#“I think her just pretends to be grumpy because he doesn’t want to let people know he cares.”

[mage-ical-character-person]

These are all So Important to me. Right now.

I’m just gonna put them here because I love them so much and probably ramble and gush in the tags okay? Okay!!

Unfortunately I can’t seem to find the Bo one except in this video (around 3:55)

Which is… unfortunate.

[nadvs]

bittersweet (one-shot)

pairing rafe cameron x female reader

rating explicit 18+

content warning alcohol use

summary rafe both loves and hates that you’re his sister’s best friend. he gets to see you all the time, but it’s a constant reminder of what he can’t have… until one night, when his jealousy takes over and he can’t keep himself from you any longer.

» masterlist

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Rafe wonders if you know that he can hear you. It’s just false hope, but maybe you’re trying to make him jealous.

You’re in the bathroom getting ready for tonight’s party with Sarah, your pretty laugh reverberating through him as if he’s right next to you.

But he’s not. He’s never been as close to you as he would like to be.

His bedroom is right next door, where he’s sitting in bed, wasting time scrolling on his phone, eavesdropping.

“You’re lying,” Sarah says.

“I’m dead serious,” you reply. “I’ll read it to you.”

Rafe overhears you reading out a text you got from your ex last night… he loves you, he misses you, he shouldn’t have ever broken up with you.

He remembers seeing you in tears a few weeks ago when you visited his sister. Admittedly, he lingered by Sarah’s closed door, hearing you sniffle through your words about how he had dumped you out of no where.

It made his blood boil knowing someone did that to you. But like always, he pretended like you have no effect on him, later passing you by in the hallway without a single word exchanged.

“Do you think you’ll get back together with him?” Sarah asks after you finish reading the message.

“No way,” you reply. This makes Rafe’s heart feel a little lighter. Until he hears your next words. “I hope that guy I was talking to last weekend shows up tonight.”

Rafe fucking hates hearing you talking about guys you like. His crush on you is too big to not let it rattle him. And tonight, he might have to watch you flirt with someone that’s not him in his own fucking house?

He can’t take it anymore, rushing to the bathroom to see you standing by the mirror, your makeup halfway done.

“Do you have to be so loud?” Rafe snaps.

The only way he can talk to you without throwing any flags up is by being a dick. And admittedly, it kind of feels good getting his sexual frustration over you out like this, even though it’s severely misguided.

Sarah only rolls her eyes, having fully resorted to ignoring him at this point, but you smile at him in that way that makes his heart jump.

“Okay, grumpy,” you laugh. You’re in baggy sweats and big t-shirt and still manage to look fucking stunning. “You’re one to talk.”

Rafe knows you’re referring to the many fights of his that you’ve witnessed, both with his family and with people at parties.

He hates that your smile and your teasing make him want you even more.

He scowls at you but before he steps away, his eyes linger on you a little longer than you think they should. Wishful thinking, you tell yourself. You gave up on the fantasy that Rafe will look at you as anything more than his sister’s annoying best friend a long time ago.

“Sorry,” Sarah says, apologizing on behalf of her brother like always.

“Don’t worry about it,” he hears you respond. “I know what he’s like.”

Rafe shuts his door. What he’s like. You don’t fucking know what he’s like at all.

If you knew that you’re his first thought in the morning and his last thought at night, you’d realize he’s so fucking grumpy because he doesn’t get to talk to you how he wants to. Or touch you how he wants to.

He’ll have to avoid you at his party tonight. He’s not interested in seeing you flirt with some jackass.

That night, Rafe is halfway into a beer, zoning out of the conversation his friends are having around him.

You’re on the other side of the room, arm linked with Sarah’s. You’ve changed out of your comfortable clothes, wearing a dress that leaves little to the imagination. Man, what he’d do to you if he had the chance.

But he knows he doesn’t. You’ve seen him at his worst. Who in their right mind would want him?

As you chat with Sarah, your eyes drift to Rafe every so often. You can’t help it.

There’s something about his presence that’s so magnetic and dominant. And why is it when he’s wearing his hat backwards like that, your stomach does somersaults?

You need to get your mind off of him. It’s never gonna happen.

Then your eyes land on your ex-boyfriend, who just entered the room.

Rafe watches your face drop and your eyes lose their light. You turn to look at Sarah, whispering something to her, then disappear into the crowd. When he realizes your idiot of an ex just showed up, it takes everything in him not to crush the solo cup he’s holding.

He told himself he’d avoid you. He needs to keep his own promise.

Later in the night, you’re filling up your cup at the keg when you hear a familiar voice behind you.

“Don’t hog it,” he says, a joking tone to his voice. You turn to see your ex standing behind you. You only furrow your brows, in disbelief that he thinks he can speak to you so casually.

You don’t respond and he awkwardly shuffles in place.

“Did you get my text?” he asks.

“I don’t want to talk to you,” you say. It’s been weeks, but being with him again brings it all back, the way he told you he doesn’t see a future with you anymore. Instead of sorrow, though, you just feel anger.

“Can you just… can you give me five minutes?” he asks.

“Leave me alone,” you tell him. Rafe appears behind your ex, his blue eyes fixed on you. He’s angry like he always is, his jaw clenched.

You figure he’s annoyed that you’re using the keg when he wants to top up his own drink.

“I don’t get why we can’t just-” he continues, but is interrupted.

“She said to leave her alone,” Rafe mutters. Your ex turns around to face him.

“Who the fuck are you?” he asks.

“This is my house.” Rafe has to duck to talk to him. The image stirs something in you. “Either stop bothering her or get the fuck out.”

Your ex turns to look at you, shaking his head in confusion.

“This your new boyfriend?” he asks, voice thick with envy.

“What? No,” you reply. The way you look almost appalled by the prospect makes Rafe feel like his heart is being wrung out.

You almost laugh. As if Rafe would want you.

Your ex turns to face Rafe again. In the tension of the moment, you feel a lump form in your throat. Anger from what your ex did to you. Embarrassment that he won’t leave you alone. Excitement that Rafe is defending you, followed by a sharp sadness that he’ll never see you the way you see him.

Rafe is about to swing at him. But then he sees the look on your face and his anger dissolves.

“Fuck off,” Rafe says sternly.

Your ex looks at you incredulously. You’re sure he knows Rafe would take him down in a second.

When he walks away, leaving you and Rafe just a foot apart, you flatten your lips as you look up at him.

“Thanks,” you say quietly. You never thought you’d thank him for anything.

Rafe’s eyes soften when he realizes your eyes are wet with the threat of tears. You feel mortified to be crying in front of him, so you leave your drink on the table behind you and brush past him, stalking upstairs to the same bathroom you did your makeup in.

Your hands grip the counter as you look at your reflection. You managed to swallow down your tears, determined to have a good night.

Three knocks thud against the door.

“Someone’s in here!” you say, weak voice echoing through the small room.

“It’s Rafe,” you hear.

Your heart leaps. What the hell could he have to say to you?

You swing open the door to meet his gaze. He’s wearing an expression you haven’t seen before.

Rafe can’t fucking take it anymore. He steps inside, shutting the door behind him, boxing you in between his body and the wall. His arms are crossed to keep himself from touching you.

“Why were you with him?” he demands.

“What?” you ask. He’s mad. Of course he’s mad. This is Rafe. Mad is his default setting.

“He’s obviously a fucking idiot,” he snaps. “And an asshole.” You’re not sure if this is some cruel display of annoyance, but you don’t have the patience for it.

Still, a part of you is buzzing to be alone with him.

“Why are you giving me shit right now?” you ask, pinching the bridge of your nose. He brings his hand up to yours, pushing it away from your face.

It’s the first time his skin has ever touched yours.

“Why were you with him?” Rafe repeats. He’s so close to you that you can smell him. His aroma is earthy, like a comforting campfire. But nothing about him is warm. Never has been.

“How do you even know…” you mumble in confusion. You realize you have no clue how he knows that the guy he almost fought downstairs was your ex. “You don’t know anything about the situation.”

“I heard you,” he says. “I heard you crying over him. Why were you with someone who said that shit to you?”

Rafe recalls the way you told his sister that your ex called you names during your last fight. It made him sick.

You freeze for a moment. He heard you? Why the hell would he care to listen?

“Well, sorry I was being loud,” you say, still a little bitter about how he talked to you earlier tonight even though you had laughed it off in front of him. “Can you just… give me a break? It’s been a shitty night. I don’t need you judging me on top of it.”

“God, that’s…” Rafe steps back, taking off his hat just to smooth his hair back and put it back on again. “I’m not judging you.”

“Then what are you doing?”

A few heavy, tense seconds pass between you. Rafe is looking down at you, at how pretty you are, at how badly you need to be appreciated.

Then he leans down to press his lips against yours.

You were wrong. Rafe does have warmth to him. He’s nothing but warmth right now. The way his hot mouth captures yours and the way his hands cradle your cheeks fill you with need and happiness and a whirling sensation of unsteadiness.

Is this actually happening?

Rafe’s whole body buzzes when you kiss him back, your hands hooking up around his arms, palms on his shoulder blades. He’s pressed up against you, deepening the kiss, his tongue running over yours.

He wasn’t annoyed. He was jealous. You feel dizzy from the revelation.

Your back is flush against the wall, Rafe’s body curved against yours. He bites on your bottom lip for a second, sending an arousing pinch of pain through you, as if he’s punishing you for making him yearn for you.

The contradiction between your mind and your body is jarring - you thought he was annoyed by you, but he’s kissing you like he was annoyed at the fact that he couldn’t kiss you before.

Tasting and touching you like this makes Rafe harden, and he perches his hips back, unsure if this is too much for you. When your hands slide down to roughly pull his hips back towards you, he doesn’t need any more signals. You want him just as bad and it makes every inch of his skin burn.

Rafe shifts back, forehead pressed against yours, unable to open his eyes for a second.

“I need…” His voice is hoarse. He can’t do it like this. Not with you against a wall in the bathroom. “Let’s go to my room.”

You nod and follow him, letting him lead you onto his bed.

Your eyelashes overlap as Rafe hovers over you in his dark room, kissing you again. Tucked away from the crowds and music downstairs, all you can hear is the sounds of your lips smacking together and his fast breaths.

You spread your knees apart so he can settle between your legs. Desire consumes you as he grinds his cock against you. The sensation awakens the need you’ve had for him for so long but always told yourself you’re not allowed to feel.

You can’t help but feel a gnawing fear that this is just a meaningless encounter to him. You’re not equipped to deal with being just a piece of ass to Rafe. Sex with him will change everything. It needs to be worth it.

You gently push against his chest and worry floods through Rafe that he did something to make you uncomfortable.

He’s looking down at you in the shadows of his bedroom, his breaths shallow and fast.

“We shouldn’t…” you begin, and he nods quickly, arms straightening to sit up. Shit. He fucked up by kissing you. He’s not worth the risk to you.

But again, you pull him back in, this time with your hands cupped on his shoulders.

“Rafe, wait,” you breathe. “I’m saying… we shouldn’t if you don’t…” You take a beat to gain some courage. “I like you. For real. I’m not doing this if I’m just a hook-up to you.”

Rafe didn’t realize how heavy his heart sat in his chest until he hears you say that. He looks at you with wonder.

“You’re not just a hook-up,” he says, as if it’s obvious to you. “I like you so fucking much. I have for so long.”

“You mean it?” you ask. You realize this man has the power to break your heart.

He kisses you like you’re so damn delicate, like you could break in a second. The way you just said that, the edge and fragility of your voice, makes him feel like the luckiest man alive. You feel it, too. It’s not just him.

“Yeah,” he whispers. “I mean it.”

Your lips meet again with even more heat this time. He grinds against you with more pressure than before, his erection hard and big.

The fact that you’re the reason he’s so turned on is unreal.

Rafe’s hands dip under the hemline of your dress, fingers ghosting over your thighs. You tilt your hips up off the bed to offer him the space to pull your dress up. He immediately takes the invitation, watching you in awe as the fabric slides over your chest, your shoulders, finally off your body.

His open mouth attaches to the flesh of your breast, kissing and sucking. He pulls the cup of your bra down to close his lips over your nipple. The sensation makes you tremble and moan.

Your pretty sounds are better than anything he has ever heard.

His tongue flicks and wriggles over your nipple, then he moves to your other breast, eager to give all of you the attention you deserve.

“Let me eat you out,” he stammers. “Please.”

“Yes,” you whisper.

For so long. He said that he’s liked you for so long. Your mind is rustling with excitement and disbelief, your thoughts tangling together as you think back to every time he looked at you. Every time he spoke to you.

It’s crazy to think you can now reframe all those memories, knowing what you know now.

Rafe pulls your panties down and wishes his lights weren’t off so he could see you better. But what he does see in the dimness confirms what he always knew - that every part of you is beautiful.

You feel his fingers spread you apart, the cool air pressing against your core. The image makes his stomach numb with infatuation.

“Fuck,” he says, nearly whining. “Fuck… I can’t tell you how many times I wished I could do this.”

“Me, too,” you admit breathlessly. “I never thought you… wanted me.”

“Of course I do,” he half-chuckles. He regrets ever making you feel like you’re not desirable. You’re perfect.

Rafe dips his head. You’re like sugar on his tongue. You gasp when he presses his mouth against your clit. He can’t believe how much arousal is pooling between your legs as he starts to lap at you.

“You’re so wet for me,” he praises, planting a kiss on your cunt. His tongue twists and curls and when it dips inside of you, you feel like you’re on another planet.

He readjusts his hands to spread you even wider, wanting to pamper every fucking inch of you.

You bunch his hat between your fingers and throw it off of him to feel his hair. You dreamed of touching his hair for so damn long. You can’t help but tug at his roots as he gifts you with the best feeling you’ve ever had.

The thick, wet sounds of him slurping fill you with bliss. His mouth is giving you so much damn pleasure, the same mouth that would snap at you and frown at you and make you wonder why he disliked you so much.

It was all an act. He wanted you just as badly as you wanted him.

You felt how big he is when he was grinding against you. You need him to fuck you. Now.

“Rafe,” you moan.

“Hmm?” he says, mouth still closed around your clit, sending a vibration through you.

“Get inside me,” you whisper. “I can’t wait anymore.”

His heart is thrumming with exhilaration. He still can’t believe that you want him.

He pulls off his t-shirt and unbuttons his jeans with such fever that you smile in endearment. He’s moving like you’ll change your mind or come to your senses or something.

He sits over you on his knees, holding his cock at the base. It’s big and curved so fucking perfectly that you start to ache for him even more.

This will change everything and you’re so glad it will.

Rafe slowly drops to rest on his elbow on top of you, his other hand guiding him into your soaked entrance. You shudder in near unison as he pushes into you slowly, every inch feeling better than the last.

“Damn,” he groans, unrestrained. “You feel so fucking good.”

“What you expected?” you ask, a small hint of insecurity in your tone.

“Baby,” he laughs. The nickname makes your body tingle. “Even better.”

He pulls back slowly, then buries into you again, a deep, languid exhale leaving his lips. He ducks to kiss you as he fucks you slowly and lovingly, stretching you out, your chests pressed together.

His pace begins to quicken, the curve of his cock hitting deep inside you so perfectly.

“Can I go harder?” he asks against your mouth.

“As hard as you can,” you request. He shudders as he pulls back and slams into you with all his force. Your body jolts, his bed squeaking.

“Be mine,” he says between thrusts. “I need you to be mine.”

“I am,” you say. “I always was.”

This sends him over the edge. He’s about to cum, but he needs to get you there first.

To your disappointment, he pulls out, but when his mouth is back on you and his fingers are scissoring into you, you lift your feet off the bed and throw your head back.

Your walls start to flutter around him as you cum and he quickly shifts to stuff his cock back into you so you’ll finish around him. He feels his gut tighten and he explodes into you with a string of oh, fuck’s, your pussy squeezing around him in pulses as he spasms through his orgasm.

Rafe loves the way your arms and legs are wrapped around him. He feels so needed by you. It’s like a drug.

He collapses on top of you, holding himself up the best he can so not to crush you.

You’re both sweaty and breathless and smiling. He dips his head to press his warm cheek against yours as you remain wrapped up in each other.

“So was I,” he mutters against your ear.

“What?” you breathe, your legs numb from pleasure.

“I was always yours, too,” he says. He kisses the side of your neck, wishing he could never leave this moment. You let out a sweet laugh, squeezing his big, hard body tighter.

He’s never going to make you doubt if he really likes you ever again. He’s sure of it. He silently vows it as he kisses your neck countless more times.

inspired by this anon! if you want notifications on when i post my fics, follow @xorafe-library and turn on notifications 💘

[tiredfox64]

Hellooo! First of all, I love your fics, especially Tomas's. They are very entertaining and the way you write is just great ^^

This is more of a question than a request, although you can develop it further if you want.

How would the linkuei trio react to a s/o who says "I hate men... except you"

It came to me out of nowhere and I thought it was funny 🙃

There Are Exceptions

Prior notes: Hehehe I throughly enjoyed writing this. Also I forgot to say this with other people’s requests who gave me compliments but thank you so much for liking my writing! (*´∀｀*)

Pairing: Lin Kuei Bros x Afab reader

Warnings ‼️: Men

Bi-Han

These dim witted, nitwit goobers who serve your husband are too much to handle. All they know how to do is punch and kick. They have no other survival instincts that can save their asses.

It’s so tiring being the one to try to help them with whatever. A woman can only do so much.

You tried teaching them how to sew only for them to say something stupid like it’s a woman’s hobby. Forget about cooking. You have never seen someone screw up scramble eggs so much that it doesn’t even form. How the fuck does it stay watery? And why are you the only one who knows how to fold clothes? Screw steaming out their wrinkles.

Your last straw today came in the nighttime when one of the clansmen came up to you and ask the most stupidest question you have ever heard.

“Uhm, some of the men were telling me that a woman’s period was when she peels her skin every month. Is that true? Cause if it is you hide it well.” This clueless assassin…oh goodness.

You just stared blankly at the young man. It had to be a joke, right? They can’t be that stupid. Actually, you don’t want to know if they are that stupid. You walked away briskly with one thing on your mind and you had to shout it out. The moment you walk into your bedroom you slammed the door shut and screamed,

“I hate men!”

Bi-Han was already in bed, waiting for you to come around. He stared at you with that grumpy expression he always has before folding his arms in front of his chest. A low grumble was being emitted by him.

How can you say you hate men when you are married to one? One that treats you like the queen you are considered you are the grandmaster’s wife. He is also one who pleasures you till you are fully satisfied. Course, it’s more like you have to go on until he is satisfied.

“…except you.”

“Mhm, that’s right. I should be the exception here. I am the grandmaster, I deserve your full respect.” Bi-Han reminded you of his role as if he doesn’t do so every day.

“And you are also my husband,” you walked up to him and placed a kiss on his forehead, “Now would you mind spooning me for tonight.”

“After that outburst, I am unsure if you deserve it.” Now he’s just being petty.

You pouted as you changed into your sleepwear. If Bi-Han looked for at least five seconds he would have caved. But he looked away immediately to prevent himself from changing his decision. You huffed as you slipped into bed. You went on your side and pretended like you didn’t care. You did because you always lost the idgaf war.

“Please, I love you.” You said over your shoulder.

Bi-Han let out a groan before turning over and wrapping his arms around your waist. Haha you win.

You may not like men but you love this man. You like this man because he’s your man.

Kuai Liang

Why does no one think of the logical answer to something?

You go out to the market all the time so you could help feed the Shirai Ryu. It helps lessen responsibilities for your husband. But even this simple task is made difficult and stupid because of some of the venders. More specifically the men.

You asked for watermelon and they hand you plastic containers with the funkiest bits of watermelon. They are discolored and are definitely past their ripeness. Yet they all tell you it’s fine. It’s not fine! It’s not good quality! Why even cut the watermelon in the first place you can do it yourself!

You want some mangos? Well you can’t fucking have any because they don’t got it. Oh what’s that? A BUNCH OF FUCKING MANGOS RIGHT BEHIND THEM! And they tell you that those are honey mangoes you didn’t specifically ask for those. They told you no because they thought you wanted Haden mangoes. Just give the woman a fucking mango!

You’re so over those male venders. They never even help you pack the carts up.

You’re too tired went you get back to the temple. You let everyone else pack the food away without helping out this time. You can’t be bothered. You take your shoes off, step into the temple, and sigh heavily.

“I hate men.” You groaned.

You didn’t realize Kuai Liang was coming up to you to greet you. You looked up and saw his face. He stared blankly with a bit of concern.

“…except you.”

You wanted to make it right so you ran up to him, giving him many kisses and hugging him.

“What has made you so hateful, my love? Did someone at the market bother you?” He asked with concern.

Kuai Liang was not at all mad at what you said. He found it odd which meant there was something wrong. His hands went up to check if maybe it was something physical. He would hate to find out you were hurt while out. What kind of husband would he be if he can’t protect his wife?

“Many people bothered me at the market today. Some people are unfortunate stupid.” You replied.

“Perhaps you can tell me all about it in bed. I’ll make you some tea to help with the stress.” He took your hands as you both walked to the bedroom.

Kuai Liang is the kind of man you need in your life. If only the men at the market had his intelligence. Though you do like being cared for when there is any sign of distress from you. It makes you feel like a princess.

Tomas

To help train the Earthrealm champions is like trying to train a seal, a kangaroo, a bison, and a Komodo dragon to leap at least a meter out of the water. One will succeed, another will jump but not reach it, another one won’t try to jump, and the other will be too busy trying to mate with you.

They are all nice in their own way but Johnny is the worst of them all. You tell him you are happily married and it’s in one ear and out the other. Just because his marriage failed doesn’t mean yours has to.

Kenshi is alright he just has stubborn. He believes it’s nerves that wins fights. If that were true why does he keep failing to you. And when he is not going against you he’s going after Johnny’s throat. You get it, Johnny won’t give back Sento. But now is not the time to bust his ass.

Kung Lao just gets on everyone’s nerves. You have never seen a bunch of monks ready to implode and strangle someone. Don’t forget that you almost lost your head because he flung his hat in the wrong direction. All you got back was a small ‘sorry’ before he took his hat and ran off.

And Raiden…he’s fine. He’s done no wrong.

Yet no matter what you always have to return and help the fools. You give and give and what do you receive? Hell!

You are exhausted when you return home. You don’t talk to anyone you just go straight to your bedroom. You let out a groan the whole time and when the door closes you let that groan become words.

“I hate men.”

Tomas was already waiting for you in the bedroom. He was walking up to you to hug you until he heard those words. He looked concerned and even a little sad.

Well he’s a man, do you hate him? Did he do something wrong? He hopes he didn’t, he doesn’t want an unhappy wife.

Your attitude immediately went away at the sight of Tomas.

“…except you.”

You ran into his arms and hugged him tight. You could never hate a man like Tomas. He is your husband after all. You picked a good one compared to all the other men that you have seen.

“I’m guessing they upset you again.” He asked.

You nodded. The day is already over you don’t feel like talking about every single stupid thing that they did. Tomas understood and hugged you tight.

“Do you want me to beat them up?” He whispered jokingly in your ear.

For once today you laughed. He always manages to bring a smile to your face. You wish you could let him but that would be a bad decision. Though it’s funny to think about. He was just happy to hear that wonderful laugh of yours. It just shows that he’s a good man to you. He can turn a frown upside down and make you see the good in men. Or at least the good in him.

After notes: Can you tell I got pissed off with Kuai Liang’s part? That shits a little too true. Those instacart tik toks be crazy. Here’s a little experience of when I hated men: one didn’t take no for an answer for YEARS. He still can’t take no even from other girls. But most of the men I know are good. Alright enough yip yap I must march on. Adiós!

[flippinpancakes64]

Could you do The Cullens x Reader! Who is just a very happy and cheerful person, pretty small, and then they just get sad or teary eyed when someone calls them childish, what would be their reaction?

The Cullens with a very happy but sensitive reader

I can definitely relate to the sensitive part, but I am rather large so we'll see how good I am at portraying that

Thank you for requesting and I hope you enjoy

Edward:

He doesn’t mind that you’re smaller than him

He actually kinda likes it

And he loves your personality

It’s so bright and nice

It’s a good change of pace to hear kind and clear thoughts as opposed to mean and rude ones

Now as far as when he hears people insulting you

He doesn’t let that shit fly

Especially when you come up to him later with tears in your eyes

He is anti-bully and pro-you

He will knock a bitch out

And he does his best to reassure you that he loves you for you and that he never wants you to change ever

Alice:

All things considered, you are like her clone

Small, cheerful, peppy

Only difference is that what other people say still gets to you

Granted, she’s had over 100 years to become desensitized

But she knows the feeling

Those people calling you childish have called her that too

She tells them to back off and watch themselves

As for you, she never wants you to change

You are so vibrant and lively and fun

And if those people ever got to you and you felt that you needed to try to change yourself, she shuts that down instantly

No changing yourself to fit into society for her

One order of being your own person please

Jasper:

He loves your personality so much

It’s canon that he tends to gravitate towards people who have a positive mind because it makes him feel better

And what better person than sunlight embodied

But when you come to the lunch table one day and you look like you’re about to cry, he is ready to fight

He doesn’t actually fight tho

He knows he won’t be able to hold back and he will end up killing someone

He loves you, but not enough to blow their whole cover and to reset all of his progress

He reassures you that he doesn’t think you’re childish

If anything, everybody else is just miserable

Rosalie:

Grumpy and sunshine relationship dynamic?

She likes to give you a hard time sometimes, pretending to be annoyed at how energetic you are

But in reality she loves it

She’s so used to Edward being miserable and everyone at school being miserable that she loves your personality

And she does fight someone

When you come over after school and look like you’re about to cry, she instantly takes her earrings out

She finds whoever said it and beats their ass

She will not let anyone upset you like that ever again

Emmett:

Your personality is a nice change from Rosalie’s

Not that he would admit that

But it’s nice to have someone who actually acts happy all the time

You’re his little ray of sunshine and he loves you

And when you come up to him about to cry, he gets ready to kill someone

And then he actually does

The guy deserved it idk

They can’t trace it back to him so it’s all ok

He reassures you as much as you need that he loves you and that he never wants you to change

Esme:

Another ray of sunshine

She’s so inviting and kind, you two match each other perfectly

Only she’s never really had to deal with anyone calling her childish

She’s of course had the random soccer mom asking her if she’s really qualified to be caring for a bunch of teenagers, but that’s it

So when you come home crying, she’s not too sure of what to do

She does her best to comfort you

Cue your favorite food, movie, and blanket

She spends the whole night cuddling with you and telling you that you are perfect exactly as you are

Carlisle:

He appreciates a nice, positive person

He deals with a lot of rude people at work, so it’s good to unwind

He has never once thought of you as childish in any way

One day you’re visiting him in the clinic and a random man says that you’re far too childish to be dating the doctor

He’s shocked

And you’re upset

He takes you back to his office to calm down and pages the secretary to kick that guy out

Reassures you that you are not childish and that he never wants you to change

Vampire! Bella:

She’s been around sunshine people for a long time

Her mom, Alice, Esme, and Edward when he gets what he wants

So your presence is nothing new

But she appreciates it nonetheless

She loves how you can find the good in everything

It balances out her bleak mindset

So when she sees someone insult you, she’s irate

She goes over to them and like stomps on their foot or something

And then tells them to never even look at you again

Ultimate bodyguard

[pandapetals]

Girls Night

professor logan howlett x professor fem!reader - established relationship (y'all married), cute, fluff, teasing, no y/n used, no reader description, your an english professor, logan is a history professor - imagine days of future past logan with the white streaks in his hair

You, Jean, Ororo and Rogue have a girls night out.

read on ao3 or find more parts for the series: here

"You sure Logan’s actually gonna let you go out tonight?" Jean asked with a teasing smirk, her eyebrow raised as she slipped on her jacket. The four of you were gathered in the entryway, getting ready for your long-awaited girls' night out.

You shot her a playful glare, pretending to be offended. "Excuse me, Jean, but you act like Logan controls me." You crossed your arms, tossing your hair dramatically over your shoulder. "He doesn’t let me do anything. I am a free woman."

Jean snorted, clearly not buying your performance. "Uh-huh. Right. It’s not like the last time we went out, he showed up at the bar because he was 'in the neighborhood,’" she said, making air quotes.

"Exactly!" you said, wagging your finger at her. "He just worries I’ll drink too much. Which is ridiculous, because I have amazing self-control." You paused, thinking about the last girls' night when you may have ordered four margaritas in quick succession. Okay, maybe three of them. And maybe you had texted Logan to pick you up because the world had started spinning slightly.

Ororo sighed dramatically, pulling on her coat as she entered the conversation. "Must be nice to have husbands who look after you." She gave a mock swoon, placing the back of her hand on her forehead in a theatrical pose. "Meanwhile, I have a cold bed to return to."

Rogue laughed as she grabbed her purse, shaking her head. "Oh, come on, 'Ro. Your cold bed and my lonely couch could be worse." She nudged you with her elbow. "At least we get to live vicariously through her romance novel life."

"Logan is not a romance novel," you said, though your cheeks flushed at the thought. He was more... action-adventure with occasional grumpy declarations of love. "And besides, I’m not even that tipsy when we go out."

The three of them exchanged a look—one that made you cross your arms defensively.

Rogue raised an eyebrow. "Honey, the last time, you were tipsy enough to challenge a guy twice your size to an arm-wrestling contest."

"To be fair," you replied with a grin, "I won."

"You won because Logan walked in, and the guy backed down immediately," Jean pointed out, rolling her eyes. "And Logan looked like he was two seconds away from dragging you out of the bar."

You shrugged, an innocent smile on your face. "Hey, I’m just saying... it’s not my fault people take one look at Logan and lose all their confidence."

Storm chuckled, slipping on her gloves. "I’ll give you that. Logan does have a way of keeping the peace. Or starting a brawl."

"Depends on the day," you added with a smirk. "And how many people have annoyed him by noon."

"Alright, ladies," Rogue said, grabbing her keys and swinging open the door. "Let’s get this show on the road before she has to call Logan for a rescue."

You shot her a look, ignoring their laughter as the four of you made your way out the door, the cool night air hitting your face. It was going to be a great night— no Logan rescues necessary.

Fast forward a few hours, and you had definitely lost count of the number of cocktails you’d consumed. The music at the bar was pulsing, your laughter blending with the beats as you leaned on Jean’s shoulder, grinning from ear to ear. "I’m fine, " you slurred, waving away her concern as you took another sip of your drink. "I’m not... not even that drunk."

Jean exchanged a look with Storm, who was sipping her own drink far more responsibly. "Mmhmm, sure," she said, though her tone was amused. "You know, if you want, I can text Logan to pick you up."

You blinked at her, suddenly wide-eyed, like she’d just suggested the most scandalous thing in the world. "Text Logan? Noooo, " you said, drawing out the word dramatically. "I’m an independent woman. I don’t need no man to rescue me!" You stumbled slightly as you tried to get off your barstool, nearly knocking over a stack of napkins. "Oops."

Storm laughed, shaking her head. "We should probably get you home before you cause more chaos."

"No, no, no!" you protested, holding up a finger. "I need to tell Logan somethin’. Somethin’ important."

"Oh no," Rogue said, looking equal parts entertained and concerned. "What kinda 'important' are we talking about?"

You waved them off, standing a little straighter, determination in your eyes despite your wobbly legs. "I need to tell him... that I love him."

Jean raised an eyebrow. "You are aware he already knows that, right? Since you two are, you know, married. "

"Yeah, but I haven’t told him enough lately," you insisted, your voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper, as if the world needed to hear this secret. "Logan needs to know. He needs to know how much I love him."

By the time you finally stumbled back to the mansion, helped along by your very amused friends, Logan was waiting for you in the dimly lit entryway. He was leaning against the wall, arms crossed, with a look of mild amusement and exasperation on his face as he watched you sway your way through the door.

"Hey," he drawled, his lips curving into a smirk. "Had a good time?"

You pointed at him, your finger wobbling in the air. "Logan!" you announced as if you’d just discovered him standing there. "I have somethin’ really, really important to tell you."

Jean stifled a laugh behind you, and Rogue elbowed her, both clearly entertained by the scene unfolding.

Logan pushed off the wall and took a step closer, his arms still crossed, though his eyes softened when he saw your flushed cheeks and glassy eyes. "Yeah? And what’s that, darlin’?"

You stumbled a little closer to him, grabbing onto his shirt for balance as you looked up at him, your face earnest. "I love you," you said, with the utmost seriousness. "Like, so much. You’re my favorite person. Did you know that?"

Logan’s smirk deepened, and his hand came up to steady you, his fingers brushing gently against your arm. "I had a feelin'," he murmured, his voice low and warm, full of affection.

"And you’re handsome," you added, your words slurring slightly as you poked his chest. "Like, really handsome. It’s a problem."

Logan chuckled, shaking his head. "Sounds like you had a few too many, sweetheart."

You shook your head, wobbling slightly. "Nope. Just enough to tell you the truth. The real truth. I love you." You pointed at him again, this time less wobbly. "And I’m glad you’re my husband. Very glad."

Logan’s eyes softened even more, and he pulled you gently into his arms, cradling you against his chest. "C’mon," he said quietly, his lips brushing the top of your head. "Let’s get you to bed."

You nodded against him, your eyelids already growing heavy. "Okay," you mumbled. "But just so you know... you’re my favorite."

Logan chuckled again, his voice low and full of warmth as he led you upstairs. "Yeah, darlin'. I know."

As he tucked you into bed, pulling the covers around you, you smiled sleepily up at him, the last of your words slipping out in a whisper. "I love you."

Logan leaned down, pressing a soft kiss to your forehead. "Love you too," he murmured, watching as you drifted off, the smile still lingering on your lips.

[auras-moonstone]

heyyy i love your ficsss so badly! i was wondering if you could do “you are in love” reader x (ethan or jack, doesn’t matter) where reader and ethan/jack slowly start falling in love, and just make small little moments where it shows how they slowly start developing feelings for each other, and it ends up in them kissing in a car or on a rooftop!! thank you so much!! i love ur fics, they make me believe in love all over again xx!!

that’s actually the cutest thing someone’s ever told me🥺 thank you so much, i hope you like it!

you are in love — ethan landry

word counter: 2.2k

pairing: ethan landry x fem!reader

summary: y/n moves to new york to be with her friends and meets ethan, with whom she connects instantly and they slowly start to fall for each other.

warnings: none! just fluff.

Y/N couldn’t believe she had let the group drag her to one of the places she hated the most—parties. The only reason why she accepted was because she had just moved to New York after years of living in another country, and she missed her friends. Especially when she heard the news about their attack and the death of Wes and Liv. She needed to be with them, so she transferred to Blackmore University.

“Can you at least pretend you’re enjoying yourself?” Mindy asked, trying not to laugh at the girl’s scowl.

“No, at least people will get the memo. I swear if one more frat boy offers me to go upstairs I’m starting something.”

“Hey, you wanna go upstairs?” a voice from behind her teased.

Y/N laughed as she turned around. “Hi, Chad. You’re the only frat boy I tolerate… most of the time.”

“I missed your grumpiness so bad.” he hugged her. “By the way, this is Ethan. Eth, this is Y/N, my best friend who just moved and our new roomie.”

Standing beside Chad was the tallest 20-year-old Y/N had ever seen. With perfect brown curls and magnetic brown eyes, he was also the most gorgeous guy Y/N had ever met.

Very aware of the pretty girl’s intense eyes on him, Ethan blushed. In an act of nervousness, he foolishly extended his hand. “Nice to meet you.”

Y/N looked down at his hand and with a smile, she shook it. “Nice to meet you, too. I heard a lot about you. Chad is kinda in love.”

He truly spoke a lot about him, and Y/N thought their bromance was everything.

“Damn right. He is my boy.” Chad squeezed his male best friend’s shoulder. “I think you two are going to get along great. You can bitch about parties together while the rest of the group have fun.”

“Have they been dragging you to a lot of parties?” she asked in a sympathetic tone.

“Sadly, yes.” the boy laughed. “It’s nice to know I won’t be miserable alone anymore.”

Y/N giggled. “Hey, thanks for letting me stay in your dorm, by the way. I know we don’t know each other, so I appreciate it.”

“No problem at all, really. Chad says you make the best coffee in the world, and coffee is practically what keeps me alive in college. So my reasons might not be selfless at all.”

“I share the sentiment, and I’ll gladly make you coffee anytime you want. I promise.”

“That’s a dangerous promise to make. I truly do drink a lot of coffee.”

“Trust me, she could make a run for your money. She hasn’t had coffee for like three hours and she’s already Grouchy Smurf.” Chad spoke, reminding the two teens that they weren’t alone. “I’m telling you, you’re going to get along great.”

“I believe it. Hell, I might just have replace you already.” Y/N exchanged a smile with Ethan.

Chad rolled his eyes and scoffed, acting annoyed. Truth was, ever since he had met Ethan, the only thing he could think was what a perfect match he would be for Y/N. Sam and Tara could see it too, but Mindy thought Y/N was way out of his league.

“Whatever, you two party poopers can hide in the corner. I’m going to party.” the boy said, leaving them alone.

Time flew too fast, which was unusual considering they were at a party, but between getting to know each other and light-hearted jokes, they realized almost three hours had passed and together they decided to call it a night.

“Sorry I wasn’t here this afternoon to welcome you. I lost track of time at the library.” Ethan said once they entered their dorm.

“Don’t worry about it. We didn’t do much anyways, they just helped me unpack and then I took the most awesome nap.”

Ethan smiled. “Yeah, you look way too energetic.”

“And you look like you’re two seconds away from collapsing on the spot.” she laughed. “Go rest.”

“Are you going to bed?”

“I’ll probably make some tea and read for a while, I’m not tired.”

“I can keep you company.” he offered. Y/N smiled, he was trying hard to keep his eyes open yet he was still there making sure she didn’t feel alone.

“No, it’s okay. You look very tired and I don’t mind some alone time, really. Thanks, tho. You’re very sweet. “

“Fine, but if you need anything wake me up. I’m serious.”

“Okay, thanks. Good night, Ethan.”

Ethan yawned and mumbled a quick “Night, Y/N/N. It’s was nice to meet you.”

It was a Sunday morning and Y/N woke up in a good mood, so she decided to make breakfast for Ethan and her. Starting with the coffee Ethan had become obsessed with ever since the first time she made it for him, and then she tried to make toasts. Keyword: tried.

“Fuck, fuck, fuck.” she cursed, taking the burnt toasts out of the toaster. “Idiot!”

“Well, good morning to you too.” a sarcastic raspy voice said from the other side of the stool.

Y/N turned around to face the curly-haired boy. “Sorry, Eth. Good morning. I tried to make us toasts but I burnt them.”

Ethan smiled and walked towards her. “Thank you, you didn’t have to. Let me do it, you already did coffee.”

Their shoulders brushed and they stood still, looking at each other in shock. The moment lasted for only a second, but it was a meaningful one. Just one look and a small touch, but they felt enough.

It had been a month since Y/N moved in with the two boys and met the rest of the group. And even though she had built a nice friendship with Anika and Quinn, it was safe to say that Ethan was the one she had connected the most with.

“So, what are your plans for today? Chad already left for the gym and then he’s going to Tara’s.”

“I honestly don’t feel like going out, so maybe I’ll stay in, watch some movies.” Ethan shrugged, giving her a cup of coffee.

“Do you mind some company? I don’t feel like going out either”

Ethan smiled widely. “Of course. What’s your favorite genre?”

“Slashers, horror, suspense… anything gory.”

“Fuck yes. I finally have someone to watch horror movies with.” the boy smiled like a little kid.

“What are you talking about? Mindy’s really into them.” she frowned.

Ethan grimaced and let out a chuckle. “Mindy kinda hates me.”

“What? Why? Are you sure?” she asked, completely taken aback. Mindy sure was a peculiar human, but Ethan was so sweet and funny, there’s no way you could not like him.

“Yup. Surprised you haven’t noticed, she doesn’t hide it.”

“She’s a little distrustful, because of what happened last year.”

“I know. But that’s not it, she actually dislikes me. She says I have the profile of a killer, and I swear to God I feel the disgust on her eyes everytime I’m near. She says something mean about me whenever she can, and she bluntly said you’re too good to be my friend.”

Y/N’s jaw fell open and her heart hurt a little for him. “That’s a load of bullshit. I’m sorry, Ethan. That’s awful.”

“It’s alright. The rest of the group is cool with me, and Chad is already my best friend. I can take Mindy’s comments.”

“Well, you shouldn’t have to bear with them. I swear if she says something about you in front of me I—”

“You’re not going to say anything.” he cut her off. “I don’t want any tension, I’ll just keep on ignoring what she says.”

“Okay, then. I’m not saying anything.”

“Thanks.”

“If you’re present.” she finished. “If she talks about you when you’re not there, I’ll give her my piece of mind. And there’s nothing you can do to make me change my mind.”

“Stubborn woman.” he rolled his eyes.

Y/N gave him a toothy smile. “Proudly.”

Ethan felt like he had been given an electric shock. There was a parade going on inside his stomach, and his heart was beating as if he had ran the longest marathon.

But it was all Y/N and her protectiveness over him. They had known each other for a little over a month, and there she was, becoming his best friend and making him feel cared for and important.

There was one week left until finals, and the anxiety was in the air and printed on Y/N’s and Ethan’s faces. They were both sat on the couch—papers, notebooks and colourful markers sprawled around them—and talking to themselves under their breaths.

“That’s it, I’m out. I can’t stand the sight of you two.” Chad said, pocketing his phone as he stood up from his chair almost tripping over one of the empty cups of coffee on the floor.

“I’m so sorry we’re invested in having a future.” Y/N said sarcastically “If one day you need a doctor,” she pointed to herself and then at Ethan “or a lawyer, we’re definitely not going to be there.”

Chad raised his eyebrows, and bit his lip trying not to laugh. “Okay, whatever you say.” he raised his arms. “Good luck with this one, Ethan.”

“Ethan’s fine, he doesn’t get on my nerves. Unlike you.”

“Because you’re one and the same.”

“I smell jealousy there, Chad. Are you mad your boyfriend replaced you?” Y/N smirked.

“He didn’t replace me. I’m still his favourite, right, Eth?”

Ethan diverted his gaze. “I plead the fifth.”

“He doesn’t want to hurt your feelings, but the answer’s clearly yes.” Chad said to Y/N. “Goodbye.”

Once the door closed, the only sounds that could be heard in the living room were the turning of pages and some frustrated sighs. Ethan was the one who broke first, “Okay, let’s just stop. You’re going to get migraines and I can sense you’re about to burst out crying.”

“Thank fuck, I didn’t want to be the weak one and say it first.” Y/N said in relief, closing her textbook. “Want coffee?”

“Sure” Ethan said with a laugh.

“So…” Y/N started. They had sat on the balcony, with a cup of coffee, to admire the streets of New York at midnight.

“So…”

“Who’s your favorite? Chad or me?” she asked with a playful smile.

Ethan rolled his eyes and tugged her close, so her back was resting against his chest. They both closed their eyes and enjoyed each other’s presence.

Something they loved about their friendship was that there wasn’t any need to fill the silences. There wasn’t any awkwardness because they had learnt to communicate without words, they could read each other’s expressions and body language. Everyone in the group could see they had a unique bond.

Y/N and Ethan never had to say anything for the group to know something stronger was developing between them. Something more than a friendship. They could hear it in their silences, they could feel it on the way home from university—both would walk beside each other and absentmindedly brush their knuckles or lean against the other—, and they could definitely notice the way they looked at each other. Whether the other was looking or not, they were constantly searching for one another. They were falling in love, you could see it even with the lights out.

“Ethan?”

“Yes?”

“You’re my favourite, too.”

Ethan smiled and pressed a kiss to the top of her head. Y/N fell asleep listing to his heartbeats.

Things changed after than night. The two friends finally realized what the rest of the group had known for months—they were in love. And with the realization came the fears. Fear of rejection, of ruining a perfect friendship, fear of those feelings being one-sided. And so they spent days trying to push down those feelings until it became unbearable.

“There you are.” Y/N said with a smile once he found Ethan lying on the rooftop. Now that finals were over, the group decided to take a well-deserved vacations and rented a house on the beach. “Can I join you?”

“Always.” Ethan smiled patting the place beside him.

“What a view. Can we stay forever?” Y/N said in a content tone. The sun was setting, painting the sky with pretty shades of bright orange and soft pink, contrasting with the clear blue water of the sea.

I already get to see the prettiest view everyday, was Ethan’s immediate thought. But he couldn’t say that, so instead he went with, “I wish.”

Silence followed those words. This time, it wasn’t the comfortable peaceful one they were accustomed to. There was this loudness in Y/N’s strange expression, like she wanted to get something off her chest but she was overthinking it way too much.

“You can tell me anything, you know?” Ethan said softly.

Y/N looked into his eyes and moved her body closer to his. Ethan’s heart started beating in anticipation, something about that move made him hopeful.

“I just…” she paused. “You’re my best friend, Eth.” they were so close she might as well have whispered those words against his lips.

Ethan smiled and closed the distance painfully slow. If she was any other person, he might have had second thoughts, but not with Y/N. He could read her like his favourite book. “I’m in love with you.” he whispered when the kiss ended. Their foreheads were touching and their eyes were still closed.

“I’m in love with you, too.”

[valkyrieromanoff]

⚰️Pumpkin spice and everything nice: Sam Monroe x you (day 26 of 31)

synopsis: you and Sam work at the same coffee shop, when you decide to try the pumpkin latte, you end up trying something else.

warning: none, just fluffy

a/n:  Hello there, Sam's dialogue with the customer was totally inspired by that tiktok video of the barista with the customer talking about milk, also the songs are from the cure, , anyway, I hope you like it.

In an attempt to improve their son’s behavior, Sam Monroe’s parents decided it would be a good idea for him to work at the local coffee shop after school. Needless to say, Sam hated the idea. First, because he had no choice in the matter. His parents still made decisions for him like he was a child, and now they wanted him — the rebellious, grumpy teenager— working in customer service? It had to be a joke.

The worst part was the customers. There were always stressed people running late, demanding their drinks immediately. Or the anxious ones who hovered too close while he was making their order, as if that would magically speed things up. Once, a middle-aged woman complained about the milk he was using.

“I ordered my latte with almond milk,” she said, noticing him pouring whole milk into the cup.

Sam sighed, tugging one earphone out to hear her, his eyebrow already arched in irritation. “Did you say that when you ordered?”

“Yes,” she insisted, with an exasperated shake of her head.

“Well, then that’s not your order,” Sam said, his voice monotone as he went back to finishing someone else’s coffee.

That part was unbearable—the customers, the cleaning up before closing. Yet, there were upsides. The salary, for one. The money was his, no questions asked. He could spend it on whatever he wanted: black clothes, band records, eyeliner, or cigarettes. His parents didn’t ask, and he didn’t offer to tell them.

And then, there was you.  

You were the only other person around his age working at the shop. You both went to the same school, even shared some classes, but had never really spoken before this job. Now, since the other employees were all older, the two of you naturally gravitated towards each other. Conversations were easy—about music, teachers, the annoying regulars at the shop.

One late afternoon, while you were both cleaning tables after closing, Sam had his headphones in as usual. You approached him and said, “I didn’t peg you for a ‘Hot Hot Hot’ kind of guy.”

He looked at you, one brow raised, amused. “What kind of guy do I look like then?”

You bit your lip, pretending to think it over before replying, “I’d say more ‘Prayers for Rain.’ Or maybe ‘Out of This World.’”

That was the moment things shifted. From then on, work didn’t feel so tedious. Shifts went faster when you could talk and laugh with him. You'd occasionally get warnings from the manager for chatting too much, but neither of you cared. Sam’s sarcasm with the customers made you laugh, and you noticed the rare, small smile he reserved just for you.

One slow evening in late October, you both stood behind the counter, and you confessed, “You know, it’s my second year working here, and I’ve never tried the pumpkin latte.”

Sam shot you a glance as he steamed milk. “Pumpkin doesn’t go with coffee anyway,” he muttered.

“Have you ever been curious to try it, though?” you asked, tilting your head, pouting slightly.

He snorted. “I know what you're doing.”

You flashed him an innocent smile. “Let’s try it,” you urged.

For a moment, he hesitated, his eyes narrowing. Then he sighed, setting down the mug he was drying. “Fine. Let’s try this damn coffee.”

You grinned, bouncing a little on your feet, and quickly started preparing the latte as he locked the front doors and flipped the “Closed” sign. You poured the drink into a mug, added whipped cream, and sprinkled cinnamon on top.

Handing him the cup, you watched as he took a cautious sip. His brow furrowed slightly, considering the taste. You took your own sip, holding his gaze over the rim of your cup. The silence stretched between you, an unspoken tension.

“It’s... nice,” he finally said, but his tone was unsure, eyes still on you.

You wrinkled your nose. “It sucks.”

He laughed then, genuinely this time. “I wasn’t gonna say it, but since you brought it up...”

His laughter softened as you stepped closer, wiping the whipped cream from his lips with your thumb. He froze, swallowing hard, his eyes locked on yours. The air around you seemed to shift, heavy with something unsaid.

“It was dirty,” you murmured, suddenly aware of how intimate the moment felt. You looked away, a little embarrassed, your heart racing.

But Sam didn’t step back. Instead, his voice was quieter when he spoke again. “Maybe we should... try...”

You blinked up at him, confused. “The latte?”

He shifted awkwardly, rubbing the back of his neck, a rare shyness creeping into his posture. “No... I was flirting. I meant a kiss.”

Your breath caught. For a moment, neither of you moved, the world outside the coffee shop forgotten. Then, your lips curved into a soft smile. “That,” you whispered, “I’d like to try.”

You reached up, fingers threading through his dark hair as you closed the distance. His hand settled tentatively on your waist, pulling you closer as your lips met. The kiss was slow, tentative at first, like testing the waters. The sweet taste of cinnamon and pumpkin still lingered between you, but the latte was long forgotten.

Sam's grip tightened ever so slightly, his lips becoming bolder against yours as if he’d been waiting for this moment all along. Your heart raced, and the soft sound of his breathing matched your own. The kiss deepened, both of you losing track of time, of place—caught in the warmth of the moment.

When you finally pulled back, your lips tingled, the coffee shop feeling impossibly quiet. Sam’s thumb traced the side of your face, his eyes locked on yours.

“The latte sucked,” he said, his voice low, a smirk pulling at the corner of his mouth.

You laughed softly, your forehead resting against his. “But the kiss was perfect.”

[witchthewriter]

𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐛𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐥 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐝𝐞

(slightly different to the one bed trope - you’re already in a sort of established relationship. And this is the very first time you’re sharing a bed as a couple). 

⤷ gender neutral, ambiguous race, and any size reader. Requests are open, thank you for reading!  

a/n: tell me what you think about adding in the character photos, do we like it or not?? Because I can’t decide...

ᴹᵃˢᵗᵉʳˡᶤˢᵗ    

𝑺𝑭𝑾🌿  

𝐋𝐨𝐤𝐢

・You know his sly smile? Yeah... he did that ... a lot. 

・It wasn’t that he had somehow tricked you into staying over. No, no, if anything you imposed yourself onto him. 

・But his smug smile never left his lips, not for one goddamn second. 

・It made you weak at the knees, but your relationship had been built on this love/hate, back and forth, bantery thing. Where you sometimes pretend to ignore the others advances; but you both know you want each other so goddamn badly

・His sultry voice is like a siren’s song, you couldn’t help but go along with whatever he had to say. It was one of the things he loved to tease you about. Which drove you insane. 

・On certain days you’re able to ignore it, or give him a bit of his own medicine. But sometimes you just want so desperately to be near Loki

・There’s something about him that just makes you feel so many things at once. Annoyance, desire, anger, excitement. 

・For most people, it just stopped at annoyance and anger. But for you ... because Loki loved you, yes, loved you, he let you see a side to himself that no other ever had. 

・And when you said you were sleeping at his place because yours was compromised, he was elated. 

・Did he clean up his house, deep clean everything and change the bed sheets? Yes. 

・Surprise surprise, his bedroom was in black and green with hints of gold. His bed king size (obviously)

・By the time you got to Loki’s place it was dark outside, and he made you dinner. Trying your best not to scoff it down, you could feel the tension radiating off of him 

・Even though you weren’t tired, you followed Loki into the bedroom just because he wanted you to fall asleep beside him 

・As if he could tell you weren’t tired, he started to hum. A tune from his childhood that his mother would sing to him at night when he couldn’t sleep

・You rolled over onto his chest, your leg covering his. 

・The soft thump of his heartbeat made it so easy to relax. Loki’s hand slowly ran up and down your back, while the other held your own. 

・Loki is a night owl rather than a morning bird, so the next morning - he was very grumpy

𝐖𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐚

・So excited about it. She couldn’t wait to watch movies with you in bed, all cuddled up and cosy

・Wanda changed the sheets and pillow cases (even going out to buy new ones - in your favourite colour) and got a few extra pillows to make it cosier 

・Of course the majority of this was done using magic so it didn’t tire her out by the time you came over 

・Excited! Excited! Excited! 

・She wants to show you the room as soon as you walk in but doesn’t want to make a big deal of it at the same time?

・When you finally make it to the bedroom, you’re both a bit shy as to who slept on which side. 

     “On the count of three, we’ll say whichever side we want. Okay?” 

・You nodded and turns out you both wanted the other side. So it was easy sorted

・You both couldn’t stop talking, it was like a proper sleepover. And whenever you wanted a snack, Wanda would make it appear right before your eyes (perks of having a magical s/o)

・Her hands are constantly running through or over your hair

・Even though you’ve been in a relationship for a few months, she suddenly becomes very self-conscious and blushes at nearly everything you say 

・Likes when you initiate affection, especially hand holding or kissing

・The tv is on all night because you both fall asleep watching your favourite shows 

𝐁𝐮𝐜𝐤𝐲

・Awkward about it!!!

・Hasn’t been able to sleep in a bed for a long time. Usually he lays in his loungeroom, on the floor, the wall against his back. 

・Since you came along, he’s been staying on the lounge, feeling a bit more at ease whenever you’re near 

・When it was the first time for a proper sleepover, Bucky was ... so ... unsure of what to do. 

・He didn’t know if you wanted to sleep on the left or right, so he said you can pick

・He was fine with whatever decision you made. Bucky just wanted you to be comfortable

・And because Bucky isn’t used to the company at his place - he usually just shows up at yours. Because there’s something about your place; it warms him, makes him feel bright

・So when you get into Bucky’s barely used bed, he took off his arm and felt ... so vulnerable 

     “Hey, it’s okay,” you whispered in the dark, almost knowing what Bucky was thinking. 

・You fall asleep facing each other, your hand on his cheek, and his on your waist. 

・You didn’t know how long it took for either of you to fall asleep. But for Bucky... it was very quick. Something that hadn’t happened in ... well, since the 1940s. 

𝐍𝐚𝐭

・Outwardly confident, inside she was so sensitive about this 

・It’s the vulnerability for her. She doesn’t let people get this close, and yet here you are. In her home, seeing the real Nat. 

・She honestly didn’t think your relationship would go this far. But somehow you got past her defenses. YOU made her feel safe. Which was a nice change - and something that didn’t happen very often

・She was always the person who saved others, who was the one to protect. And now, to feel protected, it was an amazing sensation. 

・But it did take a long time for her to let you into her home. And then sleepovers would happen but rarely. Now they became more frequent - but she always took the couch. 

・You never challenged her on it, knowing that it was a big move to sleep in the same bed as someone. 

・Because as she explained before, she would have one night stands; but never at her place. 

・It would be a breach of security and put the other person at risk

・But having you here meant you had great power yourself, and no one wanted to fuck with you 

・So, finally. After all this time, she agreed to let you into her room, into her bed. Nothing sexual, only to sleep. 

・You let her make the moves, because you didn’t want to push her in any way possible. 

・But she led you upstairs and opened the door to a simple yet stylish room. A mixture of deep colours; maroon, emerald, deep blue. It had a royal essence to it. 

・And you walked in, admiring everything. Because a person’s room shows a person’s soul. 

・For a moment she just stood in the doorway, just admiring you. Nat was so overwhelmed with love

・When you were both ready for bed she turned off all the lights and got into bed

・You were automatically the big spoon

・Wrapping your arms around her, she let herself be cuddled. Which was also very new. 

・Cuddling was something that was foreign to Nat. Not having it in her childhood, or teenage years ... or adulthood. 

・She felt both overwhelming happiness and sadness for her younger self. And for one moment, she shed a tear

𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐯𝐞

・Very much the gentleman everyone thinks he is

・Even though you had been in a relationship, and for quite a while, it was the first time you guys were ready to share the bed (he wanted to take the relationship slow. He called it, ‘going steady’)

・Even after all this time together, he still insisited that he can sleep on the couch

   “Steve, we’re in a relationship. I think it’s okay if we sleep in the same bed.” 

“I just don’t want to make you feel pressured, or uncomfortable.” 

    “Do you think I would ever let someone make me feel pressured, or uncomfortable?” 

・One look at you - from anyone - and their answer would be a firm ‘no.’ There was a reason you were a high risk on every countries radar. 

・Who thought Steve liked the badass type?

・But when it came to him...well, Steve was your weak spot. 

・So, when you agreed to go steady, a lot of people were shocked. (Not Nat though, she knew you two were made for each other.) 

   “Okay, you got a point,” Steve replied, looking at you from across the couch. 

・Movie nights were a regular thing with you two. And this one was long awaited - you finally got to show him your favourite movie of all time. 

・When your eyes started to droop, and Steve couldn’t stop yawning, he took your hand and walked you to his bedroom. 

・It was immaculate. Everything was in its place, nothing was out of order, not even the pencils on his desk. He was the complete opposite to you. And yet, somehow you two worked. 

・After taking a shower (he let you go first and while he was in the bathroom, you couldn’t help but take a look around his room) 

・Steve came out with only a pair of pajama pants...no shirt. And you nearly gasped. Of course you had seen him without a shirt on plenty of times, but usually there was other people around 

・But now ... it was just you and him.

     “Ready to ... go to bed?” Steve said with a soft smile. 

𝐅𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐤

・A lot of ‘umming,’ and ‘ahhing,’ and moving things out of the way.

・He didn’t expect you to sleep over, but you were too tired to go home, so you asked if you could stay

・Frank was ecstatic, and offered to sleep on the couch (he just couldn’t wait to have someone else in the house. To make food for someone else; especially breakfast)

・You huffed a laugh and shook your head

   “Are we not ... you know ... together?” 

“Ha, yes, yes we are,” he replied gruffly, rubbing the back of his neck. 

・He knew this moment had to come, but he just didn’t know when. Frank did want to take the relationship slow, and you both agreed to do just that. 

・So at four months in, you thought it would be okay to have your first ... sleepover 

   “Here,” Frank had disappeared from the loungeroom for a few minutes, and you were wondering where the hell he had gone. 

・But he came back with a shirt and a pair of pajama pants

・Your neck felt red as you realised they were his clothes, but your heart fluttered because...once again he was thinking about you. That’s all Frank seemed to do - was think about you and what you needed

・Once you were both ready for bed (brushing your teeth & having a shower etc)

・He walked you into his room, where he had already made it spotless and pulled back the covers; waiting for you. 

   “I wasn’t sure which side you wanted, hell you can sleep in the middle if you want,” he chuckled and gave you a half-smile

𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭

・100% more awkward than Bucky

・You know all about his background, Marc and Konshu. So you aren’t afraid or taken aback when you see the ring of sand around his bed

・Although he doesn’t need to tape the door shut anymore

・And he said that if he does leave, then he’ll leave a note

・You’ve slept over a few times, but he’s always taken the couch in the other room

・But you thought this would be another step in your relationship and he agreed (you’re really transparent with each other. If you’re not comfortable with something, said person feels safe to say what is on their heart)

・The way each of you acted was so sweet. 

・He was tentative, gentle, even asking if you need a cup of tea or a hot water bottle. He really sees you as the best thing in his life, and he treats you with so much love. 

・When you both got settled; the silence felt defening. 

・But when Steven went to talk, you shushed him.

      “It’s okay not to talk, don’t feel like you have to.” 

・He nodded and you could only see because of the light coming in from the windows

・You rolled over and backed against Steven. He turned and nuzzled into your back, wrapping his arms around you. 

・Within 10 minutes you were asleep and within 20 so was Steven. 

・And when he woke up the next day ... he was in the exact same position

𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐫

・It was you who wanted to take your relationship a bit slower - not wanting to be another person that Thor kept for a short period of time before he had other things to do 

・But your relationship started strong and remained strong; to the surprise of both Thor and yourself 

・He’s very proud to call you his. You’re a brilliant person, and he thinks that you make him better

・So, he’s very ... proud that he gets to sleep beside you. 

・ When you entered his chambers, he ran and jumped on the bed, beckoning you to do the same 

・It creaks and for a second you’re scared it was going to break

・It wouldn’t be the first time that Thor had broken something 

・TAKES UP THE MAJORITY OF THE BED

・Lays side by side with you, like an excited kid on his first sleepover

・Asks you all these random questions and you’re so taken aback but go along with it 

    “Do you ever think about your destiny and why you were put on earth?” “Have you farted in public and blamed it on someone else?” “How many books have you read?” 

・And ends up being a blanket stealer; not meaning to though, he just moves around a lot in his sleep. So, he gets tangled in the blankets. 

・SNORES SNORES SNORES. You ended up asking if he had a medical condition... 

・Wants to cuddle with you but the next morning you woke up unable to breath because Thor was completely on top of you 

・Thor falls asleep very easily, and it takes a lot for him to wake up. But he is an early bird, unless he’s been drinking 

[chlobliviate]

Wolfstar Microfic - Stronger

Words: 627

@wolfstarmicrofic

This was written as a response to multiple people asking what Remus did in fourth year after the Moon-Grumpy fic (https://archiveofourown.org/works/58156276) but it can also be read as a stand alone!

🌙✨🌙✨🌙

The first time Remus tried firewhisky, he hated it. It was stronger than he expected, and within half an hour he was good and tipsy, and tipsy Remus liked to talk.

James, equally tipsy, found this fascinating. He was so used to Remus holding himself back. It was like getting to see a whole new side of him, and it was so endearing.

“What are we doing for Hogsmeade next week? I need to go to Honeydukes. Need.” Remus said, lying on his bed with his eyes closed. Pete had gone to throw up, and Sirius had been dared to sit on Marlene’s lap for fifteen minutes, half an hour ago.

“You not going with Em?” James was propped against his trunk, grinning.

Remus laughed softly, “No, I’m not.”

“Is she busy?” James asked. “Too busy for you?”

“Nah.” Remus paused, “We broke up.”

“You what?!” James yelled. “When did this happen?”

“About two hours ago.” Remus wanted to curl up into a ball, roll off the bed and roll away into the distance where James wasn’t about to interrogate him about his failed relationship.

“Moony! What the fuck?” James crawled across the room to sit next to Remus’ bed. “Are you alright?”

Remus shrugged, “Yeah, I think so. I didn’t see it coming, but I’m also… I don’t know. I thought I’d be more bothered.”

James studied his face, “So, what happened?”

“Oh, we just… drifted apart, I guess.” Remus wished he was having this conversation sober. It would be so much easier to lie sober.

“Well, that’s bullshit, because she was up here reading with you last night.” James continued to stare at him. “So what really happened?”

“She noticed something about me, and it bothered her. When she asked me about it, I didn’t deny it, so she broke up with me.”

“Is this— Moony did she— She dumped you because you’re a werewolf?”

Remus spluttered and sat up, “No, of course not! Jesus Christ, Prongs! She dumped me because I’m in love with Sirius.” James blinked at him, as the realisation of what he’d just said dawned on Remus’ face. “Oh. Oh no, no. Wait—”

“You are?” Remus didn’t know what he’d expected, but it wasn’t James looking at him like he’d just announced the birth of a child. He said nothing. “Moony?”

Remus nodded slowly, “I think so.”

“Since when?” James looked way too happy about this. Remus had so many regrets. He wondered if there was a nomadic tribe in Mongolia that would accept a werewolf. Probably not. They’d never trust a wolf around the sheep.

“Maybe since forever. I don’t really know.” Remus rolled his eyes as James let out an excited yelp. “It doesn’t bother you?”

“That you fancy Pads and not me?” James grinned, “Well, there’s no accounting for taste, mate.”

“Tosser.” He muttered, “No, that I’m … queer?”

“Oh, that? No, of course not.” James tried to stand up unsuccessfully.

“And you won’t tell him, right? You won’t tell anyone?”

“I reserve the right to tell this story on two occasions. When you start dating, and when I’m the best man at your wedding. The two of you have to duel to see who gets me.” James managed to hold onto the bedpost and was finally on his feet.

“When?”

“Pads could do a lot worse than you.” James shrugged. “And you could do a lot better than Pads.”

“Thank you?” Remus squinted at him. “Firewhisky is fucking lethal.”

At that moment, Sirius burst into the room with a purple hickey blooming on his neck. “Good evening!”

James looked at Remus sympathetically before turning to indulge Sirius in whatever bullshit he was about to announce. Remus sighed, back to pretending.

[sunlightmurdock]

Operation Apollo | 0.6 | Jake Seresin x Reader AU

Previous Chapter | Next Chapter | Masterlist

Synopsis: After a threat is made against her life, the President’s grown up daughter gets her security tripled. Her long term detail is about to retire and needs replacing, only — she isn’t the easiest to work with. Ex-Navy and current Secret Service, Jake Seresin is devoted to being the best at everything he does. He isn’t going to let a bratty little girl cost him this job.

Warnings: age gap, power imbalance, enemies to lovers, danger and angst + eventual smut

…

You’re under his skin and in his head.

Jake has been doing his best to keep this information to himself, but you see right through him.

It’s hard not to notice the way he distances himself from you for the rest of the week, allowing Allen to take the lead. Despite your best efforts, Jake manages to avoid you pretty successfully.

Allowing your conversations with him to be intercepted by assistants and media coordinators, making sure he’s never the one to walk you to your room at the end of the night — busying himself in every way that he can.

His efforts have made quite an impression too.

Your father has spent the week admiring how much of a hard worker Jake is — you know that if this plays out, Jake’ll be on the new president’s team next year.

But, on the flight back home, he doesn’t have anything to busy himself with, or anywhere to hide.

Jake isn’t at all surprised when you drop down into the seat in front of him. You smile and nudge his ankle with your foot, then pull your laptop from your bag and open it up.

He presses his tongue to his cheek and watches as your full attention remains on the screen.

“You aren’t gonna say anything?” He asks.

You glance up at him and smile. You’re taunting him and he knows it.

“I wouldn’t want to bother you, seems like you don’t want to talk.” You give a small shrug, pull your headphones out and set them over your ears. “I’m just going to watch a movie.”

Jake sits back in his chair.

The game continues. Him pretending that he isn’t ignoring you, you pretending not to notice. He busies himself with itineraries and schedules, making a mental note to call ahead to all of your appointments this week so that he can personally vet each establishment.

Every now and again, Jake catches you looking at him over the lid of the laptop. A soft smirk on your lips, knowing that you’re taunting him, loving every moment of the chase.

Jake glances up at you when you’re somewhere over Oklahoma, and he’s frozen in time, even when he’s traveling at 500 knots. His gaze lingers on that mischievous smirk on your lips for too long. It’s all too familiar.

It’s like you can tell. Like you see right through him, and you know exactly what he’s thinking. The next thing out of your mouth is just as taunting as all of those little glances, it’s just teasing, “Have you ever been in love, Jake?”

Jake’s heart stops in his chest. You catch it. You’ve heard from multiple people that you’ve got a future in the CIA with your sharp eye. It’s a split-second movement where Jake’s brows scrunch, just slightly.

He blinks and shakes his head at you, “No.”

You stare at him. He looks back down at the paperwork in front of him, just so that he doesn’t have to meet your gaze.

As far as Jake’s concerned, it’s the truth. He has never told someone that he loves them. That knowledge has made the past couple of years a lot easier. It’s easier to sleep at night when he tells himself that he didn’t love her, she didn’t love him. They were just friends.

It wasn’t his fault.

“Doesn’t surprise me,” You tease, already knowing full well that he’s lying. You kick your feet up, resting them between his legs on the chair. Jake glances down at your shoes, then back up at you, unimpressed. “Would take a pretty special lady to put up with your grumpiness.”

“Actually, before I took this job, I was a lot like you.” Jake tells you. It’s true. He’s been noticing it more and more these past few days. You’re so sure of yourself, and not because everyone around you says that you should be - just because you know that you’re strong and capable all by yourself.

Just like he was. He wishes he could knock some sense into you before you make his mistakes, but he doesn’t get paid to do that.

You scoff, “I’ll believe that when I see it, Mr. Sunshine.”

“Maybe I’d smile more if you made my job a little easier.” Jake answers back, parting his legs a little further. You shift in your seat, the toe of your shoe taps his thigh.

“Now, where’s the fun in that?” You smirk playfully, putting your headphones back over your ears and pressing play on the movie. Jake glances down at your feet between his legs and shakes his head.

Perhaps it was wishful thinking, but Jake was hoping that you would be tired after the trip. It was a full-on week, you’ve barely had time to rest at all. Allen knows better than to hope for such things.

This happens after every visit back home. Allen’s hypothesis is that there’s such a pressure on you to be perfect at home, not only for your father, but for all of America and the image they’ve created of you in their heads - that when you’re left to your own devices again, you go wild.

Every time. Like clockwork.

The moment your feet are on the tarmac, you’re trying to talk them into letting you go to a party in the hills. It’s walking distance from your place if you take a shortcut. Invitation only and your friend Blake has hired security, there really aren’t any risks.

“What if we just go for a couple of hours?”

Manny sighs, “Ask Jake.”

Jake shoots him a look as he pulls open the rear left side door of the SUV waiting for you, he’s not being the bad guy right now. “Ask Allen.”

Allen, standing by the passenger side door, stops and turns to look at you. Jake watches as you look up at him, pleading eyes and softened features. He rolls his eyes, there’s no way that cute little face would get him to fold and there’s no way it’s going to work on a man with over thirty years in the service.

“I’ll think about it.” Allen says gently.

Jake’s lips part slightly as you break into a grin. You step forwards and hug him tightly, pushing yourself up onto your tiptoes and kissing his cheek, “See, I knew there was a reason you were my favorite!” You say playfully.

Jake shakes his head and tugs the car door open. You detach from Allen and step under Jake’s arm, sliding into the backseat beside Manny. Allen shrugs his shoulders and steps into the passenger side. Jake rolls his eyes, walking around to the driver’s side.

This is exactly why Jake thought the decision to move your threat level down was a stupid decision. They give you an inch, you take a mile, you wind up dead.

“That’s a bad call and you know it.” Jake mutters under his breath. You’re in the middle of a discussion with Manny, he knows you aren’t listening to him. Allen turns his head and stares at Jake.

“It’s still my call.” Allen says firmly.

Jake’s itching to argue back. To turn his head and tell Allen that he’s an idiot, that he’s wrapped around your finger and that his shitty effort at keeping you safe is the entire reason Jake’s here.

Still, that isn’t a conversation for Jake to have here.

He waits for his moment. Once you’re all back at the house. You’re upstairs, Manny’s checking the surveillance over the past few days and calling the security team to make sure there were no issues.

Jake corners Allen in the kitchen. He tries to do it as politely as he can, just mentions that this party is a bad idea.

“I said I’d think about it! - Need I remind you that I kept her safe for seven years before you showed up?” Allen bites at Jake.

Jake squares his shoulders, “Need I remind you that someone got into this house on your watch?” He snaps. They aren’t supposed to talk about it. You aren’t allowed to know about it. But you aren’t here and this party is a bad idea.

“Is that your best attempt at keeping her safe, old timer?” Jake hisses. He’s pushing his luck and he knows it. Allen’s a legend in this business and a personal friend of the president, he could get Jake in a lot of trouble if he wanted to.

Allen remains silent.

“Because for me: if someone got into her room and left that note on her pillow, I’d be keeping a closer eye on her than you are.” Jake says calmly. Allen steps forwards into Jake’s personal space and points a finger into Jake’s toned chest.

Jake lifts his chin defiantly.

“I get it, you think you know it all. But you don’t know shit about this girl, and if you speak to me like that again, you little shit, I’ll-“

Jake hears you first. Allen’s hearing isn’t what it used to be. Jake’s head whips around at the sound of shoes on the hardwood floor. You round the corner into the kitchen, headphones on and oblivious.

You stop in place.

You look between the two of them. Both stand upright quickly and Allen drops his hands back down to his sides.

You take one side of the headphones off of your ear, then squint at the two of them. “…Everything okay?”

“Fine. Arguing about our teams.” Allen shrugs, crossing around to the other side of the counter. He squeezes your shoulder as he passes you, heading for the stairs.

You watch him go, then look back at Jake, brows furrowed.

“You okay?” You ask him tenderly. You can’t pretend you didn’t see the way Allen was poking him, the angry look on his face. Jake shakes his head and turns away from you.

“Peachy.” He mutters angrily.

You take the hint and turn back around, heading for your room. Manny spends the afternoon walking on eggshells around them. Allen makes no effort to hide the fact that Jake has pissed him off.

His care for you being called into question isn’t something he takes lightly. Allen has three daughters, all older than you are. They were your age once. Granted, he isn’t half as important as your father is, but Allen understands the need to keep his girls safe more than Jake ever will.

Holding them so tight that they can’t breathe isn’t what’s best for anyone.

Jake’s more under the radar with his anger.

He stands silently by the back door, texting his mother back. His nephew started walking this week. Jake didn’t used to get homesick like this, but since he became an uncle, he finds himself missing it more.

It takes his mind off of how much the rhythmic tapping of Allen’s knife against the cutting board pisses him off.

Jake doesn’t even notice you walking into the kitchen until you’re already talking. You aren’t addressing him, anyway. It doesn’t matter. He doesn’t bother to turn his head to look at you.

“Hey, I was thinking about that party later. Maybe-“

“I don’t think it’s a good idea.” Allen interrupts you. Jake lifts his head, turning to watch the way Allen won’t meet your gaze. You frown slightly and look over at Jake, knowing he had something to do with this.

“Wait, I was just going to say that I thought about it, and I have a plan. It’s going to be safe, I’ll be so careful, I swear.”

Jake almost scoffs. He remembers having similar conversations with his mother when he was a teenager. He has half a mind to turn around and tell you to grow up already.

If Jake was dumb enough to say that out loud, Manny is sitting at the counter ready to remind him that you didn’t get the opportunity to be a regular teenager. You’ve never made your own mistakes.

“No, not tonight, kiddo.” Allen says softly.

Jake slips his phone into his pocket and turns to watch the exchange. You frown, your heart sinking in your chest.

“Can’t you at least hear me ou-“

“Damn it, I said no!”

Jake’s brows raise slightly. He looks quickly between you and Allen, seeing that you’re just as shocked as he is.

“I know you’re not stupid, everyone keeps on telling me, so how about you use your head for once?”

Your lips part slightly. Even Jake knows that that was a little bit of an overreaction. Allen’s face doesn’t soften, he glares at you across the room. Manny winces.

They both know that coming from Allen, that stings. That man knows you better than your own father does. He’s been there for you more than your father has. It’s a hard truth to swallow, but deep down, you probably have learned to love him more than you love your father.

And he hasn’t yelled at you since you were a kid.

You swallow and turn, walking away from the three of them. Your door slams upstairs.

Allen turns his full attention towards Jake, still seething.

“Happy?” He mutters angrily.

“Of course I’m not happy, no one told you to make her cry!” Jake defends himself. Manny pinches the bridge if his nose. Allen presses his tongue to the inside of his cheek. He knows that it was harsh too.

But he also knows that Jake needed to see him be firm.

“Well, if she’s upstairs crying her eyes out, at least she’s where you can keep an eye on her, huh?” Allen bites back. He slams the knife down on the cutting board and leaves the kitchen without another word. His door is the next to slam. Manny winces at the sound.

Jake turns on his heel, leaving Manny alone in the kitchen. He walks up to the office and plants himself in the chair. He knows you well enough by now to know that you’re probably going to try to sneak out anyway.

He stews over the argument with Allen for about an hour. It’s ridiculous. The guy has medal after medal for his service, and he can’t even keep one girl in check.

Jake remembers reading the briefing and his blood running cold. The same chill fills him every time he thinks about it.

Allen and Manny were home. You were home. Someone managed to not only get onto the property, but to get into your room - without anyone noticing. There are two possible ways into your room, to make it up and onto the balcony, or to walk through the front door.

They had both been out by the pool with you all morning. That balcony overlooks the pool. Jake maintains that there’s absolutely no way someone could’ve made it up there, into your room, and back out without being spotted. Even with a team as incompetent as yours.

And then the note.

It’s lucky Allen was the one to find it. Well, that’s the general opinion. Jake’s opinion is that if you had found the note, maybe things would be better off. Sure, it would have been awful to find - but at least you wouldn’t be fighting him so much.

His blood boils. Green threat level. Bullshit.

His phone buzzes with a motion alert.

Jake’s brows furrow. He sits forwards in his seat and looks between his phone and the camera feed. Camera two went off, that’s the front gate. His eyes widen slightly.

You pass in front of the lens.

He sits upright, clicking on the three feeds that cover the exits to your room. One in the hallway outside of your door, two covering the balcony. Nothing at all. No movement out there for the past couple of hours, besides you heading into your room an hour ago.

There’s a blind spot. He installed those cameras three weeks ago, and there has been a blind spot the entire time. His mind races - how the fuck did you figure out where it was?

He doesn’t have time to think about that. He shoves up from the table and takes off. Manny looks up frowning as the front door slams behind Jake. He shakes his head and goes back to filling out his log.

Jake didn’t bother asking which way the short cut was. He stands outside of the front gate and looks left, then right, then curses. He pulls up the feed and rewinds - you went left three minutes ago.

Jake saw the stupid heels you went out in, he knows he can catch up to you. It’s just that there’s a part of his brain feeding him the worst scenario possible. He isn’t going to be late this time.

He catches sight of you in his peripheral, his head whipping around, his body following, taking a sharp left towards a dirt path between some hedges.

You yelp as he grabs a hold of you and spins you to face him, almost twisting your ankle, saved by his hands taking you with such force that there really isn’t much need for your feet to be on the ground at all. You steady yourself, eyes blown wide for a moment.

“Don’t.” You interrupt him before he can yell at you.

“Are you fucking kidding me? - This isn’t a game! Do you understand that?” Jake’s voice carries further out here in the open, you wince at the volume of it and shrink away from him.

“I’m not going back. I’d rather die than spend another year of my life locked inside.” You say quietly.

“Well you’re going the right way about it!” Jake snaps back.

You sigh, then swallow the lump in your throat. You refuse to cry this make up off.

“Please.”

“No! - No, I am not putting your life and my career on the line so that you can party.” Jake stands firm, his hands digging into your biceps. You stare back at him, equally sure about your decision.

You shake your head. “This isn’t just about a party.”

“I’m not doing this with you right now, bat your eyelashes all you want. Home, now.” Jake doesn’t even have his phone. His gun, his earpiece, it’s all back at the house. It’s just you and him.

“Jake. These people treat me like an animal in a zoo,” You tell him softly, lifting your chin. He frowns, not following. “It’s been that way for a long time, and I refuse to live my entire life being an exhibit. I’m going to this party. Either come or don’t - but I am not going back to that house.”

Jake opens his mouth to argue with you.

He remembers the headlines about you. You were in the papers pretty consistently for your father’s first term. He hears less about you these days. There’s a whole media team working on keeping bad press out of the headlines. They haven’t had much of a chance to protect your image.

He wonders how many parties you’ve ever even been invited to.

He wouldn’t have invited you when he was their age. No one in their right mind would. All of the security, the paparazzi, the damage it would do to their future if they were branded the ones that were a bad influence on America’s sweetheart.

“Now get your hands off of me,” You say calmly, looking down at his fingers pressing into your arms, Jake instinctively loosens his grip and drops his arms back down to his sides. “I’m going to live my life now.”

He falters for a moment, giving you time to turn and continue along the path.

Jake looks back in the direction he just came, then looks towards the direction you’re headed. “Fuck.”

…

@alanadetigy @thedroneranger @momc95 @basicchelsea @perpetuelledaydreaming @cherrycola27 @eviesaurusrex @xoxabs88xox @desert-fern @fuckyeahhangman @hotch-meeeeeuppppp @khaylin27 @cowboybarbie @the-mouse27 @someinsanefangirl @marchingicenotes7 @marantha @lgg5989 @herladyshipxx @chaoticweirdogeek @mak-32 @obiwankenobis-lap @diamond-3 @wolvesofthewinter

[theflyindutchwoman]

I have 3 things to talk about…

1. How nice it was to see Tim talk to the guys about his fight with Lucy. I’m literally shocked that he was so open with them! I love that he’s growing, opening up and confiding people that aren’t just Lucy and Angela (And Genny to an extent) he was so many friends now!

2. I am unable to move past how married™️ and sweet and domestic it is that Lucy calls tim to get the bugs at home 🥹 and how she suspected that he was just killing them but didn’t say anything and Tim was like pretending to set them outside even tho he wasn’t because he appreciates how empathic she is to even bugs 😭 I just can’t get over the idea that badass Lucy Chen is scared of bugs, well maybe not scared but whatevs, and makes her grumpy boyfriend take care of them but still insists he doesn’t just kill the scary bugs — do we think post Jackson death, pre-Chris she would call Tim over to handle the super big ones? Omg can you imagine? I’m dead

3. Can we talk about how the dance was like the biggest indicator we’ve ever had that these two are so FREAKIN TACTILE WITH EACH OTHER! Like it was kinda obvious before that their shared love language is touch, but I feel like you really, very clearly see that in the dance. And I just 😭 they love each other so much and just want to touch and snuggle and be with the other so much.

I am still very unwell. And I haven’t even processed the ILY’s fully yet so we’re not gonna go there 😂😂😂

Just when I thought I had recovered enough, you decide to send me this. This is a live footage of me right now :

. The 'bug scene' Listen, after the dance, this might be my favorite part of the episode. This scene was the cutest thing ever… and yes, it was peak married energy. Let's be real here : what is the point of having a boyfriend if it's not to have him take out the trash and deal with the bugs? (just kidding!). Seriously though… Lucy once said that she used to treat the coackroaches in her first apartment as pets (3.11 I think), so it's not like she is fundamentally scared of bugs. Neither is Tamara for that matter. She just wanted Tim to take care of them, in a very Lucy way. But the fact that she knew he was killing them all along but pretended not to know is perfect. Again, that is so her. And then, add the other layer to that scene. Out of all the questions she could have asked, she chose this one. I feel like it was her way of diffusing the tension, of making Tim more comfortable by asking such an innocent question, with no stake at all, before bringing up the real issue between them.

. Tim at the bachelor's party scene You have no idea how much I wish that part had been a little bit longer, so we could see more of the reactions. Still, I love how this scene was cut, with the back and forth between the two parties. How both of them needing to confide their frustrations to other people. And you're right, this is huge for Tim. At best, he would open up to Lucy (obv not an option here) or Angela. Maybe Genny. But certainly not someone like Randy who he barely knows and who can't keep a secret. Or even Aaron… His former aide. That's how much this relationship is important to him. It may have started as a way for him to vent but he also wanted to hear some advices. And he did listen to Randy's suggestion - of all people.

. The dance On the one hand, did anyone still have any doubt that these two are so tactile with one another? The undercover mission was all the confirmation we needed, really. But on the other hand… I didn't think it was possible for them to be even more tactile. It's somehow more intense, more intimate… It just shows how much they craved reassurance. They needed that touch to ground themselves. Lucy needed to play with his lapel and he needed to pull her in closer to him. And don't get me started on how she was playing with his hair or caressing his face. IN PUBLIC. There was no room for Jesus in that dance. She was looking at him the same way she did before 'naked times'… And where did they sneak off after that dance? 👀

[anonymityisfunwriter]

New to tumblr, please bear with me😭🙏 I love Bucky x sunshine fics and read them religiously on ao3! Wondering if u could do one where Peter/sunshine are hanging out a lot bc he feels safe with her/looks up to her. Bucky is craving sunshine’s attention so he flirts with sunshine but she just doesn’t really pick up on the ques, and the team is teasing them bc they’re all assuming she understands. Bucky progressively flirts more obviously to try to get her to notice but it’s not working.

Hi! Welcome to Tumblr, friend!

Thank you so much, I'm glad you're enjoying them. So for the flirting ones, I definitely have a few like that already, I can link them here:

From Friends To This, Snow Day, The Compound Conspiracy, 5 + 1 (Flirting Edition) (especially that one, Bucky really lays the flirting on thick), if none of those are exactly what you had in mind, just let me know, I'm always open to more ideas!

BUT THAT PETER ONE. OKAY. OKAY. You're not the only one that's asked for more Sunshine + Peter interactions and that it so cute. Love it. Absolutely love it.

I'm hoping to put Peter in some more one-shots, but here's a little drabble for you. I hope you enjoy and thank you so much for the ask.

Advice

"Can I ask you for your advice?"

Peter's voice comes from the other side of the common room where he'd been working on homework. It was a common enough occurrence. Today, it was just you and Peter, but there were plenty of times that MJ and Ned also joined him.

You look around the room to find no one else besides you and Peter. You turn back to him pointing at yourself, "You're asking me?"

"Yeah."

"Er... I don't think I'm supposed to be giving advice. That's Steve and Sam territory."

"Nah," Peter disagrees. "I want to hear what you think. Besides if I ask them, Steve'll start calling me 'son' again, and Sam's still pretending I'm invisible."

"Again?" you sigh, shaking your head. Peter wordlessly nods. You dismissively wave your hand, "Don't worry about it, I'll talk to Sam."

"Wait, that wasn't what I needed your advice on! Please?"

"Oh.. sure!" you shrug.

"Well, I guess, I'm sorta having a hard time with the superhero thing. Sam told me that you've never, you know," Peter hesitates, tugging at his collar as an insinuation. "Killed anyone."

You frown, "Oh."

"I mean, I just - I wanted to know how you do it."

"How I don't kill people?"

"No - I mean - Sorta. Sam told me that you hold back a lot," Peter sheepishly explains. "And I guess, I sorta knew that already. I mean you could kill us all if you wanted to. Not that I thought you would do that or anything, but like even with bad guys. And you're just like so happy all the time!"

You take a moment to process Peter's rambling. Your mouth twists apologetically, "Pete, I won't lie to you, I don't think there was a question there."

"You seem decently happy with Mr. Bucky, not that I can really tell because he's always frowning at me. But you are. You're happy. You have a life. I just wanna know how you do it."

"You want to know how I have a life?"

"Is that a stupid question? It's a stupid question, isn't it?"

"No!" you assure Peter. "Of course not! I'm glad you came to talk to me, I'm very wisdomous."

"So?"

"Oh, right..." Your mouth twists as you think about Peter's question for a long moment. "I dunno, that was a choice that I made when I was thrown into this. I didn't want to be someone other people were scared of. I want to be good. I want to believe that people are good."

"Even when they're not?"

You chuckle, "I didn't say it was easy. I forget that sometimes too. That's why you surround yourself with good people. They'll remind you when you forget."

"That's really it?"

"And I listen to a lot of Taylor Swift."

Peter nods in agreement, "Already do that."

Grumpy Sunshine Series Grumpy Sunshine Drabbles

Reblogs and comments are always appreciated 💛

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[fratboykate]

Hi !!

first wanna say i read through all of FB and it was one of the best AU I’ve read fr, so Bravo!! Now you’ve re-peaked my interest with this Mom AU and got me wondering…

Why has Ereka decided Yelena is the perfect match for her mom? Is it that she’s just a true ally who when playing pretend has her barbies play house and raise a family while Ken sits in the corner quietly?

Or does she some how remember what it was like when Kate and Tom we’re together and doesn’t want to experience that again so she decides to pick a nice (and totally not grumpy) lady for Kate because she doesn’t think a man matches her mom’s vibe. Enter Yelena and Ereka decides: “yes, you’re perfect for my mommy!”

Or maybe she’s just down bad for a sister and doesn’t care how Kate gets her one. Because clearly daddy isn’t getting her one (he’s too busy pining after Kate) so maybe another mommy can get me one… again enters: Yelena😈

This made me laugh more than once and I've had a week from hell so thank you.

Ereka has never really seen her parents fight. Like I've mentioned, up until he goes Hulk Green with envy once Yel comes around Tom is a pretty solid guy. They had a mature divorce and it was more of a "I kind of outgrew you and I think it'd be best for all three of us if we weren't together" from Kate vs. like "I hate your guts" screaming matches between them. Kate still considers Tom a friend and motormouths her way into being kinda *too* chummy with him (not to mention she still lets him fuck lol) and that gives him all the mixed signals all the time. In the back of his mind, he can still get his girls back. Enter...Yelena and the girls both fall pretty hard for the grump charm. Tom doesn't take it too well. But to be fair, that was partly Kate's fault because she was kind of stringing him along a little bit. Not necessarily intentionally but he never really wanted to split up and even when they did, not that much changed except he didn't live with them anymore. They weren't "together" but they sure as hell had a good relationship and he still saw Kate naked all the time lol. The only rule was he couldn't sleep over and they had to be lowkey about it to not confuse Ri, but Kate's a horny girl and it's SOOOOO much less effort to be like "u up?" to her baby daddy than go out and try to find someone new to get her off. All that to say, he kindaaaaaaa has grounds to be a little pissed when Yelena shows up because he does get a smidge blindsided by it. Kate just was oblivious to the fact that Tom wasn't clear this was a FWB situation rather than a "I'm still into you" thing. Anyway...back on topic...

Riri obviously doesn't know Kate is a part of the alphabet mafia but her entire life Kate has hit her with the "love is love/people can have two mommies or two daddies" mantra. She's a progressive five year old lol. So when Ri sees Kate and Yelena interact she's suddenly that meme of the woman squinting with the math equations all over. She's like "I can't put into words what is happening here cuz I'm a beeb but I SEE YOU TWO LOSERS and I'm on the case say no more." Mostly it's like...she can sense that her mom is happier and smilier and...lighter? than she's ever seen her. She gets good vibes from Kate after Yelena comes into the picture. She also just loves Yelena. Overall, she's a fan of the whole scenario.

But on top of that, also, yes. Riri is down BAAAAAAAAAD for a sister. She's asked for one for her birthday. She's asked Santa, the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy, the Elf On The Shelf, and any other magical creature she can think of. No one has gotten her a baby and she feels hoodwinked. She went on a tooth strike after the Tooth Fairy swapped out her tooth and her sister request note for a $20 instead of a cute little baby under her pillow. Ereka says "NO MORE TEETH UNTIL I GET A BABY". Same for Santa. She has him on a cookies and milk ban until he puts those damn storks to work. She's a little blackmailing terrorist. She points to babies when they walk past them or sees a little girl her age playing with a baby. They're not at all religious but Kate catches the tiny asshole praying one day and she's like "???????? What are you doing???" and Ri is like "someone at school said if you really want something you ask god for it and if you're good and mean what you ask him he'll give it to you. So I'm praying for a sister." Needless to say, god went on Ereka's shit list pretty quickly after the praying marathons resulted in zero babies inside Kate's belly. The word "sister" is almost cursed in that house lol. Kate hears it and her eye twitches. She gets triggered 😂

Kate: "Ri, babies are made with two parents."

Ereka: "You and daddy are parents. Can you two make me a sister?"

Kate: 😮‍💨😤🍷💀

That kid will get a sister one way or another and if having to hustle to make Kate and Yelena fall in love is what she has to do, she will goddamn fucking do it. Small price to pay. Screw Santa. She's gonna make her sister happen by herself.

(When she learns the hard way that babies aren't immediate after two people fall in love AND THEN after the waiting they make her do she gets...A FUCKING BROTHER?! PHEEEWWWWWWW that child is /not/ happyyyyyyyyyyyy. She packs her fucking bags and says "Return that thing/swap it for a girl or I'm o u t!" lolol)

[violetlilysunshine]

7,500 words??? Is that your longest chapter yet?? Good on ya!!

“Just remember,” he said. “You could’ve just spread those legs for me.”

God it really must suck for him to know that he only gets girls in bed because he pays for it in money or promotions or jewelry or whatever… no one actually wants him for his personality. That’s gotta be a low blow. I bet he drives one of those dumb trucks with the HUGE wheels or some souped up luxury car with no muffler to piss everyone off around him and when either of those cars pass you, you know the driver is compensating for their small penis.

Dean nodded, sighing through his nose. His hand rubbed up and down your back, whether to comfort you or himself, you didn’t know. Your fingers curled into his shirt, and you smiled up at him, just before you tugged him down for a kiss.

Physical touch, physical touch, physical touch. Now every time I read something in this story with physical touch I can’t help but think I crossed your mind at least a little bit when writing it 😂😂😂 even if that is self-centered of me 😬

You let out a breath, and you could see it on the December chill in the air. Your hands were tucked into your pockets, and so were Dean’s in his.

I would totally have my arm looped around his while his hand was in his pocket and be holding his bicep with the other. There would be no way I wasn’t clinging to this man while walking at night

Even after he watched you get inside your house safely, he let out a subtle breath before he peeled away. He wished you were coming home with him tonight. More often, he was feeling your absence when you weren’t in his bed. But it also reassured him, that he knew you were safe with him and Sam at their apartment.

Ughhhhh I want him just to move in with her already but I do appreciate that this is very much like a real relationship and not fanfic-y or movie-esque in the way that what you want to happen always happens and things in the relationship happen way faster than they ever would/could IRL

Sam started to shake his head, but Dean wouldn’t have it.

Literally until just now I’d forgotten that Sam was a lawyer and he’s who she was referring to when she said she new a good lawyer to Nick 😂

These were the what ifs that kept plaguing his mind, ever since the party. Sometimes, it added to the catalogue of waking nightmares that wouldn’t let him sleep.

Obsessively worrying about other people is sweet but not very healthy, Dean

When Dean was at work, he couldn’t let the outside world into his mind. All he could let himself focus on was the scene ahead after he put his mask on.

It’s good for him to get out of his mind though! He shouldn’t fixate so much on it!! Sometimes getting out of your head can help clear your perspectives or give you new ideas when you think about he problem later

Dean dove for him. His Halligan clattered away, but he managed to grab onto the man’s sleeve before he disappeared. Gordon grabbed onto Dean’s arm and nearly pulled him down too. Luckily, he managed to grab onto the splintered edge with his other glove-covered hand. He gritted his teeth at the strain of the other man hanging off his shoulder, but he didn’t dare let go.

Makes me think of Johnny in the outsiders 😭😭😭😭

“I know that. But I’m allowed to worry,” you said. Your brows furrowed. “Please don’t get upset at me for that.”

They seem to get grumpy with each other way faster than they used to and I know they’re stressed about other things and their relationship but still, this should be a safe space and concern should be validated and thanked to an extent

He left you in the doorway with tears swimming in your eyes, and he pretended not to notice them.

That’s not like him, somethings off. I know he doesn’t agree with her and doesn’t like the situation but Dean doesn’t make his girl cry and then leave her standing there alone. Not my Dean. Something else is wrong.

Dean’s hand rubbed up and down your back. You eventually had to look away and sigh. You pressed closer to his side, and he wrapped his good arm around your shoulders.

That’s my Dean.

Dean met your gaze, but he couldn’t quite believe you. He was the one who kept pushing his dad for answers, to let him in on this. This was his family’s bullshit, not yours. You didn’t deserve to get dragged into it too.

But Dean, you’ve been through her family’s stuff too…

“Thank you for always being there for me,” you said. He couldn’t see your smile, but somehow, he knew it was there. But he could also hear you sniffle, and feel your body tremble with tears.

I feel like they’re starting to get back to their old selves a little bit. It’s still heavy and there’s some tension there, but at least they seem to be halfway-united again.

Smoke Eater - Part 14

Pairing: Firefighter!Dean Winchester x F. Reader 

Summary: Dean Winchester is the cocky, but well-respected Lieutenant at Firehouse 25. He leads by example, but he’s also known to break a few hearts. He’s starting to crave something he’s never had, though. Something stable. Something real. 

That’s when he meets you, on a truly terrible day, trapped in a rickety old elevator.   

AN: Welcome back! Get ready for some more detective work, a pinch of Jo drama, another fire, and the reader finally meets John Winchester...

🔥Series Masterlist

Word Count: 7,500 Tags/Warnings: Angst, fire hazards, threats, and hurt/comfort.

Part 14: “Message in a Bottle”

A week before Christmas, John Winchester left his house for work before the sun had even risen in the sky. It was still dim when he stepped out onto his porch, which is why he didn’t see it at first.

He heard the clink when his boot kicked at something metallic.

He glanced down and found a small badge lying on the ground. He bent to pick it up, and on further inspection, it was a fire department’s badge. A replica, probably, because it had Dean’s number on it: 20579.

The badge was also splattered with blood.

Later at his office, John handed it over to his partner for his inspection.

“It’s actually paint,” John said. “Forensics looked it over. No prints, of course.”

“That’s a shame,” Cas said. His tone was mild, but his face was as grave as John’s as he considered the crimson-stained badge. They stood together in the bullpen of the 84th Precinct.

“And I got this little present a few days ago,” John admitted quietly. He grabbed a folder off his desk and showed Cas its contents: a picture of Sam leaving the courthouse while talking on his cell, climbing into his car. Someone was watching his sons.

“I already have a police detail on him,” John said, heaving a sigh. “I requested approval for Dean’s this morning.”

Cas’s frown was deepening, along with his furrowed brows. “We may need to ask for backup on this.” 

John shook his head. “Rufus won’t give it to us.”

Their esteemed Lieutenant thought John was on a vendetta with a ghost, stirring up a conflict of his own making. He only approved a temporary police detail for Sam, with the condition that John stopped what he was doing, let the Fire Department handle the serial arsonist, and let this blow over.   

But Rufus should’ve known better than that by now. This was personal, and John wouldn’t tolerate these yellow-bellied threats to his family.

“Azazel’s applying pressure, hitting your weak spots,” Cas said, perhaps pointing out the obvious.

“So let’s hit him back, goddamn it,” John growled. He threw down the folder back onto his desk.

“How?” Cas asked. “We still don’t know who Azazel is.”

The other man thought hard, rubbing a hand over his mouth, and feeling the overgrown stubble. He didn’t remember the last time he’d shaved.

“How’s your progress on questioning Savage & Co.?” he asked.

“Stalled. Nick Savage has lawyered up,” said Cas.

His face slackened from frustration to realization. He didn’t seem happy about his next idea, but it looked like he had one.

“Though now that I think of it, we may be able to apply some pressure of our own,” he said.

John raised a brow and crossed his arms. “How’s that?”

“Dean’s girlfriend works there, if you remember,” Cas said. “Something happened this past weekend at her company Christmas party.”

John nodded, despite his frown. He was set to meet you in a week, but it looked like they might need to question you before then. What a pleasant first meeting that was going to be.

But if you had anything on Savage, on the company, or even better, if you were willing to wear a wire, that could be the break they needed to get some headway on this case. They could squeeze Savage for any information he might have on Azazel—like his real identity.

“Tell me,” John said.

You returned to work on Monday with steel in your veins (and a taser in your purse).

You had about an hour of peace in your office, catching up on your emails and calls. Then there was a knock on your door before it pushed open without your consent.

Damn it, should’ve locked it. Your lips pursed when Nick Savage came in.

“You’re not supposed to be here,” you said firmly. Already you were opening a drawer in your desk, reaching into your purse.

“It’s my goddamn office,” Nick replied lazily. But he crossed his arms and stopped just behind the spare chair that sat in front of your desk. It gave you a good few feet of distance.

You stared back at the man with hidden satisfaction through your disdain. It seemed Dean’s threats got to him.

“Just thought I’d let you know that Josh’s been promoted to Senior Sales Manager,” Nick said. He checked his watch absently.

Your teeth clicked in irritation, but you let it pass. He was just trying to get a rise out of you, and you no longer gave a fuck about this company anyway. What you told Dean before was the truth: you were now here just to collect a paycheck, until you could find a new job.

“Good. He’s been working hard, kissing your ass,” you said with a fake smile. “Now if you don’t mind, I have a lot of work to do.”

Nick made the mistake of taking a half-step forward. Your hand subtly clenched on the weapon in your purse, but you tried your best to seem relaxed. In control of yourself. This was your office that you’d occupied for three years.

This was your space, and this man didn’t control you.

“Take one step forward, and I will quit today,” you threatened. And then you bluffed.

“I’ll call Mr. Greenway,” you said. “In fact, he offered me a job last month. Then I’ll make a few more calls, and I’ll take all of my accounts with me. I’ll kill your fucking sales team and leave Josh to continue sucking your lackluster tequila dick.”

Nick stared back at you with thinly veiled shock. You’d always been “no nonsense,” but you’d never spoken to him like that before. He smirked.

This was why he liked you. And hated you.

“All right,” Nick said. He didn’t come any closer, but he did rest his hands on the back of the chair. “How about I buy out your friend Greenway. His whole damn company. And then I’ll blacklist you with every other company that calls for a reference. Even the ones that don’t call.”

Your eyes widened incredulously. He had the gall to wink at you, boiling your blood.

“I’ll fucking sue you,” you said, hating the slight tremor in your voice.

Nick rolled his eyes. “This again? Please.”

You couldn’t help it. Your temper snapped, and you pushed away from your desk to stand up. You gripped the edge of it to steady yourself. You quirked a humorless smile.

“As it happens, I know a damn good lawyer,” you countered. “He puts murderers in jail every day. I doubt he’d struggle too much with a corporate asshole. And I’ll remind you, Dean’s father is a police officer. I’m sure he’d like nothing better than to lock you up after I report you for what you did. And I will.”

Nick scoffed at that, his eyes narrowing.

“If you take it there, I’ll have every resource at my disposal to make your life a living hell. I’ll drag this out for years. Until you’ve got nothing but your boyfriend’s charity to keep you from living in a fucking box.”

You were seething, trying to stay in control. He knew it too, and he smirked at you. He pushed away from the chair and started to leave.

But then, he tossed you a smug look over his shoulder.

“Just remember,” he said. “You could’ve just spread those legs for me.”

It took everything you had within you not to hurl a stainless steel stapler at the back of his retreating head.

“A double please, Ellen. Dry, lots of olives,” you requested.

After a ridiculously long day at work, you were now trying to let go of your frustrations at the Roadhouse, while you still had the money to drink. You rubbed through the ache in your temples.

“Long day, hun?” Ellen asked you. Her eyes were sympathetic as she made you the martini you ordered. You gave her an attempt at a smile.

“Long life,” you muttered.

“Hmm. Asshole boss?” she surmised.

You met her gaze with a note of suspicion. “Did Dean tell you…”

You knew he’d told his brother about what happened at the Christmas party. And you had a feeling he’d told Cas as well, to try and see what you could do from a law enforcement standpoint. The first step was filing a report. Now you knew, however, that you couldn’t. Not if you wanted your life to remain in one piece.

“Nothing, hun,” Ellen shook her head. “You’ve just got that look. I reckon every woman in the world has worn that face. Usually because of a man.”

You sighed and chuckled at the same time. It loosened some of the tightness in your shoulders.

“Yeah, well. This one’s a rat bastard in human clothing,” you replied.

“Ooh, sounds like my old biology professor,” Jo chimed in. She was drying out some newly clean glasses behind the counter along with Ellen. “He had a reputation for scoping out freshman girls.”

You made a gagging sound as you reached for the delectable martini glass Ellen slid your way.

“Men are disgusting,” you said. Jo snorted.

“99.8% of them, yeah,” she said. But her gaze drew towards the door when Dean Winchester came in. And she added, “A few of ‘em are all right.”

Was it just you, or was there a softer look in her blue eyes when she noticed Dean?

You were soon distracted though, giving your boyfriend a smile to try and cover up how exhausted you were, in every sense of the word. He greeted you with a warm hand along your lower back. He dropped a kiss to your forehead.

“Waiting long?” he asked.

“No, just a few minutes,” you shook your head. You laid a hand on his thigh when he took a seat next to you at the bar. “How was your shift?”

This week he was on three 12-hour shifts instead of his usual 24-hour shifts, which meant you got more of him in the evening. 

“Fine. Just a couple of accidents to clear off the road, nothing major,” he replied. He ordered a beer from Ellen and gave Jo a smile. He was surprised to see mother and daughter working civilly together under one roof, after the scene he saw last week.

“How’s the studying going?” he asked Jo, once Ellen was out of earshot to serve further down the line. He turned to you and filled you in. “Jo’s gearin’ up to hit the Police Academy.”

“Oh wow, that’s great!” you remarked.

Jo glanced over at her mom, but then she smiled, looking back at you and Dean. She focused on him.

“The test is in a few weeks,” she said. “I think I’m ready, but I don’t know…”

“You’ll be fine,” Dean said, with easy conviction. “You’re stubborn enough to know it’s what you want. So I got no doubts about you.”

Jo’s smile was warm, with a hint of shy and gratefulness. You smiled at Jo encouragingly, but inside, you had a familiar unease churning inside your gut.

Dean then turned to you with expectant brows. His fingers brushed a strand of hair away from your cheek, curling it behind your ear.

“And how was your day?” he asked. His tone was quieter, laced with double meaning.

Out of the corner of your eye, you noticed Jo moving on to another waiting customer with a small sigh.

You met Dean’s gaze and you nodded. “It was fine.”

His brows rose a touch higher. “Very convincing. You took the taser with you, right?”

You sighed and had to smile a little. His concern warmed you, made you feel protected, even though you’d had to do that part yourself today. You soothed a hand over his chest, between the open panels of his plaid shirt.

“Yes, I did. I’m okay, baby. We’re at a standstill,” you said. And you reminded him, “I can handle myself, you know.”

Dean nodded, sighing through his nose. His hand rubbed up and down your back, whether to comfort you or himself, you didn’t know. Your fingers curled into his shirt, and you smiled up at him, just before you tugged him down for a kiss.

It was slow and sweet, until you became a bit more than sweet, grazing his bottom lip with your teeth. His hand came up to cup the back of your head as he accepted the warmth of your kiss.

You knew that you couldn’t tell Dean what happened this morning in your office. He’d likely go for the Halligan in his trunk and beat Nick Savage within an inch of his life.

While the idea appealed to you for several reasons, you didn’t want to be the reason Dean lost his badge, or ended up in jail.

So over a couple of drinks, you distracted him by having a healthy debate over what you two were going to have for dinner later: sushi or pizza.

You ultimately won with sushi. (Or maybe he let you win. Either way, you were getting salmon rolls tonight.)

Still, you had that uneasy feeling when you and Dean left the bar. You wondered how the hell it had taken you this long to notice the starry look of longing in Jo’s eyes.

You fell into step with Dean as you two headed for the sushi restaurant down the street. It was already dark out, but even on a Tuesday night, the streets and sidewalks of downtown were busy.

“Can I ask you something…potentially uncomfy?” you said.

Dean’s head turned to you, with a raised brow.

“Uncomfy?”

You let out a breath, and you could see it on the December chill in the air. Your hands were tucked into your pockets, and so were Dean’s in his.

“Did you and Jo ever have a thing?” you asked.

Dean blinked, but then his lips pressed together. “What makes you say that?”

You sent him a suspicious look. You’ve known him long enough to know when he’s hedging.

“Just please, answer the question,” you said.

He blew out a breath. After a moment, he nodded.

“Yeah, for a few weeks,” he admitted.

You sighed. That sure explained a hell of a lot. And really, with his track record, you couldn’t be surprised.

“You dated her, or you hooked up with her?” you clarified. Dean shot you a look.

“Dated,” he said, rubbing a hand over his mouth.

Your brows furrowed. “When?”

He’d told you that he’d been in one relationship before, briefly…

“About a few months before I met you,” he said at last. But he saw the incredulous, almost upset look on your face. “Obviously it didn’t work out.” 

“You couldn’t have told me that earlier?” you asked. Your hands slipped out of your pockets to gesture at him. “How did it end?”

The man sighed, looking up at the sky.

“Come on, Dean,” you prodded.

“All right,” he placated with a hand. “It didn’t end great, put it that way.”

You couldn’t help a frustrated huff. You crossed your arms and kept walking beside him down the street, albeit in silence.

Dean glanced at you in slight exasperation. He was with you now. Why did it matter to you so much?

“She still has feelings for you,” you said, though you still weren’t looking at him.

“How do you figure?” he asked. But if he was honest, even he knew the truth.

“Because I could see her eyeing you like a honey glazed ham,” you snipped. At that, he let out an incredulous chuckle. 

“Are you jealous?” he teased.

You stopped walking and looked up at him, frowning. “Do you want me to be?”

Dean stopped as well. He sobered, realizing you weren’t in the mood for jokes. You’d been through a lot recently, and he knew then that you didn’t need this kind of stress on top of everything else. He drew closer and gently grasped your arms.

“Don’t worry about it,” he said. Though he thought to himself, I’ll talk to Jo if I have to.

You sighed in frustration, but he soothed his hands up and down your arms. His touch plied you, along with his smile.

“Hey,” Dean said, dipping his chin so he could catch your eyes. “You should know how I feel about you by now.”

You sighed and nodded in agreement. He wasn’t satisfied.

“Hey,” he said, squeezing your arms and earning your eyes on him. It took him a moment, letting out a breath, but he was honest.

“I love you," he reminded. "And if that damn elevator hadn’t broke down on you, I’d still be missing something.”

…Damn it, you thought, even as a blushing smile grew across your face. Dean Winchester was too smooth for his own good.

But you also saw the sincerity in his eyes. You couldn’t help but be warmed by his words, down to your toes.

“There she is. All right,” he said with a grin. He nodded in satisfaction and gathered you into his arms. “My soft girl again.” 

Your smile deepened, but you still pinched his side, making him flinch and laugh. You held him back and looked up at his handsome face. He still looked amused and his eyes were warm. You leaned up on your toes for a kiss that lingered on wind-chilled lips.

“I love you,” you whispered back, against his lips.

His smile against yours was your answer.

Two hours and two salmon rolls later, Dean drove you home. You had taken an Uber to the Roadhouse, which reminded him that he needed to make another trip to Singer Salvage.

He’d been scoping out potential cars to fix up for you. He’d even recruited Bobby’s help to find something good, something with strong bones. Dean could do the rest.

Even after he watched you get inside your house safely, he let out a subtle breath before he peeled away. He wished you were coming home with him tonight. More often, he was feeling your absence when you weren’t in his bed. But it also reassured him, that he knew you were safe with him and Sam at their apartment.

He later found his brother eating leftover chicken parmesan at the kitchen counter.

“Why’re you eating standing up?” Dean asked, tossing his keys onto the counter. He reached into the fridge for a beer. “You look like Big Bird if he wore a suit.”

Sam sent him a dry look. “I don’t know. Force of habit.”

He barely had time in his day for an uninterrupted coffee, let alone a meal. When Dean wasn’t here, Sam fell back onto his work habits. He took his plate and actually went to the table.

“You eat already?” he asked. Dean nodded and said he’d eaten with you.

“Oh yeah? How’s she doing?” Sam asked.

Dean sighed and sank down heavily onto the chair opposite his brother. He rubbed at his forehead.

“She’s okay, considering,” he replied. But he knew you hadn’t told him the whole story about how your day went at work. Whether you were trying to spare him, or protect him, or yourself, it still drove him up the wall. Knowing Nick Savage was still your boss, and he was there, an ever-present threat just a few floors above you in that building…

It made Dean’s skin crawl. It had his teeth grinding and coiled his spine tight with repressed rage. And worry.

He met his brother’s eyes. Sam had been watching him, hiding his wariness.

“What can we do about him?” Dean asked. He knew he didn’t have to explain who he was talking about.

Sam started to shake his head, but Dean wouldn’t have it.

“I mean it, Sam. Because I almost…” His hand and forearm clenched and unclenched on the table. He could almost feel the way his arm had pressed into Nick’s throat, slowly but surely crushing his trachea. Just a couple of minutes more, and Dean could’ve done it. In that moment, he saw it so clearly.

It was the first time he’d ever wanted to take a man’s life.

“I know,” Sam said. His brows furrowed in sympathy. “But you did the right thing.”

Dean’s lips pursed as his hand once again fisted on the table.

“If I hadn’t been there,” he said. “If I had been just a few minutes off…”

These were the what ifs that kept plaguing his mind, ever since the party. Sometimes, it added to the catalogue of waking nightmares that wouldn’t let him sleep.

“And now she’s gotta go back there, every day, where that animal is just waiting for an opportunity,” Dean gritted out. Then his fist dropped more heavily onto the table, rattling Sam’s silverware.

Sam held the table steady and looked at his brother, calm but firm.

“You can’t touch Savage,” he said. “Don’t even go near him. Whatever you do, he’ll use it against you, and potentially against her. Unfortunately, she’s got the best plan right now.”

Dean looked up at him with angry eyes.

“Wait him out,” Sam said, “until he makes a mistake he can’t easily cover up. In the meantime, she’ll find a new job and get the hell out of there.”

Dean forced a sharp breath through his nose. He leaned back in his chair and tapped his fist more calmly on the table.

“I don’t have to like it,” he said.

Sam nodded in agreement. “No, you don’t.”

The fire was wild. It was eating up the four-story apartment building in a full blaze. The Truck 79 team was geared up outside of it, with Chief Singer already calling out instructions along with Dean.

Benny and the Rescue Squad were already on the roof, rappelling down to get the ones trapped on the top floors out through the windows. Dean was on the ground. He had Gordon, Jack, and a few others behind him. Meg and Chuck were on standby, waiting for the firefighters to pull out any residents still trapped inside.

Dean had to wonder if he was walking into another arson, like the Richardson fire. Against his will, he thought of that day. He thought about everything his father had told him about that arson, about Azazel and his mom’s death. He thought about you, working for a man who was potentially tied to Azazel.

“Winchester,” Gordon tapped him on the arm. “You good?”

Dean glanced over at him, then nodded.

“Yeah. Let’s rock and roll.”

When Dean was at work, he couldn’t let the outside world into his mind. All he could let himself focus on was the scene ahead after he put his mask on.

Inside the first floor of the building was like entering a living furnace. It was hot as shit, and layers of smoke choked the room. The mask was the only reason Dean could see, let alone breathe.

He turned to Jack. “All right, take it room by room. Stay close. We don’t got a lot of time.”

Jack nodded his agreement, and Dean split his team. A few of the others took the first floor on his orders. Dean, Gordon, and Jack would take the old stairs to clear the second floor.

Fuck. This whole place is just wood and plaster, Dean thought, shaking his head. These old buildings were all the same. Easy to build, easy to knock down. And usually they weren’t up to code, often thanks to cheap property owners.

He got apartment 201 open with his Halligan. The shoebox studio was smokey as all hell, but it was clear of any tenants. Gordon moved on ahead quickly, but Dean’s brows furrowed as he listened to the unsteady creaking of the floorboards. He moved more carefully forward.

Until he felt the warmth under his boots, saw the orange glow underneath a thin patch of flooring.    

“Walker, wait!” Dean called, at the same time he held Jack back.

He reached out, just as the wood floor splintered and broke underneath Gordon. His eyes flashed wide just before he fell.

Dean dove for him. His Halligan clattered away, but he managed to grab onto the man’s sleeve before he disappeared. Gordon grabbed onto Dean’s arm and nearly pulled him down too. Luckily, he managed to grab onto the splintered edge with his other glove-covered hand. He gritted his teeth at the strain of the other man hanging off his shoulder, but he didn’t dare let go.

Jack grabbed Dean’s belt to keep him from sliding further down. It let him grab onto Gordon with both hands. The men panted for breath; Dean had a better vantage point to see that the middle of the ground floor below was engulfed in flames. The glow of it flared in the corner of Gordon’s eyes. He could feel the heat making both of them sweat.

The wood flooring under Dean creaked ominously, but before anyone could move, it broke further. He almost lost his grip on Gordon as his torso hung over the edge. He managed to get a new stronghold under the other man’s arm, and Jack did his best to keep Dean from falling by pinning his legs down. Jack was strong, but he was still a smaller man than Dean.  

“Jack, call for backup!” Dean gritted out. Jack nodded behind him and radioed in for help.

Gordon stared up at Dean with wide, but resigned eyes. “The floor’s gonna cave before you can pull me up.”

Dean stared down at him, even as lines of sweat poured down his forehead from within his mask. They both knew that if that happened, Dean would be pulled along for the ride down, maybe even Jack too. Dean gave a sharp shake of his head.

“Just hold on. Backup’s comin’,” he said. All his strength was going into keeping a firm grip on the man’s arm and jacket. He called to Jack over his shoulder. “Can you get next to me and grab him?”

To his credit, Jack tried. But the jagged edges of the floor around Dean were unsteady, creaking and groaning under Jack’s added weight, a bit too much.

“Stop, stop!” Dean shouted, halting Jack’s movements.

Gordon licked his dry lips and blinked sweat out of his eyes. “This might be the part where you let go, Winchester.”

Dean took exactly a beat to process his shock. Then he glared down at the man.

“Shut the hell up, Walker. You don’t let go, you hear me?” he barked. “Jack, grab the back of my jacket and my belt.”

Jack followed the order, and a combination of him pulling Dean up and Dean straining every muscle he had to heft up Gordon slowly, painfully, brought them back up and over the ledge.

Jack had an easier time then of helping Dean pull Gordon the rest of the way out of the hole.

And the rest of their Truck crew came to help them onto their feet, before the fire consumed the rest of the second floor.

Once Dean was out of the building, he took off his mask and breathed in cooler air on his face. He made a beeline for the fire truck. In the back was a cooler, and grabbed a bottle of water to dump over his overheated head and face while he caught his breath. Gordon and Jack were following suit, and the men stared and one another. All of their faces said the same thing.

We made it. We’re alive. That was almost fucked.

Gordon’s gaze met Dean’s, sobering further. For a moment, he looked like he was searching for words.

“How’s your shoulder?” he asked eventually.

Dean nodded, rotating his right arm. He was going to feel that bitch tomorrow.

“Fine,” he said. “You okay?”

“Yeah,” Gordon nodded. Another hesitation, followed by an honest gaze. “Thanks, Lieutenant.”

Dean’s face broke into a smile, wry but also genuine. “Yeah, thank me by layin’ off the burgers.”

He swatted the other man’s stomach and went for three more waters. He handed two of them to Jack and Gordon. One was smiling, while the other just smirked and shook his head.

“You callin’ me hefty?” Gordon remarked. “I’m averaging 6% body fat, man.”

Dean scoffed. “Yeah, right. What’re you, the Rock? That’s why you almost sunk.”

He dropped his fist into the air and made an exploding sound. Jack was wide-eyed, but Gordon just chuckled. They started making their way to the front of the truck to start packing up their gear. The Truck and Rescue teams had done what they could, and all the residents that made it out of the building were being seen to by the paramedics.

“I’d rather be weighed down by muscle than all them Little Debbie’s you’ve been putting away at the station,” Gordon shot back. “Cheap cake is not your friend.”

Dean rolled his eyes. “All right, that’s just uncalled for.”

“Dean,” Chief Singer called, beckoning him over with a hand. His free hand wore a glove as he held something steaming.

Dean nodded at his men and joined Bobby outside his department-issued SUV. Dean’s gaze focused on the bottle-shaped object in Bobby’s hand. There was a small digital box attached to the front, with wires wrapped around. The entire device was now blackened, but the smell of chemicals was unmistakable.

“Molotov cocktail?” Dean quipped, but his face was as grave as Bobby’s. The Chief nodded.

“Lafitte pulled this out of the fourth floor,” he said. “Looks like the same kind of incendiary device Arson found at the Richardson fire.” 

That night, you made dinner for Dean at your house. He was forced to explain what happened at the apartment building, and why he had his arm pinned to his side like a chicken wing. You made him sit down and relax, all while you tried to hide your worry and relief that he was mostly all right.

Later in the living room, you sat on your knees beside him on the couch and lifted the bag of ice from his shoulder. You peered at it in concern, gently rubbing your hand over the joint and surrounding muscle. Dean sighed through his nose as your gentle touch was both soothing and painful.

“Are you sure you should do another shift tomorrow?” you asked, replacing the ice. He shot you a glance.

“I’m fine,” he said.

“Right,” you said dryly. “That’s why you can barely move this arm.”

Dean rolled his eyes and made his point by raising his right arm, slowly, but easily back down.

“I’ll be up and running by tomorrow. Just need a good night’s sleep.”

“Dean, are you sure? You seem to be in a lot of pain,” you asked.

He tried to hold in his annoyance. “I think I’d know if I’m fine.”

“You forget, I know all too well what downplaying looks like,” you countered, giving him a chiding look. Dean didn’t appreciate it. He didn’t need you to mother him.

“This is my job, all right,” he said.

You gave him a steady look. Your hand moved up his shoulder to rest along the back of his neck. Your fingers slipped into his hair.

“I know that. But I’m allowed to worry,” you said. Your brows furrowed. “Please don’t get upset at me for that.”

Dean let out a breath. He relaxed against the couch and met your gaze. He knew he had no right to ask you not to worry about him.

“Yeah, okay,” he said.

To you, he still seemed a bit annoyed. You nodded and continued to gently sift your fingers through his hair. You had to wonder if his resentment was coming from a different place.

“Are you still mad at me for going back to work?” you tested.

Dean breathed out deeper this time, but he didn’t answer.

Bingo, you thought with a frown.

“Dean—”

“All I want is for you to be safe,” he said. His voice was harder as his face tightened up. His hand gestured in frustration. “This whole thing…that fucking douchebag…it’s killing me. Fucking killing me. And you know that.”

Your eyes softened, and you unconsciously bit your lip.

“Ditto,” you tried to joke. It landed flat, because your boyfriend was deadly serious.

He looked away from you with pursed lips and a frustrated shake of his head. You sidled closer to him and tried to soothe, with a hand on his chest.

“Look, I’m trying to find a new job, but it takes time,” you said.

“You could quit. You could quit right now,” Dean replied hotly.

You sighed; you couldn’t believe you had to remind him about this. “I can’t, Dean. I have bills to pay, just like you do. You think I like this situation any more than you? I’m the one who’s had to deal with this for months!” 

“I know that!” Dean snapped back. “Or should I say, now I do.”

He pulled away from your touch and pushed off the couch, onto his feet. You looked up with your mouth agape as he left the room. You got up and followed after him.

“You’re leaving?” you asked in shock. You watched him grab his keys and his wallet from the kitchen counter.

“I’ve got a long shift tomorrow and I gotta sleep,” Dean said, rather gruffly.

You followed him all the way to the door, where you grabbed onto his wrist. He stopped in the doorway, glancing back at you over his shoulder.

“Dean, please,” you implored. “Don’t go like this.”

After a beat, he seemed to soften. Just enough to lean over and press a brief kiss to the side of your head.

“I gotta go.”

He left you in the doorway with tears swimming in your eyes, and he pretended not to notice them.

When Dean woke up the next morning, his shoulder still ached, and he still felt guilty. He rubbed the offending join and tried to slowly roll the stiffness out of his arm. Fuck.

He rubbed the sleep out of his eyes next. They blearily took in the digital numbers on his alarm clock: 5:00 a.m.

He slid out of bed and got ready for work. He definitely wanted to check in with Arson about the device that likely started that fire, and he knew his dad would need to be brought in on it. It would give Dean a reason to press John for an update on his investigation.

By 6:00, he was finishing his coffee, about ready to head over to the station. He could hear the pipes running, meaning Sam was in the shower.

Dean was startled only slightly by his phone vibrating in his pocket. His brows furrowed, but he fished it out and found your name crossing the screen, along with a smiling picture of you. He sighed.

Part of him hesitated. If you were calling just to try and convince him to call out of work, he was going to get worked up again. And he’d rather not have anything disturb his first cup of coffee of the day.

Still, he answered. “Hey.”

“Dean, did you come into the house last night?” you asked.

He didn’t like the wary, almost scared tone of your voice.

“No.” His brows furrowed. “Why?”

“Look at the text I just sent you.”

He put you on speaker so he could check his messages. Sure enough, he found a picture from you. It was of a glass bottle-shaped object on your nightstand. There was a black box attached, but its digital screen was blank. Dean’s breath caught in his lungs as his eyes widened. His heart dropped into his stomach.

“Dean, what is this thing?” you asked. Your voice was shakier, more worried. “It looks like a bomb. And it smells awful, like chemicals.”

“Don’t touch it,” he said quickly. “Get out of the house…better yet, wait for me at your neighbor’s place. I’m coming over right now.”

And I’m calling Dad.

Dean tried his best to calm you while the police and the Arson Department swept your entire house for devices, fingerprints, and any other evidence on who broke in.

You had a hand over your mouth by the front door as you watched them turn over cushions, move tables and shelves, ruck through cabinets. Your entire life turned inside out.

Dean’s hand rubbed up and down your back. You eventually had to look away and sigh. You pressed closer to his side, and he wrapped his good arm around your shoulders.

“It’s gonna be okay,” he said quietly, and kissed the top of your head. Inside, he was furious. Mostly at himself.

If anything had happened to you last night, after he left…he would’ve never forgiven himself.

So it was a welcome distraction when John and Cas’s police car finally pulled into the driveway. Dean led you outside, away from the chaos happening in your house.

“Hey, Dad,” he said, with a nod at Cas. Both men nodded back.

“Son,” John greeted, His brown eyes turned to you next. He offered you a hand. “Good to finally meet you, despite the circumstances.”

You blinked up at him and curled a stray strand of hair behind your ear, a bit nervously.

“Oh, it’s…it’s great to meet you, Mr. Winchester,” you said, sticking out your hand and shaking his.

A smile flickered across Dean’s lips. He realized then that this was the first time you were meeting his father. You were adorably nervous.

A reserved smile tugged at his father’s lips as well.

“John’s just fine.”

You smiled back, with a bit of a blush tinging your cheeks.

“Now, can you tell me what happened here?” John asked you, not unkindly.

Dean’s good humor faded away as he explained about the device left on your nightstand. He filled them in about the fire he’d responded to yesterday as well.

“What the hell is happening, Dad?” he demanded to know.

John let out a breath and nodded, swiping a hand through his dark hair.

“It’s another one of Azazel’s signatures,” he said, lowering his voice so only the four of them could hear. “It’s a message.”

“To who?” Dean asked.

“To me,” John said. “Warning me to back off the case…there’ve been other threats. I’ve finally got a police detail on Sam, and I just got approval for you. I’ll add her to the list.”

John glanced at you. Your eyes widened in confusion as you tried to hold in your fear.

“Who the hell is Azazel?” You turned to Dean. “Is this…does this have something to do with your mom’s killer?”

John’s brows shot up at his son. “You told her?”

“You’re over here talking about him too,” Dean retorted. He gathered you closer and met his father with steely eyes, to mask how his gut was churning with worry.

“You need to get this guy,” Dean said, almost through gritted teeth. “Get him now.”

John agreed with a nod.

Once again, you covered a trembling hand over your mouth. Dean squeezed your side a bit to earn your attention.

“I want you to come stay with me,” he said. His tone was boding no argument, not that you would. You nodded and fairly melted against him. Your head rested against his chest.

“Dean, this is insane,” you whispered.

He nodded and pressed a kiss to your forehead. “I know. I’m sorry…I’m so fucking sorry about this.”

You looked up at him, your brows furrowing. “It’s not your fault.”

Dean met your gaze, but he couldn’t quite believe you. He was the one who kept pushing his dad for answers, to let him in on this. This was his family’s bullshit, not yours. You didn’t deserve to get dragged into it too.

The spell between you two was broken by Cas, awkwardly clearing his throat.

“We do need to ask you some questions,” he said. “About Nick Savage.”

You frowned. You peeled yourself away from Dean enough to face the detectives.

“What does he have to do with this?” you asked.

“His company is linked to a money laundering scheme, which ultimately leads back to Azazel,” Cas explained. “But we’re having trouble getting through his wall of lawyers.”

You scoffed. “Not surprising.”

However, it did worry you that Nick was possibly doing business with a criminal. Not that that should surprise you either. 

“What do you want to know?” you asked.

“Well, first of all, would you be willing to file a police report,” Cas said, more gently, “regarding your assault at his home.”

Your eyes widened. Your mouth fell open slightly before you looked over at Dean. His face tightened, along with his hand on the curve of your waist.

“Why do you need me to do that?” you asked Cas.

“It’ll give us the leverage we need to dig deeper into his business,” John said. “Knock loose any shady dealings. We could get him to cough up what he knows about Azazel.”

You wanted to help, but at the same time, you were reluctant to mire yourself deeper in this. Dean saw your reservations, and he could guess why.

“Won’t that just paint a bigger target on her back?” he asked.

“We’re gonna protect her,” John promised. His eyes went from Dean, back to you. “But we need your help. This could be the break we need to get to Azazel. To find out who this bastard is.”

John could see your indecision. “All you need to do is fill out the report. Maybe get up in court to testify.”

You tightened up at that. “Testify?”

“If it gets that far,” John nodded.

“I don’t think so,” you shook your head. “That man can make my life hell without a serial killer’s help.”

You looked to Dean for support.

In the beginning, he had all but begged you to do what his father and Cas were asking. But now, this was just too much. He pressed you more securely to his side.

“Dean?” his father prodded.

“You heard her,” Dean said. “It’s her choice.”

You sighed and held onto the back of his shirt gratefully. The detectives shared a look, with John’s brows furrowing. He regarded you with a gruff, slightly strained look.

“Listen, don’t you want Savage in a cold hard cell?” he asked. “You could put him there.”

“Dad, she said no. Lay off,” Dean’s tone sharpened. Unfortunately, he knew how stubborn the man could be.

“Dean, I’m trying to nail this guy, but I’m missing pieces,” John said. “Right now, I can’t do it without her.”

“Well, figure it out,” Dean snapped.

John frowned in near disbelief. "Excuse me?"

“Look, I know where your priorities are, but mine is making sure she’s safe," said Dean. "If you can’t handle that, then we’ve got a problem!”

The strength of his retort took everyone by surprise, but no one more so than John. He hid it well behind a deepening frown.

He glanced between you and his son. You were looking up at Dean with unshed tears in your red-rimmed eyes, grateful, and holding on tight to his shirt. He still held you to him. His entire frame was tight and angry.

And John knew that he would react the same way, if he were Dean. He also knew then that he was pushing too hard.

So he sighed, and pulled out a card from his wallet. He handed it to you.

“I’m sure you’ve got Cas’s number already, but here’s mine,” said John. “Call me if you change your mind.”

“I’m sorry for invading,” you told Sam that night. He was helping you and Dean bring in your suitcases. You were pretty much moving into their apartment, indefinitely.

“You’re not,” Sam said, shaking his head. “We’re happy to have you here.”

You gave him a tired, thankful smile. “I appreciate that, thanks.”

“We’ll get to have an in-house chef,” Dean chimed in, earning more amused look from you.

“Need I remind you that I’m not an actual chef?” you said. You set down your smaller suitcase, full of shoes and toiletries, to grasp the front of his shirt. You leaned up on your toes and met him with a kiss. It was sweet, but it was also tender. His arms came around your lower back and pulled you flush against him.

He parted from you gently, afterwards pressing his forehead against yours. He let out a brief sigh through his nose.

“I’m sorry, about how I left last night,” he said.

You shook your head, despite the tears that wanted to burn in your eyes. You wanted to tell him, It’s fine. I’m fine.

But you couldn’t lie to him.

“You came back when I needed you,” you said instead. “Thanks for letting me stay here.”

You felt his fingers tangle in your hair, his hand resting along the back of your neck. It was familiar, and soothing.

“This isn’t exactly how I wanted you to move in,” he admitted. You chuckled wryly.

“Really,” he said. “…I was thinking of asking you. But not ‘til, you know, down the line.”

You softened at that. You raised up on your toes and pressed a kiss to the corner of his mouth. Then you circled your arms around his neck and hugged him close. He held you back just as tightly.

“Thank you for always being there for me,” you said. He couldn’t see your smile, but somehow, he knew it was there. But he could also hear you sniffle, and feel your body tremble with tears.

“You’re safe here,” Dean said softer into your ear. “Nothing’s getting to you, all right?”

 You nodded, pressing your face into his neck. He continued to say and do whatever he felt he had to in order to reassure you that night, and make you feel safe.

All the while, he was trying to reassure himself.

AN: *burrr* That tension, huh? What did you think of her finally finding out about Jo's lingering feelings, plus a bit of Dean's resentment, him and Gordon coming to an understanding, and the reader meeting John for the first time! 😮‍💨😮‍💨

Good news though. Next time, we'll take a huge break from all this drama and have a nice fluffy Christmas special. (Plus a healthy dose of spice. ❤️‍🔥)

Next Time:

You hadn’t undressed yet from your jeans and sweater, but you crawled across the bed to come up behind him and drop a gentle hand on his shoulder.

“How’s your slugging arm?” you asked.

Dean quirked a smile at you over his shoulder. “Just fine.”

“Dean,” you said. Your tone was gentle, but warning. No downplaying.

You pressed your lips against the side of his head and soothed your hand along his shoulder and down his arm. Still, he was resistant.

“I’m fine, sweetheart,” he said.

You hummed. “Okay. I guess you don’t need a massage then.”

He paused. His head tilted just so, once again turning to you over his shoulder. You spied the edge of his piqued interest, his grin.

“Well, if you’re offering…”

Dean Winchester Masterlist

Main Masterlist

Series Tag List (Part 1):

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[justmeinadaze]

Date Night (Steve X Reader)

Ok, so this is my first attempt at a story like this. Be gentle!

Warnings: Jealous reader for sure. Sex on the kitchen counter ;) because who wouldn't with Joe Keery?, slight rough sex (I see it more as passionate)

Word Count: 2,070

“You couldn’t even pretend like you were having a good time?”

You let out a sigh of frustration. “Steve, I had a good time. I’m just extremely tired.” 

That wasn’t a total lie. You were exhausted which comes with the territory of being a working mom. All you really wanted to do when you got home was take off your heels, grab a glass of wine, and relax on the couch. Especially since your three boys we’re staying over at Aunt Robin’s place for the night. Steve insisted these past few days that you guys should have date night. 

“We haven’t had a date night in ages. Some people from the office are having a party at their house. We can go, drink, dance, have some fun?”

He seemed so eager and pleading with those big, brown eyes you just couldn’t say no. When you got home you had told yourself you would ask him if they could just have a night in but when he came down the stairs wearing that dark green button up with the first few buttons undone smelling like his signature cologne and freshly styled hair you were immediately transported back to your teenage years the first time you saw him walking down the Hawkins High hallway.

“What? Is it my hair?” his hands flying up towards his head.

“No! No, no. Your hair is perfect as always.” He gives you a cocky grin. “Let me go change and we can head out.”

“Hey! Hello? I feel like I’m talking to myself here!” Steve exclaims pulling you back to the present. 

“Don’t push me, Steve. I’m not in the mood.” You say flatly, trying hard to control your temper. 

See the thing was you WERE having a good time at the party. You two mingled together and he introduced you to some new faces at his office. The food was delicious and the alcohol hit just right. You disconnected from Steve to use the bathroom and when you came back, he was talking to some woman you hadn’t met before. She was beautiful with her long blond hair and way too tight jeans that had to make it hard for her to breathe let alone move around a party. You noticed her hand reach out and playfully touch his arm, giggling every time Steve said anything. 

You trust your husband. You really do. But you can’t help noticing that he doesn’t move away from her or tell her to stop. He’s extremely close to her with this goofy smile plastered on his face. A casual observer would thing these two people were intimate in some way. Blond girl is mid giggle when you finally make your way over to them. 

“Oh my god, Steve! You are so funny.” She starts to reach her hand over to touch his arm again but you grab it mid-way through. 

“Hi there!”, your words dripping with sarcasm, “I’m Y/N; Steve’s wife and mother of his 3 children. I don’t believe we’ve met.”

You feel your husband stiffen a little beside you but the blond woman genuinely doesn’t seem to notice. She continues to shake your hand. “Oh hey! I’m Vicki! I’ve heard so much about you. I think it’s so cute that you guys are high school sweethearts. I wish I had a romantic story like that.”

“Well, when you finally graduate high school maybe you’ll find a love story of your own!” Steve starts choking slightly, spitting some of his drink back into his cup. Vicki smiles at me and cackles.

“Steve, you didn’t tell me she was hilarious like you!”

“He didn’t?” You turn around and look directly at Steve. “Steven, you should be ashamed.”

His eyes narrow and you in return cock your head and grin. “Well, this has been fun. I’m going to go chat with some other people. It was a pleasure meeting you!”

“YOU’RE not in the mood? How do you think I feel?! This was supposed to be a nice night out for us and you were grumpy almost the entire time!” He turns into your driveway and turns off the ignition. 

“Fine then. Maybe next time you can go out with Vicki or something.”, you mutter under your breath as you get out of the car. The sound of your heels clack as you make your way into the house. A few moments pass before you hear Steve follow, slamming the door behind him. 

Before you can even put your foot on the first step of the stairs, the sound of him laughing echoes through the entry way. He throws his keys on the table making his way towards the refrigerator. You saunter cautiously towards the kitchen not sure what is happening. He pops the cap off a beer and turns to lean against the counter still chuckling softly. He takes a few swigs; his eyes looking up to meet yours.

“I don’t know”, he begins calmly,” if I’m more flattered that you’re jealous or pissed off that you think I would EVER hurt you like that.” His voice raised sharply at the word “ever”. It had been a long time since you heard that tone. He was definitely angry but so were you.

“How am I supposed to feel when I see some woman I don’t know touching you and flirting like that.” You voice gets high pitched as you mimic her. “Oh my god, Steve. Hehe. You’re so funny. Hehe!”, miming her arm touching his. 

“You’re supposed to trust me.”

“I DO trust you!”

“Well, obviously you don’t!” 

You glare at him then and he matches you. You are both extremely stubborn people who needs to get in the last word. Steve exhales as he continues, “Look. Vicki is a nobody from the building. We aren’t even on the same floor. I never mentioned her because I had no reason to.”

“But you’ve spent enough time with her to tell her ‘all about me’?”

“I always talk about you and the boys. You’re my wife and I’m proud of my family.”

You feel your jaw tighten. He said that with such sincerity but you’re still angry. Not angry per say. What’s the word you’re looking for?

“You hurt me, Steve. How do you think it makes me feel seeing you talking and laughing like that with someone else? It’s not exactly a foreign concept for me when it comes to other people hitting on you. I knew when I started dating Steve Harrington, the king of Hawkins High it came with the territory. But lately I feel like”, you can feel the tears start to come up but you catch yourself trying to push them back down, “I feel like you aren’t the same with me lately.  You see the wife, mother, businesswoman but do you even see me anymore? Don’t get me wrong. I love our life and I love our kids but I feel like I’m losing you sometimes. “

Steve’s eyes never leave you as you speak. He doesn’t say anything and to you his silence is deafening. “Yeah”, your tone is shaky, “look, um, forget I said anything. I’m just exhausted. I’m going to get ready for bed.” 

As you can turn to leave, his arm reaches out to grab your elbow keeping you in place. Steve spins you roughly and crashes his lips to yours. It startles you at first but it doesn’t take long before you’re reciprocating. There’s an intensity behind his kiss as if he stops, you’ll disappear. 

You suddenly feel him grab your thighs, lifting you onto the island in the middle of the kitchen. His lips trail down to your neck and you can’t help but let out a moan. You quickly reach forward to unbuckle his belt. He stops sucking on your neck to lean his forehead on yours as hurriedly tries to help; both of you breathing heavily as he pushes his pants and boxers to the floor. You lift your ass off the counter to pull your skirt up as reaches his strong hands up your legs to pull your panties down.

You lick your tongue along your hand and reach down to wet his cock with your spit. Steve lets out a loud growl as he reaches under your knees to pull you to the edge of the counter. You guide him towards your entrance and he wastes no time pushing himself deep inside of you. He thrusts into you with urgency. It’s been so long since the two of you had been intimate in anyway. You missed the feeling of him inside you. The feeling of him needing you.

His head rests in the nook of your neck as he grunts out rough moans. You feel his lips and teeth suck at your skin. You run your hands through his hair lightly trying to pull him up to face you. “Steve.” His head doesn’t move as he pumps into you faster making you moan louder. You pull your shoulder back grabbing his face with your hands. “Steve. Fuck, Steve. Look at me.” His glassy lust filled eyes meet yours and as if you’ve distracted him his hips begin to slow. “I’m sorry.” You lean down and gently place your lips on his. “I’m sorry. I love you so much.”

He responds by kissing you back much slower than he had before. He lifts you up by your legs delicately pushing you further back on the island and hops up till he’s resting on top of you. He slowly slides his cock inside of you again but this time there is no urgency or hurried movements. With every thrust he pushes into you harder and deeper. He leans his head down to whisper in your ear.

“I’ve only ever seen you, baby. From the first time I saw you till now all I’ve ever seen is you. I love you, Y/N. I’m not going anywhere.” You wrap your arms around his shoulders pulling him as close to your body as you can. 

“Cum with me, Steve. Please. I need you to cum with me.” He responds to your request by pushing into you as hard as he can till you scream his name as that wave of pleasure crashes around you. His own release comes immediately after yours, letting himself go inside of you. 

You both lay there silently breathing as if you’ve run a marathon. You reach up and casually run your hands through his thick hair. Steve leans up on both his elbows as he looks down at you with nothing but compassion. He leaves a trail of kisses starting with your forehead down to your lips. 

“I do trust you.” You run your thumb over his lips to the side of his cheek.

“I know. I think…”, he sighs and leans down to rest his chin on your chest, “I think we need to incorporate date nights into our schedule again. Just you and me.”

That makes you smile. “I would like that.” 

You didn’t even realize he was still inside of you till he slowly raised himself up and off the counter. You hiss a little at the feeling. “I know. I know! I’m sorry.” You pull yourself up in a sitting position watching your goofy husband move about the kitchen. His pants are still around his ankles and you giggle as he swivels his body and scoot shuffles towards the kitchen drawer that has wash cloths. He runs it under the water, squishes it with his hands, and then shuffles back towards you moving his arms as if he's running. You laugh as your wrap your arms around his neck. He starts placing small pecks on your lips as he leans in between your legs to clean you up. 

“You know,” he says in a playful tone, “the kids won’t be back until tomorrow night so we have the house foooor”, Steve looks at his wristwatch, “another 18 hours 23 minutes and 9 seconds to ourselves.” 

“Hm. I think it’s more like 19 hours 21 minutes and 4 seconds. You never were good at math, Harrington.” 

“Yeah, well, I was always distracted.” He widens his eyes at you accusingly as he helps guide you off the counter. You playfully push him backwards.

“Come on, weirdo. Race you to the bedroom.”, sticking out your tongue before you turn and run up the stairs.

[melsbabydaddy]

this is so so correct and right in every way omg

stupid long rant under cut

I find it so annoying how people just choose to ignore Abby’s past and literally all the people she cared about. Like yeah, yeah hot muscle lady or whatever, but I'll always wish that her relationship with the slc and Jerry were more fleshed out.

I get time and budget but ughhhhh I would've loved it.

And since they all got so little screen time together, everyone pretends like Abby didn't care at all about her friends. I’m upset they didn't show Abby all their deaths or dead bodies. Letting the guilt wash over her that every single close person to her died because of her revenge would've been even more heartbreaking and interesting.

And even the ones Abby did have screen time with, everyone brushes off.

Manny - People still can't get over the fact he spat on Joel for some reason. True, it boiled my blood when I first played, but I can't lie, I probably would've done something similar if I were in his shoes. Joel murdered his friend’s dad for crying out loud, who they all probably looked up to. His own father was probably a Firefly who could’ve gotten almost killed or badly injured during the massacre.

He was in the room when Abby broke down in anguish when she saw Jerry’s dead body. It’s very similar to how Jesse told Ellie he looked up to Joel and would’ve went with her to Seattle if she asked. “My friends problems are my problems”

Mel - My sweetheart, my darling, my girl who does no wrong, I know I’m biased as fuck cause she’s one of my favs but people are so weird about her and it makes me crazy. I know she’s kinda bad for getting with her best friend’s ex man, but I very much doubt she would’ve done that without an explicit ok from Abby. And since Abby was too busy plotting Joel's death, she probably didn’t give it much mind at the time. Also, it takes two to tango and Owen was probably just heartbroken that Abby and him broke up so that’s why they ended up together.

Also, people get on her for going on missions while heavily pregnant. No she didn’t. They thought they were taking a safe route to the F.O.B before Scars ambushed them. The whole hardware store, train yard, boat shop, gas station mess was completely unexpected and Mel didn’t purposefully put herself in that position.

However, I’m assuming Mel did take an unsafe route by herself to get to Owen at the aquarium. Which is on her but it was also for him but they were lucky she was there to help Yara. And people would say that’s dumb, but Dina basically did the same thing for Ellie and I know she wasn’t as heavily and she wasn’t sure yet but c’mon, even if you think your preggers, you should hang back from guns and zombies.

Another thing, I really don’t think Owen and Mel planned to have this baby. I’m 99.9% sure it was an accident and with how helpful and restless Mel is, she probably hated that everyone kept telling her to keep still and relax, especially in a do or die apocalyptic world.

Then there’s the whole jealousy thing Mel had towards Abby, which I don’t really think it was like green-eyed envy. It was more like

“oh, what if Abby and Owen still have feelings for each other and they’re seeing each other again but Owen doesn’t want to break up with me cause I’m having his kid and things are super awkward and weird and oh dating him was a mistake what should I do?”

If that makes sense. Mel’s not stupid and it’s clear that Owen and Abby had a strong bond (no matter what people think) and it’s reasonable for Mel to assume they would fall back on old habits. Which they did.

Lastly was the aquarium fight. I know a lot of people their minds over it. and I’ll admit, my first play through I was like “damn, that’s kinda harsh” but I really don’t think that Mel meant it.

She’s pregnant, that shit does unimaginable things to your brain and emotion regulation, she was just extra grumpy. She’s pregnant in the fungus zombie apocalypse, too btw.

She watched her friend who was bright and hopeful, train for years, making herself a cold, ruthless killer for their creepy leader who puts a lot of pressure on them and is willing to interrogate and kill his own soldiers.

Of fucking course she couldn’t believe that Abby suddenly wanted to protect two runaway Scar kids. Literally, like the day or so before, when Mel showed remorse for the other Scar children that got killed by the WLF, Abby brushed her off and said the deaths weren’t their fault.

And Mel probably had her suspicions about Abby and Owen getting together which definitely didn’t make things better.

Owen - Owen, my poor often misunderstood fish loving bastard. I honestly didn’t feel one way or another when I first played. He seemed like a generic love interest type first glance. The cheating on the baby mama caught my attention a bit but in a world of cults, military psychos and slave drivers, it didn’t really hit me all that hard tbh. Felt like there were bigger issues happening.

I liked the aquarium flashbacks and I appreciated that he voted for keeping Ellie and Tommy alive even if it did lead to their group’s downfall.

Owen genuinely seems like a good person. and I know, I know! He cheated on Mel and was willing to leave her and go to Santa Barbra. While that is rather bad, it’s really not the evil evil thing people make it out to be.

Idk where this belief came from that Owen is a lot older than Abby, but unless that’s actually been confirmed by the writers somewhere that I’ve missed, I think that’s such bullshit.

“He looks so much older than her!” No. No he doesn’t. He looks like a young guy in his early twenties, which is about Abby’s age.

“He looked so much older than Abby in the flashbacks!” Again, no. He really didn’t. Idk if people just forgot what actual humans look like, but he looks about Abby’s age.

No one in the slc can be over the age of 25, they all look so young. (which is lowkey so sad)

That’s also why he was so bad with romance, bro is young! Abby was probably his first girlfriend or serious girlfriend which would make Mel his second. And I know being young isn’t an excuse for cheating, but in a world where you might die at any moment, things just tend to happen. I very much doubt anyone in that world has good emotional/impulse control.

And no, I’m not saying anyone will cheat on anyone at anytime just because of zombies.

Owen loved Abby a whole lot, as she did him, and they had a very tender relationship together. They were just starting to date when Jerry died. Abby got consumed by her thirst for revenge and pushed that to the side. Of course, she was valid for that, but it was clear Owen missed them being together.

Relationships are messy and complicated as is and the constant situations and pressure put on these characters definitely just make it worse.

Also, I’ve seen people say that all Owen does is make fun of Abby, therefore he’s mentally abusive. It’s literally just light hearted teasing and trying to get Abby to overcome her fear of heights. I promise the silly, seal loving man is not mentally torturing Abby.

The “stocking or someone who loves me” thing was said by Abby. I really don’t think Owen would tell the woman he still cares for deeply that she doesn’t deserve love. He meant the damn stocking, people.

Owen is a light in Abby’s dark life and their relationship goes beyond the infidelity and boat scene.

Nora, Jordan, Leah, Nick & Joel’s Death - I’m just cramming these thoughts into one section cause this is already so long. I always thought that Nora’s death was so brutal for no reason. Yeah, it’s supposed to show Ellie’s loosing herself and that’s important for the story, but I feel it could’ve been given to someone more ‘deserving’ of it. Like, she smacked Tommy in the head and held Ellie down with Nick, that’s it.

The only black woman of the group getting chased, battered around, thrown into spores and beaten to death just kinda rubbed me the wrong way, especially cause she did almost nothing back in Jackson.

It’s extra uncomfy cause black characters in tlou tend to get done dirty. Riley, Marlene, Henry, Sam. Other POC, too. Nick gets beaten to death off screen after participating even less than Nora. Dina, who is also pregnant, gets constantly man handled and smacked around. Manny gets his head blown off. Lev and Yara (children) get beaten up and brutalized. Jesse gets shot plainly and is almost never mentioned again.

I know the games are brutal and it’s the apocalypse, but…

Not trying to make this a big thing, but it is an undeniable pattern.

I also hate how Jordan, Leah, and Nick get written off as “WLF soldiers who became friends with Abby later on” like c’monnnn

Make them all Fireflies!! I firmly headcanon them all as Fireflies cause it’s just seems so stupid that they went on a long-distance, out of base mission to hunt down a known dangerous man in a quest for revenge they had no personal connection in.

One factor people never talk about when it comes to Joel’s death scene is that Abby basically made everyone participate/had them watch. No, I’m not painting her as super evil, just hear me out.

No one knew who Joel and Tommy were (aside from Abby) when they walked in until they introduced themselves. You can visibly see them all tense up and lock in as soon as their names are said. Abby then very violently shoots Joel down, causing everyone else to jump into action knocking Tommy out and pinning Joel against the wall.

Then, Abby demands, not asks, demands that Mel tourniquet Joel’s leg to keep him alive longer, which Mel is very visibly hesitant to do. She basically forced Mel to participate there cause how could she say no?

Abby’s in bloodlust mode and holding a shotgun. Also, the way Abby accused Mel of not wanting Joel to suffer was kinda gross of her. “You don’t think he deserved what he got?” No, girl, she just didn’t want to watch you beat a guy to death.

Mel and Owen weren’t in the room when Ellie came in (I think they were in the garage?) so I think Mel had to walk out cause she didn’t want to witness that and Owen probably went to comfort her and most likely to get away from the brutality himself.

And then everyone kinda just stood there and watched? For how ever long that was. Maybe to make sure Tommy stayed down? Maybe to just keep an eye on Abby? Owen told Jordan to watch the outside but he didn’t, probably cause he didn’t want to listen to Owen and they didn’t think anyone would show up like they said.

Manny was probably the only one who didn’t mind watching Joel die terribly since he hated him so much. Nora probably could handle it, but it stuck with her (her getting flashbacks every night). And Jordan, Leah, and Nick probably didn’t feel one way or the other cause it wasn’t personal for them.

But it was still a brutal thing for everyone to witness.

I just find it kinda strange Abby didn’t clear out the room since this was her revenge. And the fact that Abby claimed Owen wanted Joel dead as bad as she did, even after he showed a lot of reluctance on the trip.

This was long and unorganized and I’m sorry for reblogging this off your post op, it just made the gears spin hard.

I don’t really have a point, this was just kind of a story/character analysis/rant I guess.

it really piques me whenever i see people undermine owen’s role and importance not only in abby’s overall story but her ensuing redemption— he is the stimulus that begin her journey to quote unquote look for the light and i don’t think people appreciate that enough, regardless of whatever opinion they hold about owen and his character. most of the time i see their relationship discussed it’s either a joke about the boat scene and how “disturbing” it is (frankly i believe the way people react to the boat scene is a great litmus test for someone’s level of maturity and media literacy but hey! that’s a conversation for later) or bashing owen and/or abby, never about how complex and nuanced they are as both individuals and as a pairing, flaws and all.