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hairmetal666 · 1 year

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3 Times Eddie has a Secret + 1 Time Steve Does

Erica Sinclair wants to throw a Valentine's Day party, and woe betide anyone coming between Erica and an idea. Eddie's happy to show up, spend some time with the kids, Robin, and Steve (though he's with the latter pair all the time), and mostly doesn't think much about it. That is until, two weeks out, Max shows up at his trailer with that look on her face, and he knows he's in for it, though he's not sure why.

He gives her a little bow. "To what do I owe the pleasure, Max?"

"You're going to Erica's party, Munson." Her hands go to her hips and her brow pinches. It's such a Steve Harrington pose it knocks something loose in Eddie's chest. "And you aren't going to say one word about conformists and sheep."

He rolls his eyes, sighs hard. "I'm surprised at you, Mayfield. Didn't have you pegged as a candy hearts type of gal."

"It's for Erica." The tip of her sneaker scuffs at the earth. "And Lucas likes it."

Eddie bites his lip to stifle his smile. They're so fucking cute.

"I suppose I can put in an appearance."

"And be on your best behavior?"

"Scout's Honor."

"You weren't a scout," she grumbles.

"Nope. But still. I'll do it for Little Sinclair."

It shouldn't bother him, the assumption that he'd be a shit about Valentine's Day. He's worked really hard to cultivate an image and it doesn't exactly scream "Be Mine." And yes, yeah, sure, the Munson Doctrine doesn't go in for the holiday, and his cynical heart blah-blah-blah. It's just that. Well, he sort of enjoys the love part.

And later that night, in the safety of his dark bedroom, he acknowledges that he wouldn't mind having a date on Valentine's Day. It would be--well, it would be nice to have someone buy him flowers or chocolates, or even--ugh--a gross, sappy, sentimental card. He wants to have reservations at Enzo's, wants to go see a terrible romcom after, wants to go home and fall into bed with the person he loves. And it isn't metal, or even very cool, but he wants to be showered with affection, celebrated, fucking loved.

He wants so much his entire body aches with it.

II.

Eddie's at Family Video, rifling through the candy that he knows Steve just reorganized.

"What are you looking for, Munson?" Robin asks. She's half-engrossed in the paperwork in front of her.

Eddie's half listening, watching Steve re-shelve New Releases. He's focused on the VHSs in his arms, so Eddie has ample opportunity to admire the bunch and stretch of his shoulder muscles as he reaches to the top of the wall.

"I don't know," he nibbles on his lip. "Something that's not so," he wiggles his hand through the air.

"Romantic?" She guesses.

"No," he shakes his head. "I mean--"

"You mean?" She's focused on him now, must have caught him watching Steve, and he hopes she doesn't make it a big deal.

"Something," he says. "Um. Just something different."

And what he means is a movie for a guy like him where love doesn't have to be a distant dream. Where he can have feelings for someone and it isn't potentially dangerous.

So, he smiles and shrugs. Grabs the tape closest to his hand. "Guess I'll just take this."

"Well, this is definitely different, Eddie," she says. She narrows her eyes at him, like he's a new language she's learning, but he scampers out before she can say anything.

The movie he grabbed without looking is Cocoon and he can't even pretend interest, so he's not exactly disappointed when someone knocks at his door a few hours later. He's expecting Max, maybe Steve, but startles a little at Robin. She pushes past him and into the trailer.

"Good to see you too, Buckley."

She ignores him. "I have something to tell you. You and Steve are the only people who know."

"Okay?" His eyes are so wide it kind of hurts.

She takes a deep breath. "I'm gay."

"What?" He shrieks, doesn't know why. He's always kind of known.

Robin responds by swatting at him, and they bat at one another with the tips of their fingers.

"Nancy?" He asks once they calm down.

"Shut-up," Robin flushes a dark red.

"It's the guns right?"

It's her turn to shriek, and she gets a solid punch in on his shoulder. They wrestle around, until Eddie pulls away, pushing his hair off his sweaty forehead.

"I'm--" he's never said the words to another person. Uncle Wayne just sort of knew and you don't really have to talk at any of the bars he goes to in Indy. "I'm gay too," he tells Robin.

She beams at him. "Cool."

"Cool." He fiddles with his rings. "Harrington knows about you?"

"He was the first person I told."

"You aren't going to tell him about me?"

She leans her head on his shoulder. "Of course not. But he'd be okay, if you wanted to tell him."

He can't help but scoff. "It's different for lesbians, Buckley. Straight guys can be into that."

She scoffs right back. "Steve isn't like that and you know it."

She's right. He does. But the fear runs deep. Especially especially because it's Steve. And Eddie couldn't handle any of things that might happen if Robin is wrong.

"Thanks, Bucks," he says. He leans his head against hers, hugs her close.

III.

Erica's party is happening at Steve's and Eddie shows up at the appointed time, with the appointed cupcakes (baked from a box, frosted from a can).

The kids are shouting in the living room, but his eyes automatically find Steve in the kitchen. He has a a towel draped over his shoulder, hair disheveled, and is mixing Tropical Punch and Sprite into a serving bowl.

"How'd you end up hosting?" Eddie asks.

Steve smiles, a bashful little thing. "Erica called me this morning and yelled until I agreed."

"Pushover," Eddie teases.

"Oh, and you just made those cupcakes for fun, Munson?"

"Shut-up, Harrington." Eddie knocks their shoulders together. "They're ugly as shit. Didn't know there was an art to frosting cupcakes."

"I think I can help. You mind?"

Steve grabs some plastic spatula looking thing, gets to work with a focused determination that has him biting at his lip. Heat kicks in Eddie's blood, makes it so he can't watch. Instead, he slides a finger into the icing.

"Hey! What--? Munson!" Steve yells, as Eddie brushes the pink frosting onto Steve's cheekbone.

"Got ya!" He dances out of reach.

They bob and weave and dodge through the kitchen, laughing and yelling, until Steve has Eddie pressed against the cabinets, no escape. They're close, breathing hard and pink-faced. He can't help glancing down at the plush softness of Steve's mouth, can't help noticing Steve's eyes track the movement. Time pauses, stutters, and the distance between them closes.

"Steve!" Dustin shouts. "What's taking so long?"

The tension breaks and Eddie escapes into the living room, desperate to convince himself it wasn't a moment, that Steve isn't interested. Wishes his heart was a little more cynical, after all.

The party is fun. There are games and snacks and crafts. He gets roped into playing Mystery Date and tries and fails to not notice Steve bent over, playing Twister, left hand on red, right hand on green.

When they start doing crafts, Steve is hard at work on a Valentine.

"What you making, Stevie?" Eddie asks. He cranes his neck to see.

"Back off, Munson."

"Got someone you've been admiring, big boy?"

Steve goes pink and Eddie can't tell if it's the nickname or his question.

"Wouldn't you like to know?"

And since Eddie really, really would, he jumps towards Steve, trying to sneak a peek. Steve laughs, hard and kind of surprised, before hunching over the card.

"None of your business, Eddie." But Steve is flushed and smiling.

Eddie pouts. "You know how much I love knowing things."

Steve looks at him. Like, looks at him, and Eddie goes warm all over.

"Maybe if you're a good boy today, you'll get to know later, yeah?"

Good boy does things. It makes Eddie's heart stop, his breathing slow, re-routes all the blood in his body south. He can only gasp and nod, sure his eyes are weirdly glazed.

Good boy. He's not sure if he hears another word spoken to him for the rest of the day.

IV.

The party draws to a close. For once in their lives, the actual parents are driving their kids around and Robin hitches a ride with the Hopper-Byers, leaving Eddie and Steve on clean-up.

"Wanna stick around, Munson? Watch a movie? Think I have a joint leftover from last week."

"Course, Stevie, how could I say no to such a generous offer."

"I think you're making fun of me, but I don't understand why."

Eddie laughs. "Totally genuine, sweetheart. Cross my heart." Steve smiles at that, his eyes turning the color of honey.

Eddie is so, so fucked.

They get situated on the couch and Steve says, "Have you been good today?"

"Huh?" Eddie can't breathe.

"I said you could see what I was making if you were good today. Were you?"

Eddie can't speak, can't think, can't move. His brain is throbbing. This has to be a dream. No way Steve is actually asking that.

But Steve is looking at him and somehow he has the presence of mind to fucking nod, and then Steve is handing him a red construction paper heart and a rose with petals so purple they're almost black.

He's hallucinating. That's what this is. He got some laced weed and now his wildest fantasy is playing out in his head.

The Valentine has a white lace doily thing glued to it and it says, in glitter:

"Roses are red,

Violets are Blue;

Eddie Munson,

I really like you"

His eyes fall on Steve. He perceives him, the way a pink flush sits high on his cheekbones, the shine in his eyes, the tremble in his hands.

Oh shit. Oh shit. Eddie isn't hallucinating. He's not dreaming. He's--

"Steve," he sounds a wreck.

"It's--Eddie, it's okay if you don't like me back. I just--I've liked you for a while and Robin thought I should tell you, and--"

"Steve," he says again, stands this time. "Can I kiss you?" It's a miracle he gets the words out.

"God, yes, please," Steve nearly whines.

Eddie pulls him in close, slotting their mouths together. Steve tastes like Tropical Punch and frosting and he makes a little noise as Eddie nips at his lip.

And that's it, that's all it takes. Eddie is gone, ruined, Valentine's celebrator until the end of time, lost forever to Steve-goddamn-Harrington.

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gfnicarl · 1 year

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Staring into an Art

Carl Grimes X Reader

You both passed by into this old house when Carl got curious and walked inside without hesitation to inspect if they were no walkers or anything that's dangerous.

"Carl! What are you doing, its dangerous!" You shouted on him but Carl didn't care and still walked inside, as you followed him.

You slowly step and walked inside with a caution, you grip tight of your gun, your heartbeat is strong and kicking from the nervousness when your eyes find him.

You walked inside still looking around if its safe and there are no walkers, you immediately find Carl on a empty room, he was looking into something, a painting.

He stood there in awe, he was so mesmerized by the painting inside the room, you walked beside him, as you were ready to throw bad words at him, when he softly spoke

"This painting is amazing" his eyes were glued on it, not wanting to look at anything but just on the painting, you shaked your head and sighed, Carl is really a pain in the ass you mumbled on your breathe

You try to give a look on the painting, your eyes started to find it amusing, it was a flower painting. Carl's right it was so captivating when you stare at it, you smiled and appreciate the beauty of the painting when your eyes shifted on Carl that was still staring at the painting.

You are now focused at him, his soft skin that is literally shining, his deep ocean eyes you could always lose yourself, his pointy nose that gives the best angle of him, and his smile that could brighten a day. While he was staring into an art little did he know he's an example of it, he's the art that you would always want to look and love. You can't help but to smile when you thought of it when Carl caught you.

"Is there something on my face?" He asked curiously, staring you deep in your eyes

You chuckled as you made an excuse "nothing i was just lost at this art"

His precious smile came up again as he leans closer to the painting, adoring it

" yeah it was really pretty"

He was so adorable right now, he was so clueless that he's one of the art too, your eyes looked at his face again, admiring him for a second before speaking

"Yeah so pretty and adorable"

#carl grimes #carl grimes x reader #the walking dead #twd #carl grimes imagines #carl grimes fanfiction #twd carl #fluff #secret crushes #painting #carl grimes x y/n

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atths--twice · 1 year

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Meeting Agent Pendrell

Other than simply seeing with his own eyes, how did Mulder know about Pendrell’s crush on Scully?

A tweet once again has prompted a story idea. Thanks @eggshellheart , for asking something I had honestly never thought of before. Hope you like this take. ❤️

“What did you say his name was again?” Mulder asked, as he walked beside Scully.

“Agent Pendrell,” she said.

“Right,” Mulder nodded, stopping as a group of agents approached them and falling behind Scully.

“He’s quite brilliant,” she said as he caught up to her. “Very informative and ready to help with anything.”

“Is he?” Mulder asked, glancing at her sideways.

“Yeah. He’s helped me with quite a bit of things. He’s here.” She pointed to the door to their left and he waited as she walked in ahead of him.

A man, shorter than him but taller than Scully, smiled when he saw her and began to walk towards her.

“Agent Pendrell,” she said, smiling at him and extending her hand.

“Agent Scully,” he said, taking her hand and shaking it once.

“This is my partner, Agent Mulder,” she said, gesturing to Mulder with her left hand as she looked back at him.

“Agent Mulder,” Agent Pendrell said, extending his hand to Mulder as well. “It’s nice to meet you. With what Agent Scully has brought me to analyze, I’d say the two of you may have the most interesting cases I’ve ever researched.”

“Interesting?” Mulder said, shaking his hand. “That may be one of the kindest ways I’ve ever heard it described, Agent Pendrell.”

“Well, they’re definitely different, and that’s what makes them interesting,” he said, smiling at Mulder, but quickly turning it onto Scully, who smiled in return.

Interesting, Mulder thought as he trailed behind them towards a table.

He tuned them out as he watched Agent Pendrell speaking to Scully, noticing the way he stammered at times when Scully was staring at him and listening to what he was saying. He watched his neck flush when she let out a small chuckle and shook her head.

Very interesting, Mulder thought as he watched Agent Pendrell smile when Scully bent to look through the microscope on the table.

He saw the way he stared at Scully’s profile. It was not in the way he sometimes saw men staring at her- leering or being outwardly obvious that they found her attractive. No, it was much softer.

“That’s amazing. Mulder, look at this,” Scully said, turning to him. “I didn’t think it would be this far along, but look at the development.”

Mulder honestly did not remember why they were there, nor what he was supposed to be seeing under the slide, his thoughts elsewhere. But he looked and gave it the appropriate attention, meeting her eyes when he stepped back.

“So what does it mean?” he asked and as she began speaking, he watched Agent Pendrell again.

He nodded as Scully spoke, his expression still soft, a faint smile remaining on his lips. He responded to her analysis, agreeing with her, offering more information and then it was Scully’s turn to nod. Glancing back at the microscope, she shook her head and Mulder glanced over, still not sure what it was, before turning his attention back to Agent Pendrell.

“I honestly didn’t know what to expect either, but this…” the agent shook his head and let out a breath. “… it’s something different and-”

“Interesting?” Mulder provided and Agent Pendrell looked at him with a slightly embarrassed smile.

“Yeah,” he said, looking back at Scully, who touched his upper arm as she nodded. “It… it’s… uh… well, I’ll continue monitoring it and let you know if anything changes.”

“Thank you, Agent Pendrell,” she said, patting his arm and then looking at Mulder. “We should…” She gestured towards the door with her head and he nodded, his eyes cutting to Pendrell, who was very flushed as he swallowed hard.

“Yeah,” Mulder agreed. “Thanks, Agent Pendrell. We really appreciate it.” He stuck his hand out and the agent shook it again, his eyes flicking to him, before looking back at Scully.

“I’ll um… call you with any updates,” he said again and she smiled, stepping back and starting towards the door.

Mulder watched him watching her and then heard him sigh deeply, shaking his head slightly. Realizing Mulder was watching him, he opened his mouth to speak, but no words came out.

“Thank you again,” Mulder said, clapping him on the shoulder and following after Scully, smiling knowingly.

“It’s fascinating,” she said as he caught up to her and they began to walk down the hallway. “I don’t know how to explain it.”

“It’s basic laws of attraction,” Mulder said, shrugging his shoulders.

“What?” she said, looking at him with a frown.

“An intelligent, pretty woman, with similar interests, gives praise where it’s due… laws of attraction.”

“What are you…” she said, halting in her steps and staring at him confusedly for a split second before she understood what he was implying. “Mulder…” She shook her head and began walking again. He grinned and took two long strides to catch up to her.

“I was simply stating my observations.”

“Hmm,” she hummed, shaking her head again as she pushed the down button for the elevator. Crossing her arms as they waited, she gave him a look, one he had seen many times, and which always made him want to laugh. “Are you implying that he helped me simply because he-”

“May harbor a small crush?” he teased and she rolled her eyes as the elevator doors opened and she stepped inside. He followed her and was glad when no one else joined them as he hit the button for the basement. “No, that’s not what I was implying.”

“Sure you weren’t,” she said, leaning against the wall and rolling her eyes again as the elevator began its descent.

“I wasn’t. Not intentionally anyway.” He hid a smile as she began to tap her foot, glancing at him and then looking away.

“It’s not a reciprocated feeling, if he does feel that way,” she said quietly and Mulder smiled softly. “He’s not… I…”

“You don’t need to explain,” he said as the elevator stopped at their floor. “Well, not about that, anyway.”

“What do you mean?”

“I have no idea what we just looked at up there,” he said, getting out and holding the doors open for her. “You do need to explain that to me.”

“Oh, too busy profiling Agent Pendrell? Getting inside his head? I don’t know, Mulder,” she said, raising her eyebrows as she walked past him into their office. “Maybe it’s you who has the crush.”

“You caught me, Scully,” he teased, as he chuckled softly and followed after her, taking off his jacket and hanging it on the coat rack.

“I’ve seen the way you’re in awe of the Gunmen,” she teased, walking to the desk and picking up the case file. “It was just a matter of time before that infatuation was transferred elsewhere.”

“Yeah, yeah. You still owe me an explanation,” he said with a grin.

“Give me a second,” she said, reading through the case notes. “I want to check something here.”

He smiled as he watched her. As he rolled his sleeves to his elbows, loosened his tie a little, and unbuttoned the top button, she suddenly raised her head and looked at him.

“Did you say I was pretty?”

“What?”

“Upstairs. You said an intelligent, pretty woman.”

“I… I did,” he said and she closed the file, raising her eyebrows.

“So you admit it?”

“I… was just being hypothetical,” he stated and he watched her fight back a smile.

“Uh huh,” she said, opening the file again, her eyes still on him.

“Just an example,” he reiterated.

“Right,” she agreed, quickly looking down at the file, now unable to stop her smile.

Yeah, he thought, as he pictured the expression on Agent Pendrell’s face as he watched her. How could anyone not be taken with her?

It was damn near impossible.

#xf fanfic #the x files #season 3 #first meetings #observations #flirting #teasing #work #case discussion #crushes #secret crushes

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funky-little-fella · 11 months

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I really like her but my stupid ass is scared to do anything and I don't want to initiate stuff until I'm completely sure she likes me at least a little

My heart is her's yet she doesn't know,

it is surely about to overflow.

She brings my fire out yet at the same time she cools me down.

And her eyes, oh those are so deeply brown.

So kind and sweet, when she's happy they shine like a moonlit creek.

How I wish to say „I love you, dear.“ but all I can do is fear.

#lgbtq #gay #secret crushes #wlw love #poetry #poem #pansexual #wlw yearning #tumblr diary

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the-hushed-one · 2 years

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Enchanted

You saw him in the school, standing with his friends. He had his mask on, yet his eyes seemed to be calling you, the most intimidating brown eyes you ever saw. You are constantly wishing for him to take his mask off. And finally, he does. You see him laughing and smiling. That's the moment you know that it was the most pleasing smile you've ever seen in your entire life. And some part of you wants to see that smile every day, all the time. You constantly wish he's not in love with someone else, nobody is waiting on him. You see him at school everyday, all the time. That picture of him running his hand through his hair keeps flashing in front of your eyes, that eye contact you made for a fraction of a second remains rent free in your mind. You go to school everyday wishing you'd maybe talk with him in person today. You create a thousand speeches you can talk about, but the moment he waves at you in a friendly manner, words are left beyond your reaches. All you're able to do is wave back. You tell your friends about him but keep his name a secret. They smirk at you, however, they have no idea what he's doing to you. You tell yourself that it's just a random crush and not at all a big thing. But then you start noticing stuff. He starts appearing in your dreams while you're having a relaxing sleep. There are moments you can't stop thinking about him. When you're reading otp prompts, it's him you're imagining with yourself. It's all fine, until one day you're staring out of the classroom while your teacher is teaching maths and he suddenly appears in your line of sight. You look at him, unable to stop staring, your heart beating a million times a second. It's the first time something like this is happening to you. That's when you ask yourself, is this love?

#desi tumblr #writers on tumblr #romance prompts #writing #wattpad #imagine your otp #desiblr #high school #i have a crush #secret crushes #enchanted #taylors version #swifties #new account #Spotify

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we-are-not-really-strangers · 1 year

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Imagine your name in someone's search history in Instagram smh

#quotes #writerscommunity #feelings #words #spilled poetry #prosepoetry #poetry #tumblr #poets on tumblr #dark academia #deep feelings #proses #imagine #crush #secret crush on you #secret crushes

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phoenixblack89 · 10 months

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Right guys. Need help.

Got a chapter written of Secret Crushes already but it's not the following chapter to the last one.

Do I skip the chapter I'm struggling like fuck with cos it's lovey dovey smut and I ain't usually one for that. (unless my queen @attentionplease wants to help me out?)

Or skip to filthy classroom smut filled chapter?

#phoenix needs help #phoenixbwrites #connor macmanus #secret crushes #murphy x reader #murphy macmanus fanfiction #murphy macmanus smut

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primrose-exists · 2 years

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Today's Thoughts 🔮

Happy November 🍁

Important dates for you this month: 3, 8, 12, 22

Your lucky number: 7

The initials A, J, and P have started seeing you in a ✨different✨ way.

Don't cut your hair this month.

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nimue-hidden-lake · 7 months

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I'm so close to grabbing my pillow and roll around my bed while thinking about that fictional guy I try so hard to resist right now...

I hear his voice all the time on loop and I wanna kick my feet in the air and giggle like crazy... He's not leaving my head either right now and I can't help myself. It's getting worse by the second, since last night in fact.

I'm a lost cause...

#Nimue's Whispers #f/o community #self ship community #selfship community #fictional other community #self shipping community #selfshipping community #secret crushes #potential f/o #Stop living rentfree in my brain aaa!

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ajgrey9647 · 7 months

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Forehead kisses + Post-Rita/mind control; any dimension; Tommy/Jason & Kim (platonic for Kim~)

I took a little liberty with tweaking the pairing but only slightly as you will see. :)

Sunshine in the Storm, Part 2

Prime Universe

“We tried to warn you, you know. Why didn’t you listen to us, listen to Zordon, and just rest and recover before running back out into Armageddon? Our Ranger healing still has its limits.”

Despite his fever and throbbing headache, Jason managed to narrow his dark eyes at Tommy’s gentle scolding, glaring up from the corner of his parent’s couch.

“I didn’t have that luxury. Rita never lets up,” he answered, voice hoarse and nasally from his stuffed-up nose. “You know that better than anyone.”

The Green Ranger tapped his sneakered foot in frustration, arms crossed as he stared down where his leader huddled under a thick quilt, shivering. A collection of textbooks and folders sat piled haphazardly in front of Jason’s curled legs. One slick red pocket folder glided to the carpet along with a carton of tissue under the force of his shaking.

Tommy had dutifully retrieved the day’s classwork and Jason’s books as he’d went about his school day, feeling strangely disappointed every time he plopped down at a desk and noticed his best friend’s empty. Knowing that he would eventually get to see Jason later made the teen’s stomach knot in anticipation.

That was odd.

“All the more reason you can’t run about with four cracked ribs and ten lacerations. Two of which were infected from the dirty alien reservoir water and one that nearly severed your femoral artery. Oh, and the prolonged exposure to the cold while soaking wet,” the Green Ranger fired back, kneeling to retrieve the dropped items.

Jason wiped his red, dripping nose with a crumpled wad of tissue before rolling his eyes.

“You’re not my mom, Tommy.”

“No, I’m not your mom, Jase. Because your mom wouldn’t tell you to stop being such a stubborn, foolish jackass for once,” the long-haired teen snarked, bracing for his leader’s fiery temper.

Attempting to sit up straighter in his indignation, the Red Ranger wobbled dangerously, tilting precariously over the edge of the couch cushion. His mouth was still opening to ream Tommy soundly when his vision darkened at the periphery and dizziness overwhelmed him.

Swiftly, the Green Ranger’s strong arms were engulfing Jason, catching him before he could topple to the floor.

“Huh?” the Ranger leader grunted, eyes blinking rapidly in confusion.

Righting his best friend back against his sweat-damp pillow, Tommy huffed.

“See? You almost went ass over teacups just now. What if you were in the middle of fighting Goldar or one of Rita’s other monsters? You’d be a sitting duck because you couldn’t fight your way out of a wet paper sack in this condition!”

Jason growled and tugged his quilt tighter over his hunched shoulders.

“You don’t have to rub it in, Green,” he muttered. “I’m well aware how weak I am right now.”

Tommy ran a hand over his face and tried to hold his tongue. He knew the Red Ranger was still miffed he’d deliberately disobeyed a direct order on that alien planet even if he had admitted he was grateful for the warm, dry clothing.

The silence in the house was eerie, the only sound the faint ticking of a clock somewhere up the stairs. Jason’s wet-sounding coughs and wheezes were beginning to worry the green-clad teen.

“Where are your parents, bro?”

The croupy leader waved a hand dismissively.

“Dad had a work conference out of state, Mom tagged along. They’ll be back in a few days,” he croaked before hacking something moist into his tissue. “I’m not a baby. My Ranger healing should have me back at full strength by then.”

Mouth gaped, Tommy shook his head and decided once again he was going to have to risk Jason’s wrath and put his foot, or rather boot, down a second time.

“No way you’re staying here all by yourself like this!”

Dark eyes widened and Jason’s cheeks flushed even more, if that were possible.

“I don’t need you to babysit me, Tommy! Why can’t you listen to me?” he argued vainly.

Sinking onto the couch beside his best friend’s bent knees, the Green Ranger sighed and looked tenderly into his face.

“Bro, I know you’re still mad about what happened on that planet. I’m sorry but I’m not sorry I disobeyed,” he murmured gently, one hand giving Jason’s knee a squeeze.

Crossing his arms in his unconscious ‘leader’ stance, the Red Ranger’s eyes looked wounded despite his stern countenance.

“I don’t know why you decided to start disrespecting me as leader,” he started in a low, raspy tone. “Do you really think that poorly of me and my ability to lead?”

Hazel eyes widened as large as half dollars on Tommy’s face.

“What? That’s what you believe I think about you?” he asked, stunned.

He never would have imagined that his behavior appeared this way to Jason. The Green Ranger had only been looking out for his Red. It was so far from what he really felt for Jason that for a minute he couldn’t find words.

The dark-haired teen shrugged and sniffed, stifling another round of rumbly coughs.

“What else am I supposed to think?”

Tommy’s stunned expression softened to one of sadness. He removed his hand from the Red Ranger’s knee and stared at the carpet, feeling the burning of threatened tears pricking his eyes.

“Jase,” he breathed, “you’re my best friend. My first and only one, to be perfectly honest.”

He tried to smile and chuckled joylessly.

“Don’t tell Kim I said that though.”

Jason’s tense shoulders relaxed somewhat as he listened to the Green Ranger’s hesitant words.

“I have a long history of disrespecting authority figures, yes. Since I was about 8 years old probably. You’re also the first one I genuinely admire and want to serve. You freed me from Rita’s spell, you were the first one to extend your hand to me even though I made your life absolute hell, you welcomed me to the team,” Tommy admitted, still unable to meet Jason’s eyes.

“You’ve never looked at me like a was worthless piece of shit, Jase. I didn’t want to lose you, my leader and my best friend and brother, to something as stupid as hypothermia. That’s why I insisted you take my hoodie. And now, you’re sick and alone, sounding like a drowning cat every time you start coughing.”

Lowering his arms, the Red Ranger’s expression also softened. The Green Ranger’s words were like a balm on his unspoken insecurities as the leader of the Power Rangers.

“Oh, Tommy,” he whispered, then issued another round of jagged coughs.

Risking a look in Jason’s direction, the other teen was alarmed at the obvious thick material the sick Ranger was hacking up. Tearing out a fresh handful of tissues from the container, he pressed them into the boy’s hand. There was no doubt in his mind now that Jason could stay here by himself.

“See, Jase,” he tried again when the teen settled. “Please let me stay with you. You know I’ll end up worrying myself sick if I don’t, thinking of all the bad things that could happen. Like what if Goldar showed up? Or your fever gets too high or you have trouble breathing?”

He held up a hand quickly.

“That’s not me saying you aren’t a skilled fighter or talented leader. Because I don’t think you’re both, I KNOW you’re both, alright. I want to be here because I care about you.”

Jason sighed as he reclined back further on his pillow, headache pounding fiercely behind his eyes and fatigue washing over him.

“Alright, alright, you can stay,” he acquiesced. “I have to admit it would be nice to have some help right now.”

The Green Ranger grinned, feeling a rush of relief. Not that he wouldn’t have just disobeyed again, because what could Jason do? Call the police and explain the whole Ranger-related situation to law enforcement? He certainly couldn’t get up to kick his ass either.

“Thanks, bro. Now, do you have everything we need? Humidifier, Tylenol, cough drops, throat spray? Chicken soup, Gatorade? More tissues?” he started ticking off every imaginable tool and item he could think of illness-related. “I think I would feel better if you had one of those things for your finger too, that little thing that reads your oxygen.”

Jason just stared at the ruminating Green Ranger, feeling some amusement under his discomfort and weakness. He couldn’t help poking gently at the teen’s mother hen routine.

“Hey, you might want to grab an intubation kit and a ventilator from the hospital too. Just to be on the safe side. Maybe some suction equipment.”

Tommy rolled his eyes dramatically.

“I’m hoping your smart-ass mouth is a sign you’re turning the corner,” he scolded, but lost the fight to restrain a grin. “Don’t think I wouldn’t get those things just for you if I could.”

Leaning over, the Green Ranger’s cool fingers grazed Jason’s clammy forehead. They felt like heaven on the teen’s flesh, the temperature difference soothing. Then to his disappointment, they were gone.

“Open up,” Tommy ordered, a thermometer clutched in his hand.

He glanced at the last read out that it registered.

“Goddammit, Jason! 102.5! That’s almost an ER visit! Please say you took something!”

Groaning, the Ranger leader squirmed like a bedraggled kitten.

“Yes, Tommy. I took some Tylenol right after. Maybe an hour ago.”

Surely, the fever would be dropping by now. Jason gamely parted his lips and allowed the Green Ranger to slide the thermometer under his tongue. After a few moments, a high beep alerted that the reading was complete.

The readout showed a new temperature of 100.7.

‘Thank God,’ Tommy breathed, tucking the thermometer back on the side table.

“Jase, is it ok if I take a look around and make sure we don’t need anything else before we settle in?”

Dark eyes fluttered and the teen waved a hand weakly.

“Suit yourself, bro. If you think we need something, grab the envelope on the corkboard in the kitchen. My parents always leave me case when they have to travel. Take whatever, I trust you, Green.”

Then he curled into a tight ball, tucking his quilt snuggly around himself.

Making his way into the kitchen, then the bathroom, Tommy poked around in cabinets and drawers, checking for all the usual illness staples. He found one measly can of chicken noodle soup, a half sleeve of saltine crackers, an almost empty bottle of throat spray, a humidifier with no vapor packs, a small cool compress, and a travel size bottle of ibuprofen.

‘This won’t do at all.’

Spying the white envelope tacked to the corkboard, the Green Ranger pried it loose and opened the flap. He still felt guilty and sneaky despite having his best friend’s approval. Counting out what he hoped would be enough, he folded the bills and slid them into his wallet.

Rounding the corner back into the living room, he approached the couch.

“Hey, Jase?”

No answer.

Peering intently at the Ranger burrowed in the quilt-nest, Tommy watched the easy rise and fall of his breathing, the sounds smooth and reassuring. Jason’s full lips were parted, and his exhalations ruffled the tissue near his cheek. He looked so peaceful and childlike, just like the 17-year-old kid he truly was.

‘I can’t leave him,’ Tommy decided. ‘Even if he’s not gasping, Goldar’s dumb ass could still show up.’

Lifting his communicator to his lips as he walked toward the kitchen, the teen pressed the small button on the side.

“Hey Kim?”

A few moments later, in a flash of pink light, the small brunette appeared in the Scott’s kitchen.

“How’s he doing?” she whispered, hooking a thumb towards the living room.

Tommy shook his head.

“Sleeping like a baby right now. He did have a really high fever, but it came down with medicine. It must be bad if his Ranger healing is taking this long.”

Kimberly noticed the Green Ranger chewing his lip in worry.

“Hey, I know Jason. He’ll be alright,” the tiny girl smiled. “He’s always been a hard ass ever since we were babies. His mom really tried to curb it, but obviously it didn’t work.”

She laughed and patted Tommy’s shoulder.

“Believe it or not, he’s only gotten more bullheaded since we became Rangers. Jase’s attitude is more about protecting us than anything. He thinks he has to be strong and brave all day every day, carry the weight of the world alone. So, don’t take his mouth too seriously.”

Holding out her hand, the Pink Ranger accepted the list of items scrawled on a torn notebook page.

“He’s probably feeling really embarrassed and that can make him grouchy, on top of being sick.”

Tommy sighed.

“I’ll try to keep that in mind. Before you guys, I didn’t really have any friends, so this is all new to me. I appreciate you getting this stuff for me, Kim. The thought of leaving him here alone like this…” he trailed over, gesturing helplessly.

“Hey, don’t even worry about it.”

She smiled again bashfully, tucking a lock of brown hair behind her ear, cheeks blushing under the Green Ranger’s hazel eyes.

When Tommy tried to hand her the money for their supplies, the Pink Ranger shook her head.

“Jase’s money is no good here. He’s my big brother. I’ve got my card, no arguing.”

Lifting to her tiptoes like a sprite, Kim planted a kiss to Tommy’s forehead.

“Give that to that stubborn ox when he wakes up,” she teased, giving the teen a quick wink. “Back soon!”

Another pink flash and Kim was gone, leaving Tommy standing in her wake. Heat crept up the back of his neck, thinking of the beautiful girl’s flirtatious behavior. The Pink Ranger was an awesome girl, gorgeous, smart, caring. And she seemed to be interested in the smoldering dumpster fire that was Tommy Oliver.

‘Go figure,’ he chuckled.

The Green Ranger had never had a serious partner before. He’d had ‘playmates’ when the urges struck him but not recently. Not since he’d righted his wayward course and attempted to stay on the good path. The people who’d shared his bed had been male and female, depending on the individual in question.

Tommy found that he wasn’t particularly attracted to one over the other. It was more about the person themselves, their soul, their aura. What was in their pants was like hair or eye color or whether they were tall or short; a mere characteristic that was just part of the package. He didn’t limit himself in terms of who to pursue.

This was NOT something he was ready to share, however. Especially with the Rangers who struck him as very innocent and sheltered despite their secret battles as superheroes. Tommy wasn’t sure how to explain it so they would understand. Better to just be quiet about it for now.

Quietly walking back into the living room, the Green Ranger crouched near Jason’s head again to listen to his breathing. Thankfully, it was still easy and restful. That was something to be thankful for.

Taking the opportunity, Tommy studied the finer features of the other teen’s face. His long dark lashes, soft cheeks, full lips. Just barely, he could see the Red Ranger’s teeth, beautiful and white, a tiny chip marring the corner of a front tooth.

Had that happened in a battle with a monster? Or during a martial arts tournament? Or maybe football?

What he said earlier was true. Jason was a talented and skillful guy. Gorgeous too. Brave. Brilliant in battle.

But he was also the Red Ranger, Tommy’s leader as well as his best friend. It wasn’t something that could ever be. Jason could have any girl at Angel Grove High. He’d heard plenty of them commenting about his bro and his desirability. His resistance to dating only added to his mystique.

“I still mean what I said, sunshine. That’s a promise. I’ll never let anything happen to you,” he whispered fiercely, a hand smoothing the dark hair.

Before he could stop himself, Tommy leaned forward and dropped a light kiss to Jason’s warm forehead.

“Ummm…bro?”

‘Oh shit!’

Tommy froze, sure his heart was going to drop out of his chest and into a pile of ash on the Scott’s living room carpet.

“Jase?”

Almost in slow motion, the Green Ranger pulled his head back to look into his best friend’s confused face.

“Did you just kiss my forehead? I know my fever’s been fucking with me, but I feel pretty sure that just happened,” the Red Ranger rasped.

‘Oh shit, oh shit, oh shit, oh shit….’

“Tommy?”

‘Think of something, anything… how can I explain what I just did? GODDAMMIT, why did I fucking DO THAT!’

“Kim stopped by to get my list. I couldn’t leave you. She said to give that to you when you woke up. And she called you a stubborn ox,” he panicked, voice sounding high-pitched and screamy even to his own ears.

Jason huffed and closed his eyes again.

“Rude,” he muttered before drifting back to sleep again.

‘OH THANK FUCK HE BOUGHT THAT!!!!’

#power rangers #mighty morphin power rangers #boom comics! power rangers #jason lee scott #tommy oliver #secret crushes #ao3 author #ao3 fanfic #tumblr prompt

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