#🥺 it’s been so long since I’ve seen them smile like that

[winnie-the-monster]

[lipstickandsinsstuff-blog]

@annetastic1981a , your beautiful, angsty drabble has inspired me to take a break from my current project and post some of my own!🥹💕

Minor spoilers for those of you who are following a certain story of mine. I’m so sorry, but I couldn’t resist! I really hope you like it!

Also, I highly recommend you check out this Spotify link as it heavily contributes to the vibes.

🔥Winter Star🔥

Sebastian has a special gift for his girlfriend, but finds himself cockblocked in the worst way possible.

Poor guy🥺(….)

In the icy cold, Sebastian occupies his seat at his family's table; Everyone around him hands off brightly colored boxes and bags, and he eyes each one from where he’s perched, eyes peeled, and claws tapping, like a hawk on edge.

There’s no sign of the person he’s looking out for; The little white rabbit. Perhaps she’s hiding somewhere, timid in the piled snow.

And the longer Sebastian waits, the more he fidgets. He has a package of his own.

Thickly wrapped in matte black, and speckled in silver stars. He had to Youtube how to wrap it just right, to get the corners nice and sharp. But damn him, and his impatient fingers; They’ve all but ruined his meticulous work, picking its clean edges nearly to ribbons. He had no choice but to tuck it into his jacket, to protect what’s left from himself—and everyone else.

Why is it black? That’s not very cheery, Maru had teased.

Because she’d understand the meaning. She’d think it’s pretty, too. However, he didn’t entertain his sister, and simply brushed off her comment.

I’ve never seen Sebastian give gifts before, Demetrius remarked, with barely hidden condescension. Who could be so special?

‘None of your business’, he wanted to say, but with his mother’s concerned glare fixed on him, he gave a dismissive, ‘for a friend’, instead.

He knew better than to utter her name, even now. Especially so, with how it’s been spat like a curse around town, chewed up in spiteful mouths; Even after all the good she’s done, given barely a ‘thank you’.

Maybe his gift would make her smile again. He certainly hopes so. It’s been too long since she told him she just needed some time, but she never specified how long. She did, however, remember his birthday, when her own wasn’t added to the calendar until long after her season had passed.

His heart fluttered frantically when he got the mail that day, even with Robin’s suspicion. His friend had sent him a birthday card, handwritten and sweetly perfumed, along with a cheeky packet of sea monkeys.

The Sea monkeys have a home in a vase by his only window. As for the card; It lives in his desk drawer, now nearly vacant of scent, as he’s held it under his nose every time he thought of her.

She’s lived in his mind for a while now.

~*~

The sun has long set on the day’s festivities, the eating, and the gift giving, which sends the townies flocking to the saloon for warmth and hard cider.

Sebastian has watched all day with no sign of his gift’s recipient. His cold and tired friends beckon him for pool and drinks, but he can’t shake this little feeling. So in favor of another cigarette, and one last hopeful lap around the square, he sends Sam and Abbi on ahead, with a promise to join them later.

The wind is picking up now, breaking at his back, carrying with it a fresh dusting of snow. The smoke between his fingers shivers along with him as he drags his feet along the icy cobblestone. It probably would’ve benefited him to have left the house with more than a coat and scarf, but he wasn’t thinking of that. He was too concerned with the gift, consumed by his own dizzy daydreams of her long awaited reaction.

There it is again–

That little feeling.

That feeling, and the grinding sound of hard metal wearily dragged across pavement. His heart jumps, and with fresh awareness, his eyes immediately dart up just in time to catch her.

His little white rabbit; Gentle and sweet; Dirty and disheveled from hiding out in the mines all day, muddy pickaxe in tow. Warmth wells in his chest to see her again. And for a moment, he watches her from a distance, just admiring the way she shines in the colorful lights of the large, decorated tree. Even caked in grime and monster guts, he still thinks she’d make for a pretty tree topper.

His boots shift in line with her, but something makes him hesitate. He can’t help but notice the way she’s looking up at the tree, without a hint of joy, taking it in with a dull, and wistful gaze; An expression he recognizes. The very same one she wore when she let slip something ugly from her past. Something tells him that this holiday wears on her, too.

Steeling himself, Sebastian wills his boots in motion, heading in her direction, but not too fast. Not so desperate, as to let on how much he’s been itching for this opportunity.

But what he doesn’t initially see, is the flash of green in his periphery, moving much faster than he does. And much too late does he realize exactly what it is.

A fucking letterman jacket.

Sebastian’s heart sinks like a rock when he sees that Alex has beat him to her. Of all people– Fucking Alex!

Why did it have to be him?

She quickly hides her dreary look away, greeting the priggish jock with a warm smile. The two engage while Sebastian, at a loss for what to do now, pathetically looms not twenty paces away.

Alex, in all his mass and arrogance towers over her, built like a brick shithouse, and seems all too eager to have her attention. Sebastian sees him pull something out of his pocket, wrapped in a dinner napkin–Something resembling a crumbly muffin. That can’t seriously be what he got her. He can hear them chatting from where he’s standing.

“Missed you at dinner, girl! Here– Saved you this,” he says, thrusting the wadded up napkin into her hands. Sebastian is absolutely bemused to find that she receives it with more joy than he’d expect, smiling brightly.

“Oh shit! That’s so sweet. How did you know I was starving?”

“Because you’re so scrawny, babe!” Alex mercilessly negs her, which sets Sebastian’s teeth on edge. “Now I don’t want you leaving before eating all of it.”

Giggling at this, she takes a grateful bite of her present, violet eyes glittering gleefully.

She’s infuriatingly enamoured with him, and that fact hits him like a ton of bricks. And just when he doesn’t think the situation could get any worse, he’s noticed, but only by Alex, who acknowledges him with a shiteating smirk. All Sebastian can do is glare back, watching Alex lay it on thicker.

“Damn, is this all you wore today?” Alex playfully jabs. “And your poor little hands–They’re freezing!” Completely unwarranted, He takes her free hand into both of his, bringing them up to his mouth, gently blowing–perhaps to warm them–but probably just to piss off Sebastian, as Alex holds his stare as he does this, from beneath his heavy brow.

Dirty fucking bastard. How dare he touch her!

Sebastian’s heart is pounding, his thoughts are screaming as jealousy coils in his gut, writhing violently, making him nauseous. No, he is going to vomit if he has to watch any more.

He turns on his heel to leave, with the fading bits of their conversation buzzing like giant gnats between his ears.

“You don’t have to do that,” she coos.

“I’m taking care of you…foreign concept…But I don’t mind–”

All Sebastian has ever done is brood over her, grieved her absence, been there for her, waited patiently–And yet this illiterate dickbag swoops in with a goddamn muffin!

Oh, there is no curse in the dictionary to rebuke his fucking audacity, but they echo in his mind anyway, only adding fuel to his fire.

He’s cursing them both, the town, the fucking holiday–and himself, most of all. If only he’d been quicker, pursued her ruthlessly, he wouldn’t have these swirling thoughts of Alex all over her.

Yoba, his jaw is grinding, so hard it’s threatening his teeth. His eyes are burning, welling tears threatening what’s left of his composure.

Sam and Abbi can have their apologies later, because he’s going home. Choking rage has set his nerves ablaze and he burns new trails through the fallen snow– white hot, inside and out, like a Winter Star.

[merbear25]

Hello 😊

I’ve seen your post about open request and I’m so happy 😄

I’d like to send you my request: Hongo x fem reader, NSFW, in which he makes a surprise visit and it’s been a long time since the have seen each other.

I hope it’s ok, have a lovely day 😘😘

Hello again! I'm more than happy to write this for you and even happier to know that you were excited to send something in 🥺 I hope you like it! 💜💜

With the rolling waves cascading on the sandy shores, you found yourself waiting for them to carry your lover back into your arms. Days turned into nights as the constellations shifted in the sky, bringing on a familiar heartache of what could be being postponed over and over again. That’s why when the ship you thought you’d forgotten appeared in the distance, you were hesitant to believe your own eyes.

CW: NSFW, MDNI, fem!reader, slight angst and pining, female masturbation, some fluff, established relationship, reunion sex, vaginal penetration and fingering, teasing, creampie

Here and now (Hongo)

Sitting at your window, daydreams of your other half coming through your front door made the last time he did so feel more and more distant. The sounds of crashing waves and the subtle breeze from the sea made you hum deep in thought. Your eyes fluttered closed and you nuzzled against your own open palm while imagining it was his. Oh, how you missed him in every sense of the word: his reassuring smile, his laugh, the way his hands felt on you.

As you imagined your hands were his, they trailed over and down your hips and thighs. Your delicate fingers helped spread your legs as they found your softness in between. Memories of moments you shared together played as your fingers rubbed at the growing wet patch. Riding the waves of euphoria over the cliffs of climax were met with panting and a subtle ache deep within your heart; those hands giving you pleasure weren’t his.

Satisfied only physically, your emotional state was chaotic, its own waves crashing against your most personal thoughts as you fell asleep dreaming of when you could lay beside each other again.

The following morning was met with dark clouds, and like every morning prior, you instinctively went to your window that overlooked the vast waters. Expecting them to greet you with their usual blank horizon, a spec appeared over it growing larger in size the longer your gaze held on it.

The wooden sides, the sail, the cheers from onboard: they made your heart pound against your chest with anticipation—a clench at your chest that incited hope and skepticism. Running to the docks, tears that were reserved for this moment began running down your cheeks. Your eyes immediately met his. That beaming smile and energetic wave thrown your way were returned with your own enthusiasm.

He was home. It didn’t matter for how long because he was there at that moment, and you were going to cherish it for as long as you could.

Crossing that threshold without so much as a breath away from each other, the desire for intimacy was burning under your flesh. The heat building between you was making the room stuffy and your clothes uncomfortably tight. Peeling each garment off of each other was done methodically, your eyes never leaving the other’s. 

“You’re so gorgeous.” His lips caressed your neck while his hands roamed up your skirt and gripped your hips. Those long slender fingers that had graced your dreams slipped under your waist band and trailed closer to your quivering center.

Your shaky gasp was met with his low groan when he felt your slick arousal. “I’ve missed you so much,” you whined.

“I’ve missed you too, darling.” He moved from your neck to claim your lips once more. You whimpered as his fingers circled around your most sensitive area. Seeing your legs tremble and that sweet face he’d been thinking about since the departure get flustered made his eyes roll back and flutter shut. You were everything to him. He couldn’t resist plunging his fingers deep inside your needy pussy.

Cries of pleasure passed over your soft lips, making you so much sweeter, so much more difficult to resist delving head first into. As you clawed at the sheets, your walls clenched around him. Your pants and moans were met with his own groans as your arousal creamed on his fingers. Just as you began shaking from an approaching orgasm, he promptly pulled himself away from you.

You arched your body and rutted against the bed in protest, but he was far from done with you. He brought his slick fingers to his mouth and sucked them clean. Watching your expression grow dark with lust as his tongue swirled around them was nearly enough to push him over the edge.

Not needing to keep either of you waiting any longer, he crawled on top of you. Leaving a trail of hot wet kisses up your body, each caress he bathed you in sent you spiraling further into the abyss of euphoria. Just barely hovering over you, the tip of his erection nestled against your entrance. Pushing the head past your soaked folds, you moaned in unison, which made it impossible not to thrust the entirety of himself into you.

Each gasp and moan had your body trembling under him. “Fuck, you’re incredible,” he breathed, leaning down to wrap you in his arms.

He held you closely, tightly, desperately as he moved inside you with reckless abandon. The sensation of your nails digging into his back as you unraveled around him was a testament to his restraint, one which he was neither able to keep a hold of nor wanting to.

Murmurs of I love yous accompanied the slapping of your hips. The sweet, musky scent of sex filled the room, wrapping you both entirely in your shared carnal urges. As you tossed your head back from the pure and utter bliss coursing through you, he was quick to follow suit. With a guttural growl rumbling in his chest, he then gasped at his sudden release inside of you. A few lingering waves were ridden out through small thrusts.

He pulled away slightly to get a look at the pinnacle of beauty underneath him; you were completely spent but met his gaze with a weak smile. Cupping your face, he leaned down to place tender, loving kisses on your forehead, cheeks, and finally your lips.

“I wish we could stay like this forever,” you admitted with a tinge of sadness.

“I know. I wish we could too, but right now everything feels absolutely perfect.” He pulled you into his arms, not wanting to think about any time other than the present.

[usernameforaboredcat]

Head Over Heels (Law X TomBoyF!Reader)

(A little dabble I thought while taking a piss 🥺👉🏻👈🏻 like 3 minutes ago)

Warnings⚠: None

[Part 1/?]

Law meets Luffys older (by like a year) sister who honestly the type of girl he’d imagine being the big sister to the Straw Hat and BOY is she just fiiiiiiiine!

3 brothers!

Imagine growing up with 3 idiot brothers with only one of them being less stupid. Fist fights, rolling around in mud and dirt, covered in blood from hunting, needing a bath every night to not get sick. Haha God I love those idiots!

~

Law doesn’t know why he’s here, walking down a random street on a random island with the idiot Straw Hat Luffy. As the two walk, Luffy lets out a loud yell as he sees a familiar older girl walking down the street. “HEEEEEEY! (YYYYY/NNN)!”. He calls way too loudly, drawing the attention of everyone including the girl. She turns in confusion, the gasps as she looks over with wide eyes and a bright smile.

Luffy jolts off over to the girl, the Captain of the Heart Pirates groaning as he slowly walks to catch up. He sees her wearing baggy long pants and a bikini, saddles and a small pack bag through the belt parts of her pants. Luffy jumps and hugs her, who hugs him back. “No way! It’s so good to see you again little dude!”. She greets him. “I’ve missed you so much!”. Luffy cries. (Y/n) pulls off the younger kid, putting him in a headlock as she ruffles his hair with his knuckles.

“You little fuck! I thought your ass was dead you little shit! Scared me half to death! I swore I saw the light!”. She snaps at him angrily, tightening her hold as he starts to choke. “I-I’m sorry! Please don’t kill me!”. Luffy breathes out, spazzing in her hold.

The Heart Pirate Captain finally catches up, looking at the two with a raised eyebrow. “The hell are you?”. (Y/n) asks the taller man, looking up at him. A thump goes through his whole body, strange. “Th-this is my friend!”. Luffy chokes out, now trying to pull her arm away. “No shit! Can’t believing you made a friend that isn’t some 30 year old guy!”. She says happily.

Law looks at his now turning blue friend, his cheeks reddening at the sign of his face so squished against her boob. “Hope this little turd hasn’t been too much of a pain in the ass”. She tells him, finally letting go of Luffy to let him fall to the ground. ‘Yes, he has been a giant pain in my fucking ass’. “No, not at all”. He responds. ‘Damn it!’.

She then hums, getting on her tippy toes and leans right up into his face. “Holy crap! You’re that Law guy! I heard about you! Your bounty is like crazy high at like 3,000,000,000 berries!”. She points out in shock. “Yeah! Isn’t he awesome!”. Luffy cheers, now back on his feet. “It is quite impressive, I must say”. She hums, holding her chin with her hand as she nods.

“Uh…th-thanks”. He mutters, gripping the brim of his hat to lower it to hide his slowly growing blush. ‘What’s with this woman? Why am I like this? Damn it!’. “So, whatchu up to these days?”. Luffy asks his older sister, the two turning to each other. “Oh ya know, just traveling around looking for anything to do! Probably doing the least to piss off the old man out of us kids”. She answers, leaning with her hand on her hip.

“How bout you? I’ve seen that your bounty has only been goin up so ya still trying to be King of the Pirates?”. She asks. “Yep! And it’s only gonna go up and I’m gonna be king!”. He responds happily. She chuckles at her little brother. “I believe it! Remember I’ve been your number one supporter since day one”. She reminds him, nudging his arms with her elbow.

She then turns back to the other captain, feeling an arrow go through his heart when her eyes meet his. “Mind if I hang with you guys for a while? Just for a bit, I wanna catch up with my baby brother”. She asks him oh so kindly. Law felt as if his heart stopped, chocking and spitting out his own spit. Luffy laughs at his reaction while his sister just stares.

She reaches into her bag and pulls out a handkerchief, holding it out to him. “Do you…need this?”. She asks nervously, never really seeing a guy act like this before in her life. “Uh…”. He takes the handkerchief from her, feeling the soft fabric on his fingers. “Thanks”. He thanks, raising it to clean his face. “Oh man! You should have seen your face!”. Luffy laughs at his older friend.

He holds the handkerchief back to her, her hand grazing his as she takes it back. Her finger tips are as soft as silk, her fingers smoothly sliding off his. Laws nose suddenly bursts, blood gushing out his nose like a hose. “Holy crap!”. The girl yelps, jumping back while Luffy bursts out laughing again. “Hahaha! Now you’re like Sanji!”. He laughs, holding his stomach from all his laughing.

(Y/n) looks at her brother with a concerned expression. “Is he uh…usually like this?”. She asks him. “Hehehe, nope!”. He simply answers. All Law can do it turn away from the two, his face a dark beet red. Never in his life has he been this embarrassed just because of some girl. (Y/n) leans over so she can whisper in Luffys ear. “Should I leave and we catch up a different time?”. She whisper asks him, causing the younger boy to turn and look at her.

“No no it’s fiiiine! Just give him a minute”. He reassures her. She hums as she leans away from her baby brother, then just to lean back over. “He said he acts like a friend of yours, what’s he like?”. She asks him. “Oh you mean Sanji? He usually acts like that around girls, he really likes girls”. Luffy answer. Oh…OH!!! Oh~. “Oh I see~”. She coos, leaning away from her little brother again.

“Huh? Get what?”. Luffy questions. (Y/n) then grabs Laws hand, gaining his attention and causing him to freeze in place. “So Law, are you here for long? Perhaps we can meet up and you can tell me some stories of dumb shit my baby brother has done?”. She asks him, sending him a little wink. His nose starts to bleed again, but he’s able to muster out a nod. “Cool! Now why don’t we go somewhere nice and chat!?”. She says happily, linking arms with her brother and dragging the two down the street.

Trafalgar Law, Died Age 26

Death By Blood Loss & Heart Attack Caused By Luffys Hot Older Sister

[mari-writes]

🦉🐈‍⬛

“Are you sure about this? You know I’ll support you not matter what. But dude, you’re definitely good enough to go pro!”

Kuroo glances at Bokuto, seated next to him at the bar. His friend is looking down into his drink, brow furrowed, shoulders drooping slightly. He sighs. “Yes, I’m sure. I have other things I want to do.”

Bokuto nods silently, still looking a bit dejected. And Kuroo understands. He really does. Their final university tournament is fast approaching. After that series of games, they’ll be focused on exams, job interviews, and preparing to move out.

The two of them had shared a university, including a bunch of classes, a volleyball team, and even a living space for the past few years. Their lives had intertwined so much so that Bokuto became more than just a “second best friend.”

He’s more like a brother now.

But their futures are finally heading in opposite directions, and Kuroo can admit—it’s a bit daunting. Emotions are running high. “It’s not like I won’t be involved in volleyball,” he adds. “I couldn’t stay away even if I tried. But I think I want to work from behind the scenes from now on.”

Bokuto’s mouth twitches into a smile. “You DO have a lot of options, don’t you?” Kuroo had double majored in Biology and Marketing & Communications, all while maintaining his spot on the team. He had been unanimously voted captain in his final year, of course choosing Bokuto as his vice. College had been crazy, but a good kind of crazy, for the most part.

“I want to keep ‘lowering the net,’” Kuroo says. “I want to get as many people interested in volleyball as I can.”

Bokuto’s grin turns toothy. He leans in to clank their glasses together. “Now THAT’S what I’m talking about!" They both take a long swig. The liquor burns Kuroo’s throat briefly before a warm, fuzzy feeling settles into his chest.

“You know, I’m really glad we were here together.” Bokuto’s voice is lowered, just loud enough to be heard over the din. Kuroo shifts on his stool, but stays silent, allowing his friend to continue. “It was… hard to accept that Keiji wouldn’t be continuing volleyball after high school. And even harder when he chose a different college.”

Kuroo nods in understanding. While it hadn’t been a surprise that Kenma announced he’d be choosing another path, it was still difficult to accept.

“I don’t think I could’ve done it without you here, Kuroo!”

Frowning, Kuroo reaches to punch his friend lightly in the arm. “Oi!” He tuts. “Stop that. Or else I’m gonna tell on you to your boyfriend. I know for a fact that Akaashi hates when you cut yourself down!” Bokuto just shrugs. “C’mon, Bo. You would’ve been fine. Great, even. I mean, aside from maybe Chibi-chan, you’re the best at making friends. You make your biggest rivals want to cheer for you!”

“Hey, Hinata’s not so ‘Chibi’ anymore!” Bokuto chuckles. “Have you seen his latest photos from Brazil? My disciple is turning into an absolute beast!”

They both laugh, and Kuroo relaxes. He’d been pretty worried about telling Bokuto about his plans. But now that it’s done, he finally feels at peace. “You’re going to go far with volleyball,” he declares, raising his glass once again. “I just know it. But someday you might want to put that Education degree to use, too. Hit me up when that happens, okay?”

Bokuto’s smile is blinding. “Yeah!” He nods enthusiastically. “We could coach at a school, or put a volleyball camp together or something!”

Kuroo winks. “Now THAT sounds like a solid plan.”

//

I’ve been thinking about Kuroo and Bo’s friendship a lot lately, especially since I saw that leaked sketch of them leading a kids' volleyball camp together. It’s just so special to me. 🥺❤️ Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed, please comment and share!

[shurislover]

Private But Not A Secret

Letitia x Black Reader

a lil soft launch , been in my drafts forever

warnings : none just Tish talking bout her baby 🥺

“ Alright so now we have the Wakanda Forever questions out the way. Let’s talk about your personal life, what do you enjoy doing on your free time ?”- The interviewer questioned

“ Aw man I really enjoy being out with my friends , I used to be such a homebody and now i’m trying to go out and have some fun. “

“ A night out with friends is always fun. I recently seen you were out in Jamaica. How was that ?”

“ Jamaica is so nice , I absolutely love being there. I definitely will be making plans to go there again this year. Have you been to Jamaica? “ - Letitia questioned

“ I’m actually going in 2 weeks , i’ve never been so i’m very excited to go“

“ You’re going to absolutely love it, and make sure try the KFC there , it’s so much better “- Letitia smiled

“ Definitely will be trying that . Now you know you have some very nosy fans as soon as they heard they could leave me questions to ask you they blew up my comments. I’m gonna ask you the main three I kept seeing. Is Ms Letitia Wright in a relationship?”

Letitia laughed and shook her head

“ Y’all so nosy “ - She laughed. Letitia felt her cheeks get hot as she started thinking about you.

“ Hmm. Should I tell you guys ? You know what, I’m gonna spill the beans, it’s been long enough I’ve been with my beautiful girlfriend for 2 years and she’s my everything. Crazy because our anniversary is today “- Letitia nodded

“For starters happy anniversary you two. Could you tell us more about her? What is she like ? Will we get to see her any time soon ?”

“ She’s the love of my life. I honestly cant imagine life without her. That woman is everything to me. We actually were childhood best friends, I lost contact with her once I moved to the UK. Then at the first Black Panther Premiere we ran into each other and honestly the rest is history. Two years ago today I asked her to be my girlfriend. It was such a nice set up, took her to Paris and asked her to be my girlfriend under the Eiffel Tower. And to answer the last question I will be keeping my baby private.

“ How come ?”-

“ I’m a very private person when it comes to my personal life. I want my baby to have a normal life. I want to make sure she’s safe when she’s not around me. I don’t want my nosy fans in her DMs or making her comments all about me since she does her little thing with TikTok , Youtube & Instagram. It was a mutual decision to keep it private and honestly keeping it private has been so nice, nobody bothering us or tagging us in each others posts and what not. I really love it. “

“ I get that 100 % , sometimes fans take it too far and it just ruins everything. I’m so glad you found someone who truly makes you happy. Where do you guys see yourselves in 5 years ?”

“ Married for sure , I can’t wait to marry her . Everyday she gives me a reason why I need to put a ring on her finger now. Hmm in 5 years maybe a baby. I believe she’d be a good mom, she’s amazing with my little sister, everytime I see them interact my heart jumps. Besides that I would love more roles in movies “

“ So what i’m hearing is the next time I interview you , Ms. Letitia Wright will be married with a baby on the way ?”

“ Depends on when you interview me but yes married and a baby on the way. “

“ Cant wait to see that and I’m wishing you and your girlfriend the best. Next question , did you ever expect to blow up on tiktok ?”

“ Honestly no , it was a shock to me. The whole world is crushing on me, you got everyone calling me their girlfriend or wife I think it’s cute. I don’t mind them at all, i really appreciate them. So many fans take so much time making edits and things like that I love them “

“ These fans really love you , okay so last question , can we expect anything new for you after Wakanda Forever ?”

“ Yes of course I can’t really tell you guys much I have two movies dropping soon and I’m very excited for everyone to watch. One movie i filmed a while back and this new movie is something new and I think you’ll love it.”

“ Cant wait to see your new projects , thank you so much for being here today and sharing everything with us. Hope to see you soon and enjoy your anniversary.

“ Thank you and I will be seeing you soon showing you wedding pictures and sonograms” - Letitia laughed

—-

babyboo 💍

you did amazing in your interview baby, come home soon i got dinner planned. i love you and travel safely

mi amor 🤭

love u so much baby, i’m in the uber on the way home. I picked you up a surprise. see you when I get home

letitiawright posted a video !

liked by dominiquethorne and 18,765 others

letitiawright my first love 😮‍💨

dreyamac finally !! been waiting for this

ayrastarr happy for you tish , cant wait to meet her

im.angelabassett miss you both

lupitanyongo oh ? so this is who you were blushing about on facetime ?

michaelbjordan happy for you lil sis

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[tohruies]

ha! 💌 ! except that i’m doing uno reverse and sending one to you! (and especially since you’ve already written it once for me and i even printed it out!!!)

dear coco, so i know how you always want to bring even the tiniest smile to people’s faces! you are the sunshine that peeks from behind the clouds during the cloudy days ⛅️ but i’m smacking you affectionately because oftentimes in your selfship dynamics you mention that your dear beloveds soothe your heart after you give it away to everyone around on an open palm — and you should listen to that inner voice! ✨ treat yourself first, be a little selfish, make sure to feel comfortable before you comfort others ❤️‍🩹 let me tell you again — i am shaking you and telling you this because a happy and healthy coco guarantees even more happy people around her! 🥺 i love your prose, love your poetry that you sneak so elegantly in between sentences and paragraphs — it’s been a while since i’ve read anything from you and i understand that there are things that you must focus on first, but no matter the passing time, yours will always be one of the styles that inspired me the most in my writing journey on here! 🥹 your presence here has been influencing my life in the most positive way ever since becoming mooties with you! you always put so much thought into remembering everyone’s personalities, lives, preferences and stories! 🌸 but i wanted to make sure that you know how it also feels to be on the receiving side of love (though i know i’m not the only one adoring you so much and certainly there are so many others who would stand right beside you if you only needed a shoulder to lean on) 🩷

༼ﾉ ´༎ຶ ﹏ ༎ຶ༽ ﾉ *: ·ﾟ💌 when manu wears the biggest ever size of meanie pants ever... /silly

(i will acknowledge & respond to your own 💌 to me in the tags, if that's okay!! 🥺 oh my goodness 🥺🥺)

3 days later and i think i have finally collected myself enough to respond to this WAH... I AM SO SORRY TO KEEP YOU WAITING MANU! 🥺 i am uno reversing your uno reverse >:3 hehe, i remember that i wrote you one of these last year, in april!!!! it's always been a difficult month for me, so it made me really happy + meant the whole world to be able to write something for you and have you receive it with all the love in your heart 🥺 so much so that you even printed it out (i cried tears of joy last year when you told me that AODKJFAJ i am so sorry 🙈). i hope you don't mind that i give last year's message a sibling LOL, with what i am about to say to you now!!!! (⁄ ⁄>⁄ω⁄<⁄ ⁄) 

dearest manu mousie, manu the great, my manumimii!

where do i even begin with youuuu ;w; /pos!!!!! maybe i can start with how much i love (and also fear /lh, because you are truly so... omniscient lol!) how perceptive you are... the way you make people feel seen (exhibit a, the contents of this ask asdfghjkl) and look so deep into their hearts... i think you are incredibly excellent at analysing people and charaters /POS and i feel like this is very evident in your fics and character studies!!!!! it is due in large part to your introspection which is another thing i love about you :D and why i think i find a great deal of comfort in you 🥺 because i am always especially drawn to these kinds of people!! people who you don't need to wear a mask around because they will be able to see through you anyway... it's very soothing in a sense to know that you are like this 🥺💗 and it only inspires me to be more perceptive too!! i hope i can be as caring and kind as manu is some day, heheh (๑•̀ᴗ•́๑)  💗

which brings me to my next point—i love all the ways in which you are quietly kind and looking out for your friends—again, as evidenced by this ask, wah... BUT ALSO!!! in how you do other things for them! 🥺 little blurbs in their mailbox (i revisit that xiangli one you wrote me not so long ago) or even drawings!!! perhaps i don't ship with haitham anymore, but the doodle you gifted me last year has always been a widget on my phone :3 and it will continue to be!!! that was the very first time anyone had ever drawn me something just out of the goodness of their heart, let alone gifted me anything of the sort!!!! 🥺🥺 so it is something i hold really really close. it makes me smile SO BIG!! and kick my feet all excitedly to see you do that for your other friends here too HEHE—when i look at femi's pfp... vana's pinned... i am reminded of just how big and bursting with love that your heart is 🥺💗

i love how much you have grown on here over the past year. ⭐️ in terms of your writing—which has been such a pleasure to witness over time how you've grown into a style that is so distinctly manu!! 🥺🥺 because like! 🥺 i remember so distinctly a certain post you made last year about wanting to improve your writing and your vocabulary and finding your 'own writing voice' 🥺 look at you now!!! with your lush descriptions and rich prose and dynamic characterisation, IT MAKES ME SO HAPPY!!!!! AND PROUD!!! and i hope you too, are proud of yourself friend 🥹💖 even aside from your writing, i'm so glad that you have grown more comfortable here in sharing more personal posts about yourself hehe AND OF COURSE YOUR SELFSHIPS!!!!!!!!!! :3 i am also very glad about how you have lots and lots of friends on here now!!! that all love and cherish and uplift and reassure you in the way you deserve to be 🥺

i'm just really happy you are here with us, babie. i hope you won't take it the wrong way when i say this, but i really do believe that you are so much stronger, kinder, and easy to love than you think yourself to be! 🥺🥺 i hope that you can continue to work on being less hard on yourself, and i hope that all your friends here can help with that in any way you'll let us!! i hope you will continue to share more of your heart with us here and let us cradle it and soothe it when you need it. i hope your studies will treat you as kindly as they can, and that you will succeed in them :3 i hope you know that all you need to do is try your best!! you have a beautiful brain and a tender, loving heart—so i am sure in due time that all the good karma will be returned to you 🥺💗 making you a steaming cup of pink chai with a dollop of condensed milk in it, and gently rubbing your hands in mine to warm them up 🥰 we love you so much manu, not just for all that you do for us, but for just simply existing as you are, and letting us bask in the warm light you radiate 💖💖💖

[lyranova]

Hiya Lyra!!! Again CONGRATS ON 900!! I'm sure you'll hit the 1k soon enough :D But... umm... would you terribly mind if... you could make a Medical AU for Fuelara? If not, then Fue x reader is absolutely fine!!! Anywho... I was inspired a little by my former colleague's office, and so.. Lara (or reader) would be a pathologist with a somewhat spacious corner office, with a small couch, that is a pull out couch (nothing fancy, but y'know)

And Fue, the oncologist, would be on a very long work streak, and be on call, after having worked for... many hours, and he ends up catching a nap at the end of his work day on the couch, because she won't let him drive home sleep deprived. Just pure fluff an taking care of each other?

Again: Congrats!!! All the love and support from me ^^ <3

Hiya Laura! Ahwksjskwkwj thank you so much 🥺💕, I would say I don’t think I’ll hit 1k but…it’s starting to look like I might 🙈! Of course I don’t mind you asking for Fuelara, I would be honored to write for them 😤💕! This became less of them taking care of each other and more of them snuggling and teasing each other, but I still hope you like it 🥰!

Word Count: 1,348

Warnings: None

————

The corner office was quiet, the only sound echoing through the room was the clicking of the keyboard as Solara’s fingers glided across the keys with precision. That was the beauty of this place; no matter how loud and chaotic it was in the hospital, it was always quiet and calm in this office.

That was why Solara Equinox snatched it up as soon as it had been offered to her. So that way she could have peace, quiet, and a place to relax after a stressful day.

This place, in a way, was her retreat; her sanctuary.

And she wasn’t the only one who felt that way.

Her office door opened softly, and her green eyes glanced up from the computer screen to see a very tired looking Dr. Fuegoleon Vermillion standing there.

With a heavy sigh he closed the door behind him, closing his eyes for a moment, before he slowly opened them again and walked over to her couch. He took off his doctor’s coat and place it over one of the chairs before loosening his tie and sitting down on the sofa.

“ Is your shift finally over?” She asked him softly, her voice gentle and warm as she turned her chair to fully look at him.

Fuegoleon nodded slowly.

“ It is, thank god,” He said gratefully as he leaned his head back, his eyes closing again.

For the past two weeks he had been working long hours since he had been the only Oncologist and Oncologist surgeon on call for the entire hospital. With every passing day Solara had watched him grow more and more exhausted and that only made her grow more and more worried.

There were many times where she had worried that he was going to collapse, but whenever she confronted him about it he would always tell her that he was fine and that all he needed was more coffee or a short nap.

She sighed, it was a wonder he hadn’t collapsed!

But now it was over, and Fuegoleon could get the rest he deserved.

“ Luckily I have the next two weeks off, and I plan on taking full advantage of it,” He told her with a quiet chuckle, his eyes remaining closed.

“ As you should; after all, you’ve earned it,” She said. “ Do you have any plans? Aside from sleeping.” He hummed in thought.

“ Hm, well, I was thinking of asking a certain someone if they would like to go on a small holiday with me next week when they also had time off,” Fuegoleon began, a knowing smile on his face and a glint in his slowly opening eyes.

Solara smiled coyly.

“ Is that so? And who might this ‘certain someone’ be?” She asked teasingly, clearly knowing who he was referring to.

“ Let’s see; they’re beautiful, amazing, very intelligent, kind, warm, patient, and the best Head of Pathology I’ve ever seen,” He told her softly, a loving look in his tired purple eyes.

She couldn’t help but blush at his words, and her smile widened ever so slightly.

“ My, they sound truly amazing!”

“ They certainly are.”

“ You’d better not let them go, otherwise someone else might snatch them up.”

“ Oh believe me, I have no intention of ever letting her go.” His tone and gaze were serious, but his eyes were warm, caring, and full of love.

Solara’s heart skipped a beat for a moment before she cleared her throat and turned back towards her computer.

“ I happily accept your offer of going on a holiday together, Doctor Vermillion,” She told him in her professional tone, making him chuckle. “ Shall we decide on the location tomorrow evening?”

Fuegoleon nodded in agreement.

“ What time is it?” He asked her after a few minutes, Solara hummed as she glanced up at the clock on the wall.

“ It’s around 7:30.” She told him before she went back to typing, but she paused when he let out a small sigh.

“ I should let you finish your work,” He said as he slowly stood up.

Solara’s eyes narrowed.

“ Where are you running off to?” She asked as she stood up and crossed her arms. Fuegoleon turned towards her with a slightly confused gaze.

“ Home?”

“ And how are you planning on getting there?”

“ By driving?” He told her with a confused frown, his voice sounding perplexed.

She quickly shook her head.

“ No you are not,” She told him sternly as she walked around her desk and towards her sofa. “ you’re staying here and are going to get some much needed rest.”

Fuegoleon blinked in surprise for a moment before quickly shaking his head.

“ I can’t,” He began quickly as he watched her begin to take the cushions off her sofa. “ If I stay here I’ll only be bothering you as you work.”

“ But it would be very negligent of me as both your girlfriend and as a doctor if I let you drive home in your current state,” She told him firmly as she looked over at him. “ Besides, you won’t be bothering me; in fact, you being here will actually help me finish all of my work quickly.”

Realizing that there was no arguing with her, Fuegoleon sighed and began to help her pull the couch out in order to turn it into a bed.

“ Here's a blanket and a couple of pillows,” Solara said as she handed the items to him.

“ You know I can call just a cab to take me home-,” He began but the rest of his sentence died in his throat as she gave him a small glare that said ‘I will not tell you again’.

He cleared his throat and gave her a small nod of thanks before he placed the pillow and blankets onto the bed, sat down on it, and slipped off his shoes and tie.

As Solara went to walk back to her desk she suddenly felt something wrap around her wrist gently, and when she looked down she saw Fuegoleon’s hand gently holding it.

“ May,” He began hesitantly, his cheeks slightly red and his gaze averted to the side in nervousness. “ May I be so bold as to ask you to…lay down with me?”

Solara felt her own cheeks burn slightly before a small, playful smile appeared on her face.

“ If I didn’t know any better I would think that you were asking me to do something inappropriate with you,” She joked in a playful tone, and watched in amusement as his face only turned more red.

“ I-I didn’t mean-!” Fuegoleon began quickly, but Solara chuckled.

“ I know what you meant,” She replied. “ and I would be happy to rest with you, but only for a moment. I’m waiting for some test results to come in from the lab.”

Fuegoleon nodded, and moved over on the pull out couch in order to make room for her to lay down beside him.

She slid under the blanket and curled into his chest as his arms wrapped around her and held her close.

“ Finally, I can get a good night's rest now that you’re by my side, keeping me warm, and making me feel safe and loved…” Fuegoleon muttered sleepily into Solara’s hair, making her heart pound in her chest.

She…made him feel safe and loved?

“ Same here, Fue,” She admitted softly into his chest as she closed her eyes and listened to the soft drumming of his heart beat. “ I’ve missed having you by my side these past two weeks.”

Fuegoleon hummed in agreement before his once elusive sleep finally took him.

Solara waited a few minutes to make sure he was good and asleep before she tried to get up and get back to her computer, but as she squirmed and wiggled she found herself stuck against his chest. He had her firmly secured against him, and just as he said before; he had no intentions of letting her go.

With a resigned sigh she accepted her fate and rested against his chest, closing her eyes as sleep also came for her; those test results could wait an hour or two.

—————

Thank you all so much for reading and I hope you all have a good day~!

[chiiroptereh]

Hi there!!! I hope you’re doing well ^^ I found your art recently and I’m a huge fan, your old kaput and zosky art made me so happy I had to pause for a minute- I really love your stuff!!! I’ve been super obsessed with kaput and zosky, and I’ve seen your accounts all around the internet about them, so it’s kinda got me wondering.. what ever happened to the video essay you were planning for? Was it scrapped? Do you have any plans of releasing the information/footage from the essay itself? I know it’s been a few years since you initially started work on it, and it’s been a while since you’ve posted for the show at all xd but I’m quite curious about it! Anyways, I really appreciate everything you’ve done for the community and it means a lot to me how much effort you put into the archival/wiki especially. Thank you so much for your time, I hope you have a wonderful day :D

Here’s a little zosky doodle for your travels

Hi there!! First of all THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR SUCH A LOVELY MESSAGE waughh you've totally made my day!! 🥺🫶 Always love meeting another fan, and I'm so so touched to hear you enjoy my work! Secondly, I'm very glad you asked this, because it's something I've been thinking about lately. My explanation may be a little complicated, but the short version is that yes, it is still in the works!

The long answer is that progress was going very steady up until February 2023 when my mother passed away, which I believe was also when my K&Z posting slowed down. There's a long story within a long story there, but the gist of it is that I've been in a very bad place ever since then. I can't be sure exactly why the event made me drift from K&Z, but I suspect it was because my mom was so looking forward to seeing my video, and the thought that she never would, well...it really messed with me.

With that being said, I'm handling my grief a lot better these days. While things are still in a state of major uncertainty for a whole host of other reasons, I think I've mostly come to terms with that flavor of discontent. I see the project sitting unfinished in my files and I think about how close I am to being done with it, and I know she'd want me to do it. I want to do it, too! I worked very hard!

I began working on it again for the first time in like two years about two weeks ago. Over an hour of content was already fully edited and ready, it's just my last addendum that I need to work on. I'm hitting another problem now, and that is that a lot of my sources have vanished since I wrote the script, so, frustratingly enough, all I can really offer is a "trust me, bro" for quite a few points! But I think the big ones should still be there.

If anyone takes anything from this, I want it to be that you shouldn't wait to finish things, because you won't be the same person you were when you began. Nonetheless, again, it's only that last part, which I suspect shouldn't be more than likeee...ten minutes long? A drop in the bucket compared to the rest, for sure. Unfortunately it's also the most exciting part x'D Oh well, I'll figure it out!

I do still love K&Z, and I know I always will. I have a lot of requests saved up involving them, and I'd love to draw them when I'm in a better place. When I get depressed, I get art block, so only my biggest hyperfixations manage to barge past every now and again, which is why I've been so inactive in general. Nonetheless, I do check back here every day, so I'm always happy to answer any questions!

I'm gonna have a lot of free-time in April, so I'll try to get some more work on it done then for sure. Hopefully I'll be in a much better place as a whole come summertime. Thank you for the support, it really does make me feel excited for it again!

And AHHH thank you so much for the lovely Zöskies!! Such a beautiful style you have, he is wonderfully expressive! It feels so, so good to see him again <3

Have a lovely day, thanks for the much-needed smile! 💖

[yuuniee]

💀 Close Your Eyes... 🦪

💙 Synopsis: In which Fawn decides to pay a visit to Idia, who is recovering from his overblot.

A/N: I felt like sharing a small drabble I wrote before :)

🏷️ @thehollowwriter @twstinginthewind @twst-the-night-away @cyn-write @ice-cweam-sod4

Walking around the school to her next class with her close friend, Fawn was chatting with Auburn about the daily things they had in life.

“A student in Ignihyde has overblotted as of late, or so I’ve heard.” The redhead said as he carried his books in his arms again.

“Oh dear... Shall I pay them a visit, I wonder..” She looked down on the ground in her P.E. uniform and her broom in hand.

“That wouldn’t be necessary, your highness.” He politely, but formally, replied to her while looking at her. “While I may not know the identity of that student is yet, I do believe you need to stay out of the matter until they recover.”

“What if they are in bad condition? Perhaps I can use a spell or a potion to help them recover from it..” She smiled hopefully as her eyes sparkled in joy.

“Fawn, please… Just for this once.” His gaze softened. “I just want you to stay out of other people’s business. You don’t have to help others and waste your magic like this. You may overblot one day from this, you know?”

“I know you’re concerned about me as always, Aubbie. But trust me, I’ll be alright. Just allow me to lend them a hand.”

The young man sighed in defeat.

“If you say so, who am I to defy that order?”

In response, she kissed his cheek and beamed in joy.

“Thanks a lot, I’ll be careful not to overuse my powers.”

As they departed to their respective classes later on, the two Ignihyde students’ conversation caught her attention.

“I wonder where Dorm Head Idia is...”

“Probably in his room again.”

She turned her head towards them to hear it more clearly.

“He sits there all day, every day… I wonder if he’s alright.”

“Eh, who cares?”

“I do!”

Then she realized something and took out her phone to check her messages.

(01:30 a.m) Me: idyyyyy 🥺 💕

(01:30 a.m) Me: r u there?

(01:32 a.m) Me: i’ll get you those gummy worms u like omw to igni after classes<3

(Seen: 06:32 a.m)

‘Strange, he would usually reply to me even when he’s tired...’ She thought to herself and scrolled more to see his latest message, which was two weeks ago.

Blueberry Baby 🥰: im feeling tired fawn

Blueberry Baby 🥰: can we stop here for now?

Me: okay :(

Me: have a good rest, sleep well <3

Blueberry Baby 🥰: thx babe u too ❤️

She then remembered that his last login in the game they played together was also two weeks ago, and it instantly clicked in her head. The student who overblotted was Idia, probably feeling weak ever since it happened. Knowing how that feels, she brought a hand over her mouth in shock to conceal her quiet sobs, being angry at herself for not realizing it before. But now, she knew what to do. The feeling of wanting to help her long time friend and now boyfriend as much as she can was even more intense now. But not right now. For now, she had to attend her classes.

.

.

.

.

Her low heels clacked in the distance as she walked to his room with Ortho. As the younger Shroud gestured to the door of his room and opened it for her, she couldn’t help but peek at his room and she instantly spotted the older Shroud’s sleeping form under the dim lights.

“Idy…”

She gently stroked the warm, silky, fiery hair he had as they waved on her fingers. She let out a quiet chuckle before tidying up the trash with magic and took them out, and then she sat next to him and watched him sleep for a few moments.

“Probably something you haven’t been doing for a long time, hmm?”

Her hand made its way to his cheek as she cupped it with her hand.

“Sleeping, resting, just letting your mind wander into the realm of dreams...”

She looked away and sighed.

“An overblot obviously takes so much mental and physical toll on one’s body, so you obviously do the same. D-don’t ask how I know this..!”

As she nervously fidgeted her fingers, she turned to face him again and put her thumb on his lips to caress them. Those lips that he bit whenever he felt anxious, those lips that curled into a shit-eating grin, those lips that had placed such soft kisses on her cheeks... She quietly contemplated what she should say next as if the guy in front of her was fully awake.

“Board Game Club has been quite lonely without you, my love... With Azul chatting my ear off whether you have made a full recovery because ‘I know you the best’, and with Ortho not being in our club anymore, and without you... it feels pretty lonely... But at least you’re recovering..! At least you’ll be alright soon!"

Having noticed that she raised her voice, she sighed.

“I miss being with you.. in-game, or in real life... Raids feel lonely without the legendary Gloomurai, you know? A-also.. I quite miss your hugs too... Heck, I would give the world just to see you smile once again…”

She slowly leaned in and kissed his temple while touching his cheek again.

“...Mmm... Ortho... noooo.... Don’t goooo... Nnngh…”

“O-oh dear…”

In an instant, she quietly went beneath his sheets, laid next to him, and held his trembling body in her arms. Her lips met the corner of his eyes this time, and she kissed his tears away.

“Mmh...”

She noticed his bottom lip quivering, a sign that he’s about to cry. Soon he started to let out quiet sobs while hugging her torso, thinking it’s the ever so familiar pillow under his head. He cried and cried until he felt calmer and he rubbed his cheek onto what he felt like it was a pillow. But quickly realized that it wasn’t it. First he heard a little squeak, then a faster heartbeat, neither of which being a thing his pillow had. That was when he decided to look up and have the realization hit him, that he was—in fact—laying his head on Fawn’s chest. She had tried to hold still for him so hard, but her voice ultimately betrayed her. The tips of his hair started to turn bright pink and he let out a small sob while looking at her with wet eyes. She gently cradled his face in her hands and planted a gentle kiss on his face.

“I’m here, blueberry... Forever and always...” She quietly whispered in his ear and put his head back on her chest.

“Fawn...”

“I’ll always be there for you whenever you need me...”

He awkwardly held her too and laid back, slowly drifting back to sleep.

“Thank.. you...”

His hair became brighter and pinker in response, and he slowly closed his eyes again.

“Good night, sweetheart... Sweet dreams...”

And she watched his sleeping face until she eventually fell asleep as well.

.

.

.

“Big Brotheeeeeer~! It’s time to wake u-- ...Ohh!” 🫢

The sight that greeted the younger Shroud was nothing short of a sweet moment shared between the two. So he went ahead, took a picture with his eye camera at a closer angle and saved it in his memory card to send to his parents later. He giggled before quietly waking up Fawn to get her to her classes.

“Pssst, Big Sister..! It’s time to wake up!”

“...I know, I know… I’m up already…” She groggily said before gently placing a kiss on the top of her boyfriend’s head and putting his head on his pillow. Then she slowly entangled his arms that were around her waist and had him let her go. After that, she practically slid away and stood up.

“Thanks for waking me up, Ortho..” She said, patted his head and went back to her dorm in quiet steps.

“You’re welcome, Big Sister. But.. will you visit my brother tomorrow too?”

She nodded.

“I will visit him every day to make sure he’s doing well.”

“Waaahh, that’s so great!!” He beamed, “I’m sure he’ll recover in no time when you stay by his side like this!”

She let out a half hearted laugh.

“I hope he does.” She replied, “I believe in him. He’s stronger than he looks.”

“Right?! My brother is the best brother in the world!”

“...Yes. Yes, he is.”

[everwisp]

Do my eyes deceive me?! Is that the loveliest most amazing and talented Ever I see in my notifcations?! 🥰🥰🥰

Hi Ever!!! I'm sorry to kinda burst in here without warning haha but seeing you in my notifications lately has made my week!!! I've been missing you and your art so much while I've been life-ing and forgetting tumblr exists and I've been hoping you're doing well. 🥺 I see you have been on a hiatus and I really hope things look up for you!!! For what it can be worth, I'm sending my best to you as always. 💖

Daily reminder that you're incredible, wonderful, fantastical,amazing, talented, sweet, kind, loving and just all the positive words in the universe!!! 💖💖💖 It's so so good to see you again Ever, and again, sending all my best lots of platonic love your way!!! 💕💕💕Take care as best as you can, ok? Thinking of you!!! 💖

...OH! Someone wants to say hi before we say goodbye!

"Ever, I hope you are doing well. I saw Moon was messaging you and could not stop myself from saying hello. I was a bit embarrassed to take this photo, as I am still not used to being photographed yet...But Moon has told me how seeing my face makes you happy, and I wish for nothing but your happiness...So it is worth the slight embarrassment of being photographed if I can bring a smile to your lovely face." *smiles softly*

"...Oh. I seemed to have said that outloud..." *blushes* "...But it is true that you are lovely; I daresay you are lovelier than even Tsukioka's flowers he plants. For like them, you are a radiant bloom that shines ever so beautifully in the sunlight..."

"...Oh. I did it again... I do apologize if I am embarrassing you; when I am in your presence, I admittedly find it hard to not compliment you. After all, you are always complimenting me, so I can't resist complimenting you back..."

"...Oh, I got lost in your eyes there for a second. Moon is nudging me to end this message so as to avoid having it be too long. Though I admittedly desire to spend more time with you, I also know you are busy. I will do my best to continue supporting you in anyway I can. If you need anything, I am here for you. Always."

...Hehe, Moon back again! I had to stop him eventually or else this would be a 50 page message. 🤣 (He's not usually so chatty but when it comes to you he is as chatty as Homare! Not that I blame him though, for you are amazing in all the ways. 😊)

Again, we both send lots of good vibes and sunshine to you. 💖 Take care!!! 💕

(P.S I apologize if Guy is OOC...I haven't written him in so long admittedly but I couldn't resist hopefully giving you an extra smile. 💖)

OMG MOON!! HI!!!!! It’s been so long since I’ve seen you on my dash, i hope you’re doing well too, imy!!🥺✨

also guy 😭🥹👏🏼🙈🥰😭🫶🏼 (pLS I WASNT READY FOR THAT SKFNSKFJ)

It’s really so good to see you again and to see you drop in my ask, I’m so touched that you did and thought of me 🤧 Gosh i hope life is treating you well though!! Sending you nothing but good, gentle, soft, sweet, and happy vibes Moon ✨💕🩵🌻

[seitmai]

Many thoughts

Bucky wasn't your friend, but it didn't stop you from greeting him whenever you saw him throughout the building, a warm feeling spreading in your chest every time he acknowledged you with a slight head nod or grunt. That had to mean something since he didn't outright ignore you. Not being his friend also didn't keep you from learning little things about him, like how he took his coffee.

But those small gestures can go a long way!

You had a reputation around S.H.I.E.L.D. for being kind to others ever since you joined. You didn't mind that being your signature since you liked putting a bit of kindness out into the world. Besides the tough work you did, your coworkers and teammates fought other battles every day that you knew nothing about. So why not try to lift others up? It costs you nothing.

That's the spirit 👏🏻

In a small voice, you said, “I was just trying to be nice.” “It’s a very nice gesture, so thanks,” he said, taking another sip. “I appreciate it.”

Devil's in the detail

“Morning.” He hesitated before he took a seat at the same table as you. If you were dreaming, you didn’t want anyone to wake you up. “Sorry. I should've asked…” “It’s fine,” you smiled. “You're welcome to sit with me.”

He is always welcome 🤭

“You know, you have a really nice smile,” you complimented him, proud that you said the words without your voice cracking.

A win! 🥳

“You think so?” He leaned back in his seat and you tried to move around the room like normal as his gaze followed your movements. “I think it scares some more than my glare does.” You busied yourself with getting his coffee ready, the urge to defend him rising. “There’s nothing scary about your smile and anyone who says otherwise can deal with me.” “They can deal with you, huh? Awfully kind of you.” His chuckle was so unexpected that you almost dropped the mug. The small talk was unexpected, too, but you weren't about to tell him to stop. “But you’re so sweet. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you glare at anyone.”

See, small gestures can lead to a genuine conversation 🥰🤗

“That makes sense,” he said, his brows pinching. “But why continue to be nice to me when I've been standoffish with you? I don't think I deserve it.” You let the words sink in. You expected Bucky would be apprehensive of people in general when his autonomy was taken away from him for so long. Trust couldn’t be easy. People had to earn it. What you didn't expect was that he didn't think he deserved your kindness.

🥺🥺🥺

“Your kindness made a difference for me yesterday. And you’re really easy to talk to.” He smiled, genuine affection in his eyes as your heart raced. Was it possible to faint while sitting? “I don't usually talk this much anymore.”

Yup, in that case fainting while sitting is definitely possible 🤭

You were utterly silent from his reaction. Your heart also fluttered because he seemed upset on your behalf. “So many things, I’m sure,” you teased, hoping to make him smile a little. It was nice when he smiled at you. “But it’s okay. Really. It doesn't change who I am. I'm still going to be me.”

Absolutely, there is power in being your genuine self 👏🏻

You couldn't resist his gaze. “Okay, but only if you let me know if anyone gives you a hard time.” “Yeah. I got a name for you. Sam Wilson,” he deadpanned.

Hahaha of course he would say that 😂

For the next several weeks, seeing Bucky in the small break room became part of your normal morning routine. You made coffee for both of you before you sat together and talked. Some chats were casual, while others went a little deeper. Both ends of the spectrum helped you get to know each other.

🥰🥰🥰

Bucky spoke about Steve and Sam and how they tried to meet up once a week for dinner. They took turns picking the place. It was nice that he had them to lean on. Both men were always friendly toward you, but you noticed they seemed to smile at you even more since you and Bucky started talking. You assumed they were happy that their friend had someone else in his corner.

They are a great trio, that loves (& teases!) Each other

“Steve is a punk and Sam is worse,” he said once with nothing but affection in his eyes.

No other way to describe your best friends 😂

He explained that he was in therapy, which he wasn't ashamed of. He had no reason to be. It was a work in progress, building trust not just with the therapist but building trust within himself. He didn't get into specifics regarding what they talked about as it wasn't your business to begin with, though he did casually throw in that he had trouble sleeping some nights. You mentioned that you sometimes wrote your thoughts and feelings down if they got too loud. He told you the next day that he got himself a new notebook to try that out and you had a spring in your step the whole morning.

Their bonding 🥰

“I don’t think it is at all. In fact, that’s a good reason why I probably won’t use an app,” he said. You hoped your sigh of relief wasn’t audible, but the weight lifting from your shoulders felt palpable. “Besides, what would I say if I tried to set up a profile? ‘Hi, I’m a previously brainwashed assassin over 100 years old’?” “It would be a conversation starter,” you teased, the playful banter bringing a warm smile to his face.

It certainly would be😅

His voice was soft, almost reflective, as if he were speaking more to himself than to you. You felt a swell of empathy for the weight of his past. “Well, whenever your next date happens? I hope they know how lucky they are,” you said, your heamrt aching to convey how deserving he was of genuine connection.

🥹🥹🥹

But you weren't about to turn down a chance to spar with him. Who in their right mind would? How many times had you imagined him slamming your body against the mats and pinning you down? Both of you breathing heavily, his face shining from the perspiration. You were thankful the super soldier couldn't read minds because now all you could think about was him tearing your clothes away and spearing you open with his cock and-

Fair 🤭

“Watch it,” the agent sneered, bumping his shoulder again. He still didn't budge. “Think you're special because you got some serum in your veins and Rogers wanted to save your ass? You’re nothing.”You gasped. You could handle people saying things about you, but people you cared about? It made you see red. How dare this guy say anything like that to Bucky?

The way I gasped too reading this

Bucky glared and looked about two seconds away from smacking the guy across the room, but he hung his head after a second and didn't breathe a word. Maybe he didn't want to make a big deal out of it or didn't think it was worth it.

🥺🥺🥺

You, however, wouldn't put up with it. Not for a second. “Hey! Agent asshole,” you snapped, marching over until you were between Bucky and the agent. “Apologize to him.”

👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

If anything, it was a confidence booster for yourself since you liked how you looked in it. “Confidence is sexy,” you smiled before you grabbed your bag to go.

So true!

“I can take you,” you stated. You could only describe the look in his eyes as feral as he got into position. “I'm sure you can,” he said, your only warning before he rushed at you.

👀

“Now this guy you like,” he started with a tilt of his head. He wasn't letting this go, was he? “If it’s someone I know and he isn't Steve, Sam, or another agent, who is he?” You bit your lip, wishing you a chance to hide or bolt. “Tell me,” he begged, his eyes staring into yours. “Please.”

Not the begging 😮‍💨

A metal finger moved down your cheek, the touch cool against your warm skin as he wiped another tear away. The finger then tipped your chin before his mouth descended on yours. You weren't sure why you expected it to be a rough kiss, but it was anything but. His lips teased yours along with his tongue, coaxing you to open your mouth to his. It was demanding in the gentlest of ways.

🥰🥰🥰

“Yeah,” he smiled, kissing the corner of your mouth. “I hoped you might feel the same, but I’m a bit rusty when it comes to this and I couldn't get a read on you when I mentioned the dating app. I figured this approach might be better.”

Definitely a better approach 🤭

“I’ll always remember the first time you smiled at me. I won't let anyone take that memory away from me,” he groaned against your skin, your eyes tearing up again. “And the way you stuck up for me… I don’t deserve you. I don't know if I ever will.”

🥹🥰🥹🥰🥹🥰

He smiled as his kisses moved down to your neck and you could only whimper when he licked and sucked over your pulse. “You're so caring. So good,” he said, rocking his hips forward. The sweet words combined with the sensual movements of his body fueled your desire. You also bit your lip to keep from bursting into tears from his praise. “And you're so beautiful, you know that? Inside and out.”

Urgh he is so dreamy😍

“Maybe not. I have a quick rebound rate if I do,” he teased, frowning when your smile slipped. “Shit, are you okay? Did I say something wrong?”

Definitely nothing wrong with that 🤭

He pushed himself up, your body cold from the sudden lack of heat. The tent he sported in his pants sent a surge of pride through you as he went as gracefully as he could to the door. Locking it, he went to his bag next and dug out a towel. “Trying to be a gentleman,” he smiled, lifting your hips to place the towel underneath. “Sorry, the mat’s just kind of dirty and I think you deserve a little better than that.” “You certainly are a gentleman,” you smiled back. “The things I want to do to you are far from gentlemanly,” he said, reaching for the waistband of your pants and peeling them down with your underwear. You were sweaty and gross, but if he didn’t care, you wouldn’t either. “I wish I could lay you out and kiss every inch of your body.”

Part-time gentleman Bucky sounds good to me 🤭😏

Shivering at his tone, you nodded. “Yes, Sergeant,” you answered, biting your lip when you saw his cock twitch. “You really like me saying that, don't you?” “Yes,” he groaned. You’d have to keep calling him that in and out of bed then.

New pet name unlocked 🤭

The intensity in his turbulent eyes was similar to when he listened to you talk in the break room, but with much more heat. Had he looked at you like that all along? “Wanna mark you up one day. Let everyone see that you’re my girl,” he grunted, dragging his mouth from your face to your neck. He lightly bit down, smirking when you whined again. “Would you let me?”

100% yes 😮‍💨

He chuckled, helping you pull your underwear and pants back up. His hands lingered on your hips and you were two seconds from shoving the fabric back down. “If I get you in the shower, we won’t make it to work on time.” “I don’t mind being late.” You tried to lift your arms to help him pull up his pants, too, but he beat you to it. It was a shame he had to cover up. “Or we could call in? I still have a lot of days off to use.”

What a good reason to use up some days off 😌

Bucky placed his hand over yours, the other going to the back of your head so you couldn't move away. “I’m sure, now listen to me: Whatever is going on between us isn’t too much and you are not too much. You are never too much,” he said with fierceness akin to a growling wolf. “I want you and I want to be with you. I wouldn’t joke about that,” he assured you, your lips tugging in a small smile. “I get feeling like it's a dream, believe me, but it isn't. It's real and what just happened was real.”

“Sweetheart, you just let me fuck you on a sparring mat. You can ask me for anything you want,” he smirked, catching your face between his hands. “But this day date doesn’t count as the nice date I want to take you on. My girl deserves something special.”

A true gentleman 🤭

“Steve will be thrilled.” He huffed again. “But Sam’s opinion doesn't matter. Fuck him.”

“She’ll love you,” he promised, giving you a sheepish smile. “I told her all about you. And I think the last few dinners with Steve and Sam all I talked about was you.”

And Alpine's opinion arguably is the most important!

😂😂😂

Chokehold

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x Female Reader

Summary: You have a crush on Bucky and start to bond with him over coffee in the break room, but there's no way he could possibly feel the same way about you... right?

Word Count: Over 11k (yep!)

Warnings: Explicit sexual content, unprotected v. sex (wrap it before you tap it!), dirty talk, fluff, longing, minor angst, insecurities, feels, sparring, swearing, confessions, getting together, Bucky Barnes (he's a warning, okay?)

A/N: I've been sitting on this one (thanks for listening to my back and forth on this @targaryenvampireslayer), and I hope you all enjoy. ❤️ Beta read by the lovely @mumbles411, but any and all mistakes are my own. Dividers by the talented @enchanthings-a. Please follow @navybrat817-sideblog new fics and notifications. Comments, reblogs, feedback are loved and appreciated!

You fell for Bucky Barnes the moment you met. Something dangerous lurked in his steel blue eyes when you introduced yourself to him, but beneath the surface was pain and loneliness that you wanted to take away. Of course, that could've been you projecting and wanting to justify having a crush on a guy who hadn't spoken a word to you.

“Bucky,” was all he said to you, entrancing you with the deep baritone of his voice.

You wished you could say it was the beginning of a beautiful friendship, but you could count on one hand the number of times he spoke to you in the months that followed. You tried not to take it personally. Maybe he wasn't interested in making new friends since he seemed to stay close to Steve, Sam, and their small group. Or maybe he just didn't see a reason to trust you. Trust likely wasn't easy for him and what reason did he have to open up to you?

“Hi!” you exclaimed when Bucky walked into the break room, your echoing voice making you wince. “Sorry. I didn't mean to greet you at that decibel.”

“It’s okay,” he said, your eyes on him as he strode to the coffee machine with ease.

Bucky wasn't your friend, but it didn't stop you from greeting him whenever you saw him throughout the building, a warm feeling spreading in your chest every time he acknowledged you with a slight head nod or grunt. That had to mean something since he didn't outright ignore you. Not being his friend also didn't keep you from learning little things about him, like how he took his coffee.

Which you decided to surprise him with today.

“Wait! I made you some coffee,” you told him, going to get the mug you had ready for him. “I hope you like it.”

You had a reputation around S.H.I.E.L.D. for being kind to others ever since you joined. You didn't mind that being your signature since you liked putting a bit of kindness out into the world. Besides the tough work you did, your coworkers and teammates fought other battles every day that you knew nothing about. So why not try to lift others up? It costs you nothing.

Being nice, however, had a downside or two. Some thought that kindness was insincere or a weakness. It also didn't get you a lot of dates. Or maybe you didn't pay attention to other guys since you had eyes for one man.

You couldn't get a read on him as you carefully handed it to him. “You made me coffee?” he asked in disbelief, a soft look in his eyes before he blinked it away.

“Yep! With cream and sugar.”

Your smile faltered when he raised an eyebrow and glanced suspiciously at the liquid, like he was trying to assess if something was off with it as you wrung your fingers together. “This is really for me?” he asked.

You couldn't detect any anger or annoyance in his tone, but you wouldn't say he sounded happy either. Which only made your smile fall more. “Yeah. I just, I thought you liked it that way and maybe it would help you kickstart the morning, but I shouldn't have assumed. I'm sorry. And you don't have to drink it. I can just dump it out,” you rambled.

He held the mug a bit closer when you tried to take it away, the steam rising from it as his eyes met yours. It was almost as if the heat melted the ice from his stare. “Not gonna let you dump this out after you went to the trouble of making it for me,” he said, gently blowing on it before he took a sip. You reminded yourself not to whimper when he licked a drop away from his lip, wondering just what else he could do with that tongue. “Especially since you know how I like it.”

You avoided his gaze, hoping he didn't question why you knew since there was a chance you’d blurt out that you like him and that was the last thing you needed. You owed him some sort of explanation though, right? “Well, we’re both here some mornings and I saw you make it that way,” you said, your brain overanalyzing how that sounded. “Not that I'm watching you or anything like that. I… I’m not a creep.”

Bucky stared with unreadable eyes as you sighed and shook your head. Leave it to you to fumble over your words with your crush. Was that why they called it a crush? Because it crushed your hopes and dreams?

In a small voice, you said, “I was just trying to be nice.”

“It’s a very nice gesture, so thanks,” he said, taking another sip. “I appreciate it.”

Doing your best not to preen like a peacock at the renewed sliver of hope, you released the breath you were holding and nodded. At least he didn't question why you cared enough to remember how he took his coffee. “You’re welcome,” you said, wishing you could hang around and chat more, but you had work to do and didn't want to smother him. “I hope you have a good day.”

“You, too,” he said, his eyes on you as you headed toward the door. “Maybe I’ll see you here at the same time tomorrow?”

You came to a stop, your heart thudding as you faced him. “You… want me to make you coffee tomorrow?”

He chuckled before he took another sip. “I meant maybe we would just bump into each other, but I won’t turn down another coffee if you’re offering.”

Of course that was what he meant. “Oh. Right. Yeah. Maybe,” you said, backing up and hitting your elbow against the doorframe.

His brows furrowed as you gave him a strained smile. “You okay?” he asked, your cheeks hot as you rubbed your elbow.

“I’m fine! Enjoy your coffee,” you said, wishing the ground would swallow you up as you bolted from the room.

You were a competent agent. A strong woman on top of your kindness. Why did you have to act like an idiot in front of him? There was no chance you’d see him in the break room after that. It was a shame, too. It was the most he had ever spoken to you.

A higher being either took pity on you or wanted to play a trick on you since you did see Bucky the next day. Not only that, no one else was in the break room. Granted, most people used the main break room since this room was much smaller and on a floor most didn't go to. But how was it possible that you were so lucky?

“Morning, Bucky.”

“Morning.” He hesitated before he took a seat at the same table as you. If you were dreaming, you didn’t want anyone to wake you up. “Sorry. I should've asked…”

“It’s fine,” you smiled. “You're welcome to sit with me.”

“Thanks.” His cheek twitched and you wondered if it was a nervous tick or something leftover from the hell he endured. “You know, that coffee yesterday was probably the best I’ve ever had from this place.”

You perked up more. “Really? Wow, thanks. It was nothing,” you smiled, your pulse quickening. Not only was Bucky talking to you again, but he complimented you. It was slightly pathetic how much you enjoyed that. “You did say you wouldn’t turn down another coffee if I offered. Would you like one?”

“Sure,” he replied with a smile. He actually smiled at you. It was a good morning. “Thanks.”

“You know, you have a really nice smile,” you complimented him, proud that you said the words without your voice cracking.

“You think so?” He leaned back in his seat and you tried to move around the room like normal as his gaze followed your movements. “I think it scares some more than my glare does.”

You busied yourself with getting his coffee ready, the urge to defend him rising. “There’s nothing scary about your smile and anyone who says otherwise can deal with me.”

“They can deal with you, huh? Awfully kind of you.” His chuckle was so unexpected that you almost dropped the mug. The small talk was unexpected, too, but you weren't about to tell him to stop. “But you’re so sweet. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you glare at anyone.”

“Oh, I can have resting bitch face when I want to,” you teased before your heart skipped a beat. He looked at you enough that he hadn’t seen you glare at anyone? He thought you were sweet? No, it was probably just an offhand comment. “And I wouldn’t just glare at anyone to defend you. I can fight, too. Words or fists.”

“You’d fight for me, too? You really know how to flatter a man.” His gaze warmed before some of the usual strain reappeared, your heart lurching at the sight. “But you shouldn’t have to fight for me.”

You took a seat across from him again once you set the mug down. “Why not?”

“Because you just shouldn’t.” He shrugged. You recognized that he was closing part of himself off and you weren't about to kick open that door. “If I’m being honest, I’m kind of shocked you’re talking to me.”

“And why’s that?”

He tapped a finger against his mug as he considered his words. “I haven’t really said much to you since we met, but you’ve still been nice to me. Always saying hi and smiling. And now this,” he said, gesturing to the coffee. “Some people have ulterior motives when they do nice things for no reason, but I don't get that feeling with you.”

“There are people who have ulterior motives. You’re right about that,” you agreed. The world could be a dark place with terrible people. “And I guess that's one of the reasons I try to lead with kindness. Putting a bit more optimism and joy into the world might not make it change overnight, but it could make a difference to someone.”

“That makes sense,” he said, his brows pinching. “But why continue to be nice to me when I've been standoffish with you? I don't think I deserve it.”

You let the words sink in. You expected Bucky would be apprehensive of people in general when his autonomy was taken away from him for so long. Trust couldn’t be easy. People had to earn it. What you didn't expect was that he didn't think he deserved your kindness.

“Everyone is different. We all have various personalities and comfort zones. Some people hit it off right away and others don't. Some need a bit more time to open up,” you answered, an earnest smile on your face. “I guess I figured you fell into the latter. Even if you didn't, I wouldn't take it personally or hold it against you. I hope you know that.”

Bucky may have had you in a chokehold, but he didn't owe you a thing.

His shoulders sagged as he let out a breath and you wished you could wrap him up in a hug. “Thanks for being so understanding.” He observed you with a thoughtful gaze. “And you are right about one thing.”

“What’s that?”

“Your kindness made a difference for me yesterday. And you’re really easy to talk to.” He smiled, genuine affection in his eyes as your heart raced. Was it possible to faint while sitting? “I don't usually talk this much anymore.”

“I’m glad it did. You can always talk to me, you know. I’m happy to listen or even give advice if you want it,” you said sincerely. It meant a lot that he took the time to speak to you today, and if it were up to you he’d only have good things in his life going forward. No one deserved that more than him. “And if I’m ever too much for you, don't be afraid to tell me.”

His brows pinched again. “Too much? How?” he asked, his tone not as light as it was a moment ago.

You tensed, gripping your mug as you mulled over past things you heard from others. “Well, I’ve been told before that I’m too perky and too optimistic some days. That my kindness is fake and it can get on people’s nerves,” you explained carefully, swallowing a little. Yeah, you had a reputation for being kind, but some didn’t care for it. “Not that I think you would find me annoying or anything like that. It’s just how it is for some people.”

“So because you choose to be nice instead of acting bitter or rude people don’t like that?” Bucky looked at you with a mix of confusion and anger. “What the fuck is wrong with them?”

You were utterly silent from his reaction. Your heart also fluttered because he seemed upset on your behalf. “So many things, I’m sure,” you teased, hoping to make him smile a little. It was nice when he smiled at you. “But it’s okay. Really. It doesn't change who I am. I'm still going to be me.”

Cheesy, but true. You couldn't control the actions and emotions of others. You knew in your core who you were and you would continue to put that energy out into the world.

His jaw ticked, but he gazed at you with what you guessed was admiration. “Kind and steadfast,” he whispered, making your heart swell all over again. “Listen. If anyone around here does give you a hard time, will you let me know?”

The determination in his eyes took you aback. He went from hardly speaking to you to opening up a bit and now wanting to look out for you. It was nice, to say the least. “That’s okay, Bucky. You said I didn't have to fight for you, so you don't have to for me.”

“I want to.” He reached forward and hovered his hand over yours. Before he touched you though, he pulled away. You longed to know what his touch felt like. “Please?”

You couldn't resist his gaze. “Okay, but only if you let me know if anyone gives you a hard time.”

“Yeah. I got a name for you. Sam Wilson,” he deadpanned.

You burst out laughing, covering your mouth so the sound wouldn’t echo in the room or bother him. “Oh, Sam. I’ll give him a talking to,” you teased, your cheeks aching from how hard you were smiling.

“I made you laugh,” he pointed out softly, almost in disbelief. It was another moment where you wanted to wrap him up in a hug.

“Yeah, you did.”

“Wow,” he whispered, smiling before his face fell. “Fuck. I have to go.” He went to stand, but paused to look at you. “Do you ever go to the main break room?”

“I prefer this one,” you said, lightly tapping the table. “It’s quieter.”

“Me, too.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “Um, maybe I’ll see you here again tomorrow? Same time?

Warmth spread in your heart at the hope in his eyes. “Yeah, I’ll be here.”

You’d always be there if he asked.

For the next several weeks, seeing Bucky in the small break room became part of your normal morning routine. You made coffee for both of you before you sat together and talked. Some chats were casual, while others went a little deeper. Both ends of the spectrum helped you get to know each other.

He spoke fondly about a cat he found in an alley and took into his home. He named her Alpine and even showed you a photo of her on his phone. It tugged at your heartstrings seeing the ball of white fur curled up in his metal arm. How could it not?

Bucky spoke about Steve and Sam and how they tried to meet up once a week for dinner. They took turns picking the place. It was nice that he had them to lean on. Both men were always friendly toward you, but you noticed they seemed to smile at you even more since you and Bucky started talking. You assumed they were happy that their friend had someone else in his corner.

“Steve is a punk and Sam is worse,” he said once with nothing but affection in his eyes.

He explained that he was in therapy, which he wasn't ashamed of. He had no reason to be. It was a work in progress, building trust not just with the therapist but building trust within himself. He didn't get into specifics regarding what they talked about as it wasn't your business to begin with, though he did casually throw in that he had trouble sleeping some nights. You mentioned that you sometimes wrote your thoughts and feelings down if they got too loud. He told you the next day that he got himself a new notebook to try that out and you had a spring in your step the whole morning.

You didn't talk about anything particularly exciting. You told him that you didn't have a lot of family close by, but loved your job because you got to help people in some capacity. And that you enjoyed reading and watching movies when you stayed at home, but also enjoyed going out with a couple of close friends. Bucky didn't need to know that they loved teasing you about your crush. You mentioned little things, too, like how you needed to go shopping soon for a new sofa and how you hoped to see the new science exhibit at the nearby museum.

The bulk of your conversations took place in the break room, minus occasionally bumping into him around the building which didn't leave much time for chatter. It wasn't a bad thing. It was nice just to talk to him.

And while you didn't think any of the topics you brought up were interesting, Bucky listened intently every time, his eyes on you as he hung on your every word. The attention felt nice. Though you hadn't mustered up the courage to ask him to hang out outside of work, it felt like the two of you were friends because of those mornings together.

Maybe he thought you were friends, too, since he asked one day, “Do you know anything about dating apps?”

You almost spilled his coffee, but quickly recovered and avoided his concerned gaze as you sat down. “Um, no, not much. I haven’t really used them. I haven’t dated in a few months either,” you answered honestly, hoping your tone didn’t sound as bitter as the taste in your mouth. You weren’t embarrassed by your romantic status, but your heart sank just the same. “Are you… Why are you asking? Just out of curiosity.” It wasn’t your business, but it was the first time he brought up anything concerning dating or relationships.

“Sam mentioned setting me up and I brushed that off, so he mentioned using a dating app. I don’t know.” He shrugged as you hung your head.

Something settled within your chest, a heavy feeling that made it difficult to take a steady breath. But you couldn't feel sorry for yourself. Bucky was kind, good looking, and trying to adjust to a sense of normalcy. Of course he’d want to try dating again and what kind of person would you be if you didn't support him?

“Well, I can help you research some apps if you’d like. See if any may be a good fit?”

“Really? You’d do that?” he asked softly.

Your eyes drifted up and you did your best to smile. You couldn't let him see that the mere thought of him dating someone else hurt you. It was pathetic. “Yeah, I would,” you answered. You refused to let your crush on him stop you from helping him if he wanted to meet someone.

Bucky stared at you for a few seconds and you almost squirmed in your chair. “But you said you haven't really used them. Why not?”

The unexpected question did make you squirm. You couldn't blurt out that he was one of the reasons. “Well, not to be a downer or anything, but some apps almost seem to set people up for rejection. It just isn’t possible to match every single person up. And there’s also rapid judgment with some based on appearance and it makes it easy to objectify people,” you explained. It was sad, but true. “It does work for some and I’m happy for those people, but I don't know. I’d rather just meet someone and…”

“Connect with them naturally?” he guessed.

“Yeah,” you said, a sad smile touching your lips. “Is it wishful thinking to want something like that?”

“I don’t think it is at all. In fact, that’s a good reason why I probably won’t use an app,” he said. You hoped your sigh of relief wasn’t audible, but the weight lifting from your shoulders felt palpable. “Besides, what would I say if I tried to set up a profile? ‘Hi, I’m a previously brainwashed assassin over 100 years old’?”

“It would be a conversation starter,” you teased, the playful banter bringing a warm smile to his face. “And I know I brought up rapid judgment, but I’m sure one look at your profile picture and people would line out the door just to get your attention,” you smiled and gestured to his face, but his gaze dropped, a flicker of vulnerability crossing his features. “I’m sorry. I…”

He shook his head, and you caught a hint of a smile that made your heart flutter. “No, it’s… It’s kind of nice to hear that,” he admitted, his gaze drifting away like he was lost in thought. “Dating came easy to me years ago and I don’t think I really appreciated it back then. The thought of trying again is a little scary.”

His voice was soft, almost reflective, as if he were speaking more to himself than to you. You felt a swell of empathy for the weight of his past. “Well, whenever your next date happens? I hope they know how lucky they are,” you said, your heart aching to convey how deserving he was of genuine connection.

You just wished that connection was with you.

The warm smile returned to his face as he gazed at you. “Thanks,” he whispered.

Your heart ached in your chest. “Anytime,” you whispered back, quickly standing up before tears pricked your eyes. “I should get to work. Have a good day, okay?”

“Oh. You, too.” He looked like he wanted to stop you, but he hung back. It was all in your head anyway. He didn't want to stop you. Why would he?

You wiped your eyes once you were out of the break room. Rushing away was cowardly and you knew it. It was silly, too.

You wondered if the coffee talks would continue once he found his dream girl. Would he tell you about her? Would bile rise to your throat when he sang their praises or smiled a soft smile not reserved for you? You had to stop thinking about it. You couldn't fall apart just because Bucky wasn't yours, and it was something you’d need to come to terms with when he found someone else.

And maybe tomorrow it wouldn't hurt so much.

Bucky looked a little tired when he joined you the next morning, not saying a word. He still offered you a smile. You didn't speak either, but you gave him a small smile in return.

The night before, you wrestled with the idea of telling him how you felt. All you had to do was get the words out. But the words froze in your throat like ice and you kept quiet, both of you sipping your coffee as the seconds passed by.

You almost wanted to fill the void with more chatter, but it didn’t feel necessary. The silence was oddly comforting. Silence was also safe. He seemed content just to sit there with you, and you were afraid you’d blurt something out that you couldn’t take back.

“Did I do something to upset you yesterday?” he asked suddenly. His gaze was so gentle, yet deep, looking for an answer you couldn't fully give him. “You rushed out without finishing your coffee, and you always finish your coffee, so I had to have done something.”

Your heart breaks from his words. Rushing off made him think it was his fault, and you never wanted to imply that. “No, you didn't upset me,” you replied. That was true. Bucky didn't do anything to upset you. It was your own mind and feelings that did that. “I just had work to do.”

He didn't look convinced, and you couldn't blame him. “You sure?”

“I’m sure.” You put a smile on your face, but you felt terrible. “And I don't think you could do anything to upset me.”

“Then you wouldn't mind sparring with me tomorrow morning by any chance, would you?” he asked.

You inhaled, not expecting him to ask you that. “You want to spar with me?” You discreetly pinched yourself, testing to see if you were dreaming or not. He was asking you to hang out with him outside of the break room. Kind of. “Really?” you added, your heart racing when he nodded.

“Yeah. What do you say?” he asked. Oh, it was a bad idea to spar with Bucky Barnes. Not because you couldn't learn from him, but what the hell were you going to do to reign in your sexual frustration? “Unless you're busy.”

“Yes!” you blurted out quickly, clearing your throat as you tried to regain some of your composure. You swore his cheek twitched like he was trying not to smile. “I mean, no, I'm not busy. I’m totally free and I'd love to spar with you,” you said, praying you sounded normal and not like some lovesick woman with an overgrowing crush.

Which was exactly what you were.

But you weren't about to turn down a chance to spar with him. Who in their right mind would? How many times had you imagined him slamming your body against the mats and pinning you down? Both of you breathing heavily, his face shining from the perspiration. You were thankful the super soldier couldn't read minds because now all you could think about was him tearing your clothes away and spearing you open with his cock and-

“Okay then,” he said, finishing his coffee before he took the mug to the sink. “Second floor gym. Room 2. 6 am.”

“6 am. I’ll be there,” you promised, gazing after him as he walked toward the door. “See you then, Sergeant.”

His entire body went rigid before he looked back at you, the metal fingers of his left arm twitching. Your heart sank, worried that you said something wrong. Would he take back his offer?

You stood up from the table. “Bucky, I-”

An agent walked through the door and bumped Bucky out of the way. At least he tried to. The super soldier didn't budge.

“Excuse me,” Bucky said.

“Watch it,” the agent sneered, bumping his shoulder again. He still didn't budge. “Think you're special because you got some serum in your veins and Rogers wanted to save your ass? You’re nothing.”

You gasped. You could handle people saying things about you, but people you cared about? It made you see red. How dare this guy say anything like that to Bucky?

“Nothing but HYDRA’s little bitch.”

Bucky glared and looked about two seconds away from smacking the guy across the room, but he hung his head after a second and didn't breathe a word. Maybe he didn't want to make a big deal out of it or didn't think it was worth it. You, however, wouldn't put up with it. Not for a second.

“Hey! Agent asshole,” you snapped, marching over until you were between Bucky and the agent. “Apologize to him.”

The agent cackled at you and you heard Bucky’s metal fingers curl. “Apologize? He was in my way.” He reached out a hand to pat your head. “But it’s kind of cute to see you defending the Winter Soldier. That's-” You grabbed his wrist and twisted it. “Ow, fuck!”

“And now I’m in your way,” you said sweetly, twisting a bit more until his knees buckled. “Apologize, now.”

“Fuck, fuck, I’m sorry!” he shouted.

Bucky had a look of awe on his face when you looked back at him. “It’s okay,” he said above a whisper.

You released the guy and pointed at the door. “Whatever you need you can get it later,” you said, satisfied when the agent scrambled out the door.

Bucky stared at you when you faced him, silence hanging in the air. “You okay?” you finally asked. Was twisting the guy’s wrist too much?

“I…” Bucky blinked rapidly and cleared his throat. “You defended me.”

“Well, yeah. I told you if anyone gave you a hard time they could deal with me,” you smiled. It didn't matter how small the matter was, you’d stick up for him. People like that guy often mistook your kindness for weakness. “And what he said was completely out of line.”

“Thank you.” His fingers reached out and touched yours, sending a jolt of electricity through your body. “Really. Thank you.”

“Don't need to thank me,” you said, giddy from his small touch. “And, listen, before he rudely interrupted, I was going to ask if it bothered you that I called you Sergeant.”

You thought you saw his fingers twitch again, but he shook his head. “No. I… kind of like hearing that from you.”

“Oh.” You dipped your head to hide your smile. “I’ll see you tomorrow then? 6 am?”

“Yeah, you will,” he said softly, meeting your gaze as you lifted your head again.

“Have a good day then, Sergeant.”

He inhaled sharply. “Don’t be late tomorrow,” he gruffly spoke before he left the room without another word, hearts in your eyes as you stayed rooted to the spot.

You mentally jumped for joy from how excited you were. You couldn't keep the smile off your face the rest of the day. Bucky could've asked anyone in the building to spar with him, but he chose you. And he stuck up for you because some guy bumped into you. Now you just had to make sure you wouldn't make a fool of yourself in the morning.

Easy enough, right?

You spent more time than you cared picking out the perfect exercise outfit. It didn't matter what you wore since he only asked you to practice with him. It wasn't like he asked you out on a date. Still, you were hopeful that the matching black set would make him look at least once.

If anything, it was a confidence booster for yourself since you liked how you looked in it.

“Confidence is sexy,” you smiled before you grabbed your bag to go.

You got to the gym in record time, not wanting to be late or keep him waiting. Nodding to a few people on machines before you made it to the second floor, you had to pause and take a breath before you entered Room 2. The air was a bit cooler in the sparring area, which was good considering you’d likely work up a sweat.

Dropping your bag near the door, you nearly jumped when you spotted Bucky a few feet away staring at you. “Right on time,” he said, your throat dry as he nodded to the mat. “I stretched before you got here.”

“Hey,” you said, removing your jacket, the zipper loud in the quiet room. You gave him what you hoped was a nice smile when you went to the mat. “Shouldn't take me long.”

The Sergeant stood against the wall with his arms crossed as you began to stretch, one foot pressed against it as his eyes slid over to you. Quickly averting your gaze, you tried to concentrate on warming up instead of how good he looked in his workout gear. While his sweatpants hung low on his hips, the dark short sleeved shirt clung to him like a second skin. He had his hair pulled back, too, which only enhanced how bright his eyes looked under the ceiling lights.

You refused to get aroused just from looking at him.

Too. Fucking. Late.

“You good? You don't seem as chipper as usual,” he said.

“Yeah, I…” What were you even going to say? That his mere presence in his current attire made you wet? “I didn't have my coffee before I left, so no caffeine. This might wake me up.”

He didn't seem convinced, but he nodded after a moment. “I know the feeling,” he said with a soft smile. “Thanks for joining me so early. And sorry if it threw off your routine.”

“Nothing to be sorry for. Morning exercises are good for the mind and body,” you said, standing once you finished stretching. He probably had a full schedule ahead of him. “I have to admit though, just like you were surprised I was nice to you a while back, I'm a little surprised you asked me to spar with you.”

“And why is that?” he asked as he approached the mat, all confidence as he took his spot.

Your throat went dry again before you cleared it. “Because someone like Steve is more evenly matched,” you said. Super soldier to super soldier, you could go for hours. “And chances of me beating you are also pretty slim.”

Way to downplay yourself.

“You nearly brought that agent to his knees yesterday and you didn't break a sweat.” His head tilted a fraction, his eyes carefully taking you in from head to toe. “You don't think you can take me?”

Your next breath came out in a rush. If you didn't know any better, you would've said he asked that on purpose. Oh, you had imagined Bucky telling you how well you'd take him, but not like this. You'd take what you can get.

“I can take you,” you stated.

You could only describe the look in his eyes as feral as he got into position. “I'm sure you can,” he said, your only warning before he rushed at you.

Blocking Bucky’s hit, you told yourself not to smile and focused on dodging another hit. He had advantages on his side, like his strength with the serum in his veins, but you were determined to show him that you were a worthy opponent. You also knew he wouldn't try to harm you. Anything he threw your way would be to help you improve.

Bucky grinned when he blocked your kick and you almost let it distract you. “I think you're giving me a run for my money,” he said before he performed a back full twisting layout to dodge another kick. Was that the proper term? Whatever it was, the move was more agile than you could comprehend.

“And I think you’re showing off,” you teased, extending your leg for a sweep instead. You huffed when he flipped away again. “Either that or Steve’s theatrics have rubbed off on you.”

“Don't tell him that. Wouldn't want him to get a big head,” he winked.

The back and forth went on for a few minutes, your breathing heavier and heart racing. Part of you wondered if he was pulling punches for your sake, but he didn't let up. It was exhilarating. You hoped he asked you to spar with him again.

“Tell me something.” Bucky brushed some of the loose hair back with the back of his hand, both of you panting lightly as the motions stopped for a second. “Why are you single?”

Your eyes widened at the question. “W-What?” you breathed, almost losing your footing as you stepped back. Why would he ask you that and why now?

“You told me why you don't use dating apps and you want to make a genuine connection, but you haven't mentioned anyone special,” he shrugged, tilting his head when he stepped forward. “You know you can tell me if there’s someone you like, right?”

“Maybe we can have this conversation when we’re done sparring?” you suggested. It would give you a chance to collect yourself.

He shook his head. “No, I think we should have this conversation now, if that’s okay.”

“I guess. If you insist.” You blocked his swing, barely. “There’s… someone I like, but I don’t know if he feels the same way.”

His cheek twitched, like he wasn't expecting that answer. “Who is he? Do I know him?”

That question threw you off a bit more. Why did he want to know who? “Yeah. Yeah, you do,” you said.

“Is it Steve? Sam?” he pressed, a hint of anger in his eyes. “Some other agent?”

“No, no, and no,” you replied, sighing as you dropped your arms. “Listen, do we really-”

Bucky swept your legs out from under you. The air left your lungs when your back hit the mat and he settled over you before you could get up, pinning your arms at your side. You tried to twist out of his hold and couldn't even use your thighs to roll him off you since he had those pinned, too.

“You let your guard down,” he said.

“Yep,” you said, the word clipped as you tried to look anywhere but at him. It was impossible. He was everywhere.

“Now this guy you like,” he started with a tilt of his head. He wasn't letting this go, was he? “If it’s someone I know and he isn't Steve, Sam, or another agent, who is he?”

You bit your lip, wishing you a chance to hide or bolt.

“Tell me,” he begged, his eyes staring into yours. “Please.”

Oh, God. Did he have any clue how you felt? At the very least, could he sense how he affected you by laying on top of you? How hard your nipples were against your top or the wetness that gathered between your thighs?

Now wasn't the time to focus on being horny.

He sighed when you didn’t speak. “Answer this then: Is there even the slightest chance that it’s me?” he asked, the question hanging in the air between you.

“I…” You swallowed hard as he waited patiently for your answer with an expectant gaze. He was so close and the position was too vulnerable, but you had to bite the bullet and tell him the truth. “It isn't a slight chance. It's one hundred percent you.”

“What?” he whispered.

Super soldier hearing, he should've heard you perfectly clear, right? “I like you, Bucky. I care about you. I pretty much have since I met you,” you finished, the quiet admittance making your chest burn.

It was out in the open now and no longer suppressing your feelings was a good thing.

He stared straight into your eyes, your heart picking up a notch. “You like me?” The weight of him left your thighs, but you couldn't breathe when he settled between them. “At the risk of sounding like an arrogant prick, are you single because you’ve been waiting for me?”

“Yes,” you whispered, swallowing again. “And you aren’t arrogant. Far from it.”

“So, every morning we’ve had coffee together and even before that, you cared about me? And when I brought up the dating app a couple of days ago and you offered to help me, you had feelings for me? And when you defended me?” He tilted his head further when you nodded. “And you didn't say anything until now?” It didn't feel like an accusation, but your eyes welled up anyway.

“Yes, the whole time. I didn't want to tell you and make things weird if you didn't feel the same way and I would've rather have you as a friend than nothing at all. I’m sorry. I’m so sorry,” you rambled as a tear slid from the corner of your eye. You weren't trying to deceive him by keeping your crush on him a secret. “We are kind of friends, right?”

The two of you hadn’t hung out outside of work, but there was something there. At the very least, there was a comradery. After this, who knew if he’d even want to speak to you again.

“I don't want to be your friend,” he said with conviction, your heart shattering. It was like he punched you right in the gut and maybe you deserved that. He smiled softly, something beautifully tragic when you struggled beneath him. Why wasn't he letting you up? “Wait, no, no. That’s not what I meant.”

You went limp when you couldn't break his hold. “Then what do you mean?!”

“I want to be so much more than that.”

“You…” the rest of the words died on your lips because what did he say?

A metal finger moved down your cheek, the touch cool against your warm skin as he wiped another tear away. The finger then tipped your chin before his mouth descended on yours. You weren't sure why you expected it to be a rough kiss, but it was anything but. His lips teased yours along with his tongue, coaxing you to open your mouth to his. It was demanding in the gentlest of ways.

It wasn't a rushed kiss either. It was thorough, slow, like he had nowhere else in the world to be. Did he have any idea of the spark he ignited within you? It was something hot, needy, out of control. Fire raced through your veins. You'd go up in flames if he kept kissing you like that. Like you meant something to him.

“I care about you, too,” he whispered. You inhaled sharply when he trailed kisses along your face. “I’ve liked you since we met.”

“You have?” you asked.

“Yeah,” he smiled, kissing the corner of your mouth. “I hoped you might feel the same, but I’m a bit rusty when it comes to this and I couldn't get a read on you when I mentioned the dating app. I figured this approach might be better.”

“Well,” you gasped when you felt something hard pressed against you. “It worked,” you said. You were glad he took the leap of faith.

“I’ll always remember the first time you smiled at me. I won't let anyone take that memory away from me,” he groaned against your skin, your eyes tearing up again. “And the way you stuck up for me… I don’t deserve you. I don't know if I ever will.”

“Don't say that,” you begged when he released your other wrist, giving you the chance to wrap your arms around him. “You deserve every bit of happiness.”

He smiled as his kisses moved down to your neck and you could only whimper when he licked and sucked over your pulse. “You're so caring. So good,” he said, rocking his hips forward. The sweet words combined with the sensual movements of his body fueled your desire. You also bit your lip to keep from bursting into tears from his praise. “And you're so beautiful, you know that? Inside and out.”

“You keep talking like that, I’ll keep crying,” you tried to joke.

He lifted his head to wipe another tear away. “Happy tears?”

“Very happy,” you promised, shifting underneath him and brushing his crotch again.

His mouth fell open as his eyes shut. It was one of the sexiest looks you had ever seen. “If you keep doing that, I’ll embarrass myself,” he said in a strained voice.

“Is that a bad thing?” you smiled innocently.

“Maybe not. I have a quick rebound rate if I do,” he teased, frowning when your smile slipped. “Shit, are you okay? Did I say something wrong?”

“I’m fine. You didn’t say anything wrong,” you promised, touching his cheek. “I just… Am I dreaming?”

His lips touched yours again, You would’ve melted into the mat if you weren’t already underneath him. “You’re not dreaming,” he whispered. The groan he let out when you moved beneath him again reminded you that he really was settled between your legs. And hard. “I wanted to take you out on a nice date before I even touched you, but I don’t know if I can wait. You’re driving me crazy.”

Well, nothing had happened quite yet. Just a confession of feelings. And some kissing. And grinding.

“You’re driving me crazy, too, but if you want to stop, I understand,” you said. It didn't have to go further if he didn't want to, especially since it was fast.

His forehead touched yours. “Do you?”

You nearly shouted that you didn’t want him to stop, would never want him to stop, but this wasn’t just about you. “I don’t, but I get it if you do,” you said. You were kind of in a public place and consent went both ways. If he was the slightest bit uncomfortable, you were fine with stopping.

It seemed to be all he needed to hear since he kissed you again, eagerly licking into your mouth. Your heart was still racing out of control, the high from the exercise running through your veins. You wondered if he felt that adrenaline, too. If the confession of your feelings was the water against the dam, admitting that you wanted him physically, too, was the thing to break it.

“It’s just… I don’t…” He lifted his head to look around before he smiled. “Wait, hold on.”

He pushed himself up, your body cold from the sudden lack of heat. The tent he sported in his pants sent a surge of pride through you as he went as gracefully as he could to the door. Locking it, he went to his bag next and dug out a towel.

“What are you doing?” you asked when he came back quickly.

“Trying to be a gentleman,” he smiled, lifting your hips to place the towel underneath. “Sorry, the mat’s just kind of dirty and I think you deserve a little better than that.”

“You certainly are a gentleman,” you smiled back.

“The things I want to do to you are far from gentlemanly,” he said, reaching for the waistband of your pants and peeling them down with your underwear. You were sweaty and gross, but if he didn’t care, you wouldn’t either. “I wish I could lay you out and kiss every inch of your body.”

“Maybe after I shower,” you teased, both of you chuckling as you helped push his pants and underwear down. Once all was said and done the two of you could talk and figure out a date and him properly taking you to bed, but having him take you then and there was perfect. “Oh…”

Words left your mind when you saw his hard and heavy cock. A bead of precum dripped from the head and you wished you could have a taste. There was a good chance he’d split you in half, but it would be worth feeling him for days on end.

“Bucky, please,” you begged, opening your legs more as an offering. You didn’t care if it made you look desperate for him, which you were. You just hoped it looked enticing.

With blown pupils and a small growl, he shook his head. It was enough to make you want to cry. “I need to stretch you first, sweetheart.”

The term of endearment made you smile even when you argued, “I don’t need you to stretch me. I can take it.”

He narrowed his eyes, but gave you a smile, too, as he brought his hand to your scorching heat. “We’re both desperate for this, but I’m going to stretch your pretty cunt to make room for my cock. Got it?”

Shivering at his tone, you nodded. “Yes, Sergeant,” you answered, biting your lip when you saw his cock twitch. “You really like me saying that, don't you?”

“Yes,” he groaned. You’d have to keep calling him that in and out of bed then.

He rubbed along your folds slowly, like he was memorizing the feel. Deep down, he was a gentleman. Badly wanting you, but making sure he wouldn’t hurt you. What more could you ask for?

“Can I confess something?” he asked gently as the first finger sank into you, gently exploring. Gasping at the welcomed intrusion, you nodded. He could say anything he wanted. “I've imagined you just like this,” he stated, pulling his finger out before pushing it in deeper.

“You have?” you asked before he pushed a second finger in, both of them curling slightly. It sent sparks of pleasure down your spine.

“It almost felt wrong because I hadn’t even asked you to go out with me, but I couldn’t help myself.” His voice was huskier as he pumped his fingers, your hand fisting in his shirt. You throbbed with need, a kind of need you couldn’t ever remember feeling. “I wondered what kind of sounds you’d make and how you’d feel around me if you ever let me have you.”

More heat pooled in your core as you spread your legs wider for him.

“Making such pretty sounds for me already. And your pussy, it feels like heaven. Might even make me see God once I have my cock in you.” He glanced down to watch his fingers slide in and out of your tight passage, his tongue darting out to wet his lips. “Fuck, you’re so warm. And tight. And wet,” he continued, an almost cocky smile on his face when his thumb swiped over your clit and drew a small whimper from you. "Guess I haven’t completely lost my touch.”

“That is both hot and…” you had to pause when he added a third finger, making you stretch around the digits. He was going to be the death of you. “Is it bad if I’m a little jealous because I don’t want to think about you touching anyone else?”

Something sparked in his pretty blue eyes. “Does my girl have a jealous streak?” He slid a fourth finger in, your back arching with a small cry. “I’m flattered, but you have nothing to worry about. You’re the only one I want.”

Your breaths were shallow from his touch alone, but the sweet words got under your skin. “You don’t have to worry about anyone else either,” you exhaled. He knew you weren’t seeing anyone, but you felt the need to assure him. “And I like that.”

“Like what?”

Your hand twisted in his shirt more. “The idea of being your girl,” you managed to answer, your body writhing as he moved his fingers in a beautifully torturous motion. “Enough, Bucky, please.”

“Enough what?”

“I’m stretched. I’m on the pill. Just… put your cock in me, please!” Panting by the end of your begging rant with mist in your eyes, you added, “Can I at least touch you if you won’t fuck me?”

The beautiful bastard had the nerve to laugh when he took his fingers out. “Kind and steadfast, even when you’re begging to get fucked,” he said, his eyes slipping shut for a second as he licked the first two fingers clean. “I promise you can touch me later if you let me get a proper taste of your sweet cunt.”

Your cheeks got so hot it shocked you that you didn’t catch on fire. “Yes, please,” you whispered, the promise of later making you quiver.

The room felt like it was spinning when he stared down at you and licked his fingers again. He kept his eyes on you when he wrapped them around his cock and guided it to your waiting hole. You tried to calm the beating of your heart when he slipped the blunt head in, but you were powerless to do anything but feel as he kept pushing in. You trembled and gripped his shoulders once his hips were flush against yours, throbbing around his thickness already when hadn't started thrusting.

“Fuck, you’re perfect,” he gasped, dropping his forehead to yours again as he trembled, too. “I need…” he breathed against your lips. “I just need a second, please.”

“Okay,” you whispered, wondering if he was as overwhelmed as you were. Maybe moreso. You weren’t sure exactly how long it had been for him. And being enhanced, you didn’t know if the sensations felt different or stronger. You just hoped he felt good. And happy.

His metal hand framed your cheek, so gentle in contrast to the damage he could do with it. “You okay?”

“Yeah,” you smiled, tilting your head up to kiss him. “I can take it,” you promised. Your body had adjusted to his size and now you wanted him to move, to feel all of him.

He finally began to thrust, moaning against your lips. You lifted your hips, trying to take him in more. The hand on your face slid down your body before it moved to your hip, keeping you in place so you could feel him nice and deep. He pulled his cock out almost completely before he thrust back in, making you cry out as you quivered around him. You wanted to soak his cock, consume him the way he was consuming you.

“You’re taking me so well,” he praised as you bit your lip. “No, lemme hear those pretty sounds. C’mon,” he said, changing his angle slightly so you moaned loudly. He moaned, too, as he kept thrusting. “There you go. So beautiful.”

You wanted to scream for him. You also wondered what it would feel like to have his hand around your throat or over your mouth to smother those very sounds if you ever snuck off during work to fool around. There were so many things you wanted to try with him.

“Bucky,” you whined, digging your nails into his shoulders as he moved faster. Piercing pleasure built from your core and spread slowly throughout your body. You felt like you couldn’t breathe from how good it felt, how he felt.

The intensity in his turbulent eyes was similar to when he listened to you talk in the break room, but with much more heat. Had he looked at you like that all along? “Wanna mark you up one day. Let everyone see that you’re my girl,” he grunted, dragging his mouth from your face to your neck. He lightly bit down, smirking when you whined again. “Would you let me?”

“Yes,” you moaned, tilting your head to give him more access. You’d feel so proud to wear his mark. There wouldn’t be any shame if people saw or asked because you’d get to say you belonged to Bucky.

“You feel so fucking good,” he rasped, surging into you over and over, the sound of skin-on-skin echoing off the walls with your cries. “Sweetheart, I’m not gonna last.”

The term of endearment again. It had your heart clenching along with your pussy. “Neither am I,” you breathed, bringing his head back to yours. You framed his cheeks, ecstasy close to crashing over you. From the strain in his handsome face, he was on the edge, too. “Come with me? Mark me up inside?”

It was a question and not a demand because you wouldn’t demand anything from the man who somehow stole your heart.

Through the pleasure twisting his face, he smiled. “Come with me.”

The heightened pleasure crashing over you was powerful enough that you almost screamed, your walls spasming around him. Shudders wracked your body as your breath ceased, trying to hold his gaze as the heat engulfed you. Your release coated him, just like you wanted it to. And it was only a few more thrusts from him before he tipped over the edge, filling you up in return. You both marked each other in the best possible way.

You laid limp beneath him, both of you panting. Your slick, wet heat still burned around him as released your hips and pushed himself up, a bead of sweat from his skin dripping onto yours. You gazed at each other, something tender passing between you. You wished the moment didn't have to end.

He leaned back down to nuzzle your nose and you couldn’t help but giggle breathlessly at the affectionate move. “You okay?” he asked.

“Yeah,” you replied, still dazed. “You?”

“Better than okay,” he said, smiling when you tucked some of his hair back. He looked good like this.

“I don't think I can move,” you teased.

“We have to, sadly,” he sighed, sliding himself from the warmth of your body. You whined at the loss, your hole clenching around nothing as your mixed release seeped onto the towel beneath you. “I know, but in case the next group that uses this room gets here early, I don’t want them to see you with your pants down,” he told you as he sat back and looked over you. You took a moment to look over him as well, getting a glance at his glorious thighs. You longed for the chance for you both to truly explore each other’s bodies. “And we could both use a shower.”

You inhaled when he used the clean part of the towel to gently wipe you both down. “Mmm. Together?”

He chuckled, helping you pull your underwear and pants back up. His hands lingered on your hips and you were two seconds from shoving the fabric back down. “If I get you in the shower, we won’t make it to work on time.”

“I don’t mind being late.” You tried to lift your arms to help him pull up his pants, too, but he beat you to it. It was a shame he had to cover up. “Or we could call in? I still have a lot of days off to use.”

“Yeah? You want to call in?”

“Yeah,” you said eagerly. Too eagerly. “Maybe?”

You almost shrank in on yourself when he raised an eyebrow. He told you he cared about you and he sure as hell just fucked you like he craved you, but you didn’t want to come across as clingy, especially so soon. The two of you still needed to figure things out.

And what if the things said were just from the heat of the moment? You weren't sure if your heart could take it if he walked away without another thought. He wouldn't do that though, right?

His gaze softened, helping you sit up, his face inches from yours as he rubbed your arms. “Hey. What’s the matter?” he asked, your heart in your throat when he smiled again. “Was I that bad?”

“No, not at all. You were amazing, holy shit, and telling you how I feel was long overdue,” you promised, his smile softer. “It’s just…”

His brows pinched. “It’s just what?”

You took a breath. “I've wanted to hear for so long that you had feelings for me, too. And now that it’s really sinking in, I guess I still feel like I’m dreaming a bit. That none of this happened,” you admitted, placing your hand on his chest. His heart was still beating fast, like yours. “That tomorrow I’ll just go back to being the girl who has a crush on you and nothing more.”

“What?” His face slowly fell. Why did you open your mouth? “No, that's not going to happen.”

“We just went from work friends to whatever just transpired, and I don’t want it to be too much or too fast for you or for you to regret this,” you blurted out, biting your lip hard. “I don't want to be too much for you,” you added in a whisper. Your insecurity surfaced more as the post-sex haze faded and you wished it hadn't. “I’m sorry. I don't know why I’m ruining the moment.”

It was stupid. Where had your optimism gone? He told you he cared about you. He gazed at you like you meant something to him. It was everything you wanted, so why were you questioning it?

“You didn't ruin anything.”

“Are you sure?” you asked softly.

Bucky placed his hand over yours, the other going to the back of your head so you couldn't move away. “I’m sure, now listen to me: Whatever is going on between us isn’t too much and you are not too much. You are never too much,” he said with fierceness akin to a growling wolf. “I want you and I want to be with you. I wouldn’t joke about that,” he assured you, your lips tugging in a small smile. “I get feeling like it's a dream, believe me, but it isn't. It's real and what just happened was real.”

Hearing him declare his feelings again made your heart soar. “I know you wouldn’t joke about that,” you said. He wasn’t cruel. He wouldn’t toy with your feelings like that. “I just want you to be happy. You know that, right?”

“I do and I am happy,” he said, his eyes full of longing. He experienced so much pain and loss and deserved happiness. “I’ve lost so much of my life, so much time, and I don't want to waste another second. So believe me when I say I want you to be my girl.”

A sob threatened to work its way up. “Oh, Bucky,” you whispered, your head dipping down before he lifted it back up.

“That connection you’ve talked about wanting, I feel that with you. I trust you. That’s why I’ve been able to open up to you. The person who made me coffee and offered me kindness and understanding and just let me be me,” he said, making you smile more. You wished you could wrap each word around your heart. “I want to hold your hand in the break room and kiss you in the halls. I want you today and I’ll want you tomorrow and the day after that. And the only thing I regret from any of this is not asking you to be my girl sooner.”

His words, his stare, his touch, they healed the senseless wound your insecurity put on your heart. “I’m yours.” You surged forward, your lips crashing against his. He sighed before he returned the kiss, likely feeling the same relief you had. You wished you could put into words how much his assurance meant, but you hoped your kiss expressed it. “Thank you for both coaxing my feelings out of me and assuring me that you want this.”

“Anytime.” He brushed another kiss across your lips. “You know how you said you hoped the next person who dated me knew how lucky they were?” he asked. You remembered. “I'm the lucky one because you’re taking a chance on me.”

“You’re a smooth talker.” You had no clue how you kept the tears at bay. It meant everything that he wanted to be with you. “I think we’re both lucky.”

He smiled at that. “Yeah, but I still don’t deserve you,” he whispered, kissing you again before you could argue that he was more than worthy. “So, you want to spend the day with me?”

“Yeah, I do. We can go on a day date or just talk some more at my place or yours,” you answered, not feeling the need to hide anymore. “That’s not too much to ask, is it?”

“Sweetheart, you just let me fuck you on a sparring mat. You can ask me for anything you want,” he smirked, catching your face between his hands. “But this day date doesn’t count as the nice date I want to take you on. My girl deserves something special.”

Your heart tightened in your chest, your emotions starting to run high again before you took a calming breath. “Then how about after that shower we call in, go to a cafe, get a cup of coffee, and figure out that date together? Maybe I’ll even convince you that you do deserve me.”

He huffed, taking your hands and helping you both up. You’d never be able to look at a pair of sweatpants again without thinking of what transpired there. “Okay, but I’m warning you right now that I probably won’t like the coffee.”

“Why not?”

“Because you didn’t make it,” he smiled. “Maybe we can check out that science exhibit you mentioned.”

You giggled. He remembered. “That would be nice,” you said, leaning close when he slipped his arm around you and guided you toward your bag. “You know, I can make more than just coffee. Just say the word and I’ll cook for you,” you said. You’d love to cook him a nice meal.

“Word,” he deadpanned.

You giggled again. “Later,” you promised. You’d make him something special. “Do you think Alpine will like me?”

“She’ll love you,” he promised, giving you a sheepish smile. “I told her all about you. And I think the last few dinners with Steve and Sam all I talked about was you.”

“You told your cat about me? You're adorable,” you smiled. It was really sweet. “And… Will Steve and Sam be happy?” They were his friends and you hoped they approved.

“Steve will be thrilled.” He huffed again. “But Sam’s opinion doesn't matter. Fuck him.”

With a teasing smile, you asked, “Wait, I thought I was supposed to give Sam a talking to. Are you offering for me to fuck him?” You shrieked when he growled and picked you up, placing you over his shoulder. “Bucky!”

“You’re not fucking anyone but me. You’re my girl and I’ll mark you up to prove it if I have to,” he said, keeping a firm hand on you as he carried you away. “But for now, let’s shower before we call in.”

“Yes, Sergeant.”

Bucky didn’t have to prove anything. He had you in a chokehold from the start and always would. And you were proud to finally be his girl.

Woohoo! You made it! I like to think this reader has bits of Smartie and Mrs. Barnes, and she deserves her man! I know these two will have wonderful times ahead! Love and thanks for reading. ❤️

Masterlist ⚓ Bucky Barnes Masterlist ⚓ Ko-Fi

[hopefulgcf]

Anon ╰(*´︶`*)╯♡ asked: How was seeing Jake irl ? 🥺

oh my gosh it was so so good... jake gives off one of if not the Most like. Real and Human Energy from any idol i've seen live and up close. idk if it's because he's about my age or because he speaks english (and yeah, there are unfortunately and undeniably some things that do just click without any translation involved) or just Who He Is and his energy in general but seeing him irl is just so enlightening! i am so incredibly proud of how far he's come since iland and debut and it's so so so inspiring to me.

jake never really comes up in conversations about dance (that i've seen anyway) and i think this is such a shame. maybe it's because enhypen are so strong in dance overall but i'm always so impressed by how powerful jake is. i used to be very intrigued by the choice to place him at the center of certain moments like at the end of dance breaks (as opposed to members that had more immediate star/dance power at debut; obv this has changed a lot over time as the members have all grown) but it makes perfect sense that hype saw so much potential in him. his aura is crazy and his vocal tone and technique has come such a long way too. he's an even more enjoyable performer to watch than last year and he stuck out to me soooo much when i was at barricade and seated.

also when they were doing the dance cam and jake was holding the camera at one point he was standing directly in front of me, on the ledge down from the stage a bit, and all i could do was stare in shock... like all seven of them were there and so close and gorgeous and had such powerful energy, but all i could think of in that moment was oh my god, he is so real, he is so beautiful... he's kind of a shortie lol, he's very little and just seeing him standing there doing this super endearing and very human thing took me out omfg, idk how to describe it without it sounding weird but out of all the times I've been super close to idols that was the time that was most, like, this is a guy functioning as a human. idk he is just some guy!!! a very lovely sweet handsome guy... and soooo silly, he's very often the ringleader of impromptu funny moments!

not just the funny moments but the sweet ones too... at newark day one he talked about how it was so good to see so many different engenes of all nationalities present and it was such a good moment, and you could feel how much the crowd appreciated it. i could see the monitors from my spot and it wasn't scripted at all. heeseung also did his ment unscripted in english that day and you could tell that he was nervous. as soon as he started speaking jake was giving him his undivided attention and gave him a reassuring nod that totally broke me. and when heeseung finished talking he asked engenes to cheer more for him. jake has such a kind soul and is such a rock for his members, especially in the states, and it's such a dream to see this irl.

send off was insanely chaotic; if you didn't leave the concert early you were Not within the first two rows of people. i was in the 3rd/4th row but was still able to get a few signatures; the members and the staff reach to the back rows to take whatever you hold out and the staff happened to grab my picket for jake. as he was handing it back i was absolutely Vibrating haha, just gushed thank you so much im proud of you i love you and jake looked up and grinned in such a cute way it absolutely melted me; im soooo sad i didn't get it on video but it was just so human and lovely, wow

my sanity would probably also be more intact if he kept his tongue inside his mouth more

[Smile or comment on the answer here](https://retrospring.net/@hopefulgcf/a/111268618313792171)

[imyourbratzdoll]

Hi theree!! I've been lately obsessed with Soft mean! Lloyd Hansen😭 what do you think of lloyd being attracted to reader who is a supermarket cashier?!?

I find it VERY CUTE that maybe he ask her what plans or what she would like to have in a date, and she simply says that as long as there is macaroni and cheese and he is next to her everything would be perfect🥺 (just imagine how lloyd would react to such an innocent request 😭💗) ofc she is kinda naive but obviously he's Lloyd hansen and that's already a red flag, ps: if you don't like macaroni and cheese you can choose something else! lol. Feel free to write it if you like the idea🙏🤍

hi! I'm sorry this took so long and is so short, but I hope you like it!

summary - lloyd's been interested in you ever since he saw you, today, he sneakily found a way to ask you out.

the gif I use isn't mine, divider by @newlips

You smiled up at the man who was a regular. “Hi, Mr Hansen! Back again, I see!” Your eyes wide, scanning the products. “How was your day?”

Lloyd smirks, his eyes dragging down your body, loving how your uniform hugs your figure. “It’s been good, baby girl. But, it’s better now that I’ve seen you.” He feels his ego grow more prominent as you blush, your cheeks turning a rosy pink at his words. “I forgot to ask you. What is your idea of your perfect date?” Lloyd stuffs his hands into his expensive pant pockets, smiling softly as your eyes connect.

“Uh… Well, I’ve always thought that everything would be perfect as long as there was macaroni and cheese, a good movie, and you beside me.” You quickly look down, not wanting to see his reaction to the words that slip from your mouth. Packing his items into a bag as you finish scanning them, you can feel the silence, causing you to look up. 

Lloyd’s staring down at you with a large grin, feeling his heart nearly exploding out of his chest at your response. “Really? If I were with you, everything would be perfect?” You nod, causing Lloyd to quickly lean forward and place a soft kiss on your cheek. “How about I make that come true? Say, I’ll pick you up after your shift, and we can enjoy some food and a good movie?” 

Your eyes sparkle as your smiles becomes more prominent, and your head moves up and down rapidly. “I’d love that, Mr Hansen!” 

“Call me Lloyd, baby girl.”

thank you for reading!

feedback and reblogs are greatly appreciated.

[waynes-multiverse]

Oh, this chapter was just deliciously angsty!!! Just my cup of tea loll 😇

Loved every minute of it 😍😍

Oh, Micheal is just such a lovely, lovely person, isn't he? 😒 In the words of Taylor Swift: Michael doesn't measure up in any measure of a man...

“Do what you gotta do in the times, ‘s what I say,” Sam agreed.

Why did his wording here remind me so much of that? 😂😂

“Try to stay alive,” Sam rejoined.

Noooo dead 💀💀

Hahaha omfg I loved Sam so much during this chapter! He was awesome!!! Go Lawyer!Sam 😎���� (And I have no idea if you intended for my mind to jump to Changing Channels and French Mistake Sam with these lines, but it did, so THANK you 🤣🫶)

“But sometimes…sometimes an anchor just feels suffocating,” he said.

I do understand his struggle after the war, but it's literally NO excuse to treat his wife like shit, cheat on her, lie to her, spend her money for his trashy sidepiece, and God knows what else. You don't want an anchor? Fine. Get divorced. The fact he keeps her around and won't let her find her own happiness after she literally saved his life is so mind-boggingly selfish smh The least he could to show his gratitude is not be a gigantic cuntface 🤬

You never thought you would dishonor your husband as well as yourself.

Ugh, God, poor thing! 😭💔 With all the romanticism of that period sadly also comes the shame of taboo topics (not to mention feminism in general taking a backseat lol) Really feel for her here! Wish she wouldn't blame herself as much. Her husband is a dirtbag 😔

“Oh, sorry,” Dean said, making way for the guy. He wasn’t quite as tall as Dean, lithe, blonde, and blue-eyed. He grabbed an arrangement of blue and yellow iris flowers from the case and took it up to the front. The florist seemed to recognize him. “Oh, Michael! Been a while since I’ve seen you,” he said.

SCREAMING 😳😳😳

The whole flower shop scene was like watching a train wreck. Poor Dean! So many stingers in those few sentences!! 😩 (And man, I wanna choke Michael!!! Buying flowers? Dinner? Are you fucking kidding me??? WHAT THE F–???)

But did you stop the angst there? Nope! The reader part of me hated you, while the writer part highly commended you 😂💜

“As long as Michael plays along, should be quick. A few months at most, after he’s served the divorce papers and signs them,” Sam assured. A few months? That wasn’t quick enough in your book, but you agreed with a nod. You got up from the chair opposite his desk. You hesitated there.

I already knew it wouldn't be fast, but I knew this was going to be a problem. Where would she stay during this? Michael certainly won't have it, and I really fear for her safety here 🥺 (Reading the teaser for the last part, I think I have good reason to, even though I know you said once earlier I didn't need to. Still, you got me shaking here, girl 😅)

Surprised Sam wouldn't think about that, considering everything he found out about the guy so far 👀

You not only found Dean in Central Park, but close to the very same bench you two had sat on yesterday and talked the night away. He was surprised, but he smiled when he saw you. Your pace quickened, until you were hastening over to him. He welcomed you into his arms. He bent his head towards yours, stopping just shy of kissing you. Instead, he pressed his forehead to yours for a moment.

This was such a dreamy, swoon-worthy movie scene *sighs* 😍🫠

And then they had to start talking, didn't they? Specifically Dean. The infamous DW self-loathing enters the AU 😆

I really just wanted to cover his piehole and tell him to stop talking, kiss her for real, and take her with you. Hide out in Kansas till everything blows over 😭

“You’re just saying that so you have an excuse for toying with me. So you can keep chasing skirts,” you said, pushing at his chest. “Yes, your brother told me about all your little exploits.” Dean took the blow, both proverbial and physical, with a raise of his brows. He guessed he couldn’t blame you for that one. Still, the disdain behind your words stung. He allowed you to break free of him.

It hurts. It hurts so much...

And I'm so glad the brothers had a long overdue chat as well! I still feel so incredibly heartbroken for Dean 😭

I can't wait for the last part of this & how it all will tie together in the end! Eeeek! This is so, so, so incredibly good, friend!!! 😍😍😍 (And I get to read it on Patreon tonight too hehe 🩵)

BETWEEN THE CITY & THE STARS - Part 4

Pairing: Dean Winchester x Reader

Summary: In the fall of 1945, Dean is having a difficult time assimilating back into civilian life after the War. He’s visiting his brother Sam in New York City, where he’s beginning to build up his law firm. At two minutes to closing time, you interrupt their evening to solicit a solicitor. Your request? You need help in order to divorce your husband.

AN: Now we get into the aftermath of the night before, with all the insecurity and heartbreak to go along with it. 💙

Jacklesverse Bingo24 Prompt: Historical Epic

Song Inspo: “Danke Shoen” by Wayne Newton

Word Count: 4K

Tags/Warnings: Mentions of cheating, angsty angst, trauma/PTSD, and a cliffhanger…

✨ Series Masterlist

🎵 YouTube Playlist || Spotify Playlist

Part 4: Complicit

Sam would give Michael one thing. The guy damn well knew how to drink.

He didn’t stop all night, throwing back whiskey like it was cheap beer. His words began to slur, his movements sloppy, but he was still coherent. When he got up to visit the men’s restroom, Sam got up as well. Maybe he could get Michael talking.

Sam stopped the other man from tripping into the urinal. The two laughed it off, with Michael thanking him before he unzipped to finish his business. Sam did the same.

After washing their hands, Sam looked over and noticed Michael’s gaze lingering on his own reflection in the mirror. It was becoming a rough sight—his blonde hair no longer neatly coiffed, purplish rings under his eyes, the stench of alcohol clinging to his skin and clothing.

“You all right there, Milligan?” Sam asked.

Michael ran a hand over his face, sighing when it didn’t get any better.

“Fine,” he replied. “So, Winchester. What did you say you do for work again? Something about your own business?”

Sam nodded. “I started up a law firm.”

That much, he had to be honest about. It was all too easy for someone to look up his name in the directory.

“Sounds like a good outfit,” Michael said, with an incline of his head. “Every lawyer I know wears a Rolex.”

Sam chuckled, glancing down at his father’s watch. “Well, I’m not quite there yet.”

“Someday soon, I’m sure,” said Michael. He bumped Sam conspiringly on the shoulder.

“And you?” Sam asked. “What’s keeping the lights on at your place?”

Michael raised a hand to sort through his unruly hair, a dirtier blonde in this unflattering light.

“Well, you could say I’ve inherited a business of my own,” he said. “I run a meat packing plant down in the district.”

Sam’s attention piqued. There had been a meat rationing during the war, even some rumors and propaganda about “meatleggers,” black market operators.

“How’s it been with the rations?” Sam asked. “Been hard to even find a good carton of eggs lately.”

Michael gave him a slight smile. “Been on the turnaround, actually. I’ve been able to make some connections with vendors outside the city. A little grease on the palms makes a little go a long way, if you catch my drift.”

Sam slowly smiled and nodded. A little grease on the palms, huh?

“Do what you gotta do in the times, ‘s what I say,” Sam agreed.

Michael snorted. “Now you’re talkin’. That’s all we can do, you know. Try to make a thing work, with whatever scraps we get. Try to stay afloat.”

“Try to stay alive,” Sam rejoined.

Michael made a low sound of approval. He became more contemplative, crossing his arms as he once again glanced at his reflection in the bathroom mirror. Sam’s gaze on the other man was perceptive, gaining ever closer to what seemed to be eating at the very core of him. Whether Sam actually believed what he was saying or not, each of his words was a test, a subtle nudge.

“You know,” Michael said. “I was shot down in France.”

Sam sobered further. Leaning against the counter, he retrieved two cigarettes and a lighter. He didn’t often smoke, but he thought it might keep the other man talking. He handed one over to Michael, and he took it gratefully. They lit up together and coiled musky tobacco smoke into the air.

“Where?” Sam asked.

Michael snorted, huffing a bit of smoke. “Lord knows. But when I woke up, I had stitches from here to here.”

He gestured to the back of his head, all the way to above his brow. It explained a small, but noticeable scar near his temple.

“And I had an angel standing over me,” he added, his eyes growing heavy. Guilty. “A bona fide angel. She’d stitched me up, she told me. She also told me I was lucky to be alive. The doc wanted to toe tag me and be done with it, but she thought I still had some fight left in me.”

Michael shook his head. “The next chance I got, I married her.”

Sam’s brows rose. He knew you had been a nurse, but he hadn’t known this part of your story.

“A wartime romance, huh?” he said. Michael quirked a smile.

“She was my anchor,” he said. “After it was all said and done, she followed me here, held my feet down to the ground. Sometimes she had to hammer me down, ya know.”

He hesitated, his eyes somewhat glazing over. He stared over Sam’s shoulder at something only he could see.

“But sometimes…sometimes an anchor just feels suffocating,” he said. “Sometimes, you need to forget your own damn name. Forget that your entire life and mortgage is in a warehouse that might as well be a freezer full a’ dead cow meat. And still, it smells a hell of a lot better than lying on a dirty cot—where the last guy who had your spot probably got his leg sawed off.” 

Michael considers the cigarette in his hand for a long while before he takes another puff.

Sam exhales smoke as well. He spent the last three years behind a desk, but he sees the same shaken core in Michael Milligan that he too often sees in his older brother.

“You know, Winchester, there’s two kinds of men,” Michael said, just a hint of a slur in his voice. “The ones who pray to live…and the ones who beg for it to be over.”

“And what kind of man are you now?” Sam asked. His tone was loose, but his gaze was sharp.

Michael snorted. He dabbed the butt of his cigarette on the inside of the sink before he threw it away.

“I’m the guy who can’t die,” he muttered.

He rolled his shoulders, as if to let the weight of his words and everything that came along with them to roll off his back. Then he pushed his way out of the bathroom, leaving Sam considering more than just half a cigarette.

That night after Dean left, you slept in the guest room instead of your bed. You couldn’t even bring yourself to sleep next to Michael when he stumbled in at four in the morning, especially now that you had seen his game with your own eyes. 

However, you also felt complicit yourself the next morning. You felt…ashamed. You took your vows seriously. You had never in your life thought you would be someone so brazen. You never thought you would dishonor your husband as well as yourself.

And yet. All while you got ready for work, hearing Michael’s snores from the other room, your mind was filled with warmth and memory—of Dean. His smile, his voice, his eyes, his lips, and of course, his hands. You couldn’t decide which of them was your favorite, but his hands were high on the list. 

You shouldn’t have let him in, you reminded yourself. You nibbled on your lower lip while you prepped the coffee maker. You should have told him goodnight at the door and saw him off. You should very well not have invited him up to the apartment, let alone drank with him, or let him touch you…

You paused while the sound of percolation and the smell of fresh coffee filled the kitchen. You looked up at yourself in the small mirror that hung on the wall. The woman looking back at you was conflicted at best.

Yes, you felt guilty. But at the same time, you didn’t. Was it really betraying your marriage if your husband had been doing far worse, and for God knew how long?

No. This wasn’t a marriage. This was a sham. A mockery of the very thing.

You frowned angrily and almost slammed the carafe on the counter when the coffee was done. Forcing yourself to take a few steadying breaths, you allowed that hate and anger to slowly drain out of you, and you smiled.

You marveled that you could smile at all, but it was only thanks to Dean Winchester.

What the hell am I doing?

Dean stared at the two bouquets of flowers. One was a bound bunch of red roses, the other was wildflowers and other colorful ones he didn’t know the names of. He was having a hard time deciding, namely because he didn’t know what kind of flowers you liked.

Because after all, he barely knew you.

He sighed down at the roses. They were pretty, but expensive. He could imagine your surprise, followed by your smile—the one that actually lit up your eyes and changed your whole face, made you sweeter, almost shy.

I’m buying flowers for a married woman.

The thought managed to make him pause, with a rough exhale of breath. The truth was, he’d crossed the line with you. More than once.

The hard part about it was, he didn’t really care. He did wonder if you cared.

He wondered if you’d be embarrassed to see him again. He wondered if you wanted to keep last night a memory, and nothing more. He wondered if he was better off booking his train home now, and leaving some kind of note for you with Sam. Dean didn’t think he wanted to see that look of mortification on your face, the whiskey finally cleared from your mind to see what he really was: a man with no job, no commitments, and very little prospects on the horizon.

“Ah, ‘scuse me,” a young man said from Dean’s left side.

“Oh, sorry,” Dean said, making way for the guy. He wasn’t quite as tall as Dean, lithe, blonde, and blue-eyed. He grabbed an arrangement of blue and yellow iris flowers from the case and took it up to the front. The florist seemed to recognize him.

“Oh, Michael! Been a while since I’ve seen you,” he said.

When the florist asked about you as well, the mention of your name rang between Dean’s ears. A feeling like inky claws raked through his chest; he raised his head from the roses and finally recognized Michael Milligan. He was the same man Dean had spotted in your wedding pictures hanging on the wall last night, right in the foyer.

“She’s all right,” Michael chuckled. “Truth be told, I’ve been working late this week. Hoping to surprise her tonight, take her out to dinner. Somewhere nice, you know.” 

“Oh, really? Why don’t you take her to that nice steakhouse off of Broadway…” the florist twittered on as he continued to ring up Michael’s order.

Anger and disgust prickled under Dean’s skin, his fists clenched at his sides. More than anything, he wanted to turn around and lay your husband out flat. If he thought one little bouquet and a Salisbury steak was going to wash him clean, then he was an idiot as well as a selfish bastard.

But Dean knew, deep down, that Michael would be just as justified to throw a swing right back at him.

So Dean left the flowers, the flower shop, and the entire busy street and all its blaring sounds behind.

During your lunch break, you quickly made the trek over to Sam’s office. He’d called you this morning with a story that only confirmed everything you’d inherently felt, and yet, some of it still managed to shock you. 

You didn’t even have the patience to wait until after work, but when you got there, he reassured you. It had taken him a few rounds of poker and discreetly following Michael and Dolores after they exited through the back of the club…but Sam had gotten the evidence not long after. They weren’t exactly discreet in the alley. Or in the nearby motel.

You had the envelope in hand filled with the pictures he’d developed from his camera.  

“You don’t have to look,” he advised. “I wouldn’t recommend it.”

“No, I want to see it,” you said. You took the pictures out, and your expression didn’t change as you look through them all. Each position captured was more compromising than the next between Michael and Dolores Daye. Apparently, he was paying most of her bills as well with your combined household funds. So part of your own money was financing his exploits.

“I’m sorry,” Sam said. He was sincere, with those hazel eyes of his.

You nodded and gave him back the envelope. “What’s next?”

“I went ahead and filed the petition. I’ll take this right to the clerk’s office myself.”

“How long will it take to be over?”

“As long as Michael plays along, should be quick. A few months at most, after he’s served the divorce papers and signs them,” Sam assured.

A few months? That wasn’t quick enough in your book, but you agreed with a nod. You got up from the chair opposite his desk. You hesitated there.

“Oh, I meant to ask…how’s your brother?” you said.

Sam began to smile, but he tempered it. “He just called before you came in. He let me know he was stepping out for a walk.”

“Oh, really? Did he happen to say where?”

You not only found Dean in Central Park, but close to the very same bench you two had sat on yesterday and talked the night away. He was surprised, but he smiled when he saw you. Your pace quickened, until you were hastening over to him. He welcomed you into his arms. He bent his head towards yours, stopping just shy of kissing you. Instead, he pressed his forehead to yours for a moment.

“Well, look who’s here?” he teased. “How’d you find me?”

“I stopped by Sam’s office,” you said, holding onto the lapels of his coat. A cold November wind pushed at you both, ruffling your clothes. “The paperwork is on its way. Soon enough, I won’t be a married woman anymore.”

He tucked a wild strand of hair behind your ear and smiled, but it didn’t altogether reach his eyes.

“How soon is soon?” he asked.

“A few months, according to your brother.”

Dean nodded, taking a deep breath. “That’s good…but, I need to head home for a little while.”

That made you pause, tilting your head in confusion. Though you supposed it made sense. He was only here visiting his brother. He was planning on going home eventually.

But surely, that was before we… You lowered your gaze.

“Back to Lawrence?” you asked. Again, he nodded.

“I need to take care of some things, figure out my next move,” he said.

You pulled away from him to brace yourself, and not just against the cold. “Well, when will you be back?” 

He stayed quiet, worrying you even more. There was a deep pit forming in your stomach, churning with unease.  

“Dean?” you prodded.

He stepped back in to grasp your arms gently.

“Sweetheart…the truth is, I don’t have much to offer you,” he said. “I don’t have a business to inherit from my folks. I don’t even have a job. I’m a man who was about as useful as a jackhammer, until the war ended.”

You frowned, resting a hand against his chest. “Dean Winchester, that’s not all there is to you.”

“Really. When did you figure that one out, in the whole week you’ve known me?” he asked. It was harsher than he meant to be, but he couldn’t help the words that were spilling out of his mouth. “Didn’t that get you in trouble the first time? I’d a thought you would’ve learned your lesson by now.”

You snatched your hand back, hurt filling your eyes. You turned to walk away before he saw your tears. You should have known. You should have known a man like him would never be serious. Not about you. 

As soon as he let the words go, Dean realized what he was doing. Yeah, he was frustrated, but it wasn’t aimed at you. It couldn’t be aimed at you.

God knew he didn’t want to hurt you, or for you to hate him. He really couldn’t stomach either thought, so he relented and reached out to grab at your hand, before you could get too far. 

“Wait,” he said, managing to pull you back to him. “I’m sorry.”

You tugged your hand to try and free yourself from his grasp. 

“You know what, maybe you’re right,” you said, your voice wobbling with anger, dismay, and tears. “Maybe I ought to stop letting a man get even an inch into my heart. At this point, it’s my own fault.”

“Stop,” Dean demanded. “No, it’s not.” 

He pulled you back into him, but you looked away from his imploring gaze. Your breaths grew shallow while you tried in vain to stop yourself from crying. It damn well broke his heart.

“It’s not your fault. I’m just an idiot,” He cupped your cheeks and wiped your tears as they fell. “But you…you deserve to be happy. With a man that can take care of you, protect you. A man who has a little more of his life figured out.”

“You’re just saying that so you have an excuse for toying with me. So you can keep chasing skirts,” you said, pushing at his chest. “Yes, your brother told me about all your little exploits.”

Dean took the blow, both proverbial and physical, with a raise of his brows. He guessed he couldn’t blame you for that one. Still, the disdain behind your words stung. He allowed you to break free of him.

You stepped back and straightened your clothes. You took in a deep breath that did nothing to calm you, and you uttered a humorless laugh.

“I suppose it makes sense. Why would you want anything to do with me?” You gestured down at yourself with a dismissive hand. “A-a walking mess. Even when I am divorced, that’s how people will see me. Damaged goods. I don’t even know how I’m gonna tell my parents.”

You covered your face against Dean and the rest of the world, and after weeks and months, you finally allowed yourself the one thing you hadn’t since your first inkling that your husband was being unfaithful. You finally allowed yourself to break.

The first sob shuddered through your body, followed by hot tears. You squeezed your eyes against them and wiped at your face in vain.

Dean broke too, in his own way. He gathered you into his arms, where he shushed you gently and pressed a kiss to your forehead. 

“I wasn’t giving you an excuse,” he said.

Despite how much you wanted to push him away, the deep, steady timbre of his voice pierced you and soothed you at the same time.

“I meant every word I said. I may not be the right guy for you, but don’t you dare take a scrap of what anyone else might say, you hear me?” he said firmly. “You’re beautiful. You don’t suffer fools like me, and you’re better than that sad sack excuse of a man deserves.”

You looked up at him with watery eyes.

“You’re a lot of things, Dean Winchester, but you’re not a fool.”

He shook his head, not wanting to argue with you anymore. He just kissed you, deeply, thoroughly, the way you always imagined a kiss should be.

Except that you realized…this was goodbye. So you took advantage of every second of it.

You met him with as much as he gave and reached up to touch his cheek. It felt a little rough under your fingers, just like you remembered. You would probably always remember that feeling, long after you left the park.

That evening, you packed as many bags as you could. You put together the savings you’d been collecting for a few months. It had been at your coworker Jess’s advice, ever since you started feeling the inkling that something wasn’t right in your marriage.

After you were all packed, you took one last, long look at the space you had tried to make your home. With one last tear trailing your cheek, you stepped out of the apartment. You took the bus uptown, where you later checked into a hotel. 

When your husband finally got home from work, he would find a one-page letter written in your own hand. 

For once, Sam was actually home in his apartment. He was helping Dean take his suitcase to the front door after calling a taxi to come shortly. Sam wasn’t happy about it though.

“You don’t have to go so soon, Dean,” said Sam.

Dean gave a humorless laugh. He grabbed his coat from the rack and threw it on.

“I’ve gotta get back to the house. It’s already been empty too long,” he said. Three years too long. “Fact is, I’m just getting in your way here.”

He couldn’t quite meet Sam’s eyes as he went to the door, but Sam stopped him with a pressing hand on his arm, tugging him back.

“Hey,” Sam said, his brows furrowed. “That’s not true. Where’d you get that idea?”

Dean raised his brows. “You mean the way you’ve haven’t been home more than a few hours a night? The way the only time I see you is if I go find you at that office. You should open up a Bed n’ Breakfast there. You’d make a double killing in this town.”

Sam wilted. “Dean, we opened the firm barely a month ago. I’m just trying to—”

Dean laid a hand on his shoulder, relenting.

“Hey, look. I’m not judging you, Sammy. I’m not,” he said. “You’re building something. I know that. I just need to go figure out how to do the same, whatever that means for me.”

Sam stared back at him, still with that frown. His guilt and reluctance to see Dean go was reflected in his eyes; those sad puppy dog eyes that used to get him out of almost any punishment with their parents when the boys were young. Before.

The corner of Dean’s mouth kicked up into a smirk.

“Don’t worry. I’ll see you again soon,” he said.

“How soon is soon?” Sam asked. It was something their mother used to say to John whenever he called late, promising he’d come home after long days in town buying supplies for the farm.

“The divorce papers will be served to Michael Milligan,” Sam added, pointedly raising his brows. “She…could use your support.”

Dean’s smile faded at the mention of you. His hand slipped from Sam’s shoulder.

“She’s got a strong head on her shoulders. She’ll be all right,” he said. He heard the honk of the taxi outside. He grabbed up his hat, set it on his head, and took up his bags. He turned back to Sam at the last moment. “I’m sure you’ll look out for her.”

It was somehow both a question, and an imploring charge. Sam sighed, but he nodded in agreement. His brother could be so very stubborn. Once he got an idea of what he thought he needed to do, there was almost no talking him out of it.

Sam opened the door for him and walked him out to the car, helping him with his bags. Before Dean could get into the cab, Sam stopped him. Their gazes met, but in that moment, no words were needed.

They pulled one another into a firm hug.

I’m sorry. I should’ve been there more for you.

Don’t worry about it. It’s already forgotten.

Dean released him first with a smile, and a heavy pat of Sam’s shoulder. He turned and climbed into the cab’s backseat. Afterwards, Sam watched the yellow cab take his brother away to the train station, feeling a weight in his heart that wouldn’t subside.

He would never know that Dean felt exactly the same way. Except that impossible weight felt a lot like your hand, gently laid over his heart.

Dean took up his suitcase as the train pulled into the station. He stepped up onto the platform and retrieved the ticket from his pocket, but he paused, hearing a familiar voice shouting his name.

He turned his head and saw Sam rushing to meet him at the platform.

“What’s the matter? What’re you doing here?” Dean asked in surprise. He didn’t like the wary apprehension written across Sam’s face.

“I just took a closer look at Milligan’s finances,” he said. “Before you go, there’s something you might want to know.”

AN: Come on, we needed at least one cliffhanger in this series! 😘 What do you think Sam rushed over to tell Dean? What did you think about their "goodbye," as well as her and Dean's goodbye? ...And are you ready for all the drama that's about to go down? lol 

Next Time:

Except the loud, insistent knock on the door broke you out of your thoughts. Straightening up with a frown, you set down your glass and went over to the door. Maybe it was Housekeeping coming up to bring you the fresh towels you asked for. The ones that had been laid out in the bathroom smelled musty.

You opened the door to a tall frame taking up room in the doorway. It was Michael, standing there both disheveled and steaming mad. He held your letter crumpled in his left hand. 

“Michael, what—what’re you doing here?” you gasped and stepped back. He followed you inside the room and slammed it shut. He looked around at your open suitcases in disbelief, then finally at you.

“What’s this supposed to mean, huh?” he demanded to know. He shook the flimsy piece of paper at you.

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[whoahoney]

An Attempt at a One Night Stand Pt. 2

Eddie Munson x SingleMom!Reader

Part 1 Part 3

Summary: The night has come and Reader is meeting Eddie at the Hideout for another evening of fun, but will Eddie leave with the seven digits he’s set out to get?

Content warnings: fem/AFAB!Reader, adult themes (alcohol, bar scene) and situations (minors DNI), smut (fingering, protected p in v sex, nipple play, edging, hair pulling), angst, idiots afraid of getting hurt.

A/N: I hope this meets everyone’s expectations! Once again, the attention this story has received is mind blowing, thank you all so much 🥺🤍

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

It had been one week since she saw Eddie, not that she was paying super close attention or anything. He did find his way into her head at the most random times, though.

When she was cooking dinner for her son, the steam from the pot hit her face gently, reminding her of the way his breath felt against her face when he panted insatiably.

When she heard Hellraiser or any Ozzy on the radio, she couldn’t help but smile and turn it up louder, chuckling as she spotted Danny flipping his long brown hair side to side in the rear view mirror.

When she would lay on the couch late at night to watch some movies Robin brought, she couldn’t help but wonder if he’d seen them, or liked them. But then she reminded herself that was ridiculous and continued to fail to not think about Eddie Munson and his stupid pretty face and his stupid pretty dick.

Y/n tried to take care of her urges herself, but her toy just wasn’t cutting it for her this time. She couldn’t wait for Friday to come.

“Y/n! Are you getting ready for tonight?” Mollie shouted into the mouthpiece of her phone as she painted the top coat of her nails. The sun was setting which meant Stella would be around to pick everyone up for the evening.

“Yes, Molls, I’m getting makeup on as we speak.” Y/n said, referring to her strategic eyeliner, mascara, and chapstick trio, hoping the only thing that’s smudged tonight is her mascara, if he’s into that sort of thing.

“I hope you aren’t wearing much! Also, are you planning on wearing a dress? Cause I was thinking you should totally—“

“I’ll see you soon, Molls.” She said with a sigh behind her smile before hanging up the phone around the corner on her nightstand. She turned her attention back to the mirror, and let out a deep breath as she looked over her appearance.

She let her hair down around her face, combing her fresh curls out until they were touchably soft. She smoothed the front of her dress that she was debating on changing just to stick it to Mollie, but she knew they agreed for a reason. The black mini dress against her skin hugged her in all the right places, a contrast from the t-shirt, jeans, and converse she wore last week.

She straightened the thin straps that hung on her shoulders and leaned over to fix her breasts. She took a step back and debated on taking off the fishnets before she put on her black docs, when Robin came running into her room with Danny on her back, pretending to be a Pegasus.

“Mommy! Check out Robby’s wings!” He shouted, holding onto Robin’s band shako. The tall hat and feather led Danny to dream up the idea of a flying unicorn, which Robin quickly told him that there was such a creature called a Pegasus, which brought them to run around the house for the last 15 minutes.

“Whoaaa! They’re so strong, too!” She chuckled, leaning up against the doorframe and crossing her arms to give them her full attention.

“Neighhhh, I’ve been workin’ out.” She trotted around the room like a horse as the child squealed in delight. “Do you think I should nix the fishnets, Robin the Pegasus?”

“Depends!” She began as she sat Danny on the bed to watch Looney Tunes and then joined Y/n in the bathroom to speak lowly, “Are you hoping to take them off while you’re out?” She wiggled her eyebrows as she mirrored Y/n’s previous position against the door frame.

Y/n rolled her eyes and blushed furiously as she nodded. “Aren’t you going to the same bar—” Robin gasped with wide eyes, “Is it the same dude??” She covered her mouth in anticipation. Y/n waited a moment before nodding, Robin gasped again followed by a quiet giggle and happy dance complete with clapping. “Oh my god, you have a date?? I knew this day would come, oh my god. Who is he??” She rushed, grasping Y/n by the shoulders.

Y/n shook her head, “No, uh-uh, not a date, I just told him I’d come see his band play again.” She shrugged.

“His band? Y/n, aren’t you going to the Hideout?!” Robin questioned. Y/n froze, avoiding Robin’s look in the mirror, preparing for the tsunami of happiness that is Robin when she is excited.

“Holy fucking shit!” She exclaimed, looking like a kicked puppy when Y/n shot her a disapproving look and then looked behind her to Danny who was completely oblivious to the bad words flying behind him.

“I’m so sorry,” She momentarily clasped her hands over her mouth before taking them back off and continuing, “It’s Eddie, right? Is it Eddie Munson? I’m friends with him! That’s my boy! We went through the end of the world together.” She lowered her voice at the last part, Y/n knowing about the spring of ‘86, but not specifics, Robin having a hard time explaining the whole thing calmly and linearly.

“Eddie’s a good guy, Y/n, maybe the best. Y’know he’s always reminded me of—“

“Yeah. Me too.” Y/n gave a pained and tight smile. Robin winced, not meaning to strike any nerves. “Is-Is that why you like him, maybe?” She asked quietly, looking at her nails.

Y/n sighed and hopped up on the counter to face Robin. “Yes, and no. Yes, because he’s playful and witty and dorky like Adam. No, because Eddie is…”

“Unhinged?” Robin suggested, making Y/n laugh and nod, “Yeah, unhinged. I feel like Eddie is so wild and daring, but I don’t feel like that when we talk, like, I feel safe? I don’t know. But that feeling, that safe feeling is similar to how.. how things felt with Adam. Not the same—and not like I want it to be the same, cause I don’t.” Y/n rushed, Robin nodding and stepping closer to her friend. “No, I know. I know, Y/n/n, I don’t think anyone in the world could love Adam the way you do. Things are allowed to feel similar without being the same, you know? You aren’t—You aren’t cheating on Adam. You’re with Adam forever, dude, whether you feel it or not.”

“No, I do. But it feels so wrong. Like I already had my chance at true love. What if I’m just wasting our time if I decide to go through with this? If I decide to continue to see Eddie, if he’ll see me.” She added with an eye roll.

“You’re kidding, right? I’m surprised he didn’t follow you home like a lost puppy after last week now that I know ‘bar guy’ is Eddie! He’d jump at the chance to date you properly, Y/n/n.” Robin shrugged.

“You’re missing one thing, though, Robs: my son? That complicates a lot, if you didn’t know.” Y/n gestured to Danny who was now jumping up and down on the bed mercilessly. “Little boy, you better stop jumping before you fall down and hurt your arm again!” Y/n called from the bathroom, only turning her attention back to the mirror after he landed on his bottom and laid down on his stomach to watch the TV longer.

“Eddie would love Danny, are you kidding me?! They’d make the best of buds, and you mean to tell me he isn’t the slightest bit interested in the fact you’re a mom??” Robin shrugged as if the answer were simple. “No, he’s not, cause he doesn’t know! That’s not exactly information I share with the guys I meet when I’m out.” She sprayed her favorite perfume in the air before walking through it and turning off the bathroom light and walking past Robin into the bedroom.

“Wait, he doesn’t know? Are you gonna tell him?” Robin asked with wide eyes following after her. Y/n stood next to the tv, Danny panicking as she placed her hand on the knob to turn it off. “C’mon, squirt, we’re going to the living room til I gotta go!” She heaved the boy onto her hip as he calmed, laying his head on her shoulder while they walked, his mother leaving a peck on the top of his head.

“I don’t think I should until I know for sure what I wanna do with this situation, you know?” She asked as she placed Danny on the couch and turned on the tv for him. Robin was at a loss for words as Y/n put on her regular denim jacket. The familiar sound of Stella’s horn sounding from the driveway told her now was the time to kiss Danny bye.

“I love you, buddy, I’ll be back after Robby tucks you in bed, alright?” She said with a ruffle to his hair. Danny grabbed his mom's face with his small hands and planted a kiss on her head as she had done for him. “Love you too!” He said cheerily.

Robin nodded to Y/n in agreement at her previous statement as Y/n slipped on her shoes and tied her laces quickly. “Since it’s Eddie and all…keep the fishnets on, unless you’re, like, super attached to them, then don’t.” Robin said simply and then flashed a smile before opening the door for her, “Have fun!”

Y/n balked then rolled her eyes on her way out, “The chicken and vegetables are in the oven! Take it out when the timer goes off, and make sure he eats at least, like, three bites of his veggies, please!” She called as she opened the car door. Robin nodded, gave her a thumbs up and closed the door.

She took the opportunity to turn and look at her friends in the car, Kathy and Mollie beaming from the backseat and Stella smirking behind the wheel avoiding eye contact the best she could. “What?” Y/n asked exasperatedly.

“Nothing! You just look really good. Like, really good.” Kathy said, biting back a smile. “I mean, thanks, but what’s the big deal?” She looked down at her outfit once more, feeling self conscious and naked without the cover of her jeans and ringer t-shirt. “It’s too much, isn’t it?” She shook her head, her hand poised on the handle ready to get out and change at lightning speed.

“Oh, uh-uh, you look amazing, you’re wearing the dress!” Stella said as she dove over the center and pushed the lock down. Y/n scoffed and crossed her arms, thinking for a moment and sighing. “It’s not too much?” She asked quietly.

Her friends looked amongst each other and smiled, “Not at all, the denim and combat boots offset it perfectly! I do think he’s gonna blow his load when he sees you, if I’m being honest.” Mollie mumbled around a cigarette as she tried to light it.

The car erupted into cackles, “Mollie, oh my god!” Kathy blushed and covered her little virgin ears. “Oh, c’mon, Kath, you remember the way he looked at her when he was on stage during Hellraiser?? He wanted to devour her on the spot!” She exclaimed and handed the cigarette to Y/n to puff.

Y/n fiddled with the radio as the girls carried on, theorizing how many shots Gareth will try to do and how many times Jeff wins a game of Quarters. “It’s because he has bassist hands!” Kathy sighed dreamily. “Ope, Kath, looks like you got a little drool there.” Y/n turned and teased, sending another blush onto the timid girl’s cheeks.

“On a real note, though,” Y/n said as she took a drag, her backseat friend leaning in eagerly. “Go for it, ask him out. Jeff sounds sweet as can be. He’d be dumb not to.” She shrugged before turning back around to face the windshield.

Her friends in the car shared a look in the rear view mirror, hoping her encouragement to Kathy meant she would encourage herself the same. “Turn it up! Turn it up! Listen!” Mollie exclaimed, patting the back of Stella’s seat for attention. Y/n jumped and obliged her, ready to see what the fuss was about.

Dio’s Holy Diver filled the car as everyone looked at Y/n. Y/n crinkled her brow in confusion, “What about it? Did you finally give Dio a chance?? Is this your way of telling me I was right??” Y/n asked smugly. “Noo… you really don’t know?” Mollie asked incredulously.

Y/n searched the air for answers, coming up with nothing. “What is it??” She shrugged. “Well I guess we can’t blame you for not seeing the back of your boy much, but the whole back of his vest is a Dio album cover patch. Did you really not see it??” She asked as Y/n’s jaw dropped. “Oh god, I bet if she knew he liked Dio last week she would’ve spent the night.” Mollie said with a smirk, leaning back in the seat.

“Oh my god, she so wouldn't!” Kathy defended with a roll of her eyes. “But she could tonight.” Y/n caught her mumble to Mollie, the two bursting into snickers in the back seat. “Shut up!” Y/n turned quickly, weakly fighting off a smile threatening to break across her lips at the prospect.

Robin would stay the night with Danny if she phoned, she knew that. But she couldn’t help but worry tonight wouldn’t be like last week, that the illusion would be shattered and she’d be back to bar hopping next month, settling for some townie that paid ample attention to her for the evening to bone.

A small sick feeling crept into her stomach as they got closer to their destination, the fading deep blue of the sky sinking into black felt ominous though she was surrounded by love and light.

“Y/n/n, you good? Y’know we can bail if you want, find somewhere else to go, come back next week with an excuse?” Stella mumbled before they pulled into the parking lot sparse with old cars and beat down trucks.

Y/n shook her head, knowing she wanted to see him, that if the illusion was shattered it should happen now. Instead, she opened the car door, the rest of her friends following her lead. “Molls, can I have another cigarette?” She asked timidly. “Of course you can!” Mollie cooed like a mother. “Here you are!” She said, extending her hand with the single cigarette and yellow lighter for Y/n to take.

They walked into the establishment together, her hands shaking a little as she brought the cigarette up to her lips. She held the door open, having her friends walk before her as a last effort at putting off seeing the face that invaded her every thought since she left him last. She could hear the buzz of the electric instruments humming as she entered the hazy bar that was aglow with neon lights, just like last time.

The stage lights flashed on, revealing Corroded Coffin still setting up. “Oh good, we’re just in time!” Stella commented as she took off her jacket and hung it off the back of the chair she occupied last week. Y/n gave a half smile in response, worried if she opened her mouth she’d throw up. “I’ll just get you a drink, huh?” Stella asked, getting up and patting her shoulder before joining their other two friends at the bar.

Y/n sighed, now alone and even more vulnerable with her thoughts. She kept her eyes on the written-on table, different colors of pens and drawings etched into the old woodwork.

“Come here often?” Sent a jolt through her body as her head shot up to see Eddie Munson leaning on her table with two drinks and a warm smile. She clenched her jaw and gave into the smile he gave her as he set the glass in front of her and pulled up a chair, scooting next to her but keeping a safe distance.

“I don’t, but I figured I’d come back since this band I like is playing.” She shrugged, taking a sip of the clear mystery drink that turned out to be… water?

She shot him a quizzical look and looked at the drink in front of her. “I didn’t see you drink any water last week, just wanted to make sure you’re hydrated, you know?” He shrugged as her friends returned, drinks in hand. Their first drink of the night was a classic whiskey and coke, the fizzy drink making her eyes light up in delight, which made Eddie chuckle as the rest of the band joined them.

“Hey, ladies! What do you say we throw one back together before we go on?” Gareth asked as the group collectively agreed. Gareth and Jeff scrambled to the bar to grab four more drinks for a quick cheers. When they returned, the band each grabbed a glass, the group gathering around the table to tap their drinks together with a satisfying clink and tilting their glasses back til the dark liquid was gone and they were left with nothing but bitter tastes in the back of their throats and screwed up faces from the kick of it.

“I’m so glad to see you back, I can’t tell you how many times this last week Eddie was stressing about your girl, here.” Gareth teased lightly, a friendly smile on his lips as he sipped his chaser, sputtering when Eddie hit his arm too roughly, the girls biting back smiles. “We gotta get up there, bud.” Gareth said, wiping his mouth with his bare hand and then drying it on Eddie’s shoulder on his way past. Eddie sent Y/n a look with a shy smile, “I’ll, uh, be back later?”

Y/n nodded softly, “I’ll be here.” Her response brought a smile to his face, his eyes glittering just as they had a week prior as he nodded and walked to the stage, not trying to hide his glances back at her on his way.

“Try not rock too hard, girls.” Gareth said cheekily into the microphone as he settled on his stool and flipped his hair, which made Eddie and Jeff roll their eyes. “See you later, Kath.” Jeff smiled pointedly at the sweet blushing girl, who sent him a shy wave as he took his place with his bass. Grant never said much, but his skills as a rhythm guitarist were undeniable. The guy took the place to Eddie’s left and plugged his guitar into the amp, scratching out a riff to check the sound, and earning a rowdy cheer from the table in the back center.

The heads of the band members turned their attention back to the girls in surprise, not used to people actually paying attention to them up there. Small smiles erupted as the boys looked at each other. “Hell yes, Grant, let’s GO!” Mollie shouted as the other girls whooped and hollered.

Eddie turned and said something to the group before walking up to the mic and looking at his girl in the crowd. “This one’s for all the Johnny Cash fans in the room.” Y/n scoffed at the guitarist, her cheeks feeling awfully warm. “As always, ladies and gents, we are Corroded Coffin.” He said into the mic before Gareth counted them off and Eddie launched into the intro.

Kathy was simply mesmerized by Jeff and his bass skills, the low rumble of the chords he played making it harder for her to breathe, and then suddenly, self consciously squeezing her thighs together. Gareth entered heavy on the drums to Eddie’s satisfaction, a smile on his lips as he nodded; dancing around the little space he had on stage and masterfully dodging electric cords as he did.

Y/n’s jaw dropped as she recognized the intro to Ring of Fire by Johnny Cash playing, just in their own style. She chuckled at his freeness, the way he bit his lip and thrashed his head until it was his time to sing, and oh, did she love hearing him sing.

“Love.. is a burning flame.. And it makes.. a fiery ring.” He looked up at Y/n at her table, her smirk still visible in the dim light of the bar.

“Bound by wild desire..” He sent her a wink, his smile growing when he saw her avert her eyes down and blush before taking another drink of her water. “I fell into a ring of fire..”

“I’m getting another round, you want?” Stella asked before she made her trip back to the bar, Y/n nodding and mouthing, “Shots!” To which Stella’s eyes lit up as she gave her friend a thumbs up.

“I fell into a burning ring of fire, I went down down down, and then flame went higher..

And it burns, burns, burns, the ring of fire.. the ring of fire..” He sang to her directly as her shot showed up on the table in front of her, a clear and tempting liquid she knew for sure this time wasn’t water. She took a whiff, her brows pulling together as she looked at her friend next to her, “Vodka? You’re dangerous.” Y/n commented before looking back to Eddie who was shredding a guitar solo on his knees, his gaze now cast on his guitar in his lap.

“C’mon, let’s go by the stage to do it, he hasn’t even seen your full outfit yet!” Mollie urged with two shots in hand as the rest of the group flocked to the edge of the make-shift stage with the handful of regulars that didn’t mind the rowdy boys once a week.

“The taste of love is sweet.. when hearts like ours meet..” Eddie took in her full appearance as she walked towards him; drink in hand and her jacket halfway off one shoulder, and suddenly became very thankful for the guitar covering his front.

He stopped strumming to take the mic with him as he crouched to her level, “I fell for you like a child.. ohhhh… but the fire went wild.” He sang with theatrical movements, which she rolled her eyes at but couldn’t deny the smile his antics caused.

“Shots! Let’s go! Knock ‘em back, girls!” Stella shouted over the music, everyone tapping their glasses against one another to down the fire like medicine, waiting for the desired effects to kick in.

Y/n began to feel warm soon after the second drink, discarding her jacket with her glass back at their table, Mollie grabbing her hand immediately after and spinning her around the dance floor, sending the two of them into a fit of giggles as Eddie continued singing. “I fell into a burning ring of fire, I went down, down, down and the flames went higher and it burns, burns, burns.. the ring of fire, the ring of fire..” He kept his eyes on her spinning frame, stepping in time with the drums and following her friends' lead with ease, like it was something they’d done a million times, which they probably had.

The girls danced around the floor together, attracting the attention from the other bar patrons enjoying the change in music for the night as well. A few older gentlemen asked Kathy and Mollie to dance, which they obliged since they weren’t creepy, guiding them in fun partner dances around the floor as they laughed in merriment.

Stella volunteered to stay at the table and watch purses and drinks, ready to drink her glasses of water before they drive home in a couple hours. Eddie was eager to get off stage after the first song, opting into only playing two instead of the regular five for tonight even if it meant getting paid significantly less.

He sauntered over to where Y/n was seated with Stella, the latter nudging her arm and nodding at Eddie quickly approaching. He assumed his previous seat and scooted a smidgen closer with a satisfied smirk on his lips as he watched her intently.

“Hey.” He beamed.

“Hi, Eddie.” She giggled as Stella stood up and patted her shoulder, joining Gareth by the stage to chat.

“Y-You look really pretty tonight—not that you didn’t last time. You’re, just.. really really pretty all the time—not that I see you all the time either. I haven’t seen you since the last time I saw you—oh dear god.” He clenched his jaw with a tight smile, giving her a nod before booking it back to the stage in embarrassment when she caught his arm. “I was hoping you’d think so.” She murmured, her hand staying on his arm as his other hand came to lay on top of it.

“Yeah?” He asked as if she told him she brought him a present. He looked her over once more, nodding in approval, “So this is for little old me? You sure know how to make a guy feel special, sweet girl.” He leaned forward more, biting his lip in intrigue.

Y/n loved the way he looked, legs spread on either side of the chair; forearms resting on the back, holding her hand tenderly.

“How’ve you been?” He asked, his brows raising in interest. Y/n sulled up, taking a sip of her half gone water and nodded, “I’ve been good! Busy. And you?” She asked, taking another sip.

“Uh-uh, sneaky thing. We’re talking about you tonight.” He smirked, reaching for his water cup. “What was the best part of your week?” He asked with a shrug before he took a drink.

‘Danny sang his first song all the way through by himself.’ She thought.

‘Not now, later, when you’re more alone.’

“I, uh, got to have birthday cake on Wednesday.” She nodded.

‘At a child’s birthday party where Danny sang his first song by himself.’

Eddie smiled, “The simple things, right? Birthday cake’s the best, especially with that whipped cream frosting they pile on three inches thick! I love a good supermarket birthday cake.” He nodded contently as if he just finished a slice himself.

“What about you? The best part of your week?” She asked.

“Wayne and I went out to dinner in the city to celebrate his raise, got to have appetizers and drinks at a place without a sticky table, Y’know? All the garlic bread you can eat, it was heaven.” He shook his head indulgently.

“Food really lights you up, doesn’t it?” She asked. “Oh, god, yes, I love food. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks—hey, you’re doing it again.” He pointed at her and narrowed his eyes. “Do you do this on purpose or are you that bad at talking about yourself?” He asked.

“She’s that bad at talking about herself.” Stella chided as she returned to the table with Gareth following behind. Y/n stuck her tongue out at Stella who mirrored her expression, sending the both of them chuckling. “You guys want another before you get back at it?” Stella asked before she went to the bar, Gareth following closely behind as he shared a knowing look with Eddie that went missed by the two girls they were referring to.

“That sounds perfect, how about—“

“Tequila?” Eddie asked her with his eyebrows raised, two questions in one seemingly. Stella looked to Y/n for a simple answer while Eddie waited with a lip between his teeth, playfulness hiding his worry. “Gimme a double.” She said, her eyes flickering to Eddie’s, who’s eyes rolled back into his head blissfully, Y/n smiling at his antics as usual.

Gareth looked confused before his friend explained, “I love tequila, it’s my new favorite.” Eddie shrugged, the answer good enough to send Gareth to the bar behind Stella.

“I was hoping I’d catch you in a.. tequila mood.” He smirked, his boyish blush flooding back to his cheeks. His eyes trailed down her sitting figure, her dress hiked up past her mid thigh, and her sexy fishnets that had caught a couple runs since she got in the car.

“How could I wear a dress like this for you and not be?” She winked at him this time, his smile only growing as if he’d never been flirted with before.

“Here we are, one double shot of tequila, m’lady.” Stella handed the taller shot glass to her friend as she passed, the other friends gathering to acquire their own, more bubbly and giddy now that the festivities of the night had begun.

“Where’s the salt?”

“Where’s the limes?”

Eddie and Y/n asked in unison, their eyes avoiding one another and every other one of their friends who were so tempted to tease. Gareth almost did but was quickly interrupted by Stella placing a hand on his shoulder and asking him if he’d help her get the desired limes and salt.

“Amateur, shit, am I right?” Eddie joked quietly, nudging her arm with his and leaning closer to her, close enough he can smell the perfume she chose for tonight. Eddie could almost feel his eyes dilate when the scent hit him. The sweet aroma made him want to turn and bury his face in her neck and hair and leave sloppy kisses there. He felt the front of his jeans tightening as he imagined her sticking her tongue down his throat in front of all these people.

He snatched his gaze away as she giggled at his joke, suddenly realizing his face was so close to hers. Stella and Gareth returned with a plate of limes and a tall salt shaker.

“Everybody get some salt, get some lime, we’re doing this correctly, thank you!” Stella announced, Gareth smirking at her take-charge demeanor.

Y/n and Eddie were the first ones ready, her heart warming when he leaned over and grabbed two limes for the both of them. Mollie passed Y/n the salt. Eddie watched as Y/n sprinkled a nice and thick little line on her hand and quickly held out his own next to her so she could set him up. Without a thought she obliged him, chuckling without meeting his eye.

“Alright, party people, one, two, three!” Mollie declared, everyone racing to get theirs done the fastest though they couldn’t beat Eddie and Y/n, who took the shot in sync with one another no matter how fast each were trying to go while giggling the whole time.

“And she had a double!! Amazing, really.” Eddie said in awe as she sat her glass upside down on the table and wiped her mouth with a smile she stopped trying to get rid of.

“Alright, sweetheart, I’m gonna go play you one last song and then I’m completely yours.” He smiled earnestly, his sparkling eyes taking in her whole face for any sign of the thoughts circulating her head as he placed his hands on her shoulders, hoping she’d touch him too.

Y/n sighed, the warmth of his hands on her shoulders already electrifying. It took everything in her not to pick his hands up and kiss them before pulling his lips in for one to send him on his way. But she didn’t.

She nodded with a soft smile, “Sounds like a plan. Try not to rock too hard.” She teased, Gareth turning dramatically around in his stool on stage when he heard his advice repeated. Eddie looked content with her answer, the regular dreamy smile lingering on his lips as he made a forward movement, as if he were going to kiss her forehead or nose. His effort stuttered as he decided to turn on his heel and walk to the stage, clenching his teeth and shaking his head at himself.

‘Not yet, dude, what the hell.’

Y/n’s breath caught in her throat the same way it would’ve done had he actually kissed her. She watched him the whole time he walked away, hopping back up on the platform that held them up only a few feet higher than the floor.

“Did he just kiss you?” Mollie inquired quietly with a new drink in hand. Kathy and Stella’s necks cranes around from the table to get Y/n’s reply. She shook her head, “No, but I think he was about to. I-I think he changed his mind.” She shrugged with a small smile.

“Are you glad he didn’t?” Kathy asked, confused. Y/n sat back down and allowed her smile to grow. “No, I think I would’ve liked him to, but I don’t think any guy has overthought kissing me before. Especially not over the forehead.”

“He was going to kiss your forehead?” Mollie gasped, a couple old men turning in their chairs to see what the fuss was about as Y/n nodded sheepishly.

“Well you better give that boy a forehead kiss tonight, Y/n, or so help me God—“

“Oh my god, Mollie, okay, okay. Don’t have to tell me twice to kiss the cute little rockstar’s forehead.” She mumbled, settling into her seat as the alcohol took route in her bloodstream, finally back at the same level of sobriety she was at when she met Eddie the first time.

“You must have a little thing for him, or something.” Stella muttered in the chair next to her behind her glass like a secret. Y/n blushed and blamed it on the alcohol to save face from her own self.

“I just might.” She shrugged one shoulder and turned her attention back to Eddie who had just approached the mic again. “This last one’s for the coolest chicks in Indiana.” He said, the girls erupting into howling cheers.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

Y/n debated through the entire song on whether or not she wanted to tell Eddie more about herself that night, fighting the temptation to call Robin and tell her she was gonna give it a shot and see if Eddie wanted to take her back to his place for the night, but knew it was best if she didn’t. She couldn’t rush into anything too quickly no matter how easy it felt.

He’s thoughtful, respectful, ornery, laid back, there’s gotta be something, something wrong with this guy that he’s really good at hiding. I mean this is only the second time I’m meeting him, what if I let him take me somewhere and he murders me??

“Earth to Y/n.” Mollie waved her hand in front of Y/n’s face, “What? What’s up?” She shook her head of the thoughts plaguing her and took a sip of the beer she ordered after a whiskey.

“We asked if you were feeling okay.” Stella spoke up, nudging her friend’s arm with a worried look in her eyes. “Yeah, I feel great, it’s just… he seems too good to be true, right? Like, is it just me? A-Am I thinking about it too hard??” She whispered urgently, her hand resting against her forehead to block her distress from the boys at the front of the room.

The girls looked amongst each other and to the lead singer, who played the Metallica solo with care, stealing glances at the object of his affection when he could.

“I don’t think so, Y/n/n.” Kathy said with a smile and a shake of her head. “I’m with Kathy, you said Robin knows him, right? Wouldn’t you say Robin’s a good judge of character?” Mollie asked while she was bobbing her head to the beat.

Y/n shrugged in contemplation, “I mean, yeah.” She thought back to Robin mentioning ‘the end of the world’ as she referred to it, how Eddie went through it with her. Y/n looked back at him, pure joy on his face as he stood close to Grant while they strummed and picked together, just messing around and jamming during the transitional points of the song.

She wondered how he handled the murders, the blame, the running and hiding. She wondered about the blank spots that her friend was unable to fill, the shared horrors they’d seen and if he had to sleep with a light on like Robin did.

She wanted to let herself let go, to feel safe and small in the palm of his hand, finally able to put her trust and belief and time into someone.

“No one said you had to marry the guy. Y’know you can date casually, right? If it doesn’t work out, it doesn’t work out. Simple!” Stella shrugged matter of factly.

Y/n looked like a fish out of water at the suggestion, one that wouldn’t seem all too wild to a regular person with regular and normal relationship habits and views, but Y/n had been practically married to her first boyfriend the majority of her teen years. How is she supposed to let anyone go so easily once she’s let them in?

“Yeah, simple.” She muttered and took a swig as the song ended. Eddie held a gleam of eagerness in his eye, freeing himself of his strap around his neck and hopping off the stage with his guitar in hand. “Here comes your boy.” Mollie muttered to her lap, Y/n’s head snapping up to meet his smiling gaze striding up to her.

“How’d you like it?” He asked the table, though kept his eyes on Y/n. The girls collectively agreed and smiled, throwing out compliments that made his cheeks and ears pinker than they were from being winded as the rest of the guys joined the table.

“The guitar solo—mind melting.” Y/n commented with a coy smile and taking a sip of her drink. Eddie nodded approvingly, “Thank you, thank you.”

Gareth stood behind Stella’s seat and rested his hands gently on the back before looking down at Y/n. “Hey, Y/n/n, why don’t you help Eddie here take his guitar to the van out back? I know he’d appreciate it so much.” He cooed with a saccharine smile that sent the table into poorly repressed snickers.

“Y’know, Gareth, I think that’s the best thing I’ve heard come out of your mouth.” Y/n answered, tilting her drink all the way back to finish it. Eddie’s eyes went wide as he looked at his best friend next to him, who sent him a wink as the girl stood from her seat and sent Eddie a look with her brows raised, “C’mon.” She said, taking his free hand and pulling him along, refraining from glancing back at his lovesick gaze to avoid further teasing from their friends.

When they got outside and reached the light pole they’d stood under previously, Eddie spun her around and gently pulled her close by her waist, his eyes fixed on hers with earnesty. “Hi, angel.” He said to her quietly like that was the first time he had greeted her that evening.

“Hi, Eddie.” She pushed a curl behind his ear, a move that made him blush again and avert his eyes to his black boots that happened to closely resemble her own, placing his hand over hers to keep it in place a moment longer.

“Can I ki—“ His request was interrupted by her lips crashing onto his, a low groan rumbling from his throat as he melted into her touch, almost forgetting he was holding the neck of his guitar in one hand as he tried to pull her closer.

He pulled back reluctantly, sprinkling pecks all over her mouth before he pulled back for good, “I need both arms to hold you, come on, I’ll tuck her in, then it’s just you and me.” He joked, throwing his arm over her shoulders and walking with her around the building.

Eddie couldn’t help but feel like a real rockstar leaving a gig with a groupie under his arm, not to mention the hottest. He grazed his fingers across her back and trailed them down her arm as he let go, opening the back doors of the van and immediately spotting the open guitar case.

“Here you go, baby.” He muttered, placing the instrument gently inside the velvet lined case and kissing his hand to run across the strings before closing it. “You really know how to treat your women, don’t you, Munson?” She asked, crossing her arms and admiring the sight.

“I strive to be a gentleman, what can I say?” He asked, moving the case up on its side to lean against the wall of the van. That’s when she noticed the added pillows and blankets it had rested on top of. Eddie busied himself by straightening the blankets, spreading another out on top to cover up with, it seemed. There sat a solid row of bed and throw pillows up against the back seat, the warm dim lighting set the mood greatly.

“Were you expecting some company?” She asked, her question freezing him on the spot before he turned around with alarm in his wide eyes. “I, uh, just assumed—I shouldn’t have thou—I’m so sorry,” He rambled, getting ready to shut the doors of the van and walk her back to the front when she walked up behind him and wrapped her arms around his middle, again, freezing him on the spot.

“Eddie…” She cooed, swaying them gently from side to side, then raised up on her tiptoes and pressed a kiss to the side of his neck. “Y-Yes?” He asked in a whisper. “Is this for me?” She asked softly next to his ear, a lip between her teeth as he shivered.

He turned to her, nodding, his fingers finding her waist and sliding his hands up underneath her jacket and roaming the curves her dress hugged so well. He felt his member throb the more she touched him and the more he touched her.

Her fingernails scratched his chest satisfyingly, the feeling sending another vibration up his throat as he nuzzled his nose into her neck and pulled her close. The smell of her warm skin was intoxicating, bewitching him and pulling him further under her spell. “You know, you’re all I’ve thought about since the moment I laid eyes on you.” He said through messy kisses to her neck, her knees growing weak at the sensation, the sentiment pulling a careless moan from her lips.

Eddie took the noise as encouragement, his movements becoming more deliberate and quick. “C’mere.” He growled, turning them around to the van and reaching to grab just underneath her ass to encourage her up and into the back.

She scooted back until she was all the way in, unlacing and kicking off her docs in the process while Eddie hopped in and shut the doors. She set about taking off her jacket as Eddie turned to take off his boots, smiling at her in wonderment as he did. She waited for him, sat on her calves with her hands in her lap. Eddie crawled over to her and took in her appearance; her tits peeking out of the top of her dress, the fish nets on her legs that begged to be ripped off.

“What do you think about?” She asked breathlessly as his lips hovered over hers.

“W-what?”

“When you think about me?” She asked, allowing herself to look deep into his eyes instead of making herself close her eyes or look away, she wanted to see him—to learn him.

Eddie smiled adoringly and set about kissing her jaw, chin, neck, and shoulders chastely; laying her down into the nest he created for them to hopefully spend the night. “I’ve thought about what you’d look like sleeping in my bed,” he chuckled against her skin.

Y/n softly gasped, egging him on. “I’ve thought about what I’d make for your breakfast in the morning,” he whispered below her ear against her neck, “and how you look when you wake up all sleepy and squinty eyed, I’ve wondered if you’re a morning person or not,” he sighed, slipping his fingers into hers and holding them beside her head again.

“Eddie..” She moaned, her mouth searching for his lips, “Do you think of me?” He asked, his front grinding into her middle as he hitched her leg around him, letting his hand greedily run up her thigh, dragging his fingers along the threads of her tights.

“Of course I do.” Y/n whispered, her free hand finding the side of his face. He leaned into her touch and sighed contently, his body going limp on her. She smiled as he unlaced his fingers from hers and wrapped his arms around her underneath him, caging her body in with his, though she wasn’t complaining.

“Oh, how I missed you, sweetheart.” He whispered, pressing his nose into the crook of her neck to smell her perfume and groaning as it filled him. She wrapped both legs around his torso as he settled in planting kisses on her in between the praises: ‘I swear, you’re the girl of my dreams’, ‘Been thinkin’ about the ways I wanna make you feel, baby..’, ‘Such a pretty girl..’

Y/n revelled in his voice, touch, and scent, gasping softly and arching her back, her legs turning to mush. “I love these.” He breathed with a smile, sticking his fingers through a few of the holes to squeeze her inner thigh better, making her lurch and giggle into him as he put his mouth against hers.

She mewled into his open mouth, whimpering as he echoed her sound back at her. “Tell me what else you think about, baby.” She said to him, throwing her inhibitions to the wind, ready to take a step.

Eddie’s lips smacked against hers, smearing their wetness across their mouths before disconnecting to answer her, her lips immediately honing in on his throat, licking and kissing as he struggled to get the words out, “It’s stupid, it’s-it’s- nothing sexy, really, it’s all purely domestic—“

“Tell me, Eddie.” She urged, sliding her hands under his shirt to rake her nails down his front, lightly enough to make him stretch like a cat and rut his hips into hers. “Oh, shit, baby, uh, I, think about what you look like when you make dinner, ahaha—“ he chuckled nervously, hoping it didn’t come off mysoginistic. Y/n bit her lip to repress a moan, feeling pathetic at the thought of him eating his own dinner and thinking of her.

“Or, or, or, getting ready for bed, I wanna know what your hair smells like when you just washed it, if you’re a bath or shower person, if you’re one of those girls that likes to wash their hair in the sink or not.” He mumbled as her lips reached his and she flipped them over to grind her hips down on him.

“You are such a sweet boy.” She whispered, finally sliding his shirt up his chest until he took it the rest of the way off then returning his hands to her waist, lightly digging his fingers into the thin material of the black dress.

This was the first time Y/n had enough light to notice Eddie’s fading scars, one wrapping around the back of his neck, another hidden underneath the dragon piece he had on his side. She ran her fingers over the edges of the marred skin, careful not to touch too much. Eddie froze giving her a chance to explore, and hoped she wouldn’t ask too many questions or be hindered by them.

She looked up at him with eyes that saw him, whether he understood the extent or not, he knew that much; that she saw him.

She placed tender kisses that traced the edge of the trail up to his neck, her tongue being awful generous. “Tell me more, I wanna hear it all.” She whispered next to his ear.

“I thought about you at the grocery store.” He blurted out as his eyes fell closed, his breathing running ragged. Y/n giggled, her hands roaming his chest between them, “Which section did it for you, huh?” She asked playfully, looking up at his face as his eyes opened. Her hands reached around the back of his neck to rest.

“It was the cereal.” He sighed, stroking her hand with his and looking between both of her eyes and then her lips. Her heart warmed and couldn’t help but chuckle before bringing him back in for a kiss, moaning into his lips as his hands found her ass to squeeze.

“Why cereal?” She asked, pausing her kisses.

“Uh, I just—I was wondering what kind you buy, and how I’d want to have it for you so I could, make you a bowl after we—“ he stopped at the sound of her slipping the straps of her dress down her shoulders until she could push the top of her dress down to her waist, his smile returning to his face instantly.

“After we.. what?” She teased, his eyes unmoving from her chest in awe.

“Oh god, how I’ve missed you guys.” He said to her breasts. “You guys? You’ve personified my tits already? Do you really think you know them like that?” She asked, leaning up with a smile as her sat up with her, attaching his lips to her nipple and sucking immediately, “Oh, fuck, Eddie.”

“If I ‘don’t know them like that’, how come they look so happy to see me?” He asked, his face resting in between them as his hands pressed them to his cheeks with a sigh. Y/n threw her head back and laughed on his lap, her pussy throbbing when he bounced her unexpectedly, watching and feeling her tits jiggle in front of him and sending a shockwave to her clit that rubbed against his screaming erection trying to escape his jeans.

“Oh, baby girl..” he growled in disbelief, letting go of her breasts and watching her on top of him. “I can’t believe I get to touch you again.” He whispered in awe before dragging his fingers up her thighs and grabbing onto the netting more fiercely, lightly scratching her skin as he did. “And these little things.. oh god.. it’s like you know me. I wanna, ugh—“ He said roughly, unable to finish his thought because he simply couldn’t resist mouthing and lightly gnawing the soft, tender flesh around her nipple.

“What do you wanna do with them, Eddie? Tell me—I wore them for you, tell me what to do with them.” She whined wantonously.

“ ‘wanna rip ‘em off you, baby..” he said lowly, his fingers curling up around the netting on the backs of her thighs, the tension making the threads dig into her skin deliciously as she whispered in anticipation, “Do it—Do it, Eddie, rip them off me, anything you want.” She mumbled against him excitedly, almost drunkenly.

Eddie pulled away to look in her eyes, hoping she wasn’t joking or exaggerating. “Yeah? You want me to?” He asked in disbelief. She nodded, a pathetic ‘mhm’ slipped from her lips as his hands slipped up to her breasts again, lightly grazing his fingertips over her skin to make her whimper.

“You wanna turn around for me, sweet girl?” He whispered into her ear, his hot breath rolling over her and making her weak as she nodded. Y/n released her grip on him and turned with the assistance of his hands, swiveling her hips, her palms meeting the blanketed floor of the van eagerly.

Eddie kept his tongue tucked between his teeth through a satisfied smirk, undoing his belt and unzipping his pants to give himself some relief, “Have you been treating this sweet pussy right since you’ve been gone?” He asked, bending over her back and hiking up her skirt around her bum, running a loving hand down the swell of it as he spoke, his other hand coming down to wriggle underneath hers, encouraging her fingers between his.

Y/n looked back at him with a look so desperate it was almost a pout and shook her head. “Aw, honey, no one else to fill you up the way you need?” He asked, dripping with mockery.

“I didn’t want anything else, Eddie.” She whispered, reaching back to cover his hand with hers. Eddie keened at her words, his dick jumping at the thought of her only being satiated by him, no other able to do what he was capable of.

“Oh, you did it. You really did it.” He said through clenched teeth, gripping the back of her tights as she arched her back, her ass pushing back onto him as he said so. “What are you gonna do about it? You gonna give me what I need?” She asked seductively, rubbing her back side against his groin, satisfied when she felt his solid member through the denim.

Eddie pulled the netting that covered her apart, much more than he meant to, really. He meant to tear the crotch out, enough to fuck her in her pretty outfit, but instead he ripped them clean in half, the mesh falling around her on the floor. Eddie realized then that she hadn’t worn any panties, the sight of her on her hands and knees and almost bare for him sent his dick pulsing.

Eddie hurriedly shoved his pants down his thighs, his cock slapping his stomach and brushing her ass on the process. Y/n bit her lip in anticipation, hearing his sounds as he moved around behind her.

“C-Can I get you naked, baby? I’m sorry, it’s just now that I got you like this, I just—I wanna see you. I wanna see all—“

She interrupted him by sitting back on her heels and unzipping the back of the dress to shove it down with the waistband of her now useless tights and returning to her previous position with her back arched and her hair loose down her back.

“C’mon, Eddie, show me what else you been thinking about.” She said, nudging his hard cock with her bare ass once more before he grabbed her hips and snaked a hand to her clit, playing with her bud gently before pressing a finger inside of her, a sigh of relief leaving her lips.

“Oh, yeah, that’s it.” He smiled at her dropped head. “You feel—ugh, I missed, I missed the way you feel.” She preened, his rhythm as he played her pussy absolutely impeccable.

“Is that your way of saying you missed me?” He asked next to her ear, bringing his other hand to cup her breast and play with it slowly. Y/n didn’t answer, only turned her head to slot her lips over his and lick his top lip, collecting his sweet taste on her tongue and bringing it back to savor before kissing his lips again.

Eddie breathed a hum against her, his pelvis grinding against her as she pressed back against him, their movements getting more intense the more they fell into rhythm with one another. “C-Condom?” She asked, reaching back to grab his hip.

Eddie reached over to the corner of the van, under a couple pillows to pull out a pack of condoms, the top of the box unopened. Y/n heart melted at the sight and sound of him opening the new box that he definitely purchased for them for tonight.

“20 pack, huh? That’s mighty ambitious for one night, don’t you think?” She asked with a smirk in her voice, sitting down on her side as she watched him unwrap the package and roll it onto his length. “Well, sweetheart, that’s because I plan on using most of these in future, you know?” He asked, his hand grazing up the side of her leg and tapping her hip as a signal to flip back over.

Y/n bit her worried lip, half wondering if he meant for them to be used on other encounters or if he put 20 condoms worth of stock into their connection. Instead of thinking about it too much, she focused on the way the heat between them felt when he leaned over her again to fondle her chest with both hands and rut against her backside a little bit longer, his hot breath teasing her ear as he licked and nibbled her earlobe, his fingers antagonizing both nipples at the same time and leaving her pussy dripping with little attention.

“Eddie..” she sighed, tilting her head to allow him further access. He gazed at the side of her face, eyes closed and mouth agape in hot pleasure. Eddie left a damp peck on her neck, “You gonna let me have your phone number after this? So maybe I can use more of these bad boys?” He chuckled dryly into her skin, referring to the condoms she worried about so shortly before, as if he could read her mind.

Y/n cracked a smile, her eyes opening just a touch before replying, “Fuck me first and then I’ll decide.”

Eddie grinned, gathering her hair in a ponytail and leaning back up. Y/n thought nothing of the tension she felt at the back of her head until she felt him wrap it around his hand, pulling a small gasp from her as he smeared her arousal around her weeping slit to enter her.

Y/n cried out as he pushed in, using her hair to pull her body back onto his cock, the air stolen from him as soon as he was buried inside of her. “Oh my god, Angel, I missed you, I missed you so much.” Eddie preened as he began to thrust lazily. He loosened his grip on her hair, keeping a light grasp on the end of the pony tail he gathered and playing with the ends absentmindedly.

“Eddie, you feel so good, please go faster—I’ve needed you so bad.” She urged, bouncing her ass off of his pelvis as he froze, watching her jiggle as she fucked herself on him.

“Oh, shit, baby,” he sighed, adjusting his grip onto her hips, the metal of his rings and his fingertips digging into the supple skin. “You have no idea how good it feels to hear you say that.” He laughed as his thrusts picked up to double speed, his smugness showing out as she moaned carelessly with her mouth wide open, already louder than she was last week.

“Oh, I think I do.” She managed before his fingers set about circling her clit again. “Yeah? You been thinking about me? You been trying to do what I do for you?” He asked down by her ear again, his nose pressed into the side of her head.

She nodded miserably, her eyes closed as her throat gave a weak ‘uh-huh’ in response as he pressed deeper on her clit. “You been saying my name? When you touch yourself thinking about me?” He teased. She nodded again to his surprise. “You think about me like I think about you?” He asked quieter, as if he asked for a sidebar during sex.

Y/n’s eyes fluttered open, turning her head to look at him again and leaning her forehead onto his before nodding. Eddie’s hungry eyes turned soft and warm, “Yeah?” He asked, his thrusts picking back up. “Tell me, sweetheart. I wanna hear about it, please?” He asked sweetly.

Y/n scrunched her eyes shut as he sat up again, using her hips to control their pace, keeping her from rocking back into him and satiating herself without indulging him first. “Uh.. I thought about—I thought about you when I watched Children of the Corn.” She struggled, Eddie’s movements stopping as he howled with laughter.

“I’m so—I’m sorry, y-you thought of me during a movie? That’s so cute, Princess. And a Stephen King horror? I’m impressed. What did you think about?” He asked, resuming his thrusts into her and leaning down to kiss her shoulder.

“I was thinking about if you’d seen it, if you’d liked it, i-if you’d watch it with me if I had your number to call you—“

“Of course I would, baby, you wouldn’t even need a phone—“ He sped up sloppily, pushing them both to the limit very quickly and unexpectedly, the wet slaps between them building with the pleasure in her stomach until he abruptly slowed down, his breath quickened.

“You just gotta walk outside and holler my name, I’ll be there in five seconds.” He panted out as he caught his breath. Y/n smiled, her eyes too heavy to open for the moment. “What else, baby? I wanna hear it all..” He spoke in a gravelly whisper, squeezing her hips in his hands again and starting another fair pace so she could talk.

“I, I—fuck. I had a dream about you.” She said, his strokes getting faster the more he liked what she said.

“Tell me.” He muttered.

“Uh, y-you were in my bed. You were in my bed and we were—oh god, Eddie, please make me cum.” She sighed desperately, tears collecting in her eyes as her climax approached and faded again as he stopped his movements against her.

“You gotta tell me, baby, what were we doing, huh? Were we goin’ at it? Were we sleeping? What is it, baby, tell me.” He urged, his hand slipping back down to her clit, his other reaching for her nipple to tweak and bother until she answered properly.

“I was—you were laying under me, on my pillow, and you were, ugh, you were so, fuck—“

His strokes to her pussy were enough to melt her brain, Eddie catching onto her powerlessness and slowing his movements, “Sorry, baby, I got excited.” He muttered against her hair in a kiss.

Y/n took a breath and continued, “You were so cute, just laughing and being.. you, and I just kept kissing you. Over and over and everywhere, and when I woke up I—“ she stopped, remembering what happened after the fact she realized she was by herself in her bed, yet again, and feeling alone and empty as ever.

“What?” He asked, his circles becoming more frivolous on her front, her orgasm creeping up on her steadily. “Uh, I, uh, don’t remember.” She muttered, rocking back against his dick. “C’mon baby, tell me.” He urged quietly, his arm wrapping underneath her and pressed her back to his chest as he did.

She shook her head, “Please, Eddie, I can’t take it much longer, please. Please, please, make me cum. I’ve wanted you so bad.” She whined, his pace picking up and posture suddenly straight.

“Don’t worry, I won’t make you wait anymore, baby, I’m gonna take good care of you, okay? Sweet girl with such a sweet— little—cunt.” He punctuated each word with a thrust, his smile returning when her sounds slipped from her open mouth.

“I wanna kiss you when I cum, Eddie.” She mumbled to him over her shoulder, her head weak from the pleasure coursing through her veins. The words from her mouth almost made him lose it himself, though the low groan he released seemed to curb the impulse.

Eddie stopped and pulled out of her, holding her hips steady as he turned her around to face him, her body feeling weak as she panted against him, leaning into his chest for a moment before they began again.

“C’mere, sweet girl. You wanna lay down for me?” He asked, nodding to the pillows below. She took a deep breath and nodded, her flushed skin making Eddie smile. She settled below him on the pillows, her eyes unreadable.

“Can I have this here?” He asked quietly as he hitched her leg over his shoulder and took her hand in his, laying it against the pillow. Y/n nodded, a sweet and relaxed smile stretching across her face, assuring him once more and giving him a smile of his own.

“Can I have this here?” She echoed, gently pulling his dick near her slit. Eddie chuckled heartily and nodded, “Yeah, baby, you have whatever you wa—uhhh—ohhh shit.” He groaned as she wrapped her other leg around his ass and pushed him inside of her until he was buried in her once again.

“I want you to fuck me, Eddie, and don’t stop, okay? Please, please, please,” she begged as he got rough with his movements, unafraid of slamming his hips into her the more she cried out for him.

“Just—like—that—oh—my—gooo—odd..” he fucked the words out of her lips with every thrust, his hand flying back down to her clit when her head fell back, her hair down in front of her shoulders, framing her pretty face and tits for him. He wanted to leave wet kisses all the way up the path of her torso, but decided he would the next time he got to fuck her.

“Yeah, baby, lemme hear it.” He whispered, rubbing her clit with more pressure on her mound as her walls began to flutter and construct around him, giving him the signal to start thrusting faster again as she came. “Eddie, fuck—kiss me, kiss me!” Her eyes opened, locking on his immediately as he dove down to encompass her lips with his own as he fucked his own orgasm into her quivering cunt, their lips wet and gasping for each other.

They stayed kissing long after their orgasms were over, just waiting for the other to pull back and end it, though neither of them did. They breathed through their noses against each other, their hands wandering one another’s hair and skin.

Eddie pulled the sheet over their bodies, the linen creating a tent above them as he wrapped his arms around her body and laid on top of her, her legs wrapping around his middle like a puzzle piece. They kissed once, twice, three more times, before parting and finding each other’s necks, burying themselves to hide away.

“You’re like a dream, you know that?” Eddie breathed, stroking her lower back with his fingers as his lips moved against her collarbone as he spoke. Their chests were pressed flat against one another, the hammering heartbeats taking time to sync. Y/n shook her head, her nose grazing the skin covering his jugular. “I’m far from it, Eddie, but you sure make me feel like I’m in one.” She smiled against him.

Eddie pulled back to kiss her forehead, her nose, and then her lips again, “Y’know you could spend more time here in dreamland if you gave me your phone number.” He sighed, his nose still resting against hers.

Y/n closed her eyes and drew her brows together like a curtain, the words and thoughts fleeing from her mind as soon as she wanted to use them. “What? What is it?” He asked, backing up to look at her better, removing the sheet from their heads.

“It’s not—I wasn’t, I don’t give my number to guys I meet at the bar,” she stumbled out, sitting up and holding the sheet over her chest, the exposure too vulnerable now. Eddie’s eyebrows raised, leaning back to listen and sit next to her.

“But I also don’t come back for seconds, like ever. Truly, the men in the bar scene of Indiana aren’t anything special, but.. but you are.” She shrugged. “I do wanna give you my number, Eddie, I just—”

BANG BANG BANG

“Yo, love birds, we gotta get going!” Gareth’s voice rang from the outside of the van, several pairs of hands battering against the two doors at the opposite end of the cab. Y/n and Eddie jumped, the boy diving to the mound of their clothes and tossing them to her lap as they hurriedly searched the pile and tugged on their clothes.

Y/n zipped up her dress as Eddie buttoned his jeans, tossing him his shirt as she grabbed her shoes to pull on and lace the quickest she could as they listened to the echoing laughter from outside.

She slung her jacket around her shoulders, fixing her hair and collar as Eddie pulled his shoes on but not bothering to lace them. They looked at each other in silence before Eddie reached out to smooth her hair and wipe the runny mascara from beneath her eyes. “Perfect.” He mumbled, his forlorn look breaking her heart as he opened the doors.

“About time! You know time doesn’t stop when you’re in there, right?” Mollie teased with a cigarette between her fingers. Y/n rolled her eyes and crossed her arms over her chest, turning to Eddie.

“You gotta pen?” She asked him, a smile reaching her eyes as his lit up. “Does anybody have a pen?!” He turned and hollered to their friends occupying the alley.

Jeff immediately held up a pen as the others searched their jacket and pants pockets, the girls looking in their wallets and purses. Eddie caught the pen with ease, holding out his hand patiently, his eyes never leaving hers.

She carefully wrote out the numbers, making sure to write clearly and roundly. “Calling after.. 8.. works the best. But… if you call before then.. I think I could manage.” She bit her lip as she placed the pen in his hand, melting at the smile he sent her; as if nothing else on the planet mattered more.

Eddie leaned down and gave her one last strong and lingering kiss, his hands wrapping around her waist and squeezing as her arms found his neck.

The headlights of Stella’s car flashed them twice, ceasing their kiss, “C’mon, Y/n/n, we can’t keep your boy waiting!” Mollie yelled over the engine noise, her words sending an atomic bomb to Eddie’s heart.

His heart stopped in that moment, looking from the car to the girl in his arms. “Your boy?” He asked, releasing her and stepping back, the look in his eyes now replaced by one of unfamiliarity, as if he were looking at a stranger. Y/n shook her head, panicked, “Eddie, no, that’s not it—“

“I should’ve known—you know, you could’ve just fucked me the one time and let me have that to hold onto, but no, you had to come back here, and make me feel like somebody, and make me think we’re gonna be something, give me, what, a fake number to call when you have a boy at home? I dunno, man, I thought we had a connection or something—guess that’s just me being naive or whatever. Anyway, I gotta go, see ya, Y/n.” He said, turning on his heel and burying his hands in his pockets as he stalked off to the front of the building.

Y/n stood with her mouth open, her stomach feeling like she just got punched. Instead of chasing after him, she scoffed and paced to the car, opening the door roughly and closing it, taking care not to slam it.

“What was that??” Kathy asked, worried. “Before I could tell him about Danny, Mollie mentioned my boy.” Y/n clenched her jaw and turned to Mollie, whose eyes went wide with shock, sputtering out apologies. “Y/n, I’m so sorry, I wasn’t thinking, I-I can go talk to him! I can explain—“

“No, Molls, it’s okay. He wasn’t willing to hear me out, he can fuck off. It doesn’t matter.” She said, her walls raising with her arms across her chest and a stone look set on her face.

The car was silent, the girls looking amongst one another for words to give in order to fix the situation for their hurt friend. Instead, they drove home, Dio on the radio, their friend wordlessly leaving the car and entering her home without a glance back.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

A couple days later, Robin stood at the Family Video counter with Steve, the store phone between them as they listened intently to Y/n’s voice recount the events of Friday night over the receiver.

Steve made reactive facial expressions and mouthed questions like ‘Danny who?’ Or ‘Eddie? Our Eddie?’ while Robin took care to keep her hand over the mouthpiece to avoid blowing Steve’s eavesdropping operation, besides, what kind of friend would she be if she didn’t let him in on the family drama, especially since it involves Eddie.

“—He didn’t even give me the chance to tell him my boy isn’t a man! Can you believe that? I mean, if I had a man why would I be trying to explain myself?” She vented exasperatedly over the phone. Steve looked up through the windows at the parking lot noticing the familiar black van parking and elbowing Robin to notice.

Robin gasped as her eyes narrowed on Eddie’s approaching figure, holding a stack of movies to return. Robin set her jaw determinedly, “Y/n, I’m gonna have to call you back—yeah, a customer's coming in and I have half a mind to rip him a new one.” She hung the phone up as the bell rang, her eyes trained on Eddie with a cold fierceness he’d never seen before.

“You sure have a lot of guts coming in here after what you did.”

“Hey, Robin.. you okay?” He asked tentatively.

“I’ll be fine, I just take it pretty personally when it comes to my family.” She shrugged, accepting the pile of returns he sat in front of her and tossing them in the return pile. “Uh, Robs, you gotta check those in.” Steve said, pointing at the pile that would soon get a late fee if not checked in properly.

“I’ll decide later if I wanna check them in or not.” Robin snapped, her eyes unwavering from Eddie’s as he stood confused, looking at Steve for help. Steve raised his hands in surrender, “Hey you fucked her cousin, not mine!”

Eddies eyes widened, looking back at Robin in shock. “W-w-wait, Y/n is your cousin??” Eddie shook his head in disbelief as Robin shook her head, “No, actually she’s not. Her son is though.” She nodded matter of factly as the information set in for Eddie.

“Her, what??” He asked.

“You remember my cousin Adam? His picture’s, like, everywhere in my mom’s house?” She asked, leaning forward.

Eddie nodded, remembering the circumstances of Adam’s death, yet still confused as to why this has anything to do with Y/n.

“Adam and Y/n were together, like forever. As long as I knew Adam, I knew Y/n—I’m talking practically married, Ed,” She implored, her eyes filling with emotion. “When Adam died, Y/n was pregnant with my nephew, Danny.” She said quieter as Eddie’s eyes shifted to the counter in front of him, his brows drawn together in thought.

He clenched his jaw in disappointment with himself, flipping his hand over and looking at the space the phone number occupied before he furiously scrubbed it in the shower through angry tears that night.

“She started going out a year after Danny was born, but hasn’t been interested in anyone since Adam.. til your sorry ass showed up.” She scowled, crossing her arms over her chest again as he looked up at her sorrily.

“I-I didn’t know, I-I just, when I heard she had a boy to get home to I—“

“—Assumed the worst and left to save face before you started crying like a little bitch? Yeah, I know, she told me everything already. You really hurt her, you know? Do you have any idea how much it took for her to go see you again?” She shook her head at him, noting the worry in his eyes as he took a lip between his teeth and tapped his rings on the glass anxiously.

“C-Can I have her phone number?” He asked.

Robin thought for a moment, grabbing a pen and a post it note, “I’ll do you one better,” she scribbled down an address and handed it to him. “She’s off work today, no plans. Go talk to her.” Robin said simply, grabbing the stack from the bin to check them in properly.

“W-what? Just show up at her house? That’s crazy, Robin.” He held the note and shook his head incredulously.

“Give me the note.” She held her hand out, writing a short note on the back ‘I sent his sorry ass! -Robin’ and handing it back to him. “Here, now she’ll know you aren’t a creep. Now go apologize to her and make her smile again!” She urged, shoving him away from the counter as Steve escorted him the rest of the way to the door.

“You got this, Munson, apologizing for being an idiot is half of your part in the relationship.” Steve closed the door behind him and smiled to himself as he watched the boy jog to his van and peel out of the parking lot.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

Y/n sat outside on the lawn next to the driveway, clad in shorts and a tank top, a rainbow of chalk dust covering most of her skin as she watched Danny scribble over a flower garden she drew for him.

“Look it, mama, I color your flowers!” He gestured to the ground like Vanna White showing a new car on Wheel of Fortune. Y/n made a show of being surprised at the new colors covering her artwork,

“Oh my goodness, they’re so lovely! How about the sunshine? Can you draw one for the flowers?” She asked, handing him a yellow chalk. He took it with a smile and a tongue between his lips as he did his best to draw a circle for a sun.

As she admired the ever changing silhouette of her son’s face, she heard the squeak of breaks coming from the curb behind them, in front of the house. She turned, her jaw dropping at the sight of the black van she was well acquainted with parking in front.

“Danny, come here, I have to go in the house real quick.” She said hastily scooping the boy up and holding his head to her chest as she took quick steps to the sidewalk, “Mama, you’re so fast!” He giggled as she picked up her pace when she heard her name come from Eddie’s mouth.

“Please, can we talk?” He asked louder as she ran inside the house. Eddie’s heart pounded at the sight of her with her child, the boy’s curls and converse clad feet burned in his mind’s eye for whatever reason.

He took a steadying breath and shut the door, walking across the grass and up the porch steps to knock on the door, only half expecting for her to answer.

After a moment he debated walking back to the van and hoping she’d show up at the bar some other Friday, when the knob turned and the door opened enough for her to stick her upper half out, the sounds of cartoons playing from inside.

“Can I help you??” She asked, ferocity burning in her eyes. “B-Before you get angrier, I have a note—from Robin,” He said carefully, as if she were an animal that had him cornered. Eddie took the note from his pocket, holding it out to her and avoiding her eyes as she snatched it up.

Y/n sighed as she read Robin’s familiar writing, knowing she wouldn’t send Eddie to her house for a weak reason. “Okay, let’s hear it.” She shrugged, opening the door slightly wider.

“Okay, well, uh, I’m not sure if Robin’s told you much about my status here in good ‘ole Hawkins, but, uh, no one, and I mean no one, is a fan of me. I’ve been labelled the town freak since I moved here, I don’t have many friends, I repeated senior year three times, I receive part of my income from selling weed, I live in a trailer with my uncle because we’re so broke it’s sad, and I spend most of my time organizing games for a group of high school nerds to play for a few hours on a Thursday night. I am not a prize, I am not someone that gets female attention easily, and then suddenly, there’s you. Singing to my music, smiling at me, laughing at my jokes, making me laugh—listening to me, oh my god, you’re great at that. And you wanted me. I was fully prepared for you to laugh in my face when I asked if I could buy you a drink, let alone get to have the time we had together—twice! Ugh. I just—when I heard ‘your boy’ I assumed—“

“I know you did—“ She said, her breath catching.

“—I was scared.” He whispered, shrugging his shoulders and shaking his head. “It’s not an excuse, but I just felt so.. disposable.. when I heard that. W-When I said I thought we had a connection I meant it, truly. And I still do. If you’ll accept my apology, cause I’m so deeply sorry that I didn’t listen to you, that I jumped to conclusions, and accused you of being anything less than honorable. You’re amazing, really. Even more so now than I thought you were before..”

Y/n breathed deeply, her eyes shining with tears, as she listened to him. “So what now?” She asked.

“Now, I wanna show you how sorry my sorry ass is and make it up to you. Take you on a proper date, hear about the rest of your life.” He gestured to the house, his eyes glancing behind her to the head of curls he caught outside.

Her son’s wide brown eyes stared into him with a bewilderment that matched that of Curious George. “Especially this part.” He smiled, looking from her back to the boy. Danny walked up to his mother’s leg, holding it and peeking out timidly, though not scared.

Y/n placed a loving hand on top of Danny’s head, unsure of what to do. She didn’t want to be the mom that introduced her kid to everyone, though she knew it wouldn’t hurt if they kept it strictly friendly in front of Danny.

Eddie looked hesitant, like he wanted to do something but didn’t know if he had permission, looking from her back to the boy again, comparing their faces and trying to see what parts of her were in him.

“Uh, Danny, this is my friend Eddie, can you say hello?” She asked, bending down to talk to him, Eddie following suit without a thought.

“Hi, Yeti.” Danny said with a quiet smile and looking down at his shoes, anywhere but Eddie’s face. Eddie smiled anyway, recognizing that tendency in himself immediately. “Hey, Danny, it’s nice to meet you!” Eddie greeted the shy child.

Danny avoided his eyes, “Sorry, he can be a little shy.” Y/n explained as her son hugged her thigh tighter.

“Oh, no worries, I was too. I won’t bother ‘em,” he assured, standing from the ground. “Robin mentioned hanging out with her nephew a couple times now that I think about it.”

Danny’s eyebrows shot up, “Robby?” He asked.

“Oh, yeah, I’m friends with Robby, she’s the coolest!” Eddie nodded, looking at Y/n for assurance he was on the same page as her son, she nodded, poorly repressing a smile. “Do you play dragons with Robby, too?” The little boy asked with wonder in his eyes.

Eddie raised his eyebrows this time, “Oh, do I? I play dragons all the time! You play dragons?” Eddie asked, his heart strings tugging as the boy nodded eagerly, loosening his grip and looking up at his mother.

“Can Yeti come in and play?” Danny asked, looking from his mom to his new friend in the doorway. Eddie froze, suddenly feeling as if he overstepped, worried he made it weirder as soon as things started to look up for them.

“Uh, baby, I dunno if he has time today, but, uh—” she looked up at Eddie with the same wide, nervous eyes that he wore to look at her with. “—Maybe we could ask our new friend if he wants to come in for dinner tonight..?” She shrugged as she stood up to her full height.

The silence between them was thick, every other noise around them buzzing more than they should; the cicadas, the tv, the distant traffic noise— it was all suffocating.

“I would love to come over and have dinner.. and play dragons.” He said with an unstoppable smile looking between the two prettiest people he’d ever seen. Y/n bit her lip and guided her son out of the way to open the door further, stepping aside to let Eddie in.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

Danny quickly led Eddie on a tour of the house, starting with his room. He introduced ‘Yeti’ to his toys, pointing out all of his hung up artwork scattered about the walls, images of dragons, unicorns, fairies, and knights on grand adventures. Eddie couldn’t help but wonder how much of the artwork belonged to Y/n, and where his little brain heard about such creatures and travels.

“This is the bathroom, but make sure you put the seat down and wash your hands or else mama gets frust-ated.” Danny said seriously. Eddie snickered at the information, nodding at the three year old, “Got it, buddy.”

Danny would stop at every shelf to explain the significance of the people in the frame or what the artwork in the movie posters depicted, including names of knick knacks and if they were allowed to play with them or not.

“We can’t have these, though, they’re very ‘portant.” He’d said while holding a ceramic frog that he’d had Eddie hand him, Eddie holding a similarly styled duck with alarm, “We’re not supposed to have these??” He collected the frog from Danny’s outstretched arms, his head shaking ‘no’ as Eddie returned the small figures to their places and ushering the child away quickly.

Y/n got a kick out of watching Danny run Eddie around, but she was even more thrilled when Eddie kept up, showing interest in each thing Danny thought to show him and asking questions even if they went unanswered by the scatterbrained toddler.

“Welcome to the family room!” He announced, bringing the tour back to the front of the house.

Eddie scanned the room, looking into the kitchen at the angel cutting food at the counter, her eyes flashing up to his with a small smile as he felt a tug on his hand to look at the pictures on the mantle.

“That’s my Gigi! And Robby, and mama, and my daddy!” Danny pointed to the smiles in the dusty gold frame, scrubbing his small index finger over the glass to see everyone clearly.

“Oh yeah? You sure look like your dad, don’t you?” Eddie asked. Danny nodded, “Do you look like your dad?” Danny asked. Eddie puffed his cheeks out, thinking about the old man’s face the last time he saw him, before he drove away from the Forest Hills trailer park eleven years ago.

“Kind of, but my uncle tells me I look a lot like my mom.” He mentioned, unaware Y/n was busy in her head figuring out what parts of Eddie belonged to his mother, and then wondered where she was.

Danny nodded, “Where is your mom?”

Eddie balked, his head snapping up at the silence of Y/n’s knife against the cutting board. She stood behind the counter with a similar expression to Eddie, the two silently drowning in embarrassment.

“Uh, I’m not sure! I never really had one, but that’s okay! Sometimes people don’t have moms, you know? Keeps things interesting! I have an Uncle Wayne instead of a mom and dad.” He shrugged. Y/n released a breath she was holding, the tension melting from her shoulders as her heart warmed at his explanation.

“Ohhh, right! Like I don’t have a dad, I just have a mom instead.” He replied eagerly. Y/n’s jaw dropped at her son’s words and rushed around the counter, her chest tight and head empty of words to say to either of the boys in her living room.

“Danny, that is an.. astute observation..but you do have a daddy, he just couldn’t be here, that’s all.” She managed to keep her voice steady and casual as she looked at her confused little boy. “Ohh, right, that’s what Gigi told me.”

“I’m sorry—” Eddie shook his head in a whisper as she stood and looked at him with wide eyes. “No, no, I’m sorry—he tends to ask the questions no one else wants to.” She shrugged with a tense smile, leaning over to turn on the television, hoping Sesame Street would be on by now.

“Hey—those are the best kinds of people, very honorable and caring, too.” He nodded assuringly, putting her nerves to rest in the easy way he could. Y/n sighed and nodded back to him, walking back to the kitchen counter and pulling out a stool for him to sit on next to her as she cut vegetables.

Eddie’s cheeks warmed as he left the family room to sit on the seat reserved for him. “Take off your jacket, stay a while.” She nudged him with her elbow as she placed another zucchini on the board. Her shoulders tensed again, her demeanor much more focused and rigid than before. Eddie understood more now why she needed to get out once a month—though Eddie planned on changing that if he could help it.

Before he could lay it in his lap, Y/n held out a hand for his jacket. He handed it to her, watching her quick steps to the coat rack by the door, hanging it on a branch of the tree the stand imitated.

Eddie sent her a smile on her way back, his eyes glittering in the dimming daylight as he rested his chin on a content hand. “What?” She scoffed through a blushing smile, setting up her skillet with zucchini, oil, and seasonings.

Eddie shrugged, “I just didn’t think I’d get this far when I decided I needed to know you.” He said and then sighed.

Y/n looked at him for a moment then away with a shake of her head. “You scare me.” She said like a woman unafraid and dusted her hands of the excess spices.

Eddie looked almost offended, though he hoped she was joking. “Not you, too.” He said hopelessly. Y/n crinkled her brows at him as she turned to put the pan in the oven. “I, mean, like, I can’t… figure you out.” She said as she set the timer.

“What’s there to figure out? I say everything I think.” He asked with a shrug.

“Exactly, no one does that. What’s your game here, Eddie, for real, this time.” She asked with suspicion narrowing her eyes.

Eddie shook his head and sputtered for a moment. “I’m just doing what you’re doing, ba—Y/n, shi—crap! Ugh! I’m sorry.” He muttered with a hand clamped over his mouth. Y/n giggled and shook her head at him for the thousandth time, leaning over the same warm stove that made her think of him a week ago this day.

“All I’m trying to say, is that I like you, I like who you are, a lot.”

“And who am I?” She asked curiously.

“You’re kind, and determined, and funny and beautiful. You shoot tequila like a champ, your music taste is top tier, you don’t like feeling vulnerable, and that’s okay, I used to not like that either, but-but I think you could be, with me. I hope you could.” He shrugged his shoulder, nervousness creeping in.

“I know you’re a hard worker because you work two jobs and you’re a single teen mother, and I respect the hell out of that, truly! And I like your kid, he’s cool as he—eck. Cool as all get out, really. That’s gotta mean you’re a good mom, having a good kid like that and all. And if it’s cool with you, I’d like to hang around here every once in a while—with my friend Danny and his pretty mom.” He smiled, speaking quieter at the end of the sentence.

Y/n’s eyes glanced to the living room, her son perched on a mound of pillows, sucked into the tv with a blanket covering him. She looked back to Eddie and stepped over to the fridge, away from the doorway Danny was visible through, and nodded at him to leave his seat.

Eddie’s eyes lit up, his quiet smile growing more eager as he bound over to her, her smile sending butterflies rushing through his body as she pulled him in for a relieving kiss. He tried so hard to keep from smiling as her hands found his hair, burying her finger at the nape of his neck while his hands grabbed at her arms and then her waist to pull her closer for the short and passionate embrace.

When she pulled back, she kissed his forehead once before walking over to stir the sizzling pan, Eddie taking his seat happily; sitting and watching her cook just like he’d imagined a week ago, this day.

Part 3

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