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heartshapedwords · 3 years ago

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86 - 90 degrees II Fezco x Pie Girl

>> Pairing: Fezco x Female Reader >> Plot: Pie girl and Fez deal with the aftermath of “the question”. >> Part 1 II Part 2 II Part 3 >> Warnings: Slight mention of Euphoria typical themes. Mention of alcohol, drugs and food. Angst with happy ending. >> A/N: English is not my first language so cut me some slack ;) Comments, reblogs and likes are much appreciated ♥

"There's some weird-ass energy in this room, not gonna lie. You all good?"

Nothing gets by Ash. The boy is as perceptive as a person can be.

Fez and (Y/N) look up from their bowls of cereal.

"No, we're all good. Right?"

Her question is not directed towards him, it is directed toward Fez.

He looks up with the fakest and least believable smile Ash has ever seen in his whole life.

"Yeah, sweets. We all good."

They're not. If fact this is the furthest from good he has seen them since they started their relationship. And while Ash cares deeply about his brother's wellbeing, he sure as fuck is not gonna get involved in some relationship drama. He's just gonna sit on the sidelines and observe and hope that they'll figure it out on their own. If not, he'll find a way to fix it for them.

"Alright, whatever you say."

They both nod in silence, eyes back looking for answers in the colored milk of their soggy fruit loops.

When the silence gets too thick, too heavy, (Y/N) places her bowl in the sink before announcing with a strained voice.

"Alright, I'm off. I'll see you tonight?"

There's a hopeful glimmer in her eyes, but also pleading and — fear?

Ash has no idea what she could be scared of but he doesn't like this new dynamic at all. What the fuck happened last night that has them both acting so weird around each other.

"Yeah, I'll see you tonight. Have a good day sweets."

At Fezco's reply, Ash can see her visibly relax. What the fuck is going on?

The two adults share a small kiss goodbye and when Fez closes the door behind her, he rests his back against it and runs his hands across his face in frustration.

"You sure you good?" Ash inquires again.

"Fucking peachy. Let's go, store won't stock itself."

Well, something clearly ain't fucking right.

It's a gloomy, rainy night when Fez picks her up from her place the next weekend.

She shields herself from the thundering drops and closes the door behind her with a huff of relief as the car shelters her, finally.

And Fezco? He laughs. It’s not a smile or a chuckle. It’s a full-on belly laugh.

And though the sound sends waves of warmth and comfort through her, like the first rays of warm summer sun, it also makes a feeling of unease bubble up in her stomach.

“ Why are you laughing? “ She asks as she plops down onto the passenger seat of his car and buckles the seatbelt. Her voice is soft and timid, bracing herself for the fall.

“ You just so damn cute, is all. “

“ No, that’s not it. Tell me! “

For a moment Fez leaves her wondering, there’s nothing but the radio softly playing some hip-hop song she doesn’t recognize and the rain as it pours from the clouds, hammering against the hood of Fez’s car.

And then he reaches over, places a hand on her thigh, and gives it a little squeeze. There’s something about his touch that puts her at ease. It lets her know he’s there. By her side. Always close. It makes her feel safe. It makes her feel protected. It makes her feel — wanted.

“ Just, why you bringing brownies to a party? “

“ Because I’m meeting your friends and I thought that it would be a nice thing to do. Also, I was stressed about meeting them and you know what happens when I’m stressed. I bake. Had a little bit of a mental breakdown, started baking, there you go. “

“ They’re not really my friends, sweets. Just Rue. And you know her already so you got no reason to be nervous. “

She scoffs at that statement before turning her face towards the window, watching fat raindrops race each other down the glass. Like big tears. Like pearls.

“ I can always come up with at least 12 reasons to be nervous. It’s how my brain works, Fez. “

“Well, “ he says as his thumb starts rubbing gentle circles into the exposed skin of her leg “ I’m gonna be with you all night so whenever your brain starts telling you bullshit, lemme know so I can remind you there ain’t no reason to be nervous. I gottchu.”

(Y/N) is fairly sure her heart is beating so fast and so hard as those words leave his lips, it might just bust open her chest. Fez has this way of saying something so fundamentally sweet, so absolutely romantic, with such sincerity, and yet not even notice. It’s just who he is. The most loving person she has ever met. He doesn’t say those things to cause a reaction in her. He says those things because he means them. Always.

Last week had been a bit strained. After the question.

After the answer.

But he understands. At least he seems to. He's joking and loving again. Things are good again. Right?

“ You think it’s stupid that I’m bringing baked goods to a house party? “ she asks while she slips her hand into his as it rests on her thigh which prompts Fez to lift their interlocked fingers up to his lips and place several sweet kisses on her skin.

“ Nah, I think it’s nice. I think you too good for ‘em. But I think it’s nice. “

A beat passes, then two, and from the corner of her eyes, (Y/N) can see an amused smirk pulling at the corner of Fez’s lips.

“ What? “

“ You’re showing up to a party, with me and a tray of brownies. You do know they’ll think it’s pot brownies, right? “

The place is packed with teenagers and young adults clutching plastic cups and moving their bodies to the beat of some 90s RnB.

The scent of alcohol and sweat and perfume permeates the air as Fez and (Y/N) navigate their way through the crowd and towards the kitchen only to be greeted by a smiling Rue and Jules.

"You brought food?" Jules asks as she throws her arms around (Y/N)'s neck in a friendly yet over-enthusiastic gesture. There's a certain comfort that Jules exudes as if they'd been friends for a long long time when in reality they've only met a handful of times.

"I made brownies."

"Oh, her brownies are to die for!" Rue exclaims and pulls the aluminum foil off of the tray, immediately digging into one of the chocolatey treats.

"Are they - special?" Jules questions, raising her eyebrow in a teasing question which makes Fez let out a chuckle around his newly lit joint.

"Nah, Jewel. They are fucking addicting though."

At first, (Y/N) thought that it was just some nickname of his for Jules though by now she's realized that Fez genuinely thinks the girl's name is Jewel. She could tell him, sure. Set him straight. But damn if it isn't extremely endearing.

"Well thanks, (Y/N). That's so sweet of you!" Jules says and grabs one of the brownies for herself.

"Yo, imma go sit on the couch. You wanna come or you wanna stay here with the ladies?" Fez questions, nodding his head towards where she assumes is the living room.

While she likes Jules and Rue, and while she enjoys hanging out with them, she's here for Fez and as long as he wants her around, she's gonna stay. With how things had been this week, she just wants him close. As close as possible.

"I'll stick with you if that's okay?"

His blue eyes are twinkling at her with something she can't quite place. It's a warm feeling, a comforting one. As if everything is right in the world for just one tiny moment.

Fez isn't the most affectionate when they're in public and she understands. She is well aware that he has an image to maintain, that this is his workplace. She also knows that Fez has not always been loved in the way he should've been, in the way he deserved it. He hasn't outright said it, but (Y/N) thinks there's a voice in his head telling him lies. Telling him that being in love and affectionate and sweet leads to being vulnerable which leads to getting hurt.

And while he actively fights that voice when they're alone, it's just too loud in a room full of people.

So she takes what she gets. A soft brush of his hand against hers. A nudge of his leg as they sit close together on the couch. A glimmer in his beautiful blue eyes that lets her know all the things he doesn't say out loud.

"Sounds good to me, come on."

Fezco is in high demand that evening. Not 2 minutes go by without someone walking up and asking for some weed, pills, or powder.

It's a bit sad, (Y/N) thinks. These people know Fez, some probably even went to school with him, and yet they cant extend a few nice words or even a "how are you" towards him. Fez doesn't care, this is business for him. But she can't help and wonder if all these people just see him as a human drug ATM.

"Wanna know something?" She asks him after the latest customer, a skinny boy with floppy hair, walks away, happily grinning about his recent purchase.

"What's that?"

"I think Nate Jacobs is too tall."

Of all the things she could've said, Fez did not expect it to be this. His eyes fall onto the guy in question as he leans against the kitchen counter, towering above his … girlfriend? Hell, Fez has stopped trying to keep up with those people's relationships a long while ago.

"No, but really, look at him! He's just so comically tall and every time he wants to kiss his girl he has to bend down. I'm glad you're not that tall. You're like, perfect kissing height."

Fez lets out a mix between a scoff and a laugh. He's never cared all that much about what other people think of his looks but he ain't blind. He knows that when it comes to being conventionally attractive, he and Nate aren't playing in the same league. Guys with scars and ginger beards usually are a league of their own, way off somewhere playing a whole different game.

To hear her compliment his looks, it means a whole lot more than he ever expected it. It sends an unfamiliar feeling of pride and confidence through him.

"He always looks so sad and angry. That dude gives me the heebie-jeebies. His dad too. Talked down on my parents and our diner. With that stupid ass grin of his. "

"No kidding, sweets. That family is all kinds of messed up. "

He doesn't go into detail, she's not sure she wants him to either. Fez knows a lot of things about a lot of people. Most of those things he's learned against his will. People just turn off their filter when they talk to him. It comes with the job.

"Hey," a cheery voice calls out to them as Lexi Howard drops onto the couch next to the couple, a friendly smile on her face. " How are you? Did you guys hear, someone brought pot brownies."

Fez hides his amused smile behind the blunt he's taking a hit from as (Y/N) throws her head back in annoyance and lets out a deep sigh. "They are normal brownies. I was just stress-baking."

"You made them?" Lexi asks, her big brown eyes wide in wonder. "Aw, man. I should've had one then. I heard your baking is phenomenal."

(Y/N) has only met Lexi a handful of times, if that. Usually in passing with Rue by her side. The girls aren't really friends by any means but Lexi Howard possesses a sense of infinite calmness and she seems so genuinely nice that you just want to be her friend even if you've only spoken a few words to her.

"Her baking is the best! I told her though, people was gonna think the brownies are special," Fez pipes up and looks around (Y/N) towards Lexi, greeting her with a friendly nod of his head. "Wassup Lexi Howard."

"Hey. Wait - am I interrupting something? Did you guys get here together? Oh my god, I didn't realize. Are you guys like together? Is this a date I'm crashing right now?"

Lexi's rambling is kind of like a music box that's winded up all the way. You can put your finger on it, stop it for a second, but as soon as you take it back it continues playing. It's kinda cute, actually.

(Y/N) waits for Fez to tell her it's alright. To tell her what they are to each other and that no, this isn't a date and she's not crashing anything but yes they did come here together.

One beat passes. Then two.

And he says none of that.

Instead, he takes another hit, shakes his head, and stutters out a "Yeah, Nah. She's my - like. She's …"

Silence.

There's a room full of people. Yelling and singing and hollering. Loud. So loud. And yet all (Y/N) can hear at that moment is her heart dropping from her chest all the way down to the floor and shattering. Does he really not know what she is to him? What he is to her? Or is their relationship forever cursed to live in the halls of his apartment, her houses, the store, and the diner? A secret we don't talk about?

They've clearly voiced what they are to each other — to each other. In the most simple of terms, they defined it. Boyfriend and girlfriend. It's that easy. It's that simple.

Or maybe it isn't.

Maybe not for him after all.

"Hey Lexi, would you excuse me for a second. I'm gonna go get a drink while he figures out what the hell I am to him."

Before Fez even realizes what's going on the crowd has swallowed her like a tidal wave in a ruthless crashing ocean.

The kitchen counters are littered with booze though none of it seems enticing to (Y/N) right then. Rye whiskey, tequila, some sort of brightly colored wine cooler.

Sure, some of it might numb her heartache for now. But what good would it do?

She was really excited about tonight. Excited to forget about this shitty week, about exams and coursework and baking commissions and motherfucking pies. Just be a young adult, happy and alive and in love.

All that excitement vanished as the words tumbled from his lips. Now all she wants is to go home, bury herself underneath her blanket and watch some shitty reality tv.

Maybe bake a pie or two just for the hell of it.

"Yo, why'd you run off?"

His voice is soft, comforting and for a second all she wants to do is fall into his arms and forget about the last few minutes.

And then she looks up at him. His face showing no sign of understanding. Questioning and confused.

"Why did I run off? She asked you if we were together and you said no."

He has the audacity to sigh.

"That's not what I said."

"You said Yeah, Nah. Doesn't sound like an enthusiastic yes to me either."

"You know I didn't mean it like that. It's just none of anyone's business. Why you pissed anyway? You're the one who didn't wanna move in with me."

And there it is. The bomb. The explosion.

That damn dark cloud that has been hanging above them since that night a few days ago.

Like some comically sized cartoon anvil that was hanging on by merely a thread. Now it's come crashing down, burying them both underneath it.

"I told you my reasoning. You said you understand."

"Don't mean it doesn't hurt."

"I'm sorry I didn't mean to hurt you. But I'm not gonna do this."

His eyes snap up to her face, staring with intensity and worry.

"Do what?"

"Fight with you in the middle of some stupid high school party. Call me when you wanna talk."

She pushes her way outside, bumping people left and right, tears gathering at her lash line, clouding her view.

It's still raining. Pouring actually. As soon as she steps into the open air she can feel the cold drops soaking through her clothes.

It doesn't matter though. Not right now All she feels is heartbreak and exhaustion and disappointment.

"Yo what the hell? Where you goin'?"

His voice cuts through the night like a siren song. Luring her back to a shore that always seemed so safe when maybe it's no shore at all.

"Home, Fez. Where else would I go?"

"It's dark and raining."

"Yeah well, the party is kinda ruined for me."

A crack of thunder sounds above them like big angry drum beats. The wind whips her hair around her face and the air just seems all around furious.

It doesn't compare to the storms raging inside their hearts though. Nothing ever will.

"I didn't mean to do that. I just — why you asking me to commit to this when you aren't doing the same?"

"What are you talking about? I tell everyone who asks that you're my boyfriend. You met my fucking dad, you think that's me not committing?"

"Still don't wanna move in with me. You said no."

The tears have long started falling both from rage and from sadness. It is a waterfall of emotion running down her cheeks.

"I said not now. Not yet. I told you I want to finish my classes first, want to get settled in my job. Why is that so hard for you to understand?"

" 'cause that's how it goes for me, aright? I wanna be with someone I want it all, all the time. Don't see no sense in waiting. "

"Well, I do. I know you had to grow up way faster than I did and you already have shit figured out to some extent. I don't, I'm just learning how to be an adult. I'm just getting to know myself. What if I move in and you see the parts of me I don't want anyone to see, huh? The really shitty parts that I don’t even like. Then you'll be stuck having to deal with that. Having to fix that. With my stupid loud brain that makes me worry all the time and my desperate need to prove myself to the world as if I owe it something for existing. What then?"

"I love you, (Y/N). I want to see those sides of you. They what make you you. Ain't nothing that needs to be fixed. You ever thought that maybe I'm afraid too? Like, what if I don't keep you close to me and one day you realize that you deserve way better? If we can start building our future now, then maybe it won't be so easy to leave me."

His words kill her in all and every which way there is. They make sense, knowing him and all he had to endure in his life. They don't make the situation any better.

"So your solution is to not admit to people that were a couple?"

"Didn't know if you wanted people to know. If you wanted to be so serious."

"Oh god, Fez is this how it's always going to be? We disagree on an aspect of our relationship and you start questioning the whole thing?"

He just shrugs.

"If you think our relationship is that fickle, if you have no trust or confidence in us, what are we even doing?"

She regrets the words as soon as they slip from her lips though what is even worse, is his reaction.

It's the light shrug of his shoulder. The "I don't know" mumbled into the night.

It's the way there are no words left inside her to turn this situation into anything else but an absolute train wreck. A disaster.

Heartbreak in the middle of the fucking suburbs.

"It's not supposed to be like this," she says, desperately trying to wipe the tears from her face though the rain keeps pouring down making it an impossible task. "We're not supposed to be fighting in the rain in front of some random kid's party. We're supposed to be kissing in the rain."

"You gotta stop that, (Y/N). I'm not some character from some movie. It's never gonna be like that. I want you, only you. But if that fairy tale shit is what you want, maybe we ain't supposed to be."

She shakes her head in defeat, feeling like all the energy, all the life has been sucked out of her, leaving her a ghost watching herself fall apart.

"Right now I just want to go home and sleep."

"Lemme drive you, it's dark and —"

"No, Fezco. I can't be in a car with you right now. I just — I can't."

Fez knows there's no fighting here on this. When she sets her mind to something, that's where it stays.

Doesn't mean he's gonna let her walk home by herself. Not in the middle of the night, not during a storm.

No matter what happens between them, he still feels like it's his duty to keep her safe. If anything were to happen to her, he could never forgive himself.

"What are you doing?" She asks as he starts following her a few steps behind.

"I know you said you don't wanna sit in a car with me, that's fine. I'm not gonna make you. There's no way I'll be leaving you walking by yourself though. No way. Look you don't gotta talk to me or nothing just — I need to know you're safe."

He can see that she wants to argue. Wants to fight him on this and tell him she's a big girl who can take care of herself. Wants to tell him to leave her be, at least for tonight. She knows he won't though. That his head and his heart will not allow him to.

So she says nothing. Just nods and continues walking into the darkness and the storm.

Not a single word more falls from either of their lips all the way to her house. Though with every step, Fez's heart is growing heavier. Like a stone is wedged between his ribs where his heart is supposed to be.

This can't be the end. Why does this feel so awfully like the end?

He's standing by the little gate that leads onto her driveway as she opens the door. For a second there is nothing but the sound of the rain and the feeling of inevitably. And then she hesitates, takes a long breath, and looks at him over her shoulder.

"Your place is all the way at the other end of town, come inside you can have the guest bedroom."

"I don't know, I —." He wants to protest before he's immediately shut down.

"I let you walk me home. Now let me do something in return."

It's not a request. And so he doesn't argue, he follows her inside without another word.

The bed is very soft and the fluffy pillows smell like fresh cotton and lavender.

Outside, the rain drums in a calming rhythm against the window.

It all should make it so easy to fall asleep. But Fez is wide awake. It all feels so final. Like this is the last night he gets to hold onto what they used to be.

Just as he is about to get up for a glass of water or — or just something to get his racing mind to focus on something else for just a second, the door creaks open just a tiny bit.

A sliver of light from that one little lamp in the hallway squeezes through the open door and illuminates the figure that stands in the doorway.

She looks like an angel. Like some fucking goddess.

And oh she looks so sad.

It kills him to know he put the sadness there.

"Can I come in?" She asks in a small timid voice.

"Yeah, sure. Come 'ere."

It's not even a second later that she slips under the covers and cuddles closer to him. So close he thinks she might become one with his body. As if she can't get close enough.

And then she's crying. Big wet drops fall onto his shoulder, soaking through the fabric of his shirt.

"Why you cryin' sweets?"

It's a dumb question. He knows why. Hell, he's been close to it himself.

"I'm scared."

"Of what?"

"Of losing you. I don't — I don't want to lose you. I'm not ready to move in with you, Fez. But it's not because I don't want to be with you. I want you above anything. Changes just freak me out. "

"Nah, sweets. Forget about it, I was outta line. I — sometimes I see and hear shit where it hasn't been said. Read too much into things. I shouldn't have made it seem like it was an all-or-nothing deal. Felt like if I kept you close you wouldn't realize there's better options out there. Better than me. —"

"Fez, that's —"

"I know it's stupid. Sometimes I am stupid. Not because I don't trust in you or our relationship. It's just about me. I made up scenarios in my head and hurt myself, s' why I said that to Lexi. I'm sorry I hurt you. I never wanted that."

She places a little kiss on his cheek.

"I'm sorry too. I didn't know I hurt you either. I genuinely thought we were okay. I was thinking maybe, if that's okay with you, you can give me a drawer for some of my stuff. So I can stay over for more than two days in a row. Like a part-time roommate."

"You for real?"

"Yeah. That sound good to you?"

"Baby, every moment I get to spend with you sounds good to me."

When she kisses him, it feels like his world has shifted back into place. Like things are right again, if a bit chaotic.

"Look at us being adults and talking about our feelings and our fears. And making compromises."

He only laughs and pulls her into another kiss.

"Hey, Fez?" She murmurs against his lips, words half-swallowed by another kiss.

"Hmm?"c

"I love you too by the way."

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heartshapedwords · 3 years ago

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I want your midnights

>> Pairing: Fezco x Female Reader

>> Plot: Fez meets a girl at the boxing club. There’s immediate attraction. Both are a little bit of a mess.

>> Warnings: Mention of food and Euphoria typical themes. Mention of violence and blood. Mentions of sex but no actual smut.

>> A/N: Sorry I was gone for a while, work was really stressful the last two weeks. This was written during my lunch breaks. It’s spellchecked but I didn’t proofread. Hope you enjoy it anyway ♥ English is not my first language so cut me some slack ;) All likes, reblogs and comments are much appreciated ♥

The first time grandma took Fez to a deal with Marco he hated it. The place smelled like blood and sweat and loud metal music blasted from the speakers as guys with bloated muscles kept punching bags of sand and leather.

It wasn't that he didn't like the whole scene itself. Boxing was kinda cool and he wouldn't have minded taking some lessons himself. But it was just after the accident, the cold metal of the crowbar smashing against his head still fresh on his mind. And it was so loud. That place was loud and hectic and the air was thick and heavy. It made him anxious and it overwhelmed him.

Marco was nice enough but that didn't change the fact that all of Fez's senses went into overdrive as soon as he stepped foot into the place.

And then the thing with grandma happened and everything was forever changed.

He had to grow up. Immediately. While he never really got to be a kid, a little spark of the boy he used to be was still there. When he had to take over the business, that spark died.

It was on him to make sure Ash had a roof over his head and that there was enough food in the fridge. It was on him to take care of grandma and keep the shop and the drug business going. It was all on him.

And there was no room for mistakes. No room for fear or anxiety or hesitation.

Marco was one of the few that kept taking him seriously even without Marie by his side. Maybe, Fez thinks, he felt bad for him. Just a fucking kid carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders.

Or maybe he was just super into blow and Fez was the cheapest seller.

In the end, it don't really make a difference.

He likes to come by early in the morning when the boxing club is fairly deserted still. The music isn't so loud, the air not as thick.

"Yo, Marco. I'm here."

Fez usually calls before he enters the building. Sometimes, when there's too many people around, he wants to do business outside or in the backroom.

"Shit, Fez. I totally forgot you was comin' today man. I only remembered like 30 minutes ago but I'm already on the road. Getting some new equipment for the place. Sorry, man. But I told (Y/N) you were coming around. She can handle it. "

There's very few things Fez hates more than people wasting his time with their misplaced irresponsibility. This is his fucking business, his livelihood. He's particular and careful about who he's making bigger deals with. Handling the drop-off with some girl he doesn't know? That fucking sucks.

"Man, you know I hate doing shit with people I don't know."

"She's cool, Fez. Trust me. Basically raised the kid until her mama went all crazy bitch on me and found some new dude to smooch off on. Still got a soft spot for the girl. "

"So she's family? You trust her?"

"Yeah for sure. She's family. "

"Alright man, but if she causes trouble..."

"That girl is all trouble but she'll be able to handle this. Promise you, man. I'll pay extra next time for the inconvenience."

Extra pay. Now that sounds like something Fez could be on board with. And yet, a bad feeling settles in the pit of his stomach. Like when you're watching a horror movie and you know something's about to jump out and scare you.

Only it's not a monster or a serial killer greeting him as he enters the building. It's a girl in basketball shorts and a sports bra kicking and punching a punching bag with a fury as if the inanimate object has personally insulted her mother or something.

She's hot though. He can admit that much. There's hardly room or time for a girl in his life but he isn't blind. That girl looks like trouble in all the best and most delicious ways.

"You (Y/N)?" Fez calls out to her which makes her whip around, eye focused on him like an animal considering whether to run or to fight.

"Depends. Who's asking?"

She's out of breath, sweat pearls down her face.

"I'm Fez, was supposed to see Marco but -"

" Oh, you're the guy!" She exclaims and it seems for the first time since he stepped foot into the place she relaxes a bit. A smile tugs at the corner of her lips as she grabs the towel hanging around her neck and dabs the sweat off her skin.

"Guess so," Fez replies and shrugs his shoulder in agreement. "The guy". It ain't the worst he's ever been referred to. Sometimes it's quite shocking how little respect people show him. As if he's not a human being just trying to get by and provide for his family but a personal substances ATM dealing out addictions with malice and bad intentions. Being "the guy" really ain't so bad.

" Didn’t expect you to be so — “

“ So? “

“ Young. You’re like my age. I thought drug dealers were mean and scary and — old. “

He’s also heard this quite a few times before, less so now, but back when he first took over, people didn’t take him seriously at all. To be fair, he can’t blame them. They learned fast though, that he can do business just as well as people twice his age. Some people might not see it as something to be proud of but grandma always told him to find pride in what he does. Making money. Providing for his family.

“ Yeah, well you got a problem with that? “ he asks, eyebrows raised in question. He really doesn’t have time for this bullshit.

“ No I — sorry I didn’t mean it like that. I’m pleasantly surprised actually. Didn’t expect you to be this cute. Uh anyway, let’s go to Marco’s office, that’s where he left the money. “

Cute? Now that’s a new one. Sure, there’s always at least one drunk girl at a party trying to get a discount by offering him — something in return. But they are drunk and horny and out for a price cut. It ain’t serious. Fez isn’t blind. He knows he’s not the kind of guy girls usually go for. Not compared to pretty-faced cover boys like Nate Jacobs.

He wonders if this girl is blind, crazy, or just trying to play him for a fool. Either way, he hates that it makes him blush.

“ Yeah alright, lead the way. “

She untangled the red boxing wraps from around her fists exposing the colorful bruised knuckles of her right hand.

"Fuck, man. That's some bruises you got there."

She shrugs her shoulders nonchalantly as she curls and uncurls her fingers into a fist and back. She winces slightly before quickly making the expression with a fake smile.

Fez is good at reading people. It's part of his job. Every move. Every little expression or gesture, he notices. He analyzes.

"Oh, it's not so bad. You should see the other guy," she jokes before a serious expression takes over her features " but don't tell Marco you saw me boxing. He wants me to take it easy. "

"Then why don't you?"

" 'cause he's just being ridiculous. It's really not that bad." She exclaims as she plops down onto the dingy fake leather rolling chair with the stuffing coming out that sits in the middle of Marco's office.

Fez's eyes travel back down towards her hand. The bruise has all the colors of the rainbow. Blue and purple and red and green and yellow. It's a kaleidoscope of pain.

"Ice that shit," he said and nods towards her hand as she gently hands him the roll of dollar bills.

"Okay dad, I will. You sound like Marco."

Fez can't help but let a small smirk pull the corner of his lips upward as he drops the plastic bag on the desk.

"You mind if I check?" He asks her, waving the roll of bills. "You can check too."

"I wouldn't even know what to check for. I might've taken over a lot of Marco's vices but drugs ain't one of them."

" 's just weed and coke. He doesn't want anything else at his club."

She chuckles slightly as she grabs the bag and stores it in one of the lockable desk drawers. "Yeah, he doesn't want his guys to do any drugs. Meanwhile, he's snorting lines in his office. Always such a do as I say, not as I do kinda dude."

She says it not with malice but with unwavering fondness. The way you talk about an old friend. One whose faults and shortcomings you know like your own but you accept them because they are what makes them, well - them.

"He said you're family," Fez mentions as he counts the money.

" Yah. He dated my mom for a few years. Was the best of her boyfriends. Taught me how to stand up for myself and not take shit from no one. Made sure we always had food and everything. He's the closest to a dad I ever had."

Dads, Fez thinks, are fucking overrated anyway. His sure as hell didn't even deserve being called a dad. Never showed up when he was needed. Wrapped his love in a fist. Bruised cheeks where there should've been kisses.

He tries to be better. Do better. He's no dad but he's the only man Ash has in his life. He hopes he can be worthy.

"So you my age, how come I never saw you before?"

"Was in juvie for a while."

At that, his eyes snap up to meet hers. "Word?"

"Nah, I was a fucking nerd in high school and I got offered a scholarship to study abroad for 2 years at a gifted program. Then afterward I went to university but I fucking hated it. Now I'm back and working here for Marco. I want to start working with teens. Think it helped me stay on a good path, maybe I can help someone else."

"You any good?" Fez asks, a laugh swinging along with his words.

"Yeah dude, I'm real good."

"Your knuckles say otherwise."

"That's - a different story. Didn't use my head in that fight. "

He wants to know more. Wants to know what happened. Something about this girl has him mesmerized.

"Used your knuckles though. I can see that."

The money is all good. He's counted twice now. He could leave but he doesn't really want to. Something keeps him here. Something about her makes him want to stay around.

"Guess you could say that."

"So, you comin' to the party tonight?"

The words are out of his mouth before his brain really comprehends them. Sometimes his lips are so much faster than his head.

"There's a party."

"There's always a party. 'specially on new years eve."

"Are you gonna be there?"

There's a twinkle in her eyes. A challenge. A request. A glimmer of hope. Excitement maybe.

" Mmh. For sure. Gotta work."

"At the party?"

"Well yeah, I -"

"Oh shit, I forgot. Sorry, stupid question."

She seems almost shy as she realizes what his work at the party entails. He thinks she's so fucking cute.

"Nah, you good. You gonna be there?"

She bites her lip in consideration. Red and flushed. He wants to taste them, taste her. So fucking badly. Get yourself together, man. What are you? A horny 14-year-old?

(Y/N) grabs her phone from the desk and holds it out towards him. " Here, text yourself so you have my number. Then you can let me know where and when tonight."

And when she smiles at him he thinks maybe this will be the first time in a long time that he goes to a party not just for business but for pleasure.

He texts himself a smiley face.

" 'ight. Here you go. Guess I'll be seeing you tonight."

"Guess you will."

When she says those words, she underlines them by biting her lip. He's not sure if it's meant to be suggestive. He likes it either way.

Heavy steps take him out of the office and towards the gate leading out into the open and just before his hand meets the door handle to push open the heavy iron door, she calls out his name.

It’s quiet, music playing so low it hardly floods the entire boxing club, making her voice echo through the halls and sound even louder.

“ Yeah? “ he asks, eyebrows raised in confusion. Ain’t nothing wrong with the product, he counted and weighed and packed it himself. He knows that for certain. There’s not a lot that Fez is proud of and quite honestly he doesn’t know if this one counts, but he’s good at his job, meticulous, and attentive. He wants to take pride in that even if a lot of people might disagree. “ Something wrong with the merch?"

"Merch is fine. I'm gonna go take a shower, thought maybe you want to join me?"

He's not sure how long he's standing there, not saying anything. His dick for sure is screaming at him to fucking go for it. His brain though has some kind of short circuit or something. Pretty girls like her don't go around asking boys like him questions like this one.

And then she lets a giggle fall from her lips and breaks the spell.

"You can close your mouth, babe. It was just a joke. I'll see you tonight, okay?"

He just nods and leaves through the front door, the midday sun smacking his face and pulling him back down to earth.

What the actual fuck was that?

The moment she walks in, eyes latch onto her and follow her around as she pushes through the crowd of sweaty, drunk teenagers.

She's wearing ripped Jean's, heeled boots, and a sparkly top partially covered by a jacket. She looks like she could break and heal you all at the same time. And Fez is sure he wouldn't fucking mind her doing either of those things to him.

"Wassup, million-dollar baby. How you doin'?"

She grants him a radiating smile before dropping down on the couch next to him and wiggling her plastic cup in the air.

"Pretty good. They got some expensive ass vodka here. How about you, Heisenberg?"

He smirks at the nickname. There's something about this girl that makes him feel like they've been friends for years.

"Yeah I'm good," he replies, holding out his smoke to her which she declines with a little shake of her head.

"You don't smoke?"

"I do sometimes. Just not feeling it right now."

"Alright Rocky, just lemme know when you change your mind."

She laughs at the nickname then agrees.

"Okay will do. Now tell me about your friends here."

As she gestures around the room, Fez regards the crowd. He knows a lot of these people and he knows even more about these people, whether they want him to know or not. People tell him all kinds of shit about everyone and everything. Does he care? No, not really. But people seem to lose any kind of filter they had when they come to buy their shit at his store and rope him into a conversation he doesn't fucking care for.

"None of them are really my friends. Except for Lexi and Rue but I don't see them around right now."

"Who's the tall guy?" She asks, nodding her head towards Nate Jacobs who's leaning against the kitchen counter in a heated argument with Maddy, as always.

"His name is Nate. Don't get caught up in his mess though."

"Why? He that bad?"

"He's a fucking asshole."

Fez can feel the red hot anger bubble up inside of him again. The feeling of dread and anxiety he felt when they got raided. The constant worry about Rue and her friends. All thanks to this bitch who calls himself a man. Pathetic.

His hands are twitching with the images of what's to come. He ain't here solely for work and play. He's also here to settle a score. Pay back some.

"Oh no, don't worry. He's too tall for my taste and I'm not looking to get with any High Schoolers anyway. And he seems pretty locked up to me. That girl he's arguing with, she's his girlfriend, isn't she?"

Fez exhales through his nose at her question. There's something comical about Nate and Maddy, if the whole thing wasn't so sad and toxic.

"Who knows. Sometimes she is. Sometimes she's not. I 'ont keep up with them. But between us, she the only one at this whole party that scares me. Girl is ruthless."

"Maybe she's just frustrated with the way he's treating her. Boy looks like he demands a blowjob every time they fuck and then doesn't kiss her afterward because he's disgusted."

"Yooo, who does that."

Her laughter is half-hidden by her plastic cup as she takes a sip from her drink. "Oh, you'd be surprised."

"You know guys like that?"

"I've blown guys like that."

"Yo, you hanging out with the wrong kinda men then."

He rests his head on the back of the couch and turns slowly towards her only to be greeted by her eyes already on him. A small smile is playing on her lips and fuuuck, he wants to kiss her so badly.

"Mmh. I'm trying to change that."

Her words are low and breathy, almost whispers but not quite. And for a second it feels like they are the only two people at this god damn party.

"That one of your resolutions for the new year?"

"Maybe. You got some?"

"A few," he shrugs.

"Which are?"

"Now, if I tell you they won't be coming true."

"They're resolutions Fez, not wishes."

He likes making her laugh, he decides right then. Maybe that can be added to his list of resolutions. Make her laugh more often.

"Okay but if I tell you and I don't stick to 'em, you can call me out on it. If I keep 'em a secret, I only have to answer to myself."

She's quiet for a moment. Contemplating.

"Hmm. Yeah, that makes sense in a weird way."

As they're about to fall back into conversation, a girl steps up to stand by the couch. She has her hair intricately braided around her head and she's wearing some kind of polka dot print shirt. She looks like a fairy, (Y/N) thinks. Though her demeanor doesn't give any sign of joy. Her arms are crossed, her eyebrows furrowed in worry. She reminds her a little of Tinkerbell when she's angry.

"Have you guys seen Cassie?"

Her words come out frantic and quick. Like a plea. "We got in a fight and she got out of the car and now I can't find her."

"Nah, sorry Lexi. Haven't seen her all night. Didn't come around to buy nothin'." Fez replies in his signature slow drawl.

"I don't even know who Cassie is. What's she look like?" (Y/N) asks the worried pixie-like girl.

"Blond. Short blue dress."

Sadly shaking her head (Y/N) has to disappoint. "Don't think I've seen her. But I'll keep an eye out. Promise"

With a rushed "thank you" Lexi excused herself from the conversation leaving Fez and (Y/N) in their shared comfort once again.

"So that was Lexi. You said she's your friend!"

"She is. She's cool."

Her eyes wander towards the rip in her jeans that she's nervously picking at as the next words fall from her lips.

"She like a friend friend — or a girlfriend?"

Fez lets out a soft chuckle as the air around the fills with the smoke escaping his lips.

"She a friend friend. Why you care? If you wanna know if I'm single or something, you can just ask me."

"Are you?"

There's a challenge in her eyes and while he usually doesn't really care all too much about the chase, there's something about this girl that makes him question everything he ever thought he knew about himself.

"Why you askin'? You interested?"

"Just like to make sure I'm not flirting with a man who's taken."

His heart does a little flutter when she says that and for a second he feels 12 years old again, like having his first-ever crush. Ridiculous.

"You flirting with me?"

"My guy, I've been flirting with you since you stepped into the boxing hall."

He smiles around the blunt, smile escaping from between his lips. He likes girls who go for what they want, who tell him outright. He's never been one for games and hanging out at high school parties just made it even more clear to him that those are not the kind of toxic and manipulative relationships he wants to maintain.

"That's good to know.'

"Mmmh. Hey, it's almost midnight. You got anyone in mind to share a new years kiss with?"

He wants to kiss her. Everything inside him screams at him to abandon the plan. To say fuck it and kiss her instead.

Then he catches eight of Ash as he maneuvers his way through the crowd, doing his part. Doing what Fez told him to do. It would be a huge asshole move to let him hanging and not stick to his own side of the plan. And for a girl too.

Fez's eyes survey the room before stopping on exactly the face he's been looking for. Nate leans against the half wall separating the kitchen and the vast living room. He's got a cup in hand and that damn smirk on his face that makes Fez's hand curl into a fist. This has been a long fucking time coming

"Yo, (Y/N). Listen, I don't want tonight to end yet but I gotta do some shit. Shit that ain't nice. My bro is waiting in our car outside, you feel like hanging out at my place after I deal with — business?"

She looks at him with eyes bursting with curiosity.

"You want me to come home with you?"

"If you wanna."

She thinks for a moment before a smirk takes over her lips "sure."

He can't help but reciprocate the smile. There's something about this girl that makes his stomach do weird tingly things. He's not sure if it's something more or if he's just really horny. Maybe both.

After he explained which car is his and what to tell Ash, she grabs her stuff and turns back to face him. In a move that makes Fez's inside implode with all kinds of joy and goodness, she tangles her fingers in his sweater and pulls him closer.

Her lips are so close to his ear, he can feel her breath against his skin, and god, he wishes they were this close in a completely different situation.

"Aim for the temple if you're after a quick knockout. The nose if you want him to suffer a bit longer."

Then she kisses his cheek and vanishes into the crowd leaving Fez dumbfounded and enchanted all at once.

"Was the bottle necessary?"

A stinging pain rushes through his hand as (Y/N) stitches up the cut. She tries to be as gentle as possible, biting her lip in concentration.

The way she stands between his legs as Fez is sitting comfortably on the kitchen table sends a shudder of electricity through him. Having her there feels good. It feels right.

"I got a flair for the dramatics," he murmurs, eyes trained on her face. On the way her eyebrows furrow when she focuses on the task at hand. On the tip of her tongue that peeks out from between her lips every once in a while. On the care and the warmth that's gleaming in her eyes.

He feels fidgety, nervous and excited, and overwhelmed.

"Yo, you gotta hold still for me to stitch you up," she scolds him slightly.

"Sorry. Just — feel like I gotta do shit, ya know?"

"I get it. That's the adrenaline still running through your system. Makes you wanna punch someone," she explains and lets his stitched-up hand go. Her arms wrap around his neck instead and, as if working on autopilot, Fez's hands find their place on her hips. Fuck, she's killing him.

"Or fuck someone."

The spark of mischief is back in her eyes and it feels magnetic. Addicting.

She gently takes his hand that's resting on her hip and moves it lower, placing it right on the soft curves of her gorgeous ass. Fez thinks he might be dying.

"Yo, you fucking bold. Ain't no beating around the bush, huh?"

It's not a judgment from his side, it's just an observation. He's not judging at all, if anything, he's fucking thrilled.

"Just trying to start the new year sticking to my resolution. Spend my time with nicer men."

She looks at him as if he's the best thing she's seen in all her life. He doesn't think he's deserving of that look. He takes it anyway.

"You think I'm a nice man?"

"The nicest man!"

And when she nuzzles her nose against his, he feels like someone grabbed him and pulled him into a cheesy rom-com or some pop love song. His gut feels tingly and his heart is beating twice as fast.

"I'm not in high school anymore, Fez. I don't wanna play games. I like you, and I think you're hot so I'm telling you what I want. If you just wanna hang out and watch a movie, that's fine too. Just letting you know. Ball's in your court … or corner if we wanna stay with the boxing terminology."

He lets out a breathy chuckle "how you so hot and then say shit like that?"

"I'm a woman of many talents."

"Yeah," he says and pulls away just enough to look into her eyes. "You wanna show 'em to me?"

She tastes like liquor and some kind of artificial honey chapstick. He thinks she tastes like heaven.

Her lips are soft and warm and when she lets her tongue touch his he thinks he might explode. With hunger and thirst for her. Body and soul.

"Yo, what the hell. Not on the kitchen table, c'mon guys."

As Ash's complaint echoes through the kitchen, they pull away, just slightly. Just enough to see the longing in each other's eyes.

"Yeah alright. Calm down, bro. We'll go to my room. Just — keep them headphones on full volume."

Her giggle sounds through the halls as Fez sweeps her up into his arms and Carrie's her towards his room. Just before he pushes the door closed with his foot, they both hear an aggravated "gross" being called out to them, making them both laugh against each other's lips.

————————

This wasn't his first time, but Fez really wasn't as much of a ladies' man as some people might believe him to be.

Yeah, his job comes with a lot of opportunities to be just that but it also comes with a horrible side effect of not being able to really trust anyone. And Fez really isn't out there looking to fuck girls he can't even trust.

The few times he's had sex were more out of curiosity and frustration than anything else.

It was a way to scratch an itch. To work off some energy. To get his mind off of things for a while. It was good, sure, but it was never like this.

Playful and silly and awkward and soft.

She gets tangled up in her own top as he tries to pull it over her head, leaving her with messed-up hair and the biggest grin on her face.

"Oh shit, ma. I'm sorry."

"No," she giggles and lets her forehead rest against his shoulder as she straddles him. " No, you good."

They're laughing and smiling and Fez has genuine fun even in the moments leading up to the actual sex. Something is different. Maybe this time it's because he's all in.

Body & Head & Heart.

And it's scary. To give all of you to a person you just met. But she makes him feel things. Things he can't explain. Things he doesn't know and doesn't understand fully.

Maybe, he thinks, maybe it's time to let himself feel this way though. For once he deserves something that is entirely his because he chose it. He chose to let himself feel. He chose her.

And she chose him back.

Not for any reason of guilt or responsibility or anything like that.

Just for who he is.

The nicest man.

He's not sure that's true. Quite honestly he doesn't think he's all that mice when he leaves hickeys and little bites all along her collarbone. When he kisses the soft flesh of her boobs. When he sucks her nipples between his lips.

It's definitely not a nice thing to literally rip her panties off of her body. But then when he kisses that spot behind her ears, thrusts into her with all the passion his body has to give, and she makes those sounds, he thinks maybe he is being a little nice.

His name falls from her lips like a hymn, like a motherfucking prayer.

And she looks so ethereal when he flips them over. When she's underneath him.

She looks like a goddess but she ain't. She's just a girl in the way he is just a boy.

Not the nicest of the best. No superlatives. Just a boy. Just Fez. And he thinks that might just be all he has to be for her.

She looks almost glowing in post-orgasmic bliss. Sweat is clinging to their bodies as she rests in his arms. She seems to fit perfectly.

Her fingers draw shapes on his skin, first his shoulder, then the side of his head.

"What happened?" She asks, her voice laced with concern as she trails her finger along the scar that runs across his head.

"Crowbar"

He has no problem talking about it, people are usually just afraid to ask. And if they do, they're usually not people worth sharing the story with.

Her eyes grow wide in surprise. "For real"

"Yeah, was an accident though. Wrong place, wrong time kinda thing."

"That's rough, my guy." She says and places a kiss on his head, right above his scar. Maybe sometimes scars aren't meant to remind us of our wrongdoings. Maybe sometimes they're meant to be kissed.

He takes her hands from his head and kisses her bruised knuckles, gently and carefully.

"What happened?"

She considers her words for a moment, he can almost see the images flash behind her eyes. It's not a nice memory that much is for sure.

"One of mom's ex-boyfriends came by the house. Bad guy, very shitty guy. He used to push her around. Slap her sometimes. He's the reason Marco took me under his wing and taught me how to fight. I never had to stand up to him but this time I couldn't watch anymore. So I used all that I have learned. "

"Did he learn his lesson?"

"I broke his nose and gave him a gushing wound above his eyebrow so, I hope he did."

For a moment they linger in peaceful silence. Just let themselves be. Quiet and soft and comfortable.

"We all kinds of messed up."

She laughs at his words. "You tell me."

"Maybe we can be messed up together. Cancel each other's messes out, ya know."

She kisses his head again. He could get used to this.

"Hey uh — I've been meaning to ask you. I know we started this thing all backwards but uh — would you like to go out with me sometimes. Like, I don't know, for dinner or something."

Her voice is timid, shy, almost unrecognizable and it makes him fall even harder.

It also makes him laugh

"Yo, you telling me you're all fine and shit when I rip your panties off and touch your whole body but asking me out to dinner is making you shy? "

"Stop laughing," she replies and slightly pushes against his shoulder though her words are laced with amusement.

"Sex is easy. This is hard. Being vulnerable and all that. Scares me a little."

Fez pulls her closer again, cradles her face in his hand, and kisses her lips. Once. Twice. Three times.

"Shit me too. But maybe it ain't so scary if we do it together, ya know. Got no idea about this kind of thing but I'm willing to try and I'm happy to learn. That sound good?"

She thinks for a moment then smiles.

"I guess I can try to be brave if you want to have me and I get to have you. Messes and all."

"For sure. I'm in your corner, baby. Messes and all."

Fez never believed much in fate though as he gets lost in (Y/N)'s sweet kisses, he thinks that he will be forever grateful to whatever higher power led him here. Made him step into that boxing gym for the first time. God or Karma or just his Grandma.

Whatever it was it brought him to exactly where he was always supposed to be.

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