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writeritd · 3 months ago

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Silver spoon

Pairing: Lottie Matthews x fem!reader

Summary: Can a relationship work out, when both of you have a different definition of growing up with privilege?

You sit at your desk carefully stitching up your shirt, it had ripped at the back while you pulled it over your shoulders after practice. You cut through the thread observing your stitch work. It was noticeable, you knew that, but you didn’t want to throw it out. It was one of your more expensive ones. There’s a knock at your room door, your mum peaking her head inside “I’m home from work love” she looked tired, supporting her nurse scrubs with a yawn waiting to escape her mouth. You give her a smile trying to hide the shirt from her “hey, do I have to ask?” she lets out a laugh “you know you don’t” she enters laying her hand on your head giving your forehead a kiss “what happened here?” you sigh letting the shirt drop, she stares at it “honey you don’t have to stich that up, we’ll get you a new shirt” forcing a smile you both knowing your savings wouldn’t support that idea. You brush her offer off holding it up proudly “I like it. Makes it look more grungy don’t you think?” she moves her hand through your hair “it does” she’s giving you that look of guilt you despise. It breaks your heart. Searching a reason to switch the topic you let out “I made spaghetti, dad should be home any minute” your mum nods looking down at her scrubs “I’ll get changed” “and I’ll set the table” you make your little deal and separate out of your bedroom. Your parents insist you should have the bedroom, them sharing the pull out couch you have in your living room.

You set down the last pieces of cutlery just as the main door opens your dad steps inside. He spots you right away “wow” he dramatically lets out “your old man comes home and no hug?” You roll your eyes, a smile forming on your face while walking over to him and he embraces you in a tight hug lifting you up “you’re breaking my bones dad” you wheeze out wiggling in his grip, he sets you down “oh come on my future nationals star can handle a proper hug” he gives you a goofy grin ruffling your hair, which you fix right away. He inhales the scent of the food you had just sat down “you cooked” he leans in to whisper “thank god” your mother comes up behind him slapping him on the back of his head “I heard that” he embraces her in a hug as well giving her a quick kiss “I didn’t mean it like that!” she pushes him off with a laugh “whatever you say mister”.

You all go to your unofficial assigned seats, your dad putting the food on each plate. He directs his gaze to you “so how was your day honey?” you shrug your shoulders the day not seeming all that special “school, practice, the usual” he raises his brow at you “nothing special? No one special to see?” heat rises to your cheeks knowing who he’s hinting at. Lottie Matthews. Your fellow Yellowjacket teammate, that you’ve been dating for about three months now. Your parents didn’t have much to offer you when it came to material things, but god knows that they spoiled you in love and acceptance. You play with your spaghetti “I might have seen Lottie at school yes, because we go to the same school” you can’t help but be sarcastic at the end of your statement. Your parents share a knowing look between each other, nothing makes them happier than your happiness.

You look to both of them “speaking of.. so there’s this trip coach Martinez and coach Ben organised, it’s to some museum about the history of soccer” you continue mindlessly turning your food around “the trip is fifty dollars” your dad whistles out a breath “that’s gotta be some museum” you lay your fork down now “travel costs included” they try to hide it, but you notice that look. They share it every time. You pick your fork up “but I don’t even want to go, Nat and I already said we’ll just go to the mall instead” taking some of the food into your mouth. Your mum lays her hand over your free one “baby we’d love for you to go, but-“ you swallow your food, the lump in your throat that’s filled with a guilty feeling of hurt making it harder than you’d like to admit. You stand up from the table “I’m not that hungry at the moment” your parents nod, excusing you from diner.

When you enter your room you can’t help but let a tear slide down your cheek, quickly wiping it away. You knew you shouldn’t have brought it up.

The next day you exit your small house Nat already having made her way from her house which was so close you were basically neighbours. She moves closer to you “so? what did they say?” you shake your head “still up for those mall plans?” she gives you a small smile “of course, I didn’t even dare to ask” she lets out a small laugh, trying to hide the fact she was pissed. Nat and you grew up together, even though both your parents hated each other, for completely different reasons. You don’t know how often Nat has sneaked out of her home to just have a quiet night at yours. Your parents accepting her with open arms.

On your way to school Nat is trying to finish her cigarette before the first bell goes off. And not all to long after you see her. Your girlfriend, who’s sporting a new outfit you don’t recognise, her line of direction aiming towards you. She throws her arms around your neck giving you a short but powerful kiss making Nat let out a gagging sound. Lottie turns to her with a smirk “jealous that all your lips are touching are a cigarette?” you blow out some air “oh Nat, there’s no recovering from that” Nat waves her hands around “hey ehm, how about you go ehm fuck yourself Lottie” Lottie laughs while Nat throws the cigarette on the ground crushing it with her boot. Lottie has her attention back on you “did you ask your parents about the trip?” you’d hoped she wouldn’t bring it up, but of course she did. She’s Lottie. You shake your head “didn’t get the chance” she pouts at you “it’s this friday babe” you sigh out not wanting to reveal the truth. It was shameful having to admit to your girlfriend that your parents couldn’t afford a fifty dollar trip when she can easily get anything at the snap of her fingers.

Nat sees you uncomfortably shift and makes up an excuse “actually, I was thinking, I’m not gonna be able to afford that shit, maybe you take me to the mall? The museum will be boring anyways” her excuse earns a disapproving look from Lottie “what? That doesn’t feel right” she puts a hand on your shoulder simultaneously putting the other on Nats “you both have to be there” the bell interrupts your conversation, Lottie is quick to turn in the direction of the main entrance, Nat shrugs her shoulders at you out of ideas herself. You have to hold yourself back from letting out a verbal groan.

After school it’s no surprise that Lottie turns up at your locker not without pressing a kiss to your cheek “what are you doing now?” you put away some books a sarcastic reply yearning to come out “putting away my books” she rolls her eyes a smile evident on her lips “now after school” you turn to her mirroring her smile “Nat and I were just gonna hang out at the 7/11” she lets her hand move over your arm making goosebumps appear by the tingling sensation taking your hand in hers “that’s to bad, I was thinking maybe you would want to come over to my place” the look she has in her eyes makes your breath hitch in your throat “I actually hate the 7/11” her smile becomes even brighter than the one she was supporting before. You close up your locker throwing your bag over your shoulder “let’s go!” she laughs softly “don’t you want to let Nat know first?” “she’ll know” you tell her grabbing her hand to pull her with you. Nat and you just have a sixed sense when it comes to these things, she’s ditched on you for Kevyn Tan more than once, and you couldn’t care less.

While in Lotties car you fumble with her big collection on cds, because of course her new car that she got for her birthday had a cd player “you don’t even listen to half of this stuff Lott” her eyes shift to you for just a second “but you do” as if it was the most obvious thing for her to buy multiple new cds just because you like them. You’re planing on burning one for her with songs you two have in common and have let fade into the background when you and her first started feeling something more than a friendship happening between you, shy glances and blushing cheeks when the other caught on.

Lottie and you always had this sort of tension. Whether it was on the field, at school or outside of school. There was always something.

The day the two of you had met your feelings towards her confused the shit out of you. She was the most beautiful girl you had ever seen. Then the way she played at the tryouts, you were captivated. She moved so effortlessly and never missed. Your heart raced and your hands were trembling when the two of you got teamed up to prove your strength in the 7-meters kick. Nat patted your back “good luck with the princess” laughing at her own joke. Lottie had turned to you taking a big step to be closer “I’m Lottie” she introduced herself with a confident smile it faltering a tiny bit when she met your gaze. You were so nervous about that. What was her first impression of you? You had smiled back, it wasn’t filled with half the confidence she was radiating “Y/n” you simply told her. Her smile softened a bit “Y/n, that’s a pretty name” she let her eyes travel over you “so what’s your favourite position?” shock paralysed your body, your eyes squinted in confusion, cheeks probably red, when you didn’t reply she shrugged “I’m going for centre back or sweeper” a coldness ran over your back when you realised the direction of her question “something in midfield” you breath out. Lottie puts her hand on your arm “I’m gonna get us a ball” running off. She was gone so fast. Nat came up behind you throwing her arm over your shoulder laughing “you are so hopeless” “it’s charming” you argue back, you both start bickering at each other, so neither one of you noticed the way Lottie had thrown a look over her shoulder towards you. A small smile at the corner of her lips, a feeling of curiosity about who you were.

And from then on Lottie and you were inseparable. If there was a one on one training no one would dare ask one of you to team up with them. At the yellowjackets table in the cafeteria you two would automatically sit next to one another, one time Lottie had to stay behind in class so when she got there she saw you squeezed between Nat and Mari. When she walked over she stood there for a second till Mari caught her directed gaze moving to the side so Lottie could go sit by you, not without mumbling something about you two being gay under her breath. Neither of you caught that already falling into a private conversation, Nat giving your teammates a knowing look.

That day you also had to walk home your mum had to take a shift up and your dad was working overtime. They always took any chance of work hoping it would increase some differences in their bank account. When it started to rain you took your umbrella out, when opening it, it had broken at the first gust of wind. Fucking cheap shit. You threw it into the nearest bin. Your heart started racing once you noticed a car slowing down next to you, you were about to speed up when the window rolls down “need a ride?” Lottie had looked at you, like she had never looked at anyone before. Usually Lottie would rather be caught dead than let someone get in her car soaking wet. But this was you. You hesitated a bit, but looking at the clouds above you knew the weather was just going to get worse. When you entered you shuttered, the warmth of the car heating up the cold of your body. Lottie moved to the back seat and grabbed a jean jacket for you “want this?” you had read the label 'Calvin Klein' quickly you had denied it “thank you but I’ll just get it wet, it looks expensive” Lottie laughed at that “not at all, my dad got it for me” handing it to you “please, I don’t want you catching a cold” reluctantly you pulled it over your back, and you couldn’t deny it did help with warming up. Especially since you already felt warmer when you noticed the jacket smelling of Lotties perfume. Suddenly Lottie allowed herself to lean over your body to get the seatbelt “here let me, warm up a bit” your eyes followed her movements as the click of the seatbelt brought you back from your trance. When she’s back in her seat she grabs her steering wheel “where to?” that was the moment you had realised you would have to give her your address. The two of you had never shared a ride home together. It was too late to step out of the car, you would have looked crazy. No reason to make the situation worse than it was going to be you give your address. The car ride was filled with Lottie complaining about some assignment she had to finish, you listened contently with a soft smile as if she wasn’t cursing out your teacher. Her rambling cutting off when she neared the entry way of the trailer park home. She had looked around, her face being unreadable. When her eyebrows furrowed you were ready to defend yourself and your neighbourhood when she asked “how do I get to your house number?” you were baffled you expected a snarky comment or a rude joke, yet that never came from her. She was genuinely just confused by the structure, nothing more. When you explained it to her she smiled shortly after pulling up to your home “sorry, I didn’t want to come off stupid” you let out a laugh “never in my eyes” you were about to take her jacket off when she stops you “keep it” you didn’t want her to give you her jacket just because she thought you couldn’t afford it yourself. You took it off, a flash of hurt crossed her eyes “don’t worry, I’ve got a jacket myself” she held the jacket playing with the button on it “can I give it to you after our date tomorrow?” she had asked you with that confident tone which was mixed with a short nervous quiver “yeah sure, whatever Lotts” you had snapped back actually hearing the sentence she had said before “wait, date tomorrow?” she met your eyes “if you’ll let me” you had nodded so fast your head could have ripped off “hell yeah!” was all you had replied earning that beautiful laugh of hers.

So sometimes, a lot of times, you wonder how you had gotten so lucky. You felt like you were in one of those cheesy coming of age books that Shauna sometimes reads in secret, not wanting to break her mysterious Emily Brontë aesthetic. The girl from nothing and the girl from everything. Lottie never cared about your financial status, sometimes she would even come over. She loved going to your house, there was such a familiar feeling, your parents would come home, and she was shocked the first time they called you both to diner and it was just the four of you at the diner table eating together, talking. She always wanted that. Someone who truly cares and tries to understand. Your parents never questioned anything, just welcomed her with loving arms. She loved your parents hugs.

You finally arrive infront of her home, she parks her car in the underground garage. She’s so fast with her movements, she’s out of the car faster than you can even unbuckle yourself, the door to your side being pulled open a hand extended to you. Gladly you take it and she helps you out. She points to her lips “payment for my services please” you shake your head with a playful smile, but don’t hesitate to pull her into a meaningful kiss your hand resting at the back of her neck. She closes the door with her foot, deepening the kiss and for a moment you two lose yourself in each other. The sound of someone’s car locking makes you pull away shy giggles escaping both your lips. Lottie grabs you by the wrist “let’s go up, my parents won’t be home anyways” you don’t catch the secret disappointment in her tone. Just happy to finally be somewhere else than school. Plus point for it being with your girlfriend.

When you enter her room you catch the familiar scent of her perfume mixed with fresh washing. You wonder how often her Maid does the bedding for it to always smell fresh. You discard your bag to the side questioning “so what do you want to do?” Lottie doesn’t give you a verbal answer, she grabs your face moving her thumbs over your cheeks in a gesture to pull you closer, her soft lips influencing yours in them. She slowly moves you to her bed guiding you down to the mattress letting herself straddle your lap. Her lips move with yours in a passionate motion, the only sound being soft breaths each of you let out once you pull away to catch a second of air. Your hands move under her shirt your fingers enjoying the feeling of her warm skin on them, you let your nails crawl down her back in a lazy manor enjoying the feeling of goosebumps build up just as she had done to you at your locker. You guide her down with you so you’re laying next to each other your lips never breaking apart. Her bed dips down her mattress feeling like a cloud on heaven and you’re ready to be taken. Lottie moves her hand over your back suddenly leaving your lips cold “what’s that?” you take a second to even register her question still in a haze from your little make out session. You try to reach behind your back “what’s what?” she goes over the little bump on the back of your shirt where you had stitched across yesterday “did your shirt rip?” you move closer to her trying to distract her “yeah, sucks. back to kissing” she pushes your upper body back a little “If you want we can go get you a new shirt” part of you knows she doesn’t mean anything negative by her suggestion, she just wants to get you a new shirt. Lotties first instinct was always to go buy you something as soon as she felt you wanted or needed it. You sit up “I don’t need a new shirt” she moves her arms around your waist “there’s a noticeable bump on the back of your shirt babe, you should get a new one” irritation rises in your chest as you shake your head “I don’t mind that, there’s not always a need for new clothes” Lottie sits up next to you “I guess, but wouldn’t you feel better with a new shirt?” there’s no thought behind her question, and you understand it comes from a view of privilege, being able to afford new clothes even if they aren’t even necessary. There’s a short silence till you break it “can we drop it?” Lottie looks at you with big eyes fighting a pout on her lips “yeah” silence fills the big room, a silence that hasn’t lingered between the two of you before. Usually silence goes hand in hand with comfort when you two are together. Late night embraces, day time embraces. You two hanging out together you doodling away in your notebook and Lottie painting her nails. Now it feels tight. Not one of you knowing how to continue.

The shirt starts feeling warm on you, it feels like it’s a sign of your status, so you slip it off your body laying it to the side. Lottie watches you a slight tilt of her head in confusion. She doesn’t get why you reacted so strongly towards her wanting to help out. She knows your parents don’t have the option of spending money as they please. Her mind leads her to her next question, maybe she shouldn’t ask, but she can’t help herself “are you going on the trip?” you know that she connected the dots, that you lied to her earlier “no Lott, my parents won’t be able to afford it this month” now her lips turn into that little frown you find cute, but hurts you in your guts “why didn’t you say anything? I can pay for the trip” your eyebrows furrow deeply at her offer, the usage of her naming the money of her parents as her money, the way she can just so nonchalantly decide to throw away fifty dollars “Lottie can you even imagine how shitty that would be for my parents if my girlfriend payed for a filedtrip?” her eyes meet yours as if that was the first time she ever let her mind open up to that fact, you sigh your hands moving over your face “no you probably can’t” “what does that mean?” she asks offended, crossing her arms “it means if you need money your parents don’t even question what for, you need a new shirt? You go and you get a new shirt, if you spent a hundred dollars on a fifty dollar field trip they wouldn’t even question it” she shifts trying to control her emotions, her mind playing tricks on her “you’re selfish” she lets out towards you, catching you off guard “selfish? Are you for real?” “You think having everything handed to me no questions asked is a privledge, I would love for my parents for once to take an interest in why I want something, why I need something” you want to interrupt, but she continues on “you know why they never question those things? because that would mean actually having to talk to me, to take interest, to parent. You come home and you spend time with your parents. I don’t even feel a difference of coming home to them or to an empty house. The last time they asked me, the last time I was asked how my day was-“ she stops actually having to recall the last time that question has been asked towards her “-was when I’ve been to your house” she stops, she knows ever since she started hearing things, imagining things as they liked to put it, she’s been nothing but a burden to them. That was all she was. A burden. She wanted to continue on, but if she would, she thinks her body would cave in on itself.

You stand up, your body feels hot. You don’t think you’ve ever been so mad towards people you’ve never met. And hearing Lottie say these things to you for the first time. Opening up to such an extent, you realise that maybe the reason you’ve never met the Matthews wasn’t because Lottie didn’t want them to know, it was just that they weren’t bothered to know such intimate details of their daughters life. You both were so used to your lifestyles, your family situations that you both craved some of the things the other had taken for granted or weren’t even aware of because it’s all either of you had ever known. You turn away your body facing her door not wanting Lottie to notice how angry you had actually gotten. “Are you gonna leave me now?” Lottie murmurs into the quiet room, her eyes now not being able to hide the tears that were building up. Her broken tone makes you turn back quickly “what? Lottie of course not” she looks up “It feels that way” you calm yourself down, right now comforting her becoming your priority, you go near her with caution. She’s deep in thought as you sit down next to her. She’s fidgeting with her hands, so slowly you place yours over hers “I’m not leaving Lott” she looks up her eyes unsure, you move some hair out of her way wiping away an escaped tear “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean for it to escalate like that, I guess I just felt.. like a charity case” Lottie shakes her head still letting your hand rest on her cheek, her eyes wide “you’re not a charity case in my eyes, I don’t care about money you do or don’t have” you believe her when she tells you this, her eyes never leaving yours “I just enjoy spoiling you, you deserve that and more, it’s just the main way I��ve been shown love” that last sentence takes you by surprise and by the look on her face she seems to be surprised as well. Your hands falls from her cheek landing on her hand which was resting by her side “you?” she lets her fingers intertwine with yours “of course I love you” the beating of your heart is overwhelming, you actually have to go through the symptoms of a heart attack to make sure that wasn’t what was happening right now.

The argument from before fades away. The silence comforting again, you don’t waste a second when pulling her into a soft kiss before pulling away letting another one rest on her cheek, and with your face so close to her ear you let her know “I love you too” her head tilts, her eyes shining now with a whole other emotion than the saddened tears from just a moment ago “you love me?” You nod a smile creeping up on your lips, a gentle gaze on your face “how could I not?” without a warning you’re embraced by a forceful hug, Lottie has a lot of force, so of course she knocks you down on the bed, now you’re tangled together. You whisper to her “you don’t have to be alone anymore Lott, you have me.”

You both have differences in your experiences of growing up. But both of you were ready to build your own experiences growing together.

#yellowjackets fanfic #lottie matthews x reader #Lottie matthews x fem!reader #Lottie matthews fanfic

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azzibuckets · 11 months ago

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national what day [pazzi]

paige bueckers x azzi fudd

summary: a very random and unedited little blurb i wrote for national girlfriend day yesterday

word count: 1k

masterlist

“You think I’d forget?”

Emerging from the bathroom, Azzi freezes midway through brushing her teeth, not expecting to see a huge inflatable Olaf, probably as tall as her, sitting on her bed. Even wilder is Paige standing next to the Olaf with a proud grin on her face, one hand holding a gift bag from Tiffany’s and the other holding a huge sign that said “Olaf you!”

Azzi licks toothpaste from the corner of her lip. “What’s this for?”

Paige’s face drops, the corner of her lips turning downwards as a pout starts to form. “You’ve gotta be kidding me.”

Azzi gurgles at the sink before spitting out her toothpaste. Wiping her damp hands dry on her sleep shirt, she returns and eyes Paige curiously. “This is super cute, babe, I love it. But am I missing something?”

Paige’s eyebrows furrow even further, her mouth agape. “You don’t know what today is?”

Azzi looks innocently around, as if an idea would conjure up in the air in front of her. “The first of the month?”

Paige’s mouth pulls into a even tighter line. She slumps on the bed beside the Olaf, throwing her arms around its stomach and burrowing her head into the plastic nylon material. “Maybe you can be my new girlfriend,” she grunts, her voice muffled.

Azzi nudged Paige in the back. “What’s going on?”

The blonde peeks up, one eye glaring at her girlfriend and the other covered by blonde hair falling across her face. “Did you honestly forget it’s national girlfriend day?”

Azzi, having busied herself with her bedtime routine, starts to rub lotion onto her face. “Is that a thing?”

“Of course it’s a thing!” Paige whines. “How do you not know it exists?”

“I’m not chronically online,” Azzi says slyly, smirking at Paige in the mirror.

“Babe.” Paige is behind Azzi now, hands splaying across her waist and pulling her in. She brushes a kiss across the nape of Azzi’s neck, fingers smoothing out the curly baby hairs at her hairline. “Did you really not know?”

The dejected look on Paige’s face forces Azzi out of her act. Bursting out laughing, Azzi turns in Paige’s room and presses a light kiss to her nose. “You’re so gullible it’s cute.”

“I’m cute?” Paige is smirking now, completely ignoring the first half of the sentence as her eyes glaze over with wonder.

Azzi pushes Paige in the forehead with her palm. “And you’re so in love with me you’re deaf.” Shaken out of her trance, Paige follows Azzi to the bathroom.

“That’s fucked up,” Paige groans. “Why’d you do me like that earlier?”

“You were gone the entire day and you said you’d be home by 7. It’s 10 and you just got back.” Azzi has a half smile on her face, but Paige sees right through it. She hates the thought of her ever disappointing her girlfriend, so she swallows down her pride.

“I’m really sorry, I was at Tiffany’s getting your necklace I ordered ahead but then it took a while and-,”

“Paige, it’s okay,” Azzi interrupts, reaching out to brush off a piece of lint from Paige’s shoulder. Her hand rests there and she squeezes. “I’m not mad at you, I swear. I just wish you would’ve texted me so I could’ve prepared better.”

“Prepared?”

“I made us dinner.” Azzi glances shyly away. “Spaghetti, steak, all your favorites. It’s in the fridge now, but it’s fine. We can eat it later, like meal prep.”

“Azzi.” There’s hurt and regret and guilt packed in only one word, and Paige’s eyes are wet when she clamps her hand over Azzi’s. “Baby, I’m so sorry, I should’ve texted. I’m gonna make it up to you, I promise.” Paige cups Azzi’s face in hers, beginning to pepper her face with kisses. “Tomorrow, just me and you. I’m gonna take you out, okay? It’s gonna be the best day of your life.”

Laughing, Azzi shakes her head. “Don’t feel bad, Paige, I told you it’s fine.”

“You’re too fucking good of a person,” Paige says, all serious now. “I messed up and should take responsibility for it.”

“I don’t know, your huge ass Olaf makes it easy to forgive you.” Azzi glances over Paige’s shoulder, eyes softening once she realizes that a necklace of polaroids is draped across its neck. “Is that us?”

Paige follows Azzi’s glance. “It is. But come on.” Dragging Azzi’s hand along, she leads them downstairs to the kitchen before they’re both staring at the fridge.

“Paige, it’s 10 PM.”

“You made us dinner. We gotta eat it.” Paige opens the fridge and immediately starts stacking the counter with the Tupperware containers marked with “P&A”.

“You missed the vegetables,” Azzi says pointedly when Paige starts to close the fridge.

“No, I didn’t,” Paige says breezily before shutting the door.

“Where are we going?” Azzi questions as Paige picks up the containers before hurrying out the front door.

“Somewhere more private.” Juggling all the containers on one hand, Paige opens the door to the back seat with the other and ushers Azzi inside.

“Sitting in a cold and dark car eating cold leftovers. Best national girlfriend’s day ever,” Azzi says sarcastically as she scoots in.

“Shut up.” Paige flicks Azzi in the cheek. “I wanna cuddle while we eat.”

“We couldn’t do this in our room?”

“You know your mom hates when we eat in the bedroom.”

Azzi shrugs, adjusting their bodies so that she’s lying in Paige’s arms as they sprawl across the three seats.

“This is what I used to dream of.”

“Huh?” Azzi looks up as she pops a piece of cold steak into her mouth.

“Calling you my girlfriend. Sometimes I forget how lucky I am to be with you and I have to slap myself. I used to think about scenarios like this every fucking night before I went to sleep.”

Azzi smiles into Paige’s bicep. “You’re such a romantic.”

“You know that if I had the choice I would’ve spent the entire day with you?”

“I know. You’re pretty obsessed with me.” And there are a lot of words that Azzi wants to say. That she thinks that her heart beats for Paige, and she doesn’t know how she managed to live before this crazy beanpole white girl ran into her life and upheaved everything she knew. But she stores it inside the small part of her brain that’s been working on her vows since she was 14, and instead she says, “But it’s not like you forgot an anniversary. You and I both know today doesn’t really matter.”

“But you matter.” Paige’s grip tightens on Azzi.

Azzi nuzzles her head into Paige’s chest, sighing contentedly as her eyes flutter sleepily. “You make me feel like I matter.”

#paige bueckers #azzi fudd #uconnwbb #pazzi #paige x azzi #wcbb #fluff #blurb #fic #paige bueckers x azzi fudd

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sturniololuvz · 3 months ago

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Can you PRETTY PLEASE make a fic where y/n is like 19 and she gets her wisdom teeth out and like the triplets have to take care of her and record her the whole time and like she says something like crazy funny?

Btw i love you and your sis series SO FUCKING MUCH

THANK YOUUU I LOVE YOU TOo

“Wisdom Teeth Woes”

Y/N had just had her wisdom teeth removed, and although she was still groggy from the anesthesia, the triplets knew they were in for a wild ride. It wasn’t the first time they had dealt with one of them coming out of a procedure, but it was definitely going to be one of the most entertaining. They had the camera rolling the moment they pulled into the driveway, ready to document every hilarious moment of her post-surgery state.

Matt parked the car, looking over at Y/N in the backseat, who was wearing an oversized hoodie and clutching an ice pack to her face. She looked like a tiny, puffy version of herself, eyes half-closed and lips a little too swollen.

“Y/N, you good?” Chris asked, turning to face her. His voice was light, almost teasing.

Y/N blinked slowly, looking at him with a mix of confusion and calmness that only someone who had just been put under anesthesia could have. “I’m… fine. Everything’s fine,” she said, nodding like she had it all figured out.

Nick leaned over, holding up the camera. “We need to get this on record, Y/N. This is gonna be good.”

Y/N’s gaze flicked over to Nick, her face scrunching up in sudden seriousness. “Nick, do you know what the worst part about wisdom teeth surgery is?”

“Uhhh, the pain?” Matt offered, pulling the keys out of the ignition.

“No,” Y/N said, shaking her head dramatically. “The worst part is the truth. The truth that I now know everything about you guys.”

The three of them exchanged confused looks. “What do you mean?” Chris asked, his brows furrowing.

Y/N’s eyes went wide with a sense of mystery as she leaned in, clearly prepared to spill something huge. “I know all your secrets,” she said slowly, like she was revealing the most shocking piece of information in the world. “Like, everything. And now… I’m going to tell the world.”

Matt laughed, but it was clear he was nervous. “Y/N, you’re not even making sense right now.”

Y/N’s face suddenly lit up. “I know what Chris eats at 2 AM,” she said, raising her finger as if she was about to drop the biggest bomb ever. “You don’t just eat cereal, you eat leftover spaghetti. And you warm it up in the microwave like a monster.”

Chris’s jaw dropped. “What?!”

Y/N nodded sagely, as if she had just uncovered a deep, dark secret. “And I know what Nick does on his phone when no one’s around.” She paused for dramatic effect, waiting for them to lean in closer. “You watch… ASMR videos. I’m talking, like, weird stuff. People eating and crinkling paper and whispering. It’s so weird.”

Nick’s face went beet red. “I—What?!”

“I’m just saying,” Y/N said with a casual shrug, her words a little slurred. “You can’t hide from me, Nick. I know all your secrets. And I will never let you forget them.”

Chris shook his head, laughing nervously. “You’re insane, Y/N. Are you sure you’re not still a little high?”

Y/N smirked, suddenly getting serious again. “I’m not high. I’m enlightened.” She paused for a moment, then her eyes locked onto Matt. “Oh, and Matt? You sleep with socks on.”

Matt immediately turned to face her, his eyes wide with shock. “What?!”

“Yeah,” she said, “and I don’t just mean when it’s cold. You sleep with socks on, even when it’s warm. It’s honestly disturbing, but I’ll let it slide. Just… don’t ever do it again.”

The boys were cracking up, unable to contain themselves. Matt, trying to regain his composure, turned to Y/N with a teasing smile. “And what about you, huh? Got any deep, dark secrets you want to share?”

Y/N blinked a couple of times, as if contemplating this for a moment. “Oh, I’ve got a ton,” she said, her voice going slightly more serious. “But you wouldn’t be ready for them. They’re like, next-level stuff. You guys are just gonna have to wait and see.”

Nick leaned in closer with the camera. “Okay, Y/N, what’s the worst thing you’ve ever done? Give us the scoop.”

Y/N didn’t hesitate. “I… I borrowed your hoodie, Nick. The one with the little tear on the sleeve? I never gave it back. It’s in my closet, and it’s never coming out.”

Nick was almost in shock, mouth hanging open. “You took my hoodie? You’ve had it all this time?!”

Y/N simply nodded, completely unbothered. “Yep. And I wear it every night. It’s mine now.”

Chris, who had been silently watching the whole thing unfold, let out a laugh. “I honestly have no words for you right now, Y/N.”

Y/N’s face scrunched up in deep thought, and then she said, “You know what, though? I think the real secret is that you guys are secretly obsessed with me.” She gave them an exaggerated look, like she had cracked the code to their whole existence.

Nick snorted, still holding the camera. “Oh, totally. We’ve been pretending for years, but really, we just can’t get enough of you.”

Y/N nodded gravely, her voice serious, even though her eyes were half-lidded. “I knew it. That’s why you guys follow me around everywhere, huh?”

They all burst into laughter, with Matt shaking his head, clearly entertained. “You’re ridiculous, Y/N. Absolutely ridiculous.”

The triplets helped Y/N inside, still laughing at the absurdity of her rambling, half-delirious confessions. Even though her post-surgery behavior was a little out of it, there was one thing they knew for sure: she’d probably never live this down, and neither would they.

But it was, without a doubt, the most entertaining few hours they’d spent with their little sister in a long time.

#chris sturniolo #matt sturniolo #sturniolo triplets #christopher sturniolo #nick sturniolo #sturniolo fanfic #chris sturniolo x reader #chris sturniolo x you #matt sturniolo x reader #matt stuniolo fanfic

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spidermans-l-o-v-e-r · 10 months ago

Text

Soup or Salad

Pairing: Eddie Diaz x Reader

Word count: 6.6k

Notes: See I TOLD YOU GUYS I was still writing

Edmundo Díaz is literally the stupidest, lamest, most annoying man you’ve ever met in your life, and that’s saying something because you know Evan Buckley.

Right now Eddie’s made it his life’s mission to not be touching you. He stands way too close in the kitchen, he sits too close at the table and he always takes the seat on the couch next to you. He’s even resorted to holding his finger right above your arm and making little faces as he says “I’m not touching you” and you scream for Bobby to make him stop.

Yeah, life at the firehouse is fun.

Today’s prank consisted of leaving a toy snake in your locker. The high-pitched scream and sound of Buck and Eddie’s laughter from upstairs got all three of you called into Bobby’s office and those two got their asses chewed out while you sniffled in the chair next to them.

Which- okay kinda made Eddie feel bad. He didn’t want you to cry, he just wanted to scare you a little.

“Hey so-” he stops you outside Cap’s office, he holds your arm, his rough fingertips so different from your soft skin.

“I know he made us apologize and all, but I really do want you to know- without the pressure of him being here, I really am sorry Y/N”

He’s not even really sure why he wants you to know he’s sorry, but he just does. You give him a polite thank you and walk away, still wiping at your eyes.

That’s the third time he’s felt his heart flutter at the sight of you. A feeling he ties down, chains up, and rams as far down into the teeniest tiniest corner of his heart as he can.

You do the exact same thing when your heart flutters when you catch him working out with Buck later. The way his body moves as he kicks the bag… it’s something else that’s for sure.

“I know you’re all ready to get some sleep, but it’s nice you’re all here anyway,” Bobby says as he serves up the plates of spaghetti. You purposely pass the plate to Hen instead of Eddie and he rolls his eyes and you stick your tongue out at him.

“Listen, since you’re all here. Athena wants to have a nice dinner this weekend with everyone. She’s got a reservation at LaRue’s for all of us, including a plus one for you and Hen” he says as hands Chimney his plate.

“What about us?” Buck huffs and Bobby chuckles

“You three are as single as they come”

“Especially Eddie,” you say as Bobby hands you your plate

“Yeah, sure. When was the last time you got laid, Princess?” He throws a piece of garlic bread at you and you just barely catch it.

“I don’t know, ask your mom” You wink at him and he kicks you under the table and you squeak before kicking him back.

“I got laid last week,” Buck says nonchalantly, shoveling his spaghetti into his mouth.

“Hold up what?!” Hen chokes on her apple juice and you turn to him, shaking his shoulders as Eddie pats her back, his mouth wide open

“Spill!! Now”

“Can you hurry the fuck up?!” Eddie groans at you as you drag your feet back to the truck.

A call had come in right around 4am, and you’d been curled up on the couch with a soft blanket you didn’t remember putting on but very much so welcomed. Everyone was up and ready to go in five minutes flat and they were off.

Usually, everyone made sure you and Eddie were on opposite ends of the truck but it was too damn early to fuss with it and you ended up right next to him. It’s quieter than usual too, probably because it’s literally 4am and it’s slowly putting you to sleep. Your head falls over onto Eddie’s shoulder and he freezes for a second, looking over at you.

“Glad I could make a good pillow” He mumbles before turning his head to look out the window. He doesn’t exactly wake you up though, and he slouches down a little so your neck isn’t at a weird angle.

The truck comes to a stop and everyone hops out, except you and Eddie.

“Dude come on! This is-“ Buck comes back in, Eddie’s head is on yours with his hand in your lap and you’re cuddled into his side. Buck grins widely and pulls out his phone.

“Oh I can’t wait to print this and plaster it all over the station”

He wakes you both up with an annoying little giggle and gently pokes at you two so you purposely wake up slowly and in each other's arms

Which is how he ends up on the ground later while you and Eddie beat him up.

“Do you always have to leave your clothes all over the place when you shower??” Eddie rolls his eyes at you

You called dibs on the showers first when you got back to the station because the men’s showers had the best water pressure and that’s important okay.

“I don’t know, ask your dad” You flick him off as you climb into the truck and plop down into the seat across from him. Everyone is already in, Buck is literally leaning on Hen completely asleep and she’s fading just as fast.

“Do you ever shut up” He sighs as he pulls his knee to his chest and you pull off your gloves just to throw them at him.

“Do you ever stop whining?”

“Isn’t it a bit early for this?” Chim mumbles to Bobby who just shakes his head as he starts driving

“Do you ever stop leaving your shit all over the floor?” He retorts, throwing your gloves back at you and you snatch them out of the air

“You tripped over my shoe once!”

“Three times actually. But who’s counting!”

“Apparently you are, loser.”

“That’s the best you’ve got? Loser?” Eddie laughs at you cruelly

“And you’ve got something better at 4am?!” You scoff and he grins widely

“Oh, I’ve got plenty! Bitch? Useless? Human mattress?”

Buck snorts and your head whips over to him as you slap his leg “Hey!”

“I’m sorry, the human mattress was funny. Okay okay I’m going back to sleep I’m sorry please continue”

Eddie smiles smugly at you and your hands curl into fists. “You can call me whatever the fuck you want. You know? Maybe this is why your last girlfriend left you. Because you don’t know how to fucking respect women. Oh no, no it was the cheating, wasn’t it? She found someone with a better dick who actually knew how to use it!”

“Oh shit” Chimney whispers from the front seat and Bobby nearly jumps from the truck just to get away from you two.

“You little fucking-“ Eddie doesn’t even finish his sentence before Bobby is pulling over.

“Are we home?” Buck mumbles sleepily looking around

“Up front Diaz. Now”

Bobby’s using his scary Captain voice and you both know you’re gonna get a talking to when you get back. Eddie throws his seatbelt off and slams the door open, switching seats with Chimney.

As soon as Bobby pulls into the station Eddie is out of the truck and throwing his stuff into a pile in front of his shelf.

“Eddie you can’t just-“ Bobby sighs as he goes storming into the back room and slamming the door shut. He turns to look over at you, and you walk quietly over to Eddie’s shelf and start to hang his stuff up neatly.

“You two are constantly at each other’s throats,” He says, putting his hat up “This needs to stop or else I’m going to have to change one of your shifts. And I love you Y/N and the way you work with us but you were hired last”

“I know, I know. He just. He’s so annoying! And he’s rude and pushy and- and-“

“Super hot” Buck walks past, to his shelf and you throw your hands in the air

“Exactly!- wait- fuck”

Everyone stops and you shake your head, waving your hands wildly “No. No, I did not fucking mean to agree with that absolutely heck no-“

“Oh my god, you like him” Chimney scoffs “And he likes you?!”

Your mouth drops open, it’s moving but no words are coming out as you stare at him.

“There- no- no fucking no-“ You splutter and Hen comes over now, putting her hands on your shoulders

“It’s okay honey. We all know how you feel about each other”

“A-are you shitting me?!! I’d rather jump in a boiling lake of lava than sleep with Eddie!!”

“I mean… no one said anything about sleeping with him” Bobby mumbles and Buck who’s been suspiciously quiet snorts and pushes Bobby’s shoulder.

“You’re not supposed to be encouraging this!” You snap, stomping your foot “You guys freaking suck!” You storm away to the supply room to refill the truck with all fucking four of them singing “Eddie and Y/N sitting in a tree” behind you

They leave you both alone for an hour at least as you angrily refill the truck, occasionally kicking the large tires and grumbling to yourself about how stupid they all are

You do not like Eddie, and he’s definitely not super hot. He’s stupid, and pigheaded, and annoying. He’s tall, and smelly and- okay well that’s not true he actually smells really good. And well now that you’re thinking about it it’s not very nice to you know say he’s not at least cute. Because, yeah sure, you guess by, societal standards he may be slightly a teeny tiny bit attractive…

“Fuck. No” You shake your head, pissed off. There’s absolutely no way you’re into that asshole or that he’s into you. This is the man who ruined your last four dates! He always had some stupid reason as to why you couldn’t make it, he even gave your last date the wrong directions to the firehouse to pick you up!

No. No there’s no way you two could ever be interested in each other

Eddie comes over to the truck and swings the door open before stepping inside. You look at the open door and sigh, okay, yeah it was a pretty low blow.

You pull yourself up into the truck as Eddie sits down in his seat, going over his checklist.

“Uh… hey” you stuff your hands in your back pockets

“Hey”

He doesn’t look up, barely even acknowledging you at all. He just keeps looking at his stupid list.

“Can- um. Can we talk?”

“Go ahead” He shrugs and you take the clipboard from his hands

“I’m being serious Eddie!”

He yanks it back from you, standing up. He towers over you, especially in this tiny ass space.

“Don’t touch my shit”

“It’s a clipboard!” You slam it against his chest and he stumbles back a little

“It’s my clipboard so don’t fucking touch it!”

“You know what- fuck this! I’m here trying to apologize to your bitchass and you can’t-“

“You’re what?” He stops arguing and looks at you, blinking slowly

“I’m trying to apologize” You draw the words out and he holds the clipboard in both hands in front of him, looking down

“Why?”

You flinch a little because his tone is different now. It’s deeper, smoother maybe? There��s just this weird bass to it you’ve never really noticed before

“Uh-“ you start, looking down at your hands “Well. It’s just-“ you fold them in front of you and take a deep breath before looking him in the eye.

“The comment I made? About the whole girlfriend thing? That was low. I know how much that hurt you, the breakup- and like. That was so mean and-“

“I accept your apology,” He says quietly, a little smile on his face “I know how hard this is for you”

You roll your eyes and push at his chest “Anddd you ruined it” he laughs and holds onto your hand and you gulp, blushing a little. Your fingers flex in his hand, feeling the hard chest underneath them and he looks at you, tightening the hold on your hand.

“Do you have a ride to dinner? With the team? I uh- I know your cars in the shop. I’d like to offer a ride as an apology”

This is the first time in your life Eddie Diaz has ever made you swoon. He bends down a little closer to your height, his cologne swirling in the closed air around you is starting to make you kinda dizzy.

Dizzy??? Over Edmundo “The biggest fucking asshole” Diaz

“I guess I accept your apology too…” you mumble, suddenly realizing just how close you’re both standing. You take a little step back, pulling your hand away.

“Thanks. Six thirty work for you?” You clear your throat and go to leave the truck now, is it hot in here?? Why is it so freaking hot the AC is always blasting

“Six thirty is fine,” He says as you hop out and turn back to him

“Okay… uh- see ya??” You awkwardly salute him with two fingers and cringe inwardly as he snorts and does it back

LaRue is a fancy-ass restaurant which is how you know Bobby and Athena definitely have something to announce and you’re hoping it’s good, this is more of a celebratory kind of place so you’re sure it is.

That just really leaves you with figuring out what to wear.

You take your time in the shower, lathering yourself with your best soaps and making sure to avoid getting your hair wet. Once you’re out you put on your Spotify and start getting ready, laying out all your tools on the counter and lining up your hair products.

You’re just finishing straightening your hair and dramatically singing “Man! I feel like a woman!” (Buck's favorite song) when your doorbell rings. You click your phone to see it’s only 5:30, so it can’t be Eddie??

“What the-“ You unplug your straightener and bring it with you, a hot, blunt, instrument!! Perfect! And pad out to the front door, trying not to smudge your toenails.

“Who is it?” You call through the door, raising your straightener

“It’s me, Y/N” Eddie calls through the door and you blink blankly at the door

“Why are you here??” You swing the door open and Eddie looks at your straightener, and then at you, standing in a silky red robe. His eyes roll over your figure as he bites his up, he’s shamelessly checking you out and you feel your body flush with a weird, needy, kind of heat.

“Hello? Earth to Señor Pervert? You’re early. Like really early” You wave the straightener in front of his face and he looks back up at your face.

“My power went out, nothin I can really do about it. So I didn’t think you’d mind if I got ready here. Didn’t you get my text?”

Your mind flashes back to the little “ting!” noise you cursed out in your shower for interrupting “Let’s hear it for the boy”

“Ohhh….. that- that was you…” you say and Eddie nods along with you as you step aside and let him in

“Well I’m kind of in the middle of getting ready” you gesture to yourself as you lead him to the bathroom “But if you don’t mind sharing the space, I'm pretty sure I’ve got all the products, and tools you’ll need”

“I brought some stuff… but yeah thanks” He follows you, watching the way your hips sway as you enter the bathroom. He smirks at your layout and you scoot some of it over to make room for him.

“Cute” He nods to your mostly pink setup up and you flick his arm before plugging in your curler.

“You’re such a hoe” You roll your eyes as it heats up and turn your music back on. He snickers and sets out his stuff before turning on his razor.

“I swear to god you better clean that up when you’re done” You point with your wand before starting to curl.

“I’m a damn gentleman, of course, I’m going to clean up” He glares, before going back to concentrating on his face and you stick your tongue out.

Things are starting to feel weirdly domestic, like incredibly domestic. You’re both humming along to the music, he curls the back of your hair that you can’t reach (he’d done it for his cousins a billion times) and you help make sure his sideburns are even.

He grabs your mousse and sprays a little in his hand and you giggle as he runs it through his hair.

“Oh shut. up.” He gives you a look and you stop putting on your eyeshadow, looking up from the mirror in your hand

“It’s funny!!“ you whine and he turns to you, his hair perfectly in place. He’s so close to you, his face inches from yours.

“There is absolutely nothing funny about using-“

One little piece of hair falls against his forehead, and you both look at it. You roll your eyes and go to push it back, your fingers card slowly through his hair and he leans into your touch, his eyelashes fluttering a little as he sighs quietly.

“Mousse” he finishes his sentence, staring into your eyes and it’s like the air has been sucked right out of your lungs.

When did Eddie Diaz become this… gorgeous

“You’re blushing” He raises an eyebrow and you blink stupidly at him

“H-huh?”

“I said” He whispers, you can feel his breath fanning across your face he’s so close “You’re blushing”

“Of course I am” Your voice is so quiet, it shakes a little as you speak “I’m wearing blush” you explain.

“Nuh huh” He taps the closed container on your counter “Didn’t put it on yet, haven’t even put on any highlighter”

“You know a lot about makeup”

“I have all female family members”

“Oh”

His eyes flick down at your lips, and then back at your pretty doe eyes like he’s asking something, something that’s really… really starting to freak you out.

When the fuck did you develop a crush on this testosterone tower

Your phone starts ringing and the spell is broken, you jump back and Eddie stands tall again, reaching over to turn off your alarm. His gaze lingers on it for a moment before turning back to you

“Apparently you’re supposed to be putting on your dress right about now”

“Well since you’re here I guess I have a little extra time” You shrug and snatch your mirror from the counter and go back to your makeup. He tosses his stuff back in his bag and leans against the doorway

“I’m gonna change then? If that’s cool with you”

“Yeah no that’s- so cool. Way cool, ultra cool” You stumble over your words and Eddie laughs, letting his head fall back as he leaves the bathroom and shuts the door.

What the hell is going on?! If it wasn’t so perfect you’d pull at your hair and like bash your head into the mirror you don’t know it’s just weird okay. It’s just weird to be feeling these super weird things okay, especially the ache between your thighs. That you’re painfully ignoring.

After putting on the finishing touches and setting your makeup you turn to the bag hanging from your bathroom door and unzip it. You’d gotten the floor-length champagne-colored dress for your cousin's wedding, and it was definitely fancy enough to wear here. The dress has two high slits going up to the top of your hips and you’re actually incredibly grateful this place has tablecloths. You fix the spaghetti straps and adjust the top to cover up the tape you’d used instead of wearing a bra. With everything in position, you spray your perfume and crack open the door.

“Hey, can I come out? I need my shoes”

“Yeah, I need help with my tie anyway if you can” He calls out and you shut off the lights, leaving the bathroom.

Neither of you is prepared to see each other and that’s very apparent by the way you both freeze up, he’s never seen you look so… breathtaking. His eyes widen as he takes your dress in, those high slits making the front of his pants tighten. Which just confirms everything he’d been thinking all afternoon since you’d apologized in the truck

When the fuck did he develop a crush on the missing link

“You-“ His voice falters a little “You look beautiful”

You look down at your dress for a second and then back toward the bathroom “Uh- um. T-thanks? Thank you…. You um… you clean up pretty well too” You look at him again, his cheeks are as pink as your dress. You tiptoe over to your bed and grab your shoes, waving them.

“Im gonna- I'm gonna put these on and like I can help with your tie in a second”

“Let me help?” He rushes toward you, pushing you back gently onto the bed. He takes your shoes from you and gets on one knee, taking your leg in his hands. His hands run down your smooth calf and around your ankle before slipping your shoe onto your foot and tying it back up your leg in a pretty little bow. He marvels at the way your skin sparkles in the light of the sun coming in through your windows courtesy of the shimmering oil you’d put on.

“Eddie I- I can do it my-“

You feel his lips on your other leg, kissing softly, slowly up your leg as he slips your shoe on, your breath hitches in your throat as he looks up at you, his hands creeping further up your leg and over your bare thigh.

“What are you doing?” You bite your lip and he kisses your knee before placing his chin on it

“Dunno, just couldn’t help myself” He admits, looking up at you like a lost puppy. You can feel your resolve melting as you lean forward and smooth his hair back.

“You needed help with your tie?”

You scoot forward off the bed and he moves back a bit, as you stand up. His hands go to your hips, holding you in front of him as he’s on his knees.

“This feels weird,” you tell him and his grip loosens

“Shit. Shit I’m sorry that was so forward I didn’t mean-“ He’s getting up and you push his shoulders back down because you like him on his knees

“Wait no! That’s not what I meant!!” You put his hands back on your hips and tilt his chin up

“Okay well, it’s sort of what I meant… I just- you’re really freaking hot”

Eddie chuckles and brings you forward by your waist, resting his head on your torso

“Yeah so are you. Who knew you’d be so pretty under all the death stares and bitchy comments”

“Who knew you’d be so sexy under all the bad attitudes and general stupidity” You grin widely and allow him to stand up now, he gives you a look and puts his tie in your hand

“Oh teehee you’re so funny” He rolls his eyes and you giggle, putting the tie around his neck

“You started it”

“Mhm, and I bet you wanna end it huh?” He pulls you against him as you finish tying it and setting it straight.

“You’re so fuckin’ pretty” He murmurs in your ear as you clasp your hands behind his neck and he leans forward, nuzzling his nose in your neck and toying with your necklace.

“You really thi-“ Your sentence is cut off by your phone ringing again, you groan and try to let go of Eddie but he just holds your waist tighter grabs your phone for you, and holds it up to your ear.

“Hey Buck what’s up?”

Your hand takes the phone and he wraps his arms back around you properly. Eddie is clingy apparently. Which doesn’t surprise you with his stupid “I’m not touching you” game

“Uhhh yeah, I'm sure it’s fine. Okay, we’ll see you soon!” You hang up and Eddie takes the phone from you and slides it into his pocket

“What does he want?” You feel him nibbling your ear and you giggle, pulling him closer for once

“He needs a ride, solely because he’s lazy and doesn’t feel like driving tonight. He said it’s better for the environment.”

“He just wants me to be the designated driver” He rolls his eyes, finally pulling away. His eyes linger on your lips for a moment, he hasn’t kissed you yet and it’s driving you slightly crazy.

“I guess we have to go get him” He sighs, and takes your hand, pulling you with him out of your bedroom. The click of your heels as you follow behind is oddly erotic to him, he helps you put on your little coat and hands you your purse before opening the door for you.

“Ladies first,” He says and you walk past him, floating on a cloud of your perfume.

“Really? Because last time you said it was Lizard people first” You snicker as he opens the truck door for you and helps you in, you cross one leg over the other as he gets in on his side and goes to buckle up. His eyes are practically glued to your thighs and you smirk leaning against the center console with your chin in your hand.

“See somethin' ya like?”

Apparently yes, because the next thing you know his lips are pressed to yours. He kisses you slowly, you look so goddamn adorable when you’re blushing like this. He deepens the kiss a little, his tongue licking at your lower lip as he draws you closer to him, like he wants you in his lap and admittedly that seems like a very… very nice place to be

He pulls away and chuckles when you chase him, pecking his lips again

“Do we really have to go tonight?” You mumble and he boops your nose

“Yeah kinda. You want everyone to know we stayed at your place? What would they think of us?”

You look at him, crinkling your nose “Yeah I guess… and there’s no way we’re telling anyone about this right?”

“Oh fuck no. They’d never let us live it down.” He pulls out of the driveway and holds his hand out to you

“Which admittedly brings us to that very awkward “what are we?” Thing”

You take his hand and hold it in your lap, tracing the back of it and drawing little shapes

“Well- and just listen. Would it be so much of a leap… to be like I don’t know…boyfriend girlfriend? It’s not like we don’t know each other… disgustingly well already”

“24-hour shifts man” Eddie sighs and you snicker, leaning your head against his shoulder

“Literally. Like that one time, I walked in on you taking a colossal-“

“If you finish that sentence I swear to god I will hit the ejection seat button”

“Wouldn’t it be cool if you really had one though like”

“Do you want to find out?”

You roll your eyes but keep quiet anyway and he chuckles, holding your hand tighter.

“So we’re just gonna jump to being together huh? Not even gonna take me to dinner first?”

You snort and lay your head against the headrest, looking over at him

“You want me to take you on a date Princess?” You tease and he raises his eyebrow at you for a moment before looking back at the road

“Damn right, I do. Want the whole enchilada baby girl. Including drinks at your place afterward”

“So your tipsy ass will have to sleep over?” You laugh and he grins

“Hell yeah! Better put me in one of your T-shirts too”

“Fucking bet my man, I will woo your ass” You poke his arm as he pulls up to Buck's place and texts him to come down

“Saturday?”

“Saturday” you agree with a wink.

Before Buck comes down to the car Eddie hooks his finger under your chin, pulling you in to kiss you again. He smiles a little, pecking your lips softly again when you giggle.

“I can’t wait… but I hope you know teasing you is about to be a whole lot different” He makes his point as he trails his fingertips over your shoulder and down your arm sending a shiver down your spine.

“I’m sure I don’t know what you mean” You whisper against his lips and he smirks, moving his hand to your exposed thigh now, squeezing gently.

“Oh you’re gonna find out tonight sweetheart”

He pulls away just in time for Buck to come out, he gives you two a weird look, you’re in the front seat and not killing each other.

“Hey thanks for getting me,” Buck says as he closes the door and buckles in behind you.

“You owe me”

“Why doesn’t she owe you!” Buck points at you childishly and Eddie smirks

“I don’t take payment from sewer rats. She’s suffering enough”

Your mouth drops open and you punch his arm “Sewer rat?! I look like a damn goddess right now!”

“Goddess of sewer rats maybe” he mumbles and you reach over and shut the truck off and throw the key at his feet so he’d have to get out to reach it.

“Ahhh…There’s my best friends” Buck laughs as Eddie throws his door open, grumbling and you two go back to normal.

Once you get to the restaurant, Buck opens the door for you and helps you out, letting out a low whistle.

“Jesus Y/N, you tryin’ to make me fall in love?” He laughs as you do a little spin for him and toss your hair over your shoulder

“What this old thing?” You joke as he holds out his arm, Eddie gives you a look as you take it and you feel goosebumps trail up your arms at the way his eyes darken possessively. You swear to god you’re gonna jump that man before the night is over.

The man at the front leads you three over to the table, and you seem to be the last ones to arrive. You wave at them and do another cute little spin as they ooh and aww at you.

“Yassss Queen!” Chimney says, high-fiving you while Eddie pulls your chair out (Athena does not miss that) and you sit down in it. You look up at him for a split second (Bobby doesn’t miss that) and he sits down next to you as Buck sits on the other side.

“Doesn’t she look amazing!” He practically fawns over you and you giggle

“Maybe you’ll be my plus one” he winks and suddenly you feel Eddie’s hand on your knee

“Y-yeah!” You laugh nervously, “Maybe!”

Everyone is laughing and talking but you’re way too distracted, taking a sip of your wine as you feel his hand softly rubbing your thigh, his fingers creeping higher and higher, feeling the soft skin of your inner thighs.

You don’t even know how he’s doing it, keeping a straight face while laughing at something Hen said and dragging his fingers lazy on the inside of your thighs. You feel his fingers brush over your panties and you jolt a little, glancing at him for a second before going back over to whatever story Maddie is telling everyone.

He just keeps teasing you, gently brushing his fingers over them. You can see the little smirk he has from the corner of your eye and you wish you could just slap it off. It’s not until the waiter comes to take all of your orders that you feel his fingers sink inside you, the second the man gets to you, holding his pen and paper with a polite smile on his face while Eddie pumps his long fingers in and out slowly.

“Miss?” He asks again, and Buck nudges your shoulder.

“Hurry up before I forget mine” he snickers and your mouth gapes open, still nothing coming out.

“I- uh- I’ll-“

“Like you’re not going to be a basic bitch and order your chicken Alfredo” Eddie pinches your clit and you snap your mouth shut to keep from moaning right there.

“No calling people basic bitches at the dinner table Eddie” Bobby scolds him and Buck snorts before slapping his hand over his mouth.

“Sorry,” He says in a singsong voice and makes a little face and the waiter moves onto Buck now.

“I’m surprised you’re not ripping him apart right now” Hen chuckles and Eddie speeds up, his fingers working your clit faster as they all start talking again, you start to squirm against him some, gripping the edge of the table.

“Hey, are you okay?” Buck leans over, whispering quietly, draping his arm over the back of your chair. Eddie’s fingers freeze for a second and you nod slowly.

“I-I’m great, just- just peachy!”

“Are you sure?” He looks so worried, his hand starts gently rubbing your arm and Eddie starts his assault again, his fingers dipping deeper inside you again and moving against that spongy spot in fast little strokes. You squeeze your thighs together, moving your hips subtly. You turn your head to look at Eddie and he looks down at you, and then over at Buck.

He wants you to tell him.

“I-I’m- it’s just-“ Your voice is so quiet, your words shaky and weak

“You wanna go get some fresh air?” He scoots his chair back and goes to move yours but you put your hands on his arm, gripping it tightly as your orgasm washes over you, your eyes shut tight as Eddie works your clit faster, and you have no freaking clue how no one else can tell what’s going on

Well… no one except Buck. Who’s mouth drops wide open as he realizes what’s happening to you right now, even if he’s not sure how it’s happening

Eddie eases his hand from your soaked folds and wipes it on your inner thigh before putting his hands back in his lap like nothing happened. He grins at you widely as Buck helps you up

“Everything okay?” Bobby asks, sipping his wine and all attention is now on you as you hold onto Buck's arms, your legs a little wobbly

“Yeah, everything okay?” Eddie has the biggest shit-eating grin and you glare at him

“We’re just gonna get some fresh air” Buck holds you to him “I think she just had a little too much to drink”

“Why doesn’t it surprise me that you’re a lightweight?” Eddie says over his glass and your mouth drops open

“You little-“

“Come on” Buck rolls his eyes as he pulls you outside with him. He helps you over to a pretty white bench and you both sit down.

“So…. What the fuck” Buck turns to you and you let your head fall back, pinching the bridge of your nose

“Can you keep a secret?”

“Fuck no”

“That’s what I thought” You look at him and he whines, running his hands over his face.

“Okay. Okay this one yeah, I promise I can do this”

“Eddie was fingering me under the table we just got together this evening before we came and got you and I want to rip his hair out”

You say it as fast as you can, your hands gripping the front of his shirt as you shake him slowly. It doesn’t matter though because he’s literally not even moving, he’s completely short-circuiting as he stares into the distance

“Buck? Earth to Buck” You wave your hand in front of him and he blinks slowly

“Do you mean to tell me-“ Buck speaks slowly “You and Eddie are finally fucking dating”

“You can’t tell anyone!!” You say putting your hands over his mouth “Eddie is the bane of my fucking existence!!! No one would ever let us live it down!!”

“Firemgodldckingreson!!!!” Buck yells into your hands and you tilt your head

“Huh?”

He shoves your hands away and throws his in the air “I said For good fucking reason!!! You two are crazy! You guys have never liked each other ever! Eddie literally came to me like three weeks ago losing his mind over the fact he had a big ass crush on you and-“

“He did what?!” You get up from the bench and Buck slaps his hands over his mouth

“Nothing!! He did nothing it’s nothing! I don’t know what I’m talking about!!!”

You push past him and go right back into the restaurant. Buck is hot on your heels begging you to not say anything and he totally said it wrong but you’re not listening.

You get back to the table and everyone stops talking to look at you

“You’ve liked me for three weeks?!”

Eddie drops his fork on his plate and groans “Buck!!”

“She cornered me!!!” He whines and you whirl around on him

“I did not!!”

“Can you three maybe take this outside??” Athena hisses and Hen puts her hand on her arm

“No no. Let them cook”

Eddie stands up now and Buck sits down fast, hiding behind his napkin and trying to avoid being murdered by his best friends.

“No. I have not liked you for three weeks” He says, taking your hands

“Oh shit” Chimney whispers and Maddie slaps his arm

“I’ve liked you for longer than that”

The entire restaurant literally gasps, which is an exaggeration. Because Steven, the host was in the bathroom.

“Y-you’ve what?!” You splutter and Eddie runs his hands over his face

“I’ve liked you for a long fucking time Y/N. And whilst I wasn’t going to tell you tonight-“ he glares at Buck “I- I know I’ve been no better than a schoolboy tugging on your braids-“

“Neither has she” Bobby mutters and Athena glares at him

“But like. Shit, I really do like you okay? And I- I don’t mind” his voice lowers “I don’t… mind telling them about-“ he takes your hand again, stepping closer

“Why didn’t you tell me sooner?” You mumble and he shrugs

“I thought you hated me”

“You wanna tell him or should we?” Athena gestures between her and Hen and you let your head smack against Eddie’s chest

“IrrealjylIkwdypauto”

“Gonna have to speak up sweetheart” Eddie snickers, tilting your head up with his fingers.

“I really liked you too and I don’t mind telling everyone we’re dating,” you say clearly, whispering it to him.

“Hey! Hey propose for a free dessert” Buck hisses, shoving a ring into Eddie’s hand.

“I’m not gonna-“

“They have chocolate lava cake”

Eddie gets on one knee, kissing your hand and you nearly crumble to the floor laughing.

“Y/N Alicia Maria Vanessa Nash. Will you make me the luckiest man in the world and be my wife?”

The entire restaurant holds their breath… and this time it really is! Steven is back!

“I-“ You sniffle, making yourself cry and shake your head fast “Yes!!! Oh god, Eddie yes!!!”

He stands up and scoops you up in his arms, spinning you around and kissing you and everyone claps for you as you sit back down.

“I get half the cake right”

“Oh definitely”

“You watch that ring with your life” Athena points at you and you wiggle your fingers.

“Will do boss” You grin as Eddie holds a forkful of lava cake to your mouth

238 notes · View notes

writers-hes · 1 year ago

Text

Growing Pains | c. berzatto x reader

A broken promise between friends hangs heavy in the Chicago air. He was haunted by a loss, seeking refuge in the city he never considered home. She was a wisp of stardust who finds herself back in the city she always considered home. A rent-dispute sets the stage for them to meet again, only to realize that dreams, both realized and abandoned, are so much brighter when you’re younger. (trauma, mentions of alcoholism, sexual harrassment, angst, some bad words…) A/N: This is entirely different from my other fics and I hope that you enjoy it. I really do.

MASTER LISTS TAGLIST “I want to become an artist,” That was what nine year old Carmen Bezatto told you when you asked him what his dream was. He was shy and kept to himself. You were different. You were magnetic and the boys in class all had a crush on you. The teachers loved you and the girls from the higher years doted on you.

“I want to become an actress or a singer,” you confessed, sitting beside him. The crayon that he was holding was blue and he set it down. “What are you drawing?”

“A car,” You peered over his shoulder.

“You’re really good Carmen,”

“Carmy,” he whispered, his heart beating fast. You look at him in confusion. “Call me Carmy,”

“Why do you want to become an artist?” you asked him. You were looking at the drawing of spaghetti and meatballs on his sketchpad. He drew it with a crayon.

“It’s what I’m good at,” he shrugged. “I’m not good with words but I’m good at this. Why do you wanna become an actress?”

“I want people to love me! I want to be so rich and buy my mom everything she needs. I want to star in movies. I can also cry on command. See?” you asked. He watches you clench your eyebrows and wobble your lip. Soon the first tear falls. He’s never been so mesmerized by another person before.

“Carmy,”

“Hm?”

“Let’s promise to achieve our dreams and revisit this place after we’ve done it,” you said, sticking out your pinky for him. He beams at you, the rare smiles he gives and intertwines his pinky with you.

“I promise,”

You two made unlikely friends. Carmy was still on the sidelines when he reached high school while you were still in the spotlight. You joined theater. Carmy was sure there were some who still harbored feelings for you. Who wouldn’t? You were the same magnetic, charismatic, charming girl he knew from childhood. Everyone was so sure that you’re on your path to become an actress.

“Carmy!” He turns around and sees you rushing towards him with a smile on your face. You loop your arm with his and walk to the next class together. “You didn’t wait for me,”

“Sorry,” he chuckles lightly, seeing you pout. “You were just talking to some guys and I didn’t want to just stand there,”

“Sorry,”

“It’s okay,” he looks at you.

“I saw you talking to Claire,” you teased. He told you once that he had a crush on her. “What did you guys talk about?”

“She just asked me about homework,” he says looking away.

“You’re so cute, Carmy!” you gushed, pinching his cheek with your free hand. He blushes harder. He should be used to such remarks by now.

“Let’s just go to class,”

“Wait, hold that pose,” he says. School ended and he found you sleeping at the library. He decided to sit in front of you until you woke up. The sun was already setting and it seeped through the windows of the library.

“Huh?” you asked. You were craning your neck to the side to stretch it.

“Hold that pose. I’m sketching,” You look at the paper and the pencil in front of him. “I’m trying to draw different angles,”

“Alright,” you replied. You stayed like that until Carmy says that it’s alright. You watched him draw more details and add more shadows. “You’re really good…but why do I have a mustache?”

“It’s called hatching,” he chuckled. “But it looks like a mustache,” He erases some shades and shows you his sketch. “I know it’s not good…”

“It’s good!” You snatch the piece of paper from him and hold up the portrait beside you. “See? Looks exactly like me,”

“Your nose is crooked,”

“Carmy!” you pouted. He laughed, his curls falling down his face as he hid his smile from you. Your heart beats fast and you look at him. It was your first time actually taking him in. He is beautiful.

“Let’s go home?” he asked after laughing. He tries to take the drawing from you but you snatch it away.

“This is mine as a punishment for saying that my nose is crooked!” you told him, opening the folder that you were sleeping on. He tries to chase it but you keep it.

“I’ll give you a better one!”

“I like this,” you told him earnestly, keeping the folder in your backpack. “When you’re a really famous artist, I’ll sell it for a really expensive price! From Carmen Anthony Berzatto’s earlier work. Come on, Carmy! Let’s get out of here. You promised to walk me home today,” he heard you say. He stands up from his seat and waits for you. He takes your lunchbox for you as usual. Dede likes to cook your and Carmy’s lunches. She makes him bring your lunchbox home. Carmy thinks that she’s just making sure that you’ll still be his friend.

The walk home was usual, your and Carmy’s lunches on either hands, you trying to catch up on his steps no matter how much he tried to slow down. Carmy walks you home and you thank him, hugging him to the side before leaving. You watch him walk away from your window.

Looking back, you and Carmy had always been close. However, sometime in your senior year, you watched him pull himself away from you. It was quick. It felt like someone plucked a rib from you. It was painful. One day, he just decided not to talk to you as much. He doesn’t wait for you during theater practice anymore and he hasn’t been walking home with you. You’d always be walking home, alone. Carmy wasn’t there anymore.

“Carmy, can we talk?” you asked, running after him when he ignored you again. You look up at him with sad eyes and he just looks away.

“For what?”

“Oh, well—I just…” you stammered. You looked at his sweater instead of his face. “I just wanted to know if everything’s fine?”

“It is,” He shrugs you off like you didn’t matter.

“Oh,”

You nod to yourself, looking away. What else was there to say?

“Um, do you…do you want to walk together?” you asked.

“No,”

Your heart drops and you swallow thickly. He hears you whisper something that he doesn’t remember anymore. All he knew was that he felt like absolute shit. His mom has been drinking more, Mikey was pushing him away, Richie was giving him a hard time, and Sugar locked herself in her room most of the time. He hasn’t been thinking straight and his home environment was just so draining that he forgot to reserve some of his energy for you. You leave without waiting for him to reply. He watches you run away from him. He should’ve ran after you that afternoon.

The day after that, Carmy thought of seeking you out. He wanted to apologize for how he behaved the past couple of days. He wanted to tell you everything but you were nowhere to be seen.

You returned to school a week after that due to a family emergency. He lost his courage by then. The teachers were kind enough to give you extra credit and you aced them all because soon, you were getting acceptance letters from colleges. When you were younger, you and Carmy both agreed to go to the same university that offered the courses you wanted to major in. You both agreed to go to the same college and rent an apartment together. You were just about to knock on the Berzattos’ door to ask Carmy if your plan would still push through. What Dede said broke your heart, though.

“He didn’t tell you? He left for Copenhagen last night. He got a scholarship from Noma!” she excitedly told you. She blows smoke away from you and your face falters. You shook it off though and decided to congratulate Dede. You emailed Carmy that night but he never replied. You remembered during graduation when Carmy’s family asked you to have a picture with him. You both stood awkwardly as Dede, oblivious as ever, clicked on the shutter multiple times. Sugar felt uncomfortable and looked for your mom but she was nowhere to be seen. Mikey and Richie were giggling among themselves as usual. You went home with a defeated sigh. The acceptance letter in your hand was clenched tightly. You remembered how you and Carmy filled up the forms together. He was fussing over every detail while you laughed at him. Where did it all go wrong?

Your hand shook when you sat on your bed. You couldn’t even celebrate the fact that you were going to college—that you were about to pursue your dreams.

The first person that Carmy wanted to talk to after learning about Michael’s death was you.

He didn’t give himself the time to cry over him; just like how he didn’t give himself the time to cry over his mistake of leaving you without saying anything. Mikey always told him that he was weak because he was sensitive and was in tune with his emotions. He didn’t know that he always had to have to guard up at his own home because he was scared of what his mom and brother might do next.

When he arrived in Chicago for the first time in years, his heart dropped. You weren’t there to pick him up. Who was he kidding? He left you to yourself without so much of an explanation. He didn’t even tell you that he changed his dream. Was it a dream? Or did he pursue it out of spite? To show Mikey that he was better than him? He wanted Mikey to look at him with such jealousy…such envy because Mikey didn’t graduate from college. He was a drop out with too many plans and too many failures. Carmy was better than him. Carmy managed to go to Noma without anyone’s help. He wanted Mikey to seethe when he sees him. So why was he in his brother’s failing sandwich shop instead of cooking for the President?

He’s been looking for you for weeks now but he couldn’t see you. He couldn’t ask Richie because he was ashamed. He just wanted to walk home with you again. He was sure that Sugar knew where you were. She was the type to be in touch with everyone but he never brought himself to it.

When he was in a relationship with Claire, you were momentarily put on his back burner. She was beautiful, he knew that. As kids, you’d always find a way to make Claire talk to Carmy.

“Remember Y/N?” Claire asked. Carmy’s back tenses as he prepares to go to what will soon be The Bear. Claire watched him put his white shirt from the bed.

“Hm?”

“I don’t know. She always found a way to make us talk to each other,” she shrugged. “I used to think you guys would end up together…or were together,”

“Why-why would you think that?” Carmy asked, facing her. He furrows his brows like he was so confused. The notion was foreign to him.

“Everybody thought so too. You walked her home everyday and you’d draw her all the time. You guys were so close. Some guys didn’t bother to ask her out because they thought you were together. I didn’t make a move on you because I thought the same,” she swallows. She feels shy about what she just confessed to him. Did he catch it? “Everyone thought you broke up because you suddenly stopped hanging out,”

Carmy stood there, speechless. What was he supposed to say to that? Why did his girlfriend say that?

“But it doesn’t matter anymore,” he hears her. She gets out of bed and walks over to him. She hangs her arms on his shoulder. “We’re together now,”

“Yeah. We are,” he says, kissing her forehead. He didn’t feel how embarrassed Claire felt. He was thinking about something else.

“Should we invite Y/N to the opening?”

His question caused the chaos to stop. Sugar drops the pen that she used on whatever it was she was writing while Richie raises his eyebrows.

“Or not,”

Sugar looks at him quizzically. She looks at Richie next and then, Eibra. They knew you. You frequented the sandwich shop with your mom when you were younger. Carmy brought you here to piss on Michael.

“What?” he asked. “We don’t have to. Fuck—okay, let’s not,” he stammered, his last word was weak. Sydney was confused. “Anyways, I uh—fuck. Let’s take five,”

“What?” Sugar asks. “No, no, no. We have to finalize this list now, Carm.”

“Yeah, I know that. I-I—“

“Even if we were to invite her, I don’t know where she is anymore,” His heart stops beating. He was so sure she knew.

“What?”

“She left for college,” Richie explained. “Seemed like her whole family left with her too. Their house is occupied by a new family now. We’re surprised you didn’t know. She told us that you guys were still in contact when you left,”

It was his turn to be confused. His mind was racing. Were you alright? Where are you now? Do you remember him? Do you still have the drawing he made of you?

“I totally forgot about her,” Richie confessed, chuckling. Carmy looks at him, his eyes turning into slits. His cousin raises his hand in surrender.

“You didn’t bother to ask?” he asks Sugar. “You grew up with her too, right?” He couldn't help but feel resentful. Why didn’t she treasure you like she treasured everyone else?

“Carm, she was your friend,” He runs his hand through his hair. He closes his eyes and counts to three. “Besides, she disappeared without a word…just like you did. As far as I know, she left first and then, her mom did.”

“Let’s take five,” he declares before leaving.

He rummages through his phone and tries to remember his old email address. He really wanted you to be there. He wanted to hear about your dreams and he wanted you to hear about his. He never found the courage to look you up on the internet. He didn’t want to know the hard truth.

His hands tremble as he holds his phone when Claire’s name pops up from the screen. He shouldn’t be worrying about you—he should be worried about Claire. The girl he loves. The girl he’s always dreamed of. Right, Claire. Claire. Claire Dunlop. They met again by the frozen aisle of the store.

“Hey,”

“Carm,” Her voice soothes him. “Just wanted to…check-in. You left feeling kind of not okay? How are you now?”

“I’m good,” he says. “Just remembered Y/N. I wanted to—uh, I wanted to invite her to the opening…if-if that’s okay with you?”

“Of course, it is. She was your best friend,”

“I don’t know how to reach her…would you know?” he swallows. He felt like shit for asking about another girl to his girlfriend. “Claire?”

“Hm, let me ask around. I’m sure somebody knows. She kind of fell out of the radar after you left,” she says. Everyone thought you eloped. She kept that part to herself.

“Cool. Thanks. Let me know,” he says. He looks at the time. “I have to go,”

“Alright,” she says. I love you. She kept that too. “See you tonight?”

“I’ll let you know.” He ends the call and sets his phone down. He rummages through the drawers to look for clues you might have left behind. He wanted to look for you. He didn’t know why he had the sudden urge to do so. It’s not like he has any right to. He pauses, looking at a distance. He tries to rack his brain for that stupid email. He rushes out of the office and sees Sugar.

“Do you remember what my old email was?”

The Bear opens and you weren’t there. Sugar can’t remember his old email. Carmy forbade her to look you up. It could have been as easy as that but he didn’t want to. He can feel himself slipping away from Claire the more he busies himself with work. He tries to busy himself with work because he tries to bury the guilt of leaving you behind. Sugar told him that you went to his childhood home the day after he left Chicago. She said she got into the arts school that you both applied to. You were probably on the way to tell him about the news. He feels horrible.

Carmy knew that despite your charm, you were self-destructive. You were both alike that way. You have the tendency to self-isolate whenever you feel upset. One time, Carmy accidentally said something hurtful towards you. You pushed him away. He had to climb to your window and apologize before everything was alright again. When your mother scolded you, you’d lock yourself in your room and stay in the library until it closed so you wouldn’t have to see your mom. When you didn’t get the role that you wanted for a play, you’d distance yourself from everyone until everybody started to miss you.

“You’re the only one who can get me out,” you once told him. You said it in such a teasing manner that he only brushed it off. He didn’t think about it before but it’s all he’s been thinking about now. Would you let him bring you out again?

Claire broke up with him when The Bear opened. He brought all of his anger out to Richie. He was an island. He was alone and was out of touch. He’d go to work, cook, and then leave. He didn’t talk to anyone. He’d just scream his head off until he blows off the steam. This is the dream, right?

He decided to go out and explore today. He had to go to Aurora, a city near Chicago to meet up with a potential supplier. He wanted to introduce a new item to the menu. He let go of the bucatini and other items. Last night, he stood a foot away from the island, looking at the food he just prepared. They were so intricate…they reminded him of you. All the food was reminiscent of your childhood with him. He didn’t know what happened for him to finally feel the gaping hole in his life shaped like you.

He arrives at the spice store hidden from the main road. It was quaint and the shelves were lined with jars of tea and various spices from around the world. Jugs of flavored vinegars were displayed for purchase. When he entered, the aroma of the jars enveloped his nose. He happened to find this spice store on the list of possible suppliers that Sugar prepared before The Bear opened. He felt right at home with the creaky wooden floors and warm lighting.

“Can I help you, sir?” the attendant from the cashier at the corner asked. He walks over to her and studies her corner. A framed paper caught his eye. It was too easy to miss to the unknowing eye but he saw it. The frame was on the very top, almost touching the low ceiling. His entire world stops and he sees it. He sees you. He sees the drawing that you took from him on that afternoon in the library.

“I…,” he swallows. “Do you know the—the artist of…of that portrait?” he asked, pointing at his sketch.

“Oh. I’m not sure, sir but the owner might know,” the attendant replied. Carmy nods.

“I’m actually here for uh, a meeting? I’m the owner of a restaurant in Chicago and I-I…am here to meet for a possible partnership,”

”Oh! Of course,” she nods, looking at the piece of paper the manager gave. “Mr. Berzatto?”

“Yes,”

”The manager will be here soon. May I lead you to the backroom? Would you like some tea?” she asked. She sees him play with a plastic of tea bears. “Tea bears. It’s the first of its kind. It’s a gummy bear that you can dissolve in water for tea. You can also eat it as is. Would you like to try a flavor? I recommend the blueberry and blue pea,”

”Oh, uh—sure,” he nods, following her to the back. Carmy sits down and the attendant leaves. He looks around the room. The walls had awards and other accolades. The attendant arrives with a cup of hot water and some colorful tea bears.

“Just add one to the water and snack on the rest,” she smiles. He picks up a tea bear and studies it. It kind of reminds him of you. He remembers how much you loved tea. He gifted you exotic and expensive teas every time. He knows he shouldn’t get his hopes up but what were the odds? There was only one copy of that drawing in the world and it was supposed to belong to you. The manager arrives just right after he bit on the head of the first bear. Vanilla and raspberry.

”Hello, Mr. Berzatto,” he says. He was a stout man with a kind face. “Sorry for my lateness,”

”I was early,” he says, standing up to shake the other man’s hand.

“Tea bears,” he acknowledges and Carmy smiles a little bit. ”I hope the drive wasn’t too tiring,”

”It wasn’t,” he replied. “I have the documents with me,” He lays the folder on the table with information about The Bear.

“I take it you’re the owner?” he asks Carmy. He nods, and the manager reads over the company profile. He wastes no time asking Carmy about The Bear. Carmy answers them and he’s so tired. He should have made Sugar come here instead. The meeting ends without a fuss.

“Do you have any questions?”

“It’s not really about the spices but the portrait on the counter. I want to have a portrait made,” he says.

“Oh,” the manager looks at the cup of tea that Carmy drank. “I’m not quite sure but I’ll be sure to ask the owner. Bea has a couple of spice samples ready for you outside,”

Carmy stands up and exits the room. He drives home with a brown paper bag and a picture of the portrait that hangs on the wall. It was you. It was you.

He couldn’t sleep that night. The spices for the new menu sits on his kitchen counter, untouched. He thinks about it. What happened? He thought you were an actress. That was what your dream was. He couldn’t help it. The itch that his fingers have makes him reach for his phone. Before he knew it, he was on Google, typing your name.

“Fuck!” he shouts, throwing the phone from across his bed. “Fuck, no, no, no.” He shuts his eyes close and pinches his nose. Why now? The Bear was in shambles. Richie hated him, Claire hated him, he hated himself. Was he only reaching out to you because he knew that he wouldn't feel the hatred?

“There were some problems with the renter of your house in Chicago,” you heard. You looked up from your office table and frowned.

“I thought that house was rented properly?” you asked. It’s been ten years since you went there. Or was it five? You couldn’t keep count anymore. That house was a house of horrors that you’d never want to revisit again. Hell, you never wanted to set foot in Chicago again.

“The renters want to meet up with you. They said that you purposely kept important information from them when you leased the house. They were complaining about the backyard and would not budge until you go there,” he says. You pinched your nose.

“Can’t we look for other interested renters?” you were annoyed. ”Or just give them a refund?”

”Sadly, nobody wants to rent the house anymore because it hasn’t been renovated for years,”

“Fuck,” you sighed. “Alright,”

Your flight to Chicago was long. Your college was quickly spent in New York. You decided not to stay there. You thought of your old house. It could have been sold ten years ago but you didn’t want to. Your uncles and aunts all agreed that if there were no renters, it was going to be sold. You couldn’t defy their demands, they all inherited the house with your mom from their father. You all shared the profits yearly and you didn’t want to sell the house. You couldn’t just leave everything behind entirely.

Stepping back in Chicago was…something. There was a rush of emotions that filled you and as you met up with your driver, you felt weak. You didn’t want to be back here but you had no other choice. You were tied down to that two storey house. You were just hoping that you won’t run into anyone. The plan was to stay here, four days at most and then leave before anyone else sees you. You didn’t want to make up stories in your head again about how you and him kept in contact when you knew that it wasn’t true. It wasn’t true. None of it was. You just wanted to be comforted by the lie that you tried so hard to believe.

The hotel was nice. You were thinking of driving outside of Chicago to check some matters before going to New York. The next morning, you decided to go out for a run and grab coffee. You wondered if your old favorite cafe still opened. It was fairly far from your old home and The Beef. You wondered if people still went there. It wasn’t hip and the food was greasy but their brewed coffee was heaven.

The city has changed a lot since the last time you’ve been here. You don’t remember the streets being this way. Vacant lots turned into buildings and skyscrapers. It was odd. You once knew every nook and cranny of the city but not anymore. That afternoon, when you arrived at your old house, you couldn’t even recognize the street. The old houses were torn to pieces and were built with modern houses. The only houses that remained exactly the same were yours and the Berzattos’. It seemed empty, though. It used to have cars and chaos but it was quiet. As if…it hasn’t been lived in. You paid it no mind and knocked on your old door, revealing the new tenants of the house.

They immediately showed you what their problem was. Fucking grass. You booked a flight and stayed at an expensive hotel for grass. It wasn’t the same as in the pictures. That was their main concern. You stood there, in your backyard, mouth pressed into a thin line in annoyance.

“I see,” you only nodded. “I can arrange landscaping services for you,”

“But that would be expensive. The only reason why we rented this old house is because we wanted to have a garden. Otherwise, we would’ve rented somewhere that’s actually…nicer,” the tenant says. Seeing your souring expression, she added, “This place is nice…homey. I can’t afford landscaping services,”

You only nodded, trying to think of someone who might know a landscaper.

“Can you give me until tomorrow to sort this out?”

“Sure,’

When you arrived at the hotel that night, you thought of the people you knew who had good lawns and backyards. Your agent can’t obviously do shit. You have to fire him soon. All the services in Chicago were way more expensive than you were willing to spend. Who had a good lawn…whose mother always had a manicured garden?

“Fak!”

The man rushes into the kitchen, looking at the ensemble of people gathered where Sydney and Carmy usually stood.

“The light,” Carmy pointed. “It’s doing that thing again,” The light buzzes and blinks, as if Carmy ordered it to do so. He had that ability sometimes. He can make the world move.

“I got it, I got it,” he says, going out and coming back soon with a ladder and his tool box. He listens to the crew made up of Richie, Tina, Sydney, Carmy, and Sugar bicker while he tries to fix it. They always bickered and it stresses him out most of the time. ”Ugh, you guys! Stop screaming at each other!”

They ignored him, Carmy was in a screaming contest with Richie while the others tried to pacify the situation. Their relationship hasn’t gone back to the way it was after the fridge incident.

”We’re closed today, right?” Fak asked, trying to tighten the screw.

“Yes, darling,” he hears Sugar.

“Great because Y/N asked me to come by their old house,” he says. He takes note of the sudden silence and takes it as his permission to continue. “She’s back in town and wanted me to check their lawn because she told me that she remembered how nice Ma’s garden was, remember? Anyways, she wanted me to check and get her a connect with a gardener or a landscaper,”

“Wh-what?” Carmy sputters. “What the fuck are you saying, Fak? Y/N hasn’t been here in-in-in fucking years,”

”Yeah but she’s here,” he shrugs. He climbs down the ladder with a smile on his face. “It’s a good thing I never changed my phone number. She wouldn’t have been able to call me if I did,”

Carmy visibly disintegrates before everyone in the kitchen. He stands there, memories of his abandonment haunting him and his eyes blinking rapidly. You were in town?

”When are you meeting her?”

“Today,”

Fuck. If only he didn’t promise himself to do something today. He needed to focus. He didn’t need you, right?

After treating Fak to a quick dinner, you immediately went home. He sadly told you that he wished you’d visit The Bear. Carmy was here now and he opened the restaurant. He told you that you’ll be welcome anytime as long as you tell him first so he can tell Richie. Richie was the front of house staff now and Fak said that Richie improved, like a lot. He showed you photos of Sugar’s cute baby. He told you that Eibra and Tina still worked there but most surprisingly, he told you that Mikey was dead.

That part shook you. You were never really close with him but he was always nice to you. Carmy idolized him and always sought his approval. It must have been hard for him. Hearing that he didn’t attend the funeral didn’t surprise you, though. You always imagined that Carmy will do some fucked up things if it really came down to it. Years of not knowing what Carment Berzatto became brought both a hollow feeling in your chest and assurance. You never had to know if he was better without you. You chewed on the hangnail on your perfectly manicured finger. Carmy was here again and so were you. Would it be so bad to see him again? Even if it was just a glimpse…would it be so bad to see how he was after all these years?

The night before left you with eyebags. The thought that you and Carmy were here woke you up all night. You didn’t know what to do. Does he know that you’re here too? You tried to cover the bags with a concealer you brought. You were on auto-pilot as you went to the basement to take your rental car. You were going to Aurora today to look over the shop. What was a drive anyway? You were in Aurora every other month for the business that you built when you were younger. It proved to be successful, though.

You arrived at your first business venture, The Alchemist. You were young and full of wonder when you named it. The Alchemist…you used to call your mother that because she made so many things in the kitchen with nothing. It was a way to remember her legacy and other mixes that she made when you were younger. Now, though, you asked chefs and homecooks to make recipes for pre-mixed spices for your business. You always went back to ‘Alchemy No. 1’, a spice blend made and frequently used by your mother when she was still alive.

You entered the store lined with jars of spices and flavored vinegars. The smell of herbs that you sourced from all over the world create an aroma that reminds you of home.

“How is everything?” you asked her.

“Mr. Lee just is about to close a deal with a promising restaurant,”

”He told me about it,” you told Dana. “Sorry if I can’t come here as often as I’d like,”

”That’s alright,” she assures you. You pick a packet of assorted tea bears that you give to the customers to sample and open it. Taking a pink one, you melted the bear in the paper cup with hot water to drink the raspberry and vanilla flavored tea. “Mr. Lee makes the job easier, really,”

”I’m glad,” you told her. “I heard there’s a meeting today?”

”Yes, ma’am,” she replied. “It’s about to start in thirty minutes, actually. Are you planning to join?”

”Yes,” you told her. “I hope they won’t mind,”

You were sitting on the chair in the meeting room when the door opened. Your heart drops for some reason. Your palms sweat and you suddenly couldn’t breathe. You stood up, looked towards the opened door and saw him. Carmy. Carmy was here. He stops his movement—even his breathing and lets go of the door knob. He clutches the folder in his hands and looks at you with wide eyes.

He’s aged. He looked tired and his face matured but his eyes were still as blue as ever, demanding you to open up to him.

You looked older but you looked content. The fine lines that he’s never seen on you before makes you look more beautiful than you’ve ever been.

He opens his mouth first but no words come out. You tried to do the same but you suddenly forgot all of the words that you could say. The pain in your lungs and the quiver in your voice manages to croak out something that snaps him out of his shock.

“Hey,” a wobbly smile graces your features and he steps forward. You weren’t sure if you wanted to step back but you didn’t.

He watches your hand tremble and he wonders if he could still hold them like he used to.

You watch him take shaky breaths and remember how you used to soothe his back to stop him.

“I can leave,” you said, looking down. He frowns and licks his lips.

”You don’t have to,”

”No, I’ll—“

”You don’t have to run away,”

”You ran away from me all those years ago,”

Snap. If you could break his bones with your words, you already would have.

”But…” you swallowed thickly. “but it doesn’t matter anymore,” you whispered. You resented yourself for bringing that up. You should be happy that he’s doing fine, right?

“Y/N—“

”Let it go,”

”Please,”

”Carmy,” you finally look at him. You still called him Carmy.

“I have to talk to you,”

”I understand, alright?” you grit. “I—I—“ you breathed in. “I can’t be here,”

”Y/N, please,” you hear him plead. His voice breaks and you do too. Maybe because you always had a soft spot for him. Maybe it was because you realized that you loved him. Maybe it was because you pitied him…either way, you couldn’t stop yourself from saying what you said next.

“The Peninsula,” you told him. “Under my last name. Tomorrow,”

It was all you said to him before you left him in the meeting room. A few minutes later, Mr. Lee greets him and they close the deal.

Today was Monday, which meant that Carmy had either the morning or after the restaurant closes to come to you. If he comes to The Peninsula after, you might leave thinking that he never cared. If he comes tomorrow, he might not be able to prepare. He thinks that he’s at his best and he knows that he wouldn’t be able to focus if he didn’t go to you. He’ll just fuck things up in the kitchen if he doesn’t go to you. So, at 5:30 a.m., he goes to your hotel and asks for your room number. It seemed like you’ve already informed the receptionist of your arrival and they let him come up.

He knocks the door erratically. You rouse from the bed, alarmed because who would knock at 5:30 a.m.? You couldn’t sleep no matter what you did. With a grip on the remote control of the TV, you peeped into the hole to find Carmy.

“Y/N?” he calls from the outside. You tossed the remote control away and opened the door.

“It’s not even six yet,” were the words you told him as he sees you in the robe. “Carmy?”

“Sorry but—but I,” he draws in a breath. “Sorry I just, I wanted to go here before anything else because…because I know that if I don’t, I’ll be thinking about it and I won’t be able to focus,”

“Come in,”

Carmy steps inside your hotel room and looks around. Fancy. You used to dream about going to a place like this when you were younger. He stands there awkwardly by the foyer and you motion for him to sit down on the couch. He does so and watches you lean on the wall, as far away from him as possible without it being really obvious but it was.

A beat passes with Carmy’s eyes trained on you. You’ve never felt out of touch in his life than now. He watches you with wide eyes while you look everywhere but his face. There were no stains in his shirt and his curls were messier than you remember. You purse your lips and Carmy sighs. Really, Chicago felt so suffocating for the both of you. Being trapped in the small hotel room made it harder to breathe. What could you say? What could he say? The last time you saw each other, you pushed him away. What if you do it again?

“I’m sorry,”

Your head snaps up to look at his face. You frowned.

“I’m sorry, Y/N,” he whispers, feeling ashamed of everything. Now that you’ve looked at him, he feels like he was under a microscope and he grew to hate the feeling of being studied like that. “I’m so, so, so, fucking sorry,”

He bows his head in shame just as you look away, to the window so he wouldn’t see you wiping your tears. The sun was about to rise and it pains you because you realized that you loved him more when you spent that sunset in the library.

“Why did—“ you stop yourself. “Why did you leave me, Carmy?”

His heart beats fast, his fists clenching on his lap. Why?

”I didn’t deserve that,” you told him. “I didn’t deserve that and you—you just pushed me away. You could’ve at least said goodbye before—before you left the country. Fuck. I spent the past years wondering what I did wrong, Carmy. Do you know how that feels? I followed you like a lost puppy every fucking day and you suddenly decided that you were done with-with-with me. With us,”

He frowns, he doesn’t remember your childhood like that. For him, he was always in the sideways. He was the one who always had to follow you.

“My mom thought that making you lunch was the only way for you to s-stay,” he tells you, looking down. He studies the cuts he earned in the kitchen. “I felt—I felt like that too, you know? Everybody liked you wherever you went and I only…I only had to catch up after you,”

”Carm, you don’t even like people,”

That stings him for some reason and he frowns deeper. He bites his lip and shakes his head. How would you understand? Everybody loved you and he was so hard to love that his brother decided that he was done with him.

“Why did you push me away? Why—“ you choke back a sob. “Why did you leave me?”

The string that you tied around his heart grips it tighter. Memories of you, him, Mikey, that Christmas with his mom, the first time he smoked a cigarette, and the last time he looked at your house comes rushing back to him.

“You know, I started—started smoking when I left,” he chuckled. “It made sense…once I arrived in Copenhagen, the next logical thing was to, uh, buy a pack of cigarettes,” He hopes you understood what he tried to say.

”I’m not your babysitter,”

”I know,” he says. He thinks and you do too. You realized that too much resentment and emotions will get you nowhere.

”Carmy, I know you’re sorry but…but for tonight, can-can we just pretend like you never left?” you asked. He looks at you now, the sunrise illuminating your face differently from that sunset you shared. “Can we..can we pretend like we just lost touch and-and that we’re catching up?”

You look at him sadly, with your mouth downturned slightly. There were so many things to say and emotions to be felt. You couldn’t afford to unpack everything in a day and you were unsure if you wanted him back in your life just yet. You missed him but you didn’t know if you could handle another person leaving you. You’ve had enough people leaving you in this lifetime. Maybe that’s why you were so lonely. Maybe that’s why you don’t have friends and maybe that’s why everyone else seemed to have had enough of you never letting them in. What was the point anyway? Everything’s going to end and love doesn’t last forever. Who would have thought that the two people you loved most can teach you such a harrowing lesson?

Besides, you were unsure if you were ready to let all the love you’ve had for Carmy come to the surface and overflow again. The last time he left, would be the last time he leaves.

“Y/N?” he calls, standing up from the couch to walk towards you. Maybe just for now, this is enough. You smile at him, just like you did when you were younger. Like everything was alright.

“Carmy,” you smile as you let his calloused hands wipe the tears away. “I’m sorry for crying,”

”I’m sorry for making you cry,” he tries to say but his stutter breaks out and he looks down in shame. You reach out to him, your hands clutching the sides of his white shirt. He tries again, this time his voice was much clearer. His head seemed to put everything in his backburner. He has to savor this moment because who knows what will happen? He decided that the last time he left would be the last time he leaves you. A sob threatens to rip his chest but he swallows it down. “How have you been?”

Your arms snake around his waist and you lay your head on his chest. You can hear his heart beating so fast. Does he hear yours too? He takes in your scent. You smell different now.

He caresses the back of your head and kisses it. You take in a sharp breath. He’s never done that before. He tightens his grip around you, afraid to let go.

“Did you achieve your dream?”

You’re both laying down on the bed. The tender moment you shared was interrupted by your alarm. You watch each other now, wondering who breaks the ice first. Carmy’s arms wrap around you while you snuggle closer in his chest, clinging onto every piece of hope left. Your forehead is tucked under his chin and you breathed.

“I became an actress for a while,” you started. The air feels heavy but you decided to push it aside. “but I decided not to continue.”

“Why?”

“I went to college after you—after high school. I stayed there for a semester before…before I dropped out,” you said. “Carmy, they were so much better than me—“

“That’s not true,”

“But it is,” you chuckled sadly. “That wasn’t even the main reason but…but remember mom was sick?” He nods. “Well, she got…she—she got sicker and we had to use the college fund for her treatment,” you said. You don’t try to hide the sniffles. “In the end…in the end, I never went back to college and she didn’t…she didn’t make it,” your voice broke. The images of your mom in her casket never seemed to leave your mind. “Fuck, I’m sorry,” you sobbed. “My mom and I—“ You shuddered, remembering the time when your mother had to personally refuse any more care. You knew that she didn’t want you to be in debt. It was hard to spend your college fund but she couldn’t leave you with debt that you’ll pay forever.

”I know,” he says. He couldn’t bear hearing your voice break again. His eyes were red and tears threatened to spill. Fuck. He wasn’t there when you needed him. He knew how close you and your mom were. He couldn’t even say sorry because you both didn’t want to and didn’t know how to address the elephant in the hotel room.

“But then…then, I tried to act,” you chuckled, wiping your cheeks with the sleeve of the white robe. Carmy hears the tiredness in your voice but doesn’t mention it. “I had an audition and I got lucky. I got a recurring role in a hit TV series. I thought I was happy. I thought—I thought that I finally got what I wanted but I felt so alone, Carm. I didn’t have my mom with me…she will never—she will never watch anything that I’ll do but I persisted,” the small circles he drew on your back soothed you. “But then…the producer wanted to meet with me and I—he said that if I removed my clothes, he’ll make me a star,” his grip tightened. ”I removed my shirt and sat in his office half naked. It didn’t bother me. I knew…I knew what I was getting into but he-he wanted more and I had to leave,”

Carmy lets go of the breath that he didn’t know he was holding.

“I was fine with sitting there…like…like I was some fucking object. He could look all he wanted and I didn’t fucking care but he tried—he tried to touch me and I pushed him away,” you cried. He was around your age and was already successful when you came to the picture. He made you trust him. “He had my name blacklisted. I could never…I couldn’t do shit about it. I couldn’t land a job before I realized that maybe…maybe acting wasn’t for me,” you whispered. “I was only there because…he wanted someone to take advantage of,”

You cry in his arms as you share your burden with him. You had nobody to talk to when it happened. You were alone. You were so, so, so alone.

”I opened The Alchemy with the money that I have left and my business grew from there,” you said after calming yourself down. “I have the money but…but I feel so, so, so alone,”

He cooes and you bury yourself deeper in his arms. He mutters things you couldn’t understand. Carmy lets his tears flow as you calm yourself down. How can he tell you all about him if you’re so frail? He didn’t want to burden you any longer.

He doesn’t know how many minutes passed before he heard your breath even itself out. He unwraps his arms around you as carefully as he could. You were fast asleep and didn’t want to wake you. It takes a lot for him to remove himself from the bed that you shared for a few hours but soon, he finds himself wearing his jacket, walking away from the Peninsula. He forgot to count the number of cigarettes he smoked ever since he stepped his foot outside. He forgot to take his heart with him when he left it with you.

He runs a hand through his hair and arrives at the kitchen with profound sadness that his staff has never seen him carry. He locks himself in the office and takes out the notebook he managed to find in his apartment the night before. The email address and the password that he tried so hard to remember glares at him before clicking on ‘Next’. Emails from his childhood pop up but one stands out. Who would have thought that his email address was as easy to remember as combining your names together?

He shakily clicks on your old email address and takes a sharp breath as he reads the last thing you’ve sent him.

Carmy,

I heard from Donna that you’re in Copenhagen now. I hope everything’s fine between us because the last time I tried, you refused to speak to me. I don’t mind. I hope we talk again someday because you’re the only person in the world who I can talk to without hiding anything. I hope you gave me the chance to say this. I was planning on telling you anyway before we enter college. I don’t know why I’m saying this now. Maybe I’m doing this because I’m selfish. I’m hoping that you’d come back or maybe talk to me again if I do. If you don’t reply, I’ll take it as a rejection and try to move on with my life. I’ll be happy for you either way.

I love you, Carmy. I love you so much and I hope that you’re out there, pursuing your dreams. I will always be rooting for you.

I love you.

He throws his phone on the floor. He’s positive that there’s another crack on the screen now. He screams profanities and ignores the urgent knocks that Sugar was making outside his door. His head falls in his hands and he sobs. You were right. If he read the message, he’d book the next flight home.

He only dreams to be loved and to love without anything holding him back but dreams have a way of appearing brighter when you’re younger.

END. A/N: Thank you so much for reading and for waiting for me! I hope this was worth it. I’m really proud of this and as always, don’t forget to reblog / comment / tell me what you think! Love you.

TAGLIST: @kpopgirlbtssvt@morgthemagpie@hal3ynicol3@1800-queen-trash @ummvengers @thottywizard

#carmen berzatto x reader #carmen berzatto angst #carmen berzatto fluff #carmy berzatto x reader #fanfiction #fanfic #carmen berzatto fanfiction #carmen berzatto #angst #fluff #the bear #the bear fx #the bear s3

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bitchinbarzal · 15 days ago

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Adoption | Just Fine AU

⸻

It started small.

Like most of their fights did.

They were cleaning up after dinner with Kaia scrubbing spaghetti sauce from the stovetop, Clayton drying Elodie’s glitter-splattered cup. The boys were already down for the night. Elodie was in the living room, face lit up by her tablet, humming to herself.

Kaia, casually dropped it in the quiet.

“I’ve been thinking about adopting her.”

Clayton froze. Just for a beat.

He looked at her. “What?”

“Elodie,” Kaia said. “I want to make it official. I want to adopt her.”

Clayton blinked. “Oh.”

She stared at him.

“Oh?”

“I mean… yeah. That’s a big thing.”

She set the sponge down. “Is it?”

“Yes,” he said slowly. “It is.”

Kaia’s chest tightened. “Clay, I’ve been raising her since she was in onesies. Before she could even talk. I’ve been ‘Mom’ to her longer than anyone. I know it’s a big thing—but I’m already doing it. All this does is make it legal. You know i just think, we have 3 kids and legalities should be made that if the worst ever happened”

He crossed his arms, posture stiff. “I’m not saying you haven’t been there. You have. You’ve been amazing with her.”

She caught it, with her.

Not for her. Not as her mom. Just a compliment. Distant.

“And yet, you’re hesitating,” Kaia said quietly.

“I’m not—”

“You paused.”

Clayton’s jaw clenched. “Because I wasn’t expecting it. It caught me off guard.”

“No, Clay,” she snapped, stepping closer. “You paused because some part of you still doesn’t see me as hers.”

“That’s not true.”

“Then what is it?” she pushed. “Because if the roles were reversed—if I were the one hesitating about something this important—you’d be ripping me apart.”

He was quiet for too long.

Kaia folded her arms. “You think I’m temporary.”

Clayton’s eyes widened. “What? No—Kaia, come on.”

“You do. Some part of you still thinks I’m just the second chapter. Not her real mother. Just the one who came after.”

“That’s not fair.”

“What’s not fair,” she said, voice shaking now, “is loving a little girl with every piece of myself for nearly seven years and hearing the man I married hesitate to let me call her mine.”

Clayton swallowed hard. “I’m scared.”

“Of what? Of me leaving? Because if you don’t trust me by now—”

“Of failing her,” he snapped. “Of this falling apart. Of giving her another person who promises forever and doesn’t mean it.”

Kaia blinked like he’d slapped her.

“I meant it,” she whispered. “I’ve always meant it.”

“I know,” he said, voice rough. “But it doesn’t stop me from being terrified.”

“Well, your fear hurts,” she shot back. “Because I have shown up for that little girl since before you ever called me yours. I wiped her nose. I rocked her to sleep. I held her when she asked why she didn’t have a mommy.”

She choked. Just once. Then kept going.

“I never asked to replace anyone. I just showed up. And I stayed. And the fact that you can’t see that enough to say yes without flinching? That hurts more than anything else ever has in this marriage.”

Clayton stood there, motionless, guilt written across every inch of him.

And Kaia, holding back the tears, turned away.

“I need some air.”

She walked out the back door, leaving him there in the glow of the kitchen light, surrounded by all the proof that she already was a mother.

And wondering how the hell he let her feel like she wasn’t.

#just fine au

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mrs-dr-reid · 3 months ago

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Put On The Red Light

(A Criminal Minds Fic)

Pairing: Spencer Reid x Fem!Reader

Summary: Inspired by the dialogue prompt: "I know you have to go undercover, but do you really have to dress like that?" // "No, but I look good, don't I?" from @imagining-in-the-margins's Undercover Challenge

Genre: Fluffy, with a little bit of suggestiveness

Warnings: Spencer being insecure/flustered, Reader described as afab, suggestive language and touches, no beta we die like a day player in the first 10-15 minutes of a CM episode

A/N: AHHH!!! We're back in the CM brainrot, babes!!!

Word Count: 1147

———————————————————————

Of course, of all the BAU ladies that could have been chosen, Y/N got the short end of the stick.

She honestly couldn’t really be all that mad. She’d been dodging the undercover op bullet for the last month and a half with either Emily or JJ taking the fall in her stead, so it was only logical that Hotch would pick her this time around. She could still be annoyed, though.

This particular operation was for a case in Baltimore where the unsub targeted sorority girls that fit the stereotype of “rambunctious party girl”, thinking he was doing the world a favor by removing whom he saw as “poisoned youth” from it. And Y/N had to hand it to Hotch, she looked more like the victims than Emily or JJ did, so it would be easier to lure the unsub in with her than either of them. Still, that didn’t stop her from grumbling about it all day.

Spencer, bless him, was doing his best to help her feel better about the situation and saying things like, “Hotch is just allowing you to prove how good at your job you are” and “You’re the perfect person to give us an edge in this case”. It wasn’t working, but Y/N would never tell him that because she knew he cared about her and was trying to help.

That evening, she was getting dressed in the bathroom of their shared hotel room, Spencer sitting on the end of the bed and chatting with her through the door. Eventually, she said, “Okay then, what do you think? College party girl enough?”, and exited the bathroom to show off her outfit. Spencer went to say something, but all thoughts left his brain the moment he laid eyes on her.

She was wearing a spaghetti strap dress made of red silk that had a plunging neckline and hugged her body in all the right ways, her hair in a loose updo with artfully curled strands framing her face and gold hoop earrings decorating her ears. When she did a little turn to showcase the entire dress (the sky-high heels on her feet somehow not impeding her), he turned a light shade of pink when he noticed that the dress was completely backless. The lack of a bra in particular is what completely did him in.

He was just barely keeping his jaw from dropping open when Y/N snapped her fingers in front of his face and said, “Spence? You okay? I asked you what you thought,” with a concerned look on her face. Spencer cleared his throat, then said, “I know you have to go undercover, but do you really have to dress like that?”, the blush on his cheeks becoming more prominent.

Y/N made a little surprised face, then said, “No, I guess not. But I look good, don’t I?”, doing a more playful twirl while tossing her hair. Spencer chuckled slightly, then said, “Yes. You look beautiful. A tad bit too exposed for my liking, but beautiful nonetheless,” a smile coming to Y/N’s face at his compliment.

She curtsied and said, “Why, thank you, Dr. Reid!”, in an exaggerated country belle accent before kissing Spencer’s cheek, earning a reluctant smile from the man. He grabbed her hand and said, “I don’t like the idea of everybody looking at you like a piece of meat. Not like they’d be able to help it, because you’re gorgeous, but… it just reminds me that I’m just me, and I’m very replaceable,” a sad look taking over his features.

Y/N frowned, then said, “Spence… you are as irreplaceable as they come,” cupping his face in her hand to make him look at her. She continued, “I’m with you because you make my life so much better just by being in it. You make me laugh, you know my coffee order like the back of your hand, you teach me something new every day, and you give really good hugs. Not to mention your book recommendations never miss,” winking at him to coax a smile from him.

Y/N smiled, then said, “And also, Morgan calls you Pretty Boy for a reason. You are a very good-looking man, and as your girlfriend, I’m banning you from talking bad about your appearance ever again. Are we clear?”, a playfully stern look crossing her face. Spencer chuckled slightly, then said, “Yes, ma’am,” making Y/N grin satisfactorily and say, “Good,” before pressing a kiss to his lips, his hands automatically sliding up her legs and finding a resting place on her waist.

She pulled away, then said, “And who cares if people look at me like I’m a piece of meat? The only person allowed to take this dress off at the end of the night is you,” as she walked toward the door to the hotel room. She was rewarded with Spencer’s face turning the exact same shade of red as her dress, and she giggled before heading out the door. Spencer sat in shocked silence for a few seconds, then got up to follow her down to the lobby, where the rest of the team was waiting.

When they arrived, Emily and JJ immediately started hyping Y/N up and telling her how amazing she looked, which made her wave a hand dismissively and say, “Yeah, yeah, I’m a smoke show, we all knew that,” in a sarcastic manner. Derek immediately noticed Spencer’s resemblance to a perfectly ripe tomato, then said, “Hey, Pretty Boy, what’s with the face?”, but Spencer refused to make eye contact with anyone, still reeling over Y/N’s comment.

Y/N thankfully picked up on his discomfort, and she said, “I flirted with him a bit too hard, so he’ll probably be buffering for the next 20 minutes. Sorry about that,” pulling a playful wince at Hotch, who just sighed and said, “We’ll deal with it later. We better get you to the bar before the unsub starts hunting. Let’s get moving,” before walking towards the front door, already back in business mode.

Everyone else fell in step behind him, and Emily leaned over to whisper in Y/N’s ear, “What exactly did you say to Reid to leave him speechless? If I knew he had an off switch, I’d have used it years ago!”, so Y/N shook her head and said, “Sorry, Em. A lady never reveals her boyfriend’s mute button,” before trotting ahead to take Spencer’s hand in her own, squeezing it affectionately.

JJ took Y/N’s place at Emily’s side, then after a few moments of silence, she leaned closer and said quietly to not be overheard, “She totally made a dirty joke at his expense, right?”, making Emily scoff and say, “Oh, 100%. Nothing else would have resulted in his face becoming an exact color-match of a beet.”

———————————————————————

CM Taglist: @homoose, @libraryofloveletters, @xgoldentigerlilyx, @less-intelligent-spencerreid, @boketto2-0, @aryaarathornson, @spoookymuulders, @nomajdetective

Let me know in the comments if you want to be added

#logan writes #spencer reid x fem!reader #fluff #criminal minds fanfic

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jadedrrose · 4 months ago

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𝐀 𝐁𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐒𝐮𝐫𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐞

A little blurb about Sephiroth getting you a gift for your birthday, in honor of my own birthday (aka today)!

Word count: 1666

Warnings: fluff, pre-Nibelheim Sephiroth, gender neutral reader, not fully proof-read

His heart thuds heavily against his chest- a feeling that not even the unpredictable, brutal battle field often brings to him. But this is entirely different. He only has about twenty minutes, knowing you’ll be back at any moment.

Sephiroth looks through your belongings, desperately trying to find a point of reference for what sort of gifts you’d like. With your birthday being so soon, he knows there’s very little time left to figure out what to get you. And he’d never quite had to gift anyone anything before, so the silver-haired SOLDIER was really struggling with what to do.

He shuffles through your jewelry, inspecting each piece for every noticeable detail. Quickly, he finds a pattern. They’re all the same color with the similar gemstones in each one. He takes note of the shape of each ring, necklace and earring set he picks up, as well as the size of them. Sephiroth smirks to himself, coming up with a plan; he’ll leave bright and early tomorrow morning and buy you something nice from one of the jewelry shops within Midgar. Then, he’ll take up Zack’s offer of buying flowers from the younger man’s girlfriend. And when that’s all done, he’ll hopefully be back before you wake up in order to prepare breakfast.

As Sephiroth begins putting each piece of jewelry away exactly as he’d found it, he breathes out a sigh of relief; the pounding of his heart slowing as he calms down, knowing he’s gotten away with it. Until he hears the sound of footsteps approaching your apartment door, followed by the sound of keys clashing and the clicking of a lock.

He panics again, moving with superhuman speed to put everything back. Just as the front door opens, Sephiroth shuts the drawer and hastily tries to think of an excuse as to why he’s in your room, and not where you’d left him; on the couch. He spots your hair brush sitting atop the dresser in front of him, and grabs it, running it through his long, silky locks.

“Sephiroth?” You call, realizing he isn’t in the living room anymore.

His heart flutters at the sound of your voice, and he swallows thickly, hoping his voice won’t give him away. “I’m here,” he says, voice as smooth and calm as ever.

“Huh?” He then hears you walk towards the bedroom. “Um… what are you doing in here-“

Your eyes meet his, and he continues to brush through his hair, even though it was already perfectly smoothed out before. He can feel his ears burn, but he keeps his tone calm, keeping up the lie, “I forgot my brush… I had hoped you wouldn’t mind me using yours.”

You shrug, “not really. Um, I got the noodles, should I go ahead and start boiling the water?”

“I’ll help,” he immediately puts the brush down, and you look at him with a raised eyebrow, but ultimately decide to ignore his suspicious actions.

Sephiroth follows you to the kitchen, where a grocery bag sits on the counter; two boxes of spaghetti noodles inside. You pull one out and set it beside the stove, while he grabs a pot and fills it with water, before setting it on the stove and turning it on.

He watches the water slowly begin to boil as you stand beside him, inspecting the sauce you two had been preparing all day. He sneaks glances down towards you, reveling in your beauty. Even though it was supposed to be a quiet evening spent in your apartment together, you’d done some makeup and put on a cute, yet cozy outfit. And god did you look breathtaking. Perhaps the excitement of your birthday being the following day was why you’d chosen to dress up. Sephiroth smiles, closing his eyes for a mere second- and when he opens them again, you’re sticking a wooden spoon up at him, some of the sauce on it.

“Try it,” you ask, “need to know if it needs anything.”

Sephiroth puts his lips on the edge of the spoon, tasting the marinara sauce. It’s delightful, he decides. He softly smiles down at you, and nods. “It’s really good. Far better than any of the pasta sauces the Shinra cafeteria prepares.”

You return his smile, though yours is more of a grin, and squeal. “Really?! It’s a family recipe, so I feel like I’m not quite doing it justice,” you laugh.

“To me, it’s perfect,” Sephiroth replies.

Putting the spoon back, you wrap your arms around him and squeeze. “You’re too sweet, Seph.”

He returns your embrace, leaning down so his head rests atop yours. “But I’m being honest.”

At least, about this he was. As the words left his lips, he felt guilty for digging through your things and lying to you all over again, even if it was for an innocent reason. Hopefully he’d be able to pull off his plan come morning.

—

When dawn finally arrives, Sephiroth sneaks out of your bed with ease, slipping away into your bathroom to change out of the sweatpants and t-shirt he typically wore when at your home. Putting his uniform on, he tried his very best to get it all secured without making too much noise.

After a few moments of fearing that you’d wake up, he finally leaves and makes his escape to get everything ready for your gift. He starts with the jewelry, going to a local shop and picking out something that would match your other pieces. Sephiroth hadn’t quite realized just how expensive jewelry could be- but no price is too much to spend on his beloved, he decides.

When that’s done, he calls Zack. The phone rings for a moment, before the younger man finally picks up, rather enthusiastically.

“Sephiroth! What’s up?”

“I’d like to take up your offer of buying flowers from that girl you’re seeing,” the silver-haired man coolly replies.

“Awesome! I’ll meet you at the train station in sector five, alright?”

“Sounds good.”

With the clicking of his phone, Sephiroth tucks it away into his pocket and begins heading for the train that will lead down to the sector five slums.

To nobody’s surprise, upon finding Zack at the station, the young SOLDIER was doing his squatting routine for whenever he was bored or waiting.

“Yo! Sephiroth,” Zack calls out, standing up straight and jogging over to him.

“Let’s go,” Sephiroth demands, “I don’t have much time. I need to get back before-“

“Yeah yeah, I get it. Let’s go, lover boy!”

“Excuse me?”

“I- I mean… uh, let’s go, Mr Sephiroth?”

“Whatever.”

—

When you awaken, the welcoming aroma of food cooking fills the air, and you inhale the scent, finding that it’s the smell of your favorite breakfast. Smiling, you slip out of bed and head out to the kitchen.

The sight that greets you makes your heart melt; Sephiroth, who had been adamant that he was a terrible cook without your help, was cooking your favorite breakfast for you. You try approaching him as quietly as you can, but your attempt is futile, as he quickly picks up on the sound of your soft footsteps. Turning, he faces you, a slight look of surprise on his face.

“Good morning, Seph,” you say, moving to stand beside him at the stove.

“Good morning,” he returns, before smiling. “And happy birthday, my love.”

You giggle, and he lowers himself to kiss your forehead, but you sneak in a haste kiss that just barely misses his lips as he goes to stand up straight again. “Thank you. Is this all for me?”

“Of course it is,” Sephiroth answers, looking back to the food. “I had hoped you’d sleep until it was ready, but this is fine, too. At least now you can help me ensure it doesn’t come out horrible.”

“Hmm,” you examine the food cooking, “it looks great! You’re really picking up on cooking, Seph.”

“Only because of you.”

You giggle again, and watch as he finishes cooking the meal.

Once everything’s done, Sephiroth sets out two plates on your table- where you notice something you hadn’t put there. A vase of flowers- real flowers.

“Seph?”

“Yes?”

“Where’d the flowers come from?” You ask, knowing what the most likely answer is, and yet, your heart pounds, almost not believing he went out of his way to do something so special.

“I got them for you. From Zack’s friend.”

“You… really?”

“Really,” he chuckles.

You almost want to cry, and run to embrace him. “Thank you, Seph…”

He wraps his arms around you, his silver locks falling over your frame as he reaches down for you. “Of course. And… it’s not your only gift,” he then adds, pulls away.

You watch in awe as he grabs a bag from the counter, grabbing something from within it before holding it out for you.

Gently, you take the small box from Sephiroth, carefully opening it to examine its contents. Upon seeing it, your face immediately lightens up, and the urge to cry returns, but you try to resist. He’d gotten you a necklace, one that was beyond gorgeous. And based on the details of it, you couldn’t even begin to imagine how expensive it was. “Sephiroth… you really did all of this for me?”

“Of course. Only the best for my love,” he gives you a soft smile, taking the necklace from the box. “Turn around,” he then instructs.

You do as he says, and pull your hair out of the way. With the most gentle touch, Sephiroth guides the necklace around your neck and clasps it together for you, looking you over as he turns you back around. “Stunning,” he whispers.

You want to roll your eyes at the comment, but instead, you sniffle as your emotions overwhelm you. “Thank you, Seph… I love you so much,” you shakily say, going in for another hug.

He holds you tightly, placing a kiss on your head and nuzzling against you. “You’re welcome, love. Happy birthday.”

✧･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟ: 𓆩♡𓆪 :･ﾟ✧:･ﾟ✧

#sephiroth x reader #sephiroth x y/n #sephiroth x you #sephiroth ff7 #sephiroth #sephiroth ffvii #ff7 x reader #ffvii x reader #final fantasy vii x reader #final fantasy x reader

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buckyispunk · 2 years ago

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Aloha

Aloha part one ~ Bucky Barnes x f!Reader (no use of Y/N), read part two here!

masterlist

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x Reader (no use of Y/N)

Summary: You arrive at a Hawaiian resort for your ex's wedding and a man named Bucky buys you a drink. You proceed to spend the next day with him, getting to know him and his friends.

A/N: New series! There will probably be five or so parts, with much more smut, angst, and fluff to come :) let me know if you'd like to be added to the tag list for this series!

Warnings: unwanted touching (not by Bucky), dom!bucky, unprotected PiV sex, creampie, spitting, choking, orgasm delay/denial, oral (f receiving), fingering, drinking, Bucky's got a filthy mouth

Word Count: 11k

Fucking Brock. You sit on the couch staring at the little cardstock rectangle in disbelief.

Join us in celebrating Brock and Marisssa’s special day! surrounded by hibiscus flowers and a tropical design. The flowery invitation theme makes sense when you read that the wedding is in Hawaii.

You hadn’t seen Brock in years. Three, to be exact. It had been in the soup aisle of the grocery store.

You had been reaching for a can of tomato paste to make spaghetti to eat alone in your little apartment. You looked a mess, having stopped at the store on your way home from a long day of work. You heard him call your name - his nonchalant, egotistical voice recognizable anywhere.

“Oh my god, how’ve you been? It’s been too long!” He had said, as if he had made any attempts to reach out to you - or had any desire to - since you had broken up.

“Oh,” you turned around to face him, “fine, you?”

“I’m doing great! Just here to buy some soup for my girlfriend, she’s been under the weather lately.”

Not even a minute into conversation and he’d mentiioned his new girlfriend. You had just broken up two months before. You tried your best to keep the look of shock and sadness from your face. How had he moved on so quick? Did your almost four year relationship meant so little to him?

You managed to give a small noncommittal smile and nod. He wasn’t paying enough attention to you to notice anyway, grabbing a couple of cans of chicken noodle soup and turning back the way he came.

“We should get together and catch up sometime!” he had shouted over his shoulder as he walked away.

That was the last time you had seen him. It wasn’t like the two of you were on bad terms or anything. The break up had been civil - civil as a breakup can be, anyway. You and Brock had begun dating in your freshman year of college. One day, in the middle of you and Brock’s senior year, he sat you down and said he needed to talk to you. He said that you were great and he’d always have a special place in his heart for you, but he just couldn’t picture himself with you for the rest of his life - so there’s no point in wasting anymore time, as he had put it. To be honest, you didn’t disagree.

You had been unhappy towards the end of the relationship. You could tell that Brock was distancing himself and the two of you got in little fights almost every day. You knew it wasn’t going to work out, but it had still left a huge hole in your heart. Brock was a big part of your life every day for four years, then all of a sudden he was just gone. A big piece of you was missing and you had to rebuild it yourself. Turns out Brock rebuilt that piece with another girl. If he ever had a piece that needed rebuilding in the first place, that is.

You really had wanted to stay friends with him after the breakup, or at least remain civil with him. He had never reached out after that day in the grocery store and you had no desire to reach out to him - you had healed yourself and decided you were better off without him.

You sit on the couch running your fingers over the rough material, rereading the words over and over again, trying to make sense of it all. You really don’t care that Brock is getting married, it’s not like you want him back or anything. But, at the same time, you weren’t necessarily chomping at the bit to go watch him and his fiancee celebrate their special day.

A vacation did sound nice, though. You’d always wanted to go to Hawaii. Plus, you figured some of you and Brock’s friends from college would be in attendance. The two of you had been in the same friend group when he asked you out. You lost touch with the friend group after the break up. You would see some of them in passing or in classes and share small talk, but you had stopped getting invitations to hang out with them. You weren’t one to hold a grudge, though, and it would be nice to see them again.

You mull it over for a little while before deciding that it would be a good move on your part to go, show Brock that you were still on good terms with him and that him getting married doesn’t bother you. You could take a break from work and get some much-needed sun and relaxation. You RSVP and check no, you will not be bringing a plus one.

The months leading up to the wedding follow the same, monotonous routine. Work, eat, sleep, repeat. Occasionally your coworkers would drag you out to the bar after work and you would go - desperate to feel some sort of belonging. Despite your efforts over the years, you had never gotten close with any of the girls at work. You got along with them okay, but you wouldn’t exactly call them your friends. Acquaintances was a more fitting term.

You do, however, have one best friend. The only issue is that she lives almost a thousand miles away. You had moved to New York for school and she had stayed back home in Illinois. You stay in contact with her and your family. Most days, talking to them makes you more homesick than anything else. You’d considered moving back more than once, but had ultimately decided against it each time - you’re scared to look like a failure. You don’t want to come running back home at the first signs of struggle. You want to prove to everyone back home that you can make it in the big city by yourself.

As the days go by, you find yourself looking forward to the special day. Not because of the wedding, but because you’re ready to escape the numb hell that your life has become. The wedding is on a Friday. You’re flying in on Monday and leaving Sunday morning. Six nights at the tropical resort Brock and Marissa have picked.

It’s the Sunday night before you leave. Your bags are packed and waiting by the door. Sleep comes easy, knowing that by this time tomorrow you’ll be drinking cocktailas at a pool-side bar, free from work stress and city traffic. Away from the city where you feel lonely among millions of people.

Usually when the ear-piercing, dread instilling sound of your alarm rings, you hit the snooze button and pull the covers tighter in attempt to hang on to your last moments of comfort and peace - or as close as you can get to that, these days. Today, however, is different. When you hear the all-too familiar noise coming from your phone, it leaves you with a feeling of excitement rather than depression.

You sit up, smile on your face, and get ready for the day. After showering and putting on your comfiest plane clothes, you grab your bags and head outside. You hail a taxi and can’t even bring yourself to be upset when he doesn’t offer to help you with your luggage. You smile the whole way to the airport.

I repeat, flight DL4567 is delayed by two hours. Boarding will begin at 12:10.

The universe has found a way to put you in a bad mood again. You’re certain whatever higher power there is had sent this sudden thunderstorm just for you. You look at your phone to check the time - 9:45. You had been sitting here for an hour already. The hard chair is starting to get uncomfortable, so you decide to get your second cup of coffee for the morning. You stand and grab your luggage, making your way to the end of the Starbucks line. You order your go-to drink and some breakfast.

Once you get your coffee and food you find a little table to sit at and pull out your book. You find yourself enthralled in your book and the time flies. A voice over the loudspeaker breaks you out of your trance.

Flight DL4567 now boarding.

You snap your book shut and clean up your table. You grab your bags and head back to your gate. After waiting in line for a little while, you finally take your seat on the plane. You put in your earbuds and watch the grey clouds outside - thankful you got a window seat. By the time the plane starts moving, you’re smiling again and counting down the time until your arrival.

You spend the first five hours of your flight reading and watching TV - you’re pleasantly surprised to see that they have your favorite show. Sometime after they serve lunch, you fall asleep. When you wake up, there’s only two hours left until arrival.

You watch the fluffy clouds outside your window and find that time passes quickly when you think about all the things you want to do in Hawaii. You also find that the time passes impossibly slow when you let your mind drift to New York and all your responsibilities. How is it that you haven’t even landed in Hawaii yet and you’re already dreading returning back home?

You see the beaches and the luscious green that fill the ground beneath you. You take in all the sights as best you can as you get closer and closer to the ground, preparing for landing. Your ears hurt slightly from the pressure change, but you’ve got other things on your mind.

After waiting some more to get your luggage, you finally manage to get on a shuttle and you’re on your way to the resort. You watch the mountains in the distance and the palm trees on the drive. You’re listening to your playlist through your earbuds and this is the happiest you’ve felt in a while. You could get used to this, you think.

Your jaw drops when you pull up to the hotel. The huge building is right on the beach. Sure, that’s what it had said online, but the real thing it’s even more staggering in person than it had been in the pictures. The sun beats down on you as soon as you step out of the shuttle, but there’s a nice breeze that makes it enjoyable. A worker hands you your bags from the back of the bus and you thank him. You roll them inside the resort, eyes widening even more when you see the inside of the place. You can’t wait to get your bags in your room and explore.

The receptionist is nice as can be and tells you to enjoy your stay as she hands you your key cards - like you’ll be needing more than one. You wheel your luggage into the elevator and press the number five. You’re astonished by the view when you step into your room. Your balcony faces the beach and you can see mountains in the distance. The evening sun is still shining bright and there’s not a cloud in the sky.

It’s just after seven o’clock by the time you’re done changing. You head down to the main floor and set off to explore. There’s a spa, an indoor and outdoor bar, a pool, a hot tub, a gym, and a restaurant. You decide to hit the outdoor bar and enjoy the last of the daylight.

You slide into a barstool. The warmth of the sun and the refreshing sea-side breeze, along with a couple cocktails, quickly put you into a relaxed headspace. You’d been looking forward to this for so long and it’s definitely all you’d imagined it would be.

The resort is pretty full, but not to the point where it gets on your nerves. The bar is occupied by a group of girls who look a little younger than you and some married couples.

You’re just finishing your second drink when something catches your attention - a loud, boisterous laugh coming from the other end of the bar. You lean forward to see a group of guys you hadn’t noticed before. The laugh comes from a man with chocolatey, smooth skin. He’s sitting with a gigantic blond man who is currently looking down at the bartop and shaking his head, a half smile on his face. The last man, though, is what makes you do a double take.

He’s got dark, fluffy hair. Though his stubble tries to hide it, you notice his sharp jawline. His shoulders are broad and his biceps stretch the sleeve of his t-shirt. He’s smiling, pearly white teeth on display. You find that you’re still watching him as he brings a bottle of beer to his lips and takes a swig.

You’re only snapped out of your trance when he looks in your direction. You quickly divert your eyes, but you aren’t quick enough. He catches your gaze for the briefest of seconds. You might be imagining things, but you swear you see the corner of his mouth curl up into a smile before he looks back to his friends - still laughing and yelling about something.

The sun has finally set and you decide on having one more of the fun, tropical drinks before heading up to your room.

You prepare to flag down the bartender, surprised when you find him already stopping in front of you, one of the cocktails you’d been drinking in hand.

“Courtesy of the gentleman at the other end of the bar.”

You quickly thank the bartender and look back to the other end of the bar where the group of guys had been sitting. They’re the only men sitting at that end of the bar.

The brunette is already looking at you. He gives you a million dollar smile and shoots you a wink before he turns, following his friends back into the hotel.

You sit in shock for a solid minute, replaying the wink over and over in your mind. Sure you’ve got a solid buzz and you haven’t been laid in a long time, but even if that wasn’t the case, you’re sure it would’ve been just as sexy. You’re only slightly ashamed of the small amount of wetness you feel in your panties.

You down the free drink and head back into the hotel. On your way to the elevator, you notice the man that’s been occupying your thoughts for the last 30 or so minutes standing at the reception desk. His hair is wet and his clothes are soaking through.

You quickly make your way to the elevator and repeatedly press the up arrow. You’re not sure where the sudden embarrassment is coming from, but your cheeks are red and you don’t want him to see you right now.

Unfortunately for you, you hear footsteps behind you and turn to find the same piercing blue eyes you had met across the bar staring back at you.

“Friends stole all the towels out of my room,” he tells you, holding up a stack of fresh ones.

Well that explains why he was at the reception desk, also why he’s soaking wet.

“Oh,” you manage a small chuckle as you look down at your feet.

You can’t help but feel embarrassed when he’s looking at you so intently, like you’re the only thing on his mind right now. It doesn’t help that he’s one of the most handsome men you’ve ever seen and he’s talking to you of all people.

You force yourself to meet his eyes again, “Thank you, um, for the drink earlier,” you manage in a somewhat steady voice.

“Course, doll,” another smile.

The elevator doors finally open and he extends his arm, “After you.”

He follows you into the elevator and presses the number five.

“What floor are you on?” he turns, waiting for your response.

“Same as you, apparently,” you smile up at him.

You weren’t close enough to tell before, but he’s tall. At least six feet.

“I’m Bucky, by the way. Sorry ‘bout leaving before I could introduce myself earlier, but my friends were being a pain in the ass - pardon my language.”

You tell him your own name and he holds out his hand. You put your hand in his and expect him to shake it, but what he does next surprises you.

He gently raises your hand to his mouth and presses a soft kiss to your knuckles.

“Pleasure to meet you,” he rolls your name off his tongue, still holding your hand.

You try your best not to make it obvious that you’re swooning over this man. Heat returns to your core at the feeling of his rough hand engulfing yours.

The elevator bell dings, letting you know you’ve reached your floor. Bucky carefully drops your hand as the doors open. The two of you step out of the elevator and he stops.

“I’ll be seeing you around,” he says, holding eye contact with you.

“I hope so,” your buzz encourages you.

You smile at each other and when he turns to head to his room, you do the same.

“Goodnight, doll,” he shouts over his shoulder before disappearing into his room.

You can’t keep the smile off of your face the rest of the night. You’re in fucking Hawaii. A man straight out of your fantasies had bought you a drink, and he plans on seeing you around. You know it’s too soon to be thinking this, but maybe you’ll find a more unconventional way to relieve stress this week.

After you wake up and get dressed for the day, you head down to get breakfast from the buffet. You load your plate and find a table. You’re in the middle of chewing a bite of waffle when you see Brock. Him and a woman, you assume it’s Marissa, are grabbing plates and getting into the breakfast line.

Brock doesn’t notice you until after him and the woman have gotten their own food. You watch him as he scans the room for a table, his eyes eventually landing on you.

He calls out your name and leans down to tell the woman something.

“So glad you’re here! Are these seats taken?” he asks, not waiting for a response as he sits down, leaving the woman to follow.

“Go ahead,” you say. You’re somewhat glad to have some company, even if it’s a little awkward.

“This is my fiancée, Marissa.”

“So nice to meet you,” she offers her hand and you shake it.

Breakfast is filled with awkward conversation. You and Brock catch up a little bit, telling each other what you’re up to these days. After a few minutes, Brock pulls out his phone and doesn’t put it away for the rest of the meal. You talk to Marissa about the wedding planning and do your best to seem interested as she talks about flower arrangements for ten minutes.

Eventually, conversation lulls and you take the opportunity to get up.

“So nice catching up with you, Brock. And nice to meet you Marissa!” you say, heading to your room.

You decide on heading to the pool today and change into your bikini. It’s a black set that shows off your body without being too skimpy. You throw some clothes over it and grab your book before stepping out of your room.

Before you reach the elevator, you hear your name being called. You turn and see Bucky standing by his door.

“Where are you headed to?”

“I’m gonna go lay by the pool for a bit, wanna join me?” you answer, not sure where your courage is coming from.

Bucky grins as he responds, “Nothing else I’d rather do.”

You feel your face heat up.

“Lemme put some trunks on and I’ll meet you down there?”

“Sounds great, Bucky,” you nod at him before slipping into the elevator.

Once at the pool, you grab two towels. By some miracle, you manage to find two empty lounge chairs together. You set your things down and lay the towels over the chairs. You strip out of your clothes, leaving you clad in only the bikini, and apply sunscreen before laying down. You put your earbuds in and close your eyes and bask in the sun.

Maybe it's the sunshine, maybe it’s the fresh ocean air, or maybe it’s something else entirely, but you’re feeling the happiest you’ve been in a long time. You notice that instead of your usual RBF, you've been smiling almost constantly since your arrival.

When you open your eyes, you see Bucky standing a few feet away from you, steel blue eyes raking up and down your body.

“Oh, Bucky,” you pause your music, blush returning to your cheeks, “how long have you been standing there?”

“Shit,” he says your name, realizing he’d been caught staring, “I swear I just got here like ten seconds ago. I’m so sorry. Feel free to revoke my invitation because I was being a creep,” he grimaces, expecting you to be mad at him.

The way he looked at you was different than the way most men would look at you in a bikini, though. It wasn’t gross or pervy. It looked like he was genuinely just appreciating your body, rather than plotting how to get you into his bed. And he didn't make any disgusting comments or cat call you like other guys have in the past. Besides, you'd be lying if you said you didn’t get a boost of confidence from the way he looked at you.

“Hmm,” you put your finger on your chin, pretending to mull it over, “I’ll let you sit down, but only if you buy me another drink first.”

That familiar grin spreads across his face again.

“You got yourself a deal. You want another one of those gross cocktails you were drinking last night?”

“Um, excuse you, Mr. I’m too manly to drink cocktails, but I’ll have you know those were delicious.”

He chuckles and promises to be back shortly before walking toward the bar.

You play your music and wait for him to return. After a couple minutes, he returns holding a colorful, fruit filled cocktail and a beer bottle.

Bucky takes his seat next to you, beer bottle in hand. He lets out a sigh of relief as he lays back in his chair.

“So, not to be rude, but is Bucky your real name?”

“My full name is James Buchanan Barnes, if you must know. All my friends and family call me Bucky.”

You nod and take a sip of your drink.

“Man, it’s hot,” Bucky takes a drink from his bottle before setting it down and reaching down to grab the bottom of his shirt. You find it’s your turn to stare as he pulls it over his head, exposing tan skin and rippling muscle. Bucky gives you a cocky smirk when he notices you staring with your drink frozen midair, on its way to your mouth.

You quickly avert your eyes and feel the familiar dusting of pink return to your cheeks.

“Like what you see, doll?”

You simply shake your head at his teasing and smile, flustered as can be.

“So what do you do for work, Bucky?”

“Well I was in the army until a couple years ago. Now I’m a mechanic, I got my own shop with my buddies.”

You make a mental note to thank the army for mandating PT as you watch a drop of sweat roll down Bucky’s washboard abs.

“Is that who you’re here with?”

“Yeah. Me and Steve have known each other since we were little, actually. We met Sam when we joined up and after we all got out we opened up shop together,” a reminiscent smile plays upon his lips. “Those two knuckleheads are basically family. We decided to take a trip to celebrate the shop’s one year anniversary.”

“Speaking of family, do you have any?”

“My, uh,” his brows furrow, “my dad died when I was little, but I have a mom and a sister who’s a little younger than me. About your age, probably.”

His expression returns to normal in a split second, “Enough about me. Do you have family?”

“Yeah, but I moved away for college and never went back home.”

“Where’s home?”

“Ohio. I live in New York now.”

Bucky seems almost excited at this bit of information.

“Is that so?” he raises an eyebrow. “I live in Brooklyn.”

“Me too,” you share a smile.

Needing a break from the sweltering sun, you stand and grab your drink.

“I'm getting in the pool, care to join?”

Bucky wordlessly stands and follows you to the pool, smiling. You walk down the steps, drink in hand. Bucky, however, stops at the edge of the pool and watches you.

“You coming in or what?”

“In a minute, doll.”

Surprisingly, the pool isn’t that crowded. It’s huge, so the people that are in the pool are able to spread out and stay out of each other’s way.

It’s only once you’re standing in the pool, water up to your bikini top, that Bucky decides to enter.

Via cannonball.

You register what he’s about to do as he jumps in the air and wraps his hands around his knees and you yell at him, Barnes don’t you dare! but it’s too late. Next thing you know, you’re drenched. Your hair and face are soaked and there’s pool water in your drink.

Bucky emerges from under the water, smirk dancing across his lips. His expression falters for a second when he notices your angry expression, but you can’t keep the smile from your face when he shakes his hair out like a wet dog.

“You ruined my drink.”

“I’ll buy you another,” he says, taking the drink out of your hands and setting it on the edge of the pool.

He walks closer and closer to you until you’re just inches apart. He tentatively moves his hands under the water until they’re resting on your bare hips. His grip is soft, barely there. He’s giving you a chance to reject his touch, but all you do is gently move into his hands.

His grip becomes more firm and his eyes light up with a glint of mischief. Before you know what hit you, you’re being lifted out of the water, Bucky’s muscles flexing as he raises you up. Before you have a chance to stop him - as if you’d stand any chance against his nearly super human physique - he launches you back into the water.

When you emerge from the water, you see Bucky nearly doubled over laughing at the angry expression on your face. You really do try your best to be mad at him, but his shimmering smile and the crinkles in the corners of his eyes makes it hard.

“What. The. Hell,” you make your way back to him and move to smack his chest. Bucky has quick reflexes, though, and you find that your hand is trapped between one of his own and his muscular pec.

“That was revenge for the way you’ve been staring at me all morning when I’m unable to do anything about it.”

You try to ignore the butterflies in your stomach at his flirty words in an effort to keep up your mad facade.

“What if I drowned Bucky?” you deadpan.

“Wouldn’t let that happen,” he says matter-of-factly.

“Well, you’re still a jerk.”

“A jerk who’s talking to the prettiest girl in this resort,” he counters with a shit-eating grin.

Bucky drops his hand and, instead of moving yours away, you wrap both your arms around the back of his neck.

“Not for much longer if you pull another stunt like that, Barnes.”

“Sorry, doll,” the amused grin he’s still sporting makes you doubt his apology.

His hands return to your hips and he pulls you closer. He’s a fair bit taller than you and you have to tilt your head up to look at him. The sun is reflected in his ocean blue eyes and water drips down his face, getting caught in the scruff spanning his jaw.

Bucky leans down and lifts one of his hands to gently grab your chin between two long fingers. He softly directs you toward his own face. You can’t stop your eyes from flicking down to his pink, pillowy lips. You close the rest of the distance on your own.

Bucky is quick to kiss you back after your lips meet his. He caresses your lips with his own and he moves his hand to the back of your neck, pressing you against him harder. He swipes his tongue across your lips and you part them for him. You let out a small moan into his mouth and he gently takes your bottom lip between his teeth.

He pulls away, letting your lip free. You feel a throb in between your legs when he gives your neck a quick squeeze before letting his hand fall back to his own person.

“Fuck, doll. Don’t make me throw you into the water again.” He waits until he thinks you’re not looking before reaching down to adjust his swim trunks.

“You started it,” you reply as you make your way to the steps and climb out of the pool. “I need another drink,” you make sure to sway your hips as you walk back toward the bar, not needing to look back to know he’s watching.

You lean against the bar and are waiting to be helped when you suddenly feel a hand on your hip. You turn around and expect to see Bucky, only to be met with the sight of a man you’ve never seen before.

“Can I help you?” you remove the man’s hand from you.

“Nice bikini, baby. Lemme buy you a drink,” the slur in his words and his unsteady stance letting you know that he’s certainly not sober.

“No, thanks,” you turn back to the bar, making it clear you’re not interested.

The man either doesn’t get the hint or decides to keep trying anyway, because you feel both his hands land on your hips this time. He steps closer to you, his chest pressed up against your back.

Just as you’re preparing to throw an elbow into the man’s ribs, you feel his hands being ripped off of you. You turn around to see the man falling to the ground, Bucky standing over him.

“Get up,” Bucky demands, looking down.

The man, surprisingly, manages to get back on his feet and gives Bucky a death glare. Before he has a chance to give Bucky a piece of his mind, as you’re sure he was about to, Bucky grabs him by the collar of his shirt and leans into the man’s ear. He says something too quiet for you to hear and emphasizes it by using his grip on the man’s shirt to shake him. A few people around you are starting to stare.

The man’s face goes slack and he nods in response to whatever Bucky had said. Bucky shoves the man away and he nearly falls to the ground again. Bucky stares him down as he turns and walks away. Once he’s sure the man isn’t coming back, he returns his attention to you. Thankfully, everyone’s attention seems to be back to whatever they were doing before the commotion.

“You okay, doll? I’m sorry about that.”

“It’s not your fault, Bucky,” you give him a half smile to let him know you’re okay, just sick of men thinking they have a right to touch you. “I’m okay.”

“You still want another drink? Told you I’d buy it,” he goes to flag down the bartender.

You gently rest your hand on his bicep and he looks at you “Thank you, Buck,” you hope your genuine expression conveys that you’re not just thanking him for the drink.

He gives you a curt nod, “Don’t mention it. Just trying to be a gentleman.”

A few minutes later, armed with another round of drinks, you and Bucky are making your way back to the lounge chairs.

“So where are your friends today?” you inquire.

“Finally got those punks outta my hair for a little while. They went to hike up some mountain. Or maybe it was a volcano, I really don’t know.”

“You didn’t want to go with them?”

“I-uh,” he rubs a hand across the back of his neck, “let’s just say heights aren’t really my thing,” an adorable redness spreads across his face.

You nod, deciding to spare him any further embarrassment from teasing. The two of you sit down on the sides of your chairs, facing each other.

“So why are you here?”

You figured the question would arise eventually, but you had been dreading telling him the reason. It just sounds embarrassing to admit that you’re attending your ex’s wedding.

“I’m actually here for a wedding.”

“Oh yeah? Who’s getting married? Not you, I hope,” Bucky chuckles at his own joke but stops when you don’t so much as crack a smile. His face drops and he stares at you for a second before you notice his expression.

“No. God- no. I’m not engaged, Bucky. Very much single. It’s my ex’s wedding.”

His eyebrows shoot up, “Oh, wow,” you can tell he’s unsure how to respond.

“I’ve hardly talked to him since the breakup a few years ago. We’re on good terms, though. Actually ate breakfast with him and his fiancee this morning.”

“Well that’s good, I guess. That you’re on good terms, I mean. Why did you choose to come? Sorry if I’m being nosy, you dont have to answer.” “No, it’s fine. It’s a little weird, I get it. For the most part, it was a good excuse to take a vacation and hopefully see some old friends. It’s not like I still have feelings for Brock or anything, so I really couldn’t care less that he’s getting married. His fiancee seems nice enough. And things went okay this morning, so I’m hopeful that things won’t be too awkward at the wedding. Plus there’ll be an open bar at the reception,” you crack a smile.

Bucky listens and nods along. “Well I hope everything goes okay. I’m certainly not complaining that you’re here,” he gives you a soft smile.

Sunbathing next to Bucky and sharing laughter-filled conversation leaves you with such a serene feeling that you physically feel lighter and your mind feels clearer. You decide in that moment that this vacation was definitely worth it, you can feel your mental health improving by the hour.

At one point, you doze off and are woken to Bucky’s hand gently shaking your shoulder. You open your eyes and see him leaning over you, radiant smile on his face.

“Probably shouldn’t stay out here too long or you’ll burn to a crisp.”

You sit up and nod, “Good point.”

You and Bucky get dressed and gather your things before depositing your towels in the proper bin and heading inside the hotel. Once you and Bucky reach your floor, you stand and shuffle your feet, unsure of what to do next. Bucky sets a hand on your arm and you look up at him.

“My friends and I are going out to dinner tonight and, I’m sorry if this seems weird, but would you want to come with us? You don’t have to say yes, just thought I’d throw it out there,” he has a nervous look on his face and he chews on his lip while he waits for an answer.

You couldn’t be more thrilled at the fact that he still wants to spend more time with you, even though you’d been together a large chunk of the day already. You want to say yes, both because you have no other plans and because you’d love to spend more time with the man in front of you, but you don’t want to seem overly eager.

“Yeah, I’d like that. Only if you’re sure your friends won’t mind, that is.”

Bucky looks almost relieved and gives you a boyish grin. “Nah, Steve and Sam will be fine. I’m sure you guys will get along great.”

“Okay, Buck, looking forward to it.”

“Can’t wait, doll. I’ll meet you here at seven.”

Bucky seems to hesitate for a moment, but then leans down and places a soft kiss on your lips, which you happily return. He pulls back and heads off to his room.

“See you tonight, sweetheart.”

You decide you have a bit of time before you need to start getting ready for dinner, so you grab your book and sit out on the balcony. You find that you have a hard time focusing on the words in front of you, though. The ocean waves and palm trees blowing in the breeze paired with the distant sounds of laughter and music coming from below makes for a pleasant distraction. Before you know it, it’s 6:45 and you scramble to get back inside and start getting dressed.

It isn’t until you’re searching through your clothes that you realize you don’t know where you’re going for dinner or how to dress. You only packed three dresses, a sundress, the dress you’re wearing to the wedding, and the one you decide on for tonight.

The black dress comes down to your knees with a slit up the thigh. It’s tight and shows off your curves. The back is open, with straps crossing in the center of your shoulder blades. The cut in the front is low enough that it shows off your cleavage while maintaining a classy enough appearance.

You decide to dress it up with heels - also black. They’re only a couple inches tall, so you can still walk in them somewhat comfortably. You’re thankful that you packed a decent selection of jewelry and throw on some silver earrings and a necklace.

You take a quick look at yourself in the mirror and can’t help but smile - damn you look good. You grab your clutch and open your door. You nearly walk into Bucky as you step into the hallway.

Bucky is wearing tight grey dress pants with a snug-fitting short sleeve black button up. The first few buttons of his shirt are undone, giving you a peek of the toned chest hiding beneath. He’s paired the outfit with a black belt and matching shoes. He speaks before you have a chance to compliment him.

“Doll,” he looks you up and down, eyes wide, “wow. You look gorgeous.”

You feel yourself flush as you thank him.

“You look really good too, Buck. Where’s Steve and Sam?”

“I told them to wait downstairs for us. Wanted to prepare you for them. They can be a bit,” he pauses, searching for the right word, “much, sometimes. I told them to be on their best behavior tonight. They just have a way of embarrassing people, Sam especially. I’m sure they’ll be teasing me nonstop, so just ignore anything they say.”

You chuckle lightly, “Don’t worry, I’m sure they’ll be fine.”

You and Bucky step into the elevator and take turns sneaking glaces at each other. Just before you reach the ground floor, Bucky leans over you, effectively trapping you between him and the elevator wall. Even in your heels, he has to lean down to be eye level with you. “I mean it, doll, you look stunning,” his eyes search yours, “Can I kiss you?”

You respond by closing the distance between the two of you. He reaches up and places a hand on the back of your head, holding you to him. The feel of his soft lips on yours makes you forget where you are. All too soon, the elevator door is opening and before you and Bucky have a chance to break away from each other, you hear a whistle.

“Damn, Barnes! Moving quick!”

Bucky quickly steps away from you but stays in front of you, shielding you while you take a second to collect yourself.

“Shut it, Sam,” Bucky says sternly. You don’t miss the red that creeps up the back of his neck. Nor do you miss how his tight pants do wonders for his ass.

After a second you step out from behind Bucky and extend a hand to the man, deciding to play it off.

“So you must be Sam,” you introduce yourself as he shakes your hand.

“Nice to meet you,” Steve responds when you shake his hand.

Steve and Sam lead the way out of the resort and you trail behind with Bucky.

“We heard about this place some locals recommended that’s supposed to be really good. We’re gonna take a taxi there. That okay with you?”

“Sounds great,” you smile up at him.

The four of you wait in front of the resort for the taxi.

“So,” Steve says your name, “you really spent all day with Bucky and he hasn’t made a fool of himself yet?”

“Whoa whoa whoa, I never said that. He’s lucky I’m even here right not after he threw me into the pool earlier. Although he did almost get into a fist fight defending me, so I guess it cancels out.”

Sam gives Bucky a grin, “Attaboy.”

“When me and Buck were younger, I used to get myself into all kinds of trouble and Bucky would have to end up kicking some dude’s ass for me almost daily,” Steve reminisces.

Bucky huffs and nods his head, “Punk dragged me into all kinds of trouble. Believe it or not, he wasn’t always this big. Needed to help him out or he woulda ended up bleeding out in an alley somewhere in Brooklyn.”

Steve’s cheeks heat up, but you have trouble picturing the man in front of you as anything other than he is now - huge and intimidating.

After a couple minutes of getting to know Steve and Sam a little bit, the taxi arrives. It’s a five seater car, Steve sits in the front with the driver and you, Bucky, and Sam climb into the back. Bucky sits in between you and Sam. The car is plenty roomy enough, but Bucky makes sure to sit close enough that his thigh is pressed up against yours. The drive is short and Steve pays the driver when you arrive. Everyone gets out of the car. Bucky offers you his elbow and you link your arm in his. He leads the four of you into the building.

“Hi, we have a reservation for Barnes.”

The hostess leads you out back to the outdoor seating and your jaw drops. The palm tree surrounded patio is right on the beach and you have a perfect view of the sun setting on the water. Fairy lights and tiki torches give the place a soft glow. A live band plays soft Hawaiian music on a stage.

Once you reach your table, the hostess sets down menus and silverware, before heading back inside. Bucky unlinks his arm from yours and he pulls out a chair for you. Before you sit, you turn to him.

“Bucky, this place is beautiful.”

“Glad you like it, darling.”

You sit and Bucky takes the seat next to you. By the time you snap out of your awestruck trance, Sam and Steve are both holding menus and arguing about something. You go to pick up a menu and notice Bucky’s eyes trained on you. He gives you a smile before looking down at his own menu.

The waitress comes to take drink orders and the three men all order whiskey. You decide to get something other than a fruity cocktail.

“I’ll have the same,” you say when the server looks to you.

You notice the way all three of their eyebrows jump at your choice. The waitress leaves and Bucky gently sets a hand just above your knee. He turns to look at you, as if asking for permission and you give him a reassuring smile. Conversation flows and when the waitress returns with the drinks, Sam and Steve immediately take a sip of theirs. Bucky’s eyes fall on you as you raise the glass to your lips. You keep eye contact with him as you take a drink, holding a straight face. You see of flash of something dark flash in his eyes and he moves his hand higher up your thigh and gives it a firm squeeze.

You continue to read the menu and decide on seafood - you have to, you’re in Hawaii - and so does everyone else at the table. It is the restaurant’s specialty, after all. By the time the waitress comes to take your order, the four of you are all getting along great.

“So you guys all work on cars, huh?”

“And bikes,” Sam nods at you.

“Do you guys all have motorcycles?” you glance around the table.

“Yeah, we do,” Bucky confirms.

You can easily picture him leather-clad, thick thighs straddling a Harley and his hand resting on the throttle. The thought makes you clench your thighs together and, based on the way Bucky’s thumb begins to rub circles into your thigh and he smirks at you, you assume he notices.

“So what do you have planned for the rest of the week?” Steve questions you, oblivious to Bucky’s hand on you underneath the table.

“Well I’m going snorkeling tomorrow. I also want to hit the beach, maybe take a surf lesson. Horseback riding and hiking sounds fun too, though. What all have you guys done?”

“Well,” Sam starts, “we just got in yesterday, so we haven’t really done much yet.”

“Oh, so you guys got here the same day I did, then. When are you guys leaving?”

“Saturday, how about you?” Bucky answers you.

“Sunday morning.”

“I’m sure you’ll be sick of Bucky by then,” Sam chortles.

Thinking about spending the rest of the week with Bucky puts a smile on your face and you hope he wants to spend more time with you, too. Eventually, the food comes and you all dig in. It’s so delicious that you’re not even mad about how expensive it was. Bucky lets out a groan of delight as he takes his first bite.

“This is so good, doll. You want to try?”

You nod and he raises his fork to your lips. He feeds you a bite of his food and you agree, it is delicious. You pull your attention away from Bucky just in time to see Sam whispering something into Steve’s ear, to which Steve chortles and nods.

“What are you guys talking about?” Bucky returns his attention to his friends.

“Nothing, man,” Steve dismisses him.

Bucky shoots them a warning look but drops it.

The rest of the meal is filled with stories from their time in the army and Steve informs you that Bucky was a sergeant. You’re thankful that they don’t pressure you with too many questions about your boring life back in the city. The conversation flows easy and after a couple more rounds of drinks, the four of you are laughing so hard that you’re drawing attention from other tables. When everyone finishes eating, you excuse yourself to the bathroom and find your waitress. You give her your credit card, insisting that she charges the bill to your card.

You’d been having a great time with Bucky and his friends so far and you wanted to thank them for inviting you to have dinner with them. They had been so welcoming to you and have made your trip less lonely, even if only for one night. You return to the table.

When the waitress comes back to your table, she returns your credit card to you and the three men share a confused look.

Bucky cocks his head at you, “Did you pay for yourself already, doll? I was going to.”

“She actually covered the whole table,” the server informs them before leaving.

“Wait, what? You paid for us all?” Steve asks in disbelief.

Sam looks to you, waiting for an answer. Bucky just looks at you, brows furrowed.

“Yeah. I just wanted to thank you guys for being so inviting. I enjoyed hanging out with you all tonight,” you look down at the table, feeling almost as if you’d done something wrong.

Sam says your name, “That was really unnecessary, but thank you. We enjoyed your company. We get sick of each other, it was nice to have you join us. I really appreciate it.”

“Yeah,” Steve concurs, “I’m glad you could come. You really didn’t have to do that, but thank you, sincerely.”

“It’s not a big deal, guys. It was no problem.”

You turn to look at Bucky. He’s still in the same position - eyes trained on you and brows furrowed. You worry you’ve done something wrong and gently reach between the two of you and take his hand in yours. He gives your hand a reassuring squeeze and finally speaks.

“Thank you,” you can tell there’s more he wants to say, though. Your group stands and heads to the front to wait for another taxi. After you step out the front doors, Bucky softly grabs your arm, holding you back. Steve and Sam continue walking.

“Thank you for paying, I really appreciate the gesture. But I invited you tonight because I enjoy spending time with you and I wanted you to meet my friends. You shouldn’t have had to pay for your own dinner tonight, let alone everyone else’s. I do appreciate it, though, and I know Steve and Sam did too,” he gives you a sincere look and you sheepishly look down at the ground. He lifts his hand to cup your face and tilts it up to him, forcing you to make eye contact. “But all that being said, don’t you dare try and pull that again,” he says in a more authoritative tone.

You feel a wetness forming in your panties at the soft yet demanding tone he uses. You’re too shocked at the sudden dominance that you can’t bring yourself to do anything but nod up at him.

“Good girl,” he praises in a low voice.

“You guys coming or what?” you hear Sam’s voice call.

You hadn’t even realized that taxi had arrived. Bucky leans down and presses a kiss to your lips before leading you to the car with a hand on the small of your back. Bucky sits inbetween you and Sam again and rests a hand on your thigh, dangerously close to slipping underneath the hem of your dress that had ridden halfway up your thighs. All you can focus on the whole car ride back to the resort is the feel of Bucky’s calloused hands on your leg and the pulsing at the apex of your thighs.

After what feels like hours, the cars pulls to a stop in front of the resort and you step out of car, followed by Bucky, who places his hand back on you immediately after he gets out. Steve and Sam make conversation, Bucky occasionally making a noncommittal grunt in response. After the elevator brings all of you to the fifth floor, Steve and Sam say goodnight and thank you again for dinner. You don’t miss the way Bucky’s hand tightens around your hip when they mention you paying for dinner. You say goodnight to them and they look at Bucky, probably expecting him to say goodnight and follow them back to their rooms.

You’re not quite sure what you expect Bucky to do, but all you know is that the tension is thicker than Bucky’s biceps that are currently straining against his shirt sleeves.

“I’ll catch up with you guys in a little bit,” he tells his friends without taking his eyes off you.

“Okayyy,” Steve drags out the word as him and Sam turn and walk away, muttering and laughing to themselves.

Once you and Bucky are alone in the hall, he gently backs you up against the wall. He leaves one hand on your hips and tangles the other in your hair. He pulls you into a kiss that you fervently reciprocate. You’re sure that your panties are soaked at this point. You clench your thighs together, desperate for some friction. Bucky spreads your legs with his knee and slots his thigh against your center, forcing your dress to rise up. You moan into his mouth at the relief and buck your hips into him, your drenched underwear are dragging across his pants and you’re sure they’ll leave a dark spot from your arousal.

Bucky pulls away from the kiss, but pushes his thigh harder against you. He leans down to whisper in your ear. “Dirty fuckin’ girl,” his voice is filled with lust, “Rutting up against my thigh in the middle of the hallway, skirt up so anyone can see how soaked your panties are for me.”

You whimper into Bucky’s ear. It turns you on to hear such filthy things coming from his usually polite mouth.

“Please, Bucky,” you beg, desparate for release.

“Please what, babydoll? Tell me what you need,” he demands.

He presses his bulge into your stomach and you can’t string together a sentence.

“I know, honey. You just wanna come, huh?” he looks down at you with a pitying expression and you nod your head so hard you get dizzy, too fuzzy-headed to care how desperate you look. He chuckles at you, “Say it. Tell me you need me to take care of you.”

“Please, Bucky! Make me come, take care of me. Just do something, please!” you sound absolutely wrecked and the groan Bucky lets out while he rocks his hips into you lets you know he gets off on it.

“Fuck. Unlock your door, princess,” he tells you, pulling away and waiting by your door.

You’re surprised at how quickly you manage to dig you key card out of your purse and open the door in your aroused state. As soon as the door is open, Bucky grabs you and spins you around to face him.

“Jump,” he orders.

You drop throw your purse onto the table and wrap your arms around Bucky’s neck before jumping. He catches you by the backs of your thighs and effortlessly carries you to the bed, peppering kisses along your face and neck the whole way.

He throws you onto the bed and pulls off your shoes, placing a kiss to each of your shins. He then flips you onto your stomach and unties your dress. The way he manhandles you so easily sends a fresh gush of arousal to your core. He helps you shimmy out of your dress as he kicks off his shoes. You’re left in only your panties and he takes in the sight of your practically naked body and groans. He uses one hand to undo his belt and uses the other to reach down and palm your breast.

“Goddamn, babydoll. No bra?”

You don’t have the mental capacity to explain that you wouldn’t have been able to wear one with the open back dress, settling instead for reaching up and pulling him down by his collar until he’s straddling your hips. He leans back and unbuttons his shirt, exposing his broad chest and defined abs one button at a time, throwing it to the floor when he’s done. He has a dark trail of hair leading down into his dress pants where you can see the large outline of his hardened cock. He leans down atop of you, veiny forearms resting on either side of your head.

He snakes a hand down between the two of you and dips his fingers in the waistband. “Can I take these off, babydoll?”

You nod and reach to his neck, trying to pull him down for a kiss. Much to your dismay, he doesn’t budge.

“Need words, honey.”

“Yes Bucky, please.”

“Good girl,” he rewards you by leaning down and pressing his lips to yours.

His hand makes its way beneath your panties and he runs a finger through your abundant wetness, dragging it up to your clit. He uses your slick to rub circles into the sensitive bud. He pulls away from the kiss and you try to chase his mouth. He stops you by holding your head to the mattress with a hand on your jaw. He squeezes your cheeks until your mouth opens. He looks down at you and spits directly into your mouth.

“Swallow for me, baby.”

You follow his order without a second thought. Once you swallow, he brings his hand down to your neck. He rewards you by bringing a finger to your entrance and slowly pushing into your tight hole.

“Fuck, doll. I wanna be in this perfect little pussy. Do you want that? Want me to fill you up with my big cock? Wanna feel me deep inside you?”

“Yes, Bucky! Fu- I want it so-fuck so bad.”

He quickly adds a second finger and begins pumping them inside you at a brutal pace. His hand on your throat tightens ever so slightly and he watches your face to gauge your reaction. When your eyes roll back into your head and your pussy clamps down on his fingers, he grins and tightens his grip a little more.

The lack of blood flow to your head makes you feel fuzzy in the best way. You feel yourself getting close to your orgasm. Bucky keeps his pace as he fucks you on his fingers and keeps a careful eye on you, watching for the telltale signals of your climax. When he sees you squeeze your eyes shut and feels your pussy clench, he pulls his hand out altogether.

You look up at Bucky and loosens his grip on your neck, but keeps his hand resting there. You buck your hips up, your orgasm fading away rapidly. Bucky uses one hand to pin your hips to the bed.

“Bucky, no,” you whine, “I was so close.”

“I know, doll,” he gives you a mischievous smirk. “You were a bad girl earlier when you paid for dinner. You’re supposed to let me treat you. Let me take care of you. You wouldn’t let me take care of you then, so I’m not sure I should take care of you now.”

“Bucky please,” you beg, “Won’t do it again, promise. Just-nngh just take care of me please. Need you to make me come,” you hope your pleading is enough to convince him.

Bucky lets out a deep groan and smashes his lips against yours. He makes his way down your torso, stopping to pay special attention to your nipples. He ever so softly bites down on your nipple and you thread your fingers through his hair. He continues to trail kisses down your stomach. When he reaches your panties, he places wet kisses against the soaked fabric. You try to buck up into his mouth, but his hand is still pinning you down.

Finally, he reaches into the waistband of your panties and you raise your hips, allowing him to pull them down your legs and throw them on the floor with your dress. You get another glimpse of the rock-hard bulge in his dress pants and you know that can’t be comfortable for him, but his attention is all on you right now. He makes himself comfortable between your legs and uses his hands to spread your pussy apart, getting a good look at it.

“Fucking perfect. Prettiest damn pussy I’ve ever seen, baby.”

As soon as the words are out of his mouth, his lips are on you. He sucks your clit into his mouth and flicks at it with his tongue. You grab onto his hair with one hand and grab the sheets with the other. The screams you let out are almost pornographic. He alternates between licking your arousal up from where it’s seeping out of your hole and giving your sensitive clit attention. In an embarrassingly short amount of time, you feel yourself returning to the edge of the orgasm you’d just been denied.

He laps at your core and uses both hands to hold your hips down onto the bed. When your heavy breathing and the movement of your hips give away your oncoming orgasm, he pulls away again.

“NOO,” you practically scream, on the verge of tears. “Bucky,” you sob.

“That one was for giving me a hard on at dinner when you downed that whiskey.”

Before you have a chance to complain anymore, he places one last kiss on your clit and stands from the bed. You watch as he undoes his pants and they pool at his ankles. You can see a wet spot on his boxers where he’d been leaking precum. He drops those too and you’re met with the sight of him. His cock bobs up against his stomach.

He’s thick and long, with a patch of dark curly hair at his base. The tip is pink and shiny with his arousal. Your mouth waters at the sight and you want nothing more than to lick it off, but he crawls back onto the bed before you can make any move to do so. He hovers over you and you can feel the weight of his cock resting on your lower stomach.

“You want this, honey? Want to come all over my cock? Want me to fuck you so hard you can’t walk in the morning?” he ruts against your stomach, waiting for a response.

“Please, Bucky. ‘S all I want. Ah- fuck. Need it so bad. I need to come.”

“I got you, sweet girl,” he gives you a reassuring look as he grabs his base and guides himself to your drenched core.

He pushes his fat tip into you, watching your face for any signs of pain. You’re so wet and aroused that he almost slides right in. You try to push your hips down, desparate to feel him deeper. He’s quick to pin you down again.

“Greedy girl.”

He eases himself into you at his own pace until his hips are flush against yours. You feel his pubic hair rubbing at your clit and begin to claw at his back, needing him to move.

“Fuck me, Bucky. Ah- god damn it,” you look up at him with pleading eyes, “Need you to move, baby.”

For the first time tonight, he listens to one of your demands. He slowly pulls all the way out, letting you feel every inch of his cock before he slams back in so hard it pushes you up the mattress. He braces himself with one arm on the bed and holds your hip with his other hand and sets a brutal pace. He thrusts deep and hard, tip pounding against your cervix with every punishing thrust. He moves the hand on your hip to rub at your clit.

“I’m not gonna last long baby. Fuck- be ah- be a good girl and come for me.”

You’re not far off and when he hits that spongy spot inside of you, you let out a scream.

“Fuck, right there!” you pant.

He rubs at your clit and thrusts into your g-spot. You feel yourself hurdling toward your orgasm for the third time tonight. Except this time, when you clamp down around Bucky’s cock, he redoubles his efforts instead of stopping. You see stars when you reach your peak and you drag your nails down Bucky’s back.

“Such a good girl for me, fuck. Where-ah where do you want me baby?”

“Inside, Bucky, please,” you want to know what it feels like to be full of his cum. “I’m on the pill.”

“Fuck, doll. So fucking good for me. My girl’s so good.”

You don’t miss the way he calls you his girl. And you certainly don’t mind it.

Bucky’s thrusts become shallow and his pace falters. He slams into you one last time and buries himself as deep as he can before shooting hot ropes of his seed into you. Once he empties his balls into you, he leans down, bracing himself on his forearms so as not to crush you. He slots his lips against yours and the two of you share breaths as you come down from your highs.

Once the two of you have caught your breath, he slowly pulls out of you. He places a kiss on your forehead and walks to the bathroom. You eye the dimples in his buttcheeks as he walks away. He returns shortly with a wet cloth and kneels between your thighs. He gingerly cleans his mess, aware of how sensitive you are.

When he finishes, he throws the cloth onto the floor and climbs up the bed to join you. You climb under the sheets and fold them over on the other side, offering Bucky the space. He happily lays down next to you and pulls you into his chest.

“You’re beautiful, doll. I hope you enjoyed that as much as I did.”

“It was so good, Buck,” you manage to respond in your exhausted state.

“I’m sure you’d enjoy it more if I didn’t have to punish you, too,” you can’t see his face, but you know he has a cocky smirk on his face.

“You’ll have to show me, then.”

“Oh, believe me, sweet girl, I plan to.”

You fall asleep against Bucky’s strong chest, his hand scratching soothingly at your back.

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hughes86-43 · 1 year ago

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“You look really good in my clothes” | N. Hischier

note - two anons sent in the same request so I just made it into this!

warnings - none! maybe some grammar errors!

You walked into your apartment, immediately closing the door and dropping your keys on the table nearby. You walked down the hallway and placed your several bags onto the dining table. You were so glad to be home from work, and you needed to get out of your work clothes as soon as possible.

You take a shower to get all the days work off of you, but you also just needed to get warm from how cold it was on your walk from work. You hop out of the shower and put on your robe and make your way to the walk-in closet you share with your boyfriend, Nico. However, you go to his side of the closet rather than yours.

You pick out one of your favorite hoodies of his, a cozy New Jersey devils one, and you grab a pair of sweatpants, they’re a bit loose on you but nothing a little tying up can’t fix. You place your robe back into the bathroom, finish getting ready for the night, and make your way to the kitchen to get dinner ready. Nico would be home soon enough from hanging out with some of his teammates.

Thirty minutes later, you’re standing facing the stove making some spaghetti, when you hear the front door open and close. Soon enough, you hear footsteps coming down the hallway. “Schatzi? Are you home?”

“In the kitchen, Neeks!” You call out to him.

You turn your attention back to the food on the stove and wait for him to come find you. After about two minutes, you feel a gaze on you, so you turn around. Nico is leaning against the doorway, running his eyes up and down your body. You know he has noticed that you’re wearing his clothes, even though you know he doesn’t mind, you turn a bit shy at his gaze.

“Schatzi, you look really good in my clothes,” he says, never once taking his eyes off of you.

“I know right? I might just keep taking them!” You laugh out as he comes walking closer to you.

He pulls you closer to him by the waistband of your his sweatpants, tugging them a bit since they’re too loose on you. You laugh as he pulls them up on you. He says, “I don’t mind if you do, but they may just fall down a bit!” You give him a peck on the lips and squeeze him tighter before turning around back to the stove before the food you’re making burns.

“I’m making spaghetti, we don’t have much else, so I hope that’s okay,” you say turning your head to see him already eating a piece of bread. “Hey! Dinner isn’t done, yet! No taking food!”

“I’m hungry! The guys didn’t feed me because they all seemed to eat before we went to hang out, so I starved the whole time.” He gives you puppy dog eyes so that you’ll let him get another piece of bread.

“Fine, one piece and that’s it until food is done!” When he turns around, you playfully smack his butt with the spatula. He twirls around so fast with a grin on his face.

Pointing his finger at you, he says, “Watch it, or you’ll never get to wear my clothes again!”

You put the spatula behind your back, and nod your head playfully. “Fine, fine! But we both know you wouldn’t do that, you love seeing me in your clothes so much!”

Nico laughs, “Yeah, you’re right I wouldn’t, I do love seeing you in my clothes a lot.”

#nico hischier fics #nico hischier x reader #nico hischier imagines #nico hischier #hockey imagines #nhlhockey fic #nhl imagines

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wannabekook · 9 months ago

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Good Graces - Part Two

｡･:*:･ﾟ★,｡･:*:･ﾟ☆ ｡･:*:･ﾟ★,｡･:*:･ﾟ☆ ｡･:*:

Please do not copy or post my work anywhere!

(ʙᴀɴɴᴇʀ ᴍᴀᴅᴇ ʙʏ ᴍᴇ, ɪꜰ ʏᴏᴜ ᴜꜱᴇ ᴘʟᴇᴀꜱᴇ ᴄʀᴇᴅɪᴛ)

｡･:*:･ﾟ★,｡･:*:･ﾟ☆ ｡･:*:･ﾟ★,｡･:*:･ﾟ☆ ｡･:*:

Part One

｡･:*:･ﾟ★,｡･:*:･ﾟ☆ ｡･:*:･ﾟ★,｡･:*:･ﾟ☆ ｡･:*:

Pairing: Rafe Cameron x Reader Summary: Betrayal is heavy even between the love they share. Though she loves him, his actions and words are more than hurtful to himself rather than others around him. Warnings: TOXIC!Rafe (honestly cannon), SEMI TOXIC!Reader, hella angst. Cannon events of s1e5. Word Count: 3.5k+ Proofread?: Yes, by @socialpsycho484 A/N: Ngl I was giggling like a fool at the amount of angst and toxicity in this part of the series and I’m so absolutely excited to start the next part but unfortunately have to put it writing on pause for the weekend due to my cousins wedding. I hope you all enjoy! Remember positive feedback is highly encouraged and requests are open! Send in any requests or dirty thoughts and I'll respond with my own as well as what that character would do. If you want to be on my taglist just send through my ask box and I'll put you down. Don't forget to follow and turn on post notifications to know when I post next. This is my reblogs, follow to see what I be reading. :)

｡･:*:･ﾟ★,｡･:*:･ﾟ☆ ｡･:*:･ﾟ★,｡･:*:･ﾟ☆ ｡･:*:

Of course I knew Rafe was being serious about me going to Midsummers with him. He had taken me shopping the other day to pick out a dress that matched his sky blue suit which of course didn’t take me long to fall in love with the first one I saw. A satin spaghetti strap that was the exact same color as his suit with a thigh split that hugged me just right. Paired with silver strappy heels to match. My hair in a bun with two pieces from my bangs framing my face. A small diamond tiara on my head as I put the final touches on my makeup. A shout from my parents downstairs telling me that Rafe was here. Glancing at my clock on my nightstand to see it was five o’clock on the dot. A soft scoff escapes my lips as I roll my eyes “Of course..” I mutter to myself, exactly like Rafe to actually be punctual.

I make my way down the steps, holding onto the railing as I descend. Rafe standing in the foyer, his eyes immediately landing on the steps as he hears me come down. He watches as I come into view, eyes widening softly in adoration. His lips part as he’s about to say something, I look at him with a shy smile on my face. The words immediately die on his tongue as he just stares at me. I now stand at the bottom of the stairs, shifting my weight from foot to foot as we just stare at each other. Feeling strangely nervous under his gaze as I watched him with careful eyes. Rafe cleared his throat before looking away, a hand running down his face before looking back at me with his usual unreadable glance paired with his signature smirk. And just like that, the moment is gone causing me to shake out of my shy nervous state.

“You ready?” Rafe sighed out as he walked towards me, still raking his eyes over my figure.

“Yeah, let’s go.” I met Rafe halfway in the foyer. He extended his arm for me to hook on to which I gladly accepted with a small smile. He led the both of us out my front door and to his car. Letting go of my arm to open the passenger door for me.

“Thank you.” I say softly as I climb into the Range Rover. He nods before closing the door and making his way over to the driver side, getting in. He starts up the truck as he looks over to me with a small smile on his face.

“You look good.” He said softly, his eyes trailing down to my thigh that’s exposed by the thigh split. His eyes making their way back to my face as I feel heat crawl up the back of my neck to the tips of my ears. “You always look good though.” he said genuinely, causing the heat to spread to my cheeks as I looked over to him through my eyelashes.

“Thank you, you look good too.” I said shyly, slightly surprising myself with how timid my voice came out. Rafe let out a slight chuckle as he turned his attention forward, pulling out of my driveway to begin the short drive to the country club.

The entire ride eerily silent, the both of us glancing at each other from the corners of our eyes. Seeming like we both are afraid to break the silence first. Before I knew it he was pulling into the parking lot of the country club. I let out a soft sigh as I looked towards the building, seeing half of the island inside and out on the patio. The nervousness slowly crept back into my system. Rafe seemingly sensed my nervousness as he placed a soft hand on my arm, pulling my attention to him. My eyes softened slightly as I tilted my head silently at him.

“Come on, it’ll be okay.” he nodded reassuringly to me, causing me to smile at him with a nod.

“Alright, I’ll believe you.” I said nervously as I reached my hand to touch his on my arm. With that he smiled widely at me and pulled his hand away. Doing the usual routine of getting out and helping me out of the car. He grabs my hand to help me steady myself as I place one foot on the ground, pulling away as I am fully out of the car. I move over to the side allowing him to close the passenger door. He held out his arm for me to take once again, hooking my arm with his as we began our way into the building.

As soon as we made it into the building it felt like everyone suddenly stopped and turned to look at us. I sucked in a sharp breath as I looked around, slowly exhaling as it seemed like only a few people had turned their attention towards us. Rafe’s gaze immediately snapped to the side of my face when he heard me suck in a breath. His arm slightly tightening around mine, in a reassuring way. I turned my gaze to look up at him, meeting his eyes staring intensely at me. His gaze unwavering as worry filled his usually stoic expression, leaning down close to my ear.

“It’s okay.” he said against the shell of my ear, his breath hot against my skin. A shiver runs down my spine as I can only nod in response not trusting my voice at the moment. He pulled back to look at my now reddened face. I looked away as I cleared my throat and pulled completely away from him, putting distance between us. Not wanting to have those who were watching us thinking we were actually together. Knowing that it would never happen. Knowing that he views me only as his best friend.

He watched me pull away, a microscopic frown formed on his face. I didn’t look at him back to him as I moved away from him, moving more into the room of the country club. His arm darted out to grab ahold of me before pulling it back as he clenched his fist, watching me for a moment before following after me.

I glanced around the room, trying to find Topper and Kelce. Absolutely not needing to be alone with Rafe. Not trusting myself to be with him alone in this room full of people. Rafe right on my heels, letting out an annoyed sigh. o

“(Y/N).” Rafe exhaled softly, reaching out to grab my arm. Stopping me in my tracks as soon as he touched me. I turned around, looking up at him with an unreadable gaze. My gaze caused his eyebrows to furrow before he licked his lips. “Never mind.” he shook his head dismissively before letting go of my arm. Now it was my turn for my eyebrows to furrow.

“No, what?” I spoke softly, only earning a head shake from him as he looked away from me.

“Nothing. Forget it.” he huffed before walking away, further into the crowd. Leaving me standing there confused as I watched his figure retreat. A bit disappointed for the abrupt abandonment but also thankful for it at the same time.

｡･:*:･ﾟ｡･:*:･ﾟ｡･:*:･ﾟ｡･:*:･ﾟ｡･:*:･ﾟ｡･:*:･ﾟ｡･:*:･ﾟ

The sun is about to set, the party in full swing as I lean against one of the railings outside. Watching everyone on and around the dance floor with a glass of champagne in my hand. Sarah of course on the dance floor having fun. Rafe, Topper and Kelce along with a few of their other friends standing in a circle near the dance floor talking amongst themselves. A smile on my face as I watch Rafe for a moment, tipping my glass up to my lips to take a sip. The champagne hit the back of my throat right as Rafe turned his head slightly, catching me staring. My heart stops beating for a second as our eyes meet, he smiles softly at me with a small wave. He went back to paying attention to his friends as a figure with a drink tray moving quickly through the crowd caught my attention. The blonde curls on the figure's head are easily recognizable, JJ. Worry swirled viciously in my stomach as I watched him walk past Rafe, letting out a soft exhale as Rafe didn’t seem to notice him. Knowing exactly what would happen if Rafe did see him. Confusion is now taking over me, making me wonder how he got in when I knew he wasn’t working as a server for this year's Midsummers. I turned my head towards the beach since that’s the only possible way he could’ve snuck up without noticing, shaking my head softly as I turned back to keep a careful eye on both JJ and Rafe. My eyebrows furrowed when I couldn’t spot him for a moment before finding him right as he handed something over to Sarah. Making her look confused at it as they talked amongst themselves. Whatever his reply was to her caused her to smile and walk away from him. My eyes darted around for a moment to see where Rafe was, frowning when I no longer saw him, Kelce or Topper where they were before. Panic surging as I turned to look back towards JJ who now had Rafe’s hands on the kid’s shoulders with Kelce right next to him. Both of them looked at JJ like he was some kind of prey to them. My stomach twists with uneasiness as I begin to walk over to them, setting my glass down on a nearby table. Rafe signaled for the other boys to come over as they all began to follow JJ into the building before I’m able to reach them. My pace quickened as I followed them. Clattering of chairs being pushed around and startled noises out of guests being heard as the boys busted out into a sprint as soon as they got into the building. I tried my best to keep up, apologizing softly to the people who they disturbed. Furrowing my eyebrows as I looked around trying to find them but coming up short until I heard groans coming from the men's locker room. My eyebrows shoot up as I go towards the locker room. My heels clack against the flooring as I move closer.

“Learn your etiquette, my friend.” Rafe calmly says with a sarcastic tone as JJ sounds like he’s struggling. I move to the area they’re in, letting out a loud gasp as I see that Kelce is holding JJ in a choke hold with Rafe standing in front of them. None of them realized I had made my way in as they continued to terrorize JJ. The room suddenly went silent for me as I watched in horror. JJ spat on Rafe for whatever he had said. Rafe’s fist came up about to punch JJ in the face before I sprinted to stand in front of JJ. My eyes narrowed at Rafe as I stared at him with disapproval and anger causing him to falter a bit, Kelce finally letting go of JJ. Rafe’s lips parted as he stared at me, guilt swirling in his body language for a brief second before going back to being indecipherable.

“Gentlemen!” a security guy boomed as he flicked the lights “Is there a problem here guys?” the guy asked as Rafe moved to push me behind him. JJ of course being JJ hiked up the dramatics, making a joke of the situation. Rafe scratched at his ear while stifling a disbelieving laugh at JJ’s stupidity before scowling as JJ gets escorted out.

“You Powerpuff Girls have fun.” JJ looks back to tease, a smirk on his face before turning back around. Rafe looks like he’s about to say something causing me to put my hand on his arm to try to get him to not say anything. But of course he just shrugs me off and steps forward with a smirk on his face.

“Tell Kiara she’s pretty hot for a Pouge.” he called out after JJ, voice dripping in sarcasm still. JJ pushed at the security guy rushing back towards Rafe before Kelce grabbed hold of him, pushing at him as the security guy grabbed JJ again. My eyes widened as I looked at the back of Rafe’s head in disbelief. Words muffled as I just stared in shock at Rafe. I see Rafe’s shoulders shake in a laugh as he turns to look at me, his expression faltering as he’s met with my glower.

“What?” he spouted out as his look soon matched mine. My eyebrows raised as I blinked out at the tone he used on me, a scoff escaping my lips. My mind reeling due to the fact he actually used the same harsh tone he uses when he’s in the presence of someone he dislikes.

He looks from me to Kelce, signaling with his head to get everyone out so he and I could talk alone. I shook my head at him, not wanting to hear a single thing he had to say. Putting my hand up to keep him from speaking. His lips opened and closed like a fish out of the water as he just stared at me trying to figure out what he wanted to say. I waited for Kelce to leave before opening my mouth.

“I absolutely have no words for you Rafe Cameron.” I spit out harshly as I glared daggers into him. His shoulders sagging a bit, fully knowing he’s about to hear the onslaught of my words.

“(Y/N), please-” he starts but is cut off by my bitter laugh as I point my finger at him.

“No, absolutely not. You are not allowed to talk.” I said sternly as I pointed back at myself “I’m talking and you’re going to listen to the words I have to say.” I stepped closer as I dropped my hand to my side. Closing the distance between us as I kept my gaze locked onto his.

“You’re a real piece of shit for what you did. JJ wasn’t doing anything at all to harm anyone. I don’t understand what it is that you have against him besides him just being from The Cut.” I took a breath in as I searched his eyes for any sign of remorse but of course he built up his walls as he just stared at me blankly. I shook my head softly with a small disbelieving laugh.

“That’s really why you hate everyone from The Cut? Because they weren’t born with a silver spoon in their mouth? Because they continually have to struggle from not having a constant source of income?” I sneered at him, pushing a finger into his chest. I raised my eyebrows at him, waiting for any type of response from him. His jaw clenched as he seemed to be lost behind his eyes, deep in thought. After a few moments of silence he let out a soft sigh.

“He’s a dirty Pogue. He’s good for nothing and a thief! He pulled a gun on Topper at The Boneyard not too long ago!” he tried to defend as I just shook my head with a laugh.

“That is not your fight then Rafe.” I say simply as I look into his eyes “If he’s just a dirty Pogue then what are you? You’re just as bad as him if you decide to use violence against someone to assert your authority. But also wasn’t Topper holding John B under the water when JJ pressed the gun to his head?” I questioned with a condescending tone causing him to let out a scoff as a scowl almost forms on his face.

“That’s not the point and you know it. He’s-” Rafe started with the tone he used earlier before I pressed my hand to his mouth getting him to shut up. His eyebrows raised immediately as my hand touched his face.

“Gods, you’re such an absolute asshole Rafe. Do I need to remind you that your own father is from The Cut, he was able to escape that. Do I also need to remind you that I am from The Cut as well?” I raised an eyebrow before letting go of his mouth. Almost instantly I could see the immediate regret cross his facial features as he looked at me in remorse before shaking his head at me.

“You know that’s not what I meant and you live over here on Figure Eight now. You’re not like that at all.” he said in a soft regretful tone as he grabbed ahold of my hands. “You’re nothing like those Pogues.” he said softly as his thumbs stroke the back of my hands. My eyebrows furrow as my face turns more into a scowl. I pull myself away from him which causes him to feel panicked as he searches my face.

“Nothing like them? I was one when we met! But you didn’t seem to care because we were only five at the time. By the time we were ten is when I reached Kook status and moved to Figure Eight. Once a Pogue, always a Pogue. Remember that Rafe.” I spat out at him. His eyes widened as I raised my voice, a look of astonishment crossed his features as he processed my words. His lips parted slightly as tried to come up with something to say to me, looking off to the side as he shook his head before looking back at me.

“Look, okay. I’m sorry (Y/N).” he says softly in a voice laced with sorrow as he looks back at my hardened glare.

“Save it Rafe. I don’t want to hear it.” I spoke sternly, “Just leave me alone.” I added softly as I looked away from him. His eyebrows shot up in shock.

“What do you mean?” he asked, his voice laced in distress as he tried to mentally figure out what I meant. I shook my head at him before pushing past him to walk out of the locker room.

“(Y/N)! (Y/N) wait!” He called out after me as I ignored him, moving out the doors angrily only to see Kelce standing right outside of them. I let out a scoff as Kelce and I made eye contact, shaking my head at him. His eyebrows furrowed as he took in my irritated expression.

“Wait, where are you going? What’s going on?” He asked confused right as Rafe walked out. I looked to Rafe then back to Kelce, ignoring the both of them as I made my way back to the patio of the country club.

A commotion outside caused me to raise my eyebrows as I picked up my pace to see what was going on.

“Hey mandatory power hour at Rixon’s, Kie. Pope, you as well, alright?” I hear JJ speak out as I finally made it out of the glass pane doors. Looking around to see what was going on as I hear Kiara’s parents along with Pope’s dad begging them not to leave.

“You got room for one more?” I called out as I made eye contact with JJ, catching him by surprise as he nodded his head. His eyes widen slightly as he looks behind me. Before I’m able to turn I feel a hand grab onto my arm, the grip tight.

“I don’t think so.” Rafe’s voice spoke out harshly against my ear, the hot air of his breath angering me. I yank away from him as not looking back at him, not wanting to meet his icy glare.

“Watch me.” I spoke out in a mutter as I joined Kiara and Pope in their rush to leave.

“(Y/N)!” Rafe screamed at me, causing me to laugh, running faster after the Pogues.

Once over to them I glanced back to find Rafe’s stare, a look of betrayal in his eyes. Kelce behind him looked completely shocked that I’m willingly leaving with the Pogues. I looked around for Topper, spotting him a few moments later. His features are unreadable.

“So.. (Y/N)?” The sound of my name leaving someone’s lips caused me to turn to look at the group. All of their eyes mixed with confusion and untrust as well as astonishment.

“Once a Pogue always a Pogue.” I say with a confident nod, causing them to look at each other before smiling and nodding.

“Welcome aboard.” JJ slung his arm around my shoulder as we all began to make our way down to the boat on the beach.

Rafe’s eyes staring at the back of my head as I disappeared into the darkness. He angrily stormed back into the country club, ignoring Kelce as he rushed towards the locker room. Immediately punching the wall and letting out a bellowing scream. His head spinning with the thoughts of my betrayal as well as the thought of losing me forever. Losing the one person he loves forever.

Meanwhile I sat on the boat with the Pogues, looking down at my sky blue dress. The heavy weight of guilt and betrayal filling my chest by the thought of the person I love the most hurting so intensely.

｡･:*:･ﾟ★,｡･:*:･ﾟ☆ ｡･:*:･ﾟ★,｡･:*:･ﾟ☆ ｡･:*:

Part Three

｡･:*:･ﾟ★,｡･:*:･ﾟ☆ ｡･:*:･ﾟ★,｡･:*:･ﾟ☆ ｡･:*:

Taglist: @wearemadeofstardust0

｡･:*:･ﾟ★,｡･:*:･ﾟ☆ ｡･:*:･ﾟ★,｡･:*:･ﾟ☆ ｡･:*:

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broidobe · 7 months ago

Text

𝔱𝔥𝔢 𝔰𝔭𝔞𝔤𝔥𝔢𝔱𝔱𝔦 𝔦𝔫𝔠𝔦𝔡𝔢𝔫𝔱

requested! i hope you love thissss! and the title just fit so well.

and guys, look at this LOVELY REQUEST:

"Hi, I read your stories and I loved everything you wrote, it's incredible, congratulations!!

If it's okay, I'd like to request a story with Izzy Stradlin, a romance. Something cute, like him trying to cook for her (reader), or a late night conversation between the two of them, feel free and write whatever you feel comfortable with, thank you very much.

Sending lots of love! <3"

like UGH I LOVE YOU SO MUCH

⁎⁺˳✧༚ guns and roses masterlist

izzy stradlin wasn’t the kind of guy you’d immediately peg as a chef. sure, he had the cool, laid-back vibe down, but the kitchen? that seemed like uncharted territory for him. so, when he insisted on cooking dinner for you, you couldn’t help but laugh.

“hey, i’m serious,” he said, crossing his arms and giving you that playful smirk. “i’ve got skills you haven’t even seen yet.”

you raised an eyebrow, skeptical. “oh, really? last time i checked, your idea of a meal was cold pizza and a can of coke.”

“that was years ago,” he defended, running a hand through his messy black hair. “i’ve… evolved.”

so there you were, perched on the counter in his modest kitchen, watching as izzy rummaged through cupboards and drawers with an air of confidence that could’ve fooled anyone who didn’t know him like you did. he wore a faded rolling stones t-shirt and ripped jeans, his movements casual but deliberate.

“what are we making tonight, chef stradlin?” you teased, sipping on a glass of wine he’d poured for you.

“spaghetti,” he announced, pulling out a box of pasta and a jar of tomato sauce.

“spaghetti? that’s it?”

he turned to you, a wooden spoon in hand like a sword. “it’s a classic. don’t knock it till you try it.”

you stifled a laugh as he started boiling water and chopping garlic with surprising focus. his technique was… let’s just say, unique. the knife wobbled in his hand, and garlic pieces flew in every direction, but he was undeterred.

“how’s it going over there?” you asked, hiding your amusement.

“perfect,” he replied without missing a beat, even as a piece of garlic slid off the counter and onto the floor. he glanced at it, shrugged, and kept going.

the kitchen began to fill with the smell of garlic sautéing in olive oil, and you had to admit—it was kind of impressive. he added the sauce to the pan with a dramatic flourish, almost like he was performing for you.

“careful,” you warned as the sauce splattered a bit on his shirt.

“battle scars,” he said with a grin, wiping it off with a dish towel. “it’s all part of the art.”

when the pasta was finally cooked and tossed with the sauce, he plated it with an exaggerated sense of pride, adding a sprinkle of parmesan on top like a true gourmet chef.

“voilà,” he said, presenting the dish to you with a mock bow. “your feast awaits.”

you couldn’t help but smile as you twirled a forkful of spaghetti and took a bite. to your surprise, it was actually… good.

“not bad, izzy,” you admitted, nodding in approval.

he leaned against the counter, arms crossed and a self-satisfied smirk on his face. “told you. i’m full of surprises.”

you rolled your eyes, but there was no denying it—seeing him in the kitchen, trying so hard to impress you, was one of the most endearing things he’d ever done. and as you both sat down to eat, laughing over his “evolved” culinary skills, you realized that moments like this were what made being with izzy so unforgettable.

#izzy stradlin #izzy stradlin x reader #guns and roses #broidobe #izzy stradlin fanfiction #izzy gnr

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fruitcoops · 10 months ago

Text

Clean Slate

Ah, the passage of time. If anyone has been here since the first phone call, you may be entitled to financial compensation (or an AARP membership). Character credit goes to @lumosinlove <3

“Reg?”

On the first ring, as always. “Hey.”

“…hi?”

“I was thinking about going back to Gryff for Christmas.”

“Oh.” Surprise, but pleasant surprise. Regulus shook his pan of sausage. “Yeah, sounds good. You always have a room here. Or were you staying with the cubs?”

“With you.” He stretched his neck from side-to-side. Tension bled out of his forehead and shoulders at the familiar roll of French on his tongue. “If that’s okay.”

“Always,” Sirius answered immediately, almost hasty. Regulus wasn’t sure they’d ever get past that. Ah, well. The damage was done.

The line remained quiet for a moment. Sausage sizzled, and he turned to the pile of green beans on the cutting board. Leo had taught him how to snap the ends off with his fingernails, and though he was better now about not chewing them to the quick, he still didn’t like the feeling of stuff stuck beneath them. Regulus had really only called to clarify plans.

“How—how are your friends?”

“Good.” Sirius liked to talk, even if he wasn’t very good at it. “Jax and Kris set up the living room last night.”

“Do they still have that stupid poster?”

Regulus snorted under his breath and carefully sliced the tip off another bean. “They tried to hang it in the window.”

Sirius groaned.

Regulus grinned. He supposed he could have a little mercy. “Don’t worry, it’s under my bed.”

“Somehow, that’s worse.”

“I can’t get rid of it. It’s their favorite possession. They have a thing for your long hair and the murder face. Jax is still waiting for the day you spontaneously get divorced and need a hot young college student to rebound.”

He wasn’t sure whether the gagging sound Sirius made was real or exaggerated. As long as he was in mild torment, Regulus was happy. A simple, ever-amusing perk of long-distance communication.

“I hope your classmates are less in tune with pop culture.”

“Hockey, yes. Pop culture, no.” Regulus eyed the pan, then added another knob of butter to be safe. There was nothing worse than a burnt vegetable. “And my classes are going well, thank you for asking.”

“You’re welcome.”

He rolled his eyes. It didn’t matter that Sirius couldn’t see it; the message would certainly get through.

“Don’t make that face at me.”

“I’m not making a face.”

“You always make faces.”

Regulus stuck his tongue out at the microwave above the stove.

“I can feel you doing it again.”

“That was a different one. I’m taking physics 3 this year and it’s making me want to eat a doorknob already.”

“You’re anemic enough that it would probably help.”

“I take my supplements!” Regulus argued, shaking his pan. “Not my fault we were force-fed protein in fucking sun-less Canada.”

“We had sun, you just never went outside,” Sirius countered, like it was some sort of argument. “I don’t have to take supplements.”

“Well, you’re perfect and bulletproof, as everyone knows.”

“Exactly.”

Regulus angled his face at the dark phone screen when he pulled a face this time. It was a good one. Pity that Sirius couldn’t see it. He should’ve gone for FaceTime.

“Are you starting a fire?”

“I’m making dinner.”

“So…yes?”

“Not all of us have a home cook.”

“I can cook now.”

“Oh, you’ve been housebroken.” Regulus blew out a mouthful of steam as he tested a piece of sausage. “How thrilling for Lupin.”

“You’re such an asshole.”

“Takes one to know one. I learned that last week.”

He could feel Sirius shaking his head. “Knutty is formally banned from teaching you new slang.”

“You’ve never said ‘no’ to him in his entire career.” Regulus let the line hang silent for another half-minute as he turned the burner off and began scraping his dinner into a bowl. It still bore a faint orange tinge from last year’s finals-week spaghetti run. He fished a piece of pasta out of the water and popped it in his mouth, grimacing at the heat on his tongue. It was cooked well enough—at least, he was hungry enough to forgive a more al dente texture.

“By the way,” he started, as if his stomach wasn’t stuttering. “I think I’ll be back in time for family skate.”

The shuffling sounds on Sirius’ end came to an abrupt halt. “That’s nice,” came the faux-casual answer.

Anxiety made a valiant effort to claw up and silence his tongue. “I was thinking about going.”

“Well,” Sirius began, then paused. Regulus swallowed a few times to clear the block in his throat while Sirius pondered. “I—yeah, sounds good.”

“I want to.”

“Good.” Sirius’ relief was audible. “Okay, good. You can change your mind.”

“Don’t be weird about it,” Regulus ordered as he toed his slippers on and made his way to the apartment’s tiny coffee table. They’d get chairs at some point, but for now three pillows sat on the floor beside it.

“I’m never weird.”

“Boo, liar.”

“Freak.”

“I’m telling Lupin.”

“Do it. He likes me better. I can cook.”

“I’m—” Regulus caught himself at the last second and felt Sirius’ breath hitch on the other end of the line in anticipation. “—not joking, I actually want to go and play stupid ice fetch with your irritating friends, and nobody is making me feel pressured.”

“Okay.”

“Don’t sound so…” He wrinkled his nose and stuffed a mouthful of pasta into his mouth. “Smiley.”

“It’ll be good to have you home.”

“If you’re weird, I’m staying with Leo,” Regulus threatened. “For real, this time.”

“Right, because you love being around people who are engaged and anywhere near a holiday, or mistletoe, or the magic of Christmas—”

His loud groan silenced Sirius’ words, but not his laughter. “Get your laughs in now, before I whoop your ass on the ice.”

“Would love to see you try.”

“Don’t sound so thrilled.”

“Everyone else is going to underestimate you. I won’t be nice like that.”

“You’re never nice,” Regulus lied.

Sirius let him eat in peace until he was scraping the last bits of cheese from the bottom of the bowl. He heard the faint beeping of the dishwasher buttons in the background and glanced at his own sink, nearly overflowing with haphazard dishes from the first chaotic weeks of their senior year. The apartment was a pleasant change from living on campus, such as it was. Jax and Kris had offered to pay rent—tried to strongarm him, really—but a few withering looks had finally made them relent. It wasn’t anything fancy, but it was his. Theirs.

The string lights lining the ceiling weren’t strictly allowed, but Regulus liked their gentle blue cast. The blanket Remus and Sirius had sent as a housewarming gift sat cozily on the back of their couch. Curtains from Jax’s mother let in just the right amount of light in the mornings.

“Call me if you need anything, okay?”

The sound of Sirius’ voice in his earbuds startled him. “Yeah,” Regulus said. “Yeah, sure.”

“Even for laundry.” Sirius tried for wry, and it made Regulus crack a small smile, but it was gentler than either of them intended. “Don’t shrink your clothes. Check the tags.”

Always do, he thought, but kept it down. “Good advice. No centipedes here, yet.”

Sirius’ laugh was a little weak. “You’re just not looking hard enough.”

“Eugh, don’t say that.” Regulus blinked fast, tipping his head toward the ceiling. “Hey, this washer even has a ‘normal’ setting, if you can believe it.”

“Oh, wow. Lucky you.”

Picking up the phone on the first ring, always. For four years straight. “I’ll see you at Christmas.”

“We can come up in October, if you want.”

Of course Sirius had the academic calendar on-hand. “I’ll be gone that weekend with the guys. We didn’t want to be around all the new parents. They’re very damp.”

“And you melt when water touches you, of course.”

“Of course.”

Sirius let out a quiet breath. “See you at Christmas, Reg. Call me when you have flights.”

“Mhm.”

“Stay safe.”

“Always do.”

“No, you don’t.”

“I do here,” he corrected.

“Fine.”

“Miss you.” The streetlights down the road were just starting to come on. “Say hi to Lupin for me.”

“He’s in the other room,” Sirius offered. “You can say it yourself.”

“I’ll talk to you both enough at Christmas.”

“Call any time. And let us know when you hear back about graduation tickets.”

What a terrifying thought to leave for the end of the call. “I’ll forward it to you.”

“I’ll keep an eye out.”

“Okay. Bye.” And before he could second-guess himself—“I’ll be home soon.”

“Don’t talk to strangers,” Sirius answered. Regulus heard the truth under it. “And do your laundry.”

#regulus black #sirius black #sweater weather #vaincre #lumosinlove #fluff #bittersweet #my fic #fanfic #remus lupin #leo knut #phone call

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litmot-archived · 10 months ago

Note

hi vic, first off, just wanted to say, love your works! <3

i'd like to request an nsfw fic when isaac finds pickle in his clothes and he gets all possessive (he prob has a lwk marking kink)

Mine (NSFW)

Isaac Rhoades x Reader

Absolutely agree. Also, pardon that I got around to writing this nearly four whole months after you had requested it.

The downside to wearing shirts was having to iron them. It was an aggravating inconvenience that made Isaac consider switching his wardrobe to iron-free clothes every time he retrieved the steam iron from its place in the closet. In the end, although he hated setting up everything and waiting an eternity before the iron cooled down enough to store it away again, part of him appreciated the mindlessness of the task. It allowed his thoughts to wander, and more often than not, it gave him the necessary peace of mind to look at his cases from another perspective and deliver the missing piece that made it all fall into place.

His extensive collection of dress shirts consisted of nearly every color. The mountain of white shirts was a clear indication of his preference, however. He had worn one of his black blazers to a meeting with Asirel, and Isaac frowned as he looked around the laundry room. He could not find the dark red shirt he had put on to go with it.

“Pickle,” he called, stepping into the entrance hall and calling up the stairs. You were in the bedroom, he knew.

Both of you had just gotten back from a tiring meeting, and while Isaac had looked forward to putting his thoughts in order while ironing shirts, you had wasted no time in taking a relaxing shower.

He knocked, waiting for your muffled reply to enter before pushing open the door to the bedroom. “Hey, have you seen my—?” Isaac froze in the doorway. His eyes widened when he saw you, clad in one of his white shirts with a black tie and matching suit jacket. You had even helped yourself to a pair of his dress pants, neatly tucking his shirt away.

You were fastening his belt when he entered, a smirk on your face as a few strands of wet hair hung in your face. You raised your gaze to look at him through the mirror.

You put on a serious expression. “Pickle,” you said, imitating his tone of voice, “the spaghetti is overcooked.” You turned around to face him properly, making a show of fixing your collar and tie. “I think it is time I do the cooking while you crack all the cases and— mhgmp.”

He cut you off with a kiss, crashing his lips against yours with a burning passion you had rarely felt coming from him. His arms encircled you, pulling you into his chest as he deepened the kiss, stealing your breath.

“A double Windsor even, I’m impressed,” he praised when you broke apart panting, glancing at his tie around your neck. His pupils dilated, taking in your appearance again. Isaac licked his lips, his mouth watering at the sight of you.

You looked into his eyes, trying to understand his sudden reaction to seeing you in his clothes. “Do you think it suits me?” you asked teasingly, growing self-conscious under his intense gaze.

It had been a silly little thing, and you were not even sure what possessed you to rummage through his side of the closet, lest of all put on his clothes. You had thought about making him laugh, stepping down the stairs with your best imitation of the long yawn he let out each morning before leaning casually against the wall of the laundry room and letting compliments tumble from your lips like he usually did when he observed you working.

The hunger in his gaze made you realize that you had imagined him to have the wrong reaction. Instead of the laughter you expected, Isaac looked famished, ready to devour you whole.

“You’re stunning in everything,” he said genuinely, his voice a little raspy. “But having you in my clothes suits you more than anything.”

You gaze a low chuckle, leaning into his hand as he buried it in your hair, tugging slightly to tilt your head to the side. His mouth was on your neck in an instant, pressing slow kisses against the sensitive skin there. “Do you like me in a suit and tie?” you asked breathily, your eyelids fluttering shut to savor the feeling of his lips on you.

“I love you in everything,” he murmured, one hand traveling downwards to rest against the swell of your back. His warm breath fanned across your neck, making you shiver as he leaned closer to your ear, “What’s special about the way you’re dressed right now is that it shows that you are mine.”

Your grip on him tightened. His lips found your neck again, his gentle kisses turning more intense as he pulled you closer to him. You could feel his bulge straining against his dress pants. “I don’t think I need clothes for that,” you said, grinding your hips against him.

He groaned. “I’ll make sure you don’t,” he rasped, latching his lips to the sensitive spot under your ear and sucking on it gently. You squirmed in his arms, gasping at the sensation. “I want everyone to know that you are mine. Mine,” he said, grazing his teeth against your skin and making you shiver. “I love you so much.”

“Love you, too,” you mumbled, wrapping your arms around his neck and threading your fingers through his hair. You felt him lean into your touch, chasing the feeling of your hand on him as you tilted his head upwards, placing a kiss on his cheek.

The gesture made him smile, a softness blossoming in his heart at your sweetness despite the passion cursing through him. If he could give you the world, he would drag it through the front door and lay it at your feet. The love he felt for you was so all-consuming that it clouded his mind sometimes, your eyes, your smile, your touch intoxicating him enough to lower all of his defenses and surrender himself to the feeling of having you around him — of having you love him and loving you in return.

You let out a soft sigh as your back hit the bed, shifting to get comfortable as Isaac unbuttoned his shirt and shrugged it off before joining you. His knees were on the mattress on either side, straddling you as he let his gaze linger on your figure beneath him.

“Enjoying the view?” you teased, loosening your tie before your hands slipped up his bare chest. The many hours you spent ogling him as he swam in the pool or toiled on the treadmill came to mind as you looked at his physique. If he turned your knees weak, then seeing his muscles flex and imagining those strong arms holding you close, the picture you had of him now made it impossible to tear your gaze away. “I confess, I quite like mine.”

He chuckled, fingers already working to undo the lower buttons of your shirt. “I’m not sure, actually,” he said, feigning a contemplative tone as he tugged your shirt free, exposing your stomach to him. “I don’t know if I like this better or if I want you bare. It would be a shame to ruin all the work you put into assembling this outfit. How long did the knot take? Five minutes?”

“Two, actually,” you said, a little annoyed that he was right and you had to look up how to tie the double Windsor.

His hands worked to open your belt, hesitating as he unbuckled it to look into your eyes. Isaac might have been teasing before, but his expression was serious now. He gazed at you, moving to no longer straddle you, as his expression silently asked for permission to take things further.

You moaned at the tent in his pants, the thought that he was already so painfully hard from kissing and finding you in his clothes making you lift your hips to aid his endeavors. “Go ahead,” you breathed, the need for him getting harder to control with every second.

Isaac wasted no time, pulling his dress pants off of you in one swift movement alongside your underwear. “There you are,” he murmured, drinking in the sight before him. You clasped a hand over your mouth to muffle a whine, spreading your legs under his gaze. He smiled, reaching out to caress your hips before letting his hands trail lower.

“Don’t tease me,” you pleaded, sinking into the mattress as he caressed the inside of your thighs, brushing his thumbs over the dip and getting frustratingly close to where you needed his touch the most.

“My Love, you have been teasing me,” he said, lowering his head and placing a lingering kiss against your flank before moving downward to your abdomen. “What do you think finding you in my clothes does to me?” His lips met the sensitive skin just above your hip bone, making you gasp.

Isaac halted. You felt him smirk against your skin.

“Isaac— ah—” you groaned, hands fisting the sheets beside you as he sucked on the sensitive spot. Your body tensed, and you fought the urge to squirm under his touch as he left a hickey where you were sure to feel it for days to come.

Once he was satisfied, his hands settled on your thighs, prying them apart further. He held onto them tightly as he kissed his way down to your pelvis, occasionally stopping at a spot that made you squirm to latch his lips onto it and leave you a whining mess as he littered your skin with marks.

“Mine,” he murmured, glancing up to look at your blissful expression — your beautifully parted lips, breathing the sounds that made him lose his senses and your eyes, squeezed shut to savor the feeling of him pulling you apart — and he realized that you had not been marked enough.

You were his to cherish, his to love. There was not a single instance in which he doubted your complete devotion to him — as there was none in which you had doubted his. The knowledge that he had you, that you were his as he was yours, made a feeling so searingly possessive rise in his chest, it came to a head when he saw you dressed up in his clothes.

“Isaac, please,” you whined, raising your hips to search for friction that he had so wickedly denied to you. “I want you, please.”

A deep sigh escaped his lips, and as he rose again to look at the work he had left on your skin, he found the sight nearly overwhelming. It made him pant, knowing he had marked you up, seeing how the evidence of your love stayed on your skin.

He shrugged off his pants, discarding the underwear that had been stained with a large wet spot to free his leaking cock. You cracked your eyes open, mouth watering at the sight before you.

You opened your arms, wrapping them around his neck as he leaned forward, bracing himself against the mattress to be chest-to-chest with you. Having you close while he sunk his cock into you was his favorite part, feeling you clench around him, pulling his hair as you got closer until he would feel your whole body tense and shudder as he finally made you come. Nothing could compare to the intimacy of gazing at you, seeing your face scrunched in ecstasy as your eyes rolled back while he made you feel good.

“I— I— ah—” you panted, feeling like you would dissolve into the mattress if Isaac loosened his hold on you. His hips worked at a vicious pace, burying his cock into you again and again until you felt your toes curl, your hand in his hair tightening.

He buried his face in your neck, breaking your kiss to suck a final bruise on your skin as his hips continued thrusting and you clenching around him made him tumble over the edge as well.

When he lay next to you exhausted, listening to your quick breathing and the fond chuckle you let out as you turned your head to kiss him, he could not help but let his eyes linger on the marks he had left on you. The heaviness he felt in his bones vanished in an instant.

“Does it hurt?” he asked, eyebrows furrowing in concern. His hands reached out, expertly untying the double Windsor and unbuttoning the upper part of his shirt on you before helping you slip out of it.

“It burns a little,” you admitted tiredly, sighing in contentment as your back hit the soft pillows again. “It’s not too bad, though. I feel a little sore, but it was worth it. I liked that, Isaac.”

He smiled at you, appreciating your effort to lessen the guilt tugging at his heart. “I’ll fetch something for the bruises,” he said, placing a kiss against your forehead.

You wrapped your arms around him, making him fall against your chest. “Wait,” you said, not giving him much of a choice as you trapped him in your arms. “I would like to feel you close a moment longer.”

#sakuverse #zsakuva #isaac rhoades #isaac rhoades x reader

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