NOT LOSE YOU, HUMAN, THERE ARE FIVE OTHER PEOPLE PRESENT”

* The only time he quiets down is when you reach the underwater exhibit, where he pauses for a moment to just stare at the water

* He begins to quietly tell you some of his more secret thoughts, and is surprised when you lean in to hug his arm and lean your head on his shoulder

* “I think you’re doing amazing, Sebek.”

* He’s softer when you walk through the rest of the aquarium, and even buys you a crocodile plush that you name Sebek Jr.

* He refuses to refer to the plush as his son, but he does blush and get very flustered

* He pays for your lunch, but he also orders for you so there’s that

* “It’s what Lilia-sama recommends!” (It tastes like ass, but it’s free)

* Walks you and Sebek Jr home, bows when you’re about to go inside

* Gets very flustered when you peck his cheek

* Decides that it wasn’t that bad and perhaps he might invite you for another date some other time, but he’s really just not ready for that yet

* The next day you two are closer but not really in a romantic sense yet. You’re both young and Sebek needs a lot more time to really come out of his crocodile cave

* He will absolutely get flustered if he ever sees you and Sebek Jr around again though

* Overall: 5/10 it wasn’t bad but it wasn’t knock your socks off amazing either. You know a bunch of fish facts now though and he paid so

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britt-kageryuu · 2 months

Text

Mikey is streaming, he's using a cartoony ornate box turtle model. He's playing Animal Crossing. River is sitting near by watching him play, and singing the background music.

Mikey: So I went out to find good places to get new inspiration for my art, and when I get home, Red is losing his mind because I went out alone. Like Dude, I'm not a little kid, I've been allowed to do errands on my own for years!

River: Hey Auntie is in the chat today!

River starts waving and shouting Hi!

Mikey: Oh, Hey April! How's it going? You got mod privileges yet?

Chat is going nuts trying to figure out who in chat is April. Confused emojis galore!

River: Auntie wants to know why you said her name, and not a nickname?

Mikey: Well, I could've just Sis, but I kinda forgot. Also calling you A, or Yellow doesn't sound right.

There's a notification in game about an Arrival.

Mikey: Sis, why are you coming to my island?

April's character walks up to his, and starts smacking him with her net.

Mikey: Hey, why? Stop!

He starts running his model looking very frantic and panicky and April just keeps chasing him around the island.

Mikey: Okay, I'm sorry! Please let me get back to my game!

April emotes, then leaves the island. Mikey quickly closes his airport as soon as he could.

Mikey: Well that could've gone better.

River: Auntie says she forgives you for now, but to watch out at the next family dinner!

Mikey gulps loudly, takes a deep breath, and takes a moment to decide what to do next.

Mikey: Let's do the HHP stuff, and remodel some houses!

The stream goes on with many still confused who April is, but know Mikey won't answer for fear of revenge of a sibling that's mad. Also some excitement over certain villagers showing up at HHP.

Masterpost

#VTurtles!#rise of the teenage mutant ninja turtles #rottmnt michelangelo #rottmnt mikey #rise michelangelo #rise mikey #rottmnt au #rottmnt #rise tmnt #tmnt rise #tmnt 2018 #teenage mutant ninja turtles #rise of the tmnt #tmnt #vtuber au #vturtles!#tmnt fanfiction

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eunseoksimp · 17 days

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Omg i am the one who requested a part 2 for the "love me , love me not " and i was told to suggest my ideas through the inbox, I wasn’t even sure where to do that soo yeah.. if this is the right section I’m glad. First of all ,your writing always makes me soo mad (in a good way) and makes me want to beg for more, even though I love your writing and would prefer the story you could come up with you kindly ask for my suggestions so hear me out, Eun Seok is kinda of obsessed with Yumi even though he has a girlfriend and their relationship was steady and better this time so he starts spending all of his time with his gf which make yumi feel insecure, hurt and everything (you named it) so she starts to distance herself from him which leads to his mental break down. Also, make her hate him a little bit and make it very toxic.. Kinda. This is all no pressure 💕 like I said it was too good in my head

thank you so much, for liking my work and also sending me this request. i initially had no intentions of writing a part 2, but your ideas definitely helped me.

i got extremely carried away (over 6k words is crazy), and i wrote a lot of this at work, so i hope you enjoy :)

Toxic!Eunseok x Yumi

Warnings: extreme manipulation and gaslighting, mentions of depression and substance abuse, suggestive content, basically eunseok just being the worst person ever.

read part one for some background on their dynamics here.

. ݁ ˖ ࣪ . ⋆ * .♡ *:･ﾟ. ݁ ˖ ࣪ . ⋆ * .♡ *:･ﾟ. ݁ ˖ ࣪ .

‘i’m sorry yumi, you know i love you.’

she’d heard this all before, eunseok pleading for her mercy, telling her that he loved her and not to get mad at him. and of course she would easily find herself forgiving him, melting into his touch as she told him not to worry. tonight was the same.

eunseok was supposed to take yumi out the day before, to celebrate the one year since they began their own messed up version of a relationship. only, that didn’t happen because he instead rushed over to his actual girlfriend’s side for her art exhibition.

he was so caught up in showing up for her, that he forgot to at least inform yumi. she spent two hours, doing her makeup till she was sure her face was perfect, curling her hair and ignoring the times she burnt her neck with the barrel. she had put much thought into her outfit, mulling over the better option for what felt like 30 minutes.

then she waited, excitement flaring up inside of her as she anticipated his arrival. even as the time ticked away, getting closer and closer to the time of their booking she still waited.

she sat upright in her living room, not wanting to rumple her clothes, ignoring the growling noises being emitted from her stomach because she didn’t want to ruin her makeup.

‘i’m sure it’s just traffic. maybe he got caught up in something. maybe this is all part of his big surprise.’

she comforted herself with these possible scenarios, trusting that eunseok would come to her eventually, like he always did.

only this time was different. she sat on standby until the clock struck midnight, their anniversary passing her by in a flash.

it was only then that it became obvious that maybe, for once, he wasn’t coming today.

she sighed, ridding herself of her jacket first, and untying the ribbons weaving up her calves to free herself from her heels, kicking them across the room.

at a slow pace, she began to undo her hard work, messing up her hair, wiping off her makeup, getting changed back into her pyjamas. every two minutes she would tap her phone screen, expecting a call or a text from eunseok. but there was nothing.

and even though she felt hurt, even though there were tears pricking the corner of her eyes, her lip quivering, all she could think was, ‘i hope he’s okay.’

the next day rolled over, and yumi didn’t get much sleep, in the event that eunseok would call her, explaining the whole situation to her, telling her how he wished to be there with her, how mad he was that he didn’t get to see her yesterday.

but it was radio silent. she had made up her mind that if he didn’t communicate with her by midday, she would go over to his house to see him. she knew that he might not be pleased, seeing as he always told her to never show up to his place unannounced.

but she was sure he would understand, that she was just worried, and maybe he would feel her sincerity. only to be met with a totally different reaction.

‘you shouldn’t be here,’ eunseok dragged yumi inside first, looking back to make sure no one saw her before following after.

‘i’ve told you not to-‘

‘come to your house unannounced. i know this eunseok,’ yumi would be lying if she said she wasn’t a little dejected at his response to seeing her. did he not miss her like she did?

‘then why did you come? you know how much i hate it,’ he looked agitated, hands in his pockets as he stared her down.

‘our anniversary. you didn’t show yesterday and i thought something happened,’ she couldn’t help the sob that escaped her lips at the end of her sentence, frustrated and angry at the fact that even though her feelings were hurt, eunseok’s were more of a priority.

at the sight of her face, and how close she looked to breaking down, eunseok began what he called damage control.

‘i’m sorry yumi, i had an emergency yesterday then my phone died. you know i would have loved to take you out,’ he lied, but she was none the wiser, sniffling as she aggressively wiped her tears away with the back of her hand.

‘i really wanted to see you.’

‘i’m sorry yumi, you know i love you,’ and with those simple words, he had her in the palm of his hands. she would go on and on about how much she loved him too, about how relieved she was that he was okay.

‘let’s go out today then, it can be a late anniversary celebration,’ yumi suggested, moving to wrap her arms around his waist. eunseok flinched, not unnoticed by her as she frowned, stepping back.

‘sorry it’s just… i’m supposed to go watch a movie with minjeong,’ he refused to look her in the eye, afraid of her reaction.

but before she could say anything, there was a brisk knock on the door before the sound of someone entering the passcode traveling all the way to the living room.

as quickly as he could he almost shoved yumi, rushing to the door, not even bothering to look back at her.

‘hey baby,’ he lifted her into his arms, spinning her around in the process as minjeong squealed, arms coming around his neck to steady herself.

when he eventually put her down, she grabbed him by the neck to give him a kiss. it was deep, and it lasted long enough for yumi to feel the ache in her heart intensify.

minjeong pulled away, pressing another quick kiss to his lips before her eyes finally settled on yumi, shuffling awkwardly on the spot, eyes darting around the room.

‘hi?’ she tilted her head, looking back at eunseok to explain who the mysterious girl was.

‘my love this is yumi, she’s my partner for the new project we have. she came over to get some materials,’ he waved yumi off like she was insignificant, his eyes set only on minjeong.

when had his love changed? since when was she reduced to just a classmate, someone not even worth a decent introduction.

it hurt, immensely, and the corner of yumi’s lips quivered as she tried desperately to hold her cries in, making her way out of the apartment.

she looked back one more time, eunseok not even concerned about her feelings, or at least subtly trying to make sure she was okay.

that evening the rain poured down heavily, the wind spraying every single drop in her direction.

she felt her clothes cling to her body, and the way her fingertips were slowly turning red, a sharp pain accompanying it.

she didn’t flinch when the car that sped past her had drove over a puddle, splashing her in the process and adding more to her pain.

‘he doesn’t love me anymore. eunseok doesn’t love me anymore,’ these were the only thoughts consuming her mind, as she walked in a zombie like state.

she felt numb, like she was floating and observing her lifeless body drag herself through the city, no destination in mind, legs walking on their own.

‘why doesn’t he love me?’ she was so preoccupied, trapped into her own mind that she didn’t notice the once green crossing signal turn red, or the sounds of the cars revving their engine.

she stepped into the middle of the road, mind still far away until she felt two strong arms pull her backwards, almost stumbling in the process.

for a split second she was hopeful, whipping around, praying that it would be eunseok behind her, telling her how worried he was, that all the things he did in front of her face was an act so minjeong wouldn’t get suspicious.

instead she was met with the face of a complete stranger, towering over her, his eyes raking over her now shaking figure, worried about her.

unable to hold it in any longer, she broke down in his arms, the grief crashing down onto her as she clung into him, choked sobs leaving her mouth.

although he didn’t know her, he felt sympathy, pulling her closer to him and he let her cry, offering gentle rubs on her back.

she cried and cried, until she was certain there was no more water left in her body to expel, and yumi felt weak, unable to move from this strangers embrace.

‘do you have your phone with you,’ he asked, still practically cradling her.

she shook her head, closing her eyes as she felt an impending headache.

‘how about remembering anyone’s phone number? someone who could come and help you? could you do that?’ he was ever so gentle with her, treading lightly due to her sensitive state.

he handed her his phone, watching as she put some numbers in his phone. he stayed with her as she explained to the other person on the line that she needed them to pick her up.

‘thank you,’ her voice was hoarse, and barely above a whisper as she gave him back his phone, but nonetheless she expressed her gratitude.

‘you’re welcome…’ his voice trailed off when he realised he didn’t know her name.

‘jung yumi, my name is yumi.’

‘nice to meet you yumi, i’m sungchan, same jung clan too,’ he smiled warmly down at her, and she managed to also reciprocate a weaker one.

‘then maybe fate brought us together.’

sungchan stayed with her until chaewon ran up towards them, hugging her tightly as she went on about how worried she was.

‘thank you so much for taking care of my yumi. lord knows what would have happened if you weren’t here,’ chaewon said to him as he helped her walk yumi to her car.

‘it was my pleasure. i couldn’t leave her all alone out here.’

he pitied the young girl, wondering what could have possibly occurred that could turn her into this state. but he knew better than to pry, especially when it seemed like she was still recovering.

so he did all he knew he could do to help, by helping yumi get into the car, waving off the two girls and waiting till they turned the corner till he made his own way back, wishing her the best.

but yumi on the other hand was broken. chaewon had taken her home, promising to stay over with her as they cuddled on the couch, indulging in sweet treats and mediocre romantic comedy films.

‘is it eunseok again?’ she asked after a while, her chin resting on her head as yumi snuggled further into her chest. she didn’t have to reply for chaewon to know that he was the cause of her agony, the silence filling in the gaps.

‘one day i’ll kill that man i swear, for hurting you.’

‘you can’t. i don’t think i know how to live in a world without him,’ yumi whispered, and chaewon just sighed. she was so irrationally in love with him, it would be hard for her to move on.

‘yes you can. you’ve done it before, and you’ll do it again. it’s time for you to let that bastard go.’

she said nothing else, allowing yumi to soak in her own thoughts, wanting her to build the conviction to free herself from his clutches and rediscover that her own happiness did not revolve around that boy.

even though she knew it might really be time to move on and leave him alone, that it wasn’t logical to cling onto someone who clearly didn’t love her back anymore, she still waited for a call or even just a text.

maybe he would come around and realise that he needed her just as much as she needed him. but days turned into two weeks, and she received no attempts of contact from eunseok.

wallowing in despair seemed to be the only thing she knew how to do, frequenting bars and the liquor store whilst she consumed unhealthy amounts of alcohol. the thought of food repulsed her, and she was unable to stomach anything, sticking to supplements and her sparse drinking of water.

she had become defunct, devoid of any signs of a real human being inhabiting her body. it was hard for chaewon to watch, and she became more and more distraught.

‘let’s just go to a cafe or something. it doesn’t have to be a big deal, grab a few drinks, talk, anything to get you out of the house,’ chaewon pleaded with her, willing to do anything to get her out of her funk and able to assimilate back into society.

‘i don’t feel like it chae, im tired.’

‘you haven’t left your room in three days, yumi i’m starting to get scared,’ she held her hand in hers, crouching down till they were eye level.

‘please just try, for me. i just want you to be ok.’

eventually she gave into the begging, allowing her to drag her every which way in her apartment, helping her wash her hair, picking out her outfit, even adding a little bit of makeup.

yumi couldn’t wait to be back in bed, but she bore with the pain for a little while, just to please chaewon. she took her to a cosy cafe, not too far from where she was that day when she had almost been in an accident.

‘welcome to sm cafe, can i-’ the server froze, pausing mid-sentence as yumi looked up from her phone to peer curiously, only for her eyes to widen in recognition.

‘sungchan? you work here’

he was pleasantly surprised to see her, given that he would find at random times during the day that his mind would flash back to thoughts of her, whether she was still as emotionally wrecked, or if she was able to eat or sleep well in her state.

he had caught himself a few times, finger hovering over chaewon’s unsaved number, debating whether he should call and find out, but he decided against it, convinced they would find him weird.

that was why even though he was supposed to be working, his eyes would often drift over to where they were sitting. he recognised the affliction swimming in her irises, and it let him know that she clearly hadn’t been doing well.

even know, her spoon stirred idly around her cup, forcing a smile on her face as she listened to what her friend was talking about.

they stayed for a little over two hours, before chaewon got a phone call about a late shift change that required her to be at work. she knew if she dropped yumi back home she would go back to bed rotting, so she came up with a plan.

‘you should treat sungchan to a drink, for saving you that day. it would do you some good to stay out a bit longer,’ and before yumi could protest she gave her a kiss on the head and dashed out. sungchan stood awkwardly at the foot of the table, not wanting to make her uncomfortable but eager to be able to spend some time with her.

‘i have a one hour break. i could sit with you if you didn’t mind,’ he offered, and although she would give anything to be snuggled up in bed, she didn’t want to appear rude to the stranger who kindly cared for her.

‘i don’t mind, you can sit down.’

it was uncomfortably silent for a couple of minutes, sungchan fiddling with the ring on his index finger. trying not to stare too hard, whilst yumi played with the bracelet on her wrist.

‘i should um- definitely saying thank you. you know for looking after me that day.’

‘it was my pleasure. i’m glad nothing bad happened to you,’ he answered, witness to how yumi’s facial expressions softened for a second and she bit her lip. like she was trying urgently not to cry in front of him again.

‘yumi, is everything alright?’ his tone was gentle, and the question transported her back to her first ever meeting with eunseok. unable to hold back any longer, a few tears slipped as she shook her head, taking sharp inhales.

‘i know i’m just a stranger, and i have no right to ask this of you. but please talk to me, i want to help in anyway that i can.’

so yumi explained everything from the beginning, from the party, to the class, and even the continuing of the relationship when she knew he had a girlfriend. she was nervous at first, expecting some kind of judgement, but his face remained the same and he listened intently, not once interrupting.

‘and he hasn’t called back since then?’ he asked, when she was done with telling her story.

‘no, and that’s what hurts the most. pathetic right?

‘you’re not. all i see is a girl in need of some love, who may have found it in the wrong place with the wrong person. you don’t deserve any of this,’ he comforted her, offering another tissue when he saw her eyes become wet with tears again.

‘i just don’t know what i’ve done wrong. why does no one love me?

‘that’s not true. i know for a fact chaewon loves you. it might be platonic but it’s a start.’

‘you’re deserving of love yumi, real love. the kind that is not afraid to take you by the hand and profess its feelings. the kind that wants to spend every waking minute with you, that yearns for you.’

‘it’s out there yumi, you just have to look in the right places,’ it had been so long since she had truly felt a glimmer of hope. that maybe her mother was wrong, that she wasn’t hard to love.

sungchan hardly knew her but he spoke with such conviction, it made her certain that what he was saying was true. with this new found mindset, she vowed to work on herself, on her weaknesses, and the part of her that still yearned for eunseok.

she quickly became friends with sungchan, who was always sweet to her. he took her out on impromptu park walks and star gazing and even lent his shoulder to cry on when things weren’t so great.

slowly but surely she was starting to accept a reality where eunseok was not the centre. she stayed away from alcohol and drugs, made sure she ate her food on time and felt herself coming back to life.

and when eunseok finally appeared in front of her for the first time in two months, her resolve was much firmer than it used to be.

‘you coming to watch my game?’ he slid into the seat next to her the first time she was finally able to attend their shared class, not even offering a greeting or an explanation for why his presence was scarce.

but that was no longer yumi’s problem, and she recounted the steps she had taught herself in her head, courtesy of sungchan. don’t look him in the eye, keep answers short, flee when the opportunity presents.

‘cant.’

‘why not,’ he frowned at her answer. she never missed any of his games. even when she had rained curses down on him, told him she hated him, or how she wanted him to get out of her life. it was hard for her to stay away.

‘do i have to tell you everything?’ she still wasn't looking at him, preparing herself to get up and leave any time soon and it drove him crazy. just as he was about to confront her another voice interrupted them.

‘hey yumi, i think i'm ready to go now.’

eunseok whipped his head around, desperate to know who the voice belonged to.

sungchan stood right behind him, a couple inches taller than him and his toned biceps on display every time he fixed his bag onto his shoulder.

"hey sungchan, i was just finishing this report," she smiled sweetly at him, closing her laptop before standing up and putting her things away.

so this was the reason why she couldn't come?

eunseok scoffed at her pathetic attempt to make him jealous. looking him up and down he let out a little laugh and the pair turned to him.

‘you're so cute yumi. i see what you’re trying to do.’

seeing sungchan's confused face made her want to get away quickly, scared of what eunseok could say. so she took his hand and led him out of the room, not sparing a glance to him, leaving a rather perplexed eunseok behind.

the past two months had been bliss. minjeong had given up her player ways, committing to him and it was all he could ask for. they went on frequent dates, slept with each other every other day, and it felt like their relationship had been revived.

the first couple of weeks he paid no mind when yumi abruptly stopped the calls and the texts. she was probably trying to pretend to punish him, to make him crawl back.

after all, everyone knew a piece of her heart would always belong to him.

he continued on with life, focusing more on his girlfriend, hinging on the fact that one day, very soon, she would reach out to him again. and when a month had passed he just assumed it was taking her a little longer to come around.

he expended all of his energy on minjeong, but was finding it harder to answer the question that constantly came to mind. why did his mind keep drifting towards yumi?

there was a small space in his heart carved for her, and even though he knew it was wrong he didn’t want to let either girl go. he finds himself being reminded of yumi everywhere he goes, to songs he listened to and even certain scents he caught a whiff of.

so how was it possible that she didn’t seem to care anymore? that she was able to so easily walk away from him without so much as a look back.

his stomach turned at the thought of her finally moving on, being happy with another guy would kill him. he would stop at nothing to get yumi back into his arms.

eunseok knew it was wrong, but he didn’t care, showing up to her house the next night with fake tears in his eyes, pretending that minjeong had left him, that he was broken and all alone. he knew she wouldn’t be able to resist him when he looked so sad, and sure enough she moved aside to let him in.

‘i can’t believe she did it again, she’s so good at hurting me,’ he buried his head in his hands, attempting to conceal his false emotions, he knew her weaknesses, and he played it to his advantage, letting her lift his head up with her own hands, and reassure him that everything would be fine.

‘you were the first person i thought of when this happened, i knew i had to come to you.’

the guilt tripping was professional, and he revelled in the sight of the walls she had put a lot of effort in putting up crumbling down before his very eyes, and he didn’t even have to do much.

‘i don’t trust myself to stay alone, could you let me stay here. please?’ he could see the internal struggle written all over her face, and he would be more than happy to tip her over the edge.

‘eunseok. you can’t,’ it took a great amount of effort for yumi to even say these words. normally she wouldn’t even think twice, opening her arms wide and letting him use her to relieve all the pain. but she had worked so hard with sungchan, who had told her he planned on making her his girlfriend.

what would he say if he saw her now? overlooking her own boundaries and morals, at the mercy of the very man who didn’t care what she was up to two months ago.

‘i just can’t,’ she replies, and eunseok has to fight to hold back his smirk. why was she fighting it when she knew she wanted to.

‘is it because of that guy? did he tell you to stop caring about me?’

‘you’re not good for me eunseok. sometimes you make it hard for me to breathe. it’s like everyday i’m slowly dying inside, foolishly hoping that you’ll come around and love me,’ he moved forward, inching closer and closer till only a small space remained between the two. she tried to move backwards but he was too fast, his hand seeking refuge in the curve of her hip, giving it a squeeze.

‘remember who was there for you, the person who showed you what love meant. i’m the one that picked up the pieces of your broken heart,’ he was so close now, eyes darting down to her lips and she subconsciously licked them.

‘that guy doesn’t know what’s good for you, he’s just trying to take you away from me,’ his fingers danced up her hip, trailing past her collarbone and finding rest on the side of yumi’s face.

‘don’t leave me like everyone else,’ he delivered the final blow, knowing he now had her right where he wanted her.

a small part of his brain nagged at him, constantly repeating how this was wrong, how it wasn’t fair to manipulate someone so vulnerable. but a larger part of him struggled to stop, the feeling he got toying with her emotions, withdrawing and seeing the light drain out of her eyes, just to ignite the flame again, it excited him.

song eunseok was the bane of yumi’s existence. her ultimate weakness, the only one who could bring her from soaring highs to dangerous lows. and she let him tamper with the trajectory of her life, time and time again.

she was beneath him, metaphorically and physically, as she let him have his way with her, whispering empty promises into her ears, pulling her close to his chest as she swore they would mould into one.

it was always passionate with him, nails scraping shoulder blades, heels pushing into his lower back as she clings on for dear life. it was like an art, one that brought yumi closer to heaven each and every time, mouth agape and eyes screwed shut as she chanted over and over again, ‘fuck me, fuck me, fuck me.’

and of course eunseok would do just as she wished, her legs practically touching the sky as he propped himself up on his elbows, caging her in as he relished in the way she squirmed under him.

the tears only spurred him further, some sort of god complex forming within him. he was the reason why such a pretty thing was reduced to a blubbering mess, mascara smudged as her lip quivered. whether it would be in despair or pure ecstasy, he didn’t care. as long as yumi cried for him, he felt like it was a great display of her devotion.

he spent hours making love to her, his stamina seemingly endless, as he spewed such sweet lies from his pretty lips. ‘you belong to me’, ‘only i can make you happy, ‘you will never love anyone like you love me.’

at the end of the night, the moonlight seeping through her curtains, he pulled her worn out body close to him and gave her a kiss.

‘our souls are too entwined for us to depart from each other.’

by the next morning he could tell that shame washed over her, that she knew it wasn’t a good idea for her to have been laid up with the same person who had her curled up in a ball, sheets bunched underneath her hands as she wept.

he played the role of the doting boyfriend well, making her breakfast, running her a bath, all as if he had made up his mind, that he would commit to her and her only.

how foolish of her to believe it.

not even two days later, she stumbled across a post, minjeong’s post celebrating her and eunseok’s 2 year anniversary together. they looked so happy together, as if nothing could break them apart.

to add insult to injury, yumi immediately remembered the outfit in the picture, the same one he was wearing when he had come to see her that night. cursing under her breath she felt her chest tighten, a lump beginning to form in her throat.

how would she face sungchan now? knowing that she had practically used him, there for her when she was struggling and easily discarded when she thought she saw a future with eunseok.

the guilt ate her up inside, and she stopped replying to his calls, or his messages, hoping he would leave her alone and move onto something better. someone that wasn’t as broken as she was.

but sungchan being the guy he was, couldn’t ignore the gut feeling telling him that something had gone wrong. yumi’s well-being was at the forefront of his mind, discarding any personal feelings he had. he just needed to make sure she was alright.

he knew her schedule pretty much like the back of his hand, and he waited outside her classroom, hoping to catch a glimpse of her.

instead he sees yumi practically drag herself out of the door, a look of defeat on her face. the reason for this trails after her, a cocky smile on his face as he calls out her name.

she shakes her head, picking up the pace, but she’s no match for him, and he easily catches up, grabbing her by the wrist and pulling her smaller frame after him.

‘what is he playing at?’ sungchan was sure of it now, that eunseok had something to do with yumi’s sudden change in behaviour, and decided to follow after the pair.

he tugged her into an empty classroom, the door slightly ajar, and sungchan slipped inside.

‘what’s going on here?’ he spoke up, and yumi froze, pleading with her eyes for eunseok to be quiet, to not tell him anything about how she had broken her resolve.

but she should have known better, that eunseok only did what he wanted to do. and that was why he whipped around to face him, all too happy as he addressed him.

‘it’s good you’re here, it would save you all the heartbreak.’

‘eunseok please,’ she was sure she would drop to her knees soon, the tension in the room suffocating her.

‘i’m doing us all a favour babe,’ he winked and it was in this moment that yumi felt like she was finally able to see his true face.

calculating, manipulative, selfish, self-indulgent. this wasn’t the boy she fell in love with. at least that’s what she thought.

‘you have a crush on yumi, don’t you?’ he redirects his attention to sungchan, who still knows no better about the situation at hand.

‘what does it matter to you?’ sungchan’s defensive, feeling like he didn’t owe him any sort of answer.

‘hey man no need to be all hostile, i’m trying to help you here,’ eunseok holds his hands up, as if he was admitting defeat.

yumi is an anxious mess behind him, praying that she could just escape, to be anywhere other than here.

‘it would be a shame for you to be fooled into thinking she felt the same about you.’

her eyes shut, head reeling as she swiped a hand over her face. it was all over.

‘why are you trying to speak for her. you don’t know how hard yumi had worked to get over you,’ his attempts to defend you were futile, all in vain because she had unravelled two months of work in one night.

‘hmm, i don’t think she did a very good job at that. i’m pretty sure you’re not supposed to be under the person you’re meant to be getting over,’ eunseok tapped his chin, practically mocking him and sungchan balled his hands into fists.

‘eunseok that’s enough.’

‘tell him the truth doll. about the amount of times you called me crying, begging me to get back with you,’ he showed no mercy, impatient, as he longed to see everything fall apart in front of him. nobody could have yumi but him, and he would make sure of it.

"stop."

‘or how about two nights ago when you let me in. surely you knew it was a bad idea but you still-‘

"eunseok shut up," tears streamed down her face as as she bunched his shirt up in her hands.

"then look me in the eye and tell me you're over me," his tone softened, his palm reaching out to rest on her cheek, wiping her eyes.

sungchan watched expectantly, hoping that she would quickly sort the situation out, that she would reassure him, push eunseok away, tell him how crazy he was.

but instead she closed her eyes, taking a deep breath.

‘fuck you,’ was all she said.

‘but you already have love. many times,’ the glint in his eye was pure malevolence, brutal, merciless, just like his actions.

sungchan felt like he had been punched in the gut, reeling from what was going on in front of him. she wasn't over him.

‘get out of here and leave me the fuck alone,’ she let go of eunseok, hands now shaking as she dared not look at sungchan.

‘as you wish darling,’ he said, but it felt like the fun was just getting started.

‘you sure you don’t want one last look,’ he taunted her, taking his time because he knew she wouldn't be able to resist not looking one last time.

and just as he predicted, she was facing him again and the grin on his face was hard to fight.

stepping even closer, he stopped when he was just inches away from her, his tall frame towering over her.

leaning down, he licked his lips, moving as if he was going to kiss her but instead found them by her earlobe.

‘don't fight your feelings my love,’his breath tickled her ear, and although his words sounded sweet she knew him too well.

taking a step back he admired the way her body slightly shook, whether with rage or nervousness he didn't know. and he didn't care.

‘i'm sure i'll be hearing from you soon yumi.’

‘don't be too heartbroken,’ he called out to sungchan, not caring about the catastrophe he was leaving behind as he sauntered away with his hands in his pockets.

‘you still like him,’ it took an unbelievable amount of strength for sungchan to speak up, his tongue feeling heavy in his mouth.

yumi was shaking, hunched over in the corner as she refused to meet his eyes.

he sighed, hating that she looked so broken, that one man had such power over her being. she looked just like the first day he met her, defeated, broken down.

crouching next to her, lifting her head, his words got stuck in his throat as he looked at her. a flood of tears gushed down her cheeks, chewing on her lower lip as she hugged her knees.

he swiped at her eyes but the tears still spilled down, red and swollen as she rest her chin on her knee.

"i tried- i- i didn't even mean," she was a blubbering mess, barely able to get her words, her breathing staggered.

"yumi breathe for me please, it's okay."

nothing about this situation was okay to sungchan. the girl he was convinced he could spend the rest of eternity with was clearly not over someone who didn't even have the decency to call her his girlfriend.

his broken heart weighed heavily on him, but all he wanted was to make sure that the girl he loved would cry no longer.

pulling her into his arms, he tried to soothe her by patting her on the back, another hand playing with her hair.

"i'm so sorry- i'm so sorry. i didn't mean to hurt you, i'm so sorry," she repeated over and over again, knowing that it was not enough to fix the damages done.

but it was all she could muster up for now.

realisation settled in. she would never truly be free of eunseok. that her heart was so full of him, she could barely call it her own.

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