#like ���oh look how much you've changed!” like honey no I haven't who are you kidding

[itsscottiesstark]

Wouldn't it be great if Tumblr had a feature like "3 years ago today" or something? Like, imagine waking up one morning, opening the app and there's a huge banner saying "Let's see what you were up to 5 years ago today!" and you click on it and it's the most unhinged, thirsty, shameful post about the same middle aged actor you are still obsessed with.

[fyuuura]

UNDERCOVER | jake peralta

summary: jake peralta goes undercover to infiltrate a famous mob and he meets you, the niece of the boss who loves cops.

world count: 3.9k

notes: this is my first one shot and first writing since making this account. my obsession with jake peralta is crazy.

________________________________________

It was no secret that a recently fired police officer was just introduced to the Ianucci crime family. When your father announced it to you, you immediately got up from laying on the couch. It was hard to believe since your family had hated cops since the beginning of time. Although you were apart of the Ianucci family, you weren't involved in whatever business they were apart of due to your mother wanting an normal life. They were still family and as long as no one mentioned business, they could live in harmony.

You were indifferent in your opinion about cops. Many were snobs, but the few that cared for their community were the ones you could respect. Though, you did have to admit that you love a man in uniform and seeing your extended family being apart of the mob, only made the whole uniform more appealing. You weren't close to much of your extended family, only the girls who weren't much involved with the business either.

"Who let him in?" You curiously asked.

"Your uncle Leo. Apparently he got fired from the police force and bought everybody drinks. He made a big scene." He chuckled.

"Mmm. How old is he?" You excitedly inquired, leaning forward in anticipation for the answer. You were a single woman in her twenties, you needed answers.

"Yeah absolutely not." Your father said in his thick Brooklyn accent. "He's an ex-cop, and we all know how cops are. A bunch of playboys I tell you. They are no good."

"As if the Ianucci family is much better." You shook your head, and changed the television channel.

"We aren't. I'll admit that, but we do have loyalty. You never know what these cops will throw at you. If or when the Ianucci family falls, I guarantee it'll be because my brothers or cousins stupidity."

"You think they'll get arrested." You asked.

"Oh honey, they may be my family, but if they get caught, they know what they did. Plus, it'll serve them right for crashing my tenth birthday party and turning it into a mess." Your father shook his head, still holding a grudge over decades old fights.

_____________________________________

You and your father arrived to the family party and he immediately went off to go dance with his cousins while you went to go find a waiter with some food. You didn't really know what to do in some parties, you often drifted through the crowds and mingled with the people, but you always found your way back to the bar.

You sat at the bar, wine glass in one hand and your hand bag in the other. It was peaceful until you notice a guy sitting down right next to you, ordering a drink. You've never seen him before, but you hoped he wasn't an extended family member. He had a rather nice face, a kind, unsuspecting smile, and a fit body. You smiled as he grabbed the drink from the bartender. 'Just my type.'

It was like he sensed you looking as he turned to face you. He smiled once he saw you were staring at him, but you didn't turn away. No, you needed to know who he was. "Hey."

"Why hello there. What's your name?" He replied back, his voice just as charming as him.

"[Name] Ianucci." It was like he was hooked onto the words that slipped out of your mouth. His eyes were mesmerizing. "I haven't seen you around before."

"It's my first party. Leo invited me. I'm Jake Peralta." He held out his hand for her to shake, but she froze. He watched as her eyes widened, her lips parted, and her eyebrows raised.

"The ex-cop!" She gasped then quickly put a hand over her mouth since she said that too loud. No wonder she was so attracted to him, she could spot a man in uniform even if he wasn't in it.

He laughed, "Yes, the ex-cop. Not my proudest moment, but I'm glad I'm no longer one. God, was it the worst possible profession I could've chosen."

"Really? Why do you say that?" She inquired.

"It's filled with a bunch of idiotic snobs and they fired me without good reason so good riddens to them." Jake said as if he didn't love his job and the people he works with. However, he had to play the role perfectly if he didn't want to get found out. Before he went undercover, he was informed about most members of the Ianucci family. Mostly the major characters involved with the mob, as well as their children and extended family. He remembered hearing about [Name] Ianucci, your father left the way of life long ago, but the family still kept in touch. Jake didn't have much information about you. You were the boss's niece but you didn't like to associate yourself with their beliefs. Due to this, you became a small outsider.

"I think being a cop is cool. I used to watch so many movies and if I didn't hate running as much as I do now, I think I would've became one."

"An Ianucci being a cop? I thought you guys hate my kind- wait that sounds off."

"We'll they do cause of you know what, but something about holding a gun and posing like a Charlie's angel seems so cool." You imitated the famous pose as you faked a gun with your hands and Jake shook his head chuckling.

"Hey, if you were on my team then I would've begged for my job back." He admitted and you raised a brow before taking a sip of your drink. Then he immediately paused, realizing what he said. Changing the topic was his best course of action, "So what do you do for work? Do you do the same as them?"

"Oh no. I dont associate myself with what they do, my side of the family decided to pursue other sorts of careers. I'm a first grade teacher."

"Sweet, so like you teach kids and get to play with them. Is it hard?" He tried to sound suave, leaning back in his chair. He was secretly happy to know that the pretty girl didn't do mob activities because that would've clashed with his morals and mission.

"I mean, being a teacher is always difficult, but it's a new experience everyday and I get to build bonds with the children of our future. I wouldn't have it any other way." She fondly smiled as she recalled her job. Jake noticed the ways were eyes softened and lit up. Her body language changed and got more relaxed as she shared her life. "But enough about me, I want to learn more about-"

Before she could finish, she heard the familar voice of an uncle interupt her. "Yo Peralta, come here and sing with us."

The two looked at the group of middle aged to old men, obviously wasted and drunk and having a jolly good time. Jake didn't want to end the conversation with you, but at the same time, he couldn't miss this opportunity to get close with the Ianucci family. You made eye contact once again and you nodded, ushering him to go hang out with your other family.

"We'll continue this conversation next time!" You said and he nodded, smiling and confirming that this won't be the last time you two meet as he shimmied towards the men. You shook your head as you watched him so effortlessly earn the affections of your uncles. He looked so carefree as he partied.

"Oh my was he hot." You whispered, smiling to yourself like an idiot after the interaction, and calling the bartender to serve you one more drink. So what if he was an ex-cop, it couldn't possibly be that bad.

______________________________________

You and Jake Peralta saw each other a few more times after that. Your aunt gave him a small part time job at their restaurant/cafe. He made the coffee, which you ordered every morning, and the sandwiches. You watched as he charmed you aunt and the customers and you fell into his trap as well as he used every morning he could with you there to talk to you. A joke a day keeps the doctor away, as Jake would say as you laughed at almost every one of his jokes

"Hey hey hey, [name]." Jake greeted as you sat right across from him. He started hanging out quite frequently at your distant uncle's restaurant which was right by your house. Jake was one step ahead of you and already had your favorite coffee order ready. "Another long day of entertaining the little devils."

"Once again, they are seven and most are little angels but thank you for the drink." You took a sip before your eyes landed on his hair. His entire appearance has changed a lot since you met him. His hair grew longer and he started to slick it back using gel. He wasn't wearing the button up shirts anymore, and instead switched to tracksuits even when you said it wasn't his best look. "Your hair looks a lot better now that you've grown it out."

"What can I say? Just call me the next Brad Pitt." He flipped his imaginary long hair and smiled as he watched your smile.

"Absolutely not, but I appluad your effort." You smiled as his face fell into a pout. It was the mornings like this that made you excited to wake up and get ready. Ever since Jake started to hang around, you've been waking up a tad bit earlier to spend extra time getting ready and sleeping a tad bit later due to the uncontrollable smile on your face.

"Why do you even like being a teacher? All I can imagine are those little children gluing crayons onto their fingernails and eating it." He started playing with his fingers to try and model what he thinks the kids would look like.

"First of all, never do that again because it is not cute."

"Hey! Everything I do is cute." Jake got offended while you just stared at him as if he was an alien. It didn't last long because you can never get over his pouty face that makes him look like a sad dog.

"Second of all, I just love being around kids. When I was a child, my parents were almost never around until I got older. When my dad left the family business and pursued another career, it took up most of his time and my mom lives overseas. Teachers were the ones that filled in that parental role and I wanted to be just like them." When you finished your little backstory, Jake was staring at you which made you look down in embarrassment, "Sorry for the rant, I-"

"No, dont apologize, I get it." His voice seemed softer, softer than the voice he uses to tease you with, softer than the voice he uses to flirt with you, softer than the manly voice he uses around your uncles; it felt real. "My parents weren't really there either so I spent my childhood alone watching 'Die Hard'."

"I love that movie. I used to watch that too since my dad has it on the DVDs" You shared a comforting look.

"God, you just get more perfect don't you." He quickly spoke as he melted, your hands were quickly grasped in his. That was new. Maybe you should mention 'Die Hard' again if this was going to be his reaction.

"Looks like we're more alike than we think." You smiled, looking at your intertwined hands. He either didn't let go because there was no going back or he liked the feeling.

"You can add both being late because I am never on time and you are about to be tardy young lady."

Panic filled your eyes and you hastly got up from your seat, taking your bag and coffee, and pushed in your chair, "Bye bye!"

"Bye" Jake said in a sing songy voice as he waved and watched you entire your car before driving off.

________________________________________

You both shared a sandwich that was cut in half as the streets filled with people walking to work or to get their morning drink or breakfast.

"So, are you going to the wedding tomorrow?" His tone seemed a bit different. You couldn't quite place your finger on it, but lately hes been a bit more fidgety. Maybe the wedding makes him feel lonely and he was about to ask you?

"Oh, I wish I could, but I don't really like those two getting married so I'd rather not waste my time." You shamelessly admitted and he looked almost relieved.

"How about your dad?"

"He doesn't like them either and he left on a business trip last night and wont return until next week." You told him, "Why do you ask?"

"Just wondering since it seems like a big event." His eyes widened as he emphasized the word big. "But there's no need for you to come anyways if you don't like them-"

"Did you want me to come?" You tilted your head as he stumbled for the right answer. You were honestly hoping that he would finally ask you out and you wouldn't have to be carefully searching through the restaurant windows to see if he was there.

"Oh no. Noooo. Not at all. You really shouldn't come." He was way too dismissive and offensive and it came out way harsher than he expected.

"Oh." You simply said and you could definitely feel your heart being cracked right open from embarrassment of ever thinking he was going to ask you out. It's not like you were daydreaming during work or right before bed of him asking you, but a simple no would be sufficed.

"I didn't mean it like that!" Jake saw the way the corners of her lips turned slightly down and wanted to punch himself for not choosing his words carefully. It's been two months since he started this undercover mission. The first four were spent learning the Ianucci family and how they operated. Now that he has successfully infiltrated the family, it was time for the hardest part. Breaking the connections he had formed. At first, he thought it would be a piece of pie. The only thing he shouldn't do is actually care about these people. That shouldn't have been hard since they were all criminals... Most were criminals at least. He was never supposed to keep talking to you, that wasn't the plan. He should have never asked why you wanted to be a cop, he should've never asked why kids made you so happy, and he should've never talked to you to begin with, but he did, and now he has to face the consequences of his actions.

Although you weren't involved with the business, they were still your blood-related family. They invited you and your dad to the parties and gave you discounts in the stores that they owned. Sure, you didn't like or associate yourself with most of them, but Jake knew you still cared for them because they were family and he didn't know how he could ever face you again for what he'll be doing at the wedding.

"I mean I'd love to have you as my partner to the wedding, but I wouldn't want to make you be somewhere you don't want to be. Especially since we all know that the groom is a dirty cheat and the bride is the definition of a mean girl." He rambled and you agreed with the last part since you watched him up with most of the drama. "But, that's not to say that I wouldn't want to go with you because you know- it's you, and-"

"Okay Peralta. Slow down. Down forget to breath." You used slow down movements with your hands, bringing it up and down slowly to make him stop rambling.

Jake stopped his rant and took a deep, deep breath.

"I get it, you don't need to defend yourself so much."

"Let me restate. [Name] Ianucci, I would be honored to be your partner or whatever gathering you want, except the wedding. That is if you'd still want me to after the wedding-"

"Of course I would!" She interrupted him, a gummy smile slapped across her face and Jake soon matched it with his own after she joyfully agrtowards. couldn't even act nonchalant like you'd imagined you would if he ever asked. You were so overwhelmed with joy that you totally missed the part where he said 'if you'd still want me after the wedding.' It was a simple sentence that you overlooked any double meaning towards. "Ehem, I mean cool.

"Cool. Cool, cool, cool, cool, cool." Jake leaned back in his chair, taking a sip of his iced drink as a goofy smile etched across his face. However, despite how happy he should've been in that moment, it was soon crushed by the overwhelming feeling of guilt as you excused yourself to go to work.

________________________________________

Shock wasn't enough to describe what you felt as you watched the news. Short videos and photos played across the screen as the news reporter reported on New York's latest arrests and there you found partially blurred photos of extended family and the wedding venue that you didn't attend. It didn't feel real as you saw the police arrest people you've seen at family gatherings. Someone must have snitched and you have a feeling that you know exactly who.

Jake Peralta. It started to make sense. He practically told you to not attend the wedding, but you were too caught up to understand why. Had you attended the wedding without his heads up, you would've been another person in those handcuffs.

You felt betrayed, but also protected. He had asked for you and your father's whereabouts before the entire thing happened. Was this his way of keeping you safe? Did he actually have feelings or did he just want to use you to learn more about the family and you gave it to him?

Scenes flashed throughout your mind as your reminded of all the times he asked odd questions and all the times you spilled to him the secrets. You began to form a headache as your reality came crashing down.

Your father had predicted the fall to happen somewhat like this. It was your Uncle's stupidity to let in an ex-cop and now look at where that landed them. You wouldn't say that you were sad, you anticipated the day where karma would take its place for all the victims of their business; you just never would have guessed that you fell in love with the person who caused that downfall.

Love, what a silly feeling to feel towards someone who you were sure abandoned you. Would he even fulfill his promise to take you on a date after this entire wedding? Should you be mad at him for doing his job and lying to you about his identity? What was real and what was fake?

Knock! Knock! Knock!

Who was it? Who could be knocking at your door at 10 in the night. Could it be the cops coming to arrest you for not outing your family? You quietly snuck to the door, scared to see the person who lurks behind it. It was a polite knock, not a police-y at all. Maybe it was a friend or cousin. You slowly opened the door, and peeked your head to see who it was.

"Jake Peralta?" You said his full name in suprise.

"[Name], please can we talk." He looked like desperate as he towered over you, his arm on the frame of the door, and the other on the door knob.

"I don't know if that's a good idea, Jake." You were wary and didn't know how to feel. Evergtbing was happening all at once and you felt lost, but you needed answers.

"Please, give me a chance to explain everything." He pleaded with desperate eyes. "I know you're probably confused and upset, but let me explain and you can ask questions."

"Come in." You stepped aside and let him into your home for the very first time. It wasn't the scenario you imagined but it was a something. You walked over to the living room but neither one of you felt like this was a conversation to be had sitting down.

"It was you wasn't it? The one who sold them out?"

"Yes. It was." He admitted, "I'm still a cop."

"So you were just undercover the whole time?"

"Yes, I approached your uncle at the bar and it went from there. I can't say much- actually I already am, but, you weren't supposed to be apart of it."

"Stop right there, Peralta. Just give me a moment." You took a deep breath and when you thought you were ready to speak, your mouth held you back. A few more sighs later and you were ready with your next quest, "When we were talking? Did you approach me to just get more information?"

"Well, no. I thought you were cute so I sat down next to you at the bar. That wasn't the higher ups telling me to do it, that was my free will." Jake cracked an awkward smile, but saw on her face that that was not the tone. "I was already informed that you and you father have no part in the business so you weren't really on my radar. When we started talking, sure you did give me the latest gossip, but I wanted to talk to you. Like for realsies."

"So when you told me that you grew up alone-"

"That was all true. Everything I told you about myself was true, except for the whole undercover cool secret spy thing. You have every right to be mad-"

"I'm not mad." You told him and Jake's eyebrows shot up.

"You're not?"

"You were just doing your job and I can respect you for protecting your city, like batman." You sighed, regretting references batman in this serious conversation. "Most of my family there don't like me and do terrible stuff anyways. We were only relates by blood, besides, you did tell me not to go."

"I didn't want you to see the aftermath of everything. You had no part in anything and-

"But wouldn't I still get in trouble for not reporting it? I mean, I knew what kind of people they were but I didnt say anything." Jake stayed silent and she continued, "Why protect me? There are others in there that had no part too. Why me?"

"Because..." he trailed off, feeling his heart start to race as you looked at him to continue, "Because, your special to me. I really really like you, [Name]. I like the way you talk, the way speak about your students, the way you smile, the way your eyes softened when you talk about things you love. The way you put up with my childish antics and act like you don't like it but smile just seconds later. You never judge when I'm talking and I like you so much that I feel like I'm about to burst. I would rather you hate me than me not be in your life at all. I know I lied but I am serious about you and when this is all over, I want to fulfill the promise I made to you. I am in love with you."

I am in love with you. That's all you needed to make your decision. Your hands found it's way to the sides of his face and your lips found it's way to his. He immediately wrapped his hands around your waist, one resting one the small of your back and the other resting on your hip, stabling the both of you admist your passion. You moved your right hand into his hair that was already ruffled and messed up as he was running and finding his way to your apartment. He kissed you as if he was been yearning for the touch of a woman for centuries. It was so gentle but so passionate that you could feel your face getting hotter and heart beating faster. You both pulled each other as close as possible and he leaned forward to try and deeply feel you even closer. When you finally did break the kiss, he stared down at you with half lidded eyes, drunken on love and the sight you.

You grabbed his chin and softly brought it closer, "I love you too. The way that you joke around, the way that you smile, the way you talk, the stupid smile on your face when you talk about 'Die Hard' or the stories you had when you were a cop. I love all of it. I love you." You whispered and he rested his head on your shoulder, overwhelming happy that he didn't ruin one of the best things in his life.

"So, it's after the wedding technically. How about that date-" He started as you just melted into his chest.

"Just shush and enjoy this moment. We'll figure out everything later. Let's go to my room." You grabbed his hand and led him to your room, "While I have your attention though, you need to drop these tracksuits because I love a man in uniform."

"Already on it." He smirked as you closed and locked the door. You, [Name] Ianucci, dating and being with a cop whose absolutely hated by your family. What's the worse that could happen?

[sissylittlefeather]

Role Play Part 1: Good Cop, Bad Cop

A/N: This might be a one-shot or maybe I'll write more parts. I haven't decided yet. It'll depend on whether anyone likes it. But this is based on photos from Sonny West's wedding. It's Elvis x fem!reader and it is dirrttyyyy.

Warnings: 18+ Minors DNI, kissing, cussing, fingering, oral sex (m & f receiving), p in v penetrative sex, unprotected sex, creampie, gun play, Elvis being bossy and dom, infidelity, cop roleplay, handcuffs, I think that's everything?

Word count: ~3.5k

When your cousin asked you to help with one of her catering events, you weren't exactly excited. However, you changed your mind when you found out who the event was for.

"You know who Sonny West is, right?!" You frantically ask your cousin.

"Kind of? All I know is Elvis Presley is picking up the tab for the whole wedding."

"I will absolutely help you with this event." You smile and grab her arm, squeezing it gently. This is the opportunity of a lifetime and you've never been happier to be related to her.

******

On the day of the big event, you spend an inordinate amount of time in the bathroom doing your hair and makeup. Everything has to be perfect on the off chance you happen to get to meet Elvis. You know it's a long shot, but still, this is a better chance than you've ever had before. Once you feel like the look is complete with your tight black skirt and white button down, you head out the door. You're assigned to work the after party at Graceland, so you get in your car and drive that way.

The wedding party isn't there yet when you arrive, but they will be soon, so you get to work helping prepare food and set out trays.

You're in the kitchen when you hear the party arrive and everyone heads out to their assigned spot. You're putting the finishing touches on your tray, though, so you stay behind in the kitchen. That's when you see him for the first time.

He saunters into the kitchen to get a bottle of his favorite water from the fridge. You don't notice him walk in, so you're startled when the refrigerator door opens. You gasp and put your hand on your heart, glad you didn't drop the tray you're holding.

"Oh, I'm sorry darlin', I didn't mean to scare ya." He drawls. Your mouth drops open a little at the sight of him there in his velvet suit and white tie. You've suddenly forgotten how to speak English. "What's your name, honey?"

A smirk plays across his mouth. He's enjoying the fact that he's got you speechless as you search your brain for the answer to his question. After way too much time, you finally get it out.

"My name is y/n. You're..."

"I am. It's nice to meet you, y/n. Welcome to my home."

"It's nice." You cringe a little with your response and he smiles.

"Thank you. I better get back out there. Hopefully we run into each other again." He winks shamelessly and you blush as he leaves the kitchen. You take a deep breath and head out to your assigned post near the drink table.

You stand there for about twenty minutes before you feel eyes on you from across the room. When you make eye contact he winks again and smiles. He obviously isn't paying much attention to the conversation he's supposed to be in. Your cheeks flush and it suddenly feels very warm in the room. You decide it's time for a bathroom break and grab another waiter to let them know where you're going. You get there and wash your hands with cold water, pressing them to your cheeks when you finish. You look in the mirror and shake your head a little and then head out the door. What you don't expect is to almost run smack into Elvis when you leave the bathroom.

"Oh my gosh!" You put your hands on his chest to keep from running into him and look up at him as he chuckles.

"I guess I did say I hoped to run into you." You nod, speechless again. "Are you afraid of me?" His eyebrows knit together in the center of his forehead, showing his concern. Finally, you find your voice.

"No! I'm sorry; I'm just a little starstruck. I can't believe you're talking to me."

"Why wouldn't I be talking to you? Look at you." He gently brushes some of your hair out of your face and tucks it behind your ear. You look at each other for a while and his eyes flick down to your mouth. Then, he cups your chin in his hand and starts to lean in towards you. As he presses his lips to yours softly, fireworks go off somewhere behind your navel. He pulls back slowly and you hear a voice.

"Boss, they're asking for you again." He sighs deeply and turns to the man sent to summon him.

"I thought I told you not to disturb me tonight."

"It's Priscilla. She-"

"Enough. I'm coming." He turns back to you and smiles. "I'll find you again. Don't worry."

When he leaves you there in the hallway, your breath comes in deep waves and you feel like you might pass out. Elvis Presley kissed you. And it seems like he'd like to do it again. You decide then and there that you'll let him- and more if that's what he wants. After gathering yourself a bit, you go back to your post next to the drink table.

When you get there, Elvis is doing some kind of demonstration with a few of his guns and badges. He's taken his jacket off and you can't get over how good he looks with his shoulder holster and belts showing. He holds up a long rifle and someone takes a picture as he talks. The way his rings clack against the wood and metal and he holds his cigarillo against the butt of the gun makes your warm center even warmer. The masculinity of the scene hits you in the soft and feminine parts of you and you don't just want him, you need him.

When he notices you watching with your mouth opened slightly, he gives you a knowing smile and licks his lips. A shiver runs down your spine and you pray that he will come talk to you again. You serve drinks and pass out smiles and wait patiently for him to be free.

Finally, he catches your eye and nods towards the kitchen. You don't hesitate to head that direction. When you get there, it's bustling with activity. He comes in behind you and you hear his voice boom.

"OUT!" All the waitstaff look at each other and then back at him. "You heard me!"

They gather their things quickly and leave, so that it's just you and him. As soon as you're alone, he wraps his arms around your waist from behind and kisses the back of your neck under where you have your hair pulled up. He whispers into your ear.

"I saw you watching me with my guns. Would you like to see more of them?" You close your eyes with the sensation of his breath on your ear, but you manage to respond softly.

"Yes, please."

"Come with me." He unwraps himself from around you and takes your hand. He leads you up the staircase and through his office to his bedroom. You know someone must have seen you, but it doesn't seem like anyone cares. Or maybe they've just learned not to say anything. Either way, you find yourself standing in Elvis Presley's bedroom as he shows you his small arsenal.

He describes each gun in detail, but you're so distracted by how attractive he is that you would fail a test if he gave you one. Finally, he pulls out a small pistol and makes sure it's completely unloaded. Then, he hands it to you.

"You know how to hold one of these?"

"I don't." He steps behind you again and makes sure you have the gun pointed away from anything. He puts his hands on your waist.

"Feet shoulder-width apart." He runs his hands up to your arms. "Arms straight." He slides his hands down to yours and makes sure your stance is strong. In doing so, he also presses his rock hard cock into your ass. You damn near melt where you're standing. Then, he pulls back quickly.

"What?" You ask, nervously, afraid that he's changed his mind for some reason.

"Little lady, do you have a license for that firearm?" He has a playful smirk again, so you relax.

"No, sir, I don't." He pulls a badge from his pocket.

"Then, I'm afraid I'm going to have to arrest you." Sliding open a drawer, he lifts out a pair of handcuffs. He leans in close to your ear and whispers. "Let me know if this is too much."

"It's not."

"Well, alright then." He takes the gun from you and turns you around, pulling you close to him and kissing you deeply, his tongue sliding into your mouth to dance with yours. He pulls back and looks you in the eye. "I'm sorry, ma'am, but you can kiss me and tempt me all you want. I still have to arrest ya."

You walk together towards the bed with him still wrapped around you and your mouths pressed together, kicking off your shoes as you go. He tosses the handcuffs on the bed and then lifts your shirt up and over your head. Then, he removes his heavy belts, letting them drop to the floor, and his shoulder holster, tie, and necklace. He lets you undo the buttons on his shirt and push it down his arms and off. His hands run up and down your body and then move to your back to unhook your bra. He lays you on the bed and reaches for the handcuffs.

"I hate to do this, but illegal use of a firearm is a pretty serious offense." He speaks matter-of-factly as he handcuffs your wrists around the bedpost. "Some punishment is in order."

With every word, your dripping center becomes wetter and wetter and your absolute need for him grows. He unzips your skirt and slides it down your thighs and off, leaving you in just your panties. With his hands on the inside of each thigh, he spreads your legs. Then, he runs a hand up to your core and feels the wetness there with his thumb.

"Mm. Good girl knows what I like."

"What are you gonna do to me, Officer?" His eyes light up when you play along with his game. You can tell this is a fantasy for him and you're not about to ruin it now. Besides, it's turning you on more than you care to admit.

"I'm gonna make sure you don't do anything like this again."

He moves back up to your chest and runs his tongue around your nipple while you squirm beneath his touch. He sucks lightly on the other nipple and kisses down your stomach. He presses a kiss to the place where your panties are so wet. "Is this what you want, baby?"

You moan softly with the feeling of him so close to where you want him.

"Yes, sir. Please. I promise I'll never do it again." He slides your panties off and puts his finger to your entrance, collecting the wetness gathered there to rub circles on your clit.

"Bad girls deserve to be punished. Are you a bad girl or a good girl, y/n?" He asks.

"I was nice and wet for you, Officer."

"That's true, but you still had that illegal firearm. I think you're a bad girl." He slides two fingers inside you and presses them as far as they'll go, his rings cold against your entrance. Then, he pumps them in and out quickly and lowers his mouth to your clit. He licks over and around it vigorously as you get closer and closer to your climax. When he feels your walls flutter, he backs off of you and pulls both fingers out. You whimper frantically and whisper.

"Noooo, Officer, please!"

"Bad girls don't get to cum when they want to. If you want to be a good girl, you'll cum when you're told."

"Yes sir, please I promise, don't stop!" He goes back to pumping two fingers inside of you, stopping to tickle your sensitive spot every once in a while.

"Does my bad girl want my tongue again?"

"Yes, Officer, please."

"Ask for what you want."

"I want you to lick my pussy again, sir." He gives you a smirk and slides off the bed. When he walks over to the gun case, his pants form a tent around his erection. He fetches the small, unloaded pistol, checking it again for bullets, and walks back to the bed.

"I need to show you how bad this gun can be before I give you want you want."

You nod, hoping he'll let you cum this time. But he doesn't go back to licking you. Instead, he takes the cold metal of the gun and pushes it to your clit gently. You gasp at the sensation and squirm again. He begins to use the tip of the barrel to tease your clit, rubbing it over and around on you carefully. Surprisingly, the sensation is a good one and at one point you cry out in pleasure.

"Oh God, Elvis."

"Does my bad girl want to cum?" He asks as he moves the gun on you gently.

"Yes, please, fuck!"

"Are you gonna be a good girl from now on?"

"Yes, Officer, please!" You moan and he pulls the gun away from you and sets it on the bed. He gets close to your center and blows on your clit gently.

Your orgasm seems to be teetering right on the edge and it's driving you insane. He kisses your hip and down to your pussy again.

"Has my bad girl learned her lesson?" You nod frantically and beg again as he licks up your slit to your clit and back down again.

"Yes! Yes! Please let me cum!" He smiles and presses his lips to your clit. Then, he begins to lick you again, sliding two fingers inside you, and you're so close that it almost hurts.

"Cum for me, baby." He whispers and you whimper as you feel your orgasm closing in. "Remember, good girls do what they're told."

He tightens his tongue to a point and licks directly over your clit hard and your center explodes with waves of undeniable pleasure, crashing over and over as you shake and pulse around his fingers.

"Oh, God, Elvis!" You cry out, completely forgetting about the party going on downstairs. He laughs and slides his fingers out of you.

"Good girl. Now I think it's time you try to convince me not to take you downtown." He retrieves a small key and unlocks the handcuffs, giving you access to your hands again.

"Yes, Officer." You push him down to lay on his back and settle between his legs. Then, you pull his pants down just enough to let his cock spring free. He moans softly as you run your hand up and down his shaft, rolling back his foreskin. When you lean down and lick the tip of his dick gently, he inhales sharply. You pull as much of him into your mouth as possible, gagging a little to fit him. He groans with the sensation of hitting the back of your throat. You pick up a steady rhythm of bouncing on him as you massage his balls.

"Yes, yes, that's my good girl." He moans, leaning his head back and closing his eyes. When you can tell he's getting close, you pull him in deeply again and back off.

"So am I going to jail?" You ask with a pout.

"I'm almost convinced to let you go." He pushes his pants the rest of the way down his legs and flips you over onto your back, lining his cock up with your dripping entrance. "Just one... last... thing."

When he gets to the final word, he pushes into you deeply, filling you fully in one thrust.

"Fuck, Elvis!" You cry out again at the sensation of being stretched and filled so quickly.

"Goddamn, you feel good, baby." He whispers in your ear as he begins to pump in and out of you. After a few minutes, he pushes your knees up so that your feet are pressed against his chest. As he fucks into you, he has one hand on your foot and he leans down and kisses your toe. "Such pretty little feet. Did ya paint these nails just for me?"

"I did." You respond breathlessly as he pounds you over and over again. The feeling is almost overwhelming in the best way possible.

"Good girl. Such a good girl for me." Suddenly, he pulls out and rolls you over, spanking your ass lightly. "Get on your knees, babe."

"Yes sir." You get on your hands and knees as instructed. He holds your hip with one hand and uses his other to tease your slit with the tip of his cock. "Does my good girl want me to fuck her?"

"Yes, Officer, please." You whimper and beg.

He grunts as he pushes into you from behind, putting his other hand on your hip to brace you as he begins to slam into you over and over. His balls slap against you as he fucks you vigorously and you let out a soft cry with each thrust. It feels so good as his length hits your sensitive spot time and time again. He reaches around and begins to make circles on your clit as he fucks you.

"'M gonna cum soon, baby. Cum with me." He moans as he continues to push into you powerfully and rub your clit. Your breasts bounce with every impact and you wish he would never stop.

"Yes sir." You already feel your climax building and you cum hard, your orgasm running through you like wildfire just as he slams into you and moans loudly. You feel his warmth inside you and it just adds to the pleasure of your own pulsing orgasm. He pats on your ass before pulling out.

"That's my good girl."

He slides out of you and you lay down next to each other on the bed looking up at the ceiling, sweating and breathing heavily.

"Thank you, Officer." You turn your head and meet his eyes. His playful smirk is back.

"Anything for a sweet thing like you." He takes your hand and kisses your fingers in a gesture more intimate than your situation.

Suddenly, there's a quiet knock on the door and a voice nervously calls out.

"Boss, I know you said not to bother you, but your wife keeps asking where you are. What should I tell her?"

He looks at you with a devilish glint in his eye and mouths, "oh shit."

You cover your mouth and try not to giggle as he calls back to whomever is at the door.

"Tell her I had some police business to attend to."

The guy at the door walks away and Elvis rolls over onto you and peppers your face with kisses.

"Thank you for indulging me tonight." He leans in and kisses your mouth deeply. "That's more fun than I've had in a long time."

Something that's almost like sadness seems to settle on him and you kiss the end of his nose lightly.

"Of course! It was really fun for me too." He smiles again and kisses your cheek. Then, he rolls off of you and you both start to get dressed. He puts the gun and the handcuffs back where they belong.

"I'll tell you what, I'll never look at this pistol the same way again." You laugh and try to smooth your hair in the mirror. He wraps his arms around you from behind and kisses the back of your neck once more.

"Can I see you again?" You look at him in the mirror with his chin on your shoulder.

"I'm not sure that's a good idea. You're married."

"Ehhhh, for now. I like you. Please?"

You turn around in his arms to face him.

"Now who's begging?" You joke playfully. He makes a pouty face.

"Please, baby. You can pick the role play next time." You raise an eyebrow. That idea is intriguing.

"Can I be in charge?"

"Honey, you can do whatever you want if you dress up for me."

"Deal." He leans in to kiss you and there's another knock at the door. He rolls his eyes and sighs.

"Boss, she really-"

"Will ya let me deal with 'er? I'll be down there in a minute." He turns his attention back to you. "I have to go. I'll find you. We'll do this again. On my honor as a cop." He winks and unwraps himself from around you, kissing you sweetly one last time. As you make your way down the stairs and back to your post, you suppose your cousin probably won't ask for your help again.

When you make eye contact with him across the room again, though, you really don't care. He's worth it.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

So do we want more?

Taglist:

@ccab @elvisfatass @elvisalltheway101 @aliypop @18lkpeters @dkayfixates @ashtag6887 @your-nanas-house @deniseinmn @joshuntildawn13 @lookingforrainbows @60svintage @littlehoneyposts @epthedream69

[bookishdreamer28]

₊˚⊹ Only in his arms

Gojo x fem reader

Summary: You're in love with your best friend Satoru, and you've been thinking about to confess to him, but you're not sure if you're really ready to tell him. But something happens, that changed your plans entirely.

Genre: Fluff, very fluffy

Warning: This is very tooth rooting :3

Note: This my first attempt to write a fanfic (one shot) so if this one goes welll, I might write mooore! Hope you'll like it ^^

━━━━⊱⋆⊰━━━━

There are times like these, where I wish I could stay in this moment forever. And I'm talking about times, where me and Satoru are just, together. Every time I'm with him, I feel I'm the happiest I've ever been. I know it sounds very cheesy and all, but I'm head over heels for this man and I haven't had the courage to say anything. The only I've been dping since I realized I had feelings for him, was to keep them all to myself.

Right now, me and Satoru were heading to his house to watch a movie or something, after a long day of training. Since we left training, I've been thinking of ways to confess my feelings to him, but I can't utter. a. word. However, today I'll pick up the courage and tell him how I feel. I can't pretend anymore. I felt Toru's fingers intertwined with mine, and I felt like I was about to explode. I turned my head towards him and gave him a small smile. Toru smiled too and brought my hand close to his mouth and kissed it. And the butterflies in my stomach were back.

'What's up with you petal? I can tell there's something occupying your mind and you have this distant look on your face all the time. Is something bothering yo- OR IS IT SOMEONE? Tell me right now who bothered my girl and I'll go give them a piece of my mind right n-'

'Satoru everything's ok' I said giggling and brushed my shoulder with his. I rested my head on his shoulder and his arm was wrapped gently around my shoulders. The feeling of his arms around me was incomparable. I felt this way every time I was in his arms.

'Don't need to overreact Toru. I'm just thinking about training and the curses. That's all.' I started playing with his hair. His soft, white hair. Everything about him is perfect.

Satoru this whole time, was looking at me with narrowing eyes. His hands wrapped around my waist and started rubbing my sides, which is something that gave me goosebumps. 'Petal, whatever it is that concerns you, I want to know. Give all your burdens to me. I don't want you to look sad and troubled.' He said and connected his forehead with mine. And now, I'm pretty sure my heart stopped. He so precious HELP ME.

'I promise you that I'm fine. And, same goes for you. I'll always be there to fight whatever makes you have this-adorable must say-frown on your face. Now, let's save some honey for later, and head home kay boy?' Satoru's smiley face made me chuckle.

══════⊹⊱≼≽⊰⊹══════

We were now chilling in Satoru's room, specifically on his bed, while talking about anything that came to our mind at that moment. I was lying down with him, my head on his chest and his fingers brushing my hair, and our fave songs playing in background. That was all I needed. But truth is, I wanted more. Wanted Us, to be more. I could feel Toru's stare on me, and I turned my head to look at him.

And once I did, I felt my heart beating fast. Again.

Our faces were so close, and I know this is not the first time we have come This close but...this felt different. The atmosphere was different. And the look he gave me, was different too.

'Toru...I want to tell you something.' My voice low, my lips just a breath away from his, his hands on my waist, fingers rubbing soft circles on my skin there. Oh man, this is too much. 'Yeah, petal?' His voice almost a whisper. He lowered his head and my heart started pumping even faster. Is it hot in here? Is he hot? Am I hot? I need to keep it together and finally confess to him or else I'll run out of this room and go to a galaxy far FAR AWAY.

I inhaled and felt myself relaxing. A little. 'Toru, I-'

'I love you.'

'.....what?'

'I love you. So much.'

' •.•'

'Uuuuh I've been in love with you for soooo long and every time we're together I feel like it's just you and me in this world, and I know this sounds very cheesy and all, but I can't keep these feelings to myself anymore or else I'll los-' before he could finish, I grabbed his face and kissed him. Yeah. Kissed him. Me and Toru. Kissing.

Satoru's eyes were so wide, they looked like they were about to pop out of his head, but then I felt him relaxing and whimpered once he brought my body closer to him. This kiss meant so much more than just it’s base. It held passion and grace like very few had held before. Toru'shands left my waist and slowly traveled over me. Exploring and teasing. Once his lips left mine, I couldn't help myself but want more. And I could tell Toru felt the same way. His pupils were dilated and his nostrils flared.

Our heavy breathing was the only sound in the room now. I couldn't even hear the music playing anymore. His hand went to my face and rubbed my cheek softly, while he brought his face close to mine for once again. 'Is this real? Is this actually happening?' He asked with a trembling voice. 'I should be the one asking this' I laughed and Toru smiled brightly when he heard the sound. 'I'm so in love with you too, my Toru' I whispered. He exhaled a shaking breath and hugged me close to bis body again and kissed my forehead. His warmth engulfed me instantly and I closed my eyes, enjoying the feeling. 'Oh, are you sleepy pretty baby?' Toru murmured and rubbed my head in soft movements. 'Hhmm a little. I feel so cozy and warm in your arms.' I sighed and felt Toru's chest moving when he chuckled. 'Yeaaah, I know I give the best hugs. And these are only for you princess.' He cooed and tapped my nose with his finger, his face wearing a proud smile.

'Can't argue with that but please, save your cockiness for the another day bae. I have plenty of it already.' I snickered and nuzzled my face in his neck. Toru laughed loudly and kissed me once more. Our palms were pressed together and Toru completed the hold, interlocking our fingers tightly, symbolising us as two halves of the same whole. Yes I'm a hopeless romantic. His lips touching sofly mine, was the last thing I felt before I drifted to sleep.

I have never felt this way before. So relaxed and peaceful. And I was feeling like this, only in his arms.

━━━━⊱⋆⊰━━━━

That sounded way better in my head, but I think it's good for a first time writing something. Anyways, I hope you'll enjoy reading this one <33

all rights reserved. please do not copy, modify, repost, translate, or claim my content as yours.

[danses-with-dogmeat]

I love love love how you write! The little details you add into your reacts are amazing <3 I was hoping to ask if you haven't done so yet, what would the romanced companions say in their own version of the "Hi Honey" holo tape? It could be them making their own tape for any reason or to replace the one the SoSu's spouse made becuase it was destroyed or buried with them, it doesnt matter, just thought that would help the angst/comfort factor 😅 have a good day, love <3

Fallout 4 Companions' Versions of the "Hi, Honey" Tape

Okay, I adore this <3

It's a.... bit more angsty than I meant it to be, but it's all happy and fluffy underneath, so, you know... kinda my forte 😅 And also some of them are... more romanced than others, as you'll see, so just a heads up on that. Anyways, I hope you enjoy!

Also, I tried kind of a different format for this one, almost like you're reading the subtitles/script for the holotape, so hopefully the unique format makes this one interesting 😁

Oh, and just a quick TW for mention of suicidal thoughts/actions!

Cait:

"Oi, ya fucking-- Does this damn thing even work?"

*exasperated noise*

"Alright. There, I think that's done it."

*muffled adjusting*

"Okay."

*sigh*

"Hey. Sole... I uh, I don't really know how to tell ya everything I'd like to... Before I go through with this, you know. I'm not sure what's goin te happen, but I wanted you to know one thing before I go inte that machine, since... I don't know, I might not come back out as meself. Or, or even at all."

*deep breath*

"I just, in case somethin' happens, I want ya te know..."

(pause)

"I love ya."

*short chuckle*

"I know, sounds strange comin' from me, I'm sure, but... It's the truth. I do, and I have, for a bit, but... I'm not really sure why it took me this long te tell ya. Maybe cuz I was scared. Scared that I'd scare ya away."

*Huff of breath*

"Me? Scared? I know how it sounds, trust me, but it's true. I was... worried about losin' ya. Cuz, truth is, Sole, yer the first person who actually seems to give a damn what happens te me. You know this, I've told ya, I know, but even me own damn parents didn't give a shite about me. An' the ghoul, well, he only ever considered what I could do for him. Knew how to keep me hooked, to keep makin' him money. But you... I had my doubts, I'll be the first to admit, but... You've looked out fer me better than anyone, and you did from the start, with nothin' to gain by doin' so."

(pause)

"I don't know why ye did it. Almost scared me off, the thought of someone bein kind te me fer no reason at all. Thought you were gonna end up worse than all the rest, because there was no way you were just bein' that nice with nothin' te gain from it. But I was wrong. And I've never been so damn glad te be wrong in me whole life."

(pause)

*Deep breath*

"An' I want ye t'know one more thing... I knew about this machine. I knew about it a bit ago. I could've gone with someone else, could've gone on me own, even. Maybe I wouldn't have made it out alive, but it didn't really matter te me at the time. And neither did gettin' clean. I told you I'd been trying to get sober for awhile, but nothin' was workin', and that wasn't a lie, but... Before you, I didn't really want te get clean. There was just..."

(pause)

"There was no point to it. Get clean fer what? I didn't want to feel anythin'. Well, anythin' but the rush of psycho. Couldn't feel anything if I was off it, I was so damn numb to the whole world... But you... you changed that. Somewhere along the way, when I was with you, I felt... somethin' else. I want te feel that again, but I want te feel it all. No psycho, no nothin'. Just you. And I'm hopin' you feel the same, but if you don't... It doesn't matter too much. I just... I wanted you te know."

(pause)

*huff of air*

"So there. I said what I meant to. You heard it. An' whether or not ye feel the same, I... I just hope it means somethin' to ya."

*click*

Curie:

"My love! Look at what I 'ave found! Or... Listen to it, rather."

*giggling*

"But isn't zhis wonderful? I can now tell you 'ow much I love you! Zhough, I do suppose I say it quite often... Still, what better day zhan zhis? I know zhere are many who no longer observe zhis holiday, but it is our first one together and I wanted to do something special. I thought of many possible zhings to gift you, since I feel as zhough I simply could not give you enough!"

*laughter*

"But zhen... I settled on zhis idea... I want you to listen to zhis recording, any time you are not feeling at your best, when I am not around to help you, or whenever else you feel like it, even when I am in zhe room next to you, you will have zhis at your disposal."

"I just want you to know 'ow much I care for you. You are zhe one who saved me, who made me not feel so alone in zhis new world, who helped me not to be afraid. I was afraid, mon amour, you remember. I was afraid to go out on my own, so you stayed close to my side, I was afraid I could never follow my dreams, zhat I could not become who I am today, afraid I would never be able to be with you, to feel all zhat I do when you are near and beside me. I would not be myself without you, I would still be in zhat 'orrible vault, would still be afraid and alone..."

(pause)

"But I am not, and it is thanks to you. You are... zhe most beautiful person I have ever come into contact with. The kindest, the most loving, zhe gentlest, and you are zhe one I love, when I did not know I was capable of such feeling! You made it so, my lovely Sole, and I could not be more grateful to share all zhese new-- all zhese so very human experiences with you. I love you, vers la lune et retour."

*giggles*

"It is amazing zhat I can say such things and mean zhem! I had heard about love, had read about it, and knew of zhe chemicals and such, but to feel it, to say zhese things, to know why I'm saying zhem, who is making me feel zhem, it is a wonderful feeling, mon cheri/e."

(pause)

"Oh!"

*shuffling paper noises*

"And I almost forgot! Comme c'est drôle de moi... I have a poem to read to you! It is one I read from a novel long ago, I had to dig to find it, to make sure it was correct. I did not understand it zhen, not as much as I do now, but now, it is all zhe more beautiful."

*clears throat*

"Je dédie à tes pleurs, à ton sourire,

Mes plus douces pensées,

Celle que je te dis, celles aussi

Qui demeurent imprécisées

Et trop profondes pour les dire"

"I can translate as well! Do not worry! It just sounds so belle en François. What it means is, zhat I dedicate my sweetest thoughts to both your tears and your smiles, all of my thoughts, zhe ones zhat I say to you, and zhe ones I 'ave no words for, zhat are too imprecise. Even zhose thoughts zhat are so deep zhat you cannot say zhem aloud, even zhose go to you, mon amour. I dedicate so much to you, because you 'ave given me so very much since zhe day you and I met. It does seem rather small in comparison, just zhis little poem, after all you 'ave done, but it is zhe truth. I love you so much, my Sole. 'Appy Valentines day."

"Love, Curie."

Danse:

*clears throat*

"I know I'm not very good at these sort of talks in person, and... I'm honestly not sure it'll be any better through this tape. But I feel like I have to try."

"I'm... Well, let me just preface this by saying that I'm sorry for what happened today. You weren't meant to... Well, let's just say that I should've thrown that tape recording away a long time ago. That same day that I recorded it, even. And if it's any consolation, I never paid the contents of it any further mind after our talk at the Bunker. When I think of it now, I..."

*deep sigh*

"Knowing what I do now, what was to come... I can't believe I would've just... Just ended it."

(pause)

"Everything was so jumbled then. After I found out what I was, I felt so lost. My existence, without the Brotherhood, it felt so... purposeless. The words on that tape... they just helped me get everything off my mind. Helped me feel like there was a way out of all that uncertainty, as rash as it may seem in hindsight."

"Then you appeared below the surface. Even with all my defenses... I don't even know why I put them up, if I was just planning to...

*sigh*

"It's not a day I like to remember."

"You are what made it bearable. Not just that day, not just my... whole self discovery, but everything. Without you, I wouldn't have only been dead, but I would have been lost. Everything I truly believe in, all that I've worked for... I felt like less than nothing when it was all stripped away. Along with my identity. My personhood. But these past couple years... you've built me up again. You've made me into something-- someone I can be proud of. Helped me make the difference I thought could only be achieved through the Brotherhood, and I don't know how I'll ever be able to thank you for all that you've given me."

"My life, my belief in myself, the courage to move on when I felt I had nothing, that I was nothing... But I was wrong. I was always wrong. I never had nothing, not even on my darkest days, when I wished beyond reason that I could crawl out of my own synthetic skin. Even on those days, I still had you."

"The day that you confessed your feelings to me was the first day that I began to question a few of the core beliefs of the Brotherhood. With the overwhelming strength and certainty of my own feelings for you, I wondered how the Brotherhood could ever consider me-- my kind, to be soulless abominations. Every day my feelings of fondness for you grow stronger, and every day I stray away from the belief that I'm nothing but a mere machine. I never could've done that without you."

"Ever since the day I met you, I've felt like... somehow, our fates have been tied to one another. Like I was always meant to know you. And it might be strange, to phrase it that way, to think that some... higher power pulled the strings in such a way to ensure our meeting, our friendship, o-our love, but if it hadn't turned out that way... that tape I made would be in the Brotherhood archives, and I would be..."

*exhale*

"I just hope that my presence in your life has yielded even a fraction of the happiness, security and support that you provide me with. If so, it'll all have been worth it."

"I hope what I said on this tape doesn't make you uncomfortable, I-I know the subject matter is quite upsetting, but if I can offer further consolation, the tape in question no longer exists. I erased it, in favor of this message. I thought it would be... symbolic. The way our love for one another, and my dedication to you has erased the negative feelings I had for myself, that almost drove me to complete ruin. I apologize again for what you heard on that tape, and it pains me to know you felt guilt for not being able to do more after my... self discovery. The truth is, Sole, you were the only thing standing between me and the ending that that tape promised for my life, and I could never find a way to thank you for all that you've done for me."

"I love you, Sole. More than I thought could ever be possible, even before finding out that I was a synth."

(pause)

*clears throat*

"Anyway, that was what I felt I had to say. I know it was long winded, and I... well, I never know quite how to end these conversations, but I suppose it's worth saying it again. Thank you, Sole. For giving me my life back. The rest of it belongs to you."

Deacon:

"Csssshhhhk this is your captain speaking, yeah, we're gonna be traveling at around fifty eight thousand feet in a minute here, so just wanted to tell you to get comfortable, drop those trays, get out those peanuts, oxygen masks, space suits, and--"

*muffled laughter*

"No, but anyway... Hey Sole, it's ah, it's me. You're favorite crimefighting deathbunny, and partner in all things inappropriate. I... just wanted to make this... I know we don't have the same type of job security or workers' compensation from before the big booms, so just y'know, like an insurance policy, especially now that there's all this added paperwork with our little developing relationship status, it just felt important, y'know? Another record to dust off one day. And... I wanted to be sure you could always have a way to hear my lovely voice, my bad jokes, my flawless singing, you know, just in case... I know how much you'd miss it."

*sighs*

"Look, I... I know it hasn't always been easy, everything you've been through, to add all my problems to the pile. The trust issues, the compulsive lying, those pesky little intimacy problems that make things extra fun, and... I could go on, but I'm afraid the tape would run out of space."

"I guess, what I'm trying to say is... Thanks. Sole. You're everything I needed and never deserved or expected. I had this plan, this idea of what the rest of my life would be like, and you just--"

*breaks into laughter*

"You just waltzed right into those catacombs and blew those ideas to smithereens. Shot 'em down with your charm and your selflessness and good looks, and man... I didn't stand a chance. I can't believe you chose me. You coulda had anybody. Even Carrington, if you kept at it, but you chose to love me, even with how... difficult it must've been-- must be..."

"I still don't know why you did it, but I've never been more grateful in my life. You're my partner in crime, my fellow deathbunny, my bestie, and now you're my husband/wife?! ... It's crazy. Crazy awesome, and I... I never thought I'd tread that kind of path again, not with anyone, and I wouldn't have... if it weren't for you."

"Ahh, you. You're just... The best, and I love you. I know I don't say it enough, and when I do, I don't sound serious. But no matter how uncomfy it makes me feel to say it aloud, it's true. I love you, Sole."

(pause)

"But alright, bestie, I've gotta go. I'm about to have the best sleepover of my life, with this awesome person, I'm sure you know them, and I'm really feeling like I'm gonna get lucky. You can't see it, but I just winked at you. Anyways, wish me luck, and I'll... I'll see you in the field."

"Deathbunny out."

Gage:

“Hiya there boss… It’s…”

*under his breath* “I hope this damn thing is even recording.”

*snorts*

 “But, it’s me. Jus’ wanted to say some stuff…"

*sighs*

“Look, it’s tough for me, I’m sure you know it more than most, but, it’s tough for me to reach out like this. I never… Well, you know this too Sole, but, I never done this sorta thing before. With the relationship and the… I don’t know, man, the arguments. Before, well, fights like this usually meant the end of things, but you said that ain’t how it’s supposed to be. We’re supposed to work through this shit, somehow, and so I… I guess I figured I’d start with this.” 

*deep breath*

“I’m sorry. Sole. There, okay? I’m sorry for bein’ an asshole, for not givin’ you enough credit, not remembering that yer new to this whole raider thing, this whole Overboss thing. And that… well, you’ve probably never been with someone like me before. I sure as hell’ve never been with somebody like you, but… What can I say? It’s hard to find folks like you out here anyhow. You’re your own breed, boss. And that’s far from a bad thing. Jus’... Well, you know me. If you’re your own breed, I’m a goddamn mutt. I’m rough around the edges, not used to tryin’ to make things work. I’ve solved a hell of a lot more problems with my knife than I have with my words, but… I wanna… Well, I wanna make things work this time ‘round, boss… Sole… I mean, you know how I feel about ya, and I… I ain’t never had anything like this, and I just don’t know how I got along so long without you, cuz… Well, Sole, cuz you just make everything better.”

(pause)

“I mean… my life’s not worth a whole lot, that ain’t no mystery or nothin’, but when yer in it… It feels like somethin’ worth having. Not like the rest of my life, oh… stumblin’ around looking for scraps of quick fixes that could make me forget how little my life really means, but… having something worth holding onto, worth bein’ around for… that’s what it’s like with you.”

*dry chuckle*

“And to think, I was stupid enough to think that one little argument was worth losing all this over. Worth losing the only thing in my life that really makes it worthwhile. Cuz that’s what you are, baby. That’s what you are to me. Even though I don’t say it a whole lot… It don’t mean that I… That I don’t mean it, you know?”

*sigh*

“I can’t be the easiest to get along with, I’m sure. I’m so damn hard-headed most of the time, and I always act like I know what I’m talking about, which… Well, you know that usually ain’t the truth.”

*chuckles*

“But somehow you got the patience for all this. All my shit. And… I may not always be the sharpest knife in the drawer, or whatever the saying is, but I know what I got with you. I know what you’re worth, baby, and it’s more than I got, and I know you bein’ with me at all is a charity, but… Well dammit, I hope I got some worth to you too, cuz I just… I need you now, Sole. I wanna be worth the headache and the patience, and I wanna work through the fights and learn how to make it up to you. I never had this before… I never felt this way about no one. I don’t wanna lose it. I can’t… lose you. Things jus’, well, they just wouldn’t be the same…” 

*deep sigh*

“I know I’m going ‘round in circles a bit here, but you know apologies ain’t really my strong suit. An’ neither is all this mushy stuff, but I’m trying all right? I’m trying for you. And I’m gonna keep on doing that until you tell me you can’t stand it no more. It’s just the kinda reckless, hard-headed, stubborn fool I am, Sole. Gonna keep telling you how you changed it all for me, how you’re so damn incredible it makes my chest hurt, how I… Well dammit. Guess I’ve gotta say it now, huh? Look, there. You did it boss, you got it out of me. Damn near slipped out before I could even catch it too. Nasty little words, but… It’s never been truer. I love you Sole.”

(pause)

*comical sigh*

“And while we’re at it, might as well say I’m sorry again, too. There. You got both outta me. Got it all. There’s nothing left for you to take, baby, all my cards just out on the table like that and I forgot how to fucking bluff.” 

*soft chuckle*

“Nah, but… I mean it, Sole. I ain’t nothin’ without you. Next time we fight, just pull this shit outta your pocket and I’ll shut right up, I promise. And… If I’m ever not sayin’ all that… All that I should, if I’m being an ass like I do sometimes, just listen to this while I’m off sulkin’ somewhere. Cuz it’s true. It’s all true, and no amount of me bein’ pissy or stubborn is gonna change that... Is gonna change the fact that… Well, dammit, I do, I love you, Sole.”

(pause)

“Greedy bastard, you’ve gotten it outta me twice now, so you should be all caught up for awhile… Just don’t use it against me too often, okay? Don’t abuse this shit, or you definitely ain’t gonna hear it as much, I’ll tell ya that.”

*chuckles*

 “Alright, don’t know when this thing is gonna run outta tape, but it’s bound to be close. I’ll, ah, I’ll see ya soon, baby.”

*click*

Hancock:

"Heya, Sunshine. It's, ah, it's me. I know it hasn't been all that long since we've seen each other, and I know you're busy. Hard being the hero all the time, hard being the best person there is in the Commonwealth, I get it. But I wanted to tell ya, that... I miss you. I miss you when we're not together, from the moment I see you leave through the Goodneighbor gate, I'm already turning to tell you how much I'm gonna miss you, before I realize that you're gone. That's how bad it is, sweetheart, I-I talk to you even when you're not here."

*chuckles*

"Maybe it's cuz I'm a little nuts, or something, I don't know. Either way though, when I'm alone like this, jus'... thinking about you, I wish I had a way to hear that pretty voice o' yours. So, I thought we could make somethin' like this. Just a reminder, that I'm thinkin' about ya, I'm wishin' you were here, even though I know it's important that you're away."

*sighs*

"Still doesn't change that I want you back here by my side. Or to be out there with you. Kickin' ass. Making a difference. Watchin' you in action, if you know what I mean, heh. Yeah."

(pause)

"Damn this hurts. I get it. I do. I know you have to be out there. I know I can't go everywhere with you all the time, an' I don't mean to make you feel bad, baby, not at all. Jus' want you to know. Know how much it affects me when you're not here."

*sniffles*

*forced chuckle*

"Fahrenheit even notices. Says I'm no fun when you're not around anymore. She's had to drag me outta bed a few times this week... Yeah."

*shaky breath*

"Sorry 'bout this, Sunshine. Sorry if it doesn't make much sense. Brain's kinda foggy right now. I don't mean to make ya feel bad, you know? Jus'... just wanted you to know."

(pause)

"Shit, already said that, huh? Damn, it's just, it's true. I miss you, I love you, baby, and I want you with me all the time."

*muffled* "Oh Jesus. What are you doing?"

"Nothin,' Fare, go on."

*Fahrenheit* "Who are you talking to?"

"Sole. Now go on. Not done yet."

*Fahrenheit* "Sole? Hancock, Sole's not--"

"I know. Leaving a message for 'em. When they are here."

*sigh*

*door closing*

"Jesus. See? Goin' crazy over here, with her hoverin' over me. Need you, baby."

"Now... what was I sayin'?"

*laughter*

"Sorry it's so all over the place. This is what you do to me."

*a breath*

"There's just one thing I'm gonna ask from you, baby. You can go, I know you've gotta sometimes, just... come back. Alright, Sunshine? Come back to me. Do what you gotta do, but just know, now, that I've got you. You're part of the package. The coat, the hat, my whole look, the talk, my title, everything that makes me, me, now you're in that. I can't--"

*sniffles*

"I can't be without ya. Not for good, ya hear? So all I gotta know, is that you're gonna come back to me. Just... Try and think about that when you're out there on your own. Don't take the risk if you don't have to. You're good, baby. The most selfless person I ever met, and I love that about you, but... don't make the sacrifice, okay? I know I'm bein' selfish, but I ain't a saint like you, so I'd say it's pretty on-brand."

*soft chuckle*

"Just don't... Jus' come back to me. That's all I'm saying. It's all I need, okay, baby? Just need you..."

*sigh*

"Think I should probably let you go now, huh? So you can get back to bein' a badass, an' all that. Just one more thing though, before you set this tape aside... I love you, Sole. Just need you to know that, if you haven't listened to anything else on this tape, just know that. I love you, and... I'll see you soon."

MacCready:

"Geeze I hope this thing works..."

*fiddling noises*

"How do you even know if it's recording? Is that...? Hmm."

(pause)

"Okay. Well, here goes nothing."

*Clears throat*

"Hey, Sole. I, ah, I hope this works, because I've got a few things I wanted to... um, say. Wow, geeze, really off to a good start here, huh? I just hope this dang thing is even recording."

*chuckle*

"But if it is... Well, I just wanted to say... thanks."

*soft sigh*

"Truth is, I wouldn't even be doing this if it weren't for you. Maybe one day, yeah, it was always the plan to go back to Duncan, to be with him, but... I never thought I'd be bringing him back to a family. It was... one of the reasons I think I was putting it off. I mean, what do I have to offer? As a dad I-I'm doing my best, but... Is it enough? Will he be lonely with just me? Can I look after him as well as I want to, as well as he deserves? Is he going to be happy, with just me? And maybe he was, and I worried for nothing, but... With you, the decision was so much easier. And..."

*deep breath*

"Well, without your help, I... I might not even have been able to ask those questions. Duncan might not have... You know."

(pause)

"But you helped me. Even when you barely even knew me."

*laughter*

"I didn't think there was anyone like you out there, who would just help me, and not expect anything in return, I didn't think I'd ever find someone out there worthwhile. I mean, after the Gunners, well, they made it hard to see the good in the world, and even when I met you, I know I was... Well, I was a bit of an ass, huh?"

*chuckles*

"But that didn't seem to phase you. No... I don't think anything I could've done would have scared you away for good, once you saw how badly I needed you."

"And that's why I love you so much, Sole. You put other people before you, and you don't expect a damn thing in return, and it's so... Gosh, it's so weird that you do that, I've never met anyone like that, and I've never met anyone like you, and I didn't think, honestly... I never thought I'd be able to fall for someone again, after everything, but... I never saw you coming. And I mean... I'm a sniper. So I've got good eyes, you know."

*breaks into laughter*

"Sorry for that one. Sort of. But I can see that face, without you even being here, I can see that amused but... disappointed look you give me when I make those bad jokes. Those 'dad jokes' as you call them."

*more chuckling*

"I love you so much, baby. I didn't think I'd ever be able to say those words again. To say those words and-and mean them, but I can. And... I know you felt the same way, about loving again, after everything you've lost, but... I'm glad you found me. In that dingy old underground bar, where I almost got my butt whooped by those Gunner clowns, where I was spending all my hard-earned caps trying to drown out my problems... You pulled me out of that, and probably saved my life... No, you did save it, cuz without you, if I'd lost Duncan too, I just... Yeah, I wouldn't have been able to go on much longer if I didn't have him. If I didn't have you."

*sniffs*

"But he's going to be..."

*laughs*

"Just so excited to meet you, I mean, I've told you about him, he's just so adventurous and playful, and even when he couldn't talk at all, he loved meeting new people, and he's- god, he's gonna love you. And I'm gonna have my work cut out for me, cuz, I mean... you think I'm cute? Just wait, I mean, I'm never gonna see you again, you're just gonna want to run off with him and leave me behind, I mean-- his eyes, Sole, they're so blue, and his little cheeks, and gosh, there's nothing I love more than him... than you, too, and the thought of you two together? Heck, I don't know what I'm gonna do with myself, I'm not going to be able to handle it all. To handle... for the first time in so long, being actually... happy. Being part of a family again..."

*exhale*

"You know... I think you know that it... It makes me nervous. To be so happy. To have so much to lose, but... I know that you know what that's like. And I just- I just can't wait for us all to be a part of it. No matter how scary it is, or how strange it'll feel to have it again, to have a family, but have it be different, but... I'm so glad it's with you. And I just... I can't wait to see you, baby. Can't wait for you to see him."

*a breath*

"Just promise me... promise me you won't... leave."

*sniffs*

"...That you won't run off with Duncan and leave me behind. I promise, there's enough of him for both of us i-if we ration, you know?"

*teary laughter*

"We can share him, just... Just stay safe, for me, Sole, okay? I don't want-- I can't lose... I just... can't do this alone."

*deep breath*

"But, ah, anyway, I'll see you soon, okay Sole? I'll see you when I-- when we get back. I love you, and the next time we're together... we'll be a proper family."

Nick:

"Hey there, Sole. It's ah, it's your Nick here. Just wanted to make somethin' for ya, to help get you through these next few... days, maybe. I know this isn't gonna be easy, but I want you to know, I'm proud of you. You did it. You made it where no one thought you ever could, and hopefully, it pays off."

*low sigh*

"God, I hope it does. If there's anyone out there who deserves it, it's you. But we both know it doesn't always work that way..."

*exhale*

"No matter what happens in there though, I'm here for you. Always, alright? I don't mean that lightly, Sole. I've helped you come this far... even when it really didn't seem like you needed my help."

*chuckle*

"I mean it was you who saved me first, right?"

*more laughter*

*small sigh*

"Anyway, guess what I'm really saying here, Sole, is that... I want it to go right. I want you to find your boy, I want you, more than anything, to be happy. You've been through so much, more than anyone should have to go through, and I want you to be able to rest, to have the family you wanted, that you deserve, or, part of that family, at least. You're one of the best damn people I've met in all my years, and no matter how this all goes, I'll be by your side to help you face it."

(pause)

"You know... I'm not really sure why you picked me, if I'm honest, Sole. I'm just a rusty old synth, but... I'm a rusty old synth who's... in love with you. Who wants, more than most anything, for you to just be happy. And if I can have some part in making that happen, well, then I guess I shouldn't really question it, huh? But who am I kidding? I'm a detective, it's in my nature to question unlikely things."

*small chuckle*

"Well, guess I've rambled on here quite a bit, but I wanted you to have something. For when you're in there, so you remember that you're not alone. You've got good friends out here, so many people who care about you, who are rootin' for ya. Me, most of all. No matter what happens, we're all proud of how far you've come. No one even thought this would be possible, but since the day I met you, I've been realizing that the word 'impossible' really isn't in your vocabulary, huh? Who would've thought some pre-war vaulty would get as far as you did? Well, you did, and you really showed anyone who thought differently. It's one of the, oh, couple dozen or so things I love about you, darling. You always show those that need showing, always right the wrongs around you, even when some would argue it ain't your business. But you show those folks too, don't ya?"

*chuckles*

"You're just a whole lotta something, there, Sole. I never met anyone like ya, and there's no one else I could think of who could get through everything you've survived. You'll get through this too, I know it. And... I don't know, maybe I'm just losin' a few screws or something, but I believe you're gonna find your boy in there... But no matter what happens in the Institute, just know you got people out here waitin' for ya. Wishin' ya the best. Wishin' for ya to make it back home to us. We all love ya, Sole. And me? I love ya most of all."

"Yours, Nick."

Piper:

"Come on, come onnnn."

*Nat speaking indiscernably*

"That did it? You think?"

*Nat* "Yes."

"Oh. Okay. Geesh, this is why I just wanted to write a letter or something, but Nat said I should... cuz of the tape that you lost, and what it meant to you, and hearing my voice and-- Geeze, already rambling. So unlike me, huh?"

*laughter*

"Uh, anyways, um... Hey. Blue."

*more laughter*

"Who let me do this? This is awful. I wanna just talk straight to you, you know? See that cute little face of yours, that embarrassed smile with the way your eyes crinkle. The face you're probably making right now. Eh? Did I getcha? Are you making that face? Bet you are."

*giggling*

"I guess I know you pretty well by now, huh? Four years, Blue. Four! I don't know how I've put up with you all that time, but also, I... I don't really know what I would've done without you. That day we met... I think back on it all the time. How perfect everything had to be for us to meet like that, to get that great first impression. It always makes me laugh, the way we still give Danny a hard time about it, blaming him whenever we have those silly little arguments, just so we can't blame each other. I wonder if other couples do that? If they have a sort of scapegoat for their silly little..."

(pause)

"Okay, yeah, getting off topic. The reason I made this, well, this tape recording, that I wanted to be a note, that I probably could've just said straight to your face, was so I could just say... thanks. I know I tell you a lot how much you mean to me, but, I also think you always need to hear it. You've been through so much, lived through multiple lifetimes... you really were-- and are, the story of the century, Blue. You're incredible, and strong, and goofy, and absolutely adorable, if I do say so myself."

*giggles*

"Ahem, anyways, um... Where was I?... Oh! Yeah, you're..."

*quick breath*

"You're a great leader, and you could do anything you set your mind to, I mean really, once you've lived over two hundred years, learned how to fight giant monster lizards, how to cure super mutants, travel through someone's brain, and even teleport, I think the sky is hardly the limit."

*more soft laughter*

"Yeah... I knew I'd get just a little off topic, but when it all comes down to it, there's really only one thing you need to know, Blue."

"I love you. And I'm so grateful to have you in my life and as my partner in everything, and though these past few years have been like... the best of my life, I think the future holds a lot for us. Keep being strong, keep being you, and I'll be right here, cheering you on, loving you. Like I have from the start."

(pause)

"Oh, and Nat'll be here too. Rolling her eyes. Scrunching her face when we kiss in front of her and pretending to barf, but... she'll be loving you too. Won't you, sis?"

*Noncommittal noise*

"See? She agrees. Love ya, Blue. See you soon."

(pause)

*whispered* "Which one do I press to stop it? Which one? Oh. Oh, okay, I see--"

*click*

Preston:

"Sole? Hey. It's Preston."

*light chuckle*

"But you could probably guess that, huh? Yeah, well, I just wanted to say a few things. So you have them, so we do, for later, and everything... I'm just... Where to even start with you?"

*a breath*

"You're just... so amazing. You have been, since the day I met you, and every day since. You've taken everything the Commonwealth throws at you, and you've turned it into something beautiful. Something we can help grow, help to make this world a better place. And... you've given me hope."

*light laughter*

"It sounds so simplified when I put it like that, but it's not."

*soft sigh*

"I had no hope, before I met you. It was gone, and I just felt... hollow, but now I see all of the amazing possibilities for the world, for you and me, and the Minutemen. I never would've made it this far without you, and what we're doing now? This big adventure we're taking together? I know... I know you've been there before. That you... had a family before, and I know the way it turned out, and I can't imagine how difficult it is to look past that, and to try again. But... I want you to know I'm here for you. I always will be, just like you were there for me, when I needed you most."

"I want this for us, and you're... God, Sole, you're just so strong to want this too, so brave, and selfless, and-- and you just see the possibilities in life and you go for them, and I love that about you."

"Even just saying all this, it has me smiling from ear to ear. Just thinking about you does that to me, babe. I couldn't tell you the last time I smiled like this before I met you. I don't think I even could, to tell you the truth, but now... I mean, my cheeks hurt. Just thinking about seeing you after this mission, thinking about our talk, about us... settling down... Yeah, it's gonna be tough. Like you said, it's hard to get me to stay in one place, but you like to wander a whole lot too, you know."

*laughing*

"But I don't think I've been more ready, more excited for anything in my life. I love you so much, I almost can't believe it sometimes, but then I see you, and I... Well, I can believe it, because you're just that good. That perfect, that kind and loving, and selfless, and I just can't believe that out of all the other people in this world, I was lucky enough to meet you, and somehow, you wanted to be with me too."

(pause)

"I think I might've told you this already. At least once, but just in case, I'm gonna tell you again... Sole. I loved you from the moment I saw you. I... I couldn't believe it."

*laughter*

"I thought it was crazy, thought I lost my mind or something, but it was true. As soon as you came into my life, I was ready to pledge mine to you. I-I was in love. And as unbelievable as it seemed at the time, so soon after meeting you, that's never changed. And I'm betting that it never will."

"I love you, Sole. So much, and I can't wait to see you back here, and I can't wait to make that pledge all over again, can't wait to start our family, and... And god, I'm so excited to see you, I can't even sit still, I just--"

*muffled voice*

"What? Now?"

*sound of confirmation*

"Already? But I thought--"

*Annoyed sound getting further away*

"No, hold on, I'm coming!"

"Sturges says you're here."

"You're... you're home. You're home early..."

*disbelieving laughter*

"I'm gonna go and see you. Now. Right now, I've gotta--"

*muffled rustling noise*

"I'm gonna go. Sort of. I love you Sole, see you soon!"

X6-88:

"Sole... Ma'am/Sir. This is X6-88. I..."

*small sigh*

"I would like to extend my condolences to you. Your son... I wish you could have known him as I did. As so many of us did, as you never had the chance to. It is unfortunate, but... What I said, before, when I told you that I believe in you... It was not a lie, sir/ma'am. I do believe, fully, that you are meant to take his place, that you will do incredible things for The Institute."

"To be honest, I'm not sure why I felt the urge to record this message for you, but... Perhaps it's because I feel... that you should be able to hear this, to listen to this tape if ever you feel... inadequate, or... alone. You are neither, sir/ma'am, I assure you."

(pause)

"And I also... I know what it's like. To feel that way."

"Perfection is something that's required in every unit that is created to be a courser. It's something hardwired into us, and so is our aptitude for solitude, and yet... Either there is great fault with my programming, or you were enough to bypass all of it altogether. I've never felt less... Well, perhaps not less perfect, but I've never felt... more..."

*quietly*

"Human, than when I'm with you."

"It is not by my own conscious decision, but all of my defenses seem to lower when you are at my side. I've spoken so outwardly with you, I've... laughed, which is something I never knew I was capable of doing. I've come to despise being alone completely. Or... perhaps not alone, but more... without you. It makes my chest feel tight, and my thoughts wander to your safety whenever I'm not by your side. I'm not... I'm not quite sure why I feel so differently about you than I do anyone else I've met, why you elicit these reactions and thoughts, but I do know that they are enough for me to believe you are... exceptional."

*soft exhale*

"There is no one more capable, or better suited to leading us. No one who has had the influence over me that you do. Not Ayo, not Father, not even the... infuriatingly endearing young Shaun."

*short laugh*

"None of them... and yet you, from the beginning, have surprised me. Your prowess in combat, your amusing commentary, your strange empathy and searing wit... It all took me by surprise. Which isn't easy, I'll have you know. I'm a courser after all."

*muted chuckle*

(pause)

"I'm a courser... And yet, you've always treated me like an... an equal. Not a machine, or a weapon, not something to fear or to order around without regard for my own preferences, my own... conscience. It's something I never thought that I would find to be a virtue. Not something that's ever mattered to me, and yet, now... Now anyone who's not you, everyone here who disregards me the way they always have... It tries my patience."

(pause)

"I blame you, for that, sir/ma'am. But also I'm... Thankful to you. I'm... glad I've been able to accompany you in your travels, that I've been able to guide you in your new time in this world, I feel privileged that I've been able to witness your transformation, that I've gotten to know you, after all this time, and I... I want you to know that I'm here for you. Now, as you grieve the loss of your son, and in the future, as you take on your new responsibilities as the leader of The Institute. I will be here, by your side. To protect you, to help you, to amuse you, even, if that's what you require from me, since I often seem to do so without realizing it."

*soft exhale*

"I want the best for you, Sole. I want you to feel safe, I want you to be... happy. It's not something I'm used to... wanting these things for another, but as always, you are the exception. If you need anything from me, if you want anything, I will be here. For you, Sole."

"Sincerely, X6."

[lostindarkclouds]

I received a request and wrote for this request. but all of a sudden my post was deleted and the request was lost. I don't know why but now I'm posting it again.

...

Wow, this is my first request piece. I don't know much about Alastor's era, but I hope you enjoy this post.

I did some research on Annette Hanshaw and came across a song called 'I've Got a Feeling I'm Falling' and oh my god, It was very beautiful. Im crying.

....

You were still awake as the sky slowly brightened. You continued to wash the shirt as the hot water you just heated overflowed from the iron bowl.

"I'm Flying high but I've got a feeling I'm falling~♪"

"Falling for nobody else but you~♪"

Your voice echoed in the empty garden as it overcame the melody of the crickets. A few of the leaves, flying in the morning frost, fell into the bucket of water.

You smiled and pulled the leaves.

"You caught my eye~♪"

"And I've got a feeling I'm falling~♪"

You kept the rhythm from your seat while continuing to sing with a sweet voice. Drops of water running down your arm are painted a pinkish color. No matter how many times you wash the shirt, it wouldn't get clean.

You kept singing and washing the shirt. Slowly, a chill came over you. You poured the dirty water on the flowers and hung the shirt on the rope. By this time the sky was almost light, the eerie tree shadows gone. You immediately recognized the sound of approaching shoes. Dexterous feet approached you silently, without stepping on any leaves.

"Wow, my dear! Your senses are really well developed than before."

A deep and mocking voice was heard behind you a little above you. The pointed chin was pressed against your shoulder as thin arms wrapped around her slender waist.

"I've already told you, my dear, that it was useless to wash this shirt. I don't want you to waste your precious hands in vain."

He spoke without leaving the chin on your shoulder. The sound vibrations in each word spread throughout your body.The arms parted from her waist and he turned you towards his.

“You look pretty messy, dear. Let's go inside. Long slender fingers wrapped around your wrists and guided you through the house.

You replaced your wet suit with a dry one and your husband changed his work clothes with casual ones.

"Just thought I heard an angel's voice in the garden, but when I looked for her I found no one but you. Did you hear the voice too, my dear?"

You stiffened at the words of your husband. The chill you felt came to mind. Alastor listened to you in the garden. You immediately bowed in embarrassment, but lifted your head at Alastor's voice.

"I have only one guess as to who this voice is coming from, my dear. That angel is here now." He slowly leaned towards your face and paused.

"I haven't heard you sing in a long time, dear. I remember the last time you gave a mini-concert to your friends when we were friends."

The voice spoke with deep hatred. The unconscious eyes came to life and the pupils became straight lines, like those of a snake.

"Little songbird... Why don't you sing a little for me."

He spoke sadly as arms locked you into him. It was impossible to try to get out of it. You were trapped. Alastor placed a kiss on your head and sniffed your hair deeply.

"Hmm I guess you need a booster."

The man coughed a little, then a richly accented voice filled your ears.

"Oh, honey, oh honey, I never felt this way~♪"

The arms forced you to swing with it.

"Romantically I'm up in the air~♪"

The shadows vibrated with you as you two danced.

"Enough of Alastor!" Your panicked words interrupted Alastor's song. Your hands quickly pushed Alastor off his chest.

"Is there a problem dear?" Alastor asked, smiling as if nothing had happened.

"Stop playing with me!"

"My dear, I'm trying my best to be a good husband, but you're pushing me."

You froze at Alastor's hiss. Alastor left her and took the seat opposite you.

"A good husband? Look at what you've done. You keep scaring and teasing me! You killed my friends and ruined my life! You ruined my dreams!"

Alastor made no reaction to your sudden outburst.

He started talking after you calmed down.

"I honestly don't regret anything I've done."

Alastor reached for your body.

"You are mine."

He held your chin.

"Taking this beautiful body, this angelic voice under my protection was one of the best decisions in my life."

The man whispered as his amber eyes turned slightly reddish.

"You are with me in this world and in the hereafter, my dear. Our destinies are tied together."

...

I wanted to write this in yandere style. please don't forget to warn me for my spelling mistakes. Feel free to message me for a request piece, any feedback would make me very happy.

Part 2?

[xecutivecucumber]

Executive Cucumber's Thoughts on the Bad Batch 03x09!

Spoilers under the cut

Apologies for this being late, I worked overtime and then immediately went to rescue my sister and her kids from a car breakdown. I got overwhelmed pretty quick.

I really liked this episode, but as I was in a not great mood when I watched it, I didn't absorb as much as I normally do. (My mood really affects how much I enjoy something, regardless of quality. I was in a foul mood when I first watched Faster and was fairly critical of it. I was wrong.)

This is really the first time we've seen not beautiful weather on Pabu and that's terrifying.

CROSSHAIR IS PART OF A COMMUNITY!!! Have yall considered that he's never been a part of a community before? Like yes, he's has his family, but a community?

'Does it matter? We're not giving her up.' This man. I love this man. If Tech did not already reign Supreme in my heart, I think Crosshair would be my favorite character in Star Wars.

ASAJJ VENTRESS MY QUEEEEEEEEEN

Oh Omega, that story fell apart faster than Hunter's resistance to adopting you.

They leave a space for Tech 💔

Apparently those blood tester things that Qui Gon had were Jedi issue only.

YOU CAN DO IT OMEGA!!! Wrecker, honey, if Omega CAN do it, that means her life gets WAY harder.

They one hundred percent sent Crosshair to look at Tech's data because Hunter and Wrecker can barely do it.

'Go get a flower kid, I gotta beat up your dads'

Okay, I honestly think Hunter doesn't have the time for romance and could honestly see him as asexual, but-

HIS WAIST IS SO SLUTTY. HOW IS IT SO SLUTTY.

I don't think we've seen such well choreographed hand to hand fighting in animated Star Wars. Except maybe that time that Rex absolutely destroyed those Zygerrians. But I might be biased about that.

'SHE'S A WAR CRIMINAL OMEGA' Okay now I need to know what defines war crimes in this universe. Did they have space Geneva?

You know, good thing Echo's not here. He'd probably be WAY more pissed than these three.

'You're naive' says the man who was changed by the child saying people can change.

I love Crosshair's 'oh shoot she's right' face.

Wrecker's little gasp when Ventress looks at them is AMAZING.

I love it when Star Wars is using the Force to connect with animals.

I'm sorry, Hunter girlies, I guess we getting wet hair everyone except Hunter. (Though Ventress looks SO GOOD)

VENTRESS YOU QUEEN I LOVE YOU YOU'VE COME SO FAR (I haven't read dark disciple but my sister has, and she informed me that Vos' Dark Side training by Ventress culminated in him summoning a water monster and killing it. This is such a beautiful parallel that she calms it.)

Crosshair helping Omega on is my everything.

I really love that Crosshair has decided to give Ventress a chance, because he was given a chance. (And also I lowkey ship them in a one night stand kinda way. Crossajj is such a good ship name too)

DAD DUO.

I don't think Ventress is lying when she says Omega isn't Force sensitive. Omega doesn't show ANYTHING in this episode that implies that she's sensitive. Yes, she uses Batcher, but she'd trained Batcher with normal friend methods. I think that Ventress stops the testing prematurely before she can be more sure, because she sees the possibly unhealthy attachment the Batch have. It might also be to protect Omega to not know for sure. My personal theory is that Omega is slightly more sensitive than the average clone, but not to any natural talent degree.

Oh gosh, I'm so scared for the next few episodes. Ventress gives them such a clear warning. This episode did such a good job of getting the tension tight again.

I know some people call this episode redundant, but the characters NEED this in order to catch up. We as an audience knew that M Counts meant midichlorians. But the Batch had no idea. Sometimes, we need to let the main characters catch up with us.

(This is also why Tech as CX-2 works on a reveal level because the mystery isn't for us, it's for the characters)

But yeah, a great episode! I'm terrified for everything and everyone!

A quick note- I've seen people say that it's too late in the season for Tech to return. I'd like to remind you that it took exactly two episodes in season 2 to get us behind Crosshair's redemption. They can do a lot in a few episodes.

[melanieathene]

Mr. Wonderful

This is a love story.

I'd like to say it was a classic case of love at first sight, but I don't know if that's true.

All I know for certain is that it's a love that was meant to be.

We don't get many quality folk in this dump that calls itself a diner. Truckers who haven't seen a washcloth in days – weeks maybe. Bums who stumble in to get out of the cold, taking up table space long after they've drained the last drop of coffee in their cup. Old folks on a tight budget looking for a cheap meal. Cheaters looking to score, streetwalkers looking to oblige them. Impatient, forlorn, pitiful people. Losers, every one.

He stood out like a sunbeam slicing through a cloudy sky. Clean, well-dressed, and handsome – god, he took my breath away with his movie star good looks. He was way prettier than the models you see in those fancy magazines – the ones I leaf through in the grocery line, but can never afford to buy.

“I'm gonna to marry that man,” I murmured.

Rhonda snapped her gum as she turned her head to follow my gaze. “Him?” She snorted. “Honey, he's out of your league. Married. Or gay. My money is on gay. Look at the long-haired fella he's with. There's something going on between them.”

“I don't care. I want that table. I'll trade you for the party of six.” I hitched my thumb towards table three.

The cackling old biddies sitting there were fussy, but they were surprisingly good tippers. Regulars who liked to meet up after church, or their book club, or whatever. Normally, Rhonda and I butted heads over who got to serve 'em.

“Your loss.” Rhonda shrugged and sauntered away. I saw the good-looking guy shoot a glance at her ample bosom as she walked by.

Gay, my ass.

I popped a couple of buttons on my blouse, the better to display my cleavage. If he liked boobs, mine were an even bigger eyeful than Rhonda's. The rest of the package wasn't bad either.

The green eyes that turned my way as I approached the back-corner booth set me in mind of an emerald I once saw in a store window. Dazzling. No other word for it.

“What can I offer you, gentlemen?” I asked in as sultry a voice as I could muster.

“Well, I don't know,” Mr. Wonderful drawled – and damned if he didn't sound just as good as he looked. “What do you have to offer?” The suggestive smile that accompanied the question set my pulse racing and my cheeks ablaze.

“Dean!” the tall one barked.

Oh-oh. I quickly suppressed a sigh. Jealous boyfriend alert. Abort! Abort!

But it would appear luck was on my side, because the next words out of his mouth were:

“You'll have to excuse my brother. He... He's...” Mr. Tall flung up his hands, as if giving up on trying to explain the unexplainable.

His (hallelujah!) brother grinned unrepentantly.

“I'll have a salad – the house dressing is fine,” Mr. Tall continued, obviously deeming it better for all concerned if he changed the subject. “He'll have the double cheeseburger with fries. And, uh... two coffees, please. Make mine decaf.”

“And pie,” Dean added. His eyes caressed my name tag, before straying over to the curve of my breast. “Apple if you've got it, Sherri with an 'i'. With whipped cream –”

“And a cherry on top?”

“Ahh, a woman after my own heart. Thank you, darlin'.”

I could feel the weight of his stare as I walked away. Who could blame me if I put a little extra wiggle in my walk?

“Not gay,” I whispered as Rhonda and I crossed paths. “With his brother. And he's a first class flirt.”

“Hrmph,” she muttered. “That don't mean nothing. I might bump him from gay to bi, but that's the best I can do for you. My gaydar's never wrong.”

Have I ever mentioned how much I hate Rhonda? She's my best friend and I love her to bits, but she can be an insufferable pain in the ass when she thinks she's right. Which is all the time.

I wasn't going to let her be right this time. Mr. Wonderful – Dean! – was the kind of man I'd been dreaming of for far too many years. I was through with settling for Cracker Jack toys! I wanted a real prize. And there he was... not ten feet away.

A glance over my shoulder at the booth showed Dean frowning as Mr. Tall shoved his laptop towards him. They both seemed pretty engrossed by whatever was on that screen. Real serious, like. So it would appear that I had a little competition after all. Digital competition. Pfftt! I wasn't worried about that. With my looks and bubbly personality, most men easily sway the way I want them to go. I fluffed my hair and unfastened yet another button. Hey, when you're going for the gold, you gotta give it all you've got.

I picked up the tray containing their order and called up my best smile. The megawatt one that best shows off my dimples and pearly whites.

That smile dimmed considerably as I turned to face them.

There was a third person in the booth. Another man. Another looker, with dark, wind-swept hair and heavy five o'clock shadow on his chiseled jaw. Dean had scooched over to make room for Mr. Trench Coat, but they were sitting close. Really close. In fact, they were pressed together from shoulder to hip to knee.

Dean caught my eye as I approached and hissed, “Personal space!”

“My apologies,” Mr. Trench Coat replied in a low rumble that rivalled Dean's for the honour of sexiest voice ever. Though why he was apologizing wasn't clear to me. Dean was the one who hadn't moved over far enough in the first place. The bigger question was where he had come from, though. I hadn't heard the bell ring to announce his arrival. It was a mystery that didn't sit well with me.

“Would you like to place an order, sir?” I said, polite and frosty in the same breath, as I set plates in front of the two brothers.

“No.”

No, thank you. Lovely manners you have, there.

Blue eyes lifted to meet my gaze, staring at me – through me – as if they could see into my very soul.

“No, thank you,” he intoned.

And just like that, I was dismissed. I mattered less to him than the cockroaches in the kitchen.

His eyes turned back to Dean. Dean's gaze fell to his plate. Mr. Tall choked back what could have been a chuckle – or maybe he just swallowed funny.

I beat a hasty retreat. But I wasn't done with table nine yet. Dean was clearly a dessert man. And I had pie as my secret weapon. Homemade pie, too. None of that pasty store-bought stuff most dives like ours serve. I baked it myself twice a week to squeeze a few extra bucks from our skinflint boss, and I wasn't beyond letting that little fact slip when I brought a slice over to Dean. So, take that, Blue Eyes.

Confidence restored, I felt almost generous towards the poor guy. I even brought him a glass of ice water – which he didn't touch. Nor did he thank me for it.

It was a fairly busy night, but I kept glancing over to that corner as I hurried about my tasks. Dean had once again inched closer to Blue Eyes – or maybe Blue Eyes was crowding him? Either way, their knees and elbows were knocking. Mr. Tall noticed this too. Judging from the knowing little smirk he wore, it wasn't the first time he'd seen it happen. But even his eyebrows rose when Blue Eyes casually swiped a fry from Dean's plate, and Dean didn't so much as blink. He'd slapped Mr. Tall's hand when he'd tried that trick not five minutes before, hard, growling something along the lines of, “if you insist on eating rabbit food, don't expect me to share the good stuff.”

Blue Eyes dove in for another fry. And then a third. And then he snagged Dean's coffee and took a tentative sip.

Apparently, that wasn't much to his liking. I had to turn away from the sourpuss face he pulled, just so I didn't laugh out loud. When I turned back, Dean was doctoring his coffee – pouring in creamer and adding tons of sugar – all without taking his eyes off the computer screen or his mind off his ongoing conversation with Mr. Tall. He removed the stir stick from the mug and licked it. Blue Eyes took advantage of his distracted state to grab the coffee and cautiously sample the results. He smiled and took a second, deeper drink. And a fourth fry.

It was with considerably less enthusiasm than I had originally planned that I delivered the pie and declared it was made by yours truly.

Oh, I hovered in the vicinity, ready and eager to reap the rewards of my labour, but I had a sinking feeling that Rhonda – once again – was going to be proven right.

Sure enough, I wasn't the one Dean sought out after the first bite. The look of bliss that crossed his face was all I'd wished for – and more – but it was Blue Eyes he turned to. Blue Eyes on the receiving end of an ecstatic smile. Blue Eyes who obligingly opened his mouth when so prompted, and thus received the second forkful of my pie.

What Blue Eyes thought of it, I'll never know. For at that very moment, the bell that had been faithfully announcing arrivals and departures (except for Blue Eyes', of course) blasted from its place above the door, followed by the door itself. Shattered glass flew in all directions, and the metal frame embedded itself in table five. I heard Rhonda scream, saw her limping for the kitchen with blood seeping from a gash on her left leg. Customers who jumped up, preparing to follow her example and flee, were trampled as a horde of people poured into the diner – fifteen – twenty – maybe more. They looked like a biker gang, all dressed in black leather with dangling chains, all tattoos and piercings and unkempt beards. We've had a lot of bikers pass through. Most of 'em never cause a spot of trouble, though a couple of times we've had rival gangs rumbling in our parking lot. But I'd never, ever before seen black eyes like this lot had. Black. So very black. Like the gates of hell must be...

I'm a little hazy on what happened next. There was a lot of hollering and pushing and crashing. Things flew through the air – tables, chairs, even people.

I slipped in a puddle of what I sincerely hoped was ketchup, and felt myself falling... but, somehow, Dean was there to catch me. He scooped me up in his arms like the hero in one of those stupid romance novels Rhonda likes to read. He carried me through the mêlée, shoved me into the restroom, and told me to lock the door and keep it locked.

He didn't have to tell me twice. I didn't have to see any more to know that whatever was happening out there, it was bad. Really bad.

I just prayed the bathroom door was strong enough to keep it from happening to me.

If there had been a window, I would have climbed out of it and run away.

But there wasn't a window. And I would never have known the end of the story if I had skipped out at the middle.

Two clear voices rang out, rising above the continuous chorus of furious shouts and frantic cries. A sudden wash of light crept under the door, almost blinding me with its intensity. The silence that followed was almost worse than the horrible noise that preceded it.

I'm not ashamed to admit I screamed like a little girl when a quiet knock sounded on the door. I was bawling like one too, I was that scared: snot and mascara smearing my face, breath hitching and heart hammering fit to burst.

“Sherri? Sherri, it's Sam. It's over. It's okay to come out.”

“I don't know you, Sam.” I sniffled and drew closer to the door, but I wasn't about to open it. “Why should I trust you?”

“I'm Dean's brother.”

“Where's Dean?”

“He was injured in the attack. Cas is... uh... patching him up. Don't worry, Dean's in good hands.”

“Is Cas a doctor?”

“No... not exactly. He's... It's hard to explain. Sherri, will you open the door? We have to get you out of here.”

“Dean told me to stay put.”

“Oh, for Christ's sake,” I heard Sam mutter. And then, louder, “Cas! Can you help Dean over here? I need him to convince Sherri that it's safe.”

Slow, shuffling footsteps made their way across the floor. It felt like an eternity before the voice I wanted to hear finally spoke my name.

“Sherri,” he said wearily. “It's Dean. Open the door.”

Blue Eyes was standing there scowling at me when I cracked the door open. His arm was snugly draped around Dean's waist, clearly supporting most of his weight. Dean's arm was slung around Blue Eyes' shoulders, further steading himself. I suppose I should have felt guilty for making Dean come to me in his condition, but I didn't. I flung myself against his chest and hugged him tight. But not too tight, and not for as long as I really wanted to hold him. His quick gasp let me know how much his ribs were hurting him.

“Thank you,” I said, reluctantly stepping back. “Thank you for saving my life.”

“It's what we do. Besides, how could I deprive the world of a five star pie maker like you?” The cocky grin was back and (damn!) it looked good on his face. Even bruised and bleeding, he was one fine looking man.

Blue Eyes' fingers twitched, knotting into the fabric of Dean's shirt. His little finger brushed against bare flesh where the shirt had rucked up. Dean shivered and turned a questioning gaze his way. “Sam will take you home,” he said absentmindedly, as if he'd already forgotten I was still standing there. It was obvious he was trying real hard to fit a puzzle together, as if he'd just found a missing piece and the picture was finally making sense.

Sam ushered me away, his giant hand hovering near my face, ready to shield me from the worst of the carnage, or so I believed at that moment. We were almost to the door when a thought struck me.

“Rhonda!” I exclaimed, suddenly stopping dead in my tracks. “She went into the kitchen. She was hurt.”

“Wait here.” Sam righted a toppled chair and gently but firmly insisted I sit down. I bit my lip as I looked around. Carnage? Where was the carnage? There should have been bodies. Lots of bodies. But there were none, just a strange, dark ash that coated every surface. As if the people had been burned away.

I remembered the blazing light.

Just before it flared, I remembered a voice calling, “Dean! Dean!” Desperation filled the cry. The anguish of a man about to lose all that he held dear. The voice of a blue-eyed man who liked his coffee overly sweet.

And I remembered Dean's voice crying out in reply. One single word: “Cas!” As if the name carried with it a thousand conversations they'd never had – should have had – might now have.

The kitchen door swung on its rusty hinges, and Sam came towards me carrying Rhonda as if she weighed no more than a kitten. She was unconscious, but alive. I felt my heart blossom in relief as I rose from the chair and rested a hand on her arm. Sam led us out the door. Out to the blessed smell of fresh air, where a hint of rain lingered like a promise on the breeze.

I don't know why I turned around for one final look at Mr. Wonderful.

He didn't look back at me.

He and Blue Eyes were too busy staring into each other's eyes.

Slowly, Dean leaned forward. Just as slowly, Blue Eyes tilted his head and leaned in to meet him halfway.

All love stories should end with such a tender, yearning kiss.

And, like I said at the beginning, this is a love story.

It just isn't mine.

Originally posted 2015-03-03. Just thought it might be fun to post some old stories here. :)

[twoidiotwriters1]

Daughter of Olympus (Leo Valdez xFem!Oc)

A/N: The Nemean lion is so baby me thinks -Danny Words: 2,813 Series' Masterlist Previous Chapter / Next Chapter Listen to: 'Jumpstarted' -by Jukebox The Ghost

XXIII: I Hope This Doesn't Awaken Anything in Me

"Welcome, baby!" My mother has been waiting for me. "Take a seat—You've gotten so big since the last time we spoke!"

I examine myself on one of the many mirrors around in the living room. I have not grown, the only difference is the bruises and scratches on my body from all the hard training. 

"Why am I here? Or why are you..." I frown. "Where are we?"

"This is my home in Olympus. Have a drink!" Pink lemonade appears on the table, along with my favorite super-stuffed cookies. My mother's smile widens. "All for you."

"Why?"

"Your birthday!" She clasps her hands together. "Thirteen is a cute age! So many changes..." She stares at me intently. "Let's talk about it."

I step back. "I'm sure I can ask Chiron later on—"

"Oh, that old horse doesn't see the full potential of an Aphrodite," she turns up her nose. "Might and skill—as if love isn't at the core of everything! Love—"

"Makes people useless," a man's voice comes from the doorway.

Aphrodite's eyes flash with annoyance. "Clean your boots before coming in."

"I'm only here to grab lunch," Hephaestus makes his way to the kitchen. "Hi again, kid."

"Hi," I say awestruck.

This has to be their shared home, though it's clearly decorated and used by Aphrodite only. I doubt he likes spending his afternoons in a soft and cozy room like this one.

"Can you hurry?" Aphrodite asks coldly. "We're having a private conversation."

"Ruining her," he glances at us. "The first of your children that's not a lost cause, and you're tainting her mind already."

"Tainting her?" My mother's eyes fill with tears. "You gave her the pantodýnamos!" Hephaestus grumbles, but I can't hear what he's saying. "You're such a momma's boy, and you don't even like her!"

The god's gaze is on fire, though unlike Ares's, his isn't violent. "Your child will be rewarded—mine won't have her luck, and that's on you." Hephaestus looks at me before leaving. "You've dealt with your brother's vanishment bravely, you'll learn from it."

Most gods take the opportunity to show off in front of mortals, but he seems to dislike talking to us. I can't blame him, he's been overshadowed by his peers, and Aphrodite has deemed him unlovable, that's got to sting.

"You have a funny mind," my mother sighs, drying her tears. "He's not special, honey. Hephaestus wants to be worshiped as much as I do."

"You were listening to my thoughts," I frown.

"Wherever love is, I get called to it. That's how it works."

I return to our prior discussion. "What can you tell me that not even Chiron would know?"

"Right!" My mother claps excitedly. "I haven't gotten one like you in decades!"

"What are you talking about?"

"A matchmaker!" She beams. "You see soul lights!"

To my mind comes that scarlet glow that enveloped Annabeth and Percy. "You mean that's a power?" I stammer. "That's a... a thing Aphrodite can do?"

"It's a blessing," she brushes my hair lovingly.

"I don't want it!" I whine. "My siblings do that all the time and they only cause trouble!"

"That's innocent fun," she starts to erase the bruises and scratches from my body. "This is a gift! To be a spokeswoman of love is..." My mom stops her speech and makes a face. "You think it's beneath you. Love is part of who you are, Arae."

I pout. "What's the use?"

"Soul lights show more than just compatibility. People can't hide their true nature from you."

I try to understand what she means. "So I can see... what, exactly?"

"Let's put it this way," Mother tilts her head pensively. "If you were to visit a chef's kitchen, you'd see him light up while he's cooking. If someone swears they care about something, but their skin remains the same, you'd know they're not being genuine."

"So I could discover who the traitor is?" I ask eagerly.

My mother frowns a little, but she nods. "You could."

If training is not enough, I have to prove I'm valuable in other ways. 

"Mom, I'll make good use of this gift."

"I have no doubt," she sighs heavily. I get up to leave, but she speaks one last time. "I don't think my husband is unlovable, Ara. But he doesn't respect me, so I don't respect him."

I have nothing to say to that, but I do have a question. "Do you hate that I like his children better than some of my siblings?"

She laughs. "Why would I hate you for loving those who need it most?"

If Jason dies in the stupidest way possible, she'll go to the Underworld, drag him back to life, and kill him herself. 

"It's no use, child," Hera tells Piper.

The girl is holding onto Jason desperately. The wolf house has been restored to its original gloomy looks, and luckily for Ara, the Nemean lion lives. He's licking his paws next to her.

"This is your fault," Thalia cries. "Do something!"

"Do not address me that way, girl. I am the queen—"

"Fix him!"

"I did warn him. I would never intentionally hurt the boy. He was to be my champion. I told them to close their eyes before I revealed my true form."

"Um... True form is bad, right?" Leo frowns. "So why did you do it?"

"I unleashed my power to help you, fool! I became pure energy so I could disintegrate the monsters, restore this place, and even save these miserable Hunters from the ice."

"But mortals can't look upon you in that form! You've killed him!" Thalia cries.

"That's what our prophecy meant," Leo pouts. "Death unleash, through Hera's rage. Come on, lady. You're a goddess. Do some voodoo magic on him! Bring him back."

"It doesn't work like that," Ara replies quietly. She remembers Bianca Di Angelo, how her ghost asked Nico to stop his attempts at resurrecting her.

"He's breathing!" Piper gasps.

"Impossible," Hera gets slightly closer. "I wish it were true, child, but no mortal has ever—"

"Jason! Listen to me. You can do this. Come back. You're going to be fine."

"Healing is not a power of Aphrodite," Hera tries to be the voice of reason, but reason can't reach a broken heart. "Even I cannot fix this, girl. His mortal spirit—"

"Jason," Piper's voice echoes in an unnatural way. "Wake up."

The boy opens his eyes abruptly, they're like Kronos's and for a moment Ara fears he's been possessed by an evil being, but then his eyes go back to normal, and he coughs. "What—what happened?"

"Impossible!" Hera steps back in shock.

Piper pulls Jason into a hug and squeezes him. 

"Crushing me..." He chokes out.

"Sorry," she sniffs, hastily cleaning her face.

"How do you feel?" Thalia asks.

"Hot. Mouth is dry. And I saw something... really terrible."

"That was Hera. Her Majesty, the Loose Cannon."

"That's it, Thalia Grace! I will turn you into an aardvark, so help me—"

"Stop it, you two," Piper snaps.

Ara hits Jason. "Ouch!"

"That's for not closing your eyes!" She scolds him. "Don't you have any survival instincts at all?"

"I almost died and you're punching me?" He complains.

"I wouldn't punch you if you were smart! Leo almost died too but that wasn't his fault! And I'm not punching him, am I?"

"Heard that? I'm smarter than the lightning boy," Leo grins, but he holds his tongue after Ara glares at him.

"Now..." Piper speaks as they help Jason up. "Hera—Your Majesty—we couldn't have rescued you without the Hunters. And Thalia, you never would've seen Jason again—I wouldn't have met him—if it weren't for Hera. You two make nice, because we've got bigger problems."

After a moment of heavy silence, Thalia huffs. "You've got spirit, Piper. You ever want to be a Hunter, call me. We could use you." She places a card inside Piper's jacket.

"Fortunately for this Hunter, you have a point, daughter of Aphrodite," Hera crosses her arms. "You wondered, Piper, why I chose you for this quest, why I didn't reveal your secret in the beginning, even when I knew Enceladus was using you. I must admit, until this moment I was not sure. Something told me you would be vital to the quest. Now I see I was right. You're even stronger than I realized. And you are correct about the dangers to come. We must work together."

"Yeah," Leo sighs. "I don't suppose that Porphyrion guy just melted and died, huh?"

"No. By saving me, and saving this place, you prevented Gaea from waking. You have bought us some time. But Porphyrion has risen. He simply knew better than to stay here, especially since he has not yet regained his full power. Giants can only be killed by a combination of god and demigod, working together. Once you freed me—"

"He ran away. But to where?"

"Home," Ara scratches her lion's ear. "Where all of them were born the first time."

Hera stares at her. "Arae Jackson, when the Fates chose you none of us understood, but I'm starting to see through your disguise. Your resilience and wits are outstanding."

The girl seriously doubts that, considering she's the only one who looks like she's been run over by a truck and struggles with basic math.

After a second of silence, Thalia clears her throat. "I need to find Annabeth, she has to know what's happened here."

"Thalia..." Jason holds her hand. "We never got to talk about this place, or—"

"I know. I lost you here once. I don't want to leave you again. But we'll meet soon. I'll rendezvous with you back at Camp Half-Blood." She looks at the goddess. "You'll see them there safely? It's the least you can do." 

"It's not your place to tell me—"

"Queen Hera," Piper presses.

"Fine. Yes. Just off with you, Hunter!" Hera scowls.

Thalia reaches Ara and she smirks. "Hit by lightning. What's next, bitten by a hellhound?"

"That already happened. Mrs. O'Leary mistook me for a chew toy," Ara grins. "What's next is to be drowned."

Thalia eyes the lion next to them and shakes her head. "I can't believe you're making me agree with Hera, but she's right. You really are the daughter of Olympus."

By the time the hunters leave, the moon is up in the sky. Ara looks around as she rubs her bad shoulder, and before she can ask, Piper does it for her. 

"Jason, what happened to you here? I mean—I know your mom abandoned you here. But you said it was sacred ground for demigods. Why? What happened after you were on your own?"

"It's still murky. The wolves..."

"You were given a destiny," Hera reminds him. "You were given into my service."

"Because you forced my mom to do that," he frowns. "You couldn't stand knowing Zeus had two children with my mom. Knowing that he'd fallen for her twice. I was the price you demanded for leaving the rest of my family alone."

"It was the right choice for you as well, Jason. The second time your mother managed to snare Zeus's affections, it was because she imagined him in a different aspect—the aspect of Jupiter. Never before had this happened—two children, Greek and Roman, born into the same family. You had to be separated from Thalia. This is where all demigods of your kind start their journey."

"Of his kind?"

"She means Roman," Jason explains. "Demigods are left here. We meet the she-wolf goddess, Lupa, the same immortal wolf that raised Romulus and Remus."

"And if you are strong enough, you live," Hera concludes.

"But... What happened after that? I mean, Jason never made it to camp," Leo raises a brow.

"Not to Camp Half-Blood, no."

"You went somewhere else," Piper understands what they're implying. "That's where you've been all these years. Somewhere else for demigods—but where?"

"The memories are coming back, but not the location," Jason looks back to the goddess. "You're not going to tell me, are you?"

"No. That is part of your destiny, Jason. You must find your own way back. But when you do... you will unite two great powers. You will give us hope against the giants, and more importantly—against Gaea herself."

"You want us to help you, but you're holding back information."

"Giving you answers would make those answers invalid," Hera shrugs. "That is the way of the Fates. You must forge your own path for it to mean anything, Ara knows how true that is. Already, you four have surprised me. I would not have thought it possible..."

Ara stops rubbing her shoulder. If Roman demigods have to start their journey here, and Percy switched places with Jason...

"Enough of that, Jackson!" Hera exclaims, startling Ara. "Suffice to say, you have performed well, but this is only the beginning. Now you must return to Camp Half-Blood, where you will begin planning for the next phase."

Ara isn't interested in arguing with the goddess, so she points to the lion. "Can I keep him?"

Hera scrunches up her nose. "I suppose... your mother sent it because you cared for him like no one else—you know, Hercules would've—"

"But I'm not Heracles," Ara replies politely. "Thank you for letting me keep it, but he can't take all of us to camp in one night, so..."

"I suppose you destroyed my nice storm spirit horse too, so we'll have to walk home?" Jason adds.

"Storm spirits are creatures of chaos. I did not destroy that one, though I have no idea where he went, or whether you'll see him again. But there is an easier way home for you," Hera replies. "As you have done me a great service, so I can help you—at least this once. Farewell, demigods, for now."

Ara's body flickers oddly, she hears the lion growl, and then the screaming. Ara jumps off the table where she's standing and runs, shielding the creature with her body.

"WEAPONS DOWN!" She orders. "HE'S FRIENDLY!"

"Ara!?" Lily Saggio stands, eyes wide open.

Leo is the next one to jump off the table and run to a bronze brazier to puke. Ara grimaces, the gods won't like that smell floating around their throne room.

"Jason, Ara..." Chiron says in utter shock. "What—How—?"

"Hi," Piper speaks, and it's then that Ara realizes they materialized on top of Aphrodite's table. Her sister has one foot firmly planted on Drew's dinner. "We're back." 

The crowd starts spitting out questions but none of them approaches Ara, she's still next to the Nemean lion, and she guesses he needs a friendlier name now. 

"Silence!" Chiron exclaims. "Jason, Piper, get off the table—nymphs, give Leo a fresh glass of water—and Ara, that Nemean lion..." the centaur raises a brow. "Belongs to you?"

"Yeah," Ara pats his muzzle. "Hera said I could keep him."

Chiron settles everything so now the four can narrate their quest to the campers. They're terrified, so she's half expecting them to start chanting "Curse! Dishonor on your cows!" at any given moment.

"So you rescued Hera, sent Enceladus back to Tartarus, tamed the Nemean lion—and got clues about Percy's disappearance?" Lily recounts.

"Basically, yeah," Ara replies. "But—" Lily interrupts her with a hug.

"Let's hear it for our General!" Travis clamors.

The crowd erupts into cheers, and Ara blushes furiously at their reaction. It was all Piper, Leo, and Jason, she was there mostly for moral support! No one seems to care, though. She gets carried all the way to the Big House. 

Ara's lost her new friends in the sea of people. The campers leave her on the porch, and Lily ushers everyone away.

"Let her rest..." Lily notices Ara's injured arm when she takes off her cloak. "Oh gods, what happened!?"

Ara sighs. "Lighting hit me, but I'm—"

"WHAT!"

"I'm fine!" Ara raises her voice but Lily's gone back into the crowd shouting Will's name. Ara lets out a weary chuckle. "Never listens..."

"That was quite a welcome."

Ara gives a start. Leo Valdez found his way back to her. "Hey! What are you doing here?"

"I wanted to talk to you—I mean, you, Jason, and Piper, but the campers took you away, and the others went to sleep as soon as the campers stopped paying attention—"

"I didn't want to steal the spotlight—gods, that sounds terrible. I'm so sorry," she rambles.

"Do you hear me complaining?" Leo smirks. "You deserve to be carried around like the legend you are, but we got work to do, so that's why I'm here."

Ara's skin glows when the boy moves a couple of steps forward. Now that they're safe, and she's got her answers, it's much harder to ignore how attracted to Leo she is. She thinks that if she's ever gonna get the chance to "shake off" the feelings before it's too late, that moment is now... and she's about to waste it.

"You think you can meet me in the forest? Tomorrow, after you're done with your General duties."

Ara's tongue isn't responding nearly as fast as she would like, having a crush was way more problematic than she'd anticipated. "'kay."

The boy smiles a little. "I think you'll love what I have to show you, might be the answer to our problems."

"What problems?"

Leo winks at her. "Sleep tight!"

Ara doesn't want the conversation to end, but Lily returns with a heavily concerned Will Solace by her side so she's forced to move on.

"Hit by lightning! What are you, a magnet for natural disasters?"

"Think so," she replies with genuine worry.

Next Chapter ->

Taglist.

siriuslysirius1107 @ask-giggles1303 @ash-the-hoarder @im-planning-something-look @bandshirts-andbooks @coolninjapaper @thewaterlily @whenisthefall @1randomcomic @you-bloody-shank @sunflowergraves @owlalex44 @taylordaughter @typicalsolangelolover @writingmia @espressopatronum454 @slytherinnqueen @orbitingpolaris

[greg-montgomery]

greg thoughts: reader is self conscious of her post-partum body: weight gain, stretch marks etc and greg makes it his mission to comfort her and let her know how beautiful she is inside and out and how he loves her unconditionally (only if you're ok writing about this topic) ♡

okay but greg becoming a dad...i will cry :(

cw: the reader talks about body image and weight gain

♡ ♡ ♡ ♡

"Sweetheart, are you ready? We're gonna be late," you hear Greg's voice, coming from the living room.

The truth is, you're not ready. This is your first night out with your husband after having a baby and you have nothing to wear.

You've spent the last hour trying on every piece of "nice" clothing you own, but nothing fits anymore.

The only one that you can actually fit in, is the dress you're trying on right now.

Your reflection in the mirror is someone you don't recognize anymore. This is not what you used to look like. You're different, bigger. And you're having a hard time accepting it.

"Not yet. Sorry," you yell back.

His footsteps towards the bedroom make you close your eyes in frustration. The last thing you need right now is your handsome husband seeing you in a dress that makes every insecurity you have stand out.

"Honey, I'm changing," you say, annoyed, when he walks through the door.

"It's nothing I haven't seen before."

Greg probably expects you to smile at his words, but instead you frown. That's probably what makes him ask you what's wrong.

"It's nothing. I just don't feel so good. Maybe you should call the restaurant and cancel our reservation," you reply.

"Baby," he says, softly, and wraps his arms around your waist. He presses his lips behind your ear and continues, "Do you feel sick? Why didn't you tell me earlier?"

His hands on you make you feel even more insecure. You don't want him to touch your body, so you pull away.

But Greg loves you. Which means that Greg knows you.

"Okay, what is it? For real this time."

You turn to look at him, dropping your hands on your sides, so your body can be fully seen. "Look at me," you ask from him. "Look at me in this dress."

"Oh, I am looking. And you're gorgeous," he says with enthusiasm.

"I'm not, Greg," you sigh. "I'm not...me."

"What do you mean? You're my Y/N, who happens to be the most gorgeous woman I've ever seen."

"But I've changed," your voice breaks. "I'm so much bigger now, my body is covered in stretch marks and nothing fits me anymore."

"Baby, that's what's been bothering you?" He moves close to you again.

You nod your head with tears in your eyes.

"Y/N, you brought a human in this world. Of course your body changed. It's normal."

"But it's not pretty."

"Who says that? Because all I see is beauty when I look at it," he says with honesty that cannot be faked.

"Greg..."

"Look at me," he interrupts you and takes your hands in his. "I love you. My Y/N, my wife and best friend. No matter how small or big you get, you'll always be the most beautiful woman to me. I wouldn't care if you gained weight because we had ten babies or because we ate burgers every night. I love you and I want you. Like crazy."

"Do you really mean that?" you ask, melting under his loving gaze.

"Of course, honey. Would you love me any less if I gained weight?"

"Never," you answer fast. Just the thought of it sounds ridiculous in your head. Maybe you can see his point of view now.

"See?"

"Mhm..."

"Now let's go," he grins. "I want the whole world to see how hot my wife looks in her black dress."

[recordsfm]

╰   ☆  ◞  renee rapp / cis woman / she/her  ———  no way is that SAVANNAH-LYNN COOKE? you know they’re TWENTY-ONE YEARS OLD and they’ve been in los angeles for TWO YEARS. they’re chillin’ as a STRIPPER at LUX. oh and they’re notoriously known for being JADED but there are some people who have seen them be CHARISMATIC. i heard they’re a part of a SOLO ACT called SAVANNAH ROSE, yeah they’re a SINGER/SONGWRITER to be honest they sound a lot like RENEE RAPP, LAUREN SPENCER SMITH, KELSEA BALLERINI & KELLIE PICKLER. they’re actually UNDERGROUND.

PART ONE: STATISTICS. 

feel free to omit some questions as you see fit.

basic information:

FULL NAME: Savannah-Lynn Rose Cooke

NICKNAME(S): Sav, Savy, Venus

AGE: 21

DATE OF BIRTH: October 10th 2002

PLACE OF BIRTH: Macon, Georgia

GENDER: Ciswoman

PRONOUNS: she/her

ORIENTATION: Bisexual

LANGUAGE(S) SPOKEN: English.

NEIGHBOURHOOD: Southcrest

LIVING ARRANGEMENTS: Southcrest Terrace

family ties:

MOTHER: Tammy-Jo Cooke

FATHER: Harrison Cooke (dead)

SIBLINGS: None

SPOUSE / PARTNER: None

CHILDREN: None

PETS: None

occupational information:

OCCUPATION: Sex Worker

POSITION (IF APPLICABLE): Stripper

NAME OF THEIR ACT: Savannah Rose

SO THEY PLAY INSTRUMENTS? IF SO WHAT?: Piano, guitar, flute.

ARTIST INFLUENCES: Shania Twain, Taylor Swift, Honey K.

CURRENT MONTHLY SPOTIFY/APPLE MUSIC LISTENS ON AVERAGE: 200

personality:

 WESTERN ZODIAC: Libra

CHINESE ZODIAC: Horse

POSITIVE TRAITS: Charismatic, Caring, Flirty

NEGATIVE TRAITS: Jaded, Stubborn, Clingy

HOBBIES: Singing, Dancing, playing guitar, writing poetry

AESTHETICS: Glaring spotlights, leftover glitter, crumpled dollar bills

PART TWO: QUESTIONNAIRE. 

start at the beginning, who are you and why are you important?

"My name is Savannah Rose, I'm a 22 year old from Georgia and I'm a singer."

how long have you been making music?

"It kinda feels like forever. I did pageants as a little girl so my mama had me doing all sorts of singing bits and stuff like that. But when it came to actually playing instruments, I think I was about ten? so 12 years?"

how would you describe the kind of music you make?

"For me it's pretty real and raw. Vulnerable. It's very much just a girl and her guitar vibes right now but I'm trying to work on that."

who are some of your biggest musical influences?

"Honestly, Tay swift is my girl. I love how she just writes her truth and doesn't accept peoples bad behavior. But I really did look up to both Shania and Honey K and Jenna for a long time."

what is the first record you ever bought?

"The first one I ever bought? My dad took me to the midnight release of Red by Taylor Swift at target... My mom was so mad because I was tired and cranky for my pageant the next day, but in the end it was worth it."

what has working in the music industry meant to you thus far in your career?

Savy pulled in a deep breath. The last thing she wanted was to dox herself in an interview. But at the same time it was so hard to care. At least now she was taking off her clothes for more money then she ever made in pageants. "I haven't found much success doing just music yet. I'm hoping to change that soon."

what are some stand out moments from your career so far?

"Well, this interview is probably the biggest one so far."

how would you describe your style of performance? what makes your shows worth seeing?

"I try to make sure everyone is having a good time. I mean you always have those people who who will never be happy, but I'll do everything reasonable to make sure you're having a good time."

what are you still hoping to achieve in your career?

"All I wanna be able to do is make a living doing what I love to do."

what’s next for you?

"Well, honestly I'm hoping to get discovered. Signed onto someone's label so I can put out my very first album and see how it goes from there."

PART THREE: BACKGROUND:

Savannah was an unwanted child. Though you've never know at looking at it from the outside.

Tammy Jo was promising Miss Georgia contestant who had her title stripped from her once she got pregnant unexpectedly from a one night stand.

With a baby on the way, there really wasn't much more that Tammy or Harrison could do other then get married. Even if the two were complete opposites.

Due to her dreams being dashed, Tammy Jo entered her three month old daughter into a beauty pageant, much to the dismay

[fleurdelanuit13]

FFXIVWRITE 2023: Prompt 9 - Fair

"This is far too much," Lyla insisted. She sat in a plush chair in an elderly Miqo'te's bedroom.

"Hardly," the Seeker said. She set a very hefty pouch down on the chair next to Lyla's. "After all you've done?"

Lyla rubbed the back of her neck. "I really haven't done that much..."

Lyla's client made a sour face. "You rrreally haven't done that much? Nonsense!" She shook her head vigorously and her silver-white curls threw scents of roses, lilies, honey, and more into the air. "Gods be good, that is a heaping load of goobue shite, my dearrr—do not pardon my language."

"It's just... so much," Lyla mumbled. She could see the bag straining under the weight.

"Of course it is!" the lady exclaimed. She brought out a sturdy and well-worn satchel and put the pouch into it. "You've done so much for me, especially these past days. You found all my favorite things, got me the most wonderful silk veil, did the laundry, and helped me get ready. You even fixed my favorite nightgown with such beautiful thread. I doubt that was easy to get. I should be giving you morrre."

Lyla looked at the gown's embroidery, past what she'd done. She could tell exactly where spools of intended colors had run out and got replaced with whatever the next on hand was. All the most recent stitches stood out for their vibrance and glinted in the light.

When Lyla still hesitated to accept, the lady sighed dramatically. "O Thal's gilded and bejeweled balls!" she wailed loudly, her tail sweeping back and forth. "Pray grant me strength, that I may help this girl see reason!"

And then they both laughed. Lights throughout the room flickered. The bedside candles went out entirely. Lack of firelight didn't bother Lyla. She was a Keeper of the Moon and Menphina's light was more than bright enough as it shone through the windows.

"Listen well, child," her elder said, taking Lyla's hands in hers. They were soft and cool compared. "If someone offers you more than you think they owe for your work, let them. Take it! If you truly do not want it, donate it." Her warm brown skin shimmered gently in the moonlight.

"You know that we should not impede the flow of wealth," she lectured, eyes alight with conviction. "Greatness is the depth of pocket! Divinity is the color of gold! You know that those are not just pretty words on fancy fountains—but I know that you can find those fountains in your sleep!"

Of course Lyla could. To her, anyone who spent enough time in Ul'dah could, even if they weren't in the Order. Lyla tried to blink back tears, but her eyes kept watering. Her throat got tight.

The lady gave her hands a squeeze, then let go and began to dance around the moonlit room. "Oh I just love this! You've made it like new again!"

The skirt fluttered and flowed with every twirl. Lyla had used aether-reactive thread and fabric to repair and customize the nightgown to the lady's wishes. It sparkled and glowed with every whirl.

"You know that I've no heirs and I won't take all of this with me. I would rather see it put to good use now, not sitting in some vault. I trust you with it."

Bounding out of one last spin, the lady put her hands on Lyla's shoulders, as if she needed the help to keep her balance. "Don't humble yourself. I remember you now too, from before."

Lyla's breath shook. "You do?" The question cracked her voice. She could no longer hold back her tears.

"Oh yes." The elder gleamed with warmth. "You do look a bit differrrent now. You didn't have those darling bats or that design on your back then, yourrr eyes've changed, and you've cut your hair. You always spoke to me at the Ossuarrry and I thought you looked so familiarrr.

"Of course it's only clear to me now. You're a warrior of light. That's why I could not place your face. But I remember you. Before the Calamity, you sent my beloved off so beautifully. Do you rrrecall I asked how you did such delicate work? How you got her to look so peaceful?"

Lyla nodded. She did remember.

The elder nodded in return. "You told me that it had just taken patience, and long ago, before you started this work, you trained with goblets. You played glass harrrps until you could freeze the contents without breaking the containerrr. Can you still do that?"

Lyla wiped her eyes on her shirt. "Yes, I think so."

The elderly lady lit up with delight. "Brrrilliant! As another final request, I would like to see that. I've a whole collection of glasses too, so do not worry if you break any. By dawn, I should be ready."

Lyla sniffled and nodded again. "You said your wife would be here at dawn too."

"Yes! She'll be so happy to see you again too!"

[queen-of-writing-bad-things]

Henry Danger Reader Insert | Captain Man x Reader: SEASON 5

Episode 37.5: A Trip Down Memory Lane

Season 5 Masterlist

The hours rolled by, filled with the hilarity of watching the antics of another dimension, until the sun set beyond the skyline, not that anyone could tell in the Man Cave. 

Curled and snuggled on the couch, the little family kept the jokes, drinks, and laughter flowing long after Schwoz had to close the tear in time. Something about risking blowing a hole in the universe if he let them watch any longer, so, much to their disappointment, no more entertainment for them. 

By nine, (y/n) ordered that it was time for the kids to head home, knowing they had another day of work in the morning, and she didn't want them to be late. That was nonsense; everyone knew she hated the idea of them walking home in the dark, telling them to stick together and ensure everyone was escorted to the door. They weren't babies anymore, but they were her babies, and that was all that mattered. 

After giving their favourite sweet girl one last hug for the night, Henry, Jasper, Piper, and Charlotte left, heading up and into Junk-N-Stuff while Schwoz and the couple were left to clean up. How could four teenagers make so much mess? Popcorn, candy, and soda cans were scattered everywhere, even where people hadn't been sitting. It baffled (y/n), who was exhausted when she and Ray retired to their bedroom for the night. 

"Tired, sweet girl?" Ray asked as he unbuttoned his shirt, hearing her yawn from where she sat at her vanity unit. Taking off the minimal makeup she wore wasn't particularly interesting, but it didn't warrant her yawning, so he knew he needed to get her tucked up in bed soon. That could have something to do with him; after all, he had her up early that day with a...personal problem. 

"Hmmm?" The heroine hummed sleepily, finding his gaze in the mirror as she rubbed her forehead with a cotton pad doused in remover. It had been a long day, made even longer by flicking through various moments of their lives, so she had to think for a minute before his question caught up with her. 

"Oh...yeah. Need sleep, doof."

"Long day, huh?" Ray smiled, shrugging his tight, navy blue shirt from his shoulders to expose the delicious expanse of his chiselled chest. He was so unbelievably hot, but to her disappointment and frustration, (y/n) couldn't find it in herself to jump his bones, the need to snooze screaming louder than any other instinct. 

Long day...yeah, he could say that. 

"Mhmm...I can't believe it's been nearly five years since Henry came here. It only feels like yesterday when he was still my lil baby," she smiled sadly, not wanting to cry again, but it felt like she'd blinked and missed everything, despite having lived it. 

Is this how parents feel about their actual children? One minute, they're gangly, awkward preteens, and the next, they're adults, more focused on flying the nest than staying home. She couldn't hold on forever, but suddenly, everything had come at once, and she wasn't sure if she wanted things to change. 

"Yeah, the kid's gotten taller than me. When did that happen?" Ray joked as he stepped out of his jeans, making the woman chuckle at how he puffed his cheeks out like he was mad. It didn't matter - Henry was tall but still needed to muscle up, whilst his boss was perfect just the way he was. So perfect in her eyes...

Seeing his body stretch and ripple in the soft, honey-coloured light emitting from their bedside lamp eased her heartache, knowing that Ray always stayed the same while everyone changed around her. Not in a wrong way, just that she could close her eyes and expect to see the same crystalline clue looking back at her with the same love they'd always held. 

Everyone always said Captain Man was a flight risk. Yet, he was dependable to her, holding her through everything and sticking by her side. The one constant in her life. 

"You haven't changed, though, doofus. You've not changed one bit in all the years we've known each other.

"Oh, really?" Ray grinned, pulling both socks from his feet before wandering over to her chair with his tanned skin on display for her to enjoy. He stood behind her, hands resting on the chair's back so he could lean down and peck her cheek, lips next to her ear as she held his adoring gaze. 

He loved her like this, fresh-faced, hair freshly brushed out, and wearing nothing but underwear before she changed into her pyjamas. When she smiled, he felt the sun's warmth on his face, making him cup her jaw from behind to pull her lips closer. She looked so natural and pure, young and innocent, like the first day he met her, back when he didn't know how one person could change him so much. 

It was true; he hadn't changed much since then, not in appearance, personality, or habits, but there was one difference. 

"I was a different man back then, darlin'. I didn't know what it was like to love you..."

~

First day, fresh face, new chances. Let's go, (y/l/n). 

That's what (y/n) told herself as she stared at herself in the mirror, her face squeaky clean after she scrubbed it within an inch of its life to wake herself up. This was mad, she was mad--everything was mad about this situation, but it was too late to go back now. 

No one told her that she'd find employment so soon after college. Still, she'd at least thought it would be working for a big company - aviation or automotive engineering, something like that, given her chosen degree. No one said anything about Captain Man wanting her in his super secret Man Cave. 

That was the maddest thing of all. Her in the Man Cave. Her working for the Captain Man. It came out of nowhere; one minute, she was held at gunpoint in her favourite café with the handsome hero giving her his number. The next thing she knew, she received a text while packing up her dorm room. 

Ray Manchester/Captain Man: Hey, it's me. Captain Man. We met at the café on the corner of South Street on Thursday. Hope you don't think this is weird, but I checked you out and saw you're graduating without anywhere to go. How do you fancy a job?

You could've knocked her down with a feather. Seriously, he remembered her number amongst the hundreds he collected every day. The man was a walking phone book, yet something told him to text little old her, even though she wasn't anything special. Not even beautiful by traditional standards. 

No, (y/n) (y/l/n) was nothing to shout about. She didn't fall into the "not like other girls" category but wasn't a pick me, either. She was hideously average - ordinary - and she was okay with that, so why did Captain Man choose her?

Oh, well, not Captain Man. Ray Manchester. As she had now learned. She could keep a secret, having been almost bullied into it when a funny bald, almost coconut-headed man threatened to wipe her memory if she told anyone about her offer. A helper to the legendary hero, to help with any and all his needs, whether it be cleaning, washing, repairing, tidying, lying, cooking--you name it, she had to do it. 

'A glorified cleaner,' she'd thought to herself, feeling slightly disappointed that she couldn't put her skills in engineering to more use, but for fifteen dollars an hour, she wasn't complaining, and neither did she come cheap. 

It was her only condition to be adequately paid if she was expected to do all the jobs he didn't want to, even though he was generous enough to give her a place to live. 

Her room was slowly starting to feel like home now she'd finished unpacking, but now it was time to get serious. Now, there was work to be done, which meant she had to leave her sanctuary and socialise. Why did she think she could do this?

Taking a deep breath, she patted her face dry and left the bathroom, shrugging on her jacket before heading for the door. She couldn't hide forever, and this was a good job. A job she didn't want to mess up because Captain Man had put his faith in her, and that had to count for something. 

"Hey..." she greeted her new friends shyly after walking down the corridor and through the cog, sprog, door thing. She was still getting used to how big the place was - hundreds of rooms and all underground - but she at least knew how to get to the main one, where the small man, Schwoz, and her new boss were waiting. 

"Hello!" Schwoz greeted her kindly, giving the girl his friendliest smile since he noted how she nervously played with her sleeves as she tentatively approached. 

He wasn't one for new faces, but after reading the woman's profile, he determined she'd do some good to the Man Cave and perhaps even rub off on Ray with her diligence and brains. A new friend to have an intelligent conversation with would be a change. 

"You made it! Welcome to your first day in the Man Cave, (y/n)!" Ray told her warmly, throwing his arms open to gesture to the grand estate he'd carved out all on his own--and by that, he meant he'd told Schwoz what to do. 

He still thought she was pretty - a hell of a lot prettier than when she'd faced a dangerous criminal and spilt coffee down her shirt, but he told himself to stop it. If he was going to have someone else helping him, he'd have to remain professional and draw a few lines between them, despite his initial attraction. For all her shyness, he knew the temper and passion that hid within her, and he knew that spark was missing in his Man Cave. 

So, he deemed her an employee - a friend - and left it at that. 

"Thank you, Mr Manchester. I still think this is so generous of you," (y/n) replied shyly, trying to stop the heat from rising on her face, but she couldn't help but be flustered in his presence. 

The man was terrifying, both from his looks and his formidable reputation. Everyone loved Captain Man, respected him, and placed him on a pedestal, so she didn't want to upset or fall in love with him. 

She still thought love was ridiculous. A childish schoolgirl fantasy, but looking at him now, dressed in civilian clothes with his hair floppy and ungroomed, he was more handsome than ever. Captain Man was good, but Ray Manchester was even better, and she was slightly terrified of forming a crush. 

She was beginning to understand why so many of her friends fancied him, so she scolded herself, saying he was still a player, a heartbreaker, and a good-time boy, not to mention her boss now. She wouldn't let herself fall in love - the mere thought was laughable. 

Average girls don't get handsome heroes to fall in love with them. That's just the circle of life. 

"Hey, what have I said about you calling me that? Come on, call me Ray. Mr Manchester makes me feel old," the man told her, playfully nudging her elbow as she giggled nervously, feeling like her cheeks were on fire. He'd said to relax and treat this like her new home, but it was still her workplace - kinda hard to relax. 

"Oh, right... I forgot."

"No worries. It takes a while to get used to this place," Ray grinned, seeing how she rubbed her hands together and avoided holding his gaze for too long. 

She was sweet, perhaps slightly shyer than his initial impression, and easily spooked, but it was only her second day. Yesterday, she'd been too busy unpacking her stuff and sorting everything out to do much, so he hoped to get to know her beyond what he'd read on various national databases. 

"So..." (y/n) said awkwardly, staring at her feet as Schwoz returned to his tinkering. "What do you want me to do first?"

"Uh, well, I spilt some chips and guacamole over there, so you can start mopping it up for me, and we'll go from there," Ray pointed at a gooey green mess across the room. 

(y/n) slid her eyes to the guac, her mouth slowly falling open at the browning slop and wasn't necessarily spilt, more like dropped in a glass bowl, meaning it wouldn't be a quick, easy job. More dangerous and disgusting, not something she'd expected to do once she had her degree. 

"Uh, sure...and then, I can do something...technical?" She asked, looking hopeful since she wasn't above a bit of cleaning, but she didn't want her life to revolve around his clumsiness, no matter how much he paid her. It was demeaning and a waste of her skill and talent. 

"Then, you can do my laundry. And I think my toilet needs unblocking, so..." Ray said, looking off to the side as he picked up a plunger from Schwoz's toolbox and held it out to her. The woman took it with a shocked expression, looking at the plunger like it came from Mars because what the fuck? 

She could clean, but she drew the line at shovelling shit all day, not when she'd come first in science fairs, earned the highest grade in her year, and turned down some top offers from various businessmen searching for young talent. Working for Captain Man seemed like the obvious choice, one connected with prestige and satisfaction for her, even if no one else would know - she would. At least, that's what she'd thought. 

"Clean guacamole...okay," she nodded, grabbing a pair of rubber gloves from a trolley before taking a bundle of cleaning products with the plunger. 

As much as she wanted to tell him to fuck off and do it himself - his mess, his responsibility - she couldn't. Her voice died the second she looked up at him, comparing the man to a mountain or a god because, goddamn, he was handsome, strong, and popular, so everything she wasn't. Who was she to talk back to him? 

Her nerves wouldn't let her say anything, so she put her head down and got on, silently walking over to the spillage next to the oddly circular couch. 

It wasn't a horrible job, even if she had to dodge the shards of broken glass. Perhaps a little menial, but she scooped the gunk into a bucket and efficiently wiped the stain it left behind with a blob of bleach, leaving the floor spotlessly clean in minutes. 

Schwoz watched with curious eyes, wondering how the girl who'd called his boss a little spandex bastard would put up with his barking orders. Not even one witty remark fell from her lips, none of the fire before, and he considered if Ray had made a mistake. It wouldn't be the first time he'd been blinded by gorgeous looks, but he felt sure this girl had some brains. Maybe it was just a case of good grades but no gumption. 

"Make sure you get all the grease up. I'd hate to slip when I'm playing mini golf or something," Ray said casually, more focused on texting whichever girl he was inviting out later on than the woman on her hands and knees, scrubbing his floors. 

The rhythmic scraping of her brush against the tiles slowed down as his words sunk in. Make sure you get the grease up. You. Not him. You. The one with mug written across her forehead. She used to design engines for racecars and once built a circuit for a rocket ship, yet here she was, taking orders. 

Was it just her, or was Captain Man looking down on her?

"Oh, and by the way, you'll need to do all the counting stuff for the store upstairs. I'd do it myself, but math, am I right? I mean, do I look like a nerd? Also, make sure you dust all the junk up there before I go out for my hot da--"

"Um, excuse me...Ray?" She said awkwardly, sitting back on her haunches to look at him, even if she had a foreboding feeling like she was throwing her job prospects away before properly starting. 

It was probably dumb, and she lamented the thought of repacking all her stuff if he kicked her out, but he was annoying her. What happened to the gentleman the magazines said he was? According to Swellview Cosmopolitan, Captain Man would never make a lady clean his home from top to bottom without saying please. If there was a time to stand up for herself, the time was now. 

"You missed a spot..." he muttered, limply gesturing to a tiny flicker of green paste on the couch arm. From her deductions, some careless idiot had left the bowl on the arm, and it had fallen off, leaving a key lime smear and smush for the next sucker in line to wipe up. 

The rag she'd use to remove it fell from her hand, her eyes wide and mouth ajar at his brazen rudeness, wondering what happened to the bashful, enchanting hero who'd charmed his way into her phone book, promising to return her dry cleaning, which he did when he picked up her and her entire life belongings in the "Man Van". Was she not even worth looking at? 

Whatever he was doing, or rather, whoever he was texting, must've been captivating, worthier of his attention since he barely looked up from his PearPhone, just to see if she'd cleaned thoroughly. 

"I like math," she said simply when her brain finally kicked into gear, although it wasn't quite the scathing comeback she had hoped for. 

Part of her was slightly offended that he thought the subject was for nerds, but she got it. Not everyone liked numbers - fair enough. But accounting? Economics? She couldn't think of anything more dreary, and how he said it... he wasn't doing his books. Yet, he insulted the girl he expected to manage an entire business. His business. 

The math wasn't mathing. 

"Huh?" Ray mumbled cluelessly, glancing away from his screen and the latest message some boring brunette had sent him to see his new employee had gotten to her feet. And was glaring at him - softly, admittedly - but she didn't look happy. 

"You said math is for nerds. I like math. Math is good." 

Wow, way to tell him where to go, (y/l/n). She couldn't help but scold herself because what was that? What started as an attempt to chew his ear off ended in her sounding like a preschooler, all simple sentences and boring adjectives. 

Ray stopped and looked. Really looked. In the time he'd flirted, asked a girl out, and received an emphatic YES!, her breathing had increased, a slight crease formed between her eyebrows, and her fists had closed, making the guac-covered rubber gloves squeak between her fingers. 

He glanced at Schwoz, who just shrugged and quietly returned to his soldering, knowing a steadily growing anger when he saw one. 

The genius knew Ray was dense, and he didn't understand his emotions, let alone someone else's. That's why his relationships never lasted more than a couple of months. No one had ever shown him anything worth an emotional investment. Love was cheap and friendship easy, so he'd never truly cared for someone except himself. 

Finding no answers from his handyman, the hero faced his newest employee, staring at her curiously. It didn't help (y/n)'s inner turmoil, his icy blue eyes penetrating her soul and shattering her strength to fight back because, wow. He made it so hard with his handsomeness, and the thought of an argument made her question every idea and comeback she planned, wondering if she really wanted to battle Captain Man. 

Talk about idiotic. The guy was known for tearing his enemies apart, both physically and mentally, hitting them with the cruellest insults and harshest ridicule. She wasn't sure if her inner nerd could take that...too shy and timid to say something in her defence. Maybe this was stupid, the whole job. 

She couldn't do this...

"Ain't no shame in that--hey, when you're unblocking my toilet, make sure you flush it twice. Gets preeeeetty hectic in there," the large man grinned, his large hand reaching out to warmly grasp her shoulder and shake it lightly in a friendly gesture. 

(y/n) stared at it, ignoring the sparks shooting down her spine at how comforting his touch was and how his hand seemed to dwarf the rest of her. Under any other circumstances, she would've melted at the attention he paid her like every other girl in the city, who would've called her mad for glaring at Captain Man, but that was it. The final straw. The pretence that he was giving her advice, like cleaning his toilet was an honour. 

"I'll have you know I have a first-class degree in mechanical engineering. I've studied multivariate calculus and differential equations--"

"Oh, great! You'll remember how many flushes, then," he exclaimed, chuckling and prodding Schwoz so he'd laugh at his joke too, but (y/n)'s face fell like rain before a thunderstorm. Seeing him take what she was proud of - the late study nights, the tears, the endless iced coffees, the countless empty pens, the hundreds of dead trees, the eight AM classes - and make a mockery of it killed something inside her, and it was like she went numb. 

The movies always said some romantic bullshit about the feeling of being plunged into icy water when hope dies, but now she understood it. As if she imagined that Captain Man would want to be her friend and as if she let herself believe for a single second that she was special. Those butterflies she felt outside the café when he smiled at her turned to daggers, tearing her insides up as his shoulders rolled and hers sagged. 

It was the curse of being hideously average. Ordinary. Sickeningly so. She didn't have the legs to captivate his attention or the skill to perfect a winged eyeliner. She couldn't even be bothered most mornings to drag a mascara wand through her eyelashes, and her wardrobe was that of a woman forty years older than her - all sweaters, cuffed jeans, and well-worn sneakers. She didn't fit the job requirements; she hadn't won a beauty pageant. 

Who was she kidding? Her first day was doomed to fail from the moment she believed when he said she was beautiful. 

"Why don't you do the world a favour and flush yourself?" She said slowly, fighting frustrated tears as she tore the gloves off her hands and slapped them against his chest. 

A stab of panic shot through her when Ray's eyes widened at her sudden outburst, but the adrenaline had already kicked in, making her run on a high. Nothing could take her down except her own actions, and if she was going to set fire to herself, she'd stand back and watch the room glow before she went. Maybe then he'd think before employing some other sucker. 

"Excuse m--"

"Look, I know you're Captain Man, and everyone loves you, and I should be respectful and grateful because you've given me this job and a room to live in. Really, I should be indebted to you," she said, folding her arms and looking straight at him, feeling her confidence rise when the hulking hero stared back like a deer in headlights. 

His mouth opened and closed like a goldfish, looking for an intelligent reply or crooning comment to match her underhanded compliments because it was true. He went out of his way to welcome her into his Man Cave, yet she had the balls to call him out. Interesting...

Schwoz set down his tools and listened--eavesdropped, really. When Ray said he was bringing home a firecracker, he imagined some venom-spitting Valley girl, all mouth and sass but none of the class, but this was...different. Watching her clean the spilt dip without any arguments made him write (y/n) down as a doormat--the type of girl he'd seen in college, all brains and no voice box. Perhaps this was the temper that made the man daydream for days after they first met...

"But I've worked too long and hard to be reduced to...this!" The girl exclaimed, wildly gesturing to the gloves and cleaning chemicals, already resenting the idea of wearing them again and spending the rest of her days as a skivvy on her hands and knees. 

"On the phone, you said you needed help from someone like me, and I told you what I can do. Minimal cleaning, you said. Engineering opportunities, you said. Better than anything any company could offer you. And I fell for it. I thought working for a superhero would be glamorous, or at least, sometimes!"

"It is...glamorous," Ray replied, his words clumsy and clunky in his mouth as the fire in her eyes. She scoffed at his words, shaking her head and laughing bitterly because maybe it was like that for him.

When he was parading in front of the cameras after helping an old lady cross the street, perhaps the free dinners and call girls were lovely. Almost like he was a movie star. Did he never spare a thought for those who worked their asses off to make his life sparkle?

"You want me to unblock your toilet! How is that glamorous?!" She hissed, pointing sharply at the plunger by her feet, making the men look at it, and she was silently pleased to see a little shame in their eyes, especially Ray's. 

"I didn't agree to work for you just to be ordered about. Yeah, I'll clean if it needs doing, but would it kill you to say, please? You might think you're high and mighty, but that doesn't mean you're above me in any way. I'd rather be an unemployed nerd than degrade people and misplace intelligence the way you do," she ranted, not knowing how to stop once she got going, lashing out with a surprising amount of emotion to say she'd only been at work for about an hour. 

She could see it now in the newspapers tomorrow; woman sets record for the shortest time before being fired. This had to be a low point in her life, knowingly and willingly burning any chance of future employment, hacking her social ladder to splinters, and casting her reputation into the depths. Self-sacrifice was tragic, but she'd always enjoyed tragedies - at least they were memorable, unlike the people who loyally follow a man by others' perception of him alone. 

"Oh, and by the way, how about you take your plunger, turn it sideways, and shove it right up your ass? See how easy it is to unblock your toilet, then..." 

Ray was speechless. Utterly speechless. The room was silent. A pin couldn't be heard, even when Schwoz dropped it on the floor, given that (y/n) couldn't hear anything but the flood rushing past her ears. All she saw was red and her self-worth shining above everything else, which made his wide-eyed stare a little more bearable. But only just. 

This was it. This was the girl Ray had met outside the café. Part of him had questioned whether he'd mistakenly picked her as his chief helper, but she proved him wrong yet again. He needed to stop judging her before she came into her own because he kept looking like an idiot - an idiot whose mouth got the better of him again. 

In truth, Ray didn't technically need an extra set of hands in the Man Cave. Schwoz could do everything just fine - he was handy like that. But as much as he secretly appreciated the guy, he felt something was missing. He had this huge hideout, hundreds of rooms, and adoring fans, but he was lonely. He didn't know how to be...normal. He wanted a friend. Someone brave enough to talk back occasionally, to keep him in line and plug the gap. 

Bumping into her that day felt like fate like someone had sent her to show him how not-lonely feels. Laughing and joking with her, even if it wasn't flirting, felt easy, and for the first time in his life, he didn't feel the need to woo her. If anything, he was terrified of screwing it up. He was good at screwing up what could've been a beautiful friendship, and he desperately didn't want it to happen with her - the only girl he'd ever shared his secret identity with. 

So, when she sighed and moved to return to her room, presumably to say, sorry, this isn't working out, and shove her belongings into boxes again, his heart lurched. If this was goodbye, he didn't want it to be on such bad terms...or he'd rather it not be goodbye at all. 

"I'll take an hour's payment and have my room cleared out by tomorrow morning. I'm sorry--"

"Please, don't." 

(y/n) looked up in shock, wondering if she'd heard the first word correctly. Did he--did he say the P-word? Even on national TV, she couldn't remember seeing or hearing Captain Man being polite - charming and captivating, but never truly nice. That always made her switch channels, knowing people were too blind to see the real him--how he dated and dropped girls like hot potatoes, paraded in front of cameras, and through hissy fits whenever someone else took the spotlight. 

She liked to think she met a different side of him after the hostage situation, fooling herself so severely that she accepted the job. He quickly proved her wrong--or had he? This three-sixty personality change practically gave her whiplash and made her suspicious about what he was crawling for. 

"I beg your pardon?"

"Please, don't...go. I'm--I'm--so--sur---serr--I'm--sorry," Ray stammered, struggling to force the foreign word out of his mouth, almost like the five letters tasted like poison on his tongue. He wasn't used to grovelling for forgiveness, but this girl...she was too sweet to disappoint and disgust, no matter how bitter the pill was to swallow. 

"Wow...that was excruciating to watch," (y/n) replied sarcastically, a smile twinging on her lips at how silly he looked, retching and struggling to say a simple word, yet he called himself mighty. What a dingus...no, dork...no...doofus. Yes. What a doofus. 

"Look, I'm...sorry. I'm just...not good at the whole people thing," he confessed, almost ashamed at how badly things had developed and in record time. But at least it made her unfold her arms, looking slightly sceptical yet curious at his words. 

Him? Bad with people? It almost felt like a mockery of those like her, who could barely string a sentence together at times because she'd seen the magazines, watched the interviews, and lived it in real life. The man could sweet talk the pants off any woman and fool any man into giving him the shirt off their back if he wanted it. Not good with people, her ass. 

"Seriously? You're Captain Man. I hate to break it to you, but you've made a living out of being good with people."

"Yeah, as Captain Man. But I'm me. Ray. I'm just a loser with a junk store when I'm out of uniform. Nothing special," he gave her a sad smile, genuinely believing that his work was his escape and prison rolled into one. 

It allowed him to be something bigger than Ray Manchester could ever dream about, but there lay the paradox. Captain Man allowed him to do whatever he wanted, but no one could ever share in that life. He couldn't tell the girls who threw themselves at his feet who he was because he was sure they'd walk away when he removed his mask. They loved the idea of him, not who he was. 

Ray Manchester's dreams stretched to a simple life where he loved and was loved in return, but Captain Man meant they'd never be realised. That was the price he paid for fame; to be adored in one life and shunned in another. And as depressing as that seemed, he'd made peace with it. Or, that's what he told himself in the middle of the night when his tears pooled in his ears. 

"Hey, don't say that. I don't think you're a loser," (y/n) instantly replied, showing a different side of herself as her fury melted to be replaced with kindness and concern. She didn't like how he'd bossed her around. But, suddenly, she wasn't talking to the infamous hero but stepping toward him--into his personal space. 

Standing before her was a man, who, like every other man in the world, had his hopes, dreams, doubts, and fears, and one was shockingly similar to hers. 

He was average. Hideously average. So normal and ordinary and boring that she'd walk past him on the street and never imagine he was Captain Man, looked over and dismissed like she was. A kindred spirit lost and looking for his place in the world because all the glory Captain Man brought him didn't give him peace. Just like her. 

"You're sweet, but I am. Trust me, half the women in this town hate my guts, and the other half think I'm an idiot. I just...always seem to screw it up."

"So what if they hate you? You trust me. They'd be all over you if they knew what you did in your spare time. They just don't know what they're missing, and if they can't find something in you to love, they're the idiots. And they're not worth your time," she told him firmly, her tone leaving no room for doubt. 

It was strange; she could never give herself advice like this when the boys she fancied rejected her love or when one of her friends was unreasonably mean. She couldn't tell herself to let them go, no matter how horrible they were, but a wave of protectiveness washed over her for some reason. Her head told her not to care; the guy was an asshole, self-centred and childish, but her heart said otherwise. 

Caring was always her biggest weakness, bothering when no one else would because it didn't feel right to stand there and do nothing.

"I'm sorry I was rude to you. It was wrong of me to give a sweet girl like you so many demands," Ray whispered, his eyes soft and hazy as her words sunk in. 

No one had ever told him something like that--that if someone didn't like him, that was their problem, not his. It had drilled into him from the moment he'd become indestructible that if he wanted to people to like him, he had to be a people pleaser. He had to smile and perform for their affection; something was wrong with him if it didn't work. 

If anyone deserved an apology, it was her, the girl who pushed aside her anger to make him feel better. Him. The one who made her feel bad. She put him before herself, even at the sacrifice of her argument and pride. No one had ever done that before. No one had ever smiled at him like he was worthy of kindness and caring words. 

It was unknown, but he knew he'd move mountains to feel his tummy's warm, gooey feeling again when her eyes sparkled at him. He wouldn't mind feeling it for the rest of his life. 

"It's okay. I think this is new for the both of us," (y/n) said softly, feeling at ease for the first time since she fell from the store above them in that godforsaken elevator. 

It was like an understanding settled between them; they were entirely different people, coming from different backgrounds and interests and ideas, but they glued together. It shouldn't have worked, but it did, like how two puzzle pieces look different, but they fit anyway. Neither was above the other, and they liked it that way. 

"I'm sorry for snapping at you. I, uh...tend to sort of angrily word-vomit when I'm mad..."

"How about we start over? Nice to meet you. I'm Ray Manchester," the man smiled, politely presenting her his massive hand as a peace offering. She looked down at it, eyes bugging out of her head like he'd done something mad. For a moment, Ray wondered if he'd made the obviously wrong choice. He didn't know what women wanted, but this seemed like an excellent way to forget about their poor beginnings and go again unless he'd accidentally offended her. 

Maybe she didn't want to touch his gross hand. Perhaps, despite the serenity finally falling over them, she still wanted to leave, pack up her things, and work for a better man. A kinder man. He wouldn't be surprised or blame her, even if the thought of her leaving left him feeling bitterly disappointed. 

But then, to his shock and utter relief...

"(y/n) (y/l/n). I'm your new helper," the woman replied, giving him her most radiant smile as she accepted his offer, firmly shaking his hand. The warmth from her soft skin eased his fears and made him laugh, even though nothing was inherently funny. Knowing he had her forgiveness made the world seem a little brighter, but her grin slowed it down. 

He swore time stopped for a second, making his heart skip a beat as her eyes crinkled in happiness and her feet danced on the spot. Her body bounced with positivity, the joy soaking into his bones and lifting him up with her, and she was beautiful in her halo of self-created light. So beautiful. 

Average, normal, easy to look over, and beautiful. Better than any model he'd ever been out with. 

"Well, Miss (y/l/n), how would you like to start by helping Schwoz with some repairs? If you wouldn't mind... The auto-snacker has been freezing sodas and melting ice cream."

"I'll get right on it, Ray," she grinned again, almost bashful under his newfound kindness, and although he didn't realise it, Ray quickly became addicted to making her happy. It was surprisingly simple to make her smile, not because she was easy to please, but because he could just be himself, and she loved to see it. 

She didn't want any macho bullshit or to be blinded by his fame. She preferred people to be transparent and felt that she and this version of him could grow to be great friends. When he put it like that, she'd do anything for him, giggling like a schoolgirl under his soft gaze, something that practically had Schwoz on his knees. 

Finally, a girl who was good for him. Not one with paintbrushes for eyelashes, the brains of a squirrel, or an agenda to use and dump him. He already knew (y/n) would make an impression on the Man Cave as she eagerly bounced up to him and demanded he let her help. He just hoped Ray didn't add her to his bedpost - a girl like that was too precious to break. 

"What's going on out here?"

"Ah, now here's a face you haven't met before. (y/n), I'd like you to meet my soon-to-be sidekick, Drex..."

He just hoped nothing would go wrong...

~

"I still can't believe we had our first fight and make-up on my first day," (y/n) chuckled, breaking into reality again as she smeared a few blobs of moisturiser across her face. She still found it hilarious that her younger self had the gall to tell her boss - Captain Man - to shove a plunger up his ass, but she still stood by what she said. And it taught Ray not to order her about ever again.

"I'm still sorry about that. You know I didn't mean to upset you, sweet girl," Ray muttered, ignoring that twinge in his back as he awkwardly bent over to place kisses along her shoulder line. Every time he looked back on her first official day in the Man Cave, he couldn't help but be wracked with guilt over some of the deplorable, degrading tasks he wanted her to do, all of which were far below what a girl as sweet as her should've been doing. Honestly, it was like he wanted his soulmate to hate him... 

"Raymond, it was almost thirteen years ago. You know I forgave you the minute you looked at me with those big, doofy eyes," she replied, mirthfully rolling her eyes at how silly he was, clinging to something so tiny and inconsequential when she was just as bad.

It wasn't her best idea to risk her job when she didn't have another one to go to or even somewhere in the city to live, and she wasn't as bright as she thought she was, fresh out of college. Still, their younger selves were footloose, fancy-free, and really fucking stupid. That may be why they clicked from the get-go.

"I know, but--"

"But nothing, you big doofus. How many other times have we pissed each other off? Like, a million? We're still here, we're still in love, and we're doing all right...unless there's something you want to tell me," she teased, reaching up to rake her fingers through his ruffled, silky hair. 

The man took her hand and kissed her wrist, feeling her pulse gently thrumming against his lips as he caught her gaze in the mirror again. She still bewitched him with that smile, enchanting him so entirely that he couldn't look away, not even with the temptation of her semi-naked form on display.

"Of course, there isn't. You make everything so perfect, darlin'," he cooed, nuzzling his face into her sweet-smelling skin as she giggled and squirmed from the ticklish sensation. All the flashbacks made him clingy and sappy, reminding him repeatedly why he'd fallen in love with her--why he'd chosen to place her at the centre of his universe. 

Everything good in his life came from her - she made it happen. He would've gone mad long ago if it wasn't for her always by his side, keeping him and Captain Man on the straight and narrow. He wouldn't have his little mismatched family if she didn't show him how to love. He wouldn't be so excited to see what's coming next if she didn't give him the honour of agreeing to become his wife.

"Flattery will get you nowhere..."

"On the contrary, it's gotten me everywhere in the past, especially between your thighs," he replied cheekily, chuckling against her neck when she reached up to whack whatever body part her hand found first - the side of his head. Still, she smirked and giggled as much as he did, ignoring how warm her ears felt as she rose from her seat and turned to slot into his embrace as she'd done many times before.

"A tempting offer, doofus..." she said, winding her arms around his neck after tucking the chair under the vanity unit. His hands settled on her waist, still feeling impossibly large even after all their years together, pulling her close until her bare navel pressed against his. No longer restricted by their uneven heights, he quickly pressed his lips to her, diving into his favourite taste - honey in all its addictive sweetness. He wondered how he went all that time without it, knowing he needed it to live now.

"But I want to put on my pyjamas." With that, she pulled away, leaving him hooked but unsatisfied after breaking the kiss far too early for his liking. His dark eyes lingered on her body as she turned to find her silky slip-like nightie waiting on the bed.

Maybe it wasn't the pyjama idea she planted in his head. Still, Ray didn't complain when she quickly removed her underwear in what he'd call the hottest striptease, tossing the garments in the laundry basket before reaching for the slip. It was soft, breathable, and comfy, perfect for sleeping in, but when she felt for it, all she touched was the coarser fabric of the cotton comforter.

"Allow me, sweet girl," Ray rumbled, suddenly crowding behind her, making her breathless. She'd always called him her human heater, the warmth seeping into her body as he pressed himself against her, clearly not in the mood to leave her alone that night. Or any night. He didn't understand why any man in love with his wife would want to stop worshipping her, especially if they had one as perfect as his.

Without another word, (y/n) lifted her arms above her head, allowing Ray to sweep the swiped silk over her head and poke her arms through the proper holes. She could dress herself, but there was something so romantic and intimate about letting him do it, knowing his protective, nurturing instinct drove him to care for her in every way, every day.

It was the least he could do for her. She showed him new ways of living that had always seemed out of reach, guided him into new territory that he'd shunned in the past, and taught him that love could touch him in all manner of ways.

~

It was another Thursday night, like every other Thursday night in the last seven years. And nothing exciting ever happened in the Man Cave on Thursday night. 

Throughout the week, Ray was always busy with his hero work, being called out to various emergencies that kept him entertained, and (y/n) didn't mind that. 

The peace and quiet gave her the time to do all the chores her best friend distracted her from, like laundry, cleaning, and repairs. Her doofus was a sweetheart, captivating her attention with the slightest hint of affection - and these days, she was so in love with him that she'd do anything to get the tiniest scrap. But sometimes, she just needed to get on with her work. 

But Thursdays? Thursdays sucked. Halfway into the week but still a day away from the weekend. Even the criminals didn't want to pilfer, pillage, and plunder on Thursdays because they could just wait for the city to come alive on Friday. It meant Ray was at home almost every night that day, and (y/n) finished all her tasks by Wednesday. She was efficient like that, but it left the would-be couple with nothing to do. 

Thursday could go do one, but one day, the girl had the bright idea to designate it movie night, and thus, their tradition of watching a rom-com every week began. 

Sane Poor Europeans was about a girl and a guy from the same world falling in love. It went against the typical grain of poor girl meets rich guy or the starring couple being worlds apart, and it was meant to be a box office hit. (y/n) was digging it, shipping Raquelle and Nigel all the way, even if Nigel's mother wanted them to break up. However, as engrossed as she was in the movie, something was bugging her. Or rather, someone. 

"Raymond, what's gotten into you tonight?" She grumbled as he fidgeted for the fiftieth time since she pressed play on the DVD, and they'd only been going for thirty minutes. 

They'd quickly assumed their natural movie-watching position once Ray had retrieved the popcorn from the auto-snacker; she laid on her back, head in his lap, with her legs stretching the length of the couch, so her doofus could play with her hair. 

It was pure bliss, and often, she'd fall asleep to his soft touches, waking up in her bed in the morning without the foggiest idea of how she got there. Of course, Ray took her there, but she didn't want to think about it, thinking she'd melt into a puddle if she imagined him carrying her like a knight holding his princess. 

But tonight, there wasn't much chance of her nodding off, not with how he kept shifting every few minutes, continuously moving his legs, wiggling his butt, or sighing so his whole body jerked. Every time he moved, he shook her head, breaking her out of the serene trance she'd fallen into as the movie rolled on. 

"Sorry, just...trying to get comfy," Ray muttered, affectionately petting her head as he adjusted his position again, and it wasn't because he was uncomfortable. With her on the couch, laying in his lap, nuzzling into him with some relaxing entertainment on the screen, it was almost impossible to be unsatisfied, and he loved it. He was fine. Nothing the matter with him. 

He treasured their time together, yet (y/n) knew something was wrong. She felt it in her tummy. 

"Okay, doofus. Come on--" she groaned, lamentably rolling onto her belly to sit up. Ray almost whimpered at losing her body heat and silky hair that he loved playing with. He didn't want her to move, not for his troubles, and certainly not on the one night they got together in the week. They were always so busy, especially since that little disagreement with Schwoz led to (y/n) becoming his sole helper. If he could let her relax for one night, he would do whatever it took, no matter the burden on his mind. 

"Tell me what's wrong."

"Who says anything's wrong?" Ray asked defensively, avoiding her gaze as (y/n) shifted onto her butt by his side, legs tangled in a soft blanket. She snuggled close, their hips touching as she linked their arms, knowing he'd talk eventually, even if he didn't crack at first. 

"I do, your best friend of seven years. That's who says something's wrong. I know you, Ray, so don't try to fool me," she said firmly, squeezing his bicep to comfort him. Plus, it was a great way to feel them up, knowing that come daybreak, he'd be off wining and dining some lucky girl, so she took her chances where she found them. Oh, how she hated seeing something worry her poor doofus...

"I could never fool you, (y/n/n). You're too smart," he teased her, booping her nose on the word clever, making her face heat up. He made it impossible not to fall in love with him, but she thought after seven years, she would've gotten over it by now. But no. Here she was, still head over heels for her best friend, dying to have her feelings requited, even for a day.

"Sure, doof," she gulped, trying to mask her real emotions because the world would almost certainly end if Ray knew how deep her feelings ran - her world, at least. She'd be kicked out of the Man Cave, and all her dreams and hopes would die, so it was better if he never found out--if they quickly moved on before she said something stupid. 

"So, what's wrong?"

"It's dumb, really," Ray mumbled, looking down at his hands, making (y/n) grab and pull them into her lap, stroking her thumb over his palm tenderly. The man felt his heart lurch at the ticklish sensation, wondering what he did to deserve such a precious, pretty girl. He didn't know he could feel so much love for one person until he met her. Now he was falling more and more, thinking he'd never stop because she gave him something new to adore every day. 

"I'll be the judge of that. Now, come on, don't leave me in suspense," the girl told him, looking at her best friend expectantly as he sighed and tilted his head back. If he stared at the ceiling and not into her all-seeing eyes, he wouldn't feel his heart shatter when her joy turned to disappointment and betrayal. He didn't want to upset her with such a touchy subject, knowing that despite the years that had passed, her wounds were still raw and healing, even if she claimed not to have nightmares. 

But it had been on his mind for a while now, and his body was telling him it was time. Not an ear-splitting, loud shriek but a gentle reminder that no matter how much he hated it, he was getting older. His knees ached a little more than they used to, his knuckles were stiffer after missions than when he was younger, and he went to bed feeling tired each night. It wasn't personal; age caught up with everyone, even Captain Man. 

"Well...you see...darlin'..." he stumbled, trying to find the right words, which was peculiar to see from a man who was usually so sure of himself. Something was wrong - he only used those pet names when he was treading on eggshells and looking to smooth her over--that's what she told herself. It was madness to think of herself as his darling. 

"...I want a sidekick." 

An eyebrow arched at him in response, and then...nothing. No crying, no curses, no fists thumping against his chest - (y/n) blinked as if he'd said nothing. A few minutes passed, or maybe an eternity and Ray was confident he'd broken his best friend. Why else would she stare at him like the soul had been sucked out of her? 

Sidekicks were a touchy subject. Hardly discussed between them, and they talked about everything and nothing, so it was no surprise that she disconnected for a moment. After the hero's fated showdown with Drex, he'd given up on his search for someone to share in his glory, too scared to lose his pretty girl after the scars that bastard had left. 

If he could go back in time, he'd gag himself before introducing them, wanting so desperately to protect her from falling into his net--to save a genuinely virtuous girl from the clutches of a monster. But he couldn't. The past was the past, and (y/n) was dealing with it. She put it behind her and, thank god, chose to stay with him, working as his helper. So, who was he to dredge up old memories and trauma for one of his fancies?

"A...sidekick?" She stammered, trying to wrap her head around the idea. Of course, she knew the world wasn't full of Drex's; that was years ago. He was her boyfriend for what? Six months? And he was hardly someone to write home about, too cold, distant, and cruel to introduce to her parents and old friends--saying that, he'd probably think her home town was pokey and insignificant, anyway. 

On the other hand, Ray was the kind of guy she'd love to take home - in every sense. He was so lovely...kind, sweet, gentle, funny, playful, and silly--everything she wanted in a boyfriend. He understood her and didn't force her out of her comfort zone, but he brought her out of her shell, the one Drex pushed her into. He kept her safe all the years she'd lived with him, forging a powerful bond between them, so she couldn't imagine being hurt in the same way twice. 

That was a hard lesson to learn, but she'd never let someone bully her again. Although, admittedly, the idea of a new face around the place made her nervous. 

"Yeah...I mean, I know--I know it wasn't a roaring success last time," Ray replied nervously, barely meeting her eye as those dark days replayed in his mind. If anyone deserved to live in security and luxury, it was her, yet she stayed with him, the man who made her life worse at every turn. 

"But it's been on my mind for ages now."

"Tell me," she told him gently, feeling the hair on the nape of her neck rise at the mere thought of another cold-hearted monster stalking the hallways again, but he was the boss. It was hardly up to her to make such a big decision, but she could see how conflicted he was, dithering on what to do, so she gave him a chance. If anyone would keep her safe, it was her doofus. 

"I've just... every night I go out, I come back thinking I need help. Like, I can't do this alone anymore, and what am I gonna do when I'm too o--ol--ol--"

"Old?" (y/n) giggled, shaking her head at how he barely got the word past his lips. She didn't understand his fixation on his age, but that might've been because of their slight age difference. Maybe thirty-three is different to twenty-seven; she didn't know. All she knew was that he hated the idea--if only he told he it was because he was terrified of growing grey without her by his side. 

"Yeah, that. One day, I just know I will wake up and wonder where all the time went, and I'll have no one to help me. I'll be all alone..." Ray said sadly, terrified of a future where his glory days had passed. He was an old man with no one to love, no one to care for him, and no legacy to leave behind because his younger self always said he do it later, tomorrow, maybe next week. 

"You won't be alone, doofus. I..." (y/n) told him kindly, squeezing their conjoined hands as her lips parted to say, I'll always be with you. I'll always love you. 

It was one of the silly things her heart wanted to say, but like always, her head cut it short like some survival instinct. As heartbreaking as the truth was, she had to face reality; he'd find a nice girl, they'd settle down, get married, have a few kids, and live happily ever after. Where did she fit in that equation? 

"I just know you'll have a family by then. A lovely wife, some adorable kids, and plenty of grandkids. And they'll all want to hear about your amazing adventures as Captain Man," she said, trying to keep her tone light and airy as if the thought didn't rip out and stomp on her heart. 

Ray laughed at her dramatic antics, comforted by the thought of her thinking he was worthy of those things - a whole bundle of people to love unconditionally. And yet it wasn't enough--it should've been because it sounded like a dream come true--but something wasn't right. He couldn't imagine a future without her. Yet, by the sound of things, she imagined him living a separate life, even though he couldn't imagine loving anyone but her. 

"I'll have retired by then, darlin'. Someone will need to take over when I'm...y'know...o--ol--o--old."

"I understand, doofus," she smiled, shuffling closer to lay her head against his chest. The hero sighed as she snuggled into his arms, fitting so perfectly that it hurt to think of getting used to someone else. Honestly, a family wasn't all it was cracked up to be if she wasn't at its centre, but for now, he pushed those thoughts away and held her--to take whatever he could get before he had to let go. 

"So, who do you want to be your new sidekick?" (y/n) asked, drawing random designs on his shirt with the tip of her finger as he tenderly rubbed her back with his huge hand. Perhaps someone new would be alright, but she couldn't guarantee she'd like them. Only someone very special...

"I don't know, no one in particular," Ray replied, having not thought that far ahead, but he had a rough idea. 

"Someone young, though. A lot younger, like thirteen-fourteen, maybe? Like in the old superhero movies, there won't be that weird power dynamic like there was with Dr--like before."

"Okay...so, a kid? You're sure? Isn't that a little risky?" The woman questioned, nuzzling her nose against his neck to reach the inch of skin where his cologne was strongest. Even though it fogged her senses and drove her crazy, her mind still mulled over the idea of someone so inexperienced fighting crime. It was a dangerous job, and whilst she knew her doofus wanted someone to adore and idolise him, was it worth the peril?

"Perhaps...but they need to be fearless. Good-hearted. Loyal. Dependable. Resilient. Funny. Tough. And they need to have some skills...an instinct for fighting crime...and know how to put up with all my shit," Ray said dreamily as he pictured his ideal sidekick fighting by his sidekick. Someone innocent and youthful saving his butt just in the nick of time, learning everything he had to teach to one day take his mantle and carry on the Captain Man name. 

"Sounds good, doof. But, y'know, this kid is gonna have to be pretty special. How are you gonna find them?" She replied, suddenly feeling reality dawn on her. 

This was...happening? A new sidekick, someone to show the ropes, advise, and protect whenever they were in the Man Cave. She could do that. 

"Put an ad online for me tomorrow?" The hero requested hopefully, knowing his clever girl was miles better at all that tech stuff than he was. She'd create the perfect advert and find him the perfect sidekick, thus completing everything he needed, even though leaving all the work to her was a bit cheeky. 

"Ugh, fine. But just because I love you--and put up with you l-like any best friend would," (y/n) grumbled, only to feel her tummy turn when, in her cologne-induced haze, she let her tongue slip her greatest secret. It was a quick, if unconvincing save, her heart pounding in her ears as she prayed he didn't notice her stuttering or how her fingers clenched his shirt. 

She was her own worst enemy, shoving herself into the friend-zone because of some ancient, faded line between them. It hurt like hell to call him her best friend, knowing she couldn't be more in love with him if she tried, but she coped by living in denial. She denied she felt anything; she rejected any prospect of hope and refused anyone telling her anything else. 

"That's my girl," Ray chuckled, feeling like he was dying inside when she claimed to love him, but only like she'd love a brother or pet. Who was he kidding? She was his best friend too; it was weird how he felt for her, so he pushed it to the back of his mind as he reached to hit play on the movie again--to lose themselves in another fairytale love story amidst the feeling of friendship.

"And don't worry, (y/n/n), this one will be different. I've got a good feeling about this one, you'll see..."

~

Falling back into reality, the lovers held each other in their arms, laughing and sharing endless kisses as if they were making up for their lost time. Looking back on it now, they seemed so stupid, pining for each other so much when they just needed to say something. It was a cycle they'd reflected on many times before, and it never made sense. Neither did it ever get any easier, knowing they wasted nine years when they could've ended the suffering there and then. 

Still, things folded how they did for a reason, and Ray and (y/n) didn't have it in themselves to complain. They took the long road, but finally, the man knew he wasn't destined to be the sad, lonely old man he'd feared in his youth because he had his sweet girl. And she was very much still the centre of his world - the one who gave him a family without even knowing it. 

"I did end up finding the perfect sidekick," Ray mumbled against her lips, his hands tilting her jaw toward him so he could relish her honey-like taste. He could never thank her enough for posting that online ad because out of the dozen or so applicants they had, they found Henry Hart. 

He was fearless. Good-hearted. Loyal. Dependable. Resilient. Funny. Tough. He had skills before any training, an instinct for fighting crime, and he put up with all the shit life in the Man Cave through at him. He took everything Ray taught him and became a courageous, seasoned fighter, willing to do anything to save Swellview. Even when he wanted to quit, he never backed down, and above all else, he was the reason Ray got to hold his wife in his arms every night. He did that, and the man could never thank him enough. 

"The best, doofus. I'll only say this once, but you were right. Your good feeling played out," (y/n) smiled, lovingly stroking his cheek as he held her silk-clad hips. She'd all but been set to hate whoever her boss chose, terrified of being hurt again by any sidekick, but along came Henry, and...well, it was safe to say that kid stole her heart, or whatever Ray had left of it. 

If Ray trained him to be brave, (y/n) taught him to be kind. Unconditionally, always. It was all well and good knowing how to fight, but knowing when not to fight was even harder, but the kid always found it easy with her. He could go to her with anything, and she'd sit him down, give him a cookie, and hear him out. She welcomed him into her home, and now, she couldn't imagine it without him, the boy who taught them how to love openly. Freely. Without fear. 

"He's a good kid," he agreed, kissing her jaw and neck, worshipping the woman who made it all possible. Ray hadn't known what it was like to have a family, and now he had four kids, a wife, and a weird, fuzzy-headed friend under his roof. They all stayed because she did, not that (y/n) knew that. 

"Even though he drives us insane, and he brought all his friends here, and his sister, and he eats all the nachos in the auto-snacker, and he makes me do his laundry whenever he sleeps over..."

"You wouldn't change him, though, would you?" The hero smirked, pulling away to look at her pouty expression as if Henry truly got under her skin with all his quirks. He'd lost count of how often she'd scolded him for leaving his shoes in the middle of the room for anyone to trip over, acting like a fool around his would-be girlfriends, or going along with Captain Man's stupid plans. 

"Literally nothing, not a single hair on his precious head, ever," (y/n) replied, the words falling from her lips at lightning speed. How could she change Henry? Everything he did made up who he was; she loved all of it, having seen him grow up. 

"He's my baby... They all are."

"I know, sweet girl. And they think the world of you," Ray grinned and pecked her forehead, aware that she didn't know how precious she was.

Given how many children seemed to end up in his Man Cave, he was thinking of fitting a turnstile instead of a door in Junk-N-Stuff. Still, his fiancée took it all in her stride, welcoming, nurturing, and caring for them individually until she loved them, and they loved her. But really, who wouldn't? 

Standing in the middle of the room, her hands resting on his chest, (y/n) swore her cheeks were on fire, heated by his unusually reverent mood that night. Ray was touchy, handsy, and all loved up every day of the year, but he couldn't help but spill the truth in the soft glow of their bedroom. They'd gone too many years keeping secrets from each other. They promised never to do that again; besides, complimenting her was his second favourite thing to do. 

"I'm surprised at that. Do you know how much we pissed them off before we started dating? Apparently, we were insufferable," she giggled, brushing her lips against his as she remembered all the years she waited. Looking back, she could understand why they felt like that; they were stupidly unbearable, especially when the kids dropped a hint after hint, but neither picked them up. 

"Yeah, but look at us now, darlin'. I have you all to myself, and they complain that I kiss you too much. I can't win," Ray grumbled, forever grumpy that Henry nagged him about making a move on (y/n), to stop being a chicken, and ask her out, only to gag and mock them now that they seized every opportunity. 

"True, doof. They have no one to blame but themselves," she whispered, raking her hands through his hair as she recalled the moment he confessed his love for her quietly and brokenly, terrified she'd throw it back in his face. But how could she? The moment had been engineered to force them to show their hands, and nothing had been the same since. 

Henry, Charlotte, Piper, and Jasper could pretend to puke, roll their eyes, and make fun, but this was their fault. They'd still be blindly going in circles if it wasn't for their little nudges and schemes because they weren't good at relationships--surprisingly. 

Loving was easy; knowing what to do after was a whole nother problem. Ray only knew how to start a relationship and watch it burn. (y/n) only knew how they ended - in tears and with the innocent party hurting more than those who did wrong. 

In bringing them together, the kids caused a mini-crisis because when suddenly placed in heaven, having reached the end goal, finally where they were meant to be, the couple didn't know where to start next. What do you do when the love of your life says they feel the same way?

"I thought for sure we wouldn't last. You're too good to be true, and yet here we are..."

~

If this was a dream, then (y/n) never wanted to wake up. 

It was like she was flying, falling faster than ever before, reaching new highs than she knew were possible, and it was all thanks to the man helping her out of the car. Like a true gentleman, Ray held the door open and offered his sweet girl his open palm whilst she slid off the leather seat, trying to be elegant and graceful in a dress that wouldn't usually take residence in her wardrobe. 

But this was a special occasion. This was the night she'd been waiting for all her life, the one opportunity to achieve happiness and secure her dreams of living happily ever after with the guy she imagined marrying and growing old with. This was the legendary, infamous, much-anticipated first date. 

No pressure, then. 

She felt silly in her fancy clothes, knowing her foot just had to hit the ground funny, and she'd take a tumble in her ludicrous high heels. They were more like torture devices for those who hated having feet tight and wobbly, but they made her legs look longer, so that was all that mattered. 

The idea was to look like a model. A really hot, glamorous model who could easily be the newest face of Swellview Cosmopolitan or the next Miss Swellview beauty pageant winner. She'd picked out her outfit according to that criteria; perfect hair and makeup, uncomfortable shoes, tiny dress, and her most expensive jewellery, all to look like someone she wasn't. 

Was it possible to feel joy and terror together? Her tummy would undoubtedly agree. 

Twenty-six hours earlier, she'd heard his confession, egged on by Henry, Charlotte, and whatever ideas they'd cooked together. They were the words she'd waited nine years to hear - "I love you, (y/n) (y/l/n)" - and part of her still couldn't believe it. Whatever she'd done or said to deserve such sweet words was beyond her, but it was like the first rainfall after a drought. 

She and Ray spent hours together long after the kids and Schwoz had left, talking, laughing, and making up for lost time. They planned the date as soon as possible, eager to get to know each other as boyfriend and girlfriend, not best friends. The sooner they could burn that label, the better because that made sense. They loved each other, and being friends limited that to secrets, lies, and heartache. 

Friends didn't feel the way they did, so they thought to hell with it. Perhaps jumping in without any forethought was unwise, but it felt right the night before when Ray called and used his heroic influence to book a table in one of the city's most exclusive restaurants. Five stars, celebrity guest list, very high class - visited by the elite circles of the Swellview socialites. 

It was the best place to go, so why was she dreading it so much? 

A sudden sinking sensation crept up on her as she contorted and twisted her body to fit into that damned dress, which didn't feel so tight when she tried it on in the shop with Charlotte and Piper. She'd been in a rush to find something - anything - but she swore it didn't hug her tummy and show off the squishiness of her arms in the changing room. 

Back then, it looked good--she looked hot--now, though, she felt silly, like a little girl playing grown-ups in her mother's gown. And those shoes, what was she thinking? She'd only had them on for fifteen minutes and was losing feeling in her toes, not to mention how the pins holding her hair up were digging into her scalp. Her makeup didn't go how she wanted it to because who can actually do a smoky eye without looking like a panda?

In short, she was just an average girl trying to be more than what she could give, but it was worth it if it impressed Ray. She had his love, but was that enough? He only knew Man Cave (y/n), the girl he worked with in the safety of those walls, not who she was when the world was watching. 

What if they discovered wanting and loving were two entirely different things? What if nine years led to breaking things off because they mistook friendship for something more? It didn't bear thinking about. 

Clutching her clutch bag for dear life as she wobbled on her heels, she watched Ray shut the door before he held out his hand for her in what must've been a rehearsed move. No one could be that perfect, and she prayed to God that he didn't pick up on how clammy her hands were as they laced their fingers together and started walking. 

"So...what's this place like? I've never been," (y/n) asked nervously, desperately searching to fill the awkward silence between them--well, she perceived it as uncomfortable, unable to stand the click-clop of her heels against the concrete and nothing else. 

God, she was having a heart attack. Ray swanned up to the building like he owned the place, looking every bit the sophisticated gentleman in his crisp, tailored suit whilst she tripped after him like a child. Even the front door looked like something she wasn't worth looking at, all gilded and fancy with a swooping white canopy and red carpet stretching before the heavy gold doors. Was it a restaurant or a palace? 

"L'endroit Chic? It's the best place money can buy. Anything for my best girl," Ray grinned, squeezing her hand as he led her toward the scarlet carpet, where a man was waiting to check their reservation at the other end. 

He wanted to impress her badly, even if he had to take out a bank loan by the night's end. He'd waited nine years for this chance to take her out and show her he could love her the way she deserved--more than any other man. If he had one night and one night only to convince her to choose him over all the other idiots in the world, no price was too much and no restaurant too fancy. So, he donned his best suit, groomed his hair to perfection, and prayed he didn't mess it up. 

He wasn't sure if he could live with himself if he ruined the night, so he was putting his best foot forward, the one with all the experience. He wasn't proud of how many girls he'd dated, but at least he'd been on enough dates to know how to treat a girl right. All they'd ever wanted was the best money could buy, so that's where he started. 

"Really?" (y/n) smiled, feeling butterflies in her stomach when he called her such sweet names, knowing now that he meant them in a way she'd only ever imagined. His affection eased some of her nervousness, although she couldn't help but gulp again as they reached the door, where a man in a sharp uniform and white gloves opened it for her. 

Being a dashing gentleman, Ray let her enter first before placing his hand on the small of her back while they waited for the maître d'hôtel to greet them.

"Of course, sweet girl. I want this to be the best date you've ever had," he told her, gently kissing her forehead when she leaned into his embrace. 

A swathe of fine diners ogled them from their tables, looking down their noses at the couple who'd just walked in, and whilst she knew it was none of their business, (y/n) felt her nerves swimming above her butterflies. 

It was bad enough having an audience scrutinising her every move, but knowing that her doofus placed such high hopes on the date made her lick the lipstick off her lips. She hated disappointing him, but now she couldn't remember the difference between crockery and cutlery, which fork to use first, and if she was supposed to wait for everyone else to start eating. White wine with red meat or fish? Red wine with meat? Champagne? She wasn't good at any of this...

"Ah, good evening. Welcome to L'endroit Chic. Do you have a reservation, sir?" A tall gentleman with steely eyes, a trimmed moustache, and a distinguished air about him said, smoothly walking over to a thick book with rows of names scribbled down in a cursive hand. He looked at them politely as Ray cleared his throat and offered an equally charming smile, obviously more adept at this charade than she was. 

"Yes, we do. It will be under the name Raymond Manchester."

"Mr Manchester...yes, I have you here. If you and the lady would follow me," the host told them courteously, his pristine, pressed trousers rasping as he briskly showed them into the dining room. 

Well, he called it a dining room, (y/n) would call it a ballroom, feeling slightly nauseous as she gazed at the intimidating crowd. Enormous French windows framed by chintz drapes allowed the evening sunset to flood the room in warm, golden light that highlighted the gold-plated everything. The perfectly sculpted and coffered ceiling had intricate and beautiful designs carved into the plaster surrounding one of those Renaissance-style paintings of religious figures and cherubs on the highest panel. It looked like they'd resurrected Michelangelo to paint it, making (y/n) wonder how much this dinner would cost. 

Now she felt terrible for Ray, who guided her to their immaculate table, a work of art with candles, flowers, expensive china, and a million knives and forks. Were they expecting an octopus for dinner? Who needed four sets? 

"Allow me, darlin'," he cooed, nobly pulling her chair out for her--and in front of all the toffs, no less. 

A few ladies seemingly approved of his gallant gesture. However, others disproved his colloquial tone as if his g-dropping was uncouth, making the girl gulp for the millionth time as she tried to sit down with grace, only to feel like a moron when her heel slipped, and she ended up thumping down. So much for being the bell of the ball, but at least Ray didn't notice--or he had the kindness not to mention it. 

"Your menus... Sebastian will be your waiter tonight. He will be over momentarily for your wine and entrée selection. Have a good evening, sir, madam," the suave man said once Ray had taken his seat, looking just like a movie-star spy as he unbuttoned his jacket and relaxed into his plush chair. 

The couple gratefully received their menus before the maître d'hôtel wandered off to con more rich schmucks into his palace to empty their accounts. (y/n) felt her fingers shake against the weighty object, which was more like a novel than a menu in its thick leather and velvet cover, hiding its endless glossy pages of fine food. 

"Wow, you know a place is fancy when even the menus are wearing smoking jackets," she joked, stroking the outer cover, which probably cost enough to feed two people in an ordinary restaurant. It earned her a few snotty looks, perhaps because no one understood her childlike innocence and ability to find in-the-moment joy except for Ray. 

"I know, right? Do you know what you're having?" He asked, eyes sparkling as he chuckled at her humour and how she petted the menu. How did he get her to fall in love with him? What did he do to earn such a privilege? If she was flying, he was falling - more and more in love with her after each second, and he didn't want to stop. He just hoped she felt the same.

Since he'd been before, he already knew what he wanted to have, preferably whatever was cheapest to save his crying wallet. Still, he wanted her to pick freely and not worry about the cost because he could provide for her - whatever she wanted was hers. He'd be the best boyfriend she ever had and make this a night to remember--the first of many, he sincerely hoped. 

"Uh..." (y/n) paused, tearing her gaze away from the fine figure he cut across the table to look at her options. And there were a few--about three dozen or so, and they were just starters, or so she thought. It would've been easier to guess if she could read the squiggles, but she realised her eyesight wasn't failing after a closer look. 

The menu was in fucking French - all bouillabaisse this and concombre a la menthe that. She could say I am on vacation, and my mother is large--school-grade French, but this was another level, startling her with the terrifying notion that she'd have to pick something and pray she liked it. There weren't any pictures either, probably because every snob there understood what a moules marinières was, so it would have to be a guess. 

"Well..." she stalled, raking her eyes over the only squiggles she understood - the numbers next to every word. Dear God, it was expensive; gougères--whatever they were--were priced at seventy dollars, so she quickly moved on to try and find the smallest number. Coq au vin seemed cheaper, moderately labelled as forty dollars, which was as good as she would get, so that was the magic number. 

"No idea what it is, but I'll have the Coq thing. Seems good enough."

"What about your appetiser? And your soup choice? And there's a salad in between that. Don't worry, sweet girl, you can have whatever you want," Ray told her gently, watching as her smile fell slightly as he threw the information at her. A knot formed in his stomach, tugging on his heart, suddenly making him nervous too. 

He wasn't as stupid as people said; coq au vin was the cheapest meal on the menu. He knew because he wanted it too, hoping to avoid an eye-watering bill at the end, but that didn't mean he wanted her to be lumbered with peasant food. She could go for the two-hundred-dollar steak if she liked, and he wouldn't mind, although now he doubted if he'd said the right thing. 

She didn't look as happy as before...he could feel the dread set in. 

"And pudding at the end? Jeez, I hope they do doggy bags," (y/n) retorted as she closed the menu and placed it on the table. She'd eat anything as long as she could have a relaxing, intimate dinner with her newfound lover, although now she doubted if she'd said the right thing. 

He didn't seem as happy as before...she could feel the horror set in. 

"Are sir and madam ready to order their wine?" The tense moment was interrupted as a boyish man came forward in a neatly ironed pinny and jacket - he must be Sebastian, (y/n) guessed. He handed Ray a list of wines, none of which the man understood. Still, he pretended to read it like a connoisseur, humming and nodding in appreciation. 

(y/n) watched in slight awe of the man, wondering and dreading where he learned about fine dining to understand about testing the bouquet, acidity levels, and such. Either he'd done his research, or he'd done this before, and given his knowledge of the restaurant, she'd wager it was the latter. But with who?

Her heart ached at the thought of him bringing someone else to the same table, sharing a coq or gougére over a fine bottle of red. Whoever taught him such refined etiquette obviously wasn't good enough; otherwise, they wouldn't be there. Knowing that she was another in a long line of girlfriends tugged on her heartstrings, wondering if they were destined to split because of some hidden incompatibility and if some other girl would take her place. 

The thought broke her heart. No one said friendship or years of knowing each other counted for more than the spark he felt when dating those girls, even if he said he did it to get over her. 

All the woman could think about was whether she should leave now and save herself the pain of losing him through boredom or a terrible argument. At least she could say she got her wish - a moment where Ray Manchester loved her. 

"We'll have the Pinot Noir. Thank you..."

"Good choice, sir. I won't be a moment," Sebastian crooned before scurrying off, leaving the lovers awkwardly facing each other, looking for something to say. It was strange; in all the years they'd known each other, they'd never struggled to think of a conversation.

"You know a lot about this place..." (y/n) forced out, twitching her face into a polite smile, which Ray instantly hated. He thought she was beautiful and loved that she was smiling, but he hated that smile, primarily when directed at him. 

It wasn't genuine; more like what she'd use with a rude customer or challenging criminal, not him--her best friend--no, boyfriend. Suddenly, it felt like all eyes were on him as she put him on the spot, and he knew instantly that something was wrong; she wasn't enjoying herself. 

Her happiness didn't reach her eyes, and it was like the room turned frigid, turning his blood to ice because he was screwing it up. Like his worst nightmare come to life, he had his chance and was blowing it, and worse still, he was putting the sweetest soul through torture. 

"I, uh--I've been here a few times before..."

"Oh, with who?" Kill her now. It was like (y/n) wanted to dig her grave, questioning who he'd treated to dinner here and professed his love to in the candlelight. She was clearly upsetting him, asking stupid, nosy questions that made him stare at the tablecloth and not into her eyes like he couldn't bear to look at her. Was this it? Was she losing him just like she knew she would?

"Just..erm...some friends...like...um--oh, the wine's here!" Ray exclaimed, feeling his heart drum in his ears as he tried to find a gentle way to tell her he brought one or two dates here before. It ended badly both times, with the girls swearing to cut off his...if he ever went near them again, and all because they sensed he was in love with someone else. 

It was an excellent save, and if he wasn't in very polite company, he would've hugged Sebastian within an inch of his life as he brought over the bottle of expensive red wine--eighty dollars of juiced grapes. Nice. But at least (y/n) dropped the subject, feeling increasingly like she'd find herself single by tomorrow morning with each passing second. 

"Oh, goodie..." she muttered, thinking she couldn't have a decent conversation with him because if it wasn't the tension between them, it was the awkward interruptions. 

Burgundy liquid sloshed into crystal glasses as the waiter poured for them, ignorant of the nosediving date and how its participants wished they were back home. Things were more straightforward in the Man Cave, where neither one had to put on such airs and graces because there was no one to impress. Maybe they weren't the power couple the kids thought they were...

"I'll give you a few more minutes to decide on your food, and I'll be back."

"Thank you..." they said simultaneously like robots, steadily growing increasingly disenchanted with the evening. Not with each other, no way; if only they could find the right words, they'd say whatever and do anything to patch things up, but it looked pretty bleak. 

Neither could think of anything to say, not a funny joke or witty conversation to stimulate the other. Maybe it would be different once the food arrived, but as Ray picked up his glass and sniffed it - because that's what they did in the movies - (y/n) didn't feel so hopeful. She didn't see how he'd want to take her out again, and in all her worst nightmares, she'd never imagined the worst date of her life would be with the man of her dreams. 

It wasn't supposed to be like this - she was supposed to be a good girlfriend. What would Henry and Charlotte say when they returned? Ray said they gave it his best shot, but he couldn't stay with her? Poor Schwoz would have a breakdown--years of his life wasted because she couldn't be happy with what he gave her. What a shit show. 

"Huh...I thought it would be white..."

"You know Pinot Noir is a red wine, right, doofus? Because of the grapes they use to make it," the woman chuckled, scraping a shred of amusement from the conversation when her boyfriend stared into his glass and analysed the liquid, which was much different from what he'd been expecting. It came out of nowhere, and he sounded so silly... there was the Ray she fell in love with. 

"Well, why didn't he say that? Surely, wine is wine--I don't know what to pick when they give me a list. Why can't we just have soda?" Ray grumbled, not caring if an arrogant businessman across the way from them gave him a bored, disproving look for saying such a thing. His sweet girl looked at him in shock, having thought that he knew what he was doing when choosing a bottle, but apparently, he was still the doofus she'd always known him to be. 

"You just picked the first one off the menu, didn't you?"

"Well..." Ray laughed nervously, too bashful to admit that he'd chosen the cheapest on the list, mainly because all wine tasted the same to him, no matter the price. He'd instead treat her to a fancy dinner than something she only drank because it was expected. However, he wasn't complaining that they finally had something to discuss. 

"Don't lie to me, Raymond..." (y/n) told him jokingly, acting sternly, but the man was relieved to see the sparkle return to her eyes. The couple relaxed for the first time all evening, even if it was only slightly. It was difficult to calm down when the elite of Swellview society scrutinised their every move, but at least she was smiling. 

"Oh, trust me, I could never lie to you, pretty girl. Not anymore..." he replied gently, and the girl felt her heart flutter and cheeks warm. She'd never get used to hearing him say such things--and romantically mean them--and it made her shyly look at the table in front of her. 

"Doofus..." she muttered, not knowing how endearing and adorable she looked as she squirmed cutely and reached for her wine. Red or white, it didn't matter to her as long as it took the edge off her nerves, which had returned with a new vengeance. Now, she was nervous under his gaze, wondering if all the love in his eyes was meant for her.

"Sweet girl, look at me..." Ray told her, wanting to see her pretty eyes, looking into his - hoping she'd realise all he felt for her. But there lay the problem. 

(y/n)'s eyes snapped up to his, taking her eye off her tall wine glass as her shaking fingers reached for it. As always, the minute she stared into those crystal blue pools, she was lost, wondering how they could be so clear, bright, and beautiful--how he could be so perfect. Ray, too, was lost in a trance, drawn to his sweet girl, so he didn't notice her trembling fingertips until it was too late. 

They touched the glass, shaking a little too hard to realise their strength as they pushed it over, sending a cascade of deep ruby washing over the crisp, white cloth. The wine trickled across the table, seeping into whatever its red rivers touched, including Ray's freshly laundered suit as it rushed over the edge. 

"Oh, shitshitshitshit!" (y/n) gasped, instantly mortified by her absentminded blunder, but there was nothing she could do. It wasn't a drop or little leak but a vast goblet that had tipped over, meaning she could dab at it all she wanted; the wine wouldn't come out. Her cheeks had gone from slightly warm to a humiliated scorching hot, feeling every pair of eyes in the room on her, whispering about the lowly peasant girl with the manners of a farmyard animal. 

She couldn't do one thing right, behaving like a child at the table, causing chaos. Ray was mildly shocked by the cool liquid that hit his thighs, jumping out of his seat as their table was ruined. She could see it in his eyes, even though she refused to meet them, wanting nothing more than to run, hide and cry in her bed for spoiling what should've been a perfect evening. 

"R-Ray--I--I'm--Oh, God--I'm so--s-sorry," she said, trying to mop up the alcohol with a napkin, brushing it over his stained suit, only to realise she was making it worse since the cloth was also soaked. She couldn't make a bigger mess of it if she tried, feeling so distraught that she didn't see the sympathetic stare he gave her. 

"(y/n), it's okay. It was an accident--" 

"No! It's not okay!" She wailed, wanting a hole to open up and swallow her as the snooty diners around them began to mutter and gossip about the juicy scene in front of them - dinner and a show. 

If she couldn't drink a simple glass of wine gracefully, what hope did she have of completing the night properly? She'd probably spill her dinner down her dress or order the wrong dessert, anything to embarrass her doofus further. And she couldn't bear that thought - the knowledge she wasn't what he wanted. 

"I'm supposed to--I'm--I just--I--I can't do this!" she gasped, fighting to control her emotions and remain calm and dignified, but with so many eyes on her, including Ray's concerned azure gaze, she just couldn't do it. 

She was a fleer, not a fighter, and her instinct told her feet to take her away from the situation before she embarrassed herself further. Ducking her head down, she turned and bolted toward the exit, tears falling down her cheeks as she left Ray helpless at the table. 

He stared after her, feeling like his world was crashing around him as she barged past the startled maître d' and some posh couple waiting to be seated. Of all the dates he'd ever had, this one had to be the worst, breaking his heart since he'd never imagined a date like this with his sweet girl. What did she think of him now? She'd probably break up with him on the spot once they got home, and all his dreams would be over. 

Still, he wasn't one to go down without a fight. He'd win her affection again, beg for her forgiveness, and convince her that he could be a good boyfriend if it was the last thing he ever did. Without another thought, Ray yanked the wallet from his pocket and pulled a few bills out, letting them flutter to the table without thinking about the price. A hundred dollars was nothing compared to the promise of a life of happiness, so he left the stained table for Sebastian to sort out, chasing his sweet girl into the parking lot. 

Running out of the restaurant most undignifiedly, Ray jogged towards the car - the fanciest he owned as Captain Man. He saw her leaning against the passenger side, wiping free-flowing tears away, smearing her mascara. She made a heartbreaking sight, slowing his steps because he wanted to patch things up, but he hadn't exactly worked out how, although he knew he had to do something. His poor darling girl looked miserable, shaking like a leaf with blotchy, sticky cheeks and staring at her shoes. 

"(y/n)?" The man called out, squeezing his fingers tightly to control his nerves as she looked up, like a deer in headlights with her bottom lip wobbling. Oh, sweet girl...

"I--I'm sorry. I-I've ruined everything, haven't I?" She sniffed, tearing up again when their eyes met, mistaking his concern for harshness. Any minute now, he'd say the word, and she'd find herself single again, homeless, and starting again because he wanted her out after the humiliation she'd caused. 

Ray looked at her softly, wanting nothing more than to wrap her in his arms and comfort her, but he didn't want to startle her. Taking a gentler approach, he cautiously walked up to her until he was reasonably close--within touching distance, so his cologne tickled her nose, comforting her like a hug as it enveloped her. He wasn't good at being soft and sensitive, but for her...he hated how fragile she looked. 

"Not at all..." he replied, his hands shaking and reaching for hers as he debated how to approach everything, "it's all my fault, anyway."

"How can you say that, you doofus?! I--I spilt the wine, and I didn't know what to order--and I don't know French! A--And I don't look good, and I feel s--stupid in these stupid clothes--and--and everyone in there thinks you're dating a--a moron!"

"I don't give a damn what other people think..." Ray growled, throwing caution to the wind and stepping forward to cup her cheeks. Tilting her jaw up so she looked him in the eye, he sighed, suddenly feeling idiotic for placing so much pressure on her, thinking his sweet girl would be impressed by fancy food and gilded decor. 

Whilst the city adored Captain Man, Ray Manchester wasn't the most popular guy around, appearing quite dorky and withdrawn with his shitty junk store and few friends. He didn't gain much social standing but didn't care because he had everything he needed with her and their little family. He'd learnt to ignore their judgement, and he certainly wasn't going to listen to anyone who said (y/n) was no good for him. 

"Maybe we aren't meant to, y'know... There are plenty of girls you could date instead of me," the girl wailed, clutching her chest from the pain of losing him, but at least he wouldn't have to sit at a soggy table again. 

"Do you honestly think I want another girl?" Ray asked, stroking his thumbs over her cheekbones as he stepped into her space. He didn't care if she was clumsy, shy, plain, or unrefined; she was still the smartest, prettiest, kindest girl he'd ever met. 

"I love you, sweet girl."

"But I made a mess..." she sniffled, puffing her cheeks sadly when she remembered the conceited giggles echoing around the room as she tried to dab up the wine. Surely, it was enough to warrant his anger. However, Ray just sighed and pulled her into his chest, finally wrapping his arms around her trembling body like he'd wanted to all night. 

Who was he kidding? Neither of them was suited to a stiff-upper-lip atmosphere, and he'd never had to impress her to earn any love when he was suffering as her best friend. Maybe they still were; the best start for two lovers is a solid friendship, so who said they had to stop being friends?  

"So? I made the wrong choice tonight, darlin'. I wanted to impress you so bad, so I chose this place. But I made you uncomfortable with all the pressure. I'm so sorry, sweet girl..."

"It's okay, doofus. I wanted to impress you too... Don't want you to think you've got a crap girlfriend," (y/n) sniffed, wiping her cheeks dry as she snuggled into his chest, clutching his jacket's lapels whilst he petted her hair. 

"You kidding me? You're my best girl. I'd never think that. I just...didn't want you to think I'm a crap boyfriend," Ray replied with a watery smile, kissing her forehead as they laughed sadly. This happened when they tried too hard, pushing to fit into a narrative that wasn't theirs, just some scripted setting that dictated how traditional couples behave. They'd waited nine years to date - who said anything about tradition?

"We're both pretty dumb, huh?" The woman joked, looking at him innocently, feeling at ease as he showered her hairline in soft kisses, promising his love over and over, despite the evening's lively events. Nothing came as a bigger relief than knowing he wasn't mad and she hadn't lost him, almost threatening to bring more tears as she relished his touch. 

"Nah... We just want to do this properly," he replied, keeping her close since his heart was also thumping from the fear of almost losing her, not that she was going anywhere now. Still, he loved feeling how small she was in his arms and how she pushed her arms under his jacket to loop around his lithe waist and pull him closer - his precious, pretty girl. 

"So, how about I take you to that burger place off the freeway? The one with the curly fries you love so much..."

"Can we get ice cream after, too?" (y/n) asked, fluttering her eyelashes as if she had to beg. Little did she know, but she had Ray wrapped around her little finger, and if she wanted ice cream, he'd buy out the entire joint, anything to make his sweet girl happy. Going to a greasy, dirty fast food place in the fanciest clothes they owned seemed a little ridiculous. Still, honestly, they never noticed what others said when they were together. 

Instead, it sounded like the best date imaginable to her, so when her doofus offered her his arm, she wasted no time slipping hers through his and leaning up to kiss his cheek. 

"Course, darlin', but only if I get another kiss as payment..." Ray grinned, opening the door for her like any gentleman would as their feeling of love bloomed again. 

~

"If I remember correctly, you got more than a kiss," (y/n) smirked as she rested on Ray's chest. A comfortable silence fell over them as they recalled the minor disaster that was their first date, bodies swaying gently to silent music. 

The hero stroked her head and kissed the top of her head, quietly thankful that she'd been gracious enough to give him a second chance all those years ago. 

He didn't know what he was thinking; they'd never needed to splash their cash to have a good time, which was proven when they bought the greasiest, tastiest burgers and ate them in a car full of laughter and love. He even bought her an ice cream cone, which (y/n) took great delight teasing him with when she licked the runny, sticky mess melting down her wrists in the warm summer air. Oh, how she loved to tease him...and Ray loved falling into her traps. 

"You started it, sweet girl. I just put those pretty lips to better use," he remarked, sliding his hand down her silky back to her ass, grabbing and pulling at her flesh. She whined, thumping his chest for ruining the sweet moment with his typical horniness, but Ray just laughed and gave her butt a quick, soft spank. 

"Doofus, I'm tired!"

"I can change your mind..." he gloated, nipping at her jaw and neck to get her into bed, but not how (y/n) planned to. His lips felt heavenly, moving against her pulse point with learned expertise, seducing her in seconds. But the second her eyelids fluttered closed, she realised how heavy they felt, begging to let her snuggle with her doofus, not roll around the sheets. 

"Oh, yeah. Mr Silver Tongue over here..." she snorted, although her hand didn't move from the top of his head, keeping him firmly tucked into her neck, not that Ray minded. He could stay there all day, tasting her skin, making her whimper and hum in appreciation of his talents, but he couldn't ignore the banter. He had a reputation to uphold...

"Excuse me, darlin', but I can make you melt with this silver tongue."

"Uh-huh, sure..." the woman retorted, not knowing whether that was double-entendre as she scratched his scalp, and he pulled her hips closer. 

Her breath hitched at the feeling of something pressed against her hip. Still, she remained focused, refusing to lose her mind to his wandering hands and stupidly skilful seduction techniques. Ray was good at getting what he wanted, and she was good at indulging him, yet she had a few tricks up her metaphorical sleeve - and a good memory. 

"Have you forgotten my last birthday party? It was like sitting with Shakespeare..."

"That was Henry's fault, not mine... And Jasper's... And I think Schwoz was there too," Ray grumbled, lamenting and treasuring the night since he'd been surrounded by his family. His traitorous, scheming family betrayed and purged him of all his secrets when he was vulnerable, much to (y/n)'s amusement as she ended the night spoon-feeding him cake and kisses. 

"Yeah, shocking how you willingly drank every beer bottle they pushed in front of you. You were paralytic by the time I got to you..."

~

"(y/n/n), don't be mad..." 

"See, whenever you say that, I immediately get mad," the woman giggled as she peeked out from underneath a blindfold, which Piper had crudely tied around her head in a simple bow. 

The woman wasn't actually mad. She couldn't be, not on a day like today. Her thirty-third birthday. The big three-three. And this was the best one yet, for the simple reason that everyone she loved, called family, and adored was celebrating it with her. 

Ray, Schwoz, Piper, Charlotte, Jasper and Henry had thrown a little surprise party for her, saying the sweetest girl on the planet deserved a little R&R once the emergency calls stalled for a few hours. It wasn't a big affair, just a few streamers, some bunting and confetti, a made-to-order cake from the bakery down the street, a small buffet, a piñata, and some whacky party hats. Like a child's party with fun, laughter, and larking about, they played some music and relaxed for the first time in days. 

After passing out the presents, including an expensive perfume set from Piper and Charlotte, a rom-com box set from Jasper, a book on engineering mathematics from Schwoz, a succulent houseplant collection from Henry, and a pair of simply exquisite diamond earrings from Ray, the night died down. The girls were near the elevator, where Schwoz had hung the piñata for them to take turns whacking and talking about girl things whilst the boys slumped on the sofa, talking about boy things. 

They passed around the beers and sodas to the sounds of the girls' shrieking laughter and jokes about how Charlotte was just assaulting the air and not the cardboard donkey. Ray watched his sweet girl with soft eyes, thinking she'd never looked prettier in her cute party dress, and it gave his friends the perfect excuse to keep passing him drinks without him even counting them. 

All Ray knew was that he'd really struck gold when he met (y/n), droning on and on about the things about her once he'd necked his fifth - or seventh? - beer. 

"I mean, look at her!" He slurred as he clumsily pointed at his fiancée, who was thankfully busy beating a candy-filled donkey to death with a silk tie around her eyes, so she couldn't see the state she was in. 

"I'm so in love with her..."

Jasper and Henry exchanged glances, laughing when their usually confident and controlled boss sighed and rested his head on Schwoz's shoulder, smushing his cheek against the perturbed genius almost lovingly. They clinked their bottles together victoriously, knowing (y/n) would nag their ears off if she caught them sipping their illicit drinks instead of soda. Still, Ray was so out of it that he didn't even notice. One beer each wouldn't hurt...and they wouldn't miss his unrestrained, loose-lipped performance for anything. 

However, as funny as beer made Ray, they didn't expect it to make him so...leaky. Not in a gross way or anything, but as he swallowed another gobful, he began rambling again, choking up even when he was talking about nice things. Her hair, for example, was so soft that he cried at the thought of (y/n) going for a haircut—or how pretty her lipstick made her features look. What would he do once it rubbed off?

It was hilarious to watch, but a stab of panic rose in the boys when a scream of delight sounded across the room. Tearing their gaze away from Ray, Henry and Jasper gulped as they saw the woman standing proudly over a candy mountain with Piper and Charlotte cheering her on and swiping sweets. Thank God she was still blindfolded, but someone would have to tell her why her beloved doofus was poking Schwoz's cheek like it was the funniest thing in the world. 

Seriously, Ray never got drunk, and he was a handful sober. So, swallowing his pride - and another sip of his swiped beer - he tiptoed over to the girls, hoping his boyish charm would win over his surrogate big sister when he tapped her on the shoulder. 

"What have you done?" She asked suspiciously, shaking and patting her mussed hair down after pulling the blindfold over her head to look at the kid. He looked sheepish, standing there shuffling his feet and giggling nervously. She wasn't mad...yet. 

"Who says I did anything?" He shot back, trying to be tough and cocksure, even though he'd come over to her amid her candied victory. (y/n) folded her arms and raised an eyebrow, giving him her dryest, most unimpressed stare possible as he dithered and debated divulging his slip-up. 

"Henry Prudence Hart..."

"It was Jasper and Schwoz, too!" He caved. Henry hated it when she used his full name and even more when she looked at him like he'd disappointed her. It wasn't so bad if they took the fall together, although someone should've said that to his co-conspirators, who were merely victims of circumstance. 

"Dude!"

"Ouch..." Schwoz whined, folding his arms grumpily as the sidekick dragged him into their problem when all he'd been doing was quietly sipping his Sex on The Beach cocktail and ignoring Ray and his drunkness. They were plying him with alcohol, swapping empty bottles for full ones and taking a few for themselves--like he didn't notice how giggly Jasper had grown, laughing at the slightest thing. 

"Just tell me what you've done, Hen!" (y/n) exclaimed, wanting to know what they'd done that was so horrific that she couldn't fill her face with sugary snacks like Charlotte and Piper were doing. Nothing would be left soon, and she was anxious to swipe a piece of candy until Henry stepped aside, revealing the scene on the couch. 

"What the..."

"Hey--sw--sweet girl! Pr-pr-preeetty girl!" Ray hiccuped when their eyes met, his face breaking into a drunken grin at seeing his perfect girl looking so lovely. She stared at him with fascination and horror, unable to remember the last time he got drunk, but even then, she vaguely remembered him being a handful. He looked stupid, swaying from side to side, humming and daydreaming about God knows what, making her wide eyes slide to Henry. 

"What did you do?!"

"Um, well...Ray's drunk," Henry said simply, shoving his hands deep in his pockets as Charlotte and Piper stopped eating Sherbert to stare at their boss. Suddenly, the teens burst into laughter, howling as their snooty boss went to put his chin on his hand, only to miss and jerk forward to stop himself from hitting the table. He was a mess...but at least he was as in love as ever. 

"No shit! I can see that. How much has he had to drink?" (y/n) questioned exasperatedly, massaging her temples in anticipation of the migraine she'd get taking care of her doofus in the morning. Had they ever seen a hungover Ray? 

"One or two...packs," the kid muttered before scampering back to the table, ducking and weaving in case the woman chose to throw a chair at his head. He slumped onto the couch again, muttering to Jasper that they'd possibly made a mistake as the woman told her friends to eat whatever candy they wanted because she had to babysit her intoxicated doofus. Although she took a lollipop as her share of the kill. 

"Sweet cheese...doofus, are you all right?" She called out as she moved to the couch, smiling sweetly at her lover as he looked up at her through bleary eyes. 

It was like an angel descending from the heavens before him, showering him with divine light as she sat beside him and clutched his bicep. Ray babbled in response, pushing Schwoz away in favour of the beauty fluttering her eyelashes at him so sweetly. Who was the angelic creature, and what did she want with the likes of him?

"You--you're pretty. Ha--have I ever told y-you that?" Ray stammered, slurring his words as he clumsily brushed his fingers over her face, pulling at her cheeks and prodding her nose. If he could see straight, he'd scold himself for not saying it a thousand times, but the angel made him tongue-tied, especially when she giggled. 

"You've mentioned it once or twice," (y/n) laughed, relaxing into his embrace as he stretched a muscled arm around her head to rest on the back of the couch. He looked ridiculously hot in his tight, short-sleeved shirt, so, coupled with his awkward flirting, it was no wonder she blushed - the greatest gift she could've given her doofus. 

He laughed with her like a schoolgirl, childishly proud to have made her smile, and he was glad to know that she knew of her beauty. It was like he was connected to her, feeling an emotion between them that he couldn't explain whilst his synapses threw a salsa party in his brain, ignorant of the screaming facts and memories that this was his sweet girl, not an angel. Well, not a literal angel, anyway. 

"Good...go-od. 'Cause it's true, y'know? You--you're very pretty. Lit-literally the prettiest pretty person that ever...that ever...prettied."

"And you're the doofiest doofus that ever doofed," (y/n) replied jokingly, putting her thumb over his bottle's mouth when he went to have another swig. Ray pouted at her actions, wanting more go-go juice, but (y/n) already feared how difficult it would be to get him in bed. Knowing her luck, he'd probably fall asleep on top of her, so it was best to start sobering him up now, even if it made him pouty. 

Still, Ray didn't sulk for long. He was quickly distracted by her general prettiness, petting her hair like she was a dog. To his joy, his angel seemed to enjoy it, sighing contently and leaning into his cologne-coated torso. 

"Wow, you really think so? I'm honoured..." he grinned as if he'd just won an award, and really, her stamp of approval was as coveted. 

"Sure. You're my favourite doofus in the whole wide world. It's why I lo--"

"H-hey, are you...single?" (y/n) blinked in surprise when he interrupted, the question coming out of nowhere. It was so stupid, but entirely Ray's style, delivered with his typical brazenness and confidence as he stretched into the plush couch and smirked at her - a wobbly but convinced grin that she'd reciprocate the attraction he felt. 

"What?" She gasped, needing a minute to let it sink in, her shocked, wide eyes and open mouth finding Henry and Jasper's as the boys laughed.

They sat back and watched the show, nursing their stolen beers as their boss chatted up his fiancée like she wasn't already his. Sure, (y/n) loved when he flirted, constantly firing back with her alluring wit, which led to electricity and choked gasps behind closed doors. However, she'd never expected him to get so drunk that he forgot everything between them confessing and getting engaged. And not like when he genuinely forgot everything; this was her Ray, but he couldn't work out his jumbled mind. 

"Are y-you single? Y'know, pretty girly like you, a handsome guy like me--we--we'd make adorable babies," Rizzmaster Ray explained, poking her clavicle with his pudgy finger, which lacked any dexterity or finesse, so it made her ribs ache for a split second. However, she didn't notice it as he tickled under her chin whilst Henry and Jasper roared harder.

Talk about a smooth operator; where was this rizz when he was pining for her? Maybe they should've just gotten him drunk all those years ago, and perhaps he'd have asked her out quicker because he was shameless, waggling his eyebrows at her as (y/n) sat back with scorching cheeks. Babies? She was broody enough as it was...

"Um, well..." she stammered, trying to snap her brain back into action and think of a response. But after a few seconds, she realised the fun she could have with his flirtatious mood, believing they'd both laugh about it in the morning. So, she crossed one leg over the other and turned to her lover to properly face him and his soulful crystal blue eyes. 

"I'm not, I'm afraid. As you can see, I'm happily engaged," (y/n) told him, elegantly producing her left hand for him to inspect, where the ring he'd picked still diligently sat on her finger. The effect was instantaneous; Ray's face fell in the light of the sparkling jewels, pure anguish crumpling his face as the news hit him. He was too late - his angel had been taken. 

"To--to be married?!"

"Well, yeah..."

"Noooooo!" The hero wailed, throwing his head back like a petulant child as hot tears pooled in his eyes and streaked down his cheeks. Henry and Jasper coughed to hide their laughter but failed, earning a stern glare from (y/n) as she tried to soothe the hero to no avail. Ray sobbed as the boys cackled, knowing they would never let him forget how he cried like a baby. 

His disappointment and heartache were indescribable, making him sob and blubber at the thought of the gorgeous girl holding his arm marrying someone else. Their babies would be hideous, and she deserved adorable babies...his babies. And worse still, he still wanted her, despite knowing she was a taken lady - his attraction and yearning were undeniable. 

"Ray... Calm down, it's not that big of a deal," (y/n) chuckled, not expecting such a strong reaction as he thumped his clenched fists on the table. 

His body shook from the sobbing, tears dripping off his nose when he suddenly lurched and grabbed her, pulling his sweet girl into his lap so he could keep her forever. Just for a bit of eternity so he could get his fill; the loser marrying her could wait for that, surely. 

"Yes, it--is!" he hiccuped, stabilising her on his knee as she stroked his cheek - a tender touch for someone marrying another. And to his shame, Drunk Ray wanted more, his soul calling for her to love him, even if it was just for a second. 

"W-what am I supposed to do n--now?! You--you're--it's not fair! I saw you first!"

"I'm sorry, but he asked me first," (y/n) told him gently, fitting into his embrace perfectly as he cradled her like it was for the last time. She smiled at him, pecked his cheek, and wiped away his tears, ignorant to how Charlotte and Piper had joined Henry and Jasper, laughing when they sneakily snapped a photo of the silly lovebirds. 

"Do you love him?" Ray asked with a sniff, his tears slowing, but his eyes stayed sad and Eeyore-like. He'd accept it eventually, but knowing he'd tasted heaven and felt the angel's lips against his skin would leave a lasting mark. His longing was so bad that he knew he'd never love again...

"Yes, I do. Very much--more than anything," (y/n) replied, pushing a stray hair back into his neatly styled hair before dragging her knuckles down his clean-shaven cheeks. It was possible to put her love into words... there wasn't an adjective worthy enough in the dictionary. 

Ray huffed, feeling bitterness and jealousy burning underneath the fuzzy haze that clouded his vision, but he couldn't do anything. Anyone who earned his crush's affection had to be remarkable, and he longed to meet them, even if it was only to stab them in the back while shaking their hand... They couldn't be that good.

"Who is he?"

"You really wanna know?" (y/n) teased him, booping his nose as she grinned. If thinking she was marrying someone else made him cry; she couldn't wait to see what he did when it was revealed he was the lucky man she wanted to spend the rest of her life with. 

"Yeah, te--tell me, sweet girl," Ray nodded furiously, practically on the edge of his seat as she drifted her lips up to his ear, teasing his skin on the journey. It was like she knew what she was doing, silently driving him crazy as he tried to stamp down his lust for the spoken-for angel. 

"Are you sure?" 

"Y-yes! Tell me!" The hero slurred, jumping up and down in anticipation of finding out who the mystery man was. Then, all he'd need to do was pay his house a little visit, send him on a one-way trip, and maybe the pretty girl would like him then. He leaned in close, eyes fluttering closed as her warm breath rolled down his neck, lips pressed to his cheek and neck when he shuffled. 

"Okay..." (y/n) giggled, squirming on his lap, making Ray clench her hips even tighter before she settled and stopped teasing him. It was time to put the man out of his misery, even though she found his drunken pouting adorable. 

"I'm in love with...you!"

"Me?!" Ray gasped, clasping his hands over his mouth like a surprised child as (y/n) pulled back and laughed. His wide eyes were almost comical, but the ecstatic grin on his face melted her more than anything. Seeing how happy her love made him was endearing, leaving the man bouncing with happiness as he squeezed her tightly, never wanting to let the angel go again. 

What did he do to deserve such an honour? She hugged him back with equal passion, petting his silky hair as he buried his nose in her neck, soaking up her intoxicating floral scent. His mind clouded over again, her shampoo mixing with his tipple to blur his mind even more, but all Ray could think about was that she loved him. Him. It was like a blessing...

"For real?! Me?!"

"Yeah, doofus. You. I'm in love with you," (y/n) nodded gently, sealing her promise with a soft kiss. Ray practically moaned into her mouth, moving against her with none of his usual finesse and skill since he was so out of it, and all she could taste was beer. Still, the heroine didn't care, enjoying his pillowy lips against hers as Ray crushed her into his chest, hating the idea of the most perfect kiss in the world ending. 

"I'm in lo--love with you, too--sweeeeetie--sweet angel," he muttered as they broke apart for air, his clammy forehead resting against hers as (y/n) pecked his lips a few more times before retreating. 

She laughed at his silly nicknames, lovingly stroking his face with the same affection she always had. However, she guessed it might be different in the morning. Still, she'd look after him, anything for her beloved doofus, who was contemplating congratulating himself for winning such a beautiful girl, taking her to bed, or staying on the couch to let her keep loving him. 

Yeah, the last one sounded good...very good, and they could do bedtime things later. 

"Marry me? Ma--ma--marry me, sweet g-girl? I promise I'll love you foreverrrrrrrr..."

"Of course, Raymond. I already said yes, didn't I?" (y/n) told him, pinching his cheek as she waggled her left hand before his eyes, highlighting the beautiful ring he'd given her. 

A flicker of recognition passed through Ray's eyes, and he broke out into a bright grin as if he remembered getting down on one knee. He squeezed his girl again, squealing in delight at seeing heaven without entering it - he would experience it every day in married life with her. 

"You guys are so gross. You know that, right?" Henry grumbled from across the table, making the couple snap out of their love haze to look at the boy...and everyone listening in. 

To their shock, the boy, Jasper, Piper, Charlotte, and Schwoz were huddled together, smirking and snivelling at them with smug faces, and whilst Drunk Ray didn't care, kissing up his sweet girl's neck, (y/n) knew they'd been staring the whole time. She steeled herself for a moment, fighting the heat threatening to splash across her cheeks before turning to her fellow sidekick, possibly the smuggest of the lot. 

She'd soon see about that. 

"I'm not dumb, Henry. I could smell the beer on your breath the minute you tapped me on the shoulder. You know that, right?" She bit back, and suddenly, it wasn't her cheeks with the fire. 

Henry's face turned bright red under the jeers of his friends. He and Jasper pushed their bottles away, knowing the woman would give them one of her famous glares if they drank anymore. As Ray hugged her close, (y/n) laughed with her friends, feeling like they were more like her family with each joke, story, and slice of cake they shared. 

It was the best birthday she'd ever had. 

~

The memory faded as a squeal ripped from (y/n)'s throat, her eyes crinkling and mouth opening in ecstasy as Ray trailed his lips down her neck, pressing kisses and blowing raspberries against her skin. He chuckled against her skin as she squirmed from the ticklish sensation, pretending to push him away, even though it was impossible with his iron grip on her waist. 

She knew what he was doing, trying to distract her from a well-made point because he knew she was right. Accidentally allowing two teenagers to get him drunk and forgetting the love of his life was pretty tragic, and his headache the next day almost killed him. Still, he could try and seduce his way out of it...maybe. 

"I was right, though. You are pretty," he flirted, rubbing his nose against hers since he knew it made her melt. But (y/n) wouldn't be beaten in her quest for sleep, and her point was right. Righter than his; he didn't get out of bed all day after that night, and she had to rub his back when he ate some leftover cake and spent the afternoon throwing up. 

"So was I. You're the silliest, densest doofus I've ever met but the worst drunk I've ever had to put to bed," she giggled, chastely kissing his cheek as the man pouted. He had hands like an octopus, appearing out of nowhere, even when she pushed them off, gave him a glass of water, and tucked him in. And Drunk Ray was also Horny Ray turned up to ten, and he was already a nightmare when sober, as she realised when he returned to her throat. 

"You're lucky I love you."

"I know. I'm the luckiest man in the universe," Ray cooed, squishing her butt like Play-Doh. Only he could be the most romantic man with his hands full, steadily backing her toward the bed with little micro-steps. The minute she hit the mattress, it'd be a lucky dip whether she threw caution to the wind and pulled him into her arms or if her eyes closed the second she felt the pillow under her head. 

"And yet you won't get lucky tonight. I want to sleep, doof. We can play grown-ups in the morning."

"You mean sex, right?" He asked, looking comically serious as his hands returned to her hips--safe ground, despite his initial interest. But he wasn't so full of himself that he couldn't take no for an answer, knowing that he could happily snuggle up with his sweet girl and wait for her to be wide awake in the morning - when she'd feel and receive everything clearly. 

"What else would I mean, you doofus?"

"I don't know, you said play grown-ups. Y'know, taxes, the nine-to-five, mortgage repayments. All exciting stuff..." Ray joked, waggling his eyebrows as if a boring, adult life was as entertaining as his plan for the night, even though he could barely adult to save his life. 

(y/n) rolled her eyes and slapped his pec, although she failed to hide her bemused grin. He was so silly, she couldn't help but laugh but busied herself by turning and walking to her side of the bed. Ray silently congratulated himself for getting a smile out of her before copying her movements, sliding the watch off his wrist and dumping it on his bedside table next to his favourite photo of her - the one he looked at every night before going to sleep.

Meanwhile, (y/n) plugged their phones in to charge, knowing her doofus always forgot if she didn't do it for him, then moved on to slide off her engagement ring. Her lover watched with a slight pout, wishing she didn't have to take it off, but the woman insisted, wanting it to stay perfect and undamaged, so into her ring dish, it went.

"Come on, darlin'. The sooner we sleep, the sooner we can play grown-ups," Ray sighed, crawling into bed after pulling the comforter back. He flopped onto the mattress, lying on his back as he waited for her to get into bed because lord knows he wouldn't drift off until they were locked in the sweetheart's cradle. 

"Okay, okay, I'm coming," (y/n) replied, hurriedly changing their alarm to one hour earlier--accommodating their new plans. He wouldn't let her forget that; every couple had a cute little nickname for it, and Ray knew he'd found his - playing grown-ups. The woman followed him, happily sliding beside him after shutting off her phone, shuffling as close as possible until her leg slung over his hips. 

"You're so needy, doofus. Like a puppy..."

"Am not," Ray argued as he embraced her, encouraging her to snuggle down and rest her head on his chest. Maybe he liked to follow her around, taste her skin, fetch whatever she wanted, whine when she disappeared, and bark at anyone who came too close - all with a Labrador-like energy - but he wasn't needy. Or puppy-like. At least not out loud.

"Are too."

"Am not!" They bickered, poking each other like children trying to outsmart the other. Ray hated admitting he couldn't be without her because it sounded so pathetic, like all the guys he used to mock for being love-addled morons. Was he dog-like? 

Still, despite how much it irked him, he wouldn't push her away for anything; instead, he only squeezed her tighter - a small warning for her to sleep before he implemented some teasing tomorrow morning.  

"Oh, yes, you are, Raymond. Remember when I went to that family reunion a few months ago?" (y/n) chuckled. However, her voice was rougher as a wave of tiredness washed over her, forcing her to fight sleep because she wanted to win. His warmth always made her sleepy, and how his hand stroked her back didn't help, exploring her soft slip and shoulder blades, coaxing her into nodding off. 

"I came back, and you were a mess..."

"I lasted for four days. That's impressive. Y'know, given how grown-up we are," The hero replied, kissing her forehead as he remembered the utter agony of going to bed without her each night. He'd gotten so used to holding her his arms had felt empty, and then he had no one to talk to except for children and a bald weirdo. And, he had to...entertain himself, and even then, he couldn't bring himself to go solo. 

Okay, maybe he was needy. But who could blame him when the centre of his universe, the light of his life, the one person he needed to live, left him for a week?

"Yeah, and all the time I was gone, you refused to tell me you were struggling, silly doofus," (y/n) whispered, tracing her fingernail on his chest, making Ray shudder. Silence settled between them for a few seconds, the man not knowing what to say because, annoyingly, she was right. Like always. 

"I would've come home straight away if I knew you were missing me the way I was missing you..."

~ 

Beep...Beep...Beep.

Beep...Beep...Beep.

Beep...Beep...Beep.

"Hey, doofus..." Ray sighed in relief when a teasing, chirpy voice came through his phone's speaker. Call him desperate, but when he was left hanging for nine, faint beeps, panic and uncertainty bubbled in his tummy. 

This was the highlight of his day. He woke in the morning, heart aching and body weak, wandered the Man Cave aimlessly, struggled through the day, barely ate, and waited restlessly until about ten when his beloved fiancée tended to call. Without fail, she phoned on the dot, always the first because he wanted her to come to him, save he interrupted something important. 

It was his fault she never saw her family. He demanded that she stuck to him like glue all year, infinitely needing her by his side as both Miss Danger and her lovely, perfect self. Perhaps it made him selfish, but (y/n), as sweet as ever, never complained about her lack of vacation days, so he never pushed the subject. Until she received the email he dreaded every year...

Family reunion...hometown...a week...bring that young man of yours. 

He would've loved to go--would've used the Man-Copter to fly them there or booked the fanciest private jet if that was what it would take. But Captain Man doesn't take breaks. Maybe he could leave if it was just him, but there was no way Henry could cope by himself, fighting criminals and fixing problems without a partner. It would be irresponsible to let him get pulverised. 

Ray grinned and gritted his teeth as he cheerfully escorted his girl into her taxi, growling at the terrified guy behind the wheel to get her to the airport safely...or else. 

The first day wasn't bad. He could keep himself busy with all the jobs he'd been putting off for ages. 

The second also wasn't horrible. He could throw himself into his work, punching his feelings out on whichever criminal was unfortunate enough to cross his path. 

When the third day came around, he was a mess. Ray got out of bed feeling low, like his surplus, honey-fuelled energy had depleted, and he was now running on empty. Suddenly, the waffles Schwoz kindly made for breakfast didn't seem so appetising, and fighting crime didn't have the same adrenaline...because he looked to his right, and his sweet girl wasn't there. 

That led to where he was now, slumped on their bed with a nest of pillows and a twisted duvet curled around him from where he'd wrestled to get comfy and failed. After living with her for so long, he'd grown too used to having a precious girl asleep on his chest; nothing felt right. The blankets made him too warm, so he threw them off. But then, he was cold. 

So, he donned his shitty robe and laid there, PearPhone tucked into his neck for when she called. And waited, and waited, and waited, nose sniffing the pillow he spritzed with her perfume after it began to lose her scent. Maybe she wouldn't call tonight...but he really hoped she would. Hearing her voice was the one thing telling him to keep pushing until the day they reunited. 

"Hey, sweet girl," he rasped, his world exploding in colour and emotion when he finally heard her voice. It was almost impossible to calm his excitement. Still, the hero replied with his usual rumbling baritone, albeit with a Captain Man edge - otherwise, he'd scream at her. 

"Whatcha doing?" (y/n) asked, not caring if he'd done the most mundane things like trouser shopping or golf. After a day of putting up with her nosy aunts, tormenting cousins, and other insufferable relations, she desperately wanted to hear his voice, not that she'd let him know that. 

Back before they dated, it wasn't so bad. Ray was just Ray - Best Friend Ray - and no matter how much they teased her, no one could make her miss the brown-haired, dreamy-eyed man she thought about at dinner. Then they got together, and she realised parting wasn't sweet sorry. Absence caused her heart to grow lonelier, not fonder, but her twisted, nagging gut worried that he'd laugh if she said I miss you. 

What was four days apart? Practically nothing, and they spent every hour of every day together for the rest of the year anyway. Ray was undoubtedly fine and dandy, rolling with life as usual with a few passing thoughts about her in the evening when she was most lonesome. A simple phone was the highlight of her day, more than any celebration or big party. 

"Nothing much. Just scrolling through some TV channels... You?"

"Yeah, same," she replied lamely, not knowing what to say. Most of their conversations came from their surroundings, what they'd experienced together, or physical cues. She could neither touch nor see him, so she became dull, scrambling for something more interesting than her cousin's new Merc or the restaurant they went to. 

Yeah was a good word. She used it a lot, agreeing with whatever he said - if it made him talk more to soothe her soul. 

"How's your day been?" Ray asked, smacking his forehead for saying something so...dumb. That was the third night he'd repeated that question on the trot, and whilst (y/n) didn't notice a thing, jumping into her activities after breakfast, he loathed himself. Was there any wonder she was a whole five minutes late tonight?

"Well--"

"Oh, I know that well," he chuckled, hearing the mildly pissed-off note in her voice and the small breath intake that indicated a mini-rant could grumble all day if she wanted; Ray would hang on to every word like it was gospel. 

"There was an argument at lunch about whether the napkins were cream or yellow."

"Which did you pick?" He asked coyly, laughter and happiness feeling like old friends as they flooded his body. She didn't know how much he missed her. 

"Neither. They're napkins, so who cares? Anyway, then we had a barbecue later on--I swear, I'm gonna be a hundred pounds heavier when I come back," (y/n) joked, enjoying her family recipes and all the eating out. Still, she had a super-suit to fit in, unbeknownst to everyone else stuffing their faces. 

She didn't mean to be such a downer. If Ray had been with her, maybe she would've picked a side during the napkin war and not thrown one in someone's face, shouting if they could see the correct shade. Either way, she wouldn't have faced any embarrassing questions about her private life, like if she was so lovesick, where was her Romeo?

"You'll still be beautiful," Ray flirted, feeling his usual rizz creeping back in as his anxiety dipped for the first time in hours. He'd missed his silver tongue and happily complimented her after hearing a little self-deprecation in her voice. He wouldn't have that, not when she was perfect - more to love. 

"Hush, silly doofus," she gently scolded him, but despite being thousands of miles away, (y/n) knew he'd hear her bashfulness and picture her flaming cheeks. 

"Then, my Uncle Dickhead turned up with his new piece--Candy or something. Box-bleached hair, eyelashes like spider legs, red lipstick, mini-skirt, y'know, shouting about how he's still in the family after the divorce. And then, there was a fight. Like there always is."

"Who won?" Ray asked, scratching his neck, where his growing stubble itched his skin. After refusing a shower that morning...and yesterday morning...and the night she left, he felt sticky and dirty, but he didn't care how much Schwoz complained. He wasn't washing his face because it would remove the final traces of her goodbye kisses. 

"Take a wild guess. One balding, cranky man amid a midlife crisis versus a small army of over-protective, borderline insane old women rallying around their youngest sister. You do the math, doof," (y/n) said, raking an eye of her nails as she pulled the old-fashioned rotary phone onto her bed, wrapping a finger in the curly cord as she spoke. 

The scene made her feel like a film star, lying on her tummy in her childhood room, wearing a satin dressing gown over one of his pilfered t-shirts are pyjamas. She wouldn't admit it, but she'd discreetly squirted his cologne on it, wanting to be wrapped in his scent every night like usual. 

Charlotte had told her to use Face Call thingy, video chatting so they could see each other. Still, the couple were antiquated in romance, preferring the old ways like in her beloved rom-coms. She'd be on the first flight home if she saw his tanned, toned, muscular body. 

"You know I'm no good at math, darlin'. I much prefer to watch you do it," the hero replied smarmily, imagining how sexy she was with her concentrating face and swirling pencil. 

"What about you? Been busy?" (y/n) smiled, shaking her head before he tainted the pristine conversation with his smuttiness. Strangely, nothing new happened in her absence. Still, she liked to hear how everyone was doing, missing Schwoz's antics and her dear babies nearly as much as her doofus. 

"Not really."

"No missions?"

"Not really."

"Any fights?"

"Not really." It was like listening to a stuck record, her interest waning the more he put her off. Ray didn't mean to kill the conversation with his dreariness, hearing her pause for a few seconds with nothing to say. Still, honestly, there'd been nothing interesting enough to tell her. Not compared to what she'd been doing. 

He bit his lip, feeling stupid and useless at how they'd been comfortable, only for him to ruin it. He raked a hand over his tired, unwashed face, cringing at the feel of his greasy skin and rough stubble. The lack of sleep was catching up on him, but he wouldn't say goodbye early - he hated hanging up at all. 

"Ray, is everything all right?" (y/n) asked quietly, nervously tangling the phone cord in her fingers as his minimal responses increased, blocking her from finding out what was happening at home. Henry and Charlotte's texts made everything seem cheery and rose-tinted, but now she wasn't sure. Surely, it couldn't be that boring, could it?

"'Course. Why wouldn't it be?" He replied vaguely, snapping into a more focused mood since she could smell a rat. His girl was clever and too kind for her own good, so it was no wonder she sensed something was wrong. However, he still didn't want her to worry about him, not when she was supposed to be having a break...from him--his world--his problems. 

"I'll be home in a few days. I miss you, doofus..." the girl told him, feeling small and vulnerable at the thought of being so far away from her soulmate. It didn't convey her true heartache, yearning to go home to him where she could eat junk food without unsolicited comments and sleep in her own bed. She didn't want to look needy, but she missed him. Really missed him. More than she'd ever missed anything in her life. 

"Yeah, me too, sweet girl," Ray smiled, trying to remain calm and relaxed, but it was almost impossible not to cry as he lay in a room filled with memories of her.  

Why were they doing this? He longed for her, and she missed him, so why couldn't he just say it? All it would take was a simple request, asking her to come home before he went insane, but he wouldn't do that. It would be selfish, and she was right... A few days wouldn't kill him, not when she fed him scraps like this every night. 

"I want kisses when I get back."

"Believe me, darlin'. You don't have to ask," the hero swore, his gut clenching when he imagined sweeping her up in his arms and kissing her senseless. She wouldn't leave his bed for days when she stepped over the threshold, but there were many days between now and then, and he couldn't afford to get his hopes up...or anything up in general. 

"Are you sure you're all right?" (y/n) reiterated, feeling a nagging sense in her tummy--like something was wrong. And the worst bit was she wasn't home to soothe her doofus or see him in the flesh to work out what she could do. That would involve going home, and the potpie competition hadn't even been held. 

"Fine..." Ray replied, unknowingly settling into their bed like she did in her childhood room. The soft blankets did little to comfort them, but all the woman could do was take his word and remember to grill him under duress when she returned. His lips loosened when he was underneath her, bare skin pressed together, but that would have to wait as the warmth and safety of her infancy lulled her to rest. 

"Are you tired?" He questioned when she yawned, failing to smother the urge by slapping her hand over the receiver. 

"No..." She lied, knowing he refused to keep her talking all night about random crap when her baby nieces, nephews and younger cousins would burst into her room at dawn. It was her fault for calling later than usual, but she wanted a few more minutes - anything to hear his voice a little longer. 

But Ray could see through her and hear her yawn, and he wouldn't take no for an answer. His sweet girl needed her beauty sleep, and whilst he'd love to listen to her talk all night, that wouldn't be fair to her. Maybe he'd text in the morning and then mope around until the next call. After all, she had at least another three days in her hometown; he couldn't get excited yet. 

"It's late where you are. I'll let you get some sleep."

"But I don't want to say goodnight yet," (y/n) whined, earning a chuckle from her lover, imagining how she'd squirm and cuddle into him if she was next to him. She was good at getting what she wanted, and Ray could never refuse her, not when she insisted on five more minutes, one more kiss...one more round. But, as proven by his heartbreak, she wasn't next to him, tempting him into staying awake all night, so the doofus put his foot down for once.

"Sweet girl, if I don't hear you say it, we'll never hang up," he told her, an edge of finality in his voice, despite how soft it was. They had to do this; otherwise, they'd spend all night clinging to their phones, and he wanted her to enjoy the last days of her vacation. And yet his selfish part couldn't help but have one small request - he needed it.

"Promise to call me tomorrow?"

"Yeah..." It was such a nice word. Not too much to reveal her loneliness or how her plans were rapidly changing, but just enough to give Ray hope. And without his sweet girl, he needed as much of that as he could, knowing he lost his feeling of home when she wasn't there. 

"Goodnight, darlin'. See you tomorrow..."

~

"We're so silly, doofus..." (y/n) muttered sleepily, dozing on his chest as Ray hugged her closer, almost terrified of going another four days without his sweet girl.

Maybe he gave her one hell of a welcome home, but never again. He'd go with her next time and sleep on a couch or a spare inch of the floor if it meant he could make it to her family reunion and spare the heartache. But that wouldn't be a worry for a while yet.

He had her now, sleeping in his arms and not in a cold, cramped box room. She sighed contently as she curled her leg around his waist, pressing every inch of her body against his like she felt the same way, which seemed impossible to Ray. Why would anyone miss him as he did for her?

"I missed you, sweet girl. But I wanted you to have a good time..."

"Had a better time when I got back..." She smirked, feeling a cheeky satisfaction amongst the crippling need to sleep. He was so warm and safe...smelt so good...arms around her body...chin scratching the top of her head. So cosy... It should've been illegal to feel this good, but in Ray's embrace, that wasn't surprising. 

"We can reenact it in the morning, darlin'," Ray chuckled lazily, rubbing her back and upper butt to lull her to sleep. Tired (y/n) was childlike and adorable, her soft, warm body pulling her with him as she became limp and incoherent.

"Can't wait..." That was the last thing she remembered her doofus saying before she fell asleep like she did every other night for the last God knows how many years. Ray always stayed awake a few minutes longer, glancing around the room as if ensuring the place was safe. Call him paranoid, but he had his whole world in his arms, and he'd rain hell on whatever chose to disturb her dreams.

Reaching over, he turned off his lamp, plunging the room into darkness before he pulled the blankets over her body. If this was heaven, he didn't want anything to change, thinking his life was pretty perfect the way it was, mishaps and all. No, his life could stay precisely the same, thank you very much; same friends, same job, same precious girl, and the feeling of fate looming over them.

"Sleep, sweet girl... Just wait to see what tomorrow brings..."

But nothing stays the same forever, so said the lonely, glinting ring on her bedside table.

[dre6ming]

Holding on for dear life

“I stayed there” series- part VII

Masterlist

𓆩Part VI 𓆪 𓆩 Part VIII 𓆪

To be added to the tag list click here

Pairing: Austin Butler x fem reader

Warnings: fluff, angst, some cursing, suggestive language… hope that’s all

Plot: Austin takes you out on perfect date and it feels like the two of are finally on the same page, ready to listen to each other.

Word count: ~5000

I get home, finding Betty asleep on the couch. Slowly I shake her awake. She stirs a bit and protests, but eventually she rubs the sleep from her eyes and sits up, yawning. "Hi there sleepy" I say giggling and going to start the coffee machine. "Ah hello!" Betty waves at me. She comes to the kitchen aisle and sits on one of the bar stools, that got delivered some time yesterday, before Austin called. "So lover boy, called you drunk and you go to the rescue?" She asks. I place a cup of coffee in front of her and she takes it, saying 'thank you'. I sigh and sip my coffee. Even though last night was the best sleep I've had in a while, I still feel like I haven't completely woken up yet.

"What was I supposed to do? Hm?" Betty shrugs her shoulders, sipping her coffee. "Just make sure you move at your on pace!" She takes my hand and massages my wrist. I close my eyes, taking my coffee cup in hand and moving to sit on the couch. "We almost had sex." I say. Betty chokes on her coffee and she comes running to jump on the couch next to me, almost resulting in my coffee spilling. I place the cup on the table, just to avoid any accidents, as she grabs my shoulders, gently shaking me. I can't really read her face, but I know she's about to tell me exactly what she thinks. "What was that you just said?"

I blink a couple of times, trying to figure out if she really didn't hear or if she just wants to make sure she heard correct. "We almost had sex." I mumbled under my breath. My cheeks feel hot and I can imagine I look like a tomato. "Ok. Why almost? Who stopped?" I'm confused why does that matter? How is that gonna help me clear my head? Untying my hair and letting it fall on my shoulders, I nervously scratch my scalp. "He did. Why?" She looks like she's really analyzing the situation. I sweat with anxiety, what is she going to say? Is she going to be disappointed in me? Oh fuck I'm such a slob. "Good for him, he gets to keep his dick. For now!" She says with a devilish grin. I giggle a bit, knowingly full well that she might not be joking. "When did it happen? Was he drunk?" I shake my head. "It happened this morning, after he cooked us breakfast."

Betty puts some hair behind my ear and gives me a good look over. "You know, he really sounds nice, but honey it's easy to get swept away. I like that he sounds like his brain has some functioning neurons as well, but you need to make him work for you. The things he said to you when he was angry, they come for a colder, darker side of him, maybe he doesn't even know that side of himself, but it's there." I listen to her talk, she's right. Austin is nice and he is smart and sweet and loving, but he also knows how to be cruel. "But (y/n), no one is without a dark side, some people are just really good at hiding it. The fact that you've seen his could be a deal breaker, but it could also not be. You need to talk about that with him." Nodding I make a note to bring it up to him. We've been through too much to bullshit anymore. "Ok I'll go change and do some laundry." I say getting up and moving towards my bedroom.

"I'll make lunch and then you can tell me, how shopping with your mom went." I hear her say from the living room. I groan and fall on the bed, burying my face in the mattress. I stay like that until my lungs burn with the oxygen deprivation. Changing into a pair of pajamas, I start folding the laundry that I've been putting off for days now. Soon the smell of grilled chicken makes my stomach roar with hunger. Guess being in such a tumultuous situation with your ex increases your appetite. "Hey there master chef!" I joke sitting down at the table. "It looks amazing!" I say, as Betty sits down in front of me. "Thank you, I made some for Boots as well, no seasoning though, completely cat safe, I googled it."

Her smile is so bright, there's no stopping the one the appears on my face. "You love that cat too much." She scoffs and digs into her food. "So I spoke with the upstairs tenant, he's going to have the paperwork done by Monday, which gives me a week before we start work. It's perfect." I'm happy to hear that she'll be able to get the place so soon, but I kinda like her living with me, it's how it's been for years. "Hey, none of that, I'm only moving upstairs!" She says gesturing with her form at me, causing the piece of meat that she had stabbed with it, to fall. Boots is quick to come to the rescue and eats it in no time. "Better than a vacuum cleaner." I joke and we both laugh.

Over lunch I tell her all about my mom and how she told me to get rid of my cat. Betty of course comes to my defense and gives me another encouraging speech. Then we do the dishes together and she tells me that Emma, her girlfriend, arrives tomorrow and asks me to pick her up, so she can arrange the engagement. We make some more plans about tomorrow and then I go back to my room, to lay down a bit. My phone pings and I pick it up to read the text message.

"I'll pick you up at 6, dress casual, sneakers are recommended."

I giggle at Austin's text and quickly reply.

"Very well mister, I'll make sure to only wear sneakers ;)"

After I hit send, I break into a fit of laughter, than get up to rummage through my closet. I pick a loose pair of jeans and a tank top with a blue thin cardigan. Looking at the clock I see it's already 5pm, so I better get ready. Quickly getting dressed and braiding my hair in Dutch braids, I apply some orange flavored lip balm and a few sprays of perfume. Sitting down on the bed and dangling my feet over the edge, I pick up the phone. Austin texted me back a while ago, but I never answered.

"Don't make promises you can't keep princess."

The text reads and my heart rate picks up, but before I can type a reply, the knock on the door, makes me drop my phone. I pick the phone up from the floor, grab my bag and rush to the hallway. Betty opened the door and she's leaning on the door frame blocking Austin from coming in. I chuckle at image, of 5.4 feet tall Betty, blocking Austin and somehow looking taller than him. Austin's eyes land on me and brighten up. He offers me a huge smile. Betty turns around and walking up to my she grabs my arm to bring me close and whisper in my ear. "Enjoy your night" she slips something into my back pocket, giving my ass a squeeze. I yelp and she goes to the bedroom laughing at me. Shaking my head, I put my sneakers on and come up to Austin. "Hi!" He smiles down at me. Than he pulls from behind him, a huge bouquet of sunflowers. "Hi there!" I gasp and take the bouquet from him. Standing on my tiptoes I kiss his cheek. "My favorite, thank you!" As I go to put the flowers in some water, I see one of his hands go up to his face and touch the skin, my lips kissed.

"Ready?" He asks moving out of the way so I can walk out. I take in his image, his dressed in a pair of dark jeans and a white long sleeve top, he's handsome, with his laidback look and his ravished hair. "Yes!" I'm confident in my answer, I'm feeling more than confident. Somehow I feel alive? I don't know, it's like nothing has really brought me this type of energy in years. We get into his car and when I sit down, I remember about Betty, slipping something in my back pocket. I wiggle a bit in my seat and grab whatever she put in there. Austin notices me moving around and watches me as I hold up the condom, Betty gave me without me knowing.

I freeze and my face must be so red and embarrassed, that it causes Austin to laugh, clutching his stomach. Wiping the tears from his eyes, he calms down. Looking into his eyes I can see the pure joy and amusement, so I also laugh at the situation. "I don't know if that should scare me or encourage me." Confusion takes over me. "Scared?" He lets out a couple more giggles before answering. "She said that if I slept with you before you're 100% ready, she'll cut off my dick." It's my turn to break into hysterical laughter. "Oh I'd be scared, sucks to be you." I say.

He leans forward over the car console. "I want you to know, she's right though. I won't go there with you unless you're 100% sure it's what you want." He's eyes look into mine. I swallow and nod. One of his hands cups the side of my face. Austin touches our lips and we kiss. He's so warm and gentle, my stomach does backflips in my belly. He pulls away, brushing a hand through his hair and licking his lips. Fuck his sexy lip licking. “Orange. My favorite!" I blush. I still use the same lip balm as all those years ago and he always loved the taste of it. Opening my bag, I put the condom in, for safe keeping you know. And pull out my lip balm reapplying. He chuckles and starts the car, driving away.

"So where are we going?" I ask exited, but he shakes his head. "I'm not telling you, in fact, thanks for reminding me." He says, reaching over and opening the glove compartment to get out a sleep mask. "Put this on" I lift a brow at him, he can't be serious. "I'm serious!" He says demanding. I take it from him and put it over my eyes. "Ok Christian Grey!" I say laughing. "You know all these comments make it really hard for me to keep my cool." I giggle at his honest answer. "Hm than I guess in this instance I'm Christian Grey." I can't see him, but I hear the sigh leaving him. "Did you really watch those movies?" He asks and I shake my head, making him laugh.

"I read the books!" I say and he chokes on his laugh. "Of course you did." He says and I can hear the smile in his voice. For the rest of the ride he turns the radio in and sings along to whatever song is playing. I've always loved his voice and I used to have to beg him to sing for me, he was always too shy, but I guess playing Elvis changed that a bit. He's still shy about it, he's singing only a whisper, blending in with the radio, but I can still hear it. I'm lost in the moment of having him sing for me, that I don't even notice when the car stops, until he turns off the car. "Ok, keep the blindfold on, I'll come on your side to get you."

I listen for him getting out of the car, closing his door and walking around to my side. Austin opens my doors, bends over me to unbuckle my seatbelt and then helps me up. I can smell the salty water as soon as I'm out of the car, but we're not at the beach. His hands come up to hold my face. He brings me close and bending down, kisses me. Our lips dance over each other's, in a slow rhythm. My hands tangle in his hair, pulling at it, making him groan against my lips. That give me the leverage to explore his mouth with my tongue. Austin only lets me the the lead for a second and soon my back rests against his car. His hands lift the blindfold and he pulls away.

I open my eyes adjusting to the light again. We stay like this, me with my back against his car and hands in his hair and him towering over me, hands on either side of me against the car hood. "God you're evil." He says, placing a kiss at the base of my neck. Austin moves away so that I can take in the place. We are at the docks boats everywhere, but one in particular catches my eye. It's smaller and lit up, slow music coming from it. "Come on." He takes my hand and we walk up to the boat, a man dressed very fancy coming up. "Sir, good night and welcome !" He says, gesturing for us to get on.

I turn to Austin and look up at him. "You're taking me on a boat?" I say, but I must've not been very good at making a point I'm excited, because he asks me "Do you like it?" I nod my head and jump up to wrap my arms around his neck. "Yes I do, I love it in fact." I say peppering kisses on the side of his neck. He chuckles, pulling me off so that we can get on. He helps me up and then the nice man from earlier, walks us to the back of the boat. There a table is set up with two plates on it and a bottle of wine, next to the table in a corner is a nook, where pillows and blankets have been laid out. I smile at Austin. "Thank you!" I say and go to sit down.

After the food is served and we're left alone to enjoy the meal, we fall in a comfortable silence. Austin is the one to break it first. "You really like it?" I eat some of the food and I immediately recognize it as his famous beef casserole. "Mhmm you cooked for me?" I ask, his smile grows and he nods, blushing. "Yeah" he scratches the back of his head, cooking as always been his love language. "It's delicious." I say eating some more. He lets out a relieved laugh and starts eating as well.

"So when do you start the residency?" He ask drinking some water form his wine glass, he sticks to water since he's driving. "Um not this Monday, the one after. It's scary, I've been in a hospital before, but as a student you don't have even half of the responsibility of a resident ." He listens carefully. "And how long are you going to be a resident for?" He asks seeming genuinely interested. "Since I chose surgery, it's 7 years and then during my fellowship I'm basically a full doctor."

"That a long time." He says and I nod. Yeah I guess it is a long time, but despite it, I love it. "Yeah, it is, but I love it." Austin takes my hand and rubs the skin there, somehow this simple touch raises goosebumps all over. "You've got this, if anyone can do it, that's you!" He says reassuringly, lifting my hand off of the table and kissing it. "Thank you!" I say. "I never doubted you, I was just..." he paused a minute and I go still. "I thought you were trying to tell me that you didn't think I could get the role. I took out my insecurities on you. I should've never done that, but instead of learning my lesson, I did it again when we met on the beach" I move my hand, that's been resting in his, to caress his face. He closes his eyes, leaning into my touch. "Why?" I ask, and the pained expression on his face almost makes me regret asking, but I need to know.

My heart is throwing a goddamn rock concert in my chest and I can feel it's vibrations in all of my bones. "Because I saw you and I felt like only a day had passed since I saw you. I wanted to run up to you, kiss you, tell you I'm sorry. But then you lifted your eyes up from the book, you were reading 'The hunger games' again" we both share a laugh at the fact that yes I was rereading that book. "The look in your eyes brought me back to reality, it told me that three years had passed, not just one day and it told me that you still hurt. I spoke before I knew what I was saying. Asking you to coffee was a long shot." I smile at him, it was far more than a long shot, but it's nice to see that he's somehow aware of everything. "After we bumped into each other the next day, I knew I wasn't happy. I wasn't happy with who I had become." I get up from the table and he looks at me scared that I might walk away. Instead I go to sit on his lap, hugging him and resting my chin on top of his head.

Austin puts his head on my chest and lets out a chuckle. "Your heart is doing laps in there, baby!" The pet name only quickens my heart, butterflies coming alive in my belly. "I was hurting. I don't think I ever stopped, I tried, but nothing worked. I won't admit it to myself, but I came back to LA in hopes of seeing you." He lifts his head up and looks at me. "You found me!" He says. I drop my head and kiss him. Every time I kiss him feels different. Good different.

When we pull away, he picks me up and I let out a squeal. "Austin!" I say laughing. He sits down on the pillows laid in the nook, with me still on his lap. His hand runs up and down my back, while the other comes to lay on top of my heart. "I love this, your heart beating for me!" He says and taking his hand away he kisses the spot on top of my heart. He lingers there for a minute and I feel like I might die form how fast my heart goes.

Looking up at me, he's smirking, he knows exactly what he's doing. Smart bastard. He moves me to sit beside him and the waiter comes up with to plates. Bring them over to us he speaks. "We're ready for takeoff, we'll be sailing around till the night fall, we'll meet the shore again at midnight." Austin nods and says a quick 'thank you'. Looking at the plate in my hand I gasp. "You like it?" He asks, joy evident in his voice. "How could I not, I haven't had your famous grilled white peaches with amaretto in forever, if I didn't know any better I'd say you're trying to romance me Butler." I laugh taking a bite of the dessert and he pouts like a little kid. "That's exactly what I'm doing, but I must not be doing a good job, since you haven't figured it out yet." Shaking his head in disbelief he eats some o the dessert as well. I laugh at him, snorting, which causes him to laugh at me.

I blush like crazy and try to hide my face looking away, but using a finger he turns my head around. "Don't you dare hide those beautiful eyes from me, baby!" He says and I swallow hard. I hold his gaze until I feel us moving and notice the boat moving away from the shore. "Do you want to sail it?" He ask and I look at him shocked. "Me?" He nods his head, putting the plates aside, he gets up and brings me with him.

We walk inside and he takes me into the command room. "Hello sir, you think my friend here could try and sail for a minute?" He asks. The captain moves to the side and motions for me to come closer. I try to act like I didn't just get friend zoned and hurt by it. "Come on, I'll help you." Austin said. Putting his hands over mine he helps me sail. "How do you know how to do this?" I ask. "I took my boating license while I was in Australia filming." I smile and giggle, his head is resting on my shoulder and he speaks directly into my ear. "Hm looks like you are in fact a Christian Grey, so you also have a red room of pleasure at home, that I don't know of?" I ask teasingly, but quiet enough so that only he can hear me. "Oh wouldn't you like to know." He says kissing my neck.

The breath gets caught in my chest and I close my eyes, leaning into him. "Eyes at sea, captain!" He says and I quickly open my eyes, trying to compose myself. "Ok that's enough sailing, let's go back out there." He says patting my hip with one hand. "Thank you sir!" He says to the captain again and he leads me back out.

Sitting down we finish the dessert in silence. I can't stop thinking how the fact that he called me 'friend', ached in my chest. He seems to notice something's on my mind and taking the plate from my hand, he stacks it with his, putting them away to be taken away. "What's wrong?" He asks taking my hands in his, bringing them up to his lips, kissing every knuckle. "Nothing!" I shake my head and hope he leaves it at that. Embarrassed with the reason of my uneasiness. "Don't lie, please!" He begs, eyes pleading.

I sigh and move my eyes down. "I guess you calling me a friend rubbed me in a wrong way" I say trying to hide the tremble in my voice by clearing my throat. "I didn't know what else to call you" he responds and I only nod. It makes sense, because I wouldn't know what to call us either. He moves me on top of him, so I'm straddling his hips. Looking up at me, he bites his bottom lip, and I have to do the same to fight the moan threatening ti escape me. "What do you want me to call you, love?" He ask his hands resting on my hips. "I don't know."

"I don't want you to be my friend" he says. I don't know how to feel, but before I get to caught up in my head, he speaks again. "I want you to be more, but I can't rush you." Our foreheads collide and we breathe in sink with our eyes closed. My hands squeeze his shoulders and he lifts his chin up so I can kiss him. It soon turns into a hungry kiss, a battle of tongues, lips and teeth. We break apart to breath. His hand comes up to my face, his thumb walking over my bottom lip. "I want you to be more too" I say breathless and he lets out a pained chuckle. "I'm really trying to go slow here, (Y/n), but everything about you, it drives me crazy, I can't, I'm trying." Austin says breathing hard.

The grip he has on my hip, tightness and I shiver. Involuntarily my hips grind on his. Austin let's out a hiss and his other hand flies from my face to my hips, keeping me still. "God, I wish I didn't have to stop you." He says. "What if I don't want stop?" I whisper in his ear. I know it must be the wine, combined with the thrill of it all, but I want him. "That would be just fine, but I know you don't really want to go further. Give me at least a week, I told you, I want to make love to you, not just fuck you." He says hugging me close to his chest. "I'm sorry. I've just never felt like this, I don't know what's wrong with me." He chuckles stroking my head as I nuzzle my face in his neck. "There's nothing wrong with you, these are normal human needs and I promise to you, that if you really feel like I'm the one to be trusted with filling those needs, I'll do it the best I know how."

I brush my nose against the skin of his neck. "You're freezing baby!" He says reaching after a blanket to drape over us. "I don't feel cold, must be the wine!" I mumble, gluing my lips to his hot skin and it's not that a realize, I am in fact cold. The contrast between our temperature makes me nuzzle into him even further. His arm tighten around me and I've never felt this safe and warm, and loved. "Will you be my boyfriend?" I ask yawning, I guess I'm also tired, not just cold. I can feel him stop breathing and from where my head lays against his shoulder, I can hear his heart pick up. It makes me smile, knowing I’m not the only one with a weak heart. “You sure?” His voice is cautious and laced with a mixture of fear and hope.

“Dead serious, I think I’ve kept you on your toes for long enough” I say giggling. He says silent and in my sleepy state I’m fighting anxiety. What if I said it too soon, what if I just messed up?. “I’d love nothing more than to be your boyfriend, but you have to promise me something.” Austin says. Lifting my head up, I catch his eyes in mine. Even in the dark they are so beautiful and they dare to say the things he doesn’t. It’s always been like that, no matter how much he controls all his body when it comes to emotions, his eyes are never on his side. As they burn into my soul, my heart actually slows down. His hands come up to my face, framing it in his big palms. “If I ever hurt you again, you’ll let Betty cut off my dick.” His fighting a smile and I can’t help but laugh. “It’s a deal Butler!”

I hook my arms around his neck, bringing him in for another kiss. We’ve been kissing so much, I wonder how my lips still have feeling in them. I lay my head back on his shoulder and we stay like that. Quiet, calm, happy. Looking at the beautiful starry sky, his lips touch the shell of my ear and he starts singing softly. I recognize the song in a beat, he’s singing ’unchained melody’ for me. I can feel the warmth growing inside me, this is perfect, this moment right here is perfect.

Soon my heavy leads can no longer fight the sleep creeping up on me. I fall asleep in his arms, with him still singing to me, only now he’s moved on to singing ‘A thousand years’ my favorite love song.

When I wake up is still dark and he’s kissing my face awake. “There she is!” Austin smile at me and I rub the sleep from my eyes. “We’re almost at shore, I thought I should wake you up, though I would’ve happily carried you” I shake my head in disapproval, I don’t want him to carry me. Austin chuckles. “Yeah I thought so.” I laugh at the fact that he knows me so well.

Soon we are back at shore and we get up. Saying our thanks to the crew, Austin helps me off the boat. I the car he turns the heat all the way up. Thankful I melt into the leather seat of his car, making myself comfortable. “Would it be crazy if I wanted to see you again tomorrow?” He asks, driving away and resting his right hand on my thigh. “It wouldn’t be, but I’m busy. I have to wake up at 5am to go pick Emma, Betty’s girlfriend, from the airport. Then I have to spend the whole day with her, while Betty gets everything in place for the engagement. But the day after tomorrow I’m free” I explain.

We reach a red light and he turns his head to look at me. “It’s a date” he says smiling and I blush in the dark. “It’s a date” I agree.

When we get to my place, he insists to walk me up the stairs to my door. I unlock the door and step inside, leaving him on the other side. He gives me a quick peck on the lips and a tight hug, then with one last smile he says ‘good night’ and leaves.

Betty is asleep on the couch since it’s already 1am and I decide to take a quick shower and wash my hair, to have it sit nice tomorrow. I fall asleep as soon as my head touches the pillows and the dreams have me drunk on happiness. I can’t wait to see him again.

Tags: @kittenlittle24 @amorx @cryingabtab @lexicox044 @lrissa @feral4austinbutler @sageskywalker @jesssssicaa @rainydayz101 @flwersgarden @bobthefishiesworld @captured-memory @homebodybirkin2003 @galaxygirl453 @butlerslut @chrisevansgirl34 @myradiaz @pennyroyalcreep @macey234 @im-lame-irl @lordandmistress @the-girl-wh0-cries-w0lf @poppet05 @gabbywontlose @4shbug @0-thegoodwitch-0 @hauntedarchivesx

[natashas-girl]

If you’re happy

A/n: Hey! This is one of my first fanfics about natasha, i hope u like it!

Summary: Natasha falls out of love with you and in love with somebody else. . .

"Natasha?" You called, "you in here?" It was a tradition of sorts. Whenever you came home from work, you would call out to your girlfriend in your apartment (she was always there, and if she wasn't she'd text you. Looking up, you saw that she was on the couch braiding a girl with pale skin and a hard expression's dark hair.

"right here, honey," she said, blowing a kiss in your direction.

"Who's that?" You asked, curious of the cute stranger.

"This is my friend Maria from. . . Work" she replied.

Maria gave her a side glance, and a teasing smile, "work, huh. Does she know  where you work?"

"No," you muttered.

"Well. . ." Natasha paused, "i think it would be better if you let me explain a little bit later. Oh, and do you mind if Maria stays for dinner?"

NO she did not just change the fucking subject

"Sure, I'll order now. Where?"

"We haven't had In-n-out for a while." 

"Sure, Umm. . . What do you want?" You asked Maria. 

"Oh, I'll just take a veggie burger with pickles," she laughed.

"'Kay" you said, feeling awkward.

-the literal time skip because i can-

Later that night, when you were laying in bed with Natasha,  you asked her, "where do you work?"

"I-" she stuttered, "I'm an- I'm an Avenger, y/n, I'm black widow." 

"Wait," you said, the wheels turning in your brain, "so does that mean that Maria was. . . The Maria hill? And you work with iron man and Carol Danvers and Hulk and-"

"Scarlet witch and Falcon and captain America." She joked tiredly.

"Who?" You asked

"Scarlet witch? You mean the one who does the weird hand things?"

"No, I've heard of her. Who's Captain America?"

"You mean. . . Steve rogers? Captain America? You've never heard of him?" She cackled, "oh, Steve's going to die when he hears that."

"Film it," you advised.

"Don't worry, i will." She planted a kiss on your cheek. "But first we should sleep."

And so, you fell asleep safe and happy in your girlfriend's arms.

-Time skip-

*reflecting*

Through the next week, Maria was there every time that you came back from work. Once it was raining so much that she had to stay the night. You could tell how happy Natasha was when she was there, And every time you thought of her happiness, a small smile crept to your face. Once, you almost got fired from your job at Starbucks because you zoned out thinking about Natasha. 

I see the way that her eyes light up when you make her laugh. 

I see all the ways she makes you smile that i never could.

I see how you look at her when you think she isn't looking, when I'm standing in the doorway and you don't see me there.

And i know that you would love to love her, but you could never break my heart

But love is a roller coaster, it has its ups and downs, and some roller coasters break down

And when a roller coaster breaks down, you either get on another one or you never go on a roller coaster again. 

And you don't understand, thAt if you weren't happy, my heart would already be broken

And I would shatter my heart a thousand times to keep yours whole

Because sometimes loving someone is letting them go.

*end of reflecting*

"Natasha." You said, pulling your girlfriend into a closet.

"I need to talk to you about Maria."

"What? Y/n, you know i would never-"

"Natasha, i know that you're a good person. I know that you would never cheat. But i see the way you look at her. And those glances that she sneaks at you. And that's why. . ." You couldn't say it. But. . . Natasha would be happy. And that was all that matters. "That's why. . ." You blinked back tears, "that's why I'm breaking up with you."

"What- but y/n, i- thats not- i-" she stuttered, clearly not expecting thighs.

"Natasha just, please. . ." You begged. "Ask Maria out. Please. Just let me go."

You left the closet before she could argue. Because, loving someone is letting them go.

Because, loving someone is spending a lifetime of heartbreak so that they don't have to spend a lifetime pretending they don't love somebody else.

Because, even after all this

You

Still

Love 

Her

Your didn't feel your heart shatter until you hit the highway.

That was a fun way to take my depression out! 

[nix-writes-mcyt]

Special Delivery

Oneshot Cubfan x reader Contains: Fluff, many honey blocks, ending that could be suggestive but doesn't have to be -------------------------------

The first thing you notice when you wake up is how cold it is. How cold it has gotten in the last few days.

The summer is nearing now, trees and some flowers nearing the end of their bloom. With the changing of the seasons warmth should be what you feel. But it isn't.

The last few days have felt cold and seemed dark despite the weather, the sun a constant. Not that you've been outside to enjoy it.

It feels more like the middle of winter than the beginning of summer. Just because there are few clouds in the sky doesn't mean there is an absence of shade.

Once you're up and have gotten yourself presentable you walk around the house. It's empty without him.

How long has it been? You'd check the calendar but you're not sure what day it is. You lost count after the first few days with no contact.

Your husband often would disappear, increasingly so in the last few years. But this time was unlike any other.

Usually he'd come home after a few nights, or at least send you a message to let you know he was alright. You've not heard anything from him in so long at this point.

You're worried, you don't know where he is and you just miss him.

The door knocking doesn't even get your hopes up, mainly because your husband has never knocked on the door once in the time you've known him.

Opening it reveals Hypno, dressed in a bee suit with the hood tucked under his arm. "Hey there Y/n, is Cub in?" You shake your head with a sad sigh.

"No, I have no idea where he is. I haven't seen him in.. I don't know how long." Hypno furrows his eyebrows, clearly concerned.

"He hasn't come home? I thought he would have. I guess I'll be taking this honey right to him." Hypno mumbles to himself. "You know where he is?" You ask, perking up at the thought of seeing him again.

"You don't?" You shake your head in response to Hypno's question. "I suppose that should have been obvious. Well, anyway, you better come with me." Hypno smiles as you do, leading you to his truck.

It would have been faster to fly, but the back of the truck is loaded with shulker boxes filled with honey. That would explain the bee suit.

After a long drive Hypno finally stops by a tent surrounded by chests and shulkers. Next to it is what looks to be a giant arena, you can't tell what's on the inside but it seems to go on forever.

Hypno knocks a few times on the large door, which opens shortly after. Out walks none other than your husband, who looks like he hasn't been home in days. He greets Hypno with a smile.

"Oh man am I glad to see you." Cub pulls Hypno into a hug, not noticing you leant on the front of the truck. "I bet, I brought your five thousand honey blocks. I just need to off load them. Where do you think is best for that?"

Cub points over toward the small chest monster. "It'll be good over there. I tell you, I'm so glad for this to be about done. I miss my bed." Cub chuckles.

"And your spouse I bet." Hypno laughs in return. "Oh yeah, one hundred percent. I hope they're doing okay at home." Cub starts to space out.

"Why don't you ask them yourself?" Cub's full attention is on Hypno's words, and then on you as his eyes meet yours.

Flustered he tries to sort himself out, make himself look a little neater. He tries to straighten the wrinkles out of his coat and make his hair look a little less.. all over the place. You chuckle and shake your head, Cub visibly flushed as he walks over to you.

He looks you over, smiling, before encasing you in his arms. "I've missed you so much." His voice is muffled as he speaks into your shoulder, face buried. His arms are tight around you, but not too tight. It's a welcome feeling after days on your own.

"I've missed you too, Cub. I always do when you disappear for a project." "I was meant to tell you, I just.. forgot." He pulls away from the hug, instead cupping your face with his hands.

"I know, I do. I know you get carried away. As long as you come home, that's what matters." You gently remove his hands from your face, giving him a peck on the lips as you move past.

It's not often you get to come and see Cub's work, even less so while it's unfinished. If there's one thing you know about your husband it's that he is dedicated to getting huge projects finished in a tiny amount of time. Even if that does end up being a serious grind.

"So, what is this?" You ask, looking at the ginormous structure. "And what are the five thousand honey blocks for?" Hypno adds.

Two arms snake around your waist, followed by your husband's voice. "This is total chaos. It's a new game I've been building. And trust me, it will live up to its name." Cub almost chuckles, but doesn't. As if the idea of total chaos is funny to him, entertaining.

"The honey blocks are for the floor. They're all I have left to do. If they're not there there won't be nearly as much chaos. Then I'd have to rename it 'some chaos' and that just doesn't have the same ring to it." Hypno hums at Cub's answer to his question.

"How long until you're done? Until you can come back?" You don't hold your breath that it will be soon. The arena is huge.

"Oh, I don't know.." Cub's words trail off, arms tightening around you. "A few hours if I get some help." A grin appears on your face, that's not long at all. "We better get to it then." You clap, "come on Hypno, let's get this done."

The three of you start working, and finish in what seems like no time at all. Time has passed, the sun low in the sky by the time you're all done. Every block of honey placed and all the shulkers loaded back onto Hypno's truck.

By the time you're back at your house the sun is gone and the moon is providing the light. Hypno bids the two of you a good night before driving off in the direction of his own base.

"I'm so glad to be back." Cub smiles, hanging his coat by the door. "Not as glad as I am to have you back." You reply.

Cub turns to you with a smile on his face. "Wanna bet?" You chuckle, taking his hand. "Maybe tomorrow, love. How about for tonight you and I go enjoy that bed that you've missed so much." Cub's grin softens.

His grip on your hand is firm as he gently pulls you toward the stairs. "I've missed you and your ideas so much. To bed!" Cub's exclamation makes you laugh, you chasing him up the stairs.

For the first night in a while you don't have to sleep alone. You look forward to what follows, waking up in your husband's arms.