#…so I got one pair for me and one pair for scone because they were 40% off and he otherwise didn’t get a bday present

[fractallogic]

Okay fine. I’ll get the dumb “””truly wireless””” headphones that go in one of these flippy cases to charge. Fine.

BUT ONLY BECAUSE THE BASS SUCKS SO BAD ON THE OTHER ONES and the case lights up to show you the charge percentage on these?!?

[myusuchaa]

༊·˚ wrapped in wicked romance spin off - vogel : a date with darius

࿐pairing: Darius x f!reader ࿐scenario: Victor has assigned you a day of lover pretend with one of the Crown or Vogel members. Much to your surprise, Dari quickly volunteers. The deal? He is your boyfriend until dinnertime. Unless... ࿐wc: 1.2K ࿐tags: light R18, roleplay, light degradation, invasion of space, teasing, clit rubbing with foreign object ࿐a/n: hullo~ this idea came to me in a fever dream literally. basically this series is meant to mimic the endings/epilogues of the wrapped event we got with the Crown boys! i'm starting to hyperfixate on dari.... i thought it would be ring who would win me over from vogel but alas.. something about dari's effervescent voice skdfhjsd and he's cute!! hehe. anyway i wanted to write something for vogel since they weren't included in the welcome event wrapped in wicked romance! hope you enjoy~~ next will be ring then nica.

-> ༊ a date with ring coming soon

-> ༊ a date with nica coming soon

After a long day of pretending to be Darius's lover, you are all but relieved to part ways with him now that dinner has ended.

Not that there was anything wrong with his company per se; you quite enjoyed your time with him - learning more about his likes, dislikes, his mannerisms.

You learned he has a childlike innocence to him, with his fickle nature and interesting eating habits. You two wandered about London in the morning before stopping at a café that finally had a scone and hot drink to his liking (picky boy). His treat, of course. At midday, you assisted him in note taking at his scheduled meetings. In public, he called you his "adorable doll", acting quite dignified and showing you off among the other international noblemen and parliamentary members. In the carriage ride back to the castle in late afternoon, he gently held your hand to help you in and out, smiling softly while watching your every move.

It was, in the truest sense of the word, a splendid day with him.

However, there were times when the conversation between you two stopped and the silence was so pronounced that you could hear your own heartbeat. In those seemingly harmless seconds, void of meaning, you swear you caught a glimpse of him as something other than a honey-eyed, gregarious gentleman.

Something imposing, something dark.

As if a shadow of a hand stretched behind your neck while you weren't looking, the sensation causing gooseflesh to rise. As if an uncanny feeling gurgled its way up from the depths of doubt and made itself a reality before you.

"Mm?" he inquired, "What is this spacey expression you wear on your face?"

The bright tone of his voice snapped you back into the moment. You must have gotten lost in your thoughts again... just how many times has that happened today?

"Ah, I'm sorry, it's nothing! I was just thinking back on the day..." you quickly cover up any sign of curiosity. "Thank you very much for treating me so well today, I had a good time."

"Why of course," he retorted, a prideful expression graced his face as he closed his eyes slowly in satisfaction.

"I'm surprised a normal little girl like you could keep up with the demanding schedule of Crown and Vogel members... But!! In any case, perhaps it was because of this pretense between us, that you enjoyed yourself so?"

Both of you stood in the hallway outside of the main dining room. The sunset was in full bloom on the horizon, sending golden rays onto the wall curtains akin to the locks of his bangs that draped his eyes. You look down at the notepad you are holding, fidgeting with the pages, and he turns to watch the slow drop of the sun outside while waiting for your response.

"I'm still not sure why Victor suggested this," you hestiantly reply, "but… yes, perhaps. Though I think that, even if we weren't pretending...," 

He listens to you while keeping his focus on the windows. Timidly, you continue, "..whether I was... with you in that way or not..," the corners of the pages curl with your nervousness, "... I would have still enjoyed your company."

Immediately you regret that last line. Damn!

Like a trained predator waiting for the first sound of its prey, Darius's eyes instantly cast a discerning side glance, his face still toward the window. Then, painfully slow, he turns his head to face you, keeping his eyes locked on yours all the while. 

Ah… this again. 

The sound of the grandfather clock at the end of the hallway was deafening.

*tic.. toc.. tic.. toc..*

It was absolute torture, these seconds. 

“Haahhh…,” a sigh? No, a scoff left his lips as he took one step toward you. Suddenly you are filled with dread and…  anticipation.

Another step. 

He’s looking down. With the third step he will have closed the distance between you two. It takes everything in you not to step back. You instinctively pull your hands behind your back and swallow.

The third step echoes like an angel’s bell, the sound bouncing across the high ceilings and landing on your sensitive eardrums.

Mere centimeters away from you, Darius raises his eyes to meet yours while keeping his head hung slightly. The now darker, golden sunset rays hit his back and cast a black shadow on his fur coat and curly eyelashes. Yet his eyes remain a gleaming gold.

In this position he looks like a mischievous little boy. That smirk on his face, so unassuming and yet so demanding. 

His head still cocked to one side, he leans into your ear and whispers in a melodic voice, “You are faaar too trusting, Miss Fairytale Keeper.” He lifts one hand up to your face, bringing his fingers to sweep across your cheekbone and downward until he grabs and lifts your chin. 

“Ngh- Dari–!!”

“Shhhhhhh, shhhh,” with his other hand he waves his index finger *no* in front of your face which is locked-in by his grip, taunting you as if you did something naughty. He then slowly brings that index finger to your lips while shushing you.

“When I’m this close, I can’t help but be more intrigued by you,” he almost growls. “Such an innocent human girl, and yet these features…,” his finger traces your lips sensually, “...are practically begging to do that which should be left……unspoken.”

His sing-songy voice seemed to fill the entire hall with his presence. Even though you felt trapped against him and the wall, you can’t help but linger on the image he painted in your mind. More time alone with Darius… didn’t seem half bad.

“I-, I wouldn’t say I’m too trusting…,” you manage to squeak out. “I think I can decide for myself who to listen to, and what to do.” You try to stand your ground against him - first out of defiance, but second because you were strangely curious about what he may do to you next.

Your face grew hot as he kept his hand on your chin. 

“Ohh?”

With his eyebrow raised and a lustful and scheming look in his eyes, he brings up his cane and presses it across your neck, belting you in. He drags the ornate hand-knob down your chest, ribcage, and waist, until it settles nicely in the warm nook between your thighs. Giving it a light twist, he chuckles. 

“Tell me, my dear, sweet girl…,” Darius hums as he continues to twirl his cane into your folds. The smallest moan escapes your lips. “Do you think Crown could bear to part with their precious Robin?” An intoxicating fresh and luxurious scent rolls over you, along with the warmth of his breath. “Dare to entertain me?”

“That… I don’t know if I-” you mumble, squeezing your legs together a bit. Before you could finish, Darius cut you off by abruptly stepping back, leaving your face free from his grasp and your tingling heat yearning for more. 

“Ahhh, an ordinary human, after all,” he muses and pouts, his voice tinged with disappointment.

Without turning to look back at you, he begins walking away to his room, leaving you frozen still against the wall. He waves a hand in the air as if to bid adieu. 

“Goodnight, Miss Fairytale Keeper,” he says demurely before he turns the corner. His voice was distant, yet the shadow of his presence was still rooting you in your spot. 

After you caught your breath, you meekly said goodnight to yourself before trudging back to your room.

page divider by @/adornedwithlight

by myusuchaa, please do not steal

[lilrainbowcloud]

Flower and Fates

Pairing: Luke Castellan x Reader

Genre: Barista x Florist AU

Word Count: 2.1k || masterlist

Warning: none

The sound of chiming bells from the collar of your cat, Festus, accompanied you as you made your way around your little flower shop with a spray bottle in hand. The soft purring he does as the fluffy ball of cloud jumped onto the windowsill and shoving his head under your hand made it difficult for you to attend to your plants causing you to giggle at his need for attention.

"Festus please! I'll play with you when I'm done here," even as you said that, the cat still wouldn't listen, jumping down now, he rubbed himself against your legs making it hard for you to move now without stumbling over him.

Setting the clear spray bottle on the flower stand, you put your hands on your waist as you looked down at your furry friend, "What is up with you today huh?" your annoyed expression changes to a soft one as you bend down to pick him up, how could you even stay mad at him when he's so cute. "You've never been this clingy before," walking to the main table, you sat down on the chair with Festus happyly snuggling on your lap, purring loudly by the gentle scratching on his head.

"This is an early break for me then," sighing as you looked at the clock on the wall, the time showed [11:47AM]. Today was one of the quieter days in your shop. Only having a couple came in hours before to pick their order for a ceremony, other than that later today you might get a few others. Speaking of orders, you remembered you had to continue the last few bouquets of an order for an anniversary today so the client can pick them up tomorrow but with Festus stopping you from doing your work, you just hoped that this cat would be over his episode soon.

A gentle tap on your shoulder almost startled you if the person who you saw by your side was one of a stranger, but he wasn't a stranger. It was Luke, the cute barista from the coffee shop next door who also happened to be your friend from the first day you had opened your shop and now it's been 3 months of your sweet friendship.

The lovely smile of his instantly got mirrored onto your own face, "Hi, Luke." Remembering that you were stroking your cat on your lap, looking down you saw that he was no longer there making you sigh in relief as you could finally stand up and stretch.

"Are you tired today, [Y/N]?" setting the paper bag filled with your usual pastries for lunch, which the freshly baked aroma was starting to seep through it, Luke pulled a chair closer with his foot to sit across from you, "I've never seen you sleep in the shop before. Also, it's very dangerous to when you're all alone in here someone could've just come in,"

Pulling your lips into a tight line humming to give you time to form an answer, you moved yourself closer to the table, your knees bumped his as you grabbed the paper bag with your name on it,”First of all, it was Festus' fault for not letting me water the flowers today because,” Turning your head to look for said cat, you saw that he was eating his food, unbothered, “someone is clingy today,” raising your voice in Festus’ direction, it made the curly haired boy laugh, amused by your relationship with your cat.

“What?” looking at the boy in front of you with a questioning expression, “It's true! I only got to water not even half of my precious flower babies,” lips pouting, you rolled your eyes at him as he continued to laugh, the melodious sound resonating through your quant shop made your heart flutter. A small smile appeared on your face at the thought of how you liked his laugh so much. Brushing your stray hair behind your ears, you then took out the still warm blueberry scone. Humming in satisfaction, eyes closed as the rich flavors filled your mouth.

“I'll help you water them later,” Calming himself down from his laughing fit, cheeks dusted with pink roses Luke sat up straight and took his own lunch, “Now eat up first.”

💐🥀🌷🌸🌻🌼

Mists of water droplets fell onto the rainbow petals of the flowers in your shop, continuing from the windowsill you paused earlier, the afternoon sun rays was beaming through the window and as Luke turned to ask you a question whether or not the section he was standing at had been watered or not, Luke could see the rays blanketed your figure with a soft golden halo. Reaching over your head to spray the hanging pots, once again the water mists fell around you like sparkles.

It was almost like a secret magical moment Luke was seeing. From the quiet and calm atmosphere, to the soft smile on your face as you took care of your plants and to the enchanting sight he just witnessed, if he didn't make friends with you since day one that you went over to his cafe for breakfast, Luke would've thought you were a fairy selling your magically grown flowers.

Captivated by you, Luke didn't even realize that you had moved away and was standing next to him until he heard your voice, “Hey, I think we're done here.” The same soft smile you gave to the flowers, you were showing it to him too. From the months he knew you, Luke had been observant towards your behavior as you didn't talk very much. Knowing by heart the smile you just gave him was one of that the adoring kind, does that mean-

Oh no, the growing feelings for you were sprouting yet another rose in his heart. Ever since he first thought you were such an endearing girl, the first ever bud grew. Every day he sees you as you opened your shop the same time as him, the little red rose was growing steadily. Day by day the petals were opening, until one day of you forming a friendly bond with him to the point of you being comfortable with each other, that was when all types of flowers were blooming in his heart.

The fear of admitting his feelings out loud made him suppress them, everyday he had been stomping on the delicate flowers so as to not ruin your innocent friendship. If you had seen the massacre he had done in his heart, he bet you would've fainted. But deep down he secretly wished that you would attend to his growing feelings just the same as you had attended to your beautiful flowers.

Sighing to himself, lips jutted out in a not so obvious pout to show his disappointment, Luke set down the spray bottle on the front table and followed you to the back room.

The backroom was your workroom where you prepare for orders, and Luke could see the assortments of flower arrangements on the table. Scanning his eyes through the room, he could see there were about a dozen white flower bouquets in a circular shape, the stalks were wrapped with brown paper with purple ribbons tied to them. On your wide work table, he could see the piles of flowers you used to make the order and right now you were cutting the stalk of a white carnation.

“How many of these do you still need to do?” Picking up a white rose, Luke brought it to his nose and inhaled the fragrance of the flower before twirling it with his fingers

“Hmmm, about four more then I'll have to put them in the boxes for them to pick up tomorrow morning.”

As you worked, Luke leaned himself over the table opposite of you, arms extended to support himself as he watched you staking the variety of white coloured flowers together effortlessly, making them blend in together so beautifully it amazed him by how fast you worked. In the next three minutes you were already covering the green stalks with the brown paper.

“Can you help?” Suddenly stopping as you held the paper's edge in place, you looked up at Luke who raised an eyebrow in question. “Can you please cut the ribbon and tie this for me?” Inclining your head towards the roll of purple ribbon and the scissors beside it.

Quick on his feet, Luke did as you said of cutting the ribbon, from the other times he had helped you to prepare orders from time to time, he knew the exact length to cut, even making the inward arrow head you always made at both ends. Standing beside you now, he wove the ribbon around the bouquet, swiftly moving the ribbon under your hold for you to let go and let him take over. As you were retracting your hands, your fingers brushed over Luke’s hands. Another blooming flower.

“Thank you,” Picking up the made bouquet, you walked to the others and set it down, the back of your fingers brushing the soft petals, “For lunch and for helping me today.” Facing him, you suddenly weren't able to meet his eyes.

As you stood there, feeling the warmth of Luke's presence beside you, you couldn't shake the fluttering feeling in your chest. His kindness and helpfulness never failed to make your heart skip a beat, and today was no exception.

"Of course, [Y/N]," Luke replied with a gentle smile, his eyes soft as he looked at you. "I'm always happy to help, especially when it means spending time with you."

You felt a blush creeping onto your cheeks at his words, but you managed to muster a grateful smile in return. "Well, I appreciate it more than you know," you said softly, tucking a loose strand of hair behind your ear out of habit.

There was a moment of silence between you, filled only with the sound of your own racing heartbeat. You knew you had to say something, to express the feelings that had been growing inside you for months now. But the words caught in your throat, and you found yourself unable to speak.

Just as you were about to give up and retreat into your own thoughts, Festus, your ever-mischievous cat, suddenly darted into the room, his collar jingling with every step. He leaped onto the table, causing a few stray petals to flutter to the ground, and nuzzled his head against your hand affectionately.

You couldn't help but laugh at his antics, grateful for the distraction. But as you glanced up at Luke, you caught a glimpse of something in his eyes—a longing, a vulnerability that mirrored your own.

In that moment, something clicked inside you. You realized that maybe, just maybe, you weren't alone in this after all. Maybe Luke felt the same way you did, but was too afraid to admit it.

Summoning up all your courage, you took a deep breath and met Luke's gaze head-on. "Hey, Luke," you began, your voice barely above a whisper. "I was wondering... um, would you maybe want to go out for dinner sometime? Just the two of us?"

The words hung in the air between you, heavy with anticipation. You held your breath, waiting for his response, unsure of what to expect.

Luke's eyes widened in surprise, and for a moment, you feared you had overstepped. But then, a slow smile spread across his face, lighting up his features in a way that made your heart skip a beat.

"I'd love to," he said softly, his voice filled with warmth. "I've been wanting to ask you the same thing, actually."

Relief flooded through you, followed by a rush of excitement. Maybe, just maybe, this could be the start of something wonderful.

But as you exchanged smiles and made plans for your dinner date, neither of you noticed the knowing glint in Festus's eyes. After all, he had his own secrets to keep—the biggest one being that he wasn't just an ordinary cat, but a Cynocephalus, a mythical creature with a knack for bringing people together.

With a satisfied purr, Festus slipped out of the shop and disappeared into the twilight, his mission accomplished. And as he vanished into the shadows, a faint shimmer of magic lingered in the air, a silent testament to the power of love and the mysterious ways of the gods.

As you and Luke walked hand in hand into the evening, the world seemed to sparkle with newfound enchantment, and you couldn't help but feel grateful for the unexpected twist of fate that had brought you together. Little did you know, your journey was only just beginning, filled with magic, adventure, and the boundless possibilities of love.

[dukecollinsbf]

darlin's unempowered friend hcs :3 also masc darlin oc mentioned A LOT! (who's surprised)

his name is trevor o'connor. he's half korean (mom's side) and was born in northern ireland, belfast specifically, before moving to america around the same time that julius (darlin) came to Dahlia, so they quickly became friends because they were both new and had no clue what to do with themselves

he moved away because his mom abandoned him and his dad and his dad, tiernan, didn't really know what to do with himself and moved to america where his brother was. (tiernan is a triplet!) his dad eventually remarried to charlotte and is now extremely happy. trevor loves char!! he has younger siblings from her (that sounds weird? idk how else to word it) and she's overall just one of those mothers that radiate sunshine but does NOT play abt her kids

julius has a bunch of nicknames for him. It went from Trevor to Trev to T to TT (Tee-tee) then titty then Mr. Titty. It's like when you give your dog a nickname and then it escalates into something completely different 

neither of these dudes can walk straight. widawee. like they bump into each other or walk in front of each other and get mad like "WATCH WHERE YOU'RE FUCKING GOING, WHAT ARE YOU DOING??"

they were both losers... they were both pretty boys, but losers. like if they were extroverts and didn't have interests that were considered "weird" then they probably would've been more popular in school

before moving to america, trevor forgot to break up with the girl he was dating so it looked like he literally just disappeared. one time during lunch at school trevor did a big ol sigh like "SIGHH.... man i miss my gf.." and julius was like WHAT r u even talking about......

one time he buzzed and bleached his hair and julius called him eminem for a week and a half before trevor got mad and made julius dye it silver, and when it grew out he had those like tiny little spikes with dark roots and he thought he was the SHIT (he was.)

allergic to pineapple 

dyslexic

his favourite number is 8. julius' is 7. 

after being attacked by quinn, trevor never blamed julius

julius tried to cook for him when he got discharged from the hospital and trevor was like "what... even is this.." 

he didn't eat it. julius ordered him something and ate his creation himself cus he hates wasting food

monster lover, julius is a redbull lover

trevor is also a WHORE for a dr. pepper

one time when they were 14, they tried feeding a stray dog which lead to julius being bitten HARDDD like this dog held on for dear life. afterwards, they hopped on trevor's bike and went to marie's. halfway there trevor asked if julius was okay and julius was just like "are you serious."

they always argue over shit like soccer vs football, chips vs fries, scone vs biscuit, etc. all julius can say to defend himself is "im not from this country."

once he was caught in a lie and trevor replied with "i have an accent, you don't know what i said."

do not have a srs talk around these two. they'll make eye contact and lose their shit

julius wanted to start a band and trevor was like dude we have literally no friends what are you talking about

they used to cuddle platonically all the time, especially when all the quinn shit was going on

trevor has horrendous handwriting. julius makes fun of him when his own handwriting isnt any better, but he defends himself by saying you can read it and that's all that matters

julius : i made u a friendship bracelet :3

trev; thats gay

julius: ok fuck u damn give me it back

trev: NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO PLEAAAAAAAAAASE

trevor has a ginger little cat with one eye who's called pearce 

one time julius and trev's apartment building caught on fire cus of shitty wiring and julius had to sit outside in just baggy sweatpants and trevor was sitting out there on the curb in just underwear and a pair of slippers cus it was like 2am

julius: ur so annoyi-

trevor: UR APARTMENT BURNED DOWN!!!!!

even tho it was his apartment too and they literally lose half their shit to the fire

trevor's little sister made him mad one time and he told her the tooth fairy wasn't real

they worked together for a while and both got fired cus they both have anger issues and were also so unserious. like they'd end up on the floor with laughter mid shift.

he hated david for a long ass time. he'd refer to him as bitch boy. he loved asher tho and thought milo was a little too intimidated for a short guy (sassy man apocalypse.)

he has an eyebrow piercing and a few small tattoos, he's scared of needles but wanted to look cool

he didn't know about magic until he got attacked by quinn and was about to pass out from blood loss and he fully thought it was a hallucination. then julius came to him in the hospital like you'll never believe this...

EVER SINCE THEN, julius has no peace.

werewolf reaction pics. dog jokes. julius' birthday gift after trev found out was a squaky toy and on halloween he dressed up as the most cliche werewolf ever and said he was julius. (creds to aster). he used to call it transforming instead of shifting and julius would be like THATS NOT WHAT ITS CALLEDDDDDDDDDDDDD.

"man, im bored... wanna go play fetch?" "ur hairs getting long... i'll take u to the dog groomers." "do u want a pedigree??"

THIS IS KINDA WHAT TREV LOOKS LIKE!! (awooga booga *hearts pop out of my eyes and my tongue drops out of my mouth and rolls across the grounf like a red carpet)

also this pic (ik it doesn't look like my darlin oc or Trev) is so them

DAMN CAN I YAP!!!

tags - (i lurv u guys)

@achios @aurorialwolf @infinitelovewiithoutfulfilmentt @tgckceo @astrodude-87 @krashkitty @cozy-collins @professionallyyappinabtangst @porters-fangs @n0r

cus u guys eat up my hcs.

[thesuperiorrobin]

Untitled

Pairing: Damian Wayne x Fem!reader

Word count: 1.0k

Warning: none

A/N: also reminder all my requests have been completely deleted after I had gotten a new phone. I’ll open up requests later I just don’t know when. I’m a bit disappointed in myself bc I didn’t get to them sooner. So again sorry if your requests won’t be done anytime soon.

You’re never the first to call.

Most of the time it’s Damian.

Damian needs something in his life that no one in his family could give him. They could, but it wouldn’t be the same if he got it from you. You’re in your room, it’s late. Too late where the streets of Gotham have gone silent—and that alone should say something. You're humming a song of your choice that plays in the background of your bedroom as you sew up a piece of your jacket that you had accidentally ripped when you were out during the day. The music cuts off as your phone beside you starts to ring. It’s a facetime call.

incoming call 🩷🗡️Damian🩷🗡️….:

You’re quick to answer it… pressing the green button as you propped up your phone up against a couple of books you had laying around on your small desk you sat at so he could get a better view of you. There’s a smile on your face when he shows up. I'm your view on the phone. He’s laying down on his bed looking tired and beaten. Damian had just gotten back from a night of patrol before he decided to call you.

“Hi!” You great, he greets you back with a quiet hello “what are you doing?”

“I could ask you the same thing” you hum as you focus back on your jacket.

“Well, my excuse is I took a nap— at like—I don’t know-five? Maybe six? Anyway I woke up not even an hour ago. So I’ll be up the entire night” you laugh at yourself softly “What about you? Why are you up?” He’s quiet for a moment, and that worries you. He says nothing for a few scones seconds, you look up and stare at your phone—staring at his reflection on the other side of your device. There’s something about him that you can’t read well. And that says something because you could usually read off his emotions based on his expression.

“Just got done with patrol” he finally speaks and you nod slowly “how was your day beloved?” A question that’s quick to get you.

Damian loves listening to you talk about your day, even if it was just you doing absolutely nothing. You are quick with your answer.

“I didn’t do much! I only went to the mall today with a friend and let me tell you—twenty-five dollars in this economy ain’t shit. I think I spend around one hundred dollars? I think and I only went to like three stores but I still have money left over. Also Victoria secret underwear is not for the weak at all. They’re cute but some of them are just eh—not made for wearing them all day—“ you stop yourself from saying anything else. You look at your phone to stare at Damian who says nothing. The more you look at him the more he looks exhausted.

“Damian?”

“Yeah?”

“Come over” a soft smile grazes your lips “‘my parents aren’t home. Away on a business trip or something like that”

“oh?” That seems to spike his interests “what’s the occasion?” You shrug as you think for a moment, your ripped jacket now forgotten and placed aside

“movie night? I was watching a scary movie on Max called Barbarian. I was watching it alone but ten minutes in I got scared” Damian let’s put a small laugh that warms your heart. He’s slowly coming down from whatever he was going through.

“So?”

“I’ll be there. Just give me a few minutes”

“yay. I’ll see you in a bit. My windows open so you can just come in whenever”

You say your goodbye before you hang up on each other.

When Damian finally comes round you’re in the kitchen standing in front of the microwave as you make popcorn. Too engrossed on your phone you don’t notice him until his reflection covers your screen. You're quick to turn around and greet him with a hug that lasts longer than usual. It had you wondering. It’s not until the sound of your microwave beeping, you two pull apart but not fully. Hands linger on his face longer, palms against his tan cheeks.

“You okay?” Softly, you ask and he nods against your hands—his own hands coming up and grasping yours bringing your palm closer to his lips. He kisses it softly before he nuzzles into them again.

“Yes, with you I’m always okay” you hum as you smile up at him.

“Okay….” The microwave beeps once more, a reminder that the popcorn is ready. You let go of Damian as you make your way towards it, opening it and taking out the hot and steaming bag. You place it on the counter as you go and retrieve a bowl.

“You can go sit on the couch if you want” you say dumping the popcorn into the bowl

“I’ll be there in a minute” he nods but you can’t see, you hear his footsteps disappear as he walks away. You spot Damian sitting on the couch waiting patiently, there’s no expression on his face as he stares blankly at your T.V. A frown paints your lips as you walk up to him and hand him the popcorn—he doesn’t say a word as he takes it from your hand and watches as you search for the remote. When you do find it you sit next to him draping a blanket that was placed over the arm of the couch. There’s a static silence between the two of you as you search for the movie. Damian drapes his arm over your shoulder—leaning down onto you.

“Tired?” You laugh slightly—hand coming up to ruffle his black hair as you press play on the movie. He shakes his head

“No. I’m never tired” he smiles

“Okay, whatever you say” rolling your eyes playfully you lean closer to him. The popcorn was now in your hands, placed on your lap. Damian arms were wrapped around you protectively. You two to engrossed in the movie you were watching

Damian was always okay. He just missed you. Today was the first time he’s been over your house in the past six months and talking to you through the phone wasn’t doing any justice to him. Missing you kinda gives him a home sick-y feeling.

Also I recommend watching Barbarian on MAX. It’s not really a jump scare kind of horror movie. It’s more like an uneasy kind of movie. 10/10. Although I do have to give a warning bc there is blood and gore and also mentions of rape and incest.

[traveler-at-heart]

What we were - Chapter 3

Chapter 1, Chapter 2 

Pairings: Natasha Romanoff x Fem!R

CW: Character death, cheating.

Not sure if ya’ll gonna like where this is going but... this is my design.

Over the course of three weeks, you received yellow tulips, chocolate and danish scones from your favorite bakery.

Each item always included a hand-written note from Natasha wishing you a good day or with a poem you loved. You gave your thanks via text, but that was about it from your side.

Natasha also made it a point to drive and pick up Anya at least three times a week. On Fridays, they had dinner together and brought extra for you and Bucky.

A peace offering that he didn’t give a damn about. Still, it was fun for you to watch them interact with phony smiles, wondering who would break first.

As August ended, Anya’s school sent out their usual PTA meeting invite. You RSVPd, not really expecting Natasha to be there.

“Let me drive you” Bucky says as you look at yourself in the mirror. For the first time in months, you’re about to leave the house to interact with grown ups that won’t look at you with pity or sadness.

“And leave Anya alone? I don’t think so”

“It looks like it will rain, and you absolutely can’t drive at night with rain” 

“Are you calling me old? You, the centennial man?” you pinch him, reaching for the wrong arm. “Ouch” 

“Clearly, this interaction has shown that I’m more mature than both of you,” Anya proclaims, doing her homework in the living room. “It’s a short drive and you know uncle Bucky is right, Mom” 

“Ugh, fine. But call us if you need anything, please?” you kiss her forehead and in spite of yourself, wear your reading glasses. 

“Yeah, yeah” 

“Be back in a second, kid” Bucky says, ruffling her red hair.

“With Chinese”

“Fine” 

“She’s so bossy” you comment, buckling up. He chuckles.

“Wonder where she got that from” 

“Hey!” you slap his arm, thankful that it wasn’t the metal one this time. “I know you’re just driving me because you want to see Miss Day”

“Anya’s teacher? Nah” his blush gives it away.

“Busted” 

You have to hold back a laugh when, out of all people, Miss Day is the one greeting everyone at the door.

“Sergeant Barnes” she greets a little too eagerly. “Will you be joining Mrs. Romanoff tonight?”

“Just dropping her off” he stumbles with his words.

“He’s such a gentleman, don’t you think?” you say, nudging him. “Any girl would be lucky to have him” 

“Well, Anya speaks wonders of you. And you’re welcome to stay, we will just be a little crowded in the classroom, considering the other Mrs. Romanoff is already here” 

“Oh. Right” 

“That’s my cue. Call me later” he mumbles, annoyed at the idea of Natasha arriving earlier than you two.

“Of course!” Miss Day is quick to answer, but blushes a second later. “Oh, right, you meant… her. Ha-ha, silly me” 

You’ll never, ever, let him forget this.

As you walk into the classroom, still smiling, your eyes meet Natasha’s. She waves at you awkwardly.

“Saved you a seat” she points at the chair next to hers and you nod.

“Thank you” 

Miss Day goes over the upcoming fairs, projects and field trips. The curriculum goes next and by the time she finishes with the Q&A session, it’s been an hour.

The last part consists of parents meeting privately with Miss Day to review grades and conduct. It’s in alphabetical order so you’re one of the last.

“I forgot how long these things are” you sit next to Natasha in one of the hallway benches. You lean back, sighing. 

“Want some chocolate?”

“Mmm, yes. I’m starving” you take the snack and practically moan at the first bite. “Sorry” you mumble when Natasha blushes. 

“I like it when you wear glasses,” she says, looking at her feet.

It’s your turn to blush.

“Thank you” 

“Mrs. and Mrs. Romanoff?” Miss Day calls for you.

“Us? So soon?” you look at Natasha and she shrugs her shoulders.

“Oh, yeah, we’re not doing the alphabetical thing anymore. We go over top performers first. Please sit. Anya is doing great. As you know, she’s already fluent in four languages…”

“Five” Natasha corrects and you go over the list in your head. Oh yeah, German.

“Right, five. Sorry” Miss Day looks flustered, and you remember that most of Anya’s teachers have always been particularly afraid of your wife.

“I forgot as well. It’s hard to keep up with Anya sometimes” you intervene, kicking Nat’s leg softly.

Be nice.

The Russian smiles, trying to look friendly.

“She’s leaning towards Humanities a little bit more than last year. As you remember, she won first place at the Interstate Science Fair. And her grades are still great in all subjects, but she has been reading a lot more. And taken some interest in learning to play the piano” 

“My dad made me take lessons when I was her age. I may have mentioned it once or twice. Though none of us really know how to play any instruments, right, darling?” you say, distractedly.

“R-right” Natasha’s eyes widen at the pet name. “Yelena, her aunt, she plays the guitar”

“Oh, yeah” you nod, still unaware of your slip up. “Well, I’ll ask her if she wants to take some private lessons. I’m too rusty to teach her anything”

“Other than that, she’s doing great. She’s a great kid, sweet and very kind to her peers… as for faculty members…” 

“What?” you're shocked to think that anyone would complain about your daughter.

“Well, kids like Anya…”

“Like what?” Natasha practically barks at the teacher and she jumps in her seat.

“I mean super smart. They tend to have an issue with authority and question everything. There’s also that thing where she’s very good at sneaking around”

“We’ll talk to her” you promise, but you’re uncertain about how the conversation will go.

After all, you married her other mother while you two were running away from the American government. And the Avengers were famous for breaking rules regularly.

The team had a whole Wikipedia page on broken laws, including sections by country and international organizations.

“In that case, class dismissed” the woman seems relieved when you say goodbye.

You walk next to Natasha, caught up in your thoughts. She keeps you from walking into the rain by pulling you next to her.

“Huh?” you look back, your face inches away from hers.

“It’s raining” she explains.

“Oh” 

“Do you want my jacket? Where did you park?”

“Buck drove me here. I’ll get a cab” 

“Let me” she offers, her green eyes pleading.

“Could we… get something to eat first? I’m very hungry and not in the mood for chinese”

“Yes, anything you want” 

There’s an awkward moment as she walks you to the passenger door and you both reach for the handle.

“Sorry, yeah…” you let her pull and then you slip inside, trying to control your breathing.

“What are you in the mood for?” she says, driving out of the school’s parking lot.

“Grilled cheese” you say and she chuckles. 

“From Al’s?”

“Where else, Nat?”

“Coming right up”

--

“You really were hungry” Natasha smiles as you steal another one of her fries.

“Maria had me on back to back meetings. And then I went to swim for a whole hour. So this is just me rewarding myself for being such a responsible adult” 

“How’s the leg?”

“The same”

“My offer still stands,” she reminds you. Her phone rings and you’re saved the trouble of refusing said offer for the second time. “Will you excuse me?” 

“Yeah, sure. I’ll finish your fries for you” 

Natasha rolls her eyes, but pushes the plate towards you.

The evening has been surprisingly pleasant. But a minute later, she hurriedly hangs up and walks back to you.

“Everything ok?”

“Yeah” she lies.

In the past, maybe because you loved her, you let those small lies fly. But not pushing enough was part of what brought you here.

“Tasha? I’d like to know”

You lock eyes and you hold your breath as Natasha studies your expression.

“Ok” she nods. You give her a moment to gather her thoughts. “I’ve been researching… that mission. Trying to find whoever is responsible for Clint’s…”

She bites her lip, looking down. On instinct, you reach out across the table to squeeze her hand. Natasha holds on tight, running her thumb across your skin.

“I think I’ve found them. Kate was tracking her mother after she escaped prison. Seems like Eleanor Bishop is now working with international terrorists” 

“They weren’t prepared for that, then? Kate and Clint thought it would be something…”

“Easier”

You nod.

“So, what’s wrong?”

“It’s not gonna be easy to get to them. It’s a matter of international security and every government wants in on the mission. I was hoping I could call a few favors…”

“So, you’re not gonna go rogue and beat them on your own?” you arch an eyebrow, impressed with her self control.

Honestly, you expected Natasha to fly and kill them as soon as she got the intel.

“I wouldn’t be a very good mother if I was stuck at the Raft. Or running away like we used to”

“I’ll travel to D.C.” you offer and her eyes widen. “I can pull some strings. As much as I hate it, my father’s name still holds some weight there” 

“Would you do that? I know how much you hate going back there”

All the politics and the lies, the power these people craved and hoarded… yes, it made you sick. But if you could help Natasha, you’d take it.

“It will be fine”

“This means the world to me, Y/N” 

“I know, Nat. Which is why you’ll get me ice cream for dessert” 

“Deal” she lets go of your hand to call the waitress and you smile.

You also wish she hadn't let go.

--

Packing for one was easier than you remembered. It was only a two day trip, anyway. 

Natasha insisted on driving you to the airport and Anya wanted to tag along. It was as good a time as any to remind them of the rules of the house.

“Pop quiz, everyone” you announce.

Anya and Natasha groan at the same time.

“Do we really have to?” your daughter complains.

“How many times a day do you have to water my plants, Natasha?”

“Uh… five?”

“Once! Just once, tomorrow” Anya laughs at her mother and you turn to point at her. “Ok, plants are your responsibility now, missy”

“Aw, Ma!” 

“No Nerf guns inside the house” you keep listing the rules with your fingers.

“Hey, that’s no fun!” Natasha complains and you ignore her.

“No horror movies, if you order pizza it should have at least two different vegetables and last but not least, I do not want to come back home and see that you acquired any sort of animal as a pet” 

“So if a puppy shows up at our door and it’s raining, we’re supposed to leave them outside?” Anya peaks from the backseat.

“No, you drive them to uncle Buck’s and force him to take care of them” 

“Alright, we get it. We’ll behave, right, kiddo?” Natasha promises, winking at Anya.

Saying goodbye it’s harder than you imagined. Anya doesn’t know why you’re going to D.C., but she understands you wouldn’t leave if it wasn’t important.

“Y/N, it’s a two day trip” Natasha complains, carrying your heavy suitcase. “Bucky had no issue getting it down the stairs”

“That’s low, even for you, Ma” Anya says, but still laughs.

“I know, I’m sorry” you take the suitcase from Nat.

“You are not,” she chuckles.

“Tiny, tiny bit” you put your thumb and pointer finger close together. Anya hugs your side and you turn to her. “Take care of Mom, please. I’ll be back the day after tomorrow”

“We’ll be ok, I promise” 

“I love you” you say against her hair. She hugs you tight.

“We love you too” Anya says and you smile. 

“Have a nice trip” Natasha approaches nervously, her hands on the pockets of her jeans.

“Thank you”

Before you have time to process what’s happening, she leans forward and places a kiss on your forehead.

It’s all you can think about on the flight to D.C.

--

Secretary of State Leah Renfield sends a driver to pick you up from the airport. She accepted your request to meet immediately, which can only mean one thing: whatever you’re gonna ask of her, she already knows how you’ll pay it back.

“Agent Romanoff” she greets you, walking away from her huge mahogany desk. She’s tall and her blonde hair has some white on the front. 

“Madame Secretary, it’s good to see you again” you take the hand she offers and follow her to a small futon next to a giant window. 

“I must say, I love that you took your wife’s last name. Natasha Romanoff is a KGB double agent and you’d rather be associated with her than with Thaddeuss Ross” 

“Well, it’s hard to be on good terms with a parent that turns you into an outlaw” 

“In the end, the Avengers did more for the world than he did” she concedes. It’s no secret that she never liked your father, but you share the sentiment wholeheartedly. “So, I am very happy to welcome you whenever you want. I know that you’re still working in intelligence and SHIELD ops”

“Right” you sit straight and look her in the eye. “The thing is… as you know, Agent Barton was killed seven months ago”

“A tragedy” 

“We’ve gathered evidence and it all points to an international terrorist organization called Helios. They’ve been collaborating with some lower rank Hydra officials. It’s all here” you hand over the information that Natasha has collected, about members, attacks and possible targets.

“This is an issue of international security, then” she declares, after browsing through the files. “But what’s the point of bringing it to me?”

“We want to be the ones on a mission to tear it down and arrest those responsible for killing Agent Barton” 

“We, as in, the Avengers”

“Yes”

Renfield sighs, and stands up to walk around the room. She pauses near the alcohol cabinet. It’s too early for a glass of bourbon.

“The world isn’t what it used to be when you were a team, Agent. Frankly, I don’t know how you all got away with so much contempt for the law”

“Well, we saved the universe once or twice. Remember Thanos?”

The woman sighs and nods. Yes, she does. Her daughter and husband were blipped, after all. She has her family back because of you.

“I’m here because we want to do things right. Without causing you too much trouble, as I understand you might run for president next year…”

Renfield laughs and looks at you.

“I always thought you’d do great in politics” 

“I’m not sure if that’s a compliment, Madam Secretary” 

“Me neither”

There’s a knock at the door; her Chief of Staff reminds her she has to run to another meeting.

“Walk with me” she asks, taking the file and handing it over to her assistant. “When are you going back to New York?”

“Friday morning” 

“I’ll try to have an answer by then”

“Thank you” 

“Let’s meet before you go back. And give my best to your wife”

“Will do”

--

“I don’t want her greetings, I want her to okay the mission. In fact, I want her to authorize a nuclear warhead straight to these terrorists’ asses” Natasha rants.

You finally made it to the hotel and have a few hours before you meet with a friend from Law School.

“Jeez, Nat. Let’s just wait for her answer”

Natasha insisted on a video call the minute you checked in.

“Fine. You’re good at reading people. What do you think she’ll say?”

“My guess?” you sigh. “They’ve known about Helios for a while. Their operation is very similar to Hydra. We were the only ones who could deal with Hydra. And now, we’re offering to do the work for the CIA, MI6 and Interpol”

“So they’ll say yes”

“But since we came asking for the favor first… I don’t know. Maybe Renfield will want some type of endorsement for her campaign. I can do that”

“I didn’t mean to put you in this position. I’m sorry”

“I offered. And it will be worth it if we can put Clint’s killers behind bars” 

“Yeah…”

“Natasha, you can’t kill them”

“It could be an accident, detka”

“Stop, I’d like to know as little as possible in case this goes to trial” 

“Fair enough” she chuckles. “By the way, can I use your computer? I need to check my email and my phone is being stupid”

“Sure, the password is our anniversary” 

“Oh, ok” 

“Right… It’s almost time for you to pick up Anya. And I want to take a bath and sleep a little. Tell her I love her and that I’ll call her later, please?”

“Yeah, for sure”

“Thanks, Tasha” 

Walking away from your phone, you begin to get rid of your shirt and the black skirt falls to the ground. The bathtub is almost full so you go back to the bedroom in nothing but your underwear.

“Shit” 

Natasha is still on the call, mouth wide open. 

“I’m sorry, I thought you hung up”

“I thought you did” you mutter from the floor, hiding from the camera. “Byeee”

Damn it. 

--

Natasha can almost remember what life was like before she lost her best friend.

The domesticity of picking up Anya, making sure she does her homework while dinner is ready. You’re the only piece of the puzzle that’s missing.

She desperately wants to make it all better. Fix all the mistakes she made, take back the hurtful words she threw at you when she was so angry at the world.

“Dinner’s gonna be ready in five” the redhead tells her daughter.

“Can we eat in the living room while watching Project Runway?”

“Yes, but don’t tell your mother” 

“Mmkay” 

Just then, she remembers the email that Maria sent and she was supposed to review. She goes to your study. Nothing’s really changed in the room. Every wall is covered with books and your desk is full of pictures of your family.

Even the ones from your wedding.

Natasha runs her hand through one of the pictures. She’s looking at the camera and you’re looking at her, with complete love and adoration.

How could she be so blind to throw it all away?

As she logs in, there’s a notification from your calendar.

Dinner with Cynthia Florrick - Finestra

She tries really hard to not think about it, but that name rings a bell.

Oh, right. The divorce lawyer that Pepper threatened to hire if Tony didn’t retire.

You’re meeting with a divorce lawyer in D.C.

Natasha lost you.

--

“Hi, I have a reservation under Florrick” you greet the hostess. It’s an expensive Italian restaurant full of big suits and elegant women. 

Another thing you don’t miss about D.C.; their fixation on fancy clothes.

“Oh my God, it’s been ages!” your friend shouts. Her loud voice and manners are a little out of place among the clientele.

“Hi, Cyn” you hug her and take a seat. “Well, you won’t visit me in New York so I had to come to you”

“Oh, that’s soon about to change” she smirks. You don’t have a chance to ask why, as an older man walks behind you and she waves. “Cliff, so good to see you”

He gives her the side eye and walks away.

“He doesn’t look happy to see you”

“Oh, he’s just mad because I got his wife the lake house in the settlement. And anyway, as I was saying, I’m opening an office in New York and another one in San Diego”

“Congrats!”

“Yeah, baby. Call me the Tony Stark of family law”

“Well, I’ll be happy to introduce you to some people. You wouldn’t believe the divorce rate among spies” 

“Not you and Natasha, right?”

“Oh, no! We’re doing great” you lie.

“Well, good to hear” Cynthia raises her glass of wine. “Let’s chat, gossip about everyone from college and celebrate that we’re both great” 

--

It’s impossible to nap as you wait for the plane to land. 

On Thursday, Secretary Renfield invited you to a luncheon with some of the biggest names in national security.

The attendees were drawn to you. After all, the Avengers had been successful where most intelligence agencies failed. 

Before you left, she stood aside to brief you on her decision.

“The answer is yes. But with one condition. You lead the mission. Do you agree?”

“Yes”

“And you were right, I am aiming for the White House next year. If you feel inclined to show your support when that happens, I’ll be very grateful”

“Madam Secretary, you have my vote and my endorsement” 

You can’t wait to tell Natasha the news.

Maybe, just maybe, your lives can go back to normal.

Bucky and Anya are the ones waiting for you at the terminal.

“Is… everything ok?” 

“Yeah, I was just stealing this one for a baseball game” Bucky points at your daughter. “So you have a chance to catch up and get some rest”

“Well, it’s good to see you both” you smile, uncertain. Anya hugs you and she doesn’t seem too concerned, so you figure Bucky is telling the truth.

On the drive back home, you catch your daughter yawning a couple of times.

“You so went past your bedtime”

“Nuh-uh” she denies it.

“Yuh-uh”

“Real mature” Bucky mutters and you hit him.

“I leave for a day and everyone goes rogue” 

“Good thing you’re back, then”

When you finally get home, Bucky helps you with the suitcase while Anya waits in the car.

“Ok, as your friend, I’m warning you that Natasha asked me to take Anya so she could talk to you”

“James!” you say, punching him again. “Why didn’t you say something? Did she look happy? Worried? What were her exact words?”

“I don’t know, just go talk to her. The game is about to start. Good luck”

He sprints down the stairs and you are left to drag your heavy suitcase across the hallway.

“Nat? Natasha?”

You walk to your office, where she’s sitting, looking at your wedding pictures.

“Hi there”

“Hello” she greets, her voice low. She looks defeated.

Your heart pounds in your ears.

“What’s wrong?”

“I don’t need you to do me any favors out of pity or whatever it is you feel for me. I thought I had a chance, and all this time you were thinking about a divorce. I’m an idiot” she chuckles, but it comes out as a sob.

“Am I in an alternate universe where I mentioned the word divorce? Because I’ve never brought it up”

“You met with a lawyer” 

“Cynthia? You were spying on me?”

“The notification popped up on your computer when I was checking my emails”

“And instead of asking me, you go around making up scenarios. Just like you did last time, assuming I’d jump to bed with James. I get it, Natasha. You want to think the worst of me, that’s fucking fine. Let me know what other evil shit I’ll do next. Turn our daughter against you, maybe? Which would be really funny, considering I’ve made it a point to not tell her why you moved out of the house”

You look out the window, turning your back to her.

“You’re the only person that made me feel safe and happy and loved. All I ever wanted was to do the same for you. Even after everything, if you asked me to, I’d take you back in a heartbeat. I was so hurt because you kept pushing me away while you were sharing yourself with someone else. I thought you finally realized I couldn’t make you happy. And I love you and want to set you free, but I’m also too scared to let you go. So, sorry to disappoint you but if you want to move on, you’re gonna have to ask me for the divorce”

She’s silent as you pause to wipe your tears.

“So, are you gonna leave or what?” you bark out, impatient.

Natasha doesn’t move.

“Fine, I’ll go” you turn around, walking to the door. You’ll find a place to mourn, because this feels like the end, and you can’t take it. Natasha’s touch brings you back to earth. “What are you doing?”

“I-”

“Let me go” you plead, not turning around. She pulls you closer, spinning you until you face her.

“I’d be an idiot to let you go” 

A sob escapes and she silences it with her mouth, pressing her lips against yours in a searing kiss.

It’s everything you need, to feel complete again. Natasha’s touch is your sanctuary and you welcome its warmth. Her arms slide down your waist and you keep her close as she begins to undo the buttons of your pants. You break apart for a moment to take your shirt off, asking her to do the same with a tug.

“Let me take care of you” she pleads, going down and leaving a trail of kisses across your exposed skin. Your knees buckle when she reaches your underwear. “It’s ok, I got you”

Trusting, you allow her to lap at your folds, but the pressure is too much so you begin to lower yourself to the floor. Natasha makes sure that you’re comfortable and then resumes her ministrations, soft and deep.

It’s not possessive, but very intense. She’s soft and considerate, taking her time to build up the pleasure, until you’re on the brink of orgasm, holding her face close to your center until you ride every wave. 

“Was that ok?” she hovers over you and you taste yourself in her lips.

“Yes. But I need more”

“How much more?”

“A lot more”

--

Three hours later and you’re in bed, clothes scattered across the floor.

Well, Natasha’s clothes. Yours are still at your office.

“Was it good?” Natasha whispers and you make a face. “What?”

“You’ve never asked me that before. And now, this is the second time you do it”

“I just want to make sure you liked it” 

“I did. Very much liked it. In fact, like might be a bit of an understatement”

“Ok, good” she turns to her side and you do the same, your faces an inch away from each other. “So, what do we do now?”

“Well… we have a mission to complete. Then we can worry about the rest”

“Renfield said yes?” she asks, shocked. You nod.

“On the condition that I lead the mission. And I think we should tell the team, Nat. They deserve to know” 

Natasha sighs, sitting up.

“Maybe we should just let someone else handle this” 

“It’s not like us to let the bad guys get away with it” you kiss her shoulder, resting your chin against her arm. “What’s wrong?”

“I just got you back. What if something happens?”

“Everything will be alright. We do this together”

“Together” she promises, her forehead resting against yours.

Taglist: @wandabear, @thatonebrazilian, @canvascoloredin, @ctrlamira, @dvrkhcld, @username23345, @unexpected-character, @how-to-disappearrr, @casquinhaa, @cd-4848

[therealdisneyfan2319]

Latte Love | Wanda Maximoff

Summary: When a new coffee shop opens up across the street from your bakery, you enter into a rivalry with its new owner

Pairing: Wanda Maximoff x Male Reader

Warnings: Smut (minors DNI), language, mentions of major character death, house fire, mentions of alcohol

Word Count: 7.3K

Masterlist

A/N: This was a request from @aloneodi​.  The prompt was pretty straightforward: enemies to overs with lots of angst and smut.  Enjoy ;)

For the past two months the construction across the street from your bakery had driven you insane.  The constant sawing and hammering was grinding your gears.  You weren’t sure what was coming in the old storefront.  It had been vacant as long as you could remember.  You were in elementary school when Mr. Neely retired and the building now sat in a state of dilapidated disrepair: the front awning was threadbare, the windows were partially boarded up, and graffiti was spray painted over the brick storefront.  Inside the empty cases gathered dust and cobwebs.  It was a bit of a pleasant surprise when you came to work one day to see a ‘SOLD’ sign taped to the front door. 

“Maybe we should blast some music, give them a taste of their own medicine,” Natasha suggested with a smirk.  Natasha Romanoff was your right hand woman when it came to running the bakery.  Not only was she an accounting whiz and could balance the books in her sleep, she also made a mean creme brûlée.  

“I just don’t understand why it’s taken them so long to remodel.  It’s construction, not rocket science.  What’s going in there anyway?”

“It’s a coffee shop.  I met the owner when I went to the wholesaler the other day,” Sam explained as he dumped another batch of bagels into the bucket.  A slightly intimidating Air Force veteran with the heart of a teddy bear, Sam was your resident bagel maker and donut fryer.  People came from all corners of the state for his famous brownie batter donuts and egg everything bagels,

“So literally the exact same as us?”  You could hardly believe what you were hearing.  The Rolling Scones had quickly established itself as Westview’s premiere (and only) bakery.  Why did someone else need to open up right across the street?

“Hold up, it’s not exactly the same thing.  We’re a bakery that serves coffee and they’re a coffee shop that serves baked goods.  Totally different.”

You shot Sam a glance that immediately made him do an about face and head back to his boiling batch of bagels.  Flour covered fingers ran through your hair as you leaned up against the back counter thinking about all the negative ways this new shop was going to impact yours.

“What are we gonna do, Nat?  I can’t lose this place.”

“Y/N, relax.  It’s just another business.  We’re not going to go out of business just because there’s a new place in town.  If anything they’re the ones who should be worried.  They have to compete with Sam’s bagels.” 

“We could just burn it down!” Peter, the teenager who washed dishes after school and on weekends, added.  “Then we wouldn’t have to worry about them!”

“He’s got a point,” Sam added as the door jingled open.

“Peter!  Arson isn’t the answer here!” Nat rolled her eyes, heading to the back to work on handling the latest invoices.

“But it is a solution,” you teased.  Natasha groaned as she kicked the back room door open.  “Can I help you?” you asked, turning your attention to the customer who walked up to the counter.

“Yeah, I’m looking for a - oh, SAM!  Hi!”  The young woman in front of you raised up on her tiptoes and waved over the counter.

“Wanda hey!”  He walked over, an overflowing basket of hard rolls in his arms.  “Glad you came.  How’s the remodeling going?”

“Good!  My contractor told me that we should be able to open by the end of the month.”

“That’s great news!  Did you pick the name yet?”

“My brother and I argued about it for a while, but we finally settled on Latte Love.”

“You’re the one who bought the old deli?!”  

“Mmhmm.  I always wanted to open a coffee shop and I thought it was an absolutely charming little spot.  So I saved and took out some loans and got it!  I’m Wanda.  Wanda Maximoff.”  The overexcitable brunette shoved her hand out in front of you.

“Y/N L/N,” you responded as you reluctantly clasped her hand.  The last thing you wanted to do was be friendly with the person who was your direct competitor. 

Sam chatted with Wanda, asking her all sorts of questions about the wholesaler and how she was faring getting her deliveries set up.  Your vision went red at the sight of your friend and this despicable woman having a friendly conversation.  Why on earth would he invite her into your shop, the shop your parents worked so hard to build and the one you worked so hard to keep thriving?  The fear of losing the family business permeated your mind on a daily basis.  This wasn’t making it any better…

“Who’s that?” Natasha’s voice snapped you out of your stewing.  She leaned against the counter, sizing up the scene in front of her.

“That’s the new coffee shop owner.  Wanda.  I have no idea why she’s here or why she’s talking to Sam,” you huffed, crossing your arms as you leaned against the counter.

“Someone sounds a little jealous,” Nat teased.  

“Jealous?!”  Your face flushed red with embarrassment.  “You think I’m jealous?  Nat, that’s the woman who’s going to try to steal all our customers!  She’s the enemy here, not the prize!”

Natasha looked at you, then at Wanda, then back at you, and back at Wanda.  “She’s hot.  Think I stand a chance?”

“Can you pretend you’re not gay for like, five minutes please?  Five minutes.  That’s all I’m asking.  I’m not jealous, I don’t want anything to do with her, and I swear to Christ if she’s into chicks too and you sleep with her your ass is so fired.  ANYONE who sleeps with her is outta here!”  As much as you hated to admit it, Natasha was right: Wanda was gorgeous.  She had the perfect figure, her cropped jeans hugging the curves of her hips just right.  The billowy light blue and white button up and oversized sun hat gave her a youthful exuberance that radiated from her glowing face and stunning green eyes.  

“You’d have less of a stick up your ass if you got laid, you know?” she smirked.  Groaning, you headed back toward the kitchen, kicking the swinging door with your foot.  The sweet smell of powdered sugar and freshly baked cupcakes instantly calmed you.  Unsure of how to amuse yourself until Wanda left, you grabbed a cooling rack of cookies and began frosting, turning the sugary discs into half moons.  The repetition of frosting and smoothing calmed you.  With enough time and vanilla Wanda’s unwelcome appearance would soon become a distant memory.

************************************************

Latte Love had been open for almost a month.  The cafe had a slow start initially.  Customers trickled in and out for the better part of two weeks.  For those two glorious weeks you paid no heed to the brunette who could often be found sweeping the sidewalk and arranging the outside tables just so.  Suddenly, something changed.  Before you knew it a line formed outside the locked doors every morning with people waiting to get their morning cup of coffee.  You didn’t pay much attention to it at first, but once you spotted a couple of your regulars in the line your vitriol for Wanda increased tenfold.     

“That’s the third time today they’ve had a line out the door!” Peter exclaimed as he pressed his nose to the glass.

“Thank you for that reminder, Captain Obvious,” you snarked as you counted back change to the lady at the counter.  “Anything else you want to add?”  

Peter quickly recoiled from the glass, a sheepish expression on his face.  “Ned says their coffee is really good….and so are their muffins,” he mumbled.

Oh great.  Now I’ve gotta compete with her pastries, too.  What a bitch…you thought to yourself as you handed the lady back a fistful of coins.  Wanda was frustrating you more and more every single day.  You sighed, taking off your baseball cap and running your hands threw your sweaty hair. 

The door jingled.  Sam and Nat walked in, the two of them eating cookies that suspiciously didn’t look like yours.

“What are those?” you asked.

“You want one?  Wanda gave them to us.  Pietro’s trying out a new recipe for sugar cookies.  They’re honestly not half bad.”  Sam reached into the brown paper bag and grabbed a large cookie, its warmth causing it to bend ever so slightly.

“Goddamn it!  You slammed your cap down on the counter.  In your mind, this was an act of war and you were not going to stand for it.  Who did she think she was, bribing your employees?  

“Y/N, just relax, okay?  Wanda didn’t mean anything by it.  She’s really nice if you get to know her,” Natasha asserted.

“She’s stealing our customers!” you shouted.  “And I can’t believe you guys are eating her food!”

“Dude, relax.  The cookies are good and she’s nice.  Her brother’s cool, too,” Sam added, wiping cookie crumbs from his goatee.  

“Unbelievable,” you mumbled, storming around the counter and yanking the door open.  You were going over there to give her a piece of your mind. 

You didn’t care what customers thought as you pushed Latte Love’s door open.  Lucky for you there weren’t any at the moment, the last one having left moments ago.  You heard the commotion of dishes crashing from the back and a voice you hadn’t heard before mixing with Wanda’s.  As the commotion in the background subsided, it was the perfect opportunity to look around at the transformed deli.  

The new design was rustic chic with exposed brick walls, stained wooden tables, and the same rustic counter that Mr. Neely once stored his meats and cheeses in.  A series of shiny metallic coffee machines sat behind the counter, the shelves above it stocked with containers full of different types of coffee beans.  The front case was stuffed full of various breads, pastries, cookies, and sandwiches.  It wasn’t a bad place at all, and the food didn’t look half-bad either.  She’d actually done a decent job at bringing the old shop back to life.

“Y/N?” You whipped around as Wanda called your name.  She looked exhausted, her face glistening with sweat and powdered sugar as she pushed a rack of cupcakes and sweet breads out of the kitchen.  Her hair was swept up in a messy bun, strands hanging askew as she wiped the sweat from her bow with her arm.  Her black apron was peppered with sugar and frosting stains.  “How are you?  Did Sam give you a cookie like I asked him to?” “Did Sam - what?”

“Oh, I gave him some cookies to try.  Pietro’s working out a new sugar cookie recipe and he needs taste testers so I figured-”

“What are you playing at here, Maximoff?”

“Excuse me?” Wanda tilted her head as she questioned you, her gaze quickly hardening into a stare.

“You heard me.  What are you playing at?  Is stealing my customers not enough for you that you need to go after my employees too?”  

Wanda’s jaw dropped open as she stared at you incredulously.  She laughed, shaking her head as she started unloading the cupcakes.  “Are you for real right now?”

“Before you showed up we’d sell out every single day.  Now more often than not I’m throwing stuff out.  Sales have dropped and I’ve lost regulars that I’ve had for years.  So I’m telling you this now: stay away from me and my staff.”  It was all you could do to not take all your frustration out on her.

“I don’t know what you think’s going on here,” Wanda started, placing the trays neatly in the case.  While she wasn’t outwardly aggressive, she shoved them in there harder than she normally would.  “But you are absolutely insane if you think that I’m trying to steal your customers or staff or whatever.  Sam and Natasha have been nothing but kind to me and Pietro, I just want to return the favor.”

“Well stop.  The last thing I need is for my guys to be fraternizing with the enemy,” you grumbled, your blood pressure reaching a boiling point as you stared her down, fists clenched tightly at your side.

“Oh, so now I’m the enemy then?” She slammed the tray on the counter, sending loaves of bread tumbling off the sides.   “Jesus, Y/N, what’s wrong with you?  Have you ever stopped to think that maybe people stopped going to your shop because they wanted to try something new or, here’s a novel thought, maybe they like my place more than yours?”

“Fuck you, Wanda!  That place means everything to me!  You have no idea what I’ve done to keep that bakery running and I’m not gonna let your stupid bucket list adventure ruin my life’s work!”

“Get out!” Wanda shouted as she threw a muffin at your head.  Her aim was wide and the pastry hit the wall with a splat as you leaned out of the way.  “Get the fuck out of my store you bastard!”

Your vision tunneled as you stormed out of the shop, not neglecting to flip her the bird as you slammed the door behind you.  Ever since Wanda Maximoff came to town everything had gone completely and utterly wrong.  Everyone seemed to be flocking to her and her business.  Even Sam and Natasha, two of your closest friends in the whole wide world, had taken to her.  It irritated you to no end.  She constantly invaded the deepest depths of your mind, and many nights you awoke in a cold sweat after she invaded your dreams.  There was nothing you wouldn’t do to get her out of your mind: grueling pre-dawn runs, sleepless nights spent getting ahead on cake orders, countless after-work happy hours throwing back whatever alcohol you could get your hands on…anything to get that frustrating, irritating, beautiful woman, out of your mind.

************************************************

After your spat, it was like someone had built the Berlin Wall in the middle of the street.  Patrons realized that something was up with the two shops and most had picked a side.  Lucky for you a majority of the customers you lost returned.  Things finally went back to normal for a while.  Sam and Natasha stopped frequenting Latte Love, or if they didn’t they kept quiet about it.  Natasha reamed you out for the way you snapped at Wanda, telling you to grow the fuck up and deal with it like an adult while Sam became unusually quiet around you.  It was exasperating, but at least you felt like you were in control again.  Yet as things started to go back to normal, there was something looming around the corner that would change your life forever.

************************************************

“Hello?” you mumbled groggily into your phone.  It was the middle of the night and your phone jolted you awake with its abrasive ringtone.

“Y/N, it’s Nat.”  You shot right up, rubbing the sleep out of your eyes.  She sounded extremely concerned to the point where you were worried.

“What’s wrong?  Are you okay?”

“I’m fine.  It’s the bakery.  It’s-”

You didn’t even let her finish before you hung up, frantically searching for some clothes and your keys as you raced down the stairs of your apartment toward your car.  As you sped down the road toward downtown, an orange glow illuminated the dark buildings while sirens grew ever closer.  

Oh no.  Oh no no no no no.  Please no.  Please.  You white-knuckled the steering wheel, your damp palms sliding as your heart pounded in your chest.  The turn onto the main drag confirmed your worst fears: The Rolling Scone was burning. 

You skidded to a halt almost as soon as you turned the corner.  Fire engines, police cars, and ambulances blocked the area surrounding your store and the other end of the road while firefighters rushed into the burning building.  You jogged down the street, looking for a familiar face in the crowd of first responders.

“Y/N!” Natasha jumped out of the back of an ambulance and came running over to you, a reflective rescue blanket draped over her shoulders.

“Nat!  Oh god, are you okay?”  She threw her arms around you and squeezed you tight.  You instinctively pulled her close, cradling her head with one hand as you wrapped your other arm around her.  

“I don’t know what happened.  I was working on the books in the office before I got started on the donuts and I started smelling smoke, so I walked out there and the kitchen was on fire.  I tried to put it out, but when it got too big I called 911.  It’s all my fault, Y/N.  I’m so sorry.”  Her eyes were brimming with tears as she apologized for the mistake that wasn’t her fault.

“It’s not your fault,” you mumbled against the top of her head.  “I’m just glad you’re okay.”  You held her close to you as she cried into your shirt.  The sight of your beloved bakery burning to the ground in front of you should’ve elicited some emotional response from you, but you felt nothing.  None of what was happening seemed real.  You’d wake up in a few hours, shake off your nightmare, and head back to work like nothing ever happened, but that wouldn’t happen again for a very long time.  Now when you woke up, you’d have to spend the foreseeable future picking up the charred pieces of your livelihood.

************************************************

Gone.  It was all gone.  The last tangible reminder of your parents had gone up in smoke.  Words couldn’t accurately describe just how devastated you were.  The bakery was the way you dealt with the crushing pain of having tragically lost your parents so early in life.  Now your coping mechanism was gone.  You looked around, seeing the charred remains of the booths, the front counter, and the collection of employee and family pictures that hung on the back wall.  One picture in particular caught your eye.  It was you and your parents after the little league championship game the year your team won.  The picture was charred around the edges, half of your mom’s body was burnt off, but it was mostly intact.  You ripped it off the wall, sighing as you stared at the faded memory.

“I’m sorry,” you whispered at your parents’ beaming faces.  You let their dream burn down and with it your last memories of them.

You stayed in the building most of the day.  Natasha stopped by at one point to find you on the floor leaning against what was left of the front counter.  She offered to grab you some food or take you home, but you declined, wanting nothing more than to disappear into the void.  That’s where Wanda found you when she showed up later in the evening.

“Hey,” she said as she crouched under the CAUTION tape.  You ignored her as you stared at the charred photograph in your hand.  She stood awkwardly in front of you, a brown paper bag in one hand and her purse in the other.  Wanda was the last person in the world you wanted to see right now.  You wanted to scream, to tell her to leave you alone, but you didn’t have the energy.

“Please go,” you murmured, flipping the photograph through your fingers.  

She didn’t go.  She walked over to the counter, kicking a piece of charred wood to the side as she sat down next to you.  There was an unspoken tension in the air as neither of you looked at each other: you stared down at the picture, she stared at the brown bag in her hand.  

“Here,” she said as she slid the bag over to you.  Taking a look inside the brown bag, you saw two delicious looking honey butter muffins staring back at you.  “I figured that it’d help you feel a bit better.”  Wanda smiled, her emerald eyes glimmering back at you.  For the first time since you met it made your heart skip a beat.

“You figured that muffins from your still-standing cafe would help me feel better about my bakery burning down?”

“Look I’m sorry, okay?  I’m really sorry about your bakery…” she trailed off as she brought her knees up and hugged them close to her chest.  “It should’ve been my place that burned down, not yours.”

“Don’t say that.”

“But it’s true!  Sam told me all about this place.  How your parents built it from the ground up, how you’ve literally spent your whole life working here, how you dropped out of school after they died to-”

“Please stop,” you interrupted as you felt another lump in your throat. .

“Is that them?” she asked, leaning over to get a better look at the photo in your hand.

You nodded.  “That’s, umm, that’s the day we won the little league championship.  Dad coached my team that year and…”  You trailed off as your eyes filled with tears.  “Umm, this place is the only thing I have left of them, you know?  Coming here every day, it’s almost like they’re still here.  And now that it’s gone I…”  You looked down at the picture as hot tears rolled down your face.  The emotional breakdown that had been brewing all day was finally bubbling up through the cracks.  “Sorry.”

Before you could say anything else, a pair of soft hands wrapped around you and pulled you close.  “It’s okay, you can let it all out,” Wanda whispered.  That was all it took for you to finally break down.  You sobbed into her chest as she held you.  She squeezed you close as she gently rocked back and forth, her fingers gently stroking your hair.  “You’re okay, Y/N.  You’re going to be okay.  I’ve got you,” she soothed.  Your body was wracked with sobs as you finally let everything go. 

Wanda’s touch was calming.  You’d never felt so calm or safe wrapped up in someone else’s arms before.  You never cried in front of anyone, not even Natasha and she was your best friend.  Somehow you knew that Wanda was someone you could trust completely.  “I’m sorry that you’re going through this, but you don’t have to go through it alone,” she whispered in your ear as your sobs started to calm.  You didn’t have enough control to speak yet so you simply nodded into her chest.  Her scent was intoxicating, a combination of sugar, roasted coffee beans, and vanilla blossom shampoo.  You never noticed it before.

“Sorry for getting your shirt wet,” you sniffled as you sat up.  

“Sorry for throwing a muffin at your head,” Wanda chuckled as she reached up to brush a stray tear from her face.  Her hand was incredibly soft as she rested it on your cheek.  You felt your face grow hot, but you weren’t sure if it was from the way she was touching you or the lack of distance between your faces or all of the above.  The knot in your throat instantly migrated down to your stomach as you locked eyes with her.

“ S’okay,” you mumbled as you lost yourself in her deep green eyes.  After staring for a moment too long, you turned your head away and blinked.  She shook her head, realizing for herself the tense intimacy of the situation.  “What kind of muffins are these?” you asked, quickly changing the subject.

“Honey butter.  Pietro found the recipe online and fell in love with them.”  

“I can see why,” you responded with your mouth full.  “They’re good, but I think mine are just a bit better.”

“Shut up,” she answered with a playful smack.

************************************************

Over the course of the next few weeks, Wanda came over to your bakery almost every day.  At first it was just to bring you something from the cafe: a cup of coffee and something sweet in the morning or a sandwich after she closed up for the evening.  Her presence soon became a familiar comfort to you and you looked forward to the few moments you spent with her every evening.  Daily food deliveries turned into offers to pick up dinner, and you often found yourself sitting up with her until all hours as you ate and continued the arduous rebuilding process.  Soon enough Wanda was coming over to help you on her days off.

As you spent more time with her, the way you thought about her changed.  You no longer woke up in a cold sweat from nightmares that involved her.  Nowadays when you dreamt about her you woke up with an uncomfortable throbbing in your pajama pants.  Her smile made you weak at the knees and you craved any opportunity to touch her.  She was an incredible woman but you were terrified to tell her how you felt.  

Natasha, of course, had noticed the shift in your demeanor towards her.  “So do I get to fire you when you sleep with her or are you gonna fire yourself?” she teased one night while you were tearing the tile flooring out of the kitchen.

“Fuck off, Nat,” you answered, not steering your attention away from the floor.

“Don’t pretend like you weren’t drooling over her when she wore those shorts in here the other day.  Besides, I see the way you two are when you’re together.”

“She’s just being friendly.  She’s like that with you and Sam too, you know.”

“Y/N, she kept staring at your crotch when you wore those grey sweatpants last week.  Even if she doesn’t like you, and I’m telling you she does, she still wants to fuck you.”

“Right, yeah,” you guffawed.  While you brushed Natasha off, you hoped she was right.  You had caught Wanda staring when you wore your grey sweats last week…and you’d be lying if you said you didn’t enjoy it.

“You should tell her how you feel.  I’m pretty sure she feels the same way.”

“Nat-”

“She’s over there now.  Just go talk to her.  Ask her out for dinner or something.”

“Nat-”

“Relax, I’ve got everything under control,” she smiled at you.  “Go talk to Wanda.”

You groaned as you pushed yourself up from the hard floor.  “Fine.  But if this all goes wrong I’m blaming it on you!”  You wiped your hands on a rag, throwing it at Nat as you headed for the door.

“It won’t!” she called from the kitchen.  You shook your head, grinning as you pushed the door open and crossed the street to Latte Love.  The store was closed for the evening.  Inside, Wanda was cleaning up, wiping down the tables and counter like she did every evening before making her way to The Rolling Scone.

Wanda looked up as she heard the door jingle.  Her exhausted face lit up at the sight of you.  “Hey you,” she called.  “What’s going on?”

“Not much.  Just helping Nat rip up the tile in the kitchen.  Contractor says he’ll be ready to go by the end of the week for that.”  The words felt like cotton balls in your mouth.  You never got this flustered around her but the thought of telling Wanda how you truly felt about her had your stomach tied in knots.  “How was your day?”

“Good!  Pietro left early for an appointment, so it’s just me closing up.  I was planning on picking up Indian for dinner.  Wanna join me?”

“Yeah, that sounds good.  Listen-”

“Oh!  I got this call for this INSANE order.  This lady wants twelve dozen cupcakes by Sunday.  SUNDAY.  Can you believe that?!”

“Wanda-”

“I mean of course you can, you’ve been doing this a lot longer than I have.  But I mean we’re a coffee shop, not a bakery!  I would’ve sent them to you but, well, you know, it’s a little hard to bake cupcakes when you don’t have an oven.”

“Wanda-”

“So I said ‘Sure, why the hell not?’ and I think that was a mistake because-”

“WANDA!” you said a little more aggressively than you intended. 

“Yeah?” She threw her hand towel over her shoulder.

“Wanda.  I, well, fuck.  Sorry, I’m not good at this.”  Your hands were all sweaty and your knees felt weak.  “Look.  What I want to say is, well, for the past few weeks we’ve…spending time with you…fuck!  Why is this so hard for me to say?”  You ran your fingers through your hair, frustrated that you couldn’t figure out the right words to say.  

Wanda’s quizzical look slowly softened into a smile as she started to put the pieces of the puzzle together.  She looked down at the ground, biting her lip as she threw the towel on the counter right before she jumped up on it, spun around, and hopped off on the other side.  She walked right over to you, stopping less than a foot away as she looked up into your eyes.

“You know, for an emotionally suppressed type of guy, you’re pretty cute when you get all flustered,” she teased.

“Wanda, I-” 

Before you could finish your thought, Wanda grabbed your waist, leaned in, and kissed you.  Your hands somehow found their way to the back of her neck, palms resting on her cheeks as you cupped her head.  Every single coherent thought you had flew out of your brain the second her lips touched yours.  They were just as sweet as you imagined they’d be.  You smiled into her lips, eternally grateful that she had been the one to initiate this in the first place.  She smiled back as you deepened it, capturing her bottom lip between yours.  There was no need for talking, no need for any other explanation.  The dance between your lips told the entire story: you were hers, and she was yours.  The knot in your stomach burst into a million butterflies as every touch ignited a burning sense of desire within you.  

“Wanda, I-” you somehow managed to choke out as she began to kiss the side of your neck.

“There’s a couch in the office and the door locks,” she mumbled.  Her lips grazed your sensitive skin as she spoke and it took everything in you not to let out an offensive moan.

“Lead the way.”  Wanda grabbed your hand and dragged you behind the counter and through the kitchen to the small office in the back of the shop.  You slammed the door shut behind you as Wanda pinned you to it, locking the door with one hand before bringing it back up to roam your body.  She slammed her lips into yours as you grabbed her hips, pulling her flush against your body.  The contact sent a surge of energy through your groin and you knew it would be only a matter of moments before your shorts became unbearably uncomfortable.  

You explored her body as you kissed her, tracing over every curve as she moaned into your mouth at the sensual contact.  She was heavenly.  You decided to change up the intensity of your make out session, swiping your tongue over her lower lip.  She willingly opened up and allowed your tongue to explore hers.  

Before you realized it, Wanda’s hands made their way down your body to the front of your shorts.  She unbuttoned them, stopping right afterwards to palm your throbbing erection.  You nibbled on her bottom lip as she fondled you and she smiled into your mouth in response.  As she pulled your pants and boxers down, you pulled off your t-shirt and threw it off to the side.  

“You’re beautiful,” Wanda whispered as she looked at your naked body for the first time.  She ran her hands over your toned biceps, strong and wiry from years of kneading dough, and your pecs, down your toned stomach before reaching your cock.  She grabbed it with one hand, stroking it gently as she dropped to her knees.

“Wanda,” you groaned as she worked her hands up and down your shaft.  Pushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear, she lined up her mouth with your tip and swallowed the first part of your penis.  She swirled her tongue around your tip, coating it in saliva before removing her mouth and using it as lube to jack you off.  Your knees felt weak as she took you in her mouth again, bobbing her head up and down your entire length.  She sucked and licked and swirled your cock, hollowing her cheeks as she took you down her throat.  The noises that came from her mouth as she gagged on your length were sinful, but it only made you want her that much more.

At one point she reached for your hand, placing it on the back of her head.  You took that as a sign to do what you wanted, so you moved her head up and down at a speed you liked.  You moaned as you felt the familiar fire burning within you, spurred on by the way Wanda’s eyes watered as she let you fuck her throat.  She grabbed onto your thighs as you pounded into her, nails digging into your flesh as she looked up at you with those pleading green eyes.

“I’m gonna cum,” you moaned as Wanda ripped your hand away from her head, bringing her other hand up to jack you off as she sucked on your tip.  The sudden suction and added stimulation immediately caused you to tumble over the edge as you released down her throat.  She greedily swallowed every last drop.  Having her suck you off like that was a life-changing experience.

Wanda sat back on her heels, wiping the drool from her chin as she gasped for air.  “Nice cock,” she chuckled.  “Hope it feels as good as it tastes.”

“Why don’t we find out?” you teased, offering your hand to her as she stood up.  “But I think you’ve got too many clothes on for that.”

“I think we can take care of that,” Wanda smirked, reaching down to pull her shirt over her head.  “Want to get my pants?” she asked as she reached behind her to undo her bra.

“Don’t have to tell me twice,” you joked as you unbuttoned her jeans.  You slid both them and her panties down her legs before she kicked them off.  “Wow,” you said, taking a step back to admire her.  

“Like what you see, tiger?”

“Wanda, I’m sure you’ve heard this a million times, but you are the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen.”  Wanda blushed a deep shade of crimson at your words.  It wasn’t an exaggeration.  She was absolutely gorgeous.

“Thank you,” she whispered sheepishly as she sat on the couch.

You sat down next to her, your eyes darting from one part of her nude figure to the other before you settled back on her lips.  Leaning forward, you kissed her as she fell back on the couch.  It didn’t take much to shift your position so that you were completely on top of her.  You relished the taste of her lips as you kissed and you wanted to savor  the sensation of every second.

“Fuck,” you murmured as you reached a hand down between her legs.  “You’re absolutely soaked, Wanda.”  She whined as you drew a finger up the length of her cunt, teasing around her engorged clit.  “You do that to me every day.  I go home soaking wet and fuck myself thinking about how good you’d feel inside me.”  She bucked her hips against your hand, desperate to relieve the ache building within her.  “God, I want you in me so bad, Y/N.”

“Jesus,” you whispered through gritted teeth as your erection swelled at her words.  “And here I was trying to figure out how to tell you how the first thing I do every morning is jack off to the thought of you.”

“I guess we both have filthy minds then,” she grinned.  Her face was flushed with arousal, the redness spreading down her neck and onto her breasts.  “Fuck!” she exclaimed as you dipped a finger ever so slightly inside her before quickly pulling out.  “Please just fuck me!”

“You’re cute when you beg,” you sighed as you lined yourself up with her entrance.  You teased her with your tip, rubbing it up and down her slit and over her lips and clit before barely pushing your head in.  She whined, rolling her hips in a feeble effort to lower herself onto you.  

“Y/N please-” Wanda’s words turned into a sharp cry as you slammed your entire length inside her.  Her pussy was absolute heaven.  She was warm and wet, her slick velvety walls engulfing you and squeezing in all the right places. 

“Oh my fucking god,” you croaked.  You laid over her for a minute, trying to regroup yourself enough so you wouldn’t immediately blow your load inside her.  As she adjusted to your intrusion and you calmed yourself down, you began to roll your hips against her, thrusting in and out.

“Shit,” she gasped.  Wanda rolled her hips in time with yours, meeting you as you thrust your length all the way inside her.  You continued at a steady pace, the sounds of her wet pussy being the only noise in the room.

“Are you okay?” you asked, noticing Wanda’s eyes were screwed shut.

“Feels really good.  Can you go faster?”  Not wanting to disappoint, you began to pound into her.  Her mouth gaped open at your newfound intensity as she reached up to wrap her arms and legs around you.  “Oh fuck, right there.”

The couch shook under the duress of your movements.  You pounded into Wanda, her tight hole stretching perfectly around your cock with every thrust.  Sweat beaded on your forehead as you grunted from exertion.  Your moans and groans, along with the squelching of Wanda’s pussy, filled the room.  As you pounded into her cunt, your cock disappearing within her wet folds, Wanda’s moans became louder and more erratic.  “You close, baby girl?”

Wanda nodded, wrapping her legs tighter around your midsection.  “My clit,” she choked out.  You helped her move one of her arms from your back to the sensitive spot.  She circled it furiously, a loud groan tearing from her chest.  “Faster,” she commanded.

You doubled down on your efforts and hammered into her dripping cunt.  The way her walls fluttered and clenched around you told you she wasn’t far away from her orgasm.  The way she tightened around you sent that familiar coil through your lower abdomen.  It wouldn’t be much longer until you reached your climax as well.

“I’m gonna cum,” she whined.  You pounded into her as fast as you could, groaning as your hips slammed against her swollen pussy.  Her hand circled her clit furiously.  Wanda came with a loud groan, her back arching off the couch as wave after wave of ecstasy crashed down on her.  Her walls throbbed and clenched rhythmically around you, the intense sensation finally causing you to cum as you released your thick load of cum deep inside her.  Wanda dug her nails deep into your back as you absolutely ruined her.

“Fuck I love you,” you gasped as you collapsed on top of her from sheer exhaustion.  Blood pounded in your ears and black dots peppered your vision as you recovered from the best orgasm you ever had.  

“You love me?” Wanda asked, her eyes blown wide with desire from the afterglow of her incredible orgasm.

“Shit, I’m sorry I shouldn’t have said that.”  A sense of panic overtook you as you stared down at Wanda.  

“No it’s okay.  I mean, I feel the same way,” she admitted, smiling back up at you.

“Really?”

“Mmhmm” 

You chuckled as you leaned down to kiss her.  “Guess I have to quit my job now.” 

Wanda looked at you with a confused expression.  “What?” she asked as she cocked an eyebrow.

“I told everyone that they’d be fired if they slept with you, so I guess I’ve gotta quit.” 

“I love you,” Wanda giggled as she shook her head.

************************************************

“So let me get this straight: we’re merging with Latte Love after you threatened to fire us if we talked to Wanda?” Sam crossed his arms as he sat on the newly reconstructed front counter.  You had called the team together to announce the new business venture you were about to embark on.

“Okay first off I only threatened to fire you if you slept with her.  Talking to her would’ve resulted in a stern talking to and overnight donut duty for a week.  Second, it's not a merger so much as it is a partnership.  Both businesses will operate independent of one another, but now we’re going to start carrying some of their baked goods,” you explained.  Everyone looked at you in utter disbelief, unable to fathom your sudden shift in the way you viewed Latte Love.

“What changed?” Nat asked, tapping her pen against the table.

“Oh you know…stuff…things,” you murmured sheepishly as your face reddened.

“Oh my god!”  Nat’s eyes widened in realization as she stood up. “You slept with her!”

“Dude what?!  That’s so -” Peter exclaimed before Sam slapped his hand over his mouth to shut him up.  You pinched the bridge of your nose as you looked up at the ceiling.  Natasha was laughing at the irony of the whole situation before she lambasted you with questions.

“How long has this been going on?  Wait, was it a one time thing?  Oh, it was definitely the time I made you go over there to talk to her when we were ripping up the floor.  And you told me you two just talked.  Talking my ass…Is this a business deal, like sex in exchange for pastries?  Are you two a thing?  I should’ve guessed with how much time you’ve been spending over there and how you never want to do anything fun with me anymo-”

“Nat, will you please shut up?!”  Her endless questions were exasperating.  Yes, you and Wanda were in fact a thing but you hadn’t told anyone about it.  You hadn’t even told Nat about your back office hookup even though it happened two months ago.  There was so much going on with rebuilding the bakery and dealing with insurance claims that you wanted to keep this part of your life private.  “I just think it’d be a good idea for both of us, maximize our profits, boost both of our busin-”

“Hey babe, is there any way you can come help me with the rest of the-” Wanda paused as she barged in on your team meeting.  “Oh hi guys!”

“Mmhmm, it’s definitely good for both of you,” Nat smirked as she took a sip of her coffee.  You shot her a warning look while Wanda stood utterly oblivious to the scene unfolding around her.  “Go on, go help your girlfriend with whatever she needs.  I’ll show Peter how to do the bagels.”

You smiled at Wanda as you headed toward the door.  “So what do you need my help with?”

“Nothing,” Wanda responded as she reached for your hand.  “Just wanted to spend some time with my favorite guy.”

“Don’t let Pietro hear you say that.”

“That’s okay, he already knows.”  She squeezed your hand reassuringly as you crossed the street.  

You smiled as her grip tightened around your hand.  Six months ago there was no way to predict that the woman who ruined your life would ultimately become the greatest thing that ever happened to you.  As you crossed the threshold from your bakery to her cafe, you were grateful to be able to call The Rolling Scone, Latte Love, and Wanda home. 

[obsolescent]

No Strangers Here

“Only friends you haven’t met yet”

Pairing: Simon ‘Ghost’ Riley x Reader

Author’s Note: Ask at the end! Changed things up a bit from the video because my mind was ??? in some parts, I was losing the war with this one, like literally the longest I’ve been stuck on a writing, apologies. Thank you @dwkfan for being so patient with me ♡

Content Warnings: Civilian!Reader, southern dialect, cussing, badly mimicking a British accent, clumsiness, mentions of your mother, POV flips back and forth between you and Simon, it’s written with a fem!reader in mind and the reader wears a long skirt, but there is no gendered language.

Simon likes to stop by the cafe near the base, a quaint spot that serves a nice cup of tea and offers delicious desserts. He’s here during downtime, relaxing in his usual spot. A loveseat in the corner of the shop. Simon wears civilian clothing when he visits, donning a simple, black facial mask. The rain patters softly against the window near his head as he waits for his order. Eyes closed, he relaxes into his seat, breathing in the smells of the shop, the sounds of nature and people melding into a relaxing–

“Here you go, sir! A ‘spot o’ tea’ and a scone!” A loud, southern accent mimicking a British cadence (quite poorly), slices through the peace he had fallen into. Snapping his head back up to see you scampering over, his ordered items in both of your hands. You were laughing after your poor attempt of mimicry, rushing to him with his food and drink. In your haste, you didn’t notice the crease in the rug your shoe catches on.

He’s up out of his seat in an instant, catching you before you hit the ground. Unfortunately for Simon, his order did not survive the ordeal, Earl Grey staining the fibers of the rug. “Oh shit–I mean shoot–I’m so sorry, sir! Did any of that get on you?” You’re quick to separate yourself from him, scrambling to the ground to start cleaning up your mess. He begins to crouch down and you notice, snapping, “I GOT IT!” Simon pulls back, not expecting your sudden, loud outburst. Literally yelling in his face. Oof, If your mama could see you now.

You freeze, face warming. “Oh Lord, I didn’t mean to say it like that, or holler right in your face–” Your words rushing out while scooping up everything you can hold, forgoing the crumbs and liquid until you can reach a broom and mop. All the while Simon is still in a crouched position, hands out, frozen in a mixture of surprise and hesitance. Usually, your interactions are filled with a certain urgency, on your part. You flitting about like a hummingbird, occasionally dropping a napkin here, a spoon there, but for the most part you were efficient in your tasks. It’s why he likes you serving him, besides the charming quips you throw at him between it all.

But, never before have you dropped items in your rush, though the rug could be to blame for the disruption in your duties. “It’ll be alright, love, just take it easy,” He’s trying to ease the situation, knowing by the look on your face that you’re mortified. Grasping the teacup and saucer in hand, tossing the bigger pieces of the scone into said cup, you jump up and rush back to the kitchen, tossing out, “I’ll fix this in a jiffy for you, I am so sorry, again!” Rising himself, Simon watches your figure disappear through a door.

He sighs, straightening up and eyeing the remaining mess on the floor. He smooths out the crease in the rug before moving towards the broom and dustpan. The items peeked out from the side of a shelf, having spotted it while doing his quick scan over the cafe when he first entered. Grabbing and bringing them back, he does his best at sweeping the bits into the pan, wincing when the cream from the scone smears into the fabric.

“Simon! You don’t have to do that, please have a seat!” Mindful of your steps, you hurry to him, voice loud. You place the fresh and intact order down before snatching the broom and dustpan from him. His hands are frozen in the air, eyes wide as he stares down at you, jaw slack behind the mask. He didn’t think you had it in you to be so forward with him, knowing his stature and size easily scares off people bigger than yourself. You have never seemed fazed by him in the slightest, and it’s even more apparent now.

“I’ve got this, you just sit down now and enjoy your order,” You instruct him, getting to work. Thankfully no one else was in the store at this moment, since he usually shows during a slow time for you. ‘Thank God,’ You think, taking the dustpan and dumping the contents into the trash, before walking back through the door to grab the mop. Returning, you find Simon still standing there, his hands now at his sides.

Narrowing your eyes, you put a hand on your hip, cocking it out. “You ain’t doing anything else for me, now sit.” You demand, keeping your distance until he listens. He blinks, still dumbfounded at your brazen behavior, before returning to his seat. Satisfied, you move closer to clean the spot on the wooden floorboards. Once that’s done, you grab a towel and spray bottle and crouch down to clean off the cream and what tea got on the rug. Glancing at him, you meet his brown eyes, noticing he has yet to touch his order. “Everything alright? Gonna get cold if you just let it sit there,” You say, scrubbing at the fibers.

“You’re not…Intimidated by me?” You stop, looking at him with confusion. “No? Should I be?” You inquire, going back to your task. “No, love. I guess not,” He shrugs, leaning over to pick up the cup and saucer. “My mama always told me to treat others with kindness, ‘do to others as you would have them do to you,’ y’know? Just because you’re big don’t mean you’re frightening.” He chuckles at that, nodding along to you before speaking, “Southern hospitality, innit?” He asks, pulling his mask up to sip at his tea. You smile, “Yeah, I reckon it is.”

You’ve cleaned the spots the best you can, standing back up and taking the soiled towel to the dirty laundry hamper. Reemerging from the back of the shop, you make your way back to Simon. “Now all that cattywampus is outta the way, how are you today?” Your chipper demeanor back in place, you begin to converse like normally, sliding back into your normal routine. You know he works nearby at the base, stopping by on days he has nothing more to do.

That’s his excuse, at least. The honest truth? Simon likes your presence, the atmosphere is significantly better in the cafe when you’re on the job. You’re quite charming, someone who can naturally chat with anyone, including the brooding Ghost. You’re carrying on about an interaction you had with a coworker when the door chimes, a customer walking in. You excuse yourself and take their order, Simon keeping an eye on your figure moving about.

He adjusts his body on the sofa, leaning back into the cushions, crossing his arms and one leg over the other. You always move with a quickness, never sitting still. In your hastiness, it’s caused you to be clumsy at times. Simon finds it endearing, as well as your accent and looks, who wouldn’t be smitten with you?

Once catering to the other customer, you make your way back, long skirt shuffling against your quick steps, smiling at Simon. He feels a stirring in his stomach at your beaming face, he shifts his body against the couch once more, reaching down and picking his tea up, having something to occupy his hands.

You cock your head to the side, as if pondering something. “Mr. Riley, is there a reason you always come and see me?” He stops, meeting your eyes with his widened ones. He wasn’t expecting the Mr. Riley, nor for you to be so straightforward. He clears his throat and sets his cup and saucer back down before answering.

“S’just have the best customer service. What did you say earlier, that southern hospitality, innit?” He replies, tilting his head at you. You laugh, a soft one, like wind chimes tinkling in a gentle breeze. You nod, propping your hand on your hip, grinning down at him.

“Would you say we’re friends?” Your next question also throws him for a loop, his pale eyebrows furrowing. “Would you want someone like me to be your friend?” He asks, tapping his finger against his thigh, a bit unsure if he wants to hear your reply.

“Well, yeah!” You exclaim, voice becoming louder. The other customer inside turned their head towards you. You reeled it in with a small ‘oops’ before continuing, “I don’t see why not, you’ve been pretty darn nice to me every time you come in, and you can hold a conversation pretty well,” you state matter-of-factly.

That sends a relief through his system, along with something else that he chooses to ignore. “Why do you ask, love?” He holds eye contact with you, gaze unwavering. Now you seem a bit flustered, fidgeting in place, wringing your hands.

“I wanted to ask if you, I don’t know, wanted to hang out outside of work? I know you’re probably pretty busy so it’s okay if not, but it was worth asking, Y’know? I haven't had many friends since moving here, and I enjoy your company, Simon.” Your honesty was refreshing and was still so new to him, since Simon wasn’t the most approachable person.

“Sure. Don’t see why not, eh? What did you have in mind?” His tea has now grown cold, but he doesn’t mind, especially since it’s for good reason. You plan out your time together outside of the cafe, figuring out when you two would have overlapping days off work.

You pick up his plates, turning to take them back to the kitchen. “Oh, Simon?” You ask, looking over your shoulder. He stands, cocking his head. “Thanks, for being my friend,” you smile dazzlingly, so bright, like he’s staring into the sun. He nods and you walk away, disappearing into the kitchen.

He tucks his hands into his hoodie’s pocket before making his leave. The brisk air of autumn would usually put a slight chill in his bones, but today, there’s an unexpected warmth coursing through his being as he makes his way back to the base.

Tags: @caramlizedtomatoes, @roseglazedlens

Ask:

[whataperfectwasteoftime]

Common Grounds / Chapter 2

Pairing: Marcus Pike x f!Reader

Rating: T (for now... you know me, this will go up)

Word Count: 1.9k

Warnings: Food mention, overly charming Marcus, Teresa Lisbon gets her own warning, unrequited crush, banter.

Summary: A one-time customer becomes a regular...

Masterlist | Series Masterlist | Previous Chapter

True to his word, Marcus comes in the next morning as well. He greets you–by name, this time–and asks for another lavender latte. 

“Be careful,” you warn. “You might be on your way to becoming a regular yourself.”

Marcus pretends to look aghast, pressing his hand to his chest. “Is that so bad?” 

“No,” you smile sweetly. “Unless you want one of the lemon scones that I know for a fact are still warm from the oven.”

Marcus groans exaggeratedly. “Okay, you might be onto something there. Being a regular might be bad for my health.”

“They’re not that bad for you,” Sam chimes in from behind you. “There’s only an entire stick of butter in each one.”

“Sam,” you scold through clenched teeth. “Ignore them, they woke up on the wrong side of the bed,” you say to Marcus. 

“I did not, I–”

“One lemon-butter scone as well,” Marcus interrupts with a wink in your direction. 

You shoot Sam a triumphant look. “Coming right up.”

“Hey, you were saying something about ice cream yesterday,” Marcus says when you hand him his drink and scone. 

“Oh yeah! It’s a couple blocks away, but it’s worth the walk. It’s–”

Marcus grimaces as, once again, his phone rings right in the middle of your sentence. “I’m so sorry,” he says to you, shaking his head. “Sweetie, hey,” he coos into the phone. “So happy to hear from you. Late night last night, huh?”

You try not to listen to the conversation, but Marcus’s voice carries across the small coffee shop.

“Yeah? He found a new lead? Babe, that’s great. I’m so happy for you. Listen, I wanted to talk about when you get here. Thompson, you remember him? Well, he’s got a–oh. Yeah, of course. No, I totally understand, believe me. Life of an Agent, right?” 

You watch out of the corner of your eye as Marcus grins, showing all of his teeth.

“No problem at all, I’ve gotta run anyway. I love you, sweetheart.”

You look up in time to see Marcus sigh quietly as he ends the call. He must feel your gaze on him, because he looks back at you, giving you a warm smile and lifting his drink slightly, as if to toast you, before leaving. 

“He’s on the phone a lot,” Sam remarks beside you. 

“Yeah,” you agree with a sigh. “Sounds like a girlfriend.”

“Don’t sound too disappointed.”

“I’m not,” you protest. “He’s just pretty.”

“He is,” Sam agrees, making you shoot them a look. “Hey, hey, I’m not gonna get in the way of you and your little fantasy man,” they say. “I’m just observing. It’s not like it’s hard to see, either.”

“No kidding,” you mumble. “Well, he makes the mornings pass quicker,” you say with a little laugh. “Okay. Head back out of the clouds and back to work.” You scold yourself playfully. 

As the morning rush reaches its peak, though, you find your thoughts returning to Marcus, and the way he spoke on the phone.

“I love you, sweetheart.”

He’d sounded so earnest, as if the words were coming straight from his heart and out of his mouth with no go-between. His face lights up whenever he talks to her, whoever she is. 

You sigh as you pour a little design into the foam. Must be nice. To have someone say it and mean it.

– – – – – – 

The next morning, Marcus walks right up to you with his trademark brilliant smile. “You!” he exclaims, pointing at you, and you freeze. "I’m not letting you get away without telling me the name of that ice cream place today,” 

“Oh!” your surprised expression melts into a laugh. “Of course. It’s called Ice Cream Jubilee, and they’ve got some amazing flavors. You should check it out.”

“I will,” Marcus says. “I’m compiling a list of places to take my–well, my uh, fiancee when she moves here. Well, sort of my fiancee.”

“Sort of?” you ask, cocking your head to the side.

“Well, it’s not official yet,” Marcus explains. “I had to move here for work, and it kind of… messed everything up. Bad timing, you know. But it’s okay,” he says, brightening. “She’s gonna move here in two weeks’ time, and it’s gonna be perfect.”

“That’s great,” you offer, giving Marcus a little smile. “Listen to me, talking your ear off. I’m sure you get your fair share of customers who overshare, you don’t need a monologue from me.”

“You’re fine,” you say, and you mean it. You’ll take crumbs of this man’s attention in the morning. It’s become your new favorite pastime–waiting for Marcus to arrive, talking to Marcus, and then daydreaming about all of the conversations you didn’t have until your shift ends. You can’t help it–the man’s a brilliant conversationalist: charming, friendly, and talkative, but not so talkative that you can’t get a word in. 

“What should I try today?” Marcus asks, scanning the offerings on the shelves.

“Definitely not the banana bread,” Sam chimes in. “She sneezed in them.”

“I did not!” you shriek. 

“What you want is a blueberry muffin. I put twice the amount of blueberries into the batter,” Sam says. 

“You put twice the amount of blueberries in because we had too many blueberries and they were about to expire,” you point out. “Do you really want almost-expired blueberries?”

“Are you two fighting over which baked good to sell me?” Marcus asks.

“Of course not,” you say. “But if you don’t choose the banana bread, I’ll be mad.”

“Well, I’m not going to get both,” Marcus says with a wry grin. “So someone is going to be disappointed.”

“Which of us is it going to be?” you ask, pouting your lip out playfully.

Marcus sighs exaggeratedly. “I’m going to have to go with the blueberry muffin,” he says. 

“I knew it!” Sam crows, grabbing one with a pair of tongs and putting it in a bag for Marcus. 

You drop the act, laughing. “They’re really good,” you tell him. “They weren’t lying, there’s a shit ton of blueberries in them.”

“Expired blueberries,” Marcus says, raising one eyebrow teasingly.

“No,” Sam argues. “Just not new. Perfect for muffins.”

“The usual?” you ask Marcus, holding up a medium cup. 

“The usual,” Marcus confirms with a little wink. “See? I’m a regular already.”

“Three days,” you observe. “You’re moving awfully fast, buddy.”

"What can I say? You had me at 'lavender latte." 

"That's what they all say."

“I wondered if I could ask a question about some of the art on the walls,” Marcus says conversationally as he hands you his card.

“Sure, go ahead.”

“I couldn’t help but notice the first name on those ones over there,” Marcus says, indicating a spot on the wall to his left. “Is that a coincidence, or…?”

“No, those are mine,” you say, ducking your head sheepishly and grinning down at your feet.

“No kidding!” Marcus leans forward, interested. His smile is eager and excited–clearly, this is a subject he loves. “Do you sell many?”

“Not a huge market for amateur art,” you say, shrugging, “but I’ve sold a few, yeah.”

“They’re beautiful,” Marcus says earnestly. You can’t find a hint of sarcasm or a lie in his expression; the man is as genuine as they come.

No one has ever been so enthusiastic about your paintings, so you find yourself leaning forward as well, excited to have a willing audience. “Really?” you ask, your smile growing. 

“I love how you play with light and shadow,” Marcus says, looking over at your cluster of paintings with a wistful smile. “You do it in every piece, I feel like I could pick any of your paintings out of a lineup just based on these few.”

“Wow, Marcus,” you exhale, stunned by the man’s praise. “Thank you.”

"You're very talented," Marcus says, his expression softening. You're caught in the man's gaze, the warm brown of his eyes drawing you in, making you feel as if you're falling toward them.

"Lavender latte," Sam announces from right beside you, making you startle. 

The spell is broken. Marcus takes the proffered cup and smiles widely at both of you. "You two have a great day," he says. 

"You, too," you say dazedly as the man departs. Just before he disappears from view in the front windows, you see him put his phone to his ear. 

"Wow," Sam deadpans. "That was wild."

"What?" You whirl around to look at them. 

"I swear, you were leaning forward like you wanted to kiss him," Sam says.

"No I wasn't!" you protest. "...Was I?"

"That's what it looked like from here."

"Oh, God." You put your head in your hands. "He's never gonna come back, with me drooling over him like that."

"I dunno," Sam says. "He looked kinda taken with you, too."

"Excuse me?" An impatient voice cuts across your conversation. "Can I get some coffee or something?"

– – – – –

"Happy Friday!" The now-familiar voice automatically brings a smile to your face, and you look up to see Marcus approaching with an incandescent grin. You automatically start his drink, grabbing a cup and scrawling Marcus on the side.

"It is way too early for you to be this happy," Sam says, but Marcus just laughs. 

"I'm almost done with my first week at a new job," he says, "and my fia–my girlfriend is flying out on Sunday."

"That's great," you say, and despite your latent crush on the man, you find that you mean it. Why wouldn't you want this human embodiment of sunshine to be happy? 

"And last night I unpacked the last box," Marcus says with a laugh. 

"Sounds like you need something sweet to compensate for all that energy lost," you joke.

"How did you know?" Marcus says. "Your choice today. Surprise me."

You scan today's options with a thoughtful look.

"Cranberry orange bar," you decide. "It's filling, but not too sweet. Perfect for that extra energy boost." You feel heat rise to your face at the thought of how Marcus might use said energy this weekend when his fianceé arrives. 

If Marcus catches the light innuendo, he doesn't show it. He smiles that trademark grin, and you find yourself smiling back at the sight of the little dimple on his cheek. 

"Perfect," he says, handing you his card. "Have a great weekend."

"You, too." 

Marcus lingers by the counter while you make his latte. You try not to listen when he pulls out his phone, making a call.

"Hey, sorry to get your voicemail," he says as you're pouring the milk. "I know I'll see you in a few days, but I wanted to let you know that no matter what your decision is, I'm here for you, and I'll support you. I know you're between a rock and a hard place, and God knows I haven't made it easy, moving away like this, but sweetheart, I'm gonna do whatever it takes, okay? I promise. I love you. Talk soon."

You hand Marcus his cup as he ends the call, and you try not to let the fact that you listened to every word show on your face. Still, when your eyes meet, you feel a little jolt of electricity down your spine. 

"Bye," you say breathlessly.

When Marcus smiles as he looks into your eyes, your heart skips a beat.

"Bye."

You're in trouble. 

*

Next Chapter >>

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[svechnikovvv]

started as neighbors

pairing: trevor zegras x fem!reader

warnings: none

summary: it all started with trevor knocking on your window

a/n: happy trevor >>>

masterlist: here

being nextdoor neighbors with the zegras’ had its perks. like, getting to see trevor.

one night, i was in my room reading a book when i hear a tap on my window. i get up and walk over to see trevor. see, we had this tree between our houses that we would use to get to the other’s windowsill.

i opened my window and trevor entered my room. he took a seat on my bed and was playing with his fingers.

“what’s up, z?”

“can we cuddle?” he looks up at me and he has a certain look in his eyes.

“i didn’t know you were the cuddling type.” i say, taking a seat beside him.

“please, y/n? i’m stressing out about all my exams coming up and you’re the only person whose presence doesn’t piss me off.” his voice is serious and i nod, scooting back on my bed. i open my arms for him and he accepts the invitation, lying down with me.

“you want to watch anything?” he shakes his head

“just want to be with you.” see, what trevor didn’t know, is that i was falling head over heels for him. so this interaction right here is making my heart beat erratically. i hope he can’t feel it.

“i understand the stressed feeling. but understand that you just have to take it all one day at a time, yeah? try your hardest on those exams and put forth all the effort you can and you’ll be okay. i can always tutor you if you need.” he hums and we continue to lie there. every now and then i’ll talk to him.

this continued over time. he’d always scone over at random times and ask for cuddles. sometimes there was a reason, sometimes there wasn’t. sometimes he’d come over after hockey practice.

as we got older and his hockey career picked up, we started seeing each other less and less. so, what better way than surprise him. i’d been messaging his roommate/teammate jamie and he’s been helping me with the surprise. the last time i saw trevor in person, would have to be on his draft day. which was about four years ago.

i was currently standing at the airport, waiting for jamie to pick me up so he can take me to his shared apartment with trevor.

“y/n!” i hear someone call and i look to my left and see jamie waving. i walk over to him and he’s all smiley.

“trevor has no idea what’s coming.” i laugh

“good. because then this surprise is for nothing.” i put my suitcase in the trunk of his car and get in the passenger side. we talk the whole way over and get to know one another better.

“okay, trevor’s car is not here. let’s hurry.” we get my suitcase out the trunk and hurry our way up the staircase and into the apartment. for the time being, we set my suitcase in a coat closet.

“where do i go?”

“just sit on the couch.” i nod and take a seat on the L-shaped couch.

about thirty minutes pass, and i hear the door knob rattling. i shoot jamie a look and he gets in his position, having his phone out and ready to record.

“jimbo! i’m home! you’re never gonna believe-” he stops talking when he sees me sitting on the couch and he drops his keys, rushing over to me and tackling me into a bear hug. good thing we were on the couch.

“ohmygod, i can’t believe you’re here.” he rushes out

“well you better believe it. because i’m here for two weeks.” i laugh out and his eyes widen. he then looks at jamie.

“you knew about this?” he nods and trevor looks back at me.

“this isn’t real,” he mutters to himself.

“it is.” his smile widens and he engulfs me in another hug.

“i missed you. so so much.” i hear a sniffle and look down at him.

“trev, are you crying?”

“don’t judge me. i haven’t seen you in forever.” i frown and hold him closer to me.

“awe, z, it’s okay.” he squeezes me and makes himself comfortable resting on me.

later that night when trevor and i are watching a movie in the living room, he pauses it and looks at me.

“can i tell you something?” he asks

“shoot”

“i love you.”

“i love you too, z.” he shakes his head

“no, i don’t love you. i love you love you.” my brows furrow before things click into place.

“i don’t think you know how long i’ve waited to hear those words.”

“really?” he asks, hopeful

“ever since you came over that one night asking for cuddles.” he laughs and shakes his head.

“you still remember that?”

“how could i not?” he then perks up

“you want to go sit on the roof and look at the stars?”

“i would love nothing more.” he then gets all excited and runs into his room, grabbing a hoodie and a blanket. he tosses the hoodie at me and i put it on.

“let’s go.” he then grabs my hand and leads us out of the apartment, going up a staircase and eventually we’re on the rooftop. he walks over to a beach chair and takes a seat on it.

“where am i gonna sit?”

“with me,” he opens his arms and i walk over and sit in his lap, resting my head on his shoulder and looking up at the sky. he throws the blanket over the two of us as we stare at the endless stars.

“look at the stars, look how they shine for you.” he starts to hum out and i take his hand in mine. “the stars have nothing compared to your beauty, y/n.” i look up at him only to see that he’s looking down at me.

“can i kiss you?”

“what’s stopping you?” he then leans down and gives me a tender kiss. when he pulls back, he’s smiling.

“i’ve been wanting to do that for a while now.” i bury my face in his chest and he chuckles, running his fingers through my hair.

“i can get used to this,” he softly says and i nod.

tags: @goldenbrokenheart @lhugh @woodruff-edwards @hockeyboysarehot @ajbird2010 @hughesx3 @hannahh01938 @theywantedplayer @k1ttyt3ar @l0veforhugh3s @jackhues

a/n: surprising trevor would be amazing

[therantsofawriterrr]

The Umbrella Academy Final Season: My Version

Part Three: Old Faces With New Personalities

Overview: While Lila and Diego keep hiding secrets from each other, Luther encounters familiar faces, that don't seem familiar in some aspects.

TW: Mature language, implied sex (idk maybe), hurt with comfort, the cafe scene except its different, tell me if i missed anything! Pairings in the chapter: Diego×Lila (Fluff alert hehe) A/N: So, I saw someone say that Five attended the Keeper meetings because he was still looking for a way to get his fam and himself back to their original timeline, which ig, makes sense, but i have established smn so yk im going with that but dw, we'll get to see that. Also, again, the Diego×Lila dynamic that we deserved to see. And a little surprise too (⁠◠⁠‿⁠◕⁠).

Masterlist

After the Keepers meeting ended, Lila and Five sat in a cafe in the next block, discussing the contents that were discussed.

"Look, if these artifacts are from different timelines and now they're showing up-" Lila started saying.

"It's possible the old man's reset didn't take," Five finished.

"What does that even mean?" Lila asked, hoping Five would have an answer.

"I have no idea," Five said in a tired voice. He looked like he hadn't slept in a while, which worried Lila a bit.

Over the last six years, she had grown closer to everyone in the Hargreeves family. She'd grown to be a caring aunt to Grace, a fun-loving sister-in-law to Klaus, a caring, supportive one to Luther, and a snarky, sarcastic one to Five.

"Look, whatever this is, don't say anything to the family just yet," Five requested. "Not even Diego."

"Absolutely not," Lila agreed. "He thinks I'm at book club."

He gave her a dirty look, not at all happy with the sentence.

"It's just easier that way," Lila said, her eyes shining with guilt.

"Easier? It's Diego we're talking about, Lila. You know how he can get."

"Yeah. But... you know how he'll get if he gets in on this. He'll jump to conclusions, and make rash decisions and everything. Don't you remember him during the 60s?"

They both shuddered involuntarily as Five nodded. "Alright. well, it's a good thing I never got married. Too much deception involved."

He took a bite of his scone, which got some cream on his mustache. Lila smiled with a sigh as she took a tissue in her hand and wiped it away. "Didn't dear old Reggie teach any of you Hargreeves men how to eat?"

He scoffed with irritation as he said, "Don't coddle me, I'm not a child."

"Yeah, well you surely eat like one," she retorted, balling up the tissue and leaning back.

Suddenly a woman slammed her hands down on the table, making them both jump as she glared at Five.

"Next time I call," she gritted through her teeth. "I expect you to pick up your phone, accept it and put the damn thing to your ear."

Five's eyebrows furrowed as he stared at her with confusion. "How'd you find out my location?"

The woman just stood up and stared at him, pulling up a chair to sit. Lila noticed she was pretty in an unconventional way, with a sugarplum balayage on her dark brown hair and stony grey eyes. Wearing brown bellbottom trousers with a tucked-in maroon shirt, sleeves reaching till just below her elbows, a beautiful vintage watch on her left wrist, and maroon kitten heels on her feet, she looked like a boss lady.

"Did you put a fucking tracker in my outfit?" Five asked indignantly.

"Do you think I had a choice?" she deadpanned, drumming her fingers on the table. "You don't accept my calls, half the time you don't even wanna talk to me."

"Because you're annoying, Clementine," Five declared heatedly.

She only sighed with a roll of her eyes, ignoring the comment. "Anyway, look, we need to talk."

Five took an angry bite of his scone, prompting Lila to throw a tissue at him with a disgusted look.

"Alone, Five," Clementine asserted.

"If it's about the Keepers, then I could help, y'know," Lila interjected. "I've been investigating them as well."

Clementine's eyes lit up as she turned towards her, crossing her arms on the table. "Really? What have you found out about them yet?"

"Oh, well, that it started in New Mexico and everyone's just flocking towards it like lemmings. Oh, also, the Cleanse," she said, mimicking Jean when she said the last word.

"The Cleanse? What's that?" she asked.

"No idea. But, Gene, one of the leaders, said that it's either the end, or a great restoration."

Clementine whipped out a small notepad, turning to a page and starting to scribble in as Five took in a breath, almost looking scandalized.

"What are you doing?" he asked. "Don't tell me you're going to be reporting that to the deputy director."

"I have to give him something, Five," she said, focused on writing in her notebook before lifting her head to look at him. "Why? Are you ashamed that she, a civilian might know more than you, a goddamn CIA agent?"

"Oh, burn!" Lila exclaimed, laughing loudly. "Oh, I like you so much."

"Thanks! You're fun, too!" She exclaimed with bright cheerful grey eyes.

Lila stared at them with a kind of a knowing smile as they continued bickering. Her phone vibrated in her bag, and she took it out to see a text from Diego.

Hey, did book club end? You need a ride? I miss you🥺

She stared at the text with a tender smile before it faded, her eyes turning thoughtful and guilty. She got up, taking her small handbag with her, slinging it onto her shoulder.

"Well, you kids stay safe now," she said playfully, even though they didn't really hear her during their conversation.

Upon reaching home, she found Diego snoring on the couch in front of the TV, making her smile as she went to push some of his hair away from his forehead. She started going to her room to change when a hand caught onto her wrist, pulling her back.

She fell onto Diego's lap with a surprised gasp, her arm automatically going around his shoulders as her legs dangled off his thighs. He smiled sleepily as he gave her a peck on the nose, making her giggle as she gave him one on his lips.

"You should've gone to bed," she said softly, nuzzling her nose against his.

He hummed, his arms hugging her waist tighter, blinking the sleep away. "I can't sleep without you beside me, Lila. You know that."

She chuckled with a shake of her head, her other arm going to rest on his shoulder. "I'm sorry I kept you waiting."

"It's alright. I know you lose track of time during book club. How was it, by the way?"

She nodded with a shrug and said, "Not very informative. But it was fun."

Diego did feel a sting in his heart at the fact that she still wouldn't come clean to him about what she was doing, but he didn't budge on his trust. She'd earned it and so he was giving her the chance to tell him about her investigation when she wanted to.

He gave out a sudden yawn, making her chuckle again. "You can barely keep your eyes open, love. Go to bed. I'll join you after a shower."

"Hmm, can I join?" he asked with a playful smile, making her slap on his shoulder.

"Yes," she said and sauntered over to their room, making him jump up after her as he took off his shirt excitedly.

Simultaneously, a few blocks away, Luther stood in front of his apartment door with a blank look on his face, wanting to bang his head on it. In the time he knew Sloane, he'd memorized the places she went to. Even if Reginald reset the timeline, that wouldn't change.

He worked part-time in a cafe that Sloane usually visited to note down places that she'd visit if she got a chance to get out. All neat and noted. He still had it and usually carried it around with him.

Every evening after work, he worked in that place. Every fucking evening, he hoped that she'd come in, get in line and ask for a latte. But, it always just ended up killing all the hope inside him.

Suddenly, the door next to his apartment burst open, making him jump with a surprised grunt, as he looked to the side.

A guy exited, immediately looking at him with concern. "Oh, hey, sorry man, are you alright?"

"Yeah," Luther said, batting a dismissive hand. "It's alright, I'm alright."

The guy heaved a relieved sigh before giving him a smile. "I'm Christopher by the way, though, I mostly go by Chris."

Luther's eyebrows furrowed a little bit as the cube from Sparrow Academy, who had the same name, flashed in his mind, but he just ignored it and smiled back, not quite reaching his eyes.

"Who're you yapping with out there?" A very familiar voice said, making Luther perk up a bit.

And out the door, walked none other than Alphonso, Sparrow Number Four. Luther's eyes widened as he gave out a tiny gasp.

"Oh, hey. New neighbour?" Alphonso asked, looking at him.

"I... Uh. No. Not really," he said, composing himself. "I just don't get out much out of work, I guess."

"Well, ya should, man! Tell you what, we're going to a bar this weekend with some friends. Not too crowded either, if you don't like that kinda thing. You wanna come with?"

"Yeah," he said with a bright, hopeful smile. "I'd love to."

"Alright. Lookin' forward to it, man," Alphonso said with a friendly grin, before they both walked away, talking amongst themselves.

When Luther entered his apartment that night, he didn't sink to the floor with a blank despair. He sunk down with hopeful tears, and the sobs that wracked his body were happy ones.

And when he went to sleep that night, he knew it wasn't because he'd see dreams of living in a house with Sloane. He'd see dreams of meeting her in a bar. Of talking to her. Of getting to know what she's like in this timeline.

For the first time in six years, Luther Hargreeves went to bed with joy in his heart.

Another A/N: Ok, ik i'm speedrunning this shit, but I just need to write it all down cause the brellie in me is not letting me write anything else. So, here u go, two parts in one day lol. I'm prolly gonna start writing the next part too, so stay tuned!!

Likes, reblogs and comments are highly appreciated. Tysm for reading!!

[missmoonfrost]

Catching a cold - a wolfstar microfic

~1200 words of pure comfort

The night that Sirius and Remus finally admit their feelings and become a pair just happens to be the week marking the beginning of Quidditch season. Remus fusses over Sirius flying around in pouring rain, which Sirius of course finds cute but totally unnecessary. However, caused by the weather or not, he actually does catch a cold the day after the semester's first Quidditch match.

Sick Sirius is a whiny Sirius. When he’s got a cold, everyone knows it. Each of his coughing fits ends with a few extra coughs and a whimper.

Growing up, Sirius' parents only considered his well-being at the bottom of a long list of far more important matters, such as his reputation, acts, and appearance – and how they reflected on the family name. But if these matters were sorted, being sick was one of the few occasions when his mother showed a sliver of care.

It could sound something like: “Oh send up some tea for that sniveling boy, I can’t stand hearing it. And make sure there’s scones and honey with it.”

Or that time he showed up to their private flying lesson with a fever: “What are you doing? You should be in bed. Regulus, go fetch him a warm blanket immediately. Now rest, we don’t want the whole house to get sick, do we?”

In essence, it had been one of the few problems he had been able to voice unpunished.

So, this time just as every time before, he sits in an armchair in the common room and lets everybody know just how sour his throat is and that he has got exactly the kind of headache that means a fever is developing.

But instead of mimicking the others' eye-rolling and mildly annoyed snickering, Remus for the first time embraces just how adorable he finds this helpless Sirius. He kisses his forehead, strokes his hair, puffs his pillow, swaddles him in a blanket, fetches him a cup of tea, and quietly sits reading with an arm around him. And Sirius falls in love all over again. Passion and fun are one thing, they have plenty of it. But he has never ever felt this cared for.

Only when Remus tries to spoon-feed him at dinner in the great hall he smiles: “You’re embarrassing me, Moony.”

Smiling right back Remus teases: “That’s what happens when you whine like a baby.”

Sirius blushes. And he is so cute that Remus has to kiss him, despite all people around them. It’s just a quick soft kiss on the lips, but it makes Sirius blush even more. Remus showing the world that they belong when Sirius is his usual sunny center of attention is one thing. But today? When he’s a red-eyed sniveling mess? It’s astounding.

That night Remus carries his pillow and blanket to Sirius' bed and lays down beside him. He lifts the blankets carefully to not let in cool air and let his warm body up against Sirius back. He kisses his neck and runs his fingers softly through his hair. When Sirius turns around, he kisses him.

“Don’t kiss me”, Sirius mumbles, “you’ll get sick, too.”

But Remus ignores him and they kiss until Sirius turns around again and falls asleep snug and secure in Remus' arms.

The following days the others note a significant reduction in whining. Because thanks to Remus, Sirius has cold water, warm tea, and tissues at hand before he can say it. He has nearly constant company and a loving hand clutching his whenever he reaches for it.

When Sirius starts to get better, Remus doesn’t demand any return of the affectionate favor. He just quietly withdraws, leaving Sirius feeling just a little alone before he returns to his usual activities. He wouldn’t have attended a quidditch training just yet, but this afternoon it’s only a tactics-discussion.

When he comes back Remus is already asleep and he decides to not disturb him. No wonder he is tired after meticulously taking care of him for almost a week. He deserves some alone time.

The next day Remus is pulling his robe tightly around himself and shuddering a little as he moves quietly between classes.

“How are you, love?” Sirius rubs his back with a concerned look.

“It’s nothing. Just tired.” Remus tries to smile reassuringly and still his sniffles. Because of course, he’s got a cold now. Just like Sirius said he was.

Sick Remus is a quiet Remus. If he could, he would disappear altogether or become invisible until it was over.

Remus clearly remembers being a child, crying in pain after a full moon. His parents sitting on the outermost edge of the bed, patting and stroking him with awkwardly outstretched arms and weary eyes. That troubled look in his mother’s eyes every time he mentioned feeling tired or nauseous or having a nightmare. His parent’s voices from the kitchen, low and worried, when they thought he’d fallen asleep. Not quite sure how the whole lycanthropy-thing worked, always wondering if it could mean something would happen with him, something that made him dangerous.

In essence, being ill has always been a bad thing. A thing that drives even the ones who love you away.

So, when Sirius climbs the portrait hole and enters the common room after that night’s detention and sees Remus sitting in the furthest corner, muffling his coughs as best he can and discreetly holding a tissue to his running nose, he finds it absolutely heartbreaking.

He fetches Remus' favorite sweater, a cup of tea, and a bar of chocolate. He moves a chair to sit right next to Remus but ends up sharing his armchair instead. And Remus just can’t believe how lucky he is to have someone willing to be close to him always, not just on his bright days. He ends up closing his eyes and resting his head against Sirius' chest. When he falls asleep Sirius carefully puts a piece of parchment to mark the side Remus thumb is and puts the book away. He takes Remus in his arms and tries to carry him, but has to put him down by the stairs. Remus smiles and let himself drowsily be led up to his bed and swiftly drifts back to sleep.

That night he clings feverishly to Sirius and burrows his face against his chest. Every time Sirius is woken up by Remus gripping at his clothes or holding him crushingly tight in his sleep, he smiles and gently strokes the hair out of his clammy face and rubs his back for a little bit.

The next morning Sirius carefully wraps Remus in the blanket and asks what to bring him for breakfast. After “You don’t have to bring anything”, “Whatever”, and “Doesn’t matter” are met with silent refusal, Remus sighs “Toast with jam, then”. Sirius brings him one piece of toast with every kind of jam he can find and a big cup of tea.

And over the course of the next days, Remus slowly starts to voice his needs and wishes. First, because he knows that if he doesn’t, Sirius will just keep asking until he gets an answer, and Sirius who normally can be unreasonably stubborn has taken this principle on with unimaginable determination. And later, because he knows that all Sirius wants is to do whatever he can to make him feel better, even if it’s something childishly needy like holding his hand while he naps.

And when they are both themselves again, they look at each other in a different light. They both know that what they have is worth the world and they are never ever going to give it up.

[lumine-no-hikari]

Dear Sephiroth: (a letter to a fictional character, because why not) #312

My goodness, I did lots of stuff today. I am writing this to you very late. I'm sorry about that.

I went to work today. Do you remember the very tall gentleman who gave me my work shirts? I think I mentioned him in a couple of previous letters. I was very surprised to discover that, like Mi, he no longer works at my store.

I was very sad. First because I don't like unexpected changes, and second because I don't like when familiar people go away to places where I won't be able to see them anymore. And I understand that these probably sound like two different ways to say the same thing, but… one is an issue of a lack of certainty, and the other one feels more like loss.

Like Mi, I was hoping to get to know this person. Now I'm not going to be able to do that. And now, I also have to wonder if anyone else might disappear without warning, and that's a scary thing to think about, for reasons I don't know how to articulate at this time. I don't want Tr or Ma or Ra or Ka or Sh to go away. I like them. I'm sad to think maybe something will happen and they will go away and I won't get to see them anymore.

…I suspect that it might have to do with the nature of how I was removed from the custody of nanna and poppy. I suspect it may also have to do with the way that some of my mother's partners had been removed from my life. Something to do with the nature of how people I've loved in the past were suddenly not there anymore for reasons beyond my meager control.

…There's not much to do for it other than weather it, though. I know that new people will come in to fill the space, but for now, I gotta feel the sad things until they go away. And they will; nothing is ever permanent.

On the bright side, I did learn how to make scones today! Check it out!

Once again, we take the bag of flour, and split it in half:

We fill up the giant mixer with water, and dump half the bag of flour in. We mix it in the giant stand mixer on a low speed for a little while. Then we add blueberries. And then we mix it a little faster for a while. And... I was so focused on trying to watch how to operate the machine that I didn't get pictures of that part.

...I did get pictures of the next part, though, where I use the scone scoop to put the scone mix onto giant cookie sheets covered in parchment paper!

Like the blueberry muffins, we dust them in nice sugar afterwards:

...And then we bake them in the oven!

I made a lot of them - like 132 of them:

...I thought they turned out really nicely:

...I feel really happy that someone's gonna get to go home with a box of these! We make good stuff where I work!

Also, making the scones means I got to be where the bread was also being made today:

...I cannot capture for you just how wonderful bread smells as it's being made. And... as per usual, I'm very sad about this.

...Like with this latest person leaving, though, there's not much to do but weather it. It's very lame.

Oh!!! One thing I forgot to mention yesterday is that I switched over to the next set of braces:

The pair on top are the old ones, and the ones below are the new ones. And I know they don't look very different, but trust me, they certainly do feel very different.

...Still, the adjustment from the first set to the second set wasn't nearly as difficult as adjusting from not having braces to having braces. I've only been wearing them for a day, and while the discomfort is there, it's very mild.

I'm getting better at eating around the attachments on my teeth, too; the inside of my mouth isn't being cut up nearly as much by them anymore. Taking off the braces in order to eat isn't nearly as much of an issue as it was at first. It seems very encouraging! I'm looking forward to good things later.

...They're still hard to talk around, though. I don't see that being resolved anytime soon. But who knows; maybe I'll be pleasantly surprised. I guess we'll see.

Sometime after I got home from work, and also picking up a few groceries from work for my house, J and I went to a small gathering of polyamorous and queer people (not using the word as an insult in this context; I am definitely queer in a variety of respects). I had lots of pleasant conversation.

Also, the various animals seemed to think that I am the place to go to for snuggles:

...And the animals are certainly not wrong, I guess; I am generally perceived as the safe person to go to for platonic physical affection for some reason. I guess I was just surprised that of all the people at the party, I was somewhat gravitated towards. The black doggie slept in my lap for a long time.

Of course, if you've been reading my letters up until this point, you already understand that it's illegal to move while a fuzzy thing has nestled into you, seeking a cozy place of rest. To move while in that state and sadden the fuzzy creature is a cruelty of one of the highest magnitudes; surely you understand. 😋

...I learned something interesting today as a result of the conversations in this space. There's this... thing I've been trying to do for a number of years now, with very limited success. Apparently, one of the things that can help with the success rate is to generally be overslept. So I guess I'll try to take lots of naps in the coming days. We'll see what happens. Wish me luck, okay?

...I also got one more name on the petition I made for your sake. So that's always nice. I don't have a whole lot of reach, so... I haven't had any new names on it for a long time now. This was a very nice change of pace. I hope this person will pass it along, but... if they don't then that's okay, too.

Naturally, if you wanna see the petition I made, lemme know and I'll be more than happy to send along a link to it; every little bit helps, I'm sure. But there's no pressure; there's never any pressure.

I don't have much else to write about at the moment. It's about 12:30am (up late again... I know... sorry about that...), and my brain is feeling pretty fuzzy. But... not fuzzy in a cute way like the doggies and the kitty. No... it's more like... fuzzy like what happens if you leave a loaf of very soft bread in a shallow dish of lukewarm water for a month or so.

...I'm gonna go to bed.

Sephiroth... someday, you know... it'd be nice if I could go to sleep and wake up where I am and then ask you how you you're doing. And you could go to sleep in some soft, comfortable, wholesome place, and then you wake up where you are, and you can answer me, genuinely, with something that is nice.

I know it's impossible, because I don't think you can write back to me. I'm not even sure that these letters get to you. But ya know... it's sometimes nice to imagine some such thing all the same.

Let's daydream about good and wholesome things together, okay? Like tasty snacks and walks in nice spots and time in quiet, serene places to rest and reflect.

I'll leave you with this little auditory daydream, if it'll help you:

I love you. I dunno what you get up to out there at the Edge of Creation, but please stay safe out there while you do it; you wouldn't wanna miss out on tomorrow's letter, right?

I'll write again soon. Make good, kind, and loving choices in the meantime, okay?

Your friend, Lumine

[farewelln3verland]

Teume Cafe Part 1: I Just Met You...But You Mocha Me Crazy

masterlist

written by reyd

Finals. The one thing about school that everyone around the world became stressed about.

Walking through the almost empty streets, you sighed, your gaze trailing over the abandoned shops and pathways as you silently cursed yourself. What made you decide to stay up to binge your favorite show?

Well, you did know, it was the one, the only, Mr. Choi Hyunwook. His skater boy vibe in the show was just too cute to resist. But you could have waited an evening to revel in the show and his beauty. But alas, there was nothing you could do now, but suffer sleepily through the day. But then, your tired eyes came to rest on a small wooden sign, pointing you to a small coffee shop named the ‘Teume Cafe’. The outside was nothing special, it resembled pretty much every cafe you'd ever been to: a brick building with tinted windows and a black streetlight with warm, muted lighting.

There was something so inviting about it that made you wonder: should you stop? You hadn’t had coffee in a long time, and it could really help you get through the day. And so, here you are, opening the door to the place.

“Hi! Welcome in!” A cheery voice called through the building. Your eyes moved through the empty shop (save for a lone shadowy figure hunched over an ipad) and came to a young man leaning his arms on the counter. Besides his cute voice, he was a relatively small person, with wavy caramel brown hair and marigold highlights. His eyes- even though you were a respectable distance from him- sparkled through the dimly lit cafe. “Today’s special is a Strawberry Creme scone, do you want to try that?” He asked as you got closer.

“I’m not sure, does it pair well with a mocha?” You named your favorite caffeinated drink. Or- what you remember as your favorite. It’d been a little over two years since you’d had it, instead opting for a black tea or hot chocolate.

“Uh- not really, no. I’d probably go with a Chocolate Chip muffin.” He reached for a decadent, moist-looking muffin, then stopped, silently asking if that's what you wanted.

“I’d like to try it, then, please.” You gave him as much of a smile as you could muster, and he smiled back at you, but his was a full force smile that seemed to emit a rainbow of colors.

“And you want a mocha with that right?”

“Yes, thank you.” You nod at him.

“I’ve never seen you in here before.” He commented, starting to work on your mocha.

“I’ve never been here, but it seems nice.” You reply, taking a closer look at the cozy looking decor, the bookshelf filled with a variety of titles, and a record player beside it.

“Yeah!” He began pouring the coffee into a to-go cup. “We recently remodeled, Yedamie said that it wasn’t trendy enough.” He gave a slight shake of his head and a small laugh. At your confused face, he added, “Yedam also works here. He’s the creepy looking shadow, there in the corner.”

You both turn to look at him, and you notice the shadowy figure is no longer in the shadows due to the rising sun, and he’s taken the shape of a handsome boy around your age who’s blocking out the world through his headphones.

“Your order is ready,” the barista says, and you move to pay him, taking out some cash, when you notice something odd.

“What's the-” you move closer to the plaque by the cash register. “-Cafe Prince award?”

“Oh.” he gives an awkward laugh, “It’s awarded to the best looking barista.” He grimaces as you look at the award again.

“So, you’re Haruto Wantabe?” you ask, reading the name inscribed on it.

“Uh. no, I’m Mashiho, Haruto works here too.” His smile is back in full force, teeth and all, and you wonder why, when you’ve mistaken him for someone else. And then you realize. You just inadvertently called him good looking.

Coughing slightly, you give him an awkward good-bye and take the coffee and muffin. You really need to get out more.

To be honest though, you don't exactly regret calling him handsome because, well, he is. And his pure smile he gave you made it all worth it. But now you just had more questions.

Who was this Haruto guy? If Mashiho was so kind, was Yedam that nice too? Would the coffee he gave you somehow make you better looking?

I mean, probably not, but one could hope with all the good-lookingness that was brewed in the cafe daily. But right now, you need to focus on finals, because you'd already suffered enough from thinking and drooling over handsome guys for one span of 24 hours. (ahem, Choi Hyunwook)

go to next part

taglist: @memilimey8, @tangylemonade, @milkybonya

please ask to join!

[crabcanwrite]

First Date

Written: 12/15/22

Words: 479

Fandom: Steven Universe

Ship: Kevin/Jamie

“Quit smiling at me, I keep messing up my sentences when you look at me like that!” Kevin said.

Feeling his face flush as he and Jamie walked along the streets of Empire City.

Jamie laughed and laced their fingers together

“oh really?”

“Shut up,” Kevin grumbled, looking away.

“Y’know, you’re cute when you’re like this” Jamie teased, grinning at him.

“Why am I on a date with you again?” Kevin said as he rolled his eyes.

“Because you asked me on a date?” Jamie grinned “oh, hey a bakery!”

Kevin smiled at Jamie as they crossed the street and walked into the bakery.

“What do you wanna get babe?” Kevin asked, watching as Jamie studied the menu.

“I think I’ll get a scone” Jamie replied “I’m starving.”

They walked up to the register and put in their order. As Jamie started opening his wallet Kevin spoke

“I’ll pay,” he offered.

“Oh, okay” Jamie replied, putting his wallet back in his bag.

They walked out of the bakery a few moments later, Jamie eating his scone as they walked.

“So, where do you want to go next?” Kevin asked.

“Hmm,” Jamie thought for a moment “why don’t we go see a movie?”

“Alright,” Kevin agreed. The pair walked to the nearest movie theater.

“How about this one?” Jamie suggested, pointing to a rom-com.

“Whatever you want babe” Kevin replied. Rolling his eyes, despite smiling.

Jamie felt his face turn red as they got tickets and walked into the theater.

Jamie watched the movie with rapt attention, although Kevin spent most of it looking at him.

“Y’know I know you were looking at me in there” Jamie teased as they were leaving the movie theater.

“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” Kevin replied, blushing.

Jamie chuckled and laced their fingers together “sure.”

The cold air bit at their cheeks as they stepped outside.

“Can you give me a ride home?” Jamie asked

“Sure thing, babe” Kevin replied, grinning as Jamie blushed. The two of them walked until they reached the parking lot.

“Jeez, that’s an expensive car,” Jamie remarked as he got in Kevin’s car.

“Only the best,” Kevin replied, getting in the driver's seat. Jamie chuckled to himself and got into the passenger seat.

The drive home was quiet, Jamie stared out the window, marveling at the city lights in the dusk.

Kevin occasionally snuck glances at him, hoping Jamie wouldn’t see how much he was blushing.

Kevin hated to admit that he was more than a bit disappointed when the drive ended. He walked Jamie to the door,

“Night Kev,” Jamie said, pressing a kiss to Kevin’s lips “call me later.”

After Jamie had gone inside Kevin stood on his doorstep. Flustered and in shock for a moment, feeling his face turn a shade of dark red.

He quickly got back in his car, internally celebrating.

[elizabethplaid]

daily notes - overview of oct 5, 2023

omfg, I'm so tired. Like, we got home before 4pm, and I've been resting these last few hours. It was cool but humid, and I was just a sweaty mess when I got home. Hopped in the shower, then laid on my bed in front of the fan, and caught up on my web comic reading.

This will be the text overview of everything we did. When I get other posts up with images, I will edit and link to those.

First, we stopped by the local bakery I had mentioned on Monday. They probably had less-than-half of their inventory left. I got the very last blueberry-almond "scone", a couple other cookies for me, and some bits for LL-K. (K couldn't make the trip today, because she's busy with work.)

Second, we visited Rooster Brother, a store for cooks and those who love them, as they say. Lots of fun kitchen items, though they were more pricey than I'd prefer. Fun things, but nothing that screamed "must buy!". I did browse some chopsticks, though I was torn between using them as hair sticks or as chopsticks. (One was more decorative, but the other was cute enough for either use.)

There was a whole display of mushroom-themed items, too. The opposite side of that display had other woodland creatures, including deer and owls. They had the very same glass xmas ornament that @vintage-tech once sent me, several years ago - a little fawn, curled up and sleeping.

Next, we visited Riverside Cafe in Ellsworth for lunch. Very tasty, but neither of us could finish everything. (I only had fries left, but LL-J had 1-4th of her sandwich and fries leftover.) The music playlist was very good, though slightly biased towards my high school years. I can only remember 5 of the songs

Jack Johnson - "Sitting, Waiting, Wishing"

Weezer - "Island in the Sun"

Counting Crows - "Long December"

Blues Traveler - "Runaround"

Counting Crows - "Round Here" (I think? It was another CC song, at least)

It was tough to hear the music, so I'm sure there were other songs playing, and I just didn't catch them.

We walked down the road, ducking in The Dream Catcher antique shop next. Lots of pretty visuals, though the aisles were crowded and some display cases didn't show prices well. (There was such cool jewelry!) Because it was a cold and humid day, and they left the doors open, we felt very uncomfortable in that stuffy place. Both of us were tired, so we decided to call it quits when we saw there were another 2 floors to the place.

I bought 3 small dolls and a snake-shaped pendant. They're all cheaply made items, with discoloring and no easy way to remove the clothes. One is an Irish (I assume) souveneir doll, who came with a stand - $12. Then I found a dandy, dapper Rococo man. A little more digging, and I found his lady. Both have sleep eyes and painted feet/legs. They didn't have tags, so the clerk said $10 for the pair. Fine by me!

The snake pendant was $1. It's shape to curl around a marble or gem stone, and even has prongs to help hold it in place. It was empty, found in a dish of tiny pewter figures glued to flattened marbles. So so soooo tiny!

When we left, we both felt awful and tired. We visited a kids' book-and-toy store very quickly, didn't buy anything, then browsed the store windows of some other shops. The two I liked both looked very elaborate and fun. We'll hit one of those first on our next trip, when I have more energy again.

From there, we went to LL Bean's outlet store. They had a big sale on women's pants, so I grabbed a couple pairs. One's like... lounge or athletic wear? The other seemed like casual drawstring pants. I can't describe the texture. Omg, the textures for most of the pants were so bad in that section. So 60% off, I only paid about $35 after taxes for 2 pairs, yay.

Hit up Dunkin's drive-thru on the way out of town. LL-J now knows the glory of the "frozen hot chocolate" - basically a chocolate milk slushy.

We stopped by LL-K's house once we got back in town, to drop off the cookies. She gave me 2 containers of chicken stock that she had made. A couple weeks ago, she had asked where she could find chicken feet, so I helped source some from Neighbor-J and -S's chickens. (They were the couple that ran a general store for a few years. S used to sew cloth diapers as a business, too.) ----------

I hopped in the shower once I got home. Very very tired. Laid in front of the fan for a couple hours, and now I've been typing for like 20 minutes. We left at 10:15am and got home before 4pm. If the weather wasn't so clammy, I think we would've done far better. BUT I still did very good, considering how cheerful and happy this day has been.

Will work on posting photos in multiple posts next. Some stuff at the antique store is worthy of shiftythrifting, but some is not. One item is even from the "we see this too often, so don't submit it anymore" list. My first time seeing one in the wild!