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#maybe a cruise through hell
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Do you ever think about me?
I think about you when I make jokes sometimes
The smile that would spring on your face
I think about you when I eat sometimes
And remember when we tried out 20 different sauces
And made the best one ourselves
I think about you when I close my eyes
And remember when you'd be next to me when I opened them
I see you in every wave on the beach
Because I remember when we went there once
I hear you laugh at something I said
And feel your touch on my arm
Tracing away patterns without a thought to their meaning
I remember the first time you said I love you
And the last
And I don't need much of a reminder
Of how much I loved you
All that needs to happen
Is for me to go to the beach
Or eat chicken nuggets with sauce
Or find your words in my mouth
As I quote something you said
Or say a joke
Or spill something on the floor which reminded me of a show you introduced me to over a year ago
Or literally think of anything at the wrong time
Because
You're in every object
In every laugh
In each wave on the beach
And in every tear.
You leave sometimes
But always return
I'm not sure how much longer I can take it.
Please leave. It hurts.
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ereborne · 1 month
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Song of the Day: March 25
"Groovy Little Summer Song" by James Otto
#song of the day#it's not at all summer yet but it is spring!!#it's chilly when the wind blows and the dew-damp sticks around until noon but the sun is out and the sky is maybe not clear but close!#spring!!!!#I put my first early plantings in the garden today#I had planned for a bunch of marigolds but I got a different batch of flowers instead#so now what's down is rootings for a bunch of perennial flowers#sea holly and red-hot pokers and butterfly weed and hollyhocks#and then my little pea plants#I told Kelly I'd share pictures but for today it only looks like a square of dirt--I'll definitely share pics when my sprouts come in!!#beautiful beautiful garden times#summer of 2010 when this song came out was the first time in three-ish years I'd spent much continuous time with my family#my littlest siblings were old enough to be away from Mom for a while and still young enough to be lulled to sleep by the car#and Mom was very eager to be left home alone to sleep (and play this weird chicken bowling game she was briefly addicted to)#and so we went on a lot of long leisurely pointless car rides and we listed to a lot of#(I will never not hear this in my head) 96.9 The Kat! country music radio#and this got added to the short list of songs I sang to myself#it's so catchy!! cute fun moderately-bouncy little earworm and my voice cruises up and down it so easy#'when the days start gettin warmer / the sun starts sinkin slower / weekends go by faster / and beer starts tastin colder#wanna tune into a station / takes me on a soul vacation / hey there mister dj / come on won't you please play'#and crucially Dad did not mind this song--which could not be said for 'There Is No Arizona' by Jamie O'Neal#or (after I sang it approximately ninety million times) 'Just What I Do' by Trick Pony#we also had--this was very fun for me--we had exactly one CD we could play in the car (because it was stuck in the disk player)#and that was Joe Diffie's 'Third Rock From The Sun'#so many songs of absolute joy on that album. lucky as hell that Dad agreed because it meant we'd crank it up so loud#close my eyes and let the sun shine all red through my eyelids#sing some real dumbass enjoyable-as-all-getout songs at the top of my absolute voice#Dad laughing and singing along and the littles sleeping through the all of it like the precious babies they were#these are the songs of sunshine and pointless happiness! it's not summer but it will be! my garden doesn't have plants yet but it will!#sing a song!!
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studioghibelli · 4 months
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bewitched, bothered, bewildered.
a joel miller x reader
summary: after your parents leave on a cruise for winter break, your best friend sarah invites you over to her house for the holidays. she failed to mention her father is the hottest man in the world.
warnings: best friends dad!joel, slight canon divergence as in Sarah is college aged come 2023, a big phat girthed up age gap, alcohol consumption, reader has just gotten out of a relationship, various media references, smut (fingering, female masturbation, f receiving oral, dirty talk, pet names, tiniest sir kink.) mdni!
note: this could be a series. i’m not too sure right now. let me know if you’d be interested in this as multiple parts!
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You had never been to Texas before.
Tales of obnoxiously large barbecues, ten gallon hats, and vast, desert plains where rattlesnakes roamed freely filled your mind. Sticky sweet iced tea, kind old women who called everyone “honey”, and dry, arid heat were also things you associated with Texas.
And, sure, Texas was hot and humid as hell.
But it was beautiful.
While the plane made its final descent down to the Austin airport, your eyes took in the most beautiful sunset you had ever gazed upon, never before seeing oranges and reds quite as beautiful. By the time you deplaned, the deep navy of the night sky showcased millions of glimmering stars. You couldn’t remember the last time you saw so many stars. It must have been ages, but nonetheless they had ignited you with a sense of wonder.
“It’s about an hour, to my place.” Sarah warned, standing by your side as you both waited to catch sight of your luggage.
You nodded a bit, patiently looking to see your dark teal suitcase pass through the conveyor belt.
“Hey,” she nudged you in the side, causing you to glance her way. “Are you still thinking about your ex? Not good for you, so you better stop.”
“What if we were soulmates?” You grumbled, knowing how stupid you sounded. Your shoulders slumped forward. You didn’t actually think that idiot was the person you would spend the rest of your life with, but it was nice to have someone. To have… your person.
“If you two were soulmates, you wouldn’t have been broken up with. Now would you?” Sarah smiled sadly, gently patting your head. “Winter break is a month long. Who knows? Someone here might catch your eye!”
You rolled said eyes at her wiggling brows, grumbling beneath your breath. “Yeah, yeah. Maybe.”
“My dad has loads of hot guys working for him. They stop by the house sometimes, maybe you could…. I don’t know- waltz downstairs wearing a tight shirt and stick your ass out.” She wiggled her butt against you with a faux-seductive dance move.
“Sarah!” You laughed, gently pushing her shoulder.
“Dad says he should be here in about 5 minutes. Oh! There’s our bags.”
You grabbed your luggage in unison, lugging them off the machine before rolling through the crowds of people, no doubt travelling to and fro for the holidays.
“Look for a black Chevy!” She warned as you walked outside.
“I don’t know what that looks like!” You shouted earnestly, over the hustle and bustle of the pick up area.
Sarah looked at you, before rolling her eyes with a laugh. “There he is!” She waved both her hands towards a truck in the distance. You watched as it pulled to the curb, windows tinted black. When the driver door opened you heard Hank Williams crooning from the stereo, still unable to see the figure that was Sarah’s dad.
The shadow on the sidewalk was broad as it made its way towards the two of you, and when you finally dragged your eyes up, you saw Joel Miller in all his glory.
Tall, rugged, a little rough around the edges- but undeniably handsome. He wore a regular tan crew neck underneath a brown flannel, jeans spread out tight against his thick thighs, with the pointed toes of two leather boots sticking out. His dark hair, littered with strands of drool worthy gray, was slicked back from a fresh shower, one stray curl managing to sneak its way out.
And when he stepped closer, you smelled him. God, you smelled him. He wore just the right amount of cologne, and it made your knees weak. Joel smelled like woody vanilla, swirling with cracks of cardamom and whiffs of lavender tinted flowers of iris. You almost moaned. He smelled delicious.
Joel greeted Sarah, but quite honestly you were too overwhelmed to hear anything they were saying. And then he turned to you.
You.
“Hello.” He smiled a bit, eyes glimmering with something you couldn’t quite pin point. “I’m Joel. It’s real nice to have you stayin’ with us.”
You smiled. A real smile. He was kind, too? What a fucking dream. “Thank you.” After telling him your name you went to pick up your luggage, before a hand grabbed your arm gently.
His hand. Well worked, rough, calloused- an honest pair of hands that were scarred by a lifetime of hard work. Honorable hands. Sexy hands.
“There ain’t no way I’m lettin’ a pretty thing like you lift that suitcase all by herself. You’re in Texas now, honey. Don’t you know we practically invented gentlemen down here?” He joked, grabbing your bag and tenderly sitting it down in the bed of his Chevy.
You laughed, shaking your head. “I guess I’ll just let you do everything for me, since you’re a gentleman and such.” You teased. You watched the hint of a smile ghost across his lips.
“Well, you might just have to, darlin’.” With a wink that made your belly tighten, he opened the door for you, and you joined Sarah in the backseat.
“Dad, what the hell are you listening to?”
“Hank Williams.” You both said in unison. He put his eyes on you from the mirror, winking at you.
“Bring this one around more, Sarah. I like her.”
Sarah smiled, looking at you with love sparkling in her eyes. The kind of love that only existed between two bonded women, the kind of love that only two girls in a deep, genuine friendship could share. You smiled, giving her hand a squeeze.
“Dad, you know she just got dumped.”
“Sarah!” You guffawed. And that special moment was over. Tenderness now replaced with annoyance.
“Who got broken up with?”
Sarah nudged her head towards you.
“Her?!” He spoke incredulously. As if Joel could not wrap his head around the idea of someone ever leaving you.
You buried your hot face in your hands, mumbling a bit. “Was a fucking jerk.” You grumbled after a long moment of silence, pulling away from your palms to look out the window, watching the city pass by.
“Must have been, breakin’ your heart.”
“Dad, you have no clue. So it all started-” As Sarah started explaining your past relationship and breakup, you watched the backdrop of Austin rush past your window.
Beautiful buildings shimmering in the night, the distant noise of the city clamoring, vibrant grass and trees scattered about. It was stunning, alive, noisy. It was nothing like what people had described Texas as. And the only person who had called you ‘honey’ so far, was your best friend’s hot dad.
You pulled away from where you looked, coming back in to reality. Sarah was still going on and on with her drama spilling. Joel was still listening, or at least looked like he was listening. His plush lips were cemented into a tight line, eyes dark and focused on the highway ahead. He met your gaze in his rearview mirror once again, and the tightness of his furrowed brow softened momentarily. You offered him a hint of a smile, and he gladly took it.
“So, what’re you majoring in?” He asks you. You didn’t quite catch his question. You were examining how his hands looked around the steering wheel as he turned it, the way the pad of his thumb caressed the leather, the way his thighs looked spread out against the brown of the sleek seat. God. Was it normal to wish you were a fucking steering wheel?
You clenched your thighs together. You wondered if he noticed. He seemed rather perceptive.
“I’m sorry sir, what did you ask, Mr. Miller?”
Joel swallowed thickly, sucking in a sharp breath. “Joel, please. Call me Joel. I asked what you’re studyin’, back at school.”
Sarah laughed a bit, not looking up from her phone. “What isn’t she studying?”
You grinned a toothy grin at the comment. “It’s true. I’ve changed my major loads of times. I started with French, then anthropology. Now I’m stuck between film and history. There are a lot of things I love learning about. I just…. want to see the world, experience it all.” You explained softly, looking out the window as you thought. “It’s kind of hard to focus on one thing when your heart is all over the place. Y’know?”
Joel nodded a bit, clearing his throat. “You sound way smarter than me. Been contractin’ my whole life. Nothin’ special like French or history.” You giggled to yourself at the way he pronounced ‘French’, his Texan accent thick on the syllables.
“Contracting is honest work. Takes a big, strong man, you know? It can’t be easy. I admire that.” You hummed. Your eyes met once again. Joel’s tongue flicked across his lower lip, nostrils slightly flared.
Sarah was none the wiser, scrolling through her phone. You hummed a bit, settling in to your seat. By the time you looked at Sarah, she was passed out, fast asleep.
“So,” Joel began, turning on to a dirt road. You saw a few cows in the pasture fast asleep, the moon hanging above them. It looked like something from a storybook. “You heartbroken’ over this break up?”
You thought for a moment. “I don’t…. really know. It’s just weird…. it’s- it’s like I don’t know what to do with myself anymore. Like, yeah, I was cheated on, then dumped. But we did everything together. Went out, grabbed dinner, saw movies. I just don’t know what to fill that up with. I do all those things with Sarah, obviously, but it’ll still be weird. I don’t know. I’m rambling.” You huffed out a breath of air you had been holding, shrugging a bit. “Probably sounds stupid.”
“It ain’t stupid.” Joel reassured softly, his deep voice rumbled like a song through your ears, filling your mind with symphonies and day dreams. Day dreams of feeling his mouth on your own, hearing that voice from behind your back while he took you- wait, what? No! He was Sarah’s dad! You shook the thoughts away. “Don’t uh….” He rubbed the back of his neck. “Don’t feel bad for feelin’ any sort of way. Alright?”
As he pulled into the driveway of his home, you nodded slowly. “I’ll try not to.”
“Do or do not, there is no try.”
You laughed. “Star Wars! I love Star Wars.” You cooed, rubbing a hand down your cheek in an attempt to stifle your giggles.
“Sarah would never watch it with me. Been beggin’ her for years.” Joel admitted through a cracked grin.
“Well, I’ll watch it with you.”
Joel shot you that glance once more. “I’d like that.”
Was it a date? No. Surely not? Stop getting ahead of yourself! You took in a deep, shaky breath, gulping down a thick lump that had been forming. No. Calm down. There was no way.
Sarah woke up with a yawn, smiling when she realized the truck had finally pulled in to the driveway.
Joel helped you all unload your things, showing you to the guest room. “Feel free to help yourself to anything. Fridge, drinks. In the garage we got beers and some of them fruity mixers that Sarah likes. Our home is your home.” He explained, extending that Southern hospitality that you had heard so much about.
You felt your body warming up. “Thank you.”
“And, uh….” He rubbed the back of his neck, almost nervously. “I’ll be downstairs in the livin’ room watchin’ some movies, if you want to join me.”
WHAT?!
“Okay. Sure. I’d like that.” You said calmly, stiffly, and definitely not using a oh-my-god-did-he-really-say-that tone of voice. Nope. Not you. Not at all.
“Don’t feel pressured or nothin’. Just a thought.”
Before you could respond, Joel had walked through the hall and down the stairs. You threw on your pajamas, a simple pair of fleece bottoms and a tank top, rolling the thought over in your head. It would be nice, to sit next to him, hear his laugh, cast glances at his side profile. But you weren’t too sure if you could be trusted. Just out of a relationship, full of emotion, irrevocably attracted to this man….. No. No. It wasn’t a good idea. What if you did something you regretted?
So you climbed in to bed, shutting your eyes tight.
And then thirty minutes passed, and your eyes were wide open.
And then an hour passed, and your eyes were still wide opened.
What-fucking-ever.
You threw the covers off with a huff and walked out of your room, quiet as not to wake Sarah. She had had a rough finals week, and you knew she needed a good night’s rest. You on the other hand? Your body was aflame, every nerve lit up like a Christmas tree by Joel’s charming laugh, perfect hands, stern face. God. Why was he so attractive? So alluring? You buried your face in your hands as you shuffled down the hallway.
You were really doing this.
You reached the couch, and saw Joel watching the television, strong arm thrown across the back of it.
“Uhm, Mr- Uh, Joel?”
He turned to look at you, and you noticed a smirk tease the corner of his lips. “Well, hello darlin’. Started to think you weren’t goin’ to take me up on my offer.” Joel patted the empty space beside him. The couch was small, meant for two people.
You weren’t complaining.
“Yeah, well.” You let out a nervous giggle, sitting down beside him. “Couldn’t sleep, so.”
“Oh. So you’re tellin’ me I’m your rebound?” He joked.
“Yeah. Sorry… I’m real desperate these days.” You teased back, holding an embroidered pillow to your chest.
Joel chuckled a deep, beautiful, throaty chuckle, his arm not moving from the back of the couch, brushing every so often against your shoulder blades. “Do you want a drink?” He asked, turning to look at you.
“Sure.” You smiled softly at him, eyes lingering for a few beats to long. He shook his head a bit, as though he were thinking something he really shouldn’t be thinking, before looking away. A moment of awkward silence fell between you two.
Without missing a beat, he slapped his hands on his knees through a deep sigh, getting up and walking to the garage. When he came back, he had a six pack of beer in one hand, and a box of pre-mixed Strawberry Daiquiris in the other.
“Didn’t know which one to grab for you. A bit of everythin’, I suppose.” He sat the cartons in front of you, and you opted for the Daiquiri.
“Thank you.”
“Of course.” He grabbed the remote, flipping through the channels. “Anythin’ sound good?”
You hummed out in thought, eyeing all the movies. “Oh! Stepbrothers! That’s a good one.”
He looked at you. “Really?” He teased dryly.
“Sarah and I quote it all the time.”
Joel nodded for a moment, before turning to you, a serious look on his face. “Did you… touch my drum set?”
A long bout of silence passed, before you took in a deep breath and looked up at him. “No.”
He furrowed his eyebrows together, clicking his tongue. “It’s just weird, cause it seems like someone definitely touched my drum set.”
“Yeah, that is weird, cause I didn’t touch them.”
You stared at each other intensely, both feigning fake anger, before you broke out into giggles. He shook his head with a chuckle.
“So, Stepbrothers then-”
“Oh!” You cut him off excitedly. “Look! The Empire Strikes Back!”
He hummed in agreement, clicking it on. You both got settled in, your shoulder touching his side, his arm thrown behind your back again. Comfortable silence blanketed the room, and you took in the scene around you.
A small living room, a flat screen propped on a wooden console that looked handmade, a nice rug spread out over the hardwood floors. There were some car magazines on the table, a pair of work boots sitting in the corner. It smelled like him, and his electrifying cologne. It felt like him, too. Masculine, woody, comfortable. It was incredible.
You had finished the box of drinks before the end of the movie, and by the time Han Solo was frozen solid in his fancy little fridge, you were crying your eyes out.
Not because of the movie.
“Hey, hey, hey.” Joel’s eyes slightly widened as he turned to you. “Hey, honey, what’s the matter?”
You sniffled, face planting in to his chest. You were tipsy, the newest recipient of a so called broken heart, and he was warm. So, so warm. Without missing a beat, Joel’s arms wrapped around you, his grip tight and secure. You had never felt more protected, more wanted, more cared for.
“Shh, it’s okay.” His long fingers ran through your hair, gentle and soothing. “Wanna talk about it?”
“I’m such an idiot.” You grumbled into his husky chest, no doubt leaving a stain of tears. “I should have seen it coming. Everyone warned me about… about… even Sarah knew. But I didn’t listen. And now I’m here, crying to my best friend’s dad who is way too hot for his own good, full of all these feelings, and-and-….. oh, fuck.” You realized what had spilled from your mouth, pulling away sheepishly and stuffing the pillow in your face.
Joel sat for a moment, wordlessly, slowly looking at you. He gently pushed the pillow away before his index and thumb grabbed your chin, demanding and gentle, tilting your gaze to meet his own. “Too hot for my own good, huh?”
Your face heated up with embarrassment. You wanted to recoil away, maybe throw up a little. You wanted to climb beneath the couch and die there. Anything but own up to your words.
“It’s okay. Think you’re the first of Sarah’s friends to get a little crush on me?” He joked softly, gently rubbing his thumb across your cheek.
A pinch of jealousy surged through you. It wasn’t making you feel any better. You sniffled loudly, your eyelashes fluttering.
“I will say, you are the first of Sarah’s friends I’ve…. well, you’re beautiful. And smart. And, you know.” Joel paused, clearing his mind. He was usually much better with his words. “Look, darlin’. I like you, a lot. And I don’t want you to think I’m taking advantage of you or anythin’, but I can help with that broken heart of yours.”
A gulp of air caught in your chest. With shaking hands, you gently grabbed his own, pulling him closer to you. A deep breath, and then: “Please. Help me forget.”
Joel chuckled, his palm dragging down the side of your body. “I can do that.”
His lips met yours. Hungry, passionate, deep. Joel kissed you like he’d never kiss again, and you happily let him, lips parting, heart mending. He pushed you down onto the soft couch with his weight hovering above your own, fingers tangling into your hair. He wanted you. All of you.
“Can I touch you?” He asked softly, hand moving down to your pajama pants.
“Please.” It came out choked, a plea, a prayer.
He pushed your pants down, allowing you to kick them off, before his palm found your core. Hot, soaked, weeping for him. He groaned, gently rubbing your swollen clit from behind the material of your underwear.
“God damn, girl.” He smirked, eyes darkening. “This all for me?”
You nodded meekly, the inside of your cheek caught between your molars. “Touch me.” You begged.
“Here?” He whispered, his thumb dragging across your soaked slit, over the cotton material.
“Anywhere. Just, please- make me cum.”
“Oh, I’ll make you cum alright, girl. But you’re going to have to stay quiet for me, okay?”
“Okay.”
He pushed your legs back, slipping between them as he lowered himself, now face to face with your pussy. Joel slipped your underwear to the side, his tongue sweeping across his lower lip, before leaning forward and taking your clit in his mouth. You shuddered at the contact, groaning softly.
“I think,” he whispered quietly, your ears straining to hear him, “I want you to rub this pretty clit while I finger fuck your pussy.”
You groaned softly, eyes blown wide and dark, as you slowly sat yourself up on your elbows. “Ye-yes sir.” It just slipped out. You were too horny to care.
A guttural hiss seeped through his teeth. “I like that.” He warned deeply. “Go on, rub it for me.”
You lowered your shaking hand, the tip of your index slowly tracing up the length of your clit. It was screaming, begging, throbbing for any semblance of pleasure.
Joel’s eyes were on you.
He was inspecting your every movement like a panther stalking its prey, eyes full of lust, tongue dripping with desire.
You took in a sharp breath before rubbing your bud between your index and middle finger, a soft breath leaving you.
“Good girl. Good girl.” He praised, middle finger sinking in to your tight cunt. Joel sighed out a string of curses. “You’re fuckin’ tight, baby. That little pussy is drippin’ for me.”
“For you.” You whispered.
He looked up at you as he kissed your thigh, biting down on the soft, supple flesh. “You’re fuckin’ delicious.”
You threw your head back at his words, hips bucking. You felt your orgasm growing nearer, stomach tensing. Joel pushed your hand away, and you jerked your head to look at him, so quick it almost gave you whiplash.
“Sorry, I just can’t help myself.” He leaned forward, sucking at your clit again, his tongue swirling and flattening against it. Joel knew what he was doing.
As his finger still hit inside of you, you brought your hands down to his hair, tugging at his curls, the once slicked style now rampant and messy. You tried to stop yourself from moaning too loud, fearful of waking Sarah, but how could you not?
Joel fucking Miller, the most attractive man you had ever laid eyes on, was worshipping your pussy. You shivered, thighs clenching.
He was worshipping your pussy.
His hot tongue felt like Heaven against you, and Joel was eating you like a starved man, like your cunt was the nectar of the gods. He did what your ex had never done before- he made you feel wanted, made you feel desired.
Joel moaned into your pink flesh, sucking and licking, nibbling and swirling, until your stomach grew tight with a looming climax.
God, he was good at this.
“Gonna cum. G-gonna cum, Jo- oh, oh. Oh.” You hummed out in relief as your orgasm washed over you, eyes widening as he continued licking, sucking, finger fucking- he didn’t care that you were getting sensitive. All he cared about was you. Your sweet pussy, delicious cum, soft folds- he wanted all of it.
“Fuck, you taste good.” He whispered, bringing himself away from your core. “Sweet little thing, ain’t ya?”
Your cheeks heated, and you slowly sat up, legs still shaking. “Jesus Christ.”
Joel chuckled, reaching towards you as he fixed a few strands of messy hair. “Yeah, Jesus Christ.”
You stared at one another for a moment before he tackled you with a deep kiss, hungry and crazed. You wasted no time kissing back, feeling the outline of his cock on your bare thigh. You gasped for air at the touch, already knowing he was big, thick, perfect.
Your hand was moving towards his shirt before the hallway light switched on.
“Fuck. Here.” He tossed you your pants and you quickly slipped them on, resuming your positions on the couch as normally as possible.
As Sarah walked down the stairs, your chest tightened with a sudden realization.
This was going to be a great winter break… if you made it out in one piece, that is.
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oneforthemunny · 2 months
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yayo (remastered) |older!dilf!eddie munson x reader|
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prompt: when your younger sister calls you to pick her and her friend up, it leads you to meeting her friend's dad.
this is the first chapter of the older!eddie remaster! title stays the same, i'm just revamping it :) you can read the original series here!
contains: age gap (eddie is early forties, reader is late twenties early thirties, all consensual), language, teenage stupidity of younger siblings (and their friends) lol, slightly mean eddie but not really.
word count: 3.5k+
“Hello?” A groggy, croak of an answer fell from your lip. Eyelids pulled together, weights of sleep held them closed, pressing the cool screen of your phone to your ear. 
There was a pause, nearly timid in response. “Hey.” The familiar tone ridded whatever sleepiness you still felt, kickstarted every instinct of panic, flooding through your veins, right down to your core. 
“It’s me.” You pulled the phone away to check anyways, Madeline’s name flashing across the screen, still decorated with a flurry of bright, smiley emojis from when she added them years ago. 
“What’s wrong?” Call it older sister instinct, maybe dread, but you knew by the tightness in her tone something was wrong. 
“Will you do me a favor?” Madeline sucked in a breath from the other line. “A big favor, like a huge one. Please, I’ll owe you one back forever, and-” 
“-What do you need?” You muttered, too groggy to be fully annoyed, legs swinging out of the warmth of your covers to the frigid wood of the apartment’s floor. Using the soft, purple glow of Roku Village on the TV, you stumbled around towards the light switch. “Are you alright?” 
“Yeah, I am. Well, I mean- like physically, I’m fine.” Madeline paused, hesitation filling the line. “Look, you can’t tell Mom or Dad. Do you swear?” 
“What did you do?” There was the irritation, falling with a huff of pure annoyance, one only a younger sibling could bring- affection and annoyance, blended together and pouring from your tongue. 
“No, you gotta swear. Swear on your life you won’t tell.” Madeline’s voice was fiercer now, that hushed tone that you were too familiar with. 
“Ok, I swear. What do you need? Why the hell are you calling me at,” You pulled your phone back, blearily blinking to clear the clouded sleep in your vision. “Christ, at two in the morning?-”
“-Don’t start.” Madeline rolled her eyes. “C-Can you come get me and my friend?”
“From where?” You frowned, stopping in the middle of the room. 
“We’re in Chestnut Square, you know the neighborhood that the Henson’s live in? It’s, like, two streets over. I can drop you a pin.” Madeline danced around the request. 
“Why are you there?” You knew. Of course you knew. It wasn’t all that long ago you were in Chestnut Square or near the Quarry by Lover’s Lake, sipping on wine coolers and shitty beers that someone got from the gas station by the high school that never carded. 
“Why do you think I’m here?” Madeline clipped in annoyance, a huff of staticed annoyance falling from the other line. “I’m at a party-” 
“-On a Wednesday?” You scoffed. “You couldn’t even wait until Friday or Saturday like a normal delinquent? On a weekday, Madeline, seriously-” 
“-Look, can you come pick me up or not?” Madeline snapped, and you could practically see her eyes roll through the phone. “I didn’t drive. Brielle and I got picked up and the guy who brought us, he’s… he’s not doing great right now, and we just need to get home. Can you please come pick us up?” 
The streets were a ghost town as you cruised towards the neighborhood, opposite from your downtown apartment. You had work tomorrow, an early shift. Madeline couldn’t have done this yesterday on your off day, or even Friday when you closed. Your jaw set at the thought, a burst of sleep deprived, inconveniencing annoyance bursting in your chest, burning with bother. 
Still, Madeline was your baby sister, difficult as she was, you were glad she called you. 
You followed the automated voice towards the end of the neighborhood, the house bright with lights and lined with cars. Madeline was on the curb, arm wrapped tightly around the girl beside her, steadying her sway. 
“Hey,” Madeline muttered, pulling the door open. “Thank you so much. Seriously, you’re the best.” 
“The best.” Brielle slid in before Madeline. Well, slid was generous, more like fell into your back seat. 
Brielle Munson had been Madeline’s best friend for years. A staple in her childhood, and therefore a figure in your own life. Countless sleepovers, birthday parties, you’d even carpooled them to school your senior year when they started middle school. 
As well as you knew her, you never took her as the black out on a Wednesday type, but your mother had often made passing, hushed tone comments about Brielle’s own mother. “She’s a little different. Kinda a wild card.” Your mother muttered to you one day, brows raising in a pointed look. You didn’t know much about Brielle’s family, never met them. Brielle always came over to your family’s house- you figured that was why. 
“Is she good?” You muttered, pulling the rearview mirror down, angling it towards Brielle. Her head pressed in slopped defeat against the cool window, forehead rolling over the cold glass. 
Madeline turned. “Brie, you good?” 
“‘M good, ‘m good. Are we gonna get Cook Out?”  Brielle slurred, cheek pressed to the window. 
You huffed, another thing to add to the mental list of Madeline’s inconveniences- cleaning your windows of the foundation Brielle left behind tomorrow. 
“Is she gonna puke?” You huffed, shoving the gear into place, rolling away from the front of the house. 
“No, she’s not gonna puke-” 
“-Madeline, if she fuckin’ pukes, I swear to God, you will be cleaning it tonight.” You sneer, eyes flickering towards the rearview to see Brielle. “I can’t handle puke, I will not handle puke-” 
“-She won’t puke.” Madeline huffed, arms crossing over her chest in annoyance. “Brie, don’t puke.” 
“I won’t.” Brielle muttered, slouching down the window. 
“She’s almost asleep. She’s good.” Madeline shook her head. “We gotta take Brielle home first. Take a right up here.” She pointed out the window. 
“Great, I’m the fucking Uber tonight, too? Madeline, I have to work in the morning-” 
“-It’s literally two minutes away.” Madeline rolled her eyes. “She’s at her dad’s tonight. It won’t take that long. I just have to get her back in her room- shit.” Madeline turned in her seat, tapping Brielle’s knee. “Brie, you gotta wake up, ok? You have to get back to your room.” 
“Nice.” You threw your hands up, irritation bubbling to a raging boil in your chest. “You’ve got to sneak her back in? How are you gonna do that?” 
“She snuck out through her window, chill.” Madeline rolled her eyes. “Turn right at the light.” 
“So, you’re going to do what? Shove her back in? I’m not helping you. I said I’d come pick you up, and that’s it-” 
“-Did I ask you to help? No.” Madeline snarled. “Brielle, wake up, seriously.” 
“I’m literally awake.” Brielle groaned, though her eyes stayed shut. 
“Where am I going?” You threw a hand out lightly. 
“Keep going straight.” Madeline muttered, body still twisted towards the back. “Brie, do you have your phone?” 
“I think so.” Brielle muttered, lazily patting herself before turning towards the seat. “Oh, ‘s right here.” 
“Turn left into this neighborhood. Then at the stop sign take a right, her house is on the corner.” Madeline turned back towards you. 
You flicked the turn signal on with dramatic irritation, gliding into the neighborhood to the small house on the corner of the street, the edge of the cul de sac. Bloomington Lane, the street sign stood proudly above the stop sign at the edge of the road. 
“Cut your lights.” Madeline muttered, climbing over the center console towards the back of the car. You felt like you were in high school again, flooding of your own memories, sneaking your friends back inside, coming through the unlocked window in the guest room. Watching Madeline help Brielle, crouched over her trying to get her sober enough to walk, it felt like a lifetime and yesterday all at once. 
Your reminiscent memories were cut short when the porch light flicked on, a blinding cast of warm light cutting through the calm, dark of the street. 
“Shit,” Madeline hissed, wide eyed and caught, looking out the window. “Shit, shit, shit, Brie, you gotta get up. You gotta get up for real, your dad is here, Brie.” 
“No, he’s asleep.” Brielle muttered, head lolling back against the seat drunkenly. 
“Madeline.” You hissed, eyes cutting towards the porch, a silhouette of a man stalking furiously towards you. You weren’t sure if you should look, turn away, drive away, a sweaty, knuckled grip on the steering wheel. 
“Fuck, that’s Brielle’s dad.” Madeline whispered. 
“Madeline,” You growled through gritted teeth. “What the fuck-” You jumped, bare knuckles rapping furiously on your window. Through the glare of the radio on your window, you could see him on the other side. 
“Hi,” You squeaked, rolling down the window. “Sorry, I-I’m just-” 
“-Who the fuck are you?” His voice boomed, sharp and cutting as the look on his face. You flinched under the tone. 
“I-I,-” 
“-Hi, Mr. Munson.” Madeline peeked timidly around your seat. His dark eyes flicked towards her, still narrowed in intimidating challenge. “We’re just, we’re bringing Brielle home.” Madeline’s voice shook, though she tried to swallow it, steady it. “This is my sister.” 
You waved, tongue too thick and swollen to say anything. Now you really felt like you were in high school again, scared shitless, caught like a deer in blinding headlights by a furious parent. 
“She came and got Brielle and I.” Madeline didn’t offer any more explanation, instead nodding towards Brielle. 
“The fuck is wrong with her?” The spitting venom in his tone made you jump. 
“She-She just had too much to drink.” You stammered, hands still gripping the wheel. 
He tore open the backseat door, Madeline holding Brielle to keep her from falling limply out onto the concrete. “What is wrong with her? Did someone drug her?” He snapped, holding Brielle carefully. 
“No, no, n-no, I was there with her all night. We brought our own-” Madeline cringed at the glare Mr. Munson gave her. You cringed for her. “She didn’t get drugged. I-I made sure. I watched her, she just… she had too much to drink, Mr. Munson, I’m so sorry.” 
“Where’d you get it from?” He sneered, pulling his daughter out of the car with a gritted grunt. “You buy it for them?” His eyes were back on you, so harsh it had you jumping. 
“No.” You and Madeline squeaked in unison. 
“I just came and-and got them-” 
“-I called her to make sure she’d get us home safe.” Madeline added, head bobbing furiously in a nervous nod. 
“Yeah.” You looked at Madeline, then back at the fuming man. Brielle sliding in his arms, limp in his hold. “Here, I-I can help you get her in-” 
“-No.” He sneered, pulling Brielle up, ignoring her muttered huffs of protest. “I don’t need your help. You’ve done enough tonight.” You felt small under his glare, biting tone that had you shrinking into your seat. 
“I-I’m really sorry.” You muttered nervously, heart drumming with adrenaline, with fear. You didn’t know why you were apologizing, if anything, you’d made the one smart decision of the night. You thought Mr. Munson might appreciate that you’d gone to bring his daughter home safe. 
The narrowed eye glare he tossed you before he was dragging Brielle towards the house, told you he did not appreciate your vigilant efforts. Your face drained, a flush of heat and icy fear sinking in the pit of your stomach. He slammed the door so hard, you were surprised the glass swinging door didn’t shatter to pieces right there on the porch. 
You turned to Madeline, fists still clenched around the steering wheel. “You owe me. You owe me so much more now, like forever. For the rest of your life.” You sneered, shoving the gear shift into drive, peeling off the curb. You couldn’t get away from Bloomington Lane fast enough. 
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“You alright?” Lydia’s brows furrow at your third- fourth yawn of the shift. A shift that had just begun, your teeth ground tight in annoyance. 
“Yeah.” You nodded, snapping the receipt cover down. “Is there any way I could get off register? I’m just super tired. My brain’s not really wanting to work this morning.” 
“Yeah, for sure. You sure you’re alright?” Lydia’s head tilted to the side, snapping the plastic lid to the latte expertly. You and Lydia Allcott had practically grown up together, been in school since Kindergarten. It was lucky, you guessed, that she was your manager. Perks of a small town like Hawkins. 
“Yeah, I’m just exhausted. I was up all night because Madeline is a moron. Snuck out and I had to drive her and her friend home, and then her friend’s dad was waiting outside when she got  home- it’s just been a night, honestly.” You rubbed the base of your neck, working out a knot that was already beginning to form from your restless night. 
Lydia sucked in a breath. “Oh,” She shook her head. “I forget you have a younger sister.” 
You snort lightly, pouring the steaming dark roast into the cup. “Yeah, me too. Until she does something stupid like that.” 
Lydia smirked, sliding the drink down the bar. “Brooke just got here. Tell her to hop on register, and you can go clean the tables.” 
You had never been so happy to be carrying the soapy, black bucket out on the floor, sudsy rag dragging slowly across the empty tables. It was slow for a Thursday, the morning school and work rush dwindled down to a ghost town. Not that you were complaining. 
The bell trilled over the door behind you, Brooke’s cheery, fake greeting echoing through the store. You didn’t turn, pushing the rag over the table, dunking it back in the bucket, wringing it out, and repeating. A rhythmic task that had your mind numbed, zoned in brainlessly from table to table. 
“Hi.” You jumped slightly, soapy water spilling over the lip of the bucket onto the table.
Your posture straightened, turning with the expectancy of a customer wanting some specific table cleaned that you hadn’t yet got to. Instead, you were met with a familiar pair of dark eyes, not as furious as they’d been last night but burning even in the low light of the cafe. 
“Hi.” You squeaked, gripping the rag in your hand, the water dripping between your fingers. “Um, wha-what can I help you with, Mr. Munson?” Fuck, he’d come back to scream some more. And at your work? How did he even know? You didn’t even have it on Facebook. 
You were shocked when his lips twitched, a faint pull of smirk on his lips. “I don’t mean to bother you.” He started, hand wrapped around the small cup in his hand. “I’m not here to- I’m here to apologize.” 
You couldn’t speak, tongue stupidly thick in your mouth again. Instead you nodded, a soft bob of your head. “And I wanted to thank you for bringing Brielle home last night. For making sure she got home alright. She could have…” He shook his head, looking over at the window. 
“She could have done something stupid, and I’m glad you were there so she didn’t.” Your heart leapt when his eyes met yours again, a pounding in your ears that rang through your whole body. 
“I-It’s really no problem.” You stuttered, voice wavering on embarrassingly unsure. 
“No, it means a lot, and I was a complete ass to you last night, and I’m here to say I’m sorry for that.” Your eyes lingered over the patch on his coveralls, a cursive, embroidered ‘Eddie’ over the faded blue patch. 
“I shouldn’t’ve been such a dick, but you go to say goodnight to your kid, and there’s a pile of pillows instead, and- I know you don’t get it. You’re too young.” He motioned at you casually. Your cheeks burned, looking down at your bucket, hand still stupidly gripping the rag under the water. 
“But y’know, if you have kids of your own, you’ll get it.” Eddie continued, his own ramblings a little rushed. Was he nervous? 
“Yeah- I mean, i-it really was no issue. I’m glad she got home safe.” You smiled softly at him. 
A pause fell between the two of you, both of you shifting a little uncomfortably at it. “I hope this isn’t weird.” You looked at him. “Me coming here. I asked Brielle where you worked so I could apologize.” 
“No, it’s- thank you. You didn’t need to apologize, I mean. I get why you were mad, I do.” You cringed inwardly at your own nervous rambling. “But, um, I appreciate it. You apologizing, I mean. I’m glad she got home safe.” 
Eddie nodded, fingers curling around his drink. “Me too.” He nodded. “Glad she has Madeline too, to look after her. That they’re friends. I mean, Brie’s always been good at makin’ friends. She’s really talkative.” Your heart swelled lightly at the way he lit up when he talked about Brielle, boasting with pride and joy. It tugged on your own heart strings. 
“Yeah, Madeline is too. She loves Brie, though. Brielle sees her more than me.” You giggled lightly. 
Eddie snorted softly, lips curling in a grin. “Yeah, you too? Thought it was just me.” He shook his head, curls bouncing lightly. You tried not to stare. “Makes me feel a little better, then. At least I know it’s not all me.” 
You weren’t sure what to say, offering a nervous smile and soft giggle, adjusting the bucket on your hip. That familiar pause of silence flooded back between the two of you, not as uncomfortable as before but still hinting at discomfort. 
“So, I wanted to say thank you, and sorry for being such an asshole.” Eddie nodded, foot tapping lightly against the floor. “But, uh, I’d really like to make it up to you.” Your eyes lifted, snapping towards his own gaze carefully. 
“I'd like to treat you to dinner if you're free. Just to show my appreciation for keeping my girl safe.” Eddie started, eyes watching yours carefully. 
Your heart hammered, breath caught- strangled in your throat. “Oh,” You managed to squeak out. “That would be f-fine.” Your head was still spinning before you could register what you were even saying. 
Saying yes to Brielle’s dad? Her father, much older than you, certainly than the type of man you usually let take you to dinner. Still, he wasn’t unattractive. Coverall sleeves rolled enough to see his inked arms, chest broad under the thick material. He didn’t look old, not shriveled and gross. He was nice to look at, even. You certainly didn’t mind looking at him. 
“I-I have to close tomorrow, but I’m free Saturday night.” Your heart jumped, shocked at your own boldness. Eddie’s brows lifted slightly, lips curling on the edge of a grin. “If you’re available, of course. Sorry, I- when works best for you?” 
“Saturday night is perfect.” Eddie’s voice was calm, a steady tone that had your rattled nerves soothing, at least to a low roar in your chest. 
“Great.” You smiled, a little too eager, far less cool than you would have liked. Why were you so nervous? Maybe excited?
“Um, let me give you my phone number?” It sounded more like a question, setting the bucket on the table, wiping your wet, dripping hand on your black apron. You fished a pen out of the pocket, hoping Eddie couldn’t see the way your hands trembled lightly, buzzing with giddy excitement. 
“And you can just text me a-and let me know where to meet you.” You pulled a napkin out of the dispenser, chin dunking to write your digits on the thin paper. 
“I’ll pick you up.” Eddie nodded. Your gaze lifted to him, the finality in his tone, firm but oddly not pushy? It was foreign to you, sent bolts of exhilaration trickling through your spine. 
You started to protest, lips pulling in a slight frown. Eddie shook his head. “I’m old school, sweetheart. I’ll come and get you.” He smiled, eyes much warmer than you’d seen them, the hinting of dimples creasing underneath his stubble. 
Your knees tensed, swallowing down a bubbling of nervous giggles, giving a wide smile instead. Your fingertips brushed when you handed him the napkin, a featherlight touch that had your body roaring with fever. 
“I’ll see you Saturday.” Eddie smiled, so effortlessly cool it made your stomach flip-flop. “You don’t work too hard now, y’hear?” He teased, tossing you a wink that did pull out the nervous giggles you couldn’t swallow down this time. 
"Bye." You waved, the rag in your hand flopping against your wrist, cringing when the droplets hit your face. Eddie waved back, tucking the napkin in his pocket before he disappeared out the double doors. 
The drag in your feet was replaced with a springing pep in your step. Greeting customers with a cheery smile, much less dreadful than your usually forced one. Even the huffy soccer moms ordering with the usual demanding entitlement that would have you gritting your teeth. It didn’t bother you, chest light and airy with excitement, mind racing with giddy excitement about your date.
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angelltheninth · 1 year
Note
Hello! I just love your arcane x reader works! Can you do arcane characters x gender neutral! reader who either died or got kidnapped during a mission?
Oh not making Reader dead nope, these characters have suffered enough they don't need a dead lover.
Pairing: Jinx, Vi, Caitlyn, Ekko, Vander, Silco, Sevika, Viktor, Jayce, Mel x Reader
Tags: angst, hurt/comfort, injury, cuddles, nightmares, crying, rescue mission, reunion kisses
A/N: Well um... Jayce might... you know what no, Mel is gonna be fine!
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First, know that you won't stay kidnapped for long. If it for some reason is days then be ready to be face to face with a very tired and very pissed off Jinx when she finally manages to track you down.
Who ever kidnapped you most likely won't survive to tell the tail and even if by some miracle they do they sure as hell won't ever look at the color blue the same way ever again. She might be tired as all fuck, on the verge of collapsing even but she won't rest until you're safe and sound in her arms back in her house.
"You're safe and sound now sugar. That must've been scary for ya. Don't worry, they won't hurt you again. Or anyone else for that matter. Oh, no don't look at them like that, ya shouldn't be sorry for them, they don't deserve your compassion."
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By the time Vi finds you she's bruised up maybe even more then your kidnappers. She's fought her way through all of them, yelling and cursing every single one of them. She gathers you in her arms and carries you back home.
As much as she wants to be the one taking care of you she's also pretty beat so you take the role of caretaker instead. Her hands are red and covered in cruises from vicious punching, twitching when you kiss them gently. Shit, you got her feeling all mushy, she could cry, no she is crying, she feels very lucky to have you.
"I'm supposed to be the one taking care of you sweet stuff, you're the one who got kidnapped. I know! How is it that I'm more banged up then you? You should have seen those sorry bastards, one actually cried for his mom. Did... did they make you cry? If they did I'm going back and kicking their asses all over again."
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Caitlyn, as much as she wants to, doesn't rush in. She has a plan, one that assures that not one of those who wronged you escapes her sights and a fair trail. In which they will be put behind bars for kidnapping and extortion.
She takes care of most of them by herself, a little more rough around the edges then usual but still not missing a shot. She can't afford to. Can't help but cry when she cups your bruised face in her hands. She was scared, so damn scared that this was it. Right now only your kiss will make her feel relieved again.
"Darling, its me, its just me. Please, I know it hurts but... oh gods... please just let me hold you a little. I don't care that they're looking, I need this right now. Don't worry I've got a warm bath and even warmer hugs ready for you once we get back home."
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Ekko arrives to rescue you with an entire team of Firelights at his back. He doesn't even bother hiding his face with the mask, he wants them to remember him, the look in his eyes and how it could have been the last thing they ever saw.
There's no way he can tear himself away from you once he's got you safe and sound in his arms. He doesn't leave your side while your injures are being treated or while you sleep. In fact he doesn't even sleep until you wake up and smile at him again the next morning, that's the point where he feels like he's done a good job.
"Firefly how do you feel? You took a bit of a hit to the head but the doctor said you should be okay now. Sorry, I got careless and let my guard down. I saw them coming but I... I wasn't fast enough. Its not okay! I could have gotten you killed. I would lay my life down for the cause, and that does double for laying down my life for you."
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There isn't anything or anyone that can move around Zaun without Vander's knowledge. He thought he left his violent days behind him a long time ago, and for the most part he has but there's still that protective spark in him that can activate his violent side easily.
His fists may be covered in blood but his smile and eyes are as soft as ever when he looks at you. Soft kisses are pampered all over your forehead, the tiniest broken hiccup tearing from his mouth as he nuzzles you close to him and carries you back to the Last Drop to look you over.
"I should've taken care of that gang long ago. Then you wouldn't be in this situation darlin'. How do I feel? Not a scratch on me as you can see. You on the other hand... don't worry you still look pretty to me, bruises or not. I can kiss them better if you just stopped your squirming around."
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Zaun is Silco's domain. If anyone is stupid enough to try and kidnap you in his own territory they won't stay hidden for long. And once he finds them, well, he's got plenty of uses for scum like that. Painful use.
As for you, you get nothing but his undivided attention until the last bruise on your body fades away. Sure he does need to be in his office and all that but you can be with him, you can get kisses whenever you want even get to cuddle with him on the couch.
"Are you comfortable over there darling? If you want I can get something better brought here. Shimmer? Well it would be faster but I'm not getting you hooked on this, you're much to precious to me to be some experiment. Your kidnappers on the other hand will serve their purpose."
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They will have to eat through a straw for the rest of their lives if they even survive Sevika getting her hands on them. They should be so lucky to only get away with broken bones and nothing else with the way she was making her way through them.
Sevika is very careful when she's handling you, she'd never been so gentle with anyone. It's new, endearing even. You're pretty sure you hear her cursing beside you when she's got her arms wrapped around yours as you fall asleep, followed by a very long kiss on your head and a heavy, relived sigh.
"Sleep sweet thing, no one's gonna hurt you hear me? They can try but I'll kill them all, lucky if that's all I do. The only reason those idiots are still breathing is cause I didn't wanna get their blood all over your pretty face. If I see them again there's gonna be a lot to clean up."
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Viktor doesn't think he can let you out of his sight ever again after you're back at his side. He only wishes he could have done more then waited for you to be retuned to him. At least you're safe that's all that should matter.
He should be the one looking after you but he's the one who ends up with nightmares that night. He's already lost sleep, he should be resting but when he thinks about you not being here anymore, it crushes him from the inside. All he wants, all he needs right now is to cuddle up next to you and listen to your heartbeat.
"Sorry I woke you up darling. I'm alright, don't worry. I'm not crying, just had a bit of a bad dream. Go back to sleep please, you need it. I'll be fine, as long as I've got you here by my side there's nothing I cannot handle."
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Jayce holds you close to his chest while he carries you to the doctor. He's constantly kissing the back of your hand, his hammer leaning against the bedframe just in case any of the kidnappers got away and wanted to try their luck again.
There aren't many things that can make him scared like the thought of losing you. He tries to be logical most of the time, he feels like that's what he should be, but you make him act on his emotions, you make him want to scream and cry and tell you over and over how much he loves you and how he'll never let anything bad happen to you again.
"Hey, you're awake! Whoa babe, easy, don't try getting up right now, you need to rest, you've been through a lot today. Just say the word and I'll get you whatever you need. You always take care of me so let me be a good boyfriend and spoil you for a change and help you get better okay?"
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Mel was almost ready to throw diplomacy out the damn window and turn both Piltover and Zaun on their heads to find you. But that would be going against everything the two of you are trying achieve. That said she doesn't show mercy to your kidnappers either, making sure they get put away for a long time, never seeing the light of day again.
After every meeting with the Council she rushes home to you, her mind stuck on you all day, unable to concentrate properly. This will be an issue for her until you recover but you being safe and getting healed up are... more important to her then impressing the Council.
"I made it home early for you darling, and I brought some more medicine. Would you like it now or after you eat? I see, very well then, just my company for now is it. I must say you've become a bit more spoiled recently. I don't mind one bit, as long as you're alright I'm happy to provide you anything you want."
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strawberryspence · 2 years
Text
PART 1
Eddie did not know what to do. It was one mistake, made in a dimly lit bar, and he honestly doesn’t even remember the guy’s name. Was it John? Jeremy? Jason? It was one guy, he never even flirts anymore but Steve looked so good that night that it hurt. Hurt so bad he needed someone to temporarily fill that gaping hole in his heart. Because how can Steve Harrington ever want him in any way?
His mother, Cecilia Munson, used to call him sweetheart at the softest times of the day, sunlight dancing through their rooms, just for the two of them. He remembers being nine, young, sharp edged from his father, wondering why anyone would look at him and call him sweetheart, not when he hot wires cars and pick locks. His mother smiles sweetly at him, explaining, “You, Eddie Munson, have the kindest and biggest heart. I call you sweetheart because I love you.”
Of course, Eddie’s in love with Steve. Of course, he calls Steve sweetheart because he loves him. How can anyone not fall in love with him? He calls Steve sweetheart because its true. Steve is a sweetheart. Steve’s sweet with the biggest kindest heart he’s ever seen on anyone. Sure, he wasn’t the best in high school, but he’s proven that he’s better now time and time again.
He gets a visit from Dustin two days after the bar incident, pounding at his door like a hurricane. When he finally opens the door, Dustin’s red faced with anger, “You’re fucking lucky I love you or I would’ve bought Erica Sinclair with me.”
Before he can even ask what’s happening, Dustin’s listing the ways Erica can hide a body, never to be found again. Eddie sighs. The group knows now, of course, they would. News spreads like wild fire with the kids. It’s because of those damn walkies they have (he can’t begrudge them for it when it once aided in saving his ass.)
“How did you find out?”
“Jonathan.”
“Jonathan?!”
Dustin shrugs, “He’s got vendetta against you now. I don’t know dude, they’ve always had a weird friendship. Max thinks they were a throuple at some point, Lucas thinks they’ve got a thing going on just the two of them and Will won’t say anything.”
Jesus Christ, Eddie’s not one for jealousy but there’s something green cruising through his veins right now and he hates it with a burning passion. He needs Dustin to leave so he can scream into a pillow, or maybe sob in the shower.
“Why are you here?”
“I am here to make sure you fix this shit you fucked.”
Eddie looks up at him with surprise as Dustin crossed his arms, eyebrows raised, “Everyone knows Steve’s the biggest sweetheart. He may hide it with his big hair or his sarcasm, but we all know. If you do like him, which you do, you dumb ass. You have to fix this, Eddie. I haven’t seen Steve this upset before and I was there when Nancy dumped him.”
Eddie blanches at the statement, it tears straight to his heart at the fact that he made his sweetheart upset. God, he's an idiot.
The next morning Eddie goes into mission mode with a bouquet of daisies in one hand and a bag of cookies he bought from the bakery on the other as he arrives at the Harrington’s mansion. He’s gonna fix this today, come hell or high water.
Robin answers the door and Eddie’s sure he’s never seen her look more feral and that’s saying a lot when they've fought a magical evil wizard together. Robin’s looking at him like she’ll gauge his eyes out if he makes a wrong move, which he deserves.
Eddie asks for Steve and before he can finish the door is shut to his face. Well, he deserves that too. So he knocks again, ringing the doorbell as annoyingly as he can.
Robin opens again, nostrils flaring, “What do you want Munson? If you’re here to make my best friend cry again, I am asking you to leave now.”
“Robin, I just want to talk to him. I want to apologize. I made a mistake and I want to fix that mistake.”
“Then what? You're gonna go calling him sweetheart again without strings attached?”
“You know that’s not what it is. You know, Robin.”
And she does know. She knows about Eddie’s feelings for her best friend and the fear of not being good enough for Steve. Robin’s afraid no one will ever be good enough for her Steve but before the bar incident, she thought Eddie’s the closest thing to good enough.
For a second, Eddie can see Robin soften, then she shakes her head, “No.” Robin says, her back straightening.
Robin’s about to close the door again when Steve comes into view. A blanket draped over his shoulders, hair messy, glasses askew. If it was any other situation Eddie might’ve swooned at how soft he looks like but he’s eyes are red rimmed from crying and Eddie hates himself even more.
“Let him in, Rob.” Robin stands solid at the doorway, not moving. Steve looks at her wearily, “Robin.” They have another one of their silent conversations, before Robin gives up, “Fine.” She leaves the door open before marching up the stairs to give them privacy.
Eddie hands him the daisies and the cookies, Steve smiling down at it before inviting him into the living room with a small smile.
“I am sorry.” They both blurt out at the same time. Eddie’s not even sure to why Steve’s apologizing. Steve then goes on a tangent about how sorry he is for making the assumption that the name sweetheart is only for him and that it meant something more. It wasn’t Eddie’s fault, it was his and his only. He says it’s okay and he didn’t deserve Eddie in the first place and he wasn’t that special. Every word just crushes Eddie even more. How can Steve think he doesn’t deserve Eddie? Him of all the people?
Eddie can’t do anything but scoop him up in his arms, trying his best to give him the best hug in the world as he apologizes for his mistake. Eddie assures him that he is Eddie’s only sweetheart and Steve didn’t make anything up in his head. Eddie tells him he is in love with him, and Steve tears up but at least there's a big smile on his face.
Then and there, Eddie makes the decision to show Steve the love he deserves, to woo him off his ass. Eddie loves him, through and through, and Steve’s always gonna be his sweetheart and if in 50 years they don’t end up together, Eddie will never call anyone else sweetheart, because that’s for Steve, his nail bat yielding, bad ass, sweetheart.
They don’t kiss. Content with just being in each others arms, knowing their true feelings for each other. (Also because Eddie feels like he needs to earn it) Robin goes down when it gets too quiet, and when she sees them in the couch she smiles sweetly at the image of the two of them tangled together.
She walks up on them, “I am so glad you two made up.” Eddie’s smiling up at her when Robin’s fist hits his nose.
“ROBIN!!!” Steve’s clutching him, he’s pretty sure his nose is bleeding and when Eddie looks up, Robin’s holding her fist like it hurt her to punch, but she’s grinning the biggest grin Eddie’s ever seen on her face.
“Again, I am glad you two made up. I love you both very much. But if I you make him cry again, that’s not the only thing I am breaking.” Robin smiles before kissing their heads and heading to the kitchen to get him an ice pack.
They look at each other before promptly bursting into laughter as Steve tries to wipe his bleeding nose with his own hand.
Eddie does woo Steve. On the third date Eddie planned for them, Steve finally kisses him. They’re in his car and Eddie’s rambling about his new campaign and how the kids loved it. Steve kisses him mid-way the conversation. The kiss itself, Eddie thinks, is just as sweet as Steve. Steve holds him like he’s the best thing in this universe and like it’s a privilege to be kissing him, rather than the other way around.
Eddie does not stop wooing Steve. He picks him flowers in random fields, takes him on dates, makes him dinner, leaves tiny notes on his bathroom mirror, (he also woos him amazingly in bed), packs him lunches, makes him mixtapes, burns CDs, and, three decades later, playlists.
They’re 40, Steve found his first grey hair yesterday and Eddie’s knees hurt more often that it should. But Eddie still calls Steve sweetheart. Their kids cringe at their parents and their vintage pet name for each other, but their smiles don’t hide the fact that they adore their parents love.
Steve knows he’s special, because Eddie Munson calls him sweetheart for the rest of their lives.
Eddie knows he deserves this life, this love, because Steve Harrington loves him.
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fuckyeahdindjarin · 1 year
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Grays II
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Frankie Morales x f!reader
{ Grays - Part I | Grays Masterlist | Main Masterlist }
Rating: E (18+ only)
Summary: Leaning in close, you hiss in his ear, ‘You’re getting laid tonight if it kills me, Morales.’
Warnings: Insecure Frankie in need of self-love comes with his own warning, Reader is a hairstylist and has a related nickname, matchmaking elements, meddlesome mother, lots of teasing, not-quite-friends to lovers dynamics, mentions of hair, gratuitous descriptions of the male body, oral sex (F and M receiving), protected sex, dirty talk.
Word count: 8.5k
Notes: It's here - 4 months later! First of all, thank you so much for the love for Grays Part I. I still can't quite believe the reaction to Frankie and Shiv, you guys sure know how to make a writer feel special 🥰 This one was so much fun to write, and nervous as I am posting this follow-up, I'm telling myself to let go of my insecurities and just enjoy it because that's what it's all about. I hope y'all will have a good time at this wedding with the gang 😘
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Francisco Morales likes to think of himself as a reasonably competent man. 
He can pilot a helicopter under intense enemy fire. He can take out a target from miles away in the tightest of spots. 
But he can’t do his fucking hair.
He glares at himself in the mirror. He can’t put his finger on it, it just doesn’t look like how you did it. He’s already washed it out and started over twice, and for a second, he considers driving to your salon. A quick glance at his watch tells him it’s far too late for that now.
Leaning over the sink, he says to his reflection, ‘Focus, pendejo. You can do it.’
He’s a pilot for fuck’s sake. He’s a man of procedure, he can follow steps. He just needs to break it down.
Hair half-dry - check.
Hair mousse applied - check.
Now he just needs to dry his hair all the way and style it - but the how is where it gets hazy. 
Frankie closes his eyes and casts his mind back to your salon. He’s sitting in the chair and you’re standing behind him. He wills himself to recall what you were doing with your hands, but all he remembers is the scrape of your of your fingertips on his scalp, the ghost of your breath on the back of his neck, and then -
Don’t be gentle, Francisco. C’mon, harder, deeper - don’t hold back.
He scrubs a frustrated palm down his face when his cock twitches in his haphazardly ironed dress pants, not for the first time… hell, not even the fourth time since he left your salon on Wednesday afternoon.
‘Goddamnit,’ he bites out, dropping the hairdryer with a clunk and grips the porcelain sink. He needs to calm the fuck down. 
He didn’t ask for - this, whatever this is. You’re you. You’re Shiv. The loudmouth with the wild hair he’s known since fifth grade. The fourth wheel at guys’ drinks when Will can’t make it. A relentless tease on a good day, and downright insufferable when you get enough tequila in you.
And quite possibly, the only person who’s ever driven him to the brink of unconsciousness with just the touch of their bare hands.
Frankie pinches the bridge of his nose. Maybe you’re right. It has been a while since he’s been with a woman. He just needs to get laid at the wedding, get this weird tension out of his system. And then hopefully, he’ll be able to go to sleep without being kept up by you telling him to go harder, deeper -
By the time he gets his head out of his ass, it’s too late for second-guessing. He rakes his fingers through his hair, sets it with hairspray, and quickly rubs the beard oil he bought in town yesterday into his whiskers. He takes a moment to look himself over while he clumsily does up the tie he borrowed from Pope.
This is as good as it’s gonna get.
He’s the designated driver tonight. By some miracle, he’s only five minutes late when he cruises into Pope’s driveway, where all three of the boys are waiting and sipping on beers.
‘Damn Fish, you look good,’ crows Santi as he climbs into the passenger seat, patting him on the shoulder. ‘You should get your hair cut at Shiv’s from now on.’
‘Only if you keep paying for it,’ retorts Frankie while he backs out of the driveway. He pauses as he changes gears, and adds in a grumble. ‘She’s making me use shampoo and conditioner.’
Pope barks in laughter, twisting in his seat to give Benny a knowing grin. ‘Someone had to, you caveman.’
The younger Miller brother ribs good-naturedly, ‘You ready for some action tonight, Fish? I brought some extra rubbers just in case.’
Meeting his eyes in the rearview mirror, Frankie rips into him mercilessly. ‘You know your small ass condoms don’t fit me, Benjamin.’ 
The car erupts with playful jeers, and the corner of his mouth lifts into a crooked smile as he palms the steering wheel.
‘That’s some fighting talk, Fish!’ goads Santi, punching him on the arm.
Will joins in the banter. ‘You better watch out, little bro. Big Dick Morales came out swinging tonight.’
Benny grins. ‘Ok, I see how it is. Let’s make it interesting, Fish. Whoever picks up a one night stand first wins a hundred bucks.’
Frankie shrugs in mock nonchalance and quips, ‘I mean, I can use the cash. Shampoo ain’t cheap.’
Benny chuckles and clasps his shoulder. ‘You’re on, man.’
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It’s eight on the dot when you lock up the salon. While you did RSVP for wedding drinks - opting out of the sit-down dinner earlier in the evening - you hadn’t planned on actually going. But it seems like the whole town did, you’ve barely had two customers walk through the door all afternoon. 
So you let Ashton go home early, and after a quick snack, you take your time getting ready. Might as well have a Saturday night out - your first in many months.
The hotel is just a short Uber ride away. When you climb out of the car, you bite your bottom lip at the unfamiliar tension humming under your skin.
Nerves.
You’re nervous.
And worse, you know exactly what you’re nervous about. 
Or more precisely - who.
‘Pull it together, Shiv,’ you mutter under your breath. Steeling yourself, you stride into the hotel.
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From his vantage point at the bar, Benny watches in amusement as Frankie glances towards the doors of the reception hall yet again. He doubts the pilot even knows he’s doing it, or at the very least, he doesn’t think that anyone would notice.
Grabbing his beer, Benny sidles up to his friend. ‘Looking for something, Fish?’
Frankie takes a sip of his Coke and feigns nonchalance. ‘Yeah, looking to win that hundred bucks from you.’
‘Dunno ‘bout that. I don’t see you trying very hard.’
‘Biding my time, Miller. Just make sure you have enough cash to -’ 
When Frankie breaks off in the middle of his sentence, Benny doesn’t need to look to wager a guess what caught his attention.
Turning around as you approach, he flings his arms out to give you a hug, eyeing you up and down appreciatively. ‘Babe, look at you all dressed up! Doesn’t she look nice, Fish?’
In lieu of an answer, Frankie stares intently at some invisible spot over your shoulder until Benny elbows him right in his stomach, jerking him out of his trance. ‘Fish?’
Frankie clears his throat and stutters. ‘Um. I - I don’t know.’
You arch an eyebrow at him. ‘You don’t know if I look nice?’
Benny has to stopper his mouth with beer so he doesn’t laugh out loud at the panic on Frankie’s face as he fumbles for a response. ‘I mean. Um, nice… pants?’
‘It’s a jumpsuit, Morales. Try to keep up,’ you reply and take two steps towards him, which has him backpedalling so fast that he upsets the table behind him, sending half-empty glasses spilling wine all over the white tablecloth.
‘What the fuck are you doing?’ he growls at you like a cornered stray.
Your eyes roll to the back of your head as you pull him upright by his tie. ‘Is he ok, Ben? He’s even jumpier than usual.’
‘Well, it’s a funny night for him. Watching his ex get married and all.’
‘I swear to God, Benjamin Miller, if you don’t shut the fuck up -’ 
‘Pipe down, Morales, we’re just messing with you,’ you shush him, tugging on his slightly skewed shirt collar to set it straight. ‘Can’t believe you own a tie.’
‘Borrowed it from Pope,’ he grunts without making eye contact.
Smoothing the lapels of his slightly crumpled suit jacket, you probe, ‘You’ve been using shampoo and conditioner like I asked?’
Frankie huffs a dry laugh. ‘I don’t remember you asking.’
‘Someone’s mouthy tonight,’ you tease. ‘And the beard oil?’
He concedes with a sigh. ‘Yes, Shiv.’
‘You look good, Francisco,’ you grin and reach up to push his curls back from his eyes.
He looks away as he admits, ‘Took three fucking tries.’
At least he holds still when you make small adjustments to his hair, shoulders stiff with hands stuffed deep into his pockets. You catch yourself missing the way he leaned into your touch in your salon, and you have to forcefully push that thought away as you push your fingers through the roots to boost the volume. His curls feel softer already than you remember them, with a noticeably healthier sheen. 
After a final rustle to loosen up his fringe, you wink at him. ‘Mark my words, the bride will rue the day she dumped your ass when she sees you.’
A voice from behind you interrupts. ‘It’s a bit too late for that now, isn’t it?’
Trading a look with Frankie, who gives you a sarcastic thumbs up, you put on a smile and turn on your heels. ‘Mrs. Morales, it’s been too long!’
‘I see you haven’t dyed my son’s hair like I requested,’ she says by way of a greeting, drawing you into an embrace.
Frankie’s taunt is so quiet that you nearly miss it. ‘Told you she’d come after you.’
Without skipping a beat, you elbow him in the ribs, ignoring his pained oomph from behind you. ‘You look wonderful tonight, ma’am.’ 
‘You can’t sweet talk your way out of my question, young lady.’
You cross your arms with a sigh. ‘I didn’t dye it because he looks good with the grays.’ 
‘Well, I don’t think so.’
‘In my professional opinion, he does,’ you retort pointedly.
‘If he looks so good, why is he still single?’
Frankie throws his hands up in exasperation. ‘Gee, thanks a lot ma.’
You turn to Benny, who has been silently watching you two spar. ‘What do you think, Miller?’
He dithers, eyes darting around in desperation until he spots Santi and his older brother coming back from the bar. ‘Look! Here are the guys, let’s ask them!’
‘Ask us what?’ asks Santi, giving you a kiss on the cheek and a glass of bubbly.
‘Do you think my son looks good with the grays?’
Your eyebrow twitches when Mrs. Morales carelessly ruffles his hair to emphasise her point. To your surprise, Frankie bats her away with an irritated ma!, before hastily rearranging it.
‘Your honest opinion, if you please,’ you add.
The boys hum and haw, sipping their beers and shooting uncertain looks between you and Mrs. Morales, clearly uncomfortable being caught in the middle. Upping the heat, you narrow your eyes at them, and Will folds first. 
‘Yeah, I mean - he looks good,’ he mumbles, avoiding the Morales matriarch's glare.
‘Pope?’ you prompt.
‘Cabrón rocking those grays,’ he nods supportively.
‘Ben?’
‘Uh huh,’ he replies vaguely, but at your menacing glare, clarifies, ‘Yes, I meant - yes, ma’am.’
Mrs. Morales scoffs. ‘They’re men, what do they know! I don’t see him catching any girls’ attention.’
Ah, that’s the easy part. You look around, scanning the crowds - and bingo, you see a brunette staring openly from across the dance floor. You hold up a finger for dramatic effect. ‘Excuse me for one second.’
Frankie looks ready for the earth to swallow him whole by the time you return with the said woman in tow. Pointing straight at him, you ask, ‘Lucy, this is Frankie. Do you think he’s hot with the grays?’
To her credit, she’s a good sport, and plays along with a cheeky wink. ‘Yeah, he is. You wanna dance, handsome?’
‘Yes, he absolutely does!’ you answer quickly before he can get a word in.
‘What the fuck, Shiv?’ Frankie seethes through clenched teeth, literally digging his heels in, but to his despair, his shoes skid uselessly on the tiled surface as you push him towards the dancefloor with this complete stranger. 
Leaning in close, you hiss in his ear, ‘You’re getting laid tonight if it kills me, Morales.’
‘Have fun, Fish!’ calls out Pope impishly, which earns him an emphatic middle finger. 
You beam at Mrs. Morales smugly. ‘And that’s how it’s done.’
‘You better keep it up, young lady,’ she says over her shoulder as she turns to leave.
You raise your drink. ‘Don’t you worry, Mrs M. I promise you - he’ll be leaving with his future wife tonight!’
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Santi is minding his own business, sipping on his beer as he stakes out the ladies, when a hand shoots out from nowhere and snatches the bottle from him.
‘What the fuck, man?!’ he bristles indignantly.
Frankie polishes off the drink in one mouthful, before slamming it onto the table and demanding, ‘Where’s Shiv? I’m done. I’m not fucking dancing with anyone else.’
Pope jerks his thumb to the other side of the room. ‘She’s arguing with your mother.’
Frankie flops into a chair, the dress shoes that he never wears are pinching his feet and he fights the urge to kick them off. He folds his arms across his chest petulantly, one palm over his mouth as his eyes wander across the hall to you, where you’re gesturing madly at his ma, embroiled in an impassioned discussion, probably still about his damn hair.
You’re all dressed up tonight, which is new to him - he’s only ever seen you in jeans when you go out drinking with them, and he’s certainly never seen so much of you. The ‘jumpsuit’ (he learns something new every day) is black and cut low both front and back, and fuck, all he sees is soft skin and the dip of your curves and red lipstick -
Pope must have nipped to the bar while he wasn’t looking, and a fresh bottle of beer appears under his nose. Glancing up at his best friend, Frankie mutters, ‘Thanks.’
‘You can’t marry her, Fish.’
He chokes violently at the casual non-sequitur, spraying beer everywhere. ‘What the fuck, Pope.’
Santi beams. ‘You got that look on your face, man. I’ve seen that look before.’
‘I don’t have a look on my face.’
He chuckles, mostly to himself. 'Damn, I really should've seen this coming.'
‘What are you even on about -’ Looking up, Frankie spots you making your way over and panics. ‘Shut the fuck up, pendejo.’
‘Why aren’t you dancing, my little debutante?’ you ask when you come within earshot.
Santi chortles and takes his leave, clapping him on the shoulder. ‘Good luck, Fish.’
You sink into the empty seat next to him and he deliberately twists his body away from you, drinking deeply from his bottle to drown out Santi’s words ringing in his ears. 
‘So, I heard you have a bet going on with Benny. I want splitsies if you win.’
Frankie rolls his eyes, staring resolutely anywhere but at the swell of your cleavage. ‘No.’
‘40/60.’
‘Fuck off, Shiv.’
‘30/70?’ you counter-offer.
He sighs. ‘You’re impossible.’
Ignoring him, you jump up with a happy squeak when someone Frankie vaguely recognises as a girl who used to be in your class approaches with a shy smile. You pull her close by the crook of her arm and ask, ‘Morales, you remember Sadie?’
He tries not to scowl too openly as he too gets on his feet. ‘Sure, hi Sadie.’
Herding them towards the dancefloor, you grin, ‘Go dance, get reacquainted.’
As he passes by you, Frankie grits his teeth and curls his fingers into the meat of his palms to crush the urge to reach out and touch you. 
But it’s easier to fall into your well-rehearsed roles, to toe the line that has been drawn in the sand since you were teenagers. And easier is certainly the safer option when it comes to you.
So he throws you a deliberate glare over his shoulder, with a deadpanned, ‘I hate you.’
You blow him a kiss and grin wider.
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Frankie can’t hold back a relieved sigh when the interminably long song finally ends, and the woman he’s dancing with - he won’t even pretend he remembers her name - tucks his phone back into the pocket of his jacket after tapping in her number. ‘Call me, gorgeous.’
He stopped counting after the eighth woman you shepherded his way. This is it. He’s not above hiding in the toilets if that’s what it takes to make this stop.
Except he’s not quick enough. He spots you out of the corner of his eye, marching straight towards him with a fresh glass of water and a look of purpose on your face.
He doesn’t exactly know what came over him. He could probably blame it on the one and a half beers that he downed, or being pushed to the end of his tether. Whatever it is, there’s something he has to say to you, and it can’t wait.
You push the glass into his grasp. ‘Here, hydrate.’
‘Shiv -’
You’ve already swivelled around, your focus somewhere else. ‘Where is she? She was literally just behind me -’
‘Shiv -’
‘Mind you, she’s a sweet girl, but clearly not the brightest tool in the -’
His patience snaps, and he barks, ‘Shiv!’
You spin around, brow furrowed in confusion, and snarl back, ‘What?’
Frankie pauses, and you blink as his warm eyes hold yours. On an exhale, he says, ‘You look nice tonight.’
You’re vaguely aware that your jaw has gone slack, but only because his eyes follow the movement, dropping to your mouth. He considers you for a moment, head tipping just slightly to the side as he watches you. Then, satisfied that he has your attention, he brings the glass of water to his lips, throwing his head back as he drinks. 
Your breath catches in your throat when his Adam’s apple bobs with his swallow, before he leisurely swipes his lips with the back of his hand.
Except in your mind, it’s not water that he’s wiping from his mouth.
In a perfectly mirrored imitation of what transpired between you earlier in the evening, he takes two measured steps forward, prompting you to back up against the table behind you. The tinkle of glasses falling over hardly registers in the back of your mind. 
The fabric of his suit is cool on your skin, brushing your bare arm as he looms over you, so broad and warm. Though his front barely makes contact, your peripheral vision gives and all you can see is him.
‘What are you doing?’ you croak the same words back at him, hating the way your voice shakes.
Frankie smiles - really smiles at you, with no colour of the usual irony or sarcasm. Warmth settles into the creases in the corners of his eyes as he holds up the empty glass. ‘Just putting my glass away,’ he says coolly, an edge of cockiness at your tragically obvious reaction to him.
You feel your cheeks heat up as he does just that - the back of his hand bumping into your forearm as he moves, the breadth of him pinning you against the table. He doesn’t pull away, clearly basking in the way the tables have well and truly turned -
‘Hi! You must be Frankie, I’m Jan.’
Frankie squeezes his eyes shut in irritation at the voice behind him, nostrils flaring as he collects himself. A resigned smile tugs at his lips, and he tips forward, his words grazing your ear. ‘Catch you later, Shiv.’
You only let your knees buckle when he’s safely out of sight.
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You’ve barely stepped back into the reception hall from a much needed bathroom break to clear your head when someone grabs you by the arm, tugging you onto the dancefloor.
‘Benny!’ You reprimand, stumbling over your feet. ‘I’m busy.’
‘Relax, Shiv. Frankie can survive on his own for a second.’
‘You’re just jealous that he’s hogging all the ladies’ attention.’
He scoffs, palms on your waist as he sways to the music. ‘He has an unfair advantage, ok? How do I compete with the bride’s ex?’
Clasping your hands around Benny’s neck, you catch Frankie’s eye over his shoulder. You wink at him casually, having somewhat recovered your bravado - it’s easier to pretend from a distance anyway. He rolls his eyes at you over Jan’s head, but he doesn’t look away, watching you with a hint of something you can’t quite make out.
Glancing up at Benny, you ask a tad bashfully, ‘I know we give Frankie a hard time about all this, but is he - ok?’
‘Why don’t you ask him yourself?’
You hesitate. ‘Well, we’re not exactly that kind of friends.’
‘What do you mean?’
‘You know, the kind who sit around having heart-to-hearts and painting their nails.’
He raises an eyebrow. ‘What kind of friends are you, then?’ 
‘I don’t know, he probably doesn’t even count me as one,’ you admit. ‘He barely tolerates me on a good day.’
Benny shoots you a cryptic look, but before you can quiz him on it, he changes the subject abruptly. ‘Can I swing by the salon tomorrow morning? I have a promotional shoot at half past eleven.’
‘As long as you bring donuts and coffee.’
He twirls you around. ‘Deal.’
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Frankie slinks out of the hotel, somehow managing to dodge both you and his mother on his way out, which he takes as a win.
It’s cold outside. He inhales deeply and feels it burn down his throat. Stuffing his hands into his pockets, he watches his breath mist in front of his face, savouring the quiet.
‘Hey.’
His shoulders stiffen. He knows he should’ve been the bigger man. Should’ve sought her out first, to congratulate her.
Should’ve, could’ve, would’ve.
When he turns around eventually, she smiles brightly at him, her engagement ring catching the lights.
Closing the space between them, he presses a kiss to her cheek. ‘Congratulations. You look beautiful.’
‘Thank you,’ she replies. ‘I’m glad you came. Your mum too - it was a long way to travel.’
His gaze falls to his shoes. ‘Yeah, well. You know she loves you.’
‘How are you?’ she presses on, always one for polite conversation. ‘Are you seeing anyone?’
Frankie shrugs but doesn’t answer.
‘Just because it didn’t work between us doesn’t mean I want you to be happy.’
He nods slowly. ‘I appreciate that.’
She points behind her. ‘Well, I should go back inside.’
‘Of course. I’m happy for you,’ he says. And he means it.
The hotel doors swing open, and Frankie looks up at the sharp clack of heels on the concrete. You pause at the sight of them by the curb.
‘Are you leaving, Shiv?’ the bride laments as you walk over to give her a hug.
‘I am, I’m afraid, gotta open up shop early tomorrow,’ you pull back. ‘Come by the salon any time, my treat.’
Once the bride is out of earshot, you turn to Frankie, hands on hips. ‘Alright, no more shirking, Morales. Get your ass back in there, your mother is on my case again.’
He folds his arms across his chest. ‘Oh no, I’m not going back in there without you.’
You sigh dramatically. ‘Am I the only one in this town who’s not scared of your mother?’
‘You should be,’ he snorts, then nods towards the parking lot. ‘C’mon, I’ll give you a lift.’
Taken aback by his offer, you hesitate. ‘Um - I thought you were the designated driver for the guys tonight.’
He brushes off your concerns with an easy shrug. ‘I’ll come back to get them after I drop you off.’ 
Typical Frankie - he walks off without even glancing back to see if you’re coming with him.
You smile to yourself and follow.
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You must be drunker than you realised, because you’re staring. Again. For what must be the fifth time in the ten-minute drive.
It’s a lot of staring, even for you.
His jacket lies abandoned in the backseat, his tie jostled loose and the top two buttons of his shirt unfastened, sleeves bunched up to his elbows. You watch from the corner of your eye as his left hand grips the top of the steering wheel steady, fingers flexing every now and then on straight stretches of road.
As if you’re not already discreetly squeezing your thighs together, he’s also rubbing his right palm idly on his leg, the innocent rustle of fabric against skin getting you far too hot and bothered under the metaphorical collar. 
And then - your eyes trail higher - settling on the heavy bulge at the top of his spread thighs.
Fuck. You’re definitely drunk.
You mull silently to yourself that you actually prefer him in his beat-up jeans and threadbare t-shirts before catching yourself. You weren’t aware you had any preferences when it comes to Frankie Morales. And you have no business doing so.
Clearing your throat, you break the tense silence. Well, tense for you, anyway. He seems completely oblivious to your inner strife.
‘I’m sorry you didn’t win the bet.’
His lips quirk, but he keeps his eyes on the road.
‘I had another five girls lined up for you, you know.’
He scoffs. ‘No, thank you.’
You reach over to punch him on the arm playfully. ‘C’mon, you know you enjoyed the attention, Morales.’
‘You don’t know me very well, do you?’ he peers at you.
You make a face of disbelief. ‘If you hated it that much, why did you go along with it?’
Cruising into your street, his truck rolls to a smooth stop outside your salon. Frankie kills the ignition, then turns towards you. His answer is simple, and hits you right between the ribs. 
‘Because you wanted me to.’
You force a chuckle in a weak attempt to lighten the mood. ‘Since when did you care about what I wanted?’
He smooths his palm over the steering wheel and holds your gaze. ‘Sometime when I wasn’t looking.’
It would be simpler to pretend you didn’t understand what he means. To brush off this pull between you as a champagne-induced episode that you could sleep off. If you did, you could still show up at Tuesday nights drinks next week as if nothing has changed, and carry on.
It would be simpler. So you ask -
‘Do you want to come in for a nightcap?’
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Frankie follows two steps behind you as you grapple with the keys on the doorstep. Once inside, the salon is quiet, and you strategically turn on the lights by the backwash, the semi-darkness making it more homey than it would have been if fully lit up. 
‘I would invite you upstairs -’ you pause and add hastily, ‘I don’t mean upstairs like, upstairs in that way - it’s just that my apartment is tiny, and the backwash is the closest thing I have to a couch. Are you okay with beer?’
‘Beer’s good, thanks,’ he answers. ‘Need a hand?’
You shake your head vehemently. ‘Oh god, please no - it’s a disaster upstairs. I’ll be right back.’
The rickety stairs creak loudly under your heels, and once you let yourself into your studio, you fall back heavily on the door, taking a second to catch your breath.
You invited him inside. 
He said yes.
You leap into action, shoving all your dirty laundry into the already full hamper. You try not to think too hard about why you’re cleaning up, you just hope you’re not making too much of a ruckus while you’re at it - because you have a boy waiting for you downstairs. 
Francisco Morales, of all people.
Despite having been in each other’s lives since high school, you’re pretty sure you’ve never been alone with him. Not even once. There’s always a buffer with Pope on his side, Benny on yours, and Will in the middle. And while some find Frankie hard to read, you’ve always known exactly how to act around him. You have an unwritten playbook - you bait him with cheap jokes, more often than not joining forces with Benny to gang up on him. He rolls his eyes and snaps at you to shut up. It’s the longest running show in town.
But this? Alone, after his ex’s wedding, in your salon? You’re going off-script and off-piste. Dangerous enough on a good day; outright stupid after a night of drinking.
Frankie is quick to help when you reappear, armed with beer and a bag of ice, using the backwash sink as a makeshift cooler. Your shoes clatter onto the floor as you settle in the chair next to his. Hugging your knees, you hold out your bottle, which he clinks with his.
‘Did you have fun tonight?’ you ask, rather mundanely.
‘As much fun as one is expected to have at an ex’s wedding,’ he answers with a sardonic smile. Taking a sip of beer, he adds, ‘Gotta admit, you winding up my ma pretty much made up for it.’
‘That never gets old,’ you smirk. ‘Although, I promised your mother you’d leave with your future wife tonight - so that’s a bust.’
You startle when Frankie chokes on his beer, his eyes visibly watering as he thumps a fist on his chest. When you ask if he’s ok, he won’t meet your gaze, downing more of his beer.
Not thinking anything of it, you move on. ‘You know, she sent a bunch of customers my way when I first opened up the salon.’
His voice is still a bit tight from his coughing fit. ‘And I’m sure she’ll deny it till the day she dies.’
‘I can’t figure her out,’ you admit. ‘I can’t decide if she hates me or not.’
‘She doesn’t hate you. She just doesn’t understand you.’
You hum, unconvinced.
He nudges your knee with his. ‘She was really proud of you when you opened the salon, you know.’
You toss him a sidelong glance. ‘You talk to your mum about me?’
He’s ambiguous in his answer. ‘She asks after you sometimes.’
‘And how would you have anything to say to her? We’re not exactly bosom buddies.’
Frankie concedes with a wry smile, ‘Benny talks.’
‘Ha!’ you laugh, echoing his words from a few days ago back at him. ‘Benjamin fucking Miller.’
He goes quiet for a second, looking around your salon as if taking stock. ‘It’s pretty amazing that you’ve built all this.’
The unexpected compliment catches you blindsided. You reply diplomatically, ‘Ashton helps me loads.’
Frankie’s eyes widen in feigned surprise. ‘Are you going humble on me now? What have you done to Shiv?’
‘Shut up,’ you grumble good-naturedly, adding, ‘Ben tells me you’re doing really well yourself.’
‘Yeah. I got promoted at work last month, and I’m saving up for a house,’ he replies, a hint of pride in his voice. ‘Things are looking up.’
‘You’re actually acknowledging your achievements?’ you gasp in mock outrage. ‘What have you done to Francisco Morales?’
With a shrug, he leans forward to put his empty beer bottle in the sink, but he doesn’t sit back. Instead, he sways even closer, one palm landing on the leather of your seat next to your knee, eyes darting to your lips. His voice is deep as he rasps, ‘Can I kiss you?’
It would be so easy to say yes, but when have you ever made things easy for yourself? 
Instead, you blurt out, ‘Why?’
Frankie looks amused, like he expected this from you. Slowly, not wanting to spook you, he gently plucks the beer that you’ve barely drunk from your grasp.
‘Because all fucking night, while you were throwing woman after woman at me, I just wanted to have a drink with you.’
He leans in close. 
You stop breathing.
‘Because since Wednesday, every time I wash my hair, I get hard thinking of you touching me.’
Closer still.
Your lungs ache.
‘And because when you told me to go harder, deeper - I nearly lost my fucking mind.’
He’s hovering over you now, and you can almost taste the bitter sweetness of the beer on his breath. He smirks at you, but there’s only warmth and mischief in it when he teases, ‘Speechless for once?’
‘Shut up, Morales,’ you breathe and grab him by the collar of his shirt.
And then you’re kissing him. You’re kissing Frankie, and he’s kissing you back.
It’s messy, and disorientating, and you clumsily fumble over each other until he’s sitting up in one of the chairs, with your thighs on either side of his narrow hips as you straddle him. He’s licking up into your mouth, sucking on your bottom lip, his hands gripping your sides almost painfully hard.
‘Is this really happening?’ you garble into his lips, ripping off his tie and undoing his shirt buttons as fast as your shaking fingers allow you to.
‘If you want it,’ he mumbles back, loath to pull back from you even for a second to shuck off his shirt. ‘If you want me.’
He kisses you wet and insistent, but he doesn’t push you, waiting for you to make up your mind. Reaching behind you, you tug on the tie that holds your jumpsuit together with a decisive pull, letting the fabric ripple down your bare front and pool around your waist.
Frankie bites his bottom lip so hard it goes white. ‘Fuck,’ he cusses, his grip on your hips twitching as he stares at your tits. ‘Can I, please -?’
‘Touch me, Francisco.’
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Your poor second-hand Ikea bed that Benny helped set up when you moved in was not made for this.
This being the way Frankie effortlessly tosses you onto the mattress, his arms flexing with an easy strength that goes straight to your head, as you stare giddily up at him.
His hair - your handiwork - has been well and truly undone, errant strands falling over his eyes as he watches you, his broad frame looming over the foot of the bed. He pulls at his belt, which falls open with a careless clink, and he makes quick work of his now crumpled trousers, kicking them off impatiently.
Your head is swimming, yet somehow, you muster the strength to shuffle towards the edge of the bed, rearranging yourself to sit on your haunches, knees folded neatly beneath you. Boldly, you reach out to slide his dark boxers down his hips, and they fall around his knees and onto the floor. His cock springs free, half-hard and heavy, and Frankie swallows thickly as you tilt your face towards him.
‘I want to suck your cock.’
His eyes close as if he’s in pain, nostrils flaring at your words. Taking advantage of his distraction, you wrap one careful hand around his length, and he jerks violently at the first velvety slide of your palm against him. 
‘Fuck, Shiv -’ he chokes, eyes flying open at the contact, pupils completely blown. He protests weakly, ‘No, stop, need to get you off first -’
You shoot him a lopsided smile, pumping him slowly, your pulse racing at the way you feel him swell in your grasp. ‘Can we not argue this one time?’
You lean forward and, holding his gaze, flatten your tongue and lick your way up the underside of his cock. His breath stutters, one big hand moving to cradle the back of your head, his eyes wide and almost frantic as you press open-mouthed kisses on his sensitive flesh.
With an insolent grin, you tease, ‘You’re a big boy, aren’t you, Morales?’
He whimpers, and you know you have him.
His size is obvious by sight, but you really feel it in the pressure bearing down on the hinge of your jaw as you sink down on his cock, fighting to squeeze the girth of him into your mouth. The guttural groan from Frankie makes your pussy clench, and he tastes like he looks - clean, and all man. 
There’s no way you can take all of him, but you’ll be damned if you don’t try. He’s hot under your touch, muscles pulled taut with tension that you can feel thrumming under his skin as you take your time with him. Focusing on your breathing and relaxing your throat, you bob patiently up and down on him, slicking up his length with your spit, working him slightly deeper with every stroke - until you’re so full of him that you gag, hard.
Frankie is slack-jawed when you release him with an obscenely wet pop, spit trailing from your lips to the swollen tip of his cock, eyes wild as swipes his thumb across your puffy bottom lip. 
‘You’re beautiful,’ he declares, almost solemnly.
Slinking down his front, one hand securely around the base of his cock, you take him between your lips again, moaning at the salty taste of his precum, which makes him quake above you. As you swallow his length and pump your fist in tandem, your spit wetting your fingers, you peer up at him through your lashes - nothing could’ve prepared you for the utter wreckage that you find on his face. 
His lips are pulled back, baring his tidy teeth into a snarl as he very clearly struggles to hold himself back from fucking your mouth. You feel every bump and vein in his cock with each descent, the wet squelches filling in the gaps of his low grunts and moans. His grip in your hair stings as he starts panting in earnest above you, and somehow he gets even harder on your tongue, making it harder to breathe - 
‘Stop, stop,’ he wheezes suddenly, pulling back in a hasty retreat that has you whining at the sudden loss of him. ‘C’mere.’
He practically hauls you up against him, kissing you deeply, delving into your mouth to taste the bitterness of himself on your tongue. The world tilts on its axis when he tips you back onto the bed, and holding himself above you, he peels the jumpsuit off, leaving you in just your panties.
‘Gonna eat you out, baby,’ he drawls by your ear, trailing one palm up your body, which stops at your tits and squeezes. ‘Get you good and ready to take my big cock. How does that sound?’
‘Fuck, yes, Frankie, please,’ you beg.
There’s no shyness when he pushes your legs up and apart, and instead of taking your panties off, he hooks a finger under the thin fabric and pulls it to the side, his eyes darkening as he stares down at you.
‘So pretty,’ he praises you lowly. Holding your breath as he sinks onto his front, you breathe heavily in anticipation as his shoulders slot neatly underneath your legs. ‘Look at how wet you are for me. All this from sucking my cock?’
You nod frantically. ‘Frankie -’
Straight to the point as always, he ducks his dark head and drags the broad of his tongue over your clit - and you’re gone.
Admittedly, you have not had the best experiences with your exes. There was always too much gratuitous moaning and too little finesse, and afterwards, they always act like they deserve a medal for failing to get you off. But even if your past lovers had been more adequate in the field, you’re sure it still wouldn’t have prepared you for this. 
Frankie goes about it with a quiet focus that veers on reverential, the intensity in his dark eyes watching you makes your knees weak. He’s obviously picking up signs and reactions from you and adjusting his game plan accordingly, the pilot in him clearly in the driver’s seat. 
Not that he’s silent - far from it, you feel the reverberation in your core with every satisfied  hum deep in his chest, and the occasional, muttered fuck, so wet, want more in between licks and groans. But there’s nothing performative or showy about it, just a forthright competency that has you hurtling towards a toe-curling orgasm.
‘Frankie,’ you whine when you feel it about to hit. ‘Frankie Frankie Frankie -’
‘Eyes on me,’ he slurs against your sopping folds, and you listen - for once - watching him watch you fall apart on his tongue, thrashing in his hold as he grips you harder to keep you in place while he laps you up, until the burn of his patchy beard on your inner thighs makes you arch away from him from overstimulation.
Your pussy is still fluttering when he sinks two thick fingers into you, and he hisses at the way it clenches around him as he fucks you, leaving his digits slicked and slippery.
‘So tight, baby,’ he declares through gritted teeth, working you open for him. ‘Gonna feel so fucking good on my cock.’
You point towards the nightstand. ‘First drawer,’ you pant.
Needing no further prompting, Frankie yanks your panties off and flings the soaked scrap of fabric over his shoulder, then lunges at the cupboard where the condoms are. You scrape your nails over his thighs as he kneels over you, his usually steady hands visibly trembling as he tears into the wrapper and rolls the rubber over his heavy cock. He watches you with hooded eyes and settles between your legs, kissing you desperately as the swollen tip of him nudges at your entrance.
‘Ready?’ he asks, nose skimming yours sweetly.
You wind your arms around his neck, holding him close. ‘Fuck me, Frankie.’
The first push is a tight squeeze, and you can’t help the wince at the slight pinch as he sinks into you slowly. With a grunt of effort, he buries face into the slope of your neck and breathes, ‘Fuuuuck. You ok?’
‘Give me a second,’ you gasp, feeling your walls throb tightly around his length. ‘You’re so big, Frankie.’
He tangles his tongue with yours lazily in a deep kiss, before brushing his way down your throat and sucking on one nipple, making you cry out. He murmurs against your skin, ‘I know, but you’re doing so well for me, baby.’
Shifting your hips, Frankie groans when you slide him in deeper, the friction making you quiver beneath him. ‘Move, Frankie, please.’
He starts carefully, his strokes measured and deliberate, making sure you feel every inch of him as he draws back then sinks back in, exhaling shakily. ‘You feel so fucking good.’
‘Harder,’ you demand when you feel your pussy relax around him. ‘Fuck me harder.’
‘Shit,’ he growls and snaps his hips, drawing a squeal from you as he hits somewhere deep inside. You wrap your legs around his waist, bracing yourself as he drives into you again and again and again, the bedframe hitting the wall with each thrust.
‘So good, Frankie,’ you plead in between hard pants. ‘Keep going. Don’t stop -’
Looking up at him, you admire the way his hair falls over his eyes, swaying with his movement. Absent-mindedly, your fingers wander into his curls and his reaction is instant - he cries out, arching into your touch, his hips faltering as he seems to lose his rhythm. ‘Oh fuck, baby, been thinking about those hands all fucking week, just wanted to feel you touch me again -’
As wrecked as you are on his cock, you smile at his confession and slide your hands languidly in his locks, dragging your nails on his scalp, your chest swelling with pride when you watch his face - dazed and completely wrecked - fucking you so hard that you’re sure the bed is about to break.
When he finds his voice again, it’s your real name that slips past his lips. ‘Gonna cum so hard, oh fuck - I’m gonna -’
Frankie’s thrusting frantically into you, eyes screwed shut until his hips stutter and then - after one perfect moment of stillness suspended in time - shudder after shudder thunder through his body, your name a broken record as he spills into the condom, his scratchy baritone moaning into your neck as the frenzied energy bleeds out of him.
His weight pins you to the bed as he catches his breath, and you play with his curls gently, basking in the rumbling purr in his chest as you run the strands between your fingers. Eventually, gathering himself, he rolls off you to let you breathe, tying the condom neatly and tossing it into the trash can.
For a second, Frankie lies on his side, watching you quietly. You watch him back, casting your gaze over the curls stuck to his sweaty forehead and his broad outline backlit by your nightstand light. Before self-consciousness can settle into the small distance between you, he cracks a smile and quips, ‘You did say I’d get laid even if it killed you.’
You laugh, which makes him grin. One strong arm reaches out to tuck you into his side, securely beneath the duvet. You hum at the tickle of his beard on the back of your neck and the steady rise and fall of his chest behind you.
Right on the cusp of sleep, you sass, ‘Guess you’ll have to split the winnings with me after all.’
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Any other day, you would’ve woken up if you heard someone on the stairwell. Hell, you’d hear if they were knocking on the salon door downstairs.
When you’re rudely shaken awake by frantic knocking on the studio door, you realise it’s because your hearing has been impaired by the side of a very warm body smooshed into your ear.
‘Shiv! Open up! I need to leave in fifteen minutes for my photoshoot!’
‘Shit,’ you croak, throat dry, limbs flailing as you try to sit up. ‘I forgot about Benny.’
‘Fuck him’, grouses Frankie, pulling you back into his arms, eyes still closed.
‘I can’t, I promised to help him with his hair. Fuck, do we need to hide you, or -’
‘The door’s thin, Shiv, I can hear him. And we put two and two together when you guys disappeared last night. We're pretty, but we ain't dumb!’
Frankie lets you go with a grumbled Benjamin fucking Miller under his breath, but he visibly perks up when you stumble out of bed naked.
You half-jokingly shield your boobs from his view. ‘Are you perving on me, Morales?’
He smirks, leaning back into the pillows with his hands folded behind his head while he eyes you appreciatively. It’s not fair how his triceps flex deliciously with the movement. ‘Why bother covering up? I’ve seen everything already.’
Trying - and failing - to shoot him a stern scowl, you pull on a robe and yank the door open, nearly careening backwards at the sight of Benny’s grinning face right in the doorway. 
‘Since when did you bang paying customers?’ he demands in lieu of a good morning.
You roll your eyes and usher him downstairs. ‘He’s not a paying customer. He’s on Pope’s tab.’
Benny flops into his usual chair, making it squeak, one eyebrow up as he does the air quotes. ‘Well, I guess we now know what kind of friends you guys are.’
‘Shut up, Miller,’ you gripe, but your mouth twists into a grin, giving you away as you set up.
‘Damn, that good, huh?’ he laughs. ‘I mean, Fish does have a rep, but I've never had insider confirmation.’
You point your styling scissors at him menacingly. ‘Shut up, or I won’t be held responsible if my hands slip by accident.’
Benny feeds you a sugar donut while you work quickly, trimming the ends before styling it, going for a tousled bed head look. You hear the water pipes run upstairs and the carpeted floors creak when Frankie gets up. Trying to play it cool, you only briefly glance up, catching a glimpse of him in the mirror as he makes his way down the stairs in his rumpled shirt and trousers, zipping up the fly when he reaches the bottom.
‘Morning, stud,’ sing-songs Benny, which earns him a slap on the head. ‘Ow! What the fuck, Shiv!’
Frankie loiters behind you for a second, scratching the back of his neck, before pulling you to one side. Not that it affords you much privacy anyway, with Benny wriggling his eyebrows impertinently at the two of you in the mirror.
‘I - uh -,’ he starts haltingly, one hand rubbing at the silver patch in his beard sheepishly. ‘I had a really good time last night.’
‘Yeah, me too,’ you smile.
His voice dipping lower, he asks, ‘Can I take you out to dinner sometime?’
Benny, being the shithead that he is, interjects loudly. ‘Hey lovebirds, I’m kind of on the clock here, if you don’t mind -’
‘She’ll get to you when she gets to you, Benjamin,’ snaps Frankie, one hand on his hip and the other pointing a stern finger at him.
Something about him being so assertive sends heat running up and down your spine. Stepping into his space - beaming when he doesn’t back away - you smooth a palm over the front of his shirt, unintentionally catching the rabbiting of his heart underneath.
‘I don’t know,’ you shrug nonchalantly. ‘Do you intend to come back as a cash-paying customer?’
His eyes flash with want, one hand closing around your hip and he leans down to let his heated words brush by your ear. ‘Not if I can keep paying in other ways.’
Reaching up, you run a hand through his curls, preening at the way he closes his eyes at your touch. ‘Alright then, take me to dinner, Francisco.’
Peering around you, Frankie barks, ‘Miller, I’m cashing in on our bet.’
‘Fuck’s sake. I was hoping you’d forgotten about that,’ he gripes, digging into his wallet reluctantly.
Swiping the bill from Benny, Frankie winks at you before pressing a lingering kiss to the corner of your mouth - chaste, but charged with meaning. ‘Looks like you paid for your own dinner, Shiv.’
With a roll of your eyes, you shake your head and playfully push him towards the door. ‘Get outta here before I change my mind!’
‘Yeah right - as if you would now that you know what you’ll be missing.’
You’re not sure which makes your jaw drop - his cocksure declaration or the roguish confidence with which he walks out the door. In either case, Benny howls with laughter as you struggle to stay on your feet, your kneecaps having been rendered completely useless.
Just as Frankie climbs into his truck, Ashton whistles to a stop outside the salon on his wheels. Jaw dropping at the sight of the disheveled pilot nodding at him through the windscreen, he abandons his bike right on the curb and dashes into the salon, the door banging against the wall as he rushes in.
‘Excuse me - what the fuck did I just miss?’ he demands frantically.
You roll your eyes. ‘Calm down, Ashton, it’s not what it looks like -’
‘It’s exactly what it looks like,’ interrupts Benny as he starts singing. ‘Shiv and Frankie sitting in a tree, F-U-C-K-I-’
He breaks off with a yelp when you stuff a donut into his mouth to shut him up, sugar flying everywhere as Ashton picks you up and spins you around, squealing like a banshee the entire time.
‘You guys are the fucking worst,’ you laugh, out of breath by the time Ashton lets you go.
Glancing outside, where Frankie is still parked watching the whole embarrassing episode, he gives you one last wink and an amused grin before he pulls away from the curb.
In an almost exact repeat of the scene from a few days ago, Ashton joins you at the window, and the two of you watch, shoulder to shoulder, as Frankie smoothly steers his truck out of your street.
‘He even drives sexy,’ sighs Ashton dreamily. Nudging you in the side, he adds slyly, ‘You’re in so much trouble, Shiv.’
You grin. You know you are - and luckily, it’s not a spot of bother that you’ll be in a hurry getting out of anytime soon.
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Notes: I'm so excited to have finally completed this little two-shot. The two of them have been hanging out in my head all these months, it feels amazing to finally yeet this part into the world! Thank you so much for reading, I hope you had as much fun as I did with these two 🥰 Reblogs and comments are always greatly appreciated ❤️
Now that I've got you here, if you want more of Shiv, I wrote some silly little drabbles of her hair appointments with our handsome Pedro boys for a recent milestone celebration. There are also some fun thoughts that came out of an impromptu Grays sleepover we had last week 🤍
I'm sure we'll see more of Shiv and Frankie somewhere down the line. For now, thank you again, I love you all so much ❤️
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ma1dita · 1 month
Text
to catch a thief
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a 'partners in crime' installment - luke castellan x dionysus!reader
words: 3.7k
summary: (post-TLT, sea of monsters compliant/spoilers) The one where duty calls at Camp Half-Blood. Again. Your reunion with Luke is nothing you both could have ever expected. (Luke Castellan x fem!Dionysus!reader)
a/n: we’re so back trouble!verse ;) sorry for the post birthday hiatus on this, hope you like it! crack banter but err... she got a lil angsty
(posted 3/22/24, semi-edited)
When you wake up to the gentle rolling of the sea, it feels like a comforting embrace in a distant dream. Tangled within pristine white sheets, you could smell the salt through the small opening in the bay window–though this was a far cry from a fairytale conjured by your mind. This was your reality. 
You wouldn’t call it a nightmare per se, but the circumstances were definitely less than preferred. 
This is not the CSS Birmingham. No, that went up in flames. Retracing your steps to what led you to this—cushy cruise line of a prison, you reckon it’s been a few days now since you’ve become a stowaway, or a hostage. You haven’t quite decided yet. 
Gods, this is what you get for passing up on that summer research internship. 
Dropping off Percy, Annabeth, and Tyson at camp was supposed to be a fun walk down memory lane—until meeting with your dad, finding out Thalia’s tree had been poisoned, watching Chiron get fired, and essentially getting kicked out by the troll of a man who originally got sent to the Fields of Punishment for marketing the taste of human flesh made you remember that nothing at camp is the way it used to be.
Not like before, when you and Luke used to run it.
Your dad told you to go home and wait till you were needed. Home. Driving away from it this time around was harder than you thought it would be. You’d never been the patient type, and to drop everything just because a god told you to? Hilarious, really.
But almost a week later, after rejoining your friends on an undead ship that you let the kids commandeer, your vital mistake was thinking that Clarisse’s quest would be a breeze. Rookie move, since the last one you were on left you as scarred as Luke was. Even thinking of him now, you run your thumb over the rough patch of skin on your palm. 
At the very least you hoped Tyson was okay. The last memory you have of the young Cyclops was watching him from your place on the ladder as he stopped the engines from overheating. Maybe it was the ex-head counselor in you, or your increased threshold to pain, but there was no way in hell you were leaving that kid behind.
The sound of voices from outside your door gets louder now, your throat feeling like you’ve been swallowing wads of cotton and a persistent ringing in your ear that hurts just as bad as when you watch Chris Rodriguez walk in with a plate of food. The last one he slid through the door bumps against his boot, still uneaten and he sighs. 
“So what, you’re on a hunger strike now? I forgot how difficult you could be.”
You bark out a laugh. Thankfully it’s loud enough that it almost conceals the rumble of your stomach. Gritting your teeth, you mumble, “Wish it could be an idiot strike. I forgot how much of a bitch you are when it comes to your brother, Rodriguez. How long are you going to keep me here? It’s been days.”
Your former friend rolls his eyes at your dramatics like he doesn’t hold the key to your freedom.
“Three since you woke up, actually. Come on, you’ve gotta eat, or I’ll get my ass kicked,” he grumbles. You raise an eyebrow at that, walking towards the window to dodge the uncomfortable tension that fills the room. He plucks an apple slice off your plate.
“He couldn’t splurge on a balcony view? Monsters aside, it’s not like you’ve reached full occupancy.”
“There are more mortals here than you think. To be honest, he was worried you would find a way to overthrow us,” the tanned boy admits, placing the tray on the dresser. It was always a wonder to him how you and Luke were more alike than you think, even now—even when Luke hasn’t come to see you. Talking to you reminded him that you’re both pains in his ass, and Chris was still unsure of who to be more wary of, but he’s been in charge of watching you for the most part.
“Well tell your stupid captain he has no right to be worried about me. I’d much rather try to jump if given the opportunity.”
There’s no response, so you turn to face Chris who’s eating a croissant with a bashful grin.
“Seriously dude?”
“Listen, I’m hoping if I think of the right words to say, he’ll come in and deal with you himself. Opposite sides of a war and you’re still both giving me a headache. Just like old times,” he chuckles, flakes of pastry dotting across his chest plate. Your mouth quirks into a bitter smile. Old times, when Luke would shove you if he couldn’t think of a reply fast enough. When you’d punch him to get your point across if he wasn’t listening. How a kiss could end any waging war between the both of you.
You swallow, turning slowly to watch your reflection in the glass of the windowpane.
Why hasn't he come to see you? The first day, you remember spending out on the sea—treading water with no land in sight, calling out to your friends until your voice went hoarse, but you didn’t cry. You know better than to show weakness now, even when no one’s around. Chris tells you over a gulp of orange juice that you washed up next to the Princess Andromeda on the second day like it was fate. Though fate was never truly that kind to anyone; it felt like it was laughing in your face. Knocked out cold for two days after, and ignoring all of Chris’s attempts to keep you alive in the days that followed, you’ve been in this room ever since. You barely notice Chris’s departure. 
Entering the ensuite bathroom, you splash your face and sip on water from the tap before stopping at the doorway. A shadow flits at the seam near your feet, someone standing just out of sight when you peer through the peephole.
But you know Luke’s there. Sons of Hermes have almost undetectable footsteps, however, Luke walking in and out of your life for as long as he has—there’s no inconceivable way to not know him. Perhaps you couldn’t hear the sound of his feet, but there’s a way the wind shifts your hair, your heart slowing in ease at his presence, and the scent of him reminiscent of skin kissed with the peel of an orange. The skin you used to kiss and greet and know like your own.
The shadow fades just as your hand reaches out towards it, leaving like he always does. Always out of reach.
Even as the Princess Andromeda continues to set sail upon the calm waters of the Atlantic Coast, you look out to the unending horizon and still feel like you’re drowning.
“Status report, soldier?”
Chris rolls his eyes, popping the last piece of apple into his mouth as he strolls into the command deck. The both of you had a flair for the dramatic—it serves as his reminder of why you two worked so well. Luke is sitting in his captain’s seat, watching the waves crash against the hull as the sun begins to set on the skyline.
“She’s angry. Anyone would be if they were locked up like that.”
“Well, yeah, but tell me something I don’t know. Something useful, Rodriguez,” Luke says, flicking his pocket knife closed. It’s still sticky with the juice of the fruit, catching onto his finger. He hisses, but then the sound of loud footsteps boom down the corridor, along with the sound of maniacal laughter as the door slams open. The two sons of Hermes look at each other curiously, knowing it all too well.
“You know, the next time you send a 9-year-old to stand guard, remember to not make it the one we used to throw into the lake,” you drawl, sauntering into the bridge and looking around until your eyes land on your ex, “and also remember that you taught me how to pick locks.”
Ethan Nakamura heaves behind you, hands on his knees before he stands to attention and salutes his captain.
“Sir, I was just following orders… and I’m not 9 anymore!” he snaps, glaring at you. Laughing at the absurdity of the situation makes it easier to get through. You thought being surrounded by the undead on the CSS Birmingham was scary enough, but standing in a room with ghosts from your past was somehow worse. Honestly, you learned a lot more by being in that room than if you were to jump ship like you wanted to.
“I taught you how to tie your shoes, Ethan. You’re always gonna be a little kid to me,” you scoff, brushing him aside and walking towards Luke, “your new digs are fancy, by the way. I could tell by all the teenage soldiers chasing me through the tourists.”
He stands up and meets you head to head, as the both of you inspect each other closely. 
It’s been a long year without you.
You look thinner. You’ve lost the softness in your cheeks and your eyes are tired. He wonders what you chose to major in, who your roommates are, if you still think of him with a smile on your face. You’re still beautiful.
“You know me, I like to travel in style,” Luke says offhandedly, a half smile on his face. For someone leading a war against the gods, he’s calm in your presence.
“Back when I knew you, we traveled in a tin can that we also called a car.”
His clothes are nicer than anything you’ve ever seen him in. He looks really fucking good, for someone on the run. It’s almost frustrating to see how brawny he’s gotten, muscles rippling as he crosses his arms. You suppose he has nothing to do now but practice and spar (that or he’s definitely flexing for you). Pulling at the drawstring of the joggers you wear, you realize his initials are embroidered on the pocket. Pretentious fuck. Did he change you once you got on board?
Chris and Ethan suddenly get the feeling that they’re interrupting something—a reunion in a blockbuster romantic movie they’ve seen the mortals play out on the ship deck’s projector on Friday nights. The two of you stand there arguing like a married couple despite the fact you are no longer lovers and the bickering continues even when more of Kronos’ army files in. You laugh again at the sight of children walking in—some strangers, others you’ve sung to sleep in cabin 11, all still children, even back from the time before when laughter didn’t have to have a reason, light and airy in the summer sun.
“You’re sick, you know that? Did you just plan to let me rot in that room until it was all over? You didn’t even talk to m—”
“Classic, you’re more mad that I didn’t talk to you over the fact that you’re a prisoner,” he seethes, but you don’t stand down—not now or ever.
“Prisoner? I walked out and none of your Boy Scouts could do anything about it!”
His face is turning red now, jaw tightening at the angst but deep down he misses this—the banter, the thin line between hate and love you both tread on. You may be a damsel. But you were not in distress. To further prove your point, you swing an arm toward one of the boys in black (their uniforms were annoyingly corny), and they all take a step back toward the wall. Your eyebrows furrow, “What type of prison has guards terrified of the prisoner?”
He shrugs, “It was only time before you came and found me. I even gave you a bay window.”
That was not the right thing to say.
“I’ll fucking kill yo—”
“Sir? So do we try and detain her, or….” one of the demigods you don’t know interjects, and Chris Rodriguez sucks at his teeth before he responds. 
“Alright. We’ve seen enough of the show. Everyone file out and let Castellan reunite with his girlfriend.”
“GIRLFRIEND?”
“Girlfriend…”
The both of you look at each other, one in anger, the other in sheepishness now that you’re alone. It's even funnier that neither of you deny it.
“You left me there in that room, and by the sight of things around here you prefer being in the company of monsters than being with me, so by the gods, what do you want, Castellan?”
You fall into the captain’s chair exasperatedly, watching him watch you.
“I’m giving you a choice,” he says simply. “You can stay here with me, or you can go.”
“A choice? You captured me to tell me I have a choice,” you spit, as if that was the stupidest thing he could say. “You didn’t give me a choice when you left me.”
“It was a matter of the circumstances. And I didn't capture you—are you mad that I betrayed everyone or not, because I can’t really read you right now, trouble…”
Your eye twitches and your hands are in fists across your lap. Another wrong thing to say.
“Keeping me here until I get the nerve to talk to you is not a choice, asshole. Do you think you could just hide me away until the bad part’s over? To save me until everything's good enough for you?” Your eyes catch onto the droplets of blood that fall onto the hardwood flooring near your feet. His hand is bleeding, and like it’s nothing of the sort you reach out for it.
Luke thinks that if he lets you your hand will still perfectly fit in his, so after a moment, he pulls his hand away out of your reach. Pulling a handkerchief out of your pocket (also embroidered with his initials—note to self, never let a son of Hermes have money), you stand to wrap it around his hand to stop the bleeding. You pretend not to notice his heartbeat increase through the throbbing of the cloth.
“Don’t let my actions make you believe that what we had wasn’t good, trouble.”
“Stop calling me that. Why are they all scared of me? Why won’t you let me touch you?” you whisper, putting pressure on his finger until the blood clots. It doesn’t even hurt, to tell you the truth. Not touching you when you’re right here in front of him is a pain he can’t find the words to describe. But what he’ll never understand is that he’s right. You two were good together. You’d have him through the bad too, if only he let you.
“Because you might think you can fix me.” Or worse, you might change his mind. You don't have to say you love him for him to know it. A part of him wishes he didn’t have to do all of this to prove to you he feels the same. 
“Would you have left with me?” he mutters. A wistful look cuts through your anger and he knows he’s finally said something right. His pocket knife is on the control board and your hands drop to your side again when you realize that he may have forgotten to tell his battalion of who you are to him, but he still remembers how you like your apples cut. The silence is loud, even with the twinge that comes with the pain in your eardrum as you sway a little on your feet. Your body still knows it can relax with him, knees buckling with a false sense of security despite your willpower.
“I would've made it so that there was no other option for you but to want to stay.”
A soldier bursts through the door and apologizes for the intrusion, but the both of you have found out all you need to know. The moment is over and Percy Jackson has been captured by the army in his efforts of trying to save the day. There’s a look shared between the two of you that wonders if this will become a trend.
Licking your lips as your…Luke guides you out onto the main deck with your hands behind your back, you can taste the salt in your air. It’s almost as evident as the surprise in your friends’ faces when they see you alive. This time, they don’t question your allegiance but in the chaos that ensues, for a moment, you do.
For a moment, you wonder what would change if you decided to stay with him. Would the sky fall under your feet? Would the gods kneel like Luke said they would? Looking at him in your periphery, you realize it’s not what the both of you want, even if it’s the easier way out—to be together despite it all.
The two of you against the world instead of the world against the both of you.
But he won't even touch you—he’s holding you over the sleeves of your shirt, too scared of what you’ve become in his absence. You suppose you’re scared of what he’s become too. 
The realization hits that you could defect from your friends, family, and home. You could undo everything that you and your friends have worked towards. But nothing he can say will change the fact that he didn’t choose you.
Luke was right, then.
You did have a choice, one that he still forces you to make as you nod at Percy to flip his last drachma into the open water, opening a direct line of communication to your father to catch the thief—of both lightning and the beat of your heart, in the act.
You realize that if the gods were the least bit grateful that you’ve kept their kids alive for the past half-decade, perhaps fate would be on your side and Luke would still be yours. But life has a funny way of working itself out when Luke admits to the open air of another crime to tack onto his list.
“Kronos was right. I should’ve killed you, Percy.”
The son of Poseidon goads Luke into another duel and you survey your surroundings for a way out. Annabeth burns holes into the side of your head and it gets you thinking, moving faster than you have in days as you walk towards her and Grover. At the raise of your hand, the demigods holding onto the pair drop to the deck, incapacitated with illusions of madness they will never comprehend. The more of them that surround you drop like flies as Luke’s eyes flicker between you and the boy he has at swordpoint.
You’ve gotten stronger in his absence—you never needed to touch him to use your powers after all. Just waiting for the right moment to strike, attacking when Luke finally let his guard down for you. He cracks his neck, knowing you’ve made your choice, so he makes his. 
“Get them.” 
The monster scrambles across the deck but it approaches you first, clawing at the wood and barely missing your feet as you scream for help, defenseless without a sword and you hear Luke yell your name in alarm before a punching glove-tipped arrow sends it hurtling overboard.
Your eyes lock with his again as you disembark with the Party Ponies, you with your crew as he corrals the mess you made of his. It has to be the salt air that makes your eyes seem a little misty.
Your fates have always been tied. 
You protect your home, and he does what he can to protect you. Luke looks over your form like he’s checking if you’re okay, even from a distance— and it makes you wonder if this is how it's supposed to be. Someone leaving, and the both of you apart. 
It’s weird to be the one leaving this time, but it isn't as easy as Luke makes it seem each time he does it. You avert your eyes once you see him put his hand in his pocket, him finding what you snuck in on the way to the deck. Luke pulls out a leather bracelet with a black camp bead, the one he missed in the year he’s been gone. He rolls the bead between his fingers, the thing you last touched before leaving him, an emblem of his archnemesis and the summer that changed everything—the consequences of his actions ripping you away from him. When he slides it on his wrist, it lightly clinks against the hilt of his sword, the lone clay bead a force of its own against Backbiter's reverberating power. He feels nostalgia for what could have been crawling through him—though Luke supposes he’s always been too vulnerable when it comes to you.
Is this what you’ve been feeling every time he walks away? 
It starts to rain after you leave. Luke watches his crew take cover from the downpour, running in all different directions to hide away from the storm that ravages the Princess Andromeda. 
But he stands still, looking up at the sky and hating it for how openly it’s able to cry. Luke is far away from home again—from you and it makes him wonder how much longer he’ll have to be away from you when being with you is what he truly wants.
The mission continues and the ship keeps pushing forward even as the rain washes over him, soaking through his armor and straight to the bone. Raindrops pelt through every crevice, though this onslaught is much kinder, more gentle, even when it’s angry. He closes his eyes and lets it touch his skin. 
For a moment, it feels like you. 
A hand penetrates the tide searching for yours, gripping onto your unconscious one. He’s spent hours ripping holes through time to try to find you, an advantage given to him in a dream by the Titan. The agreement, what keeps him from not running back to you is that you live—and as Luke pulls you out of the ocean waterlogged and turning blue, he wonders if it’s all a farce. 
Losing you isn’t worth the wrath of the gods if you’re lifeless in his arms like this. 
He shouts your name, pumping your chest with his fists and breathing life back into your lips until you cough out saltwater, head lolling against his knee. Luke’s fingers stroke your hair, touching you for the first time in a year. As life slowly brings the color back into your cheeks he silently thanks Hestia for keeping your flame alight. His soldiers call out to him from the deck, and he steels his resolve as he rows the lifeboat back to the ship. Still, Luke has to uphold his side of the agreement. 
He wonders if you’d stay. Even if he knows the answer, Luke wonders if you would ever change it for him.
And they tell me you are evil and I answer: Yes, I know. –Patricia Smith
 ½ luke taglist: @kissingyourgrl @dorcas4meadowes @lorarri @andrewgarfldsgf @noodlesketchbook @10ava01 @poppysrin @ashisabitgay @timhalamet @liv1104 @leeknows-wife @mxtokko @bugcuti3 @luvvfromme @midmourn @2hiigh2cry @yuminako @niktwazny303  @lukecastellandefender @intergalactic-padawan @iliketopgun @annybah @dangelnleif @thegrinningghost @alyssajunelle @obxstiles @m00ng4z3r @visndcaitswhore @b0ok-lover @elegant-face-tree @this-barbie-is-having-breakdowns @amortencjja @idonevenknow1359 @maliaaaa @targaryenluvs @sakyira @dhdjdjjdhsjdiri
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celaenaeiln · 10 months
Text
Bruce: *sees a motorcade come up on his right* *ignores*
Timmy in the back eying the group suspiciously: ….
*tapping on glass*
Dick: B, there’s someone tapping on my side.
Bruce: Don’t roll the window down they could be-
Dick: *already rolling the window down* *GASP* ROMMEY?! ROMMEY! ROMMEY!!
A 45 yr old grizzled man with a smoker’s voice, nicknamed Rommey by Dick: heya Dickie, how it’s going kiddo.
Dick: ROMMEY IM SO EXCITED TO SEE YOU AGAIN!
Another motorbiker with a full claw scar down his face: what about the rest of us, kid? Forget about us?
Dick: MANES! DERRICKA! IZZY!!
Derrick-I take down mercenaries for fun but let a kid I like call me DERRICKA-Rolan: You little shit, why’d we not hear from you after you fucked off to neverland huh?!
Isabella-what? Someone went missing? I had nothing to do with it, it’s total coincidence that I hated him-Hodges: Maybe he doesn’t like us, Der. That right, Dickie?
Dick: *flabbergasted* No!! It’s a long story! After I left I ran out of gas and then some girl crashed into my bike and sent it flying off the cliff but I dove off it first and then I had to walk to the nearest motel on bare feet because I gave her my shoes and then I met this half bear half man and I’ll be pleased to tell you that it was a beary bearable encounter once he got his bearings hahahahaha- *progressively climbing out of the car as the story goes on*
Bruce: Dick! Get back in the car! *having one hand on the steering wheel and grabbing the back of his shirt with the other to keep his wayward son from falling out*
Dick: Wait- *accidently twisting too far and nearly braining himself on the speeding asphalt*
Rommey: DICK!
Bruce: DICK!
Rommey, Derricka, Izzy, and Manes: *grabbing the front half to prevent Dick from becoming like two-face*
Bruce: *letting go of the wheel to grab Dick’s bottom half for the same reason*
Tim: *high pitched screaming from the back* DICK! Tₕₑ Wₕₑₑₗ! ₜₕₑ Wₕₑₑₗ!!!
Bruce: *struggling to pull his son in while the motorcade struggles to pull him out to sit on a bike thus leading to Dick hanging in limbo out the window of a car going 80mph on a freeway* GRAB THE WHEEL TIM
Tim: *sacrificing a few ribs on the edge of the front car seat* IM TRYING! I CANT REACH THE CRUISE CONTROL AND DONT LEAN BACK AND OH MY GOD SIGN POST! SIGN POST! THE POST! THE POSSSTTTTT!!!
Dick, Bruce, Tim, and motorcade: *furious screaming and shouting and panicking*
*2 hours later*
*Arriving at the manor*
Jason: damn what happened to you lot, you look like you went through hell and back.
Bruce and Tim: *drained, pale-faced, messy, sweating, and heaving*
Dick: *a curl of hair falling elegantly into his shining eyes* I just had the time of my life, Jay!
Jason who is well acquainted with Dick’s “Time of the life”s: ah. My condolences.
Tim: Never again. *flopping on the ground and cater-pilling his way up the stairs*
Damian: Father, this is such disgraceful attire! Fix yourself at once, mother would be embarrassed by such a visage! What in holy reincarnation have you been doing?!
Bruce: Never again, Dick.
Dick: it’s nothing Dami, they were just helping me.
Damian: Father, I am ashamed of you. Why must you devolve to such a state when you assist Grayson, he is perfectly capable of extraordinary feats without your input. I suggest you refrain from interfering with his success again.
Bruce:
Bruce: Damian, you-
Dick: Bruce. *smiling pleasantly*
Jason: *immediately sneaking off*
Bruce’s life momentarily flashing before his eyes: …..nothing. Go finish your homework. *trudging off to whine to Alfred about how no one’s gonna believe him*
Dick: *sincerely* what a great day! 😊
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rusmii · 4 months
Text
𝐇𝐞𝐲𝐚' 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐲 𝐆𝐢𝐫𝐥! - n. chuuya
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[Includes] gym buddy!chuuya x fem!reader
[Anon requested]. . . saw you mentioned gym buddy!chuuya and want you to elaborate pls🙏🙏🙏
[Cws] NORMAL AU, flirting, first meeting, slow romance, chuuya is down bad, a very cocky and smug chuuya who teases reader, strong chuchu, chuuya and his weird high school stories, use of petnames (pretty girl, shortcake), gym terms I'm sorry guys
[Syp] When all goes wrong with your ex, you decide to take your ass to the gym to relieve some stress. As you struggled to lift the bar, you meet a very handsome redhead who you quickly grew fond of.
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The bar was stacked with 15s — brimmed up till the bar was almost 2x its weight. You suck a breath in. The bar was almost as intimiding as being alone in the woods at night. Gripping the bar, you prepare your arms as your hands adjust to it.
'Here goes nothing,' thought you when your arms finally lifted the bar off its rack. The heavy weight slowly cruising its course onto you as you brought the bar up; arms barely even able to withstand the weight.
You sat up once you heard the metals clinking — sweat accumulating around your forehead and upper body as you chugged down a huge portion of water. You'd probably have to refill it later after this set but you didn't mind.
"Alright..." You say under your breath, "Let's do another one." With self encouragement, you lay back down on the bench and adjust your grip to the bar. You contemplated doing close grip, but figured that you should do normal if you were doing heavier weights.
As you lifted the bar into the air, sudden adrenaline pumped you up. You managed to do about three reps before you felt your arms start shaking — its movement caused the bar to sway.
"Oh fuck - " You cursed, feeling immediate regret once you hit your fourth one. Your arms are struggling to carry the bar back into its place; the arrogant mentality you carried with yourself into the gym finally caught up to you.
Okay.. Maybe a spotter really was needed — Was what raced through your mind as you were about to give in and wait for someone to pass by and help put the bar back onto the rack.
You scrunched your face, preparing for the bar to hit your face or any part of your body for the matter, but what should have been a broken bone or something sprained came two very veiny hands pulling the bar up and placing it onto the rack.
When you cracked an eye open, you were met with a head blocking the bright white lights; their face met yours with a smile. "Need a spotter?" His voice questions you — oh dear, it was so deep and sort of raspy, you're kinda digging it.
"Uh - actually.. Yeah! If that doesn't bother you..?" You sat up and returned his smile. "Not at all," the stranger chuckles a bit before handing you an unopened water bottle. "Drink up first, and rest for about five minutes." He paused and looked at your chosen weights.
"And maybe replace those 15s with 10s." Another tip point. You nodded your head and took the bottle from him as he went around the rack to grab some 10s. "Saw how you almost did five reps of 105. That's pretty impressive for someone new here." The praise was out of nowhere, and you felt your ego being stroked by said man.
"Thanks. How much do you lift?" It was your turn to ask him questions — the stranger paused his movements for a moment before returning his response, "Just about past 450. If we're talking about benching, though, I'd say about... between 325 and 345." Holy shit — He was strong as hell.
"What?" He smirks, a teasing indication in his tone. "This your first time hearing those numbers?" — "No!" You instant reply him, and he threw his hands into the air whilst holding the two 10s. "Kay', kay' I'm just kiddiiin' !" A fake apology came from him, and you felt the need to kick him in the shins. "What? Come on, don't give me that look," he comments on your scowl as he replaces the plates from your bar.
After he was finished putting the last barbell clip on, he pats the plates. "Two 10s and two 15s should suffice if four 15s were too much." You nod your head again, placing the water bottle next to the bench as you readied yourself. "Remember, lift when your nervous system isn't weak," he adds. "Yeah, I know. Thank you."
His body was above yours, arms ready to catch the bar whenever you needed him to. "You ready?" Sucking in a breath, you nod your head again, "Yeah, yeah - I think I am." He gave you an uncertain look as you adjusted the bar and lifted it, but he decided against expressing it.
Counting by 4's, you kept a steady rhythm — having already hit the seventh rep. "Damn girl, I just know you won your school fights," he jokes, grinning when he sees your lips upturn. "I wish," you scoffed, "Never got into one. I'm a rule sucker."
He laughs at your last statement, "Well shit - first meeting you, and I'm already the worst of us two." Your brows furrow with your grin still plastered on your face. "Oh god.. I don't even know wanna know what kind of kid you were back in high school."
"Oh, trust me. I wouldn't either." His smile was just as big as yours by now.
"What kind of shit kid were you back then?" You ask this time, and he tuts at you. "Thought you didn't wanna know?~"
"Got me curious now," you huffed as the stranger helped you rack the bar — using your hands to prop yourself up. "Well..." He says, making you turn your body around to face him. "Where should I start? Hmmm..." He starts tapping a foot with crossed arms. "Start from anywhere!" You urged, now suddenly interested in this strangers life.
"Alright! Hmm... Let's start with how I attempted to clean the schools urinals and accidentally made mustard gas?"
"How the fuck did you do that!?" You stared at him with a wild expression on your face. But judging from how he was laughing at your reaction told you that this probably wasn't the worst of it all. "Urinals? Bleach? Y'know - pee and bleach?" He punctuated every word slowly. "I know that! just..- how?? Did boys at your school miss that badly?" He shook his head, "Naah... it was more like.. the urinals were clogged with piss and nobody knew until the whole school started feelin' funky."
Your mouth was agape. No way their students didn't know about the clogged urinals. "Did you know about it?" You asked him. "Of course I did! That's the whole reason why I got sentenced to cleaning smoothie pisses — shit was foaming bubbles." He shudders at the memory of every single urinal bubbling different shades of yellow.
"And you got sentenced to.. that because you knew?" You giggle — the stranger scratched the back of his head. "Well, yeah, that's part of the reason. The main reason was me threatening to shove a students face down the urinals because I knew they were pissed filled," he shrugged his shoulders.
"Geez - couldn't you have started from the beginning?"
"You said from anywhere!"
"Yeah - anywhere in the beginning!" You argued. "That was somewhere in the beginning! Freshman year," he argued back. "I don't even want to question what you did to start this streak," you covered your ears, preventing any weird comments from being heard.
The stranger gave you a toothy grin, leaning on the bar as he looked down at you. "A lot," he said. "Wasn't the best student to partner with either.."
"I bet," you sigh, getting off the bench and walking around the rack to where the stranger was. "You gonna bench?"
"Nah, gonna do that tomorrow. Today was legs," he replied and stepped aside to make room for you. "Oh? So, did you come over just to talk to me?" You give him a teasing smile, his expression faltering for just a second before his usual smirk donned his face again.
"Maybe. Maybe not. You're cute, and I like your spunk," was his response before he started walking to his, presumably, original area.
That got the organ in your chest thumping — first, he strokes your ego, and then he confesses to that? Also, who just shares their personal life experience to a stranger just like that?? Certainly that guy of course..
Before you could stop yourself, you felt your lips move on its own, "Wait!" The strange man stopped in his tracks and turned around waiting for you to speak. "What's your name?" His eyes widened a bit, the explosive spark of life now more visible to you. "Chuuya," Chuuya answers your question — his name reminding you of expensive Egyptian silk and red wine by the fireplace.
"[Name]," you say back — your name reminding him of something he's been hyperfiaxted on for years. [Name]... "As expected from a pretty girl," he compliments you as a goodbye, and just like that, his back is now facing you as his figure becomes smaller and smaller.
The next day, you made your way to your usual bench. The moment you stepped into the building, all your thoughts rushed over to Chuuya and whether he was in the gym today or not. Does he even workout everyday like you do?
Your questions and prayers were answered when you came across the same handsome redhead from yesterday, racking plates onto his bar.
You made your way over to him and leaned against the metal pole. "Stealing spots, Mr. Chuuya?" Said man pulled an earbud out of his ear when he thought he heard someone talking to him. He turned his head and smiled when he saw you, "Heya' shortcake! Wanna spot me while I bench?"
"Shortcake?" You scoffed. "Why? What's wrong with it?" Chuuya asks, sitting down on the bench and waiting for you to get behind the rack. Him? Calling you SHORTcake out of all people? Yeah, nu uh. You'd very much prefer being cat called by a tall man rather than being nicknamed SHORTcake by a guy suffering from dwarfism.
"What happened to my nickname from yesterday?" You huffed angrily and stalked over to the head of the bar. That took Chuuya by suprise, "Huh? What nickname?" He was genuinely confused by the lack of hints or context behind your question. "You know."
"I do?"
"Ohhhnn - just forget it!" You groan. It wasn't until he took a glance at your face did he get reminded of your beauty — Absolutely blindsided by your gracious presence has him fawning over your little agitated face. 'How pretty,' he thought.
Two warm hands place themselves on top of yours, Chuuyas warm expression there to match it. "Heya' pretty girl, care to spot for me while I bench?"
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made by @churuai DONT STEAL >:((
comments and rbs appreciated <3<3
taglist (free to join!) : @luvan1 @evilchuya @asqmi @squigglewigglewoo @liviash
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storiesforallfandoms · 5 months
Text
alone on christmas ~ billy butcher;the boys
word count: 2253
request?: no
description: in which the two members of the team who are alone on christmas eve decide to spend the night together
pairing: billy butcher x female!reader
warnings: swearing
masterlist (one, two, three)
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The elevator dinged, signaling that you had arrived on the floor of your office. Well, "office" was a generous word. It was a small, open space in a super old building (MM claimed it was "historic") with a couple of desks that were rarely used. The room was dimly lit by the multi-colored Christmas lights strung around the room, as well as from the small tree in the corner of the room. Kimiko had gotten the idea to decorate the office and everyone else was on board, even grumpy Billy Butcher.
It was Christmas Eve and everyone else was home with their families. Your families lived a state over, and normally you would've gone home for the holidays, but your parents had gone on a Christmas cruise and agreed to do your celebrations when they got home. Since you had no one else to celebrate Christmas with, you decided to pick up some paperwork you had at the office and work on it at home while some Christmas movie played in the background.
You approached your desk, unaware of anyone else in the room until a voice said, "Evening, love."
"Jesus!" you hissed as you jumped.
Butcher chuckled. "Nope, just me."
He was sat at his desk, mostly covered in darkness. You could only make out the outline of him through the Christmas lights.
"What the hell are you doing sitting here in the dark like a fucking creep?" you asked as you turned back to flick on the lights. The two of you winced as the dark room suddenly became very bright.
"I was just finishing up some work and liked the mood lighting better," he explained. "What are you doin' here on Christmas Eve?"
"I could ask you the same thing."
"I don't celebrate Christmas anymore. Not since..." He trailed off, his eyes dropping back to whatever he had been working on. "Just not in a long time."
He didn't have to specify. You knew exactlu what made him give up on Christmas.
"You didn't answer my question," he pointed out.
"My parents are gone on a cruise for Christmas, so I won't be going home till sometime around New Years. I came to get something I was working on to finish it at home."
"You're not celebrating with anyone else?"
"Who else would I celebrate with? My siblings have their own families, and the only friends I have are you cunts."
This earned a low chuckle from Butcher. You couldn't help but smile. You returned to your desk to collect the papers when a thought crossed your mind.
"Hey Butcher?" he looked up at you. "Do you want to come over? Maybe we could have our own Christmas Eve celebration."
He raised an eyebrow at you. "What did you have in mind?"
You shrugged. "I don't know. I could make us something to eat. Pour up a few drinks. Watch a cheesy Hallmark Christmas movie."
You weren't sure if he'd agree. It didn't seem like his scene. Butcher was probably the exact opposite of holiday cheer. Sitting in a dark office doing paperwork about taking down Supes was probably a much more appealing offer to him than Hallmark Christmas movies. But you wouldn't feel right if you didn't at least offer. Billy Butcher may have been a cynical prick that got on everyone's nerves, but no one deserved to spend Christmas alone.
To your surprise, he closed up the file he had been working on and stood. "Text me the address, I'll meet you there."
About ten minutes later, you were pulling into your driveway while Butcher was parking on the side of the road. He followed you up to your door and stepped inside as you opened it for him. He looked around, taking in your space as you kicked off your boots and hung up your coat.
"What are you feeling for drinks?" you asked.
"Do you have any bourbon?" he asked.
You opened your fridge and pulled out a full bottle of bourbon. "Want it straight or mixed with some eggnog?"
He made a face of disgust that made you laugh. You grabbed a glass and poured him a glass of straight bourbon, adding a few ice cubes before passing him the glass. You opted for the spiked eggnog approach for something a little more festive. You pulled a frozen pizza from the freezer and pre-heated the oven.
"Not exactly a Christmas feast," Butcher commented.
"If you're going to be ungrateful, you can go back to the office by yourself," you retorted. "Oh, since you're here, I do have a gift for you."
He watched as you walked to your living room where your tree was shining with yellow lights. The presents underneath were mainly for your family, but you had gotten a gift for each member of The Boys too, since they were like your second family.
"You didn't have to get me anything," he said.
"Shut the fuck up and take the gift," you teased, thrusting the gift bag into his hands.
He shook his head, playfully smiling. He sat down on the ouch and you sat next to him. He pulled the tissue paper from the bag and discarded it onto the floor. You would've been a little annoyed if you weren't waiting to see his reaction to the gift.
The first thing he pulled out was a Spice Girls CD. You couldn't hold back your giggles as he gave you a dirty look. "Your favorite band."
"This is the worst insult you could've ever given me," he said.
"There's something else in there that might make it up to you."
Butcher pulled out a bundle of white tissue paper. Wrapped in it was an ornament you had gotten custom made. It was a gingerbread wearing a black trench coat and black boots, and had a black beard on its face. He held it in his hand for a while. You studied his face, trying to gauge some reaction to the gift.
"You're kind of an enigma," you explained. "And I guess I understand why, but it makes it incredibly impossible to buy you a Christmas gift. So I went with the Spice Girls CD as a gag gift, and then I found this lady who makes custom made Christmas ornaments that are gingerbread men made to look like certain people. I thought it was better than nothing."
"You had this made for me?" he asked. "That must've cost ya a fortune."
"It doesn't matter what it cost."
He was still holding it, looking at it. When he looked up at you, you were captured by his eyes. There was something warm bubbling inside of you. You figured it was the eggnog, but a little voice in the back of your head whispered that it wasn't.
"It's very thoughtful," Butcher said. "Thank you."
"You're welcome. Merry Christmas, Butcher."
You were so close to him. You hadn't noticed just how close you were sitting. Your noses were inches away from touching.
And then the pre-heat on the oven went off.
You quickly got up to go put the pizza in the oven. You stood in the kitchen afterwards, trying to talk yourself down from whatever just happened. You were sure it was just the alcohol mixed with the holiday feelings. There was no way you were getting all fuzzy and lightheaded for Billy Butcher of all people. Not that you had any ill feelings towards Butcher. He could be an annoying asshole that pushed your patience levels, but you didn't hate him by any means. On the other hand, you didn't think you could've had those kind of feelings for him. He was your team leader and that was it.
But he was also very handsome. In a rugged type of way anyways. You couldn't deny that.
You shook your head, trying to get rid of all those thoughts. You went to the fridge to pour up another drink.
Once the pizza was ready, you brought the pan to your living room and placed it on the coffee table with a dish towel under it, and two plates along the side for both of you. You topped up Butcher's drink before sitting next to him.
"Let me guess, your favorite Christmas movie is Die Hard?" you asked.
He chuckled. "And you said I'm an enigma."
"Not so much so that I'd think you would want to watch cheesy Christmas movies."
"Eh, don't write me off from all Christmas movies. I would love watching National Lampoons Christmas Vacation every year."
"Okay, we're starting with that one then. That is a classic."
You turned on the movie and settled into the couch. You pulled a fuzzy blanket over your lap and started eating away at the pizza. You initially started on separate ends of the couch, but you found yourself inching closer to Butcher. First it was offering him some of the blanket. He agreed and you shuffled close enough that he could throw a corner of it over his lap. Then it was him reaching for a slice of pizza, scooting a little closer because he "couldn't reach the food" (his words). At one point, you both just shifted closer for no reason at all. When Butcher put his arm along the back of the couch, you leaned into him.
It almost felt normal; cuddled up on the couch, laughing at the hijinks of the Griswold family during Christmas, the only thing lighting the room being the Christmas tree. This is what you imagined Christmas would be like if you were actually in a relationship, not just tipsy and getting a little too close to your team leader.
"See, this movie just cements why I am okay with not celebrating Christmas," Butcher commented. "All the bullshit with family stressing you out and annoying the living shit out of ya. I don't know why anyone ever puts up with it."
"Because despite the chaos, it's time together with family," you said. "Most people love time together with family, even if sometimes family members know how to get on your last nerve."
Butcher shook his head. "Not me. Even when Becca was around, her family..."
He trailed off. You lifted your head to look at him. You couldn't read the expression on his face, so you couldn't tell if mentioning Becca had hit a nerve for him, or if he regretted bringing her up given your current...closeness.
"You can talk about her you know," you told him. "If you feel up to it, I mean. I know it's hard."
"It's easier now that I finally have a definitive answer," he said. "I went years not knowing if I should believe that she was alive or dead. It's fucked up to say, but knowing now that she's gone is a bit of closure for me at least."
"And you still have Ryan," you added. "Even if he's the spawn of Supe Satan himself, that kid is still a part of Becca."
"Thank God he's more like his mother than his father."
"You have us too," you said, playfully nudging his shoulder to try and lighten the mood. "The Boys, I mean. We're like a family now."
He chuckled. "That doesn't exactly help with your point. You lot annoy the fuck out of me too."
"And you annoy the fuck out of us, so we're all even then."
He turned to look at you, finally smiling again. You smiled back at him. There was a brief pause before suddenly he was leaning forward to press his lips against yours. It took you by surprise, but it didn't take long for your muddled brain to have you moving in response, kissing him back.
He pulled away just as quickly as he had moved in. "Sorry. That was, uh...I shouldn't have done that."
Instead of saying anything, you leaned in to kiss him again. He was receptive, which told you he didn't actually regret kissing you first. He gently cupped your face while you wrapped your arms around his neck. The blanket fell to the floor as you sat up on your knees to try and deepen the kiss.
"Whoa, slow down," Butcher said, pulling away slightly but still resting his head against yours. "You've had a few drinks."
"I'm fine," you responded, although you were now more aware of the fact that the lightheadedness you were feeling was from more than just the kiss.
"Either way, I'm not pushing things further when you're not sober," he said.
"Will you stay the night?" you asked him. "I have a guest bedroom...or you can stay in my bed."
He chuckled and kissed your forehead, pulling you in so you were cuddled up against his side again. "I have a feeling if I sleep in your bed I will have a harder time restraining myself."
"Maybe that's my plan."
He shook his head, a smile on his face. "I'll stay the night. If this is how you're feeling in the morning, we can try again then."
Your whole body felt like it was on fire just from his words. You weren't sure how you were going to be able to wait another 12 hours for him to make good on his promise. You appreciated him respecting you enough to wait till you were sober, but also you wished he wouldn't be so respectful.
"Merry Christmas, Billy," you said.
He kissed you on top of your head and said, "Merry Christmas, love."
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tomwambsmilk · 1 year
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Also in love with Jesse Armstrong for choosing this season to come out and say. By the way. In case you missed it somehow. Yeah this is a show about capitalism. The product launch is kind of a work of genuis in that respect. We're taking a dystopian hellscape straight out of Black Mirror where a corporation controls every aspect of your existence and we're rebranding it as something positive. Not to mention all the talk about being "crime-free", which, sure, maybe Kendall has not personally thought through the implications of how that's going to happen, and there are several options, but all are bad. Is it "crime-free" in the commonly used euphemistic sense of being a mostly white community? Is it crime free because any crime is punished with expulsion and possible homelessness? Is it crime free because they're psychologically screening people going in and eliminating anyone who has a "risky" psychology? All of the above? And that doesn't even get into the dystopia of the few priviledged people who get to live in this hellscape having first access to medical care which might improve quality and longevity of life, something which is openly included in the pitch, or the fact that you'll only have access to ATN/Waystar news and entertainment. The dystopia is staggering and the worst part is that it was almost real!!!! This is a real thing Walt Disney tried to do!!!!! This is not as fictional as one would hope!!!!!! Absolutely insanity (affectionate) to incorporate that. And no one seems to clock how fucked up it is, aside from Matsson's holocaust joke, which is rich coming from the head of the "NASDAQ master race". He has no real moral objection, it's just a play. No one realizes how crazy it is, or maybe they don't care how crazy it is - to them it's just the natural conclusion of what they've been doing. It's cruises on land. It's real estate. It's entertainment. It's hell on earth and they can't fucking see it
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Bait and Switch. || Scammer!Reader x Victim!Ghost
Rating: M Words: 2.6K~ Pairing: scammer!Reader x victim(but not really)!Ghost CW: phone scams/conning (reader never actually cons him), financial issues?, threats (Simon threatens to find reader), degradation?. other tags: crack, OOC Simon., you/your pronouns (gn!reader but uses a female fake name), obviously fake names (pun/funny), lying, joking, the weirdest meet cute? a/n: this started out as a joke/crack and turned serious/dark at the end? idk how i did this.
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Simon Riley would say that being legally dead is the best thing to have happened to him and that's because it allowed him to escape a bunch of responsibilities that regular men have to uphold.
He gets paid covertly, in full, and does not have to pay taxes on his income.
He rented a flat from a sweet ol' lady, who didn't run a background check or ask for a copy of his birth certificate (terrible choice on her part), and he pays her by dropping an envelope of cash in her mailbox on the 1st of every of the month.
He not only is old enough to drink but also sounds and looks old enough as well, which means he doesn't need I.D. to buy alcohol (not that any shops or bars really care enough to check).
He doesn't have a credit card. Or a debit card for that matter. Hell, he doesn't even have a bank account, so he doesn't have to pay maintenance fees.
He doesn't have a smartphone. And up until recently he only had a pager. In fact, the only reason he doesn't have a pager anymore is because it got shot in the crossfire during a mission... so Price forced him to get a jitterbug.
In short... Simon Riley can escape a lot of things (death, taxes, Philip Graves...). But telemarketers and phone scammers are not one of those things.
That's how, on a boring Wednesday afternoon, his new phone ends up ringing, like it had been doing multiple times a week for the last four weeks.
Telemarketers.
He never got telemarketers on his pager.
He hated telemarketers.
But that didn't mean he blocked them-
"What?" He answered as soon as he picked up the phone.
An automated voice came over the call, one of those typical Siri-esque robot voices, delivering a prepared speech: "Congratulations! You've won a free cruise to the Bahamas! To claim your prize, press 1."
Oh, now, this was different. He didn't need to hear more to know it was a scam call. But that didn't mean he was going to hang up.
So Simon pressed key 1, which caused a beep to sound over the call.
"Thank you!" The automated voice continued. "We are now connecting you to a live operator to claim your prize!"
Barely a millisecond went by before you took over the call. "Good afternoon, this is Stella Gormoni with Blissful Blessings Inc.! Who am I speaking with?"
As stereotypical as it is, Simon had expected a different voice on the other end of the line... maybe from a scammer in a foreign country who'd speak heavily-accented English...
But instead, he got a sweet and professional sounding person... It almost made him second-guess the scam that was being pulled on him.
His mind moved quick at coming up with a fake name. Not just a fake one, but a pun one too. "Wanh'a, first name Aiden." He replied, his gruff voice reverberating on the call.
"And how do you spell that?" You asked him politely, and, through your headset, he could hear your keyboard keys clacking in the background.
"That's A-I-D-E-N." He replied as he entered his kitchen, spelling his first, as if that was somehow what was causing you difficulty.
"Uh-huh!" You acknowledged in a peppy tone. "And... your surname?" You asked him.
"W-A-N-H-'-A." He continued spelling as he crossed the small kitchen, hearing your fingers tapping away at your keyboard in his ear.
For a moment, you didn't talk, as if stunned into silence. Had you just picked up on the fact he was trolling you by giving you a name that, phonetically, sounded like 'I Don't Wanna'? Probably. But you hadn't hung up yet.
"Well, congratulations, Mr. Wanh'a, you just won an all-inclusive, two-week long cruise to the Bahamas!" Your peppy tone made him bite his lip to contain a laugh. Well, at least you were dedicated in continuing the scam. "How are you feeling?"
"Very well, and yourself?" Simon asked casually as he leaned himself against the door of his refrigerator, leaning down to look inside and find a snack.
"I'm doing very well, thank you, sir." You replied in a cheerful tone. "So, let's process the information so we can get you your prize, shall we?" You announced in a polite tone.
"Go right on ahead, sweet'eart." He murmured as he grabbed a yogurt and closed the fridge with his hip, sitting at the table and peeling open the lid.
"Well, for us to start, I'm going to need your-"
"Actually, I have a question, before we start." Simon interrupted your speech, cutting off your silver-tongued lies.
You went silent for just a moment before you replied with a sweet little: "Of course, what can I help you with, Mr. Wanh'a?"
"I want to know how exactly I signed up to receive this prize." Simon replied before he placed a spoonful of yogurt in his mouth.
He was trying to accomplish two things by doing this: 1) throw you off your game and make you stammer and stutter, and 2) see how long it took for you to get annoyed, and hang up on him.
"Well, that's what I was going to explain, you see-" You replied, a smile behind your voice, but his trained ears could pick up the slight frustration. It made Simon smile.
"Oh, then, I'm sorry for interrupting you, sweet'art, please go ahead." He replied and gestured with his spoon, as if giving you the stage, unnecessarily so, because you were not there to watch it.
"As I was saying... You were entered automatically into the draw by buying a cereal box of any Kellog's cereal at Tesco. I'm sure you saw a 'Win a free cruise!' sticker on yours?" You asked in a professional and sickly-sweet tone.
He could see right through your scam, he had already done that. You name a famous brand, one people trust, to trick naive or impressionable ones into believing you...
Normal people would tell you they no longer have the cereal box, many of them naive enough to believe your scam despite the fact they hadn't even bought one of those boxes in the first place...
Next, you'd ask for the card used to make the purchase, and some people were dumb enough to read their number aloud to you...
Oh, how he hated scammers. Even more than telemarketers.
"I do remember seeing something like that..." He murmured, his voice deepening, before he popped another spoonful of yogurt past his lips, loudly smacking them right against the receiver of his jitterbug.
"Well, all I need is for you to get the box and read me the code that's imprinted on the inside of the flap!" You announced.
"Well, you see, I would, sweet'art... But my sight isn't so good anymore..." Simon replied. "I'm getting up there in age, you know?" He continued eating his yogurt.
"I understand, sir." You replied. "I'm sorry to hear that. One of my cousins also started losing his vision pretty early." You announced.
Huh.
There was no hint of forced sympathy in your voice.
No, you were being genuine. That was a real story of your life you were telling him...
But you had picked up on the fact he was trolling you, right? So why were you-
"Good thing though, about this system of ours, is that you can just confirm your credit card details so we can double check them and get you that prize!" You had, your tone right back to the scamming silver-tongue you had held until now.
Secretly, Simon had to admit that he admired your commitment to the bit. He couldn't help but smile a bit, amused.
"Oh, of course. Let me just set you down while I get my card." Simon replied and got up, finishing his yogurt and tossing out the plastic container, popping the spoon into the sink, and, after setting down his phone, he walked out of the room.
Simon glanced down at his wrist watch, noting the time on it, then, approached his bedroom door, grabbing his over-the-door pull-up bars, and began doing a quick set, leaving you to 'wait' for him in the kitchen.
After a few sets, he waltzed back into the kitchen and grabbed his phone again. "You still there, da'lin'?" He beckoned in a gruff tone.
You sighed, your politeness sounding slightly more forced. He had kept you waiting for over ten minutes after all. "Yes, sir, I am. Did you get your card, Mr. Wanh'a?"
"Oh, please, enough of this 'sir' thing, Mr. Wanh'a was my mother." He replied, then went silent for just a beat, almost like he could hear your frustration sizzling on he other end.
He was being more and more obvious with his trolling... And it pleased him immensely to imagine a parasite like you seething on the other end of the line, reaching your wits' end.
"You can just call me 'Ai', it's what my friends call me." Simon continued, a smirk forming on his lips. "And we're friends now, right? You're giving me a cruise and everythin'." He added, his tone just as charismatic and peppy as his had been.
"I guess we are!" You replied, returning the overly cheery tone. "So, 'Ai Wanh'a', then?" You asked, but he could hear the mix of frustration and amusement behind your voice.
"Yeah? What d'you want, babygirl?" Simon asked, unable to resist making a more impish remark. And, unfortunately, it had the desired result. It genuinely caused your brain to blue-screen for a moment.
Sure, you'd experienced plenty of people getting angry at you when you attempt to scam them, or even trolling you the same way this bloke was doing but...
It was definitely a first, to have someone flirt with you, even if it was still part of his trolling attempt.
"Your... credit card details?" You ended up adding, your voice still showing the surprise and light meekness that came from him catching you off-guard.
"Oh, of course. Are you ready? It's a very complex number." He replied.
"Ready when you are." You added as you steeled yourself for another smartass response or run around from him.
"Here it is: 1234-5678-9987-6543." He replied, reciting the numbers 1-9 in order and then backward. "And the three digits on the back are: 210."
Oh, he was so fucking annoying! He didn't get to troll you, even if it was pretty amusing of him to do so, then flirt with you, then go back to trolling.
"Sir, if you're not interested in the cruise, just say so. There's no need for this mockery." You replied, your tone serious and professional though you were definitely seething on the inside.
Simon could tell. And he reveled in it. "Oh, but I am interested!" He replied with a smirk behind his voice. "In fact, I want to know more. Will my cabin in the cruise have an ocean view?"
Simon heard you inhale aggressively on the other side of the line, steeling yourself not to hang up on him, or down right berating him on the phone. "Yes, Ai, of course!" He heard your fake cheeriness through your clenched teeth. "It'll be a luxury cabin, actually. Isn't that great?"
"No, it's not that great, actually. I get very seasick, you see?" Simon murmured. "Not to mention, ever since my pet goldfish died, I've just never been able to look at the ocean the same..." He added in a forced pitiful tone.
You went quiet again on the other side and Simon knew he had finally worn you out. He waited to hear the clicking sound of the call falling, but, instead, he just heard you let out a sigh.
"You're very frustrating." You murmured.
"Oh, my, is this how you speak to all your prize winners?" Simon gasped dramatically.
"Shut up... You didn't have to be a smartass, you know?!" You scolded him, as if you had any ground to stand on.
"No, I fear I did, sweet'art." Simon replied as he leaned casually against the kitchen counter. "You called me, interrupted my day, and wasted my time with a scam, of all things. I have every right to be a smartass and have some fun with it." He added, a smug tone obvious in the dulcets of his deep voice.
"Okay? You could've just hung up on me?" You were truly grasping at straws to justify your behaviour. It was comical.
Simon laughed dryly. "And waste an opportunity to annoy a parasitic leech like you?" He quipped.
That stunned you into silence for a moment and you couldn't help but pout a bit.
"Not to mention, what you're doing is illegal, you know that righ'? And I'm military, I could get you arrested for this." He added.
"For that, you'd need to know where I am." You retorted, maybe a bit bratilly. "Besides, I knew you were a soldier."
"And how did you know that?"
"You used the NATO phonetic alphabet while spelling 'your' name'." You replied directly. "Nobody spells 'Aiden' as 'Alpha-India-Delta-Echo-November'."
"So you knew I was military and you still went ahead with your little scam attempt? You're not that bright, are you?" He defied you, which earned him a scoff from your end.
"No, I already knew you were trolling me."
"Oh, so you just wanted to waste my time?"
"That's exactly it, Aiden."
"Sounds to me like you're just looking for trouble, da'lin'." He quipped, his voice having lowered to a gruffer tone.
Rolling your eyes, you scoffed. "Am not. I'm just enjoying myself. You're not the only one that can make jokes at people's expenses."
"No, you really are..." He tutted his tongue and shook his head. "Need I remind you you were trying to scam me, and other people?" He added in a tone that sent a shiver down your spine.
"I know what I was doing."
"Yeah? And are you proud of that? Proud of being a conniving little cunt who tries to take people's hard-earned money?" He taunted you.
You didn't reply. Of course you weren't proud. You still had a conscience! But you wouldn't tell him that. He wouldn't get the satisfaction of hearing you apologise.
"I see. You don't like what I'm saying, so you give me the silent treatment, is that it, sweet'art?" He teased. You could hear the smirk behind his words.
"I wonder if you'd still act like this if you had to face me and had to answer for yourself."
Closing your fists tight, you steel yourself again to gain some edge and reply to him. "I guess you're going to keep wondering then. Because it's not happening."
"You know, it's a shame your little computer spat out my phone number for you to call..." He trailed off.
"And why's that?"
"Because instead of anyone else, you got me... And that's just... really bad luck for you. Any other service member, you would've been fine..." He trailed off.
"What, are you some sort of General-Major-Chief thing, super high up the ladder?" You taunted.
Simon simply chuckled dryly on the other side of the line. "No. But I'm definitely the worst person you could've tried to play with."
"Oh, big scary man, what are you gonna do? Gonna come teach me a lesson?" You added, taunting him some more, clearly feeling comfortable behind your laptop, with your smartphone, sitting at home, comfortable and warm, with your pet at your feet. "Oh, I'm so scared!" You added, feigning fear in a dramatic tone.
"Is that a challenge I'm hearing, sweet'art? Inviting me to come pay you a visit?" Simon asked you, his brow cocking, despite the fact you couldn't see it.
You don't know what it was about the way he spoke. The way he said that. The way his voice sounded.
It sent a shiver down your spine, a cold sweat, like he was, for the first time, not joking around anymore.
"No...?" You murmured in reply, feeling your shoulders tensing in an unpleasant way.
"Yeah... That's an invite I'm hearing..." He disregarded what you said and chuckled. "Maybe I'll come pay you a visit then, hey? How does that sound, little leech?"
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thetistaboveall · 8 months
Text
REVENGE
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“Woah!” My voice utters crashing down to earth once again as my ghost jumps in to a new body one I have been haunting for two weeks on end.
It’s been a long boring day in his expensive CEO life as he packs up for the day locking his suitcase as he exits the officer with a gold symbol.
He enters the hallway on floor seven as my ghost shifts he is so tired he can’t believe he saw what he is seeing it’s looks like a damn ghost.
The long white ghostly finger stands up with no reflection shining back as his fears rises to the sky and his heart pounds on his chest as he holds it.
Backing up his back hits the wall behind him a strong hard thud sends a bone curdling shock through his spine as he is radiating every inch.
His body reverberating in panic shaking in a bought of fear and anxiety the ghost (me) is smiling and he pops into the hallway landing in his face.
He screams his voice bouncing on every wall sounding like a scared little girl makes this even more hilarious because I really don’t give a damn.
Taking a deep breath I sigh scanning every inch am crevice of his body making sure I do not miss a step then racing to meet him head on head.
My hands tighten on to his shoulders tightly pin him to the wall as he realizes his faith is to be my victim I jump into him the minute we make contact.
I could see the struggle on his face with a horrid expression overtaking we roll back and forth on the floor spinning to the edge as we fall down the staircase.
We hit the wall hard knocking us both in to unconscious state as we fall into darkness his eyes close shut and he is left half dead now.
Unbeknownst to him my dear a few of his work pals heard his calls in shouts came to his rescue calling for help and he is taken to a private clinic.
I awaken alive in his body with a soar body engulfing me in a fiery pitch and I slowly try to sit up barely even making it because he is still in there.
Sitting up eventually after a long struggle I greet the mirror staring at back at the image of him the anger building up in him erupts in a huge rage.
The look he gives me as if he can take it all back by leaping through the mirror to tackle me and strangle me to death then pound me to death.
The reaction of deafer comes to him in his eyes I can see his reality holding onto what is left as he as he is in being piloted with cruise control.
I smirk with an evil glare spreading on to my bow plumb pink lips it’s sickening but I took his body for a reason absolute revenge on all mine enemies.
I slip off of the medical slab landing on to my feet the cold floor feels so good under my feet my toes dig in walking towards the mirror.
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“What do you want from me? Fuck you!”
“I am your lord and Master now”
“This body is my vessel now “
“STOP IT! RELEASE ME!”
“Why should I bastard?”
“It belongs to me”
“Hell No!”
“I cannot believe for second you ever really loved and experienced life.”
“I have so much and I won’t give it up”
“As if you have a choice “
“I certainly do”
“We all have choices”
“Maybe! You are fool my dear “
“So much more possibilities “
“Yet wasted potential “
“I have always wanted a new life”
“I am starting over “
“Get use to it bitch”
“Mwahahahahaha “
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The end
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shares-a-vest · 8 months
Text
Steve looks up from his magazine, one of Keith’s many car subscriptions that he is gifted as leftovers, to find Dustin not not looking straight at him and fiddling with the same copy of Hello! Dolly he had picked up a solid ten minutes ago.
He is fairly certain he knows Dustin’s movie preferences. And they don’t include Barbara Streisand’s matchmaking through song and big hats.
Dustin turns away, revealing a backpack that now sports a gigantic Hellfire patch sewn onto the front pocket, courtesy of Robin and Eddie’s joint sewing endeavours.
“Henderson!” Steve calls, frowning.
Nothing. The kid might as well be twiddling his goddamn thumbs as he chances a glance over he shoulder, very obviously hearing him.
Steve snaps the magazine shut and rounds the counter to the musical section. But Dustin scampers away, setting a steady pace as he comically power walks down the split horror-comedy aisle in order to double back to the front of the store.
“Hey! What the hell, man?” Steve says, taking a few strides to get ahead of the kid so Dustin is blocked right between him and the front candy display, “What the hell is up with you?”
He probably sounds more accusatory than curious, judging by Dustin’s wide and panicked eyes. The boy shrugs and looks away.
Yeah, Dustin not talking and not blabbering away about anything, let alone whatever it is that’s up? Fucking weird.
Steve looks him over, examining his young friend’s movements as he shuffles on the spot and periodically scuffs his sneakers on the sun-faded green carpet.
“Um, uhhh...” Dustin hums after a long pause.
Still strangely incomprehensible for him – but it’s something, at least.
“What is it?” he asks, voice low as he searches for a shred of eye contact.
“Do you, I dunno... maybe...” Dustin trails off, gesturing in the air as a pair of nervous eyebrows disappear up under the Cubs cap Steve gifted him for Christmas 1984.
Not that Dustin cares about the Cubs – then or now.
Dustin slips his hands under his backpack straps and rocks on the spot as he continues prattling on.
“Do you wanna hang out on Sunday? I mean, if you don’t have a date or anything.”
The kid sticks out his bottom lip and rolls his eyes, not at all appearing as casual as he seems to want to be.
“Sure,” Steve shrugs, confused.
Jesus Christ, since when is this kid all nervous about hanging out?
“Steve,” Dustin sighs deeply, pinching his nose (good, back to his bratty, if a little exasperated, self), “Sunday is Father's Day.”
“Oh.”
He must have passed by the greeting card display at Melvad’s, over and over during every lunch break as he headed in for a can of soda and whatever non Family Video-sponsored candy Keith was craving.
It’s not like he had any reason to remember. His folks haven’t been home since the ‘earthquake’ and they almost never call. Hell, he has enough of a time conversing at any length when his mother does call, let alone asking her to put his father on the phone.
Not that he wants to talk to his non-college attending, barely-high school graduate son who works minimum wage retail and has no girlfriend, anyway.
Not that all of that matters much when Dustin is looking back at him with a rare sadness in his eyes.
“I mean, your dad isn’t home – obviously,” Dustin starts, though not quite as harsh as his usual barbs, “And Will spends the day with Hop now. Eddie and Wayne go fishing. And I would be going to visit my grandpa but he and Nanna went on a cruise. I think they went – ”
“Sure, buddy,” he blurts out, offering a pat on the shoulder to make up for inadvertently cutting the kid off. He pauses and frowns, “But what about your mom?”
Dustin shrugs, “She wants to have a girl’s day with Valerie.”
Ah, yes. Valerie Richardson, Claudia Henderson’s best friend and Hawkins’ biggest town gossip courtesy of her job as the receptionist at the doctor’s office. Steve can’t help but laugh – Valerie really knows her stuff.
“I’m assuming their girl’s day will involve a charcuterie board and wine?”
“Charcuterie,” Dustin mutters, beyond displeased at the thought of dips, fruit and water crackers – a far cry from his mother’s prized lasagne.
“Alright,” Steve announces, rubbing his hands together, “We’d better pick out some movies. I’m thinking we hit the arcade, then have a movie marathon over the cheesiest of pizzas...”
Dustin grins.
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descendantofthesparrow · 11 months
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Can't stop this feeling - Harry Hook x reader- SMUT FIC- P7
SMUT FIC-MINORS DNI- All ‘important’ characters are 18+!
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warning; not a smutty part really, its more of a neverland chapter but (y/n) and Harry get each other off with their hands but that's bout it XD
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April had arrived, and Harry’s birthday had come with it, meaning something very special for the both of you.
Harry’s eyes were practically squeezed shut as he stepped through the portal that led directly into the heart of Neverland, his hand clutching onto yours as the sound of twinkling bells, an ocean breeze, and lost boys enveloped his senses. “Harry,” you called his name softly, stepping in front of him and squeezing his hand, smiling at him as he fluttered his eyes open, keeping his gaze on you. “look around,” he did, his eyes widening as he took in the sight around him.
“Holy shit,” Harry breathed, stepping away from the portal and spinning around to see everything, he never thought he would ever see Neverland, maybe in pictures but-to see it with his own eyes, to step foot on its magical soil. “i-holy shit,”
You laughed slightly, stepping back to let Harry experience this all on his own, bringing your hands up to smile behind them, biting your lip as Harry shook his head, running his hand through his hair. “I cannot believe I’m ‘ere,” Harry muttered, his face set into a heartbreaking softness with tears in his eyes. “holy shit,”
You let him have a few more moments and then offered your hand, nodding towards the path that led to Mermaid Lagoon. “You ready?” Harry stared, biting his lip. The two of you had talked about going to Mermaid Lagoon, to visit your mother(his mother’s best friend from years ago) and to unlock the rest of Harry’s Mer-biology. Right now he had opal-like scales and gills, but no tail or color, but once he submerged into the neverland waters-he would finally gain his color and tail.
Harry took a deep breath, and took your hand, nerves consuming him as you walked towards the beach-the sound of waves soon overtaking the sound of the forest. He froze at the sight of the water that in itself, seemed magical-separate from the rest of the land. “I don’t know if I can do this,” Harry said, not sure this was a good idea anymore. “what if they hate me?” his voice cracked and you turned, taking his face and kissing him gently, easing his nerves slightly.
“They won't,” you whispered softly, you had sent a message months ago, right after the cruise had ended-and your mother had been very very eager to meet Harry-her best friend's son. It didn’t matter his origin or who his father was-Harry was a piece of Iris, and the pod would accept him with open arms. “I promise,”
Harry bit his inner lip and let you take his hand again, pulling him towards the small shore/cliff that led into the lagoon, grinning as you saw your family, most of them hanging out on the pink-toned rocks and the others swimming or hunting.
“Oh-Arella, it’s (y/n)! darling come here my beautiful, let me look at you~” your aunt Coral cooed, holding out her hands to you as she swam close to the shore, pushing herself up on the rock as you let Harry hang back and set your bag down-meeting your aunt halfway and letting her hold your face, laughing as she turned your face this way and that-humming in approval. “Still so darling-oh my-is this-“
She squealed, admiring your opal jewelry and mate mark on your neck, a grin blooming on your face. “Oh darling! you’ve bonded!” all the present members of your pod cooed and screeched, chattering and clicking in mermish as they rushed up to you, admiring your gifts from Harry and looking closer at the bite mark he left.
You lifted your head in pride, smiling down at your family, your mother’s eyes on Harry, who hung back in the shadow’s, still very unsure of all of this. Neverland? Cool, cool, mermaid lagoon where his mother had been born, raised, and stolen from? Not as cool, he was nervous and terrified as all hell, scared someone would hate him for his father’s actions against his mother.
Your mother called your name gently, keeping her eyes on Harry. You hummed, pulling away from your aunts and walking over to her, taking off your shoes as you did. “Yes mama?” you asked, crouching next to her as she came up to the shore and looking where she was, grinning when you saw Harry.
“Is that him?” she asked, trying to get a better look at the son of her late best friend. You nodded, standing and holding out your hand to him. “C’mon,” you said gently, grinning as he stepped out of the shadows and walked over to you, his cheeks blazing and his shoulders tense, terrified. “mama, this is Harry, Iris’ son, and my bonded mate.”
It was quiet for a moment, Harry’s eyes stayed on you, too scared to look anywhere else. They hated him, he knew it, he should just leave-he really should. But then he felt a hand in his and he turned-locking eyes with your mother. She was smiling, tears in her eyes. “You look just like her,” she whispered, shaking her head and laughing in disbelief, Harry just stared, squeezing your hand. “oh young one, welcome home.” In one motion, she pulled Harry down for a hug and everyone else swam over to greet him-all commenting on his resemblance to Iris, not once mentioning Harry’s father. He could only understand half of them-the others speaking mermish, but he smiled at you, his fears disappearing in an instant.
You grinned down at him, mouthing ‘I told you so’. He just laughed, turning back to your mother as she chatted away, telling him all about his mother-how she had always wanted children, especially a son. Harry eventually sat down, his feet dangling in the water, his opal scales being poked and prodded by the younger mers swimming around-asking why he had such scales.
“He needs to go into the waters deary, then his colors will be revealed,” one of the mothers said, pulling her child away from Harry-who was chuckling at the feeling of his foot being grabbed and moved around. You had gone into the water at this point, swimming around with your mother and talking, telling her how you got together and how you discovered you were soulmates(leaving out all the nsfw details), she very much approved, and the two of you went back to Harry-who was given your mothers blessing.
He might’ve cried a little, you wouldn’t tell anyone though.
Soon enough, Harry was in his swim trunks, standing a few feet away from the water’s edge, fiddling with his hands nervously. “What if it doesn’t work?” he asked, truly wanting to take your hands and take that risk, but the fear he wouldn’t turn kept him rooted on the shore.
You just smiled, tilting your head. “Then it doesn’t, it won’t change a thing.” Harry sighed, wading into the water, taking your hand when he got close enough, feeling everyone’s eyes on him as he got deeper into the lagoon. “Ready?” you asked, holding your mate tightly as his feet left the rocks that connected to the shore-now suspended in the water.
Harry nodded, unable to speak, and closed his eyes, the two of you sinking under the surface. You couldn’t keep the grin off your face nor could you stop the squeal that left you as Harry’s scales bloomed with color, a brilliant blue that matched his eyes and shimmered under the sunlight that beamed through the surface of the water.
You held his hands as his legs turned to a tail, his fin sharp and long-the trait of an attack Mer; the same as his mother. His nails grew sharp, and his knuckles were armored along with his shoulders, elbows, and forearms-allowing him more power behind his attacks. His eyes snapped open-his pupil now angled and shimmering with new magic; he gasped; his fangs now fully shown off. “There you go,” you cooed, kissing the corner of his mouth as Harry looked down at himself, a laugh of disbelief escaping him.
“holy thit,” he muttered, now having a lisp thanks to his new fangs. You laughed, swimming around him-still holding his hand, admiring your beautiful mate, his dark hair complimenting his ocean tail and eyes-just like his mother.
Your mother said as such and Harry teared up, his cheeks flushing and blending into his cheek scales, blubbering a bit as you hugged him-giggling as he pushed his face into your neck. Harry admired his tail, flailing his arms a bit as he sank, clutching onto you as you grabbed him and hauled him back up.
“Need ta get used to your tail eh?” one of your uncles laughed, teasing the new Mer of the pod. Harry flushed, pouting a bit, admiring your tail as you swam around him-showing him how to move his new muscles. “Why doeth me tail look thso different from yerths?” Harry asked, gesturing between his sharp fins and your fins-which flowed like thin fabric-but was just as powerful as his.
“Genetics…and we’re different types of mers, I’m a lure Mer, aka a pretty one that lures prey to their death, think a beta fish-and you’re an attack Mer-the one who hunts and takes down the prey we lure,” You explained, some of the younger mers swimming up and helping Harry learn how to swim with his new tail-taking his hands and holding them up in front of his head.
“you-you gotta use your hands like a guide,” Mira said, sticking his tongue out of his mouth and shoving his bright white hair out of his face-showing Harry what he meant. Harry nodded, taking the kid's advice seriously and following their movements, grinning at you when he successfully swam with his tail. “love! Did ye thsee-I did it!” you giggled, zooming over to him and twirling him around, your tail grazing his face-his cheeks a bright red.
“You did,” you cooed, swimming just above him and kissing him gently, ignoring the gags and squeaks from the kids around you. The older mers cooed and talked among each other-while you guided Harry around, holding his hands the entire time while he learned to swim.
“ith’s heavier than I thought it would be,” Harry muttered, wiggling his hips a bit, landing on a rock and messing with his tail, rubbing his thumbs against his scales. You just hummed, lying next to and around him, propping your head on your hand. “thso-ith anymore of my human anatomy changed with thith?” Harry asked, gesturing to himself.
You hummed, pursing your lips in thought, reaching up and tapping his ear-which was still rounded like a human, unlike your pointed ears. Some things went unaltered, like his ears, and he had a belly button-something you only had in human form. He felt his ear, his eyes drawing to yours, the top half covered in scales-unlike his-his were still human and his scales stopped at his tragus.
“Not really sure what didn’t and didn’t change, suppose that will be something we’ll discover together,” you mumbled, feeling down his arm and curling your hand into his, smiling at the warmth you felt. He squeezed your hand, smiling, feeling so goddamn happy-he was so glad he took this chance. Never in his wildest dreams would he ever of thought of getting a tail, getting a wonderful mate, or even go to Neverland-but he was here, with you, surrounded by his newfound family.
He was happy-so fucking happy.
He turned, grabbing your face and kissing you with every thought and feeling that was going through him right now, smiling against your lips as you giggled into the kiss and wrapped your arms around his neck-pulling back suddenly at the whistles and cheers he heard from your family. Harry blushed furiously, the red blending into his scales as he held you close, smiling as you continued to laugh, your fingers dancing across his cheeks and shoulders.
He was so happy.
-
He lay on your bed later that day, the sun disappearing behind the horizon, his hair drifting up and around with the push of the water encasing him comfortably. His eyes were closed, sleep creeping up at the back of his mind-everything slowly began to slip away, your head on his chest with your arms tossed over his chest. You were still awake, tracing the edges of his bright blue scales with the tips of your fingers-once in a while sending shivers down his spine.
He peered up at you as you moved above him-your hair flowing around you as you did so, your hands suddenly on his cheeks as you looked down at him with such adoration it made him want to cry. “Hi,” Harry whispered, voice deep with sleep. You smiled, leaning down and pecking his lips, whispering against them as you pulled back. “Hello,” you said, your lips traveling across his face, the corner of his lips, his jaw, his nose, his cheekbones, his eyes, his brows, anywhere you could reach.
Harry had never felt so loved.
His hands found the curve of your back, trailing the beginning of the fin that protruded from your back, sighing against your lips as they met his again. He felt your hands in his hair and he felt dizzy, warmth bursting in his chest as his hands traveled your skin, brushing against your scales, feeling your warmth he still wondered how he hadn’t noticed until that fateful day almost half a year ago. It amazed Harry that time had gone by so quickly, it almost seemed like a dream-that cruise.
But he wouldn’t trade the time for anything in the world.
Not if it meant losing you.
Harry let out a shuddering breath as your lips traveled down his jaw, your teeth gently pressing against his neck-brushing over his bond mark. He breathed your name and your lips were on his again, hotter than before, hungry. Your hands pulled at his hair, trailing down his neck until you held his face, heat traveled down his body, and shivers erupted across his skin.
He gasped against your lips as one of your hands went down-brushing against his chest and finding the spot where-in his human body-his dick would be. Harry’s head dropped back with a choked gasp as your fingers slipped into something-a slit, wet and pulsing with heat.
He gasped your name again and you hummed, gently biting his jaw as you teased the slit you found. Pleasure danced across his body, his hand finding your shoulder, letting himself fall into your touch, gasping again and again as you brought something forth from that slit-his cheeks burning as he glanced down-feeling your hands gliding across something familiar.
“Oh,” Harry breathed, staring down at his dick-which had barely changed between his human form and his mer form. “so that’s where it went,” you laughed gently, ghosting your fingers up and down his dick, Harry’s eyes fluttered shut and his head fell back, his hips bucking into the feeling, chasing it. “fuck-“ he moaned your name, his hand finding your cheek as you kissed him again, the other traveling down your body-looking for that same slit in your tail.
You hummed into his mouth as his fingers dipped into that slit, your bodies heating up as you explore each other, Harry almost panting as you stroked his cock. He breathed your name again, his brows furrowing as your hand sped up. He pushed his fingers further into you and curled them, smirking as you gasped and pulled away from his lips, panting as your eyes cracked open, the two of you staring into each other's eyes as you pleasured each other.
Harry’s breath hitched and his back arched as he was suddenly overwhelmed with warmth-that coil snapping in his gut. His fingers hit something devastating within you and you came with him, gasping into his neck as you curled into his body, the two of you breathing heavily.
You lay there for a long moment, just breathing the other in, Harry’s fingers trailing across your back as your hands held onto his shoulders, thumb ghosting across his scales. “I love you,” Harry said, smiling as you sat up suddenly, eyes wide. “wh-wha?” you laughed, huffing as Harry leaned up and caught your lips, his hands traveling your curves and pulling you close.
“I love you; I think I have been since our first date,” Harry said, not joking in the slightest as you smiled at him, taking his face and kissing him. “I love you too,” you whispered as you pulled away, cuddling into your mate as he pulled you to rest beside him-falling asleep to the sound of your breathing and the push of water above the surface.
-
You spent the rest of the week in neverland-Harry getting the hang of his tail as you explored the waters together, soon enough he was easily keeping pace with the other attack mers, grinning cheekily as you raced him from the lagoon to skull rock. He listened to every story your mom told him about Iris, played with the younger mers of the pod, explored every bit of the lagoon he could, kissed you behind the coral, napped in the sun on the pink stone of the lagoon-his tail resting in the blue waters.
The day before you were scheduled to leave, you gifted him something new, one of your scales, plucked from your tail. You drew a thin leather string through it, allowing it to hang around his neck if he so wished. His smile when you gave it to him nearly blinded you, he took the necklace and then your face-kissing you quickly yet passionately, and then put the necklace on, his eyes soft and sweet as he caressed your scale with his numb-your colors shimmering under the water.
Your mother made Harry promise to return as the two of you left, and Harry beamed, nodding-no longer afraid of their judgment, and you held hands as you went back to the portal that would send you back to Auradon prep.
Harry called your name softly before you went to leave and you turned, smiling as Harry stepped close, his arms wrapping around you, his forehead pressing against yours. “Thank you,” he whispered, and you kissed him, breathing him in.
“Anything for you my love,” you whispered back, taking his hand and taking him back to Auradon.
-end of p7-
damn, its been a bit hasnt it? lowkey lost my groove for...idk I've just been outta it since i got back from Georgia i dont know why, but hopefully i can get back into it, for both writing and art. anyways p7! and Harry got his mer form!!!!
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